We often build complex probabilistic models by composing simpler models—using one model to generate parameters or latent variables for another model. This allows us to express complex distributions over the observed data and to share statistical structure between different parts of a model. In this thesis, we present a space of matrix decomposition models defined by the composition of a small n...

Demand fluctuations that cause variations in output levels will affect a firm’s technical inefficiency. To assess this demand effect, a demand-truncated production function is developed and an “effectiveness” measure is proposed. Often a firm can adjust some input resources influencing the output level in an attempt to match demand. We proposes a short-run capacity planning method, termed proac...

Adaptation to marginal habitats at species range-limits has often been associated with parthenogenetic reproduction in terrestrial animals and plants. Laboratory observations have shown that brown algae exhibit a high propensity for parthenogenesis by various mechanisms. The kelp Laminaria digitata is an important component of the ecosystem in Northern European rocky intertidal habitats. We stu...

he core of the broad field of economics considers how to allocate society’s scarce resources among unlimited desires. In systems where choices are impersonal, have an impact isolated to a point in time, and require little to no ethical dilemma, traditional economics and market prices are well suited to inform the best (or optimal) choices. Many choices made in well-defined goods and services ma...

A class of semi-recursive kernel type estimates of functions depending on multivariate density functionals and their derivatives is considered. The piecewise smoothed approximations of these estimates are proposed. The convergence with probability one of the estimates is proved. The main parts of the asymptotic mean square errors of the estimates are found. The examples of estimation of the pro...

Competitive producers hold inventories to reduce costs of adjusting production and to reduce marketing costs by facilitating scheduling and avoiding stockouts. Using data for copper, heating oil, and lumber, I estimate these costs within a structural model of production, sales, and storage, and / study their implications for inventory and price behavior. Unlike earlier studies, this work focuse...

Background: Optimal allocation of resources commensurate with performance improvement is the concerns of all countries including Iran. Estimation hospitals production function is important in the economic management of hospitals. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the production function of Iranian selected public hospitals as well as analyz...