A Random Evolution Inclusion of Subdifferential Type in Hilbert Spaces

In this paper we study a nonlinear evolution inclusion of subdifferential type in Hilbert spaces. The perturbation term is Hausdorff continuous in the state variable and has closed but not necessarily convex values. Our result is a stochastic generalization of an existence theorem proved by Kravvaritis and Papageorgiou in [6].

Estimating subsoil resistance to nitrate leaching from easily measurable pedological properties

Leaching of nitrate (NO3-) can increase the groundwater concentration of this anion and reduce the agronomical effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers. The main soil property inversely related to NO3- leaching is the anion exchange capacity (AEC), whose determination is however too time-consuming for being carried out in soil testing laboratories. For this reason, this study evaluated if more easily measurable soil properties could be used to estimate the resistance of subsoils to NO3- leaching. Samples from the subsurface layer (20-40 cm) of 24 representative soils of São Paulo State were characterized for particle-size distribution and for chemical and electrochemical properties. The subsoil content of adsorbed NO3- was calculated from the difference between the NO3- contents extracted with 1 mol L-1 KCl and with water; furthermore, NO3- leaching was studied in miscible displacement experiments. The results of both adsorption and leaching experiments were consistent with the well-known role exerted by AEC on the nitrate behavior in weathered soils. Multiple regression analysis indicated that in subsoils with (i) low values of remaining phosphorus (Prem), (ii) low soil pH values measured in water (pH H2O), and (iii) high pH values measured in 1 moL L-1 KCl (pH KCl), the amounts of surface positive charges tend to be greater. For this reason, NO3- leaching tends to be slower in these subsoils, even under saturated flow condition.

Filippov's selection theorem and the existence of solutions for optimal control problems in time scales

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Estimating subsoil resistance to nitrate leaching from easily measurable pedological properties

Leaching of nitrate (NO3-) can increase the groundwater concentration of this anion and reduce the agronomical effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers. The main soil property inversely related to NO3- leaching is the anion exchange capacity (AEC), whose determination is however too time-consuming for being carried out in soil testing laboratories. For this reason, this study evaluated if more easily measurable soil properties could be used to estimate the resistance of subsoils to NO3- leaching. Samples from the subsurface layer (20-40 cm) of 24 representative soils of São Paulo State were characterized for particle-size distribution and for chemical and electrochemical properties. The subsoil content of adsorbed NO3- was calculated from the difference between the NO3- contents extracted with 1 mol L-1 KCl and with water; furthermore, NO3- leaching was studied in miscible displacement experiments. The results of both adsorption and leaching experiments were consistent with the well-known role exerted by AEC on the nitrate behavior in weathered soils. Multiple regression analysis indicated that in subsoils with (i) low values of remaining phosphorus (Prem), (ii) low soil pH values measured in water (pH H2O), and (iii) high pH values measured in 1 moL L-1 KCl (pH KCl), the amounts of surface positive charges tend to be greater. For this reason, NO3- leaching tends to be slower in these subsoils, even under saturated flow condition.

Making genetic biodiversity measurable : a review of statistical multivariate methods to study variability at gene level

Measures of agro-ecosystems genetic variability are essential to sustain scientific-based actions and policies tending to protect the ecosystem services they provide. To build the genetic variability datum it is necessary to deal with a large number and different types of variables. Molecular marker data is highly dimensional by nature, and frequently additional types of information are obtained, as morphological and physiological traits. This way, genetic variability studies are usually associated with the measurement of several traits on each entity. Multivariate methods are aimed at finding proximities between entities characterized by multiple traits by summarizing information in few synthetic variables. In this work we discuss and illustrate several multivariate methods used for different purposes to build the datum of genetic variability. We include methods applied in studies for exploring the spatial structure of genetic variability and the association of genetic data to other sources of information. Multivariate techniques allow the pursuit of the genetic variability datum, as a unifying notion that merges concepts of type, abundance and distribution of variability at gene level.

Method for Analytical Representation of the Maximum Inaccuracies of Indirectly Measurable Variable

Let us have an indirectly measurable variable which is a function of directly measurable variables. In this survey we present the introduced by us method for analytical representation of its maximum absolute and relative inaccuracy as functions, respectively, of the maximum absolute and of the relative inaccuracies of the directly measurable variables. Our new approach consists of assuming for fixed variables the statistical mean values of the absolute values of the coefficients of influence, respectively, of the absolute and relative inaccuracies of the directly measurable variables in order to determine the analytical form of the maximum absolute and relative inaccuracies of an indirectly measurable variable. Moreover, we give a method for determining the numerical values of the maximum absolute and relative inaccuracies. We define a sample plane of the ideal perfectly accurate experiment and using it we give a universal numerical characteristic – a dimensionless scale for determining the quality (accuracy) of the experiment.

