bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction Monitoring on Steel Truss Bridge’s Maintenance and Reinforcement
Authors: Wang Er Lei
Published: February 2018

Implementing monitoring over construction process of old bridge’s reinforcement serves as an important measure to ensure construction quality and safety and realize the goal of reinforcement. This paper, with a case study of the maintenance and reinforcement project of Zhicheng Yangtze River Bridge (steel truss highway-railway combined bridge), adopted MIDAS to establish finite element analysis model, and with stress and deformation as monitoring parameters, completed the construction monitoring work, numerical simulation analysis and site test for the reinforcement project.
A Novel Biological Role for Peptidyl-Arginine Deiminases: Citrullination of Cathelicidin LL-37 Controls the Immunostimulatory Potential of Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Wong Alicia , Bryzek Danuta , Dobosz Ewelina , Scavenius Carsten , Svoboda Pavel , Rapala-Kozik Maria , Lesner Adam , Frydrych Ivo , Enghild Jan , Mydel Piotr , Pohl Jan , Thompson Paul R. , Potempa Jan , Koziel Joanna
Published: February 2018

LL-37, the only human cathelicidin that is released during inflammation, is a potent regulator of immune responses by facilitating delivery of oligonucleotides to intracellular TLR-9, thereby enhancing the response of human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) to extracellular DNA. Although important for pathogen recognition, this mechanism may facilitate development of autoimmune diseases. In this article, we show that citrullination of LL-37 by peptidyl-arginine deiminases (PADs) hindered peptide-dependent DNA uptake and sensing by pDCs. In contrast, carbamylation of the peptide (homocitrullination of Lys residues) had no effect. The efficiency of LL-37 binding to oligonucleotides and activation of pDCs was found to be inversely proportional to the number of citrullinated residues in the peptide. Similarly, preincubation of carbamylated LL-37 with PAD2 abrogated the peptide’s ability to bind DNA. Conversely, LL-37 with Arg residues substituted by homoarginine, which cannot be deiminated, elicited full activity of native LL-37 regardless of PAD2 treatment. Taken together, the data showed that citrullination abolished LL-37 ability to bind DNA and altered the immunomodulatory function of the peptide. Both activities were dependent on the proper distribution of guanidinium side chains in the native peptide sequence. Moreover, our data suggest that cathelicidin/LL-37 is citrullinated by PADs during NET formation, thus affecting the inflammatory potential of NETs. Together this may represent a novel mechanism for preventing the breakdown of immunotolerance, which is dependent on the response of APCs to self-molecules (including cell-free DNA); overactivation may facilitate development of autoimmunity.
An analysis of the applicability of the OECD Model Tax Convention to non-OECD member countries: The South African case
Authors: Steenkamp Lee-Ann
Published: February 2018

Most tax treaties (including South Africa's) are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention on Income and Capital and the related Commentary (the 'OECD Model'). Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding its legal status, the courts in many countries use the OECD Model in the interpretation of their tax treaties. The OECD launched an action plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ('BEPS') in 2013, which is aimed at improving international tax cooperation between governments. In South Africa, the importance of combating BEPS is highlighted by the fact that the Davis Tax Committee has appointed a sub-committee specifically to address concerns pertaining to BEPS. South Africa's participation in the BEPS project and its tax treaty negotiations with other countries, especially OECD member states, are of the utmost importance to South Africa's National Treasury. Consequently, it is the primary objective of this article to analyse the applicability of the OECD Model to non-OECD member countries, with particular emphasis on South Africa. It will be argued that, if the treaties of non-member countries are in conformity with the OECD Model and no specific position has been taken, the non-members also accept the provisions of the Model and the Commentary as an interpretative aid.
Trade implications of grid emission factors under climate change and the green economy: Comparative study of African and Asian continents
Authors: Mukonza Chipo , Nhamo Godwell
Published: February 2018

Trade, climate change, and the green economy are aspects that converge on the carbon footprint of organisations, products and countries. The carbon footprint is in turn linked directly to the grid emission factors (GEFs) of a country or sub-regions within that country. In an epoch where global citizens are increasingly aware of the adverse impacts of high greenhouse gas emissions leading to global warming, low carbon footprints are likely to attract greater trade opportunities. African and Asian countries have embraced the green economy to address economic development, environmental management and social equity challenges. The advent of the green economy means that trade is likely to result in the more efficient allocation of natural resources, as well as improved access to green goods, services and technologies. Through the examination and analysis of publicly available and accessible data and documents, this article seeks to compare the ‘green’ trade competitiveness of Asian and African economies as measured through carbon footprints. The results of the study show that Africa is relatively cleaner than Asia. Therefore, ceteris paribus, if GEFs are used to determine trading partners, Africa stands a better chance. The research findings can be used to make informed strategic trade decision in favour of environmental sustainability.
An application of Panzar-Rosse Approach in assessing banking sector competition in Zimbabwe
Authors: Abel Sanderson , Le Roux Pierre
Published: February 2018

