Thu, 07 Mar 2019

14:00 - 15:00
L4

Flexible computational abstractions for complex preconditioners

Dr Lawrence Mitchell
(Durham University)
Abstract

Small block overlapping, and non-overlapping, Schwarz methods are theoretically highly attractive as multilevel smoothers for a wide variety of problems that are not amenable to point relaxation methods.  Examples include monolithic Vanka smoothers for Stokes, overlapping vertex-patch decompositions for $H(\text{div})$ and  $H(\text{curl})$ problems, along with nearly incompressible elasticity, and augmented Lagrangian schemes.

 While it is possible to manually program these different schemes,  their use in general purpose libraries has been held back by a lack   of generic, composable interfaces. We present a new approach to the   specification and development such additive Schwarz methods in PETSc  that cleanly separates the topological space decomposition from the  discretisation and assembly of the equations. Our preconditioner is  flexible enough to support overlapping and non-overlapping additive  Schwarz methods, and can be used to formulate line, and plane smoothers, Vanka iterations, amongst others. I will illustrate these new features with some examples utilising the Firedrake finite element library, in particular how the design of an approriate computational interface enables these schemes to be used as building blocks inside block preconditioners.

This is joint work with Patrick Farrell and Florian Wechsung (Oxford), and Matt Knepley (Buffalo).

Thu, 07 Mar 2019

13:00 - 14:00
L4

Optimal execution with rough path signatures

Imanol Perez
(Oxford University)
Further Information


 

Abstract

We consider a well-studied optimal execution problem under little assumptions on the underlying midprice process. We do so by using signatures from rough path theory, that allows converting the original problem into a more computationally tractable problem. We include a few numerical experiments where we show that our methodology is able to retrieve the theoretical optimal execution speed for several problems studied in the literature, as well as some cases not included in the literatture. We also study some estensions of our framework to other settings.
 

Thu, 07 Mar 2019
12:00
L4

Characterizations of Besov spaces via ball averages and Bianchini-type norms

Óscar Domínguez Bonilla
(Universidad Complutense de Madrid)
Abstract

Motivated by recent problems on mixing flows, it is useful to characterize Besov spaces via oscillation of functions (averages) and minimization problems for bounded variation functions (Bianchini-type norms). In this talk, we discuss various descriptions of Besov spaces in terms of different kinds of averages, as well as Bianchini-type norms. Our method relies on the K-functional of the theory of real interpolation. This is a joint work with S. Tikhonov (Barcelona).

Wed, 06 Mar 2019
16:00
C1

A quick intro to right angled buildings

Ido Grayevsky
(Oxford University)
Abstract


Buildings are geometric objects, originally introduced by Tits to study Lie groups that act on their corresponding building. Apart from their significance for Lie groups, buidings and their automorphism groups are a rich source of examples for groups with interesting properties (for example, it is a result of Caprace that some buildings admit an automorphism group which is compactly generated, abstractly simple and locally compact). Right Angled Buildings (RABs) are a specific kind of building whose geometry can be well understood as it resembles the geometry of a tree. This allows one to generalise ideas like the Burger-Mozes universal groups to the setting of RABs.
I plan to give an introduction to RABs. As a complete formal introduction to buildings would take more than an hour, I will instead present various illustrative examples to give you an idea of what you should have in mind when you think of a (right-angled) building. I will be as formal as I can in presenting the basic features of buildings - Coxeter complexes, chambers, apartments, retractions and residues.  In the remaining time I will say as much as I can about the geometry of RABs, and explain how to use this geometry to derive a structure theorem for the automorphism group of a RAB, towards a definition of Burger-Mozes universal groups for RABs.
 

Wed, 06 Mar 2019
16:00
C2

"Large continua via ultracoproducts"

Paul Bankston
(Milwaukee and Aberystwyth)
Abstract

It is known that every continuum X is a weakly confluent image of a continuum Y which is hereditarily indecomposable and of covering dimension one.  We use the ultracoproduct construction to gain information about the number of composants of Y.  For example, in ZFC, we can ensure that this number is arbitrarily large.  And if we assume the GCH, we can arrange for Y to have as many composants at it has points.

