Spread of disease in a patchy environment

For a two patches SIR model, it is shown that its dynamic behavior is determined by several quantities. We have shown that if R₀ < 1, then the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, otherwise it is unstable. Some sufficient conditions for the local stability of boundary equilibria are obtained. Numerical simulations indicate that travel between patches can reduces oscillations in both patches; may enhances oscillations in both patches; or travel switches oscillations from one patch to another.     

Analysis of a delayed HIV/AIDS epidemic model with saturation incidence

In this paper, a delayed HIV/AIDS epidemic model with saturation incidence is proposed and analyzed. The equilibria and their stability are investigated. The model exhibits two equilibria, namely, the disease-free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium. It is found that if the threshold R ₀<1, then the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, and if the threshold R ₀>1, the system is permanent and the endemic equilibrium is asymptotically stable under certain conditions.     

Modelling approach for biological control of insect pest by releasing infected pest

Models of biological control have a long history of theoretical development that have focused on the interactions between a predator and a prey. Here we have extended the classical epidemic model to include a continuous and impulsive pest control strategies by releasing the infected pests bred in laboratory. For the continuous model, the results imply that the susceptible pest goes to extinct if the threshold condition R₀ < 1. While R₀ > 1, the positive equilibrium of continuous model is globally asymptotically stable. Similarly, the threshold condition which guarantees the global stability of the susceptible pest-eradication periodic solution is obtained for the model with impulsive control strategy. Consequently, based on the results obtained in this paper, the control strategies which maintain the pests below an acceptably low level are discussed by controlling the release rate and impulsive period. Finally, the biological implications of the results and the efficiency of two control strategies are also discussed.     

Dynamic model of worm propagation in computer network

In this paper, an attempt has been made to mathematically formulate a compartmental susceptible – exposed – infectious – susceptible with vaccination (that is, anti-virus treatment) (SEIS-V) epidemic transmission model of worms in a computer network with natural death rate (which depends on the total number of nodes). The stability of the result is stated in terms of modified reproductive number R_v. We have derived an explicit formula for the modified reproductive number R_v, and have shown that the worm-free equilibrium, whose component of infective is zero, is globally asymptotically stable if R_v < 1, and unstable if R_v > 1. The contribution of vertical transmission to the modified reproductive number is also analyzed. Numerical methods are employed to solve and simulate the system of equations developed and interpretation of the model yields interesting revelations. Analysis of efficient antivirus software is also performed.     

The effect of population dispersal on the spread of a disease

The effect of population dispersal among n patches on the spread of a disease is investigated. Population dispersal does not destroy the uniqueness of a disease free equilibrium and its attractivity when the basic reproduction number of a disease R₀<1. When R₀>1, the uniqueness and global attractivity of the endemic equilibrium can be obtained if dispersal rates of susceptible individuals and infective individuals are the same or very close in each patch. However, numerical calculations show that population dispersal may result in multiple endemic equilibria and even multi-stable equilibria among patches, and also may result in the extinction of a disease, even though it cannot be eradicated in each isolated patch, provided the basic reproduction numbers of isolated patches are not very large.     

Effects of limited interactions between individuals on cooperation in spatial evolutionary prisoner’s dilemma game

We study the spatial evolutionary prisoner’s dilemma game with limited interactions by introducing two kinds of individuals, say type-A and type-B with a fraction of p and (1 − p), respectively, distributed randomly on a square lattice. Each kind of individuals can adopt two pure strategies: either to cooperate or to defect. During the evolution, the individuals can only interact with others belonging to the same kind, but they can learn from either kinds of individuals in the nearest neighborhood. Using Monte Carlo simulations, the average frequency of cooperators ρ_C is calculated as a function of p in the equilibrium state. It is shown that, compared with the case of p = 0 (only one kind of individuals existing in the system), cooperation can be evidently promoted. In particular, the cooperator density can reach a maximum level at some moderate values of p in a wide range of payoff parameters. The results imply that certain limited interactions between individuals plays an important and nontrivial role in the evolution of cooperation.     

Discrepancy principle for DSM II

Let Ay = f, A is a linear operator in a Hilbert space H, y ⊥ N(A) ≔ {u : Au = 0}, R(A) ≔ {h : h = Au, u ∈ D(A)} is not closed, ∥f_δ − f∥ ⩽ δ. Given f_δ, one wants to construct u_δ such that lim_δ→0∥u_δ − y∥ = 0. Two versions of discrepancy principles for the DSM (dynamical systems method) for finding the stopping time and calculating the stable solution u_δ to the original equation Ay = f are formulated and mathematically justified.     

