A moment-matching Ferguson & Klass algorithm

Completely random measures (CRM) represent the key building block of a wide variety of popular stochastic models and play a pivotal role in modern Bayesian Nonparametrics. The popular Ferguson & Klass representation of CRMs as a random series with decreasing jumps can immediately be turned into an algorithm for sampling realizations of CRMs or more elaborate models involving transformed CRMs. However, concrete implementation requires to truncate the random series at some threshold resulting in an approximation error. The goal of this paper is to quantify the quality of the approximation by a moment-matching criterion, which consists in evaluating a measure of discrepancy between actual moments and moments based on the simulation output. Seen as a function of the truncation level, the methodology can be used to determine the truncation level needed to reach a certain level of precision. The resulting moment-matching Ferguson & Klass algorithm is then implemented and illustrated on several popular Bayesian nonparametric models.     

Krishnaiah,P.R. and C.R. Rao (eds):Sampling. Handbook of Statistics,vol. 6

In a recent paper Yager (1988) introduced a special type of aggregation operators which he called OWA-operators and applied it to multicriteria decisionmaking. In our paper we give a more general definition of such operators and investigate in some detail the structural properties of them. In particular we introduce a well motivated ordering relation on weight systems which is different but compatible with Yager's degree of “orness”. Our results have immediate applications to the theory of generalized quantifiers as also discussed by Yager. Details concerning this topic will appear in a future paper.     

A Review of Laura S. Young's Bookbinding & Conservation by Hand: A Working Guide

Abstract

University librarians in China face many of the same challenges related to serials management that confront librarians in the United States. The authors discuss the importance for librarians in the United States, especially those working with serials, to establish and build ties with librarians in other countries, such as China. Benefits of an exchange could include sharing information about best practices, exchange of serial materials, and working together on mutually advantageous projects. Acknowledging the growing interest in international library exchange programs, the authors relate their own institution's efforts to build international ties with Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and Shaanxi Normal University in Xi'an, China. In establishing these ties, the authors have traveled to China and interviewed librarians about serials acquisition, processing, and management.