Yating Liu, Gilles Pagès.

Source: Bernoulli, Volume 26, Number 2, 1171--1204.

Abstract:
We establish conditions to characterize probability measures by their $L^{p}$-quantization error functions in both $mathbb{R}^{d}$ and Hilbert settings. This characterization is two-fold: static (identity of two distributions) and dynamic (convergence for the $L^{p}$-Wasserstein distance). We first propose a criterion on the quantization level $N$, valid for any norm on $mathbb{R}^{d}$ and any order $p$ based on a geometrical approach involving the Voronoï diagram. Then, we prove that in the $L^{2}$-case on a (separable) Hilbert space, the condition on the level $N$ can be reduced to $N=2$, which is optimal. More quantization based characterization cases in dimension 1 and a discussion of the completeness of a distance defined by the quantization error function can be found at the end of this paper.

Richard A. Davis, Mikkel Slot Nielsen, Victor Rohde.

Source: Bernoulli, Volume 26, Number 2, 799--827.

Abstract:
In this paper, we introduce a model, the stochastic fractional delay differential equation (SFDDE), which is based on the linear stochastic delay differential equation and produces stationary processes with hyperbolically decaying autocovariance functions. The model departs from the usual way of incorporating this type of long-range dependence into a short-memory model as it is obtained by applying a fractional filter to the drift term rather than to the noise term. The advantages of this approach are that the corresponding long-range dependent solutions are semimartingales and the local behavior of the sample paths is unaffected by the degree of long memory. We prove existence and uniqueness of solutions to the SFDDEs and study their spectral densities and autocovariance functions. Moreover, we define a subclass of SFDDEs which we study in detail and relate to the well-known fractionally integrated CARMA processes. Finally, we consider the task of simulating from the defining SFDDEs.

Tobias Zwingmann, Hajo Holzmann.

Source: Bernoulli, Volume 26, Number 1, 323--351.

Abstract:
We show weak convergence of quantile and expectile processes to Gaussian limit processes in the space of bounded functions endowed with an appropriate semimetric which is based on the concepts of epi- and hypo- convergence as introduced in A. Bücher, J. Segers and S. Volgushev (2014), ‘ When Uniform Weak Convergence Fails: Empirical Processes for Dependence Functions and Residuals via Epi- and Hypographs ’, Annals of Statistics 42 . We impose assumptions for which it is known that weak convergence with respect to the supremum norm generally fails to hold. For quantiles, we consider stationary observations, where the marginal distribution function is assumed to be strictly increasing and continuous except for finitely many points and to admit strictly positive – possibly infinite – left- and right-sided derivatives. For expectiles, we focus on independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) observations. Only a finite second moment and continuity at the boundary points but no further smoothness properties of the distribution function are required. We also show consistency of the bootstrap for this mode of convergence in the i.i.d. case for quantiles and expectiles.

Zhi-Qiang Wang, Nian-Sheng Tang.

Source: Bayesian Analysis, Volume 15, Number 2, 579--604.

Abstract:
Bayesian inference on quantile regression (QR) model with mixed discrete and non-ignorable missing covariates is conducted by reformulating QR model as a hierarchical structure model. A probit regression model is adopted to specify missing covariate mechanism. A hybrid algorithm combining the Gibbs sampler and the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm is developed to simultaneously produce Bayesian estimates of unknown parameters and latent variables as well as their corresponding standard errors. Bayesian variable selection method is proposed to recognize significant covariates. A Bayesian local influence procedure is presented to assess the effect of minor perturbations to the data, priors and sampling distributions on posterior quantities of interest. Several simulation studies and an example are presented to illustrate the proposed methodologies.

Kelly C. M. Gonçalves, Hélio S. Migon, Leonardo S. Bastos.

Source: Bayesian Analysis, Volume 15, Number 2, 335--362.

Abstract:
The paper introduces a new class of models, named dynamic quantile linear models, which combines dynamic linear models with distribution-free quantile regression producing a robust statistical method. Bayesian estimation for the dynamic quantile linear model is performed using an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. The paper also proposes a fast sequential procedure suited for high-dimensional predictive modeling with massive data, where the generating process is changing over time. The proposed model is evaluated using synthetic and well-known time series data. The model is also applied to predict annual incidence of tuberculosis in the state of Rio de Janeiro and compared with global targets set by the World Health Organization.

Ioannis Ntzoufras, Claudia Tarantola, Monia Lupparelli.

Source: Bayesian Analysis, Volume 14, Number 3, 797--823.

