Mon, 28 Oct 2019
15:45
L6

Towards Higher Morse-Cerf Theory: Classifying Constructible Bundles on R^n

Christoph Dorn
(Oxford)
Abstract

We present a programme towards a combinatorial language for higher (stratified) Morse-Cerf theory. Our starting point will be the interpretation of a Morse function as a constructible bundle (of manifolds) over R^1. Generalising this, we describe a surprising combinatorial classification of constructible bundles on flag foliated R^n (the latter structure of a "flag foliation” is needed for us to capture the notions of "singularities of higher Morse-Cerf functions" independently of differentiable structure). We remark that flag foliations can also be seen to provide a notion of directed topology and in this sense higher Morse-Cerf singularities are closely related to coherences in higher category theory. The main result we will present is the algorithmic decidability of existence of mutual refinements of constructible bundles. Using this result, we discuss how "combinatorial stratified higher Morse-Cerf theory" opens up novel paths to the computational treatment of interesting questions in manifold topology.

Mon, 21 Oct 2019
15:45
L6

Lower bounds on the tunnel number of composite spatial theta graphs

Scott Taylor
(Colby College)
Abstract

The tunnel number of a graph embedded in a 3-dimensional manifold is the fewest number of arcs needed so that the union of the graph with the arcs has handlebody exterior. The behavior of tunnel number with respect to connected sum of knots can vary dramatically, depending on the knots involved. However, a classical theorem of Scharlemann and Schultens says that the tunnel number of a composite knot is at least the number of factors. For theta graphs, trivalent vertex sum is the operation which most closely resembles the connected sum of knots. The analogous theorem of Scharlemann and Schultens no longer holds, however. I will provide a sharp lower bound for the tunnel number of composite theta graphs, using recent work on a new knot invariant which is additive under connected sum and trivalent vertex sum. This is joint work with Maggy Tomova.

Thu, 21 Nov 2019

12:00 - 13:00
L4

Analysis of systems with small cross-diffusion

Luca Alasio
(Gran Sasso Science Institute GSSI)
Abstract

I will present recent results concerning a class of nonlinear parabolic systems of partial differential equations with small cross-diffusion (see doi.org/10.1051/m2an/2018036 and arXiv:1906.08060). Such systems can be interpreted as a perturbation of a linear problem and they have been proposed to describe the dynamics of a variety of large systems of interacting particles. I will discuss well-posedness, regularity, stability and convergence to the stationary state for (strong) solutions in an appropriate Banach space. I will also present some applications and refinements of the above-mentioned results for specific models.

Tue, 03 Dec 2019
14:15
L4

Deformation of a Howe duality

Marcelo De Martino
(Oxford University)
Abstract

In this talk, I will report about a joint work with D. Ciubotaru, in which we investigate the Dunkl version of the classical Howe-duality (O(k),spo(2|2)). Similar Fischer-type decompositions were studied before in the works of Ben-Said, Brackx, De Bie, De Schepper, Eelbode, Orsted, Soucek and Somberg for other Howe-dual pairs. Our work builds on the notion of a Dirac operator for Drinfeld algebras introduced by Ciubotaru, which was inspired by the analogous theory for Lie algebras, as well as the work of Cheng and Wang on classical Howe dualities.

Tue, 26 Nov 2019
14:15
L4

Heisenberg groups and graded Lie algebras

Beth Romano
(Oxford University)
Abstract

I will talk about a way of building graded Lie algebras from certain Heisenberg groups. The input for this construction arises naturally when studying families of algebraic curves, and we'll look at some examples in which Lie theory interacts with number theory in an illuminating way. 

Mon, 09 Dec 2019

15:45 - 16:45
L3

Ito-Wentzell-Lions formula for measure dependent random fields under full and conditional measure flows

GONCALO DOS REIS
(University of Edinburgh)
Abstract


We present several Itô-Wentzell formulae on Wiener spaces for real-valued functionals random field of Itô type depending on measures. We distinguish the full- and marginal-measure flow cases. Derivatives with respect to the measure components are understood in the sense of Lions.
This talk is based on joint work with V. Platonov (U. of Edinburgh), see https://arxiv.org/abs/1910.01892.
 

Mon, 09 Dec 2019

14:15 - 15:45
L3

Low-dimensional quantum Yang-Mills measures

ILYA CHEVYREV
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

Yang-Mills theory plays an important role in the Standard Model and is behind many mathematical developments in geometric analysis. In this talk, I will present several recent results on the problem of constructing quantum Yang-Mills measures in 2 and 3 dimensions. I will particularly speak about a representation of the 2D measure as a random distributional connection and as the invariant measure of a Markov process arising from stochastic quantisation. I will also discuss the relationship with previous constructions of Driver, Sengupta, and Lévy based on random holonomies, and the difficulties in passing from 2 to 3 dimensions. Partly based on joint work with Ajay Chandra, Martin Hairer, and Hao Shen.

Mon, 02 Dec 2019

14:15 - 15:15
L3

Asset Prices in Segmented and Integrated Markets

PAOLO GUASONI
(University of Dublin)
Abstract

This paper evaluates the effect of market integration on prices and welfare, in a model where two Lucas trees grow in separate regions with similar investors. We find equilibrium asset price dynamics and welfare both in segmentation, when each region holds its own asset and consumes its dividend, and in integration, when both regions trade both assets and consume both dividends. Integration always increases welfare. Asset prices may increase or decrease, depending on the time of integration, but decrease on average. Correlation in assets' returns is zero or negative before integration, but significantly positive afterwards, explaining some effects commonly associated with financialization.

Oxford Mathematician Nils Matthes talks about trying to understand old numbers using new techniques.

"The Riemann zeta function is arguably one of the most important objects in arithmetic. It encodes deep information about the whole numbers; for example the celebrated Riemann hypothesis, which gives a precise location of its zeros, predicts deep information about the prime numbers. In my research, I am mostly interested in the special values of the Riemann zeta function at integers $k\geq 2$,

Mon, 25 Nov 2019

16:00 - 17:00
L1

Regularity of minimisers for a model of charged droplets

Jonas Hirsh
(Universität Leipzig)
Further Information

Note the change of room

Abstract

We investigate properties of minimisers of a variational model describing the shape of charged liquid droplets. Roughly speaking, the shape of a charged liquid droplet is determined by the competition between an ”aggerating” term, due to surface tension forces, and to a ”disaggergating” term due to the repulsive effect between charged particles.

In my talk I want to present our ”first” analysis of the so called Deby-Hückel-type free energy. In particular we show that minimisers satisfy a partial regularity result, a first step of understanding the further properties of a minimiser. The presented results are joint work with Guido De Philippis and Giulia Vescovo.

 

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