This paper assesses the level of competition in Zimbabwe’s banking sector using the Panzar-Rosse H-statistic. The H-Statistic has been assessed, using the total revenues regression equation, and applying the panel least square regression model with fixed effects. The H-statistics is estimated at 0.56, which result is confirmed, using bank random effects and the General methods of moments. The H-statics obtained from the two methods are 0.54 and 0.51 for the random effect and generalised methods of moments, respectively. The results confirm the presence of monopolistic competition. On an annual basis, the results show that the Zimbabwean banking sector is evolving towards perfect competition. There is need for the government to desist from tampering with market forces as this reduces the amount of competition. This study is important, as there are limited studies on the competition of the banking sector in dollarized economies. Dollarized economies are peculiar in that their characteristics differ from non-dollarized economies.
Working capital management of South African retail firms
Authors: Louw Elmarie , Hall John , Brümmer Leon
Published: February 2018

The way a firm manages its working capital can have a decisive influence on the firm’s profitability and liquidity. In view of the prominent role that the retail industry plays in the South African economy, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of working capital management on the profitability of South African retail firms. Eighteen retail firms that were listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange for a period of nine years (2004-2012) were analysed. The findings show that a strategy of reducing investment in inventory and trade receivables, while increasing trade payables, appears to improve the profitability of South African retail firms. Inventory management seems to have the strongest statistically significant impact on a firm’s profitability. Hence, it is recommended that retail firms implement advanced inventory management systems in order to optimise inventory levels and enhance profitability.
Relevant factors for the suspension of the payment of disputed tax - A comparative analysis
Authors: Van Zyl Linda , Van Wyk Danielle
Published: February 2018

Section 164(3) of the Tax Administration Act No. 28 of 2011 gives a senior SARS official the discretion to suspend the payment of disputed tax or a portion thereof, having regard to relevant factors. Limited guidance is available in this regard. The objectives are to establish the concerns and uncertainties regarding the relevant factors and to determine whether a ‘suspension of the payment of disputed tax’ in terms of section 164(3) constitutes the granting of ‘credit’ in terms of a ‘credit agreement’ in terms of the National Credit Act, Act No. 34 of 2005. This is achieved by adopting an explanatory research approach and performing a literature review and comparative analysis respectively. The conclusion is reached that the current factors listed are not necessarily the most relevant ones. Recommendations are made to simplify the process and to revise and improve the wording regarding the relevant factors.
The influence of employment and occupation on a household's net equity
Authors: Combrink Hermanus , Venter Jan
Published: February 2018

Many South Africans are faced with the reality of poverty. Studies have shown that one of the best ways to alleviate poverty is through employment. Considering South Africa’s high unemployment rate, it is clear that unemployment contributes to poverty and low household net wealth. Using data obtained from a representative omnibus sample, this paper analysed the effect of employment status on a household’s net equity (assets minus liabilities). Whilst being employed did statistically significantly influence the household’s net equity, there was an almost equal distribution of households over the net equity quintiles, indicating that employment status alone is not a guarantee of economic emancipation. In order to determine the cause of the equal distribution, the paper investigated whether the occupation in which a person is employed might assist in explaining the differences in the net equity values. It was found that being employed in certain occupations did to a statistically significant degree explain the differences in the net equity of households, with the households of persons employed in scarce skills occupations, on average, having a significantly higher net equity than the households of persons employed in a non-scarce skills occupation.
South Africa's economic policies on unemployment: A historical analysis of two decades of transition
Authors: Ferreira Lorainne , Rossouw Riaan
Published: February 2018

Upon South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, there were great hopes for an economic revival in the country, underpinned by supportive economic policies that prioritised job creation and the elimination of longstanding poverty and inequality. Until now, the efficacy of economic policy in bringing about these much-coveted outcomes – particularly improvements on the employment front – has received little attention. This paper ventures into relatively uncharted territory by analysing how political dynamics and accompanying economic policy frameworks have impacted the structure and momentum of employment growth in South Africa over the past two decades. This is achieved by examining the changes in employment and, more specifically, the changes in the cost-neutral change in the capital-to-labour (K/L) ratio from 1995 to 2013. For the purpose of the analysis, a dynamic CGE model of the South African economy is used, with the focus being primarily on changes in the capital and labour markets during the period in question across a range of sectors. Among the results are that there was an increase in capital relative to labour (K/L) during the period, despite there being an increase in the rental price of capital relative to wages (PK/PL). The results suggest that at any given ratio of real wages relative to the rental price of capital, industries would choose a K/L ratio 8.1% higher in 2013 than in 1995. The study offers new insights into what is hampering employment in South Africa, which has been eroding the economy’s productive base and prompting serious questions about the country’s growth prospects. Clearly, South Africa needs a well-informed and responsive economic policy framework if it is to escape the potentially explosive unemployment crisis in which it has long been mired.
Multidetector computed tomography has replaced conventional intravenous excretory urography in imaging of the kidneys: A scoping review of multidetector computed tomography findings in renal tuberculosis
Authors: Mthalane Ntombizakhona B.A. , Dlamini Nondumiso N.M.
Published: February 2018

