Weyl-Eddington-Einstein affine gravity in the context of modern cosmology

We propose new models of the “affine” theory of gravity in multidimensional space-times with symmetric connections. We use and develop ideas of Weyl, Eddington, and Einstein, in particular, Einstein’s proposed method for obtaining the geometry using the Hamilton principle. More specifically, the connection coefficients are determined using a “geometric” Lagrangian that is an arbitrary function of the generalized (nonsymmetric) Ricci curvature tensor (and, possibly, other fundamental tensors) expressed in terms of the connection coefficients regarded as independent variables. Such a theory supplements the standard Einstein theory with dark energy (the cosmological constant, in the first approximation), a neutral massive (or tachyonic) meson, and massive (or tachyonic) scalar fields. These fields couple only to gravity and can generate dark matter and/or inflation. The new field masses (real or imaginary) have a geometric origin and must appear in any concrete model. The concrete choice of the Lagrangian determines further details of the theory, for example, the nature of the fields that can describe massive particles, tachyons, or even “phantoms.” In “natural” geometric theories, dark energy must also arise. The basic parameters of the theory (cosmological constant, mass, possible dimensionless constants) are theoretically indeterminate, but in the framework of modern “multiverse” ideas, this is more a virtue than a defect. We consider further extensions of the affine models and in more detail discuss approximate effective (“physical”) Lagrangians that can be applied to the cosmology of the early Universe.     

An Algebraic Approach to Physical Scales

This paper is aimed at introducing an algebraic model for physical scales and units of measurement. This goal is achieved by means of the concept of “positive space” and its rational powers. Positive spaces are “semi-vector spaces” on which the group of positive real numbers acts freely and transitively through the scalar multiplication. Their tensor multiplication with vector spaces yields “scaled spaces” that are suitable to describe spaces with physical dimensions mathematically. We also deal with scales regarded as fields over a given background (e.g., spacetime).     

Estimation of the Defect Status on Visual Field Longitudinal Data

In this paper, we show the use of Multivariate Time Series models, Markov Random Fields and Bayesian methodologies to solve an applied ophthalmological problem related to the study of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a very serious and widely extended eye disease characterized by a gradual decrease in the intensity of the patient’s sight. It is not, however, homogeneous over all the visual field, and starts at one or several sites and gradually spreads to nearby sites. Measurement of the patient’s “seeing threshold” at different points in the visual field is an important diagnostic tool for glaucoma and other diseases. It results in a map with 52 numerical values, each of which represents the level of intensity perceived by the patient at that site, and ranges from 0 (complete blindness) to 35 (exceptional vision). Additionally a “defect status” variable can be attached at each site in the visual field. This variable would indicate whether the site is normal or defective. Using Bayesian methodologies, the “defect status” process can be regarded as a parameter of the probability distribution of the thresholds and can be estimated as the maximum of its posterior distribution. The stochastic model assumed for the observed “threshold”, given the “defect status”, is a first order autoregressive integrated model (VARI(1,1)) in time, with first order homogeneous spatial correlation. The defect status is modeled by using a Spatiotemporal Autologistic Model with non-homogeneous spatial dependence. This dependence assumes that the propagation of the lesions follows the directions taken by the nerve fibers. MCMC methods are used to jointly estimate the defect status, and parameters and hyperparameters of the model.     

Realizability of greedy algorithms

We discuss new models of an “affine” theory of gravity in multidimensional space-times with symmetric connections. We use and develop ideas of Weyl, Eddington, and Einstein, in particular, Einstein’s proposal to specify the space-time geometry by the use of the Hamilton principle. More specifically, the connection coefficients are determined using a “geometric” Lagrangian that is an arbitrary function of the generalized (nonsymmetric) Ricci curvature tensor (and, possibly, of other fundamental tensors) expressed in terms of the connection coefficients regarded as independent variables. Such a theory supplements the standard Einstein gravity with dark energy (the cosmological constant, in the first approximation), a neutral massive (or tachyonic) vector field (vecton), and massive (or tachyonic) scalar fields. These fields couple only to gravity and can generate dark matter and/or inflation. The new field masses (real or imaginary) have a geometric origin and must appear in any concrete model. The concrete choice of the geometric Lagrangian determines further details of the theory, for example, the nature of the vector and scalar fields that can describe massive particles, tachyons, or even “phantoms.” In “natural” geometric theories, which are discussed here, dark energy must also arise. We mainly focus on intricate relations between geometry and dynamics while only very briefly considering approximate cosmological models inspired by the geometric approach.     

