bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wood used in ancient timber architecture in Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Dong Mengyu , Zhou Haibin , Jiang Xiaomei , Lu Yun , Wang Weibin , Yin Yafang
Published: July 2017

We examined fifty main structural components from fifteen historical wood buildings located in the northern, central, southern and south-eastern regions of Shanxi Province, China and dating from the Tang to the Qing Dynasty. Eleven timber-tree genera were identified: Cupressus, Larix, Malus, Picea, Pinus subg. Diploxylon, Populus, Quercus, Sophora, Sorbus, Ulmus and Zizyphus. Furthermore, wood specimens of Larix and Pinus subg. Diploxylon were determined to species level, viz. Larix gmelinii var. principis-rupprechtii and Pinus tabuliformis, according to their original geographical distribution in this region. Natural distribution of the wood species was apparently the leading criterion for timber selection since most identified genera are native to the areas surrounding the buildings investigated.
Review of the genus Argyresthia Hübner, [1825] (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutoidea: Argyresthiidae) from China, with descriptions of forty-three new species
Authors: LIU TENGTENG , WANG SHUXIA , LI HOUHUN
Published: July 2017

The Chinese fauna of Argyresthia Hübner, [1825] included by 14 described species prior to this study. In the present paper we describe 43 new species and record seven species new to China. We also recognized six known Chinese species based on the available specimens; eight species previously reported for the fauna, but without available specimens for examination, are systematically placed in their relevant positions. The total species number of Argyresthia in China is brought to 64. The new species include: A. (Blastotere) aureola, sp. nov., A. (B.) sporadolepis, sp. nov., A. (B.) cineretra, sp. nov., A. (B.) affinicineretra, sp. nov., A. (B.) albaureola, sp. nov., A. (B.) densa, sp. nov., A. (B.) punctireticulata, sp. nov., A. (B.) dolichocoremata, sp. nov., A. (B.) longipenella, sp. nov., A. (Argyresthia) biloba, sp. nov., A. (A.) minutilepidota, sp. nov., A. (A.) flavifusca, sp. nov., A. (A.) trigonophylla, sp. nov., A. (A.) chiotorna, sp. nov., A. (A.) hirsuta, sp. nov., A. (A.) papillata, sp. nov., A. (A.) acuminata, sp. nov., A. (A.) curvativa, sp. nov., A. (A.) atomata, sp. nov., A. (A.) orthocera, sp. nov., A. (A.) cardiopetala, sp. nov., A. (A.) mala, sp. nov., A. (A.) longa, sp. nov., A. (A.) decurtata, sp. nov., A. (A.) minutisocia, sp. nov., A. (A.) scalprata, sp. nov., A. (A.) grammosacca, sp. nov., A. (A.) campylotropa, sp. nov., A. (A.) punctuata, sp. nov., A. (A.) chlorella, sp. nov., A. (A.) triangulata, sp. nov., A. (A.) subzonata, sp. nov., A. (A.) basistriata, sp. nov., A. (A.) longalbella, sp. nov., A. (A.) umbrina, sp. nov., A. (A.) umbrinistrigata, sp. nov., A. (A.) surrecta, sp. nov., A. (A.) lanosa, sp. nov., A. (A.) lata, sp. nov., A. (A.) cuprea, sp. nov., A. (A.) aurilata, sp. nov., A. (A.) convexa, sp. nov., and A. (A.) ellipsoidea, sp. nov.        The newly record species include: A. (A.) pygmaeella ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775), A. (A.) retinella Zeller, 1839, A. (A.) angusta Moriuti, 1969, A. (A.) alpha Friese & Moriuti, 1968, A. (A.) beta Friese & Moriuti, 1968, A. (A.) kaoyaiensis Moriuti, 1982, and A. (A.) dislocata Meyrick, 1914. The male of A. (A.) trochaula Meyrick, 1938, and the male and female genitalia of A. (A.) aphoristis Meyrick, 1938 and A. (A.) dislocata are described for the first time. The misidentified species A. (A.) assimilis Moriuti, 1977 in China is described as A. (A.) mala, sp. nov. Argyresthia cryptomeriae Yang, nomen non rite publicatum, is validated as Argyresthia anthocephala Meyrick, 1936. Keys to the subgenera and to the Chinese species with available specimens are provided.        Photos of adults and male and female genitalia are provided for all the examined species except two from Taiwan. Field photographs and biological information are provided where available. Five DNA barcode sequences of the two new species, A. (A.) surrecta, sp. nov. and A. (A.) lanosa, sp. nov., are provided for association of the sexes.
Projections of Twenty-First-Century Climate Extremes for Alaska via Dynamical Downscaling and Quantile Mapping
Authors: Lader Rick , Walsh John E. , Bhatt Uma S. , Bieniek Peter A.
Published: July 2017

