Interval and Point Estimators for the Location Parameter of the Three-Parameter Lognormal Distribution

The three-parameter lognormal distribution is the extension of the two-parameter lognormal distribution to meet the need of the biological, sociological, and other fields. Numerous research papers have been published for the parameter estimation problems for the lognormal distributions. The inclusion of the location parameter brings in some technical difficulties for the parameter estimation problems, especially for the interval estimation. This paper proposes a method for constructing exact confidence intervals and exact upper confidence limits for the location parameter of the three-parameter lognormal distribution. The point estimation problem is discussed as well. The performance of the point estimator is compared with the maximum likelihood estimator, which is widely used in practice. Simulation result shows that the proposed method is less biased in estimating the location parameter. The large sample size case is discussed in the paper.

On point estimation of the abnormality of a Mahalanobis index

Open Access funded by Medical Research Council Acknowledgment The work reported here was funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council, UK, grant number: MR/J013838/1.

Loading effect in copper(II) oxide cluster-surface-modified titanium(IV) oxide on visible- and UV-light activities

Cu(acac)2 is chemisorbed on TiO2 particles [P-25 (anatase/rutile = 4/1 w/w), Degussa] via coordination by surface Ti–OH groups without elimination of the acac ligand. Post-heating of the Cu(acac)2-adsorbed TiO2 at 773 K yields molecular scale copper(II) oxide clusters on the surface (CuO/TiO2). The copper loading amount (Γ/Cu ions nm–2) is controlled in a wide range by the Cu(acac)2 concentration and the chemisorption–calcination cycle number. Valence band (VB) X-ray photoelectron and photoluminescence spectroscopy indicated that the VB maximum of TiO2 rises up with increasing Γ, while vacant midgap levels are generated. The surface modification gives rise to visible-light activity and concomitant significant increase in UV-light activity for the degradation of 2-naphthol and p-cresol. Prolonging irradiation time leads to the decomposition to CO2, which increases in proportion to irradiation time. The photocatalytic activity strongly depends on the loading, Γ, with an optimum value of Γ for the photocatalytic activity. Electrochemical measurements suggest that the surface CuO clusters promote the reduction of adsorbed O2. First principles density functional theory simulations clearly show that, at Γ < 1, unoccupied Cu 3d levels are generated in the midgap region, and at Γ > 1, the VB maximum rises and the unoccupied Cu 3d levels move to the conduction band minimum of TiO2. These results suggest that visible-light excitation of CuO/TiO2 causes the bulk-to-surface interfacial electron transfer at low coverage and the surface-to-bulk interfacial electron transfer at high coverage. We conclude that the surface CuO clusters enhance the separation of photogenerated charge carriers by the interfacial electron transfer and the subsequent reduction of adsorbed O2 to achieve the compatibility of high levels of visible and UV-light activities.

Dissolution index of Globigerina bulloides in recent and Last Glacial Maximum sediments

The modern Atlantic Ocean, dominated by the interactions of North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) and Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW), plays a key role in redistributing heat from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. In order to reconstruct the evolution of the relative importance of these two water masses, the NADW/AABW transition, reflected by the calcite lysocline, was investigated by the Globigerina bulloides dissolution index (BDX?). The depth level of the Late Glacial Maximum (LGM) calcite lysocline was elevated by several hundred metres, indicating a more corrosive water mass present at modern NADW level. Overall, the small range of BDX? data and the gradual decrease in preservation below the calcite lysocline point to a less stratified Atlantic Ocean during the LGM. Similar preservation patterns in the West and East Atlantic demonstrate that the modern west-east asymmetry did not exist due to an expansion of southern deep waters compensating for the decrease in NADW formation.

Age determination on monazite from Forefinger Point granulites, East Antarctica (Table 2.6-1)

Electron microprobe (EMP) dating on monazite in granulite- facies rocks from Forefinger Point, East Antarctica, yielded dominant ages of 500 Ma on matrix monazites.They are associated with secondary cordierite, biotite and sapphirine, formed during nearly isothermal decompression after the high P-T assemblages involving garnet, orthopyroxene and sillimanite. Older ages around 750-1000 Ma are detected in monazite cores and in monazite inclusions in garnet porphyroblast. Combining the available age data and the reaction textures, it becomes evident that the Forefinger Point granulites have been overprinted by a granulite-facies decompressional event of Pan-African age. Moreover, EMP monazite dating imply that the Forefinger Point granulites have experienced at least two stages of metamorphic evolution.

Admittance Control for Robotic Loading: Design and Experiments with a 1-Tonne Loader and a 14-Tonne LHD

This paper describes the design, tuning, and extensive field testing of an admittance-based Autonomous Loading Controller (ALC) for robotic excavation. Several iterations of the ALC were tuned and tested in fragmented rock piles—similar to those found in operating mines—by using both a robotic 1-tonne capacity Kubota R520S diesel-hydraulic surface loader and a 14-tonne capacity Atlas Copco ST14 underground load-haul-dump (LHD) machine. On the R520S loader, the ALC increased payload by 18 % with greater consistency, although with more energy expended and longer dig times when compared with digging at maximum actuator velocity. On the ST14 LHD, the ALC took 61 % less time to load 39 % more payload when compared to a single manual operator. The manual operator made 28 dig attempts by using three different digging strategies, and had one failed dig. The tuned ALC made 26 dig attempts at 10 and 11 MN target force levels. All 10 11 MN digs succeeded while 6 of the 16 10 MN digs failed. The results presented in this paper suggest that the admittance-based ALC is more productive and consistent than manual operators, but that care should be taken when detecting entry into the muck pile

Desenvolvimento de uma célula a combustível de glicerol direto em meio alcalino

Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Química, 2015.