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The linear exponential distribution is a generalization of the exponential and Rayleigh distributions. This distribution is one of the best models to fit data with increasing failure rate (IFR). But it does not provide a reasonable fit for modeling data with decreasing failure rate (DFR) and bathtub shaped failure rate (BTFR). To overcome this drawback, we propose a new record-based transmuted generalized linear exponential (RTGLE) distribution by using the technique of Balakrishnan and He. The family of RTGLE distributions is more flexible to fit the data sets with IFR, DFR, and BTFR, and also generalizes several well-known models as well as some new record-based transmuted models. This paper aims to study the statistical properties of RTGLE distribution, like, the shape of the probability density function and hazard function, quantile function and its applications, moments and its generating function, order and record statistics, Rényi entropy. The maximum likelihood estimators, least squares and weighted least squares estimators, Anderson-Darling estimators, Cramér-von Mises estimators of the unknown parameters are constructed and their biases and mean squared errors are reported via Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, the real data sets illustrate the goodness of fit and applicability of the proposed distribution; hence, suitable recommendations are forwarded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with statistical inference for lifetime data in presence of imperfect maintenance. For the maintenance model, the Sheu and Griffith model is considered. The lifetime distribution belongs to exponential distribution class. The maximum likelihood estimation procedure of the model parameters is discussed, and confidence intervals are provided using the asymptotic likelihood theory and bootstrap approach. Based on conjugate and discrete priors, Bayesian estimators of the model parameters are developed under symmetric and asymmetric loss functions. The proposed methodologies are applied to simulated data and sensitivity analysis to different parameters and data characteristics is carried out. The effect of model misspecification is also assessed within this class of distributions through a Monte Carlo simulation study. Finally, two datasets are analyzed for demonstrative aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we focus on Bayesian estimation of the parameters in the geometric process (GP) in which the first occurrence time of an event is assumed to have Weibull distribution. The Bayesian estimators are derived based on both symmetric (Squared Error) and asymmetric (General Entropy, LINEX) loss functions. Since the Bayesian estimators of unknown parameters cannot be obtained analytically, Lindley's approximation and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are applied to compute the Bayesian estimates. Furthermore, by using the MCMC methods, credible intervals of the parameters are constructed. Maximum likelihood (ML) estimators are also derived for unknown parameters. The confidence intervals of the parameters are obtained based on an asymptotic distribution of ML estimators. Moreover, the performances of the proposed Bayesian estimators are compared with the corresponding ML, modified moment and modified maximum likelihood estimators through an extensive simulation study. Finally, analyses of two different real data sets are presented for illustrative purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider a transformation in a random variable which follows a bimodal Birnbaum-Saunders distribution. We propose the unit-bimodal Birnbaum-Saunders (UBBS) distribution and investigate some of its important properties, like cumulative distribution function, moments, survival function and risk function. We apply the UBBS distribution to censored data inflated at zero and one. We used the maximum likelihood approach for parameter estimation and to compare the models. Given the flexibility in UBBS distribution modes, our proposal performs best in beta regression models with zero and/or one excess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe main objective of this paper is to propose a new general family of distributions, namely compound truncated Poisson log-normal distribution of which log-normal distribution is a special case. The proposed model has three unknown parameters, and it can take variety of shapes. It can be used effectively in analyzing maximum precipitation data during a particular period of time obtained from different stations. It is assumed that the number of stations operate follows a zero-truncated Poisson random variables, and the daily precipitation follows a log-normal random variable. The maximum likelihood estimators can be obtained quite conveniently using Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. Approximate maximum likelihood estimators are also derived. The associated confidence intervals can also be obtained from the observed Fisher information matrix. Simulation results have been performed to check the performance of the EM algorithm, and it is observed that the EM algorithm works quite well in this case. When we analyze the precipitation data set using the proposed model it is observed that the proposed model provides better fit than some of the existing models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gompertz distribution is a significant and practical continuous lifetime distribution, which plays an important role in reliability engineering. A Gompertz distribution competing risks model is discussed and studied under general progressive censoring in this paper. When the lifetime model fails for different latent reasons, the maximum likelihood estimates are given for the unknown parameters. The approximate confidence intervals through Fisher information matrix and bootstrap confidence intervals are established, containing bootstrap-p and bootstrap-t techniques. In addition, the Bayes estimation of unknown parameters is investigated under the condition of squared error loss. Moreover, the Bayes credible interval is derived. Finally, a numerical simulation is conducted to evaluate the performances of the proposed methods and real-life data is analyzed by applying the proposed inference methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we first develop exact likelihood inference for Laplace distribution based on a generalized Type-I hybrid censored sample (Type-I HCS). We derive explicit expressions for the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of