bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Inflation Management Model Factors as Regards Supply and Demand
Authors: Butautas Dainius
Published: April 2016

This article analyses the demand and supply aspects of the determinants of CPI inflation in Lithuania in 1998–2008. Content analysis was used to identify and group significant demand and supply inflation factors and using RGT, objectively assess and generalize the results. Pair linear correlation analysis confirmed the significance for CPI inflation of the factors identified through content analysis, and both research methods reliably and effectively helped to identify factors for regression models of inflation. Content analysis revealed that the causes of inflation most often mentioned and traditionally regarded as significant in the economic literature are factors such as money and wages, capital, competition and monopolies, and so on. Pair correlation research showed the significance for inflation of supply and demand factors such as income distribution, income levels, taxes, saving, human capital and labour productivity as well as exports and imports – things which content analysis gave only average or little mention. Regression models confirmed and helped to concretize the significance for inflation of the identified demand and supply factors. The results of the research show that inconsistent monetary and general government expenditure policies reinforce private consumption and capital shocks. Note that human capital and employment, which changed little during the analysed period, did not show the large significance for inflation that they are commonly thought to have.
Fixed point and homotopy results for mixed multi-valued mappings in 0-complete partial metric spaces
Authors: Adamo Maria Stella Stella , Vetro Calogero
Published: April 2016

We give sufficient conditions for the existence of common fixed points for a pair of mixed multi-valued mappings in the setting of 0-complete partial metric spaces. An example is given to demonstrate the usefulness of our results over the existing results in metric spaces. Finally, we prove a homotopy theorem via fixed point results.
Implementing the mathematical model of the throughput of compressor station aggregates
Authors: Vaszi Zsolt , Szabó Csaba , Varga Augustín
Published: April 2016

The main aim of the European union energy policy is to ensure a continuous supply of natural gas for the member states. The Russian gas is transported through the Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia (SR) and Czech Republic to Germany. This article shortly describes the transit system of Slovakia and compressor station KS1 – Vel'ké Kapušany. The throughput of this compressor station plays an important role in gas transport, because this station is the entry to the transit system of SR. To find the best combination of the aggregates used in gas transport a simulation algorithm was devised. We present the architecture of this simulation software together with the description of its development phases. The software was evaluated against data gained from the KS1 compressor station operation. The combinations of aggregates were found as dependent on inlet pressure, ambient temperature and compression ratio.
On a problem for a system of two the second order differential equations via the theory of vector fields
Authors: Yermachenko Inara , Sadyrbaev Felix
Published: April 2016

We consider Dirichlet boundary value problem for systems of two second-order differential equations with nonlinear continuous and bounded functions in right-hand sides. We prove the existence of a nontrivial solution to the problem comparing behaviors of solutions of auxiliary Cauchy problems at zero solution and at infinity.
Distributional boundary values of analytic functions and positive definite distributions
Authors: Norvidas Saulius
Published: April 2016

We propose necessary and sufficient conditions for a distribution (generalized function) fof several variables to be positive definite. For this purpose, certain analytic extensions of f to tubular domains in complex space Cn are studied. The main result is given in terms of the Cauchy transform and completely monotonic functions.
Exact travelling wave solutions for the modifed Novikov equation
Authors: Deng Xijun
Published: April 2016

In this paper, by using the factorization technique and the direct integral method, some exact travelling wave solutions of the modified Novikov equation are obtained. Moreover, our results extend previously known results in the literature.
Pullback attractors for the non-autonomous complex Ginzburg–Landau type equation with p-Laplacian
Authors: Li Fang , You Bo
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we are concerned with the long-time behavior of the non-autonomous complex Ginzburg–Landau type equation with p-Laplacian. We first prove the existence of pullback absorbing sets in L2(Ω)∩W01,p(Ω)∩Lq(Ω) for the process {U(t,τ)}t⩾τ corresponding to the non-autonomous complex Ginzburg–Landau type equation with p-Laplacian. Next, the existence of a pullback attractor in L2(Ω) is established by the Sobolev compactness embedding theorem. Finally, we prove the existence of a pullback attractor in W01,p(Ω) for the process {U(t,τ)}t⩾τ by asymptotic a priori estimates.
Modelling of catalytic reactivity of inhomogeneous surfaces in monomer-monomer reactions
Authors: Skakauskas Vladas , Katauskis Pranas
Published: April 2016