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide infectious disease burden, especially in non-developed countries, with increased morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Extrapulmonary TB is rare and renal TB is one of the commonest manifestations. The end result of renal TB is end-stage renal disease; however, this can be avoided if the diagnosis is made early. The diagnosis of renal TB is challenging because of the non-specific presentation and low sensitivity of clinical tests. Although the sequel of TB infection in the kidney causes varying manifestations depending on the stage of the disease, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is capable of demonstrating early findings. We performed a 20-year scoping review of MDCT findings in renal TB to promote awareness.Aim: To identify specific MDCT imaging characteristics of renal TB, promote early diagnosis and increase awareness of the typical imaging features.Methods and material: We searched published and unpublished literature from 1997 to 2017 using a combination of search terms on electronic databases. We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.Results: A total of 150 articles were identified, of which 145 were found through electronic search engines and 5 were obtained from grey literature. Seventy-nine articles that fulfilled our inclusion criteria were reviewed. These included original research, case reports, literature review, organisational reports and grey literature.Conclusion: Multidetector computed tomography can reproduce images comparable with intravenous excretory urography; together with advantages of being able to better assess the renal parenchyma and surrounding spaces, it is important in suggesting the diagnosis of renal TB and clinicians should consider including MDCT when investigating patients with recurrent urinary tract infection not responding to usual antimicrobial therapy.
Стойкость ГОСТ Р 34.11-2012 к атаке поиска прообраза и к атаке поиска коллизий
Authors: Sedov Grigory K
Published: February 2018

В январе 2013 года национальный стандарт Российской Федерации, ГОСТ Р 34.11-94 определяющий алгоритм и процедуру вычисления хэш-функции, был заменен на новый ГОСТ Р 34.11-2012. В качестве нового стандарта было утверждено семейство хэш-функций Стрибог. В данной работе семейство хэш-функций Стрибог рассмотрено с позиций математической криптографии; доказана его стойкость к атаке поиска прообраза и к атаке поиска коллизий.
Сложность восстановления начальных знаков фильтрующих генераторов одного класса
Authors: Malyshev Fedor Mikhailovich
Published: February 2018

Решается задача восстановления начальных знаков рекуррентной последовательности порядка $m$ по значениям усложняющей выходной функции $F$. При естественном предположении о функции рекуррентной зависимости $f$ и функции $F$ эта задача решается с линейной по $m$ трудоемкостью, при этом требуется линейное же по $m$ число известных выходных знаков. Коэффициенты при $m$ однозначно задаются мощностями алфавита выходных знаков, алфавита знаков рекуррентной последовательности и числами аргументов в функциях $f$ и $F$.
Локальные характеристики выравнивающих свойств эпиморфизмов конечных абелевых групп
Authors: Drelikhov V O , Kruglov Igor Aleksandrovich
Published: February 2018

В работе исследуются локальные характеристики близости к равномерному распределению на множестве $G^m$ для распределения случайного элемента вида $H(\vec\xi )$, где $H\colon G^n\to G^m$ - отображение декартовых степеней некоторой конечной абелевой группы $G$, $\vec\xi=(\xi_1,\xi_2,…,\xi_n)$ - случайный элемент множества $G^n$. Основные результаты относятся к случаю, когда случайные элементы $\xi_1,\xi_2,…,\xi_n$ независимы и одинаково распределены, а отображение $H$ является эпиморфизмом группы $G^n$ на группу $G^m$.
Протокол конфиденциального получения информации
Authors: Afanas'eva Aleksandra Valentinovna , Balakirskii Vladimir Borisovich , Bezzateev Sergei Valentinovich
Published: February 2018

Предложен новый вычислительно-эффективный протокол конфиденциального получения информации, основанный на свойствах орбит действия групп Галуа конечных расширений поля $\mathrm{GF}(q)$. Коммуникационная сложность протокола немного больше сложности лучших известных схем, основанных на локально-декодируемых кодах, но он может быть построен для любых параметров системы (в отличие от кодовых конструкций). Вычислительная сложность протокола меньше, чем у протоколов, основанных на арифметике полиномов, что важно для серверов, обслуживающих запросы от множества пользователей.
Анализ сложности алгоритма параллельного поиска "золотой" коллизии
Authors: Pil'shchikov D V
Published: February 2018

В статье уточняются полученные ранее Оршотом и Винером оценки временно́й и емкостно́й сложностей предложенного ими алгоритма поиска "золотой" коллизии. Для этого используются результаты, относящиеся к расчету характеристик метода балансировки время-память-данные с особыми точками. Описывается вероятностная модель, позволяющая аппроксимировать исследуемые характеристики алгоритма случайными величинами, зависящими от числа частици суммарного числа частицв докритическом процессе Гальтона-Ватсона. Найдены предельные значения математических ожиданий этих случайных величин.
Расстояние между двоичными представлениями линейных рекуррент над полем $GF(2^k)$ и кольцом $\mathbb{Z}_{2^n}$
Authors: Kamlovskii Oleg Vital'evich
Published: February 2018

