Maximum Likelihood Estimation of ARMA Model with Error Processes for Replicated Observations

In this paper we analyse the repeated time series model where the fundamental component follows a ARMA process. In the model, the error variance as well as the number of repetition are allowed to change over time. It is shown that the model is identified. The maximum likelihood estimator is derived using the Kalman filter technique. The model considered in this paper can be considered as extension of the models considered by Anderson (1978), Azzalini (1981) and Wong and Miller (1990)ARMA model, Kalman filter, maximum likelihood estimation

Illumination uniformity in endoscopic imaging

Standardised endoscopic digital images were taken and analysed using an image analysis software (National Instruments Vision Assistant version 7.1.1). The luminance plane was extracted and the pixel intensity distribution was determined along a horizontal line at the position of highest average intensity (centroid). The data was exported to MS Excel and the pixel intensity (y-axis) was plotted against pixel position (x-axis). A trendline using a 2nd order polynomial curve was fitted to each data set. The resultant equation for each curve was compared with equations obtained from other images taken under various illumination conditions and settings

Metal-Oxo Photo-oxidants, Photochemistry and Photophysics of trans-[Os^(VI)(tmc)(O)_2]^(2+)(tmc = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane) and trans-[Os^(VI)(CN)_4(O)_2]^(2-)

trans-[Os^(VI)(tmc)(O)_2]^(2+)(tmc = 1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane) and trans-[Os^(VI)(CN)_4(O)_2]^(2-) are emissive in the solid state and in fluid solutions at room temperature (τ~ 1.0–1.5 µs); the (^3)E_g state of trans-[Os^(VI)(tmc)(O)_2]^(2+) is a powerful one-electron oxidant {[Os^(VI)(O)_2]^(2+) + e^– → [Os^V (O)_2]+, E^0_f > 2.0 V vs. normal hydrogen electrode} in aqueous solution, reacting with PPh3 and ((PhCH_2)_2)S to give O=PPh_3 and ((PhCH_2)_2)S=O, respectively

Capitalist pigs: Governmentality, subjectivities, and the regulation of pig farming in colonial Hong Kong, 1950–1970

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from SAGE Publications via the DOI in this record.This paper analyses the philanthropic governmentality of the Hong Kong colonial government during the Farm Improvement Program (1950–70), focusing on the utilization of pigs, interest-free loans, and the spatial constitution of pig farming as technologies to transform refugee farmers into ‘productive workers’. This research has three primary objectives: to (1) elucidate how the production of knowledge and governing technologies, including the spatial design of livestock production, facilitated the disciplining of pig farmers in a colonial context; (2) expand Foucauldian governmentality analysis into the realm of the regulatory mechanisms of food production systems by documenting how philanthropic pig donations, lending programmes, and the distribution of material benefits promoted capitalist pig production; and (3) demonstrate how technologies – specifically the social construction of pigs and the spatial constitution of pig farming practices – moulded the subjectivities of colonial pig farmers. Empirical analysis is based on archival research and in-depth interviews with 19 pig farmers and two pig farmers’ association leaders. We identify the provision of free pigs and pigsties, the demonstration of new spatial pig-raising practices, and the establishment of interest-free lending systems as the major technologies of governance employed under the Farm Improvement Program. Through these technologies refugee farmers from mainland China learned and internalized concepts of efficiency, productivity, farm management, and self-help. The technologies of the Farm Improvement Program were not just philanthropic activities, they were political tactics to confront the penetration of communism into the colony by changing the practices, productivity, and subjectivities of refugee farmers

Investigation into the limits of perturbation theory at low Q^2 using HERA deep inelastic scattering data

A phenomenological study of the final combined HERA data on inclusive deep inelastic scattering (DIS) has been performed. The data are presented and investigated for a kinematic range extending from values of the four-momentum transfer, $Q^2$, above 10$^4$ GeV$^2$ down to the lowest values observable at HERA of $Q^2$ = 0.045 GeV$^2$ and Bjorken $x$, $x_{\rm Bj}$ = 6 $\cdot$ 10$^{-7}$. The data are well described by fits based on perturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD) using collinear factorisation and evolution of the parton densities encompassed in the DGLAP formalism from the highest $Q^2$ down to $Q^2$ of a few GeV$^2$. The Regge formalism can describe the data up to $Q^2 \approx$ 0.65 GeV$^2$. The complete data set can be described by a new fit using the ALLM parameterisation. The region between the Regge and the perturbative QCD regimes is of particular interest.Comment: 38 pages, 13 figure

Multiple treg suppressive modules and their adaptability

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a constitutively immunosuppressive cell type critical for the control of autoimmunity and inflammatory pathology. A range of mechanisms of Treg suppression have been identified and it has not always been clear how these different mechanisms interact in order to properly suppress autoimmunity and excessive inflammation. In recent years it has become clear that, while all Tregs seem to share some core suppressive mechanisms, they are also able to adapt to their surroundings in response to a variety of stimuli by homing to the sites of inflammation and exerting ancillary suppressive functions. In this review, we discuss the relevance and possible modes of Treg adaptability and put forward a modular model of Treg suppressive function. Understanding this flexibility may hold the key to understanding the full spectrum of Treg suppressive behavior

Radiation and mortality of workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory: positive associations for doses received at older ages.

We examined associations between low-level exposure to ionizing radiation and mortality among 14,095 workers hired at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory between 1943 and 1972. Workers at the facility were individually monitored for external exposure to ionizing radiation and have been followed through 1990 to ascertain cause of death information. Positive associations were observed between low-level exposure to external ionizing radiation and mortality. These associations were larger for doses received after 45 years of age, larger under longer lag assumptions, and primarily due to cancer causes of death. All cancer mortality was estimated to increase 4.98% [standard error (SE) = 1.5] per 10-mSv cumulative dose received after age 45 under a 10-year lag, and 7.31% (SE = 2.2) per 10-mSv cumulative dose received after age 45 under a 20-year lag. Associations between radiation dose and lung cancer were of similar magnitude to associations between radiation dose and all cancers except lung cancer. Nonmalignant respiratory disease exhibited a positive association with cumulative radiation dose received after age 45, whereas ischemic heart disease exhibited no association with radiation dose. These findings suggest increases in cancer mortality associated with low-level external exposure to ionizing radiation and potentially greater sensitivity to the carcinogenic effects of ionizing radiation with older ages at exposure

For Spacious Skies: Self-Separation with "Autonomous Flight Rules" in US Domestic Airspace

Autonomous Flight Rules (AFR) are proposed as a new set of operating regulations in which aircraft navigate on tracks of their choice while self-separating from traffic and weather. AFR would exist alongside Instrument and Visual Flight Rules (IFR and VFR) as one of three available flight options for any appropriately trained and qualified operator with the necessary certified equipment. Historically, ground-based separation services evolved by necessity as aircraft began operating in the clouds and were unable to see each other. Today, technologies for global precision navigation, emerging airborne surveillance, and onboard computing enable traffic conflict management to be fully integrated with navigation procedures onboard the aircraft. By self-separating, aircraft can operate with more flexibility and fewer flight restrictions than are required when using ground-based separation. The AFR concept proposes a practical means in which self-separating aircraft could share the same airspace as IFR and VFR aircraft without disrupting the ongoing processes of Air Traffic Control. The paper discusses the context and motivation for implementing self-separation in US domestic airspace. It presents a historical perspective on separation, the proposed way forward in AFR, the rationale behind mixed operations, and the expected benefits of AFR for the airspace user community