Metropolis in 95 characters

Here is an R function that produces a Metropolis-Hastings sample for the univariate log-target f when the later is defined outside as another function. And when using a Gaussian random walk with scale one as proposal. (Inspired from a X validated question.)

m<-function(T,y=rnorm(1))ifelse(rep(T>1,T),
  c(y*{f({z<-m(T-1)}[1])-f(y+z[1])<rexp(1)}+z[1],z),y)

The function is definitely not optimal, crashes for values of T larger than 580 (unless one modifies the stack size), and operates the most basic version of a Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. But as a codegolf challenge (on a late plane ride), this was a fun exercise.

green sunset [jatp]

Fondamenta dei Ormesini [snapshot]

shiny evening at the stadium [jatp]

buona sera da Roma [jatp]

Bayesian econometrics in St. Andrews

A call I received for the incoming 2019 edition of the European Seminar on Bayesian Econometrics (ESOBE), sponsored by the EFaB section of ISBA, which is going to be held at the University of St Andrews in Scotland on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 September, 2019. I have attended an earlier edition in Venezia and enjoyed it very much. Plus, summer in Scotland…, where else?! Submission of papers is still open:

We aim to have a balance of keynotes from both statistics and econometrics, in order to stimulate submissions from statisticians working on Bayesian methodology or applications in economics/finance. We particularly welcome submissions from young Bayesians (PhDs, PostDocs, assistant professors — EFaB funds a “young researcher session” with up to $500 per speaker).

over the Alps [jatp]