Global analysis of a vector-host epidemic model with nonlinear incidences

In this paper, an epidemic model with nonlinear incidences is proposed to describe the dynamics of diseases spread by vectors (mosquitoes), such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue and so on. The constant human recruitment rate and exponential natural death, as well as vector population with asymptotically constant population, are incorporated into the model. The stability of the system is analyzed for the disease-free and endemic equilibria. The stability of the system can be controlled by the threshold number R₀. It is shown that if R₀ is less than one, the disease free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable and in such a case the endemic equilibrium does not exist; if R₀ is greater than one, then the disease persists and the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. Our results imply that the threshold condition of the system provides important guidelines for accessing control of the vector diseases, and the spread of vector epidemic in an efficient way can be prevented. The contribution of the nonlinear saturating incidence to the basic reproduction number and the level of the endemic equilibrium are also analyzed, respectively.     

Dynamic analysis of pest control model with population dispersal in two patches and impulsive effect

In this paper, we investigate the pest control model with population dispersal in two patches and impulsive effect. By exploiting the Floquet theory of impulsive differential equation and small amplitude perturbation skills, we can obtain that the susceptible pest eradication periodic solution is globally asymptotically stable if the impulsive periodic τ is less than the critical value τ₀ . Further, we also prove that the system is permanent when the impulsive periodic τ is larger than the critical value τ₀. Hence, in order to drive the susceptible pest to extinction, we can take impulsive control strategy such that τ < τ₀ according to the effect of the viruses on the environment and the cost of the releasing pest infected in a laboratory. Finally, numerical simulations validate the obtained theoretical results for the pest control model with population dispersal in two patches and impulsive effect.     

A semi-Markov process with an inverse Gaussian distribution as sojourn time

Let X_n denote the state of a device after n repairs. We assume that the time between two repairs is the time τ taken by a Wiener process {W(t), t ? 0}, starting from w₀ and with drift μ < 0, to reach c ∈ [0, w₀). After the nth repair, the process takes on either the value X_n?1 + 1 or X_n?1 + 2. The probability that X_n = X_n?1 + j, for j = 1, 2, depends on whether τ ? t₀ (a fixed constant) or τ > t₀. The device is considered to be worn out when X_n ? k, where k ∈ {1, 2, …}. This model is based on the ones proposed by Rishel (1991) [1] and Tseng and Peng (2007) [2]. We obtain an explicit expression for the mean lifetime of the device. Numerical methods are used to illustrate the analytical findings.     

An extended rational interpolation method

To interpolate function, f(x), a ? x ? b, when we have some information about the values of f(x) and their derivatives in separate points on {x₀, x₁, … , x_n} ? [a, b], the Hermit interpolation method is usually used. Here, to solve this kind of problems, extended rational interpolation method is presented and it is shown that the suggested method is more efficient and suitable than the Hermit interpolation method, especially when the function f(x) has singular points in interval [a, b]. Also for implementing the extended rational interpolation method, the direct method and the inverse differences method are presented, and with some examples these arguments are examined numerically.     

On “P” property and the column-W property

P-matrices play an important role in the well-posedness of a linear complementarity problem (LCP). Similarly, the well-posedness of a horizontal linear complementarity problem (HLCP) is closely related to the column-W property of a matrix k-tuple.In this paper we first consider the problem of generating P-matrices from a given pair of matrices. Given a matrix pair (D, F) where D is a square matrix of order m and matrix F has m rows, “what are the conditions under which there exists a matrix G such that (D + FG) is a P-matrix?”. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the special case when the column rank of F is m ? 1. A decision algorithm of complexity O(m²) to check whether the given pair of matrices (D, F) is P-matrisable is obtained. We also obtain a necessary and an independent sufficient condition for the general case when rank(F) is less than m ? 1.We then generalise the P-matrix generating problem to the generation of matrix k-tuples satisfying the column-W property from a given matrix (k + 1)-tuple. That is, given a matrix (k + 1)-tuple (D₁, … ,D_k, F), where D_js are square matrices of order m and F is a matrix having m rows, we determine the conditions under which the matrix k-tuple (D₁ + FG₁, … ,D_k + FG_k) satisfies the column-W property. As in the case of P-matrices we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the case when rank(F) = m ? 1. Using these conditions a decision algorithm of complexity O(km²) to check whether the given matrix (k + 1)-tuple is column-W matrisable is obtained. Then for the case when rank(F) is less than m ? 1, we obtain a necessary and an independent sufficient condition.For a special sub-class of P-matrices we give a polynomial time decision algorithm for P-matrisability. Finally, we obtain a geometric characterisation of column-W property by generalising the well known separation theorem for P-matrices.     

