Unified Variable Selection for Varying Coefficient Models with Longitudinal Data

Variable selection for varying coefficient models includes the separation of varying and constant effects,and the selection of variables with nonzero varying effects and those with nonzero constant effects.This paper proposes a unified variable selection approach called the double-penalized quadratic inference functions method for varying coefficient models of longitudinal data.The proposed method can not only separate varying coefficients and constant coefficients,but also estimate and select the nonzero varying coefficients and nonzero constant coefficients.It is suitable for variable selection of linear models,varying coefficient models,and partial linear varying coefficient models.Under regularity conditions,the proposed method is consistent in both separation and selection of varying coefficients and constant coefficients.The obtained estimators of varying coefficients possess the optimal convergence rate of non-parametric function estimation,and the estimators of nonzero constant coefficients are consistent and asymptotically normal.Finally,the authors investigate the finite sample performance of the proposed method through simulation studies and a real data analysis.The results show that the proposed method performs better than the existing competitor.

Instrumental Variable Type Estimation for Generalized Varying Coefficient Models with Error-Prone Covariates

In this paper,the estimation for a class of generalized varying coefficient models with error-prone covariates is considered.By combining basis function approximations with some auxiliary variables,an instrumental variable type estimation procedure is proposed.The asymptotic results of the estimator,such as the consistency and the weak convergence rate,are obtained.The proposed procedure can attenuate the effect of measurement errors and have proved workable for finite samples.

Empirical Likelihood-based Inferences in Varying Coefficient Models with Missing Data

In this paper, we consider the empirical likelihood-based inferences for varying coefficient models Y = X^τα（U） ＋ ε when X are subject to missing at random. Based on the inverse probability-weighted idea, a class of empirical log-likelihood ratios, as well as two maximum empirical likelihood estimators, are developed for α（u）. The resulting statistics are shown to have standard chi-squared or normal distributions asymptotically.Simulation studies are also constructed to illustrate the finite sample properties of the proposed statistics.

Quasi Maximum Likelihood for MESS Varying Coefficient Panel Data Models with Fixed Effects

The study of spatial econometrics has developed rapidly and has found wide applications in many different scientific fields,such as demog­raphy,epidemiology,regional economics,and psychology.With the deepening of research,some scholars find that there are some model specifications in spatial econometrics,such as spatial autoregressive(SAR)model and matrix exponential spatial specification(MESS),which cannot be nested within each other.Compared with the common SAR models,the MESS models have computational advantages because it eliminates the need for logarithmic determinant calculation in maxi­mum likelihood estimation and Bayesian estimation.Meanwhile,MESS models have theoretical advantages.However,the theoretical research and application of MESS models have not been promoted vigorously.Therefore,the study of MESS model theory has practical significance.This paper studies the quasi maximum likelihood estimation for ma­trix exponential spatial specification(MESS)varying coefficient panel data models with fixed effects.It is shown that the estimators of model parameters and function coefficients satisfy the consistency and asymp­totic normality to make a further supplement for the theoretical study of MESS model.

Variable Selection for Fixed Effects Varying Coefficient Models

We consider the problem of variable selection for the fixed effects varying coefficient models. A variable selection procedure is developed using basis function approximations and group nonconcave penalized functions, and the fixed effects are removed using the proper weight matrices. The proposed procedure simultaneously removes the fixed individual effects, selects the significant variables and estimates the nonzero coefficient functions. With appropriate selection of the tuning parameters, an asymptotic theory for the resulting estimates is established under suitable conditions. Simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of our proposed method, and a real data set is analyzed for further illustration.

Model Detection and Variable Selection for Varying Coefficient Models with Longitudinal Data

In this puper, we consider the problem of variabie selection and model detection in varying coefficient models with longitudinM data. We propose a combined penalization procedure to select the significant variables, detect the true structure of the model and estimate the unknown regression coefficients simultaneously. With appropriate selection of the tuning parameters, we show that the proposed procedure is consistent in both variable selection and the separation of varying and constant coefficients, and the penalized estimators have the oracle property. Finite sample performances of the proposed method are illustrated by some simulation studies and the real data analysis.

Efficient Shrinkage Estimation about the Partially Linear Varying Coefficient Model with Random Effect for Longitudinal Data

In this paper, an efficient shrinkage estimation procedure for the partially linear varying coefficient model (PLVC) with random effect is considered. By selecting the significant variable and estimating the nonzero coefficient, the model structure specification is accomplished by introducing a novel penalized estimating equation. Under some mild conditions, the asymptotic properties for the proposed model selection and estimation results, such as the sparsity and oracle property, are established. Some numerical simulation studies and a real data analysis are presented to examine the finite sample performance of the procedure.

Incorporating shape constraints in generalized additive modelling of the height-diameter relationship for Norway spruce

Background： Measurements of tree heights and diameters are essential in forest assessment and modelling. Tree heights are used for estimating timber volume, site index and other important variables related to forest growth and yield, succession and carbon budget models. However, the diameter at breast height （dbh） can be more accurately obtained and at lower cost, than total tree height. Hence, generalized height-diameter （h-d） models that predict tree height from dbh, age and other covariates are needed. For a more flexible but biologically plausible estimation of covariate effects we use shape constrained generalized additive models as an extension of existing h-d model approaches. We use causal site parameters such as index of aridity to enhance the generality and causality of the models and to enable predictions under projected changeable climatic conditions. Methods： We develop unconstrained generalized additive models （GAM） and shape constrained generalized additive models （SCAM） for investigating the possible effects of tree-specific parameters such as tree age, relative diameter at breast height, and site-specific parameters such as index of aridity and sum of daily mean temperature during vegetation period, on the h-d relationship of forests in Lower Saxony, Germany. Results： Some of the derived effects, e.g. effects of age, index of aridity and sum of daily mean temperature have significantly non-linear pattern. The need for using SCAM results from the fact that some of the model effects show partially implausible patterns especially at the boundaries of data ranges. The derived model predicts monotonically increasing levels of tree height with increasing age and temperature sum and decreasing aridity and social rank of a tree within a stand, The definition of constraints leads only to marginal or minor decline in the model statistics like AIC An observed structured spatial trend in tree height is modelled via 2-dimensional surface fitting. Conclusions： We demonstrate that the SCAM approach allows optimal regression modelling flexibility similar to the standard GAM but with the additional possibility of defining specific constraints for the model effects. The longitudinal character of the model allows for tree height imputation for the current status of forests but also for future tree height prediction.

Parameter Estimation of Varying Coefficients Structural EV Model with Time Series

In this paper, the parameters of a p-dimensional linear structural EV(error-in-variable)model are estimated when the coefficients vary with a real variable and the model error is time series.The adjust weighted least squares(AWLS) method is used to estimate the parameters. It is shown that the estimators are weakly consistent and asymptotically normal, and the optimal convergence rate is also obtained. Simulations study are undertaken to illustrate our AWLSEs have good performance.