Comparing classical criteria for selecting intra-class correlated features in Multimix

The mixture approach to clustering requires the user to specify both the number of components to be fitted to the model and the form of the component distributions. In the Multimix class of models, the user also has to decide on the correlation structure to be introduced into the model. The behaviour of some commonly used model selection criteria is investigated when using the finite mixture model to cluster data containing mixed categorical and continuous attributes. The performance of these criteria in selecting both the number of components in the model and the form of the correlation structure amongst the attributes when fitting the Multimix class of models is illustrated using simulated data and a real medical data set. It is found that criteria based on the integrated classification likelihood have the best performance in detecting the number of clusters to be fitted to the model and in selecting the form of the component distributions. The performance of the Bayesian information criterion in detecting the correct model depends on the partitioning structure among the attributes while the Akaike information criterion and classification likelihood criterion perform in a less satisfactory way

Statistics critical in securing our food supply

“World food security … is at its lowest in half a century,” wrote Julian Cribb FTSE, a wellknown consultant in science communication and founding editor of www.sciencealert. com.au in the lead article in the 2008 ATSE Focus magazine issue entitled “Food for the world: the nation’s challenge”. Food security continues to be a key national and international concern and it is pleasing to see this issue of Focus again exploring aspects of the topic with the aim of continuing to raise awareness of issues and influencing relevant policy decisions. Statistics (or statistical science, more broadly) has been critical to the information and decision-making value chain needed to optimise agriculture and the food supply chain. The key steps are most often addressed by multidisciplinary research groups including statisticians in collaboration with life and physical scientists, agri-industry personnel and other relevant stakeholders

IBS: Transforming our governance

After more than 60 years, the Legislative Council overwhelming approved a revised governance structure for the International Biometric Society (IBS) to take effect from 1 January 2012. Responsibility for the governance and leadership of the society will be combined and placed in the hands of an Executive Board, supported by a much larger Representative Council. The Representative Council will be composed of members selected by the different regions (or geographical components) of the society. It will be responsible for overseeing the nomination and election (by the whole society) of the Executive Board and provide the conduit between the regions and this leadership team. Members of the Representative Council will also chair the Standing Committees. The transition process to the new governance structure is outlined, as are focus issues for the next decade