We present several models to obtain simple parametric representations of the fuzzy numbers or intervals, based on the use of piecewise monotonic functions of different forms. The representations have the advantage of allowing flexible and easy to control shapes of the fuzzy numbers (we use the standard -cuts setting, but also the membership functions are obtained immediately) and can be used di...

It is common in regression discontinuity analysis to control for third, fourth, or higher-degree polynomials of the forcing variable. There appears to be a perception that such methods are theoretically justified, even though they can lead to evidently nonsensical results. We argue that controlling for global high-order polynomials in regression discontinuity analysis is a flawed approach with ...

A novel approach to the automatic detection of fault surface images in 3D seismic datasets is presented. Based on the premise that seismic faulting introduces discontinuities into the rock layering (that is, the horizons), a coherency measure is used to detect points of significant horizon discontinuity. A highest confidence first (HCF) merging strategy is then combined with a flexible surface ...

In this paper, electromagnetic wave propagation close to a material discontinuity have been simulated. We have used summation by part (SBP) operators of second, fourth and sixth order accuracy. The boundary conditions have been imposed by the simultaneous approximation term (SAT) procedure. Stability has been shown and the order of accuracy have been verified numerically.

This study examines whether stronger corporate governance leads to higher quality financial reporting. We use a regression discontinuity method to analyze the effect on financial reporting quality of shareholder-sponsored governance proposals that pass or fail by a small margin of votes in annual meetings. This empirical strategy allows us to overcome the endogeneity problem of governance mecha...

We introduce an algorithm that iteratively produces a sequence of natural numbers ki and functions bi defined in the interval [1,+∞). The number ki+1 arises as the first point of discontinuity of bi above ki. We derive a set of properties of both sequences, suggesting that (1) the algorithm produces square-free numbers ki, (2) all the square-free numbers are generated as the output of the algor...

A crack initiation and propagation algorithm driven by non-local ductile damage is proposed in a three-dimensional finite strain framework. The evolution of plastic strain and stress triaxiality govern a non-local ductile damage field via constitutive equations. When the damage reaches a critical threshold, a discontinuity in the form of a crack surface is inserted into the three-dimensional co...

This paper presents the results of ongoing research on the characterization of rock mass structure from discontinuity data. Multivariate clustering analysis represents a relatively recent development in characterizing the structure of rock masses. Multivariate clustering allows characterization of discontinuities into subsets according to multiple parameters, such as orientation, spacing, and r...

We consider the problem of locating jumps in regression surfaces. A jump detection algorithm is suggested based on local least squares estimation. This method requires O(Nk) computations, where N is the sample size and k is the window width of the neighborhood. This property makes it possible to handle large data sets. The conditions imposed on the jump location curves, the jump surfaces and th...

We present a detailed analysis of the QCD partition function in the Grand Canonical formalism. Using the fugacity expansion we find evidence for numerical instabilities in the standard evaluation of its coefficients. We discuss the origin of this problem and propose an issue to it. The correct analysis shows no evidence for a discontinuity in the baryonic density in the strong coupling limit. T...