Analytical and numerical solutions of a two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional Oldroyd‐B model

In this paper, we consider a two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional Oldroyd‐B equation on a rectangular domain. Its analytical solution is obtained by the method of separation of variables. We employ the finite difference method with a discretization of the Caputo time‐fractional derivative to obtain an implicit difference approximation for the equation. Stability and convergence of the approximation scheme are established in the L_∞ ‐norm. Two examples are given to illustrate the theoretical analysis and analytical solution. The results indicate that the present numerical method is effective for this general two‐dimensional multi‐term time‐fractional Oldroyd‐B model.     

Gauss‐Lobatto‐Legendre‐Birkhoff pseudospectral approximations for the multi‐term time fractional diffusion‐wave equation with Neumann boundaryconditions

A second‐order finite difference/pseudospectral scheme is proposed for numerical approximation of multi‐term time fractional diffusion‐wave equation with Neumann boundary conditions. The scheme is based upon the weighted and shifted Grünwald difference operators approximation of the time fractional calculus and Gauss‐Lobatto‐Legendre‐Birkhoff (GLLB) pseudospectral method for spatial discretization. The unconditionally stability and convergence of the scheme are rigorously proved. Numerical examples are carried out to verify theoretical results.     

A class of multi‐step difference schemes by using Padé approximant

In this paper, we present a method for the construction of a class of multi‐step finite differences schemes for solving arbitrary order linear two‐point boundary value problems. The construction technique is based on Padé approximant. It is easy to derive multi‐step difference schemes, and it includes many existing schemes as its special cases. Numerical experiments show that the proposed schemes are flexible and convergent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adini‐Q1‐P3 FEM for general elastic multi‐structure problems

An Adini‐Q₁‐P₃ finite element method is introduced to solve general elastic multi‐structure problems, where displacements on bodies, longitudinal displacements on plates, longitudinal displacements and rotational angles on rods are discretized by conforming linear (bilinear or trilinear) elements, and transverse displacements on plates and rods are discretized by Adini elements and Hermite elements of third order, respectively. The unique solvability and optimal error estimates in the energy norm are established for the discrete method, whose numerical performance is illustrated by some numerical examples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 27: 1092–1112, 2011     

Basic aspects of geopotential field approximation from satellite‐to‐satellite tracking data

The satellite‐to‐satellite tracking (SST) problems are characterized from mathematical point of view. Uniqueness results are formulated. Moreover, the basic relations are developed between (scalar) approximation of the earth's gravitational potential by ‘scalar basis systems’ and (vectorial) approximation of the gravitational field by ‘vectorial basis systems’. Finally, the mathematical justification is given for approximating the external geopotential field by finite linear combinations of certain gradient fields (for example, gradient fields of multi‐poles) consistent to a given set of SST data. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multi‐grid for PDEs on complicated domains

A multi‐grid method for solving linear equation systems as they arise from finite element discretisations of elliptic boundary value problems on complicated domains will be presented and analysed. The emphasis is on the robustness of this algorithm with respect to the geometric details in the domain. Robust multi‐grid convergence can be proved for a two‐dimensional model problem.     

Multi‐switching combination–combination synchronization of non‐identical fractional‐order chaotic systems

In this paper, multi‐switching combination–combination synchronization scheme has been investigated between a class of four non‐identical fractional‐order chaotic systems. The fractional‐order Lorenz and Chen's systems are taken as drive systems. The combination–combination of multi drive systems is then synchronized with the combination of fractional‐order Lü and Rössler chaotic systems. In multi‐switching combination–combination synchronization, the state variables of two drive systems synchronize with different state variables of two response systems simultaneously. Based on the stability of fractional‐order chaotic systems, the multi‐switching combination–combination synchronization of four fractional‐order non‐identical systems has been investigated. For the synchronization of four non‐identical fractional‐order chaotic systems, suitable controllers have been designed. Theoretical analysis and numerical results are presented to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the applied method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The persistent‐access‐caching algorithm

