This monograph is focused on the derivations of exact distributions of first boundary crossing times of Poisson processes, compound Poisson processes, and more general renewal processes. The content is limited to the distributions of first boundary crossing times and their applications to various stochastic models. This book provides the theory and techniques for exact computations of distributions and moments of level crossing times. In addition, these techniques could replace simulations in many cases, thus providing more insight about the phenomenona studied. This book takes a general approach for studying telegraph processes and is based on nearly thirty published papers by the author and collaborators over the past twenty five years. No prior knowledge of advanced probability is required, making the book widely available to students and researchers in applied probability, operations research, applied physics, and applied mathematics.

"Prof. Nitis Mukhopadhyay and Prof. Partha Pratim Sengupta, who edited this volume with great attention and rigor, have certainly carried out noteworthy activities." - Giovanni Maria Giorgi, University of Rome (Sapienza) "This book is an important contribution to the development of indices of disparity and dissatisfaction in the age of globalization and social strife." - Shelemyahu Zacks, SUNY-Binghamton "It will not be an overstatement when I say that the famous income inequality index or wealth inequality index, which is most widely accepted across the globe is named after Corrado Gini (1984-1965). ... I take this opportunity to heartily applaud the two co-editors for spending their valuable time and energy in putting together a wonderful collection of papers written by the acclaimed researchers on selected topics of interest today. I am very impressed, and I believe so will be its readers." - K.V. Mardia, University of Leeds Gini coefficient or Gini index was originally defined as a standardized measure of statistical dispersion intended to understand an income distribution. It has evolved into quantifying inequity in all kinds of distributions of wealth, gender parity, access to education and health services, environmental policies, and numerous other attributes of importance. Gini Inequality Index: Methods and Applications features original high-quality peer-reviewed chapters prepared by internationally acclaimed researchers. They provide innovative methodologies whether quantitative or qualitative, covering welfare economics, development economics, optimization/non-optimization, econometrics, air quality, statistical learning, inference, sample size determination, big data science, and some heuristics. Never before has such a wide dimension of leading research inspired by Gini's works and their applicability been collected in one edited volume. The volume also showcases modern approaches to the research of a number of very talented and upcoming younger contributors and collaborators. This feature will give readers a window with a distinct view of what emerging research in this field may entail in the near future.

This book provides an extensive, systematic overview of the modern theory of telegraph processes and their multidimensional counterparts, together with numerous fruitful applications in financial modelling. Focusing on stochastic processes of bounded variation instead of classical diffusion, or more generally, Lévy processes, has two obvious benefits. First, the mathematical technique is much simpler, which helps to concentrate on the key problems of stochastic analysis and applications, including financial market modelling. Second, this approach overcomes some shortcomings of the (parabolic) nature of classical diffusions that contradict physical intuition, such as infinite propagation velocity and infinite total variation of paths. In this second edition, some sections of the previous text are included without any changes, while most others have been expanded and significantly revised. These are supplemented by predominantly new results concerning piecewise linear processes with arbitrary sequences of velocities, jump amplitudes, and switching intensities. The chapter on functionals of the telegraph process has been significantly expanded by adding sections on exponential functionals, telegraph meanders and running extrema, the times of the first passages of telegraph processes with alternating random jumps, and distribution of the Euclidean distance between two independent telegraph processes. A new chapter on the multidimensional counterparts of the telegraph processes is also included. The book is intended for graduate students in mathematics, probability, statistics and quantitative finance, and for researchers working at academic institutions, in industry and engineering. It can also be used by university lecturers and professionals in various applied areas.

