Asymptotic distribution of least square estimators for linear models with dependent errors

In this paper, we consider the usual linear regression model in the case where the error process is assumed strictly stationary. We use a result from Hannan (1973), who proved a Central Limit Theorem for the usual least square estimator under general conditions on the design and on the error process. Whatever the design satisfying Hannan's conditions, we define an estimator of the covariance matrix and we prove its consistency under very mild conditions. As an application, we show how to modify the usual tests on the linear model in this dependent context, in such a way that the type-I error rate remains asymptotically correct, and we illustrate the performance of this procedure through different sets of simulations.Comment: 18 pages, 2 figure

Becoming A New Creation: Principles for Liturgy

Paper presented at Canadian Theological Society, June 1997

From a global science conference towards UNFCCC negotiations: mobilizing science for transitions. [K-2225-01]

This presentation aims at presenting the main out comes from the 3rd Global Science Conference on Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Montpellier, France, 16-18 March 2015 where more than 600 researchers and 150 stakeholders and policy makers from 75 countries and 5 continents convened. CSA is a framework that mobilizes synergies and can lead to innovative and comprehensive solutions at local, regional and global levels. Delegates also confirmed that CSA solutions exist and can be brought into reality provided favorable conditions. Agriculture was acknowledged as a sector particularly vulnerable to climate change, which impacts the livelihoods of the world's poorest people. This places increased strain on global food systems, especially since expectations for meeting demand for food will change tremendously within the next 40 years. Agriculture has also a central role in strongly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lies therefore at the heart of complex challenges to be addressed. CSA invites researchers, practitioners and policy makers to explore solutions combining three pillars, food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, underpinning sustainable landscapes and food systems. This is essential since the sector is facing unprecedented uncertainty and risks: synergies have to be looked at and trade-offs addressed. Recognizing that agriculture is a pivotal sector for international negotiations on sustainable development and climate change, CSA therefore provides a framework for looking at necessary transitions. The main recommendations were as follows: (i) agriculture in the future must also address the challenges of sustainable food systems and landscapes; (ii): based upon a renewed research agenda that addresses a more complex set of objectives, researchers and practitioners must engage to build evidence and design the trajectories for multiple transformative transitions of climate-smart agriculture; (iii) the future relies upon policy, institutional and financing decisions and particularly upon the involvement of policy makers, development agencies, civil society and the private sector with researchers and research institutions in innovation platforms. The strengthening of CSA scientific community must be pursued and better engaged in interfacing with policy makers, promoting scientific diplomacy. Their capacity to develop relevant global research programs and joint initiatives to address as from now questions that will be key in the future should be supported and stimulated through international cooperation platforms. (Texte intégral

Logarithmic-function generator

Solid-state logarithmic-function generator is compact and provides improved accuracy. Generator includes a stable multivibrator feeding into RC circuit. Resulting exponentially decaying voltage is compared with input signal. Generator output is proportional to time required for exponential voltage to decay from preset reference level to level of input signal

Co-producing healthcare in a volume vs. value-based healthcare system: perspective of a parent of a patient and a health professions’ educator

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim framework represents an approach to optimizing a health system’s performance by focusing on improving the patient experience of care, improving the health of populations, and reducing healthcare costs. As the US healthcare system undergoes substantial reformation and a shift from fee-for-service payment to value-based models, an approach that emphasizes the co-production of healthcare, our healthcare system must work in concert with the Triple Aim to improve the health experience for patients across multiple environments. Co-production in healthcare means that patients contribute to the provision of health services as partners of professional providers. To highlight how the current healthcare model failed a patient by delaying diagnosis and subsequent care, thus causing undue suffering, the personal experience of one of the author’s children is reported as a narrative. The purpose of communicating this patient experience is to: 1) remind healthcare providers about the importance of not only listening, but hearing the patient and their parent’s concerns; 2) readily admit when a patient’s clinical presentation falls outside of their expertise; and 3) co-produce healthcare by working with the patient and their family. This patient experience serves to reinforce the commitment to co-produce health with patients and their families in a manner that emphasizes the value of care

Notes on the scattering amplitude / Wilson loop duality

We consider the duality between the four-dimensional S-matrix of planar maximally supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and the expectation value of polygonal shaped Wilson loops in the same theory. We extend the duality to amplitudes with arbitrary helicity states by introducing a suitable supersymmetric extension of the Wilson loop. We show that this object is determined by a host of recursion relations, which are valid at tree level and at loop level for a certain "loop integrand" defined within the Lagrangian insertion procedure. These recursion relations reproduce the BCFW ones obeyed by tree-level scattering amplitudes, as well as their extension to loop integrands which appeared recently in the literature, establishing the duality to all orders in perturbation theory. Finally, we propose that a certain set of finite correlation functions can be used to compute all first derivatives of the logarithm of MHV amplitudes.Comment: 25 pages + appendix, 5 figure

The educated citizen and global public health issues: One model for integration into the undergraduate curriculum

The Educated Citizen Initiative proposes that an understanding of public-health issues is a core component of an educated citizenry and is essential to develop one’s societal responsibility. This initiative supports the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation that “all undergraduates should have access to education in public health.” Furthermore, the Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) framework developed by the Association of American Colleges and Universities supports the “integration of public-health education into general and liberal education with an aim to produce an educated citizenry.” The LEAP framework is implemented by teaching about the role of social determinants in a population’s health status; the significance of personal and social responsibility; and providing skills for inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, and evaluation. This article describes one university’s experience in generating an educated citizenry cognizant of comprehensive public-health conflicts, thus contributing to both a local and global perspective on learning

Departmental Leadership: Navigating Productive Tension While in a Paradoxical Role

The landscape of higher education is dynamic and calls for faculty and academic administrators to not only prepare those entering the workforce with current skills, knowledge, and values but to do so in an environment that is resourceful with the tools, and personnel necessary to educate the citizenry. A critical component in achieving this noble mission is the role of the Department Chair, who spans both the academic and administrative environments. The Department Chair, whether at a public or private institution must serve multiple masters which include, senior academic administrators, departmental faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, community partners, and donors. The challenges that arise while in this role are many, for example, budgetary, personnel, and academic program accreditation/certification. Successes also do occur as evidenced by enrollment and graduation rates, and sincere appreciation from those we have taught. The Department Chair role is essential and deserves to possess the authority necessary to make decisions that are in the best interest of students, faculty, and the academic programs offered. The purpose of this perspective is to offer recommendations, grounded in experience, that may assist the Department Chair in navigating productive tension that can arise while working in this role that is often paradoxical at times