The kinetics of a A1 + A2 -> A1A2 reaction on inhomogeneous surfaces with continuously distributed adsorption sites is investigated numerically using two phenomenological models. One of them includes: the bulk diffusion of reactants from a bounded vessel towards the adsorbent and the product bulk one from the adsorbent into the same vessel, adsorption and desorption of molecules of both reactants, and surface diffusion of adsorbed and product particles before their desorption. The other model describes surface reaction provided that concentrations of both reactants at the surface are given. Both models are based on the Langmuir–Hinshelwood reaction mechanism coupled with the Eley–Rideal step. Two surface diffusion mechanisms are used. According to one of them, the diffusion flux of the adsorbed and product particles is described by the standard Fick law, while in the other one the surface diffusion flux is based on the particle jumping into a nearest vacant adsorption site. Simulations were performed using the finite difference technique. The kinetic rate constants, Eley–Rideal steps, and surface diffusion mechanisms influence on the catalytic reactivity of surf aces is studied.
Common fixed point theorems via common limit range property in symmetric spaces under generalized Phi-contractions
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar Kumar , Kadelburg Zoran
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is to use common limit range property for a quadruple of non-self mappings for deriving common fixed point results under a generalized Φ-contraction condition in symmetric spaces. Some examples are given to exhibit different types of situations where these conditions can be used and to distinguish our results from the known ones. As an application, an existence result for certain systems of integral equations is presented.
Existence of positive solutions to an arbitrary order fractional differential equation via a mixed monotone operator method
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem
Published: April 2016

In this paper, using a mixed monotone operator method, we study the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions to a nonlinear arbitrary order fractional differential equation. An example is provided to illustrate the main result.
Anti-periodic solution for fuzzy Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with time-varying and distributed delays
Authors: Li Yongkun , Yang Li , Wu Wanqin
Published: April 2016

In this paper, by using a continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory and a differential inequality, we establish some sufficient conditions ensuring the existence and global exponential stability of anti-periodic solutions for a class of fuzzy Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with time-varying and distributed delays. In addition, we present an illustrative example to show the feasibility of obtained results.
Soliton solution and bifurcation analysis of the KP–Benjamin–Bona–Mahoney equation with power law nonlinearity
Authors: Song Ming , Liu Zhengrong , Biswas Anjan
Published: April 2016

This paper studies the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Benjamin–Bona–Mahoney equation with power law nonlinearity. The traveling wave solution reveals a non-topological soliton solution with a couple of constraint conditions. Subsequently, the dynamical system approach and the bifurcation analysis also reveals other types of solutions with their corresponding restrictions in place.
Numerical investigation and recurrence plot analysis of pulsating magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection over a backward facing step
Authors: Selimefendigil Fatih
Published: April 2016

In the current study, numerical investigation of pulsating magnetohydrodynamic mixed convection over a backward facing step is carried out for the range of parameters; Reynolds number (25 ⩽ Re ⩽ 100), Hartmann number (0 ⩽ Ha ⩽ 60), Strouhal number (0.1 ⩽ St ⩽ 1) and Gr number is kept at Gr = 104. The governing equations are solved with a general purpose finite element based solver. The effects of various parameters on the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are numerically studied. It is observed that the flow field and heat transfer rate are influenced by the variations of Reynolds, Hartmann and Strouhal numbers. Furthermore, recurrence plot analysis is applied for the analysis of the time series (spatial averaged Nusselt number along the bottom wall downstream of the step) and for a combination of different parameters, the systems are identified using recurrence quantification analysis parameters including recurrence rate, laminarity, determinism, trapping time and entropy.
Optimal control problem for Lengyel–Epstein model with obstacles and state constraints
Authors: Zheng Jiashan
Published: April 2016

This paper considers the state constrained optimal control problem for Lengyel–Epstein model with obstacles. We prove existence and regularity results for this model by applying the standard methods. We show the relationship between the control problem and its approximation. Moreover, we derive the necessary conditions for the optimal control of our original problem by using the approximate problem.
Projection error evaluation for large multidimensional data sets
Authors: Paulauskienė Kotryna , Kurasova Olga
Published: April 2016

