Multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models have generated increasing interest in the psychometrics literature. Efficient approaches for estimating MIRT models with dichotomous responses have been developed, but constructing an equally efficient and robust algorithm for polytomous models has received limited attention. To address this gap, this paper presents a novel Gaussian variational estimation algorithm for the multidimensional generalized partial credit model. The proposed algorithm demonstrates both fast and accurate performance, as illustrated through a series of simulation studies and two real data analyses.

In this paper, we consider the existence and limiting behaviour of solutions to a semilinear elliptic equation arising from confined plasma problem in dimension two

\[ \begin{cases} -\Delta u=\lambda k(x)f(u) & \text{in}\ D,\\ u= c & \displaystyle\text{on}\ \partial D,\\ \displaystyle - \int_{\partial D} \frac{\partial u}{\partial \nu}\,{\rm d}s=I, \end{cases} \]

$D\subseteq \mathbb {R}^2$

$\nu$

$\partial D$

$\lambda$

$I$

$c$

$f$

$k$

$\Gamma (x)=({1}/{2})h(x,\,x)- ({1}/{8\pi })\ln k(x)$

$\lambda \to +\infty$

$h(x,\,x)$

$-\Delta$

$D$

$f$

$k$

$k$

$measure$

In the present paper, we first introduce the concepts of the Lpq-capacity measure and Lp mixed q-capacity and then prove some geometric properties of Lpq-capacity measure and a Lp Minkowski inequality for the q-capacity for any fixed p ⩾ 1 and q > n. As an application of the Lp Minkowski inequality mentioned above, we establish a Hadamard variational formula for the q-capacity under p-sum for any fixed p ⩾ 1 and q > n, which extends results of Akman et al. (Adv. Calc. Var. (in press)). With the Hadamard variational formula, variational method and Lp Minkowski inequality mentioned above, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the solution for the Lp Minkowski problem for the q-capacity which extends some beautiful results of Jerison (1996, Acta Math.176, 1–47), Colesanti et al. (2015, Adv. Math.285, 1511–588), Akman et al. (Mem. Amer. Math. Soc. (in press)) and Akman et al. (Adv. Calc. Var. (in press)). It is worth mentioning that our proof of Hadamard variational formula is based on Lp Minkowski inequality rather than the direct argument which was adopted by Akman (Adv. Calc. Var. (in press)). Moreover, as a consequence of Lp Minkowski inequality for q-capacity, we get an interesting isoperimetric inequality for q-capacity.

This paper concerns with the existence of multiple solutions for a class of elliptic problems with discontinuous nonlinearity. By using dual variational methods, properties of the Nehari manifolds and Ekeland's variational principle, we show how the ‘shape’ of the graph of the function A affects the number of nontrivial solutions.

We are interested in standing waves of a modified Schrödinger equation coupled with the Chern–Simons gauge theory. By applying a constraint minimization of Nehari-Pohozaev type, we prove the existence of radial ground state solutions. We also investigate the nonexistence for nontrivial solutions.

We prove the existence of infinitely many solutions $u\in W_{0}^{1,2}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA})$ for the Kirchhoff equation

$$\begin{eqnarray}\displaystyle -\biggl(\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\int _{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}}|\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FB}u|^{2}\,dx\biggr)\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}u=a(x)|u|^{q-1}u+\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}f(x,u)\quad \text{in }\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}, & & \displaystyle \nonumber\end{eqnarray}$$

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}\subset \mathbb{R}^{N}$

$a(x)$

$0<q<1$

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}>0$

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\geq 0$

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}>0$

$f$

The aim of this paper is to present a sign-changing solution for a class of radially symmetric asymptotically linear Schrödinger equations. The proof is variational and the Ekeland variational principle is employed as well as a deformation lemma combined with Miranda’s theorem.

