A fast method for computing the output of rank order filters within arbitrarily shaped windows

Rank order filters are used in a multitude of image processing tasks. Their application can range from simple preprocessing tasks which aim to reduce/remove noise, to more complex problems where such filters can be used to detect and segment image features. There is, therefore, a need to develop fast algorithms to compute the output of this class of filter. A number of methods for efficiently computing the output of specific rank order filters have been proposed [1]. For example, numerous fast algorithms exist that can be used for calculating the output of the median filter. Fast algorithms for calculating morphological erosions and dilations - which are also a special case of the more general rank order filter - have also been proposed. In this paper we present an extension of a recently introduced method for computing fast morphological operators to the more general case of rank order filters. Using our method, we are able to efficiently compute any rank, using any arbitrarily shaped window, such that it is possible to quickly compute the output of any rank order filter. We demonstrate the usefulness and efficiency of our technique by implementing a fast method for computing a recent generalisation of the morphological Hit-or-Miss Transform which makes it more robust in the presence of noise. We also compare the speed and efficiency of this routine with similar techniques that have been proposed in the literature

Strengthening the impact of case studies through the use of a digital medium

This workshop provides an opportunity for delegates to explore their understanding of an aspect of Validated Prior Learning in higher education through the medium of film. The use of case studies is identified as valuable exemplification to support our understanding of complex structures and environments (Bassey 1999). By adopting a framework for exploring key issues in Validated Prior Learning we can draw comparisons across themes in single case studies and between multiple case studies. This may highlight particular structures and environmental features that can contribute to successful quality assurance, lifelong learning and societal integration. It may also identify inhibiting factors. Thus critical success factors for implementing VPL are revealed through case studies. By adopting an innovative digital medium such findings can be revealed more clearly to a wider audience then using traditional dissemination. In this workshop delegates will have opportunities to explore the power of Validated Prior Learning by story planning ahead of disseminating case studies through such tools as Videoscribe

What inequality means for children: evidence from young lives. Background paper for the Global Thematic Consultation “Addressing Inequalities” in the post-2015 Development Agenda

Understanding how poverty and inequalities impact on children is the major goal of Young Lives, a unique longitudinal, mixed-methods research and policy study. We are tracking two cohorts of 12,000 children growing-up in Ethiopia, the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) India, Peru and Vietnam. In this paper we offer eight key research messages, focusing on: 1. How inequalities interact in their impact on children’s development, and the vulnerability of the most disadvantaged households. 2. The ways inequalities rapidly undermine the development of human potential. 3. How gender differences interconnect with other inequalities, but do not always advantage boys in Young Lives countries. 4. The links between poverty, early ‘stunting’, and later outcomes, including psycho-social functioning, as well as emerging evidence that some children may recover. 5. Inequalities that open up during the later years of childhood, linked to transitions around leaving school, working, and anticipating marriage etc. 6. Children’s own perceptions of poverty and inequality, as these shape their well-­being and long-­term prospects. 7. Evidence of the growing significance of education, including the ways school systems can increase as well as reduce inequalities. 8. The potential of social protection programmes in poverty alleviation. We conclude that since inequalities are multidimensional, so too must be the response. Equitable growth policies, education and health services, underpinned by effective social protection, all have a role to play

Respect for people : looking at KPI’s through ‘younger eyes’!

Movement for Innovation (M4I) is partly aimed at delivering targets set by the Egan (1998) report. An initiative under this programme is the ‘Respect for People’ (RFP) working group. This body published its first formal report entitled: A Commitment to People: ‘Our Biggest Asset’ (2000), and challenged construction to respect its workforce. Failure to do so will result in firms being unable to recruit and retain the best talent in the workforce – currently a 'hot topic' in attracting school-leavers into the construction trades. Construction is thought to have harsh conditions of safety and welfare, with poor prospects - ideas that actively discourage many school-leavers. To combat this ‘image’ problem, the RFP Working Group are piloting a toolkit which can be used to measure and monitor safety and welfare in order to benchmark their performance against industry best practice. This paper uses an adapted version of this toolkit. Building apprentices in Scottish Further Education Colleges were asked their opinions on ‘site life’ and to complete a questionnaire. The results provide an insight into current thinking and expectations of the 'future' of trade apprentices today. The findings are significant to groups needing input from construction's youth (Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and M4I). Additionally this paper is of value to academics interested in human aspects and trends in UK construction

