This talk focuses on the estimation of the distribution of unobserved nodes in large random graphs from the observation of very few edges. These graphs naturally model tournaments involving a large number of players (the nodes) where the ability to win of each player is unknown. The players are only partially observed through discrete valued scores (edges) describing the results of contests between players. In this very sparse setting, we present the first nonasymptotic risk bounds for maximum likelihood estimators (MLE) of the unknown distribution of the nodes. The proof relies on the construction of a graphical model encoding conditional dependencies that is extremely efficient to study n-regular graphs obtained using a round-robin scheduling. This graphical model allows to prove geometric loss of memory properties and deduce the asymptotic behavior of the likelihood function. Following a classical construction in learning theory, the asymptotic likelihood is used to define a measure of performance for the MLE. Risk bounds for the MLE are finally obtained by subgaussian deviation results derived from concentration inequalities for Markov chains applied to our graphical model.[-]

In this short course, we recall the basics of Markov chain Monte Carlo (Gibbs & Metropolis sampelrs) along with the most recent developments like Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, Rao-Blackwellisation, divide & conquer strategies, pseudo-marginal and other noisy versions. We also cover the specific approximate method of ABC that is currently used in many fields to handle complex models in manageable conditions, from the original motivation in population genetics to the several reinterpretations of the approach found in the recent literature. Time allowing, we will also comment on the programming developments like BUGS, STAN and Anglican that stemmed from those specific algorithms.[-]

This course will give a gentle introduction to SMC (Sequential Monte Carlo algorithms):
• motivation: state-space (hidden Markov) models, sequential analysis of such models; non-sequential problems that may be tackled using SMC.
• Formalism: Markov kernels, Feynman-Kac distributions.
• Monte Carlo tricks: importance sampling and resampling
• standard particle filters: bootstrap, guided, auxiliary
• maximum likelihood estimation of state-stace models
• Bayesian estimation of these models: PMCMC, SMC$^2$.[-]

Capture-Recapture (RC) methodology provides a way to estimate the size of a population from multiple, independent samples. While the was developed more than a century ago to count animal populations, it has only recently become important in Data For Social Good. The large number of samples with varying amounts of intersection and developed over a period of time, so often found in Data For Social Good projects, can greatly complicate conventional RC methodology. These conditions are ideal, however, for Bayesian Capture Recapture. This presentation describes the use of Bayesian Capture Recapture to estimate populations in Data for Social Good. Examples illustrating this method include new work by the author in estimating numbers of human trafficking victims and in estimating the size of hate groups from the analysis of hate speech in social media.[-]

The term ‘Public Access Defibrillation' (PAD) is referred to programs based on the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in key locations along cities' territory together with the development of a training plan for users (first responders). PAD programs are considered necessary since time for intervention in cases of sudden cardiac arrest outside of a medical environment (out-of-hospital cardiocirculatory arrest, OHCA) is strongly limited: survival potential decreases from a 67% baseline by 7 to 10% for each minute of delay in first defibrillation. However, it is widely recognized that current PAD performance is largely below its full potential. We provide a Bayesian spatio-temporal statistical model for predidicting OHCAs. Then we construct a risk map for Ticino, adjusted for demographic covariates, that explains and forecasts the spatial distribution of OHCAs, their temporal dynamics, and how the spatial distribution changes over time. The objective is twofold: to efficiently estimate, in each area of interest, the occurrence intensity of the OHCA event and to suggest a new optimized distribution of AEDs that accounts for population exposure to the geographic risk of OHCA occurrence and that includes both displacement of current devices and installation of new ones.[-]