Conditional independence models for seemingly unrelated regressions with incomplete data

We consider normal ≡ Gaussian seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) with incomplete data (ID). Imposing a natural minimal set of conditional independence constraints, we find a restricted SUR/ID model whose likelihood function and parameter space factor into the product of the likelihood functions and the parameter spaces of standard complete data multivariate analysis of variance models. Hence, the restricted model has a unimodal likelihood and permits explicit likelihood inference. In the development of our methodology, we review and extend existing results for complete data SUR models and the multivariate ID problem.     

The Lascoux, Leclerc and Thibon algorithm and Soergel's tilting algorithm

We generalize Soergel's tilting algorithm to singular weights and deduce from this the validity of the Lascoux-Leclerc-Thibon conjecture on the connection between the canonical basis of the basic submodule of the Fock module and the representation theory of the Hecke-algebras at root of unity. Supported in part by Programa Reticulados y Ecuaciones and by FONDECYT grant 1051024.     

Finding the best visualization of an ontology

An ontology is a classification model for a given domain. In information retrieval, ontologies are used to perform broad searches. An ontology can be visualized as nodes and edges. Each node represents an element and each edge a relation between a parent and a child element. Working with an ontology becomes easier with a visual representation. An idea is to use the expressive power of 3D representation to provide visualization for the user. In this paper, we propose a new method for positioning the elements of the visualized concept lattice in the 3D world based on operations research (OR) methods. One method uses a discrete location model to create an initial solution and we propose heuristic methods to further improve the visual result. We evaluate the visual results according to our success criteria and the feedback from users. Running times of the heuristic indicate that an improved version should be feasible for on-line processing and what-if analysis of ontologies.     

Space-Time Topology (II)—Causality, the Fourth Stiefel–Whitney Class and Space-Time as a Boundary

We show that stable causality is related to the vanishing of the top Stiefel–Whitney class of a space-time manifold M, and that if M is a stably causal space-time manifold, then it is the boundary of a five-dimensional space-time. We then propose a scheme for making it both a necessary and sufficient condition.     

High temperature stability of maghemite in partially oxidized basalt lava

Mössbauer spectroscopy of basalt lava samples, exhibiting reversible thermal magnetization (J_S-T) curves with Curie temperatures of about 580°C, has revealed considerable amounts of maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) in many samples. In view of the expected instability, of maghemite at temperatures above 350°C, this reversibility is rather surprising. Here we report Mössbauer studies on heated lava samples, showing high content of maghemite. The samples were kept at 600°C in oxidizing, reducing, and inactive atmospheres, respectively, for different lengths of time, and then analyzed with Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature. The Mössbauer spectra showed that maghemite is stable in the oxidizing atmosphere for at least several hours. In the inactive atmosphere a considerable amount of maghemite still exists after two hours heating. In the reducing atmosphere maghemite had transformed to magnetite after only 30 minutes.     

Trace pollutants analysis in soil by a time-resolved laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique

The results of a joint experiment of IFAM-Pisa and ENEA-Frascati for the detection of traces of pollutants in soil by a time-resolved laser-induced spectroscopy technique are reported. Using samples of soil with known pollutants' concentration [Geochemical Exploration Reference (GXR) silicate from US Geological Survey], we were able to estimate the sensitivity of this Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technique to be of the order of some parts per million for a vast class of metallic pollutants, including extremely dangerous soil pollutants such as copper, lead and chromium.ENEA guest with HC&M fellowship     

Superferromagnetic nanostructures

Interactions between magnetic nanoparticles can lead to superferromagnetic ordering, i.e. ordering of their magnetic moments at low temperatures. The use of a simple mean field theory, describing the temperature dependence of the order parameter is discussed. This model is found to give excellent fits to experimental results. In systems of particles with pure dipole interactions, the degree of ordering depends critically on the geometrical configuration of the particles. The application of superferromagnetic nanostructures for magnetic refrigeration is also discussed.