What inequality means for children: evidence from Young Lives

Understanding how poverty and inequalities impact on children is the major goal of Young Lives, a unique longitudinal, mixed-methods research and policy study. We are tracking two cohorts of 12,000 children growing-up in Ethiopia, the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) India, Peru and Vietnam. In this expanded version of the paper prepared for UN Global Consultatation on Inequalities we offer eight key research messages, focusing on: 1. How inequalities interact in their impact on children’s development, and the vulnerability of the most disadvantaged households. 2. The ways inequalities rapidly undermine the development of human potential. 3. How gender differences interconnect with other inequalities, but do not always advantage boys in Young Lives countries. 4. The links between poverty, early stunting, and later outcomes, including psychosocial functioning, as well as emerging evidence that some children may recover. 5. Inequalities that open up during the later years of childhood, linked to transitions around leaving school, working, and anticipating marriage etc. 6. Children’s own perceptions of poverty and inequality, as these shape their well-being and long-term prospects. 7. Evidence of the growing significance of education, including the ways school systems can increase as well as reduce inequalities. 8. The potential of social protection programmes in poverty alleviation. We conclude that since inequalities are multidimensional, so too must be the response. Equitable growth policies, education and health services, underpinned by effective social protection, all have a role to play

Three-dimensional turbulent shock-wave : boundary-layer interactions in hypersonic flows.

Imperial Users onl

A coupled Temperley-Lieb algebra for the superintegrable chiral Potts chain

The hamiltonian of the $N$-state superintegrable chiral Potts (SICP) model is written in terms of a coupled algebra defined by $N-1$ types of Temperley-Lieb generators. This generalises a previous result for $N=3$ obtained by J. F. Fjelstad and T. M\r{a}nsson [J. Phys. A {\bf 45} (2012) 155208]. A pictorial representation of a related coupled algebra is given for the $N=3$ case which involves a generalisation of the pictorial presentation of the Temperley-Lieb algebra to include a pole around which loops can become entangled. For the two known representations of this algebra, the $N=3$ SICP chain and the staggered spin-1/2 XX chain, closed (contractible) loops have weight $\sqrt{3}$ and weight $2$, respectively. For both representations closed (non-contractible) loops around the pole have weight zero. The pictorial representation provides a graphical interpretation of the algebraic relations. A key ingredient in the resolution of diagrams is a crossing relation for loops encircling a pole which involves the parameter $\rho= e^{ 2\pi \mathrm{i}/3}$ for the SICP chain and $\rho=1$ for the staggered XX chain. These $\rho$ values are derived assuming the Kauffman bracket skein relation.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, further cubic relations adde

Earnings and Employment Dynamics for Africans in Post-apartheid South Africa: A Panel Study of KwaZulu-Natal

[Excerpt] The labour market is central in determining individual and household well-being in South Africa. Therefore, an understanding of earnings and employment dynamics is a key policy issue. However, the absence of panel data has constrained empirical work addressing these issues. This paper makes use of a regional panel data set for KwaZulu-Natal to begin the study of earnings and employment dynamics. The authors find that, on average, working-aged Africans in KwaZulu-Natal experienced large gains in earnings during the period 1993–8. These gains were progressive in nature, with the highest quintile of 1993 earners and those originally employed in the formal sector actually experiencing zero or negative growth in their average earnings. The average gain in earnings varied substantially depending on the employment transitions experienced by labour force participants. Obtaining formal sector employment is found to be an important pathway to growth in earnings, yet not exclusively so. The majority of those who get ahead do so by retaining employment in a given sector or moving into the informal sector. The dynamism of the informal sector over this period is shown to be an important contributor to the progressive growth in earnings. Government policies that seek to increase employment and earnings in the informal as well as formal sectors are recommended. Understanding the constraints preventing the vast number of unemployed from engaging in informal employment is shown to be a key issue for future work