Climate change is expected to alter the frequencies and intensities of at least some types of extreme events. Although Alaska is already experiencing an amplified response to climate change, studies of extreme event occurrences have lagged those for other regions. Forced migration due to coastal erosion, failing infrastructure on thawing permafrost, more severe wildfire seasons, altered ocean chemistry, and an ever-shrinking season for snow and ice are among the most devastating effects, many of which are related to extreme climate events. This study uses regional dynamical downscaling with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to investigate projected twenty-first-century changes of daily maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and precipitation over Alaska. The forcing data used for the downscaling simulations include the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim; 1981–2010), Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Climate Model, version 3 (GFDL CM3), historical (1976–2005), and GFDL CM3 representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5; 2006–2100). Observed trends of temperature and sea ice coverage in the Arctic are large, and the present trajectory of global emissions makes a continuation of these trends plausible. The future scenario is bias adjusted using a quantile-mapping procedure. Results indicate an asymmetric warming of climate extremes; namely, cold extremes rise fastest, and the greatest changes occur in winter. Maximum 1- and 5-day precipitation amounts are projected to increase by 53% and 50%, which is larger than the corresponding increases for the contiguous United States. When compared with the historical period, the shifts in temperature and precipitation indicate unprecedented heat and rainfall across Alaska during this century.
Weakened Impact of the Indian Early Summer Monsoon on North China Rainfall around the Late 1970s: Role of Basic-State Change
Authors: Lin Zhongda , Lu Riyu , Wu Renguang
Published: July 2017

Previous studies have found a link between north China and Indian rainfall during summer, with significantly increased rainfall in north China related to a stronger Indian summer monsoon. This link is weakened after the late 1970s, generally attributed to the reduced magnitude of interannual variability in the Indian summer rainfall. This study reveals a similar change in this rainfall link in early summer after the late 1970s. Related to a heavier Indian early summer rainfall, rainfall in north China enhances significantly before the late 1970s but not thereafter. The change in rainfall teleconnection is caused by the weakened impact on north China rainfall of a midlatitude wave train along the Asian jet in the upper troposphere. After the late 1970s, the portion of the wave train over East Asia displaces eastward, leading to an eastward shift in the associated ascending motion and, subsequently, enhanced rainfall from north China to the Yellow Sea. Moreover, the change in the midlatitude wave train is attributed to the change in the basic state over East Asia (i.e., a northward shift of the East Asian upper-tropospheric westerly jet after the late 1970s). The latter reduces stationary Rossby wavenumber and increases wavelength of the midlatitude wave train, leading to an eastward shift of the wave train over East Asia. Therefore, in this study a mechanism is proposed for the change in early summer, different from the previous mechanism for the entire summer period.
Industrialization and Intergenerational Mobility in Sweden
Authors: Maas Ineke , van Leeuwen Marco H. D.
Published: July 2017

The relationship between industrialization and intergenerational mobility has been a topic of discussion for over forty years. In this article both total mobility and relative mobility chances are studied in the decades preceding industrialization and the decades during industrialization. A high-quality data set is used covering the male population of a region in the north of Sweden during the 19th century. Total intergenerational mobility increased during industrialization until, at the end of the century, both industrialization and the growth of mobility stagnated. Sectorial barriers resulted in unequal relative mobility chances before and also during industrialization. However, sons from self-employed classes were less likely to inherit the class position of their father after the onset of industrialization. At the same time, mobility between classes differing in status became less frequent. These results show a decline in the importance of the direct transfer of resources between generations and may indicate the increasing importance of education.
On Asymptotic Representations for Reduced Quantiles in Sampling from a Length-Biased Distribution*
Authors: Sen Pranab Kumar
Published: July 2017

Nonparametric estimation of the quantiles of a distribution based on a sample from the corresponding length-biased distribution is considered. Along with some representations of this estimator in terms of averages of independent random variables, some limiting results are established. The case of reduced quantile processes is also treated briefly.
Optimum Estimation of Finite Population Variance Under Generalised Random Permutation Models
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Parimal
Published: July 2017

Considering certain generalised random permutation models we have derived optimal estimators of finite population variance within a general class of quadratic estimators. The class of non-negative unbiased polynomial estimators of variance has also been examined and an optimal estimator within that class has been derived under this model.
On a Class of Arrays Leading to Factorial Fractions II
Authors: Adhikary Basudeb , Das Premadhis
Published: July 2017

Recently we (Adhikary and Das 1986) have introduced a class of arrays, called grouped arrays (GA) and analysed them as main-effect (m .e) plans. Here we have considered the analysis as genera I fractional factorial plans and have shown that the estimates obtained obey a generalised concept of orthogonility and balancedness.
Asymmetrical Factorial Type Switch over Designs
Authors: Agarwal S. B. , Das M. N.
Published: July 2017

In the present paper an attempt has been made to construct asymmetrical factorial type switch over designs having strip type arrangement of combination of the levels. To start with two factors at different levels have been considered. One factor has number of levels larger by one compared to the number of levels of other factor. The sequences of levels of second factor are associated with each level symbol of first factor. The situation is similar to strip plot designs in agricultural experiments. Method of construction along with analysis of these designs has been described in this paper.
New Construction of Optimum Chemical Balance Weighing Designs
Authors: Ceranka B. , Katulska K.
Published: July 2017

