Robust Modeling Using Non-Elliptically Contoured Multivariate t Distributions

Models based on multivariate t distributions are widely applied to analyze data with heavy tails. However, all the marginal distributions of the multivariate t distributions are restricted to have the same degrees of freedom, making these models unable to describe different marginal heavy-tailedness. We generalize the traditional multivariate t distributions to non-elliptically contoured multivariate t distributions, allowing for different marginal degrees of freedom. We apply the non-elliptically contoured multivariate t distributions to three widely-used models: the Heckman selection model with different degrees of freedom for selection and outcome equations, the multivariate Robit model with different degrees of freedom for marginal responses, and the linear mixed-effects model with different degrees of freedom for random effects and within-subject errors. Based on the Normal mixture representation of our t distribution, we propose efficient Bayesian inferential procedures for the model parameters based on data augmentation and parameter expansion. We show via simulation studies and real examples that the conclusions are sensitive to the existence of different marginal heavy-tailedness

University of Dayton Magazine, Spring 2015

This issue has about alumni creating craft beer, a senior who is a 2016 Summer Olympic hopeful, and the Common Academic Program.https://ecommons.udayton.edu/dayton_mag/1095/thumbnail.jp

PhD

thesisUnder carefully controlled conditions, bovine serum properdin was isolated and partially purified by employing cold ethanol fractionation procedures. The euglobulin was recovered in the serum fraction which was insoluble at pH 6.9, -5° and at a final ethanol concentration of 20 percent v/v. The partially purified bovine properdin and purified human properdin were employed as therapeutic agents against the effects of ionizing ration in whole body x-irradiated mice and rats. No protection was observed when the solutions were administered intraperitoneally or intravenously; however, there appeared to be a relationship between delayed mortality and post-irradiation time of injection. Under the experimental conditions employed, post-irradiation administration of cell-free mouse splenic extract to whole body x-irradiated mice (intraperitoneally) and guinea pigs (intramuscularly) did not result in protection against post-irradiation death. The treated animals died at an accelerated rate when compared to the controls. In vivo experiments could not elucidate the role of the properdin system in host resistance; therefore, in vitro techniques for investigating the effect of properdin on phagocytes were conducted. Yeast phase Histoplasma capsulatum cells labeled with P-32 were used in a series of experiments to study the effects of humoral factors on the in vitro ingestive and digestive activities of phagocytes obtained from normal and immunized mice. Among humoral factors studied by this technique were complement, properdin and antibody. In all cases, a heat-labile component (complement and/or properdin) not only enhance phagocytic rates by normal and "immune" phagocytes, but caused a significant enhancement of the digestive activities of the "immune" cells as compared to the normal phagocytes. Specific antibody does not appear to play any significant role in phagocytic or cytopeptric activities of normal of "immune" phagocytes when a chronic digest agent, H. capsulatum is used as the P-32 labeled organism

ExPerO. A model to evaluate the quality of the learning outcome in Higher Technical Education courses based on stakeholders' expectations and perceptions

ExPerO project was born in 2005 from an headmaster and two researchers in Work and Organizational Psychology. The project was developed thanks to Leonardo da Vinci funds and the cooperation of Research Partners and Schools from five countries (Italy, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Slovenia, Spain). The main results state in a theoretical model and a series of survey tools aimed to analyze and to improve the learning outcome of vocational courses. The project is tailored, mainly in its application, on HTE courses (Higher Technical Education), but it is also indicated for the wider vocational education (VET)

Evaluating the quality of the learning outcome in healthcare sector: The Expero4care Model

Purpose \u2013 This paper aims to present the Expero4care model. Considering the growing need for a training evaluation model that does not simply fix processes, the Expero4care model represents the first attempt of a \u201cquality model\u201d dedicated to the learning outcomes of healthcare trainings. Design/Methodology/Approach \u2013 Created as development of the Expero model (Cervai et al., 2013), the Expero4care model has been tailored for workplace learning in the healthcare sector and tested in six organizations across Europe. The model has been validated through the review of an international team of experts and its approval as QualiCert standard. Findings \u2013 Expero4care allows the evaluation of the quality of learning outcomes focusing on competences, impact in the workplace, transferability, participation and credits. The evaluation process involves different categories of stakeholders (learners, trainers, colleagues, managers, internal or external bodies that can benefit the training\u2019s results, i.e. final users of the service, such as patients and citizens), and it is based on a systematic data collection and comparison among expectations and perceptions. The implementation of the Expero4care model gives the opportunity to start a continuous improvement process of the trainings in the healthcare service. Research limitations/implications \u2013 Expero4care has been tested in both university courses and organizational trainings dedicated to professionals in the healthcare sector. The initial sample is not wide enough to cover all the countries and the types of trainings, so a larger implementation is needed to validate its appropriateness. Social Implication \u2013 Expero4care is the first model created specifically for organizations providing training in the healthcare sector. The implementation of the Expero4care model \u2013 adaptable to different kind of organizations and trainings \u2013 means that it is possible to highlight the value of the training considering its impact on the workplace and on the citizens. Originality/value \u2013 As the most commonly used tools to assess the quality of trainings consist of questionnaires submitted to participants at the end of the training and considering that quality models have not been utilized to analyse learning outcomes in healthcare, Expero4care represents the first quality model dedicated to training in healthcare service

SPECIFYING SPECTACLE: architectural representation & image-oriented society

The project will critique current modes of operation by a linear problem-solving design process. By acting through representation as both a vehicle for developing design and as a means of communicating and experiencing it, the project will engage the design of a tactile deployment of architecture and effective means of communicating its intent. The architecture will function in the way that the visual arts do in terms of their scale and engagement in cultural issues. Research into tangible artifacts of the site will yield a combination of image, drawing and model forms of representation. Through this analysis, a strategy of intervention will be established and provide foundations of instillation-scaled project. The project seeks to engage production by culture, rather than a discipline of site-specific problem technical solution

ExPerO. Valutazione della qualità dell'esito formativo dei corsi di formazione tecnica superiore attraverso l'analisi delle aspettative e delle percezioni degli stakeholders

163 p.Il progetto ExperO nasce nel 2005 dalla mente aperta e creativa di un dirigente scolastico e dalle competenze di due studiose in psicologia del lavoro. I frutti prodotti constano in un modello teorico e in una serie di strumenti applicativi finalizzati ad analizzare e migliorare la qualità dell'esito formativo dei corsi professionali. Il progetto si concentra, nella sua applicazione, sui corsi di Formazione Tecnica Superiore, ma è adatto anche al monitoraggio e all'applicazione di quella che generalmente viene chiamata formazione professionale (VET). ExPerO si propone di analizzare le aspettative e le percezioni dei portatori di interesse (stakeholders), ovvero prevede di raccogliere dati su quanto essi si aspettano di ricevere dalla scuola e su quanto, poi, ritengono di aver ricevuto. Dalla discrepanza tra atteso e ricevuto, l'ente formatore individua i punti su cui operare per migliorare il servizio erogato

PhD

thesis1. The incidence of detectable Rh intermediate types, collectively classified as Dµ, is estimated to be between 1.5% and 2 % for a Caucasian population. This in agreement with the only other reported large-scale investigation. 2. Absorption of an anti-d serum with Dµ erythrocytes usually results in lower titers for both the D and Dµ cells, indicating a degree of serological relationship between these agglutinogens. Many Dµ cells can remove all anti-D -/ Dµ antibody; others leave behind a residual antibody or antibodies specific for D. and often for other Dµ cells as well. 3. Evidence from absorption, elution and titration studies support the hypothesis that most Dµ cells differ qualitatively from each other and are also qualitatively different D erythrocytes. Quantitative variations are also observed. In most cases the qualitative aspects are the most prominent. 4. When Dµ erythrocytes are used as absorbing regents, failure of the absorbed serum to react with the absorbing cells is a poor criterion that removal of antibody is a complete as possible with the particular cells. These cells are usually capable to yielding eluates containing anti-D antibody long after the serum gives on visible agglutination with the absorbing cells. 5. Suggestions are made for the detection of Dµ specimens in practical work. The data furnish a reasonable basis for predicting how many Dµ samples will be overlooked if anti-d blocking serums are used with various techniques. 6. The classification of Dµ specimens into grades based on the least sensitive method required to detect them is made. Probably due to serological limitations, the method has an error of approximately 12%. This is too large to be practical. It is suggested that in the absence of a reliable procedure for classification, unusual cases involving Dµ antigens should include a detailed description of the serological activity of the Dµ subtype. 7. When serums absorbed with Dµ erythrocytes are tested against other Dµ cells, a general pattern may be observed. The serologically less reactive samples usually remove increments of antibody than do the more reactive ones, and serums absorbed by them tend to cross-react with larger numbers of Dµ specimens. Conversely, cells of greater serological activity are agglutinated more frequently be serums absorbed with lower grade cells; serums absorbed with cells of higher activity show decreased tendency to agglutinage cells of lower order. Erythrocytes containing ordinary D agglutinogen appear to be capable of removing all antibody from anti-D serums. 8. It is suggest that the genetical activity at the Rh loci may be more complex than indicated by the multiple allele or linked gene theories. Interaction of genes (quantitative inheritance) or the influence of modify genes may be more plausible for explaining many of the serological data. If multiple allelism exists al all, it is probably concerned with subgroups at a particular locus