341,994 research outputs found
Image Quotient Set Transforms in Segmentation Problems
Image content interpretation is much dependent on segmentations efficiency. Requirements for the
image recognition applications lead to a nessesity to create models of new type, which will provide some
adaptation between law-level image processing, when images are segmented into disjoint regions and features
are extracted from each region, and high-level analysis, using obtained set of all features for making decisions.
Such analysis requires some a priori information, measurable region properties, heuristics, and plausibility of
computational inference. Sometimes to produce reliable true conclusion simultaneous processing of several
partitions is desired. In this paper a set of operations with obtained image segmentation and a nested partitions
metric are introduced
States' Evidence: What It Means to Make 'Adequate Yearly Progress' Under NCLB
States will soon announce the schools or districts that did or did not make "adequate yearly progress," or "AYP" under NCLB. But the question that provides the most insight into a school's performance is not whether a school made AYP, but rather how a school did or did not make AYP
The role of communication in recruitment and selection in Australia
In Australia, unemployment and under-employment continue to be significant issues experienced bymigrants from non-English-speaking backgrounds (NESB). Despite these immigrants having relevant qualifications, skills, and work experience, a high proportion have difficulties in obtaining employment in Australian organisations. Communication or language proficiency has been identified as one of the primary causal factors. Moreover, studies have identified the importance of communication as a key competency sought by managers and recruiters in all job applicants. Given the importance of making employment decisions more objective and measurable to meet anti-discrimination requirements, this study examines the perceptions of managers and recruitment specialists about the communication skills that are essential for successful recruitment and selection. Subsequently, areas for inteNention are highlighted
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Is there a case for using Visual Analogue Scale valuations in Cost-Utility Analysis?
This paper critically reviews theoretical and empirical propositions regarding visual analogue scale (VAS) valuations of health states and their use in Cost Utility Analysis. An oft-repeated conclusion in the economic evaluation literature is the inferiority, on theoretical grounds, of VAS valuations. Common criticisms are that VAS lacks a theoretical foundation; that VAS values are not âchoice basedâ; that VAS values are not consistent with utility-under-uncertainty requirements; and that context and range effects observed in VAS valuation data mean that they cannot even be considered to represent measurable value functions.
We address each of the above points, critically reviewing the economic and psychometric literature relating to theories of utility and theories of utility measurement, and the welfarist and non-welfarist literature relating to social choices and QALYs.
We conclude that there are strong grounds, both theoretical and empirical, for challenging the apparently emerging consensus that VAS valuations should not be used in economic assessments. The theoretical appeal of alternatives such as the standard gamble is valid only at the level of individuals, rather than social decision-making. Further, the non-welfarist foundations of CUA do not require health state valuations to be grounded in any particular theory of utility, suggesting that the selection of the appropriate valuation method should be based on empirical performance. The VAS has important advantages over rival techniques such as standard gamble and time trade-off. However, we identify a number of areas in which further research is required to establish and consolidate the potential of VAS as a valuation method
The Measurement of Quality of Semantic Standards: the Application of a Quality Model on the SETU standard for eGovernment
eGovernment interoperability should be dealt with using high-quality standards. A quality model for standards is presented based on knowledge from the software engineering domain. In the tradition of action research the model is used on the SETU standard, a standard that is mandatory in the public sector of the Netherlands in order to achieve eGovernment interoperability. This results in improvement suggestions for the SETU standards, just as improvement suggestions for the quality model have been identified. Most importantly it shows that a quality model can be used for several purposes, including selecting standards for eGovernment interoperability
Emerging prenatal genetic tests : developing a health technology assessment (HTA) framework for informed decision-making
Delphi Process
In preparation for the first Delphi exercise, a list of questions was produced from the academic literature, webbased
sources and interviews with experts. These questions were structured into broad dimensions and a draft
questionnaire piloted. A final list of 73 questions formed the basis of the first Delphi survey. Participants were
asked to grade the perceived importance of each question for inclusion in HTA reports on new prenatal genetic
tests (4 = Essential; 3 = Desirable, but not essential; 2 = Useful but should not be required; 1 = Of little/ no
importance; 0 = I have no basis for judgement). Secondly, they were asked to indicate whether a question
should be addressed during test development or whether the question could be addressed later once the
technology is ready for implementation. Finally, Panel members were encouraged to identify any other questions
which appeared to be missing from the initial list. For copy of questionnaire, see Annex 1: Delphi Round 1
Questionnaire.
Respondents were also asked to provide personal details to give some indication of their HTA experience and
specialist expertise. Analysis of responses demonstrated that SAFE Delphi panel members represent a highly
experienced, multidisciplinary international group of experts with the knowledge required to define which key
questions should be addressed in HTA reports on new prenatal genetic tests.
Delphi Responses
Responses were received from 77/90 (86%) of Panel members. These were analysed with a cut-off of 75%
(±3%) applied as an indicator of Panel consensus for all questions. Thus, any question which three out of four
respondents rated as essential or desirable was retained, whilst those not achieving this level of agreement were
provisionally excluded. In addition, mean scores were also calculated (excluding 0 = I have no basis for
judgement) for each question. A mean score >3.25 ± 0.05 was taken as an indication that the Panel had
identified a particular question as being of the highest priority to address in HTA
Identification Of Environmental Variables For Use In Monitoring For The Evaluation Of The Rural Environment Protection Scheme
Teagasc wishes to acknowledge the support of the Environmental RTDI Programme 2000â2006 in financing this research project.End of project reportThe aim of this study was to identify and select quantitative environmental attributes for a monitoring programme that may be integrated into an environmental evaluation of Irelandâs agri-environmental scheme. This was achieved primarily by reviewing a range of agri-environmental indicators and suggesting indicators that would be appropriate for monitoring the REPS. The study conducted a desk review to collate information on current best practice in monitoring for environmental quality. A Project Group (comprising representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], Department of Agriculture and Food [DAF], Teagasc, and the project supervisors) advised on the ongoing development of the project. There was a consultation process with national experts, and with a selection of stakeholder organisations with an interest in monitoring the environmental impact of the REPS.Environmental Protection Agenc
Improving School Accountability in California
Proposes a value-added model for assessing schools that measures contributions to student learning based on whether average test scores are higher or lower than expected, given prior achievement and other characteristics. Outlines implementation issues
Quality model for semantic IS standards
Semantic IS (Information Systems) standards are essential for achieving\ud
interoperability between organizations. However a recent survey suggests that\ud
not the full benefits of standards are achieved, due to the quality issues. This\ud
paper presents a quality model for semantic IS standards, that should support\ud
standards development organizations in assessing the quality of their\ud
standards. Although intended for semantic IS standards the potential use of\ud
this quality model is much broader and might be applicable to all kind of\ud
standards
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