Wed, 06 Mar 2019
11:00
N3.12

Introduction to Large Cardinal theory

Alex Chevalier
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

I will present some basic concepts in Large Cardinal theory. A Large Cardinal axiom is the assertion of the existence of a cardinal so large that it entails the existence of set-sized models of ZFC, something which we know ZFC alone does not do. Large Cardinal axioms are therefore strengthenings of ZFC. We believe them to be consistent with ZFC, but this is a touchy subject. Nevertheless, Large Cardinal axioms have become an essential tool in set theory, providing insight into the fine structure of the set theoretic universe. In my talk, I will focus on inaccessible and measurable cardinals, and, if time permits, I will discuss supercompact cardinals.

Tue, 05 Mar 2019
15:30
L4

How many real Artin-Tate motives are there?

Martin Gallauer
(Oxford)
Further Information

The goals of my talk are 1) to place this question within the framework of tensor-triangular geometry, and 2) to report on joint work with Paul Balmer (UCLA) which provides an answer in this framework.

Tue, 05 Mar 2019

14:30 - 15:00
L5

MLQMC Methods for Elliptic PDEs Driven by White Noise

Matteo Croci
(Oxford)
Abstract

When solving partial differential equations driven by additive spatial white noise, the efficient sampling of white noise realizations can be challenging. In this talk we focus on the efficient sampling of white noise using quasi-random points in a finite element method and multilevel Quasi Monte Carlo (MLQMC) setting. This work is an extension of previous research on white noise sampling for MLMC.

We express white noise as a wavelet series expansion that we divide in two parts. The first part is sampled using quasi-random points and contains a finite number of terms in order of decaying importance to ensure good QMC convergence. The second part is a correction term which is sampled using standard pseudo-random numbers.

We show how the sampling of both terms can be performed in linear time and memory complexity in the number of mesh cells via a supermesh construction. Furthermore, our technique can be used to enforce the MLQMC coupling even in the case of non-nested mesh hierarchies. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method with numerical experiments.

Tue, 05 Mar 2019

14:00 - 14:30
L5

A VEM discretization for the transmission eigenvalue problem

David Mora
(Universidad del Bio-Bio)
Abstract

In this talk, we analyze a virtual element method (VEM) for solving a non-selfadjoint fourth-order eigenvalue problem derived from the transmission eigenvalue problem. We write a variational formulation and propose a $C^1$-conforming discretization by means of the VEM. We use the classical approximation theory for compact non-selfadjoint operators to obtain optimal order error estimates for the eigenfunctions and a double order for the eigenvalues. Finally, we present some numerical experiments illustrating the behavior of the virtual scheme on different families of meshes.

Tue, 05 Mar 2019

12:45 - 13:30
C3

Modelling Magnetically Targeted Stem Cell Delivery

Edwina Yeo
(Oxford University)
Abstract

The development of an effective method of targeting delivery of stem cells to the site of an injury is a key challenge in regenerative medicine. However, production of stem cells is costly and current delivery methods rely on large doses in order to be effective. Improved targeting through use of an external magnetic field to direct delivery of magnetically-tagged stem cells to the injury site would allow for smaller doses to be used.
We present a model for delivery of stem cells implanted with a fixed number of magnetic nanoparticles under the action of an external magnetic field. We examine the effect of magnet geometry and strength on therapy efficacy. The accuracy of the mathematical model is then verified against experimental data provided by our collaborators at the University of Birmingham.

Tue, 05 Mar 2019
12:00
L4

Supersymmetric S-matrices via ambitwistors and the polarized scattering equations

Lionel Mason
(Oxford)
Abstract

Six-dimensional theories provide a unification of four-dimensional theories via dimensional reduction  together with access to some of the novel features arising from M-theory.  Ambitwistor strings directly generate S-matrices for massless theories in terms of formulae that localize on the solutions to the scattering equations; algebraic equations that determine n points on the Riemann sphere from n massless momenta.  These are sufficient to provide compact formulae for tree-level S-matrices for bosonic theories. This talk introduces their extension to the polarized scattering equations which arise from twistorial versions on ambitwistor-strings.  These lead to simple explicit formulae for superamplitudes in 6D for super Yang-Mills, supergravity, D5 and M5 branes and massive superamplitudes in 4D.  The framework extends also to 10 and 11 dimensions.  This is based on joint work with Yvonne Geyer, arxiv:1812.05548 and 1901.00134. 

