NA Digest Monday, August 13, 2007 Volume 07 : Issue 33

Today's Editor:
Tamara G. Kolda
Sandia National Labs
tgkolda@sandia.gov

Submissions for NA Digest:

Mail to na.digest@na-net.ornl.gov

Information via email about NA-NET:

Mail to na.help@na-net.ornl.gov

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From: "Komzsik, Louis" <komzsik@ugs.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 09:30:08 -0700
Subject: Packages vs. languages

Dear Colleagues,

The recent debate in the digest on the topic of "packages vs. languages"
reminds me of a discussion we had about a year ago on "FORTRAN vs.
MATLAB". Some of you may remember as it raised many eyebrows and brought
heated comments. We were not able to reach a general consensus and the
two sides remained far apart at the end of the discussion.

The current conversation is conceptually similar and the opinions are
also diverged, at least how I read the comments. Some of the
commentators lean into the direction of teaching numerical methods via
high level programming languages and the other side is proposing to
teach competency in using specific application packages.

In my opinion what both debates demonstrate is the failure of
establishing the credibility of the "Computational Engineering"
programs, now widely available in most universities. These programs,
popping up left and right for at least a dozen years now, have become
additional opportunities to obtain long awaited tenures or fancy "double
appointments" for some people, but did not become strongholds of
interdisciplinary education.

If after a decade or so, we still debate whether the new computational
professionals need to know languages or just packages, the education has
not lived up to the expectation of producing a new breed. These programs
generate PhD level "computational scientists" with esoteric research
theses and good mathematical background, but only MATLAB experience.
We, in the industry, have to train them for another year in a high level
programming language and in engineering principles before they can
actively contribute.

Louis Komzsik
louis.komzsik@siemens.com

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From: Francois PELLEGRINI <francois.pellegrini@labri.fr>
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:35:26 +0200
Subject: Scotch 5.0 is now available

We announce the release, as libre/free software, of version 5.0 of the
SCOTCH and PT-SCOTCH software package and library for graph and
mesh/hypergraph partitioning, static mapping, and sequential and parallel
sparse matrix block ordering.

Important features
-> SCOTCH has gone parallel! Version 5.0 provides parallel routines to
handle distributed graphs and compute fill-reducing orderings of very
large matrices. Matrices over 23 million unknowns and 151 million non-
zeros have been successfully ordered (and solved in parallel by the
PaStiX parallel solver also developed within the ScAlApplix project).
Parallel static mapping and graph partitioning routines are not available
yet but will be provided in the next release.
-> PT-SCOTCH ("Parallel Threaded SCOTCH"), the subset of parallel routines
which is part of the libScotch library, uses the MPI interface, and can
also take advantage of Posix threads in some routines if they are
available and if the MPI implementation is thread-safe.
-> The capabilities of SCOTCH can be used through a set of stand-alone
programs as well as through the libSCOTCH library, which offers both
Fortran and C interfaces.
-> It uses system memory efficiently, to process large graphs and meshes
without incurring out-of-memory faults.
-> It is highly modular and documented. Since it has been released under the
CECILL-C free/libre software license, it can be used as a testbed for the
easy and quick development and testing of new partitioning and ordering
methods.
-> A compatibility library which provides stubs for the main routines of the
MeTiS library, to allow MeTiS users to try Scotch without having to
modify their source code.

How to get SCOTCH
Scotch can be freely downloaded, under the terms of the CeCILL-C license.
To ease the development, diffusion, and circulation of information regarding
the SCOTCH project, most of its resources are now hosted on the InriaGforge
platform provided by INRIA. Please refer to the SCOTCH web page at :

http://www.labri.fr/~pelegrin/scotch/

for more information. People interested in the SCOTCH project are welcome to
subscribe to the "scotch-announces" mailing list at :

http://lists.gforge.inria.fr/mailman/listinfo/scotch-announces

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From: Didier Henrion <henrion@laas.fr>
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2007 04:58:16 -0400
Subject: Release of GloptiPoly 3

GloptiPoly 3 - moments, optimization and semidefinite programming.

Developed by Didier Henrion, Jean-Bernard Lasserre and Johan Loefberg.