Characterization of solutions of multiobjective optimization problem

A characterization of weakly efficient, efficient and properly efficient solutions of multiobjective optimization problems is given in terms of a scalar optimization problem by using a special “distance” function. The concept of the well-posedness for this special scalar problem is then linked with the properly efficient solutions of the multiobjective problem.     

Scalar field in an arbitrary dimension from the standpoint of higher-spin Gauge theory

We formulate the equations of motion of a free scalar field in the flat and AdS spaces of arbitrary dimension in the form of “higher-spin” covariant constancy conditions. The Klein-Gordon equation describes a nontrivial cohomology of a certain “σ_-complex.” The action principle for a scalar field is formulated in terms of the “higher-spin” covariant derivatives for an arbitrary mass in AdS_d and for a nonzero mass in the flat space. The free-field part of the constructed action coincides with the standard first-order Klein-Gordon action, but the interaction part is different because of the presence of an infinite set of auxiliary fields, which do not contribute at the free level. We consider the example of Yang-Mills current interaction and show how the proposed action generates the pseudolocally exact form of the matter currents in AdS_d. Translated from Teoreticheskaya i Matematicheskaya Fizika, Vol. 123, No. 2, pp. 323–344, May, 2000.     

Quantum Backreaction (Casimir) Effect II. Scalar and Electromagnetic Fields

Casimir effect in most general terms may be understood as a backreaction of a quantum system causing an adiabatic change of the external conditions under which it is placed. This paper is the second installment of a work scrutinizing this effect with the use of algebraic methods in quantum theory. The general scheme worked out in the first part is applied here to the discussion of particular models. We consider models of the quantum scalar field subject to external interaction with “softened” Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions on two parallel planes. We show that the case of electromagnetic field with softened perfect conductor conditions on the planes may be reduced to the other two. The “softening” is implemented on the level of the dynamics, and is not imposed ad hoc, as is usual in most treatments, on the level of observables. We calculate formulas for the backreaction energy in these models. We find that the common belief that for electromagnetic field the backreaction force tends to the strict Casimir formula in the limit of “removed cutoff” is not confirmed by our strict analysis. The formula is model dependent and the Casimir value is merely a term in the asymptotic expansion of the formula in inverse powers of the distance of the planes. Typical behaviour of the energy for large separation of the plates in the class of models considered is a quadratic fall-of. Depending on the details of the “softening” of the boundary conditions the backreaction force may become repulsive for large separations. Communicated by Klaus Fredenhagen submitted 9/09/04, accepted 1/07/05     

Standard model of fermions on the domain wall in five-dimensional space-time

The mechanism of generation of the Standard Model for fermions on the domain wall in five-dimensional space-time is presented. As a result of self-interaction of five-dimensional fermions and gravity induced by matter fields, in the strong coupling regime, in the model there arises a spontaneous translational symmetry breaking, which leads to localization of light particles on a 3 + 1-dimensional domain wall (“3-brane”) that is embedded into a five-dimensional anti-de Sitter space-time (AdS₅). Appropriate low-energy, effective action, classical kink-like vacuum configurations for the gravity and scalar fields are investigated. Mass spectra for light composite particles and their coupling constants interaction in ultra-low-energy, which localize on the brane, are explored. We establish estimates of characteristic scales and constants interactions of the model and also a relation between the bulk five-dimensional gravitational constant, curvature of AdS₅ space-time, and brane Newton’s constants. The induced cosmological constant on the brane exactly vanishes in all orders of the theory perturbation. We find out that scalar interaction is strongly suppressed at ultra-low-energy, and the brane fluctuations (branons) are suitable “sterile” canditates for explanation of the phenomenon of Dark Matter. Bibliography: 21 titles. Dedicated to the 100th birthday of M. P. Bronstein __________ Translated from Zapiski Nauchnykh Seminarov POMI, Vol. 347, 2007, pp. 5–29.     

