q-distributions in complex systems: a brief review

Abstract

The nonextensive statistical mechanics proposed by Tsallis is today an intense and growing research field. Probability distributions which emerges from the nonextensive formalism (q-distributions) have been applied to an impressive variety of problems. In particular, the role of q-distributions in the interdisciplinary field of complex systems has been expanding. Here, we make a brief review of q-exponential, q-Gaussian and q-Weibull distributions focusing some of their basic properties and recent applications. The richness of systems analyzed may indicate future directions in this field.