Caching is widely recognized as an effective mechanism for improving the performance of the World Wide Web. One of the key components in engineering the Web caching systems is designing document placement/replacement algorithms for updating the collection of cached documents. The main design objectives of such a policy are the high cache hit ratio, ease of implementation, low complexity and adaptability to the fluctuations in access patterns. These objectives are essentially satisfied by the widely used heuristic called the least‐recently‐used (LRU) cache replacement rule. However, in the context of the independent reference model, the LRU policy can significantly underperform the optimal least‐frequently‐used (LFU) algorithm that, on the other hand, has higher implementation complexity and lower adaptability to changes in access frequencies. To alleviate this problem, we introduce a new LRU‐based rule, termed the persistent‐access‐caching (PAC), which essentially preserves all of the desirable attributes of the LRU scheme. For this new heuristic, under the independent reference model and generalized Zipf's law request probabilities, we prove that, for large cache sizes, its performance is arbitrarily close to the optimal LFU algorithm. Furthermore, this near‐optimality of the PAC algorithm is achieved at the expense of a negligible additional complexity for large cache sizes when compared to the ordinary LRU policy, since the PAC algorithm makes the replacement decisions based on the references collected during the preceding interval of fixed length. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008     

Convergence analysis of the streamline diffusion and discontinuous Galerkin methods for the Vlasov‐Fokker‐Planck system

We prove stability estimates and derive optimal convergence rates for the streamline diffusion and discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods for discretization of the multi‐dimensional Vlasov‐Fokker‐Planck system. The focus is on the theoretical aspects, where we deal with construction and convergence analysis of the discretization schemes. Some related special cases are implemented in M. Asadzadeh [Appl Comput Meth 1(2) (2002), 158–175] and M. Asadzadeh and A. Sopasakis [Comput Meth Appl Mech Eng 191(41–42) (2002), 4641–4661]. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2005     

Large classes of infinite k‐cop‐win graphs

While finite cop‐win finite graphs possess a good structural characterization, none is known for infinite cop‐win graphs. As evidence that such a characterization might not exist, we provide as large as possible classes of infinite graphs with finite cop number. More precisely, for each infinite cardinal κ and each positive integer k, we construct 2^κ non‐isomorphic k‐cop‐win graphs satisfying additional properties such as vertex‐transitivity, or having universal endomorphism monoid and automorphism group. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 65: 334–342, 2010     

Global dynamics of multi‐group dengue disease model with latency distributions

In this paper, by incorporating latencies for both human beings and female mosquitoes to the mosquito‐borne diseases model, we investigate a class of multi‐group dengue disease model and study the impacts of heterogeneity and latencies on the spread of infectious disease. Dynamical properties of the multi‐group model with distributed delays are established. The results showthat the global asymptotic stability of the disease‐free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium depends only on the basic reproduction number. Our proofs for global stability of equilibria use the classical method of Lyapunov functions and the graph‐theoretic approach for large‐scale delay systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A multi‐regional epidemic model for controlling the spread of Ebola: awareness,treatment, and travel‐blocking optimal control approaches

Ebola virus disease (EVD) can rapidly cause death to animals and people, for less than 1month. In addition, EVD can emerge in one region and spread to its neighbors in unprecedented durations. Such cases were reported in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Thus, by blocking free travelers, traders, and transporters, EVD has had also impacts on economies of those countries. In order to find effective strategies that aim to increase public knowledge about EVD and access to possible treatment while restricting movements of people coming from regions at high risk of infection, we analyze three different optimal control approaches associated with awareness campaigns, treatment, and travel‐blocking operations that health policy‐makers could follow in the war on EVD. Our study is based on the application of Pontryagin's maximum principle, in a multi‐regional epidemic model we devise here for controlling the spread of EVD. The model is in the form of multi‐differential systems that describe dynamics of susceptible, infected, and removed populations belonging to p different geographical domains with three control functions incorporated. The forward–backward sweep method with integrated progressive‐regressive Runge–Kutta fourth‐order schemes is followed for resolving the multi‐points boundary value problems obtained. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multi‐Block Solution Algorithm for Joint PDF Methods

A multi‐block grid (MBG) based algorithm to solve the joint velocity‐frequency‐composition PDF transport equation for turbulent reactive flow is presented. The algorithm is based on a previously developed hybrid finite‐volume/particle approach which has significant advantages over stand alone particle PDF methods. It is demonstrated that the new solution method, due to the flexibility of MBGs, allows to perform simulation studies which involve very complex 3D geometries. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Automated multi‐level sub‐structuring for fluid–solid interaction problems

The automated multi‐level sub‐structuring (AMLS) method is a powerful technique to determine a large number of eigenpairs with moderate accuracy of huge symmetric and definite eigenvalue problems in structural analysis. This paper is concerned with an adapted version of AMLS for eigenfrequency analysis of fluid–solid interaction systems. Although fluid–solid vibrations are governed by an unsymmetric eigenproblem, the modified AMLS method needs approximately the same computational effort. An error bound related to the eigenvalue approximations is proved. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Maximum norm error analysis of an unconditionally stable semi‐implicit scheme for multi‐dimensional Allen–Cahn equations

