Depth Extraction from a Single Image and Its Application

In this chapter, a method for the generation of depth map was presented. To generate the depth map from an image, the proposed approach involves application of a sequence of blurring and deblurring operations on a point to determine the depth of the point. The proposed method makes no assumptions with regard to the properties of the scene in resolving depth ambiguity in complex images. Since applications involving depth map manipulation can be achieved by obtaining all-in-focus images through a deblurring operation and then blurring the obtained images, we have presented methods to derive all-in-focus images from our depth maps. Furthermore, 2D to 3D conversion can also be achieved from the estimated depth map. Some demonstrations show the performance and applications of the estimated depth map in this chapter

Image Restoration and Noise Reduction with Context-Dependent Wavelet Graph and ADMM Optimization

We represent the image noise reduction and restoration problems as context-dependent graphs and propose algorithms to derive the optimal graphs by the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) method. An image is spatially decomposed into smooth regions and singular regions, consisting of edges and textures. The graph representing a smooth region is defined in the image domain, while that representing a singular region is defined in the wavelet domain. The optimal graphs are formulated as the solutions of constrained optimization problems over sparse graphs, where the sparseness is imposed on the edges. The graphs on the wavelet domain are solved in a hierarchical layer structure. The convergence and complexity of the algorithms have been studied. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the results of our algorithms are superior to the state-of-the-art algorithms for image noise reduction and restoration

Analysis of Function Approximation and Stability of General DNNs in Directed Acyclic Graphs Using Un-Rectifying Analysis

A general lack of understanding pertaining to deep feedforward neural networks (DNNs) can be attributed partly to a lack of tools with which to analyze the composition of non-linear functions, and partly to a lack of mathematical models applicable to the diversity of DNN architectures. In this study, we analyze DNNs using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) under a number of basic assumptions pertaining to activation functions, non-linear transformations, and DNN architectures. DNNs that satisfy these assumptions are referred to as general DNNs. Our construction of an analytic graph was based on an axiomatic method in which DAGs are built from the bottom–up through the application of atomic operations to basic elements in accordance with regulatory rules. This approach allowed us to derive the properties of general DNNs via mathematical induction. We demonstrate that the proposed analysis method enables the derivation of some properties that hold true for all general DNNs, namely that DNNs “divide up” the input space, “conquer” each partition using a simple approximating function, and “sparsify” the weight coefficients to enhance robustness against input perturbations. This analysis provides a systematic approach with which to gain theoretical insights into a wide range of complex DNN architectures

How do Motivation, Pre-Visit Information Search and Destination Image affect Post-Visit Behavioural Intention? The case of an island destination.

The purpose of this study is to examine tourists' pre and post visit behaviours in Kinmen and the change of their perceived destination image about the place. Questionnaire interview was used to survey international tourists to Kinmen, Taiwan. The relevant survey was based on a selfadministered questionnaire that finally generated 563 responses out of initially 610 questionnaires that were distributed. Thus, the return rate was 94%. The results indicate that pre-visit behaviour (comprised of motives, information search, and destination image) can influence post-visit behavioural intention directly and through decision making. Decision making also possess direct impact on post-visit behavioural intention, but has no mediating effect. The study has also indicated that certain socio-demographic variables possess significant influence on tourists' pre-visit behaviours. Firstly, young and non-married respondents with less monthly salary are more likely to visit Kinmen for learning motives. Secondly, education level is the strongest predictor for tourists' information search behaviours. Finally, socio-demographic variables possess little impact on destination image

<i>Meso</i>-Dihydroguaiaretic Acid Ameliorates Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome through Inhibiting Neutrophilic Inflammation and Scavenging Free Radical

The pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is very complex. Patients with ARDS still suffer high mortality rates. Infiltration and activation of neutrophils in lungs are critical pathogenic factors in ARDS. In this study, we demonstrate that meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (MDGA), a natural lignan, inhibits inflammatory responses in human neutrophils and ameliorates ARDS in mice. MDGA inhibited superoxide anion generation and elastase release in various G-protein coupled receptor agonists-induced human neutrophils. However, MDGA did not alter superoxide anion generation and elastase activity in cell-free systems. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of MDGA are mediated by regulating cellular signals in human neutrophils. In consistent with this, MDGA suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase in activated human neutrophils. Moreover, MDGA inhibited CD11b expression and adhesion in activated human neutrophils. Interestingly, MDGA reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation but not superoxide anion generation in protein kinase C (PKC) activator-induced human neutrophils, suggesting that MDGA may also have ROS scavenging ability. Indeed, MDGA showed strong free radical scavenging activity in cell-free assays. Significantly, MDGA suppressed PKC-induced neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Additionally, treatment of MDGA attenuated neutrophil infiltration and lung damage on lipopolysaccharide-induced ARDS in mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MDGA has anti-neutrophilic inflammatory effects and free-radical scavenging activity. We also suggest that MDGA has potential to serve as a lead for developing new therapeutics to treat ARDS

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field