Nagoya Sangyo University

This article addresses the connected-component labeling problem which consists in assigning a unique label to all pixels of each connected component (i.e., each object) in a binary image. Connected-component labeling is indispensable for distinguishing different objects in a binary image, and prerequisite for image analysis and object recognition in the image. Therefore, connected-component labeling is one of the most important processes for image analysis, image understanding, pattern recognition, and computer vision. In this article, we review state-of-the-art connected-component labeling algorithms presented in the last decade, explain the main strategies and algorithms, present their pseudo codes, and give experimental results in order to bring order of the algorithms. Moreover, we will also discuss parallel implementation and hardware implementation of connected-component labeling algorithms, extension for n-D images, and try to indicate future work on the connected component labeling problem.

In this paper, we demonstrate that Common Mid-Point (CMP) cross-correlation gathers of multi-channel and multi-shot surface waves give accurate phase-velocity curves, and enable us to reconstruct two-dimensional (2D) velocity structures with high resolution. Data acquisition for CMP cross-correlation analysis is similar to acquisition for a 2D seismic reflection survey. Data processing seems similar to Common Depth-Point (CDP) analysis of 2D seismic reflection survey data, but differs in that the cross-correlation of the original waveform is calculated before making CMP gathers. Data processing in CMP cross-correlation analysis consists of the following four steps: First, cross-correlations are calculated for every pair of traces in each shot gather. Second, correlation traces having a common mid-point are gathered, and those traces that have equal spacing are stacked in the time domain. The resultant cross-correlation gathers resemble shot gathers and are referred to as CMP cross-correlation gathers. Third, a multi-channel analysis is applied to the CMP cross-correlation gathers for calculating phase velocities of surface waves. Finally, a 2D S-wave velocity profile is reconstructed through non-linear least squares inversion. Analyses of waveform data from numerical modelling and field observations indicate that the new method could greatly improve the accuracy and resolution of subsurface S-velocity structure, compared with conventional surface-wave methods.

This paper proposes a new approach to label-equivalence-based two-scan connected-component labeling. We use two strategies to reduce repeated checking-pixel work for labeling. The first is that instead of scanning image lines one by one and processing pixels one by one as in most conventional two-scan labeling algorithms, we scan image lines alternate lines, and process pixels two by two. The second is that by considering the transition of the configuration of pixels in the mask, we utilize the information detected in processing the last two pixels as much as possible for processing the current two pixels. With our method, any pixel checked in the mask when processing the current two pixels will not be checked again when the next two pixels are processed; thus, the efficiency of labeling can be improved. Experimental results demonstrated that our method was more efficient than all conventional labeling algorithms.

Nonrandom patterns of gene dispersal have been identified as possible causes of genetic structuring within populations. Attempts to model these patterns have generally focused solely on the effects of isolation by distance, but the processes involved are more complex than such modeling suggests. Here, we extend considerations of gene dispersal processes beyond simple isolation by distance effects by directly evaluating the effects of kin-structured gene dispersal mediated by the group dispersal of related seeds within fruits (i.e., kin-structured seed dispersal) by birds on genetic structure in Ilex leucoclada, a clonal dioecious shrub. To examine the genetic structure patterns, we established two 30x30 m plots (one with immature soils in old-growth forest and one in secondary forest, designated IM and SC, respectively) with different I. leucoclada stem densities. In these two plots 145 and 510 stems were found, representing 78 and 85 genets, respectively, identified by analyzing their genotypes at eight microsatellite loci. The clonal structure was stronger in the SC plot than in the IM plot. Correlograms of coancestry for genets in both plots exhibited significant, positive, high values in the shortest distance class, indicating the presence of strong genetic structure. However, Sp statistics revealed that the pattern of the genetic structure differed between the plots. In addition, to estimate the family structure within fruits, we sampled forty fruits, in total, from 15 randomly selected plants in the area around the IM and SC plots, and found that 80% of the fruits were multiseeded and 42-100% of the multiseeded fruits contained at least one pair of full sibs. Simulations based on these estimates demonstrated that the group dispersal of related seeds produced through correlated mating both within and across fruits, but not unstructured half-sib dispersal, could generate the observed magnitude and trends of genetic structure found in the IM plot. Furthermore, in addition to kin-structured seed dispersal, isolation by distance processes is also likely to promote genetic substructuring in the SC plot. After discussing possible ecological factors that may have contributed to the observed genetic structure, we contrast our results with those predicted by general isolation by distance models, and propose that kin-structured seed dispersal should promote some evolutionary phenomena, and thus should be incorporated, where appropriate, in models of gene dispersal in natural plant populations.

