Bayesian Non-Parametric Inference for Infectious Disease Data

We propose a framework for Bayesian non-parametric estimation of the rate at which new infections occur assuming that the epidemic is partially observed. The developed methodology relies on modelling the rate at which new infections occur as a function which only depends on time. Two different types of prior distributions are proposed namely using step-functions and B-splines. The methodology is illustrated using both simulated and real datasets and we show that certain aspects of the epidemic such as seasonality and super-spreading events are picked up without having to explicitly incorporate them into a parametric model

A Thrilling Narrative of Indian Captivity: Dispatches from the Dakota War

Review of: A Thrilling Narrative of Indian Captivity: Dispatches From the Dakota War, by Mary Butler Renville, edited by Carrie Reber Zeman and Kathryn Zabelle Derounian-Stodola

Converting the Rosebud: Catholic Mission and the Lakotas, 1886-1916

Review of: Converting the Rosebud: Catholic Mission and the Lakotas, 1886–1916, by Harvey Markowitz

The Gods of Indian Country: Religion and the Struggle for the American West

Review of: The Gods of Indian Country: Religion and the Struggle for the American West, by by Jennifer Graber

Shock waves from hollow cylinders

Hollow cylindrical charges of PE4 were detonated. The charges had masses of 0.16 to 0.49 kg and a length to diameter ratio of 1/1 to 1/6. The circular hollows were of diameter 0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 m. The charges were detonated from one end. The results showed that provided the correct ratio of charge mass, charge length to diameter ratio and distance are maintained the peak overpressure and impulse remain constant. This means that it is not necessary to know the size of the hole to predict the peak overpressure and impulse in the radial direction. For PE4 the peak pressure, P, is given by P = -251 (M(L/D)1/3R-3)2 +1677 M(L/D)1/3R-3 and the impulse, I, by I = 150 M2/3 R-1. M is the charge mass, L the charge length, D the charge diameter and R the distance from the charge

Between Heaven and Hell and Heathens

This work of fiction explores the relationship between worshipped and worshipper by dually depicting it as a child/parent relationship and as a relationship between lovers. Written in the tradition of parodies like Don Quixote and re-imaginings of myths like The Childhood of Jesus by J.M. Coetzee, I use humor and a contemporary setting in my book about a child who could be the second coming of Christ, but who cares more about his mother\u27 s approval than he does about God

Converting the Rosebud: Catholic Mission and the Lakotas, 1886-1916

Review of: Converting the Rosebud: Catholic Mission and the Lakotas, 1886–1916, by Harvey Markowitz

Psychology Applied to the Improvement of Control of the Pitch of the Voice in Singing

The object of this research is to ascertain some of the elements in the acquisition of accuracy of pitch in singing. The study was divided into three divisions; (1) a preliminary series of five tests, in which no information was given the observer in regard to the accuracy of his singing; (2) a practice series of ten tests, during which the observer was informed of the error in pitch after each trial; and (3) a final series of five tests conducted in the same manner as the first. The object of the first test was to ascertain the accuracy of their singing without training; the second was the training series, the object of which was to correct the errors and to form new tonal concepts and voluntary control; and the object of the third series was to find out whether or not the observers had profited by the training in the second series and to what extent they carried it over into actual practice

Stack and Bend

An excerpt on body contortion