This paper is concerned with the initial boundary value problem of a class of nonlinear wave equations and reaction–diffusion equations with several nonlinear source terms of different signs. For the initial boundary value problem of the nonlinear wave equations, we derive a blow up result for certain initial data with arbitrary positive initial energy. For the initial boundary value problem of the nonlinear reaction–diffusion equations, we discuss some probabilities of the existence and nonexistence of global solutions and give some sufficient conditions for the global and nonglobal existence of solutions at high initial energy level by employing the comparison principle and variational methods.

Thermochronometer data offer a powerful tool for quantifying a wide range of geologic processes, such as the deformation and erosion of mountain ranges, topographic evolution, and hydrocarbon maturation. With increasing interest to quantify a wider range of complicated geologic processes, more sophisticated techniques are needed. This paper is concerned with an inverse problem method for interpreting the thermochronometer data quantitatively. Two novel models are proposed to simulate the crustal thermal fields and paleo mountain topography as a function of tectonic and surface processes. One is a heat transport model that describes the change of temperature of rocks; while the other is surface process model which explains the change of mountain topography. New computational algorithms are presented for solving the inverse problem of the coupled system of these two models. The model successfully provides a new tool for reconstructing the kinematic and the topographic history of mountains.

We determine the steady-state structures that result from liquid-liquid demixing in afree surface film of binary liquid on a solid substrate. The considered model correspondsto the static limit of the diffuse interface theory describing the phase separationprocess for a binary liquid (model-H), when supplemented by boundary conditions at thefree surface and taking the influence of the solid substrate into account. The resultingvariational problem is numerically solved employing a Finite Element Method on an adaptivegrid. The developed numerical scheme allows us to obtain the coupled steady-state filmthickness profile and the concentration profile inside the film. As an example wedetermine steady state profiles for a reflection-symmetric two-dimensional droplet forvarious surface tensions of the film and various preferential attraction strength of onecomponent to the substrate. We discuss the relation of the results of the present diffuseinterface theory to the sharp interface limit and determine the effective interfacetension of the diffuse interface by several means.

We deal with a singular quasilinear elliptic problem, which involves critical Hardy-Sobolev exponents and multiple Hardy terms. Using variational methods and analytic techniques, the existence of ground state solutions to the problem is obtained.

Using variational methods, we obtain the existence of sign-changing solutions for a class of asymptotically linear Schrödinger equations with deepening potential well.

Applying the concept of minimum potential energy and the variational method proposed in this paper, one can derive the governing equation and transversality conditions for the critical slip surface of a cohesive land slope described by simplified Janbu's model where both horizontal and vertical inter-slice forces are neglected. The governing equation, transversality conditions and boundary conditions were solved by the boundary integral equation method, which is a one dimensional BIEM, so that the critical slip surface and its associated minimal factor of safety can be determined effectively. By comparison of the results gotten from the boundary integral equation method and other numerical methods, it can be concluded, that, for some simplified cases, by using the boundary integral equation method on slope stability analysis of a cohesive land slope, a more reasonable result can be obtained.

We prove that the $p$-Laplacian problem $-\Delta_p u = f(x, u)$, with $u \in W^{1, p}_0 (\Omega)$ on a bounded domain $\Omega \subset R^N$, with $p > 1$ arbitrary, has a nodal solution provided that $f : \Omega \times R \to R$ is subcritical, and $f(x, t) / |t|^{p - 2}$ is superlinear. Infinitely many nodal solutions are obtained if, in addition, $f(x, -t) = -f(x, t)$.

Applying the principle of virtual work, the slice element method, and the variational method proposed in this paper, one can derive the governing equation and transversality conditions for the rupture surface of a sliding mass of retaining wall and shallow foundation under several external conditions. The governing equation, transversality, and boundary conditions can be solved by the finite difference method (FDM) proposed in this paper, so that the rupture surface and its associated earth pressure acting on the retaining wall or the ultimate bearing capacity acting on the foundation can be determined effectively. By comparison of our results with those of some well known earth pressure and bearing capacity estimating methods, it can be concluded that determining the earth pressure on a retaining wall or the ultimate bearing capacity of a shallow foundation by using the variational method and FDM proposed in this paper, a logical and reasonable result can be obtained without the necessity of guessing the rupture surface.