Special Functions on the Sphere with Applications to Minimal Surfaces

A function which is homogeneous in x, y, z of degree n and satisfies V_xx + V_yy + V_zz = 0 is called a spherical harmonic. In polar coordinates, the spherical harmonics take the form rⁿf_n, where f_n is a spherical surface harmonic of degree n. On a sphere, f_n satisfies ▵ f_n + n(n + 1)f_n = 0, where ▵ is the spherical Laplacian. Bounded spherical surface harmonics are well studied, but in certain instances, unbounded spherical surface harmonics may be of interest. For example, if X is a parameterization of a minimal surface and n is the corresponding unit normal, it is known that the support function, w = X · n, satisfies ▵w + 2w = 0 on a branched covering of a sphere with some points removed. While simple in form, the boundary value problem for the support function has a very rich solution set. We illustrate this by using spherical harmonics of degree one to construct a number of classical genus-zero minimal surfaces such as the catenoid, the helicoid, Enneper's surface, and Hennenberg's surface, and Riemann's family of singly periodic genus-one minimal surfaces.     

Qualitative analysis of a SIR epidemic model with saturated treatment rate

On account of the effect of limited treatment resources on the control of epidemic disease, a saturated removal rate is incorporated into Hethcote’s SIR epidemiological model (Hethcote, SIAM Rev. 42:599–653, 2000). Unlike the original model, the model has two endemic equilibria when R ₀<1. Furthermore, under some conditions, both the disease free equilibrium and one of the two endemic equilibria are asymptotically stable, i.e., the model has bistable equilibria. Therefore, disease eradication not only depends on R ₀ but also on the initial sizes of all sub-populations. By the Poincaré-Bendixson theorem, Poincaré index, center manifold theorem, Hopf bifurcation theorem and Lyapunov-Lasalle theorem, etc., the existence and asymptotical stability of the equilibria, the existence, stability and direction of Hopf bifurcation are discussed, respectively.     

Pattern Frequency Sequences and Internal Zeros

Let q be a pattern and let S_n, q(c) be the number of n-permutations having exactly c copies of q. We investigate when the sequence (S_n, q(c))_c ≥ 0 has internal zeros. If q is a monotone pattern it turns out that, except for q = 12 or 21, the nontrivial sequences (those where n is at least the length of q) always have internal zeros. For the pattern q = 1(l + 1)l…2 there are infinitely many sequences which contain internal zeros and when l = 2 there are also infinitely many which do not. In the latter case, the only possible places for internal zeros are the next-to-last or the second-to-last positions. Note that by symmetry this completely determines the existence of internal zeros for all patterns of length at most 3.     

Matrix characterization of linear codes with arbitrary Hamming weight hierarchy

The support of an [n, k] linear code C over a finite field F_q is the set of all coordinate positions such that at least one codeword has a nonzero entry in each of these coordinate position. The rth generalized Hamming weight d_r(C), 1 ⩽ r ⩽ k, of C is defined as the minimum of the cardinalities of the supports of all [n, r] subcodes of C. The sequence (d₁(C), d₂(C), … , d_k(C)) is called the Hamming weight hierarchy (HWH) of C. The HWH, d_r(C) = n − k + r;  r = 1, 2 , …, k, characterizes maximum distance separable (MDS) codes. Therefore the matrix characterization of MDS codes is also the characterization of codes with the HWH d_r(C) = n − k + r; r = 1, 2, … , k. A linear code C with systematic check matrix [I∣P], where I is the (n − k) × (n − k) identity matrix and P is a (n − k) × k matrix, is MDS iff every square submatrix of P is nonsingular. In this paper we extend this characterization to linear codes with arbitrary HWH. Using this result, we characterize Near-MDS codes, Near-Near-MDS (N²-MDS) codes and A^μ-MDS codes. The MDS-rank of C is the smallest integer η such that d_η+1 = n − k + η + 1 and the defect vector of C with MDS-rank η is defined as the ordered set {μ₁(C), μ₂(C), μ₃(C), … , μ_η(C), μ_η+1(C)}, where μ_i(C) = n − k + i − d_i(C). We call C a dually defective code if the defect vector of the code and its dual are the same. We also discuss matrix characterization of dually defective codes. Further, the codes meeting the generalized Greismer bound are characterized in terms of their generator matrix. The HWH of dually defective codes meeting the generalized Greismer bound are also reported.     

