Existence of solutions to projected differential equations in Hilbert spaces

We prove existence and uniqueness of integral curves to the (discontinuous) vector field that results when a Lipschitz continuous vector field on a Hilbert space of any dimension is projected on a non-empty, closed and convex subset.

     

Discrete mathematics in primary and secondary schools in the United States

This article provides a status report on discrete mathematics in America's schools, including an overview of publications and programs that have had major impact. It discusses why discrete mathematics should be introduced in the schools and the authors' efforts to advocate, facilitate, and support the adoption of discrete mathematics topics in the schools. Their perspective is that discrete mathematics should be viewed not only as a collection of new and interesting mathematical topics, but, more importantly, as a vehicle for providing teachers with a new way to think about traditional mathematical topics and new strategies for engaging their students in the study of mathematics.     

Stark's conjecture over complex cubic number fields

Systematic computation of Stark units over nontotally real base fields is carried out for the first time. Since the information provided by Stark's conjecture is significantly less in this situation than the information provided over totally real base fields, new techniques are required. Precomputing Stark units in relative quadratic extensions (where the conjecture is already known to hold) and coupling this information with the Fincke-Pohst algorithm applied to certain quadratic forms leads to a significant reduction in search time for finding Stark units in larger extensions (where the conjecture is still unproven). Stark's conjecture is verified in each case for these Stark units in larger extensions and explicit generating polynomials for abelian extensions over complex cubic base fields, including Hilbert class fields, are obtained from the minimal polynomials of these new Stark units.

     

Laser spectroscopic investigation of a new precursor-type polyparaphenylenevinylene

Optical, structural and morphological properties of thin films of polyparaphenylenevinylene (PPV) formed by an alkyl sulfinyl precursor route have been studied. Thin films were fabricated on an optical glass and on quartz glass either by spin-coating of the precursor solution or by layer-by-layer deposition using Langmuir–Blodgett technique. PPV precursor films were also spin-coated on gold-coated glass in order to study thin-film optical parameters by surface plasmon spectroscopy. We have been successful in forming about 40 precursor mono layers on quartz glass by Langmuir–Blodgett technique using optimized surface pressure and dipping conditions. After thermal conversion of the precursor layers good quality fluorescent PPV films of yellow colour have been obtained. Optical characterization of the films was carried out by linear absorption and emission spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and surface plasmon spectroscopy. Structural and morphological studies on the thin films were carried out by using X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. Wave-guided travelling-wave laser action has been achieved in a PPV film on quartz glass. The sample was transversally pumped with picosecond laser pulses (wavelength 347.15 nm, duration 35 ps). Laser emission occurred at 550 nm for pump pulse energy densities above .     

On the origin of irreproducible behaviour of Na1−xLixNbO3 solid solutions

The irreproducibility of electrical properties of Na_0.88Li_0.12NbO₃ solid solution on thermal cycling reported by M.A.L. Nobre and S. Lanfredi is explained by gradual decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution below ca. 800 °C.     

The effect of construction material, contents and room geometry on the sound field in dwellings at low frequencies

An experimentally validated finite element method is used to model the sound level in rooms at low frequencies. It is demonstrated that the dimensions of rectangular rooms strongly influence the sound pressure level difference. Additional factors were investigated which are not normally considered in the frequency range where diffuse sound field conditions can be assumed. Three effects were investigated: room damping due to wall vibrations, furniture, the effect of small deviations from simple rectangular shapes. It is confirmed by field measurements that the vibrations of masonry walls and floors introduce less damping than surfaces of lightweight construction. Assigning to the FE model a damping equivalent to a surface absorption of 0.02 reproduces the effect of walls of heavyweight construction. Damping equivalent to a surface absorption of 0.15 reproduces the effects of plastered timber-frame walls, floors and ceilings. The work was briefly extended to a room pair built with heavyweight and lightweight material of construction. The modification of the shape of the room frequency response highlights well the effect of material of construction. In-situ and laboratory measurements show that furniture has little effect on steady-state room response below 100 Hz. Modelling a wall recess smaller than 0.5 m improved the agreement between prediction and measurements but the assumption of a simple rectangular room remains appropriate.     

T-duality in Affine NA Toda Models

The construction of non-Abelian affine Toda models is discussed in terms of its underlying Lie algebraic structure. It is shown that a subclass of such non-conformal two-dimensional integrable models naturally leads to the construction of a pair of actions, which share the same spectra and are related by canonical transformations.     

Numerical calculations of temperature distribution of double layer metallic surface treated by laser beams

A mathematical model of laser beam treatment of double layer alloys (Ni/Fe, Al/Fe and Cr/Fe systems) describing the effect of laser beam on different physical and geometrical parameters of coated layer system has been adapted. The numerical solutions of the non-homogeneous heat-transport differential equation could estimate the temperature of the treated region.The suggested model allows investigation of the temperature distribution as a function of treated surface and laser parameters. The physical parameters of the treated materials were taken as functions of temperature due to the change in the temperature of the treated double layer materials.     

Nonvolatile photorefractive holographic recording in Sc:Ce:Cu:LiNbO3

In this paper experimental studies of nonvolatile photorefractive holographic recording in Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystals doped with Sc(0,1,2,3 mol%) were carried out. The Sc:Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystals were grown by the Czochralski method and oxidized in Nb₂O₅ powders. The nonvolatile holographic recording in Sc:Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystals was realized by the two-photon fixed method. We found that the recording time of Sc:Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystal became shorter with the increase of Sc doping concentration, especially doping with Sc(3 mol%), which exceeds the so-called threshold, and there was little loss of nonvolatile diffraction efficiencies between Sc(3 mol%):Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ and Ce:Cu:LiNbO₃ crystals.