Hyperbolic and kinetic models for self-organised biological aggregations. A modelling and pattern formation approach (Q1755627)

This monograph is concerned with mathematical approaches for the modelling and investigation of self-organized biological aggregations, stationary or moving, with a particular view towards describing spatio-temporal patterns generated by hyperbolic and kinetic models. The authors study analytical and numerical methods, brief overviews of the most common analytical approaches and numerical schemes devised to investigate the solutions of hyperbolic and kinetic models presented along with the latest developments in this field. In this regard, the monograph is particularly successful at presenting recent research trends and results on nonlocal models, some obtained by the author herself, a fair number of recent papers being given succinct but remarkably focused surveys which emphasize concrete, distinguishing features of models or of their analysis. \par As a result, the monograph can primarily be used as a research companion, as it provides a vivid perspective of the state-of-art in its field. The fact that references are given on a per-chapter basis, all non-introductive chapters featuring comprehensive reference lists, also helps in this direction. The monograph, which is largely self-contained, can also be used as a basis for a graduate course or a research seminar on self-organized biological aggregation, the dual analytical and numerical perspective allowing for some tailoring to different purposes. \par The monograph starts by providing an argument towards using kinetic models of self-organized aggregation and movement and emphasizing the necessity of combining both analytic and numerical approaches. Rather than providing only introductive considerations, Chapter 1 is already a preview of things to come: a richly illustrated survey of a few concrete, individual-based models, with extensive comments regarding distinguishing features and applicability. The purpose and structure of the book are announced, the patterns exhibited by complex nonlocal models being comprehensively summarized, with detailed descriptions, references to appropriate figures in the manuscript and to bibliography items (over 180 for this chapter alone) for further study. \par Chapter 2 features an introduction to hyperbolic equations for 1D conservation laws and to admissibility conditions necessary to select a unique, physically relevant realistic solution among the non-unique weak solutions. Chapter 3 is devoted to one-equation local hyperbolic models which describe population movement and traffic flow. The relevance of continuous models at different spatial scales is also discussed. First-, second- and third-order traffic models are introduced along with advection-reaction equations describing animal population dynamics, analytical approaches for the spread of travelling waves being presented and illustrated. \par Chapter 4 is concerned with systems of 1D hyperbolic equations. They are derived to investigate directional movement in human or animal communities in response to local conspecifics and follow the Goldstein-Kac theory for correlated random walks. These models incorporate density-dependent turning rates and speeds, or reaction terms describing population growth or decay. In Chapter 5, nonlocal hyperbolic models are introduced in order to account for the behaviors generated by long-distance communication between organisms of the same group. First, generic single equation models with density-dependent speeds are discussed. Then, the focus shifts to systems of hyperbolic equations and to patterns which arise when organisms use one or two communication mechanisms, respectively. The influence of certain social interactions upon the resulting group patterns is also discussed. \par Chapter 6 is concerned with 2D and 3D kinetic models. Most of those assume that the interactions between organisms occur directly, although some do consider indirect interactions via external signals. The mean field approach, the hydrodynamic limit and the grazing collision limit are introduced as approaches yielding models which are easier to investigate analytically. Chapter 7 aims to provide an overview of the most common methods used to discretize hyperbolic models, starting with simpler 1D and 2D models and continuing with numerical schemes for higher dimensional models, including spectral and Monte Carlo methods. Numerical techniques devised in order to deal with stiff problems are also discussed. A succinct discussion of biologically realistic boundary conditions is further provided. \par An overview of basic notions of linear stability analysis and bifurcation theory is provided in Chapter 8, with the aim to deepen the understanding of mechanisms behind pattern formation and transition between different spatial or spatio-temporal patterns. Finally, Chapter 9 presents a discussion on the biological relevance of the models' assumptions and of the generated patterns, some possible directions of further research involving modelling and pattern investigation, analytically and numerically, are outlined.