Prior to doing this, we need to monitor the mixing behavior and convergence rates of MCMC algorithms by visually inspecting trace plots of the sample values of scalar quantities of interest or by using formal diagnostic methods provided in the package R/coda (Plummer et al., 2004).
Perhaps the most disturbing thing scientists told me in my interviews is that, even as the situation in the world's forests starts to look precarious, we do not really have the capability we need to monitor the problems.
Do we really need to monitor employee activities?
After all, why do we need cops to monitor whether drivers are staying within the speed limit?
"The figures are not that problematic at this time," Mr. Smet said, "but we see that the numbers are mounting, so we do need to monitor it".
It's an absolute contradiction that goes like this: "we must attack them over there because they are dangerous and evil - but we don't need to monitor and control those who flow across our borders because to do so would be intolerant, prejudicial and even racist".
Do you need to monitor progress more closely?
The good news for such people is that they "don't need to monitor portions or calories" and still can lose weight, said one of the researchers, Susan Levin, director of nutrition education at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
Vegetarians can get enough protein in their diets but do need to monitor the types of protein they take in to make sure they cover these vital amino acids.
If the car is driving itself, does someone really need to monitor its driving?
Even on those less congested stretches of road, Pilot Assist kept me at a constant speed and in my lane with minimum input from me, though I did need to monitor the situation in case anyone around me tried anything weird.
