Efficient estimation of moments in linear mixed models

In the linear random effects model, when distributional assumptions such as normality of the error variables cannot be justified, moments may serve as alternatives to describe relevant distributions in neighborhoods of their means. Generally, estimators may be obtained as solutions of estimating equations. It turns out that there may be several equations, each of them leading to consistent estimators, in which case finding the efficient estimator becomes a crucial problem. In this paper, we systematically study estimation of moments of the errors and random effects in linear mixed models.Comment: Published in at http://dx.doi.org/10.3150/10-BEJ330 the Bernoulli (http://isi.cbs.nl/bernoulli/) by the International Statistical Institute/Bernoulli Society (http://isi.cbs.nl/BS/bshome.htm

Subharmonic solutions for nonautonomous sublinear second order Hamiltonian systems

AbstractSome existence theorems are obtained for subharmonic solutions of nonautonomous second order Hamiltonian systems by the minimax methods in critical point theory

Periodic Solutions of a Class of Non-autonomous Second-Order Systems

AbstractSome existence theorems are obtained by the least action principle for periodic solutions of nonautonomous second-order systems with a potential which is the sum of a subconvex function and a subquadratic function

Analysis of the children's dynamic and static stereopsis of intermittent exotropia

AIM: To compare and analyze the stereopsis of intermittent exotropia children under the different backgrounds of dynamic stimuli and static stimuli.<p>METHODS: We collected 56 children(male 26, female 30 with intermittent exotropia at the age from 5y to 12y and examined their stereopsis under the different backgrounds of dynamic stimuli and static stimuli using a multidimensional sense perception training software. The differences between the dynamic stereopsis and static stereopsis were compared.<p>RESULTS: Totally 17 cases(30%)had both dynamicstereopsis and static stereopsis, 39 cases(70%)had either dynamic or static stereopsis deficit, only 10 cases(26%)had dynamic stereopsis, 25 cases(64%)static stereopsis left and 4 cases(10%)were without any form of stereopsis. The positive rate of dynamic stereopsis was better than the positive rate of static stereopsis, with statistical significance(<i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: Dynamicstereopsis is better than the static stereopsis to intermittent exotropia children

Scheduling irrigation for jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.)

This study was performed to select suitable indicator for scheduling the irrigation of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) grown in the Loess Plateau. The relationships between plant-based indicators and soil matrix potential as well as meteorological factors of jujube under deficit irrigation compared with well irrigation were determined. The results showed that maximum daily trunk shrinkage increased and maximum daily trunk diameter, gas conductance and midday leaf water potential decreased in response to higher and lower soil matrix potential, respectively. However, the maximum daily trunk shrinkage signal intensity to noise ratio was highest in response to higher and lower soil matrix potential. Besides, the maximum daily trunk shrinkage correlated well with reference evapotranspiration and vapor pressure deficit (r2= 0.702 and 0.605 respectively). When the soil water potential was greater than -25kPa or less than –40 kPa, maximum daily trunk shrinkage values showed increasing trend, suggesting that Jujube might be subject to water stress. Based on this, the suitable soil water potential values of pear-jujube in anthesis and setting periods were identified between -40 kPa and - 25 kPa and the values can conduct precise irrigation of jujube in the Loess Plateau.Keywords: Water stress, water status indicators, soil water potential, Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), anthesis, fruit setting periodsAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 9(35), pp. 5694-5703, 30 August, 201