Monogenic pseudo‐complex power functions and their applications

The use of a non‐commutative algebra in hypercomplex function theory requires a large variety of different representations of polynomials suitably adapted to the solution of different concrete problems. Naturally arises the question of their relationships and the advantages or disadvantages of different types of polynomials. In this sense, the present paper investigates the intrinsic relationship between two different types of monogenic Appell polynomials. Several authors payed attention to the construction of complete sets of monogenic Appell polynomials, orthogonal with respect to a certain inner product, and used them advantageously for the study of problems in 3D‐elasticity and other problems. Our goal is to show that, as consequence of the binomial nature of those generalized Appell polynomials, their inner structure is determined by interesting combinatorial relations in which the central binomial coefficients play a special role. As a byproduct of own interest, a Riordan–Sofo type binomial identity is also proved. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Robust multilevel methods for quadratic finite element anisotropic elliptic problems

This paper discusses a class of multilevel preconditioners based on approximate block factorization for conforming finite element methods employing quadratic trial and test functions. The main focus is on diffusion problems governed by a scalar elliptic partial differential equation with a strongly anisotropic coefficient tensor. The proposed method provides a high robustness with respect to non‐grid‐aligned anisotropy, which is achieved by the interaction of the following components: (i) an additive Schur complement approximation to construct the coarse‐grid operator; (ii) a global block (Jacobi or Gauss–Seidel) smoother complementing the coarse‐grid correction based on (i); and (iii) utilization of an augmented coarse grid, which enhances the efficiency of the interplay between (i) and (ii). The performed analysis indicates the high robustness of the resulting two‐level method. Moreover, numerical tests with a nonlinear algebraic multilevel iteration method demonstrate that the presented two‐level method can be applied successfully in the recursive construction of uniform multilevel preconditioners of optimal or nearly optimal order of computational complexity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using phase-type models to cost stroke patient care across health,social and community services

Stroke disease places a heavy burden on society, incurring long periods of time in hospital and community care, and associated costs. Also stroke is a highly complex disease with diverse outcomes and multiple strategies for therapy and care. Previously a modeling framework has been developed which clusters patients into classes with respect to their length of stay (LOS) in hospital. Phase-type models were then used to describe patient flows for each cluster. Also multiple outcomes, such as discharge to normal residence, nursing home, or death can be permitted. We here add costs to this model and obtain the Moment Generating Function for the total cost of a system consisting of multiple transient phase-type classes with multiple absorbing states. This system represents different classes of patients in different hospital and community services states. Based on stroke patients’ data from the Belfast City Hospital, various scenarios are explored with a focus on comparing the cost of thrombolysis treatment under different regimes. The overall modeling framework characterizes the behavior of stroke patient populations, with a focus on integrated system-wide costing and planning, encompassing hospital and community services. Within this general framework we have developed models which take account of patient heterogeneity and multiple care options. Such complex strategies depend crucially on developing a deep engagement with the health care professionals and underpinning the models with detailed patient-specific data.     

A parallel projection method for overdetermined nonlinear systems of equations

We consider overdetermined nonlinear systems of equationsF(x)=0, whereF: ^{n m} ,mn. For this type of systems we define weighted least square distance (WLSD) solutions, which represent an alternative to classical least squares solutions and to other solutions based on residual normas. We introduce a generalization of the classical method of Cimmino for linear systems and we prove local convergence results. We introduce a practical strategy for improving the global convergence properties of the method. Finally, numerical experiments are presented.Work supported by FAPESP (Grant 90/3724/6), FINEP, CNPq and FAEP-UNICAMP.     

On the loss of information due to fuzziness in experimental observations

The absence of exactness in the observation of the outcomes of a random experiment always entails a loss of information about the experimental distribution. This intuitive assertion will be formally proved in this paper by using a mathematical model involving the notions of fuzzy information and fuzzy information system (as intended by Tanaka, Okuda and Asai) and Zadeh's probabilistic definition. On the basis of this model we are first going to consider a family of measures of information enclosing some well-known measures, such as those defined by Kagan, Kullback-Leibler and Matusita, and then to establish methods for removing the loss of information due to fuzziness by increasing suitably the number of experimental observations.     

Equazioni ellittiche del secondo ordine di tipo non variazionale in aperti non limitati

Summary In this paper we study the Dirichlet problem, for second order, linear elliptic partial differential equations with discontinuous coefficients in unbounded domains. We obtain some results about existence and uniqueness of the solution in W²().

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Lavoro eseguito nell'ambito del G.N.A.F.A. del C.N.R.     

Construction of Rank 2 Semistable Torsion Free Sheaves Which Are Not Limit of Vector Bundles

We show the following theorem of compensated compactness type: Ifu _n ⇁u weakly in the spaceH ^1,p (Ω, ℝ ^k ) and if also in the sense of distributions then ∂_α(∣∇u∣ ^p-2∂_α u)=0. This result has applications in the partial regularity theory ofp-stationary mappings Ω→S ^k −1.     

Invariants de Maslov équivariants

We construct two cohomological invariants associated to pairs of Lagrangian sub-bundles of a symplectic bundle on a compact manifold upon which a compact Lie group is acting. The first invariant, which we call the classical equivariant Maslov H-invariant, provides an obstruction to Lagrangian transversality and lives in the Borel cohomology. The second invariant, which we call the equivariant Maslov U-invariant, generalises the author's results in K-Theory 13 (1998), 347–361 to the equivariant context and provides a necessary and sufficient condition for equivariant Lagrangian transversality, up to homotopic stability, and lives in the U-theory (intermediate between the real complex K-theories). As an application, we show that two Lagrangian sub-bundles of a symplectic bundle on a homogeneous space are always stably transverse.     

Real plane algebraic curves

We study real algebraic plane curves, at an elementary level, using as little algebra as possible. Both cases, affine and projective, are addressed. A real curve is infinite, finite or empty according to the fact that a minimal polynomial for the curve is indefinite, semi-definite nondefinite or definite. We present a discussion about isolated points. By means of the P operator, these points can be easily identified for curves defined by minimal polynomials of order bigger than one. We also discuss the conditions that a curve must satisfy in order to have a minimal polynomial. Finally, we list the most relevant topological properties of affine and projective, complex and real plane algebraic curves.