Numerical approximation for a Baer-Nunziato model of two-phase flows

We present a well-balanced numerical scheme for approximating the solution of the Baer-Nunziato model of two-phase flows by balancing the source terms and discretizing the compaction dynamics equation. First, the system is transformed into a new one of three subsystems: the first subsystem consists of the balance laws in the gas phase, the second subsystem consists of the conservation law of the mass in the solid phase and the conservation law of the momentum of the mixture, and the compaction dynamic equation is considered as the third subsystem. In the first subsystem, stationary waves are used to build up a well-balanced scheme which can capture equilibrium states. The second subsystem is of conservative form and thus can be numerically treated in a standard way. For the third subsystem, the fact that the solid velocity is constant across the solid contact suggests us to compose the technique of the Engquist-Osher scheme. We show that our scheme is capable of capturing exactly equilibrium states. Moreover, numerical tests show the convergence of approximate solutions to the exact solution.     

On the stability of gradient polynomial systems at infinity

We first define the notion of the infimum at infinity of a polynomial function and the notion of stability at infinity near the fiber of the gradient descent system. Then we prove that the gradient descent system is stable at infinity near the fiber of the infimum value at infinity.     

Limit-periodic arithmetical functions and the ring of finite integral adeles

In this paper, we show that the ring of finite integral adeles, together with its Borel field and its normalized Haar measure, is an appropriate probability space where limit-periodic arithmetical functions can be extended to random variables. The natural extensions of additive and multiplicative functions are studied. Besides, the convergence of Fourier expansions of limit-periodic functions is proved.     

Simultaneous determination of estrogenic and androgenic hormones in water by isotope dilution gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analytical method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 7 estrogenic hormones (17α-estradiol, 17β-estradiol, estrone, mestranol, 17α-ethynylestradiol, levonorgestrel, estriol) and 5 androgenic hormones (testosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione) in aqueous matrices. This method is unique in its inclusion of all 12 of these estrogens and androgens and is of particular value due to its very short chromatographic run time of 15 min. The use of isotope dilution for all analytes ensures the accurate quantification, accounting for analytical variabilities that may be introduced during sample processing and instrumental analysis. Direct isotopically labelled analogues were used for 8 of the 12 hormones and satisfactory isotope standards were identified for the remaining 4 hormones. Method detection levels (MDLs) were determined to describe analyte concentrations sufficient to provide a signal with 99% certainty of detection. The established MDLs for most analytes were 1-5 ngL(-1) in a variety of aqueous matrices. However, slightly higher MDLs were observed for etiocholanolone, androstenedione, testosterone, levonorgestrel and dihydrotestosterone in some aqueous matrices. Sample matrices were observed to have only a minor impact on MDLs and the method validation confirmed satisfactory method stability over intra-day and inter-day analyses of surface water and tertiary treated effluent samples.     

Dynamic Picone's identity and its applications

We prove some Picone-type identities and inequalities for a class of first-order nonlinear dynamic systems and derive various weighted inequalities of Wirtinger type and Hardy type on time scales. As applications we study oscillatory and related properties of these systems including Reid's roundabout theorem on disconjugacy, Sturm's separation and comparison theorems, as well as a variational method in the oscillation theory.     

A generalized duality and applications

The aim of this paper is to present a nonconvex duality with a zero gap and its connection with convex duality. Since a convex program can be regarded as a particular case of convex maximization over a convex set, a nonconvex duality can be regarded as a generalization of convex duality. The generalized duality can be obtained on the basis of convex duality and minimax theorems. The duality with a zero gap can be extended to a more general nonconvex problems such as a quasiconvex maximization over a general nonconvex set or a general minimization over the complement of a convex set. Several applications are given.On leave from the Institute of Mathematics, Hanoi, Vietnam.     

On the simpleness of zeros of Stokes multipliers

The aim of this paper is to discuss the simpleness of zeros of Stokes multipliers associated with the differential equation -Φ^″(X)+W(X)Φ(X)=0, where W(X)=X^m+a₁X^m-1+?+a_m is a real monic polynomial. We show that, under a suitable hypothesis on the coefficients a_k, all the zeros of the Stokes multipliers are simple.     

Experimental investigation of liquid chromatography columns by means of computed tomography

The efficiency of packed chromatographic columns was investigated experimentally by means of computed tomography (CT) techniques. The measurements were carried out by monitoring tracer fronts in situ inside the chromatographic columns. The experimental results were fitted using the equilibrium dispersive model (EDM) and varying the so called apparent axial dispersion coefficient. The additivity of the first and second central moments was exploited to estimate column efficiency in different regions of the column. The results showed that the columns under investigation offered a higher column efficiency in the centre compared to the wall region. Furthermore the void fraction in the vicinity of the walls was lower than that in the column core. For this reason the bands were conveyed faster in the central region of the column where the permeability was higher. This result is in good agreement with earlier findings.     

Pseudodifferential operators with real analytic symbols and approximation methods for pseudodifferential equations

This paper introduces some methods (including an approximation method) for investigating pseudodifferential equations and related problems (Cauchy problems, boundary value problems,…) based on the technique of pseudodifferential operators with real analytic symbols.