GloptiPoly 3 is a major update of our Matlab freeware GloptiPoly 2. It is
intended to solve, or at least approximate, the Generalized Problem of Moments
(GPM), an infinite-dimensional optimization problem which can be viewed as an
extension of the classical problem of moments. From a theoretical viewpoint,
the GPM has developments and impact in various areas of mathematics such as
algebra, Fourier analysis, functional analysis, operator theory, probability
and statistics, to cite a few. In addition, and despite a rather simple and
short formulation, the GPM has a large number of important applications in
various fields such as optimization, probability, finance, control, signal
processing, chemistry, cristallography, tomography, etc.

The present version of GloptiPoly 3 can handle moment problems with polynomial
data. Many important applications in e.g. optimization, probability, financial
economics and optimal control, can be viewed as particular instances of the
GPM, and (possibly after some transformation) of the GPM with polynomial data.

The approach is similar to that used in the former version 2 of GloptiPoly.
The software allows to build up a hierarchy of semidefinite programming (SDP),
or linear matrix inequality (LMI) relaxations of the GPM, whose associated
monotone sequence of optimal values converges to the global optimum.

The software and a comprehensive documentation are available for download at
http://www.laas.fr/~henrion/software/gloptipoly3

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From: Mario Arioli <m.arioli@rl.ac.uk>
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:17:11 +0100
Subject: Bath-RAL Numerical Analysis Day - 25th September 2007

Bath - RAL Numerical Analysis Day 25th September 2007.

The Sixth Annual University of Bath - Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Numerical Analysis Day will take place at the Atlas Centre at
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory,Chilton, Oxfordshire.

The speakers will be:
Wolf-Juergen Beyn (University of Bielefeld)
Chris Budd (University of Bath)
Sue Dollar (RAL)
Nick Gould (RAL)
Daniel Loghin (University of Birmingham)
Alastair Spence (University of Bath)

The meeting will start with coffee at 10:30 AM, and finish by 5 PM.

Graduate students are invited to present posters describing their
current research. Please contact Mario Arioli - (m.arioli@rl.ac.uk) if
you require further information.

A timetable and more information are available at

http://www.numerical.rl.ac.uk/people/marioli/timetable.shtml

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From: gerhardwilhelm weber <gweber@metu.edu.tr>
Date: Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:57:02 +0300
Subject: CFP, Special Issue of J. Optimization: "Continuous Optimization in Finance"

Call for Papers
Journal Optimization
Special Issue on
"Continuous Optimization in Finance"

Optimization will publish a small special issue on Continuous
Optimization in Finance, a topic that is also one of the new research
areas which in these years EURO Working Group on Continuous
Optimization (EUROPT; cf. http://www.iam.metu.edu.tr/EUROPT/) is
strongly supporting. Indeed, continuous optimization has become a key
technology in the entire financial sector which, reversely, poses new
problems and research projects to optimization.

The special issue will focus on topics that are equally important in
both financial mathematics and optimization theory. It will (i)
provide an overview of, and (ii) present some important recent
developments in continuous optimization regarding the analysis and
prediction of financial processes focusing on theory, methodology, and
applications.

The topics of the special issue include: (i) Financial Risk Management
with Continuous Optimization, (ii) Portfolio Optimization, (iii)
Regression Problems in Finance, and (iv) Stochastic Optimization and
Control in Finance.

All submissions must be focused on the topic of the special issue and
belong to the general scope of Optimization. The main challenge and
principal goal of this premium special issue is to contribute to the
foundations and tools of continuous optimization in the financial
world of tomorrow, concerning stock markets, banks, insurance
companies, electricity markets, institutions for development, and
further modern areas.

A very thorough process of refereeing will be guaranteed. This high
scientific level will enable and inspire readers to pursue research
projects in this field and its applications, thus serving - and
fostering a better and fruitful understanding between - our people and
our nations.

This special issue will be prepared in close collaboration with
Institute of Applied Mathematics, METU, Ankara
(http://www.iam.metu.edu.tr/).

Guest Editor: Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber.

Important Dates:
EXTENDED submission deadline of full papers: August 31, 2007.
Publication of the special issue:
As the first issue of Optimization in 2009.

Submission Details:
Authors may use the guidelines which can be found under
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/goptauth.asp.

