Best approximation by downward sets with applications

We develop a theory of downward sets for a class of normed ordered spaces. We study best approximation in a normed ordered space X by elements of downward sets, and give necessary and sufficient conditions for any element of best approximation by a closed downward subset of X. We also characterize strictly downward subsets of X, and prove that a downward subset of X is strictly downward if and only if each its boundary point is Chebyshev. The results obtained are used for examination of some Chebyshev pairs （W,x）, where ∈ X and W is a closed downward subset of X     

On a class of Riemann surfaces

It is considered the class of Riemann surfaces with dimT1 = 0, where T1 is a subclass of exact harmonic forms which is one of the factors in the orthogonal decomposition of the spaceΩH of harmonic forms of the surface, namely The surfaces in the class OHD and the class of planar surfaces satisfy dimT1 = 0. A.Pfluger posed the question whether there might exist other surfaces outside those two classes. Here it is shown that in the case of finite genus g, we should look for a surface S with dimT1 = 0 among the surfaces of the form Sg\K , where Sg is a closed surface of genus g and K a compact set of positive harmonic measure with perfect components and very irregular boundary.     

The use of phase portraits to visualize and investigate isolated singular points of complex functions

ABSTRACT

Undergraduate students usually study Laurent series in a standard course of Complex Analysis. One of the major applications of Laurent series is the classification of isolated singular points of complex functions. Although students are able to find series representations of functions, they may struggle to understand the meaning of the behaviour of the function near isolated singularities. In this paper, I briefly describe the method of domain colouring to create enhanced phase portraits to visualize and study isolated singularities of complex functions. Ultimately this method for plotting complex functions might help to enhance students' insight, in the spirit of learning by experimentation. By analysing the representations of singularities and the behaviour of the functions near their singularities, students can make conjectures and test them mathematically, which can help to create significant connections between visual representations, algebraic calculations and abstract mathematical concepts.     

Schreier rewriting beyond the classical setting Dedicated to our teacher Alfred Lvovich Shmelkin on his 70th birthday

Using actions of free monoids and free associative algebras, we establish some Schreier-type formulas involving ranks of actions and ranks of subactions in free actions or Grassmann-type relations for the ranks of intersections of subactions of free actions. The coset action of the free group is used to establish a generalization of the Schreier formula in the case of subgroups of infinite index. We also study and apply large modules over free associative and free group algebras.     

A quantum spin system with random interactions I

We study a quantum spin glass as a quantum spin system with random interactions and establish the existence of a family of evolution groups {τ_t(ω)}_ω∈/Ω of the spin system. The notion of ergodicity of a measure preserving group of automorphisms of the probability space Ω, is used to prove the almost sure independence of the Arveson spectrum Sp(τ(ω)) of τ_t(ε). As a consequence, for any family of (τ(ω),β) — KMS states {ρ(ω)}, the spectrum of the generator of the group of unitaries which implement τ(ω) in the GNS representation is also almost surely independent of ω.     

Absolute Continuity of Measures in the Class of Markov and Semi-Markov Processes of Diffusion Type

The property of absolute continuity of measures in the class of one-dimensional semi-Markov processes of diffusion type is investigated. The measure of such a process can be composed of two measures. The first one is a distribution of a random track, and the second one is a conditional distribution of a time run along the track. The desired density is represented in the form of product of two corresponding densities.     

Toward eudaimonology: notes on a quantitative framework for the study of happiness

After noting factors (concern for others, ignorance, irrationality) accounting for the divergences between preference and happiness, the question of representing the preference of an individual by a utility function is discussed, taking account of lexicographic ordering, imperfect discrimination and the corresponding concepts of semiorder and sub-semiorder. Methods to improve upon the interpersonal comparability of measures of happiness such as pinning down the dividing line of zero happiness and the use of a just perceivable increment of happiness are discussed. The relation of social welfare to individual welfare (i.e. happiness) is then considered. Some reasonable set of axioms ensuring that social welfare is a separable function of and indeed an unweighted sum of individual welfares are reviewed. Finally, happiness is regarded as a function of objective, institutional and subjective factors; an interdisciplinary approach is needed even for an incomplete analysis.     

