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Stochastic approximation Monte Carlo (SAMC) has recently been proposed by Liang, Liu and Carroll [J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 102 (2007) 305--320] as a general simulation and optimization algorithm. In this paper, we propose to improve its convergence using smoothing methods and discuss the application of the new algorithm to Bayesian model selection problems. The new algorithm is tested through a change-point identification example. The numerical results indicate that the new algorithm can outperform SAMC and reversible jump MCMC significantly for the model selection problems. The new algorithm represents a general form of the stochastic approximation Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. It allows multiple samples to be generated at each iteration, and a bias term to be included in the parameter updating step. A rigorous proof for the convergence of the general algorithm is established under verifiable conditions. This paper also provides a framework on how to improve efficiency of Monte Carlo simulations by incorporating some nonparametric techniques.

Stochastic approximation Monte Carlo (SAMC) has recently been proposed by Liang, Liu and Carroll [J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 102 (2007) 305--320] as a general simulation and optimization algorithm. In this paper, we propose to improve its convergence using smoothing methods and discuss the application of the new algorithm to Bayesian model selection problems. The new algorithm is tested through a change-point identification example. The numerical results indicate that the new algorithm can outperform SAMC and reversible jump MCMC significantly for the model selection problems. The new algorithm represents a general form of the stochastic approximation Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. It allows multiple samples to be generated at each iteration, and a bias term to be included in the parameter updating step. A rigorous proof for the convergence of the general algorithm is established under verifiable conditions. This paper also provides a framework on how to improve efficiency of Monte Carlo simulations by incorporating some nonparametric techniques.

In this paper, we adopt a Bayesian point of view for predicting real continuous-time processes. We give two equivalent definitions of a Bayesian predictor and study some properties: admissibility, prediction sufficiency, non-unbiasedness, comparison with efficient predictors. Prediction of Poisson process and prediction of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process in the continuous and sampled situations are considered. Various simulations illustrate comparison with non-Bayesian predictors.

In this paper, we adopt a Bayesian point of view for predicting real continuous-time processes. We give two equivalent definitions of a Bayesian predictor and study some properties: admissibility, prediction sufficiency, non-unbiasedness, comparison with efficient predictors. Prediction of Poisson process and prediction of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process in the continuous and sampled situations are considered. Various simulations illustrate comparison with non-Bayesian predictors.

In this paper, we adopt a Bayesian point of view for predicting real continuous-time processes. We give two equivalent definitions of a Bayesian predictor and study some properties: admissibility, prediction sufficiency, non-unbiasedness, comparison with efficient predictors. Prediction of Poisson process and prediction of Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process in the continuous and sampled situations are considered. Various simulations illustrate comparison with non-Bayesian predictors.