Hyperbolic balance laws: Riemann invariants and the generalized Riemann problem

The Generalized Riemann Problem (GRP) for a nonlinear hyperbolic system of m balance laws (or alternatively “quasi-conservative” laws) in one space dimension is now well-known and can be formulated as follows: Given initial-data which are analytic on two sides of a discontinuity, determine the time evolution of the solution at the discontinuity. In particular, the GRP numerical scheme (second-order high resolution) is based on an analytical evaluation of the first time derivative. It turns out that this derivative depends only on the first-order spatial derivatives, hence the initial data can be taken as piecewise linear. The analytical solution is readily obtained for a single equation (m = 1) and, more generally, if the system is endowed with a complete (coordinate) set of Riemann invariants. In this case it can be “diagonalized” and reduced to the scalar case. However, most systems with m > 2 do not admit such a set of Riemann invariants. This paper introduces a generalization of this concept: weakly coupled systems (WCS). Such systems have only “partial set” of Riemann invariants, but these sets are weakly coupled in a way which enables a “diagonalized” treatment of the GRP. An important example of a WCS is the Euler system of compressible, nonisentropic fluid flow (m = 3). The solution of the GRP discussed here is based on a careful analysis of rarefaction waves. A “propagation of singularities” argument is applied to appropriate Riemann invariants across the rarefaction fan. It serves to “rotate” initial spatial slopes into “time derivative”. In particular, the case of a “sonic point” is incorporated easily into the general treatment. A GRP scheme based on this solution is derived, and several numerical examples are presented. Special attention is given to the “acoustic approximation” of the analytical solution. It can be viewed as a proper linearization (different from the approach of Roe) of the nonlinear system. The resulting numerical scheme is the simplest (second-order, high-resolution) generalization of the Godunov scheme.     

Convergence of aspirations and (partial) cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma

This paper proposes an aspiration-based dynamic model for cooperation where a large population of agents are matched afresh every period to play a Prisoner's Dilemma. At each point in time, agents hold a common aspiration level which is updated on the basis of some “population statistic”, i.e. a certain scalar summary (e.g. average payoff) associated to the current state. On the other hand, those agents who feel “dissatisfied” (relative to current aspiration) switch actions at a rate which is increasing in the magnitude of the dissatisfaction. The resulting process is shown to converge in the long run under quite general conditions. Moreover, if agents are responsive enough, the long-run social state displays some extent of cooperation, with a constant positive fraction of the population (always less than half) choosing to cooperate in every period. Received: January 1998/Revised version: October 1998     

“Miniaturized” Linearizations for Quadratic 0/1 Problems

In order to solve a quadratic 0/1 problem, some techniques, consisting in deriving a linear integer formulation, are used. Those techniques, called “linearization”, usually involve a huge number of additional variables. As a consequence, the exact resolution of the linear model is, in general, very difficult. Our aim, in this paper, is to propose “economical” linear models. Starting from an existing linearization (typically the so-called “classical linearization”), we find a new linearization with fewer variables. The resulting model is called “Miniaturized” linearization. Based on this approach, we propose a new linearization scheme for which numerical tests have been performed.     

On differentiability of the matrix trace operator and its applications

This article is devoted to “forgotten” and rarely used technique of matrix analysis, introduced in 60–70th and enhanced by authors. We will study the matrix trace operator and it’s differentiability. This idea generalizes the notion of scalar derivative for matrix computations. The list of the most common derivatives is given at the end of the article. Additionally we point out a close connection of this technique with a least square problem in it’s classical and generalized case.     

On a supplement to the stability property in differential games

The stability property in a game problem of approach “at the final instant” is studied. The concept of the stability defect of sets in the position space of a game is analyzed.     

Instability of the wet x soap film

For idealized, infinitely thin (“dry”) soap films, an Xis unstable, while for very thick (“wet”) soap films it is minimizing. We show that for soap films of relatively small but positive wetness, the Xis unstable. Full stability diagrams for the constant liquid fraction case and the constant pressure case are generated. Analogous questions about other singularities remain controversial.     