The present paper deals with certain chemical balance weighing designs. The incidence matrices of BIB designs for v treatments have been used to construct these designs for p = v + 1 objects. Conditions have been obtained for making some of these designs “optimum”. The incidence matrices of BIB designs have been used to construct new optimum chemical balance weighing designs.
Minimum Variance Unbiased Estimation of Reliability and its Variance in Exponential Life Model Under Censorings
Authors: Jani P. N.
Published: July 2017

Using the approach of Roy and Mitra (1957), Jani (1984) has given an easy method for finding the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimators (UMVUEs) of reliability and its variance in exponential life model. We extend these results under Type 1 and Type 2 censorings.
On Second Order Efficiency of Minimum Discrepancy and Minimum Distance Estimators for the Multinomial Distribution
Authors: Nagnur B. N. , Hegde M.S.
Published: July 2017

Rao (1961, '62, '63) introduced the concept of second order efficiency (s.o.e.) of an asymptotically efficient i.e., best asymptotically normal (BAN) estimator. The main purpose of introducing this concept was to discriminate different asymptotically efficient estimators. Rao considered some wellknown methods of estimation for the multinomial distribution with true cell probabilities depending on a single unknown parameter. Nagnur and Aithal (1986) obtained a general expression for the s.o.e. of minimum distance estimators, obtained from a particular form of a distance function given by Taylor (1953) for the multinomial distribution . In this paper we have obtained the expression for the s.o.e. of minimum discrepancy (minimum power-divergence) estimators, obtained from a discrepancy function defined by Cressie and Read (1984) . The distance functions and the discrepancy functions which produce estimators having the same s.o.e. have been identified.
On Sequential Procedures for the Point Estimation of the Mean Vector
Authors: Singh R. Karan , Chaturvedi Ajit
Published: July 2017

Sequential procedures are proposed for (a) the minimum risk point estimation and (b) the bounded risk point estimation of the mean vector of a multivariate normal population . Second-order approximations are derived. For the problem (b), a lower bound for the number of additional observations (after stopping time) is obtained which ensures “ exact” boundedness of the risk associated witb the sequential procedure.
Degenerate U-Statistics Based on Non-Independent Observations
Authors: Carlstein E.
Published: July 2017

Many important statistics are actually degenerate U-statistics; examples include the χ2 goodness-of-fit statistic, the generalized Cramer-von Mises goodness-of-fit statistics, Hoeffding's nonparametric measure of bivariate dependence, the sample variance, ahd the cross-product statistic. Although these statistics were originally proposed for iid data, they remain intuitively reasonable and useful even when the underlying data contain serial dependence. The presence of such dependence alters the limiting distributions for these statistics, and this in turn should be reflected in any concomitant confidence intervals or critical regions. This paper presents straightforward asymptotic distribution theory for degenerate U-statistics computed from dependent observations : the results are applied to the examples mentioned above. The dependence in the data is characterized using standard model-free mixing conditions. There has not been much other work on degenerate U-statistics in the non-independent case, and our geueral formulation is the first to permit a unified treatment of all the examples discussed above. In fact, the asymptotic distributions of the Cramér-von Mises and Hoeffding statistics have not previously been derived in the case of non-independent data.
A New MIFRA Class of Life Distributions
Authors: Mukherjee S. P. , Chatterjee A.
Published: July 2017

A new multivariate generalization of the increasing failure rate average (IFRA) class which can be intutively supported in terms of some averaging of the component failure rates is proposed. A piecewise approximability of the class in the bivariate case and an inequality characterizing the proposed class have been established. It has been further shown that the proposed class possesses some desirable properties which should hold for any multivariate ageing class.
On Some Estimates of Poverty Measures
Authors: Maiti P. , Pal M.
Published: July 2017

There are now a number of poverty measures available in the literatures. Some of the measures are alternative to each other and some claimed to be superior in some sense to many others.

While significant work has been done in developing the alternative measurts, not much attention has been paid to the problem of estimation of these indices. Estimation does not pose very serious problems in the large sample, but when one deals with a small sample, which may typically be the case in reality, situations become quite different. In fact usual estimators become biased for some of the indices. In this paper, alternative estimators for these cases have been proposed. Other properties of the estimators and some other relevant issues have also been examined.
Effect of Two Mixed up Yields in a Randomised Block Design
Authors: Deo Sheela S. , Kharshikar A. V.
Published: July 2017

When two yields get mixed up in randomised block design, three different situations arise. Here we study one situation, where two observations from different blocks and different treatments get mixed up We give a test procedure for testing equality of treatment effects and compare the situation with one missing observation.
Some Thoughts on the Foundations of Statistical Inference 1
Authors: Chatterjee Shoutir Kishore
Published: July 2017

I am fully conscious of the honour that you have bestowed upon me by electing me President of the Section of Statistics for this 76-th session of Indian Science Congress. I know that this office carries with it an onerous responsibility and illustrious predecessors have set very high standards for it. I would strive my best to measure up to your trust and to make this session a success. I would need the good wishes and cooperation of all of you in this effort.
Balanced n-Ary Designs
Authors: Shah S.M. , Gujarathi C. C.
Published: July 2017

