A note on minimization problems and multistep methods

Summary. We use the qualitative properties of the solution flow of the gradient equation to compute a local minimum of a real-valued function . Under the regularity assumption of all equilibria we show a convergence result for bounded trajectories of a consistent, strictly stable linear multistep method applied to the gradient equation. Moreover, we compare the asymptotic features of the numerical and the exact solutions as done by Humphries, Stuart (1994) and Schropp (1995) for one-step methods. In the case of -stable formulae this leads to an efficient solver for stiff minimization problems. Received July 10, 1995 / Revised version received June 27, 1996     

Two Coulomb waves theory for direct excitation

A theoretical model of Dewangan, in which the total scattering wave function is approximated by a distorted wave containing two Coulomb wave functions, is discussed and its relation with the Brauner-Briggs-Klar model for ionization is examined. An important feature of the theory is that it includes a second Born amplitude naturally and in addition, contains, albeit approximately, both real and imaginary parts of all higher order Born terms. The theory is applied to study the 1s→2s excitation of hydrogen by electrons in the energy range 54.4 to 400eV. The differential and integral cross sections predicted by the theory are compared with the results of other theories and experimental data at 54.4eV and a good agreement is found.     

A Bicriterial Optimization Problem of Antenna Design

In this paper we consider a special optimization problem withtwo objectives which arises in antenna theory. It is shown that thisabstract bicriterial optimization problem has at least one solution.Discretized versions of this problem are also discussed, and therelationships between these finite dimensional problems and the infinitedimensional problem are investigated. Moreover, we presentnumerical results for special parameters using a multiobjectiveoptimization method.     

Strain of an anisotropic monolith during the excavation of minerals

We solve the problem of the normal and transverse shear in an anisotropic monolith during the excavation of a stratum of solid mineral. It is shown that the stress perturbation field in the rock is due to the whole extent of the excavated portion of the stratum. We study way in which the friction that arises between the interacting rock of the roof and the floor influences the strain and stress fields as the front of the excavation evolves, and also the influence of the extent of the excavated portion of the rock stratum on the magnitude of the accumulated tangential displacements. Three figures. Translated fromTeoreticheskaya i Prikladnaya Mekhanika, No. 25, 1995, pp. 62–69.     

Investigation of microbial—mineral interactions by Mössbauer spectroscopy

Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to investigate the reactions of microbes with iron minerals in aqueous solutions and as components of rocks in banded iron formations and granite. A microbial biofilm that formed on a wall of an excavated granite vault in a deep underground laboratory initiated this research. At the aerobic face of the biofilm, iron was found in a form of ferrihydrite; in the anaerobic face against the rock, iron was found as very small siderite particles. Laboratory incubations of the biofilm microbial consortium showed different mineral species could be formed. When the microbial consortium from the biofilm was incubated with magnetite grains, up to about 10% of the iron was altered in three weeks to hematite. The ability of the consortium to precipitate iron both as Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in close proximity may have a bearing on the deposition of banded iron formations. These reactions could also be important in microbially induced corrosion.     

Developing models of decision making

Studies that focus on the decision making process can be classified in (at least) two ways: by psychological content and by contextual content. The first describes the degree to which the analysis focuses on the mental processes associated with decision making and the second deals with the degree to which the analysis is dependent upon the study's context. Several studies are examined in terms of where they fall in this two-dimensional taxonomy. Two analyses of maritime command and control conducted by the authors are examined more fully within this taxonomy. Both are context full, but are at opposite ends of the psychological content spectrum. These categorizations are useful in focusing future research aimed at developing models of decision making.