Generalized nets in neurology: an example of mathematical modelling

The purpose of this paper is to explain the basic theory of generalized nets (GNs) and their applications in the context of the differential diagnosis of neurological diseases. We define formally the concepts of a GN and transitions of a GN and also outline some remarks on their theory. The work here constructs an example which aims to trace the process of diagnosing different signs and symptoms in neurology. This will enable the interested reader to see the scope of nets in general as tools for the modelling, simulation, optimization and control of real processes.     

Teaching mathematical modelling in microeconomics

Three modelling excercises from microeconomics are presented, both as examples of a methodology for teaching economics to mathematically inclined students, and as a vehicle for teaching modelling as a general skill. The first exercise, a price adjustment model for perfect competition, is given in detail within a formulation/solution/generalization/validation scheme with suggestions for an interactive teaching strategy. The results of giving the exercise to a second‐year BSc class in Mathematics and Computing are reported. Outlines of two further exercises relating to oligopoly and related models are given, and an Appendix provides a series of graduated problems for the first of these exercises.     

An efficacious dynamic mathematical modelling approach for creation of best collaborative groups

In many disciplines, including business, publishing, management, health, sports, arts and education, there is a population of people which should be optimally divided into multiple groups based on certain attributes to collaboratively perform a particular task. The problem becomes more complex when some other requirements are also added. They might be importance degrees of grouping criteria, homogeneity, heterogeneity or a mixture of teams, amount of consideration to the preferences of individuals, variability or invariability of group size, having moderators, aggregation or distribution of persons, overlapping level of teams, and so forth. Several researchers have addressed the problem, but they suffered from failure to satisfy all the requirements and/or developed inexact solutions and/or had very long process times. This work reveals how these problems can be mathematically formulated through a binary integer programming approach to construct an effective model which is solvable by exact methods in an acceptable time. The suggested model was validated through data obtained from collaboration of a set of learners in an online learning discussion forum grouped by means of the provided method. The achieved outcomes confirmed that the new approach is satisfactory and promising.     

Methodological conceptualization of mathematical modelling

The experience of the author and colleges, as mathematicians working in interdisciplinary groups, have shown the necessity to make the process of mathematical modelling more precise and to establish its different phases. In this way, the specific role of the mathematician in working teams can be better understood by the other members of the team and his or her specific capabilities can be used more efficiently. The proposed structuration of the mathematical modelling process is resumed in a following diagram, especially when computational schemes are the desired result (see Figure 1).

The discussion tends to delineate a concept of modelling from a standpoint where the difference between mathematics as a language and mathematics as a science, having its own dynamic and semantics, plays a fundamental role.     

Promoting interdisciplinarity through mathematical modelling

This article presents one approach to addressing the important issue of interdisciplinarity in the primary school mathematics curriculum, namely, through realistic mathematical modelling problems. Such problems draw upon other disciplines for their contexts and data. The article initially considers the nature of modelling with complex systems and discusses how such experiences differ from existing problem-solving activities in the primary mathematics curriculum. Principles for designing interdisciplinary modelling problems are then addressed, with reference to two mathematical modelling problems—one based in the scientific domain and the other in the literary domain. Examples of the models children have created in solving these problems follow. A reflection on the differences in the diversity and sophistication of these models raises issues regarding the design of interdisciplinary modelling problems. The article concludes with suggested opportunities for generating multidisciplinary projects within the regular mathematics curriculum.     

An examination for mathematical modelling

First year mathematics degree students at Leicester Polytechnic attend a course in mathematical modelling. The aim is to introduce the students to mathematical modelling concepts and to model development. Work is set and marked during the course and this forms a vital part of the students' assessment. In addition to this, however, the students are assessed by means of a three hour examination at the end of the year. This examination is significantly different from the normal ‘five out of eight’ type. The philosophy and organization of the examination are discussed in this paper. An example of a particular examination, that for June 1986, is included as an appendix to illustrate the points made in the discussion.     

Approximate mathematical modelling of motions

This paper discusses different approaches to constructing approximate mathematical models. __________ Translated from Fundamentalnaya i Prikladnaya Matematika, Vol. 11, No. 7, pp. 5–9, 2005.     

Introducing mathematical modelling to undergraduates

Some motivation for, and thoughts behind, the development of a course in mathematical modelling are described. The structure of the course and some of the problems of teaching and assessment are reviewed. The course has the characteristics that it is introductory and discipline‐independent.     

Applied mathematical modelling in marine science

The essential elements of a general interdisciplinary marine model are reviewed; state variables are identified, evolution equations are discussed and major parameters are indicated. The methods of reducing the size of the model by aggregation in state space (reduction of scope) or averaging in physical space (reduction of support) are revised with particular emphasis on the associated parameterization of the non-linear effects. Examples of application are given in illustration and comparison of the models' predictions with observations indicates the degree of accuracy and the limits of viability of present state marine modelling.     

Teaching mathematical modelling through project work

The paper presents and analyses experiences from developing and running an inservice course in project work and mathematical modelling for mathematics teachers in the Danish gymnasium, e.g. upper secondary level, grade 10~12. The course objective is to support the teachers to develop, try out in their own classes, evaluate and report a project based problem oriented course in mathematical modelling. The in-service course runs over one semester and includes three seminars of 3, 1 and 2 days. Experiences show that the course objectives in general are fulfilled and that the course projects are reported in manners suitable for internet publication for colleagues. The reports and the related discussions reveal interesting dilemmas concerning the teaching of mathematical modelling and how to cope with these through «setting the scene» for the students modelling projects and through dialogues supporting and challenging the students during their work. This is illustrated and analysed on the basis of two course projects.     

Arguments constructed within the mathematical modelling cycle

Socio-cultural theories in mathematics education field recently emphasize the importance of the collective argumentation within small-group work. Since mathematical modelling tasks require a process in which students search for a solution for real life problems through small-group work, the arguments in this process become an issue of concern. This study examines the arguments constructed within the mathematical modelling cycle by considering the participants’ modelling processes. In this context, four primary pre-service mathematics teachers worked on a modelling task and their arguments were explained through the components of Toulmin’s argumentation schema. Findings revealed that the data and the claims of most of the arguments corresponded to the starting and ending points of the modelling transition in which the current arguments constructed. The existence of the arguments corresponded through warrant-claim originated from inquiring the assumptions in the modelling cycle. In addition, the participants made assumptions as warrants to support their arguments and as rebuttals to show the degree of certainty of claims in intra-group challenging situations. Both the warrants and the backings depended on modelling context as well as mathematics context.     

Rival approaches to mathematical modelling in immunology

In order to formulate quantitatively correct mathematical models of the immune system, one requires an understanding of immune processes and familiarity with a range of mathematical techniques. Selection of an appropriate model requires a number of decisions to be made, including a choice of the modelling objectives, strategies and techniques and the types of model considered as candidate models. The authors adopt a multidisciplinary perspective.