KATSUHIRA IIDA, SHIGEHIKO TANIGUCHI; STUDIES ON NITRATE REDUCTASE SYSTEM OF ESCHERICHIA COLI: I. PARTICULATE ELECTRON TRANSPORT SYSTEM. TO NITRATE AND ITS

Labeling connected components and calculating the Euler number in a binary image are two fundamental processes for computer vision and pattern recognition. This paper presents an ingenious method for identifying a hole in a binary image in the first scan of connected-component labeling. Our algorithm can perform connected component labeling and Euler number computing simultaneously, and it can also calculate the connected component (object) number and the hole number efficiently. The additional cost for calculating the hole number is only O(H) , where H is the hole number in the image. Our algorithm can be implemented almost in the same way as a conventional equivalent-label-set-based connected-component labeling algorithm. We prove the correctness of our algorithm and use experimental results for various kinds of images to demonstrate the power of our algorithm.

This paper presents a run- and label-equivalence-based one-and-a-half-scan algorithm for labeling connected components in a binary image. Major differences between our algorithm and conventional label-equivalence-based algorithms are: (1) all conventional label-equivalence-based algorithms scan all pixels in the given image at least twice, whereas our algorithm scans background pixels once and object pixels twice; (2) all conventional label-equivalence-based algorithms assign a provisional label to each object pixel in the first scan and relabel the pixel in the later scan(s), whereas our algorithm assigns a provisional label to each run in the first scan, and after resolving label equivalences between runs, by using the recorded run data, it assigns each object pixel a final label directly. That is, in our algorithm, relabeling of object pixels is not necessary any more. Experimental results demonstrated that our algorithm is highly efficient on images with many long runs and/or a small number of object pixels. Moreover, our algorithm is directly applicable to run-length-encoded images, and we can obtain contours of connected components efficiently.

Summary Long‐term canopy dynamics in a large area of temperate old‐growth beech forest in the Daisen Forest Reserve, south‐western Japan (11.56 ha studied over 43 years), were investigated using digital elevation models (DEMs) of the canopy surface, constructed from aerial photographs taken in the growing season (i.e. with foliage) in 1958, 1978, 1992 and 2001. A ground surface DEM at the same resolution (a 2.5 × 2.5 m grid) was constructed using aerial photographs taken when foliage was absent (winter 2002). Canopy height data were obtained by calculating differences in elevation between the canopy and the ground surface, and a canopy height profile was constructed. Topographic data for a 4‐ha plot, located within the 11.56‐ha area, were obtained via a ground survey and used to validate the ground surface DEM derived from aerial photographs. Canopy height class distributions changed significantly over the 43 years. The total number of gaps, defined as areas where canopy height was ≤ 15 m, decreased but total gap area increased over time. Total gap area in 2001 was twice that of 1958. The density of gaps decreased as gap size increased. Gap formation rates increased from 0.47% year −1 (1958–78) to 1.30% year −1 (1992–2001), with a mean of 0.77% year −1 , and substantially exceeded closure rates, which fluctuated from 0.28% year −1 (1958–78) to 0.54% year −1 (1978–92), with a mean of 0.39% year −1 . Gaps generally expanded and became connected to each other. Temporal variation in gap formation and closure might be correlated with the frequency and severity of typhoon disturbances but, if the observed trends continue, this old‐growth beech stand may become an open stand. The long‐term dynamics of this forest type appear to be far from equilibrium.

