Approximations of Lovász extensions and their induced interaction index

The Lovász extension of a pseudo-Boolean function f:{0,1}ⁿ→R is defined on each simplex of the standard triangulation of [0,1]ⁿ as the unique affine function that interpolates f at the n+1 vertices of the simplex. Its degree is that of the unique multilinear polynomial that expresses f. In this paper we investigate the least squares approximation problem of an arbitrary Lovász extension by Lovász extensions of (at most) a specified degree. We derive explicit expressions of these approximations. The corresponding approximation problem for pseudo-Boolean functions was investigated by Hammer and Holzman [Approximations of pseudo-Boolean functions; applications to game theory, Z. Oper. Res. 36(1) (1992) 3-21] and then solved explicitly by Grabisch et al. [Equivalent representations of set functions, Math. Oper. Res. 25(2) (2000) 157-178], giving rise to an alternative definition of Banzhaf interaction index. Similarly we introduce a new interaction index from approximations of and we present some of its properties. It turns out that its corresponding power index identifies with the power index introduced by Grabisch and Labreuche [How to improve acts: an alternative representation of the importance of criteria in MCDM, Internat. J. Uncertain. Fuzziness Knowledge-Based Syst. 9(2) (2001) 145-157].     

Algorithmic and explicit determination of the Lovász number for certain circulant graphs

We consider the problem of computing the Lovász theta function for circulant graphs C_n,J of degree four with n vertices and chord length J, 2?J?n. We present an algorithm that takes O(J) operations if J is an odd number, and O(n/J) operations if J is even. On the considered class of graphs our algorithm strongly outperforms the known algorithms for theta function computation. We also provide explicit formulas for the important special cases J=2 and J=3.     

On weighted extensions of Cauchy's means

We show that every Cauchy mean in (0,∞) can be embedded into two parameter family of weighted means. Some basic properties and examples are presented. A functional equation which appears in the problem of symmetry of these means is considered. As an application a natural extension of Stolarsky's means is obtained and a two parameter subclass of weighted power means is determined.     

M ‐functions for closed extensions of adjoint pairs of operators with applications to elliptic boundary problems

In this paper, we combine results on extensions of operators with recent results on the relation between the M ‐function and the spectrum, to examine the spectral behaviour of boundary value problems. M ‐functions are defined for general closed extensions, and associated with realisations of elliptic operators. In particular, we consider both ODE and PDE examples where it is possible for the operator to possess spectral points that cannot be detected by the M ‐function (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On existence of integrable solutions of a functional integral equation under Carathéodory conditions

We study the solvability of a functional integral equation in the space of Lebesgue integrable functions on an unbounded interval. Using the conjunction of the technique of measures of weak noncompactness with the classical Schauder fixed point principle we show that the equation in question is solvable in the mentioned function space. Our existence result is obtained under the assumption that functions involved in the investigated functional integral equation satisfy Carathéodory conditions. Moreover, that result generalizes several ones obtained earlier in many research papers and monographs.