Рассматриваются линейные рекуррентные последовательности над полем $GF(2^k)$ и над кольцом $\mathbb{Z}_{2^n}$ c взаимосвязанными законами рекурсии. Оценивается расстояние Хэмминга между циклами последовательностей, полученных из исходных заменой каждого их знака его образом при действии произвольных отображений в поле из двух элементов.
An attack on $\mathrm{6}$ rounds of Khazad
Authors: Burov Dmitry Alexandrovich , Pogorelov Boris Aleksandrovich
Published: February 2018

Рассматриваются новые атаки на $64$-битовую блочную шифрсистему Khazad, использующие структурные свойства его раундовой функции. Найдено $14$ новых классов слабых ключей для $5$ и $6$ раундов Khazad. В частности, показано, что имеется $7$ классов слабых ключей для $5$ и $6$ раундов Khazad, каждый из которых содержит $2^{64}$ ключей. Нахождение слабого ключа в случае $5$ раундов использует $2^{35}$ обращений к $\mathrm{S}$-боксу, а в случае $6$ раундов $2^{43}$ обращений и $2^{32}$ подобранных открытых текстов.
Quantum attacks against iterated block ciphers
Authors: Kaplan M
Published: February 2018

Изучается увеличение стойкости блочного шифра против квантовых атак за счет числа итераций. Показано, что (в отличие от классического метода встречи посередине) для квантового злоумышленника вскрыть двукратную итерацию идеальных блочных шифров значительно сложнее, чем однократную. Доказана оптимальность квантового метода встречи посередине. Установлено, что (в отличие от классического случая) квантовая атака рассечения против 4-кратной итерации имеет меньшую сложность, чем квантовый метод встречи посередине.
Об одном методе построения булевых функций малого веса, не имеющих имплицент от фиксированного числа переменных
Authors: Roldugin Pavel Vladimirovich
Published: February 2018

Задача построения булевых функций без имплицент от $k$ переменных сведена к построению такого множества $M$ булевых функций от $k-1$, что для любых различных векторов $\overline\beta_1,…,\overline\beta_k\in V_{k-1}$ и любых $\alpha_1,…,\alpha_k\in\{0,1\}$ существует $f\in M\colon f(\overline\beta_1)=\alpha_1,…,f(\overline\beta_k)=\alpha_k$. Это позволяет строить функции без имплицент от $k$ переменных, имеющие вес, близкий к минимально возможному значению. Построено несколько семейств таких булевых функций.
О подпоследовательностях марковских последовательностей
Authors: Shuvaev D V
Published: February 2018

В некоторых криптосхемах усложнение структуры последовательности реализуется сжимающим генератором. В работе рассмотрена модель сжимающего генератора в виде подпоследовательности (вложенной цепи) цепи Маркова.
Разбиения на биграммах и марковость алгоритмов блочного шифрования
Authors: Pogorelov Boris Aleksandrovich , Pudovkina Marina Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2018

Изучается модель итерационных алгоритмов блочного шифрования с независимыми и равновероятно выбираемыми раундовыми ключами, алфавитом текстов $X$ и группой $(X,\otimes)$ наложения ключа. Указаны условия, обеспечивающие сохранение марковости при укрупнении цепи Маркова с множеством состояний $X^2$, соответствующей биграммам промежуточных текстов. Описаны свойства рассматриваемых марковских алгоритмов блочного шифрования и преобразований укрупнения.
New methods of error correction in quantum cryptography using low-density parity-check codes
Authors: Kronberg Dmitry Anatolevich
Published: February 2018

В работе рассматривается задача коррекции ошибок в квантовой криптографии совместно с оценкой уровня ошибок. Показано, что для решения такой задачи подходят коды с малой плотностью проверок на четность (LDPC-коды). С учетом особенностей квантовой криптографии предлагаются некоторые модификации применения этих кодов, повышающие их эффективность.
Распределение длины отрезка апериодичности в графе $k$-кратной итерации случайного равновероятного отображения
Authors: Zubkov Andrei Mikhailovich , Mironkin Vladimir Olegovich
Published: February 2018