Rigid isotopy classification of real algebraic curves of bidegree (3,3) on quadrics

A rigid isotopy of nonsingular real algebraic curves on a quadric is a path in the space of such curves of a given bidegree. We obtain the rigid isotopy classification of nonsingular real algebraic curves of bidegree (3, 3) on a hyperboloid and on an ellipsoid. We also study of the space of real algebraic curves of bidegree (3, 3) with a single node or cusp. Translated fromMatematicheskie Zametki, Vol. 66, No. 6, pp. 810–815, December, 1999.     

Noncommutative geometry and motives: The thermodynamics of endomotives

We combine aspects of the theory of motives in algebraic geometry with noncommutative geometry and the classification of factors to obtain a cohomological interpretation of the spectral realization of zeros of L-functions. The analogue in characteristic zero of the action of the Frobenius on ?-adic cohomology is the action of the scaling group on the cyclic homology of the cokernel (in a suitable category of motives) of a restriction map of noncommutative spaces. The latter is obtained through the thermodynamics of the quantum statistical system associated to an endomotive (a noncommutative generalization of Artin motives). Semigroups of endomorphisms of algebraic varieties give rise canonically to such endomotives, with an action of the absolute Galois group. The semigroup of endomorphisms of the multiplicative group yields the Bost-Connes system, from which one obtains, through the above procedure, the desired cohomological interpretation of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function. In the last section we also give a Lefschetz formula for the archimedean local L-factors of arithmetic varieties.     

Variation of the structure and permeability of tensioned fiber layers during impregnation with a thermoplastic polymer melt

The influence of displacements of tensioned fibers on the impregnation of fibrous layers with a polymer melt and on the final composite structure is studied. Using computer simulation, it is shown that, during impregnation, the structure of tensioned fibrous layers changes considerably depending on the initial arrangement and tensioning of fibers. The consolidated regions formed under the melt front move inside the impregnated layer with the advancing melt front. Displacement of the tensioned fibers as well as the formation of “washouts” favors the impregnation of internal layers, but cause significant inhomogeneity of the polymer structure. The surface (on the side of the melt flow) regions are more saturated with the polymer than the internal ones. A difference in the melt percolation mechanisms at various impregnation regimes is revealed. The effective permeability coefficients of a tensioned fiber layer are not constant but depend on the conditions and regimes of impregnation. Submitted to the 11th Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000). Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 259–270, March–April, 2000.     

A system-theoretic model for cooperation, interaction and allocation

A system-theoretic approach to cooperation, interaction and allocation is presented that simplifies, unifies and extends the results on classical cooperative games and their generalizations. In particular, a general Weber theory of linear values is obtained and a new theory for local cooperation and general interaction indices is established. The model is dynamic and based on the notion of states of cooperation that change under actions of agents. Careful distinction between “local” states of cooperation and general “system” states leads to a notion of entropy for arbitrary non-negative and efficient allocations and thus to a new information-theoretic criterion for fairness of allocation mechanisms. Shapley allocations, for instance, are exhibited as arising from random walks with maximal entropy. For a large class of cooperation systems, a characterization of game symmetries in terms of λ-values is given. A concept for cores and Weber sets is proposed and it is shown that a Weber set of a game with selection structure always contains the core.     

Computational organizational network modeling: Strategies and an example

This paper articulates the logic of computational organizational modeling as a strategy for theory construction and testing in the field of organizational communication networks. The paper introduces, Blanche, and objectoriented simulation environment that supports quantitative modeling and analysis of the evolution of organizational networks. Blanche relies on the conceptual primitives of attributes that describe network nodes and links that connect these nodes. Difference equations are used to model the dynamic properties of the network as it changes over time. This paper describes the design of Blanche and how it supports both the process of theory construction, model building and analysis of results. The paper concludes with an empirical example, to test the predictions of a network-based social influence model for the adoption of a new communication technology in the workplace.     

