The $p$-tensor Curie-Weiss model is a two-parameter discrete exponential family for modeling dependent binary data, where the sufficient statistic has a linear term and a term with degree $p geq 2$. This is a special case of the tensor Ising model and the natural generalization of the matrix Curie-Weiss model, which provides a convenient mathematical abstraction for capturing, not just pairwise, but higher-order dependencies. In this paper we provide a complete description of the limiting properties of the maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the natural parameters, given a single sample from the $p$-tensor Curie-Weiss model, for $p geq 3$, complementing the well-known results in the matrix ($p=2$) case (Comets and Gidas (1991)). Our results unearth various new phase transitions and surprising limit theorems, such as the existence of a 'critical' curve in the parameter space, where the limiting distribution of the ML estimates is a mixture with both continuous and discrete components. The number of mixture components is either two or three, depending on, among other things, the sign of one of the parameters and the parity of $p$. Another interesting revelation is the existence of certain 'special' points in the parameter space where the ML estimates exhibit a superefficiency phenomenon, converging to a non-Gaussian limiting distribution at rate $N^{frac{3}{4}}$. We discuss how these results can be used to construct confidence intervals for the model parameters and, as a byproduct of our analysis, obtain limit theorems for the sample mean, which provide key insights into the statistical properties of the model.

Dimitris Bertsimas, Bart Van Parys.

Source: The Annals of Statistics, Volume 48, Number 1, 300--323.

Abstract:
We present a novel binary convex reformulation of the sparse regression problem that constitutes a new duality perspective. We devise a new cutting plane method and provide evidence that it can solve to provable optimality the sparse regression problem for sample sizes $n$ and number of regressors $p$ in the 100,000s, that is, two orders of magnitude better than the current state of the art, in seconds. The ability to solve the problem for very high dimensions allows us to observe new phase transition phenomena. Contrary to traditional complexity theory which suggests that the difficulty of a problem increases with problem size, the sparse regression problem has the property that as the number of samples $n$ increases the problem becomes easier in that the solution recovers 100% of the true signal, and our approach solves the problem extremely fast (in fact faster than Lasso), while for small number of samples $n$, our approach takes a larger amount of time to solve the problem, but importantly the optimal solution provides a statistically more relevant regressor. We argue that our exact sparse regression approach presents a superior alternative over heuristic methods available at present.

Emmanuel J. Candès, Pragya Sur.

Source: The Annals of Statistics, Volume 48, Number 1, 27--42.

Abstract:
This paper rigorously establishes that the existence of the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) in high-dimensional logistic regression models with Gaussian covariates undergoes a sharp “phase transition.” We introduce an explicit boundary curve $h_{mathrm{MLE}}$, parameterized by two scalars measuring the overall magnitude of the unknown sequence of regression coefficients, with the following property: in the limit of large sample sizes $n$ and number of features $p$ proportioned in such a way that $p/n ightarrow kappa $, we show that if the problem is sufficiently high dimensional in the sense that $kappa >h_{mathrm{MLE}}$, then the MLE does not exist with probability one. Conversely, if $kappa <h_{mathrm{MLE}}$, the MLE asymptotically exists with probability one.

Wei-Kuo Chen.

Source: The Annals of Statistics, Volume 47, Number 5, 2734--2756.

Abstract:
We consider the problem of detecting a deformation from a symmetric Gaussian random $p$-tensor $(pgeq3)$ with a rank-one spike sampled from the Rademacher prior. Recently, in Lesieur et al. (Barbier, Krzakala, Macris, Miolane and Zdeborová (2017)), it was proved that there exists a critical threshold $eta_{p}$ so that when the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds $eta_{p}$, one can distinguish the spiked and unspiked tensors and weakly recover the prior via the minimal mean-square-error method. On the other side, Perry, Wein and Bandeira (Perry, Wein and Bandeira (2017)) proved that there exists a $eta_{p}'<eta_{p}$ such that any statistical hypothesis test cannot distinguish these two tensors, in the sense that their total variation distance asymptotically vanishes, when the signa-to-noise ratio is less than $eta_{p}'$. In this work, we show that $eta_{p}$ is indeed the critical threshold that strictly separates the distinguishability and indistinguishability between the two tensors under the total variation distance. Our approach is based on a subtle analysis of the high temperature behavior of the pure $p$-spin model with Ising spin, arising initially from the field of spin glasses. In particular, we identify the signal-to-noise criticality $eta_{p}$ as the critical temperature, distinguishing the high and low temperature behavior, of the Ising pure $p$-spin mean-field spin glass model.