the location and scale parameters. We then derive the joint moment generating function (MGF) of the MLEs, and use it to obtain the exact distributions and moments of the MLEs. Using an analogous approach, we extend the results to a generalized Type-II hybrid censored sample (Type-II HCS) next. Finally, we present a numerical example to illustrate all the results established here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential model is the simplest among all lifetime distribution models and it possesses a constant failure rate. Here we propose a new class of lifetime distribution having decreasing failure rate which we developed through compounding exponential distribution with the positive hyper-Poisson distribution. We investigate some of its statistical properties and employed various methods of estimation for estimating the parameters of the distribution along with certain test procedures. All the procedures discussed in the paper are illustrated with the help of real-life data sets. Further, a brief simulation study is conducted for examining the performance of the estimators of the parameters of the distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, stress-strength model is studied for an inverted exponential Rayleigh distribution (IERD) when the latent failure times are progressively Type-II censored. When both strength and stress random variables follow common IERD scale parameters, the maximum likelihood estimate of stress-strength reliability (SSR) is established and the associated approximate confidence interval is also constructed using the asymptotic distribution theory and delta method. By constructing pivotal quantities, another alternative generalized estimates for SSR are also proposed for comparison. Moreover, when there are arbitrary strength and stress parameters, likelihood and generalized pivotal based estimates are also presented. In addition, testing problem is gave for comparing the equality of different strength and stress parameters. Finally, simulation study and a real data example are provided for illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing risk analysis of time to failure data is preferred when failure of the unit occurs due to any one of several mutually exclusive causes. Masked data refer to the competing risk data with missing cause of failure. Masking in such data may depend on cause of failure or time to failure of the unit or may be independent of both. In this paper, we discuss competing risk models based on Lindley distribution assuming masking to be symmetric, cause dependent and time dependent. We consider maximum likelihood as well as Bayesian approaches for point and interval estimation of model parameters. We perform extensive simulation study to observe performance of various estimators. Finally, we analyze a real life masked data of cancer patients and select the best masking model for the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, it is introduced a new parametric distribution to be used in multivariate lifetime data analysis as an alternative for the use of some existing multivariate parametric models as the popular multivariate normal distribution which is the most widely used model assumed in the analysis of continuous multivariate data. Although the normal multivariate distribution has univariate marginal normal probability distributions and simple interpretations for all their parameters, it may not be well fitted by many data sets, especially in survival data applications, usually considering logarithm transformed data. In many cases the use of parametric multivariate discrete models could be more appropriate for the data analysis. In this paper, it is introduced a generalization of the bivariate Basu-Dhar geometric distribution to a trivariate case applied to count data. Some properties of this trivariate geometric distribution, including its marginal probability distributions, order statistics distributions, the probability generating function and some simulation studies are presented. It is also presented some discussion on an extension of the trivariate case for the multivariate case. Classical and Bayesian inferences are presented assuming censored or uncensored observations. To illustrate the proposed methodology, two applications with real lifetime data are considered as examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, a generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity model under skew-normal distributions is studied. A maximum likelihood approach is taken and the parameters in the model are estimated based on the expectation-maximization algorithm. The statistical diagnostics is made through the local influence technique, with the normal curvature and diagnostics results established for the model under four perturbation schemes in identifying possible influential observations. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate the performance of our proposed method and a real-world application is presented as an illustrative example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lomax distribution has been widely used in economics, business and actuarial sciences. Due to its importance, we consider the statistical inference of this model under joint type-II censoring scenario. In order to estimate the parameters, we derive the Newton-Raphson(NR) procedure and we observe that most of the times in the simulation NR algorithm does not converge. Consequently, we make use of the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. Moreover, Bayesian estimations are also provided based on squared error, linear-exponential and generalized entropy loss functions together with the importance sampling method due to the structure of posterior density function. In the sequel, we perform a Monte Carlo simulation experiment to compare the performances of the listed methods. Mean squared error values, averages of estimated values as well as coverage probabilities and average interval lengths are considered to compare the performances of different methods. The approximate confidence intervals, bootstrap-p and bootstrap-t confidence intervals are computed for EM estimations. Also, Bayesian coverage probabilities and credible intervals are obtained. Finally, we consider the Bladder Cancer data to illustrate the applicability of the methods covered in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed fractional Brownian motion is a linear combination of Brownian motion and independent Fractional Brownian motion that is extensively used for option pricing. The