An introduction to preconvexity spaces

Axioms are given for a preconvexity space and certain consequences obtained. In particular, it is shown that in a very natural way, a preconvexity on a space yields an abstract convexity space in much the same manner as a proximity yields a topological space. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Addendum and Corrigendum to "Local Saturation of Conservative Operators'

In this note we make a correction in the paper [1] by two of the authors. Specifically we modify an auxiliary localization result and prove that the applications to the saturation theory of some outstanding conservative operators remain valid. Moreover, we enrich a corollary dealing with the well-known Szász-Mirakjan operators. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A note on strongly π-regular rings

Let R be an associative ring with unit and let N(R) denote the set of nilpotent elements of R. R is said to be stronglyπ-regular if for each x∈R, there exist a positive integer n and an element y∈R such that x ⁿ=x ^{n +1} y and xy=yx. R is said to be periodic if for each x∈R there are integers m,n≥ 1 such that m≠n and x ^m=x ⁿ. Assume that the idempotents in R are central. It is shown in this paper that R is a strongly π-regular ring if and only if N(R) coincides with the Jacobson radical of R and R/N(R) is regular. Some similar conditions for periodic rings are also obtained. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

On the Hahn--Mazurkiewicz theorem

The following generalization of the Hahn-Mazurkiewicz theorem is proved: Let (E,e) be a locally compact locally connected metric space. Let M be a continuum in this space and let d,e∈ M. Then there is a continuous mapping f: [0,1]→E such that f(0) = d, f(1)= e and M⊂f([0,1]). Also some corollaries of this theorem are proved.     

Balanced contributions for TU games with awards and applications

Calleja et al. [Calleja, P., Borm, P., Hendrickx, R., 2005. Multi-issue allocation situations. European Journal of Operational Research 164, 730–747] introduced multi-issue allocation situations with awards. In this paper, we extend the classical model of cooperative games with transferable utility to the cooperative games with transferable utility and awards. We define a run-to-the-bank rule for cooperative games with transferable utility and awards and characterise it in terms of a property of balanced contributions. We apply our main result to bankruptcy problems and multi-issue allocation situations with awards.     

Nonclassical pseudospectral method for the solution of brachistochrone problem

In this paper, nonclassical pseudospectral method is proposed for solving the classic brachistochrone problem. The brachistochrone problem is first formulated as a nonlinear optimal control problem. Properties of nonclassical pseudospectral method are presented, these properties are then utilized to reduce the computation of brachistochrone problem to the solution of algebraic equations. Using this method, the solution to the brachistochrone problem is compared with those in the literature.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the formation of poly[(1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxanyl)ethylene] and poly(methyldecylsiloxane) by hydrosilylation

The kinetics of the formation of poly(carbosiloxane), as well as of alkyl-substituted poly(siloxane), by Karstedt's catalyst catalyzed hydrosilylation were investigated. Linear poly(carbosiloxane), poly[(1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxanyl)ethylene], (PTMDSE), was obtained by hydrosilylation of 1,3-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (DVTMDS) and 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS), while alkyl-substituted poly(siloxane), poly(methyldecylsiloxane), (PMDS), was synthesized by hydrosilylation of poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) and 1-decene. To investigate the kinetics of PTMDSE formation, two series of experiments were performed at reaction temperatures ranging from 25 to 56 °C and with catalyst concentrations ranging from 7.0 × 10⁻⁶ to 3.1 × 10⁻⁵ mol Pt/mol CHCH₂. A series of experiments was performed at reaction temperatures ranging from 28 to 48 °C, with catalyst concentrations of 7.0 ×10⁻⁶ mol of Pt per mol of CHCH₂, when kinetics of PMDS formation was investigated. All reactions were carried out in bulk, with equimolar amounts of the reacting Si H and CHCH₂ groups. The course of the reactions was monitored by following the disappearance of the Si H bands using quantitative infrared spectroscopy. The results obtained showed typical first order kinetics for the PTMDSE formation, consistent with the proposed reaction mechanism. In the case of PMDS an induction period occurred at lower reaction temperatures, but disappeared at 44 °C and the rate of Si H conversion also started to follow the first-order kinetics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2246–2258, 2007     

Semi-implicit complementary volume scheme for solving level set like equations in image processing and curve evolution

Summary. We introduce linear semi-implicit complementary volume numerical scheme for solving level set like nonlinear degenerate diffusion equations arising in image processing and curve evolution problems. We study discretization of image selective smoothing equation of mean curvature flow type given by Alvarez, Lions and Morel ([3]). Solution of the level set equation of Osher and Sethian ([26], \[30]) is also included in the study. We prove and estimates for the proposed scheme and give existence of its (generalized) solution in every discrete time-scale step. Efficiency of the scheme is given by its linearity and stability. Preconditioned iterative solvers are used for computing arising linear systems. We present computational results related to image processing and plane curve evolution. Received April 25, 2000 / Revised version received June 11, 2001 / Published online November 15, 2001     

The effect of olefinic terminal chains on the mesomorphic properties of 4,4'-disubstituted diphenyldiacetylenes

New diphenyldiacetylenes of the type with A, B = H and/or F; m = 0, 1; n = 1-4; and X = C n H 2n + 1 , F, CF 3 or CN were synthesized and their mesomorphic properties determined by hot stage polarizing microscopy and DSC. When m = 0, all of these compounds showed only a nematic phase except when X = CF 3 when both nematic and smectic A phases were seen. Both clearing and melting temperatures were higher than those reported for substitution with the corresponding alkyl chains but the much larger increase in clearing temperatures produced considerably wider nematic phases. Eutectic mixtures of a few of these olefins yielded nematic materials also having much wider temperature ranges and higher clearing temperatures than the eutectic mixtures of the alkyl compounds, while retaining their high birefringence and low viscosities. Such materials are of interest for beam-steering devices.

Four of the diacetylenes with m = 1 ( A, B = H) were also prepared ( X = C 6 H 13 , F, n = 2, 3). When X was C 6 H 13 ( n = 2), the nematic range was smaller in the 2- than in the 1-olefin but wider than in the alkyl series. When X = F, either no nematic phase or a monotropic one was observed, whereas the 1-olefins gave a much wider nematic phase. Both transition temperatures were lower than those for the corresponding 1-olefin and alkyl analogues. The compound with X = C 6 H 13 and n = 2 had a melting temperature below room temperature.