How accurate is your AI?
A new evaluation method for AI predictability has been developed by Kyoto University researchers, tackling issues of accuracy and bias in traditional metrics.
Statistical Analysis
Articles tagged with Statistical Analysis
ID microstructure of stock useful in financial crisis
Researchers analyze order flow for pairs of NASDAQ 100 stocks and find four groups with large mutual differences, surprising given the lack of reflection in actual prices. This discovery contributes to modeling price evolution and could be used to evaluate the impact of financial crises.
Pilot model forecasts complex earthquake sequences with increased accuracy
Researchers validated a new earthquake forecasting model based on the Amatrice-Norcia sequence, showing improved accuracy compared to existing models. The 'brick-by-brick' approach of the operational earthquake forecasting system may revolutionize seismologists' ability to forecast earthquakes.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 13, 2017
Emoji fans take heart: Scientists pinpoint 27 states of emotion
Researchers found 27 distinct dimensions of emotion that account for hundreds of people's reported feelings in response to video clips. The study challenges the notion that emotions are finite clusters and instead reveals smooth gradients between emotions.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2017
Monitoring network traffic more efficiently
Researchers at MIT and Cisco Systems have developed a new approach to network monitoring called Marple, which allows routers to report on their own state without relying on external servers. By using a programming language and simple circuit design, Marple enables precise traffic analysis while reducing the need for additional hardware.
Sorghum yield and temperature
Researchers analyzed climatological and sorghum yield data from Kansas, finding that temperatures above 33°C result in declining yields. Moderate and high temperature increases of 2°C and 4°C led to significant yield losses, with an average reduction of 10% per 1°C from 1-5°C.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017
New statistical models key yield powerful insight from health care databases
Advanced statistical modeling tools can analyze large electronic health records to inform medical decisions and develop individualized treatments for high-risk patients. The methods leverage machine learning and flexible models to draw valid inference from representative populations.
Statistical analysis of batter productivity from changed strike zone could spell trouble
A recent statistical analysis suggests that the changed strike zone could negatively affect batter productivity. The study found pitch location-specific differences in run expectancies, which may lead to internal struggles among players and impact salaries.
Penn interactive map shows community traits built from more than 37 billion tweets
The Well-Being Map is an interactive tool that uses over 37 billion publicly shared tweets to analyze and display scores for various characteristics in every US county. It provides valuable insights into community traits such as well-being, personality, government-reported health, and socioeconomic factors.
Study shows big smart meter investment yielded 'very small' electricity savings
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that smart meters and time-of-use pricing reduced residential energy demand during peak periods by only 2.6% and 2.4%, respectively. The modest changes in behavior raise concerns about whether the cost of installing smart meters has been justified.
New analysis finds Medicare program underestimates heart attack mortality rates
A new analysis of Medicare's Hospital Compare portal found that the statistical methodology used to rate and compare hospitals underestimates mortality rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at small hospitals. The research proposes an alternative model that incorporates additional factors such as hospital volume, nursing staff, an...
SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateApr 19, 2017
Industry experts discuss advantages & risks of shifting data analytics to the cloud
Industry experts examine the advantages of shifting data analytics to the cloud, including cost savings and improved management of analytics workloads. The panel discussion highlights the potential for companies to gain by moving their data analytics activities to the cloud, including more efficient use of IT resources.
Using statistics ethically to combat 'a scientific credibility crisis'
According to Dr. Rochelle Tractenberg, a statistical crisis is emerging due to improper analysis and interpretation of data, leading to irreproducible results. She advocates for responsible conduct in research and the importance of treating data ethically.
HSE experts investigate how order emerges from chaos
Researchers uncover link between vortices and statistical properties of hydrodynamic fluctuations, enabling prediction of pollutant advection and mixing. The study provides valuable insights into emergence of coherent structures like cyclones and anticyclones from chaotic conditions.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateFeb 10, 2017
NIJ grant to develop investigative tool for counterfeit bills
A team of experts from Sam Houston State University is developing a novel investigative tool using micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze inkjet printer signatures. The goal is to provide reliable leads in counterfeit cases while being time-effective and non-destructive.