consideration of the mixed process is able to capture the long–range dependence property that financial time series exhibit. This paper examines the problem of deriving simultaneously the estimators of all the unknown parameters for a model driven by the mixed fractional Brownian motion using the maximum likelihood estimation method. The consistency and asymptotic normality properties of these estimators are provided. The performance of the methodology is tested on simulated data sets, and the outcomes illustrate that the maximum likelihood technique is efficient and reliable. An empirical application of the proposed method is also made to the real financial data from four Nordic stock market indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with a new two-parameter lifetime distribution with increasing, decreasing and constant hazard rate. This distribution allows the occurrence of zero values and involves the exponential, linear exponential and other combinations of Weibull distributions as submodels. Many statistical properties of the distribution are derived. Maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters and a bias corrective approach is investigated with a simulation study for performance of the estimators. Four real data sets are analyzed for illustrative purposes and it is noted that the distribution is a highly alternative to the gamma, Weibull, Lognormal and exponentiated exponential distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized weighted exponential (GWE) distributions are a natural generalization of weighted exponential distributions. This paper attempts to revisit the GWE distribution in order to address the main inferential aspects of this distribution, such as the maximum likelihood estimators of the unknown parameters and their corresponding asymptotic confidence intervals, that vanished in previous works. Also, it develops some new distributional results about the GWE distribution and provides more interesting closed form expressions for previously presented results. A simulation study and a real world application are also worked out to assess the maximum likelihood estimators and to illustrate the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a univariate finite mixed generalized normal distribution (MixGND) is proposed. First, we derive some probabilistic properties including hazard rate function, characteristic function, kurtosis and skewness, for a mixture of two generalized normal distributions. In particular, we use a geometric analysis and numerical simulation technique to study the monotonicity of skewness and kurtosis from prescribing corresponding parameters. Then moment estimation and maximum likelihood estimation of parameters are also given. To use the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method, an expectation conditional maximization (ECM) algorithm is proposed to estimate and numerically simulate seven parameters of a two-component MixGND under the same variance and heteroscedasticity. By using data sets of the S&P 500 and Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index (SSEC), we compare goodness-of-fit performance between the mixture of two generalized normal distributions and the mixture of two normal distributions. The empirical analysis results show that the former better describes the heavy-tailed and leptokurtic characteristics of the daily returns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we empirically study models for pricing Italian sovereign bonds under a reduced form framework, by assuming different dynamics for the short-rate process. We analyze classical Cox-Ingersoll-Ross and Vasicek multi-factor models, with a focus on optimization algorithms applied in the calibration exercise. The Kalman filter algorithm together with a maximum likelihood estimation method are considered to fit the Italian term-structure over a 17-year horizon, including the global financial crisis, the euro area sovereign debt crisis and the Italian political turmoil in 2018. Analytic formulas for the gradient vector and the Hessian matrix of the likelihood function are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, competing risks model is considered when causes of failure are dependent. When latent failure times are distributed by the Marshall-Olkin bivariate Kumaraswamy model, inference for the unknown model parameters is studied under a generalized progressive hybrid censoring. Maximum likelihood estimates of unknown parameters are established, and the associated existence and uniqueness are provided. The approximate confidence intervals are constructed via the observed Fisher information matrix. Moreover, Bayes estimates and the credible intervals of the unknown parameters are also presented based a flexible Gamma-Dirichlet prior, and the importance sampling method is used to compute associated estimates. Simulation study and a lifetime example are given for illustration purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymptotic distribution theory for maximum likelihood estimators under fixed alternative hypotheses is reported in the literature even though the power of any realistic test converges to one under fixed alternatives. Under fixed alternatives, authors have established that nuisance parameter estimates are inconsistent when sample size re-estimation (SSR) follows blinded randomization. These results have helped to inhibit the use of SSR. In this paper, we argue for local alternatives to be used instead of fixed alternatives. We treat unavailable treatment assignments in blinded experiments as missing data and rely on single imputation from marginal distributions to fill in for missing data. With local alternatives, it is sufficient to proceed only with the first step of the EM algorithm mimicking imputation under the null hypothesis. Then, we show that blinded and unblinded estimates of the nuisance parameter σ θ 2 are consistent, and re-estimated sample sizes converge to their locally asymptotically optimal values. This theoretical finding is confirmed through Monte-Carlo simulation studies. Practical utility is illustrated through a multiple logistic regression example. We conclude that, for hypothesis testing with a predetermined minimally clinically relevant local effect size, both blinded and unblinded SSR procedures lead to similar sample sizes and power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many practical problems relate to progressively Type-II censored sampling plans, not only an experiment process determines inevitably to use random removals but also a