Tue, 05 Mar 2019

12:00 - 13:00
C4

Network models for recommender systems

Roxana Pamfil
(University of Oxford & Dunnhumby)
Abstract


With the introduction of supermarket loyalty cards in recent decades, there has been an ever-growing body of customer-level shopping data. A natural way to represent this data is with a bipartite network, in which customers are connected to products that they purchased. By predicting likely edges in these networks, one can provide personalised product recommendations to customers.
In this talk, I will first discuss a basic approach for recommendations, based on network community detection, that we have validated on a promotional campaign run by our industrial collaborators. I will then describe a multilayer network model that accounts for the fact that customers tend to buy the same grocery items repeatedly over time. By modelling such correlations explicitly, link-prediction accuracy improves considerably. This approach is also useful in other networks that exhibit significant edge correlations, such as social networks (in which people often have repeated interactions with other people), airline networks (in which popular routes are often served by more than one airline), and biological networks (in which, for example, proteins can interact in multiple ways). 
 

Mon, 04 Mar 2019

16:00 - 17:00
L4

Concentrations of solutions to compressible Navier-Stokes equations

Pavel Plotnikov
(Lavrentyev Institute of Hydrodynamics)
Abstract

This work is devoted to the study of the following boundary value problem for compressible Navier-Stokes equations\begin{align*}&\begin{aligned}[b] \partial_t(\varrho \mathbf{u})+\text{div}(\varrho \mathbf u\otimes\mathbf u) &+\nabla p(\rho)\\&= \text{div} \mathbb S(\mathbf u)+\varrho\, \mathbf f\quad\text{ in }\Omega\times (0,T),\end{aligned} \\[6pt]&\partial_t\varrho+\text{div}(\varrho \mathbf u)=0\quad\text{ in }\Omega\times (0,T), \\[6pt]&\begin{aligned}[c] &\mathbf u=0\quad\text{ on }\partial \Omega\times( 0,T), \\ &\mathbf u(x,0)=\mathbf u_0(x)\quad\text{ in } \Omega,\\&\varrho(x,0)= \varrho_0(x) \quad\text{ in } \Omega, \end{aligned}\end{align*} where $\Omega$ is a bounded domain in $\mathbb R^d$, $d=2,3$, $\varrho_0>0$, $\mathbf u_0$, $\mathbf f$ are given functions, $p(\varrho)=\varrho^\gamma$, $\mathbb S(\mathbf u)=\mu(\nabla\mathbf{u}+\nabla\mathbf{u}^\top)+\lambda \text{div } \mathbf{u}$, $\mu, \lambda$ are positive constants. We consider the endpoint cases $\gamma=3/2$, $d=3$ and $\gamma=1$, $d=2$, when the energy estimate does not guarantee the integrability of the kinetic energy density with an exponent greater than 1, which leads to the so-called concentration problem. In order to cope with this difficulty we develop new approach to the problem. Our method is based on the estimates of the Newton potential of $p(\varrho)$. We prove that the kinetic energy density in 3-dimensional problem with $\gamma=3/2$ is bounded in $L\log L^\alpha$ Orlitz space and obtain new estimates for the pressure function. In the case $d=2$ and $\gamma=1$ we prove the existence of the weak solution to the problem. We also discuss the structure of concentrations for rotationally-symmetric and stationary solutions.

Mon, 04 Mar 2019
15:45
L6

Acylindrically hyperbolic groups with strong fixed point properties

Ashot Minasyan
(University of Southampton)
Abstract


The concept of an acylindrically hyperbolic group, introduced by D. Osin, generalizes hyperbolic and relatively hyperbolic groups, and includes many other groups of interest: Out(F_n), n>1, most mapping class groups, directly indecomposable non-cyclic right angled Artin groups, most graph products, groups of deficiency at least 2, etc. Roughly speaking, a group G is acylindrically hyperbolic if there is a (possibly infinite) generating set X of G such that the Cayley graph \Gamma(G,X) is hyperbolic and the action of G on it is "sufficiently nice". Many global properties of hyperbolic/relatively hyperbolic groups have been also proved for acylindrically hyperbolic groups. 
In the talk I will discuss a method which allows to construct a common acylindrically hyperbolic quotient for any countable family of countable acylindrically hyperbolic groups. This allows us to produce acylindrically hyperbolic groups with many unexpected properties.(The talk will be based on joint work with Denis Osin.)
 

Mon, 04 Mar 2019

15:45 - 16:45
L3

Numerical approximation of BSDEs with polynomial growth driver

ARNAUD LIONNET
(Birmingham University)
Abstract

Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (BSDEs) provide a systematic way to obtain Feynman-Kac formulas for linear as well as nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) of parabolic and elliptic type, and the numerical approximation of their solutions thus provide Monte-Carlo methods for PDEs. BSDEs are also used to describe the solution of path-dependent stochastic control problems, and they further arise in many areas of mathematical finance. 

