Info-gap forecasting and the advantage of sub-optimal models

We consider forecasting in systems whose underlying laws are uncertain, while contextual information suggests that future system properties will differ from the past. We consider linear discrete-time systems, and use a non-probabilistic info-gap model to represent uncertainty in the future transition matrix. The forecaster desires the average forecast of a specific state variable to be within a specified interval around the correct value. Traditionally, forecasting uses a model with optimal fidelity to historical data. However, since structural changes are anticipated, this is a poor strategy. Our first theorem asserts the existence, and indicates the construction, of forecasting models with sub-optimal-fidelity to historical data which are more robust to model error than the historically optimal model. Our second theorem identifies conditions in which the probability of forecast success increases with increasing robustness to model error. The proposed methodology identifies reliable forecasting models for systems whose trajectories evolve with Knightian uncertainty for structural change over time. We consider various examples, including forecasting European Central Bank interest rates following 9/11.     

Differential geometrical structures related to forecasting error variance ratios

Differential geometrical structures (Riemannian metrics, pairs of dual affine connections, divergences and yokes) related to multi-step forecasting error variance ratios are introduced to a manifold of stochastic linear systems. They are generalized to nonstationary cases. The problem of approximating a given time series by a specific model is discussed. As examples, we use the established scheme to discuss the AR (1) approximations and the exponential smoothing of ARMA series for multi-step forecasting purpose. In the process, some interesting results about spectral density functions are derived and applied.     

Global and local optimization using radial basis function response surface models

The focus of this paper is the optimization of complex multi-parameter systems. We consider systems in which the objective function is not known explicitly, and can only be evaluated through computationally intensive numerical simulation or through costly physical experiments. The objective function may also contain many local extrema which may be of interest. Given objective function values at a scattered set of parameter values, we develop a response surface model that can dramatically reduce the required computation time for parameter optimization runs. The response surface model is developed using radial basis functions, producing a model whose objective function values match those of the original system at all sampled data points. Interpolation to any other point is easily accomplished and generates a model which represents the system over the entire parameter space. This paper presents the details of the use of radial basis functions to transform scattered data points, obtained from a complex continuum mechanics simulation of explosive materials, into a response surface model of a function over the given parameter space. Response surface methodology and radial basis functions are discussed in general and are applied to a global optimization problem for an explosive oil well penetrator.     

Forecasting S-shaped diffusion processes via response modelling methodology

Diffusion processes abound in various areas of corporate activities, such as the time-dependent behaviour of cumulative demand of a new product, or the adoption rate of a technological innovation. In most cases, the proportion of the population that has adopted the new product by time t behaves like an S-shaped curve, which resembles the sigmoid curve typical to many known statistical distribution functions. This analogy has motivated the common use of the latter for forecasting purposes. Recently, a new methodology for empirical modelling has been developed, termed response modelling methodology (RMM). The error distribution of the RMM model has been shown to model well variously shaped distribution functions, and may therefore be adequate to forecast sigmoid-curve processes. In particular, RMM may be applied to forecast S-shaped diffusion processes. In this paper, forty-seven data sets, assembled from published sources by Meade and Islam, are used to compare the accuracy and the stability of RMM-generated forecasts, relative to current commonly applied models. Results show that in most comparisons RMM forecasts outperform those based on any individually selected distributional model.     

A multivariate time series approach to projected life tables

The method of mortality forecasting proposed by Lee and Carter describes a time series of age‐specific log‐death rates as a sum of an independent of time age‐specific component and a bilinear term in which one of the component is a time‐varying factor reflecting general change in mortality and the second one is an age‐specific parameter. Such a rigid model structure implies that on average the mortality improvements for different age groups should be proportional, regardless of the calendar period: a single time factor drives the future death rates. This paper investigates the use of multivariate time series techniques for forecasting age‐specific death rates. This approach allows for relative speed of decline in the log death rates specific to the different ages. The dynamic factor analysis and the Johansen cointegration methodology are successfully applied to project mortality. The inclusion of several time factors allows the model to capture the imperfect correlations in death rates from 1 year to the next. The benchmark Lee–Carter model appears as a special case of these approaches. An empirical study is conducted with the help of the Johansen cointegration methodology. A vector‐error correction model is fitted to Belgian general population death rates. A comparison is performed with the forecast of life expectancies obtained from the classical Lee–Carter model. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

