Parameter optimization and uncertainty assessment for rainfall frequency modeling using an adaptive Metropolis-Hastings algorithm.

A new parameter optimization and uncertainty assessment procedure using the Bayesian inference with an adaptive Metropolis-Hastings (AM-H) algorithm is presented for extreme rainfall frequency modeling. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo sampler is adopted to explore the posterior distribution of parameters and calculate their uncertainty intervals associated with the magnitude of estimated rainfall depth quantiles. Also, the efficiency of AM-H and conventional maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) in parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification are compared.

Characteristics, distribution, source and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments along the Yangtze River Estuary Deepwater Channel.

Characteristics, distribution, source, and ecological risk level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments along Yangtze River Estuary Deepwater Channel were investigated. Total concentration of fifteen PAHs of study area ranged between 89.52 and 208.

Beyond black and white: race/ethnicity and health status among older adults.

Objectives: This study examined physical and mental health, health symptoms, sensory and functional limitations, risk factors, and multimorbidity among older Medicare managed care members to assess disparities associated with race/ethnicity.

Study Design And Methods: We used data on 236,289 older adults from 208 Medicare plans who completed the 2012 Medicare Health Outcomes Survey to compare 14 health indicators across non-Hispanic whites, blacks, American Indians/Alaskan Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, multiracial individuals, and Hispanics. Logistic regression models that clustered on the plan estimated the risk of indicators of adverse health and functional status.