Temperate holomorphic solutions and regularity of holonomic D-modules on curves

Let $X$ be a complex manifold. In "Microlocal study of Ind-sheaves I: microsupport and regularity", M. Kashiwara e P. Schapira made the conjecture that a holonomic D-module \shm is regular holonomic if and only if R\mathcal{I}{hom}_{\beta_X\shd_X}(\beta_X\shm,\sho_X^t) is regular (in the sense of "Microlocal study of Ind-sheaves I: microsupport and regularity"), the "only if" part of this conjecture following immediately from "Microlocal study of Ind-sheaves I: microsupport and regularity". Our aim is to prove this conjecture in dimension one.Comment: 21 page

Residential water demand under block rates: a Portuguese case study

A residential water demand equation is estimated using a panel data sample of 5 Portuguese local communities and 72 months, corresponding to a total number of 360 observations. Because of the presence of multi-part tariffs, we use as explanatory variables the two common price-related variables: marginal price and difference. To prevent the simultaneity bias from using observed quantities to determine the values of marginal price and difference directly from the rate schedule, we use an instrumental variable approach to create a constant marginal price and difference parameters for each rate structure. The price elasticity value obtained fall within the range of those found in other case studies. Thus, although presenting weak elasticity, price seems to play a role in water demand management. However, we do not confirm the expected influence of difference on residential water demand. This can be a consequence of the complexity of the Portuguese water tariffs and the confusing signs that come from the simultaneous use of fixed quotas and increasing block tariffs. So, it is imperative to clarify water tariffs objectives by reviewing the Portuguese water tariffs design processes.demand, water utilities, pricing policy.

Cost Structure of the Portuguese Water Industry: a Cubic Cost Function Application

The main scope of this paper is to confirm, or otherwise, the idea usually presented in national reports and strategic programmes for the water sector that the Portuguese water market is a natural monopoly. Based on a multi-product approach (considering the m3 of potable water delivered and wastewater collected as the outputs) we use a cubic functional specification to estimate water utilities cost function, and then to look for the presence of economies of scale and of scope. The estimated results show that the average production scale is below the estimated minimum efficient scale and that large utilities have moderate overall diseconomies of scale and scope. In addition, there are moderate economies of scope from the joint production of potable water and wastewater collection up to the minimum efficient scale, suggesting advantages in merging small and medium sized contiguous water utilities. Sufficient conditions for subadditivity of costs are not verified throughout the range of outputs, allowing us to conclude that the Portuguese water industry is not a natural monopoly for all output vectors.cubic function, multi-product cost function, water utilities, regulatory policy

Water Losses and Hydrographical Regions Influence on the Cost Structure of the Portuguese Water Industry

There is a consensus that the emphasis on the management of water resources should be put on demand side policies. However, some questions remain to be solved on the supply side, which are frequently absent from empirical studies based on the estimation of cost functions. This paper aims to fill to some extent this gap in the literature by focusing the consequences of water losses reduction and the management of water resources based on their availability at an integrated river basin level. Major findings indicate that it would be better in terms of costs to maintain some level of water losses than to repair the leaks and suggest advantages from more concentration in the Portuguese water industry. In addition, the costs do not seem to be systematically influenced by the hydrographical regions to which water utilities belong, what might be due to the absence of appropriate cost accounting methods.water utilities, water losses, river basins, multi-product cost function

Value creation for Amorim Turismo through the optimization of its strategy, resources and processes

With the final purpose of adding value to Amorim Turismo, several papers were analysed, key stakeholders were heard, competitors were studied and so was the market. After this evaluation, it was concluded that there is a chance to consolidate the quality of the service offered and it was with this goal in mind that several recommendations were given. However, such recommendations suffer a cost restriction, which was not neglected, and should be considered into further complementary research activity. Risk assessment was also conducted so that future issues can be anticipated and dealt with preventively

How to improve the future of the portuguese handicraft: a case study of Arraiolos rugs

Arraiolos rug is a Portuguese handicraftproduced since the 16thcenturyin the small village of Alentejo that gave it the name.Nowadays, this industry faces a period of recession, since the amount obtained with sales is not enough to cover the costs of production and to pay properly to embroiderers. The large reduction in the number of stores during the last few years indicates that the sustainability of this cultural manifestation is in danger; therefore, this Work Project aims to better understand this scenario and provide suitable recommendations to attract both customers and labor force.The research methodologywas mainly qualitative, includingin-store observations and short interviews tolocal embroiderers, store owners and people linked to the business.With this information, it was determined the attractiveness of each group of customers and, based on that, it was possibleto select the target and design the marketing plan accordingly. Moreover, recommendations for a structural reformulation were provided to complement the marketing strategy in improving the business performance

Water Pricing and Social Equity in Portuguese Municipalities

Water supply services are Services of General Interest (SGI), subject to specific public service obligations, such as universality, continuity, quality, affordability, transparency, and consumer protection. There is an extensive empirical literature on the design of optimal prices. However, these contributions tend to neglect the issue of universal service and equity concerning the volume of water for basic needs (the ‘essential minimum quantity’). Addressing this gap in the literature, and using empirical data for the Portuguese municipalities, this paper aims to evaluate whether income-related equity considerations are embodied in water supply Portuguese municipalities’ tariffs. Accordingly, essential minimum quantities of water for representative households are computed, and then compared with the lowest tariff block’s upper limit by water utility. Next, representative households are ranked by costs underlying essential minimum quantities and by income. This analysis also considers concentration curves and indexes which show that water bills are regressive, i.e., there is socioeconomic inequity favourable to the better-off representative households.Water Policy, Water Pricing, Social Equity, Efficient Water Use, Portugal.

Mordred : From Traitorous Son to Prodigious Child-Druid

A character of Arthurian legend, Sir Mordred, King Arthur’s nephew and son, is one of the most famous villains of European imagination. His reputation, though, has not always been so bad. In fact, it was only in 1136, in Historia Regum Britanniae, that Geoffrey of Monmouth identified Mordred as the traitor behind Camelot’s destruction and Arthur’s death. However, Monmouth still depicts Mordred as the King’s nephew. The Vulgate Cycle first introduced the idea that Mordred is Arthur’s son with one of his sisters. Soon, Mordred’s wickedness would be explained by the immoral union he was born from, but can Mordred’s behavior be accounted for by the circumstances of his birth? Starting by analyzing key medieval texts, this paper aims at examining Mordred’s infamous history and work out how and why he has been described as a villain. In addition, attention will be paid to modern adaptations. What has changed when it comes to depicting villains? What medieval characteristics (if any) have been kept?info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio