Methods for inference in large multiple-equation Markov-switching models

The inference for hidden Markov chain models in which the structure is a multiple-equation macroeconomic model raises a number of difficulties that are not as likely to appear in smaller models. One is likely to want to allow for many states in the Markov chain without allowing the number of free parameters in the transition matrix to grow as the square of the number of states but also without losing a convenient form for the posterior distribution of the transition matrix. Calculation of marginal data densities for assessing model fit is often difficult in high-dimensional models and seems particularly difficult in these models. This paper gives a detailed explanation of methods we have found to work to overcome these difficulties. It also makes suggestions for maximizing posterior density and initiating Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations that provide some robustness against the complex shape of the likelihood in these models. These difficulties and remedies are likely to be useful generally for Bayesian inference in large time-series models. The paper includes some discussion of model specification issues that apply particularly to structural vector autoregressions with a Markov-switching structure.

Exploring risk perceptions between pioneer and me-too brands of mp3 players

The current study examines perceived quality for its differential impacts on the dimensions of perceived risk between the pioneer and me-too brands of MP3 players. To achieve this, a pen and paper survey was administered to students at three Australian universities, since young adults are considered to be lead users of MP3 players. Existing scales were selected for their tested reliability in buying situations and adapted to suit the context of the current study. The constructs demonstrated reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. The perceived equivalent quality of the MP3 players produced significant positive effects on perceived social/physical, financial/performance, time and psychological risks for the pioneer brand and a significant negative effect on perceived financial/performance risk for the me-too brands

Exploring gender's differences on purchase intentions of prototypical and me-too brands

The current study examines gender's differences on self-confidence, perceived quality, extrinsic attributes, perceived risk and purchase intentions of prototypical and me-too brands from a Generation Y perspective. A pen and paper survey was administered to 348 students at three Australian universities. Males held significantly higher perceived social/physical and financial/performance risks than females for the prototypical brand. Males also demonstrated significantly higher perceived social/physical and time risks than females for the me-too brands. However, males had significantly higher self-confidence in both the prototypical and me-too brands, and also higher purchase intentions for the me-too brands than females. Understanding the factors underlying Generation Y's consumer behavior is important due to their considerable consumption potential and the increasing sophistication of brands in the marketplace

Describing a Pentecostal Spirituality and Eploring these Expressions within a Spiritual Formation Model

Richard Foster states, “The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”1 But how do we understand what it means to be a “deep person?” We need a description of what a deep relationship looks like and a model of the spiritual growth process that makes that possible. A spiritual formation model is a tool designed to identify the organic process of growth for the believer in Christ and describe how that believer might tunnel into the depths of maturity by partnering with the Holy Spirit. As a Pentecostal, I have not found a developed and systematic model for personal spiritual formation which adequately addresses a Pentecostal context and integrates both formational and Pentecostal experience. The lack of such a model represents a serious impediment for Pentecostals. An understanding and identification of the spiritual formation process provides the necessary foundation for recognizing and cooperating with the ongoing maturation process to which the Lord calls each of us. When we fail to understand our relative place in the journey, we can easily misunderstand God’s work in and through us. Leaders can also fail to adequately equip and support the spiritual development of those within their care. Spiritual formation for the Pentecostal context is significant for a number of reasons including: the size of the movement, the unique style of expression, and the trajectory of its influence.2 The potential danger, perceived by some leaders, in developing a Pentecostal formation model might be a perceived attempt to confine or limit the role of the Holy Spirit to one’s understanding. In the model presented here, however, the Spirit’s role is not to be confined, but rather described in order to better cooperate with what God is doing. Both biblical tradition and Church tradition have shown us many areas in which the Holy Spirit consistently produces spiritual growth and maturity in the believer. Pentecostals require a unique spiritual formation model due to the exceptional nuances of expression in the movement. Therefore, this thesis will also define Pentecostalism in terms of expression in order to differentiate it from other denominational paradigms. Based on my research of these traditions, this paper will focus on the following expressions of Pentecostalism: (1) a life on mission, (2) a spirit-gifted life, (3) a life of holiness, (4) a life at war, (5) a spirit led life, and (6) a life of encounter. With focus on these expressions, it will become clear that spiritual maturity therefore leads to: (1) greater motivation for mission, (2) increased power through spiritual gifts, (3) new depths of holiness, (4) greater understanding in how to combat the enemy, and (5) increased awareness to the promptings and activity of the Holy Spirit. To date, this research has not found a classical formation model that adequately or directly addresses these foundational Pentecostal expressions. However, many classical models do include disciplines, texts, experiences and insights that, when properly synthesized, can address these expressions and therefore greatly benefit ministry in Pentecostal settings. The thesis will identify how those expressions are experienced throughout a Stage model that leads progressively from salvation to maturity. The resulting model will give insights that will enable Pentecostal churches and leaders to help guide and grow members toward maturity in a paradigm that is consistent with its philosophy and theology

Investigating photoexcitation-induced mitochondrial damage by chemotherapeutic corroles using multimode optical imaging

We recently reported that a targeted, brightly fluorescent gallium corrole (HerGa) is highly effective for breast tumor detection and treatment. Unlike structurally similar porphryins, HerGa exhibits tumor-targeted toxicity without the need for photoexcitation. We have now examined whether photoexcitation further modulates HerGa toxicity, using multimode optical imaging of live cells, including two-photon excited fluorescence, differential interference contrast (DIC), spectral, and lifetime imaging. Using two-photon excited fluorescence imaging, we observed that light at specific wavelengths augments the HerGa-mediated mitochondrial membrane potential disruption of breast cancer cells in situ. In addition, DIC, spectral, and fluorescence lifetime imaging enabled us to both validate cell damage by HerGa photoexcitation and investigate HerGa internalization, thus allowing optimization of light dose and timing. Our demonstration of HerGa phototoxicity opens the way for development of new methods of cancer intervention using tumor-targeted corroles

Success in fitting soft toric contact lenses

Purpose: The goal of this thesis was to try to determine the success rate of using spectacle prescription, iris diameter and keratometry measurements in fitting planned replacement soft toric contact lenses. The motivation factors for this thesis were: the need to minimize lens storage facility, to minimize amounts of diagnostic contact lens kits, decrease the amount of chair time and follow-up visits, and to increase the likelihood of successful dispensing of toric soft contact lenses. CooperVision\u27s ToriTrack software was evaluated to determine the likelihood of successful empirical fitting when using this software program to order contact lenses instead of traditional diagnostic fitting. Method: This was a study performed at Pacific University College of Optometry with 19 subjects, who had at least 1 Diopter of cylinder in their spectacle prescription. Their spectacle corrected visual acuity was measured through trial frame and then a corneal topography was done to determine their oblique visible iris diameter and their simulated keratometric reading. 32 subject eyes were fitted with toric soft contact lenses using CooperVision\u27s ToriTrack software to select the appropriate contact lens. The subjects contact lens visual acuity was measured and the fit was assessed. Results: The study showed 83.3% of eyes (25 eyes) achieved a successful fit in terms of obtaining the same or better visual acuity than their habitual glasses prescription. This study also demonstrates a 93.4% (30 eyes) success rate in achieving an acceptable fit. Conclusions: It is shown that using software such as ToriTrack is an acceptable method of achieving dispensable fits of toric soft contact lenses

Developing Culture-Adaptive Competency Through Experiences with Expressive Avatars

Modern Warfighters often find themselves in a variety of non-combat roles such as negotiator, peacekeeper, reconstruction, and disaster relief. They are expected to perform these roles within a culture alien to their own. Each individual they encounter brings their own set of values to the interaction that must be understood and reconciled. To navigate the human terrain of these complex interactions, the Warfighter must not only consider the specifics of the target culture, but also identify the stakeholders, recognize the influencing cultural dimensions, and adapt to the situation to achieve the best possible outcome. Vcom3D is using game-based scenarios to develop culturally adaptive competency. The avatars that represent the stakeholders must be able to portray culturally accurate behavior, display complex emotion, and communicate through verbal and non-verbal cues. This paper will discuss the use of emerging game technologies to better simulate human behavior in cross-cultural dilemmas. Nomenclature: culture, adaptive, values, cultural values dimensions, dilemmas, virtual humans, non-verbal communication

Potential of MODIS EVI and surface temperature for directly estimating per-pixel ecosystem C fluxes

We tested the potential of estimating per-pixel gross primary production (GPP) directly from the MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and respiration directly from MODIS surface temperature (MOD11). Carbon flux data were obtained from 10 eddy covariance tower sites representing a wide range of North American vegetations. The correlation between across-site tower GPP and EVI was comparable (r = 0.77) to that between tower GPP and MOD17-GPP (r = 0.73), suggesting that EVI could be used to provide reasonably accurate direct estimates of GPP on a truly per-pixel basis. There was also a strong relationship (r2 = 0.67) between respiration and surface temperature of dense vegetation, suggesting that estimation of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) may be possible with relatively simple pixel based models, at least for some vegetation types

An Evaluation of the Performance of a Modified Overland Flow Wastewater Treatment System: Sloped Rock-Grass Filtration

The effectiveness of a sloped rock-grass filtration system in treating municipal wastewater was tested on a 24 m by 36 m (80 ft by 120 ft) slope on a 2.5 percent grade sown with a mixture of rye grass, fescue grass, and bluegrass. The field was divided into six plots, each approximately 3.5 m wide and 36 m long. Three of the plots (slope-rock) were constructed with 9 m of gravel, 7.6 cm deep, on the upper reaches of the slope. Raw (screened, degritted) municipal wastewater from Hyrum, Utah, was applied to the slope-rock sections at application rates of 13 and 20 cm/wk the first year of operation (June through October 1979) and 23, 41, and 51 cm/wk the second year (June through October 1980). The other three plots were constructed as conventional overland flow slopes. Wastewater was applied at rates of 13 and 20 cm/wk the first year and 23, 41, adn 57 cm/wk the second year. The gravel layer increased infiltration and, therefore, decreased the amount of wastewater effluent recovered. The gravel also increased wastewater detention times on the treatment slopes. In general, the slope-rock sections acheived higher mass removal associated with greater water losses. However, the gravel layer had no statistically significant effect, at the 95 percent confidence level, on the concentration of pollutants. On a concentation basis, BOD5 removal for the test sections were 87 to 93 percent. BOD5 effluent averages ranges from 6 to 12 mg/1. Mean effluent suspended solids ranged from 5 to 9 mg/1. Even at the highest hydraulic laoding rate (57 cm/wk), effluent quality met the 1985 State of Utah effluent limits. Total phospohorus reductions were only 20 to 33 percent. Orthophosphate concentrations increased on all slopes. Ammonia removals, 69 to 93 percent, were achieved at the lower loadings (13 cm/wk, 20 cm/wk and 23 cm/wk). The highest loading (57 cm/wk) exhibited 33 to 43 percent removal. Nitrification of ammonia occurred on all the slopes. Fecal coliforms were reduced by as much as 99 percent on some of the slopes, but effluent fecal coliforms were not reduced below 10^4 colonies/100 ml. Harvesting temporarily decreased system performance. Effluent BOD5 and suspended solids concentrations, however, still did not violate effluent discharge limits (i.e., 15 mg/1 BOD5, and 10 mg/1 SS, 30 day average) for the State of Utah