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In this paper, inference is discussed for left-truncated and right-censored (LTRC) competing risks data. For modelling the dependent competing risks variables, a flexible bivariate lifetime model is constructed with a class of inverse exponentiated distribution, and associated distribution properties are provided correspondingly. When the LTRC competing risks data is available with partially observed failure causes, a dependent competing risks model is further established. Maximum likelihood estimators of the unknown parameters and the reliability indices are established, and the approximate confidence intervals are also constructed based on asymptotic theory. In addition, Bayesian estimators are obtained based on flexible priors, Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling approach is also proposed for computing the Bayesian estimates as well as the highest posterior density credible intervals. Finally, simulation studies are carried out to investigate the performances of our results, and a real-life data set is analysed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scheike and Zhang [An additive-multiplicative Cox-Aalen regression model. Scand J Stat. 2002;29:75–88] proposed a flexible additive-multiplicative hazard model, called the Cox-Aalen model, by replacing the baseline hazard function in the well-known Cox model with a covariate-dependent Aalen model, which allows for both fixed and dynamic covariate effects. In this paper, based on left-truncated and mixed interval-censored (LT-MIC) data, we consider maximum likelihood estimation for the Cox-Aalen model with fixed covariates. We propose expectation-maximization (EM) algorithms for obtaining the conditional maximum likelihood estimators (cMLE) of the regression coefficients for the Cox-Aalen model. We establish the consistency of the cMLE. Numerical studies show that estimation via the EM algorithms performs well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we extend the structural probit measurement error model by considering that the unobserved covariate follows a skew-normal distribution. The new model is termed the structural skew-normal probit model. As in the normal case, the likelihood function is obtained analytically which can be maximized by using existing statistical software. A Bayesian approach using Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques to generate from the posterior distributions is also developed. A simulation study demonstrates the usefulness of the approach in avoiding attenuation which is the case with the naive procedure and it seems to be more efficient than using the structural probit model when the distribution of the covariate (predictor) is skew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we revisit the progressive Type-I censoring scheme as it has originally been introduced by Cohen [Progressively censored samples in life testing. Technometrics. 1963;5(3):327–339]. In fact, original progressive Type-I censoring proceeds as progressive Type-II censoring but with fixed censoring times instead of failure time based censoring times. Apparently, a time truncation has been added to this censoring scheme by interpreting the final censoring time as a termination time. Therefore, not much work has been done on Cohens's original progressive censoring scheme with fixed censoring times. Thus, we discuss distributional results for this scheme and establish exact distributional results in likelihood inference for exponentially distributed lifetimes. In particular, we obtain the exact distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE). Further, the stochastic monotonicity of the MLE is verified in order to construct exact confidence intervals for both the scale parameter and the reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-parameter extension of the exponential distribution is introduced and studied in this paper. The new distribution is quite flexible and can be used effectively in modelling survival data, reliability problems, fatigue life studies and hydrological data. It can have constant, decreasing, increasing, upside-down bathtub (unimodal), bathtub-shaped and decreasing–increasing–decreasing hazard rate functions. We provide a comprehensive account of the mathematical properties of the new distribution and various structural quantities are derived. We discuss maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters for complete sample and for censored sample. An empirical application of the new model to real data is presented for illustrative purposes. We hope that the new distribution will serve as an alternative model to other models available in the literature for modelling real data in many areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a new class of skew distributions by extending the alpha skew normal distribution proposed by Elal-Olivero [Elal-Olivero, D. Alpha-skew-normal distribution. Proyecciones. 2010;29:224–240]. Statistical properties of the new family are studied in details. In particular, explicit expressions for the moments and the shape parameters including the skewness and the kurtosis coefficients and the moment generating function are derived. The problem of estimating parameters on the basis of a random sample coming from the new class of distribution is considered. To examine the performance of the obtained estimators, a Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted. Flexibility and usefulness of the proposed family of distributions are illustrated by analysing three real data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for generating new classes of distributions based on the probability-generating function is presented in Aly and Benkherouf [A new family of distributions based on probability generating functions. Sankhya B. 2011;73:70–80]. In particular, they focused their interest to the so-called Harris extended family of distributions. In this paper, we provide several general results regarding the Harris extended models such as the general behaviour of the failure rate function. We also derive a very useful representation for the Harris extended density function as an absolutely convergent power series of the survival function of the baseline distribution. Additionally, some stochastic order relations are established and limiting distributions of sample extremes are also considered for this model. These general results are illustrated in several special Harris extended models. Finally, we discuss estimation of the model parameters by the method of maximum likelihood and provide an application to real data for illustrative purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weibull distributions have received wide ranging applications in many areas including reliability, hydrology and communication systems. Many estimation methods have been proposed for Weibull distributions. But there has not been a comprehensive comparison of these estimation methods. Most studies have focused on comparing the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with one of the other approaches. In this paper, we first propose anL-moment estimator for the Weibull distribution. Then, a comprehensive comparison is made of the following methods: the method of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), the method of logarithmic moments, the percentile method, the method of moments and the method ofL-moments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We propose a bivariate Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern (FGM) copula model for bivariate meta-analysis, and develop a maximum likelihood estimator for the common mean vector. With the aid of novel mathematical identities for the FGM copula, we derive the expression of the Fisher information matrix. We also derive an approximation formula for the Fisher information matrix, which is accurate and easy to compute. Based on the theory of independent but not identically distributed (i.n.i.d.) samples, we examine the asymptotic properties of the estimator. Simulation studies are given to demonstrate the performance of the proposed method, and a real data analysis is provided to illustrate the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, optimal accelerated life test (ALT) plans are investigated under progressive Type I interval censoring with random removals when lifetimes are Weibull distributed. The optimal ALT plans which minimize the asymptotic variance of the estimated qth quantile for different combinations of total number of inspections and removal probability are presented. For implementation convenience, the practical plans, which adopt the same optimality criterion but the inspection times are determined based on the ideas of equally spaced or equal probability scheme at each stress level, are also derived. Numerical studies are conducted to evaluate the relative efficiency of a practical plan to the corresponding optimal ALT plan. Some suggestions are given to experimenters for selecting an appropriate practical plan in designing an ALT under the proposed censoring scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters in a non regular Cox model involving a change-point in the regression on time-dependent covariates. The global consistency derives from the uniform convergence of the partial log-likelihood. We prove that the estimator of the change-point is n -consistent and the estimator of the regression parameter n 1/2 -consistent, and their asymptotic distributions are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a step-stress accelerated life test based on the generalized Khamis-Higgins model in the presence of Marshall-Olkin bivariate Weibull distributed dependent competing risks is considered under generalized progressive hybrid censoring. It is assumed that the stress is changed when a pre-specified number of failures take place, and four different failure causes are discussed. The classical and Bayesian statistical methods are used to estimate the unknown parameters. In addition to the maximum likelihood estimation, the stochastic expectation-maximization algorithm is also applied. The Monte Carlo Markov Chain samples with importance sampling are used to obtain the Bayesian estimates under two loss functions, and the Bayesian highest posterior density credible intervals are constructed. Then the parameters and reliability function under normal use stress level are calculated. The Monte Carlo method is applied to compare the performance of the estimation methods. Finally, a real-life data set is analyzed for illustrative purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized order statistics, and thus sequential order statistics with conditional proportional hazard rates, are shown to form a regular exponential family in the model parameters. This structure is utilized to derive maximum likelihood estimators for these parameters or functions of them along with several properties of the estimators. The Fisher information matrix is stated, and asymptotic efficiency is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]