In order to solve environmental problems, a transition from conventional business to environmentally conscious business (eco-business) is urgently needed. Support for finding eco-business ideas will help to promote this transition. As a step in this direction, this paper takes an approach that provides a business designer with general rules and prerequisites extracted from existing eco-businesses. This paper collects 130 examples of eco-businesses in Japan and then investigates and classifies them to develop general guidelines and checklists for success. As a result, four kinds of customer value provided by eco-businesses, eight rules that couple the the reduction of environmental load of society with the four customer values, and eight rules for cutting business costs are derived. A tool for planning a new eco-businesses is also proposed.

In the preparation of conventional polymer-modified mortars using epoxy resin, the use of any hardener has been considered indispensable for the hardening of the epoxy resin. The authors have noticed that the hardening of epoxy resin occurs in the presence of alkalis in cement mortar. Polymer-modified mortars using epoxy resin without any hardener are prepared with various polymer-cement ratios, and tested for strength, adhesion, water absorption, drying shrinkage, chloride ion penetration and carbonation. From the test results, the polymer-modified mortars using the epoxy resin without any hardener are made successfully, and have some superior properties compared with conventional epoxy-modified mortars. It is concluded that polymercement ratios of 5 to 10% are considered optimum for the preparation of such polymer-modified mortars.

This paper presents a new connected component labeling algorithm. The proposed algorithm scans image lines every three lines and processes pixels three by three. When processing the current three pixels, we also utilize the information obtained before to reduce the repeated work for checking pixels in the mask. Experimental results demonstrated that our method is more efficient than the fastest conventional labeling algorithm.

Algicidal bacteria MaI11-2, MaI11-5 and MaI11-10, which inhibited the growth of a harmful bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, were isolated from a sewage treatment plant. The isolate MaI11-5 was phylogenetically affiliated into the genus Pedobacter, while MaI11-2 and MaI11-10 were closely related to Bacillus aerophilus, Bacillus altitudinis and Bacillus stratosphericus with 100% identity based on 16S ribosomal RNA sequences. Co-cultivation of M. aeruginosa with the algicidal isolates showed their high algicidal activity. MaI11-5 showed the highest inhibitory effect on the cyanobacterial growth: the inhibitory effect exceeded 50% after 2 days, and reached to 75-85% after 10 days, regardless of the bacterial cell density. The cyanobacterial cells aggregated and produced mucilaginous, glycocalyx-like compounds when attacked by the algicidal bacteria. These results suggest that the algicidal bacteria isolated in the present study are potentially useful as biocontrol agents against M. aeruginosa bloom.

Abstract Question: Does the interplay of life-history strategy and tree competition promote tree species co-existence? Using a growth dynamics model, we investigated mechanisms of co-existence among major tree species in a sub-alpine old-growth coniferous forest. Location: Sub-alpine old-growth coniferous forest at 1850–1920 m a.s.l. in the Ontake Forest Reserve of central Japan. Methods: We investigated the growth and mortality rates of trees ≥ 5.0 cm stem DBH and recruitment processes in a 2-ha study plot, and developed a model for individual growth that incorporated both intra and interspecific competition and analysed the direction and degree of competitive effect. Results: Four species, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Tsuga diversifolia, Abies mariesii and Abies veitchii co-occurred as dominant species in the canopy layer. P. jezoensis var. hondoensis and T. diversifolia had low stem densities and bell shaped DBH distributions. In contrast, A. mariesii and A. veitchii had high stem densities and inverse J-shaped DBH distributions. The growth of the species with inverse J-shaped DBH distributions (Abies spp.) was governed by the abundances of the species with bell shaped DBH distributions (Picea and Tsuga). However, Picea and Tsuga were inferior to Abies spp. in terms of recruitment rate (the number of juveniles that grow up to 5.0 cm DBH per year). Therefore, it was suggested that there was a trade-off between recruitment pattern and interspecific competition for species co-existence. Conclusions: Picea and Tsuga, with inferior recruitment, coexisted with Abies spp., with superior recruitment, by suppressing the growth of potential successors of Abies spp. The interplay of life-history strategies (recruitment and longevity) and interspecific competition therefore plays an important role in promoting species co-existence in this sub-alpine old-growth coniferous forest.

