Search Results (67)

As system complexity increases, accurately capturing true system reliability becomes increasingly challenging. Rather than relying on exact analytical solutions, it is often more practical to use approximations based on observed time-to-failure data. Finite mixture models provide a flexible framework for approximating arbitrary probability density functions and are well suited for reliability modelling. A critical factor in achieving accurate approximations is the choice of parameter estimation algorithm. The REBMIX&EM algorithm, implemented in the rebmix R package, generally performs well but struggles when components of the finite mixture model overlap. To address this issue, we revisit key steps of the REBMIX algorithm and propose improvements. With these improvements, we derive parameter estimators for finite mixture models based on three parametric families commonly applied in reliability analysis: lognormal, gamma, and Weibull. We conduct a comprehensive simulation study across four system configurations, using lognormal, gamma, and Weibull distributions with varying parameters as system component time-to-failure distributions. Performance is benchmarked against five widely used R packages for finite mixture modelling. The results confirm that our proposal improves both estimation accuracy and computational efficiency, consistently outperforming existing packages. We also demonstrate that finite mixture models can approximate analytical reliability solutions with fewer components than the actual number of system components. Our proposals are also validated using a practical example from Backblaze hard drive data. All improvements are included in the open-source rebmix R package, with complete source code provided to support the broader adoption of the R programming language in reliability analysis. Full article

A novel odd generalized exponential Kumaraswamy–Weibull distribution is defined. This distribution is distinguished by its capacity to capture a wider class of hazard functions than the standard Weibull models, such as non-monotonic and bathtub-shaped hazards. This is an advancement in distribution theory because it provides a new simplified form of the distribution with a much more complicated behavior, which results in better statistical inference and detail in survival analysis and other related fields. Considerations on the identifiability of the proposed distribution are addressed, emphasizing the distinct contributions of its parameters and their roles in model behavior characterization. One real dataset from a survival experiment is considered, highlighting the practical implications of our distribution in the context of reliability. Full article

This study develops a new method for generating families of distributions based on the alpha power transformation and the trigonometric function, which enables enormous versatility in the resulting sub-models and enhances the ability to more accurately characterize tail shapes. This proposed family of distributions is characterized by a single parameter, which exhibits considerable flexibility in capturing asymmetric datasets, making it a valuable alternative to some families of distributions that require additional parameters to achieve similar levels of flexibility. The sine alpha power generated family is introduced using the proposed method, and some of its members and properties are discussed. A particular member, the sine alpha power-Weibull (SAP-W), is investigated in depth. Graphical representations of the new distribution display monotone and non-monotone forms, whereas the hazard rate function takes a reversed J shape, J shape, bathtub, increasing, and decreasing shapes. Various characteristics of SAP-W distribution are derived, including moments, rényi entropies, and order statistics. Parameters of SAP-W are estimated using the maximum likelihood technique, and the effectiveness of these estimators is examined via Monte Carlo simulations. The superiority and potentiality of the proposed approach are demonstrated by analyzing three real-life engineering applications. The SAP-W outperforms several competing models, showing its flexibility. Additionally, a novel-log location-scale regression model is presented using SAP-W. The regression model’s significance is illustrated through its application to real data. Full article