Chih-Yuan Hsu, Yi-Hau Chen, Ruoh-Rong Yu, Tsung-Wei Hung.

Source: The Annals of Applied Statistics, Volume 14, Number 1, 160--177.

Abstract:
Workers in Taiwan overall have been suffering from long-lasting wage stagnation since the mid-1990s. In particular, there seems to be little mobility for the wages of Taiwanese workers to transit across wage quantile groups. It is of interest to see if certain groups of workers, such as female, lower educated and younger generation workers, suffer from the problem more seriously than the others. This work tries to apply a systematic statistical approach to study this issue, based on the longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD) survey conducted in Taiwan since 1999. We propose the quantile transition regression model, generalizing recent methodology for quantile association, to assess the wage status transition with respect to the marginal wage quantiles over time as well as the effects of certain demographic and job factors on the wage status transition. Estimation of the model can be based on the composite likelihoods utilizing the binary, or ordinal-data information regarding the quantile transition, with the associated asymptotic theory established. A goodness-of-fit procedure for the proposed model is developed. The performances of the estimation and the goodness-of-fit procedures for the quantile transition model are illustrated through simulations. The application of the proposed methodology to the PSFD survey data suggests that female, private-sector workers with higher age and education below postgraduate level suffer from more severe wage status stagnation than the others.

A l’approche de la décision de la SADC, il est important qu’elle porte toute son attention sur les mesures qui permettent de garantir l’équité de traitement entre les protagonistes. Sans modifier le texte de la feuille de route, les autorités ont la possibilité de prouver leur volonté de garantir la neutralité du processus, afin que l’opposition soit libre de faire le choix d’entrer ou non dans cette transition sur une base équilibrée. Le rejet des autorités de ces mesures exposerait leur absence de volonté de voir se dérouler une transition et des élections crédibles. Il démontrerait également leur choix de plonger le pays dans l’instabilité plutôt que d’accepter des mesures qui renforcent la transition. Le refus de l’opposition d’adhérer au processus ne pourrait plus être justifié par un déséquilibre de la solution proposée.

During the last few months, new options for resolving the Madagascar crisis have emerged in the form of the most recent roadmap proposed by the mediation team of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Accepted by the authorities and rejected by elements of the opposition, the roadmap remains the subject of debate and there is still no agreement on how to achieve a peaceful transition. In a few weeks from now, the SADC is due to make a statement on the document and accept, reject or amend it. There are other options for changing the course of events without changing the roadmap and these should be explored as quickly as possible.

Community groups and sports not connected to school can help students stay more connected academically during a critical transition period, according to a study of low-income students in New York City.

Health care transition services assist youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) in transitioning to adult care without gaps in services or health insurance coverage. Less than half of YSHCN receive anticipatory assistance in this transition; receipt of these services for youth with autism spectrum disorder is unknown.

Youth with autism spectrum disorder receive transition services half as often as youth with special health care needs. Quality of health care is associated with increased receipt of health care transition services. Presence of comorbid conditions decreased receipt of transition services. (Read the full article)

Most children with type 1 diabetes get care from pediatric-trained providers, and must transfer care to adult providers once in adulthood. The timing of this change in providers and its relationship to glycemic control is not well understood.

In this cohort, the estimated median age to transition to adult care was 20.1 years and 77% had left pediatric care by age 21. Leaving pediatric care was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in odds of having poor glycemic control. (Read the full article)

The importance of transition from pediatric to adult health care for youth with special health care needs has gained increasing attention over the past decade, but fewer than half of this population received needed transition preparation in 2005–2006.

This study reports on transition findings from the 2009–2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs and finds no discernible improvements since 2005–2006. New clinical recommendations and care processes should help to accelerate transition improvements in the future. (Read the full article)

Transition from pediatric to adult care is often reported to be unsuccessful. Little evidential research has examined the actual proportion of youth in pediatric versus adult care or impact on health status outcomes after transferring from pediatric to adult care.