fixed removals assumption may be cumbersome to analyze some results of statistical inference. This paper investigates the estimation problem when lifetimes are the two-parameter Lindley distributed and are collected under two removal patterns based on the uniform discrete distribution and the binomial distribution. The maximum likelihood estimations (MLEs) of parameters are obtained by a derivative-free optimization method and without applying the logarithm of the likelihood function. Furthermore, we propose a method for starting values of optimization to obtain the MLEs and compare numerically their bias, variance, covariance and mean squared error under the two different removal plans. Then, the expected times are discussed and compared numerically under the two approaches of generating random removals. Finally, the optimal progressive Type-II censoring scheme is provided based on the measure of the smallest expected experiment time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decade, Diáz-Garciá and Leiva-Sánchez (2005, 2007) proposed a generalized Birnbaum-Saunders distribution based on elliptically contoured distributions. A special case of this generalization is Student's t Birnbaum-Saunders distribution. This flexible lifetime distribution generalizes both the Cauchy Birnbaum-Saunders distribution and the two-parameter Birnbaum-Saunders distribution. In this comparison paper, we discuss maximum likelihood estimation methods for the parameters of this distribution. We numerically illustrate and examine the performances of all discussed methods using extensive Monte Carlo simulations and illustrative examples. Furthermore, we analyze real-life data to assess the practical usage of the considered generalized family of distributions, and to illustrate the discussed estimation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a competing risks model based on a generalized progressive hybrid censoring is considered. When the latent lifetime distributions of failure causes are exponential distributed and partially observed, maximum likelihood estimates for unknown parameters are established and the associated asymptotic confidence interval estimates are provided by using approximate theory via the observed Fisher information matrix. Moreover, Bayes point estimates and the highest posterior density credible intervals of unknown parameters are also considered, and the importance sampling procedure is used to approximate corresponding estimates. Finally, a real-life example and simulation study are presented for illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, motivated by a real data example about borderline overian tumors, we study a two-dimension dynamic panel models with confounding individual effect for modeling binary panel data. We propose using the maximum likelihood estimation method to estimate the model parameters. The properties of the maximum likelihood estimators are studied. The performance of the proposed estimation method is studied by using a Monte Carlo simulation study. The proposed model and estimation methods are illustrated by the real data example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we introduce a flexible extension of the Gumbel distribution called the odd log-logistic exponentiated Gumbel distribution. The new model was implemented in GAMLSS package of R software and a brief tutorial on how to use this package is presented throughout the paper. We provide a comprehensive treatment of its general mathematical properties. Further, we propose a new extended regression model considering four regression structures. We discuss estimation methods based on censored and uncensored data. Two simulation studies are presented and four real data sets are applied to illustrating the usefulness of the new model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, based on hybrid censored sample from a two parameter exponentiated half logistic distribution, we consider the problem of estimating the unknown parameters using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Expectation-Maximization, Lindley's approximation and Metropolis-Hastings algorithms are used for obtaining point estimators and corresponding confidence intervals for the shape and scale parameters involved in the underlying model. Data analyses involving the survival times of patients suffering from cancer diseases and treated radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy have been performed. Finally, numerical simulation study was conducted to assess the performances of the so developed methods and conclusions on our findings are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider an intervened version of the cluster negative binomial distribution and investigate some of its statistical properties. The parameters of the distribution are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood and by the method of pgf based minimum Hellinger type divergence. Also generalised likelihood ratio test procedure is applied for examining the significance of the intervention parameter. Certain real life data applications are provided for illustrating the usefulness of the model and a brief simulation study is carried out for assessing the performances of the estimators obtained through both the methods of estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper two probability distributions are analyzed which are formed by compounding inverse Weibull with zero-truncated Poisson and geometric distributions. The distributions can be used to model lifetime of series system where the lifetimes follow inverse Weibull distribution and the subgroup size being random follows either geometric or zero-truncated Poisson distribution. Some of the important statistical and reliability properties of each of the distributions are derived. The distributions are found to exhibit both monotone and non-monotone failure rates. The parameters of the distributions are estimated using the expectation-maximization algorithm and the method of minimum distance estimation. The potentials of the distributions are explored through three real life data sets and are compared with similar compounded distributions, viz. Weibull-geometric, Weibull-Poisson, exponential-geometric and exponential-Poisson distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an extension of the Gompertz-Makeham distribution. This distribution is called the transmuted Gompertz-Makeham (TGM). The new model which can handle bathtub-shaped, increasing, increasing-constant and constant hazard rate functions. This property makes TGM is