Showing papers by "University of Newcastle published in 1982"
TL;DR: The main body of current economic analysis of choice under uncertainty is built upon a small number of basic axioms, formulated in slightly different ways by von Neumann and Morgenstern (I 947), Savage (1 954), and others.
Abstract: The main body of current economic analysis of choice under uncertainty is built upon a small number of basic axioms, formulated in slightly different ways by von Neumann and Morgenstern (I 947), Savage (1 954) and others. These axioms are widely believed to represent the essence of rational behaviour under uncertainty. However, it is well known that many people behave in ways that systematically violate these axioms.' We shall initially focus upon a paper by Kahneman and Tversky (I 979) which presents extensive evidence of such behaviour. Kahneman and Tversky offer a theory, which they call 'prospect theory ', to explain their observations. We shall offer an alternative theory which is much simpler than prospect theory and which, we believe, has greater appeal to intuition. The following notation will be used throughout. The ith prospect is written as Xi. If it offers increments or decrements of wealth xl, ..., x. with probabilities Pi, .Pn (where p, + ... +pn = I) it may be denoted as (xi,pi; .. .; XwPn). Null consequences are omitted so that the prospect (x,p; o, I -p) is written simply as (x,p). Complex prospects, i.e. those which offer other prospects as consequences, may be denoted as (Xi,pi; ...; Xn,pn). We shall use the conventional notation >, > and to represent the relations of strict preference, weak preference and indifference. We shall take it that for all prospects Xi and Xk, Xi > Xk or Xi is transitive.
3,552 citations
TL;DR: Reverse-time stochastic diffusion equation models are defined in this article and it is shown how most processes defined via a forward-time or conventional diffusion equation model have an associated reverse-time model.
292 citations
TL;DR: Output and equation error adaptive identification algorithms and an adaptive control algorithm are shown to be exponentially convergent under a deterministic or stochastic persistently exciting condition on the reference trajectory together with some standard conditions.
279 citations
TL;DR: In plants possessing a mixed selfing and random mating system, outcrossing rate t can be estimated from progeny genotype arrays but if there is heterogeneity of gene frequency between subpopulations, these estimates are severely biased downwards.
Abstract: In plants possessing a mixed selfing and random mating system, outcrossing rate t can be estimated from progeny genotype arrays. Computer simulation studies show that if there is heterogeneity of gene frequency between subpopulations, these estimates of t are severely biased downwards, the degree of bias increasing as the true value of t increases. This effect has been demonstrated in the field using experimental populations of Ipomoea purpurea. These field studies also provide evidence for pollen “carryover” in I. purpurea.
173 citations
TL;DR: In this article, higher-order statistics of the streamwise velocity derivative have been measured on the center line of turbulent plane and circular jets and the optimum setting for the low-pass filter cut-off was found to be 1·75 times the Kolmogorov frequency fK, in contrast with the majority of previous investigations where it was set equal to fK.
Abstract: Higher-order statistics of the streamwise velocity derivative have been measured on the centre-line of turbulent plane and circular jets. The instrumentation and sources of error are discussed to establish the accuracy of the data and convergence of statistics. The optimum setting for the low-pass filter cut-off was found to be 1·75 times the Kolmogorov frequency fK, in contrast with the majority of previous investigations where it was set equal to fK. The magnitude of the constant μ in Kolmogorov's revised hypothesis is obtained using statistics derived from the instantaneous velocity derivative or its squared value. The correlation and spectrum of fluctuations of the squared velocity derivative and the Reynolds-number variation of the skewness and flatness factors of the velocity derivative are consistent with μ ≃ 0·2, while the most popular value used is 0·5. Second-order moments of the locally averaged dissipation, assumed proportional to the squared streamwise velocity derivative, and breakdown coefficients also suggest a value of μ of about 0·2. Higher-order correlations and spectra of the dissipation are in closer agreement with the Novikov-Stewart or β-model than with Kolmogorov's lognormal model. Higher-order moments of locally averaged values of the dissipation rate are more closely represented by the lognormal than the β-model.
111 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that, with probability one, the algorithm will ensure that the system inputs and outputs are sample mean square bounded and the mean square output tracking error achieves its global minimum possible value for linear feedback control.
