Asymptotic Properties of Approximate Bayesian Computation

Approximate Bayesian computation allows for statistical analysis in models with intractable likelihoods. In this paper we consider the asymptotic behaviour of the posterior distribution obtained by this method. We give general results on the rate at which the posterior distribution concentrates on sets containing the true parameter, its limiting shape, and the asymptotic distribution of the posterior mean. These results hold under given rates for the tolerance used within the method, mild regularity conditions on the summary statistics, and a condition linked to identification of the true parameters. Implications for practitioners are discussed.Comment: This 31 pages paper is a revised version of the paper, including supplementary materia

Solid-state NMR Analysis of Adhesive Bondlines in Pilot Scale Flakeboards

This work demonstrates the application of solid-state NMR to the analysis of adhesive bondlines in pilot scale flakeboards. A comparison to laboratory scale experiments is also made. Phenol-formaldehyde resin is easily detected by using labeled formaldehyde. However, resin washout can occasionally prevent detection in pilot scale composites. The relative degree of resin cure is determined by measuring corrected signal areas and also by measuring proton longitudinal relaxation in the rotating frame. Such relaxation measurements were effective in laboratory scale experiments, but were much less useful for pilot scale tests. The degree of phenol-formaldehyde polymerization was not affected by changes in wood furnish moisture content; the range of furnish moisture was 13 and 24%. This suggests that phenol-formaldehyde moisture intolerance is not related to polymerization retardation by water. This work demonstrates the feasibility of performing detailed bondline analyses on pilot and possibly industrial scale composites

Engineering Education For Generation Z

Generation Z is gaining popularity as the name used to refer to those born beginning in the mid to late 1990s. This is the generation that follows the Millennials, and they are just starting to arrive on college campuses. Much attention has been paid to Millennials and their impact on society, and because of this Generation Z members are often lumped together with this older cohort. But Generation Z students are unique, and universities and colleges must prepare to meet the challenges of instructing this new generation. Engineering educators in particular are being challenged to adapt to the speed of technological change. Faculty must consider how to adjust to this new environment, including the changing needs and expectations of Generation Z students. This paper explores these topics. The first section will explore the concept of a generation and describe some of the attributes associated with Generation Z. The second section will review the development of engineering education in the United States and some of the major reforms that have occurred in the past 100 years. The last section will discuss potential changes in the classroom to try and address some of the characteristics of Generation Z students

British and American policy with regard to Greece 1943-1947: the transition from British to American patronage

British Foreign Office efforts during World War II to ensure the peaceful restoration of the King and his Government-in-Exile after Greece was liberated were frustrated by the King's refusal, with Churchill's support, to submit himself to a plebiscite. The United States refused to become involved (except for an unwarranted interference by Roosevelt) and generally disapproved of British policies. The return of the Government-in-Exile to Greece without a firm commitment by the King concerning his future resulted in a Communist-led revolt which was ended only by British military intervention and by Churchill finally forcing the King to accept a regency and the plebisicite. In post-war Greece, Britain continued to use her influence and support in an effort to establish stability in the face of serious economic difficulties and a right-wing reaction to the Communists, which led to a new civil war. Britain's own financial difficulties made it impossible to solve the economic problems or to bring order to political chaos. In autumn 1946, the United States perceived in the Greek situation a strategic threat to its interests, but its capacity to assist Greece was severely limited by a hostile Congress and neo-isolationism. In early 1947, Britain's financial situation and its doubts as to the strategic value of Greece resulted in a sudden decision to abandon all aid. The American administration was forced to resort to an idealogical crusade in order to obtain the funds necessary to prevent the fall of the Greek Government and a probable Communist-led victory in the new civil war. The proclamation of the American policy was the initial action of the Cold War, and a direct result of the policies which the British and Americans had been pursuing towards Greece since 1943