正权重组合预测模型及其在经济中的应用

介绍了组合预测的方法,并利用最优组合和递归方差倒数方法对组合预测方法进行改进;提出通过GMDH方法首先对影响经济预测模型的各变量进行筛选然后再建立回归模型、神经网络模型等单项预测模型的思想;最后结合GMDH方法建立的时间序列模型,建立正权重组合预测模型．     

深圳市供水量的最优组合预测

城市供水系统是一个复杂的大系统,供水量受多种因素的共同影响。本文以深圳市最近20多年的供水量历史数据为基础,建立了深圳市供水量的最优组合预测模型。该模型具有较高的预测精度,组合预测的预测效果优于任意一种单一预测的预测效果,供水量预测结果对深圳市未来供水的短期或长期规划能起到重要的宏观指导作用。     

基于神经网络技术的水质预测

随着地表饮用水源的藻类高发程度的加重和藻毒素的对健康的危害性逐渐被认识,供水企业需建立水源水质预警系统以确保供水水质和实现水厂经济运行,而水源水质预测是预警系统的基础.收集天津引滦源水1744天的水质检测资料,通过相关及指标聚类两种方法分析,确定建立预测2天后源水水质-叶绿素-a的神经网络模型的输入变量选择方案共26个,每个方案经10次试验,比选出模型最优输入变量和模型结构.为建立具有代表性的模型,使用前1209天数据训练模型,训练后的模型对剩余数据的仿真输出值与实际值间相关系数达0.88,其预测准确率为85%,满足水厂运行要求.     

MODELING AND FORECASTING MONTHLY AVERAGE WATER LEVELS BASED ON THE ELLIPTIC ORBIT MODEL

Evaluation and forecasting of water‐level fluctuation for one river is of increasing importance since it is intimately associated with human welfare and socioeconomic sustainability development. In this study, it is found that time series of monthly water‐level fluctuation exhibits annual cyclical variation. Then with annual periodic extension for monthly water‐level fluctuation, the so‐called “elliptic orbit model” is proposed for describing monthly water‐level fluctuation by mapping its time series into the polar coordinates. Experiments and result analysis indicate potentiality of the proposed method that it yields satisfying results in evaluating and forecasting monthly water‐level fluctuation at the monitoring stations in the Yangtze River of China. It is shown that the monthly water‐level fluctuation is well described by the proposed elliptic orbit model, which offers a vivid approach for modeling and forecasting monthly water‐level fluctuation in a concise and intuitive way.     

A decision tool for optimal irrigated crop planning and water resources sustainability

In the present study, the conjunctive use policies of surface and ground water resources are developed for minimizing water shortage in an irrigation district subject to constraints on groundwater withdrawals and crop planning capacities. An integrated soil water balance algorithm is coupled to a non-linear optimization model in order to carry out water allocation planning in complex deficit agricultural water resources systems based on an economic efficiency criterion. Various options of conjunctive use water resources along with current and proposed cropping patterns have been explored by Koohdasht Irrigation District (KID), a semi-arid region in I.R. Iran. The analysis provides various scenarios, which can help managers in decision-making for the optimum allocation plans of water resources within the irrigation area. The results reveal that the proposed model, as a decision tool for optimal irrigated crop planning and water resources sustainability, may be used for maximizing the overall net benefits and global water productivity of an irrigation district considering an allowable annual recharge of groundwater. Findings indicate the importance of the conjunctive water management modeling, which can be easily implemented and would enhance the overall benefits from cropping activities in the study area.     

