arXiv subjects

Abdulaziz Alenazi

Publications and source records attributed to Abdulaziz Alenazi.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The $α$--regression for compositional data: a unified framework for standard, temporal and spatial regression models including compositional predictors

We revisit the $α$--regression framework for compositional data. We formulate $α$--regression as a non--linear least squares problem, study its asymptotic properties, and provide efficient estimation via the Levenberg--Marquardt algorithm. We then propose a permutation--based hypothesis testing procedure, derive marginal effects for interpretation, and provide a visual inspection of the effect of each predictor. We further discuss robustified versions, the inclusion of natural splines, and the incorporation of compositional predictors, which further facilitate the formulation of a simple time series model. The framework is extended to spatial settings through four models. (a) The $α$--spatially--lagged X regression model, which incorporates spatial spillover effects via spatially--lagged covariates, with decomposition into direct and indirect effects. (b) The $α$--spatial autoregressive model that allows for spatial autocorrelation. (c) The geographically--weighted $α$--regression, which allows coefficients to vary spatially for capturing local relationships. (d) The $α$--eigenvector spatial filtering that is computationally efficient and captures spatial dependence via the eigenvectors of the kernelized distance matrix. Applications to four real datasets illustrate that the models perform on par with or outperform existing models in the literature. The examples showcase that $α$--regression can outperform various competing regression models under different scenarios and its spatial extensions capture the dependence and improve the predictive performance. Overall, the examples provide evidence that the log--ratio methodology does not always lead to the optimal results.

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arXiv2026

A Jensen-Shannon divergence based $k$--$NN$ algorithm for missing value imputation in compositional data

A novel nonparametric method to impute missing values in compositional data is developed. The method is based on the $k$--$NN$ algorithm, utilizes the Jensen-Shannon divergence and employs the Fr{é}chet mean to allow for more flexibility in the estimation process. As an extra feature, the hyper-parameters can be self-adaptive according to the pattern of missing values. Unlike restrictive parametric models, the proposed method makes no assumption about the structure of the data and, most importantly, it is applicable even when compositional data contain zero values. Through simulation studies using real data, it is shown that the proposed algorithm outperforms competing algorithms at various settings, not only in terms of accuracy but also in terms of computational efficiency.

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arXiv2023

Flexible non-parametric regression models for compositional data

Compositional data arise in many real-life applications and versatile methods for properly analyzing this type of data in the regression context are needed. When parametric assumptions do not hold or are difficult to verify, non-parametric regression models can provide a convenient alternative method for prediction. To this end, we consider an extension to the classical $k$--$NN$ regression, termed $α$--$k$--$NN$ regression, that yields a highly flexible non-parametric regression model for compositional data through the use of the $α$-transformation. Unlike many of the recommended regression models for compositional data, zeros values (which commonly occur in practice) are not problematic and they can be incorporated into the proposed models without modification. Extensive simulation studies and real-life data analyses highlight the advantage of using these non-parametric regressions for complex relationships between the compositional response data and Euclidean predictor variables. Both suggest that $α$--$k$--$NN$ regression can lead to more accurate predictions compared to current regression models which assume a, sometimes restrictive, parametric relationship with the predictor variables. In addition, the $α$--$k$--$NN$ regression, in contrast to current regression techniques, enjoys a high computational efficiency rendering it highly attractive for use with large scale, massive, or big data.

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arXiv2020

A Monte Carlo comparison of categorical tests of independence

The $X^2$ and $G^2$ tests are the most frequently applied tests for testing the independence of two categorical variables. However, no one, to the best of our knowledge has compared them, extensively, and ultimately answer the question of which to use and when. Further, their applicability in cases with zero frequencies has been debated and (non parametric) permutation tests are suggested. In this work we perform extensive Monte Carlo simulation studies attempting to answer both aforementioned points. As expected, in large sample sized cases ($>1,000$) the $X^2$ and $G^2$ are indistinguishable. In the small sample sized cases ($\leq 1,000$) though, we provide strong evidence supporting the use of the $X^2$ test regardless of zero frequencies for the case of unconditional independence. Also, we suggest the use of the permutation based $G^2$ test for testing conditional independence, at the cost of being computationally more expensive. The $G^2$ test exhibited inferior performance and its use should be limited.

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arXiv2019

Hypothesis testing for two population means: parametric or non-parametric test?

The parametric Welch $t$-test and the non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test are the most commonly used two independent sample means tests. More recent testing approaches include the non-parametric, empirical likelihood and exponential empirical likelihood. However, the applicability of these non-parametric likelihood testing procedures is limited partially because of their tendency to inflate the type I error in small sized samples. In order to circumvent the type I error problem, we propose simple calibrations using the $t$ distribution and bootstrapping. The two non-parametric likelihood testing procedures, with and without those calibrations, are then compared against the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and the Welch $t$-test. The comparisons are implemented via extensive Monte Carlo simulations on the grounds of type I error and power in small/medium sized samples generated from various non-normal populations. The simulation studies clearly demonstrate that a) the $t$ calibration improves the type I error of the empirical likelihood, b) bootstrap calibration improves the type I error of both non-parametric likelihoods, c) the Welch $t$-test with or without bootstrap calibration attains the type I error and produces similar levels of power with the former testing procedures, and d) the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test produces inflated type I error while the computation of an exact p-value is not feasible in the presence of ties with discrete data. Further, an application to real gene expression data illustrates the computational high cost and thus the impracticality of the non parametric likelihoods. Overall, the Welch t-test, which is highly computationally efficient and readily interpretable, is shown to be the best method when testing equality of two population means.

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