Abstract:
We introduce a novel Bayesian approach for quantitative learning for graphical log-linear marginal models. These models belong to curved exponential families that are difficult to handle from a Bayesian perspective. The likelihood cannot be analytically expressed as a function of the marginal log-linear interactions, but only in terms of cell counts or probabilities. Posterior distributions cannot be directly obtained, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are needed. Finally, a well-defined model requires parameter values that lead to compatible marginal probabilities. Hence, any MCMC should account for this important restriction. We construct a fully automatic and efficient MCMC strategy for quantitative learning for such models that handles these problems. While the prior is expressed in terms of the marginal log-linear interactions, we build an MCMC algorithm that employs a proposal on the probability parameter space. The corresponding proposal on the marginal log-linear interactions is obtained via parameter transformation. We exploit a conditional conjugate setup to build an efficient proposal on probability parameters. The proposed methodology is illustrated by a simulation study and a real dataset.

Thomas Staudt, Timo Aspelmeier, Oskar Laitenberger, Claudia Geisler, Alexander Egner, Axel Munk.

Source: Statistical Science, Volume 35, Number 1, 92--111.

Abstract:
Super-resolution microscopy is rapidly gaining importance as an analytical tool in the life sciences. A compelling feature is the ability to label biological units of interest with fluorescent markers in (living) cells and to observe them with considerably higher resolution than conventional microscopy permits. The images obtained this way, however, lack an absolute intensity scale in terms of numbers of fluorophores observed. In this article, we discuss state of the art methods to count such fluorophores and statistical challenges that come along with it. In particular, we suggest a modeling scheme for time series generated by single-marker-switching (SMS) microscopy that makes it possible to quantify the number of markers in a statistically meaningful manner from the raw data. To this end, we model the entire process of photon generation in the fluorophore, their passage through the microscope, detection and photoelectron amplification in the camera, and extraction of time series from the microscopic images. At the heart of these modeling steps is a careful description of the fluorophore dynamics by a novel hidden Markov model that operates on two timescales (HTMM). Besides the fluorophore number, information about the kinetic transition rates of the fluorophore’s internal states is also inferred during estimation. We comment on computational issues that arise when applying our model to simulated or measured fluorescence traces and illustrate our methodology on simulated data.

Yazhen Wang, Xinyu Song.

Source: Statistical Science, Volume 35, Number 1, 51--74.

Abstract:
Quantum science and quantum technology are of great current interest in multiple frontiers of many scientific fields ranging from computer science to physics and chemistry, and from engineering to mathematics and statistics. Their developments will likely lead to a new wave of scientific revolutions and technological innovations in a wide range of scientific studies and applications. This paper provides a brief review on quantum communication, quantum information, quantum computation, quantum simulation, and quantum metrology. We present essential quantum properties, illustrate relevant concepts of quantum science and quantum technology, and discuss their scientific developments. We point out the need for statistical analysis in their developments, as well as their potential applications to and impacts on statistics and data science.

[London?], [199-?]

JS Taube
Feb 1, 1990; 10:420-435
Articles

Thomas Schikorski
Aug 1, 1997; 17:5858-5867
Articles

French translation of the Press Release on the pre-release of two special chapters of the Annual Economic Report of the BIS, 17 June 2018. Trust is the missing link in today's cryptocurrencies - Cryptocurrencies' model of generating trust limits their potential to replace conventional money, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) writes in its Annual Economic Report (AER), a new title launched this year.

To view more press releases, please visit http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/news.aspx?iid=1024452.

To view more press releases, please visit http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/news.aspx?iid=1024452.

To view more press releases, please visit http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/news.aspx?iid=1024452.

To view more press releases, please visit http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/news.aspx?iid=1024452.

To view more press releases, please visit http://www.snl.com/irweblinkx/news.aspx?iid=1024452.

On-the-record remarks of the September 2019 Quarterly Review media briefing by Mr Claudio Borio, Head of the Monetary and Economic Department, and Mr Hyun Song Shin, Economic Adviser and Head of Research, 20 September 2019.

On-the-record remarks of the December 2019 Quarterly Review media briefing by Mr Claudio Borio, Head of the Monetary and Economic Department, and Mr Hyun Song Shin, Economic Adviser and Head of Research, 6 December 2019.

On-the-record remarks of the March 2020 Quarterly Review media briefing by Mr Claudio Borio, Head of the Monetary and Economic Department, and Mr Hyun Song Shin, Economic Adviser and Head of Research, 28 February 2020.

