A Generalization of the Univariate Slash by a Scale-Mixtured Exponential Power Distribution

A generalization of the slash distribution is derived using the scale mixture of the exponential power distribution. The newly defined family of distributions provides a rich flexibility on the tail heaviness and yields alternative robust estimators of location and scale in non normal situations. In order to investigate asymptotically the bias properties of the estimators, a simulation study is performed. The performance of the estimators on two well-known real data sets is also illustrated.     

Selection of the Ridge Parameter Using Mathematical Programming

Ridge regression solves multicollinearity problems by introducing a biasing parameter that is called ridge parameter; it shrinks the estimates and their standard errors in order to reach acceptable results. Selection of the ridge parameter was done using several subjective and objective techniques that are concerned with certain criteria. In this study, selection of the ridge parameter depends on other important statistical measures to reach a better value of the ridge parameter. The proposed ridge parameter selection technique depends on a mathematical programming model and the results are evaluated using a simulation study. The performance of the proposed method is good when the error variance is greater than or equal to one; the sample consists of 20 observations, the number of explanatory variables in the model is 2, and there is a very strong correlation between the two explanatory variables.     

Some extensions of circular balanced and circular strongly balanced repeated measurements designs

Repeated measurement designs are widely used in medicine, pharmacology, animal sciences, and psychology. In this paper the works of Iqbal and Tahir (2009 Iqbal, I., and M. H. Tahir. 2009. Circular strongly balanced repeated measurements designs. Communications in Statistics—Theory and Methods 38:3686–96.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and Iqbal, Tahir, and Ghazali (2010 Iqbal, I., M. H. Tahir, and S. S. A. Ghazali. 2010. Circular first- and second-order balanced repeated measurements designs. Communications in Statistics—Theory and Methods 39:228–40.[Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) are generalized for the construction of circular-balanced and circular strongly balanced repeated measurements designs through the method of cyclic shifts for three periods.     

Bayesian analysis of dynamic panel data by penalized quantile regression

Existing literature on quantile regression for panel data models with individual effects advocates the application of penalization to reduce the dynamic panel bias and increase the efficiency of the estimators. In this paper, we consider penalized quantile regression for dynamic panel data with random effects from a Bayesian perspective, where the penalty involves an adaptive Lasso shrinkage of the random effects. We also address the role of initial conditions in dynamic panel data models, emphasizing joint modeling of start-up and subsequent responses. For posterior inference, an efficient Gibbs sampler is developed to simulate the parameters from the posterior distributions. Through simulation studies and analysis of a real data set, we assess the performance of the proposed Bayesian method.     

An Integrated Methodology for Assessment and Selection of the Project Risk Response Actions

In a systematic process of project risk management, after risk assessment is implemented, the risk analysts encounter the phase of assessment and selection of the project risk response actions (RA). As indicated by many researchers, there are less systematic and well-developed solutions in the area of risk response assessment and selection. The present article introduces a methodology including a modeling approach with the objective of selecting a set of RA that minimizes the undesirable deviation from achieving the project scope. The developed objective function comprises the three key success criteria of a project, namely, time, quality, and cost. Our model integrates overall project management into the project risk response planning (P2RP). Furthermore, the proposed model stresses on an equivalent importance for both "risk" and "response." We believe that applying the proposed model helps the project risk analyst in most effective and efficient manner dealing with his or her complicated RA selection problems. The application of the proposed model was implemented in projects in the construction industry in which it showed tremendous time, cost, and quality improvements.     

Robust nonparametric estimation for spatial regression

In this paper, we investigate a nonparametric robust estimation for spatial regression. More precisely, given a strictly stationary random field _Zi=(_Xi,_{Yi)i∈NNN≥1}$Z_{\mathbf{i}}=(X_{\mathbf{i}},Y_{\mathbf{i}}{)}_{\mathbf{i}\in {\mathbb{N}}^{N}N\ge 1}$, we consider a family of robust nonparametric estimators for a regression function based on the kernel method. Under some general mixing assumptions, the almost complete consistency and the asymptotic normality of these estimators are obtained. A robust procedure to select the smoothing parameter adapted to the spatial data is also discussed.     

A Model for Subjective Well-Being in Adolescence: Need Satisfaction and Reasons for Living

Subjective well-being is as important for adolescents as it is in other stages of life. This study thus aims to develop a model for subjective well-being, which is limited to need satisfaction in adolescence and reasons for living, and to test the validity of the model. Participants were a total of 227 individuals, 120 females and 107 males. Data for the study were collected by using the Scale for Basic Need Satisfaction in General, Reasons for Living Inventory, Life Satisfaction Scale and Positive?CNegative Affect Scale. The data were analyzed by using the structural equation model. The results showed that, in the model developed, the effects of need satisfaction and reasons for living on subjective well-being were significant and direct; those of reasons for living were significant and indirect; and the total effects of variables were significant. It was thus concluded that the model presented here can be used to increase adolescents?? subjective well-being. The results are discussed in light of the literature on subjective well-being and within the context of adolescence as a life stage.     

Effects of Workers' Remittances and its Volatility on Economic Growth in South Asia

This study investigates the effect of workers' remittances and its volatility on economic growth of five South Asian countries by employing long time series data from 1975 to 2009. Cointegration results confirm a significant positive long run relationship between remittances and economic growth in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, but a significant negative relationship in Pakistan. Conversely, the volatility of workers' remittances has a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Pakistan, Indian, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, but a negative but insignificant impact in Nepal. All sensitivity analyses confirm that the results are robust. A less volatile inflow of workers' remittances is growth‐enhancing for all countries. It is suggested that policy makers should make policies to reduce the transaction cost to welcome remittances into the region. Furthermore, countries like Pakistan should make the policies to discourage voluntary unemployment.

Policy Implications

• This study show the positive effect of remittances on economic growth in India, Bangladesh, Sri‐Lanka and Nepal. These countries should create friendly policies to reduce the transaction cost to ensure the continuous inflows of workers' remittances.
• Results indicate a negative effect of remittances on economic growth in Pakistan. Remittances are considered an uninterrupted source of income, which may increase voluntary unemployment, leading to decreased economic growth. The government should make policies to discourage this voluntary unemployment.
• Policymakers should create effective systems to ensure this inflow comes through formal financial channels for better control.