title: Methods for eliciting informative prior distributions: A critical review

authors: Falconer, Julia Ruth

subjects: computer science

abstract: Eliciting informative prior distributions for Bayesian inference can often be complex and challenging. Although popular methods rely on asking experts probability-based questions to quantify uncertainty, these methods are not without their drawbacks, and many alternative elicitation methods exist. This paper explores methods for eliciting informative priors categorized by type and briefly discusses their strengths and limitations. Most of the review literature in this field focuses on a particular type of elicitation approach. The primary aim of this work, however, is to provide a more complete yet macro view of the state of the art by highlighting new (and old) approaches in one clear easy-to-read article. Two representative applications are used throughout to explore the suitability, or lack thereof, of the existing methods, one of which highlights a challenge that has not been addressed in the literature yet. We identify some of the gaps in the present work and discuss directions for future research.

text: Methods for eliciting informative prior distributions: A critical review Eliciting informative prior distributions for Bayesian inference can often be complex and challenging. Although popular methods rely on asking experts probability-based questions to quantify uncertainty, these methods are not without their drawbacks, and many alternative elicitation methods exist. This paper explores methods for eliciting informative priors categorized by type and briefly discusses their strengths and limitations. Most of the review literature in this field focuses on a particular type of elicitation approach. The primary aim of this work, however, is to provide a more complete yet macro view of the state of the art by highlighting new (and old) approaches in one clear easy-to-read article. Two representative applications are used throughout to explore the suitability, or lack thereof, of the existing methods, one of which highlights a challenge that has not been addressed in the literature yet. We identify some of the gaps in the present work and discuss directions for future research.

year: 2022

title: Clay mineralogy of tephras and associated paleosols and soils, and hydrothermal deposits, North Island [New Zealand]

authors: Lowe, David J.

subjects: clay minerals

abstract: Tour themes and itinerary
The tour centres on the occurrence and genesis of clay minerals, especially allophane, halloysite, and ferrihydrite, associated with both Quaternary rhyolitic airfall tephra (volcanic ash) deposits and volcanogenic alluvium, and on mineralisation and thermal activity in hydrothermal fields. After a brief overview of the basaltic volcanoes of Auckland City, our route essentially traverses the Central Volcanic Region by way of a large loop with overnight stops at Rotorua (2 nights), Tokaanu, and Auckland (Fig. 0.1). We have around five stops planned for each day (including lunch), three of these being scientific stops except on Day 4 when we have only one scientific stop because of the need to travel greater distances.
Our route takes us progressively towards the locus of the most recently active volcanic centres of the Central Volcanic Region, and so the surficial tephra deposits and buried paleosols become successively younger and generally less weathered: tephras at the Mangawara section (Day 1) span c. 1 Ma; at Tapapa (Day 2), c. 140 ka; at Te Ngae (Day 2), c. 20 ka; and at De Bretts, c. 10 ka, and Wairakei, c. 2 ka (Day 3). Interspersed with these tephra-paleosol sections are stops to examine an allophane-halloysite soil drainage (leaching) sequence on volcanogenic alluvium (Day 1), hydrothermal activity and mineral deposits at Whakarewarewa (Day 2) and Waiotapu (Day 3), and pure ferrihydrite seepage deposits in Hamilton (Day 4). Following introductory and detailed background review material, the tour guide has been arranged on a day-by-day basis and includes an outline of the route and stops, and several pages describing the stratigraphy, mineralogy, chemistry, and pedology of the deposits or features at each of the main stops. We will attempt to point out and describe geological and other features as appropriate during travel periods.
Other activities
Examples of New Zealand's distinctive fauna and flora, including kiwis and tuataras, will be seen at close quarters at Rainbow Springs (Day 2), where we will also enjoy an agricultural farm show. In Rotorua we will partake in a Maori hangi (steam-cooked feast) and concert including traditional dance forms (hakas) and songs (Day 2). In Tokaanu, hot pools will be available to relax in near the slopes of Mt Tongariro (Day 3). At Waitomo, we will visit the Waitomo Cave and in Hamilton spend a short time at the Waikato Museum of Art and History (Day 4). Finally, the tour will conclude with a farewell dinner in Auckland.