This research deals with projection error evaluation for large data sets using only a personal computer without any particular technologies for high performance computing. A shortcoming of basic projection error calculation ways is such that they require a large amount of computer memory or computation time is not acceptable when large data sets are analyzed. This paper proposes two ways for projection error evaluation: the first one is based on calculating the projection error for not full data set, but only for representative data sample, the second one obtains the projection error by dividing a data set into the smaller data sets. The experiments have been carried out with twelve real and artificial data sets. The computational efficiency of the projection error evaluation ways is confirmed by a comprehensive set of comparisons. We demonstrate that dividing data set into the smaller data sets allows us to calculate the projection error for large data sets.
Grįžtant prie pokalbio: meta- ar inter-?
Authors: Sverdiolas Arūnas
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje svarstomos kelios pamatinės sampratos, dėstomos daugelyje Algio Mickūno tekstų ir susijusios su metakultūrinio bei metacivilizacinio mąstymo galimybės problema. Mickūno prieigos prie tarpcivilizacinių studijų savitumą sudaro jų problematikos performulavimas pasitelkiant transcendentalinės fenomenologijos konceptualines priemones. Kultūras, tradicijas ir civilizacijas jis laiko šifruota ar simboline sąmonės raiška. Kitos civilizacijos darosi prieinamos fenomenologiškai eidetiškai nagrinėjant esmiškai policentrinę sąmonę. Pamatinė šios sąmonės plotmė yra pastovumas (permanence) ir kismas (flux), aptinkami labai įvairiose jos raiškose. Mickūnas išskiria pilną pastovumo ir kismo santykių paradigmą. Straipsnyje svarstoma, ar šios sąmonės struktūros ir jų santykiai yra vieninteliai galimi ir kokiu pagrindu eidetikos hierarchizuojamos.
Algio Mickūno eroso filosofija
Authors: Junutytė-Galvanauskienė Laura
Published: April 2016

Straipsnyje aptariami Algio Mickūno eroso filosofijos teiginiai, daugiausia išplėtoti knygoje „Summa Erotica“. Eroso tema yra integrali Mickūno ilgą laiką plėtojamos kosmologinės problematikos, glaudžiai susijusios su Vakarų moderniosios ontologijos ir joje aptinkamų subjekto, tikrovės, laiko, substancijos etc. sąvokų kritika, dalis. Eroso fenomeno aptarimas Mickūno filosofijoje yra neatsiejamas nuo pastangos išvaduoti erosą iš dualistinės metafizikos, nulemiančios vienokį ar kitokį eroso redukavimą – jo išjuslinimą arba sudaiktinimą – ir neleidžiančios patirti jo visa apimančios kosminės duoties. Erosas turėtų būti suprastas kaip visos aplinkos apsuptis, kuri pati savaime neturi jokių savybių ir ypatybių, bet suteikia išraiškos ir gyvybingumo visoms kitoms plotmėms. Gyvenamo kūno analize grindžiama tiesioginė išraiškos patirtis leidžia išryškinti erotinio troškimo vientisumą bei jo pasauliškumą. Būdamas bet kokios išraiškos sąlyga, suteikdamas gyvybingumo visoms kitoms plotmėms, erosas pats savaime neturi kito šaltinio. Jis pasireiškia kaip perteklinė, tik savęs ieškanti energija, neturinti jokios krypties ir tikslo. Eroso kaip kosminės duoties analizė Mickūno filosofijoje užklausia Vakarų kultūrai lemtingas Platono ir Freudo eroso sampratas ir remiantis kitų gyvenamųjų pasaulių patirtimi atveria galimybę kalbėti apie erosą anapus idealizacijos, frustracijos ir sublimacijos terminų.
Apie filosofiją. Dorotėjai
Authors: Schlegelis Friedrichas
Published: April 2016

Grynas gyvenimas vien dėl paties gyvenimo yra tikrasis menkystės šaltinis, ir visa yra menka, kas neturi visiškai nieko iš filosofijos ir poezijos pasaulio dvasios. Jos vienos yra pilnatviškos ir gali visus atskirus mokslus bei menus persmelkti ir sujungti į visumą. Tik jose paskiras kūrinys gali apimti pasaulį ir tik apie jas galima teigti, kad visi jų kada nors sukurti kūriniai yra vienos sąrangos dalys. [...]
Rizominiai Deleuze’o daugialypumų kontekstai
Authors: Alijauskaitė Agnė
Published: April 2016

