Vol 51, No 2 (2018)

Let the independent random variables X1, X2, … have the same continuous distribution function. The upper record values X(1) = X₁ < X(2) < … generated by this sequence of variables, as well as the lower record values x(1) = X₁ > x(2) > …, are considered. It is known that in this situation, the mean value c(n) of the total number of the both types of records among the first n variables X is given by the equality c(n)=2(1+1/2+…+1/n), n = 1, 2, …. The problem considered here is following: how, sequentially obtaining the observed values x₁, x₂, … of variables X and selecting one of them as the initial point, to obtain the maximal mean value e(n) of the considered numbers of records among the rest random variables. It is not possible to come back to rejected elements of the sequence. Some procedures of the optimal choice of the initial element X_r are discussed. The corresponding tables for the values e(n) and differences δ(n)= e(n)–c(n) are presented for different values of n. The value of δ= lim_n→∞δ(n)is also given. In some sense, the considered problem and optimization procedure presented in this paper are quite similar to the classical “secretary problem,” in which the probability of selecting the last record value in the set of independent identically distributed X is maximized.

Suppose that m ≥ 2, and numbers p₁, …, p_m ∈ (1, +∞] satisfy the inequality 1/p₁+…+1/p_m < 1, and functions \({\gamma _1} \in {L^{{p_1}}}\left( {{\mathbb{R}^1}} \right),...,{\gamma _m} \in {L^{{p_m}}}\left( {{\mathbb{R}^1}} \right)\) are given. It is proven that, if the set of resonance points of each of these functions is nonempty and the so-called resonance condition holds, there will always exist arbitrarily small (in norm) perturbations \(\Delta {\gamma _k} \in {L^{{p_k}}}\left( {{\mathbb{R}^1}} \right)\) under which the set of resonance points of the function _γk + Δ_γk coincides with that of the function γ_k for 1 ≤ k ≤ m, but in this case, \({\left\| {\int\limits_0^t {\prod\limits_{k = 1}^m {[{\gamma _k}\left( \tau \right) + \Delta {\gamma _k}\left( \tau \right)]d\tau } } } \right\|_{{L^\infty }\left( {{\mathbb{R}^1}} \right)}} = \infty\) The notion of a resonance point and the resonance condition for the functions of the spaces L^p(R¹), p ∈ (1, +∞], were introduced by the author in his previous papers.

This is the first in a series of reviews devoted to the scientific achievements of the Leningrad–St. Petersburg school of probability and statistics in the period from 1947 to 2017. It is devoted to limit theorems for sums of independent random variables—a traditional subject for St. Petersburg. It refers to the classical limit theorems: the law of large numbers, the central limit theorem, and the law of the iterated logarithm, as well as important relevant problems formulated in the second half of the twentieth century. The latter include the approximation of the distributions of sums of independent variables by infinitely divisible distributions, estimation of the accuracy of strong Gaussian approximation of such sums, and the limit theorems on the weak almost sure convergence of empirical measures generated by sequences of sums of independent random variables and vectors.

Various relaxation stages in high-velocity and high-temperature gases with physicochemical processes are considered on the basis of model kinetic equations. Macroscopic equations are derived in the zero approximation of the modified Chapman–Enskog method and expressions for the flow members of gas-dynamic equations in terms of intensive and extensive parameters are deduced. A formula for the velocity of sound (as the velocity of propagation of small perturbations) is derived using the parameter æ, which is not a constant under the considered conditions.

The small free vibrations of an infinite circular cylindrical shell rotating about its axis at a constant angular velocity are considered. The shell is supported on n absolutely rigid cylindrical rollers equispaced on its circle. The roller-supported shell is a model of an ore benefication centrifugal concentrator with a floating bed. The set of linear differential equations of vibrations is sought in the form of a truncated Fourier series containing N terms along the circumferential coordinate. A system of 2N–n linear homogeneous algebraic equations with 2N–n unknowns is derived for the approximate estimation of vibration frequencies and mode shapes. The frequencies ω_k, k = 1, 2, …, 2N–n, are positive roots of the (2N–n)th-order algebraic equation D(ω²) = 0, where D is the determinant of this set. It is shown that the system of 2N–n equations is equivalent to several independent systems with a smaller number of unknowns. As a consequence, the (2N–n)th-order determinant D can be written as a product of lower-order determinants. In particular, the frequencies at N = n are the roots of algebraic equations of an order is lower than 2 and can be found in an explicit form. Some frequency estimation algorithms have been developed for the case of N > n. When N increases, the number of found frequencies also grows, and the frequencies determined at N = n are refined. However, in most cases, the vibration frequencies can not be found for N > n in an explicit form.

The spatial motion of a passively gravitating body is investigated within the restricted threebody problem. The exact expression of the force function without expansion in series is used. The influence of the perturbing star as it approaches the Sun on the orbit of Jupiter is investigated. It is shown that a star of one to five solar masses that approaches the Solar System in a hyperbolic orbit within a minimum distance of 50 to 100 AU significantly affects the size and shape of Jupiter’s orbit only in the case when the sample star is at the perihelion, and Jupiter is in conjunction or in opposition to it. The results are shown in the form of figures and tables.