94 citations
TL;DR: Results show that mutagenic factors, generated during cooking of pork and bacon, are ingested and absorbed and are subject to urinary clearance in biologically detectable quantities.
87 citations
TL;DR: An overview of the literature of the last 25 years pertaining to geochemical pyrolysis studies can be found in this article, where the authors introduce non-geochemists to the many areas in academic and industrial geochemistry to which pyroolysis in general, and analytical pyrolynsis in particular, are applicable.
85 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the flow field by expanding Guderley's local self-similar solution in powers of time, and calculated 40 terms by delegating the arithmetic to a computer.
Abstract: A spherical or cylindrical cavity containing quiescent gas begins to contract at high constant radial speed, driving an axisymmetric shock wave inward to collapse at the centre. We analyse the flow field by expanding the solution in powers of time, and calculate 40 terms by delegating the arithmetic to a computer. Analysis of the series for the radius of the shock wave confirms Guderley's local self-similar solution for the focusing, including recent refined values for his similarity exponent, and yields higher terms in his local expansion. In the range of adiabatic exponent where the Guderley solution has been shown not to be unique we find, in accord with a conjecture of Gel'fand, that the smallest admissible similarity exponent is realized.
85 citations
TL;DR: This article has attempted to make up for deficiencies in the indwelling and the plaque sampling/in vitro electrode methods of measuring intra-oral plaque pH, particularly as they relate to changes in pH associated with the ingestion of different foods.
Abstract: The papers in this symposium by Schachtele and Jensen,1 Edgar,2 and Firestone3 have dealt mainly with the indwelling and the plaque sampling/in vitro electrode methods of measuring intra-oral plaque pH, particularly as they relate to changes in pH associated with the ingestion of different foods. Largely omitted has been the role that the antimony touch-type electrode has played in plaque pH measurement and the considerable amount of information it has generated over the approximately 40 years that plaque pH has been measured with electrodes. Also omitted have been major aspects of interpretation of dental plaque pH and its significance. This article, therefore, has attempted to make up for some of these deficiencies.
79 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors predict the behavior of alkalis in the furnace gases of pulverized-coal-fired boilers, and show that a large proportion of the volatile sodium in the coal reacts with silica or silicate fly ash and forms a low viscosity surface layer of sodium silicate on the ash which, depending on its thickness, may enhance retention of the ash particles impinging on boiler tubes.
TL;DR: In this paper, a simple correlation for the height of the internal layer was found from dimensional analysis, and it was shown that internal layer is controlled by the larger of the upstream and downstream roughness length scales.
Abstract: The testing of a simple correlation for the height of the internal layer, found from dimensional analysis, is described. It is shown that the internal layer is controlled by the larger of the upstream and downstream roughness length scales.
TL;DR: In this paper, maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the binary logistic regression model for pr (H I x) is discussed with separate discussion of sampling from (i) the conditional distribution of H given x, (ii) the joint distributions of H and x, and (iii) the condition of x given H. Difficulties associated with continuous x in the latter sampling scheme are discussed.
Abstract: SUMMARY Maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the binary logistic regression model for pr (H I x) is discussed with separate discussion of sampling from (i) the conditional distribution of H given x, (ii) the joint distribution of H and x, and (iii) the conditional distribution of x given H. Difficulties associated with continuous x in the latter sampling scheme are discussed. To avoid these, penalized maximum likelihood estimates are introduced, which give estimates of the logistic parameters and a nonparametric spline estimate of the marginal distribution of x. Extensions to multinomial logistic regression are outlined.
TL;DR: It is proposed that capsaicin releases substance P from neurones in the ileum, and the released substance P in turn stimulates cholinergic neurones to release acetylcholine, as well as producing direct muscle contraction.
Abstract: The mechanism of action of capsaicin on the guinea-pig isolated ileum was studied. Capsaicin (1.5×10−6mol l−1) produced a large contractile response of the ileum which exhibited marked tachyphylaxis. The response was reduced by treatment of preparations with atropine, 5×10−6mol l−1, and by substance P-autodesensitization, and was abolished by a combination of these treatments. It was concluded that capsaicin released both substance P and acetylcholine from the guinea-pig ileum. Evidence for a cholinergic component in the action of high concentrations of substance P was also obtained and therefore it is proposed that capsaicin releases substance P from neurones in the ileum, and the released substance P in turn stimulates cholinergic neurones to release acetylcholine, as well as producing direct muscle contraction.