useful in survival analysis. Various statistical and reliability measures of the model are obtained, including hazard rate function, moments, moment generating function (mgf), quantile function, random number generating, skewness, kurtosis, conditional moments, mean deviations, Bonferroni curve, Lorenz curve, Gini index, mean inactivity time, mean residual lifetime and stochastic ordering; we also obtain the density of the ith order statistic. Estimation of the model parameters is justified by the method of maximum likelihood. An application to real data demonstrates that the TGM distribution can provides a better fit than some other very well known distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exponential distribution has an extensive application in reliability. Introducing shape parameter to this distribution have produced various distribution functions. In their study in 2009, Gupta and Kundu brought another distribution function using Azzalini's method, which is applicable in reliability and named as weighted exponential (WE) distribution. The parameters of this distribution function have been recently estimated by the above two authors in classical statistics. In this paper, Bayesian estimates of the parameters are derived. To achieve this purpose we use Lindley's approximation method for the integrals that cannot be solved in closed form. Furthermore, a Gibbs sampling procedure is used to draw Markov chain Monte Carlo samples from the posterior distribution indirectly and then the Bayes estimates of parameters are derived. The estimation of reliability and hazard functions are also discussed. At the end of the paper, some comparisons between classical and Bayesian estimation methods are studied by using Monte Carlo simulation study. The simulation study incorporates complete and Type-II censored samples. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we are interested in the estimation of the reliability parameterR=P(X>Y) where X, a component strength, and Y, a component stress, are independent power Lindley random variables. The point and interval estimation of R, based on maximum likelihood, nonparametric and parametric bootstrap methods, are developed. The performance of the point estimate and confidence interval of R under the considered estimation methods is studied through extensive simulation. A numerical example, based on a real data, is presented to illustrate the proposed procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of outliers is a common feature in real data applications. It has been well established that outliers can severely affect the parameter estimates of statistical models, for example, random effects models, which can in turn affect the small area estimates produced using these models. Two outlier robust methodologies have been recently proposed in the small area literature. These are the M-quantile approach and the robust random effects approach. The M-quantile and robust random effects approaches are two distinct outlier robust small area methods and a comparison between these two methodologies is required. The present paper sets to fulfill this goal. Using model-based simulations and showing an application to real income data we examine how the alternative small area methodologies compare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hidden semi-Markov models (HSMMs) were introduced to overcome the constraint of a geometric sojourn time distribution for the different hidden states in the classical hidden Markov models. Several variations of HSMMs were proposed that model the sojourn times by a parametric or a nonparametric family of distributions. In this article, we concentrate our interest on the nonparametric case where the duration distributions are attached to transitions and not to states as in most of the published papers in HSMMs. Therefore, it is worth noticing that here we treat the underlying hidden semi-Markov chain in its general probabilistic structure. In that case, Barbu and Limnios (2008) proposed an Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm in order to estimate the semi-Markov kernel and the emission probabilities that characterize the dynamics of the model. In this article, we consider an improved version of Barbu and Limnios' EM algorithm which is faster than the original one. Moreover, we propose a stochastic version of the EM algorithm that achieves comparable estimates with the EM algorithm in less execution time. Some numerical examples are provided which illustrate the efficient performance of the proposed algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For non-negative integer-valued random variables, the concept of "damaged" observations was introduced, for the first time, by Rao and Rubin [Rao, C. R., Rubin, H. (1964). On a characterization of the Poisson distribution. Sankhya 26:295-298] in 1964 on a paper concerning the characterization of Poisson distribution. In 1965, Rao [Rao, C. R. (1965). On discrete distribution arising out of methods of ascertainment. Sankhya Ser. A. 27:311-324] discusses some results related with inferences for parameters of a Poisson Model when it has occurred partial destruction of observations. A random variable is said to be damaged if it is unobservable, due to a damage mechanism which randomly reduces its magnitude. In subsequent years, considerable attention has been given to characterizations of distributions of such random variables that satisfy the "Rao-Rubin" condition. This article presents some inference aspects of a damaged Poisson distribution, under reasonable assumption that, when an observation on the random variable is made, it is also possible to determine whether or not some damage has occurred. In other words, we do not know how many items are damaged, but we can identify the existence of damage. Particularly it is illustrated the situation in which it is possible to identify the occurrence of some damage although it is not possible to determine the amount of items damaged. Maximum likelihood estimators of the underlying parameters and their asymptotic covariance matrix are obtained. Convergence of the estimates of parameters to the asymptotic values are studied through Monte Carlo simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hill's estimator is a popular method for estimating the thickness of heavy tails. In this paper we modify Hill's estimator to make it shift-invariant as well as scale-invariant. The resulting shifted Hill's estimator is a more robust method of estimating tail thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]