Markov Chain

This textbook explains the fundamentals of Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) without assuming advanced knowledge of mathematics and programming. MCMC is a powerful technique that can be used to integrate complicated functions or to handle complicated probability distributions. MCMC is frequently used in diverse fields where statistical methods are important – e.g. Bayesian statistics, quantum physics, machine learning, computer science, computational biology, and mathematical economics. This book aims to equip readers with a sound understanding of MCMC and enable them to write simulation codes by themselves.

in failure time distributions for systems modeled by finite chains. This introductory chapter attempts to provide an over­ view of the material and ideas covered. The presentation is loose and fragmentary, and should be read lightly initially. Subsequent perusal from time to time may help tie the mat­ erial together and provide a unity less readily obtainable otherwise. The detailed presentation begins in Chapter 1, and some readers may prefer to begin there directly. §O.l. Time-Reversibility and Spectral Representation. Continuous time chains may be discussed in terms of discrete time chains by a uniformizing procedure (§2.l) that simplifies and unifies the theory and enables results for discrete and continuous time to be discussed simultaneously.

Most subfields of computer science have an interface layer via which applications communicate with the infrastructure, and this is key to their success (e.g., the Internet in networking, the relational model in databases, etc.). So far this interface layer has been missing in AI. First-order logic and probabilistic graphical models each have some of the necessary features, but a viable interface layer requires combining both. Markov logic is a powerful new language that accomplishes this by attaching weights to first-order formulas and treating them as templates for features of Markov random fields. Most statistical models in wide use are special cases of Markov logic, and first-order logic is its infinite-weight limit.

In this study extending classical Markov chain theory to handle fluctuating transition matrices, the author develops a theory of Markov set-chains and provides numerous examples showing how that theory can be applied. Chapters are concluded with a discussion of related research. Readers who can benefit from this monograph are those interested in, or involved with, systems whose data is imprecise or that fluctuate with time. A background equivalent to a course in linear algebra and one in probability theory should be sufficient.

With the first edition out of print, we decided to arrange for republi­ cation of Denumerrible Markov Ohains with additional bibliographic material. The new edition contains a section Additional Notes that indicates some of the developments in Markov chain theory over the last ten years.

In this study extending classical Markov chain theory to handle fluctuating transition matrices, the author develops a theory of Markov set-chains and provides numerous examples showing how that theory can be applied. Chapters are concluded with a discussion of related research. Readers who can benefit from this monograph are those interested in, or involved with, systems whose data is imprecise or that fluctuate with time. A background equivalent to a course in linear algebra and one in probability theory should be sufficient.

This book provides statistical methodologies for time series data, focusing on copula-based Markov chain models for serially correlated time series. It also includes data examples from economics, engineering, finance, sport and other disciplines to illustrate the methods presented. An accessible textbook for students in the fields of economics, management, mathematics, statistics, and related fields wanting to gain insights into the statistical analysis of time series data using copulas, the book also features stand-alone chapters to appeal to researchers.