Linearly implicit time discretization of non-linear parabolic equations

We give a stability and error analysis of linearly implicitone-step methods for time discretization of non-linear parabolicequations. We derive precise error bounds for Rosenbrock andW-methods, and we explain the error reduction by Richardsonextrapolation of the linearly implicit Euler method which occursin spite of the breakdown of asymptotic expansions. The parabolicequations are studied in a Hilbert space framework that includessemilinear and quasilinear parabolic equations, and also stiffreaction-diffusion equations with reactions at different timescales.     

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Book reviews

     

Zur konstruktion bewerteter dicksonscher fastkörper

Zusammenfassung  After a short introduction to the valuation theory of nearfields, we give criteria for when a valuation of a skewfield F is also a valuation of the Dickson nearfield F^K which is derived from F by the coupling K on F. For the construction of examples, a rational function field F =K(t) is given. The set of all prolongations of a valuation v on K to F is well known. Sufficient conditions are given which guarantee that couplings K on F and elements are in this sense compatible so that w is a valuation of the Dickson nearfield F^K. Examples demonstrate the results.

     

On the Behavior of the Solutions for Certain Linear Autonomous Difference Equations

Certain linear autonomous delay as well as neutral delay difference equations are considered. A class of linear autonomous delay difference equations with continuous variable is also considered. Some results on the behavior of the solutions are established via two distinct positive roots of the corresponding characteristic equation.     

A comparison between the order and the volume fill rate for a base-stock inventory control system under a compound renewal demand process

The order fill rate (OFR) is sometimes suggested as an alternative to the volume fill rate (VFR) (most often just denoted fill rate) as a performance measure for inventory control systems. We consider a continuous review, base-stock policy, where replenishment orders have a constant lead time and unfilled demands are backordered. For this policy, we develop exact mathematical expressions for the two fill-rate measures when demand follows a compound renewal process. We also elaborate on when the OFR can be interpreted as the (extended) ready rate. For the case when customer orders are generated by a negative binomial distribution, we show that it is the size of the shape parameter of this distribution that determines the relative magnitude of the two fill rates. In particular, we show that when customer orders are generated by a geometric distribution, the OFR and the VFR are equal.     

Permutohedral spaces and the Cox ring of the moduli space of stable pointed rational curves

We study the Cox ring of the moduli space of stable pointed rational curves, ${\overline{M}_{0,n}}$ , via the closely related permutohedral (or Losev-Manin) spaces ${\overline{L}_{n-2}}$ . Our main result establishes $\left(\begin{array}{ll} n \\ 2 \end{array}\right)$ polynomial subrings of ${{\rm Cox}(\overline{M}_{0,n})}$ , thus giving collections of boundary variables that intersect the ideal of relations of ${{\rm Cox}(\overline{M}_{0,n})}$ trivially. As applications, we give a combinatorial way to partially solve the Riemann-Roch problem for ${\overline{M}_{0,n}}$ , and we show that all relations in degrees of ${{\rm Cox}(\overline{M}_{0,6})}$ arising from certain pull-backs from projective spaces are generated by the Plücker relations.     

Designing and scaling up an innovation in abstract algebra

In this paper, we describe the process of designing and scaling up the TAAFU group theory curriculum. This work unfolded in three overlapping stages of research and design. The initial designs emerged along with local instructional theories as the result of small-scale design experiments conducted with pairs of students. A second stage of the research and design process focused on generalizing from the initial laboratory design context to an authentic classroom setting. The third (ongoing) stage involves generalizing to instructors (mathematicians) who were not involved in the design process. We describe each of these stages, and our efforts to investigate the efficacy of the resulting curriculum, in order to provide an illustrative example of the process of scaling up an innovation.     

No Arbitrage and the Growth Optimal Portfolio

Abstract

Recently, several papers have expressed an interest in applying the Growth Optimal Portfolio (GOP) for pricing derivatives. We show that the existence of a GOP is equivalent to the existence of a strictly positive martingale density. Our approach circumvents two assumptions usually set forth in the literature: 1) infinite expected growth rates are permitted and 2) the market does not need to admit an equivalent martingale measure. In particular, our approach shows that models featuring credit constrained arbitrage may still allow a GOP to exist because this type of arbitrage can be removed by a change of numéraire. However, if the GOP exists the market admits an equivalent martingale measure under some numéraire and hence derivatives can be priced. The structure of martingale densities is used to provide a new characterization of the GOP which emphasizes the relation to other methods of pricing in incomplete markets. The case where GOP denominated asset prices are strict supermartingales is analyzed in the case of pure jump driven uncertainty.     

Three-Body Phase Shift in One-Dimensional 2 + 1 Scattering

For a model of three particles on a line, subject to attractive delta-function interactions, we consider the phase shift. We do this from the point of view of the calculation of the S-matrix in a hyperspherical adiabatic basis (an adiabatic S-matrix), and for energies ranging from the (negative) energy of the two-body bound state to a total energy of zero. We derive analytical expansions and present numerical work, for different approximations, and compare with the exact results that we obtain from the work of McGuire, whose model we have borrowed. We show that the simplest adiabatic approximation gives results that are qualitatively wrong, but that better approximations yield, for most of our range, excellent agreement with the exact result. Understanding the threshold behaviour, however, requires a zero-energy three-body bound state, or resonance, previously unsuspected for this model. The methods developed for the case of the simplest adiabatic approximation also yield threshold and low-energy results applicable to the two-body problem in two dimensions. Received December 23, 1996; revised May 13, 1997; accepted for publication June 19, 1997