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Suppose that p∈(1,∞], ν∈[1/2,∞), Sν = (x1, x2)∈R² \{(0, 0)}: |φ|< π/2ν, where φ is the polar angle of (x1, x2). Let R>0 and ωp(x) be the p-harmonic measure of ∂B(0, R)∩Sν at x with respect to B(0, R)∩Sν. We prove that there exists a constant C such that C−1 (|x|/R)k(ν,p) ≤ ωp(x) ≤ C (|x|/R)k(ν,p) whenever x∈B(0, R)∩S2ν and where the exponent k(ν, p) is given explicitly as a function of ν and p. Using this estimate we derive local growth estimates for p-sub- and p-superharmonic functions in planar domains which are locally approximable by sectors, e.g., we conclude bounds of the rate of convergence near the boundary where the domain has an inwardly or outwardly pointed cusp. Using the estimates of p-harmonic measure we also derive a sharp Phragmén-Lindelöf theorem for p-subharmonic functions in the unbounded sector Sν. Moreover, if p=∞ then the above mentioned estimates extend from the setting of two-dimensional sectors to cones in Rn. Finally, when ν∈(1/2, ∞) and p∈(1,∞) we prove uniqueness (modulo normalization) of positive p-harmonic functions in Sν vanishing on ∂Sν. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove the existence of a unique viscosity solution to certain systems of fully nonlinear parabolic partial differential equations with interconnected obstacles in the setting of Neumann boundary conditions. The method of proof builds on the classical viscosity solution technique adapted to the setting of interconnected obstacles and construction of explicit viscosity sub- and supersolutions as bounds for Perron’s method. Our motivation stems from so called optimal switching problems on bounded domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mathematical theory for optimal switching is by now relatively well developed, but the number of concrete applications of this theoretical framework remains few. In this paper, we bridge parts of this gap by applying optimal switching theory to a conceptual production planning problem related to hydropower. In particular, we study two examples of small run-of-river hydropower plants and provide an outline of how optimal switching can be used to create fully automatic production schemes for these. Along the way, we create a new model for random flow of water based on stochastic differential equations and fit this model to historical data. We benchmark the performance of our model using actual flow data from a small river in Sweden and find that our production scheme lies close to the optimal, within 2 and 5 %, respectively, in a long term investigation of the two plants considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a Rosenzweig–MacArthur predator-prey system which incorporates logistic growth of the prey in the absence of predators and a Holling type II functional response for interaction between predators and preys. We assume that parameters take values in a range which guarantees that all solutions tend to a unique limit cycle and prove estimates for the maximal and minimal predator and prey population densities of this cycle. Our estimates are simple functions of the model parameters and hold for cases when the cycle exhibits small predator and prey abundances and large amplitudes. The proof consists of constructions of several Lyapunov-type functions and derivation of a large number of non-trivial estimates which are of independent interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable yields that are at least 80% of the maximum sustainable yield are sometimes referred to as "pretty good yields" (PGY). The range of PGY harvesting strategies is generally broad and thus leaves room to account for additional objectives besides high yield. Here, we analyze stage-dependent harvesting strategies that realize PGY with conservation as a second objective. We show that (1) PGY harvesting strategies can give large conservation benefits and (2) equal harvesting rates of juveniles and adults is often a good strategy. These conclusions are based on trade-off curves between yield and four measures of conservation that form in two established population models, one age-structured model and one stage-structured model, when considering different harvesting rates of juveniles and adults. These conclusions hold for a broad range of parameter settings, although our investigation of robustness also reveals that (3) predictions of the age-structured model are more sensitive to variations in parameter values than those of the stage-structured model. Finally, we find that (4) measures of stability that are often quite difficult to assess in the field (e.g., basic reproduction ratio and resilience) are systematically negatively correlated with impacts on biomass and size structure, so that these later quantities can provide integrative signals to detect possible collapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stability of dynamical systems is a central topic with applications in widespread areas such as economy, biology, physics and mechanical engineering. The dynamics of nonlinear systems may completely change due to perturbations forcing the solution to jump from a safe state into another, possibly dangerous, attractor. Such phenomena cannot be traced by the widespread local stability and resilience measures, based on linearizations, accounting only for arbitrary small perturbations. Using numerical estimates of the size and shape of the basin of attraction, as well as the systems returntime to the attractor after given a perturbation, we construct simple nonlocal stability and resilience measures that record a systems ability to tackle both large and small perturbations. We demonstrate our approach on the Solow-Swan model of economic growth, an electro-mechanical system, a stage-structured population model as well as on a high-dimensional system, and conclude that the suggested measures detect dynamic behavior, crucial for a systems stability and resilience, which can be completely missed by local measures. The presented measures are also easy to implement on a standard laptop computer. We believe that our approach will constitute an important step toward filling a current gap in the literature by putting forward and explaining simple ideas and methods, and by delivering explicit constructions of several promising nonlocal stability and resilience measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenological changes among plants due to climate change are well documented, but often hard to interpret. In order to assess the adaptive value of observed changes, we study how annual plants with and without growth constraints should optimize their flowering time when productivity and season length changes. We consider growth constraints that depend on the plant's vegetative mass: self-shading, costs for nonphotosynthetic structural tissue and sibling competition., We derive the optimal flowering time from a dynamic energy allocation model using optimal control theory. We prove that an immediate switch (bang-bang control) from vegetative to reproductive growth is optimal with constrained growth and constant mortality., Increasing mean productivity, while keeping season length constant and growth unconstrained, delayed the optimal flowering time. When growth was constrained and productivity was relatively high, the optimal flowering time advanced instead. When the growth season was extended equally at both ends, the optimal flowering time was advanced under constrained growth and delayed under unconstrained growth., Our results suggests that growth constraints are key factors to consider when interpreting phenological flowering responses. It can help to explain phenological patterns along productivity gradients, and links empirical observations made on calendar scales with life-history theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple method to select a spatially balanced sample using equal or unequal inclusion probabilities is presented. For populations with spatial trends in the variables of interest, the estimation can be much improved by selecting samples that are well spread over the population. The method can be used for any number of dimensions and can hence also select spatially balanced samples in a space spanned by several auxiliary variables. Analysis and examples indicate that the suggested method achieves a high degree of spatial balance and is therefore efficient for populations with trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]