We consider a variation of the processor-sharing (PS) queue, inspired by freelance job websites where multiple freelancers compete for a single job. We develop fluid limit approximations for the overloaded PS-model with multiple (possibly infinitely many) service stages. Based on this approximation, we estimate what proportion of freelancers get the job they apply for. In addition, the PS model studied here is an instance of PS with routing and impatience, for which no Lyapunov function is known, and we suggest some partial solutions.

In this paper, we discuss the ordering properties of sample ranges arising from multiple-outlier exponential and proportional hazard rate (PHR) models. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, sufficient conditions on the parameter vectors are provided for the reversed hazard rate order and the usual stochastic order between the sample ranges arising from multiple-outlier exponential models with common sample size. Next, stochastic comparisons are separately carried out for sample ranges arising from multiple-outlier exponential and PHR models with different sample sizes as well as different hazard rates. Some numerical examples are also presented to illustrate the results established here.

In dynamic networks, the quickest time is the least possible time required to transmit specified data from the source to the sink. When arcs in dynamic networks are independently subjected to failures, the quickest time is a random variable. Although previous studies have already explored the reliability of the quickest path, this work presents an algorithm that computes the probability distribution of the quickest time from the viewpoint of the quickest flow that contains all possible joint and disjoint paths. For moderate dynamic networks, the proposed algorithm can be easily modified to approximate the quickest time distribution with a trade-off between accuracy and running time. The performance and properties of the exact and modified algorithms are explored through computational experiments, which are conducted on 10 randomly generated networks. The exact algorithm is also compared with the exhaustive method which examines all state vectors.

Stochastic ordering of random variables may be defined by the relative convexity of the tail functions. This has been extended to higher order stochastic orderings, by iteratively reassigning tail-weights. The actual verification of stochastic orderings is not simple, as this depends on inverting distribution functions for which there may be no explicit expression. The iterative definition of distributions, of course, contributes to make that verification even harder. We have a look at the stochastic ordering, introducing a method that allows for explicit usage, applying it to the Gamma and Weibull distributions, giving a complete description of the order of relations within each of these families.

In this paper, we extend the framework of Klein [15] [Journal of Banking & Finance 20: 1211–1229] to a general model under the double exponential jump model with stochastic volatility on the underlying asset and the assets of the counterparty. Firstly, we derive the closed-form characteristic functions for this dynamic. Using the Fourier-cosine expansion technique, we get numerical solutions for vulnerable European put options based on the characteristic functions. The inverse fast Fourier transform method provides a fast numerical algorithm for the twice-exercisable vulnerable Bermuda put options. By virtue of the modified Geske and Johnson method, we obtain an approximate pricing formula of vulnerable American put options. Numerical simulations are made for investigating the impact of stochastic volatility on vulnerable options.

Investigation of the G-network with multiple classes of positive and negative customers has been carried out in the article. The purpose of the investigation is to analyze such a network at a transient regime, finding expected revenues in the network systems depending on time. A negative customer arriving to the system and destroys a positive customer of its class. Streams of positive and negative customers arriving to each of the network systems are independent. Services of positive customers of all types occur in accordance with a random selection of them for service. For the expected revenues, a system of Kolmogorov's difference-differential equations has been derived. A method for their finding is proposed. It is based on the use of a modified method of successive approximations, combined with the method of series. A model example illustrating the finding of time-dependent expected revenues of network systems has been calculated, which shows that the expected revenues of network systems can be either increasing or decreasing time functions. The obtained results can be applied in forecasting losses in information and telecommunication systems and networks from the penetration of computer viruses into it and conducting computer attacks.

This paper considers simple step-stress accelerated life tests (SSALTs) for one-shot devices. The one-shot device is an item that cannot be used again after the test, for instance, munitions, rockets, and automobile air-bags. Either left-or right-censored data are collected instead of actual lifetimes of the devices under test. An expectation-maximization algorithm is developed here to find the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters based on one-shot device testing data collected from simple SSALTs. Furthermore, the asymptotic variance of the mean lifetime under normal operating conditions is determined under the expectation-maximization framework. On the other hand, the optimal design that minimizes the asymptotic variance of the estimate of the mean lifetime under normal operating conditions in terms of three decision variables, including stress levels, inspection times, and sample allocation is discussed. A procedure then is presented to determine the decision variables when a range of stress levels and the termination time of the test as well as normal operating conditions of the devices are given. The properties of the optimal design and the effects of errors in pre-specified planning values of the model parameters are also investigated. Comprehensive simulation studies show that the procedure is quite reliable for the design of simple SSALTs.

This paper studies the friendship paradox for weighted and directed networks, from a probabilistic perspective. We consolidate and extend recent results of Cao and Ross and Kramer, Cutler and Radcliffe, to weighted networks. Friendship paradox results for directed networks are given; connections to detailed balance are considered.

Bounds of the quantile entropy in the past lifetime of some ageing classes are explored firstly. The quantile entropy in the past lifetime of a random variable is shown to be increasing if its expected inactivity time is increasing. Some closure properties of the less quantile entropy in the past lifetime order are obtained under the model of generalized order statistics. Moreover, sufficient conditions are given for a function of a random variable and for a weighted random variable to have more quantile entropy in the past lifetime than original random variable.