Multivariate Process Variability Monitoring

Understanding multivariate variability is a difficult task because there is no single measure that can be properly used. This article presents a new measure that features good properties. If this measure is simultaneously used with generalized variance, it will give a better understanding of multivariate variability. It can also efficiently be used for large data sets with high dimensions. Furthermore, when it is used for constructing a Shewhart-type chart to monitor multivariate variability, the resulting chart has a much better out-of-control ARL than the generalized variance chart. An example illustrates its advantage.     

Maximum and Minimum Prediction Variance for Spherical and Cuboidal Split Plot Designs

The impact of restricted randomization on the information matrix has created challenges for the computation of design optimality criteria. This article focuses on the computation of the maximum and minimum prediction variance for Central Composite (CCD) and Box–Behnken (BBD) split plot designs (SPD). The approach is to analytically determine the exact maximum and minimum prediction variance for both spherical and cuboidal second-order SPD. A particular feature of these analytical functions is that they are functions of the design parameters. Finally, the application of these analytical functions is demonstrated for a CCD SPD.     

Response Adaptive Designs with Misclassified Responses

We consider response adaptive designs when the binary response may be misclassified and extend relevant results in the literature. We derive the optimal allocations under various objectives and examine the relationship between the power of statistical test and the variability of treatment allocation. Asymptotically best response adaptive randomization procedures and effects of misclassification on the optimal allocations are investigated. A real-life clinical trial is also discussed to illustrate our proposed approach.     

Ridge Analysis 25 Years Later

The response surface technique called ridge analysis was originally introduced by Hoerl (1959) more than 25 years ago. Despite tremendous advantages over more conventional response surface procedures when more than two independent variables are present, ridge analysis has received little attention in the statistical literature since then, although numerous applications have appeared in engineering journals. This situation may be partially due to the fact that this procedure led to the discovery of ridge regression, which has completely overshadowed ridge analysis in the literature since. This discussion will briefly review the mathematics of ridge analysis, its literature, practical advantages, and relationship to ridge regression.     

Whole-Plot Exchange Algorithms for Constructing D-Optimal Multistratum Designs

Multistratum experiments contain several different sizes of experimental units. Examples include split-plot, strip-plot designs, and randomized block designs. We propose a strategy for constructing a D-optimal multistratum design by improving a randomly generated design through a sequence of whole-plot exchanges. This approach preserves the design structure and simplifies updates to the information and is applicable to any multistratum design where the largest-sized experimental unit is either a whole plot or a block. Two whole-plot exchange algorithms inspired by the point-exchange strategies of Fedorov (1972 Fedorov , V. V. ( 1972 ). Theory of Optimal Experiments . New York : Academic Press . [Google Scholar]) and Wynn (1972 Wynn , H. P. ( 1972 ). Results in the theory and construction of D-optimum experimental designs . Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series B Statistics Methodology 34 : 133 – 147 . [Google Scholar]) are described. The application of the algorithms to several design problems is discussed.     

思辨英语视阈下的读者反馈理论综述

英语教学作为各阶段教育的重要组成部分,肩负着深化教学改革,满足新时期国家和社会对人才培养需求的重大任务。学生除了应当具备英语的综合应用能力之外,还应当具有一定的思辨能力。在各教育阶段的英语教学过程中应用Louise Rosenblatt开创的读者反馈理论(reader response theory)教授阅读,可以将教学模式从传统的“以老师为中心”转变为“以学生为中心”,并通过图式理论和反馈日记的辅助作用,逐步培养学生的思辨能力。国内外的教师和研究者应用读者反馈理论进行阅读教学的实践都证明,这一方法能够帮助学生逐步成为独立而有见地的阅读者,进而具有一定的思辨能力。     

Analysis and Management of Periodic Review,Order‐Up‐To Level Inventory Systems with Order Crossover

In this article, we investigate the (R, S) periodic review, order‐up‐to level inventory control system with stochastic demand and variable leadtimes. Variable leadtimes can lead to order crossover, in which some orders arrive out of sequence. Most theoretical studies of order‐up‐to inventory systems under variable leadtimes assume that crossovers do not occur and, in so doing, overestimate the standard deviation of the realized leadtime distribution and prescribe policies that can inflate inventory costs. We develop a new analytic model of the expected costs associated with this system, making use of a novel approximation of the realized (reduced) leadtime standard deviation resulting from order crossovers. Extensive experimentation through simulation shows that our model closely approximates the true expected cost and can be used to find values of R and S that provide an expected cost close to the minimum cost. Taking account of, as opposed to ignoring, crossovers leads, on average, to substantial improvements in accuracy and significant cost reductions. Our results are particularly useful for managers seeking to reduce inventory costs in supply chains with variable leadtimes.     

Psychophysiological coherence training to moderate air traffic controllers’ fatigue on rotating roster

The nature of the current rotating roster, providing 24-h air traffic services over five irregular shifts, leads to accumulated fatigue which impairs air traffic controllers’ cognitive function and task performance. It is imperative to develop an effective fatigue risk management system to improve aviation safety based upon scientific approaches. Two empirical studies were conducted to address this issue. Study 1 investigated the mixed effect of circadian rhythm disorders and resource depletion on controllers’ accumulated fatigue. Then, study 2 proposed a potential biofeedback solution of quick coherence technique which can mitigate air traffic controllers’ (ATCOs’) fatigue while on controller working position and improve ATCOs’ mental/physical health. The current two-studies demonstrated a scientific approach to fatigue analysis and fatigue risk mitigation in the air traffic services domain. This research offers insights into the fluctuation of ATCO fatigue levels and the influence of a numbers of factors related to circadian rhythm and resource depletion impact on fatigue levels on study 1; and provides psychophysiological coherence training to increase ATCOs’ fatigue resilience to mitigate negative impacts of fatigue on study 2. Based on these two studies, the authors recommended that an extra short break for air traffic controllers to permit practicing the quick coherence breathing technique for 5 min at the sixth working hour could substantially recharge cognitive resources and increase fatigue resilience. Application: Present studies highlight an effective fatigue intervention based on objective biofeedback to moderate controllers’ accumulated fatigue as a result of rotating shift work. Accordingly, air navigation services providers and regulators can develop fatigue risk management systems based on scientific approaches to improve aviation safety and air traffic controller's wellbeing.