The Variable-Order Fractional Calculus of Variations

This book intends to deepen the study of the fractional calculus, giving special emphasis to variable-order operators. It is organized in two parts, as follows. In the first part, we review the basic concepts of fractional calculus (Chapter 1) and of the fractional calculus of variations (Chapter 2). In Chapter 1, we start with a brief overview about fractional calculus and an introduction to the theory of some special functions in fractional calculus. Then, we recall several fractional operators (integrals and derivatives) definitions and some properties of the considered fractional derivatives and integrals are introduced. In the end of this chapter, we review integration by parts formulas for different operators. Chapter 2 presents a short introduction to the classical calculus of variations and review different variational problems, like the isoperimetric problems or problems with variable endpoints. In the end of this chapter, we introduce the theory of the fractional calculus of variations and some fractional variational problems with variable-order. In the second part, we systematize some new recent results on variable-order fractional calculus of (Tavares, Almeida and Torres, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). In Chapter 3, considering three types of fractional Caputo derivatives of variable-order, we present new approximation formulas for those fractional derivatives and prove upper bound formulas for the errors. In Chapter 4, we introduce the combined Caputo fractional derivative of variable-order and corresponding higher-order operators. Some properties are also given. Then, we prove fractional Euler-Lagrange equations for several types of fractional problems of the calculus of variations, with or without constraints.Comment: The final authenticated version of this preprint is available online as a SpringerBrief in Applied Sciences and Technology at [https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94006-9]. In this version some typos, detected by the authors while reading the galley proofs, were corrected, SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology, Springer, Cham, 201

Tecnologias de processamento de REEE

A produção de resíduos de equipamentos eléctricos e electrónicos têm vindo a aumentar ao longo dos anos, com tendência para sofrer um crescimento exponencial nas próximas décadas. Estes apresentam na sua constituição, elementos valiosos e substâncias perigosas, pelo que, é fundamental seguirem formas correctas de tratamento e eliminação de modo a diminuir os impactes ambientais e recuperar todos os materiais relevantes. O principal objectivo deste estudo consistiu em caracterizar os processos utilizados na reciclagem e tratamento dos diferentes Resíduos de Equipamentos Eléctricos e Electrónicos (REEE). Para tal, realizou-se um estágio numa Unidade de Tratamento e Valorização (UTV) de REEE, na qual, se estudou o processamento de 4 fluxos: fluxo B - Equipamentos de Arrefecimento e Refrigeração, Fluxo C - Pequenos Equipamentos; fluxo D -Lâmpadas Fluorescentes e fluxo E - Monitores e Televisores. O estudo efectuado mostrou que o processamento de equipamentos eléctricos e electrónicos em fim de vida se baseia em dois objectivos principais, na remoção de componentes perigosos e na recuperação de materiais valiosos ou reutilizáveis, sendo realizado, essencialmente, através de duas operações, o desmantelamento manual e o uso de tecnologias mecanizadas. O desmantelamento manual é aplicado em todos os fluxos com excepção do fluxo D e permite a recuperação total dos elementos presentes nos REEE sem perigo de contaminação, por sua vez, as tecnologias mecanizadas são usadas nos fluxos E, D e B e o seu uso permite optimização da produtividade. Da análise do processamento efectuado aos 4 fluxos de REEE estudados resultou uma elevada diversidade e complexidade de materiais, nomeadamente, motores, cabos eléctricos, plásticos, alumínio, cobre e ferro. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho permitiram concluir que os componentes mais abundantes nos diferentes fluxos são: o plástico (26,74% e 22% no fluxo B e E, respectivamente), o ferro (36,45% no fluxo C) e o vidro (92,4% e 62,2% para o fluxo D1 e D2, respectivamente)

The Kimberley assessment of depression of older Indigenous Australians: prevalence of depressive disorders, risk factors and validation of the KICA-dep scale