We investigated the structure and dynamics of the multi-stemmed understory shrub Lindera triloba (Sieb. et Zucc.) Blume over 3 years in an old-growth coniferous forest, and quantitatively evaluated the factors affecting the ramet production, growth, and survival. Most genets sprouted continuously and exhibited multiple-stemmed structures with a few large and many small ramets. The skewed ramet-size distribution within genets resulted from the local crowding of neighboring trees, but not from the number of ramets within genets. This indicated that inter-plant competition is asymmetric (i.e., larger individuals outcompete one-sidedly smaller ones), but intra-plant competition (i.e., competition among ramets within genets) is symmetric (i.e., smaller ones also competitively affect larger ones). The local crowding of neighboring understory trees consistently negatively affected the ramet production, growth, and survival of L. triloba. Intra-genet crowding (i.e., crowding of ramets within genets) also negatively affected the ramet dynamics. On the other hand, the largest-ramet size within genets had positive relationships with the ramet dynamics, indicating that physiological integration within genets plays a role as supporting younger ramets. Based on our results, to fully understand genet persistence strategies in clonal shrub species, it is important to consider the effects of intra-genet crowding and modular integration, as well as plant-to-plant interaction.

The activities of MnO and SiO2 in the liquid phase region of the MnO-SiO2-CrO, x ternary system saturated with MnO·Cr2O3 solid solution were determined by conducting the equilibrium experiments between the above-mentioned ternary liquid phase and molten iron under the condition of the oxygen partial pressure, PO2=2×10-6Pa at 1873K. By using the thermodynamic data of the MnO-SiO2-CrOx system determined in the previous and the present studies by the authors, the effect of the amount of Si addition on the equilibrium oxygen concentration in molten stainless steel and the composition of non-metallic inclusions under the various conditions of Si-deoxidation process were calculated with the aid of the thermodynamic data related to molten steel. The behavior of inclusions formed during the process is discussed based on the results obtained.

Abstract Question: Does the interplay of life‐history strategy and tree competition promote tree species co‐existence? Using a growth dynamics model, we investigated mechanisms of co‐existence among major tree species in a sub‐alpine old‐growth coniferous forest. Location: Sub‐alpine old‐growth coniferous forest at 1850–1920 m a.s.l. in the Ontake Forest Reserve of central Japan. Methods: We investigated the growth and mortality rates of trees ≥ 5.0 cm stem DBH and recruitment processes in a 2‐ha study plot, and developed a model for individual growth that incorporated both intra and interspecific competition and analysed the direction and degree of competitive effect. Results: Four species, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Tsuga diversifolia, Abies mariesii and Abies veitchii co‐occurred as dominant species in the canopy layer. P. jezoensis var. hondoensis and T. diversifolia had low stem densities and bell shaped DBH distributions. In contrast, A. mariesii and A. veitchii had high stem densities and inverse J‐shaped DBH distributions. The growth of the species with inverse J‐shaped DBH distributions ( Abies spp.) was governed by the abundances of the species with bell shaped DBH distributions ( Picea and Tsuga ). However, Picea and Tsuga were inferior to Abies spp. in terms of recruitment rate (the number of juveniles that grow up to 5.0 cm DBH per year). Therefore, it was suggested that there was a trade‐off between recruitment pattern and interspecific competition for species co‐existence. Conclusions: Picea and Tsuga , with inferior recruitment, coexisted with Abies spp., with superior recruitment, by suppressing the growth of potential successors of Abies spp. The interplay of life‐history strategies (recruitment and longevity) and interspecific competition therefore plays an important role in promoting species co‐existence in this sub‐alpine old‐growth coniferous forest.

Balloon‐borne in situ measurements of total reactive nitrogen (NO y ), nitric oxide (NO), nitric acid (HNO 3 ), ozone (O 3 ), and aerosols were conducted over Aire sur l'Adour, France (44°N), between October 11 and 12, 1994. NO y and NO were measured by chemiluminescence NO detectors combined with a gold catalytic converter, and HNO 3 was measured by ion mass spectrometry. Two independent box models (Goddard Space Flight Center and Atmospheric and Environment Inc.) run on isentropic trajectories were used to interpret the observed partitioning of reactive nitrogen. The NO y partitioning calculated by the two models agreed within 10% of each other. The model‐calculated NO/NO y ratios increase by ∼25% when the updated reaction rates of NO 2 + OH, HNO 3 + OH, and NO 2 + O [ Portmann et al ., 1999] were used instead of those given by DeMore et al . [1997], leading to a better agreement with the observations by the same amount. At 21–25 km the calculated NO/NO y ratios depended sensitively on the estimate of aerosol surface area. Within the uncertainty of the estimate of aerosol surface area the NO/NO y and HNO 3 /NO y ratios calculated by the models reproduced those observed within 20%. The same trajectory models also reproduced the NO/NO y ratios measured below 25 km under high aerosol loading in October and November 1992 within ±20%, which is the accuracy level of the measurements.

