In this paper we propose a new method for shape analysis based on the depth-ordering of shapes. We use this depth-ordering to non-parametrically define depth with respect to a normal control population. This allows us to quantify differences with respect to "normality". We combine this approach with a permutation test allowing it to test for localized shape differences. The method is evaluated ...

We present a two-class pattern recognition method through the majority vote which is based on weak classifiers. The weak classifiers are defined‘in terms of rectangular regions formed by the original training data. Tests on real and simulated data sets show that this classifier combination procedure can lead to a high accuracy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate an intervention developed to improve test-ordering practice. SETTING Public hospital emergency department with an annual census of 42 500. The study comprised a six-month pre-intervention stage (November 1998 to April 1999), which was compared with a similar post-intervention period (November 1999 to April 2000), and trends were examined over an 18-month post-interventio...

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of feedback on the test ordering behaviour of general practitioners. DESIGN Comparison of requests at two diagnostic centres, and internal comparison between tests which were discussed in feedback and tests which were not. SETTING A diagnostic centre in Maastricht giving feedback and another elsewhere in the Netherlands (laboratory A) not giving feedback. SU...

OBJECTIVE To identify type of service, frequency, and individual patient determinants associated with diagnostic test ordering in medical appointments. METHODS A population-based study included 3,100 adults aged 20 years or older, living in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Sampling was carried out in multiple stages. Information were collected by means of a questionnaire, administered be...

Timing-related defects are becoming increasingly important in nanometer technology designs. Small delay variations induced by crosstalk, process variations, powersupply noise, as well as resistive opens and shorts can potentially cause timing failures in a design, thereby leading to quality and reliability concerns. We present a testgrading technique to leverage the method of output deviations ...

Two probability distributions with common support are said to exhibit density ratio ordering when they admit a nonincreasing density ratio. Existing statistical tests of the null hypothesis of density ratio ordering are known to be conservative, with null limiting rejection rates below the nominal significance level whenever the two distributions are unequal. We show how a bootstrap procedure c...

OBJECTIVE To determine which screening tests family medicine residents order as part of preventive health care. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey. SETTING Alberta and Ontario. PARTICIPANTS First- and second-year family medicine residents at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, the University of Calgary in Alberta, and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ont, during the 2011 to 2012 academic ...