This study aimed to develop a culturally acceptable and valid scale to assess depressive symptoms in older Indigenous Australians, to determine the prevalence of depressive disorders in the older Kimberley community, and to investigate the sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with depression in this population. Methods Cross-sectional survey of adults aged 45 years or over from six remote Indigenous communities in the Kimberley and 30% of those living in Derby, Western Australia. The 11 linguistic and culturally sensitive items of the Kimberley Indigenous Cognitive Assessment of Depression (KICA-dep) scale were derived from the signs and symptoms required to establish the diagnosis of a depressive episode according to the DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 criteria, and their frequency was rated on a 4-point scale ranging from ‘never’ to ‘all the time’ (range of scores: 0 to 33). The diagnosis of depressive disorder was established after a face-to-face assessment with a consultant psychiatrist. Other measures included sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, and clinical history. Results The study included 250 participants aged 46 to 89 years (mean±SD = 60.9±10.7), of whom 143 (57.2%) were women. The internal reliability of the KICA-dep was 0.88 and the cut-point 7/8 (non-case/case) was associated with 78% sensitivity and 82% specificity for the diagnosis of a depressive disorder. The point-prevalence of a depressive disorder in this population was 7.7%; 4.0% for men and 10.4% for women. Heart problems were associated with increased odds of depression (odds ratio = 3.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.2,8.8). Conclusions The KICA-dep has robust psychometric properties and can be used with confidence as a screening tool for depression among older Indigenous Australians. Depressive disorders are common in this population, possibly because of increased stressors and health morbidities

Literacia para a Saúde, Obesidade e Hipertensão Arterial – Revisão Integrativa da Literatura

Resumo A literacia para a saúde está relacionada com o grau de escolaridade e implica o conhecimento, a motivação, as competências das pessoas em aceder, compreender e avaliar as informações da área da saúde para, assim, poderem tomar decisões sobre a promoção da saúde, prevenção de doenças e melhoria da sua qualidade de vida (Sorensen, 2012). Existem atualmente recomendações relativas à promoção da literacia para a saúde, em prol de diversos indicadores de saúde, contudo, não existem ainda consensos sobre a sua influência na prevenção de doenças e promoção da saúde, nomeadamente ao nível da promoção de indicadores (e.g. índice de massa corporal (IMC) e pressão arterial) tradutores de melhor saúde. Assim, este estudo procurou, através de uma revisão da literatura, analisar o efeito da literacia para a saúde na manutenção do IMC e da pressão arterial dentro de parâmetros considerados normais para o adulto, considerados os respetivos descritores. Foram realizadas pesquisas eletrónicas, através de várias bases de dados científicas (CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials - via EBSCO), nos idiomas português e inglês, para identificar estudos, desde 2005 até à atualidade, sobre estas matérias. Para o efeito foram utilizadas diferentes combinações com os descritores “Health Education”, “Obesity”, “Hypertension” e “Feeding Behavior”. Os estudos selecionados foram analisados e agrupados de acordo com o tipo de desenho metodológico e objetivos, principais resultados encontrados e formas de intervenção propostas, desenvolvendo, desta forma, uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura. Para isso foram seguidos os princípios propostos pelo Cochrane Handbook (Higgins & Green (Eds), 2011) e a análise crítica foi realizada por dois investigadores. No total, o corpus do estudo integrou a análise de 6 estudos primários que demonstraram que a literacia para a saúde se associou fortemente ao IMC e à pressão arterial. Conclui-se que a literacia para a saúde influencia o IMC e a pressão arterial.Abstract The health literacy is related to the educational level and involves the knowledge, motivation, skills of people to access, understand and evaluate information for health care to take decisions on health promotion, disease prevention and improved quality of life (Sorensen, 2012). There are currently recommendations on the promotion of health literacy in offspring of several health indicators, however, there is still no consensus about its influence on disease prevention and health promotion, particularly in terms of promotion indicators (eg. body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure) translators of a better health. Thus, this study sought through a literature review to examining the effect of health literacy in the maintenance of BMI and blood pressure within normal parameters for adult, considered their descriptors. Electronic searches were conducted through various scientific databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials - via EBSCO), in Portuguese and English languages, to identify studies from 2005 to the present. For these purpose different combinations with the descriptors "Health Education", "Obesity", "Hypertension" and "Feeding Behavior" were used. The selected studies were analyzed and grouped according to the type of study design and objectives, main findings and forms of intervention proposals, thereby developing an integrative review of the literature. For this we followed the principles proposed by the Cochrane Handbook (Higgins & Green (Eds.), 2011) and the review was conducted by two researchers. In total, the corpus of the study integrated analysis of 6 primary studies that have shown that health literacy was strongly associated with BMI and blood pressure. It is concluded that health literacy influence BMI and blood pressure