This study proposes a generalized family of distributions to enhance flexibility in modeling complex engineering and biomedical data. The framework unifies existing models and improves reliability analysis in both engineering and biomedical applications by capturing diverse system behaviors. We introduce a novel hybrid family of distributions that incorporates a flexible set of hybrid functions, enabling the extension of various existing distributions. Specifically, we present a three-parameter special member called the hybrid-Weibull–exponential (HWE) distribution. We derive several fundamental mathematical properties of this new family, including moments, random data generation processes, mean residual life (MRL) and its relationship with the failure rate function, and its related asymptotic behavior. Furthermore, we compute advanced information measures, such as extropy and cumulative residual entropy, and derive order statistics along with their asymptotic behaviors. Model identifiability is demonstrated numerically using the Kullback–Leibler divergence. Additionally, we perform a stress–strength (SS) reliability analysis of the HWE under two common scale parameters, supported by illustrative numerical evaluations. For parameter estimation, we adopt the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method in both density estimation and SS-parameter studies. The simulation results indicated that the MLE demonstrates consistency in both density and SS-parameter estimations, with the mean squared error of the MLEs decreasing as the sample size increases. Moreover, the average length of the confidence interval for the percentile and Student’s t-bootstrap for the SS-parameter becomes smaller with larger sample sizes, and the coverage probability progressively aligns with the nominal confidence level of 95%. To demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the hybrid family, we provide three real-world data applications in which the HWE distribution outperforms many existing Weibull-based models, as measured by AIC, BIC, CAIC, KS, Anderson–Darling, and Cramer–von Mises criteria. Furthermore, the HLW exhibits strong performance in SS-parameter analysis. Consequently, this hybrid family holds immense potential for modeling lifetime data and advancing reliability and survival analysis. Full article

In this paper, two different families are mixed: the exponentiated and new Topp–Leone-G families. This yields a new family, which we named the mixture of the exponentiated and new Topp–Leone-G family. Some statistical properties of the proposed family are obtained. Then, the mixture of two exponentiated new Topp–Leone inverse Weibull distribution is introduced as a sub-model from the mixture of exponentiated and new Topp–Leone-G family. Some related properties are studied, such as the quantile function, moments, moment generating function, and order statistics. Furthermore, the maximum likelihood and Bayes approaches are employed to estimate the unknown parameters, reliability and hazard rate functions of the mixture of exponentiated and new Topp–Leone inverse Weibull distribution. Bayes estimators are derived under both the symmetric squared error loss function and the asymmetric linear exponential loss function. The performance of maximum likelihood and Bayes estimators is evaluated through a Monte Carlo simulation. The applicability and flexibility of the MENTL-IW distribution are demonstrated by well-fitting two real-world engineering datasets. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the MENTL-IW distribution compared to other competing models. Full article

In this paper, based on the Weibull Inverse Power Law, we present a methodology to determine the following: (1) the failure percentiles, referred to as the P–S–N field, of an S–N curve for a 42CrMo4 steel material exhibiting bilinear ($s_1 \mathrm{and} s_2)$ behavior (e.g., a competence failure mode); (2) the Weibull family that characterizes the entire bilinear behavior; and (3) the zero-vibration test plan that meets the required vibration reliability index of $R\left(t\right)=0.97$ with a reliability confidence level of $CL=0.75$. From the application, based on the formulated normal–Weibull relationship, we determine the failure percentiles for the normal (one, two, and three) sigma levels, as well as those failure percentiles corresponding to the capability ($Cp$) and ability ($Cpk$) indices. Finally, we present the formulation to determine the $R\left(t\right)$ index and the $CL$ level associated with each normal percentile, along with their numerical values. Full article

The complexity characteristics of texts written in natural languages are significantly related to the rules of punctuation. In particular, the distances between punctuation marks measured by the number of words quite universally follow the family of Weibull distributions known from survival analyses. However, the values of two parameters marking specific forms of these distributions distinguish specific languages. This is such a strong constraint that the punctuation distributions of texts translated from the original language into another adopt quantitative characteristics of the target language. All these changes take place within Weibull distributions such that the corresponding hazard functions are always increasing. Recent previous research shows that James Joyce’s famous novel Finnegans Wake is subject to such an extreme distribution from the Weibull family that the corresponding hazard function is clearly decreasing. At the same time, the distances of sentence-ending punctuation marks, determining the sentence length variability, have an almost perfect multifractal organization to an extent found nowhere else in the literature thus far. In the present contribution, based on several available translations (Dutch, French, German, Polish, and Russian) of Finnegans Wake, it is shown that the punctuation characteristics of this work remain largely translation-invariant, contrary to the common cases. These observations may constitute further evidence that Finnegans Wake is a translinguistic work in this respect as well, in line with Joyce’s original intention. Full article