Изучается распределение длины отрезка апериодичности в графе отображения, являющегося $k$-кратной итерацией случайного равновероятного отображения конечного множества. Получены точные выражения для этого распределения, найдено предельное распределение нормированной длины отрезка апериодичности при стремлении числа элементов множества к бесконечности.
Sources, fluxes, and behaviors of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) in the Nakdong River Estuary, Korea
Authors: Lee Shin-Ah , Kim Guebuem
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We monitored seasonal variations in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), the
stable carbon isotope of DOC (δ13C-DOC), and fluorescent dissolved
organic matter (FDOM) in water samples from a fixed station in the Nakdong
River Estuary, Korea. Sampling was performed every hour during spring tide
once a month from October 2014 to August 2015. The concentrations of DOC and
humic-like FDOM showed significant negative correlations against salinity
(r2= 0.42–0.98, p < 0.0001), indicating that the
river-originated DOM components were the major source and behave
conservatively in the estuarine mixing zone. The extrapolated
δ13C-DOC values (−27.5 to −24.5 ‰) in fresh water
confirm that both components are mainly of terrestrial origin. The slopes of
humic-like FDOM against salinity were 60–80 % higher in the summer and
fall due to higher terrestrial production of humic-like FDOM. The slopes of
protein-like FDOM against salinity, however, were 70–80 % higher in
spring due to higher biological production in river water. Our results
suggest that there are large seasonal changes in riverine fluxes of humic-
and protein-like FDOM to the ocean.
Uncovering biological soil crusts: carbon content and structure of intact Arctic, Antarctic and alpine biological soil crusts
Authors: Jung Patrick , Briegel-Williams Laura , Simon Anika , Thyssen Anne , Büdel Burkhard
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Arctic, Antarctic and alpine biological soil crusts (BSCs) are formed by
adhesion of soil particles to exopolysaccharides (EPSs) excreted by
cyanobacterial and green algal communities, the pioneers and main primary
producers in these habitats. These BSCs provide and influence many ecosystem
services such as soil erodibility, soil formation and nitrogen (N) and
carbon (C) cycles. In cold environments degradation rates are low and
BSCs continuously increase soil organic C; therefore, these soils are
considered to be CO2 sinks. This work provides a novel, non-destructive
and highly comparable method to investigate intact BSCs with a focus on
cyanobacteria and green algae and their contribution to soil organic C. A new
terminology arose, based on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) 2-D
biomaps, dividing BSCs into a photosynthetic active layer (PAL) made of
active photoautotrophic organisms and a photosynthetic inactive layer (PIL)
harbouring remnants of cyanobacteria and green algae glued together by their
remaining EPSs. By the application of CLSM image analysis (CLSM–IA) to 3-D
biomaps, C coming from photosynthetic active organisms could be visualized as
depth profiles with C peaks at 0.5 to 2 mm depth. Additionally, the
CO2 sink character of these cold soil habitats dominated by BSCs could be
highlighted, demonstrating that the first cubic centimetre of soil consists
of between 7 and 17 % total organic carbon, identified by loss on
ignition.
Grazing elevates litter decomposition but slows nitrogen release in an alpine meadow
Authors: Sun Yi , He Xiong Zhao , Hou Fujiang , Wang Zhaofeng , Chang Shenghua
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Nutrient cycling is a key ecosystem function whereby the processes of litter decomposition and N release in the soil-plant interface are vitally important but still not clear in the alpine ecosystems. We carried out a 3-year study to improve our understandings in nutrient cycle and develop strategies for restoring the degraded grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We established the grazing (GP) and grazing exclusion paddocks (GEP), then identified litter species composition and analyzed litter and soil chemical characteristics. Litter decomposition and N release were monitored by incubating litter in situ and across paddocks over 799 days. We found that grazing did not change plant species composition, but increased litter N; while grazing exclusion increased litter mass of palatable species and promoted soil organic carbon. Litter decomposed faster in GP, while N release was faster in GEP. Incubation site environment had more but litter source had less impact on litter decomposition and N release. Therefore, grazing and grazing exclusion had different impacts on litter decomposition and N release but both elevated nutrient cycle. The implications of our findings in restoring the degraded grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were discussed.
A review of the (Revised) Universal Soil Loss Equation (R/USLE): with a view to increasing its global applicability and improving soil loss estimates
Authors: Benavidez Rubianca , Jackson Bethanna , Maxwell Deborah , Norton Kevin
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Soil erosion is a major problem around the world because of its effects on soil productivity, nutrient loss, siltation in water bodies, and degradation of water quality. By understanding the driving forces behind soil erosion, we can more easily identify erosion-prone areas within a landscape and use land management and other strategies to effectively manage the problem. Soil erosion models have been used to assist in this task. One of the most commonly used soil erosion models is the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and its family of models: the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation version 2 (RUSLE2), and the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE). This paper reviewed the different components of USLE and RUSLE etc., and analysed how different studies around the world have adapted the equations to local conditions. We compiled these studies and equations to serve as a reference for other researchers working with R/USLE and related approaches. We investigate some of the limitations of R/USLE, such as issues in data-sparse regions, its inability to account for soil loss from gully erosion or mass wasting events, and that it does not predict sediment pathways from hillslopes to water bodies. These limitations point to several future directions for R/USLE studies: incorporating soil loss from other types of soil erosion, estimating soil loss at sub-annual temporal scales, and using consistent units for future literature. These recommendations help to improve the applicability of the R/USLE in a range of geoclimatic regions with varying data availability, and at finer spatial and temporal scales for scenario analysis.
Norms and values in sociohydrological models
Authors: Roobavannan Mahendran , van Emmerik Tim H. M. , Elshafei Yasmina , Kandasamy Jaya , Sanderson Matthew R. , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu , Pande Saket , Sivapalan Murugesu
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Sustainable water resources management relies on understanding how societies
and water systems coevolve. Many place-based sociohydrology (SH) modeling
studies use proxies, such as environmental degradation, to capture key
elements of the social component of system dynamics. Parameters of assumed
relationships between environmental degradation and the human response to it
are usually obtained through calibration. Since these relationships are not
yet underpinned by social-science theories, confidence in the predictive
power of such place-based sociohydrologic models remains low. The
generalizability of SH models therefore requires major advances in
incorporating more realistic relationships, underpinned by appropriate
hydrological and social-science data and theories. The latter is a critical
input, since human culture – especially values and norms arising from it –
influences behavior and the consequences of behaviors. This paper reviews a
key social-science theory that links cultural factors to environmental
decision-making, assesses how to better incorporate social-science insights
to enhance SH models, and raises important questions to be addressed in
moving forward. This is done in the context of recent progress in
sociohydrological studies and the gaps that remain to be filled. The paper
concludes with a discussion of challenges and opportunities in terms of
generalization of SH models and the use of available data to allow future
prediction and model transfer to ungauged basins.
En el centenario de Rubén Darío (1916-2016)
Authors: Villanueva Darío
Published: February 2018

