Asymptotic results for lower exponential spacings

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate distributional and asymptotic properties of lower exponential spacings. We find conditions under which the sequence of logarithmic lower spacings converges in probability and with probability one.     

On simulation of weak records

In the present paper, we discuss algorithms of generation of weak records. These generation algorithms are based on two different methods. In the case, when the inverse function for the underlying distribution function can be obtained explicitly, the corresponding generation algorithms are built on the inverse-transform method. In the case, when the inverse function cannot be obtained explicitly, the algorithms are based on the rejection method. Generation algorithms of our paper are supplied with illustrative examples.     

The Post-Soviet Space: A Transition Period

This article analyzes the processes taking place in the “post-Soviet space”—the former Soviet Union. This notion is viewed as a special historical phenomenon implying not only common territory but also political, economic, cultural, mental, civil, and other mutual ties inherited from the past. The social and political nature of the “post-Soviet space” is fast-changing due to the impact of three interrelated factors: economic (the difference in economic potentials and the resource base, the increasing dependence on fluctuations in prices for basic export commodities in the global market, and the weak domestic markets); political (a new kind of conflicts between former Soviet republics, the instability of the political-party systems, the immaturity of civil society, and the growth of authoritarian trends); and international one (the region is a crossroads of the geopolitical interests of the world’s major players—Russia, the United States, the European Union and China). The vital importance of this space for Russia causes it to pursue an active policy in this region.     

Sequential estimation of the variance of an unknown distribution

Sequential fixed-width and risk-efficient estimation of the variance of an unspecified distribution is considered. The second-order asymptotic properties of the sequential rules are studied. Extensive simulation studies are carried out in order to study the small sample behavior of the sequential rules for some frequently used distributions.     

On simulation of normal records

ABSTRACT

In the present paper, we discuss algorithms of record generation when records are taken from a normal population. We propose three new generation algorithms, compare their efficiency and find the most efficient algorithm (Algorithm 2.1). We then compare these algorithms with known generation algorithms presented in the work of Balakrishnan, So, and Zhu (2016 Balakrishnan, N., H. Y. So, and X. J. Zhu. 2016. On Box-Muller transformation and simulation of normal record data. Communication in Statistics – Simulation and Computations 45(10):3670–82.[Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).     

New Trends in Russian Intellectual Anti-Americanism: The Strange Case of Viktor Pelevin’s Novel S.N.U.F.F.

Victor Pelevin’s 2011 novel S.N.U.F.F. is discussed in terms of being a dystopia and a Menippean satire, as well as an anatomy of today’s cultural interactions between Russia and the West. Pelvin’s consistent approach in constructing an elaborate critique of U.S. cultural imperialism is examined in relation to the expansion of popular culture, and also through a Eurocentric epistemological hegemony in the context of which U.S. leftist–liberal academics teach the non-Western ‘rest of the world’ what such things as gender, race, homo- and heterosexuality, femininity, masculinity, sexism, hate speech, etc., should mean in one’s respective culture. The vast, panoramic satirical canvas of intellectual attitudes and cultural beliefs that Pelvin has drawn is described as an attempted worldwide ‘colonization of the mind’, which has today become an avatar of cultural Americanization.     

Comparing Protest Massacres

Why do some bouts of collective action end in bloodshed? This study evaluates a diverse collection of cases featuring opposition movements that experienced government‐led massacres. Historically, protest massacres originate to 19th century struggles associated with populational needs of obtaining public goods and political representation from governments. Unlike genocide and politicide which are likely to take place during heightened conflict, protest massacres tend to occur outside of war and civil war. Data on 76 incidents (1819–2017) capturing direct action strategies, preceding levels of mobilization, regime threat levels, and temporal characteristics of each massacre is analyzed.     

AbSRiM: An Agent‐Based Security Risk Management Approach for Airport Operations

Security risk management is essential for ensuring effective airport operations. This article introduces AbSRiM, a novel agent‐based modeling and simulation approach to perform security risk management for airport operations that uses formal sociotechnical models that include temporal and spatial aspects. The approach contains four main steps: scope selection, agent‐based model definition, risk assessment, and risk mitigation. The approach is based on traditional security risk management methodologies, but uses agent‐based modeling and Monte Carlo simulation at its core. Agent‐based modeling is used to model threat scenarios, and Monte Carlo simulations are then performed with this model to estimate security risks. The use of the AbSRiM approach is demonstrated with an illustrative case study. This case study includes a threat scenario in which an adversary attacks an airport terminal with an improvised explosive device. The approach provides a promising way to include important elements, such as human aspects and spatiotemporal aspects, in the assessment of risk. More research is still needed to better identify the strengths and weaknesses of the AbSRiM approach in different case studies, but results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and its potential.     

Asymptotic properties of numbers of near minimum observations under progressive Type-II censoring

In this paper, some results of Pakes and Steutel [1997. On the number of records near the maximum, Austral. J. Statist. 39, 179–193] on the properties of the numbers of near order statistic observations are extended to the case of progressively Type-II censored data. In this way, we introduce the notion of the numbers of near minimum observations under progressive censoring. We derive distributional and asymptotic results for them and discuss the notion of the “increasing” sample in the case of progressive censoring. Some applications for the spacings, associated with the order statistics from progressively Type-II censored samples, are also provided.