Intensyvumai ir tėkmės: Gilles’io Deleuze’o filosofija šiuolaikinio meno ir politikos kontekste: straipsnių rinkinys / sud. Audronė Žukauskaitė. Autoriai: Nerijus Milerius, Agnė Kulbytė, Asta Pakarklytė, Kasparas Pocius, Nicholas Thoburn, Stephen Zepke, Renata Šukaitytė, Audronė Žukauskaitė. Vilnius: Lietuvos kultūros tyrimų institutas, 2011. 288 p. ISBN 978-9955-868-41-5
Moralės filosofijos ir psichologijos konferencija: kaip apibrėžti moralės sritį?
Authors: Noreikaitė Aistė
Published: April 2016

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An information search model for online social Networks - MOBIRSE
Authors: Niño Zambrano Miguel Angel , Cerón Moreno Iván Darío , Astaiza Perafán Jhon Alberto , Ramírez Gustavo Adolfo
Published: April 2016

Online Social Networks (OSNs) have been gaining great importance among Internet users in recent years.  These are sites where it is possible to meet people, publish, and share content in a way that is both easy and free of charge. As a result, the volume of information contained in these websites has grown exponentially, and web search has consequently become an important tool for users to easily find information relevant to their social networking objectives. Making use of ontologies and user profiles can make these searches more effective. This article presents a model for Information Retrieval in OSNs (MOBIRSE) based on user profile and ontologies which aims to improve the relevance of retrieved information on these websites. The social network Facebook was chosen for a case study and as the instance for the proposed model. The model was validated using measures such as At-k Precision and Kappa statistics, to assess its efficiency.
Protocol adaptations to conduct Systematic Literature Reviews in Software Engineering: a chronological study
Authors: Sepúlveda Samuel , Cravero Leal Ania
Published: April 2016

Systematic literature reviews (SLR) have reached a considerable level of adoption in Software Engineering (SE), how-ever protocol adaptations for its implementation remain tangentially addressed. This work provides a chronological framework for the use and adaptation of the SLR protocol, including its current status. A systematic literature search was performed, reviewing a set of twelve articles being selected in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria between 2004 and 2013, using digital data sources recognized by the SE community. A chronological framework is provided that includes the current state of the protocol adaptations to conduct SLR in SE. The results indicate areas where the quantity and quality of investigations needs to be increased and the identi- fication of the main proposals providing adaptations for the protocol conducting SLR in SE. 
New digital demodulator with matched filters and curve segmentation techniques for BFSK demodulation: Analytical description
Authors: Torres Gómez Jorge , Hernández Fidel , Habermann Joachim
Published: April 2016

The present article relates in general to digital demodulation of Binary Frequency Shift Keying (BFSK). The objective of the present research is to obtain a new processing method for demodulating BFSK-signals in order to reduce hardware complexity in comparison with other methods reported. The solution proposed here makes use of the matched filter theory and curve segmentation algorithms. This paper describes the integration and configuration of a Sampler Correlator and curve segmentation blocks in order to obtain a digital receiver for a proper demodulation of the received signal. The proposed solution is shown to strongly reduce hardware complexity. In this part a presentation of the proposed solution regarding the analytical expressions is addressed. The paper covers in detail the elements needed for properly configuring the system. In a second part it is presented the implementation of the system for FPGA technology and the simulation results in order to validate the overall performance.

 

 
The influence of a non-linear lecturing approach on student attention: Implementation and assessment
Authors: Merideno Labayen Inaki , Antón Raúl , G. Prada Jorge
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a change made to the lecturing approach used within a specific course. The new lecturing approach is based on a non-linear structure where each lesson combines concepts from different topics, in contrast to the traditional linear structure in which each topic is treated separately. The objective of the non-linear approach is to increase student dynamism and motivation and to foster teacher-student dialog. Assessments from students who were taught according to the traditional linear structure along with assessments from students who were taught under both the linear and non-linear approaches are presented. Results show that the non-linear lecturing approach was welcomed and led to a higher degree of student dynamism and motivation and to more tea-cher-student dialog.
Enhanced method for flaws depth estimation in CFRP slabs from FDTC thermal contrast sequences
Authors: Restrepo Girón Andrés David
Published: April 2016

