Abstract: We investigate the exact enlarged controllability and optimal control of a fractional diffusion equation in Caputo sense. This is done through a new definition of enlarged controllability that allows us to extend available contributions. Moreover, the problem is studied using two approaches: a reverse Hilbert uniqueness method, generalizing the approach introduced by Lions in 1988, and a penalization method, which allow us to characterize the minimum energy control.

Abstract: In this article, exact traveling wave solutions of a Wick-type stochastic nonlinear Schrödinger equation and of a Wick-type stochastic fractional Regularized Long Wave-Burgers (RLW-Burgers) equation have been obtained by using an improved computational method. Specifically, the Hermite transform is employed for transforming Wick-type stochastic nonlinear partial differential equations into deterministic nonlinear partial differential equations with integral and fraction order. Furthermore, the required set of stochastic solutions in the white noise space is obtained by using the inverse Hermite transform. Based on the derived solutions, the dynamics of the considered equations are performed with some particular values of the physical parameters. The results reveal that the proposed improved computational technique can be applied to solve various kinds of Wick-type stochastic fractional partial differential equations.

Abstract: We introduce and investigate the concept of harmonical $h$-convexity for interval-valued functions. Under this new concept, we prove some new Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for the interval Riemann integral.

Abstract: We develop a fully discrete scheme for time-fractional diffusion equations by using a finite difference method in time and a finite element method in space. The fractional derivatives are used in Caputo sense. Stability and error estimates are derived. The accuracy and efficiency of the presented method is shown by conducting two numerical examples.

Abstract: We introduce a numerical method, based on modified hat functions, for solving a class of fractional optimal control problems. In our scheme, the control and the fractional derivative of the state function are considered as linear combinations of the modified hat functions. The fractional derivative is considered in the Caputo sense while the Riemann-Liouville integral operator is used to give approximations for the state function and some of its derivatives. To this aim, we use the fractional order integration operational matrix of the modified hat functions and some properties of the Caputo derivative and Riemann-Liouville integral operators. Using results of the considered basis functions, solving the fractional optimal control problem is reduced to the solution of a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. An error bound is proved for the approximate optimal value of the performance index obtained by the proposed method. The method is then generalized for solving a class of fractional optimal control problems with inequality constraints. The most important advantages of our method are easy implementation, simple operations, and elimination of numerical integration. Some illustrative examples are considered to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed technique.

Abstract: We investigate Optimal Control Problems (OCP) for fractional systems involving fractional-time derivatives on time scales. The fractional-time derivatives and integrals are considered, on time scales, in the Riemann--Liouville sense. By using the Banach fixed point theorem, sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of solution to initial value problems described by fractional order differential equations on time scales are known. Here we consider a fractional OCP with a performance index given as a delta-integral function of both state and control variables, with time evolving on an arbitrarily given time scale. Interpreting the Euler--Lagrange first order optimality condition with an adjoint problem, defined by means of right Riemann--Liouville fractional delta derivatives, we obtain an optimality system for the considered fractional OCP. For that, we first prove new fractional integration by parts formulas on time scales.

Abstract: This work is devoted to modelling and identification of the dynamics of the inter-sectoral balance of a macroeconomic system. An approach to the problem of specification and identification of a weakly formalized dynamical system is developed. A matching procedure for parameters of a linear stationary Cauchy problem with a decomposition of its upshot trend and a periodic component, is proposed. Moreover, an approach for detection of significant harmonic waves, which are inherent to real macroeconomic dynamical systems, is developed.

Abstract: We study an optimal control problem associated to a fractional nonlocal thermistor problem involving the ABC (Atangana-Baleanu-Caputo) fractional time derivative. We first prove the existence and uniqueness of solution. Then, we show that an optimal control exists. Moreover, we obtain the optimality system that characterizes the control.

Abstract: During the past sixty years, a lot of effort has been made regarding the productive efficiency. Such endeavours provided an extensive bibliography on this subject, culminating in two main methods, named the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (parametric) and Data Envelopment Analysis (non-parametric). The literature states this methodology also as the benchmark approach, since the techniques compare the sample upon a chosen `more-efficient' reference. This article intends to disrupt such premise, suggesting a mathematical model that relies on the optimal input combination, provided by a differential equation system instead of an observable sample. A numerical example is given, illustrating the application of our model's features.