Celebrado también los centenarios de sus muertes: Miguel de Cervantes y el Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Todos ellos vienen a conformar la República universal de las Letras, junto al otro homenajeado en el año 2016, William Shakespeare. Más es hoy la figura de Darío de la que se parte y a la que se llega para reflexionar en torno a las literaturas en lengua española
Atribuições e dificuldades dos controladores internos municipais na região da Amcespar (PR)
Authors: Luz Tiago Eloy da , Clazer Eduardo Aaron , Ribeiro Flávio
Published: February 2018

O Controle Interno consagra-se como uma ferramenta pertinente para a melhoria da gestão pública. Suas atividades promovem o atendimento aos princípios constitucionais e orientam o gestor público sobre equívocos ocorridos nas atividades administrativas. Visando contribuir efetivamente à Administração Pública, este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar as principais atividades atributivas dos controladores internos de órgãos públicos municipais, da região da AMCESPAR, em frente ao hodierno panorama da Contabilidade Aplicada ao Setor Público, além de evidenciar as dificuldades encontradas no exercício de suas funções. Os procedimentos metodológicos aplicados são exclusivamente por meio do delineamento de levantamento de dados, possuindo cunho descritivo e utilizando abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, onde aplicou-se um questionário estruturado. Dos dez municípios pertencentes a amostra, obteve-se respostas de nove questionários. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que as principais atribuições dos controladores internos são a participação efetiva em audiências públicas, a verificação periódica de empenhos emitidos e pagamentos efetuados, a averiguação dos índices obrigatórios o acompanhamento e fiscalização da adequação da LOA quanto às diretrizes do PPA. As principais dificuldades encontradas sugerem a falta de apoio jurídico para subsidiar as decisões dos controladores; a carência de idealização prévia das atividades a serem realizadas pela Administração Pública; a ausência do estabelecimento de mecanismos que comprovem a gestão fiscal responsável, e a falta de integração entre os setores da Administração Pública.
Gestión de intangibles y brand density. Una aproximación teórica a la nueva estrategia de marca
Authors: Fernández Gómez Jorge David
Published: February 2018

The starting point of this work is to consider the brand as the main strategic asset for organisations (companies, institutions, political parties, etc.). In this sense, the reality of the brand is approached from its original sense of coverage and identification to the most vanguard conceptions of emotional branding, according to which, possesses the ability to build universes and transmit meanings. Our objective is to trace a general view of branding from the different approaches to the phenomena and then, develop a theoretical proposal of own brand management which we have called Brand Density. In order to do so a critical review is made of the most relevant approaches to strategic branding. They are analysed from classical conceptions like USP (Unique Selling Proposition) or strategic positioning, to current focuses such as the philosophy of the new brand management: in other words, each of the strategic proposals which, throughout the history of marketing, have brought about an advance in the material. On the other hand, a new strategic conception to branding is proposed, which is useful for managing an intangible asset as complex as the brand. The philosophy of Brand Density is partly indebted to emotional branding and includes the basic principles of lovemarks and brand cult . With all this in mind, this work consists of a conceptual approach from marketing to communication to the traditional models of brand management and the latest philosophies of brand management.
Making of fusion genes in cancer: An in-silico study of mechanism of chromosomal translocations
Authors: Lalwani Kiran , Sheth Shivani , Sheikh Inayatullah , Ansari Afzal , Kunwar Fulesh , Das Jayshankar , Bakshi Sonal R
Published: February 2018