After the detection of internal defects in materials, the characterization of these plays a decisive role in order to establish the severity of these flaws. Finite difference thermal contrast (FDTC) is a new technique proposed recently for contrast enhancement in sequences of thermal images in order to allow the detection of internal flaws in composite slabs with greater probability of success. Besides FDTC, a criterion was also conceived for the estimation of the depth of the detected defects, which brings good results for shallow and strong contrast defects, but poor estimations for deeper and weaker defects. Considering this problem, a revision of the original criterion is carried out in this paper to define a new and robust criterion for estimating the depth of defects, applied after FDTC en-hancement and flaws detection. Results of the execution of the revised algorithm on a synthetized thermal sequence from an artificial CFRP slab (using ThermoCalc6L software) show a better performance of the estimation task, reducing the average relative error by more than half.
Simple generation of threshold for images binarization on FPGA
Authors: Ieno Egidio , Garcés Luis Manuel , Cabrera Alejandro José , Pimenta Tales Cleber
Published: April 2016

This paper proposes the FPGA implementation of a threshold algorithm used in the process of image binarization by simple mathematical calculations. The implementation need only one image iteration and its processing time depends on the size of the image. The threshold values of different images obtained through the FPGA implementation are compared with those obtained by Otsu’s method, showing the differences and the visual results of binarization using both methods. The hardware implementation of the algorithm is performed by model-based design supported by the MATLAB®/Simulink® and Xilinx System Generator® tools. The results of the implementation proposal are presented in terms of resource consumption and maximum operating frequency in a Spartan-6 FPGA-based development board. The experimental results are obtained in co-simulation system and show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Against Relativism. The Importance of Truth in the Ethics of St. John Paul II
Authors: Probucka Dorota
Published: April 2016

The main aim of the paper is the analysis and critique of axiological relativism, typical of contemporary Western culture. Its supporters deny the objective status of moral norms and values. Axiological relativism leads to moral indifference based on blurring the difference between good and evil, and negating the belief that human action may be morally better or worse. I present the anti­‑relativistic position of St. John Paul II, particularly in relation to the truth, understood as a cognitive and moral value. According to the Pope, a civilization based on the belief of the relative nature of good and evil leads to widespread hypocrisy and is destined to a slow decline.
Civitas antigua y formación de las estructuras personales
Authors: Kantor Robert
Published: April 2016

The concept of the city (civitas) does not necessarily have to mean an urban organization. It may mean a collection of localities, or a territory where some ethnic groups live (tribu). First of all, the development of personal structures happened initially in the families and was connected with a domestic cult. With time, several families used to make a separate group called fratria and a collection of them made up a tribu. This article shows how religion and a way of ruling affected the development of personal structures. Examples of this include are colonies and dioceses – personal structures of the Roman Empire.The task which lies before this article is to enlighten the reader that many of the modern personal structures, especially those deep­‑rooted in canon law, have had a source in ancient civitas. Present structures of Catholic Church have their basis on that original classification: a family, fratria, tribu. Today there exist: a parish, a vicariate forane, a diocese, and a collection of dioceses called an ecclesiastical province.
Transition to Parenthood and Susceptibility to Divorce: qualitative research of divorced young parents in Slovenia
Authors: Rijavec Klobučar Nataša
Published: April 2016

Transition to parenthood is a vulnerable period for spouses and can consequently lead to the disintegration of their relationship. The purpose of this research was to examine the experience of this transition, circumstances and risk factors for divorce from the perspective of divorcees in Slovenia who divorced in the first year of their child’s life. On the basis of semi­‑structured interviews with 15 divorcees, the findings of studies examining changes after the birth of a child were confirmed. The results pointed to risk factors for marriage, such as uncertain relationship between spouses prior to the childbirth, permeable boundaries in relations with families of origin, lack of practical and emotional support, and unreal expectations. The child’s arrival accentuates unsolved issues from the past and brings additional vulnerability to the relationship. The findings of this research are a contribution to the development of preventive, educative and therapeutic programmes for couples in transition to parenthood.
Government-Backed Mortgage Insurance, Financial Crisis, and the Recovery from the Great Recession
Authors: Passmore Wayne , Sherlund Shane M.
Published: April 2016

