A note on the recursions of multichannel complex subset autoregressions

The recursive algorithm to select the optimum multivariate real subset autoregressive model (AR) [1] is generalized to apply to multichannel complex subset AR's. It is initiated by fitting all "forward" and "backward" one-lag AR's. The method then allows one to develop successively all complex subset AR's of sizek(the number of lags with nonzero coefficient matrices) from 1 toK. Finally, the best subsets of each size with the minimum generalized residual power for that size are compared to any one of three model selection criteria to find the optimum multichannel complex subset AR.     

Measuring prices of Medicare physician services

This study develops two sets of price indices for Medicare physician services. The first measures price changes, and the second measures geographic price differentials. The indices can be used to adjust Medicare physician spending data to examine growth or variations in the volume and intensity of services. In both instances, it is necessary to apply an index form that reflects both the rapid changes and variability in the mix of physician services received by Medicare beneficiaries and their relative importance. This suggests that an index based on a fixed basket of services (e.g., a Laspeyres index) can produce a biased measure of price. An alternative methodology based on the Fisher's Ideal Index form was used. This index allows service weights to vary over time and across areas. In the case of price change, the index is "chained" to acknowledge the introduction of new services over several years. It is concluded that the Fisher's Ideal approach is essential for cross-sectional price comparisons, in light of the high variability in service mix across areas. In measuring price changes, it was found that "chaining" was more important empirically than allowing the relative importance of services to change between years. During the 1985-1989 study period, Medicare payment rates grew, on average, by 3.5% annually. This rate varied across both time and types of services as a result of differential fee updates and explicit pricing policies implemented by Medicare (e.g., reductions in payments for "overvalued" procedures). Cross-sectionally, our results show that 1988 fees in the highest-priced areas were more than 1.5 times those in the lowest-priced areas.     

On the Possibility of Quantum Informational Structural Realism

In The Philosophy of Information, Luciano Floridi presents an ontological theory of Being qua Being, which he calls “Informational Structural Realism”, a theory which applies, he says, to every possible world. He identifies primordial information (“dedomena”) as the foundation of any structure in any possible world. The present essay examines Floridi’s defense of that theory, as well as his refutation of “Digital Ontology” (which some people might confuse with his own). Then, using Floridi’s ontology as a starting point, the present essay adds quantum features to dedomena, yielding an ontological theory for our own universe, Quantum Informational Structural Realism, which provides a metaphysical interpretation of key quantum phenomena, and diminishes the “weirdness” or “spookiness” of quantum mechanics.     

Correct-by-construction synthesis of model transformations using transformation patterns

Model transformations are an essential part of model-based development approaches, such as Model-driven Architecture (MDA) and Model-driven Development (MDD). Model transformations are used to refine and abstract models, to re-express models in a new modelling language, and to analyse, refactor, compare and improve models. Therefore, the correctness of model transformations is critically important for successful application of model-based development: software developers should be able to rely upon the correct processing of their models by transformations in the same way that they rely upon compilers to produce correct executable versions of their programs. In this paper, we address this problem by defining standard structures for model transformation specifications and implementations, which serve as patterns and strategies for constructing a wide range of model transformations. These are incorporated into a tool-supported process which automatically synthesises implementations of model transformations from their specifications, these implementations are correct-by-construction with respect to their specifications.     

Analysis of Feature-Scale Wear in Chemical Mechanical Polishing: Modeling and Experiments

An asperity-scale wear model was developed to predict feature-scale wear in chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP), and was compared to the measured evolution of a lithographically patterned feature during full-scale CMP tests. To conduct this study, a lithographic technique was used to pattern a set of raised square features into a Cu-coated silicon wafer. Two-dimensional contact profilometry was used to measure the topography of an isolated feature on each wafer both before polishing and at various intervals throughout the polishing process. In the wear modeling formulation, a pad deflection-based contact mechanics model was developed and combined with a particle-based wear model to predict the wear evolution of the sample during CMP. The predicted wear of the sample feature was found to agree well to experimental results.     

A simulation study of an automated sprayshop conveyor system

The paper describes the features and attributes of the CORE requirements analysis tool in a simulation environment and the associated implementation via the FORSS software package. This method is applied to the analysis of a proposed automated manufacturing facility which involves the integration of a power-and-free conveyor system into the paint sprayshop of a manual treatments facility. Practical results for the simulation model are presented.     

Pad Deflection-Based Model of Chemical–Mechanical Polishing for Use in CAD IC Layout

The use of chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) during the integrated circuit (IC) fabrication process has allowed for the aggressive interconnect patterning that is necessary for modern microprocessor technology. However, as IC technology has moved into the deep submicron realm, nonidealities during polishing have begun to play a significant role in device yield and circuit performance. In order to accurately predict circuit performance, designers must consider the effects of CMP prior to fabrication. A physics-based model to predict feature-scale wear of devices during polishing is presented and integrated into a CAD framework to test the model on various IC layouts. The model is benchmarked against experimental data and shown to be qualitatively accurate in predicting surface topography evolution.      

Cigarettes, alcohol, and depression: characterizing head and neck cancer survivors in two systems of care.

Tobacco exposure is a key risk factor for head and neck cancer, and continued smoking after diagnosis negatively affects outcomes. The present study examined tobacco smoking, nicotine dependence, alcohol use, and depression in survivors of head and neck cancer. Subjects at least 6 months post-initial diagnosis of head and neck cancer (N=694) drawn from three VA otolaryngology clinics (n=309, VA patients) and a university-based otolaryngology clinic (n=385, non-VA patients) were administered questionnaires and standardized rating instruments for nicotine and alcohol dependence and for depression. Additional clinical information was extracted from chart reviews. Despite high rates of prior smoking, less than one-quarter of all subjects continued to smoke. After controlling for significant confounding variables, we found that VA patients were more likely to be current smokers (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.3-3.0), but current VA smokers did not differ significantly from non-VA smokers on the Fagerstr?m Test for Nicotine Dependence criterion (p=.69). The VA patients were more likely to screen positive for problem drinking on the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.3-3.7). After adjusting for other variables, we found no statistical difference between the groups in depression scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. The study provides data on smoking, alcohol use, and depression in head and neck cancer survivors indicating that VA patients are at increased risk for continued smoking and problem drinking relative to non-VA patients. Head and neck cancer patients benefit from aggressive smoking cessation efforts by the VA, but many patients need specialized services that integrate smoking interventions with treatment of comorbid alcoholism.     

An in situ grown eutectic magnetoelectric composite material

The phase diagram of the quinary system Fe-Co-Ti-Ba-O contains a region of compositions with the property that unidirectional solidification of liquids with these compositions results in an aligned two phase composite material. One of the phases is a piezomagnetic spinel and the other one a piezoelectric perovskite. The resulting composite is a magnetoelectric material, which can convert magnetic fields into electric fields and vice versa. This paper deals with the determination of the above-mentioned composition region and with the unidirectional solidification process. Some results of magnetoelectric measurements are reported.     

Behavioral dimensions in city council decision-making

Nonmetric multidimensional scaling is used to analyze five city councils in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The five councils consistently perceive their members as acting in terms of power relationships and personality differences. The results further suggest that participation in decision-making may be a third dimension used to evaluate behavior. These behavioral dimensions are clearly consistent with those found in small group research by Timothy Leary and others. However, the focus given by multidimensional scaling to the group as a behavior unit suggests a new strategy for organizational development.