Bayes Prediction for a Heteroscedastic Regression Superpopulation Model Using Balanced Loss Function

We consider Prais–Houthakker heteroscedastic normal regression model having variance of the dependent variable same as square of its expectation. Bayes predictors for the regression coefficient and the mean of a finite population are derived using Zellner's balanced loss function. Bayes predictive expected losses are obtained and compared with those of classical predictors and Bayes predictors under squared error loss function to examine their loss robustness.     

Convergence of Discount Time Series Dynamic Linear Models

This article studies the limiting behavior of multiple discount time series dynamic linear models (TSDLMs). It is shown that, under mild conditions, all discount TSDLMs converge to the constant (time-invariant) TSDLM. In particular, the limiting posterior precision matrix of the superposition of multiple discount TSDLMs is explored. For non seasonal models, the elements of the limiting posterior precision of the states are given in a recurrence relationship, while for seasonal models the solution of a linear system provides the elements of the respective limiting precision matrix. The proposed methodology uses canonical Jordan forms and it is illustrated with a detailed example of simulated data featuring both trend and seasonal time series.     

(M,S)-optimal row-column designs

Row-column designs may be considered to have two blocking schemes, namely the treatments by rows and treatments by columns component block designs. The (M,S)-optimality criterion is applied to row-column designs, and che connection between the (M,S)-optimal design and its component block designs is demonstrated.     

Identifiability of distributions under competing risks and complementary risks model

Let X₁,X₂,…,X_p be p random variables with cdf's F₁(x),F₂(x),…,F_p(x)respectively. Let U = min(X₁,X₂,…,X_p) and V = max(X₁,X₂,…,X_p).In this paper we study the problem of uniquely determining and estimating the marginal distributions F₁,F₂,…,F_p given the distribution of U or of V.

First the problem of competing and complementary risks are introduced with examples and the corresponding identification problems are considered when the X₁'s are independently distributed and U(V) is identified, as well as the case when U(V) is not identified. The case when the X₁'s are dependent is considered next. Finally the problem of estimation is considered.     

Statistical techniques in stereology

Stereology typically concerns estimation of properties of a geometric structure from plane section information. This paperprovides a brief review of some statistical aspects of this rapidly developing field, with some reference to applications in the earth sciences. After an introductory discussion of the scope of stereology, section 2 briefly mentions results applicable when no assumptions can be made about the stochastic nature of the sampled matrix, statistical considerations then arising solelyfrom the ‘randomness’ of the plane section. The next two sections postulate embedded particles of specific shapes, the particular case of spheres being discussed in some detail.

References are made to results for ‘thin slices’ and other prob-ing mechanisms. Randomly located convex particles, of otherwise arbitrary shape, are discussed in section 5 and the review concludes with a specific application of stereological ideas to some data on neolithic mining.     

On the recovery of intra- and interblock information in n-ary designs

This note presents an extension of Q-method of analysis for binary designs given by Rao (1956) to n-ary balanced and partially balanced block designs. Here a linked n-ary block (LNB) design is defined as the dual of balanced n-ary (BN) design. Having a note on Yates’ (1939, 1940) method of P-analysis, we further extend the expressions for binary linked block (LB) designs given by Rao (1956) to linked n-ary block (LNB) designs which admit easy estimation of parameters for these type of all n-ary designs.     

Qdf misclassification probabilities for known population parameters

Approximated QDF misclassification probabilities have been derived for bivariate normal populations with known parameter values. Tne effect of unequal covariances and population distance on the misclassification probabilities are examined     

On the choice of co-ordinates in simultaneous estimation of normal means under misspecification of normal priors

The problem of choice of coordinates in Stein-type estimators,when simultaneously estimating normal means, is considered. The question of deciding whether to use all coordinates in one combined shrinkage estimators or to separate into groups and use separate shrinkage estimators on each group is considered in the situation in which part of the prior information may be " misspecified". It is observed that the amount of misspecification determines whether to use the combined shrinkage estimator the separate shrinkage estimator.     

Nonparametric tests for scale shift at an unknown time point

A class of linear rank tests is suggested for testing a shift in scale at an unknown time point in a sequence of independent observations. The tests,based on inverse normal scores and on ordered exponential scores,are shown to be asymptotically as efficient as their distribution-oriented competitors. Critical values and powers for these two rank tests are also discussed.     

Discrete adaptive design in attribute life testing

Properties of a discrete adaptive design in attribute life testing situation are studied. It is shown that the design is strongly consistent and asymptotically normal. Some examples are discussed to show that the design could be used in a wide range of ields, Finally, we give some simulation results to compare the discrete adaptive desigin with some continuous optimal designs.