text: Clay mineralogy of tephras and associated paleosols and soils, and hydrothermal deposits, North Island [New Zealand] Tour themes and itinerary
The tour centres on the occurrence and genesis of clay minerals, especially allophane, halloysite, and ferrihydrite, associated with both Quaternary rhyolitic airfall tephra (volcanic ash) deposits and volcanogenic alluvium, and on mineralisation and thermal activity in hydrothermal fields. After a brief overview of the basaltic volcanoes of Auckland City, our route essentially traverses the Central Volcanic Region by way of a large loop with overnight stops at Rotorua (2 nights), Tokaanu, and Auckland (Fig. 0.1). We have around five stops planned for each day (including lunch), three of these being scientific stops except on Day 4 when we have only one scientific stop because of the need to travel greater distances.
Our route takes us progressively towards the locus of the most recently active volcanic centres of the Central Volcanic Region, and so the surficial tephra deposits and buried paleosols become successively younger and generally less weathered: tephras at the Mangawara section (Day 1) span c. 1 Ma; at Tapapa (Day 2), c. 140 ka; at Te Ngae (Day 2), c. 20 ka; and at De Bretts, c. 10 ka, and Wairakei, c. 2 ka (Day 3). Interspersed with these tephra-paleosol sections are stops to examine an allophane-halloysite soil drainage (leaching) sequence on volcanogenic alluvium (Day 1), hydrothermal activity and mineral deposits at Whakarewarewa (Day 2) and Waiotapu (Day 3), and pure ferrihydrite seepage deposits in Hamilton (Day 4). Following introductory and detailed background review material, the tour guide has been arranged on a day-by-day basis and includes an outline of the route and stops, and several pages describing the stratigraphy, mineralogy, chemistry, and pedology of the deposits or features at each of the main stops. We will attempt to point out and describe geological and other features as appropriate during travel periods.
Other activities
Examples of New Zealand's distinctive fauna and flora, including kiwis and tuataras, will be seen at close quarters at Rainbow Springs (Day 2), where we will also enjoy an agricultural farm show. In Rotorua we will partake in a Maori hangi (steam-cooked feast) and concert including traditional dance forms (hakas) and songs (Day 2). In Tokaanu, hot pools will be available to relax in near the slopes of Mt Tongariro (Day 3). At Waitomo, we will visit the Waitomo Cave and in Hamilton spend a short time at the Waikato Museum of Art and History (Day 4). Finally, the tour will conclude with a farewell dinner in Auckland.

year: 1993-07-01

title: Māori education as justice and reckoning

authors: Hemi, Keakaokawai Varner

abstract: Hypothetical musings on what constitutes justice have been taking place at least since the ancient Greek philosopher Plato recorded the above debate between Socrates and Cephalus in Republic circa 380 BCE. Modem philosophical notions of justice have also often been heady stuff relying on heuristic "device[ s] of representation"², "thick and thin"³ theories and other abstract conceptions to untangle real-world inequalities. In comparison, current questions of access to justice are earthy, grunty and real. Increasingly vociferous access to justice claims cite the actual injustice-laden histories of particular groups, speak in terms of harm already inflicted and call for reparative, restorative or healing justice. Indigenous peoples, African-Americans and other disenfranchised, excluded and oppressed groups quote dates, casualty numbers and the legislative section or treaty responsible. For many indigenous people, any single incident is always just one among many in the collective memory; there are always more dates, cases,⁴ facts and figures in the "litany of injustices"⁵ which evidence denial of justice. Gritty statistics in one area of well-being flow into another and over generations. This is justice in the trenches, a place where numbers and statistics are what they are.

text: Māori education as justice and reckoning Hypothetical musings on what constitutes justice have been taking place at least since the ancient Greek philosopher Plato recorded the above debate between Socrates and Cephalus in Republic circa 380 BCE. Modem philosophical notions of justice have also often been heady stuff relying on heuristic "device[ s] of representation"², "thick and thin"³ theories and other abstract conceptions to untangle real-world inequalities. In comparison, current questions of access to justice are earthy, grunty and real. Increasingly vociferous access to justice claims cite the actual injustice-laden histories of particular groups, speak in terms of harm already inflicted and call for reparative, restorative or healing justice. Indigenous peoples, African-Americans and other disenfranchised, excluded and oppressed groups quote dates, casualty numbers and the legislative section or treaty responsible. For many indigenous people, any single incident is always just one among many in the collective memory; there are always more dates, cases,⁴ facts and figures in the "litany of injustices"⁵ which evidence denial of justice. Gritty statistics in one area of well-being flow into another and over generations. This is justice in the trenches, a place where numbers and statistics are what they are.

year: 2017