The Great Recession provides an opportunity to test the proposition that government mortgage insurance programs mitigated the effects of the financial crisis and enhanced the economic recovery from 2009 to 2014. We find that government-sponsored mortgage insurance programs have been responsible for better economic outcomes in counties that participated heavily in these programs. In particular, counties with high levels of participation from government-sponsored enterprises and the Federal Housing Authority had relatively lower unemployment rates, higher home sales, higher home prices, lower mortgage delinquency rates, and less foreclosure activity, both in 2009 (soon after the peak of the financial crisis) and in 2014 (six years after the crisis) than did counties with lower levels of participation. The persistence of better outcomes in counties with heavy participation in federal government programs is consistent with a view that lower government liquidity premiums, lower government credit-risk premiums, and looser government mortgage-underwriting standards yield higher private-sector economic activity after a financial crisis.
GETTING A GRIP ON GUNS: Rolling out the Firearms Control Act
Authors: Meek Sarah
Published: April 2016

The use of guns in crime remains high in South Africa. The annual report of the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System (NIMSS) for 2000 found that death caused by firearms is higher in South Africa than death occurring through road traffic accidents or any other external cause of non-natural death. The government maintains that controlling firearms remains a priority and is focusing on the implementation of the Firearms Control
2001 CRIME TRENDS: A turning point?
Authors: Schönteich Martin
Published: April 2016

Between 1997 and 2000 there was a steady increase in the annual number of recorded crimes. The first nine months of 2001 saw an end to this trend. During 2001 the rate of increase in recorded crime diminished markedly. Moreover, for the first time in years, violent crime increased at a lower rate than most other crime categories. Given these encouraging figures, is South Africa beginning to win the war against crime? While the latest numbers look promising, talk of a victory is premature. There has to be a sustained decline in the levels of most serious crimes to reduce the country’s crime levels to acceptable levels.
FAILING OUR FUTURE: Responding to the sexual abuse of children
Authors: Van Niekerk Joan
Published: April 2016

The flood of media coverage over the past year focused attention on the horror of child rape. But for those working in the field, sexual abuse of children is not a new problem. What is worrying to service providers is the massive increase in the number of reported cases, the decrease in the average age of both victims and offenders, the escalation of the use of force, the number of gang rapes, and the number of children victims who are HIV positive. This article considers the trends and possible solutions.
YOUR BROTHER, MY WIFE: Sex and gender behind bars
Authors: Gear Sasha , Ngubeni Kindiza
Published: April 2016

Many of us know that sex, sexual violence and varying levels of sexual coercion occur in our prisons. But the subject of sex in prison remains an uncomfortable one. While recent media reports and revelations on prison corruption have played a role in bringing it more into the public arena, generally not much is understood about the dynamics of sex in men’s prisons. This article provides some insight into the relationships of power and vulnerability that underpin much of the sex that is taking place in this context.
APARTHEID NOSTALGIA: Personal security concerns in South African townships
Authors: Kynoch Gary
Published: April 2016

Iconic images, such as the photograph of Hector Petersen, the thirteen year old boy shot by police in 1976 at the onset of the Soweto uprising, serve as powerful reminders of the brutality of apartheid. The National Party regime marked a time of great suffering for black South Africans. Televised images of white police beating and shooting black protestors exposed the racist violence of apartheid to the world. Steve Biko’s murder in police custody, popularised in the west by the movie Cry Freedom, was further emblematic of the apartheid regime. As a student in Canada at the time, the writer of this article was greatly influenced by these events and images, and subsequently spent several years in South Africa conducting research on crime, social conflict and policing. This article concentrates on the relationship between personal security and the concept of ‘apartheid nostalgia’, not among white diehards, but among residents of Soweto.
THE SIEVE EFFECT : South Africa’s conviction rates in perspective
Authors: Leggett Ted
Published: April 2016

Figures that suggest that only six out of every 100 violent crimes recorded by the South African Police Service result in a conviction are cause for concern. But every country experiences a ‘sieve effect’ – most reported crimes never even make it to court. Comparing South Africa’s success rates to those of England and the United States suggests that the country’s criminal justice system is not as dysfunctional as one might think.
THE FACTS BEHIND THE FIGURES: Crime statistics 2002/3
Authors: Leggett Ted
Published: April 2016

The new crime figures indicate that violent crime continues to decline, although violent acquisitive crime (robbery) is on the increase. However, these broad national trends conceal vast regional differences, including the continued growth of crime in the Western Cape. And a close look at some of the new figures suggest that crime recording rules continue to be refined in the post-moratorium period.
BARRICADED IN THE SUBURBS: Private security via road closures
Authors: Tshehla Boyane
Published: April 2016