Even physicists are 'afraid' of mathematics
A new study published in New Journal of Physics found that physicists pay less attention to articles with dense mathematical details, indicating real and widespread barriers to scientific communication. The researchers suggest improving clearer presentation of technical work is key to bridging this gap.
Characteristics of cloud-to-ground and intracloud lightning in Beijing metropolitan region
Researchers investigated cloud-to-ground (CG) and intracloud (IC) lightning characteristics over the Beijing Metropolitan Region from 2005-2007. They found IC lightning occurs more frequently than CG lightning, with most activity occurring during summer months and a southeastwardly increasing pattern in flash density.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateNov 10, 2016
Research shows US tendency to hide war against democracies, secretly detain their citizens
A US study found that the country secretly detains citizens from democracies in 'black sites,' while openly holding those from non-democracies in known prisons. The researchers argue that this behavior is rooted in the 'Perceptual Theory of Legitimacy', which suggests good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.
Clinton's contrasting memoir writing styles linked to public perception problems
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers analyzed Hillary Clinton's two political memoirs, revealing links to her public perception problems. The analysis found that Clinton's writing styles were influenced by the 'double bind' women face in politics, with a tendency to be pragmatic and avoid personal revelations.
The Great Elephant Census reports massive loss of African savanna elephants
The Great Elephant Census reports a substantial decline in African savanna elephant numbers over the last decade, with an estimated population of 352,271 in 18 countries. Poaching is the primary cause of this decline, with large numbers of carcasses found in protected areas indicating that elephants are struggling to survive.
The Great Elephant Census reports massive loss of African savanna elephants
The Great Elephant Census reports a 30% decline in savannah elephant populations over the last decade, primarily due to poaching. The census estimates that there are currently around 352,271 savannah elephants in Africa, with conservation efforts facing significant challenges to protect these endangered animals.
Attitudes towards traffic safety worldwide
The study analyzed responses from 142 respondents in 36 countries to identify key findings on traffic safety cultures worldwide. The results revealed two approaches to traffic safety culture: an objective reality-based approach and a threat-elimination focus, with poorer countries emphasizing safety.
Argonne theorists solve a long-standing fundamental problem
Scientists from Argonne National Laboratory have developed a way to reconcile two fundamentally different pictures of reality in statistical mechanics. The new approach provides a general and exact solution for the density of states, which is essential for understanding system behavior.
Real-time visualization tool reveals behavioral patterns in Bitcoin transactions
Researchers developed a novel visualization tool to explore dynamic Bitcoin transactional data, revealing behavioral patterns and potential money laundering activities. The top-down approach enables drill-down analysis of individual transactions.
Leading statisticians establish steps to convey statistics a science not toolbox
The American Statistical Association publishes guidelines for researchers to treat statistics as a science, not a recipe. The 10 simple rules emphasize the need for principled statistical analysis to avoid misperceptions and inaccurate claims.
Ten simple rules to use statistics effectively
The guidelines aim to help researchers avoid common pitfalls in statistical reasoning and ensure accurate findings. The rules emphasize the importance of data quality, careful design, and replication to increase the likelihood of robust results.
Internet domain space overcrowded and stifling demand, suggesting a future 'not-com' boom
Research estimates 25% of current domains are unmet demand due to lack of available high-quality names and locations. New top-level domains (not-coms) may alleviate this issue, sparking a potential boom in domain registrations.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics·DateMar 1, 2016
Electronic healthcare records data reveal factors linked to emergency department revisits
A new study identified distinct patient diagnoses and emergency department usage patterns linked to high risk of ED readmission. The researchers used electronic healthcare records data from over one million patients to build predictive models for risk of 72-hour ED readmission.
New tools help provide vital demographics, population statistics to policymakers
Researchers have developed a system to enhance ACS data, enabling easier analysis of critical information in predefined geographic areas. The new tools allow planners to access socio-economic data on desired regions and time periods, making it easier for policy decisions.
