Random-time processes governed by differential equations of fractional distributed order

We analyze here different types of fractional differential equations, under the assumption that their fractional order $\nu \in (0,1]$ is random\ with probability density $n(\nu).$ We start by considering the fractional extension of the recursive equation governing the homogeneous Poisson process $N(t),t>0.$\ We prove that, for a particular (discrete) choice of $n(\nu)$, it leads to a process with random time, defined as $N(\widetilde{\mathcal{T}}_{\nu_{1,}\nu_{2}}(t)),t>0.$ The distribution of the random time argument $\widetilde{\mathcal{T}}_{\nu_{1,}\nu_{2}}(t)$ can be expressed, for any fixed $t$, in terms of convolutions of stable-laws. The new process $N(\widetilde{\mathcal{T}}_{\nu_{1,}\nu_{2}})$ is itself a renewal and can be shown to be a Cox process. Moreover we prove that the survival probability of $N(\widetilde{\mathcal{T}}_{\nu_{1,}\nu_{2}})$, as well as its probability generating function, are solution to the so-called fractional relaxation equation of distributed order (see \cite{Vib}%). In view of the previous results it is natural to consider diffusion-type fractional equations of distributed order. We present here an approach to their solutions in terms of composition of the Brownian motion $B(t),t>0$ with the random time $\widetilde{\mathcal{T}}_{\nu_{1,}\nu_{2}}$. We thus provide an alternative to the constructions presented in Mainardi and Pagnini \cite{mapagn} and in Chechkin et al. \cite{che1}, at least in the double-order case.Comment: 26 page

A note on the equivalence of fractional relaxation equations to differential equations with varying coefficients

In this note we show how a initial value problem for a relaxation process governed by a differential equation of non-integer order with a constant coefficient may be equivalent to that of a differential equation of the first order with a varying coefficient. This equivalence is shown for the simple fractional relaxation equation that points out the relevance of the Mittag-Leffler function in fractional calculus. This simple argument may lead to the equivalence of more general processes governed by evolution equations of fractional order with constant coefficients to processes governed by differential equations of integer order but with varying coefficients. Our main motivation is to solicit the researchers to extend this approach to other areas of applied science in order to have a more deep knowledge of certain phenomena, both deterministic and stochastic ones, nowadays investigated with the techniques of the fractional calculus.Comment: 6 pqages 4 figure

Propagation Speed of the Maximum of the Fundamental Solution to the Fractional Diffusion-Wave Equation

In this paper, the one-dimensional time-fractional diffusion-wave equation with the fractional derivative of order $1 \le \alpha \le 2$ is revisited. This equation interpolates between the diffusion and the wave equations that behave quite differently regarding their response to a localized disturbance: whereas the diffusion equation describes a process, where a disturbance spreads infinitely fast, the propagation speed of the disturbance is a constant for the wave equation. For the time fractional diffusion-wave equation, the propagation speed of a disturbance is infinite, but its fundamental solution possesses a maximum that disperses with a finite speed. In this paper, the fundamental solution of the Cauchy problem for the time-fractional diffusion-wave equation, its maximum location, maximum value, and other important characteristics are investigated in detail. To illustrate analytical formulas, results of numerical calculations and plots are presented. Numerical algorithms and programs used to produce plots are discussed.Comment: 22 pages 6 figures. This paper has been presented by F. Mainardi at the International Workshop: Fractional Differentiation and its Applications (FDA12) Hohai University, Nanjing, China, 14-17 May 201

AN ECONOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL DEFORESTATION

In most developing countries deforestation has reached alarming rates. In view of their relevance for the local economy (e.g., as a source of foreign exchange earnings and supply of fuelwood), an adequate management of forest resources should be pursued. In these economies forest exploitation and land conversion have often been seen as a temporary solution to structural problems. In this way, however, the same problems are even aggravated in the long run. The study first reviews recent explanations of tropical deforestation: a distinction is drawn between areas of substantial agreement on the one hand, and discordant results and interpretations on the other. In the main part of the analysis, based on cross-country data for the 1980s, regression models incorporating different sets of determinants of deforestation are applied. Compared to previous studies, the analysis tries to better account for the sequential timing of some of these determinants. Different patterns are identified among country groups, according to specific features of economic activities, macroeconomic and political environments, and climatic conditions.Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Continuous time random walk, Mittag-Leffler waiting time and fractional diffusion: mathematical aspects

We show the asymptotic long-time equivalence of a generic power law waiting time distribution to the Mittag-Leffler waiting time distribution, characteristic for a time fractional CTRW. This asymptotic equivalence is effected by a combination of "rescaling" time and "respeeding" the relevant renewal process followed by a passage to a limit for which we need a suitable relation between the parameters of rescaling and respeeding. Turning our attention to spatially 1-D CTRWs with a generic power law jump distribution, "rescaling" space can be interpreted as a second kind of "respeeding" which then, again under a proper relation between the relevant parameters leads in the limit to the space-time fractional diffusion equation. Finally, we treat the `time fractional drift" process as a properly scaled limit of the counting number of a Mittag-Leffler renewal process.Comment: 36 pages, 3 figures (5 files eps). Invited lecture by R. Gorenflo at the 373. WE-Heraeus-Seminar on Anomalous Transport: Experimental Results and Theoretical Challenges, Physikzentrum Bad-Honnef (Germany), 12-16 July 2006; Chairmen: R. Klages, G. Radons and I.M. Sokolo