Asymptotic behavior of parameter estimators of a multivariate discontinuous density

We study the asymptotic behavior of Bayesian and maximum likelihood estimators of the parameter when the density function f(x, ) for each fixed x has discontinuities in on some surface.Translated from Zapiski Nauchnykh Seminarov Leningradskogo Otdeleniya Matematicheskogo Instituta im. V. A. Steklova AN SSSR, Vol. 74, pp. 83–107, 1977.     

Elliptic semiplanes and group divisible designs with orthogonal resolutions

In this paper we prove that there exists an elliptic semiplaneS(v, k, m) withk –m 2 if and only if there exists a group divisible design GDD _k ((k –m)(k – 1);k –m; 0, 1) withm pairwise orthogonal resolutions. As an example of this theorem, we construct an elliptic semiplaneW(45, 7, 3) and show thatW is isomorphic to the elliptic semiplaneS(45, 7, 3) given by R. D. Baker.     

Finiteness of Ricci flatN=2 supersymmetric σ-models

We study the ultraviolet behavior of two dimensional supersymmetric non-linear -models with target space an arbitrary Kähler manifoldM, so that the models areN=2 supersymmetric. We point out that these models have an additional fermionic axial symmetry if and only if the metric onM is Ricci flat. We show that the preservation of this symmetry in perturbation theory implies that both bare and renormalized metrics onM are Ricci flat. Combining this result with the constraint ofN=2 supersymmetry requiring that all counter-terms to the metric beyond one-loop order be cohomologically trivial, we argue thatN=2 models defined on Ricci flat Kähler manifolds are on-shell ultraviolet finite to all orders of perturbation theory.     

Evaluating dredging and offshore loading locations for U.S. coal exports using the local logistics system

The formulation and use of a mixed integer mathematical programming location-allocation model, the Coal Logistics System (COLS), is presented in this study. COLS is used to evaluate the potential for reducing water-borne coal transportation costs, and concomitantly the costs of delivering coal to European markets. This cost reduction is accomplished through the use of supercolliers which would require the dredging of channels at selected ports or the use of offshore loading sites at East and Gulf Coast ports or both. The model developed and the analysis presented in this paper are intended to aid in the determination of the location and extent of these activities, and to indicate the size of the potential reduction in the costs of U.S. export coal. In order to be able to accommodate these deeper draft vessels at East and Gulf Coast ports, expensive improvements would need to be undertaken which may include the deepening of harbor channels to the depths required for 120 000 dead weight ton (dwt) or larger supercolliers. Since dredging requires large initial investments and has significant long-term maintenance costs, excess capacity could represent an inefficient use of both U.S. revenues and the ports' own funds. The use of offshore loading moorings to permit the topping off of supercolliers by self-unloading colliers at the deepwater sections of harbor channels has been proposed as a way of reducing trans-ocean transportation costs and avoiding the large investments and time delays associated with dredging activities. The Coal Logistics System was modified and extended to enable the evaluation of these two port improvement options to be undertaken in a consistent and realistic manner.     

Renewal theorem for a class of stationary sequences

Summary A renewal theorem is obtained for stationary sequences of the form _n=(...,X _n-1,X _n,X _n+1...), whereX _n, , are i.i.d. r.v.s. valued in a Polish space. This class of processes is sufficiently broad to encompass functionals of recurrent Markov chains, functionals of stationary Gaussian processes, and functionals of one-dimensional Gibbs states. The theorem is proved by a new coupling construction.Research supported by the National Science Foundation