2,241 research outputs found

    Sensitivity Analysis for Convex Multiobjective Programming in Abstract Spaces.

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    The main object of this paper is to prove that for a linear or convex multiobjective program, a dual program can be obtained which gives the primal sensitivity without any special hypothesis about the way of choosing the optimal solution in the efficient set.

    GENERALIZED VECTOR RISK FUNCTIONS

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    The paper introduces a new notion of vector-valued risk function. Both deviations and expectation bounded coherent risk measures are defined and analyzed. The relationships with both scalar and vector risk functions of previous literature are discussed, and it is pointed out that this new approach seems to appropriately integrate several preceding point of view. The framework of the study is the general setting of Banach lattices and Bochner integrable vector-valued random variables. Sub-gradient linked representation theorems, as well as portfolio choice problems, are also addressed, and general optimization methods are presented. Finally, practical examples are provided.

    Ideal points in multiobjective programming

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    The main object of this paper is to give conditions under which a minimal solution to a problem of mathematical programming can be transformed into a minimum solution in the usual sense of the order relations, or in every case, conditions under which that solution is adherent to the set of the points wich verify this last property. The interest of this problem is clear, since many of the usual properties in optimization (like, for instance, the analysis of the sensitivity of the solutions) are studied more easily for minimum solutions than for minimal solutions

    Sensitivity of Pareto Solutions in Multiobjective Optimization.

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    The paper presents a sensitivity analysis of Pareto solutions on the basis of the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) necessary conditions applied to nonlinear multiobjective programs (MOP) continuously depending on a parameter. Since the KKT conditions are of the first order, the sensitivity properties are considered in the first approximation. An analogue of the shadow prices, well known for scalar linear programs, is obtained for nonlinear MOPs. Two types of sensitivity are investigated: sensitivity in the state space (on the Pareto set) and sensitivity in the cost function space (on the balance set) for a vector cost function. The results obtained can be used in applications for sensitivity computation under small variations of parameters. Illustrative examples are presented.Sensitivity analysis; Nonscalarized multiobjective programming; Pareto set; Balance set;

    Estimación de Parámetros Para Cargas Contaminantes Conectadas a las Redes de Distribucción

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    In this paper we propose a new algorithm for the estimation of the parameters of the harmonic loads connected to the electric distribution system. The new parameter estimation algorithm is based on the weighted least-squares technique. The estimation algorithm solves an optimization problem and minimizes a set of variables which must comply with a series of specifications or characteristics of the harmonic loads. The estimation algorithm is able to obtain a load model with good accuracy comparatively to current -model of the system, due to a good engineering estimation of the initial conditions. Finally the new estimation algorithm could be used for power quality studies and to measure the contribution of the harmonic contamination of the clients connected to the electrical distribution system.Keywords: Harmonics, parameter estimation, weighted least squares, models

    The impact of the Data Protection Officer (DPO) in the firm’s strategic decisions

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    This dissertation adopts an exploratory empirical research method in order to address a subject that has recently gained considerable media and corporate attention. The urgent focus on the issue in relation to the principles of data protection in corporate governance and the business world results from the fact that although the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) affects virtually all companies and requires them to employ a data protection officer (DPO), in fact, the reality does not reflect this. Of the almost 27 million companies in the European Union required by law to enforce GDPR regulation, most have never heard of their requirement to employ a DPO in full compliance with the legislation, even though full observance of GDPR became mandatory as of 25 May 2018. The current research analyses the role of the DPO and explores its potential to impact on the business world. The research assesses the transformational effect the GDPR paradigm has had on the system of corporate responsibility of the businesses that must observe it. In particular the competencies and responsibility bestowed on the DPO when effectively it gave the role the power to take responsibility for and actively influence the direction of a company’s strategic decision-making. In order to identify the gaps, the research commences with an examination of the nature of this transformational paradigm, focusing on its origin, development and finally its execution. The analysis then focuses on the selection, appointment and profile of the DPO and additionally gains insight into the role, actions taken, and structural implementation of the DPO role within organizations. Examination of the relationship of the DPO with other stakeholders and its relationship with the board produced pertinent data, allowing the researcher to come to a number of conclusions as to the impact of GDPR, the DPO’s role, and the role’s relevance to corporate governance. This qualitative research, using semi-structured interviews, selected interviewees according to the criteria adopted, with focus on organizational reputation and the importance of personal data-handling. The DPOs were selected from multinational listed companies operating in data-driven sectors (e.g. banking, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and retail) because, as these organizations deal with massively sensitive data as an indispensable part of their core business, the DPOs within them play a pivotal role in terms of influence. What emerged from the research is that the involvement of the DPO differs: sometimes the DPO is central to the development of GDPR compliance and sometimes the role is there just to ensure compliance and provide training. The research suggests that the DPO does has real influence at board level; however, the hypothesis is also that the DPO can directly intervene in the decision-making processes of organizations, either in the development or in the execution of GDPR, as a direct result of their involvement in the implementation of the strategy. Finally, even though GDPR is a very recent paradigm, which means there are no guidelines or case laws to refer to, this does not diminish corporate responsibility to comply. However, as businesses often rely upon instinct and community, and base practice on trial and error, the consequences – both positive and negative – are yet to manifest

