An improved algorithm for the triples test

An algorithm, in the form of a Fortran subroutine TRIPLE, is given to compute statistics for the triples test for symmetry, The computational complexity of the algorithm is O(n²) which is an improvement over the straight for ward method, which is O(n³).     

On the asymptotic properties of parameter estimates in a regression model with non-normally distributed errors

As pointed out in a recent paper by Amirkhalkhali and Rao (1986) (henceforth referred to as A&R), the usual assumption of normality for the error terms of a regression model isoften untenable. However, when this assumption is dropped, it may be difficult to characterize parameter estimates for the model. For example, A&R (p. 189) state that “if the regression errors are non-normal, we are not even sure of their [e.g., the generalized least squares parameter estimates1] asymptotic properties.” A partial answer, however, is given by Spall and Wall (1984), which presents an asymptotic distribution theory for Kalman filter estimates for cases where the random terms of the state space model are not necessarily Gaussian. Certain of these asymptotic distribution results are also discussed in Spall (1985) in the context of model validation (diagnostic checking)     

Inferences on the lognormal mean for complete samples

In many engineering problems it is necessary to draw statistical inferences on the mean of a lognormal distribution based on a complete sample of observations. Statistical demonstration of mean time to repair (MTTR) is one example. Although optimum confidence intervals and hypothesis tests for the lognormal mean have been developed, they are difficult to use, requiring extensive tables and/or a computer. In this paper, simplified conservative methods for calculating confidence intervals or hypothesis tests for the lognormal mean are presented. In this paper, “conservative” refers to confidence intervals (hypothesis tests) whose infimum coverage probability (supremum probability of rejecting the null hypothesis taken over parameter values under the null hypothesis) equals the nominal level. The term “conservative” has obvious implications to confidence intervals (they are “wider” in some sense than their optimum or exact counterparts). Applying the term “conservative” to hypothesis tests should not be confusing if it is remembered that this implies that their equivalent confidence intervals are conservative. No implication of optimality is intended for these conservative procedures. It is emphasized that these are direct statistical inference methods for the lognormal mean, as opposed to the already well-known methods for the parameters of the underlying normal distribution. The method currently employed in MIL-STD-471A for statistical demonstration of MTTR is analyzed and compared to the new method in terms of asymptotic relative efficiency. The new methods are also compared to the optimum methods derived by Land (1971, 1973).     

Optimal testing in a three way anova model

We consider likelihood ratio, score and Wald tests for a three-way random effects ANOVA model. Competitor tests are compared using criteria such as small sample power, asymptotic relative efficiency, and convenient null distribution. The final choice is between a new test and two tests long used in practice.     

Multiple deletion measures and conditional influence in regression model

The joint effect of the deletion of the ith and jih cases is given by Gray and Ling (1984), they discussed the influence measures for influential subsets in linear regression analysis. The present paper is concerned with multiple sets of deletion measures in the linear regression model. In particular we are interested in the effects of the jointly and conditional influence analysis for the detection of two influential subsets.     

A lofistic rlgression analysis of response-time data where the hazard function is time dependent

A logistic-exponential model for analyzing response-time data involving regressor variables is modified to allow for non-consrarey of the hazard function. For the discrete observation case illustrated the logit of the probability of responding in a time interval cf arbitrary length is taken as the sum of a function of resressor variables and a function of the time variable. The particular functions chosen in the two medical examples analyzed are linear in the parameters involved. A polynomial function of time is employed in the absence of knowledge as to a more appropriate form. Various issues arising in the analysis made are discussed.     

Analysis of a factorial quantal response assay using inverse regression

An inverse regression approach to analyzing quantal response assays with one quanritative independent- variable and any number of qualitative independent variables is presented. A general factorial model ror LQC- inverted relationship and methods of testing hypotheses estimating qulitative Interest are developed. This naper provides a modified method of analysis which is easier to apply than previously existing methods.     

On a life testing problem involving the two parameter exponential distribution

For a hypothesis testing problem involving the location and scale parameters of an exponential distribution, Perng (1977) proposed a test procedure based on the first r out of n observed failure times. In this paper the likelihood ratio test is determined, critical values are provided and the asymptotic null distribution is determined. An alternate test based on an F statistic is also proposed and the critical regions and power functions of the procedures are compared.     

Time series analysis of stratospheric ozone

Time series analyses of monthly average total ozone measured at 37 stations throughout the world were used to estimate the extent to which the average ozone trend correlates with the depletion curve hypothesized as due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Statistical characteristics of stations in the ensemble were used to help define appropriate model and station selection criteria. The maximum likelihood procedure developed herein estimates the weighted average trend, its. variance, and the intra- and inter-station variance components of the trend. Correlations among trends at different stations are also taken into account. The models were subjected to much checking and criticism. Variations in statistical methodology are used to show that the results are insensitive to details of the model selection criteria. The method does not discriminate well between the hypothesized CFC trend and a linear trend. The trend estimates represent the sum of all long-term global effects. The variance includes all effects that differ from station-to-station. The estimated trend and 2α limits for 14 stations with 20-year records (1958-79) is an ozone increase through 1979 of (1.5+1.0) percent. At the 23 stations with shorter records, the trend is (1.0=1.7) percent. It is concluded that no significant depletion in stratospheric ozone has occurred from any cause through the end of 1979.     

Asymptotic distribution of regression type estimators of parameters of stable laws

Asymptotic distributions of regression-type estimators for the parameters of stable distributions am obtained. The asymptotic normalized standard deviations of the estimators are computed for various values of the parameters and various choices of the number of points used in getting the regression estimates.