Our article extends the literature by providing health transition outcome data, something that has been recognized as a critical gap to developing evidence-based programming and health care transition policy. (Read the full article)

There is growing understanding of the detrimental effect of paternal depression on children. The transition to fatherhood is a unique time for men. Identifying which fathers are at-risk and when will inform effective methods to help men and their families.

Nonresident fathers have the highest depression symptom scores, peaking before entering fatherhood. Although resident fathers’ scores decrease preceding entry into fatherhood, there is a significant increase from 0 to 5 years of their child’s life when key parent–infant attachment occurs. (Read the full article)

Adolescents with chronic disease are a diverse population with common needs for transition. Disease-specific interventions have shown promise at improving patient outcomes but with substantial personnel and resource costs. Whether a generic approach across diseases may be useful is unknown.

This study is among the first to evaluate a generic (across disease) approach to transition of adolescents to adult care. The approach demonstrated promise and cost savings due to reduced personnel requirement and use of low-cost technology dissemination methods. (Read the full article)

The US health care system transition to the ICD-10-CM will occur in October 2015. The logistical and financial impact of the transition for billing codes frequently used by pediatricians has not been studied.

The findings of this study evaluate the government-provided mappings from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM for accuracy and provide the diagnostic codes used by pediatricians, which may be adversely affected by the transition to ICD-10-CM. (Read the full article)

Neurocognitive deficits, academic delays, and behavioral and emotional problems are well documented in school-age children in relation to socioeconomic disadvantage and residential instability. Despite adversity, early intervention can facilitate healthy cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Homeless youth demonstrated elevated rates of untreated psychiatric disorders, low academic achievement, and impaired neurocognition. Mental health and neurocognitive symptoms were associated with vocational outcome. Intervention beyond employment services alone is needed to improve functioning. (Read the full article)

More children with special health care needs are surviving to adulthood and entering the adult health care system. Effective transition of care can promote continuity of developmental and age-appropriate care for these individuals.

Existing studies provide modest transition care support. Methods for providing transition care warrant attention, and future research needs are wide ranging. Consistent and accepted measures of transition success are critical to establishing an adequate body of literature to affect practice. (Read the full article)

The built environment may affect weight status by presenting opportunities or barriers for exercise and nutritious eating. Although there is substantial cross-sectional evidence linking neighborhood factors and childhood obesity, causal uncertainty remains, owing to conceptual and methodological challenges.

This prospective study examined neighborhood influences on obesity during the transition to adolescence, a sensitive period for excess weight gain. Girls living in neighborhoods characterized by physical disorder or increased access to food and service retailers exhibited higher obesity risk. (Read the full article)

The collapse of the state and the disappearance of security forces from a large part of the territory may turn the Central African Republic (CAR) into a source of instability in the heart of Africa.
Please note the full report is only available in French.

Within days of the University's shift to remote learning, faculty, instructors and teaching assistants in the Department of Geography moved 35 resident instruction courses into remote delivery mode to teach 1,947 students.

A Holyrood committee has called on the Scottish Government to include a “sunset clause” in legislation that will enable the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to continue to operate during a post-Brexit transition period

Long-term workers transition from the Near East Field to Germany to serve Syrians and equip churches to reach out to refugees.

You have signed a contract with an international school and the excitement and anticipation is rising; along with some nervousness. The questions start running through your mind, "What was I thinking? How long am I going to be gone? What do I need to pack? Can I get Reese Peanut Butter Cups over the

Review of: Modelling Transitions: Virtues, Vices, Visions of the Future by Moallemi, Enayat A. and de Haan, Fjalar J. (Eds.), reviewed by Cesar Garcia-Diaz