Point and interval forecasting for carbon price based on an improved analysis-forecast system

Effective analysis and forecasting of carbon prices, which is an essential endeavor for the carbon trading market, is still considered a difficult task because of the nonlinearity and nonstationarity inherent in carbon prices. Previous studies have failed at the analysis and interval prediction of carbon prices and are limited to point forecasts. Therefore, an improved carbon price analysis and forecasting system that consists of an analysis module and a forecasting module is established in this study; more importantly, the forecasting module includes point forecasting and interval forecasting as well. Aimed at investigating the characteristics of the carbon price series, a chaotic analysis based on the maximum Lyapunov exponent is performed, the determination of appropriate distribution functions based on our newly proposed hybrid optimization algorithm is conducted, and different distribution functions are effectively designed in the analysis module. Furthermore, in the point forecasting model, the phase space reconstruction technique is applied to reconstruct the sequences decomposed by variational mode decomposition due to the chaotic characteristics of the carbon price series, and the reconstructed sequences are considered as the optimal input–output variables of the forecasting model. Then, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system model is trained by the newly proposed hybrid optimization algorithm, which is developed for the first time in the domain of carbon price point forecasting. Moreover, based on the results of point forecasting and the distribution function of the carbon price series determined by the analysis module, the interval forecasting results can be obtained and implemented to provide more reliable information for decision making. Empirical results based on the carbon price data of the European Union Emissions Trading System and Shenzhen of China demonstrate that the proposed system achieves better results than other benchmark models in point forecasting as well as interval forecasting.     

灰色时序组合模型及其在地下水埋深预测中的应用

地下水埋深的变化过程是一个复杂的非线性过程,这种具有复杂的非线性组合特征的序列,使用某一种模型进行预测,结果往往不理想.在分析了灰色GM(1,1)模型、灰色GM(1,1)周期性修正模型和时序AR(n)模型的优点和缺点基础上,提出了一种新的灰色时序组合预报模型.该方法利用了GM预测所需原始数据少、方法简单的优点,用周期修正方法反映其地下水位埋深周期性波动的特征,用AR(n)模型预报其地下水位埋深的随机变化.实例研究表明,这种方法方便简洁实用且预测结果接近于实际观测值,为其它地区的地下水位埋深和相关时间序列的分析研究提供参考与借鉴作用.     

Tactical sales forecasting using a very large set of macroeconomic indicators

Tactical forecasting in supply chain management supports planning for inventory, scheduling production, and raw material purchase, amongst other functions. It typically refers to forecasts up to 12 months ahead. Traditional forecasting models take into account univariate information extrapolating from the past, but cannot anticipate macroeconomic events, such as steep increases or declines in national economic activity. In practice this is countered by using managerial expert judgement, which is well known to suffer from various biases, is expensive and not scalable. This paper evaluates multiple approaches to improve tactical sales forecasting using macro-economic leading indicators. The proposed statistical forecast selects automatically both the type of leading indicators, as well as the order of the lead for each of the selected indicators. However as the future values of the leading indicators are unknown an additional uncertainty is introduced. This uncertainty is controlled in our methodology by restricting inputs to an unconditional forecasting setup. We compare this with the conditional setup, where future indicator values are assumed to be known and assess the theoretical loss of forecast accuracy. We also evaluate purely statistical model building against judgement aided models, where potential leading indicators are pre-filtered by experts, quantifying the accuracy-cost trade-off. The proposed framework improves on forecasting accuracy over established time series benchmarks, while providing useful insights about the key leading indicators. We evaluate the proposed approach on a real case study and find 18.8% accuracy gains over the current forecasting process.     

A grey-based fitting coefficient to build a hybrid forecasting model for small data sets

In the current rapidly changing manufacturing conditions, controlling manufacturing systems effectively and efficiently is a critical issue for enterprises, especially in their early stages. However, it is often difficult to make correct decisions, with the insufficient information available at such times. We thus develop a two-stage modeling procedure to build a predictive model using few samples. We first use three conventional approaches to establish forecasting models, and then implement pre-testing with the proposed grey-based fitness measuring index to determine the weights to create a hybrid model. Two datasets, including color filter manufacturing data and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation energy database, are evaluated in the experiment, and the results show that the proposed method not only has good forecasting performance, but also reduces the influence forecasting errors. Accordingly, the proposed procedure is thus considered a feasible approach for small-data-set forecasting.     