Schreier rewriting beyond the classical setting

Using actions of free monoids and free associative algebras, we establish some Schreiertype formulas involving ranks of actions and ranks of subactions in free actions or Grassmann-type relations for the ranks of intersections of subactions of free actions. The coset action of the free group is used to establish a generalization of the Schreier formula in the case of subgroups of infinite index. We also study and apply large modules over free associative and free group algebras. This work was supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Grant No. 227060-04), Yuri Bahturin, National Science Foundation (Grant No. DMS-0700811) and Russian Fund for Basic Research (Grant No. 08-01-00573), Alexander Olshanskii     

Finiteness of the strong global dimension of radical square zero algebras

The strong global dimension of a finite dimensional algebra A is the maximum of the width of indecomposable bounded differential complexes of finite dimensional projective A-modules. We prove that the strong global dimension of a finite dimensional radical square zero algebra A over an algebraically closed field is finite if and only if A is piecewise hereditary. Moreover, we discuss results concerning the finiteness of the strong global dimension of algebras and the related problem on the density of the push-down functors associated to the canonical Galois coverings of the trivial extensions of algebras by their repetitive algebras.     

Utilization and maintenance in a model with scrapping

We consider a productive asset, called equipment or capital good, and we examine the properties of, as well as the interactions between, the operating policies, which are determined by its optimal utilization and maintenance, and the capital policy of scrapping, which defines the optimal time when the productive asset is retired from its current use. Starting with an abstract model and using the approach of optimal control, initially we characterize the various types of equipment by assigning to them a single total profit index, which indicates how the above policies affect the flow of operating revenues plus capital gains or losses. This index is a function of market-determined prices. So using it we then investigate how the operating and capital policies are influenced by the rate of discount, the price of new equipment, and the rise or fall of the price of new equipment relative to the value of its output. Among other interesting results, we find that the effects of these prices on the nature and interactions of optimal policies depend crucially on whether the equipment is of the usual profit making type, where output is the main source of revenue, or of the antique type, where the main source of revenue is capital gains.     

Nonexistence in power and gamma density regression, sum of nonnegative terms

When we use the power function α(c x)^b and gamma density αx^be^-cx to fit the data by the least squares method, we have to address the question of existence. The closure of the set of each type of these functions defined on a finite domain is determined. We derive a way to determine the closure of a sum of nonnegative functions if the closures of the summands are available.     

Frame multiresolution analysis and infinite trees in Banach spaces on locally compact abelian groups

We extend the concept of frame multiresolution analysis to a locally compact abelian group and use it to define certain weighted Banach spaces and the spaces of their antifunctionals. We define analysis and synthesis operators on these spaces and establish the continuity of their composition. Also, we prove a general result to characterize infinite trees in the above Banach spaces of antifunctionals. This paper paves the way for the study of corresponding problems associated with some other types of Banach spaceson locally compact abelian groups including modulation spaces.     

Creep of polymer concrete in the nonlinear region

Two polyester-based polymer concretes with various volume content of diabase as an extender and aggregate are tested in creep under compression at different stress levels. The phenomenological and structural approaches are both used to analyze the experimental data. Common features of changes in the instantaneous and creep compliances are clarified, and a phenomenological creep model which accounts for the changes in the instantaneous compliance and in the retardation spectrum depending on the stress level is developed. It is shown that the model can be used to describe the experimental results of stress relaxation and creep under repeated loading. Modeling of the composite structure and subsequent solution of the optimization problem confirm the possibility of the existence of an interphase layer more compliant than the binder. A direct correlation between the interphase volume content and the instantaneous compliance of the composite is revealed. It is found that the distinction in nonlinearity of the viscoelastic behavior of the two polymer concretes under investigation can be due to the difference in their porosity. Submitted to the 11th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, June 11–15, 2000.) Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 147–164, 2000.     

Sur l'existence, l'unicité, la stabilité et les propriétés de grandes déviations des solutions d'équations différentielles stochastiques rétrogrades à horizon aléatoire. Application à des problèmes de perturbations singulières

We study the existence, uniqueness and stability of solutions of backward stochastic differential equations with random terminal time under new assumptions; then we establish a large deviation principle for the solutions of such equations, related to a family of Markov processes, the diffusion coefficient of which tends to zero. Finally we apply these results to the analysis of some singular perturbation problems for a class of nonlinear partial differential equations.     

Positivity and boundedness of trigonometric sums

We give a systematic account of results which assure positivity and boundedness of partial sums of cosine or sine series. New proofs of recent results are sketched.