More students earning statistics degrees; not enough to meet surging demand
The number of statistics graduates has increased by 300% since the 1990s, with bachelor's degrees growing 17% from 2013 to 2014. Demand for statisticians is expected to outpace growth, with a potential shortage of 140,000 workers with deep analytical skills by 2018.
Physicists map the strain, pixel by pixel, in wonder material graphene
Researchers use Raman spectroscopy to measure strain at each pixel on graphene's surface, enabling quick and accurate monitoring of defects. This breakthrough could help prevent defects caused by strain in high-quality graphene production.
Young male cyclists are the most likely to die after being involved in a traffic accident
A University of Granada study found that young male cyclists between 15 and 24 years old are at highest risk of death in traffic accidents. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 cyclists involved in accidents between 1993 and 2009, concluding that age and sex play a significant role in mortality rates among cyclists.
UMD receives $1.8 million grant to improve genomic data analysis tools
The University of Maryland has received a $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to improve Bioconductor, an open-source data visualization software used in genomic marker identification for cancer and other diseases.
IU scientists use Instagram data to forecast top models at New York Fashion Week
Researchers analyzed 400 fashion models' Instagram accounts to predict popularity, finding high likes and comments were associated with runway success. Height and representation by top agencies also played a significant role in predicting success.
Marks on 3.4-million-year-old bones not due to trampling, analysis confirms
A study analyzing over 4,000 fossil bones from the Dikika site in Ethiopia confirms that marks on two 3.4 million-year-old animal bones were caused by butchery with stone tools, not trampling. The findings support a previous interpretation published in Nature in 2010 and provide new evidence for human evolution.
Big data analytical advances from academia, business are enhancing exploration of universe
Statisticians combine academic and commercial techniques to analyze large data sets, reducing processing time and increasing insight. This technology has the potential to aid researchers in various fields, including astronomy, by providing quicker insights from Big Data.
Fewer women than men are shown online ads related to high-paying jobs
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that significantly fewer women than men were shown online ads promising them help getting jobs paying more than $200,000. Researchers used simulated user profiles to probe the online ad ecosystem and discovered gender-based discrimination in Google ads.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·DateJul 7, 2015
New NIST Center of Excellence to improve statistical analysis of forensic evidence
The center, led by Iowa State University, aims to develop tools for evaluating pattern and digital evidence analysis methods and an education program for judges, lawyers, and forensic science investigators. This will enhance the scientific basis for forensic evidence used in the criminal justice system.
Study finds positive effects of job corps participation
A study by Xuan Chen and Carlos A. Flores found that Job Corps participants experienced average wage effects of 5.7-13.9% four years after graduation, with non-Hispanics seeing greater gains.
SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of Business and Economic Statistics·DateMay 5, 2015
Invasion of the earthworms, mapped and analyzed
Researchers use statistical analysis to predict the spread of invasive European earthworm species Dendrobaena octaedra into Canada's boreal forest, forecasting it will expand from 3% to 39% of the forest floor by 2056. The worms are entering the forest via roadways, altering soil pH and decomposition rates.
Calculating how the Pacific was settled
A University of Utah anthropologist analyzed statistics to determine how Pacific islands were settled between 3,500 and 900 years ago. The study found that seafarers traveled mostly against prevailing winds and sought easily visible islands, rather than relying on distance or resource availability.
Statistical analysis reveals Mexican drug war increased homicide rates
A new statistical analysis reveals that the Mexican government's war against drugs increased the average murder rate in regions subjected to military-style interventions. The study found an average increase of nearly 11 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants across 18 affected regions, with some experiencing a significant reduction and othe...
Study raises concerns about reporting of noninferiority trials
A study found that noninferiority trials often lack clear justification for chosen margins, leading to concerns about their validity. The authors highlight the need for improved registration and reporting standards within publicly accessible trial registries.
Big toe's big foot holds evolutionary key
An interdisciplinary team has developed a new method to analyze the structure of long bones, providing insights into human evolution and functional morphology. The study focused on the big toe's impact on gait and locomotion, revealing structural differences between humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
Research reveals statistics is the fastest-growing degree
The American Statistical Association analysis shows that statistics degrees nearly doubled during 2010-2013, outpacing other computer-related disciplines. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for workers with statistical and analytical skills in the job market.
