In this paper, we study periodic problems for second-order differential inclusions in R N with a maximal monotone term. The nonlinear differential operator is not necessarily homogeneous, does not obey any growth condition and incorporates as a special case the one-dimensional p-Laplacian. Using techniques from multivalued analysis and the theory of operators of monotone type, we prove the existence of solutions for both the ''convex'' and ''nonconvex'' problems, when the maximal monotone term A is defined everywhere and when it is not defined everywhere (case of variational inequalities). # 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)

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In this quantitative study, we investigate the relationship between the conceptions of first-year Engineering Education students about the role of mathematics in their studies and career, as well as the links of their conceptions with their approaches to study. The data analysis revealed that the students view mathematics as being about techniques, models and real-life applications and they conceptualise mathematics as being relevant to their future career and studies, though with a lack of knowledge of the specificities of this role. Nevertheless, the surface approach was correlated with a feeling of certainty with respect to the specific role of mathematics in their future studies and career, whilst the deep approach was found to be linked with a broad importance of mathematics. The implications of these complex findings are discussed.

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