Comparing clustering algorithms is much more difficult than comparing classification algorithms, which is due to the unsupervised nature of the task and the lack of a precisely stated objective. We consider explorative cluster analysis as a predictive task (predict regions where data lumps together) and propose a measure to evaluate the performance on an hold-out test set. The performance is di...

In this paper, we draw on both the consistent specification testing and the predictive ability testing literatures and propose an integrated conditional moment type predictive accuracy test that is similar in spirit to that developed in Bierens (1982,1990) and Bierens and Ploberger (1997). The test is consistent against generic nonlinear alternatives, and is designed for comparing nested models...

The random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm, along with its many cousins such as MSAC and MLESAC, has become a standard choice for robust estimation in many computer vision problems. Recently, a raft of modifications to the basic RANSAC algorithm have been proposed aimed at improving its efficiency. Many of these optimizations work by reducing the number of hypotheses that need to be evaluat...

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in steels of multi-phase structures, composed of a ferritic matrix, in which islets occur, that contain bainite-B, martensite-M and the untransformed austenite-A 1-9 . The multi-phase structure of steel with untransformed austenite promotes the increase of plasticity induced by the phase transformation – the TRIP effect 3-4, 6-8 . In steels con...

Recent observations suggest the incidence of strong intervening Mg ii absorption systems along the line-of-sight to gamma ray burst (GRB) afterglows is significantly higher than expected from analogous quasar sightlines. One possible explanation is a geometric effect, arising because Mg ii absorbers only partially cover the quasar continuum regions, in which case Mg ii absorbers must be conside...

These are a water-bath at 37°C., with a rack to contain 10 x 70 mm. test tubes, two pipettes, 0 05 ml. for the blood sample and 0-25 ml. for the reagent,1 a sterile lancet, and a stop watch. six subjects with the adsorbed plasma described above. The results are plotted on double logarithm graph paper. Alternatively, a prothrombin ratio can be employed which obviates the necessity for the diluti...

&THE 2006 IEEE International Test Conference (ITC) focused on the theme ‘‘Getting More Out of Test.’’ This means ensuring product quality and reliability as cost efficiently as possible. In today’s market environment, it also means taking test beyond its traditional role of separating good products from bad. Specifically, as both semiconductor manufacturing processes and electronic products—ICs...

We report the results of laboratory experiments that examine whether third-party contributions crowd out private giving to charity. Subjects play a single dictator game with a charity as the recipient. The subject chooses his preferred charity from a list. There are four treatment combinations: two initial allocations and two frames. Initial allocations are either US$18 for the subject and US$2...

INTRODUCTION Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in Denmark, and its incidence peaks in the postmenopausal years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of vacuum aspirator (vabrasio) for the detection of endometrial cancer in terms of sensitivity, specificity and predictive value. METHODS A cohort counting 503 women who had vabrasio was evaluat...

The dynamic fiber/matrix interface strength for a silicon-carbide-fiber-reinforced, titanium-alloy metal-matrix composite was measured by impacting the end of a fiber extending through a thin specimen with a diamond-tipped projectile at ~2 m/s. The matrix surrounding the distal end of the fiber was supported on the end of a Hopkinson bar fabricated from hypodermic needle tubing, and an interfer...