Random Bernstein Polynomials

Random Bernstein polynomials which are also probability distribution functions on the closed unit interval are studied. The probability law of a Bernstein polynomial so defined provides a novel prior on the space of distribution functions on [0, 1] which has full support and can easily select absolutely continuous distribution functions with a continuous and smooth derivative. In particular, the Bernstein polynomial which approximates a Dirichlet process is studied. This may be of interest in Bayesian non-parametric inference. In the second part of the paper, we study the posterior from a Bernstein–Dirichlet prior and suggest a hybrid Monte Carlo approximation of it. The proposed algorithm has some aspects of novelty since the problem under examination has a changing dimension parameter space.     

Rank tests in the two-sample scale problem with unequal and unknown locations

The two-sample scale problem is studied in the case of unequal and unknown location parameters. The method proposed is based on the idea of Moses (1963) and it is distribution-free. The two samples are separated into random subgroups of the same sizek. It is proposed to choosek=4 and to apply the Wilconxon test or the Savage test to the ranges or sample variances of the subgroups. The asymptotic power functions of the tests are compared. For small and moderate sample sizes simulations are carried out. Relations to some other procedures, especially to the method of Compagnone and Denker (1996) are briefly discussed.     

The robustness of the quasilikelihood estimator

The quasilikelihood estimator is widely used in data analysis where a likelihood is not available. We illustrate that with a given variance function it is not only conservative, in minimizing a maximum risk, but also robust against a possible misspecification of either the likelihood or cumulants of the model. In examples it is compared with estimators based on maximum likelihood and quadratic estimating functions.     

塑料注射机节能问题的研究与探讨

本文针对 XS—ZY—125型塑料注射成型机,分析了现行通用的双联泵供油液压系统耗能大的原因。介绍了压力流量补偿负荷传感液压系统在注射机上应用的基本原理。通过应用上述两种液压系统分别驱动同一台注射机的生产运行对比试验和能耗测试分析,证明压力流量补偿负荷传感液压系统具有十分显著的节能效果。通过经济效益估算分析,指出进一步开发压力流量补偿负荷传感液压系统在注射机上的应用,不仅具有十分显著的经济效益,而且具有很大的社会效益。     

Precedence tests and Lehmann alternatives

G = F ^k (k > 1); G = 1 − (1−F) ^k (k < 1); G = F ^k (k < 1); and G = 1 − (1−F) ^k (k > 1), where F and G are two continuous cumulative distribution functions. If an optimal precedence test (one with the maximal power) is determined for one of these four classes, the optimal tests for the other classes of alternatives can be derived. Application of this is given using the results of Lin and Sukhatme (1992) who derived the best precedence test for testing the null hypothesis that the lifetimes of two types of items on test have the same distibution. The test has maximum power for fixed κ in the class of alternatives G = 1 − (1−F) ^k , with k < 1. Best precedence tests for the other three classes of Lehmann-type alternatives are derived using their results. Finally, a comparison of precedence tests with Wilcoxon's two-sample test is presented. Received: February 22, 1999; revised version: June 7, 2000     

Flexible regression modeling

The author proposes a new method for flexible regression modeling of multi‐dimensional data, where the regression function is approximated by a linear combination of logistic basis functions. The method is adaptive, selecting simple or more complex models as appropriate. The number, location, and (to some extent) shape of the basis functions are automatically determined from the data. The method is also affine invariant, so accuracy of the fit is not affected by rotation or scaling of the covariates. Squared error and absolute error criteria are both available for estimation. The latter provides a robust estimator of the conditional median function. Computation is relatively fast, particularly for large data sets, so the method is well suited for data mining applications.     

1973 Section Officers,Committees and Association Representatives

The occurrence of missing data cells precludes a universally correct procedure for performing an analysis of variance. This is illustrated by the use of two computer routines to analyze a 2 × 3 factorial experiment with one missing cell. One of these routines does, however, provide information that may enhance the usefulness of the associated results.     

An efficient sequential design of clinical trials

We propose an efficient group sequential monitoring rule for clinical trials. At each interim analysis both efficacy and futility are evaluated through a specified loss structure together with the predicted power. The proposed design is robust to a wide range of priors, and achieves the specified power with a saving of sample size compared to existing adaptive designs. A method is also proposed to obtain a reduced-bias estimator of treatment difference for the proposed design. The new approaches hold great potential for efficiently selecting a more effective treatment in comparative trials. Operating characteristics are evaluated and compared with other group sequential designs in empirical studies. An example is provided to illustrate the application of the method.     

Generalized exponential distribution: Moments of order statistics

In this paper, we consider the generalized exponential distribution (GED) with shape parameter α. We establish several recurrence relations satisfied by the single and the product moments for order statistics from the GED. The relationships can be written in terms of polygamma and hypergeometric functions and used in a simple recursive manner in order to compute the single and the product moments of all order statistics for all sample sizes.     

Non-ergodic martingale estimating functions and related asymptotics

Well-known estimation methods such as conditional least squares, quasilikelihood and maximum likelihood (ML) can be unified via a single framework of martingale estimating functions (MEFs). Asymptotic distributions of estimates for ergodic processes use constant norm (e.g. square root of the sample size) for asymptotic normality. For certain non-ergodic-type applications, however, such as explosive autoregression and super-critical branching processes, one needs a random norm in order to get normal limit distributions. In this paper, we are concerned with non-ergodic processes and investigate limit distributions for a broad class of MEFs. Asymptotic optimality (within a certain class of non-ergodic MEFs) of the ML estimate is deduced via establishing a convolution theorem using a random norm. Applications to non-ergodic autoregressive processes, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic-type processes, and super-critical branching processes are discussed. Asymptotic optimality in terms of the maximum random limiting power regarding large sample tests is briefly discussed.