Abstract: We propose a fractional order model for HIV/AIDS transmission. Local and uniform stability of the fractional order model is studied. The theoretical results are illustrated through numerical simulations.

Abstract: We present the Method Of Lines (MOL), which is based on the spectral collocation method, to solve space-fractional advection-diffusion equations (SFADEs) on a finite domain with variable coefficients. We focus on the cases in which the SFADEs consist of both left- and right-sided fractional derivatives. To do so, we begin by introducing a new set of basis functions with some interesting features. The MOL, together with the spectral collocation method based on the new basis functions, are successfully applied to the SFADEs. Finally, four numerical examples, including benchmark problems and a problem with discontinuous advection and diffusion coefficients, are provided to illustrate the efficiency and exponentially accuracy of the proposed method.

Abstract: We analyse the importance of international relations between countries on the financial stability. The contagion effect in the network is tested by implementing an epidemiological model, comprising a number of European countries and using bilateral data on foreign claims between them. Banking statistics of consolidated foreign claims on ultimate risk bases, obtained from the Banks of International Settlements, allow us to measure the exposure of contagion spreading from a particular country to the other national banking systems. We show that the financial system of some countries, experiencing the debt crisis, is a source of global systemic risk because they threaten the stability of a larger system, being a global threat to the intoxication of the world economy and resulting in what we call a `financial virus'. Illustrative simulations were done in the NetLogo multi-agent programmable modelling environment and in MATLAB.

Abstract: We give answer to an open question by proving a sufficient optimality condition for state-linear optimal control problems with time delays in state and control variables. In the proof of our main result, we transform a delayed state-linear optimal control problem to an equivalent non-delayed problem. This allows us to use a well-known theorem that ensures a sufficient optimality condition for non-delayed state-linear optimal control problems. An example is given in order to illustrate the obtained result.

Abstract: We investigate an epidemic model based on Bailey's continuous differential system. In the continuous time domain, we extend the classical model to time-dependent coefficients and present an alternative solution method to Gleissner's approach. If the coefficients are constant, both solution methods yield the same result. After a brief introduction to time scales, we formulate the SIR (susceptible-infected-removed) model in the general time domain and derive its solution. In the discrete case, this provides the solution to a new discrete epidemic system, which exhibits the same behavior as the continuous model. The last part is dedicated to the analysis of the limiting behavior of susceptible, infected, and removed, which contains biological relevance.

Abstract: We investigate the global behaviour of a SIRI epidemic model with distributed delay and relapse. From the theory of functional differential equations with delay, we prove that the solution of the system is unique, bounded, and positive, for all time. The basic reproduction number $R_{0}$ for the model is computed. By means of the direct Lyapunov method and LaSalle invariance principle, we prove that the disease free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when $R_{0} < 1$. Moreover, we show that there is a unique endemic equilibrium, which is globally asymptotically stable, when $R_{0} > 1$.

Abstract: The global crisis of 2008 provoked a heightened interest among scientists to study the phenomenon, its propagation and negative consequences. The process of modelling the spread of a virus is commonly used in epidemiology. Conceptually, the spread of a disease among a population is similar to the contagion process in economy. This similarity allows considering the contagion in the world financial system using the same mathematical model of infection spread that is often used in epidemiology. Our research focuses on the dynamic behaviour of contagion spreading in the global financial network. The effect of infection by a systemic spread of risks in the network of national banking systems of countries is tested. An optimal control problem is then formulated to simulate a control that may avoid significant financial losses. The results show that the proposed approach describes well the reality of the world economy, and emphasizes the importance of international relations between countries on the financial stability.

Abstract: We study the global dynamics of a SICA infection model with general incidence rate. The proposed model is calibrated with cumulative cases of infection by HIV-AIDS in Morocco from 1986 to 2015. We first prove that our model is biologically and mathematically well-posed. Stability analysis of different steady states is performed and threshold parameters are identified where the model exhibits clearance of infection or maintenance of a chronic infection. Furthermore, we examine the robustness of the model to some parameter values by examining the sensitivity of the basic reproduction number. Finally, using numerical simulations with real data from Morocco, we show that the model predicts well such reality.