A method of construction of balanced n-ary desians using MOLS is given.
The (S-1, S) Inventory Model for Deteriorating Items with Exponential Lead Time
Authors: Pal Manisha
Published: July 2017

This paper considers an inventory model for items with a constant rate of decay, when lead time is random having an exponential distribution. The policy is to place an order with a supply centre whenever a demand is made or an item in stock deteriorates. The optimal stock to be maintained is obtained by minimising the total expected cost per unit time.
Non-Parametric Tests for Multiple Regression Under Permutation Symmetry
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Indranil
Published: July 2017

In this paper non-parametric tests for the multiple resrcssion set up which take into account the known permutation symmetry of the variates under the null hypothesis, are suggested. It bas been shown that under permutation symmetry the proposed procedure is more efficient than the standard nonparametric procedure for the multiple regression problem (see e.g. Puri and Sen (1985) ). A special situation where it is further known in advance that the regressions are identical is also considered briefly.
Analysis of Fourth Order Rotatability in K-Dimensions
Authors: Panda Rajendranath , Roy Archana Das
Published: July 2017

Recently the analysis and the derivation of non-singularity conditions of fourth order rotatable designs in K-dimensions had been dealt by some authors. But this analysis is not easily comprehensible. In this paper the above is given in detail including the variance function of the fourth order rotatable design.
A Note on Lower Bounds of Large Deviation Probabilities
Authors: Ghandra Tapas K.
Published: July 2017

In this note, a lower bound of large deviation probabilities is derived; this extends the main results of Bahadur, Gupta and Zabell (1980). An application to the Sonov large deviation problem is considered.
On two Sequential Procedures for Estimating the Parameter of a Uniform Distribution
Authors: Chaturvedi Ajit , Chaturvedi Anoop
Published: July 2017

Mukhopadhyay (1987) considered sequential procedure for the point estimation of the parameter θ in a U(0, θ) distribution under quadratic Joss. Given a random sample X1, ..., Xn of size n, he used Tn = max ( X1 , ... , Xn) to estimate θ In the present note, a sequential procedure based of UMVUE of θ is proposed. The asymptotic properties of the proposed procedure are established and its advantages over Mukhopadhyay's procedure are discussed.
Concomitant of Order Statistics in the Bivariate Exponential Distributions of Marshall and Olkin
Authors: Beg M. I. , Balasubramanian K.
Published: July 2017

For the bivariate exponential distributions of Marshall and Olkin, we find the distribution of the concomitant of the r-th order statistics of one of the components. Properties that concomitants get from the corresponding order statistics are used to derive a number of results.
Incomplete Split-Plot Designs Generatd By GDPBIBD(2)
Authors: Mejza Iwona , Mejza Stanislaw
Published: July 2017

The paper deals with split-plot types of experiment in which some kind of incompleteness can be accepted. In particular, the considered designs can be incomplete with regard to the wboleplot treatments or with regard to the subplot treatments. In such a case the incomplete treatments are arranged in a Gtoup Divisible Partially Balanced Incomplete Block Design with Two Associate Classes (GDPBIBD{2)). Hence, the resulting desian is called incomplete split-plot design generated by GDPBIBD(2).

AMS Subject Classification: 62K10, 62K15.
Reliability from Damaged Stress and Strength Data
Authors: Mukherjee S. P. , Maiti Sudhansu S.
Published: July 2017

In case of stress-strength reliability R = P( X > Y), inference is made under various assumptions regarding the variables X and Y. In reality instead of observing X and Y one observes U and V which imply stress and strength subject to some sort of errors. In this article, procedures have been Indicated to estimate true reliability using U and V values under the assumption of exponentiality. Over and/or under-reporting has been treated generally as damage.
Optimal Designs in Random Coefficient Linear Regression Models
Authors: Liski Erkki P. , Luoma Arto , Sinha Bikas K.
Published: July 2017

In this paper we consider a random coefficients regression model in the context of repeated measurements. The measurements are taken at consecutive points for several experimental units, and the total number of measurements have a fixed upper bound. Observations on the same unit at different points will be correlated while observations on two differents units are uncorrelated. We present optimal designs for slope parameter estimation and prediction.
On The Yeh­Bradley Conjecture for Treatment­Control Design
Authors: Majumdar Dibyen
Published: July 2017

It is shown that the Yeh­Bradley Conjecture for linear trendfree block design (Yeh and Bradley (1983)) is valid for BTIB ( v, b, k; t, s) designs
Estimation of Population Attributable Risk from Longitudinal Data: A Quasi­Likelihood Approach
Authors: Basu Srabashi , Basu Ayanendranath
Published: July 2017

