Random forests for functional covariates

We propose a form of random forests that is especially suited for functional covariates. The method is based on partitioning the functions' domain in intervals and using the functions' mean values across those intervals as predictors in regression or classification trees. This approach appears to be more intuitive to applied researchers than usual methods for functional data, while also performing very well in terms of prediction accuracy. The intervals are obtained from randomly drawn, exponentially distributed waiting times. We apply our method to data from Raman spectra on boar meat as well as near‐infrared absorption spectra. The predictive performance of the proposed functional random forests is compared with commonly used parametric and nonparametric functional methods and with a nonfunctional random forest using the single measurements of the curve as covariates. Further, we present a functional variable importance measure, yielding information about the relevance of the different parts of the predictor curves. Our variable importance curve is much smoother and hence easier to interpret than the one obtained from nonfunctional random forests.     

On the Auslander–Reiten conjecture for Cohen–Macaulay rings and path algebras

In this note, it is shown that the validity of the Auslander–Reiten conjecture for a given d-dimensional Cohen–Macaulay local ring R depends on its validity for all direct summands of d-th syzygy of R-modules of finite length, provided R is an isolated singularity. Based on this result, it is shown that under a mild assumption on the base ring R, satisfying the Auslander–Reiten conjecture behaves well under completion and reduction modulo regular elements. In addition, it will turn out that, if R is a commutative Noetherian ring and 𝒬 a finite acyclic quiver, then the Auslander–Reiten conjecture holds true for the path algebra R𝒬, whenever so does R. Using this result, examples of algebras satisfying the Auslander–Reiten conjecture are presented.     

The valuation of life contingencies: A symmetrical triangular fuzzy approximation

This paper extends the framework for the valuation of life insurance policies and annuities by Andrés-Sánchez and González-Vila (2012, 2014) in two ways. First we allow various uncertain magnitudes to be estimated by means of fuzzy numbers. This applies not only to interest rates but also to the amounts to be paid out by the insurance company. Second, the use of symmetrical triangular fuzzy numbers allows us to obtain expressions for the pricing of life contingencies and their variability that are closely linked to standard financial and actuarial mathematics. Moreover, they are relatively straightforward to compute and understand from a standard actuarial point of view.     

Koszulity of some path categories

We prove Koszulity of certain linear path categories obtained from connected graphs with some infinite directed walk. These categories can be viewed as locally quadratic dual to preprojective algebras.     

Nonlinear anisotropic elliptic equations in with variable exponents and locally integrable data

In this paper, we prove existence and regularity results for weak solutions in the framework of anisotropic Sobolev spaces for a class of nonlinear anisotropic elliptic equations in the whole with variable exponents and locally integrable data. Our approach is based on the anisotropic Sobolev inequality, a smoothness, and compactness results. The functional setting involves Lebesgue–Sobolev spaces with variable exponents. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Linear representations of formal loops

A representation of an object in a category is an abelian group in the corresponding comma category. In this paper, we derive the formulas describing linear representations of objects in the category of formal loops and formal loop homomorphisms and apply them to obtain a new approach to the representation theory of formal Moufang loops and Malcev algebras based on Moufang elements. Certain ‘non-associative Moufang symmetry’ of groups is revealed.     

Integral representation and estimation of harmonic functions in the quaternionic half space

In this article, we discuss the integral representation of quaternionic harmonic functions in the half space with the general boundary condition. Next, we derive a lower bound from an upper one for quaternionic harmonic functions. These results generalize some of the classic results from the case of plane to the case of noncommutative quaterninionic half space. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mehler's formulas for the univariate complex Hermite polynomials and applications

We give 2 widest Mehler's formulas for the univariate complex Hermite polynomials , by performing double summations involving the products and . They can be seen as the complex analogues of the classical Mehler's formula for the real Hermite polynomials. The proof of the first one is based on a generating function giving rise to the reproducing kernel of the generalized Bargmann space of level m. The second Mehler's formula generalizes the one appearing as a particular case of the so‐called Kibble‐Slepian formula. The proofs we present here are direct and more simpler. Moreover, direct applications are given and remarkable identities are derived.