Christmas cracker pulling: How to send everyone home a winner
Experts simulated 10,000 parties to determine optimal cracker distribution for small gatherings. A paired system with each pair pulling a single cracker yields the fewest winners and losers.
Weighing in on the role of mindfulness in slimming down
Researchers from Ohio State University reviewed 19 studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs for weight loss. While some studies showed weight loss among participants who practiced mindfulness, others found no relationship between the two. The review highlights the need for further research to understand how mindfulnes...
Ku Klux Klan's lasting legacy on the US political system
A recent study by Brandeis University researchers found that KKK activity in the 1960s shifted voters' allegiance from Democratic to Republican in the South, a trend still evident today. The study suggests that racial attitudes and social movements can have lasting effects on politics, contributing to polarization.
Commuting linked to lower life satisfaction
A new study from the University of Waterloo reveals that longer commutes are related to lower life satisfaction and increased stress levels. Comuters with time for physical activity had higher life satisfaction.
Free urban data -- what's it good for?
A study of over 9,000 urban data sets from 20 cities reveals the growing availability and quality of these datasets, enabling better analysis and decision-making. The findings highlight the importance of integrating different data sets and overcoming challenges in accessing and utilizing this valuable resource.
These roos were 'made' for walking, study suggests of extinct enigmas
Researchers found sthenurine kangaroos, an extinct family, had a sturdy spine and broad pelvis, ideal for weight-bearing on one leg. This contradicts the modern kangaroo's hopping habit, suggesting bipedal walking as their slow-speed locomotion.
Dinosaur family tree gives fresh insight into rapid rise of birds
A comprehensive family tree of meat-eating dinosaurs reveals the gradual emergence of bird-like features, such as feathers and wishbones. The study supports a theory that sudden evolutionary changes led to an explosion in avian diversity, resulting in thousands of species today.
How should flood risk assessments be done in a changing climate?
Researchers propose a new method of flood risk assessment that starts with the null hypothesis of 'no trend' but explicitly assesses statistical uncertainties. This approach could help water managers better estimate future flood risks and avoid wasting money on unneeded infrastructure.
New analysis contradicts findings published in Science
A new study published in Language presents a rigorous linguistic analysis that contradicts previous research on the origins of written language. The analysis suggests that popular statistical measures do not support the claim that certain symbol systems, such as the Indus Valley and Pictish symbols, are examples of written language.
Newlyweds, be careful what you wish for
A statistical analysis of online wedding registries reveals that gift givers prioritize either social benefits or saving money, resulting in a bimodal distribution of price preferences. The study provides insights into the psychology behind wedding gift giving and its potential impact on marketing strategies.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing·DateApr 17, 2014
To teach scientific reproducibility, start young
Researchers propose using software like R Markdown to teach students the concept of reproducibility, which can lead to more transparent science. The study found that introductory statistics students who used R Markdown for homework assignments showed gradual gains in preference and no negative impact on grades.
Disney researchers look beyond basketball stats to analyze team movement in getting shots
Disney researchers found that teams with more defensive role swaps are more likely to make three-point shots. They analyzed tracking data from the 2012-13 NBA season and found a significant correlation between role swaps and shot success.
Bigger (data) is better and can improve decision making
Researchers found that certain behaviors may not be observable without massive data, highlighting the importance of considering data quantity in predictive modeling. The study suggests that sweeping assumptions about bigger being better can be dangerous and that the power of analytic tools depends on their appropriate use.
Johns Hopkins-led study shows increased life expectancy among family caregivers
A Johns Hopkins-led study of over 3,000 family caregivers suggests they have a nine-month life expectancy extension over six years. Contrary to long-standing conventional wisdom, caregiving is not associated with increased health risk but rather provides benefits.
UCSB researcher explores relationship between landscape simplification and insecticide use
A UCSB study analyzed USDA data spanning two decades, showing the relationship between landscape simplification and insecticide use varies greatly from year to year. The research suggests that simplistic landscapes may not be better or worse than complex ones when it comes to insect pest problems.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2013