This note focuses on the following scenario common in real life : Data are collected on K subjects for a length of time on exposure to a binary risk factor and a binary disease outcome. The problem considered is the estimation of population attributable risk independent of time, which quantifies the marginal impact of the risk factor on the disease. At each of T time points, the population attributable risk is formulated as a function of risk prevalence rate and the logit model parameters relating the risk and the disease. Quasilikelihood methods for longitudinal data are applied to estimate these model parameters. Finally, applying the quasi­likelihood for a second time, T estimates of the population attributable risk are combined. The methodology is illustrated with a real life data set.
Approximate Prediction Interval for Component Life Based on System Failure Data
Authors: Mukherjee S. P. , Dasgupta Natasa
Published: July 2017

Here we consider a two-component system where the components are identical but do not work independently within the system. Assuming the joint distribution of component lives to be Bivariate Exponential (BVED), system (series, parallel or stand-by) life distribution comes out to be a proper mixture of x2-distributions. We approximate the system life distribution as a chi-square with a multiplier that depends on system configuration. Prediction intervals for a single future observation (on component life) are constructed on the basis of system life observations. Further, we have taken Gamma and Rectangular priors for the parameters of the BVED and have approximated the unconditional distribution of system life as Beta with suitable parameters. Taking logarithmic transformation, we get Bayesian prediction intervals.
“Residual Life Time at Great Age” Revisited 1
Authors: Bhattacharjee M. C. , Basu Sujit K.
Published: July 2017

We follow up on results on the unit exponential law as the weak limit of residual life time normalized by the mean residual life time function and investigate further on the connection between such weak covergence and convergence of its suitable moment sequence.
Estimators which are Uniformly Better than the James-Stein Estimator
Authors: Pal Nabendu , Lin Jyh-Jiuan
Published: July 2017

Assume i.i.d. observations are available from a p-dimensional multivariate normal distribution with an unknown mean vector μ and an unknown p .d. diaper- . sion matrix ∑. Here we address the problem of mean estimation in a decision theoretic setup. It is well known that the unbiased as well as the maximum likelihood estimator of μ is inadmissible when p ≤ 3 and is dominated by the famous James-Stein estimator (JSE). There are a few estimators which are better than the JSE reported in the literature, but in this paper we derive wide classes of estimators uniformly better than the JSE. We use some of these estimators for further risk study.
Asymptotic Expansions of the Null Distribution of Bartlett's Statistic
Authors: Nandi S.B. , Aich A.B.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the asymptotic expansions of the null distribution of the Bartlett's statistic for testing the homogeneity of variance in independent normal samples with unequal sizes are obtained. Series representations of the density of the Bartlett's statistic are given in terms of incomplete gamma as well as incomplete beta functions. The forms of the resulting cumulative distributions seem quite tractable for computation of critical values. Some indication of the relation of earlier work to our expansions is also given.
Some Properties of the Frechet Upper-Bound
Authors: Shams S. , Noorbaluchi S.
Published: July 2017

It is well known that every bivariate distribution with given marginals must satisfy Frechet inequalities. This paper is concerned with the Frechet upper bound bivariate distribution function. After studying its general properties, the dependence structure of the distribution is studied. It is shown that this model could be used in some diverse applications both as an exact or as an approximate one.
A Test of Homogeneity Across Groups Using Poisson Count Data with Arbitrary Means
Authors: Dewanji Anup
Published: July 2017

Quite often, we have count data observed in time and space. Under the assumption of Poisson distribution for this count data, but with no specific model for the means, a test for homogeneity across groups is suggested. The size and power properties of this test are demonstrated through simulation and the test is illustrated with an example.
On the Non-Existence of a Fixed-Volume Confidence Ellipsoid for Multinormal Mean
Authors: Dey Sumanta , Pal Chandranath
Published: July 2017

It is well known (Dantzig, 1940) that based on a sample of given size from a univariate normal distribution with all unknown parameters, there does not exist a confidence interval for the mean with a preassigned length and a positive confidence coefficient. In this article we extend this result to the case of a multivariate normal population following a more direct approach recently considered by Lehmann (1986).
Detection of Outliers in Signal Processing when the Noise Covariance Matrix is Arbitrary
Authors: Bhandary Madhusudan
Published: July 2017

Procedures for detection of outliers in signal processing with arbitrary noise covariance matrix are given for mean-slippage outlier model. The distributions of the test statistics are discussed and the values of significant probabilities are given using Bonferroni's bounds. Some simulation results are also presented.
On Comparison of Some Randomized Response Strategies in Relation to Privacy Protection
Authors: Bhargava Manoj , Singh Ravindra , Rizvi S.E.H.
Published: July 2017

In the present paper, two randomized response strategies have been compared with U-model of Greenberg et al. (1969), in the light of privacy protection. The first strategy is shown to be equally efficient while the other conditionally more efficient as compared to U-model.
On Robustness of Choice of Links in Binomial Regression
Authors: Chen Ming-Hui , Dey Dipak K. , Wu Yuehui
Published: July 2017

