Nonparametric Missing Value Imputation using Random Forest

The function 'missForest' in this package is used to impute missing values particularly in the case of mixed-type data. It uses a random forest trained on the observed values of a data matrix to predict the missing values. It can be used to impute continuous and/or categorical data including complex interactions and non-linear relations. It yields an out-of-bag (OOB) imputation error estimate without the need of a test set or elaborate cross-validation. It can be run in parallel to save computation time.

Generate Random Identifiers

Generate random or human readable and pronounceable identifiers.

Multinomial Logit Models, with or without Random Effects or Overdispersion

Provides estimators for multinomial logit models in their conditional logit and baseline logit variants, with or without random effects, with or without overdispersion. Random effects models are estimated using the PQL technique (based on a Laplace approximation) or the MQL technique (based on a Solomon-Cox approximation). Estimates should be treated with caution if the group sizes are small.

Easy-to-Use Tools for Common Forms of Random Assignment and Sampling

Generates random assignments for common experimental designs and random samples for common sampling designs.

Tools for Social Network Analysis

A range of tools for social network analysis, including node and graph-level indices, structural distance and covariance methods, structural equivalence detection, network regression, random graph generation, and 2D/3D network visualization.

Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Package

Contains functions to perform Bayesian inference using posterior simulation for a number of statistical models. Most simulation is done in compiled C++ written in the Scythe Statistical Library Version 1.0.3. All models return 'coda' mcmc objects that can then be summarized using the 'coda' package. Some useful utility functions such as density functions, pseudo-random number generators for statistical distributions, a general purpose Metropolis sampling algorithm, and tools for visualization are provided.

Generic Reproducible Parallel Backend for 'foreach' Loops

Provides functions to perform reproducible parallel foreach loops, using independent random streams as generated by L'Ecuyer's combined multiple-recursive generator [L'Ecuyer (1999), ]. It enables to easily convert standard '%dopar%' loops into fully reproducible loops, independently of the number of workers, the task scheduling strategy, or the chosen parallel environment and associated foreach backend.

Space-Filling Random and Quasi-Random Sequences

Generates random and quasi-random space-filling sequences. Supports the following sequences: 'Halton', 'Sobol', 'Owen'-scrambled 'Sobol', 'Owen'-scrambled 'Sobol' with errors distributed as blue noise, progressive jittered, progressive multi-jittered ('PMJ'), 'PMJ' with blue noise, 'PMJ02', and 'PMJ02' with blue noise. Includes a 'C++' 'API'. Methods derived from "Constructing Sobol sequences with better two-dimensional projections" (2012) S. Joe and F. Y. Kuo, "Progressive Multi-Jittered Sample Sequences" (2018) < https://graphics.pixar.com/library/ProgressiveMultiJitteredSampling/paper.pdf> Christensen, P., Kensler, A. and Kilpatrick, C., and "A Low-Discrepancy Sampler that Distributes Monte Carlo Errors as a Blue Noise in Screen Space" (2019) E. Heitz, B. Laurent, O. Victor, C. David and I. Jean-Claude, .

Fast Pseudo Random Number Generators

Several fast random number generators are provided as C++ header only libraries: The PCG family by O'Neill (2014 < https://www.cs.hmc.edu/tr/hmc-cs-2014-0905.pdf>) as well as the Xoroshiro / Xoshiro family by Blackman and Vigna (2021 ). In addition fast functions for generating random numbers according to a uniform, normal and exponential distribution are included. The latter two use the Ziggurat algorithm originally proposed by Marsaglia and Tsang (2000, ). The fast sampling methods support unweighted sampling both with and without replacement. These functions are exported to R and as a C++ interface and are enabled for use with the default 64 bit generator from the PCG family, Xoroshiro128+/++/** and Xoshiro256+/++/** as well as the 64 bit version of the 20 rounds Threefry engine (Salmon et al., 2011, ) as provided by the package 'sitmo'.

Regression Models with Break-Points / Change-Points Estimation (with Possibly Random Effects)

Fitting regression models where, in addition to possible linear terms, one or more covariates have segmented (i.e., broken-line or piece-wise linear) or stepmented (i.e. piece-wise constant) effects. Multiple breakpoints for the same variable are allowed. The estimation method is discussed in Muggeo (2003, ) and illustrated in Muggeo (2008, < https://www.r-project.org/doc/Rnews/Rnews_2008-1.pdf>). An approach for hypothesis testing is presented in Muggeo (2016, ), and interval estimation for the breakpoint is discussed in Muggeo (2017, ). Segmented mixed models, i.e. random effects in the change point, are discussed in Muggeo (2014, ). Estimation of piecewise-constant relationships and changepoints (mean-shift models) is discussed in Fasola et al. (2018, ).