On the estimation of homogeneous population size from a complex dual-record system

ABSTRACT

A dual-record system (DRS) (equivalently two sample capture–recapture experiments) model, with time and behavioural response variation, has attracted much attention specifically in the domain of official statistics and epidemiology, as the assumption of list independence often fails. The relevant model suffers from parameter identifiability problem, and suitable Bayesian methodologies could be helpful. In this article, we formulate population size estimation in DRS as a missing data problem and two empirical Bayes approaches are proposed along with the discussion of an existing Bayes treatment. Some features and associated posterior convergence for these methods are mentioned. Investigation through an extensive simulation study finds that our proposed approaches compare favourably with the existing Bayes approach for this complex model depending upon the availability of directional nature of underlying behavioural response effect. A real-data example is given to illustrate these methods.     

Power comparison of data depth-based nonparametric tests for testing equality of locations

In the recent years, the notion of data depth has been used in nonparametric multivariate data analysis since it gives natural ‘centre-outward’ ordering of multivariate data points with respect to the given data cloud. In the literature, various nonparametric tests are developed for testing equality of location of two multivariate distributions based on data depth. Here, we define two nonparametric tests based on two different test statistic for testing equality of locations of two multivariate distributions. In the present work, we compare the performance of these tests with the tests developed by Li and Liu [New nonparametric tests of multivariate locations and scales using data depth. Statist Sci. 2004;(1):686–696] for testing equality of locations of two multivariate distributions. Comparison in terms of power is done for multivariate symmetric and skewed distributions using simulation for three popular depth functions. Application of tests to real life data is provided. Conclusion and recommendations are also provided.     

Sensitivity analysis approaches to high-dimensional screening problems at low sample size

Sensitivity analysis is an essential tool in the development of robust models for engineering, physical sciences, economics and policy-making, but typically requires running the model a large number of times in order to estimate sensitivity measures. While statistical emulators allow sensitivity analysis even on complex models, they only perform well with a moderately low number of model inputs: in higher dimensional problems they tend to require a restrictively high number of model runs unless the model is relatively linear. Therefore, an open question is how to tackle sensitivity problems in higher dimensionalities, at very low sample sizes. This article examines the relative performance of four sampling-based measures which can be used in such high-dimensional nonlinear problems. The measures tested are the Sobol' total sensitivity indices, the absolute mean of elementary effects, a derivative-based global sensitivity measure, and a modified derivative-based measure. Performance is assessed in a ‘screening’ context, by assessing the ability of each measure to identify influential and non-influential inputs on a wide variety of test functions at different dimensionalities. The results show that the best-performing measure in the screening context is dependent on the model or function, but derivative-based measures have a significant potential at low sample sizes that is currently not widely recognised.     

Economic statistical design of a multivariate control chart under a Burr XII shock model with multiple assignable causes

Control charts show the distinction between the random and assignable causes of variation in a process. The real process may be affected by many characteristics and several assignable causes. Therefore, the economic statistical design of multiple control chart under Burr XII shock model with multiple assignable causes can be an appropriate candidate model. In this paper, we develop a cost model based on the optimization of the average cost per unit of time. Indeed, the cost model under the influence of a single match case assignable cause and multiple assignable causes under a same cost and time parameters were compared. Besides, a sensitivity analysis was also presented in which the changeability of loss-cost and design parameters were evaluated based on the changes in cost, time and Burr XII distribution parameters.     

Robust sparse regression and tuning parameter selection via the efficient bootstrap information criteria

There is currently much discussion about lasso-type regularized regression which is a useful tool for simultaneous estimation and variable selection. Although the lasso-type regularization has several advantages in regression modelling, owing to its sparsity, it suffers from outliers because of using penalized least-squares methods. To overcome this issue, we propose a robust lasso-type estimation procedure that uses the robust criteria as the loss function, imposing L₁-type penalty called the elastic net. We also introduce to use the efficient bootstrap information criteria for choosing optimal regularization parameters and a constant in outlier detection. Simulation studies and real data analysis are given to examine the efficiency of the proposed robust sparse regression modelling. We observe that our modelling strategy performs well in the presence of outliers.     

A two-sample test for mean functions with increasing number of projections

We propose a test for equality of two means when data are functions and obtain the asymptotic properties of the test statistic as data dimension increases with the sample size. We also derive the asymptotic power of the test under some local alternatives and show that the test statistic is root-n consistent. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the test numerically and to compare the proposed test with other existing four popular tests.     

On detecting outliers in the Pareto distribution

In this paper, we introduce two new statistics for detecting outliers in the Pareto distribution. These new statistics are the extension of the statistics for detecting outliers in exponential and gamma distributions. In fact, we compare the power of our test statistics with the other statistics and select the best test statistic for detecting outliers in the Pareto distribution. Finally, numerical examples of different insurance claims are used to see the performance of the test.