Limited Failure Censored Life Test Sampling Plan in Burr Type X Distribution

The Burr type X distribution is considered as a life time random variable of a product whose lots are to be decided for acceptance or otherwise on the basis of sample lifetimes drawn from the lot. The sample is divided into various groups in order to develop a group sampling plan in such a way that the life testing experiment is terminated as soon as the first failure in each group is observed. The acceptance criterion based on the theory of order statistics is proposed and is shown to be more economical than a criterion proposed in the earlier similar works

Estimation and Testing in Type I Generalized Half Logistic Distribution

A generalization of the half logistic distribution is developed through exponentiation of its cumulative distribution function and termed the Type I Generalized Half Logistic Distribution (GHLD). GHLD’s distributional characteristics and parameter estimation using maximum likelihood and modified maximum likelihood methods are presented with comparisons. Comparison of Type I GHLD and the exponential distribution is conducted via likelihood ratio criterion

Likelihood Ratio Type Test for Linear Failure Rate Distribution vs. Exponential Distribution

The Linear Failure Rate Distribution (LFRD) is considered. The graphs of its probability density function are examined for selected parameter combinations. Some of them are similar to the well-known exponential distribution. Incidentally exponential distribution is one of the two component models of the LFRD model. In view of the simpler form of exponential model as applicable in inference, looking at the frequency curves of LFRD, a test statistic is proposed based on ratio of likelihood functions containing the standard forms of the density functions of both LFRD and Exponential to discriminate between LFRD and exponential models. The critical values and the powers of the test statistic are developed

Stable and Metastable vortex states and the first order transition across the peak effect region in weakly pinned 2H-NbSe_2

The peak effect in weakly pinned superconductors is accompanied by metastable vortex states. Each metastable vortex configuration is characterized by a different critical current density J_c, which mainly depends on the past thermomagnetic history of the superconductor. A recent model [G. Ravikumar, et al, Phys. Rev. B 61, R6479 (2000)] proposed to explain the history dependent J_c postulates a stable state of vortex lattice with a critical current density J_c^{st}, determined uniquely by the field and temperature. In this paper, we present evidence for the existence of the stable state of the vortex lattice in the peak effect region of 2H-NbSe_2. It is shown that this stable state can be reached from any metastable vortex state by cycling the applied field by a small amplitude. The minor magnetization loops obtained by repeated field cycling allow us to determine the pinning and "equilibrium" properties of the stable state of the vortex lattice at a given field and temperature unambiguously. The data imply the occurence of a first order phase transition from an ordered phase to a disordered vortex phase across the peak effect.Comment: 20 pages, 10 figures. Corresponding author: S. Ramakrishna

Group descent algorithms for nonconvex penalized linear and logistic regression models with grouped predictors

Penalized regression is an attractive framework for variable selection problems. Often, variables possess a grouping structure, and the relevant selection problem is that of selecting groups, not individual variables. The group lasso has been proposed as a way of extending the ideas of the lasso to the problem of group selection. Nonconvex penalties such as SCAD and MCP have been proposed and shown to have several advantages over the lasso; these penalties may also be extended to the group selection problem, giving rise to group SCAD and group MCP methods. Here, we describe algorithms for fitting these models stably and efficiently. In addition, we present simulation results and real data examples comparing and contrasting the statistical properties of these methods

Genetic diversity analysis in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.)

The present study conducted at Shimoga (Karnataka) during 2005–2008 is an attempt to examine genetic relatedness and genetic diversity among 13 Indian collections of Tamarind. Twenty eight selected arbitrary primers were used for characterization using RAPD that generated 131 fragments, of which 116 (88.54%) were polymorphic. Two genotypes, NTI62 and NTI84 were distinguished by unique band specific to them. The genetic similarity coefficient values suggested a wide genetic base for genotypes considered for the study. Cluster analysis based on unweighted pair group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) clearly indicated that genotypes did not cluster according to their site of collection. This could be attributed to highly cross pollinating nature, small distribution area and that most tamarind genotypes grown in India are from seed source. &nbsp

IMAGES II. A surprisingly low fraction of undisturbed rotating spiral disks at z~0.6: The morpho-kinematical relation 6 Gyrs ago

We present a first combined analysis of the morphological and dynamical properties for the Intermediate MAss Galaxy Evolution Sequence (IMAGES) sample. It is a representative sample of 52 z~0.6 galaxies with Mstell from 1.5 to 15 10^10Msun and possessing 3D resolved kinematics and HST deep imaging in at least two broad band filters. We aim at evaluate robustly the evolution of rotating spirals since z~0.6, as well as to test the different schemes for classifying galaxies morphologically. We used all the information provided by multi-band images, color maps and 2 dimensional light fitting to assign to each object a morphological class. We divided our sample between spiral disks, peculiar objects, compact objects and mergers. Using our morphological classification scheme, 4/5 of identified spirals are rotating disks and more than 4/5 of identified peculiar galaxies show complex kinematics, while automatic classification methods such as Concentration-Asymmetry and GINI-M20 severely overestimate the fraction of relaxed disk galaxies. Using this methodology, we find that the fraction of rotating spirals has increased by a factor ~ 2 during the last 6 Gyrs, a much higher fraction that found previously based on morphologies alone. These rotating spiral disks are forming stars very rapidly, doubling their stellar masses over the last 6 Gyrs, while most of their stars have been formed few Gyrs earlier, which reveals the presence of a large gas supply. Because they are likely the progenitors of local spirals, we can conjecture how their properties are evolving. Their disks show some evidence for an inside-out growth and the gas supply/accretion is not made randomly as the disk need to be stable in order to match the local disk properties.Comment: Typos corrected, reference adde

Metastability and Transient Effects in Vortex Matter Near a Decoupling Transition

We examine metastable and transient effects both above and below the first-order decoupling line in a 3D simulation of magnetically interacting pancake vortices. We observe pronounced transient and history effects as well as supercooling and superheating between the 3D coupled, ordered and 2D decoupled, disordered phases. In the disordered supercooled state as a function of DC driving, reordering occurs through the formation of growing moving channels of the ordered phase. No channels form in the superheated region; instead the ordered state is homogeneously destroyed. When a sequence of current pulses is applied we observe memory effects. We find a ramp rate dependence of the V(I) curves on both sides of the decoupling transition. The critical current that we obtain depends on how the system is prepared.Comment: 10 pages, 15 postscript figures, version to appear in PR