In this talk, I will discuss the numerical approximation of BSDEs when the nonlinear driver is not Lipschitz, but instead has polynomial growth and satisfies a monotonicity condition. The time-discretization is a crucial step, as it determines whether the full numerical scheme is stable or not. Unlike for Lipschitz driver, while the implicit Bouchard-Touzi-Zhang scheme is stable, the explicit one is not and explodes in general. I will then present a number of remedies that allow to recover a stable scheme, while benefiting from the reduced computational cost of an explicit scheme. I will also discuss the issue of numerical stability and the qualitative correctness which is enjoyed by both the implicit scheme and the modified explicit schemes. Finally, I will discuss the approximation of the expectations involved in the full numerical scheme, and their analysis when using a quasi-Monte Carlo method.

Mon, 04 Mar 2019

14:15 - 15:15
L3

Support characterisation for path-dependent SDEs

ALEXANDER KALININ
(Imperial College)
Abstract

By viewing a stochastic process as a random variable taking values in a path space, the support of its law describes the set of all attainable paths. In this talk, we show that the support of the law of a solution to a path-dependent stochastic differential equation is given by the image of the Cameron-Martin space under the flow of mild solutions to path-dependent ordinary differential equations, constructed by means of the vertical derivative of the diffusion coefficient. This result is based on joint work with Rama Cont and extends the Stroock-Varadhan support theorem for diffusion processes to the path-dependent case.

Mon, 04 Mar 2019
14:15
L4

Structural results in wrapped Floer theory

John Pardon
(Princeton)
Abstract

I will discuss results relating different partially wrapped Fukaya categories.  These include a K\"unneth formula, a `stop removal' result relating partially wrapped Fukaya categories relative to different stops, and a gluing formula for wrapped Fukaya categories.  The techniques also lead to generation results for Weinstein manifolds and for Lefschetz fibrations.  The methods are mainly geometric, and the key underlying Floer theoretic fact is an exact triangle in the Fukaya category associated to Lagrangian surgery along a short Reeb chord at infinity.  This is joint work with Sheel Ganatra and Vivek Shende.

Mon, 04 Mar 2019

13:00 - 14:00
N3.12

Mathematrix - Panel on mental health with Sandy Patel and Tim Knowlson

Further Information

We are very excited to have another session with invited speakers joining us for the lunch next week. Sandy Patel and Dr. Timothy Knowlson, Oxford's Peer Support Programme Coordinator, will be joining us for a panel discussion on mental health in academia. 

This will be a great opportunity to learn about what support is available, what are the common issues faced by postgrads in our department and how we can help ourselves and each other. All are welcome to join us and to ask questions.

We hope to see many of you at the (free) lunch - Monday 1-2pm Quillen Room (N3.12).

Mon, 04 Mar 2019
12:45
L5

Gauge Theory and Boundary Integrability

David Skinner
(Cambridge)
Abstract

Costello Yamazaki and Witten have proposed a new understanding of quantum integrable systems coming from a variant of Chern-Simons theory living on a product of two Riemann surfaces. I’ll review their work, and show how it can be extended to the case of integrable systems with boundary. The boundary Yang-Baxter Equations, twisted Yangians and Sklyanin determinants all have natural interpretations in terms of line operators in the theory.

Fri, 01 Mar 2019
16:00
L1

Maths meets Computer Vision

Further Information

Speaker 1: Pawan Kumar
Title: Neural Network Verification
Abstract: In recent years, deep neural networks have started to find their way into safety critical application domains such as autonomous cars and personalised medicine. As the risk of an error in such applications is very high, a key step in the deployment of neural networks is their formal verification: proving that a network satisfies a desirable property, or providing a counter-example to show that it does not. In this talk, I will formulate neural network verification as an optimization problem, briefly present the existing branch-and-bound style algorithms to compute a globally optimal solution, and highlight the outstanding mathematical challenges that limit the size of problems we can currently solve.

Speaker 2: Samuel Albanie
Title: The Design of Deep Neural Network Architectures: Exploration in a High-Dimensional Search Space
Abstract: Deep Neural Networks now represent the dominant family of function approximators for tackling machine perception tasks. In this talk, I will discuss the challenges of working with the high-dimensional design space of these networks. I will describe several competing approaches that seek to fully automate the network design process and the open mathematical questions for this problem.