Abstract: A Caputo fractional-order mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of tuberculosis (TB) was recently proposed in [Math. Model. Nat. Phenom. 13 (2018), no. 1, Art. 9]. Here, a sensitivity analysis of that model is done, showing the importance of accuracy of parameter values. A fractional optimal control (FOC) problem is then formulated and solved, with the rate of treatment as the control variable. Finally, a cost-effectiveness analysis is performed to assess the cost and the effectiveness of the control measures during the intervention, showing in which conditions FOC is useful with respect to classical (integer-order) optimal control.

Abstract: Caputo-Fabrizio fractional delta derivatives on an arbitrary time scale are presented. When the time scale is chosen to be the set of real numbers, then the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative is recovered. For isolated or partly continuous and partly discrete, i.e., hybrid time scales, one gets new fractional operators. We concentrate on the behavior of solutions to initial value problems with the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional delta derivative on an arbitrary time scale. In particular, the exponential stability of linear systems is studied. A necessary and sufficient condition for the exponential stability of linear systems with the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional delta derivative on time scales is presented. By considering a suitable fractional dynamic equation and the Laplace transform on time scales, we also propose a proper definition of Caputo-Fabrizio fractional integral on time scales. Finally, by using the Banach fixed point theorem, we prove existence and uniqueness of solution to a nonlinear initial value problem with the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional delta derivative on time scales.

Abstract: Using a factorization theorem of Douglas, we prove functional characterizations of trace spaces $H^s(\partial \Omega)$ involving a family of positive self-adjoint operators. Our method is based on the use of a suitable operator by taking the trace on the boundary $\partial \Omega$ of a bounded Lipschitz domain $\Omega \subset \mathbb R^d$ and applying Moore--Penrose pseudo-inverse properties together with a special inner product on $H^1(\Omega)$. Moreover, generalized results of the Moore--Penrose pseudo-inverse are also established.

Abstract: We introduce the concept of regional enlarged observability for fractional evolution differential equations involving Riemann-Liouville derivatives. The Hilbert Uniqueness Method (HUM) is used to reconstruct the initial state between two prescribed functions, in an interested subregion of the whole domain, without the knowledge of the state.

Abstract: We introduce the notion of structural derivative on time scales. The new operator of differentiation unifies the concepts of fractal and fractional order derivative and is motivated by lack of classical differentiability of some self-similar functions. Some properties of the new operator are proved and illustrated with examples.

Abstract: We prove boundary inequalities in arbitrary bounded Lipschitz domains on the trace space of Sobolev spaces. For that, we make use of the trace operator, its Moore-Penrose inverse, and of a special inner product. We show that our trace inequalities are particularly useful to prove harmonic inequalities, which serve as powerful tools to characterize the harmonic functions on Sobolev spaces of non-integer order.

Abstract: We consider an extension of the well-known Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for fractional order dynamical systems in which a generalized performance index is considered for the related optimal control problem. Owing to the nonlocality of the fractional order operators, the classical HJB equation, in the usual form, does not hold true for fractional problems. Effectiveness of the proposed technique is illustrated through a numerical example.

Abstract: A human respiratory syncytial virus surveillance system was implemented in Florida in 1999, to support clinical decision-making for prophylaxis of premature newborns. Recently, a local periodic SEIRS mathematical model was proposed in [Stat. Optim. Inf. Comput. 6 (2018), no.1, 139--149] to describe real data collected by Florida's system. In contrast, here we propose a non-local fractional (non-integer) order model. A fractional optimal control problem is then formulated and solved, having treatment as the control. Finally, a cost-effectiveness analysis is carried out to evaluate the cost and the effectiveness of proposed control measures during the intervention period, showing the superiority of obtained results with respect to previous ones.

