The normal approximation to the multinomial with an increasing number of classes

For a fixed number of classes and the number of trials increasing, the approach of the multinomial cumulative distribution function to a normal cumulative distribution function is familiar. In this paper we allow the number of classes to increase as the number of trials increases, and show that under certain circumstances the probabilities assigned to arbitrary regions by the multinomial distribution are all close to the probabilities assigned by the distribution of “rounded off” normal random variables. As the number of trials increases, the amount rounded off approaches zero. The result can be used to study the asymptotic distribution of functions of multinomial random variables.     

Discrete compound poisson processes and tables of the geometric poisson distribution

This paper discusses the properties of positive, integer valued compound Poisson processes and compares two members of the family: the geometric Poisson (stuttering Poisson) and the logarithmic Poisson. It is shown that the geometric Poisson process is particularly convenient when the analyst is interested in a simple model for the time between events, as in simulation. On the other hand, the logarithmic Poisson process is more convenient in analytic models in which the state probabilities (probabilities for the number of events in a specified time period) are required. These state probabilities have a negative binomial distribution. The state probabilities of the geometric Poisson process, known as the geometric Poisson distribution, are tabled for 160 sets of parameter values. The values of mean demand range from 0.10 to 10; those for variance to mean ratio from 1.5 to 7. It is observed that the geometric Poisson density is bimodal.     

A recursive algorithm for a summed multinomial density function

An algorithm for calculating the probabilities of a summed multinomial density function which is recursive with n (the number of trials) is presented. Having application in inspector error models for auditing and quality control problems with Cartesian product structures, the algorithm is discussed in the context of computing optimal economic sampling plans. Computational experience with the algorithm is presented.     

Normal and weibull distributions

Numerous applications of the Weibull distribution in diverse fields of human endeavor are well known today. Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to find applications of the normal distribution in such fields of studies as agriculture, biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, sociology and others. At the present time we have at our disposal many more refined statistical techniques for analyzing the normal rather than the Weibull data. Consequently, it is important for applied statisticians to know if some of their data which can be described by the Weibull distribution can also be described by the normal distribution. The present investigation of the author reveals that the normal distri,bution can be considered to be a good approximation to the Weibull distribution as long as its shape parameter is in the open interval (3.25, 3.61). This fact enables them to perform a refined statistical analysis of their data. Conversely, they can now easily compute the desired normal cumulative probabilities from the Weibull distribution function, which would be especially helpful for those standard normal deviates whose cumulative probabilities cannot be read from the available tables of normal cumulative probability. In a similar situation they can also use the Weibull distribution to obtain an approximation to any desired normal deviate for a given normal probability which may be better than those obtained by the linear interpolation method.     

The multivariate Polya distribution in combat modeling

This paper investigates the multivariate Polya distribution (MPD) for application in combat models for which enemy targets must be randomly assigned to fighting units. Six sets of actual combat data motivate the allocation model. Scenarios include air‐to‐air combat, tank, and submarine warfare. Goodness of fit tests are derived which verify the validity of the MPD, and reinforce the notion that multinomial allocation is too simplistic for such combat models. Simulations to determine optimal allocations for minimal combat cost are applied in order to illustrate the role of the MPD in combat modeling. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons,Inc. Naval Research Logistics 48: 1–17, 2001     

Explicit steady state solutions for a particular M(x)/M/1 queueing system

An explicit steady state solution is determined for the distribution of the number of customers for a queueing system in which Poisson arrivals are bulks of random size. The number of customers per bulk varies randomly between 1 and m, m arbitrary, according to a point multinomial, and customer service is exponential. Queue characteristics are given.     

Modeling and analysis of vessel casualties resulting from tanker traffic through narrow waterways

In this paper, we present a physics-based stochastic model to investigate vessel casualties resulting from tanker traffic through a narrow waterway. A state-space model is developed to represent the waterway and the location of vessels at a given time. We first determine the distribution of surface current at a given location of the waterway depending on channel geometry, bottom topography, boundary conditions, and the distribution of wind. Then we determine the distribution of the angular drift for a given vessel travelling at a given location of a waterway. Finally, we incorporate the drift probabilities and random arrival of vessels into a Markov chain model. By analyzing the time-dependent and the steady-state probabilities of the Markov chain, we obtain risk measures such as the probability of casualty at a given location and also the expected number of casualties for a given number of vessels arriving per unit time. Analysis of the Markovian model also yields an analytical result that shows that the expected number of casualties is proportional to square of the tanker arrival rate. We present our methodology on an experimental model of a hypothetical narrow waterway. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Reseach Logistics 46: 871–892, 1999     

A probabilistic evaluation of helicopter lift capability

This paper describes a technique for the calculation of the probability that a helicopter can lift a specified load, or number of loads with a specified frequency distribution, in a given geographical region. This probability is computed by determining the bivariate altitude-temperature probability distribution for the specified region. The payload capability at any given temperature and altitude is calculated from standard performance equations. By integrating this over the altitude-temperature distribution, it is possible to obtain the probability distribution of payload capability, from which the required probabilities of lifting specific loads can be determined.     

