A Bounded Derivative Model for Prior Ignorance about a Real-valued Parameter

A new method is proposed for drawing coherent statistical inferences about a real-valued parameter in problems where there is little or no prior information. Prior ignorance about the parameter is modelled by the set of all continuous probability density functions for which the derivative of the log-density is bounded by a positive constant. This set is translation-invariant, it contains density functions with a wide variety of shapes and tail behaviour, and it generates prior probabilities that are highly imprecise. Statistical inferences can be calculated by solving a simple type of optimal control problem whose general solution is characterized. Detailed results are given for the problems of calculating posterior upper and lower means, variances, distribution functions and probabilities of intervals. In general, posterior upper and lower expectations are achieved by prior density functions that are piecewise exponential. The results are illustrated by normal and binomial examples     

Posterior robustness with more than one sampling model

In order to robustify posterior inference, besides the use of large classes of priors, it is necessary to consider uncertainty about the sampling model. In this article we suggest that a convenient and simple way to incorporate model robustness is to consider a discrete set of competing sampling models, and combine it with a suitable large class of priors. This set reflects foreseeable departures of the base model, like thinner or heavier tails or asymmetry. We combine the models with different classes of priors that have been proposed in the vast literature on Bayesian robustness with respect to the prior. Also we explore links with the related literature of stable estimation and precise measurement theory, now with more than one model entertained. To these ends it will be necessary to introduce a procedure for model comparison that does not depend on an arbitrary constant or scale. We utilize a recent development on automatic Bayes factors with self-adjusted scale, the ‘intrinsic Bayes factor’ (Berger and Pericchi, Technical Report, 1993).     

基于贝叶斯神经网络短期负荷预测模型

本文提出了基于贝叶斯神经网络(BNN)短期负荷预测模型。根据气象影响因素和电力负荷的样本数据,针对权向量参数的先验分布分别为正态分布和柯西分布两种情况,应用混合蒙特卡洛(HMC)算法学习了BNN的权向量参数。由HMC算法和Laplace算法学习的贝叶斯神经网络以及BP算法学习的传统神经网络分别对4月 (春)、8月 (夏)、10月 (秋)和1月(冬)每月25天的每个整点时刻的负荷进行了预测。这些神经网络的输入层有11个节点,它们分别与每个整点时刻和的气象因素、上一个整点时刻的气象因素和时间变量相对应,输出层只有一个节点,它与负荷变量对应。试验结果表明HMC算法学习的BNN的预测结果的百分比平均绝对误差( MAPE)和平方根平均误差( RSME )取值远远小于由Laplace 算法学习的BNN和BP算法学习的人工神经网络的 MAPE和RMSE。 而且,HMC算法学习的BNN在测试集和训练集上的预测误差MAPE和RMSE的相差很小。 实验结果充分说明HMC算法学习的BNN具有较高的预测精度和较强的泛化能力。     

优先权基本问题研究

优先权制度发端于古老的罗马法,各个国家在继承的过程中形成了各具特色的制度。我国学者在讨论这一制度时,应当首先明确优先权含义和性质。优先权制度是对特殊债权人赋予的特权,这种权利的内容是债权人享有的债权得以优先受偿,其具有的效力至为强大,不仅优先于普通债权,还可以对抗担保物权,具有物权效力。     

Spatial Pattern and Determinants of Age at Marriage in Nigeria Using a Geo-Additive Survival Model

Age at first marriage, after controlling for socio-economic and demographic variables, varies across regions and districts. A geo-additive hazard model allows for measuring spatial effects. The nonlinear and baseline effects are modeled by Bayesian penalized splines; spatial components are treated as correlated random effects following a Markov random field. Application is based on data from 1999, 2003, and 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys. Age at first marriage is positively associated with education and urbanization and depends on religion. It presents a north-south divide.     

企业工程项目的前期研究与运作管理

企业工程项目前期应进行市场前景投资与收益的预期研究。针对提升企业工程项目的前期研究与运作管理提出一些相应对策。     

Estimation of a Bernouilli parameter: A normative approach to replace the Bayesian one

The paper deals with the problem of the estimation of an unknown probability from a finite number of experiments. We propose a normative (axiomatic) solution that restricts the class of admissible estimators to a one-parameter family. Moreover this solution coincides with the one obtained from Bayes theory with a prior. Thus our results can be interpreted as a justification for the use of Bayesian inference with a prior.     

Bayesian analysis in multivariate regression models with conjugate priors

In this paper, we consider the full rank multivariate regression model with matrix elliptically contoured distributed errors. We formulate a conjugate prior distribution for matrix elliptical models and derive the posterior distributions of mean and scale matrices. In the sequel, some characteristics of regression matrix parameters are also proposed.     

ESTIMATION OF EXPONENTIATED WEIBULL SHAPE PARAMETERS UNDER LINEX LOSS FUNCTION

ABSTRACT

The paper deals with Bayes estimation of the exponentiated Weibull shape parameters under linex loss function when independent non-informative type of priors are available for the parameters. Generalized maximum likelihood estimators have also been obtained. Performances of the proposed Bayes estimator, generalized maximum likelihood estimators, posterior mean (i.e., Bayes estimator under squared error loss function) and maximum likelihood estimators have been studied on the basis of their risks under linex loss function. The comparison is based on a simulation study because the expressions for risk functions of these estimators cannot be obtained in nice closed forms.     

Intrinsic Priors for Testing Two Normal Means with Intrinsic Bayes Factors

ABSTRACT

In this article we consider the problem of comparing two normal means with unknown common variance using a Bayesian approach. Conventional Bayes factors with improper non informative priors are not well defined. The intrinsic Bayes factors are used to overcome such a difficulty. We derive intrinsic priors whose Bayes factors are asymptotically equivalent to the corresponding intrinsic Bayes factors. We illustrate our results with numerical examples.