Type space on a purely measurable parameter space

Several game theoretical topics require the analysis of hierarchical beliefs, particularly in incomplete information situations. For the problem of incomplete information, Hars´anyi suggested the concept of the type space. Later Mertens & Zamir gave a construction of such a type space under topological assumptions imposed on the parameter space. The topological assumptions were weakened by Heifetz, and by Brandenburger & Dekel. In this paper we show that at very natural assumptions upon the structure of the beliefs, the universal type space does exist. We construct a universal type space, which employs purely a measurable parameter space structure.

The existence of an inverse limit of inverse system of measure spaces - a purely measurable case

The existence of an inverse limit of an inverse system of (probability) measure spaces has been investigated since the very beginning of the birth of the modern probability theory. Results from Kolmogorov [10], Bochner [2], Choksi [5], Metivier [14], Bourbaki [3] among others have paved the way of the deep understanding of the problem under consideration. All the above results, however, call for some topological concepts, or at least ones which are closely related topological ones. In this paper we investigate purely measurable inverse systems of (probability) measure spaces, and give a sucient condition for the existence of a unique inverse limit. An example for the considered purely measurable inverse systems of (probability) measure spaces is also given.

Numerical invariants for measurable cocycles

The theory of numerical invariants for representations can be generalized to measurable cocycles. This provides a natural notion of maximality for cocycles associated to complex hyperbolic lattices with values in groups of Hermitian type. Among maximal cocycles, the class of Zariski dense ones turns out to have a rigid behavior. An alternative implementation of numerical invariants can be given by using equivariant maps at the level of boundaries and by exploiting the Burger-Monod approach to bounded cohomology. Due to their crucial role in this theory, we prove existence results in two different contexts. Precisely, we construct boundary maps for non-elementary cocycles into the isometry group of CAT(0)-spaces of finite telescopic dimension and for Zariski dense cocycles into simple Lie groups. Then we approach numerical invariants. Our first goal is to study cocycles from complex hyperbolic lattices into the Hermitian group SU(p,q). Following the theory recently developed by Moraschini and Savini, we define the Toledo invariant by using the pullback along cocycles, also by involving boundary maps. For cocycles Γ × X → SU(p,q) with 1measurable cocycles Γ × X → G from finitely generated groups into Hermitian groups not of tube-type. Precisely, we show that the pullback of the Kahler class completely determines the cohomology class of such cocycles.

O modelamento estatístico de misturas: experimento tutorial usando voltametria de redissolução anódica

This work illustrates the modeling procedure for a solvent mixture using the simplex- centroid approach. The selected experiment was the optimization of the peak current observed in the direct determination of nickel by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) in a solvent mixture composed of N,N-dimethylformamide, ethanol and water. The text is presented in a tutorial way, showing in detail the several steps which must be followed in such a process. Since not all possible mixtures lead to a measurable instrumental response, pseudocomponents had to be used to rescale the experimental design. This also allows to show how to apply this tool, usually troublesome for non-specialists in mixture modeling procedures.

Um novo índice de qualidade das águas para proteção da vida aquática aplicado ao Rio Atibaia, região de Campinas/Paulínia-SP

In this paper a water quality index is developed to subsidize management actions in the Atibaia River for upon protection of aquatic organisms. This index is composed of two measurable environmental parameters normaly, ammonia and dissolved oxygen, the latter representing the contribution of organic matter. Concentrations of these two variables were normalized on a scale from 0 to 100 and translated into statements of quality (excellent, good, regular, bad and very bad). The index was applied to three monitoring points in the Atibaia River and compared to other indices used by the State of São Paulo Environmental Agency (CETESB). The results showed that the degradation in this watershed follows the urban population density. The developed index is more restricted than the other ones routinely used to infer water quality.

Recent trends in maternal, newborn, and child health in Brazil: progress toward Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5

We analyzed Brazil's efforts in reducing child mortality, improving maternal and child health, and reducing socioeconomic and regional inequalities from 1990 through 2007. We compiled and reanalyzed data from several sources, including vital statistics and population-based surveys. We also explored the roles of broad socioeconomic and demographic changes and the introduction of health sector and other reform measures in explaining the improvements observed. Our findings provide compelling evidence that proactive measures to reduce health disparities accompanied by socioeconomic progress can result in measurable improvements in the health of children and mothers in a relatively short interval. Our analysis of Brazil's successes and remaining challenges to reach and surpass Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 can provide important lessons for other low- and middle-income countries