Abstract: We propose a direct numerical method for the solution of an optimal control problem governed by a two-side space-fractional diffusion equation. The presented method contains two main steps. In the first step, the space variable is discretized by using the Jacobi-Gauss pseudospectral discretization and, in this way, the original problem is transformed into a classical integer-order optimal control problem. The main challenge, which we faced in this step, is to derive the left and right fractional differentiation matrices. In this respect, novel techniques for derivation of these matrices are presented. In the second step, the Legendre-Gauss-Radau pseudospectral method is employed. With these two steps, the original problem is converted into a convex quadratic optimization problem, which can be solved efficiently by available methods. Our approach can be easily implemented and extended to cover fractional optimal control problems with state constraints. Five test examples are provided to demonstrate the efficiency and validity of the presented method. The results show that our method reaches the solutions with good accuracy and a low CPU time.

Abstract: We propose and analyse a mathematical model for cholera considering vaccination. We show that the model is epidemiologically and mathematically well posed and prove the existence and uniqueness of disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. The basic reproduction number is determined and the local asymptotic stability of equilibria is studied. The biggest cholera outbreak of world's history began on 27th April 2017, in Yemen. Between 27th April 2017 and 15th April 2018 there were 2275 deaths due to this epidemic. A vaccination campaign began on 6th May 2018 and ended on 15th May 2018. We show that our model is able to describe well this outbreak. Moreover, we prove that the number of infected individuals would have been much lower provided the vaccination campaign had begun earlier.

Abstract: The class of $\eta$-quasiconvex functions was introduced in 2016. Here we establish novel inequalities of Ostrowski type for functions whose second derivative, in absolute value raised to the power $q\geq 1$, is $\eta$-quasiconvex. Several interesting inequalities are deduced as special cases. Furthermore, we apply our results to the arithmetic, geometric, Harmonic, logarithmic, generalized log and identric means, getting new relations amongst them.

Abstract: We introduce the interval Darboux delta integral (shortly, the $ID$ $\Delta$-integral) and the interval Riemann delta integral (shortly, the $IR$ $\Delta$-integral) for interval-valued functions on time scales. Fundamental properties of $ID$ and $IR$ $\Delta$-integrals and examples are given. Finally, we prove Jensen's, Hölder's and Minkowski's inequalities for the $IR$ $\Delta$-integral. Also, some examples are given to illustrate our theorems.

Abstract: Vineyard replacement is a common practice in every wine-growing farm since the grapevine production decays over time and requires a new vine to ensure the business sustainability. In this paper, we formulate a simple discrete model that captures the vineyard's main dynamics such as production values and grape quality. Then, by applying binary non-linear programming methods to find the vineyard replacement trigger, we seek the optimal solution concerning different governmental subsidies to the target producer.

Abstract: We introduce new fractional operators of variable order on isolated time scales with Mittag-Leffler kernels. This allows a general formulation of a class of fractional variational problems involving variable-order difference operators. Main results give fractional integration by parts formulas and necessary optimality conditions of Euler-Lagrange type.

Abstract: We study a nonlocal thermistor problem for fractional derivatives in the conformable sense. Classical Schauder's fixed point theorem is used to derive the existence of a tube solution.

Abstract: Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) has been emerging as a promising novel cancer treatment that may be further combined with the existing therapeutic modalities to enhance their effects. To investigate how OV could enhance chemotherapy, we propose an ODE based model describing the interactions between tumour cells, the immune response, and a treatment combination with chemotherapy and oncolytic viruses. Stability analysis of the model with constant chemotherapy treatment rates shows that without any form of treatment, a tumour would grow to its maximum size. It also demonstrates that chemotherapy alone is capable of clearing tumour cells provided that the drug efficacy is greater than the intrinsic tumour growth rate. Furthermore, OV alone may not be able to clear tumour cells from body tissue but would rather enhance chemotherapy if viruses with high viral potency are used. To assess the combined effect of OV and chemotherapy we use the forward sensitivity index to perform a sensitivity analysis, with respect to chemotherapy key parameters, of the virus basic reproductive number and the tumour endemic equilibrium. The results from this sensitivity analysis indicate the existence of a critical dose of chemotherapy above which no further significant reduction in the tumour population can be observed. Numerical simulations show that a successful combinational therapy of the chemotherapeutic drugs and viruses depends mostly on the virus burst size, infection rate, and the amount of drugs supplied. Optimal control analysis was performed, by means of Pontryagin's principle, to further refine predictions of the model with constant treatment rates by accounting for the treatment costs and sides effects.