Space–time symmetry violation,configuration mixing model and E-infinity theory

We have studied the time reversal symmetry violation on the bases of the configuration mixing model and E-infinity theory. With the use of the Cabibbo angle approximation, we have presented the transformation matrix in terms of the golden ratio (?), and shown that the time reversal symmetry violation is described by the configuration mixing of the unstable and stable manifolds (W^u, W^s). The magnitude of the mixing for the weak interaction field is given by the expression sin² θ_T(theor) ≈ sin⁴ θ_C(theor) ≈ (?)¹² = 3.105 × 10^?3, which is compared to the Kaon decay experiment ～2.3 × 10^?3. We have also discussed the space–time symmetry violation by using the CPT theorem.     

Bifurcations of travelling wave solutions in a new integrable equation with peakon and compactons

Degasperis and Procesi applied the method of asymptotic integrability and obtain Degasperis–Procesi equation. They showed that it has peakon solutions, which has a discontinuous first derivative at the wave peak, but they did not explain the reason that the peakon solution arises. In this paper, we study these non-smooth solutions of the generalized Degasperis–Procesi equation u_t − u_txx + (b + 1)uu_x = bu_xu_xx + uu_xxx, show the reason that the non-smooth travelling wave arise and investigate global dynamical behavior and obtain the parameter condition under which peakon, compacton and another travelling wave solutions engender. Under some parameter condition, this equation has infinitely many compacton solutions. Finally, we give some explicit expression of peakon and compacton solutions.     

New exact solitary-wave special solutions for the nonlinear dispersive K(m, n) equations

In this paper, we study the nonlinear dispersive K(m, n) equations: u_t + (u^m)_x − (uⁿ)_xxx = 0 which exhibit solutions with solitary patterns. New exact solitary solutions are found. The two special cases, K(2, 2) and K(3, 3), are chosen to illustrate the concrete features of the decomposition method in K(m, n) equations. The nonlinear equations K(m, n) are studied for two different cases, namely when m = n being odd and even integers. General formulas for the solutions of K(m, n) equations are established.     

Dynamics of landslide model with time delay and periodic parameter perturbations

In present paper, we analyze the dynamics of a single-block model on an inclined slope with Dieterich–Ruina friction law under the variation of two new introduced parameters: time delay T_d and initial shear stress μ. It is assumed that this phenomenological model qualitatively simulates the motion along the infinite creeping slope. The introduction of time delay is proposed to mimic the memory effect of the sliding surface and it is generally considered as a function of history of sliding. On the other hand, periodic perturbation of initial shear stress emulates external triggering effect of long-distant earthquakes or some non-natural vibration source. The effects of variation of a single observed parameter, T_d or μ, as well as their co-action, are estimated for three different sliding regimes: β < 1, β = 1 and β > 1, where β stands for the ratio of long-term to short-term stress changes. The results of standard local bifurcation analysis indicate the onset of complex dynamics for very low values of time delay. On the other side, numerical approach confirms an additional complexity that was not observed by local analysis, due to the possible effect of global bifurcations. The most complex dynamics is detected for β < 1, with a complete Ruelle–Takens–Newhouse route to chaos under the variation of T_d, or the co-action of both parameters T_d and μ. These results correspond well with the previous experimental observations on clay and siltstone with low clay fraction. In the same regime, the perturbation of only a single parameter, μ, renders the oscillatory motion of the block. Within the velocity-independent regime, β = 1, the inclusion and variation of T_d generates a transition to equilibrium state, whereas the small oscillations of μ induce oscillatory motion with decreasing amplitude. The co-action of both parameters, in the same regime, causes the decrease of block’s velocity. As for β > 1, highly-frequent, limit-amplitude oscillations of initial stress give rise to oscillatory motion. Also for β > 1, in case of perturbing only the initial shear stress, with smaller amplitude, velocity of the block changes exponentially fast. If the time delay is introduced, besides the stress perturbation, within the same regime, the co-action of T_d (T_d < 0.1) and small oscillations of μ induce the onset of deterministic chaos.