TL;DR: In this article, the formation of sodium silicates in reactions between silica particles and a synthetic furnace gas containing sodium, chlorine, sulphur and water vapour was investigated, and it was shown that in large pulverized-coal-fired boilers, in the presence of alkali-ash reactions, the formation can be predicted by thermodynamic considerations.
TL;DR: The data at hand seem to indicate that the central retina is more ‘specialized’ for motion perception than the peripheral retina.
Abstract: Literature dealing with the peripheral retina and its 'specialization for motion detection' is reviewed. The data at hand seem to indicate that the central retina is more 'specialized' for motion perception than the peripheral retina. It is clear that motion improves vision for stimuli presented peripherally.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study process complex comprising three major motives (instrumental, intrinsic and achievement) and three cognate learning/study strategies (reproducing, meaning and organizing) is described.
Abstract: A “study process complex” comprising three major motives (instrumental, intrinsic and achievement) and three cognate learning/study strategies (reproducing, meaning and organising), is described. T...
TL;DR: In this paper, structural controllability results for matrix pairs [A, B] where A = A 0 + Σ μ iAi, B = B 0 + σ μ i, Bi, with the Ai, Bi, fixed, and the μ i, free scalar parameters were established.
Abstract: We establish structural controllability results for matrix pairs [A, B] where A = A 0 + Σ μ iAi , B = B 0 + σ μ i, Bi , with the Ai , Bi , fixed, and the μ i , free scalar parameters The results characterize structural controllability in several ways, via tests involving the checking of the rank or the evaluation of the determinant of various constant matrices formed from the Ai , Bi A number of the results used as intermediate results tests for a full rank property of matrix nets, ie tests that check if M = M0+ ΣμiMi prescribed, μ i variable, has full rank for almost all μ i
TL;DR: The issue of private versus public choice relative to emigration is examined, as is the major economic benefits and costs of labor emigration and the influence of development objectives on the valuation of these costs and benefits.
Abstract: This article is concerned with the extent to which labor migration is advantageous to the labor exporting country. It focuses on development consequences of labor emigration with a view toward the formulation of policies which can shape those consequences into a positive force for development discussing a wide variety of potential costs and benefits generated by labor emigration. The issue of private versus public choice relative to emigration is examined as [are] the major economic benefits and costs of labor emigration and the influence of development objectives on the valuation of these costs and benefits. Policies by which emigration countries may increase the benefits from labor emigration and reduce the costs are outlined. (EXCERPT)
TL;DR: It was shown that cigarette smoking can produce state-dependent memory effects and the most likely basis for the results is the arousal produced by the nicotine content of the cigarette.
Abstract: Two experiments were carried out to investigate whether cigarette smoking could produce state-dependent learning (SDL) in humans. The first experiment was concerned with the methodological issue of choosing an appropriate control cigarette for use in an SDL design. A low nicotine content (0.2 mg) cigarette was chosen as it did not appear to affect the physiological arousal of the subjects. In Experiment 2, it was shown that cigarette smoking can produce state-dependent memory effects. The most likely basis for the results is the arousal produced by the nicotine content of the cigarette.
TL;DR: In this paper, a rake of cold wires placed across a turbulent boundary layer had enabled the identification of coherent temperature fronts using information obtained at only one point in space, which was compared with those obtained when the rake was used to detect the fronts.
