Kato Space for Dirichlet Forms

We study the space of Kato measures relative to a Dirichlet form and we prove that a local solution of a problem relative to a Kato measure is locally continuous. Moreover if the measure of an intrinsic ball is equivalent to a power of the radius we prove also that the density of the form relative to a local solution is locally a Kato measure.     

Modelling ship operational reliability over a mission under regular inspections

A ship is required to operate for a fixed mission period. Should a critical item of equipment fail at sea, the ship is subject to a costly event with potentially high risk to ship and crew. Given warning of a pending defect, the ship can try to return to port under its own power and thus attempt to avoid an at sea failure. Defects which lead to a failure are detected by inspection, and the task is to select the appropriate frequency of inspection to balance the number of occasions that a ship fails at sea and the number of preventive inspection based returns to port during a mission to correct a defect. The modelling entails using the delay time concept. Expressions are established for the expected number of preventive and failure returns over a mission, and an example given of a cost based balance to select an optimal inspection period. Although addressing ship reliability, the model has relevance to the mission reliability of any repairable equipment with remote main repair facilities.     

On a Mathematical Comparison between Hierarchy and Network with a Classification of Coordination Structures

This paper proposes a mathematical model to compare a network organization with a hierarchical organization. In order to formulate the model, we define a three-dimensional framework of the coordination structure of a network and of other typical coordination structures. In the framework, we can define a network structure by contrasting it with a hierarchy, in terms of the distribution of decision making, which is one of the main features of information processing. Based on this definition, we have developed a mathematical model for evaluating coordination structures. Using this model, we can derive two boundary conditions among the coordination structures with respect to the optimal coordination structure. The boundary conditions help us to understand why an organization changes its coordination structure from a hierarchy to a network and what factors cause this change. They enable us, for example, to find points of structural change where the optimal coordination structure shifts from a hierarchy to a hierarchy with delegation or from a hierarchy with delegation to a network, when the nature of the task changes from routine to non-routine. In conclusion, our framework and model may provide a basis for discussing the processes that occur when coordination structures change between a hierarchy and a network.     

Gaussian Curvature and Gyroscopes

We relate Gaussian curvature to the gyroscopic force, thus giving a mechanical interpretation of the former and a geometrical interpretation of the latter. We do so by considering the motion of a spinning disk constrained to be tangent to a curved surface. It is shown that the spin gives rise to a force on the disk that is equal to the magnetic force on a point charge moving in a magnetic field normal to the surface, of magnitude equal to the Gaussian curvature, and of charge equal to the disk's axial spin. In a special case, this demonstrates that the precession of Lagrange's top is due to the curvature of a sphere determined by the parameters of the top. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Subspaces and quotients of Banach spaces with shrinking unconditional bases

The main result is that a separable Banach space with the weak* unconditional tree property is isomorphic to a subspace as well as a quotient of a Banach space with a shrinking unconditional basis. A consequence of this is that a Banach space is isomorphic to a subspace of a space with a shrinking unconditional basis if and only if it is isomorphic to a quotient of a space with a shrinking unconditional basis, which solves a problem dating to the 1970s. The proof of the main result also yields that a uniformly convex space with the unconditional tree property is isomorphic to a subspace as well as a quotient of a uniformly convex space with an unconditional finite dimensional decomposition.     

On the properties of orthorecursive expansions with respect to subspaces

In a Hilbert space, for orthorecursive expansions with respect to closed subspaces, we establish a criterion for expansions of elements of a certain finite-dimensional subspace with respect to a finite sequence of subspaces to coincide with the expanded elements. This implies a criterion for an element to be equal to its orthorecursive expansion with respect to a finite sequence of subspaces. We also obtain a number of results related to the best approximations of elements by partial sums of their orthorecursive expansions with respect to a sequence of finite-dimensional subspaces.     

