The minimizing of the Nielsen root classes

Given a map f: X→Y and a Nielsen root class, there is a number associated to this root class, which is the minimal number of points among all root classes which are H-related to the given one for all homotopies H of the map f. We show that for maps between closed surfaces it is possible to deform f such that all the Nielsen root classes have cardinality equal to the minimal number if and only if either N R[f]≤1, or N R[f]>1 and f satisfies the Wecken property. Here N R[f] denotes the Nielsen root number. The condition “f satisfies the Wecken property is known to be equivalent to |deg(f)|≤N R[f]/(1−χ(M ₂)−χ(M ₁0/(1−χ(M ₂)) for maps between closed orientable surfaces. In the case of nonorientable surfaces the condition is A(f)≤N R[f]/(1−χ(M ₂)−χ(M ₂)/(1−χ(M ₂)). Also we construct, for each integer n≥3, an example of a map f: K _n →N from an n-dimensionally connected complex of dimension n to an n-dimensional manifold such that we cannot deform f in a way that all the Nielsen root classes reach the minimal number of points at the same time.     

The Solow model improved through the logistic manpower growth law

In this paper the neo-classical economic Solow-Swan model (1956) has been improved replacing its Malthusian manpower law with the Verhulst (logistic) one. The relevant ordinary differential equation for the ratio capital/work has been then integrated in closed form via the Hypergeometric function₂ F ₁. The logistic growth injection for the manpower is detected to induce a more slow dynamics onto the Solow-Swan system, which keeps its stability. Increasing developments are displayed as the technologic progress rises. Further sceneries are tested and the congruence of the new solution with the classical one is shown switching to zero the selflimitation coefficent in the logistic law. Research supported by MURST grant:Metodi matematici in economia     

An Average-Stretch Full-Network Model for Rubber Elasticity

Two constitutive models that are based on the classical non-Gaussian, Kuhn-Grün probability distribution function are reviewed. It is shown that all chains of a network cell structure comprised of a finite number of identical chains in an affine deformation referred to principal axes may have the same invariant stretch, if and only if the chains are oriented initially along any of eight directions forming the diagonals of a unit cube. The 4-chain tetrahedral and the 8-chain cubic cell structures are familiar admissible models having this property. An easy derivation of the constitutive equation for the Wu and van der Giessen full-network model of initially identical chains arbitrarily oriented in the undeformed state is presented. The constitutive equations for the neo-Hookean model, the 3 -chain model, and the equivalent 4- and 8-chain models are then derived from the Wu and van der Giessen equation. The squared chain stretch of an arbitrarily directed chain averaged over a unit sphere surrounding all chains radiating from a cross-link junction as its center is determined. An average-stretch, full-network constitutive equation is then derived by approximation of the Wu and van der Giessen equation. This result, though more general in that no special chain cell morphology is introduced, is the same as the constitutive equation for the 4- and 8-chain models. Some concluding remarks on extensions to amended models are presented.     

On separation of gradient Young measures

Let be a linear subspace of real matrices without rank-one matrices and let be a finite set. Suppose is a bounded arcwise connected Lipschitz domain and is a sequence of bounded vector-valued mappings in such that in as , where is the closed -neighbourhood and the distance function to . We give estimates for such that up to a subsequence, in for some fixed . In other words, we give estimates on such that separates gradient Young measure. The two point set with is a special case of such sets up to a translation. Received: 20 July 2001 / Accepted: 23 January 2002 / Published online: 5 September 2002     

A $\Gamma$-convergence result for doubling metric measures and associated perimeters

Abstract. In this paper we study the notion of perimeter associated with doubling metric measures or strongly weights. We prove that the metric perimeter in the sense of L. Ambrosio and M. Miranda jr. coincides with the metric Minkowski content and can be obtained also as a -limit of Modica-Mortola type degenerate integral functionals. Received: 27 August 2001 / Accepted: 29 November 2001 / Published online: 10 June 2002 Investigation supported by University of Bologna, funds for selected research topics and by GNAMPA of INdAM, Italy. The authors are very grateful to Luigi Ambrosio and Francesco Serra Cassano for making their preprints available to them, for listening with patience and for many unvaluable suggestions.     

A Higher-Dimensional Version of the Brody Reparametrization Lemma

We prove a generalization of the Brody reparametrization lemma.__________Published in Ukrains’kyi Matematychnyi Zhurnal, Vol. 56, No. 10, pp. 1369 – 1377, October, 2004.     

A Note on the Linearity of Real-valued Functions with Respect to Suitable Metrics

In this paper we prove that for every real-valued Morse function φ on a smooth closed manifold ℳ and every neighborhood U of its critical points a suitable Riemannian metric μ _U exists such that φ is linear outside U     

Operational research in the UK Ministry of Defence: an overview

The paper presents a survey of operational research (OR) as it is currently used in the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). After a short historical introduction summarising developments since 1945, it identifies the impact which the end of the Cold War has had on defence operational analysis (OA), as the discipline is generally called within MoD, in terms of the problems studied, the technical challenges presented and the techniques employed. The factors, both external and internal, that have led to the MoD maintaining and indeed expanding its OA activity against a background of falling defence budgets are discussed in the context of previously reported research on the survival and success of OR groups.