We consider a problem in parametric estimation: given n samples from an unknown distribution, we want to estimate which distribution, from a given one-parameter family, produced the data. Following Schulman and Vazirani [12], we evaluate an estimator in terms of the chance of being within a specified tolerance of the correct answer, in the worst case. We provide optimal estimators for several f...

AlxwaciThis contribution introduces instrumental speech quality measures for the GSM system based only on transmission parameters. Certain combinations of CSM parameters which quantify the transmission quality in terms of bit error rate, received power level, etc., were shown be suitable for the prediction of the resulting speech quality. Neither the original nor the received speech signal is n...

To execute a complex business task, business entities may need to collaborate with each other as individually they may not have the capability or willingness to perform the task on its own. Such collaboration can be seen implemented in digital business ecosystems in the form of simple coalitions using multi-agent systems or by employing Electronic Institutions. A major challenge is choosing opt...

This paper presents a discussion of the philosophy and practice of spccch quality testing using objective measures. The emphasis in the paper is on the problems of designing effective objective quality measures and the inherent limitations of such measures. Both traditional and recent techniques are discussed, along with the issues of implementation and evaluation. Experimental results on the c...

The ultimate challenge for any software organization is to build a Quality Management system that can guarantee performance on key deliverables of quality, cost and schedule. A balanced approach of utilizing the three dimensions of process, people and technology is essential. This can be achieved by leveraging on the existing frameworks of ISO, SEI and Six Sigma. This keynote speech brings forw...

OBJECTIVE To determine whether parent-reported quality of primary care was associated with subsequent health care use for children with special health care needs. DESIGN Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTING The 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey panels. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1591 children with special health care needs. MAIN EXPOSURES Compo...

AIM Quality of life (QOL) can be considered as a quality indicator of health care systems and nurses can play an important role to improve QOL in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of education provided by nurses on the QOL in patients with CHF in home-visit care compared to usual care. METHOD In a single-blind randomized controlle...

Some of the main reasons which prevents the deployment of IP multicast are forwarding state scalability and control explosion problems. In this paper, we propose an algorithm called Q-STA (QoS Scalable Tree Aggregation) which reduces the number of forwarding states by allowing several groups to share the same tree. Q-STA accepts groups only if there is enough available bandwidth. Q-STA accepts ...