We introduce $k$-variance, a generalization of variance built on the machinery random bipartite matchings. $K$-variance measures expected cost matching two sets $k$ samples from distribution to each other, capturing local rather than global information about measure as increases; it is easily approximated stochastically using sampling and linear programming. In addition defining $k$-variance pr...

Molecular ecological studies are often characterised by an extremely high number of samples and by an equal high number of molecular analyses to whom the samples have been subjected. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) is a powerful statistical method for the description of factors influencing the structure of populations. AMOVA has been applied to different biological systems, trying to...

The number of substitutions (of nucleotides, amino acids, etc.) that take place during the evolution of a sequence is a stochastic variable of fundamental importance in the field of molecular evolution. Although the mean number of substitutions during molecular evolution of a sequence can be estimated for a given substitution model, no simple solution exists for the variance of this random vari...

The genetic diversity of Cistus ladanifer ssp. ladanifer (Cistaceae) growing on ultramafic and non-ultramafic (basic and schists) soils in the NE of Portugal was studied in order to identify molecular markers that could distinguish the metal-tolerant ecotypes of this species. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used in order to estimate genetic variation and differences between...