Abstract: A photometric calibration method includes: obtaining a target image and a reference image by a light field camera and transforming the reference image into a revised target image corresponding to the target image; calculating a photometric calibration ratio according to a function for correlating the target image and the revised target image by using a numerical algorithm; and the intensity of the target image is divided by the photometric calibration ratio to obtain a calibrated target image. A light field of a scene is formed by all of the calibrated target image so as to improve the quality of the light field.

Abstract: A synthesis method of Sigma-Delta modulator capable of relaxing circuit specification and reducing power consumption, comprising the following steps: firstly, set a target bandwidth and a target performance; upon obtaining a Noise Transfer Function (NTF), perform coefficient synthesis a first time, to ascertain a plurality sets of first performance results corresponding to said NTF, and obtain a plurality sets of first circuit specifications fulfilling said said target performance, through analyzing circuit non-ideal effect of said first performance results. Next, increase an oversampling ratio of parameters, to obtain a plurality sets of second performance results, and a plurality sets of second circuit specifications. Then, increase quantizer bit number, and increase attenuation quantity, to obtain a plurality sets of third circuit specifications. Finally, compare said first, second and third circuit specifications, to select one of greatest variation to perform calibrations.

Abstract: In a method of realism assessment of an image composite, the foreground and the background are transformed into a color space, such as YCbCr, followed by projecting the foreground and the background to a subspace represented by the axes representing chromatic information. The image composite is assessed in the projected subspace, according to linearity of color distributions of the foreground/the background, or according to distance between the color distributions of the foreground/the background and a center of the transformed color space.

Abstract: An encoder for generating check data to accompaning payload data uses parallel lane encoders each using a common encoder matrix. Mask circuitry applies mask values to the lane check data generated by the lane encoders. The mask circuitry generates check data for the K-bits of payload data. The mask values applied by the mask circuitry may be selected so as to bring about a re-ordering of the M-bit words.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting and monitoring aggregation of beta-amyloid peptides which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases as well as treating and/or preventing the neurodegenerative diseases by using carbazole-based fluorophores. In particular, the present invention provides methods for labeling and imaging the beta-amyloid (A?) peptides, oligomers, and fibrils in vitro and/or in vivo, as well as treating and/or preventing Alzheimer's disease by using the carbazole-based fluorophores of the present invention.

Abstract: There are provided methods and a system for visually representing a rate of writing a plurality of identical Chinese characters for at least one user on a first portion of a display, with the visual representation having both a discrete movement component and a rate of activity component.

Abstract: A method is provided to functionally select cells with enhanced characteristics relevant to cell engraftment, including both spontaneous migration and directional migration towards specific chemo-attractants. The cells are preferably undifferentiated cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells. The method involves entrapping or encapsulating the cells in a biomaterial barrier, optionally inducing cell migration, and selecting cells that migrated through the barrier. The cells selected by this method have better migratory activities and enhanced in vivo engraftment to injured tissues when they are supplemented systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides a cellular polyurethane foam composition for forming a cellular ceramic under fire conditions, the composition comprising: at least 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a polyurethane; from 10% to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of silicate mineral filler; from 5% to 20% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of at least one inorganic phosphate that forms a liquid phase at a temperature of no more than 800° C.; from 0.1% to 10% by weight based on the total weight of the composition of a heat expandable solid material; and wherein the total proportion of inorganic components constitutes in the range of from 20% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

Abstract: In a method of realism assessment of an image composite, the foreground and the background are transformed into a color space, such as YCbCr, followed by projecting the foreground and the background to a subspace represented by the axes representing chromatic information. The image composite is assessed in the projected subspace, according to linearity of color distributions of the foreground/the background, or according to distance between the color distributions of the foreground/the background and a center of the transformed color space.

Abstract: An encoder for generating check data to accompaning payload data uses parallel lane encoders 18 each using a common encoder matrix. Mask circuitry 22 applies mask values to the lane check data generated by the lane encoders 18. The mask circuitry 22 generates check data for the K-bits of payload data. The mask values applied by the mask circuitry 22 may be selected so as to bring about a re-ordering of the M-bit words.

Abstract: A photometric calibration method includes: obtaining a target image and a reference image by a light field camera and transforming the reference image into a revised target image corresponding to the target image; calculating a photometric calibration ratio according to a function for correlating the target image and the revised target image by using a numerical algorithm; and the intensity of the target image is divided by the photometric calibration ratio to obtain a calibrated target image. A light field of a scene is formed by all of the calibrated target image so as to improve the quality of the light field.

Abstract: A pressurization device is described mobilizing gravity to mobilize seawater and to employ a weight (56) for gravitionally applying a force to and thereby pressurizing an enclosed pocket (58) of seawater, resulting in low energy utilisation. Energy is further recovered from the flow of pressurized seawater that is supplied to the desalination system (20), resulting in a mechanically robust and energy efficient pressurization system.