For submission of your paper and in case of any question
please contact by e-mail:

Prof. Dr. Gerhard-Wilhelm Weber
Institute of Applied Mathematics
Middle East Technical University (METU, ODTÜ)
06531 Ankara, Turkey
E-mail: gweber@metu.edu.tr

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From: "M. Rothfuss / Secretary H. G. Bock" <scicom@iwr.uni-heidelberg.de>
Date: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:26:11 +0200
Subject: 2 postdoc positions and 4 doctoral scholarships, Univ. Heidelberg

2 postdoc positions and 4 doctoral scholarships,
Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR),
University of Heidelberg/Germany

The IWR offers
- 2 postdoctoral positions and
- 4 positions for doctoral students
within projects funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education,
Science, Research and Technology (BMBF), BASF AG, and the Helmholtz
Association.

The research work involves
- the development of optimal control and optimization methods,
- of algorithms for nonlinear optimal experimental design and
parameter estimation
- in Systems Biology, Reaction Kinetics and Chemical Engineering.
The algorithms will be designed and implemented in collaboration with
scientists from the application fields in academia and industry.

The positions are available for a period of three years, starting on
November 1, 2007 and January 1, 2008.

Post-doc positions: The salary is regulated by the German TV-L
contract according to TVL-13. Doctoral positions: Scholarships of
approx. 17.400 EUR per year are available. There are no tuition fees.
The research work should result in a PhD in Applied Mathematics
within three years.

The ideal candidates have a solid background in numerical methods for
nonlinear constrained optimization problems in differential equations
and respectively discretization methods for large-scale
differential-algebraic equations.

Experience in the specification and implementation of user friendly
application software including programming skills in C resp. C++ are
necessary. Interest in interdisciplinary research is a must. Fluency
in English is required, a basic knowledge of German could be helpful.

For the post-doc positions, a doctoral degree in Mathematics or
Computer Science is required. For the doctoral positions, an
above-average master's or diploma degree in Mathematics or a
neighboring field with a strong Scientific Computing part or an
equivalent qualification is required.

Applications including a detailed CV, list of publications,
photograph, copies of diploma, the names of 3 possible referees, and
an abstract of the PhD resp. master's or diploma thesis should be
sent (preferably electronically) to

Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR)
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Hans Georg Bock
Heidelberg University
Im Neuenheimer Feld 368
69120 Heidelberg, Germany

email: SciCom@iwr.uni-heidelberg.de

Applications must arrive by noon on September 15, 2007.

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From: Nicola Mastronardi <n.mastronardi@ba.iac.cnr.it>
Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 17:50:09 +0200
Subject: Subject: PhD Positions University of INSUBRIA Varese-Como, Italy

Physics and Mathematics Department, University of INSUBRIA
Varese-Como, Italy,
http://www.uninsubria.it

Five PhD positions. The PhD-student appointment is for the duration
of three years. Two more positions are available for non EU students.

Outstanding graduate students are sought for three Ph.D. fellowships
in Computational Mathematics. In particular, one of those fellowships
will be devoted to the following ICT research topic: search engine,
image reconstruction.

The call for the application ia available at the website
http://scienze-como.uninsubria.it/mdonatelli/Doctorate/
The applicants will be interviewed in November, 2007.
All the information will be available on the website.

The successful candidates will work in a multidisciplinary
environment, developing skills in Symbolic Calculus and Scientific
Computing. During the Ph.D. program, the students will attend 4
courses with final exam, and summer schools. Short visits abroad will
be also possible during the first two years. The students will carry
out original research in Computational Mathematics, and the results of
their work will be reported in their Ph.D. theses.

For further information the applicants may contact either the coordinator,
Prof. Stefano Serra-Capizzano (stefano.serrac@uninsubria.it).
For any administrative information the applicants may contact Mrs. Sara Coppes
(sara.coppes@uninsubria.it).

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From: JCM <jcm@global-sci.org>
Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:19:35 +0800 (HKT)
Subject: Contents, Journal of Computational Mathematics, Vol 25, 4(2007)

Journal of Computational Mathematics (JCM)
http://www.global-sci.org/jcm

Volume 25, Number 4, July 2007

G. Dziuk and C. M. Elliott
Surface Finite Elements for Parabolic Equations.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 385-407.

