Stationary flows of a weakly conducting incompressible polymeric liquid between coaxial cylinders

Under study are the stationary solutions of the mathematical model describing nonisothermal electroconvection of a weakly conducting polymeric liquid in the channel between two coaxial cylinders.     

Linear and nonlinear electroconvection under AC electric field

Linear and non-linear stability analyses of electroconvection under an AC electric field are investigated using the normal mode method and truncated representation of Fourier series respectively. The principle of exchange of stabilities is shown to be valid and subcritical instability is ruled out. Several qualitative results on stability are discussed on the governing linear autonomous system, and also by using the concept of a self-adjoint operator. Spectral analysis of electroconvection is also made to provide information on the relative dominance of various modes on convection. The quantification of heat transfer is done on the Nusselt number-Rayleigh number plane for steady finite amplitude convection and through time series plots of the Nusselt number for unsteady finite amplitude convection. The effect of the electric number on stream line pattern and Nusselt number is delineated. Time series plots of the amplitudes of thermal conduction and convection are also presented. It is found that the effect of increasing the electric number is to enhance the amplitudes and thereby the heat transport. The sensitive dependence of the solution of the Lorenz system of electroconvection to the choice of initial conditions points to the possibility of chaos.     

Modulational Stability of Travelling Waves in 2D Anisotropic Systems

The modulational stability of travelling waves in 2D anisotropic systems is investigated. We consider normal travelling waves, which are described by solutions of a globally coupled Ginzburg–Landau system for two envelopes of left- and right-travelling waves, and oblique travelling waves, which are described by solutions of a globally coupled Ginzburg–Landau system for four envelopes associated with two counterpropagating pairs of travelling waves in two oblique directions. The Eckhaus stability boundary for these waves in the plane of wave numbers is computed from the linearized Ginzburg–Landau systems. We identify longitudinal long and finite wavelength instabilities as well as transverse long wavelength instabilities. The results of the stability calculations are confirmed through numerical simulations. In these simulations we observe a rich variety of behaviors, including defect chaos, elongated localized structures superimposed to travelling waves, and moving grain boundaries separating travelling waves in different oblique directions. The stability classification is applied to a reaction–diffusion system and to the weak electrolyte model for electroconvection in nematic liquid crystals.      

Singular Double Porosity Model

We consider the linear parabolic equation describing the transport of a contaminant in a porous media crossed by a net of infinitely thin fractures. The permeability is very high in the fractures but very low in the porous blocks. We derive the homogenized model corresponding to a net of infinitely thin fractures, by means of the singular measures technique. We assume that these singular measures are supported by hyperplanes of codimension one. We prove in a second step that this homogenized model could be obtained indistinctly either by letting the fracture thickness, in the standard double porosity model, tend to zero, or by homogenizing a model with infinitely thin fractures.     

A stochastic model for internal HIV dynamics

In this paper we analyse a stochastic model representing HIV internal virus dynamics. The stochasticity in the model is introduced by parameter perturbation which is a standard technique in stochastic population modelling. We show that the model established in this paper possesses non-negative solutions as this is essential in any population dynamics model. We also carry out analysis on the asymptotic behaviour of the model. We approximate one of the variables by a mean reverting process and find out the mean and variance of this process. Numerical simulations conclude the paper.     

An ODE traffic network model

We are interested in models for vehicular traffic flow based on partial differential equations and their extensions to networks of roads. In this paper, we simplify a fluidodynamic traffic model and derive a new traffic flow model based on ordinary differential equations (ODEs). This is obtained by spatial discretization of an averaged density evolution and a suitable approximation of the coupling conditions at junctions of the network. We show that the new model inherits similar features of the full model, e.g., traffic jam propagation. We consider optimal control problems controlled by the ODE model and derive the optimality system. We present numerical results on the simulation and optimization of traffic flow in sample networks.     

