Holoscopic Elemental-Image-Based Disparity Estimation Using Multi-Scale, Multi-Window Semi-Global Block Matching

Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author, Bodor Almatrouk, at [email protected]. The data are not publicly available due to commercial privacy.In Holoscopic imaging, a single aperture is used to acquire full-colour spatial images like a fly’s eye by gently altering angles between nearby lenses with a micro-lens array. Due to its simple data collection and visualisation methods, which provide robust and scalable spatial information, and its motion parallax, binocular disparity, and convergence, this technique may be able to overcome traditional 2D imaging issues like depth, scalability, and multi-perspective problems. A novel disparity-map-generating method uses angular information from a single Holoscopic image’s micro-images, or Elemental Images (EIs), to create a scene’s disparity map. Not much research has used EIs instead of Viewpoint Images (VPIs) for disparity estimation. This study investigates whether angular perspective data may replace spatial orthographic data. Using noise reduction and contrast enhancement, EIs with a low resolution and lack of texture are pre-processed to calculate the disparity. The Semi-Global Block Matching (SGBM) technique is used to calculate the disparity between EI pixels. A multi-resolution approach overcomes EIs’ resolution constraints, and a content-aware analysis dynamically modifies the SGBM window size settings to generate disparities across different texture and complexity levels. A background mask and nearby EIs with accurate backgrounds detect and rectify EIs with erroneous backgrounds. Our method generates disparity maps that outperform two state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms and VPIs in real images.This research received no external funding

Moiré-Free Full Parallax Holoscopic 3D Display based on Cross-Lenticular

Holoscopic imaging also known as Integral imaging is a promising 3D solution that mimics the imaging system of insects, such as the fly, utilizing a single camera, equipped with a large number of microlens array, to capture a scene, offering rich parallax information and enhanced 3D feeling without the need of wearing specific eyewear. Recently, initial developments are made for designing a full parallax holoscopic 3D display using parallax barriers which suffers low lighting throughput as the constructed 3D scene is a rather dim. Also a first attempt was made designing an omnidirectional holoscopic 3D display using cross-lenticular which introduces moiré effect. This paper proposes and presents a moiré-free full parallax holoscopic 3D display which offers omnidirectional motion parallax and complete 3D depth

‘Haematological cancers, they’re a funny bunch’: A qualitative study of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patient experiences of unmet supportive care needs

Despite high levels of psychological distress, there is a scarcity of research on unmet supportive care needs in haematological cancer patients. This qualitative study used an in-depth interpretative phenomenological approach to investigate the needs reported by six Non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and explored how these needs consequently shaped the patient experience. Emergent themes included: concerns for family, information needs and the need for psychological support. Participants reported feeling different to other cancer patients. Lack of understanding of their diagnosis by friends and family, and access to relevant support services, are notable unmet needs that differ from previous findings

Innovative 3D Depth Map Generation From A Holoscopic 3D Image Based on Graph Cut Technique

Holoscopic 3D imaging is a promising technique for capturing full-colour spatial 3D images using a single aperture holoscopic 3D camera. It mimics fly’s eye technique with a microlens array, which views the scene at a slightly different angle to its adjacent lens that records three-dimensional information onto a two-dimensional surface. This paper proposes a method of depth map generation from a holoscopic 3D image based on graph cut technique. The principal objective of this study is to estimate the depth information presented in a Holoscopic 3D image with high precision. As such, depth map extraction is measured from a single still holoscopic 3D image which consists of multiple viewpoint images. The viewpoints are extracted and utilised for disparity calculation via disparity space image technique and pixels displacement is measured with sub-pixel accuracy to overcome the issue of the narrow baseline between the viewpoint images for stereo matching. In addition, cost aggregation is used to correlate the matching costs within a particular neighbouring region using sum of absolute difference (SAD) combined with gradient-based metric and “winner takes all” algorithm is employed to select the minimum elements in the array as optimal disparity value. Finally, the optimal depth map is obtained using graph cut technique. The proposed method extends the utilisation of holoscopic 3D imaging system and enables the expansion of the technology for various applications of autonomous robotics, medical, inspection, AR/VR, security and entertainment where 3D depth sensing and measurement are a concern.NPR

A New Raw Holoscopic Image Simulator and Data Generation

This article has been accepted for publication in a future proceedings of this conference, but has not been fully edited. Content may change prior to final publication. Citation information: DOI10.1109/ICIVC58118.2023.10270247, 2023 8th International Conference on Image, Vision and Computing (ICIVC