A note on a variance bound for the multinomial and the negative multinomial distribution

We prove a Chernoff‐type upper variance bound for the multinomial and the negative multinomial distribution. An application is also given.Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 61: 179–183, 2014     

Some limiting distributions associated with sequences of multinomial trials

A series of independent trials is considered in which one of k ≥ 2 mutually exclusive and exhaustive outcomes occurs at each trial. The series terminates when m outcomes of any one type have occurred. The limiting distribution (as m → ∞) of the number of trials performed until termination is found with particular attention to the situation where a Dirichlet distribution is assigned to the k vector of probabilities for each outcome. Applications to series of races involving k runners and to spares problems in reliability modeling are discussed. The problem of selecting a stopping rule so that the probability of the series terminating on outcome i is k^?1 (i.e., a “fair” competition) is also studied. Two generalizations of the original asymptotic problem are addressed.     

相依目标群状态转移概率矩阵的特性及其应用

本文对相依目标群的状态转移概率矩阵的性质进行了深入的分析,得到了若干重要结论,并在此基础上讨论了相依目标群系统的火力分配模型     

The asymptotic sufficiency of sparse order statistics in tests of fit with nuisance parameters

In an earlier paper, it was shown that for the problem of testing that a sample comes from a completely specified distribution, a relatively small number of order statistics is asymptotically sufficient, and for all asymptotic probability calculations the joint distribution of these order statistics can be assumed to be normal. In the present paper, these results are extended to certain cases where the problem is to test the hypothesis that a sample comes from a distribution which is a member of a specified parametric family of distributions, with the parameters unspecified.     

Approximate Bayesian intervals for the reliability of series systems from mixed subsystem test data

The determination of exact Bayesian intervals for the reliability of a series system from subsystem test data gives rise to computational difficulties involving severe loss of computing precision as the number of subsystems in the system increases. The end points of Bayesian intervals are percentage points of the posterior distribution and these are shown to be well approximated by Cornish and Fisher expansions when the number of subsystems is small. As the number of subsystems in the system increases even greater accuracy is guaranteed by the asymptotic nature of the expansions. The system posterior distribution function is also shown to be well approximated by an Edgeworth expansion.     

Information in two-stage programming under uncertainty

The random variables in two-stage programming under uncertainty are generally treated in a passive manner in that no information regarding the random variables or the process generating the random variables may be obtained. This paper develops the economics of information for the case in which the probability distributions are discrete. A multinomial process is assumed to generate the random variables, and the parameter vector of that process is assumed to be unknown. A Dirichlet prior distribution on the parameter vector is used, and the computation of the value of information thus involves a Dirichlet-multinomial distribution on the random variables. An example involving producing to meet uncertain demands is presented.     

考虑目标定位误差的点目标毁伤概率求解

根据射击毁伤理论和概率统计学,在现有点目标毁伤概率求解方法基础之上提出考虑目标定位误差的解析法和仿真法.计算结果表明2种方法均准确可行.通过对比分析得出不同弹药量、不同目标特性条件下,定位误差对毁伤概率的影响程度.运用解析法得出点目标的单发命中概率服从χ2分布,通过大量仿真得出目标定位误差可忽略的条件为WmaxRCEP/ω.     

A queueing system with multiple service time distributions

This paper explores a modification of the output discipline for the Poisson input, exponential output, single channel, first-come, first-served queueing system. Instead, the service time distribution of customers beginning service when alone in the system is considered different from that governing service times of all other customers. More specifically, the service times of lone customers are governed by a one parameter gamma distribution, while the service times of all other customers are exponentially ajstributed. The generating function for the steady-state probsbilities, n_j = Pr { j customers in system at an arbitrary point of departure}, of the imbedded chain, {X_n/X_n = number in system after nth customer is serviced}, is obtained, and the steady-state probabilities, themselves, are found in closed form.     

多传感器任务分派的快速启发式规划新算法

在多目标多传感器管理中经常采用的线性规划算法中,随着传感器个数和目标个数的增加,计算量会爆炸式增长,使得跟踪系统不能实时计算,为此,根据传感器管理中线性规划的特点,提出了一种快速启发式算法,考虑组合中的传感器个数将组合的分配效用转化为权重,递推分配权重最大的组合,逐步减小组合和目标的个数.证明了权重最大的组合分派能实现组合中的传感器的最大效用.仿真结果表明该算法在与采用线性规划方法的跟踪精度相当的情况下,能有效地减小计算量.     

Large deviation probabilities for order statistics

Asymptotic representations are found for the large deviation probabilities that the nα-th order statistic exceeds δ, where δ>α. The probabilities are first expressed in terms of the empirical distribution function, and then the 1960 theorem of Bahadur and Ranga Rao is applied. The result is then shown to be more precise than a logarithmic statement in a 1969 paper of Sievers dealing with the asymptotic relative efficiency of the sample median test.     

A new method to solve steady state queueing equations

There are a great number of queueing systems, including the M^X/M^Y/c, the Gl^X/M/c and the discrete Gl/G/1 queue in which the state probabilities are determined by repeated queue equations. This paper gives a simple, efficient and numerically stable algorithm to caiculate the state probabilities and measure of performance for such systems. The method avoids both complex arithmetric and matrix manipulations.