The Aerological Congress at Monaco

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On the segmentation and classification of hand radiographs

This research is part of a wider project to build predictive models of bone age using hand radiograph images. We examine ways of finding the outline of a hand from an X-ray as the first stage in segmenting the image into constituent bones. We assess a variety of algorithms including contouring, which has not previously been used in this context. We introduce a novel ensemble algorithm for combining outlines using two voting schemes, a likelihood ratio test and dynamic time warping (DTW). Our goal is to minimize the human intervention required, hence we investigate alternative ways of training a classifier to determine whether an outline is in fact correct or not. We evaluate outlining and classification on a set of 1370 images. We conclude that ensembling with DTW improves performance of all outlining algorithms, that the contouring algorithm used with the DTW ensemble performs the best of those assessed, and that the most effective classifier of hand outlines assessed is a random forest applied to outlines transformed into principal components

Cutting cost in service systems: Are you running with scissors?

A rigorous link between the domains of cost estimation, systems theory and accident investigation reveals fundamental epistemological limitations of commonly employed cost models when dealing with the characteristics of systems, particularly service systems, which may hinder the ability to take appropriate action for cost reductions.Key points:1.The ability to take action, in particular related to cost reductions in service systems, is strongly influenced by the understanding (epistemological assumptions) underlying a decision-support tool, in this case a cost estimate.2.There is a conflict in the underlying epistemological assumptions about what is and can be known in such a socio-technical system as a service system.3.A managerial perspective of cost estimation which neglects the essential characteristics of service systems may drive behaviour which is locally optimised but creates tension or failure at the system level.4.Cost cutting decisions that are based on a flawed understanding of the situation can lead to counter-intuitive outcomes for organisations; hence practical guidance is needed to help managers consciously consider the underlying epistemological assumptions in a given situation

Thomas Rotch woolen mill, Kendal, 1814-1824

Note on the reverse of this document; Printed 1962 by Mr. Guy Huey from T.R.'s coffee plate: used on the cloth in the woolen factory. Plate in possession of the Museum." 3" x 3.75

Milk Paint Recipe, ca. 1815

This document with F-10-33, both undated are recipes for white wash and milk paint what would have been typical of those used by Ohioans in the early nineteenth century. Homeowners were encouraged to cover their homes in white wash to improve cleanliness and fight disease. White wash was made `from a mixture of lime(calcium oxide) and salt and would have been used on the exteriors of buildings, while milk paint, a milk and lime mixture was typically used inside the home. The milk recipe measures 6.5" x 10" (16.51 x 25.4cm

Cancellation of a contract, Richard Imlay, 1821

The exact nature of this cancellation between Richard Imlay and John D, Hendley is unclear. Rotch was given permission by Hendley to burn the contract which he did. 7.5" X 4.4

Pencil note, list of goods

A list in pencil, no context or date. 8" X 5.5

Recipe for apple cider by Robert Bowne & Thomas Hawxhurst

The Rotches were interested in cider production, consumed widely by everyone everywhere in the early nineteenth century. Rotch planted numerous apple trees at Kendal and by 1822, people were flocking to Spring Hill for cider. The recipe is not dated. Charity Rotch collected recipes, probably sent to her or clipped from newspapers, the reverse of this document also undated in Charity's hand, is a recipe for blind staggers in horses. 6.5" X 8

Authorization, Thomas Rotch, 25 April, 1816

Andrew Gibson of Kendal authorizes Thomas Rotch to collect and receive monies from Moses Gleason. Gibson was absent from Kendal and appointed Rotch as his attorney to deal with Moses Gleason's repayment of a debt. 7" X 12.25