On entropy goodness-of-fit test based on integrated distribution function

In this study, we consider an entropy-type goodness-of-fit (GOF) test based on integrated distribution functions. We first construct the test for the simple vs. simple hypothesis and then extend it to the composite hypothesis case. It is shown that under regularity conditions, the null limiting distribution of the proposed test is a function of a Brownian bridge. A bootstrap method is also considered and is shown to be weakly consistent. A simulation study and real data analysis are conducted for illustration.     

Bootstrap adjustments of signed scoring rule root statistics

Scoring rules give rise to methods for statistical inference and are useful tools to achieve robustness or reduce computations. Scoring rule inference is generally performed through first-order approximations to the distribution of the scoring rule estimator or of the ratio-type statistic. In order to improve the accuracy of first-order methods even in simple models, we propose bootstrap adjustments of signed scoring rule root statistics for a scalar parameter of interest in presence of nuisance parameters. The method relies on the parametric bootstrap approach that avoids onerous calculations specific of analytical adjustments. Numerical examples illustrate the accuracy of the proposed method.     

Comparisons of several Pareto distributions based on record values

In order to avoid wrong conclusions in any further analysis, it is of importance to conduct a formal comparison for characteristic quantities of the distributions. These characteristic quantities we are familiar with include mean, quantity and reliability function, and so on. In this paper, we consider two tests aiming at the comparisons for function of parameters in Pareto distribution based on record values. They are generalized p-value-based test and parametric bootstrap-based test, respectively. The resulting procedures are easy to compute and are applicable to small samples. A simulation study is conducted to investigate and compare the performance of the proposed tests. A phenomenon we note is that generalized p-value-based test almost uniformly outperforms the parametric bootstrap-based test.     

Estimating the Conditional Error Distribution in Non‐parametric Regression

Abstract. We consider a general non‐parametric regression model, where the distribution of the error, given the covariate, is modelled by a conditional distribution function. For the estimation, a kernel approach as well as the (kernel based) empirical likelihood method are discussed. The latter method allows for incorporation of additional information on the error distribution into the estimation. We show weak convergence of the corresponding empirical processes to Gaussian processes and compare both approaches in asymptotic theory and by means of a simulation study.     

Parametric Inference in Stationary Time Series Models with Dependent Errors

This article is concerned with inference for the parameter vector in stationary time series models based on the frequency domain maximum likelihood estimator. The traditional method consistently estimates the asymptotic covariance matrix of the parameter estimator and usually assumes the independence of the innovation process. For dependent innovations, the asymptotic covariance matrix of the estimator depends on the fourth‐order cumulants of the unobserved innovation process, a consistent estimation of which is a difficult task. In this article, we propose a novel self‐normalization‐based approach to constructing a confidence region for the parameter vector in such models. The proposed procedure involves no smoothing parameter, and is widely applicable to a large class of long/short memory time series models with weakly dependent innovations. In simulation studies, we demonstrate favourable finite sample performance of our method in comparison with the traditional method and a residual block bootstrap approach.     

Estimating the prevalence of low-lumbar spine bone mineral density in older men with or at risk for HIV infection using normal mixture models

Bone mineral density decreases naturally as we age because existing bone tissue is reabsorbed by the body faster than new bone tissue is synthesized. When this occurs, bones lose calcium and other minerals. What is normal bone mineral density for men 50 years and older? Suitable diagnostic cutoff values for men are less well defined than for women. In this paper, we propose using normal mixture models to estimate the prevalence of low-lumbar spine bone mineral density in men 50 years and older with or at risk for human immunodeficiency virus infection when normal values of bone mineral density are not generally known. The Box–Cox power transformation is used to determine which transformation best suits normal mixture distributions. Parametric bootstrap tests are used to determine the number of mixture components and to determine whether the mixture components are homoscedastic or heteroscedastic.     

Linear Models with Doubly Exchangeable Distributed Errors

We study the general linear model (GLM) with doubly exchangeable distributed error for m observed random variables. The doubly exchangeable general linear model (DEGLM) arises when the m-dimensional error vectors are “doubly exchangeable,” jointly normally distributed, which is a much weaker assumption than the independent and identically distributed error vectors as in the case of GLM or classical GLM (CGLM). We estimate the parameters in the model and also find their distributions. We show that the tests of intercept and slope are possible in DEGLM as a particular case using parametric bootstrap as well as multivariate Satterthwaite approximation.     

Inference in Nonparametric Instrumental Variables With Partial Identification

This paper develops methods for hypothesis testing in a nonparametric instrumental variables setting within a partial identification framework. We construct and derive the asymptotic distribution of a test statistic for the hypothesis that at least one element of the identified set satisfies a conjectured restriction. The same test statistic can be employed under identification, in which case the hypothesis is whether the true model satisfies the posited property. An almost sure consistent bootstrap procedure is provided for obtaining critical values. Possible applications include testing for semiparametric specifications as well as building confidence regions for certain functionals on the identified set. As an illustration we obtain confidence intervals for the level and slope of Brazilian fuel Engel curves. A Monte Carlo study examines finite sample performance.     

On the Bootstrap of the Maximum Score Estimator

This paper shows that the bootstrap does not consistently estimate the asymptotic distribution of the maximum score estimator. The theory developed also applies to other estimators within a cube‐root convergence class. For some single‐parameter estimators in this class, the results suggest a simple method for inference based upon the bootstrap.