Ols parameter estimation for a linear paired confluent model

We investigate OLS parameter estimation for a linear paired model in the case of a passive experiment with errors in both variables. The explicit form of the OLS estimates is obtained, their equivalence to maximum likelihood estimates is demonstrated in the presence of normal errors, and estimate consistency is proved. The OLS estimates are compared analytically and numerically with known parameter estimates of “direct,” “orthogonal,” and “diagonal” regression models.     

Stationary layered solutions in {\Bbb R}^2 for an Allen–Cahn system with multiple well potential

We study entire solutions on of the elliptic system where is a multiple-well potential. We seek solutions which are “heteroclinic,” in two senses: for each fixed they connect (at ) a pair of constant global minima of , and they connect a pair of distinct one dimensional stationary wave solutions when . These solutions describe the local structure of solutions to a reaction-diffusion system near a smooth phase boundary curve. The existence of these heteroclinic solutions demonstrates an unexpected difference between the scalar and vector valued Allen–Cahn equations, namely that in the vectorial case the transition profiles may vary tangentially along the interface. We also consider entire stationary solutions with a “saddle” geometry, which describe the structure of solutions near a crossing point of smooth interfaces. Received April 15, 1996 / Accepted: November 11, 1996     

The Betti reciprocity principle and the normal boundary component control problem for linear elastic systems

The background for this article is the question of modification of the geometric configuration of an elastic structure by means of “volume” type actuation. In this actuation mode stresses are applied to the elastic body by injection/extraction of a fluid into, or from, a large number of vacuoles in the elastic “matrix” material. Previous articles by the author, and others, have examined this process and studied its effectiveness in the context of a “naive” continuous model. The present paper continues along these lines, exploring “normal boundary component controllability” criterion for determining achievable configurations for the controlled system in the two-dimensional case. Connections with conformal mapping lead to affirmative results for approximate controllability in this sense and Fourier series techniques provide exact controllability results for the case wherein the domain of the uncontrolled system is a two-dimensional disk.      

On nonimmersibility of compact hypersurfaces into a ball of a simply connected space form

We give a nonimmersibility theorem of a compact manifold with nonnegative scalar curvature bounded from above into a geodesic ball of a simply connected space form. Work partially supported by a DGICYT Grant No. PB91-0324 and by the E.C. Contract CHRX-CT92-0050 “G.A.D.G.E.T. II”     

The Geometry of Standard Deontic Logic

Whereas geometrical oppositions (logical squares and hexagons) have been so far investigated in many fields of modal logic (both abstract and applied), the oppositional geometrical side of “deontic logic” (the logic of “obligatory”, “forbidden”, “permitted”, . . .) has rather been neglected. Besides the classical “deontic square” (the deontic counterpart of Aristotle’s “logical square”), some interesting attempts have nevertheless been made to deepen the geometrical investigation of the deontic oppositions: Kalinowski (La logique des normes, PUF, Paris, 1972) has proposed a “deontic hexagon” as being the geometrical representation of standard deontic logic, whereas Joerden (jointly with Hruschka, in Archiv für Rechtsund Sozialphilosophie 73:1, 1987), McNamara (Mind 105:419, 1996) and Wessels (Die gute Samariterin. Zur Struktur der Supererogation, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 2002) have proposed some new “deontic polygons” for dealing with conservative extensions of standard deontic logic internalising the concept of “supererogation”. Since 2004 a new formal science of the geometrical oppositions inside logic has appeared, that is “n-opposition theory”, or “NOT”, which relies on the notion of “logical bi-simplex of dimension m” (m = n − 1). This theory has received a complete mathematical foundation in 2008, and since then several extensions. In this paper, by using it, we show that in standard deontic logic there are in fact many more oppositional deontic figures than Kalinowski’s unique “hexagon of norms” (more ones, and more complex ones, geometrically speaking: “deontic squares”, “deontic hexagons”, “deontic cubes”, . . ., “deontic tetraicosahedra”, . . .): the real geometry of the oppositions between deontic modalities is composed by the aforementioned structures (squares, hexagons, cubes, . . ., tetraicosahedra and hyper-tetraicosahedra), whose complete mathematical closure happens in fact to be a “deontic 5-dimensional hyper-tetraicosahedron” (an oppositional very regular solid).