A multidimensional tropical optimization problem with a non-linear objective function and linear constraints

We examine a multidimensional optimization problem in the tropical mathematics setting. The problem involves the minimization of a non-linear function defined on a finite-dimensional semimodule over an idempotent semifield subject to linear inequality constraints. We start with an overview of known tropical optimization problems with linear and non-linear objective functions. A short introduction to tropical algebra is provided to offer a formal framework for solving the problem under study. As a preliminary result, a solution to a linear inequality with an arbitrary matrix is presented. We describe an example optimization problem drawn from project scheduling and then offer a general representation of the problem. To solve the problem, we introduce an additional variable and reduce the problem to the solving of a linear inequality, in which the variable plays the role of a parameter. A necessary and sufficient condition for the inequality to hold is used to evaluate the parameter, whereas the solution to the inequality is considered a solution to the problem. Based on this approach, a complete direct solution in a compact vector form is derived for the optimization problem under fairly general conditions. Numerical and graphical examples for two-dimensional problems are given to illustrate the obtained results.     

Improving the computational efficiency of metric-based spares algorithms

We propose a new heuristic algorithm to improve the computational efficiency of the general class of Multi-Echelon Technique for Recoverable Item Control (METRIC) problems. The objective of a METRIC-based decision problem is to systematically determine the location and quantity of spares that either maximizes the operational availability of a system subject to a budget constraint or minimizes its cost subject to an operational availability target. This type of sparing analysis has proven essential when analyzing the sustainment policies of large-scale, complex repairable systems such as those prevalent in the defense and aerospace industries. Additionally, the frequency of these sparing studies has recently increased as the adoption of performance-based logistics (PBL) has increased. PBL represents a class of business strategies that converts the recurring cost associated with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) into cost avoidance streams. Central to a PBL contract is a requirement to perform a business case analysis (BCA) and central to a BCA is the frequent need to use METRIC-based approaches to evaluate how a supplier and customer will engage in a performance based logistics arrangement where spares decisions are critical. Due to the size and frequency of the problem there exists a need to improve the efficiency of the computationally intensive METRIC-based solutions. We develop and validate a practical algorithm for improving the computational efficiency of a METRIC-based approach. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm are analyzed through a numerical study. The algorithm shows a 94% improvement in computational efficiency while maintaining 99.9% accuracy.     

Multi-objective allocation of multi-function workers with lower bounded capacity

This paper deals with the assignment of a type of task to each member of a multi-function staff (each worker is able to perform a given subset of types of tasks, possibly with a priority index associated to each element of the subset). The resulting number of workers for each type of task must be not less than a given lower bound and as close as possible to another given value. The objectives are to minimize a function of the slacks and the surpluses of capacity, to distribute the slacks and the surpluses homogeneously among the types of task and to maximize the sum of priority indexes of the assignments. The problem is modelled as a nonlinear mixed integer program and is transformed and solved as a minimum cost flow problem.     

Geodesic vector fields and Eikonal equation on a Riemannian manifold

In this paper, we study the impact of geodesic vector fields (vector fields whose trajectories are geodesics) on the geometry of a Riemannian manifold. Since, Killing vector fields of constant lengths on a Riemannian manifold are geodesic vector fields, leads to the question of finding sufficient conditions for a geodesic vector field to be Killing. In this paper, we show that a lower bound on the Ricci curvature of the Riemannian manifold in the direction of geodesic vector field gives a sufficient condition for the geodesic vector field to be Killing. Also, we use a geodesic vector field on a 3-dimensional complete simply connected Riemannian manifold to find sufficient conditions to be isometric to a 3-sphere. We find a characterization of an Einstein manifold using a Killing vector field. Finally, it has been observed that a major source of geodesic vector fields is provided by solutions of Eikonal equations on a Riemannian manifold and we obtain a characterization of the Euclidean space using an Eikonal equation.     

An analytical study of a swapping operation in the money market

Investors in money markets have found a class of transaction in which return from investment can be increased without increasing the risk taken. We formally analyse one of these operations (usually referred to as a ‘swap’) and obtain the condition under which it is possible to obtain a swap profit.From this condition, an indicator is obtained to aid the decision of when to engage a swap. The indicator evidences the role played by the spread between yield rates, time to maturity and timing, in a swap.Finally the indicator is used to derive some mathematical properties of the swapping operation. We show that a trend toward widening spreads is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for a swap-profit to be obtained. We give examples using hard data to support our theoretical results.     

