Consider an algorithm computing in a differential field with several commuting derivations such that the only operations it performs with the elements of the field are arithmetic operations, differentiation, and zero testing. We show that, if the algorithm is guaranteed to terminate on every input, then there is a computable upper bound for the size of the output of the algorithm in terms of the size of the input. We also generalize this to algorithms working with models of good enough theories (including, for example, difference fields).

We then apply this to differential algebraic geometry to show that there exists a computable uniform upper bound for the number of components of any variety defined by a system of polynomial PDEs. We then use this bound to show the existence of a computable uniform upper bound for the elimination problem in systems of polynomial PDEs with delays.

We study solutions of difference equations in the rings of sequences and, more generally, solutions of equations with a monoid action in the ring of sequences indexed by the monoid. This framework includes, for example, difference equations on grids (for example, standard difference schemes) and difference equations in functions on words. On the universality side, we prove a version of strong Nullstellensatz for such difference equations under the assumption that the cardinality of the ground field is greater than the cardinality of the monoid and construct an example showing that this assumption cannot be omitted. On the undecidability side, we show that the following problems are undecidable:

Let $K$ be an algebraically closed field of prime characteristic $p$, let $X$ be a semiabelian variety defined over a finite subfield of $K$, let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}:X\longrightarrow X$ be a regular self-map defined over $K$, let $V\subset X$ be a subvariety defined over $K$, and let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in X(K)$. The dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture in characteristic $p$ predicts that the set $S=\{n\in \mathbb{N}:\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}^{n}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC})\in V\}$ is a union of finitely many arithmetic progressions, along with finitely many $p$-sets, which are sets of the form $\{\sum _{i=1}^{m}c_{i}p^{k_{i}n_{i}}:n_{i}\in \mathbb{N}\}$ for some $m\in \mathbb{N}$, some rational numbers $c_{i}$ and some non-negative integers $k_{i}$. We prove that this conjecture is equivalent with some difficult diophantine problem in characteristic 0. In the case $X$ is an algebraic torus, we can prove the conjecture in two cases: either when $\dim (V)\leqslant 2$, or when no iterate of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6F7}$ is a group endomorphism which induces the action of a power of the Frobenius on a positive dimensional algebraic subgroup of $X$. We end by proving that Vojta’s conjecture implies the dynamical Mordell–Lang conjecture for tori with no restriction.

A kinetic model of the Boltzmann equation for non-vibrating polyatomic gases is proposed, based on the Rykov model for diatomic gases. We adopt two velocity distribution functions (VDFs) to describe the system state; inelastic collisions are the same as in the Rykov model, but elastic collisions are modelled by the Boltzmann collision operator (BCO) for monatomic gases, so that the overall kinetic model equation reduces to the Boltzmann equation for monatomic gases in the limit of no translational–rotational energy exchange. The free parameters in the model are determined by comparing the transport coefficients, obtained by a Chapman–Enskog expansion, to values from experiment and kinetic theory. The kinetic model equations are solved numerically using the fast spectral method for elastic collision operators and the discrete velocity method for inelastic ones. The numerical results for normal shock waves and planar Fourier/Couette flows are in good agreement with both conventional direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) results and experimental data. Poiseuille and thermal creep flows of polyatomic gases between two parallel plates are also investigated. Finally, we find that the spectra of both spontaneous and coherent Rayleigh–Brillouin scattering (RBS) compare well with DSMC results, and the computational speed of our model is approximately 300 times faster. Compared to the Rykov model, our model greatly improves prediction accuracy, and reveals the significant influence of molecular models. For coherent RBS, we find that the Rykov model could overpredict the bulk viscosity by a factor of two.

Knobe reports that subjects' judgments of whether an agent did something intentionally vary depending on whether the outcome in question was seen by them as good or as bad. He concludes that subjects' moral views affect their judgments about intentional action. This conclusion appears to follow only if different meanings of “intention” are overlooked.

The notion of a prolongation of an algebraic variety is developed in an abstract setting that generalizes the difference and (Hasse) differential contexts. An interpolating map that compares these prolongation spaces with algebraic jet spaces is introduced and studied.