As dimensões da responsabilidade na atividade empresarial

Dissertação de Mestrado, Filosofia Contemporânea - Valores e Sociedade, 7 de dezembro de 2021, Universidade dos Açores.A noção de “responsabilidade”, pensada a partir da sua conceção moral e marcada por um vasto legado filosófico - desde as reflexões clássicas de Aristóteles e de Kant até conceptualizações mais contemporâneas que rompem com paradigmas clássicos, como as de Hans Jonas -, afirma-se na atualidade como um conceito concreto a partir do exercício de uma ética aplicada às práticas das atividades empresariais. A responsabilidade em contexto empresarial adquire várias dimensões, sendo que a assunção da responsabilidade social por parte das empresas se revelou como uma das mais notáveis mudanças na modelo empresarial do século XX. A nossa dissertação centra-se numa reflexão ética sobre a relação entre a economia e a ética na perspetiva de entender como é que a responsabilidade passa a ter importância no contexto das atividades empresariais da atualidade. A volatilidade da relação entre a economia e a ética em termos históricos atesta bem ser fundamental atender às expetativas das sociedades. É determinante tomar decisões sobre qual a melhor forma de se agir para alcançar o propósito das atividades económicas: a satisfação das necessidades humanas. Interroga-se de que forma é que a responsabilidade se torna uma necessidade decorrente do exercício ético aplicado à economia, e de que forma é que também a sociedade influencia este mesmo reconhecimento ético. O exercício das várias dimensões da responsabilidade nas empresas e a forma como estas dão resposta às expetativas dos trabalhadores, da sociedade validam as atividades empresariais perante a sociedade e remete-nos para a questão sobre se há partilha ou não da responsabilidade enquanto dever nas e das empresas.ABSTRACT: The notion of “responsibility”, conceived from its moral conception and marked by a vast philosophical legacy - from the classic reflections of Aristotle and Kant to more contemporary conceptualizations that break with classical paradigms, such as those of Hans Jonas - today as a concrete concept based on the exercise of ethics applied to the practices of business activities. Responsibility in a business context takes on several dimensions, and the assumption of social responsibility by companies was revealed as one of the most notable changes in the business model of the 20th century. Our dissertation focuses on an ethical reflection on the relationship between economics and ethics from the perspective of understanding how responsibility becomes important in the context of today's business activities. The volatility of the relationship between economics and ethics in historical terms attests that meeting the expectations of societies is essential. It is crucial to make decisions about the best way to act to achieve the purpose of economic activities: the satisfaction of human needs. It wonders how responsibility becomes a necessity resulting from the ethical exercise applied to the economy, and how society also influences this same ethical recognition. The exercise of the various dimensions of responsibility in companies and the way in which they respond to the expectations of workers, of society validates business activities before society and brings us to the question of whether or not responsibility is shared as a duty in and of corporations

Implications of literacy for health for body mass index

AbstractIntroductionLiteracy for health (LH) may be considered a set of skills that people appropriate, understand, evaluate and use information and knowledge of health to make informed choices, reduce risks to their health, maintain a healthy nutritional status and enhance quality of life.ObjectivesTo assess the level of literacy for health; analyse the relationship of socio-demographic variables with LH; to classify the Body Mass Index (BMI) and to determine the effect of LH on BMI.Designa quantitative study with a descriptive and cross-sectional approach conducted in the centre and north of Portugal.Particnipants: a non-probabilistic sample of 508 Portuguese participants with a mean age 44.48 years (SD = 21 years).Measuring instrumentsLH was assessed by the European Questionnaire on Literacy for Health (LHS-EU-PT) validated in Portuguese by Saboga-Nunes and Sorensen (2013) and BMI classification followed the WHO reference accepted by Portugal, DGS (2013).ResultsIt was found that overall, 73.62% of the participants have an inappropriate and problematic level of literacy for health; this was significantly lower in women (P=.000). Participants with inadequate LH, are those with higher BMI (χ2=78.09; P=.000), so are at risk of a sub-optimal state of health.ConclusionsThe results suggest a significant relationship between the LH and BMI. It is found that, the better the LH, the more appropriate is the BMI. This evidence reinforces the importance of promoting literacy for health to the Portuguese population

