Review of the use of context in statistical image analysis

SUMMARY This paper is a review of the use of contextual information in statistical image analysis. After defining what we mean by 'context', we describe the Bayesian approach to high-level image analysis using deformable templates. We describe important aspects of work on character recognition and syntactic pattern recognition; in particular, aspects of the work which are relevant to scene understanding. We conclude with a review of some work on knowledge-based systems which use context to aid object recognition.     

Interpretation of Kappa and B statistics measures of agreement

SUMMARY The Kappa statistic proposed by Cohen and the B statistic proposed by Bangdiwala are used to quantify the agreement between two observers, independently classifying the same n units into the same k categories. Both statistics correct for the agreement expected to result from chance alone, but the Kappa statistic is a measure that adjusts the observed proportion of agreement and ranges from- pc/(1- pc) to 1, where pc is the expected agreement that results from chance, and the B statistic is a measure that adjusts the observed area of agreement with that expected to result from chance, and ranges from 0 to 1. Statistical guidelines for the interpretation of either statistic are not available. For the Kappa statistic, the suggested arbitrary interpretation given by Landis and Koch is commonly quoted. This paper compares the behavior of the Kappa statistic and the B statistic in 3 3 and 4 4 contingency tables, under different agreement patterns. Based on simulation results, non-arbitrary guidelines for the interpretation of both statistics are provided.     

Repairing the nest: A psychodynamic developmental approach to clients with severe behavior disorders

In this article, the authors explicate concepts from psychodynamic developmental theory that can foster affirmative assessment and intervention with clients who have developmental disabilities and present severe behavior disorders. A case example illustrates how making bonding the primary goal of intervention appears to facilitate positive behavior change in these clients while reducing feelings of helplessness and discouragement in their caregivers.     

The Euro, income disparity and monetary union

This paper looks at the impact of the UK joining the Euro on compatibility between the UK and the Euro zone. We construct a theoretical model to capture such effects, and then estimate the model using data from the period 1980–1999 (the period covering the existence of the ECU and the Euro). Particular attention is paid to the actual dynamics of the system and the important roles of monetary and fiscal policy. We find that the dynamic path of the UK and Euro members is stable and that UK monetary policy is in line with that of its Euro zone neighbours in a way that would be close to that expected if the UK were already a member of the Euro zone.     

Strategic issues for the Trustee Savings Banks

Since the mid-1970s, the TSB Group has changed from a group of 73 savings banks offering basic deposit services to one of the U.K.'s leading financial service groups. The object of this article is to outline the background to the U.K. savings bank movement, the TSB Group's strategy in the period 1976–1984 and current business issues. The article is divided into four sections: The Background to the U.K. Savings Bank Movement; TSB in Transition 1976–1984; The TSB Group Reconstruction; TSB in the 1980s and 1990s.     

Strategic and Organizational Evolution of Spanish Firms: Towards a Holding Network Form?

The main objective of this study is to analyse the strategic and organizational evolution of large firms in a current time period and within a specific geographical context (Spain). In order to achieve this purpose, the paper combines the Chandlerian programme with processual analysis. We draw on documentary sources (annual reports, company histories, business directories and so on) and interviews. We have found that in the model of corporate development some characteristics of new organizational structures will coexist with some features of old ones. In line with previous studies our findings highlight the existence of the 'multidivisional network' but, most importantly, our findings also reflect the emergence of a new kind of organizational form that we call 'holding network'. The 'holding network' is more decentralized, both strategically and operationally, than the multidivisional form. However, its level of decentralization is less than in the N-form. Furthermore, whereas the multidivisional form is a hierarchy, the 'holding network' emphasizes the communication among people of different levels. This multilevel communication differs from that in the N-form. Apart from the horizontal communication in the same level there is vertical and horizontal communication between different levels. We conclude by emphasizing the need to explore in future empirical studies to what extent these patterns and new organizational forms should be considered as a transitory or consolidated phenomenon.     

Associations between overseas,intra-urban and internal migration dynamics in Sydney, 1976–91

Between 1976 and 1991 metropolitan Sydney experienced unprecedented internal migration losses to other states and coastal regions of New South Wales. Levels of overseas immigration were also high and housing costs increased markedly, especially between 1986 and 1991. This paper investigates spatial statistical associations between overseas in-migration rates and internal migration loss within Sydney and between housing costs in Sydney and internal migration outflows. The hypothesis was that housing cost changes and overseas migration contributed additively to migration losses from the metropolis. A complementary analysis of the relationship between migration and housing cost changes is also undertaken. There was a strong positive association between overseas in-migration and intra-urban out-migration and a strong negative spatial association between overseas in-migration and internal out-migration. In consequence, housing cost associations with internal migration loss were found, although not all were in the expected direction. There were stronger associations between housing factors and intra-urban migration. The integration of metropolitan Sydney and Australia into the ‘Pacific rim’ economy is examined with reference to wider explanations of house cost changes and migration flows.