In this paper, a linearized finite difference scheme is proposed for solving the multi‐dimensional Allen–Cahn equation. In the scheme, a modified leap‐frog scheme is used for the time discretization, the nonlinear term is treated in a semi‐implicit way, and the central difference scheme is used for the discretization in space. The proposed method satisfies the discrete energy decay property and is unconditionally stable. Moreover, a maximum norm error analysis is carried out in a rigorous way to show that the method is second‐order accurate both in time and space variables. Finally, numerical tests for both two‐ and three‐dimensional problems are provided to confirm our theoretical findings.     

Regional Bell Operating Company entry into long‐distance and non‐price discrimination against rival interexchange carriers: empirical evidence from panel data

The incentive of the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) to degrade the quality of interstate access services, an essential input provided to rival long‐distance carriers, once they begin offering long‐distance services has been a controversial issue in the academic literature. Using a panel of state‐level data over the years 1996–2001, this paper investigates whether the RBOCs engage in such ‘non‐price discrimination’ upon entering the long‐distance market. The results suggest the RBOCs improve the quality of some of their interstate access service offerings before entering the interexchange market, but begin degrading the quality of these services immediately afterward. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solving Multi‐Scale problems with heterogeneous finite difference methods

Multi‐scale differential equations are problems in which the variables can have different length scales. The direct numerical solution of differential equations with multiple scales is often difficult due to the work for resolving the smallest scale. We present here a strategy which allows the use of finite difference methods for the numerical solution of parabolic multi‐scale problems, based on a coupling of macroscopic and microscopic models for the original equation.     

A new stabilized finite element method for advection‐diffusion‐reaction equations

In this article, a new stabilized finite element method is proposed and analyzed for advection‐diffusion‐reaction equations. The key feature is that both the mesh‐dependent Péclet number and the mesh‐dependent Damköhler number are reasonably incorporated into the newly designed stabilization parameter. The error estimates are established, where, up to the regularity‐norm of the exact solution, the explicit‐dependence of the diffusivity, advection, reaction, and mesh size (or the dependence of the mesh‐dependent Péclet number and the mesh‐dependent Damköhler number) is revealed. Such dependence in the error bounds provides a mathematical justification on the effectiveness of the proposed method for any values of diffusivity, advection, dissipative reaction, and mesh size. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the method. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 32: 616–645, 2016     

Phase‐field systems for multi‐dimensional Prandtl–Ishlinskii operators with non‐polyhedral characteristics

Hysteresis operators have recently proved to be a powerful tool in modelling phase transition phenomena which are accompanied by the occurrence of hysteresis effects. In a series of papers, the present authors have proposed phase‐field models in which hysteresis non‐linearities occur at several places. A very important class of hysteresis operators studied in this connection is formed by the so‐called Prandtl–Ishlinskii operators. For these operators, the corresponding phase‐field systems are in the multi‐dimensional case only known to admit unique solutions if the characteristic convex sets defining the operators are polyhedrons. In this paper, we use approximation techniques to extend the known results to multi‐dimensional Prandtl–Ishlinskii operators having non‐polyhedral convex characteristicsets. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A robust algebraic multilevel preconditioner for non‐symmetric M‐matrices

Stable finite difference approximations of convection‐diffusion equations lead to large sparse linear systems of equations whose coefficient matrix is an M‐matrix, which is highly non‐symmetric when the convection dominates. For an efficient iterative solution of such systems, it is proposed to consider in the non‐symmetric case an algebraic multilevel preconditioning method formerly proposed for pure diffusion problems, and for which theoretical results prove grid independent convergence in this context. These results are supplemented here by a Fourier analysis that applies to constant coefficient problems with periodic boundary conditions whenever using an ‘idealized’ version of the two‐level preconditioner. Within this setting, it is proved that any eigenvalue λ of the preconditioned system satisfies for some real constant c such that . This result holds independently of the grid size and uniformly with respect to the ratio between convection and diffusion. Extensive numerical experiments are conducted to assess the convergence of practical two‐ and multi‐level schemes. These experiments, which include problems with highly variable and rotating convective flow, indicate that the convergence is grid independent. It deteriorates moderately as the convection becomes increasingly dominating, but the convergence factor remains uniformly bounded. This conclusion is supported for both uniform and some non‐uniform (stretched) grids. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.