CYBER-PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS Gather detailed knowledge and insights into cyber-physical systems behaviors from a cutting-edge reference written by leading voices in the field In Cyber-Physical Distributed Systems: Modeling, Reliability Analysis and Applications, distinguished researchers and authors Drs. Huadong Mo, Giovanni Sansavini, and Min Xie deliver a detailed exploration of the modeling and reliability analysis of cyber physical systems through applications in infrastructure and energy and power systems. The book focuses on the integrated modeling of systems that bring together physical and cyber elements and analyzing their stochastic behaviors and reliability with a view to controlling and managing them. The book offers a comprehensive treatment on the aging process and corresponding online maintenance, network degradation, and cyber-attacks occurring in cyber-physical systems. The authors include many illustrative examples and case studies based on real-world systems and offer readers a rich set of references for further research and study. Cyber-Physical Distributed Systems covers recent advances in combinatorial models and algorithms for cyber-physical systems modeling and analysis. The book also includes: A general introduction to traditional physical/cyber systems, and the challenges, research trends, and opportunities for real cyber-physical systems applications that general readers will find interesting and useful Discussions of general modeling, assessment, verification, and optimization of industrial cyber-physical systems Explorations of stability analysis and enhancement of cyber-physical systems, including the integration of physical systems and open communication networks A detailed treatment of a system-of-systems framework for the reliability analysis and optimal maintenance of distributed systems with aging components Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students in computer science, electrical engineering, cyber security, industrial and system engineering departments, Cyber-Physical Distributed Systems will also earn a place on the bookshelves of students taking courses related to reliability, risk and control engineering from a system perspective. Reliability, safety and industrial control professionals will also benefit greatly from this book.

A guide to the theoretical and computational toolkits for the modern study of molecular kinetics in condensed phases Molecular Kinetics in Condensed Phases: Theory, Simulation and Analysis puts the focus on the theory, algorithms, simulations methods and analysis of molecular kinetics in condensed phases. The authors – noted experts on the topic – offer a detailed and thorough description of modern theories and simulation methods to model molecular events. They highlight the rigorous stochastic modelling of molecular processes and the use of mathematical models to reproduce experimental observations, such as rate coefficients, mean first passage times and transition path times. The book’s exploration of simulations examines atomically detailed modelling of molecules in action and the connections of these simulations to theory and experiment. The authors also explore the applications that range from simple intuitive examples of one- and two-dimensional systems to complex solvated macromolecules. This important book: Offers an introduction to the topic that combines theory, simulation and analysis Presents a guide written by authors that are well-known and highly regarded leaders in their fields Contains detailed examples and explanation of how to conduct computer simulations of kinetics. A detailed study of a two-dimensional system and of a solvated peptide are discussed. Discusses modern developments in the field and explains their connection to the more traditional concepts in chemical dynamics Written for students and academic researchers in the fields of chemical kinetics, chemistry, computational statistical mechanics, biophysics and computational biology, Molecular Kinetics in Condensed Phases is the authoritative guide to the theoretical and computational toolkits for the study of molecular kinetics in condensed phases.

We all like to know how reliable and how risky certain situations are, and our increasing reliance on technology has led to the need for more precise assessments than ever before. Such precision has resulted in efforts both to sharpen the notions of risk and reliability, and to quantify them. Quantification is required for normative decision-making, especially decisions pertaining to our safety and wellbeing. Increasingly in recent years Bayesian methods have become key to such quantifications. Reliability and Risk provides a comprehensive overview of the mathematical and statistical aspects of risk and reliability analysis, from a Bayesian perspective. This book sets out to change the way in which we think about reliability and survival analysis by casting them in the broader context of decision-making. This is achieved by: Providing a broad coverage of the diverse aspects of reliability, including: multivariate failure models, dynamic reliability, event history analysis, non-parametric Bayes, competing risks, co-operative and competing systems, and signature analysis. Covering the essentials of Bayesian statistics and exchangeability, enabling readers who are unfamiliar with Bayesian inference to benefit from the book. Introducing the notion of “composite reliability”, or the collective reliability of a population of items. Discussing the relationship between notions of reliability and survival analysis and econometrics and financial risk. Reliability and Risk can most profitably be used by practitioners and research workers in reliability and survivability as a source of information, reference, and open problems. It can also form the basis of a graduate level course in reliability and risk analysis for students in statistics, biostatistics, engineering (industrial, nuclear, systems), operations research, and other mathematically oriented scientists, wherein the instructor could supplement the material with examples and problems.