As opções efectuadas pelo Luxemburgo no quadro do art. 5º do Reg. 1606/2002-CE

Mestrado em Contabilidade - AuditoriaA temática contabilística tem estado na ordem do dia pelas piores razões: a crise dos mercados financeiros. O controlo político da Normalização Contabilística é uma das principais características do Sistema Contabilístico Continental, podendo afirmar-se que as Directivas foram um dos instrumentos políticos para criar o mercado comunitário de livre circulação de capitais na prossecução dos objectivos do Tratado de Roma. Nas décadas de 70 e 80 do século XX as Directivas caracterizaram o processo inicial de convergência contabilística na Europa. O período de reflexão dos anos 90 sobre o impacto das Directivas face aos novos desafios do mercado global, clarificou a necessidade de mudança no Sistema Contabilístico Europeu para o tornar compatível com a globalização dos mercados e com as novas tecnologias. Abriu-se caminho para a adopção das Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade (IAS) pelo processo de comitologia. O “Regulamento” nº 1606/2002 apresentou-se como o instrumento jurídico mais eficaz para a aplicação directa e imediata das IAS às contas consolidadas das empresas cotadas em bolsa, facilitando-lhes o acesso ao mercado de capitais Europeu e global. A presente dissertação incide sobre a aplicação do regulamento no Luxemburgo, país onde a regulamentação contabilística tem por base as directivas europeias. Tradicionalmente flexível com relação às questões relacionadas com a Contabilidade, o Luxemburgo tem optado por deixar para o fim a sua tomada de posição quer na transposição das directivas, quer na adopção do regulamento IAS. No sentido de facilitar o trabalho dos profissionais da contabilidade e de agradar aos investidores oriundos de países tão diferentes económica, politica, cultural e socialmente como os Estados Unidos, a Inglaterra, a França, a Suiça ou o Japão, o Luxemburgo aproveitou sempre ao máximo as opções permitidas pelas Directivas e pelo Regulamento nº 1606/2002.The accounting issue has been on the agenda for the worse reasons: the crisis in financial markets. Political control of the Accounting Standards is a major feature on Continental Accounting System, using the Directives as political instruments to create the free movement of capital on Community Market pursuing Rome Treaty aims. In the 70’s and 80’s of the twentieth century, Directives characterized the initial convergence of accounting in Europe. The reflection period of the 90’s on the impact of the Directives on new global market challenges, clarified the changes needs in the Continental Accounting System to make it compatible with the market globalization and new technologies. The adoption of International Accounting Standards (IAS) was the chosen path, using the comitology process. The Regulation (CE) nº 1606/2002 appears as the juridical instrument for direct and immediate IAS application on consolidated accounts of listed companies, enable them to achieve financial resources on European and Global capital markets. This dissertation is about the application of that regulation in Luxembourg, a country where accounting is based on European directives. Traditionally flexible with respect to issues related to Accounting, Luxembourg has been opted to leave his decision to the deadline both in the transposition of directives or the adoption of the IAS Regulation. In order to facilitate the work of the accounting profession and to please investors from countries as diverse economic, political, cultural and social as the United States, Britain, France, Switzerland or Japan, Luxembourg always takes all options allowed by the Directives and by the Regulation nº 1606/2002

The Importance of sleep fragmentation on the hemodynamic dipping in obstructive sleep apnea patients

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with non-dipping blood pressure (BP). The precise mechanism is still under investigation, but repetitive oxygen desaturation and arousal induced sleep fragmentation are considered the main contributors.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Gla-rich protein (GRP) as an early and novel marker of vascular calcification and kidney dysfunction in diabetic patients with CKD: a pilot cross-sectional study

Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. New diagnostic/prognostic tools are required for early detection of VC allowing interventional strategies. Gla-rich protein (GRP) is a cardiovascular calcification inhibitor, whose clinical utility is here highlighted. The present study explores, for the first time, correlations between levels of GRP in serum with CKD developmental stage, mineral metabolism markers, VC and pulse pressure (PP), in a cohort of 80 diabetic patients with mild to moderate CKD (stages 2-4). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a positive association of GRP serum levels with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and α-Klotho, while a negative correlation with phosphate (P), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), vascular calcification score (VCS), PP, calcium (x) phosphate (CaxP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Serum GRP levels were found to progressively decrease from stage 2 to stage 4 CKD. Multivariate analysis identified low levels of eGFR and GRP, and high levels of FGF-23 associated with both the VCS and PP. These results indicate an association between GRP, renal dysfunction and CKD-mineral and bone disorder. The relationship between low levels of GRP and vascular calcifications suggests a future, potential utility for GRP as an early marker of vascular damage in CKD.Portuguese Society of Nephrology (SPN) ; Portuguese national funds from FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology through the transitional provision DL57/2016/CP1361/CT0006 UIDB/04326/2020info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio