The analysis of irregularly observed time series (or time series with missing data) is one of the most important problems faced by applied researchers whose data arise in the form of time series (or processes). The papers in this Proceedings provide a comprehensive review of the approaches that time series analysts are taking to infer the properties of a complete time series from irregularly observed values. These papers provide introductions to the diversity of modern approaches to the analysis and modeling of time series as well as the extension of these methods to missing data or irregularly observed values.

With the support of the Office of Naval Research Program on Statistics and Probability (Dr. Edward J. Wegman, Director), The Department of Statistics at Texas A&M University hosted a Symposium on Time Series Analysis of Irregularly Observed Data during the period February 10-13, 1983. The symposium aimed to provide a review of the state of the art, define outstanding problems for research by theoreticians, transmit to practitioners recently developed algorithms, and stimulate interaction between statisticians and researchers in subject matter fields. Attendance was limited to actively involved researchers. This volume contains refereed versions of the papers presented at the Symposium. We would like to express our appreciation to the many colleagues and staff members whose cheerful help made the Symposium a successful happening which was enjoyed socially and intellectually by all participants. I would like to especially thank Dr. Donald W. Marquardt whose interest led me to undertake to organize this Symposium. This volume is dedicated to the world wide community of researchers who develop and apply methods of statistical analysis of time series. r:;) \J Picture Caption Participants in Symposium on Time Series Analysis of Irregularly Observed Data at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, February 10-13, 1983 First Row: Henry L. Gray, D. W. Marquardt, P. M. Robinson, Emanuel Parzen, Julia Abrahams, E. Masry, H. L. Weinert, R. H. Shumway.

Comprehensive theoretical overview of kernel smoothing methods with motivating examples Kernel smoothing is a flexible nonparametric curve estimation method that is applicable when parametric descriptions of the data are not sufficiently adequate. This book explores theory and methods of kernel smoothing in a variety of contexts, considering independent and correlated data e.g. with short-memory and long-memory correlations, as well as non-Gaussian data that are transformations of latent Gaussian processes. These types of data occur in many fields of research, e.g. the natural and the environmental sciences, and others. Nonparametric density estimation, nonparametric and semiparametric regression, trend and surface estimation in particular for time series and spatial data and other topics such as rapid change points, robustness etc. are introduced alongside a study of their theoretical properties and optimality issues, such as consistency and bandwidth selection. Addressing a variety of topics, Kernel Smoothing: Principles, Methods and Applications offers a user-friendly presentation of the mathematical content so that the reader can directly implement the formulas using any appropriate software. The overall aim of the book is to describe the methods and their theoretical backgrounds, while maintaining an analytically simple approach and including motivating examples—making it extremely useful in many sciences such as geophysics, climate research, forestry, ecology, and other natural and life sciences, as well as in finance, sociology, and engineering. A simple and analytical description of kernel smoothing methods in various contexts Presents the basics as well as new developments Includes simulated and real data examples Kernel Smoothing: Principles, Methods and Applications is a textbook for senior undergraduate and graduate students in statistics, as well as a reference book for applied statisticians and advanced researchers.