    Culturas de resistência e média alternativos: os fanzines punk portugueses

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    Embora a produção de fanzines anteceda o surgimento do punk, a verdade é que foi com ele que os fanzines se tornaram relevantes enquanto espaços de liberdade de pensamento e criação, bem como enquanto alternativa aos meios de comunicação convencionais. Desde a década de 1970 o universo dos fanzines expandiu-se, não só temática e estilisticamente, como também se alargou a sua cobertura territorial e se ampliaram os suportes comunicacionais utilizados na sua produção e difusão. Neste artigo, propõe-se uma abordagem que vai para além da realidade anglo-saxónica e pretende olhar para fanzines como comunidades fundadas em torno de um objeto cultural, na produção de textos, fotos e outros materiais a respeito da cena punk em Portugal, desde 1978 até à atualidade. A partir de um grande conjunto de fanzines punk portugueses analisam-se as formas de produção, o design e tipografia, os principais temas focados, os canais de distribuição, as bandas, cenas e estilos de vida abrangidos. Os fanzines são aqui entendidos como média alternativos da modernidade tardia, capazes de revelar o movimento punk e o ethos DIY associado a ele. Procura-se entender qual foi e é ainda a sua relevância no contexto da cena punk portuguesa. Finalmente, procura-se identificar alguns padrões de evolução e mudança.Although fanzines existed before punk appeared, the truth is that they only became important alternative spaces to conventional media when they devoted themselves to the punk genre, in a kind of materialisation of the DIY ethos. Since the 1970s this universe has expanded, not only thematically and stylistically, but also in terms of both geographic coverage and the types of communicational support used to produce and disseminate fanzines. This article takes an approach that goes beyond the Anglo-Saxonreality and seeks to look at fanzines as communities founded around a cultural object, and at the production of texts, photos and other materials about the punk scene in Portugal from 1978 to the present day

    Sensitive analysis for optimizing the implementation of a quantitative method for dimensioning the preliminary support of tunnels

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    Tese de mestrado integrado. Engenharia Civil. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 201

    Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization of Proteins involved in Transition Metals Homeostasis

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    Cellular homeostasis depends on the coordinated activity of a vast array of proteins, including membrane transporters, metabolic enzymes or storage and protection proteins. The latter include the proteins from the Ferritin family of proteins, essential to the intracellular oxidative stress response, shielding the cell from harmful reactive oxygen species. DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (Dps), also termed miniferritins, protect bacterial DNA through two concomitant activities: indirect protection via ferroxidation and mineralization of up to 500 iron atoms and direct shielding through DNA binding and condensation. Their DNA-binding properties are related with their N-terminal tail extensions, of striking evolutionary diversity in length and composition. Given their importance to protein function, several questions remain unanswered regarding their conformational dynamics and functional features. The human mitochondrial ferritin (FtMt) was recently discovered as the mitochondrial counterpart to cytosolic ferritins. FtMt expression protects mitochondria (and the cell) from acute oxidative stress damage by regulating the levels of toxic labile iron. FtMt has been associated with several diseases related with iron and acute oxidative stress, but a deeper understanding of its biochemical and biophysical properties is still a relevant research goal. The work presented in this Thesis focused on probing the structural and functional properties of the Dps from the bacterium Deinoccocus grandis (DgrDps) and the human FtMt. The results from the DgrDps project reveal that the N-terminal tails of DgrDps may exist in different conformations, here investigated using Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). Also, the position of tails can be modulated in vitro by external factors such as the ionic strength or the addition of specific transition metals. A novel iron-binding site was discovered and localized in the Nterminal tails using Mössbauer spectroscopy. The occupation of this binding site induces a conformational change in the tails, altering the structural properties of the protein. Regarding FtMt, it is shown that although the apo-form of FtMt is highly resistant, the accommodation of the iron mineral core leads to a decrease in the thermal stability of the protein and a particle aggregation effect correlated with the size of the iron core.O funcionamento e sobrevivência das células são garantidos pela ação concertada de um vasto número de proteínas, incluindo transportadores de membrana, enzimas metabólicas ou proteínas de transporte e armazenamento. A família das Ferritinas exerce um papel essencial na homeostasia do ferro e proteção contra a toxicidade das espécies reativas de oxigénio. As DNA-binding proteins from starved cells (Dps), também conhecidas como miniferritinas, protegem o DNA procarionte através de duas funções: proteção indireta pela ferroxidação e mineralização de até 500 átomos de ferro e, também de forma direta, pela ligação e condensação do DNA. A ligação ao DNA é feita através das extensões N-terminais, de tamanho e composição variáveis. Dada a sua importância, o foco de muita da investigação em Dps está na dinâmica conformacional e função destas extensões. A ferritina mitocondrial (FtMt) humana foi identificada recentemente como a versão mitocondrial das ferritinas citosólicas. A expressão desta proteína protege as mitocôndrias (e a célula) do stress oxidativo. Embora a FtMt já tenha sido associada a várias patologias relacionadas com o ferro e stress oxidativo, restam ainda algumas questões relevantes acerca das suas propriedades bioquímicas e biofísicas. O trabalho desta Tese tem como objetivo a caracterização estrutural e funcional da Dps da bactéria Deinococcus grandis (DgrDps) e da ferritina mitocondrial humana (hFtMt). Os resultados do projeto da DgrDps revelaram que as extensões N-terminais podem adotar diferentes conformações, investigadas neste trabalho através de Dispersão de Raios-X a Baixo Ângulo (SAXS), Dispersão Dinâmica de Luz (DLS) e Cromatografia de Exclusão Molecular (SEC). A posição destas extensões pode ser controlada in vitro por fatores externos como a força iónica do meio ou a adição de metais de transição específicos. Um novo centro de coordenação de ferro foi identificado na região N-terminal através de espectroscopia de Mössbauer. A ocupação deste local de ligação por certos metais induz uma alteração conformacional das extensões, alterando as propriedades estruturais da proteína. Demonstrou-se, ainda, que embora a hFtMt seja significativamente resistente à desnaturação térmica e química, a presença de mineral férrico no seu interior leva à desestabilização da sua estrutura. À medida que o tamanho do core mineral aumenta, a proteína torna-se progressivamente mais sensível à desnaturação térmica e à agregação interproteína
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