Chromosomal translocations involve exchange of genetic material between non- homologous chromosomes leading to the formation of a fusion gene with altered function. The clinical consequences of non-random and recurrent chromosomal translocations have been so well understood in carcinogenesis that they serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers and also help in therapy decisions, mainly in leukemia and lymphoma. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these recurrent genetic exchanges are yet to be understood. Various approaches employed include the extent of the vicinity of the partner chromosomes in the nucleus, DNA sequences at the breakpoints, etc. The present study addresses the stability of DNA sequences at the breakpoint regions using in-silico approach in terms of physicochemical properties such as; AT%, flexibility, melting temperature, enthalpy, entropy, stacking energy and free energy. Changes in these properties may lead to instability of DNA which could affect gene expression in particular and genome organization in general. Our study indicates that the fusion sequences are comparatively more unstable and hence, more prone to breakage. Current study along with others could lead to developing a model for predicting breakage prone genomic regions using this novel in-silico approach.
An Analysis of the Factors that Influence the Implementation of the Policy for Monitoring Schoolchildren Meals Monitoring at Batam City
Authors: Rafqi Ahmad , Adisasmito Wiku , Pujiyanto Pujiyanto
Published: February 2018

Schoolchildren are assets for the development of the nation. Therefore, healthy meals at schools are very important, because for them, it covers about 25-36% of the daily energy requirements. Unhealthy eating habits or consumption of nutrition deficient meals may cause stunting, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. In the short term it may also cause dental caries, anemia, overweight children and obesity. Around 40-44% of meals at schools do not satisfy the food safety requirements. To increase the quality of the meals at the schools, the community should be empowered to perform independent monitoring of school meals. This is inscribed in the national action policy for safe, good-quality, and nutritious meals for schoolchildren. The aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the implementation of the national action policy for the snacks of schoolchildren and the factors that influences it. This was a qualitative research. The data was gathered from in-depth interviews and documentary studies and then analyzed using the policy implementation analysis of Mazmanian and Sabatier. From this research we discovered that the policy did not perform effectively in Batam City. There were no  Procedure Standard Norms NSPK on the roles, tasks, and responsibilities of the implementers, there was no implementation structure, and no support from the Government and the Parliament of Batam City for the monitoring.
Periodic Control Systems
Authors: Bittanti Sergio , Colaneri Patrizio
Published: February 2018

In the last decades, various methods have been devised in order to operate a control system in a cyclic way. Herein, we outline the main approaches achieved so far. They are organized in two parts, analysis and control. In the first part, we introduce how periodicity arises in some applications. Moreover, basic analysis notions for linear periodic systems are outlined, including stability, time‐domain and frequency‐domain representations, and norm performance computations are discussed. The second part deals with control methods, starting with the concept of cycling in order to improve the performance, and proceeding with optimal and robust control.
Meteorological Radar
Authors: Chandrasekar V. , Baldini Luca
Published: February 2018

Meteorological radar uses information from the amplitude, and phase, at different polarization states of the scattered electromagnetic wave to reveal relevant properties of clouds and precipitation for weather monitoring and forecasting in short time the behavior of hazardous storms. Since mid‐1950s, many countries have deployed networks of meteorological radars: nowadays, stand‐alone radars or networks of meteorological radars are key tools for most of national weather services. The last couple of decades have been very exciting time for the fields of weather radar science and technology. The major technological advances include operational adaptation of dual‐polarization technology and large‐scale deployment and upgrades with meteorological services, introduction of the concept of dense network of radars through the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) project, and space‐borne weather radars.

This article starts with a simple introduction of the meteorological radar basics, and then describes one of the most important application of weather radars worldwide, namely, the quantitative precipitation estimation. Subsequently, examples of radar observations of winter storms and summer convective storms are presented, followed by one of the popular applications used by operational forecasters, namely, nowcasting. Criteria to design networks of radars, based on two different paradigms (sparse network and dense network), are also presented. Finally, the space‐borne radars for measuring clouds and precipitation from space, introduced through the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) program first and followed by theCloudSatand Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) programs, are described.
DCTransformers
Authors: Lu Junwei , Water Wayne , Dawson Francis
Published: February 2018

This article presents the basic concepts ofDCtransformers used in various power supplies. ADCtransformer is the combination of a transformer, an inputDCsource, and a power electronic system that converts the incomingDCsource to an isolated single or multiple outputDCsources. ADCtransformer can be realized in the following ways: an inputDCsignal is converted to anACsignal, theACsignal is transformed, and finally the output signals are rectified. Alternatively, aDCinput signal is transformed directly to one or moreDCsignals. In this article, recent developments are also discussed, including soft switching and resonant converters, single‐ and three‐phase bidirectionalDCtransformers, integrated transformers, high‐frequency transformers, winding design, and numerical modeling ofDCtransformers.
Biophysical and structural insight into the USP8/14‐3‐3 interaction
Authors: Centorrino Federica , Ballone Alice , Wolter Madita , Ottmann Christian
Published: February 2018

The ubiquitin‐specific protease 8 (USP8)/14‐3‐3 protein–protein interaction has recently been shown to exert a significant role in the pathogenesis of Cushing's disease (CD). USP8 is a deubiquitinase that prevents epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) degradation. Impairment of 14‐3‐3 binding leads to a higher deubiquitination of EGFR and results in a higher EGFR signaling and an increased production of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Here we report the high‐resolution crystal structure of the 14‐3‐3 binding motif of USP8 surrounding Ser718 in complex with 14‐3‐3ζ and characterize the interaction with fluorescence polarization and isothermal titration calorimetry. Furthermore, we analyze the effect of USP8 mutations identified in CD on binding to 14‐3‐3.
MERRILL: Micromagnetic Earth Related Robust Interpreted Language Laboratory
Authors: Ó Conbhuí Pádraig , Williams Wyn , Fabian Karl , Ridley Phil , Nagy Lesleis , Muxworthy Adrian R.
Published: February 2018