Navigation often requires movement in three-dimensional (3D) space. Recent studies have postulated two different models for how head direction (HD) cells encode 3D space: the rotational plane hypothesis and the dual-axis model. To distinguish these models, we recorded HD cells in female rats while they traveled different routes along both horizontal and vertical surfaces from an elevated platform to the top of a cuboidal apparatus. We compared HD cell preferred firing directions (PFDs) in different planes and addressed the issue of whether HD cell firing is commutative—does the order of the animal's route affect the final outcome of the cell's PFD? Rats locomoted a direct or indirect route from the floor to the cube top via one, two, or three vertical walls. Whereas the rotational plane hypothesis accounted for PFD shifts when the animal traversed horizontal corners, the cell's PFD was better explained by the dual-axis model when the animal traversed vertical corners. Responses also followed the dual-axis model (1) under dark conditions, (2) for passive movement of the rat, (3) following apparatus rotation, (4) for movement around inside vertical corners, and (5) across a 45° outside vertical corner. The order in which the animal traversed the different planes did not affect the outcome of the cell's PFD, indicating that responses were commutative. HD cell peak firing rates were generally equivalent along each surface. These findings indicate that the animal's orientation with respect to gravity plays an important role in determining a cell's PFD, and that vestibular and proprioceptive cues drive these computations.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Navigating in a three-dimensional (3D) world is a complex task that requires one to maintain a proper sense of orientation relative to both local and global cues. Rodent head direction (HD) cells have been suggested to subserve this sense of orientation, but most HD cell studies have focused on navigation in 2D environments. We investigated the responses of HD cells as rats moved between multiple vertically and horizontally oriented planar surfaces, demonstrating that HD cells align their directional representations to both local (current plane of locomotion) and global (gravity) cues across several experimental conditions, including darkness and passive movement. These findings offer critical insights into the processing of 3D space in the mammalian brain.

From a media bed unit start-up in Bangkok to a fully developed 120 households deep water culture (DWC) unit in Ethiopia, aquaponics is showcasing its true potential to produce sustainable food anytime, anywhere. A marriage between aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as fish, snails or prawns in tanks) and hydroponics (cultivating plants in water), aquaponics is a ‘clean and green’ [...]

11 and 18 December 2019, Rome –A Farmer’s Market at FAO’s premises will take place on Wednesday, 11 December and on Wednesday 18 December 2019 from 12.00 [...]

The farmers will offer seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables to around 3000 people - including employees, contractors, delegates and visitors - that enter the FAO headquarters every day.

Centro Agroalimentare [...]

As of the start of the New Year, the Farmers’ Market will be back at FAO’s premises – Atrium - on January 29^th  from 12.00- 16.00 hours.

All of [...]

Buy fresh and seasonal produce at the Farmers’ Market on
Wednesday 26 February from 12.00 – 16.00 hours, and be sure to visit the [...]

The tremors, which arrived in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, was the worst the Croatian capital has seen in 140 years

The story of two bored art lovers who found a way to "a-mouse" themselves

With many zoos and aquariums closed to the public, keepers let animals roam empty hallways to meet their neighbors

An online exhibition from the National WWI Museum and Memorial features recipes detailed in 1918 cookbook

Buyers can ask for a mix of their favorite genre or seek booksellers’ recommendations

The Museo de la Massacre de Ponce and Casa Paoli were among the buildings affected by Saturday's tremors

The quarantined felines of the world are coming for your screens

Airing on the aquarium's Twitch channel at 4 p.m. EST today, the two-hour session will focus on the video game's diverse insect population

Do some armchair traveling and see the breathtaking vistas of all 50 states while learning about their histories

In the hours after disaster struck Anchorage, an unexpected figure named Genie Chance came to the rescue

The Nunavut government says there is no set limit on how much money it is prepared to spend on hotels for residents required to isolate before they return home.

Days before Saint John council passed a motion to ensure Saint John Energy could not be sold, the Ontario cities of Peterborough and Orillia both got approval to sell their municipally owned power distribution companies.

BIS Press Release - Easing trade tensions lift sentiment: BIS Quarterly Review, 8 December 2019

BIS Press Release - Shaping the future of payments: BIS Quarterly Review, 1 March 2020

For close to 15 years, Reema Singh has been baking and selling cakes from her tiny shop on Parc Avenue in Montreal's Mile End. Cocoa Locale has been open throughout the pandemic because — well, it turns out that cake is essential.

How to rebuild social solidarity.

The Canadian three-time world champion figure skater displayed his four-wheeler driving skills as part of the Americares Blades for the Brave fundraiser for front-line workers.

Canadian figure skater Scott Moir posted a video on Instagram and Twitter on Thursday, explaining that he and fiancee Jackie Mascarin are currently stationed in Tampa, Fla., because Mascarin works as a physician's assistant in the respiratory unit of a local hospital.

Hobbies during quarantine: How they can help us in a pandemic  Today.com

A federal judge threw out the unequal pay claim by players on the U.S. women's national soccer team but allowed their allegation of discriminatory travel accommodations and medical support services to go to trial.

A federal judge threw out the unequal pay claim by players on the U.S. women's national soccer team but allowed their allegation of discriminatory travel accommodations and medical support services to go to trial.