Dynamic Hyperlinker: Innovative Solution for 3D Video Content Search and Retrieval

Recently, 3D display technology, and content creation tools have been undergone rigorous development and as a result they have been widely adopted by home and professional users. 3D digital repositories are increasing and becoming available ubiquitously. However, searching and visualizing 3D content remains a great challenge. In this paper, we propose and present the development of a novel approach for creating hypervideos, which ease the 3D content search and retrieval. It is called the dynamic hyperlinker for 3D content search and retrieval process. It advances 3D multimedia navigability and searchability by creating dynamic links for selectable and clickable objects in the video scene whilst the user consumes the 3D video clip. The proposed system involves 3D video processing, such as detecting/tracking clickable objects, annotating objects, and metadata engineering including 3D content descriptive protocol. Such system attracts the attention from both home and professional users and more specifically broadcasters and digital content providers. The experiment is conducted on full parallax holoscopic 3D videos “also known as integral images”.ICT program as Project 3D VIVAN

Brief Engagement and Acceptance Coaching for Hospice Settings (the BEACHeS study): Results from a Phase I study of acceptability and initial effectiveness in people with non-curative cancer.

Objectives: Transitioning into palliative care is psychologically demanding for people with advanced cancer, and there is a need for acceptable and effective interventions to support this. We aimed to develop and pilot test a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based intervention to improve quality of life and distress. Methods: Our mixed-method design included: (i) quantitative effectiveness testing using Single Case Experimental Design (SCED), (ii) qualitative interviews with participants, and (iii) focus groups with hospice staff. The five-session, in-person intervention was delivered to 10 participants; five completed at least 80%. Results: At baseline, participants reported poor quality of life but low distress. Most experienced substantial physical health deterioration during the study. SCED analysis methods did not show conclusively significant effects, but there was some indication that outcome improvement followed changes in expected intervention processes variables. Quantitative and qualitative data together demonstrates acceptability, perceived effectiveness and safety of the intervention. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were also used to gain feedback on intervention content and to make design recommendations to maximise success of later feasibility trials. Conclusions: This study adds to the growing evidence base for ACT in people with advanced cancer. A number of potential intervention mechanisms, for example a distress-buffering hypothesis, are raised by our data and these should be addressed in future research using randomised controlled trial designs. Our methodological recommendations—including recruiting non-cancer diagnoses, and earlier in the treatment trajectory—likely apply more broadly to the delivery of psychological intervention in the palliative care setting

G-CSF Prevents the Progression of Structural Disintegration of White Matter Tracts in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Pilot Trial

Background: The hematopoietic protein Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has neuroprotective and regenerative properties. The G-CSF receptor is expressed by motoneurons, and G-CSF protects cultured motoneuronal cells from apoptosis. It therefore appears as an attractive and feasible drug candidate for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The current pilot study was performed to determine whether treatment with G-CSF in ALS patients is feasible.Methods: Ten patients with definite ALS were entered into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients received either 10 mu g/kg BW G-CSF or placebo subcutaneously for the first 10 days and from day 20 to 25 of the study. Clinical outcome was assessed by changes in the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS), a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery, and by examining hand activities of daily living over the course of the study (100 days). The total number of adverse events (AE) and treatment-related AEs, discontinuation due to treatment-related AEs, laboratory parameters including leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet count, as well as vital signs were examined as safety endpoints. Furthermore, we explored potential effects of G-CSF on structural cerebral abnormalities on the basis of voxel-wise statistics of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), brain volumetry, and voxel-based morphometry.Results: Treatment was well-tolerated. No significant differences were found between groups in clinical tests and brain volumetry from baseline to day 100. However, DTI analysis revealed significant reductions of fractional anisotropy (FA) encompassing diffuse areas of the brain when patients were compared to controls. On longitudinal analysis, the placebo group showed significant greater and more widespread decline in FA than the ALS patients treated with G-CSF.Conclusions: Subcutaneous G-CSF treatment in ALS patients appears as feasible approach. Although exploratory analysis of clinical data showed no significant effect, DTI measurements suggest that the widespread and progressive microstructural neural damage in ALS can be modulated by G-CSF treatment. These findings may carry significant implications for further clinical trials on ALS using growth factors

Unmet psychosocial needs in haematological cancer: A systematic review

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-014-2123-5A systematic review of key online databases and psycho-oncology journals was conducted to identify papers that formally assessed unmet psychosocial needs in adults with a diagnosis of haematological cancer