Inference of non-centrality parameter of a truncated non-central chi-squared distribution

Non-central chi-squared distribution plays a vital role in statistical testing procedures. Estimation of the non-centrality parameter provides valuable information for the power calculation of the associated test. We are interested in the statistical inference property of the non-centrality parameter estimate based on one observation (usually a summary statistic) from a truncated chi-squared distribution. This work is motivated by the application of the flexible two-stage design in case–control studies, where the sample size needed for the second stage of a two-stage study can be determined adaptively by the results of the first stage. We first study the moment estimate for the truncated distribution and prove its existence, uniqueness, and inadmissibility and convergence properties. We then define a new class of estimates that includes the moment estimate as a special case. Among this class of estimates, we recommend to use one member that outperforms the moment estimate in a wide range of scenarios. We also present two methods for constructing confidence intervals. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed point and interval estimates.     

Semiparametric estimation for count data through weighted distributions

This paper is concerned with semiparametric discrete kernel estimators when the unknown count distribution can be considered to have a general weighted Poisson form. The estimator is constructed by multiplying the Poisson estimate with a nonparametric discrete kernel-type estimate of the Poisson weight function. Comparisons are then carried out with the ordinary discrete kernel probability mass function estimators. The Poisson weight function is thus a local multiplicative correction factor, and is considered as the uniform measure to detect departures from the equidispersed Poisson distribution. In this way, the effects of dispersion and zero-proportion with respect to the standard Poisson distribution are also minimized. This method of estimation is also applied to the weighted binomial form for the count distribution having a finite support. The proposed estimators, in addition to being simple, easy-to-implement and effective, also outperform the competing nonparametric and parametric estimators in finite-sample situations. Two examples illustrate this new semiparametric estimation.     

Nonparametric estimation of the shape function in a Gamma process for degradation data

The author considers estimation under a Gamma process model for degradation data. The setting for degradation data is one in which n independent units, each with a Gamma process with a common shape function and scale parameter, are observed at several possibly different times. Covariates can be incorporated into the model by taking the scale parameter as a function of the covariates. The author proposes using the maximum pseudo‐likelihood method to estimate the unknown parameters. The method requires usage of the Pool Adjacent Violators Algorithm. Asymptotic properties, including consistency, convergence rate and asymptotic distribution, are established. Simulation studies are conducted to validate the method and its application is illustrated by using bridge beams data and carbon‐film resistors data. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 37: 102‐118; 2009 © 2009 Statistical Society of Canada     

On the incidence–prevalence relation and length‐biased sampling

For many diseases, logistic constraints render large incidence studies difficult to carry out. This becomes a drawback, particularly when a new study is needed each time the incidence rate is investigated in a new population. By carrying out a prevalent cohort study with follow‐up it is possible to estimate the incidence rate if it is constant. The authors derive the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the overall incidence rate, λ, as well as age‐specific incidence rates, by exploiting the epidemiologic relationship, (prevalence odds) = (incidence rate) × (mean duration) (P/[1 ? P] = λ × µ). The authors establish the asymptotic distributions of the MLEs and provide approximate confidence intervals for the parameters. Moreover, the MLE of λ is asymptotically most efficient and is the natural estimator obtained by substituting the marginal maximum likelihood estimators for P and µ into P/[1 ? P] = λ × µ. Following‐up the subjects allows the authors to develop these widely applicable procedures. The authors apply their methods to data collected as part of the Canadian Study of Health and Ageing to estimate the incidence rate of dementia amongst elderly Canadians. The Canadian Journal of Statistics © 2009 Statistical Society of Canada     

First‐order bias correction for fractionally integrated time series

Most of the long memory estimators for stationary fractionally integrated time series models are known to experience non‐negligible bias in small and finite samples. Simple moment estimators are also vulnerable to such bias, but can easily be corrected. In this article, the authors propose bias reduction methods for a lag‐one sample autocorrelation‐based moment estimator. In order to reduce the bias of the moment estimator, the authors explicitly obtain the exact bias of lag‐one sample autocorrelation up to the order n⁻¹. An example where the exact first‐order bias can be noticeably more accurate than its asymptotic counterpart, even for large samples, is presented. The authors show via a simulation study that the proposed methods are promising and effective in reducing the bias of the moment estimator with minimal variance inflation. The proposed methods are applied to the northern hemisphere data. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 37: 476–493; 2009 © 2009 Statistical Society of Canada     

3G时代第五媒体发展现状及趋势

随着新技术的日新月异,手机不再仅仅是一种通讯工具,更是作为一种媒介引起人们越来越广泛的关注,成为继报纸、广播、电视、网络媒体之后的第五媒体.文章主要以作为第五媒体的手机为研究对象,重点探讨其在3G时代这一特殊背景下的发展现状与问题,并对其发展趋势进行了预测.     

浅析电信运营商在3G中的经营策略

随着电信业的发展,以3G为依托的一个巨大产业链已经开始形成,并将推动、促进新的电信市场格局的构建.面对这种形势,电信运营商应当采取有效的竞争策略,主动应对、打好品牌战略、挖掘用户潜在需求、建立有效的监管机制,从而为企业营造一个可持续发展的生态环境.     

G函数与新古典—两部门分析

新古典主义模型和两部门分析是当代农业经济学的基本出发点,为发现对象空间里点上的规律做出了重要的贡献,已经成为理论发展的基本范式。G函数完成了一次对一般经济理论的大综合,推进了经济学理论核心的进展,引导出了新的探索方向。作为基本经济学原理的接受者和具体应用方向的开发者,农业经济学对此必定有积极的反应。将范式融入原理,大力开展试验和实验,将成为农业经济学理论取得新进展的主要方向。     

全球金融危机过后中美两国对中美关系的构想及认识研究

世界金融危机后,随着美国国际地位的下滑和中国国力快速提升,美国对中国的戒心也随之不断增加,在这样的背景下,中美两国间的认识将会发生怎样的变化?对这一议题进行分析对于中美关系的未来展望意义重大。根据中美之间的相互认识与构想来看,中美两国在经济方面维持密切的合作关系,但中国和美国依然就在核心利益方面进行着相互竞争。而且可以预测在未来的国际舞台上,中国将以更积极的姿态,更明确的立场处理中美关系。因此,中国对于核心利益的坚定态度、中美间的矛盾,以及基于相互尊重的对等的中美关系,所有这些都必将让中美间的竞争更加激烈。