We characterise strongly minimal groups interpretable in elementary extensions of compact complex analytic spaces.

We present the details of a model-theoretic proof of an analogue of the Manin–Mumford conjecture for semiabelian varieties in positive characteristic. As a by-product of the proof we reduce the general positive-characteristic Mordell–Lang problem to a question about purely inseparable points on subvarieties of semiabelian varieties.

We point out that a certain complex compact manifold constructed by Lieberman has the dimensional order property, and has U-rank different from Morley rank. We also give a sufficient condition for a Kähler manifold to be totally degenerate (that is, to be an indiscernible set, in its canonical language) and point out that there are K3 surfaces which satisfy these conditions.

§1. Introduction. With Hrushovski's proof of the function field Mordell-Lang conjecture [16] the relevance of geometric stability theory to diophantine geometry first came to light. A gulf between logicians and number theorists allowed for contradictory reactions. It has been asserted that Hrushovski's proof was simply an algebraic argument masked in the language of model theory. Another camp held that this theorem was merely a clever one-off. Still others regarded the argument as magical and asked whether such sorcery could unlock the secrets of a wide coterie of number theoretic problems.

In the intervening years each of these prejudices has been revealed as false though such attitudes are still common. The methods pioneered in [16] have been extended and applied to a number of other problems. At their best, these methods have been integrated into the general methods for solving diophantine problems. Moreover, the newer work suggests limits to the application of model theory to diophantine geometry. For example, all such known applications are connected with commutative algebraic groups. This need not be an intrinsic restriction, but its removal requires serious advances in the model theory of fields.

The notion of a D-ring, generalizing that of a differential or a differenee ring, is introduced, Quantifier elimination and a version of the Ax—Kochen—Eršov principle is proven for a theory of valued D-fields of residual characteristic zero.

We recall the notions of weak and strong Euler characteristics on a first order structure and make explicit the notion of a Grothendieck ring of a structure. We define partially ordered Euler characteristic and Grothendieck ring and give a characterization of structures that have non-trivial partially ordered Grothendieck ring. We give a generalization of counting functions to locally finite structures, and use the construction to show that the Grothendieck ring of the complex numbers contains as a subring the ring of integer polynomials in continuum many variables. We prove the existence of a universal strong Euler characteristic on a structure. We investigate the dependence of the Grothendieck ring on the theory of the structure and give a few counter-examples. Finally, we relate some open problems and independence results in bounded arithmetic to properties of particular Grothendieck rings.

We note here, in answer to a question of Poizat, that the Morley and Lascar ranks need not coincide in differentially closed fields. We will approach this through the (perhaps) more fundamental issue of the variation of Morley rank in families. We will be interested here only in sets of finite Morley rank. Section 1 consists of some general lemmas relating the above issues. Section 2 points out a family of sets of finite Morley rank, whose Morley rank exhibits discontinuous upward jumps. To make the base of the family itself have finite Morley rank, we use a theorem of Buium.

The apparent geographical inaccuracies in Sallust's account of the war with Jugurtha have attracted the attention of many scholars. Several years ago Etienne Tiffou devoted a study to the fact that Sallust's three historical works show a progressively greater interest in geography, but many topographical difficulties in The War with Jugurtha remain unexplained. Others see the geographical excursuses in The War with Jugurtha as simply traditional devices or perhaps structural fillers whose content is purely derivative and whose contribution to the themes of the work is minimal or nil: Sallust does not contribute much more than ‘Greek erudition and fancies’. Yet many of the supposed inaccuracies and thematically empty excursuses can be better understood and appreciated as part of a consistent Sallustian technique of internal allusion. A careful reading of Sallust's references to places in The War with Jugurtha reveals the author's sophisticated use of a ‘textual geography’, i.e. the deliberate selection and arrangement of places in the text to allude to and support his central ideas. Most significantly he compares Rome to Carthage in their origins, growth and decline, he describes the reactions of the Roman people to the course of the war, and he characterizes Roman leaders in their conduct of the war against Jugurtha by using this device.