Fri, 01 Mar 2019

14:00 - 15:00
L1

Mathematics: the past, present and future - "Polynomials"

Prof Nick Trefethen
Abstract

Polynomials have been at the heart of mathematics for a millennium, yet when it comes to applying them, there are many puzzles and surprises. Among others, our tour will visit Newton, Lagrange, Gauss, Galois, Runge, Bernstein, Clenshaw and Chebfun (with a computer demo).

Fri, 01 Mar 2019

12:00 - 13:00
L4

Modular, Infinite, and Other Deep Generative Models of Data

Charles Sutton
(University of Edinburgh)
Abstract

Deep generative models provide powerful tools for fitting difficult distributions such as modelling natural images. But many of these methods, including  variational autoencoders (VAEs) and generative adversarial networks (GANs), can be notoriously difficult to fit.

One well-known problem is mode collapse, which means that models can learn to characterize only a few modes of the true distribution. To address this, we introduce VEEGAN, which features a reconstructor network, reversing the action of the generator by mapping from data to noise. Our training objective retains the original asymptotic consistency guarantee of GANs, and can be interpreted as a novel autoencoder loss over the noise.

Second, maximum mean discrepancy networks (MMD-nets) avoid some of the pathologies of GANs, but have not been able to match their performance. We present a new method of training MMD-nets, based on mapping the data into a lower dimensional space, in which MMD training can be more effective. We call these networks Ratio-based MMD Nets, and show that somewhat mysteriously, they have dramatically better performance than MMD nets.

A final problem is deciding how many latent components are necessary for a deep generative model to fit a certain data set. We present a nonparametric Bayesian approach to this problem, based on defining a (potentially) infinitely wide deep generative model. Fitting this model is possible by combining variational inference with a Monte Carlo method from statistical physics called Russian roulette sampling. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that this modification helps with the mode collapse problem as well.

 

Thu, 28 Feb 2019

16:00 - 17:00
L6

Arithmetic statistics via graded Lie algebras

Beth Romano
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

I will talk about recent work with Jack Thorne in which we find the average size of the Selmer group for a family of genus-2 curves by analyzing a graded Lie algebra of type E_8. I will focus on the role representation theory plays in our proofs.

Thu, 28 Feb 2019

16:00 - 17:30
L4

Mean-Field Games with Differing Beliefs for Algorithmic Trading

Sebastian Jaimungal
(University of Toronto)
Abstract

Even when confronted with the same data, agents often disagree on a model of the real-world. Here, we address the question of how interacting heterogenous agents, who disagree on what model the real-world follows, optimize their trading actions. The market has latent factors that drive prices, and agents account for the permanent impact they have on prices. This leads to a large stochastic game, where each agents' performance criteria is computed under a different probability measure. We analyse the mean-field game (MFG) limit of the stochastic game and show that the Nash equilibria is given by the solution to a non-standard vector-valued forward-backward stochastic differential equation. Under some mild assumptions, we construct the solution in terms of expectations of the filtered states. We prove the MFG strategy forms an \epsilon-Nash equilibrium for the finite player game. Lastly, we present a least-squares Monte Carlo based algorithm for computing the optimal control and illustrate the results through simulation in market where agents disagree on the model.
[ joint work with Philippe Casgrain, U. Toronto ]
 

Thu, 28 Feb 2019
16:00
C3

A biased view of GRT

Filip Zivanovic
(Oxford University)
Abstract

Standard representation theory transforms groups=algebra into vector spaces = (linear) algebra. The modern approach, geometric representation theory constructs geometric objects from algebra and captures various algebraic representations through geometric gadgets/invariants on these objects. This field started with celebrated Borel-Weil-Bott and Beilinson-Bernstein theorems but equally is in rapid expansion nowadays. I will start from the very beginnings of this field and try to get to the recent developments (time permitting).

Thu, 28 Feb 2019
12:00
L4

A non-linear parabolic PDE with a distributional coefficient and its applications to stochastic analysis

Elena Issolgio
(Leeds University)
Abstract

We consider a non-linear PDE on $\mathbb R^d$ with a distributional coefficient in the non-linear term. The distribution is an element of a Besov space with negative regularity and the non-linearity is of quadratic type in the gradient of the unknown. Under suitable conditions on the parameters we prove local existence and uniqueness of a mild solution to the PDE, and investigate properties like continuity with respect to the initial condition. To conclude we consider an application of the PDE to stochastic analysis, in particular to a class of non-linear backward stochastic differential equations with distributional drivers.