Alireza Mansouri and Fattaneh Taghiyareh: Human interactions and opinion exchanges lead to social opinion dynamics, which is well described by opinion formation models. In these models, a random parameter is usually considered as the system noise, indicating the individual's inexplicable opinion changes. This noise could be an indicator of any other influential factors, such as public media, affects, and emotions. We study phase transitions, changes from one social phase to another, for various noise levels in a discrete opinion formation model based on the social impact theory with a scale-free random network as its interaction network topology. We also generate another similar model using the concept of social power based on the agents' node degrees in the interaction network as an estimation for their persuasiveness and supportiveness strengths and compare both models from phase transition viewpoint. We show by agent-based simulation and analytical considerations how opinion phases, including majority and non-majority, are formed in terms of the initial population of agents in opinion groups and noise levels. Two factors affect the system phase in equilibrium when the noise level increases: breaking up more segregated groups and dominance of stochastic behavior of the agents on their deterministic behavior. In the high enough noise levels, the system reaches a non-majority phase in equilibrium, regardless of the initial combination of opinion groups. In relatively low noise levels, the original model and the model whose agents' strengths are proportional to their centrality have different behaviors. The presence of a few high-connected influential leaders in the latter model consequences a different behavior in reaching equilibrium phase and different thresholds of noise levels for phase transitions.

Agency: HSS Closing Date: 5/27/2020

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 27, 2020) – Across Delaware, about 18,000 child support recipients receive their child support payments electronically loaded to a prepaid debit card. In January 2019, the Delaware Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) teamed up with U.S. Bank to issue a new prepaid debit card, the U.S. Bank ReliaCard®, for child support […]

The Indian passenger vehicle (PV) market is going through its worst phase in almost a decade, but Rajesh Goel, senior vice-president & director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Cars India, believes that as the festive season approaches, the market should revive.

Players are working out creatively, but can't replace the intensity of team training.

I want to write a transition coverage on an enumeration. One of the parts of that transition is a queue of the enum. I construct this queue in my constructor. Considering the example below, how would one go about it.

In my coverage bin I can create a range like this A => [queue1Enum[0]:queue1Enum[$]] => [queue2Enum[0]:queue2Enum[$]]. But I only get first and last element then.

typedef enum { red, d_green, d_blue, e_yellow, e_white, e_black } Colors;
 Colors dColors[$];
 Colors eColors[$];
 Lcolors = Colors.first();
 do begin
  if (Lcolors[0].name=='d') begin
   dColors.push_back(Lcolors);
  end
  if (Lcolors[0].name=='e') begin
   eColors.push_back(Lcolors);
  end
 end while(Lcolors != Lcolors.first())

 covergroup cgTest with function sample(Colors c);
   cpTran : coverpoint c{
      bins t[] = (red => dColors =>eColors);   
   }
 endgroup

Clarion Energy & iTEN Media announce the launch of POWERGEN India 2020 co-located with Indian Utility Week & DISTRIBUTECH India

The renewable energy transition promises to reduce carbon emissions, but it’s happening at different speeds around the world. Read on for some key insights from BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook 2019, which provides a detailed road map to the future.

Pennsylvania is promoting a new roadmap to electrify transportation by designing policies and setting targets to get more electric vehicles on the roads.

Mayors from cities across the U.S. are stepping up and committing to broad and inspirational action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonize local energy systems. This leadership is especially critical given lack of federal climate action, but translating a mayoral commitment to reality can be a challenge.

Enel Foundation has signed a landmark agreement to become the exclusive Global Knowledge Partner of the 2019 Clarion Power and Energy series of events.

State-run NTPC Ltd., India’s largest coal-fired power producer, is appointing a new head of its renewables team to speed up its expansion into clean energy, according to a company official with knowledge of the plan.

Clarion Energy & iTEN Media announce the launch of POWERGEN India 2020 co-located with Indian Utility Week & DISTRIBUTECH India

The renewable energy transition promises to reduce carbon emissions, but it’s happening at different speeds around the world. Read on for some key insights from BloombergNEF’s New Energy Outlook 2019, which provides a detailed road map to the future.

When innovators come up with the idea for the next great technological breakthrough, the first roadblocks to seeing that idea to fruition are typically funding. Among renewable energy inventions, this need is typically filled through wealthy private investors, venture capital firms, or government grants. But today, in the age of the Internet, budding entrepreneurs have taken their funding needs online through crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

This week at the Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), political and business leaders from around the world outlined the far-reaching geopolitical implications of an energy transformation driven by the rapid growth of renewable energy.

Clarion Energy & iTEN Media announce the launch of POWERGEN India 2020 co-located with Indian Utility Week & DISTRIBUTECH India