In this article, we aim to examine an important issue in analyzing binomial response data, i.e., whether the model adequacy and variable selection are robust to the choice of links. We first provide an overview of several commonly used links such as the probit, Jogit, t3-link, complementary log-log link, and Stukel's generalized logistic models. Then, we conduct several comprehensive simulation studies to study whether the choice of links has any impact on model fitting or prediction. Three real data sets are also analyzed in detail. Our simulation study and the real data analysis empirically demonstrate that a wrong choice of links can lead to an underfit or overfit. Thus, a wrong decision can be made if the link function is misspecified. In addition, we also find that variable selection can be sensitive to certain links. However, the Stukel's link is more robust than the other links under consideration.
Empirical Bayes Estimation of Relative Risks in Disease Mapping
Authors: Lahiri P. , Maiti Tapabrata
Published: July 2017

Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) is a popular index of incidence and mortality from diseases such as cancer. Although SMR is quite reliable to measure relative risk for a large geographical region (e.g., a country), it is unreliable for a small-area (e.g. , a district) . In this paper, we introduce an empirical Bayes method to produce an alternative index as well as its measure of uncertainty. An example is provided to demonstrate the method.
A Note on Maximum and Minimum Stability of Certain Distributions
Authors: Satheesh S. , Nair N. Unnikrishnan
Published: July 2017

In the context of stability of extremes of a random variable (r.v.) X w.r.t a discrete r .v. N, we discuss relations between X and N and extend the notions when X is discrete.
Admissibility of the Minimum Risk Scale Equivariant Estimator in the Problem of Nile
Authors: Farsipour N. Sanjari
Published: July 2017

The decision problem of estimating the parameter in the problem of the Nile is considered. It is shown that the minimum risk scale equivariant estimator is admissible under the entropy loss function .
A Study of Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pateints: Analysis of Adjustment Period Data
Authors: Dewanji Anup , Ganguly Krishna S. , Mohanto Parth P. , Samanta Tapas , Sinha Bikas K.
Published: July 2017

In a study with a therapeutic treatment, the patients may need to be prepared for the application of therapy when the earlier medications, if any, are withdrawn. This withdrawal period, known as adjustment period, may induce some worsening of condition in the patients. This paper investigates the risk of such worsening before the therapy is applied. We consider a number of possible models for this purpose and consider maximum likelihood estimation of the related parameters. Different concepts of risk, depending on the patients' concern, are introduced and thereby estimated using the parameter estimates. We finally analyse a data set on Rheumatoid Arthritis patients with Pulsed Electro-magnetic Therapy.
A Statistical Analysis of Cryptosporidium in U. S. Drinking Water Sources
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Sinha Bimal K. , Messner Michael
Published: July 2017

To support Regulatory Impact Analysis of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is a need to characterize the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in the nation's source waters. The Information Collection Rule (ICR) and two supplemental surveys were designed by EPA to provide such occurrence data. A Poisson hierarchical model in Bayesian scheme, which allows for several covariates, is applied to the data collected in the two supplemental surveys. We employ an MCMC computing strategy. Our results show that flowing streams have higher mean Cryptosporidium concentrations than other water types, and medium systems have higher mean Cryptosporidium concentrations than large systems; the mean Cryptosporidium concentration does not change over time significantly; and the Cryptosporidium concentration is positively associated with sample turbidity.
Model Selection for a Chemical Inhibition Process
Authors: Sen Pall
Published: July 2017

The combined effects of the activities of different chemicals are of interest to many researchers. One chemical may promote or inhibit the effects of a second chemical. The behavior is attributed to the inhibition process and due to the chemical balance for different dose levels of the combining chemicals. Five mathematical models are tested here. Using nonlinear least squares methods we fit two sets of experimental data to all five models and estimate the model parameters. The analysis of the results uses the Akaike's criterion (AIC) and its related techniques to select a best model. The coefficients of variation for the parameter estimates are also used in determining the model selection.
On The Arc­Sine Record Values
Authors: Nadarajah Saralees , Ahsanullah Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Explicit algebraic expressions are derived for computing the means, variances and the covariances of the record values from the arc­sine distribution. The derivation uses a representation theorem due to Bairamov and Ahsanullah (2000).
Predictors in use of mental health resources: The role of behaviour problems in patients with severe mental illness
Authors: Bellido-Zanin Gloria , Vázquez-Morejón Antonio J , Martín-Rodríguez Agustín , Pérez-San-Gregorio Maria Ángeles
Published: July 2017

Background:

In recent years, more variables are being included in the use of mental health resource prediction models. Some studies have shown that how well the patient can function is important for this prediction. However, the relevance of a variable as important as behaviour problems has scarcely been explored.

Aim:

This study attempted to evaluate the effect of behaviour problems in patients with severe mental illness on the use of mental health resources.

Method:

A total of 185 patients at a Community Mental Health Unit were evaluated using the Behaviour Problem Inventory. Later, a bivariate logistic regression was done to identify what behaviour problems could be specific predictors of use of mental health resources.

Results:

The results showed that the general index of behaviour problems predicts both use of hospitalization resources and outpatient attention. Underactivity/social withdrawal is the best predictor of all the different areas.