Abstract: We survey methods and results of fractional differential equations in which an unknown function is under the operation of integration and/or differentiation of fractional order. As an illustrative example, we review results on fractional integral and differential equations of thermistor type. Several nonlocal problems are considered: with Riemann-Liouville, Caputo, and time-scale fractional operators. Existence and uniqueness of positive solutions are obtained through suitable fixed-point theorems in proper Banach spaces. Additionally, existence and continuation theorems are given, ensuring global existence.

Abstract: We consider the regional enlarged observability problem for fractional evolution differential equations involving Caputo derivatives. Using the Hilbert Uniqueness Method, we show that it is possible to rebuild the initial state between two prescribed functions only in an internal subregion of the whole domain. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the theory.

Abstract: Main results and techniques of the fractional calculus of variations are surveyed. We consider variational problems containing Caputo derivatives and study them using both indirect and direct methods. In particular, we provide necessary optimality conditions of Euler-Lagrange type for the fundamental, higher-order, and isoperimetric problems, and compute approximated solutions based on truncated Grünwald--Letnikov approximations of Caputo derivatives.

Abstract: This paper presents three direct methods based on Grünwald-Letnikov, trapezoidal and Simpson fractional integral formulas to solve fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs). At first, the fractional integral form of FOCP is considered, then the fractional integral is approximated by Grünwald-Letnikov, trapezoidal and Simpson formulas in a matrix approach. Thereafter, the performance index is approximated either by trapezoidal or Simpson quadrature. As a result, FOCP are reduced to nonlinear programming problems, which can be solved by many well-developed algorithms. To improve the efficiency of the presented method, the gradient of the objective function and the Jacobian of constraints are prepared in closed forms. It is pointed out that the implementation of the methods is simple and, due to the fact that there is no need to derive necessary conditions, the methods can be simply and quickly used to solve a wide class of FOCPs. The efficiency and reliability of the presented methods are assessed by ample numerical tests involving a free final time with path constraint FOCP, a bang-bang FOCP and an optimal control of a fractional-order HIV-immune system.

Abstract: We propose a stochastic SICA epidemic model for HIV transmission, described by stochastic ordinary differential equations, and discuss its perturbation by environmental white noise. Existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution to the stochastic HIV system is proven, and conditions under which extinction and persistence in mean hold, are given. The theoretical results are illustrated via numerical simulations.

Abstract: This book intends to deepen the study of the fractional calculus, giving special emphasis to variable-order operators. It is organized in two parts, as follows. In the first part, we review the basic concepts of fractional calculus (Chapter 1) and of the fractional calculus of variations (Chapter 2). In Chapter 1, we start with a brief overview about fractional calculus and an introduction to the theory of some special functions in fractional calculus. Then, we recall several fractional operators (integrals and derivatives) definitions and some properties of the considered fractional derivatives and integrals are introduced. In the end of this chapter, we review integration by parts formulas for different operators. Chapter 2 presents a short introduction to the classical calculus of variations and review different variational problems, like the isoperimetric problems or problems with variable endpoints. In the end of this chapter, we introduce the theory of the fractional calculus of variations and some fractional variational problems with variable-order. In the second part, we systematize some new recent results on variable-order fractional calculus of (Tavares, Almeida and Torres, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). In Chapter 3, considering three types of fractional Caputo derivatives of variable-order, we present new approximation formulas for those fractional derivatives and prove upper bound formulas for the errors. In Chapter 4, we introduce the combined Caputo fractional derivative of variable-order and corresponding higher-order operators. Some properties are also given. Then, we prove fractional Euler-Lagrange equations for several types of fractional problems of the calculus of variations, with or without constraints.

Abstract: We prove a sufficient optimality condition for non-linear optimal control problems with delays in both state and control variables. Our result requires the verification of a Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation and is obtained through a transformation that allow us to rewrite a delayed optimal control problem as an equivalent non-delayed one.