Metamodeling of aircraft infrared signature dispersion

Existing computer simulations of aircraft InfraRed Signature (IRS) do not account for the dispersion induced by uncertainty on input data such as aircraft aspect angles and meteorological conditions. As a result, they are of little use to estimate the detection performance of optronic systems: in that case, the scenario encompasses a lot of possible situations that must indeed be addressed, but cannot be singly simulated. In this paper, a three-step methodological approach for predicting simulated IRS dispersion of imperfectly known aircraft is proposed. The first step is a sensitivity analysis. The second step consists in a Quasi-Monte Carlo survey of the code output dispersion. In the last step, a neural network metamodel of the IRS simulation code is constructed. It will allow carrying out thorough computationally demanding tasks, such as those required for optimization of an optronic sensor. This method is illustrated in a typical scenario, namely an air-to-ground full-frontal attack by a generic combat aircraft, and gives satisfactory estimation of the infrared signature dispersion.     

A computational understanding of partial and part determination coefficients

A computational understanding of partial and part determination coefficients brings additional insight concerning their interpretations in regression. It also enables one to easily identify synergistic combinations. Benefits from the practical interpretation of synergism have yet to be fully explored and exploited. Hence, this study provides a new dimension in the analysis of data.     

Couple Differentiation: Mediator or Moderator of Depressive Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction?

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether differentiation at the couple level would act as a moderator or a mediator in the association between marital satisfaction and depressive symptoms over time. In a sample of 412 couples, a latent profile analysis was performed to determine how couple differentiation scores were clustered. An Actor/Partner Interdependence Model was then estimated via a group comparison procedure in structural equation modeling. There was no evidence of a moderating effect of differentiation. A mediating model was then estimated and there was evidence that differentiation mediated the association between depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction via actor and partner effects.