Conclusion:

These results confirm the role of behaviour problems as predictors of the use of mental health resources in individuals with a severe mental illness.
Department of Health consultation on medical examiners and death certification reforms: A commentary on the criteria for notification to be laid down in regulation
Authors: Harris Andrew
Published: July 2017

The Department of Health has completed its consultation on the nature of the new medical examiner system and supporting regulations. This article considers whether the regulations for death notification to coroners are fit for purpose in the light of the medical literature on unnatural deaths and the experience of a coroner in a jurisdiction with a heavy workload from specialist hospital referrals. It concludes that they are to be welcomed, but that they should not rely on natural/unnatural death as a criterion for notification of deaths during the course of medical treatment, or refer to ‘neglect’. Furthermore, they should ensure that sudden-death syndromes, which may be considered by doctors as natural, are still notified. Relying on these changes to reduce coronial investigations would be unwise. If that is the intention, other reforms may be necessary.
Car Distribution Statistics and the Hit-and-Run Driver
Authors: Tippett C. F.
Published: July 2017

Nearly 20,000 cars were counted in the South Wales area in an attempt to discover if the numbers of car models of particular colours on a road could be predicted. The results agreed well with theoretical figures obtained from a Poisson distribution. A statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the figures.
The Immunological Diagnosis of Pregnancy with Specimen of Blood Stains
Authors: Abelli G. , Viterbo B. , Falagario M.
Published: July 2017

It is sometimes necessary, for both penal and civil proceedings, to establish the existence of a preceding pregnancy, but this task is especially difficult if the period between the moment of interruption of pregnancy and the time of diagnosis is protracted. Methods of establishing the differential diagnosis between menstrual, abortive and puerperal blood, and that originating from pathological metrorrhagia, would be of great value and some are described in this article.
Fatal Phosphorus Poisoning Elucidated by Exhumation Three and a Half Years after Burial
Authors: Zeldenrust J. , Boer D. D.
Published: July 2017

The detection of elemental phosphorus in a body exhumed after a prolonged time has seldom been reported. In fact, it has been given in evidence that it disappears by oxidation. Bosnjakovic (1902) detected elemental phosphorus in an exhumed body 467 days after death, while Polson and Tattersall (1959) recently described its recovery from a body 13 months after burial. In 1954, the authors investigated a case 3 1/2 years after burial. They were able to obtain positive results to elemental phosphorus in a number of tissues and so 3 1/2 years after death were able to confirm a case of phosphorus poisoning.
Sudden Death from Metabolic Disorder in Childhood
Authors: Oppé Thomas E.
Published: July 2017

Most paediatricians have had cases of infants and children under their care who have died with tragic and unexpected suddenness thereby transforming the subject from one of academic epidemiological interest into an intensely provocative challenge.
The Typing of Esterase D in Human Bloodstains
Authors: Parkin B. H. , Adams Elizabeth G.
Published: July 2017

A modified technique is described for the determination of esterase D phenotypes in liquid blood and dry bloodstains. The problems of typing ageing bloodstains are discussed and a technique of interpreting the results is suggested. Frequencies of esterase D phenotypes in various racial types of a British population arc given.
How Dead Can You Be?
Authors: Van Till-D'Aulnis de Bourouill Adrienne
Published: July 2017

Life and death are defined in terms of function. Four groups of abnormal cases of death are specified and differentiated from normal cases.

Murder, active euthanasia and cessation of artificial respiration are differentiated on the basis of the interested party, the cause of death and the purpose of the act. Juridical acceptance of this differentiation and terminology makes cessation of artificial respiration lawful, provided the patient had validly refused this treatment or is irreversibly comatose and also respirator-dependent. This would make it unnecessary to redefine death in terms of coma in order to solve legal and practical problems. Such a redefinition is against current usage (coma presumes life) and is the first step on an extremely slippery road; it is only admissible if done by the legislator after extensive public discussion.

Disagreement among doctors about the definition and diagnosis of death causes distrust among the public, aggravates the shortage of donor organs and makes legal security an illusion. Three diagnostic ‘schools’ are compared: the Anglo-American (using Harvard's criteria), the French (using Mollaret's coma dépassé) and the Austro-German (using absence of intracranial blood circulation). On grounds of logic only the Austro-German diagnosis is reliable; it is not based on a statistically irreversible absence of outwardly perceptible manifestations of brain function, but proves and documents with certainty the total and irreversible impossibility of brain function. At present this has to be done by bilateral angiography of both carotid and vertebral arteries; if negative concerning the intracranial part, this proves death. In normal cases the traditional criteria may be used; in abnormal cases where no infringement of the body is foreseeable death need not be a certainty in order to stop therapy, provided the patient is irreversibly comatose and also respirator-dependent; in abnormal cases where an infringement is foreseeable death should be proved and documented to make the infringement lawful, apart from other conditions such as consent. Proof can be obtained by the Austro-German method or by discontinuing resuscitation during at least 15 consecutive minutes where this is legally permissible. Most German and Dutch lawyers concerned share this view.
Microscopical Focal Destruction (Tunnels) in Exhumed Human Bones
Authors: Hackett C.J.
Published: July 2017

This is a survey of microscopical focal destruction in exhumed human bones from several countries and burial times. The single change (destruction) seen in these bones contrasts with the sequence of changes in pathological processes (destruction, cellular infiltration, new bone formation and healing). The absence of cells stresses the importance of size and shape, in three dimensions, and contents of the destructive foci. Focal mineral redeposition (e.g. cuffing) is characteristic of most forms of tunnels, and is usually associated with focal loss of mineral and bone matrix, partial or whole. In one kind of foci/tunnels (Wedl's) redeposition is restricted to packed osteons. The accumulation of the waste products of the invading organism in the surrounding tissue may hinder or stop the growth of the organism and consequential bone destruction. Later the redeposited mineral may be leached out and the bone thus ‘returned to normal’ will allow further growth of the invader and renewed destruction. Desiccation after exhumation soon ‘fixes’ the redeposited mineral. Mineral redeposition is never found in pathological changes.

