On the denominator values and barycentric weights of rational interpolants

We improve upon the method of Zhu and Zhu [A method for directly finding the denominator values of rational interpolants, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 148 (2002) 341-348] for finding the denominator values of rational interpolants, reducing considerably the number of arithmetical operations required for their computation. In a second stage, we determine the points (if existent) which can be discarded from the rational interpolation problem. Furthermore, when the interpolant has a linear denominator, we obtain a formula for the barycentric weights which is simpler than the one found by Berrut and Mittelmann [Matrices for the direct determination of the barycentric weights of rational interpolation, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 78 (1997) 355-370]. Subsequently, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the rational interpolant to have a pole. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Remarks on immersions in the metastable dimension range

In this work we present a generalization of an exact sequence of normal bordism groups given in a paper by H. A. Salomonsen (Math. Scand. 32 (1973), 87-111). This is applied to prove that if h : M-n --> Xn+k, 5 less than or equal to n < 2k, is a continuous map between two manifolds and g : M-n --> BO is the classifying map of the stable normal bundle of h such that (h, g)(*) : H-i (M, Z(2)) --> H-i (X x BO, Z(2)) is an isomorphism for i < n - k and an epimorphism for i = n - k, then h bordant to an immersion implies that h is homotopic to an immersion. The second remark complements the result of C. Biasi, D. L. Goncalves and A. K. M. Libardi (Topology Applic. 116 (2001), 293-303) and it concerns conditions for which there exist immersions in the metastable dimension range. Some applications and examples for the main results are also given.

DIFFERENT MEDIA, DIFFERENT TYPES OF COLLECTIVE WORK IN ONLINE CONTINUING TEACHER EDUCATION: WOULD YOU PASS THE PEN, PLEASE?

This paper presents some findings regarding the interaction between different computer interfaces and different types of collective work. We want to claim that design in online learning environments has a paramount role in the type of collaboration that happens among participants. In this paper, we report on data that illustrate how teachers can collaborate online in order to learn how to use geometry software in teaching activities. A virtual environment which allows that construction to be carried out collectively, even if the participants are not sharing a classroom, is the setting for the research presented in this paper.

Phenomenological perspective on mathematics education

This is a philosophical essay on a phenomenological way to understand and to work out Mathematics Education. Its philosophical grounding is the Husserlian work, focusing on its key word "going to the things themselves" in order to keep us away from the theoretical educational truth, took as the unique one. We assume the attitude of being on the life-world with the students and Mathematics as a field of research and practice that show and express themselves through lived experiences and through language. We assume to be in search of understanding of education, learning and Mathematics, as we take care, consciously, of what we are doing and saying in the same movement of saying and doing it.

GENERALIZED HEAVISIDE FUNCTIONS IN THE COLOMBEAU THEORY CONTEXT

We defined generalized Heaviside functions for a variable x in R-n, and for variables (x, t) in R-n x R-m. Then study properties such as: composition, invertibility, and association relation (the weak equality). This work is developed in the Colombeau generalized functions context.

The Levi-Civita space-time

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

On the injectivity of C1 maps of the real plane

Let X : ℝ2 → ℝ2 be a C1 map. Denote by Spec(X) the set of (complex) eigenvalues of DXp when p varies in ℝ2. If there exists ε > 0 such that Spec(X) ∩ (-ε, ε) = ∅, then X is injective. Some applications of this result to the real Keller Jacobian conjecture are discussed.