A new model for gas flow in pipe networks

We introduce a new model for gas dynamics in pipe networks by asymptotic analysis. The model is derived from the isothermal Euler equations. We present the derivation of the model as well as numerical results illustrating the validity and its properties. We compare the new model with existing models from the mathematical and engineering literature. We further give numerical results on a sample network. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

ANALYSIS OF A LIMPET FISHERY USING A METAPHYSIOLOGICAL STAND-GROWTH MODEL

We use a metaphysiological approach, recently proposed by one of us (WMG), for modeling trophic interactions to develop a model of limpet-algae-kelp dynamics using data obtained by the others (RHB and GMB) from studies along the west coast of South Africa. We test whether the model is able to predict limpet population growth reasonably well in both the presence and absence of kelp and over a range of limpet and algal population densities. We then discuss the development of a limpet fishery, suing the model to predict limpet stand growth under various harvesting regimes. We compare our results to those obtained by others using a classical size-structured approach, and we suggest how both approaches can be combined to obtain a more reliable and applicable model than either on its own.     

Dimension Reduction and Optimality of the Uniform State in a Phase-Field-Crystal Model Involving a Higher-Order Functional

We study a phase-field-crystal model described by a free energy functional involving second-order derivatives of the order parameter in a periodic setting and under a fixed mass constraint. We prove a $$\Gamma $$-convergence result in an asymptotic thin-film regime leading to a reduced two-dimensional model. For the reduced model, we prove necessary and sufficient conditions for the global minimality of the uniform state. We also prove similar results for the Ohta–Kawasaki model.     

A spatial covariance model with a single wave effect and a finite range

We propose a new spatial covariance model with a single wave effect and a finite range. The construction of this model is based on a radial kernel composed of two concentric spheres and the finite range enables us to obtain an exact simulation from the circulant embedding method. This model responds to the lack of efficient covariance functions to model patterns characterized by concentration areas surrounded by gaps. We compare the single wave model to other existing hole effect models such as the Bessel model, the damped cosine model and the cardinal sine model.     

Une étude mathématique d'un modèle de Rotenberg

In this paper, a cell proliferation model of Rotenberg is mathematically studied. Each cell of this population is distinguished by its degree of maturity μ and its maturation velocity v. We equipped this mathematical model by boundary conditions wich generalize all biological rules imposed by Rotenberg. We show that this model is governed by a strongly continuous semigroup. We also develop some properties of this semigroup and we study its asymptotic behaviour in the uniform topology.     

STOCHASTIC OPTIMIZATION FOR MULTISPECIES FISHERIES IN THE BARENTS SEA

We present a multispecies stochastic model that suggests optimal fishing policy for two species in a three‐species predator–prey ecosystem in the Barents Sea. We employ stochastic dynamic programming to solve a three‐dimensional model, in which the catch is optimized by using a multispecies feedback strategy. Applying the model to the cod, capelin, and herring ecosystem in the Barents Sea shows that the optimal catch for the stochastic interaction model is more conservative than that implied by the deterministic model. We also find that stochasticity has a stronger effect on the optimal exploitation policy for prey (capelin) than for predator (cod).     

Two-component liquid model for the quark-gluon plasma

We discuss a two-component liquid model for the quark-gluon plasma. We show that the model explains the basic experimental observations of the plasma properties naturally on the qualitative level. From the standpoint of the dynamics, the model assumes the existence of an effective scalar field with a nonzero vacuum expectation value. The hypothesis that such a condensate exists is supported by lattice data. We formulate the kind of lattice data that would yield a possible verification of the model.     

A risk model driven by Lévy processes

We present a general risk model where the aggregate claims, as well as the premium function, evolve by jumps. This is achieved by incorporating a Lévy process into the model. This seeks to account for the discrete nature of claims and asset prices. We give several explicit examples of Lévy processes that can be used to drive a risk model. This allows us to incorporate aggregate claims and premium fluctuations in the same process. We discuss important features of such processes and their relevance to risk modeling. We also extend classical results on ruin probabilities to this model. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reliability modelling incorporating load share and frailty

The stochastic behaviour of lifetimes of a two component system is often primarily influenced by the system structure and by the covariates shared by the components. Any meaningful attempt to model the lifetimes must take into consideration the factors affecting their stochastic behaviour. In particular, for a load share system, we describe a reliability model incorporating both the load share dependence and the effect of observed and unobserved covariates. The model includes a bivariate Weibull to characterize load share, a positive stable distribution to describe frailty, and also incorporates effects of observed covariates. We investigate various interesting reliability properties of this model using cross ratio functions and conditional survivor functions. We implement maximum likelihood estimation of the model parameters and discuss model adequacy and selection. We illustrate our approach using a simulation study. For a real data situation, we demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model that incorporates both load share and frailty effects over competing models that incorporate just one of these effects. An attractive and computationally simple cross‐validation technique is introduced to reconfirm the claim. We conclude with a summary and discussion.     