Examination of transverse and longitudinal sections together with the comparison of the changes in the mid-zone of cortical bone with those in the inner and outer zones is helpful in understanding the progress of the changes. No invasion by organisms of the lamellar tissue from the osteon canals was seen although this must be the rule. The tunnels in bones and teeth are compared, and show that the contents are, with one exception, not related to any anatomical structure. There is only destruction, and no new bone can be laid down in these postmortem changes.

One kind of focus/tunnel does not change into or overlap another. The results of experimental burials in garden soils were indecisive.

Four kinds of such well-defined changes are described, but the examination of specimens from a wider range of provenances will almost certainly reveal others and may call for modifications of the conclusions of this paper. The cause of these changes is yet to be established; it is not physico-chemical, but is probably bacterial or fungal. Although the invasion must proceed from the cortical surfaces via the osteon canals, these canals persist in even the oldest specimens. These foci/tunnels probably occur in buried bones throughout the world where the inhumation environment is favourable. They have been reported from early geological periods, and in this study were found in pterodactyl bones from the Jurassic period about 190 million years ago.

Complete packing of exhumed bone tissue with microscopical destructive foci/tunnels can completely obscure the pattern of pathological changes.

The application of more sophisticated techniques would contribute to the fuller understanding of these changes and their causes.
Fire Deaths in the Glasgow Area: II the Role of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Anderson R. A. , Watson A. A. , Harland W. A.
Published: July 2017

In a study of fire deaths in the Glasgow area, 163 cases have been submitted to post-mortem pathological and toxicological examination. Carboxyhaemoglobin concentrations were measured in blood samples from these fatalities and also from groups of non-fatal fire casualties, firemen and controls. The results showed that 85 per cent of the fatal cases had inhaled some carbon monoxide and death could be attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning in 52 per cent of the cases. There appeared to be no contribution to the toxicity of carbon monoxide from hydrogen cyanide, ethanol or the age of the victim but there was some evidence that advanced coronary artery disease may cause a lowering of the fatal threshold for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Histopathological Re-Study of the Human Cardiac Conduction System in Coroners' Autopsies
Authors: Chandrasiri Niriellage
Published: July 2017

The histopathology of the cardiac conduction system was studied in 75 coroners' autopsies. Existing methods have been simplified and are described in detail. A minimum of three ***5 u sections need to be cut from each vena cavo atrial strip and each atrio ventricular block, for a successful result. Reasons for failure, difficulties in interpretation, and age-related changes in histopathological features are discussed. Fatty infilteration commences at 33 years old and fibrosis at 43 years old. Conduction system studies do not seem to increase the accuracy of routine autopsy diagnosis in deaths due to coronary artery disease. However, its study in unexpected sudden death in the young should be made compulsory. The difficulties in performing choline esterase tests on conduction systems are also highlighted.
Alcohol and Violent Accidental and Suicidal Death
Authors: Crompton M. Rufus
Published: July 2017

An analysis of the presence of alcohol amongst 406 cases of violent accident or suicide (excluding road traffic accidents and drug overdoses) showed a basic association between alcohol and accident as opposed to suicide. A positive blood alcohol was noticeably more frequent in men. There were also definite characteristics of the differing forms of violent death as regards suicide, accident, alcoholism, drugs and the sexes.
The Dissemination of Fragments of Cerebellar Tissue into the Spinal Subarachnoid and Subdural Spaces following Severe Head Injury—A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Smith Christine M. L. , Timperley W. R.
Published: July 2017

A report of two cases illustrating the dissemination of brain tissue into the spinal subdural and subarachnoid spaces following severe head injury. The significance of this finding is discussed.
Electrocution by Dielectric Breakdown (ARCING) from Overhead High Tension Cables
Authors: Path Niriellage Chandrasiri
Published: July 2017

A case of death from electrocution by the phenomenon of arcing from high voltage power cables on to an aluminium staff is reported. The external findings in such a case may be minimal. The case described showed superficial burns of the left hand, pin-head sized pits on right hand and crater-like burnt areas on the balls of toes. These features and therefore the diagnosis were missed by the medical officer conducting the first autopsy. The necessity of examining the scene in cases of sudden death of young adults after obtaining a complete history is emphasized. The medical officer undertaking such autopsies should have a training in clinical forensic medicine and forensic pathology. The value of histology in embalmed bodies is also emphasized.