Wed, 27 Feb 2019

18:00 - 21:00

OCIAM Dinner at Christ Church, Oxford

Keynote: Professor Grae Worster
(University of Cambridge)
Further Information

Here's a quick note about the location and dress code for Wednesday's OCIAM event at Christ Church.

The Lecture will take place in the Michael Dummett Lecture Theatre, which is in Blue Boar Quad at 6pm. Please enter via the lodge and ask for directions.

Pre-dinner drinks at 7:15pm and dinner at 7:45pm itself will take place in the Lee Building (in the Freind room = SCR dining room. Yes, e before i.)

Given that we will be in the SCR dining room, please dress smartly (Jacket and tie for the gents, please. No jeans.)

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Wed, 27 Feb 2019
16:00
C1

Royden's Theorem for free products

Dionysis Syrigos
(Southampton University)
Abstract

Let $G$ be a group which splits as $G = F_n * G_1 *...*G_k$, where every $G_i$ is freely indecomposable and not isomorphic to the group of integers.  Guirardel and Levitt generalised the Culler- Vogtmann Outer space of a free group by introducing an Outer space for $G$ as above, on which $\text{Out}(G)$ acts by isometries. Francaviglia and Martino introduced the Lipschitz metric for the Culler- Vogtmann space and later for the general Outer space. In a joint paper with Francaviglia and Martino, we prove that the group of isometries of the Outer space corresponding to $G$ , with respect to the Lipschitz metric, is exactly $\text{Out}(G)$. In this talk, we will describe the construction of the general Outer space and the corresponding Lipschitz metric in order to present the result about the isometries.

Wed, 27 Feb 2019
11:00
N3.12

Applying Distributional Compositional Categorical Models of Meaning to Language Translation

Brian Tyrrell
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

In 2010 Coecke, Sadrzadeh, and Clark formulated a new model of natural language which operates by combining the syntactics of grammar and the semantics of individual words to produce a unified ''meaning'' of sentences. This they did by using category theory to understand the component parts of language and to amalgamate the components together to form what they called a ''distributional compositional categorical model of meaning''. In this talk I shall introduce the model of Coecke et. al., and use it to compare the meaning of sentences in Irish and in English (and thus ascertain when a sentence is the translation of another sentence) using a cosine similarity score.

The Irish language is a member of the Gaelic family of languages, originating in Ireland and is the official language of the Republic of Ireland.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019
16:00
L1

Geometric model theory in separably closed valued fields

Martin Hils
(University of Muenster)
Further Information

joint work with Moshe Kamensky and Silvain Rideau

Abstract

Let $p$ be a fixed prime number and let $SCVF_p$ be the theory of separably closed non-trivially valued fields of
characteristic $p$. In the talk, we will see that, in many ways, the step from $ACVF_{p,p}$ to $SCVF_p$ is not more
complicated than the one from $ACF_p$ to $SCF_p$.

At a basic level, this is true for quantifier elimination (Delon), for which it suffices to add parametrized $p$-coordinate
functions to any of the usual languages for valued fields. It follows that all completions are NIP.

At a more sophisticated level, in finite degree of imperfection, when a $p$-basis is named or when one just works with
Hasse derivations, the imaginaries of $SCVF_p$ are not more complicated than the ones in $ACVF_{p,p}$, i.e., they are
classified by the geometric sorts of Haskell-Hrushovski-Macpherson. The latter is proved using prolongations. One may
also use these to characterize the stable part and the stably dominated types in $SCVF_p$, and to show metastability.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019

15:30 - 16:30
L4

Field and Vertex algebras from geometry and topology

Sven Meinhardt
(Sheffield)
Abstract

I will explain the notion of a singular ring and sketch how singular rings provide field and vertex algebras introduced by Borcherds and Kac. All of these notions make sense in general symmetric monoidal categories and behave nicely with respect to symmetric lax monoidal functors. I will provide a complete classification of singular rings if the tensor product is a cartesian product. This applies in particular to categories of topological spaces or (algebraic) stacks equipped with the usual cartesian product. Moduli spaces provide a rich source of examples of singular rings. By combining these ideas, we obtain vertex and field algebras for each reasonable moduli space and each choice of an orientable homology theory. This generalizes a recent construction of vertex algebras by Dominic Joyce.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019

14:30 - 15:00
L3

Multispectral snapshot demosaicing via non-convex matrix completion

Simon Vary
(Oxford)
Abstract

Snapshot mosaic multispectral imagery acquires an undersampled data cube by acquiring a single spectral measurement per spatial pixel. Sensors which acquire p frequencies, therefore, suffer from severe 1/p undersampling of the full data cube.  We show that the missing entries can be accurately imputed using non-convex techniques from sparse approximation and matrix completion initialised with traditional demosaicing algorithms.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019

14:30 - 15:30
L6

Graphons with minimum clique density

Maryam Sharifzadeh
Further Information

Among all graphs of given order and size, we determine the asymptotic structure of graphs which minimise the number of $r$-cliques, for each fixed $r$. In fact, this is achieved by characterising all graphons with given density which minimise the $K_r$-density. The case $r=3$ was proved in 2016 by Pikhurko and Razborov.

