A multiparameter family of irreducible representations of the quantum plane and of the quantum Weyl algebra

We construct a family of irreducible representations of the quantum plane and of the quantum Weyl algebra over an arbitrary field, assuming the deformation parameter is not a root of unity. We determine when two representations in this family are isomorphic, and when they are weight representations, in the sense of Bavula.Comment: 12 pages, Section 2 has been reorganized, new material added in a new Section

A recoverable production planning model

Aware of the importance of developing new alternatives to improve the performance of the companies, our purpose in this paper is to develop a medium term production planning model that deals with the concepts of Partnership and Reverse Logistics. Our model takes advantage of the synergies of integration, developing a model for global production planning that generates the optimal production and purchasing schedule for all the companies integrating a logistic chain. In a second part of the paper we incorporate products returns to the first model proposed, and analyze the implications they have over this model. We use some examples with different configurations of supply chains varying the number of production plants, distribution centers and recovery plants. To solve the model we have combined optimization and simulation procedures.Reverse logistics, production planning, remanufacturing, returns, supply chain management, simulation, optimization

Point-Coupling Models from Mesonic Hypermassive Limit and Mean-Field Approaches

In this work we show how nonlinear point-coupling models, described by a Lagrangian density that presents only terms up to fourth order in the fermion condensate $(\bar{\psi}\psi)$, are derived from a modified meson-exchange nonlinear Walecka model. The derivation can be done through two distinct methods, namely, the hypermassive meson limit within a functional integral approach, and the mean-field approximation in which equations of state at zero temperature of the nonlinear point-coupling models are directly obtained.Comment: 18 pages. Accepted for publication in Braz. J. Phy

Driver scheduling problem modelling

The Drivers Scheduling Problem (DSP) consists of selecting a set of duties for vehicle drivers, for example buses, trains, plane or boat drivers or pilots, for the transportation of passengers or goods. This is a complex problem because it involves several constraints related to labour and company rules and can also present different evaluation criteria and objectives. Being able to develop an adequate model for this problem that can represent the real problem as close as possible is an important research area.The main objective of this research work is to present new mathematical models to the DSP problem that represent all the complexity of the drivers scheduling problem, and also demonstrate that the solutions of these models can be easily implemented in real situations. This issue has been recognized by several authors and as important problem in Public Transportation. The most well-known and general formulation for the DSP is a Set Partition/Set Covering Model (SPP/SCP). However, to a large extend these models simplify some of the specific business aspects and issues of real problems. This makes it difficult to use these models as automatic planning systems because the schedules obtained must be modified manually to be implemented in real situations. Based on extensive passenger transportation experience in bus companies in Portugal, we propose new alternative models to formulate the DSP problem. These models are also based on Set Partitioning/Covering Models; however, they take into account the bus operator issues and the perspective opinions and environment of the user.We follow the steps of the Operations Research Methodology which consist of: Identify the Problem; Understand the System; Formulate a Mathematical Model; Verify the Model; Select the Best Alternative; Present the Results of the Analysis and Implement and Evaluate. All the processes are done with close participation and involvement of the final users from different transportation companies. The planner‘s opinion and main criticisms are used to improve the proposed model in a continuous enrichment process. The final objective is to have a model that can be incorporated into an information system to be used as an automatic tool to produce driver schedules. Therefore, the criteria for evaluating the models is the capacity to generate real and useful schedules that can be implemented without many manual adjustments or modifications. We have considered the following as measures of the quality of the model: simplicity, solution quality and applicability. We tested the alternative models with a set of real data obtained from several different transportation companies and analyzed the optimal schedules obtained with respect to the applicability of the solution to the real situation. To do this, the schedules were analyzed by the planners to determine their quality and applicability. The main result of this work is the proposition of new mathematical models for the DSP that better represent the realities of the passenger transportation operators and lead to better schedules that can be implemented directly in real situations.Drivers Scheduling Problem, Duties, Modelling

Estudio de metodologías de impregnación de Me2Si(Ind)2ZrCl2 sobre nanopartículas de MCM-41 para la síntesis de polipropileno

Nanopartículas de MCM-41 fueron utilizadas como soporte para el complejo metalocénico (Me2Si(Ind)2ZrCl2) y su cocatalizador metilaluminoxano (MAO), en la síntesis de polipropileno, Primeramente se estudiaron dos metodologías de impregnación, observando los efectos en la actividad catalítica y masa molecular. Con estos resultados posteriormente una tercera metodología de impregnación, más optimizada, fue utilizada consiguiendo significativas mejoras en la actividad catalítica. Los polímeros obtenidos fueron caracterizados por GPC y TGA. La utilización de estas nanopartículas como soporte dio lugar a la formación de nanocompósitos de polipropileno de manera in situ. La última metodología de impregnación empleada resultó ser adecuada para este propósito, ya que permite modificar la cantidad de soporte que se desea incorporar y variar la concentración de catalizador que será impregnada

Diagnóstico participativo em comunidades ribeirinhas na Amazônia: peixes e sua ecologia.

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de levantar o conhecimento do ribeirinho sobre a ecologia dos peixes em relação ao hábito alimentar, e quais as principais plantas utilizadas como alimento para estas populações locais por meio de oficinas participativas