Abstract: Visual examination of simultaneous temperature traces from a rake of cold wires placed across a turbulent boundary layer had enabled the identification of coherent temperature fronts. An X-wirelcold-wire arrangement was used simultaneously with the rake to provide measurements of the velocity fluctuations u (longitudinal) and v (normal) and the temperature fluctuation θ. Conditional averages of u, v, θ and products uv, uθ, vθ were obtained by application of conditional techniques based on the detection of the temperature fronts using information obtained at only one point in space. These averages, obtained at various positions across the layer, have been compared with those obtained when the rake was used to detect the fronts. The comparison has indicated that none of the one-point detection techniques is in good quantitative agreement with the rake detection technique, the largest correspondence between the rake technique and any ofthe other one-point techniques being only 51 yo. With the exception of the hole technique used in conjunction with the quadrant decomposition analysis, conditional averages obtained from one-point techniques are in reasonable qualitative agreement with those deduced using the rake.
TL;DR: This paper suggests how nonlinear adaptive control might lead to improved control of the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the aerator of a wastewater treatment plant.
TL;DR: Analytical procedures for fractionating the total metal content of soils into subgroups have been assessed against the observed extraction behaviour, which indicates that most of the adsorbed metal ion is exchangeable.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a comprehensive summary of results on the following topics relating to crack kinking and curving: (a) stress intensity factors for kinked cracks under combined loading; (b) applicability of Irwin's energy-release rate formula to kink-ed cracks; and (c) reasons behind crack kink and curve.
TL;DR: These experiments indicate that, given an adequately formulated relationship between spatial frequency and orientation tuning parameters of the filter, one can predict a variety of texture discriminations using only amplitude-specific models.
Abstract: Recent developments in modeling image discrimination by feature analytic and frequency selective methods are discussed. Some issues relating to the design of two-dimensional spatial frequency filters are developed within the context of two experiments on texture discrimination using artificial and naturally occurring textures. Results of these experiments indicate that, given an adequately formulated relationship between spatial frequency and orientation tuning parameters of the filter, one can predict a variety of texture discriminations using only amplitude-specific models. Finally, guidelines are established for ascertaining when phase transmission characteristics do become critical in two-dimensional image processing by the human observer.
TL;DR: Investigation of some limits to phase processing in the human visual system with two-dimensional textured images indicates that, although phase sensitivity increases with contrast and energy components of the image, observers cannot discriminate between images and their 45 degrees phase-quantized versions under brief exposure and lower- lower- contrast conditions.
Abstract: We investigate some limits to phase processing in the human visual system with two-dimensional textured images. Results indicate that, although phase sensitivity increases with contrast and energy components of the image, observers cannot discriminate between images and their 45° phase-quantized versions under brief exposure and lower-(≤ 30%) contrast conditions. These results seem to be frequency independent although modulated by different energy levels at each two-dimensional frequency band. Finally, we have analyzed some past texture-discrimination results that occur under identical amplitude-spectra conditions. Here also phase-quantization differences seem to constitute an adequate explanation of discrimination performance.
TL;DR: In this article, the wave spectra, polarization properties, and wave diagnostics of ion cyclotron instability of protons were measured using ATS-6 synchronous satellite magnetometer wave data; all are characteristic of propagation in a cool ambient magnetospheric plasma containing He(+) and O(+) heavy ions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors validated use of the rosette inhibition test for the detection of early pregnancy factor (EPF) in human pregnancy, first by optimizing conditions for the assay, using known pregnant and non-pregnant sera, and second, by examining the performance of this assay in three clinical situations: a "blind" study involving coded first-trimester sera showed 80% correlation with pregnancy status; serial assay of EPF activity in sera collected from normal women attempting to conceive, correlated with human chorionic gonadotropin beta-
TL;DR: This paper found that Australian subjects ascribed more integrity to the owner of the Educated accent than would have been predicted from overseas studies, and that the most important subject variable was education.
Abstract: Two studies are described which suggest that the reactions and evaluations of Australian subjects to Australian accents are of importance in social interaction. In the first study subjects were asked to evaluate three taped voices on personality traits classified as competence, social and physical traits. The matched-guise technique was used to produce the tapes which contained a factually neutral passage in Educated Australian, Broad Australian and Italian Australian accents. Subjects varied on the dimensions of sex and education; technical college and university students participated. Clear and significant evaluations were made of the three accents. The results were in broad agreement with previous studies with an interesting exception of possible but unknown importance. Australian subjects ascribed more integrity to the owner of the Educated accent than would have been predicted from overseas studies. The most important subject variable was education. In the second study middle-class and middl...