Dear all
*apologies for any cross-posting*
We are pleased to announce our latest version of MLwiN: version 2.13.
There are two important features in the latest release:
(i) The latest version has new MCMC methodology features
(ii) We would like to draw your attention to a problem with with
running models from macro files which affected 2.10 beta 6-11 and full release
versions 2.10 and 2.11 (see item (1) below...)
(2) Other news: New RSS Special Issue devoted entirely to the theme of
multilevel modelling: see news item (2).
(3) Fiona Steele, Professor of Social Statistics at the Centre for
Multilevel Modelling - the youngest ever female Fellow to be elected to
the British Academy: see item (3).
(1) *MLwiN 2.13 now available*
You can now upgrade for free if you already own a previous version of MLwiN
(or are eligible for download - see conditions here:
<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/MLwiN/ordering/ac-uk.shtml>)
(i) Announcement from Professor William J Browne: New MCMC methodology
features in MLwiN 2.13:
"As part of ESRC grant RES-000-23-1190-A entitled 'Sample Size,
Identifiability and MCMC Efficiency in Complex Random Effect Models' we
have been adding additional MCMC functionality to MLwiN (as well as
developing the MLPowSim software package).
The MCMC functions added do not expand the models that can be fitted within
MLwiN but instead offer alternative MCMC approaches for certain existing
model classes that are faster or produce better mixing chains. An
additional MCMC options menu item has been added which allows the user to
select from various MCMC methods including parameter expansion,
hierarchical centering, orthogonal parameterisations, structured MCMC and
structured MVN formulations.
A new version of the book "MCMC Estimation in MLwiN" that accompanies the
software has been produced. In this book the existing material has been
updated and slightly reordered and we have added five additional chapters
to cover each of the new MCMC methods that have been implemented. You can
download web or printable versions of the new MCMC manual here:
<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/MLwiN/download/manuals.shtml>
If you use the new features and would like to give feedback, bug reports or
a wish list please e-mail me ([log in to unmask]). More details
of the developments and links to journal articles linked to the project are
available at http://seis.bris.ac.uk/~frwjb/esrc.html
Good luck with the software,
Prof W J Browne"
(ii) Problem with with running models from macro files. This bug effects
version 2.10 beta 6-11 and release versions 2.10 and 2.11
When running a model(s) from a macro file, due to a bug in these versions
some of the data variables in the worksheet could be overwritten. If the
overwritten variables are themselves in the model it is possible that the
model could still converge but give wrong results. If you have run models
from macro files we recommend you check that the data variables contain the
correct values in the worksheet after the model(s) has been run. For
further details including an example - go to:
<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/MLwiN/bugs/macropro.shtml>
Other bugs fixed:
<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/MLwiN/bugs/fixes.shtml>
(2) *RSS Multilevel Modelling issue*
The Journal of the Royal Statistical Society has published a new Special
Issue devoted entirely to the theme of multilevel modelling.
Take a look at:
<http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118522237/home>
The editorial is completely free to download as a PDF file: 'Recent
advances in multilevel modelling methodology and applications':
<http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/122388447/PDFSTART>
(3) *Fiona Steele, Professor of Social Statistics at the Centre for
Multilevel Modelling (<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/team/fiona.shtml>), awarded
the Guy Medal in Bronze in 2008, has recently become the youngest ever female
Fellow to be elected to the British Academy.*
Professor Steele's research in multilevel modelling, longitudinal data
analysis and demography has led her to collaborate with social scientists
and economists on projects covering areas including health and finance in
developing countries and the impact of school resources on pupil attainment
in England and Wales. She said: "My election is a great honour. As a
statistician, it means a great deal to me that my contribution to social
science has been recognised."
She will become the academy's youngest ever female Fellow and the youngest
overall for more than 60 years. Established by Royal Charter in 1902, the
British Academy champions and supports the humanities and social sciences.
It aims to inspire, recognise and support excellence and high achievement
across Britain and internationally.
For more details of our latest news go to:
<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/learning-training/multilevel-m-support/news.s
html>
Archived newsletters:
<http://www.cmm.bristol.ac.uk/newsletters.shtml>
With best regards,
Hilary Browne
Centre for Multilevel Modelling
University of Bristol
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