Forecasting nonlinear time series with a hybrid methodology

In recent years, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been used for forecasting in time series in the literature. Although it is possible to model both linear and nonlinear structures in time series by using ANNs, they are not able to handle both structures equally well. Therefore, the hybrid methodology combining ARIMA and ANN models have been used in the literature. In this study, a new hybrid approach combining Elman’s Recurrent Neural Networks (ERNN) and ARIMA models is proposed. The proposed hybrid approach is applied to Canadian Lynx data and it is found that the proposed approach has the best forecasting accuracy.     

Multi-criteria modelling of irrigation water market at basin level: A Spanish case study

This paper develops a multi-criteria methodology to simulate irrigation water markets at basin level. For this purpose it is assumed that irrigators try to optimise personal multi-attribute utility functions via their productive decision making process (crop mix), subject to a set of constraints based upon the structural features of their farms. In this sense, farmers with homogeneous behaviour regarding water use have been grouped, such groups being established as “types” to be considered in the whole water market simulation model. This model calculates the market equilibrium through a solution that maximises aggregate welfare, which is quantified as the sum of the multi-attribute utilities reached by each of the participating agents. This methodology has been empirically applied for the Duero Basin (Northern Spain), finding that the implementation of this economic institution would increase economic efficiency and agricultural labour demand, particularly during droughts.     

N-tuple S&P patterns across decades, 1950–2011

Numerous studies have analyzed the movements of the S&P 500 index using several methodologies such as technical analysis, econometric modeling, time series techniques and theories from behavioral finance. In this paper we take a novel approach. We use daily closing prices for the S&P 500 index for a very long period from 1/3/1950 to 7/19/2011 for a total of 15,488 daily observations. We then investigate the up and down movements and their combinations for 1–7 days giving us multiple possible patterns for over six decades. Some patterns of each type are more dominant across decades. We split the data into training and validation sets and then select the dominant patterns to build conditional forecasts in several ways, including using a decision tree methodology. The best model is correct 51 % of the time on the validation set when forecasting a down day, and 61 % when forecasting an up day. We show that certain conditional forecasts outperform the unconditional random walk model.     

Fractionally differenced models for water quality time series

This paper deals with the selection and evaluation of statistical techniques for use in the modeling and forecasting of water quality time series. The focus is on statistical concepts relevant to the analysis of flows and concentrations. A selection of time series procedures has been used for auditing water quality archival data, including the screening of data sets, correlation and spectrum calculations, and iterative model fitting. A summary is provided of experience with analyzing archival data on the Niagara River and the use of a fractionally differenced model.This paper is the result of a study performed for the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada. The authors gratefully acknowledge the direction and support provided by Dr. Joel L. Fisher.     

Model Predictive Control for Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems

In heating ventilating and air conditioning (hvac) systems, model predictive control (mpc) is rarely used up to now. However, the following properties of hvac systems make mpc a well suited control methodology: the plant is a multiple input, multiple output system and its inputs are constrained – both in their value and in their rate of change. Moreover, several disturbances acting on the plant like varying outdoor air temperature or outdoor humidity can be measured. Furthermore, time constants are relatively large which makes it easy to perform the required optimization of the mpc strategy in time. This contribution presents the application of mpc to a real world hvac system. The considered hvac system consists of standard industrial components. The core components of the system are water-to-air heat exchangers, both for heating and for cooling purposes as well as a steam humidifier. Hence, air temperature and air humidity can be varied with the help of the investigated hvac system. The derivation of the plant model based on thermodynamic relations is presented as well as the application of the mpc strategy to the real world system. The plant contains some nonlinear elements which have to be dealt with when applying the mpc strategy. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

基于人工神经网络和随机游走模型的汇率预测

由于金融数据具有随机性特征,使得建模和预测变得极其困难.提出一种组合预测方法,即假定任何金融时序数据由线性和非线性两部分组成,将其中线性部分的数据通过随机游走(RW)模型进行模拟,剩余的非线性残差部分由前馈神经网络(FANN)和诶尔曼神经网络(EANN)协同处理.从实证结果可知,该组合方法相比单独使用RW、FANN或EANN模型有更高的预测精度.