 

This is joint work with H. Liu, J. Kim, and O. Pikhurko.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019
14:15
L4

Kac-Moody correction factors and Eisenstein series

Thomas Oliver
(Oxford)
Abstract

Formally, the Fourier coefficients of Eisenstein series on Kac-Moody groups contain as yet mysterious automorphic L-functions relevant to open conjectures such as that of Ramanujan and Langlands functoriality. In this talk, we will consider the constant Fourier coefficient, if it even makes sense rigorously, and its relationship to the geometry and combinatorics of a Kac-Moody group. Joint work with Kyu-Hwan Lee.

 

Tue, 26 Feb 2019

14:00 - 14:30
L3

New mixed finite element methods for natural convection with phase-change in porous media

Bryan Gómez Vargas
(Conception)
Abstract

This talk is concerned with the mathematical and numerical analysis of a steady phase change problem for non-isothermal incompressible viscous flow. The system is formulated in terms of pseudostress, strain rate and velocity for the Navier-Stokes-Brinkman equation, whereas temperature, normal heat flux on the boundary, and an auxiliary unknown are introduced for the energy conservation equation. In addition, and as one of the novelties of our approach, the symmetry of the pseudostress is imposed in an ultra-weak sense, thanks to which the usual introduction of the vorticity as an additional unknown is no longer needed. Then, for the mathematical analysis two variational formulations are proposed, namely mixed-primal and fully-mixed approaches, and the solvability of the resulting coupled formulations is established by combining fixed-point arguments, Sobolev embedding theorems and certain regularity assumptions. We then construct corresponding Galerkin discretizations based on adequate finite element spaces, and derive optimal a priori error estimates. Finally, numerical experiments in 2D and 3D illustrate the interest of this scheme and validate the theory.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019

12:00 - 13:15
L4

Higgsplosion: excitements and problems

Alexander Belyaev
(Southampton University)
Abstract

A recent calculation of the multi-Higgs boson production in scalar theories
with spontaneous symmetry breaking has demonstrated the fast growth of the
cross section with the Higgs multiplicity at sufficiently large energies,
called “Higgsplosion”. It was argued that “Higgsplosion” solves the Higgs
hierarchy and fine-tuning problems. The phenomena looks quite exciting,
however in my talk I will present arguments that: a) the formula for
“Higgsplosion” has a limited applicability and inconsistent with unitarity
of the Standard Model; b) that the contribution from “Higgsplosion” to the
imaginary part of the Higgs boson propagator cannot be re-summed in order to
furnish a solution of the Higgs hierarchy and fine-tuning problems.

Based on our recent paper https://arxiv.org/abs/1808.05641 (A. Belyaev, F. Bezrukov, D. Ross)

 

Mon, 25 Feb 2019

16:00 - 17:00
L4

Diffeomorphic Approximation of W^{1,1} Planar Sobolev Homeomorphisms

Stanislav Hencl
(Charles University in Prague)
Abstract

Let $\Omega\subseteq\mathbb{R}^2$ be a domain and let $f\in W^{1,1}(\Omega,\mathbb{R}^2)$ be a homeomorphism (between $\Omega$ and $f(\Omega)$). Then there exists a sequence of smooth diffeomorphisms $f_k$ converging to $f$ in $W^{1,1}(\Omega,\mathbb{R}^2)$ and uniformly. This is a joint result with A. Pratelli.
 

Mon, 25 Feb 2019

15:45 - 16:45
L3

Reinforcement and random media

XIAOLIN ZENG
(University of Strasbourg)
Abstract

Abstract: The edge reinforced random walk is a self-interacting process, in which the random walker prefer visited edges with a bias proportional to the number of times the edges were visited. We will gently introduce this model and talk about some of its histories and recent progresses.

