92,116 research outputs found
Sparse Automatic Differentiation for Large-Scale Computations Using Abstract Elementary Algebra
Most numerical solvers and libraries nowadays are implemented to use
mathematical models created with language-specific built-in data types (e.g.
real in Fortran or double in C) and their respective elementary algebra
implementations. However, built-in elementary algebra typically has limited
functionality and often restricts flexibility of mathematical models and
analysis types that can be applied to those models. To overcome this
limitation, a number of domain-specific languages with more feature-rich
built-in data types have been proposed. In this paper, we argue that if
numerical libraries and solvers are designed to use abstract elementary algebra
rather than language-specific built-in algebra, modern mainstream languages can
be as effective as any domain-specific language. We illustrate our ideas using
the example of sparse Jacobian matrix computation. We implement an automatic
differentiation method that takes advantage of sparse system structures and is
straightforward to parallelize in MPI setting. Furthermore, we show that the
computational cost scales linearly with the size of the system.Comment: Submitted to ACM Transactions on Mathematical Softwar
Influence of geography on language competition
Competition between languages or cultural traits diffusing in the same
geographical area is studied combining the language competition model of Abrams
and Strogatz and a human dispersal model on an inhomogeneous substrate. Also,
the effect of population growth is discussed. It is shown through numerical
experiments that the final configuration of the surviving language can be
strongly affected by geographical and historical factors. These factors are not
related to the dynamics of culture transmission, but rather to initial
population distributions as well as geographical boundaries and
inhomogeneities, which modulate the diffusion process.Comment: typos in contact information have been corrected - text/figures not
change
Map Calculus in GIS: a proposal and demonstration
This paper provides a new representation for fields (continuous surfaces) in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), based on the notion of spatial functions and their combinations. Following Tomlin's (1990) Map Algebra, the term 'Map Calculus' is used for this new representation. In Map Calculus, GIS layers are stored as functions, and new layers can be created by combinations of other functions. This paper explains the principles of Map Calculus and demonstrates the creation of function-based layers and their supporting management mechanism. The proposal is based on Church's (1941) Lambda Calculus and elements of functional computer languages (such as Lisp or Scheme)
Demographic growth and the distribution of language sizes
It is argued that the present log-normal distribution of language sizes is,
to a large extent, a consequence of demographic dynamics within the population
of speakers of each language. A two-parameter stochastic multiplicative process
is proposed as a model for the population dynamics of individual languages, and
applied over a period spanning the last ten centuries. The model disregards
language birth and death. A straightforward fitting of the two parameters,
which statistically characterize the population growth rate, predicts a
distribution of language sizes in excellent agreement with empirical data.
Numerical simulations, and the study of the size distribution within language
families, validate the assumptions at the basis of the model.Comment: To appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys. C (2008
Analytical modelling in Dynamo
BIM is applied as modern database for civil
engineering. Its recent development allows to preserve
both structure geometrical and analytical information. The
analytical model described in the paper is derived directly
from BIM model of a structure automatically but in most
cases it requires manual improvements before being sent
to FEM software. Dynamo visual programming language
was used to handle the analytical data. Authors developed
a program which corrects faulty analytical model obtained
from BIM geometry, thus providing better automation for
preparing FEM model. Program logic is explained and test
cases shown
Agent Based Models of Language Competition: Macroscopic descriptions and Order-Disorder transitions
We investigate the dynamics of two agent based models of language
competition. In the first model, each individual can be in one of two possible
states, either using language or language , while the second model
incorporates a third state XY, representing individuals that use both languages
(bilinguals). We analyze the models on complex networks and two-dimensional
square lattices by analytical and numerical methods, and show that they exhibit
a transition from one-language dominance to language coexistence. We find that
the coexistence of languages is more difficult to maintain in the Bilinguals
model, where the presence of bilinguals in use facilitates the ultimate
dominance of one of the two languages. A stability analysis reveals that the
coexistence is more unlikely to happen in poorly-connected than in fully
connected networks, and that the dominance of only one language is enhanced as
the connectivity decreases. This dominance effect is even stronger in a
two-dimensional space, where domain coarsening tends to drive the system
towards language consensus.Comment: 30 pages, 11 figure
- …