Ming Wang, Zhong-Ci Shi and Jinchao Xu
Some n-Rectangle Nonconforming Elements for Fourth Order Elliptic
Equations.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 408-420. Abstract

Hongkai Zhao
Parallel Implementations of the Fast Sweeping Method.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 421-429. Abstract

Chao Yang and Jiachang Sun
Edge-Oriented Hexagonal Elements.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 430-439. Abstract

Mohammed Seaid
Multidimensional Relaxation Approximations for Hyperbolic Systems of
Conservation Laws.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 440-457. Abstract

Deyue Zhang and Fuming Ma
A Finite Element Method with Perfectly Matched Absorbing Layers for the
Wave Scattering by a Periodic Chiral Structure.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 458-472. Abstract

Ghulam Mustafa and Jiansong Deng
Estimating Error Bounds For Ternary Subdivision Curves/Surfaces.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 473-484. Abstract

Min Yang
Multistep Finite Volume Approximations to the Transient Behavior of a
Semiconductor Device on General 2D or 3D Meshes.
J. Comp. Math., 25 (2007), pp. 485-496. Abstract

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From: Claude Brezinski <claude.brezinski@univ-lille1.fr>
Date: Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:55:54 +0200
Subject: Contents, Numerical Algorithms - New Issue Alert

Table of Contents: Volume 44 Number 3 of Numerical Algorithms.

A review of Bandlet methods for geometrical image representation
Stéphane Mallat, Gabriel Peyré
Pages 205 - 234

Extrapolation methods for approximating arc length and surface area
Michael S. Floater, Atgeirr F. Rasmussen, Ulrich Reif
Pages 235 - 248

On a conjectured inequality of Gautschi and Leopardi for Jacobi polynomials
Stamatis Koumandos
Pages 249 - 253

Convergence of polyharmonic splines on semi-regular grids ...
O. Kounchev, H. Render
Pages 255 - 272

Optimal interpolation of convergent algebraic series
S. P. Sidorov
Pages 273 - 279

Solitary wave solutions of the one-dimensional Boussinesq equations
D. G. Natsis
Pages 281 - 289

Runge­Kutta interpolants for high precision computations
Ch. Tsitouras
Pages 291 - 307

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From: "Commun. Comput. Phys." <cicp@global-sci.com>
Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2007 22:38:04 +0800 (HKT)
Subject: Contents, Commun. Comput. Phys., Vol 2, No. 4, 2007

Communications in Computational Physics (CiCP)
http://www.global-sci.com
http://www.global-sci.com/issue/contents/2/issue4.html

Review Article:
W. H. Hui
The unified coordinate system in computational fluid dynamics.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 577-610.

Regular Articles:
S. Chun and J. S. Hesthaven
Modeling of the frozen mode phenomenon and its sensitivity using
discontinuous Galerkin methods.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 611-639.

A. VanderWyst, A. Christlieb, M. Sussman and I. D. Boyd
Simulation of liquid metal droplets from field emission.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 640-661.

J. Hong, S. Jiang, C. Li and H. Liu
Explicit multi-symplectic methods for Hamiltonian wave equations.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 662-683.

J. L. V. Lewandowski and L. E. Zakharov
Fully kinetic, electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations of plasma
microturbulence.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 684-722.

V. Nassehi, M. Parvazinia and A. Khan
Multiscale finite element modelling of flow through porous media with
curved and contracting boundaries to evaluate different types of bubble
functions.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 723-745.

Y. X. Ren, M. Liu and H. Zhang
Implementation of the divergence-free and pressure-oscillation-free
projection method for solving the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations
on the collocated grids.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 746-759.

Y. Ogata, H.-N. Im and T. Yabe
Numerical method for Boltzmann equation with Soroban-grid CIP method.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 760-782.

E. Kartashova and A. Kartashov
Laminated wave turbulence: Generic algorithms II.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 783-794.

H. Zhang, Y. Li, J. Yan and J. Wang
A numerical study for dielectronic recombination processes in He-like
Argon.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 795-805.

V. A. Bokil and M. W. Buksas
Comparison of finite difference and mixed finite element methods for
perfectly matched layer models.
Commun. Comput. Phys., 2 (2007), pp. 806-826.

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End of NA Digest

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