No description available.

No description available.

Conventional methods for solving image restoration problems are typically built on an image degradation model and on some priors of the latent image. The model of the degraded image and the prior knowledge of the latent image are necessary because the restoration is an ill posted inverse problem. However, for some applications, such as those addressed in this thesis, the image degradation process is too complex to model precisely; in addition, mathematical priors, such as low rank and sparsity of the image signal, are often too idealistic for real world images. These difficulties limit the performance of existing image restoration algorithms, but they can be, to certain extent, overcome by the techniques of machine learning, particularly deep convolutional neural networks. Machine learning allows large sample statistics far beyond what is available in a single input image to be exploited. More importantly, the big data can be used to train deep neural networks to learn the complex non-linear mapping between the degraded and original images. This circumvents the difficulty of building an explicit realistic mathematical model when the degradation causes are complex and compounded. In this thesis, we design and implement deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) for two challenging image restoration problems: reflection removal and joint demosaicking-deblurring. The first problem is one of blind source separation; its DCNN solution requires a large set of paired clean and mixed images for training. As these paired training images are very difficult, if not impossible, to acquire in the real world, we develop a novel technique to synthesize the required training images that satisfactorily approximate the real ones. For the joint demosaicking-deblurring problem, we propose a new multiscale DCNN architecture consisting of a cascade of subnetworks so that the underlying blind deconvolution task can be broken into smaller subproblems and solved more effectively and robustly. In both cases extensive experiments are carried out. Experimental results demonstrate clear advantages of the proposed DCNN methods over existing ones. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

The primary aim of this thesis is to detail and evaluate the appraisal frameworks and techniques employed on river restoration projects in the UK. This research evaluates the extent to which restoration projects have implemented the appraisal frameworks and techniques proposed in the practical restoration literature, and examines barriers to the incorporation of appraisal into river restoration projects. An ideal type appraisal framework is developed in this thesis and is used as a tool against which to evaluate the nature and extent of UK river restoration project appraisal. This research was undertaken through a national and a regional investigation of appraisal procedures. The national investigation is designed to be extensive and aims to draw out the basic dimensions of river restoration projects and appraisal. The regional investigation, in contrast, intensive adopting a case study approach which examines in detail how appraisal has and has not been implemented. The national investigation involved a questionnaire survey, sent to 161 people involved in 440 river restoration projects (80% response rate achieved). The regional investigation of the Thames region of the Environment Agency (EA) focused in detail on three case study sites (River Ravensbourne, River Cole and Upper River Kennet) undertaking twenty-five in-depth interviews with restoration practitioners. This enabled the appraisal and decision-making structures of these three projects to be evaluated. This thesis argues that it is not only the structure of a project's appraisal which influences a project's trajectory but also the nature and composition of the decision-making structure. The influence of scientific and lay knowledge in decision making is also explored. This thesis concludes by drawing together key empirical, theoretical and practical findings from these investigations. The results of this research are discussed and evaluated against how effectively UK river restoration projects incorporate the ideal type appraisal framework proposed in Chapter 2. The results of this research are further evaluated in the light of a workshop on river restoration appraisal (undertaken in November 2002) where appraisal frameworks are discussed and ways of including appraisals in river restoration projects are put forward.

Typescript (photocopy). / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Urban ecological restoration and the creation of urban green space has become a major focus for environmental organizations in Milwaukee, WI. This thesis examines the inclusivity practices of two Milwaukee organizations working on environmental restoration and asks the question, how can inclusive restoration be used to broaden the environmental justice framework? Literature was reviewed on the topics of Inclusive Restoration, Access to Green Space, and Environmental Justice. Through participant observations, interviews, and surveys, themes emerged regarding the perceived value of urban restoration, creation of green space, and how Inclusive Restoration is or is not used to enhance community engagement and further environmental justice discourse. The organizations were evaluated with regard to their inclusive restoration practices using the Multicultural Organization Development Model. Recommendations are offered with the intention of increasing the engagement of communities directly affected by organizational restoration practices with regard to project planning and volunteer participation.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wyoming, 2006. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Dec. 20, 2007). Includes bibliographical references.

This proposed thesis is essentially a methodology for producing and assembling the graphic photo/documentation package of a large group of structures distributed over a broad geographic area. During the 1984/85 Indiana State Hospital Documentation Project, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Planning, it became evident that neither standards nor precedent existed within the State of Indiana for establishing appropriate levels of documentation for individuals, firms and/or agencies applying to the State Review Board/Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology for Certificates of Approval for demolition of historic structures.This thesis will begin with brief discussions of: 1) various levels of documentation, including identifying one (or several) levels appropriate for this project; 2) preliminary field survey of the sites and structures, including photography, field notes and the acquisition of historic architectural drawings; and, 3) planning and contract development stages.Following this introduction the thesis will treat, in detail, the development of graphic materials (photo and line) utilized i n both the printed text and its accompanying photo/data package. Of note will be sections pertaining to: 1) the development of a sequential format, treating the project as both a written document and a graphic product; 2) field photographic techniques; 3) acquiring/developing/utilizing maps/site plans; 4) obtaining historic architectural drawings; 5) producing H.A.B.S. drawings; 6) reducing for reproduction and subsequent archiving of historic and H.A.B.S. drawings; 7) completing approved survey cards; and, 8) developing a comprehensive indexing system for all graphic materials.A summary will include, but not be limited to: 1) an assessment of the project's immediate ability to satisfy contractual requirements; 2) the project's long term value as both a written and graphic thematic study; 3) suggestions for the establishment of a hierarchy of levels of documentation for structures of recognized or potential historic significance facing certain demolition; and, 4) recommendations for the establishment of minimum state standards of graphic documentation for each specific level identified in 3). / Department of Architecture

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2006. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on May 6, 2009) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of California, Santa Cruz, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online. Restricted to UC campuses.