On Martingale Approximation of Adapted Processes

We show that the existence of a martingale approximation of a stationary process depends on the choice of the filtration. There exists a stationary linear process which has a martingale approximation with respect to the natural filtration, but no approximation with respect to a larger filtration with respect to which it is adapted and regular. There exists a stationary process adapted, regular, and having a martingale approximation with respect to a given filtration but not (regular and having a martingale approximation) with respect to the natural filtration.     

A New approach to finding the control that transports a system from one phase state to another

In their previous papers, the authors have considered the possibility of applying the theory of motion for nonholonomic systems with high-order constraints to solving one of the main problems of the control theory. This is a problem of transporting a mechanical system with a finite number of degrees of freedom from a given phase state to another given phase state during a fixed time. It was shown that, when solving such a problem using the Pontryagin maximum principle with minimization of the integral of the control force squared, a nonholonomic high-order constraint is realized continuously during the motion of the system. However, in this case, one can also apply a generalized Gauss principle, which is commonly used in the motion of nonholonomic systems with high-order constraints. It is essential that the latter principle makes it possible to find the control as a polynomial, while the use of the Pontryagin maximum principle yields the control containing harmonics with natural frequencies of the system. The latter fact determines increasing the amplitude of oscillation of the system if the time of motion is long. Besides this, a generalized Gauss principle allows us to formulate and solve extended boundary problems in which along with the conditions for generalized coordinates and velocities at the beginning and at the end of motion, the values of any-order derivatives of the coordinates are introduced at the same time instants. This makes it possible to find the control without jumps at the beginning and at the end of motion. The theory presented has been demonstrated when solving the problem of the control of horizontal motion of a trolley with pendulums. A similar problem can be considered as a model, since when the parameters are chosen correspondingly it becomes equivalent to the problem of suppression of oscillations of a given elastic body some cross-section of which should move by a given distance in a fixed time. The equivalence of these problems significantly widens the range of possible applications of the problem of a trolley with pendulums. The previous solution of the problem has been reduced to the selection of a horizontal force that is a solution to the formulated problem. In the present paper, it is offered to seek an acceleration of a trolley with which it moves by a given distance in a fixed time, as a time function but not a force applied to the trolley, while the velocities and accelerations are equal to zero at the beginning and end of motion. In this new problem, the rotation angles of pendulums are the principal coordinates. This makes it possible to find a sought acceleration of a trolley on the basis of a generalized Gauss principle according to the technique developed before. Knowing the motion of a trolley and pendulums it is easy to determine the required control force. The results of numerical calculations are presented.     

A Dynamical Systems Analysis of Semidefinite Programming with Application to Quadratic Optimization with Pure Quadratic Equality Constraints

This paper considers the problem of minimizing a quadratic cost subject to purely quadratic equality constraints. This problem is tackled by first relating it to a standard semidefinite programming problem. The approach taken leads to a dynamical systems analysis of semidefinite programming and the formulation of a gradient descent flow which can be used to solve semidefinite programming problems. Though the reformulation of the initial problem as a semidefinite pro- gramming problem does not in general lead directly to a solution of the original problem, the initial problem is solved by using a modified flow incorporating a penalty function. Accepted 10 March 1998     

A Note On A Loaded Piezoelectric Transformer

Due to the coupling of mechanical and electrical quantities in a piezoceramic material, it is possible to transform a harmonic input voltage to a harmonic output voltage by using a piezoceramic transformer. The advantage of such a transformer is the avoidance of magnetic fields and the very simple assembly. The piezoelectric transformer considered here consists of several parts. Three brass and two piezoceramic rods, that are glued together. The purpose of the system is to transform a determined input voltage to a determined ouput voltage with a high efficiency. Therefore, one of the piezoceramics is excited harmonically with a frequency close to a resonance frequency of the system. According to the electromechanical coupling in piezoceramics, the transformer oscillates with the excitation frequency. Due to the piezoelectric effect an electric displacement or an electric voltage is generated between the electrodes of the second piezoceramic. The amplitude of the output voltage depends on the geometry and the load connected between the electrodes of the second piezoceramic. In this paper a theoretical model to determine the gain and input impedance for such a transformer is derived and the results are compared with experiments.     