Given the increasing number of phenomena that demand interpretation and investigation, developing new distributions and families of distributions has become increasingly essential. This article introduces a novel family of distributions based on the exponentiated reciprocal of the hazard rate function named the new Lomax-G family of distributions. We demonstrate the family’s flexibility to predict a wide range of lifetime events by deriving its cumulative and probability density functions. The new Lomax–Weibull distribution (NLW) is studied as a sub-model, with analytical and graphical evidence indicating its efficiency for reliability analysis and complex data modeling. The NLW density encompasses a variety of shapes, such as symmetrical, semi-symmetrical, right-skewed, left-skewed, and inverted J shapes. Furthermore, its hazard function exhibits a broad range of asymmetric forms. Five estimation techniques for determining the parameters of the proposed NLW distribution include the maximum likelihood, percentile, least squares, weighted least squares, and Cramér–von Mises methods. The performance of the estimators of the studied inferential methods is investigated through a comparative Monte Carlo simulation study and numerical demonstration. Additionally, the effectiveness of the NLW is validated by means of four real-world datasets. The results indicate that the NLW distribution provides a more accurate fit than several competing models. Full article

Latin America was one of the hotspots of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Therefore, understanding the COVID-19 mortality rate in Latin America is crucial, as it can help identify at-risk populations and evaluate the quality of healthcare. In an effort to find a more flexible and suitable model, this work formulates a new quantile regression model based on the unit ratio-Weibull (URW) distribution, aiming to identify the factors that explain the COVID-19 mortality rate in Latin America. We define a systematic structure for the two parameters of the distribution: one represents a quantile of the distribution, while the other is a shape parameter. Additionally, some mathematical properties of the new regression model are presented. Point and interval estimates of maximum likelihood in finite samples are evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations. Diagnostic analysis and model selection are also discussed. Finally, an empirical application is presented to understand and quantify the effects of economic, social, demographic, public health, and climatic variables on the COVID-19 mortality rate quantiles in Latin America. The utility of the proposed model is illustrated by comparing it with other widely explored quantile models in the literature, such as Kumaraswamy and unit Weibull regressions. Full article

This paper presents a new methodology for generating continuous statistical distributions, integrating the exponentiated odds ratio within the framework of survival analysis. This new method enhances the flexibility and adaptability of distribution models to effectively address the complexities inherent in contemporary datasets. The core of this advancement is illustrated by introducing a particular subfamily, the “Type 2 Gumbel Weibull-G family of distributions”. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the mathematical properties of these distributions, including statistical properties such as density functions, moments, hazard rate and quantile functions, Rényi entropy, order statistics, and the concept of stochastic ordering. To test the robustness of our new model, we apply five distinct methods for parameter estimation. The practical applicability of the Type 2 Gumbel Weibull-G distributions is further supported through the analysis of three real-world datasets. These real-life applications illustrate the exceptional statistical precision of our distributions compared to existing models, thereby reinforcing their significant value in both theoretical and practical statistical applications. Full article

In this article, we introduce a new three-parameter distribution called the discrete Weibull exponential (DWE) distribution, based on the use of a discretization technique for the Weibull-G family of distributions. This distribution is noteworthy, as its probability mass function presents both symmetric and asymmetric shapes. In addition, its related hazard function is tractable, exhibiting a wide range of shapes, including increasing, increasing–constant, uniform, monotonically increasing, and reversed J-shaped. We also discuss some of the properties of the proposed distribution, such as the moments, moment-generating function, dispersion index, Rényi entropy, and order statistics. The maximum likelihood method is employed to estimate the model’s unknown parameters, and these estimates are evaluated through simulation studies. Additionally, the effectiveness of the model is examined by applying it to three real data sets. The results demonstrate that, in comparison to the other considered distributions, the proposed distribution provides a better fit to the data. Full article

