Fisher consistent estimation of regression parameter in the proportional mean residual life model with frailty

In the article, we consider the Fisher consistent estimation of the regression parameters in the proportional mean residual life model with arbitrary frailty. It is discussed that conventional estimation procedures, such as the maximum likelihood estimation or Cox’s approach, which are employed in common regression models, may also yield consistent inference in the extended models.

Bayesian Fatigue Life Prediction of Corroded Steel Reinforcing Bars

This paper presents a general method for fatigue life prediction of corroded steel reinforcing bars. A fatigue testing on standard specimens with pitting corrosion is carried out to obtain corrosion fatigue data. The maximum corrosion degree (MCD), characterizing the most severe site of the corrosion pit, is identified to have a log-linear relationship with the fatigue life. A fatigue life model incorporating the MCD and the stress range for corroded steel reinforcing bars is proposed. The model parameters are identified using the testing data, and the model is considered as the baseline model. To utilize the proposed model for life prediction of corroded steel reinforcing bars with different geometries and working conditions, the Bayesian method is employed to update the baseline model. The effectiveness of the overall method is demonstrated using independent datasets of realistic steel reinforcing bars.

Mean Residual Lifetime Frailty Models: A Weighted Perspective

The mean residual life frailty model and a subsequent weighted multiplicative mean residual life model that requires weighted multiplicative mean residual lives are considered. The expression and the shape of a mean residual life for some semiparametric models and also for a multiplicative degradation model are given in separate examples. The frailty model represents the lifetime of the population in which the random parameter combines the effects of the subpopulations. We show that for some regular dependencies of the population lifetime on the random parameter, some aging properties of the subpopulations’ lifetimes are preserved for the population lifetime. We indicate that the weighted multiplicative mean residual life model generates positive dependencies of this type. The copula function associated with the model is also derived. Necessary and sufficient conditions for certain aging properties of population lifetimes in the model are determined. Preservation of stochastic orders of two random parameters for the resulting population lifetimes in the model is acquired.

Through the Looking Glass

<p>This thesis questions, what characteristics constitute architecture and how can a design based body of research push the boundaries to question standard convention of architecture? My research proposes that there is a lost opportunity in conventional architecture design when the limitation of two-dimensional images cannot fully convey the reality of space. Conventionally architecture is viewed as static and unchanging however, this research disagrees with this proposition and explores the opportunity for there to be an immersive experience throughout the design stage. This research project asks how can we bridge the gap between the architecture created in the physical world versus the virtual? Scaled physical modeling is traditionally the key visual representation of architectural design. However, people often can’t fully understand the intricacies of a scaled model. Through my research, I explore how VR technology could provide solutions to let people experience the materiality and craft of a real-life model. Restrictions in perception of scale, materiality and circulation hinder the thorough understanding of experience in space. There is an opportunity to collaborate and merge the experience of physical modeling in the digital realm. By using handcrafted physical models, my work brings the imperfection of real life into the digital realm. Allowing the materiality from the real world to ground the project with the familiarity that only real space can induce. Papercraft and modeling by card are the chosen material and method of constructing these real-life scaled models. Photogrammetry is used as a process to translate these physical “objects” into digital mesh. The physical and virtual world can work together harmoniously to create interesting results. The material properties of physical models are highlighted but have the advantage of being able to be easily manipulated (scale, multiply, move etc) in the digital realm. By using VR in order to explore these created environments allows the users to grasp the full nature of the materials and craftsmanship of physical models in a 1:1 scale. This hybrid way of designing celebrates the benefits and advantage of both the physical and virtual world and is a start to bridge the gap between them.</p>

Through the Looking Glass

<p>This thesis questions, what characteristics constitute architecture and how can a design based body of research push the boundaries to question standard convention of architecture? My research proposes that there is a lost opportunity in conventional architecture design when the limitation of two-dimensional images cannot fully convey the reality of space. Conventionally architecture is viewed as static and unchanging however, this research disagrees with this proposition and explores the opportunity for there to be an immersive experience throughout the design stage. This research project asks how can we bridge the gap between the architecture created in the physical world versus the virtual? Scaled physical modeling is traditionally the key visual representation of architectural design. However, people often can’t fully understand the intricacies of a scaled model. Through my research, I explore how VR technology could provide solutions to let people experience the materiality and craft of a real-life model. Restrictions in perception of scale, materiality and circulation hinder the thorough understanding of experience in space. There is an opportunity to collaborate and merge the experience of physical modeling in the digital realm. By using handcrafted physical models, my work brings the imperfection of real life into the digital realm. Allowing the materiality from the real world to ground the project with the familiarity that only real space can induce. Papercraft and modeling by card are the chosen material and method of constructing these real-life scaled models. Photogrammetry is used as a process to translate these physical “objects” into digital mesh. The physical and virtual world can work together harmoniously to create interesting results. The material properties of physical models are highlighted but have the advantage of being able to be easily manipulated (scale, multiply, move etc) in the digital realm. By using VR in order to explore these created environments allows the users to grasp the full nature of the materials and craftsmanship of physical models in a 1:1 scale. This hybrid way of designing celebrates the benefits and advantage of both the physical and virtual world and is a start to bridge the gap between them.</p>

Can the Fight Against Crime Act as a Paradigm for the Legal Model of the Prosecutor's Activity?

The prosecutor plays a special role in counteracting crime, being the public officer whom the state made responsible for coordinating the activities of all law enforcement bodies, as well as for the legality and validity of criminal prosecution against persons who committed crimes. Today, alongside the legal model of the prosecutor’s activity provided for in the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation according to which the prosecutor performs the function of criminal prosecution nominally and is, in fact, removed from the participation in the pre-trial stages of the criminal process, there has also developed a rather autonomous real-life model of the prosecutor’s activities. In practice, the prosecutor still has an opportunity to influence the decisions regarding the initiation of a criminal case and indictment at the stage of preliminary investigation. The study of a prosecutor’s participation in the pre-trial proceedings, a survey of prosecutors, investigators and inquiry offices made it possible to conclude that rights and legal interests of the participants in the process are often sacrificed for the sake of indicators of the effectiveness of criminal prosecution and crime solving rates. The authors analyze the causes of this situation and reveal the drawbacks in the current normative model of the prosecutor’s activity. This analysis allowed them to conclude that there should be no conflict between such determinants of a prosecutor’s activity as counteracting crime and ensuring the rights of the participants of criminal proceedings if the legal model of the prosecutor’s activity is well-considered and carefully drawn. The lawmakers should see their task in finding a reasonable and clear balance between the abovementioned values; the absence of such a balance will inevitably result in a repressive approach to crime counteraction, which is absolutely unacceptable for the modern legal state. The authors describe the factors which, if taken into account, will make it possible to eliminate key problems of the legal model of the prosecutor’s work as well as the distortions and errors in its enforcement. They make a number of suggestions aimed at designing a model of the prosecutor’s activities that would contribute to effective crime counteraction without violations against rights and legal interests of persons in the sphere of criminal proceedings.