Frequentist statistics as a theory of inductive inference

After some general remarks about the interrelation between philosophical and statistical thinking, the discussion centres largely on significance tests. These are defined as the calculation of $p$-values rather than as formal procedures for ``acceptance'' and ``rejection.'' A number of types of null hypothesis are described and a principle for evidential interpretation set out governing the implications of $p$-values in the specific circumstances of each application, as contrasted with a long-run interpretation. A variety of more complicated situations are discussed in which modification of the simple $p$-value may be essential.Comment: Published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1214/074921706000000400 in the IMS Lecture Notes--Monograph Series (http://www.imstat.org/publications/lecnotes.htm) by the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (http://www.imstat.org

Shifted Power Method for Computing Tensor Eigenpairs

Recent work on eigenvalues and eigenvectors for tensors of order m >= 3 has been motivated by applications in blind source separation, magnetic resonance imaging, molecular conformation, and more. In this paper, we consider methods for computing real symmetric-tensor eigenpairs of the form Ax^{m-1} = \lambda x subject to ||x||=1, which is closely related to optimal rank-1 approximation of a symmetric tensor. Our contribution is a shifted symmetric higher-order power method (SS-HOPM), which we show is guaranteed to converge to a tensor eigenpair. SS-HOPM can be viewed as a generalization of the power iteration method for matrices or of the symmetric higher-order power method. Additionally, using fixed point analysis, we can characterize exactly which eigenpairs can and cannot be found by the method. Numerical examples are presented, including examples from an extension of the method to finding complex eigenpairs

Ocean color algorithm for remote sensing of chlorophyll

An algorithm for the remote detection of chlorophyll a in the ocean was tested during a Nantucket Shoals experiment conducted by NASA. A set of Multichannel Ocean Color Sensor (MOCS) data selected from one flight for each of the two altitudes flown was used to calibrate the algorithm for chlorophyll a concentration. The equations were then applied to all unsaturated MOCS data collected during the 8-day experiment to generate contour maps of chlorophyll a concentration over the shoals. One additional flight was conducted away from the shoals both on and off the Continental Shelf. Although no solar elevation or environmental corrections were made to the original conversions, the equations in these tests determined chlorophyll a concentrations to an accuracy better than 1.0 micron g/L despite the fact that the solar elevation varied between 20 deg and 56 deg during the data collection periods of the experiments

A Perceptual Comparison of “Black Box” Modeling Algorithms for Nonlinear Audio Systems

Nonlinear systems identification is a widespread topic of interest, particularly within the audio industry, as these techniques are employed to synthesize black box models of nonlinear audio effects. Given the myriad approaches to black box modeling, questions arise as to whether an “optimal” approach exists, or one that achieves valid subjective results as a model with minimal computational expense. This thesis uses ABX listening tests to compare black box models of three hardware audio effects using two popular nonlinear implementations, along with two proposed modified implementations. Models were constructed in the Hammerstein form using sine sweeps and a novel measurement technique for the filters and nonlinearities, respectively. Testing revolved around null hypotheses assuming no change in model identification regardless of the device modeled, implementation used, or program material of the model stimulus. Results provide clear evidence of an effect on all of these accounts, and support a full rejection of the null hypotheses. Outcomes demonstrate a preferable implementation out of the algorithms tested, and suggest the removal of certain implementations as valid approaches altogether

Designing protein β-sheet surfaces by Z-score optimization

Studies of lattice models of proteins have suggested that the appropriate energy expression for protein design may include nonthermodynamic terms to accommodate negative design concerns. One method, developed in lattice model studies, maximizes a quantity known as the "Z-score," which compares the lowest energy sequence whose ground state structure is the target structure to an ensemble of random sequences. Here we show that, in certain circumstances, the technique can be applied to real proteins. The resulting energy expression is used to design the β-sheet surfaces of two real proteins. We find experimentally that the designed proteins are stable and well folded, and in one case is even more thermostable than the wild type

Nuclear design and experiments for a space power reactor

Design and experiments with compact fast spectrum reactor for generating electric power in spac

Assessment of the potential of solar thermal small power systems in small utilities

The potential economic benefit of small solar thermal electric power systems to small municipal and rural electric utilities is assessed. Five different solar thermal small power system configurations were considered in three different solar thermal technologies. The configurations included: (1) 1 MW, 2 MW, and 10 MW parabolic dish concentrators with a 15 kW heat engine mounted at the focal point of each dish, these systems utilized advanced battery energy storage; (2) a 10 MW system with variable slat concentrators and central steam Rankine energy conversion, this system utilized sensible thermal energy storage; and (3) a 50 MW central receiver system consisting of a field of heliostats concentrating energy on a tower-mounted receiver and a central steam Rankine conversion system, this system also utilized sensible thermal storage. The results are summarized in terms of break-even capital costs. The break-even capital cost was defined as the solar thermal plant capital cost which would have to be achieved in order for the solar thermal plants to penetrate 10 percent of the reference small utility generation mix by the year 2000. The calculated break-even capital costs are presented

A quality management based on the Quality Model life cycle

Managing quality is a hard and expensive task that involves the execution and control of processes and techniques. For a good quality management, it is important to know the current state and the objective to be achieved. It is essential to take into account with a Quality Model that specifies the purposes of managing quality. QuEF (Quality Evaluation Framework) is a framework to manage quality in MDWE (Model-driven Web Engineering). This paper suggests managing quality but pointing out the Quality Model life cycle. The purpose is to converge toward a quality continuous improvement by means of reducing effort and time.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN2010-20057-C03-02Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN 2010-12312-EJunta de Andalucía TIC-578