Limitations inherent to existing statistical distributions in capturing the complexities of real-world data often necessitate the development of novel models. This paper introduces the new exponential generalized inverse generalized Weibull (NEGIGW) distribution. The NEGIGW distribution boasts significant flexibility with symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, allowing its hazard rate function to be adapted to many failure patterns observed in various fields such as medicine, biology, and engineering. Some statistical properties of the NEGIGW distribution, such as moments, quantile function, and Renyi entropy, are studied. Three methods are used for parameter estimation, including maximum likelihood, maximum product of spacing, and percentile methods. The performance of the estimation methods is evaluated via Monte Carlo simulations. The NEGIGW distribution excels in its ability to fit real-world data accurately. Five medical and engineering datasets are applied to demonstrate the superior fit of NEGIGW distribution compared to competing models. This compelling evidence suggests that the NEGIGW distribution is promising for lifetime data analysis and reliability assessments across different disciplines. Full article

This study proposes a new five-parameter distribution called the gamma-exponentiated Weibull–Poisson (GEWP) distribution. As an extension of the exponentiated Weibull–Poisson family, the GEWP distribution offers a more flexible tool for analyzing a wider variety of data due to its theoretically and practically advantageous properties. It encompasses established distributions like the exponential, Weibull, and exponentiated Weibull. The development of the GEWP distribution proposed in this paper is obtained by combining the gamma–exponentiated Weibull (GEW) and the exponentiated Weibull–Poisson (EWP) distributions. Therefore, it serves as an extension of both the GEW and EWP distributions. This makes the GEWP a viable alternative for describing the variability of occurrences, enabling analysis in situations where GEW and EWP may be limited. This paper analyzes the probability distribution functions and provides the survival and hazard rate functions, the sub-models, the moments, the quantiles, and the maximum likelihood estimation of the GEWP distribution. Then, the numerical experiments for the parameter estimation of GEWP distribution for some finite sample sizes are presented. Finally, the comparative study of GEWP distribution and its sub-models is investigated via the goodness of fit test with real datasets to illustrate its potentiality. Full article

Moments of order statistics (OSs) characterize the Weibull–geometric and half-logistic families of distributions, of which the extended exponential–geometric (EEG) distribution is a particular case. The EEG distribution is used to create the log-extended exponential–geometric (LEEG) distribution, which is bounded in the unit interval (0, 1). In addition to the generalized Stirling numbers of the first kind, a few years ago, the polylogarithm function and the Lerch transcendent function were used to determine the moments of order statistics of the LEEG distributions. As an application based on the L-moments, we expand the features of the LEEG distribution in this work. In terms of the Gauss hypergeometric function, this work presents the precise equations and recurrence relations for the single moments of OSs from the LEEG distribution. Along with recurrence relations between the expectations of function of two OSs from the LEEG distribution, it also displays the truncated and conditional distribution of the OSs. Additionally, we use the L-moments to estimate the parameters of the LEEG distribution. We further fit the LEEG distribution on three practical data sets from medical and environmental sciences areas. It is seen that the estimated parameters through L-moments of the OSs give a superior fit. We finally determine the correspondence between the entropies and the OSs. Full article

Symmetrical as well as asymmetrical statistical models play a prominent role in describing and predicting the real-world phenomena of nature. Among other fields, these models are very useful for modeling data in the sector of civil engineering. Due to the applicability of the statistical models in civil engineering and other related sectors, this paper offers a statistical methodology to improve the distributional flexibility of traditional models. The suggested method/approach is called the extended-X family of distributions. The proposed method has the ability to generate symmetrical and asymmetrical probability distributions. Based on the extended-X family approach, an updated version of the Weibull model, namely, the extended Weibull model, is studied. The proposed model is very flexible and has the ability to capture the symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes of its density function. For the extended-X method, the estimation of parameters, a simulation study, and some mathematical properties are derived. Finally, the practical illustration/usefulness of the suggested model is shown by analyzing two data sets taken from the field of engineering. Both data sets represent the fracture toughness of alumina (Al₂O₃). Full article