Complex magnetic domain structures and the energy barriers between them are responsible for pseudo‐single‐domain phenomena in rock magnetism and contribute significantly to the magnetic remanence of paleomagnetic samples. This article introduces MERRILL, an open source software package for three‐dimensional micromagnetics optimized and designed for the calculation of such complex structures. MERRILL has a simple scripting user interface that requires little computational knowledge to use but provides research strength algorithms to model complex, inhomogeneous domain structures in magnetic materials. It uses a finite element/boundary element numerical method, optimally suited for calculating magnetization structures of local energy minima (LEM) in irregular grain geometries that are of interest to the rock and paleomagnetic community. MERRILL is able to simulate the magnetic characteristics of LEM states in both single grains, and small assemblies of interacting grains, including saddle‐point paths between nearby LEMs. Here the numerical model is briefly described, and an overview of the scripting language and available commands is provided. The open source nature of the code encourages future development of the model by the scientific community.
Heterogeneous Ice Nucleation Ability of NaCl and Sea Salt Aerosol Particles at Cirrus Temperatures
Authors: Wagner Robert , Kaufmann Julia , Möhler Ottmar , Saathoff Harald , Schnaiter Martin , Ullrich Romy , Leisner Thomas
Published: February 2018

In situ measurements of the composition of heterogeneous cirrus ice cloud residuals have indicated a substantial contribution of sea salt in sampling regions above the ocean. We have investigated the heterogeneous ice nucleation ability of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sea salt aerosol (SSA) particles at cirrus cloud temperatures between 235 and 200 K in the Aerosol Interaction and Dynamics in the Atmosphere aerosol and cloud chamber. Effloresced NaCl particles were found to act as ice nucleating particles in the deposition nucleation mode at temperatures below about 225 K, with freezing onsets in terms of the ice saturation ratio, Sice, between 1.28 and 1.40. Above 225 K, the crystalline NaCl particles deliquesced and nucleated ice homogeneously. The heterogeneous ice nucleation efficiency was rather similar for the two crystalline forms of NaCl (anhydrous NaCl and NaCl dihydrate). Mixed‐phase (solid/liquid) SSA particles were found to act as ice nucleating particles in the immersion freezing mode at temperatures below about 220 K, with freezing onsets in terms of Sice between 1.24 and 1.42. Above 220 K, the SSA particles fully deliquesced and nucleated ice homogeneously. Ice nucleation active surface site densities of the SSA particles were found to be in the range between 1.0 · 1010 and 1.0 · 1011 m−2 at T < 220 K. These values are of the same order of magnitude as ice nucleation active surface site densities recently determined for desert dust, suggesting a potential contribution of SSA particles to low‐temperature heterogeneous ice nucleation in the atmosphere.
Influence of Hydrological Perturbations and Riverbed Sediment Characteristics on Hyporheic Zone Respiration of CO2 and N2
Authors: Newcomer Michelle E. , Hubbard Susan S. , Fleckenstein Jan H. , Maier Ulrich , Schmidt Christian , Thullner Martin , Ulrich Craig , Flipo Nicolas , Rubin Yoram
Published: February 2018

Rivers in climatic zones characterized by dry and wet seasons often experience periodic transitions between losing and gaining conditions across the river‐aquifer continuum. Infiltration shifts can stimulate hyporheic microbial biomass growth and cycling of riverine carbon and nitrogen leading to major exports of biogenic CO2 and N2 to rivers. In this study, we develop and test a numerical model that simulates biological‐physical feedback in the hyporheic zone. We used the model to explore different initial conditions in terms of dissolved organic carbon availability, sediment characteristics, and stochastic variability in aerobic and anaerobic conditions from water table fluctuations. Our results show that while highly losing rivers have greater hyporheic CO2 and N2 production, gaining rivers allowed the greatest fraction of CO2 and N2 production to return to the river. Hyporheic aerobic respiration and denitrification contributed 0.1–2 g/m2/d of CO2 and 0.01–0.2 g/m2/d of N2; however, the suite of potential microbial behaviors varied greatly among sediment characteristics. We found that losing rivers that consistently lacked an exit pathway can store up to 100% of the entering C/N as subsurface biomass and dissolved gas. Our results demonstrate the importance of subsurface feedbacks whereby microbes and hydrology jointly control fate of C and N and are strongly linked to wet‐season control of initial sediment conditions and hydrologic control of seepage direction. These results provide a new understanding of hydrobiological and sediment‐based controls on hyporheic zone respiration, including a new explanation for the occurrence of anoxic microzones and large denitrification rates in gravelly riverbeds.