Improved Monte Carlo inference for models with additive error

Some statistical models defined in terms of a generating stochastic mechanism have intractable distribution theory, which renders parameter estimation difficult. However, a Monte Carlo estimate of the log-likelihood surface for such a model can be obtained via computation of nonparametric density estimates from simulated realizations of the model. Unfortunately, the bias inherent in density estimation can cause bias in the resulting log-likelihood estimate that alters the location of its maximizer. In this paper a methodology for radically reducing this bias is developed for models with an additive error component. An illustrative example involving a stochastic model of molecular fragmentation and measurement is given.     

Confidence Intervals for Current Status Data

Abstract.  The likelihood ratio statistic for testing pointwise hypotheses about the survival time distribution in the current status model can be inverted to yield confidence intervals (CIs). One advantage of this procedure is that CIs can be formed without estimating the unknown parameters that figure in the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the distribution function. We discuss the likelihood ratio-based CIs for the distribution function and the quantile function and compare these intervals to several different intervals based on the MLE. The quantiles of the limiting distribution of the MLE are estimated using various methods including parametric fitting, kernel smoothing and subsampling techniques. Comparisons are carried out both for simulated data and on a data set involving time to immunization against rubella. The comparisons indicate that the likelihood ratio-based intervals are preferable from several perspectives.     

Approximation of density functions by orthogonal series with grouped data

Summary Letg(x) andf(x) be continuous density function on (a, b) and let {ϕ_j} be a complete orthonormal sequence of functions onL ₂(g), which is the set of squared integrable functions weighted byg on (a, b). Suppose that over (a, b). Given a grouped sample of sizen fromf(x), the paper investigates the asymptotic properties of the restricted maximum likelihood estimator of density, obtained by setting all but the firstm of the ϑ_j’s equal to0. Practical suggestions are given for performing estimation via the use of Fourier and Legendre polynomial series. Research partially supported by: CNR grant, n. 93. 00837. CT10.     

A simple,automatic and adaptive bivariate density estimator based on conditional densities

The standard approach to non-parametric bivariate density estimation is to use a kernel density estimator. Practical performance of this estimator is hindered by the fact that the estimator is not adaptive (in the sense that the level of smoothing is not sensitive to local properties of the density). In this paper a simple, automatic and adaptive bivariate density estimator is proposed based on the estimation of marginal and conditional densities. Asymptotic properties of the estimator are examined, and guidance to practical application of the method is given. Application to two examples illustrates the usefulness of the estimator as an exploratory tool, particularly in situations where the local behaviour of the density varies widely. The proposed estimator is also appropriate for use as a pilot estimate for an adaptive kernel estimate, since it is relatively inexpensive to calculate.     

多元正态分布广义方差区间估计的改进

讨论了多元正态分布广义方差的区间估计问题,给出了在覆盖率及长度上均优于最优仿射同变区间估计的改进估计．     

Generalized Leverage and its Applications

The generalized leverage of an estimator is defined in regression models as a measure of the importance of individual observations. We derive a simple but powerful result, developing an explicit expression for leverage in a general M -estimation problem, of which the maximum likelihood problems are special cases. A variety of applications are considered, most notably to the exponential family non-linear models. The relationship between leverage and local influence is also discussed. Numerical examples are given to illustrate our results     

化学反应中的非线性现象

本文以“水中花园”和“化学振荡”等实验事实,论述了化学反应中的自然分形和自组织过程等非线性现象.     

Estimation from Zero-Failure Data

When performing quantitative (or probabilistic) risk assessments, it is often the case that data for many of the potential events in question are sparse or nonexistent. Some of these events may be well-represented by the binomial probability distribution. In this paper, a model for predicting the binomial failure probability, P , from data that include no failures is examined. A review of the literature indicates that the use of this model is currently limited to risk analysis of energetic initiation in the explosives testing field. The basis for the model is discussed, and the behavior of the model relative to other models developed for the same purpose is investigated. It is found that the qualitative behavior of the model is very similar to that of the other models, and for larger values of n (the number of trials), the predicted P values varied by a factor of about eight among the five models examined. Analysis revealed that the estimator is nearly identical to the median of a Bayesian posterior distribution, derived using a uniform prior. An explanation of the application of the estimator in explosives testing is provided, and comments are offered regarding the use of the estimator versus other possible techniques.     

同种商品不同月份期货组合风险评价模型研究及应用

以期货合约的每一交易日的对数涨跌率来反映市场风险,借助VaR风险价值法,运用加权核估计技术(WKDE)和指数加权滑动模型(EWMA),建立了基于期货组合中持有头寸不同且可以进行风险对冲的期货组合市场风险非线性叠加评价模型,解决了同种商品、不同月份期货组合每一交易日最大损失的确定问题,并通过实证研究验证了模型的实用性.该模型的特点一是借助WKDE法预测组合中单个合约每一交易日涨跌率最大日亏损值,充分体现了期货合约涨跌率的实际走势,使VaR估计更加精确.二是通过动态迁移相关系数矩阵的计算保证了模型的精确性.采用EWMA模型预测动态变化的方差-协方差矩阵,从实证的角度得到更精准的动态迁移相关系数矩阵.三是考虑了组合中多头和空头不同头寸之间的风险对冲,避免了实际中期货组合风险的线性相加而造成放大风险或减少风险的不准确性,从而能较好地保证了模型的预测精度及准确性.四是通过基于风险非线性叠加建立的期货组合风险评价模型解决了SPAN系统中期货组合风险的线性叠加问题,从而得到更合理的组合风险预测值.