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We consider robust estimation of wrapped models to multivariate circular data that are points on the surface of a $p$-torus based on the weighted likelihood methodology.Robust model fitting is achieved by a set of weighted likelihood estimating equations, based on the computation of data dependent weights aimed to down-weight anomalous values, such as unexpected directions that do not share the main pattern of the bulk of the data. Weighted likelihood estimating equations with weights evaluated on the torus orobtained after unwrapping the data onto the Euclidean space are proposed and compared. Asymptotic properties and robustness features of the estimators under study have been studied, whereas their finite sample behavior has been investigated by Monte Carlo numerical experiment and real data examples.

A weighted likelihood technique for robust estimation of a multivariate Wrapped Normal distribution for data points scattered on a p-dimensional torus is proposed. The occurrence of outliers in the sample at hand can badly compromise inference for standard techniques such as maximum likelihood method. Therefore, there is the need to handle such model inadequacies in the fitting process by a robust technique and an effective down-weighting of observations not following the assumed model. Furthermore, the employ of a robust method could help in situations of hidden and unexpected substructures in the data. Here, it is suggested to build a set of data-dependent weights based on the Pearson residuals and solve the corresponding weighted likelihood estimating equations. In particular, robust estimation is carried out by using a Classification EM algorithm whose M-step is enhanced by the computation of weights based on current parameters' values. The finite sample behavior of the proposed method has been investigated by a Monte Carlo numerical studies and real data examples., Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures. METRON (2021)

We discuss an approach for fitting robust nonlinear regression models, which can be employed to model and predict the contagion dynamics of the Covid-19 in Italy. The focus is on the analysis of epidemic data using robust dose-response curves, but the functionality is applicable to arbitrary nonlinear regression models., Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures, submitted

A weighted likelihood approach for robust fitting of a mixture of multivariate Gaussian components is developed in this work. Two approaches have been proposed that are driven by a suitable modification of the standard EM and CEM algorithms, respectively. In both techniques, the M-step is enhanced by the computation of weights aimed at downweighting outliers. The weights are based on Pearson residuals stemming from robust Mahalanobis-type distances. Formal rules for robust clustering and outlier detection can be also defined based on the fitted mixture model. The behavior of the proposed methodologies has been investigated by some numerical studies and real data examples in terms of both fitting and classification accuracy and outlier detection.

A novel approach to obtain weighted likelihood estimates of multivariate location and scatter is discussed. A weighting scheme is proposed that is based on the distribution of the Mahalanobis distances rather than the distribution of the data at the assumed model. This strategy allows to avoid the curse of dimensionality affecting non-parametric density estimation, that is involved in the construction of the weights through the Pearson residuals Markatou et al (1998). Then, weighted likelihood based outlier detection rules and robust dimensionality reduction techniques are developed. The effectiveness of the methodology is illustrated through some numerical studies and real data examples.

This paper considers the problem of optimally deploying omnidirectional sensors, with potentially limited sensing radius, in a network-like environment. This model provides a compact and effective description of complex environments as well as a proper representation of road or river networks. We present a two-step procedure based on a discrete-time gradient ascent algorithm to find a local optimum for this problem. The first step performs a coarse optimization where sensors are allowed to move in the plane, to vary their sensing radius and to make use of a reduced model of the environment called collapsed network. It is made up of a finite discrete set of points, barycenters, produced by collapsing network edges. Sensors can be also clustered to reduce the complexity of this phase. The sensors' positions found in the first step are then projected on the network and used in the second finer optimization, where sensors are constrained to move only on the network. The second step can be performed on-line, in a distributed fashion, by sensors moving in the real environment, and can make use of the full network as well as of the collapsed one. The adoption of a less constrained initial optimization has the merit of reducing the negative impact of the presence of a large number of local optima. The effectiveness of the presented procedure is illustrated by a simulated deployment problem in an airport environment.