Analysis of a synchronization station for the performance evaluation of a kanban system with a general arrival process of demands

The kanban system has attracted wide interest in recent years, and a lot of work has been devoted to the modeling of such systems, as well as to methods to evaluate their performance. Especially, in a previous work, we proposed an analytical method to evaluate the performance of a kanban system producing a single part type; we assumed that demands for the finished product arrive in single unit, according to a Poisson process. The present paper proposes an extension of this method to the case where the demands arrive according to a general process. We are more particularly interested in the analysis in isolation of the synchronization station between the finished parts of the system and the external demands. This leads to the resolution of a quasi-birth-and-death process with an infinite number of states and with a very regular structure. We thus propose a matrix-geometric solution of this problem.     

Analytical existence of solutions to a system of nonlinear equations with application

We study the existence of analytical solutions to a system of nonlinear equations under constraints linked to the analysis of a road safety measure without computing second derivatives. We formally demonstrate this existence of solutions by applying a matrix inversion principle through Schur complement to a subsystem of equations derived from the main system. The analytical results thus obtained are used to construct a simple iterative procedure to look for optimal solutions as well as an initial solution adapted to data of each case study. We illustrate our results with simulated accident data obtained from the setting-up of a road safety measure. The numerical solutions thus obtained are then compared to those given through a classic Newton-Raphson type approach directly applied to the main system.     

Minimum sum edge colorings of multicycles

In the minimum sum edge coloring problem, we aim to assign natural numbers to edges of a graph, so that adjacent edges receive different numbers, and the sum of the numbers assigned to the edges is minimum. The chromatic edge strength of a graph is the minimum number of colors required in a minimum sum edge coloring of this graph. We study the case of multicycles, defined as cycles with parallel edges, and give a closed-form expression for the chromatic edge strength of a multicycle, thereby extending a theorem due to Berge. It is shown that the minimum sum can be achieved with a number of colors equal to the chromatic index. We also propose simple algorithms for finding a minimum sum edge coloring of a multicycle. Finally, these results are generalized to a large family of minimum cost coloring problems.     

Constructing a mathematical definition: the case of the tangent

We analyze the process of constructing a definition within the theoretical framework of Abstraction in Context. Pairs of students were engaged in a task designed to engender a need for a definition of a tangent to a graph at a given point, and lead to constructing a definition following that need. The results of our analysis point to two characteristics of the process of constructing a definition: a. Constructing the concept does not necessarily include constructing its definition; in particular, students were able to use the concept before constructing its definition. b. Students’ language becomes more precise during the constructing process, not only as a characteristic of the process but also as a means of promoting the process.     

A Study on Abnormality in Variational and Optimal Control Problems

In this paper, a variational problem is considered with differential equality constraints over a variable interval. It is stressed that the abnormality is a local character of the admissible set; consequently, a definition of regularity related to the constraints characterizing the admissible set is given. Then, for the local minimum necessary conditions, a compact form equivalent to the well-known Euler equation and transversality condition is given. By exploiting this result and the previous definition of regularity, it is proved that nonregularity is a necessary and sufficient condition for an admissible solution to be an abnormal extremal. Then, a necessary and sufficient condition is given for an abnormal extremal to be weakly abnormal. The analysis of the abnormality is completed by considering the particular case of affine constraints over a fixed interval: in this case, the abnormality turns out to have a global character, so that it is possible to define an abnormal problem or a normal problem. The last section is devoted to the study of an optimal control problem characterized by differential constraints corresponding to the dynamics of a controlled process. The above general results are particularized to this problem, yielding a necessary and sufficient condition for an admissible solution to be an abnormal extremal. From this, a previously known result is recovered concerning the linearized system controllability as a sufficient condition to exclude the abnormality.