We analyzed the long-term canopy dynamics of a 2-ha permanent plot in subalpine old-growth coniferous forest over 43 y using digital surface models (DSMs) and a digital elevation model (DEM). The models contoured canopy and ground surface elevation, respectively. Abies mariesii, A. veitchii, Betula ermanii, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, and Tsuga diversifolia were the main species in the forest canopy. Canopy surface DSMs (2.5- × 2.5-m grids) were constructed of the area including the 2-ha plot using aerial photographs from 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, and 2002, and a DEM was constructed from ground survey data collected in 1991. Canopy height profiles were obtained by calculating the difference between the canopy and the ground surface, and the status of the forest in each grid cell for each year was classified as gap or closed canopy, depending on whether the canopy height was ≤ 25 m or > 25 m, respectively. Tree census data were collected in 2000. The threshold value was decided by comparing the gap from digital elevation data with the result of the field survey. The total gap area in 1959 was greater than 1 ha, indicating that some disturbances had occurred in this plot, probably related to the Isewan Typhoon. A large change occurred during 1969–1989, when mean canopy closure rates were significantly higher than mean gap formation rates. Abies mariesii and B. ermanii tended to occur in the canopy layer in grid cells that contained gaps in 1959 and closed canopy in 2002. The presence of A. veitchii in the canopy layer was also associated with the change from gap to closed canopy, although not significantly so. These results suggest that Abies spp. regenerate more effectively than the other species by establishing seedling or sapling banks before gap formation. Large-scale disturbances, such as the Isewan Typhoon, do not favour the regeneration of spruce over subalpine fir, and species other than spruce are responsible for recovery following such disturbances, according to our analyses of long-term canopy dynamics.

This article explores the intersection of disability and gender through the experiences of Ethiopian women with disabilities using household chores as an example. As these women are often hidden at home, little literature is available on them. Thus this article aims to highlight the lived experiences of women with disabilities who are or have been at home. The interviewed women introduce peer support as an important means to increase their self-esteem and face stigma in their daily lives in a positive manner through dialogue and negotiation. The paper further suggests employing women with disabilities as a means to enable them to play a significant role in development cooperation by changing the status quo towards equality.

Abstract In efforts to prevent extinction, resource managers are often tasked with increasing genetic diversity in a population of concern to prevent inbreeding depression or improve adaptive potential in a changing environment. The assumption that all small populations require measures to increase their genetic diversity may be unwarranted, and limited resources for conservation may be better utilized elsewhere. We test this assumption in a case study focused on the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ), a cosmopolitan circumpolar species with 19 named subspecies. We used whole‐genome resequencing to generate over two million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from multiple individuals of all peregrine falcon subspecies. Our analyses revealed extensive variation among subspecies, with many island‐restricted and nonmigratory populations possessing lower overall genomic diversity, elevated inbreeding coefficients ( F ROH )—among the highest reported, and extensive runs of homozygosity (ROH) compared to mainland and migratory populations. Similarly, the majority of subspecies that are either nonmigratory or restricted to islands show a much longer history of low effective population size ( N e ). While mutational load analyses indicated an increased proportion of homozygous‐derived deleterious variants (i.e., drift load) among nonmigrant and island populations compared to those that are migrant or reside on the mainland, no significant differences in the proportion of heterozygous deleterious variants (i.e., inbreeding load) was observed. Our results provide evidence that high levels of inbreeding may not be an existential threat for some populations or taxa. Additional factors such as the timing and severity of population declines are important to consider in management decisions about extinction potential.