Swing options in commodity markets: a multidimensional Lévy diffusion model

We study valuation of swing options on commodity markets when the commodity prices are driven by multiple factors. The factors are modeled as diffusion processes driven by a multidimensional Lévy process. We set up a valuation model in terms of a dynamic programming problem where the option can be exercised continuously in time. Here, the number of swing rights is given by a total volume constraint. We analyze some general properties of the model and study the solution by analyzing the associated HJB-equation. Furthermore, we discuss the issues caused by the multi-dimensionality of the commodity price model. The results are illustrated numerically with three explicit examples.     

Existence of positive solutions for a prey-predator model with refuge and diffusion

We are concerned with a prey-predator reaction-diffusion model with monotonic functional response and specific refuge size. We discuss both existence and nonexistence of positive solutions of the model by using fixed point index theory and bifurcation theory as the main argument tools. We also discuss bifurcation solutions of which stability is established by using spectrum analysis methods. Moreover, we analyze the effects of refuge size on the dynamics of the model.     

Modelling gait transition in two-legged animals

The study of locomotor patterns has been a major research goal in the last decades. Understanding how intralimb and interlimb coordination works out so well in animals’ locomotion is a hard and challenging task. Many models have been proposed to model animal’s rhythms. These models have also been applied to the control of rhythmic movements of adaptive legged robots, namely biped, quadruped and other designs.In this paper we study gait transition in a central pattern generator (CPG) model for bipeds, the 4-cells model. This model is proposed by Golubitsky, Stewart, Buono and Collins and is studied further by Pinto and Golubitsky. We briefly resume the work done by Pinto and Golubitsky. We compute numerically gait transition in the 4-cells CPG model for bipeds. We use Morris–Lecar equations and Wilson–Cowan equations as the internal dynamics for each cell. We also consider two types of coupling between the cells: diffusive and synaptic. We obtain secondary gaits by bifurcation of primary gaits, by varying the coupling strengths. Nevertheless, some bifurcating branches could not be obtained, emphasizing the fact that despite analytically those bifurcations exist, finding them is a hard task and requires variation of other parameters of the equations. We note that the type of coupling did not influence the results.     

A flexible approach to ranking with an application to MBA Programs

We develop a model for flexibly ranking multi-dimensional alternatives/units into preference classes via Mixed Integer Programming. We consider a linear aggregation model, but allow the criterion weights to vary within pre-specified ranges. This allows the individual alternatives/units to play to their strengths. We illustrate the use of the model by considering the Financial Times Global MBA Program rankings and discuss the implications. We argue that in many applications neither the data nor the weights or the aggregation model itself is precise enough to warrant a complete ranking, providing an argument for sorting or what we call flexible ranking.     

Generalized motion by mean curvature with Neumann conditions and the Allen-Cahn model for phase transitions

We study asharpinterface model for phase transitions which incorporates the interaction of the phase boundaries with the walls of a container Ω. In this model, the interfaces move by their mean curvature and are normal to δΩ. We first establish local-in-time existence and uniqueness of smooth solutions for the mean curvature equation with a normal contact angle condition. We then discuss global solutions by interpreting the equation and the boundary condition in a weak (viscosity) sense. Finally, we investigate the relation of the aforementioned model with atransitionlayer model. We prove that if Ω isconvex, the transition-layer solutions converge to the sharp-interface solutions as the thickness of the layer tends to zero. We conclude with a discussion of the difficulties that arise in establishing this result in nonconvex domains. Communicated by David Kinderlehrer