 

Mon, 25 Feb 2019
15:45
L6

Twisted Blanchfield pairings and Casson-Gordon invariants

Anthony Conway
(Durham University)
Abstract

 In the late seventies, Casson and Gordon developed several knot invariants that obstruct a knot from being slice, i.e. from bounding a disc in the 4-ball. In this talk, we use twisted Blanchfield pairings to define twisted generalisations of the Levine-Tristram signature function, and describe their relation to the Casson-Gordon invariants. If time permits, we will present some obstructions to algebraic knots being slice. This is joint work with Maciej Borodzik and Wojciech Politarczyk.

Mon, 25 Feb 2019

14:15 - 15:15
L3

Angles of Random Polytopes

DMITRY ZAPOROZHETS
(St. Petersburg University)
Abstract

We will consider some problems on calculating  the average  angles of random polytopes. Some of them are open.

Mon, 25 Feb 2019
14:15
L4

Tropically constructed Lagrangians in mirror quintic threefolds

Cheuk Yu Mak
(Cambridge University)
Abstract

In this talk, we will explain how to construct embedded closed Lagrangian submanifolds in mirror quintic threefolds using tropical curves and the toric degeneration technique. As an example, we will illustrate the construction for tropical curves that contribute to the Gromov–Witten invariant of the line class of the quintic threefold. The construction will in turn provide many homologous and non-Hamiltonian isotopic Lagrangian
rational homology spheres, and a geometric interpretation of the multiplicity of a tropical curve as the weight of a Lagrangian. This is a joint work with Helge Ruddat.

 

Mon, 25 Feb 2019
12:45
L5

The Laplacian flow in G_2 geometry

Jason Lotay
(Oxford)
Abstract

Finding Riemannian metrics with holonomy G_2 is a challenging problem with links in mathematics to Einstein metrics and area-minimizing submanifolds, and to M-theory in theoretical physics.  I will provide a brief survey on recent progress towards studying this problem using a geometric flow approach, including connections to calibrated fibrations.

Fri, 22 Feb 2019

14:00 - 15:00
C2

The viscosities of partially molten materials undergoing diffusion creep

John Rudge
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

Partially molten materials resist shearing and compaction. This resistance

is described by a fourth-rank effective viscosity tensor. When the tensor

is isotropic, two scalars determine the resistance: an effective shear and

an effective bulk viscosity. In this seminar, calculations are presented of

the effective viscosity tensor during diffusion creep for a 3D tessellation of

tetrakaidecahedrons (truncated octahedrons). The geometry of the melt is

determined by assuming textural equilibrium.  Two parameters

control the effect of melt on the viscosity tensor: the porosity and the

dihedral angle. Calculations for both Nabarro-Herring (volume diffusion)

and Coble (surface diffusion) creep are presented. For Nabarro-Herring

creep the bulk viscosity becomes singular as the porosity vanishes. This

singularity is logarithmic, a weaker singularity than typically assumed in

geodynamic models. The presence of a small amount of melt (0.1% porosity)

causes the effective shear viscosity to approximately halve. For Coble creep,

previous modelling work has argued that a very small amount of melt may

lead to a substantial, factor of 5, drop in the shear viscosity. Here, a

much smaller, factor of 1.4, drop is obtained.

Fri, 22 Feb 2019

14:00 - 15:00
L1

How we learn

Dr Iro Xenidou-Dervou
Abstract

How do humans process information? What are their strengths and limitations? This crash course in cognitive psychology will provide the background necessary to think realistically about how learning works.

Fri, 22 Feb 2019

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Programming languages for molecular and genetic devices

Dr Andrew Phillips
(Head of Biological Computation Group Microsoft Research Cambridge)
Abstract

Computational nucleic acid devices show great potential for enabling a broad range of biotechnology applications, including smart probes for molecular biology research, in vitro assembly of complex compounds, high-precision in vitro disease diagnosis and, ultimately, computational therapeutics inside living cells. This diversity of applications is supported by a range of implementation strategies, including nucleic acid strand displacement, localisation to substrates, and the use of enzymes with polymerase, nickase and exonuclease functionality. However, existing computational design tools are unable to account for these different strategies in a unified manner. This talk presents a programming language that allows a broad range of computational nucleic acid systems to be designed and analysed. We also demonstrate how similar approaches can be incorporated into a programming language for designing genetic devices that are inserted into cells to reprogram their behaviour. The language is used to characterise the genetic components for programming populations of cells that communicate and self-organise into spatial patterns. More generally, we anticipate that languages and software for programming molecular and genetic devices will accelerate the development of future biotechnology applications.