One of the international debates that occupy academics, policy makers and civil society at large is, undoubtedly, the pluralisation and/or privatisation of security and policing. At the centre of this debate is the inability of states to serve the security needs of their citizens. Perhaps it is just a realisation that, despite perceptions to the contrary, the state has historically never been able to provide adequate security, and that the current inability is by no means unique to modern society. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the state has become just one of the providers of safety and security – with private security (in its various incarnations) – increasingly assuming more of a role in the provision of security than the state. The role of the state is being toned down from that of the primary provider of safety and security, as anticipated, to that of a ‘regulatory’ organ. The role of the state has been observed as that of steering the boat rather than rowing it.
PLOUGHING IN RESOURCES: The investigation of farm attacks
Authors: Mistry Duxita
Published: April 2016

The information contained in this article is drawn primarily from research conducted by the Committee of Inquiry into Farm Attacks. The mandate of this Committee was to investigate the motive for farm attacks. To this end the Committee interviewed investigating officers, victims, offenders and prosecutors. In addition, the agricultural unions, the South African Police Service, non-governmental organisations and the South African National Defence Force made submissions to the Committee. The Committee found that the primary motive for farm attacks was robbery and, more importantly, that the conviction rate was high at 90%. This article therefore examines the investigative techniques used in the investigation of farm attacks and suggests that the little known Tracking Unit is a significant factor in the successes achieved to date. Its past experience in dealing with politically motivated insurgency in rural areas has proven effective in apprehending suspects. However, these techniques have not been effective in reducing the number of attacks. This article explores how farm attack cases have been handled by the criminal justice system.
KEEPING THE POLICE IN CHECK: Assessing the secretariats for safety and security
Authors: Mistry Duxita , Klipin Judy
Published: April 2016

Civilian oversight bodies such as the secretariats for safety and security and the ICD have been vocal about recent incidents of police misconduct and abuse of power. However, it is not enough to merely record and comment on such incidents. If real transformation of the SAPS and improvements in service delivery are to occur, civilian oversight should be given greater value and support by political and administrative leaders. This article presents the findings of a recent evaluation aimed at identifying ways to strengthen the secretariats’ role in police oversight.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: Rehabilitation starts with alternatives to prison
Authors: Sekhonyane Makubetse
Published: April 2016

In its recent white paper, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) takes on the big challenge of rehabilitating offenders. This represents a paradigm shift that will require a concerted effort, not only from DCS, but other departments, families of offenders and the public. Key among these will be the police and courts. Unless alternatives to imprisonment are pursued throughout the justice system, DCS will struggle to manage its workload, keeping rehabilitation out of reach.
WHY WAIT? By-laws and regulations for high impact crime prevention
Authors: Leggett Ted
Published: April 2016

Reducing crime is not just about making arrests and convicting criminals. The social and economic inequalities that cause crime require ‘crime prevention’ measures that can take years to show any results. But there is an alternative. This article argues for locally based interventions that can change social behaviour in the short term and have an immediate impact on safety and security. By-laws, for example, can be used to target those with something to lose and to regulate the ‘free-for-all’ environment that grips many of our inner cities.
DO THE MEANS DEFEAT THE ENDS? Impact of legislation on Gauteng’s enclosed neighbourhoods
Authors: Tshehla Boyane
Published: April 2016

Gauteng has most of the country’s enclosed neighbourhoods. The province is also ahead in its enactment of policy and legislation to regulate the restriction of access to public spaces for safety purposes. The goals of many residents are however likely to conflict with the legal provisions. For example, the legislation and policy provide that private security personnel at booms only monitor and observe activity. They may not search vehicles or people, or require registers to be completed, or request personal information from visitors to the area.
THE TIDE IS TURNING: The 2003/04 SAPS crime statistics
Authors: Du Plessis Anton , Louw Antoinette
Published: April 2016

The latest official crime statistics, for the financial year 2003/04, are encouraging because they show a decrease in levels of most serious crimes, including murder, car hijacking, burglary and farm attacks. But the good news has yet to hit home for many South Africans. In fact, most people are more afraid of crime today than they were in 1998. It is likely that only sustained decreases in violent crime over several years, coupled with better service delivery, will make a difference.
AIDS, ORPHANS AND CRIME: Exploring the linkages
Authors: Pharoah Robyn
Published: April 2016

In the hardest hit regions of the world, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is increasing poverty and inequality and reversing decades of improvements in health, education, and life-expectancy. It is also leaving millions of children orphaned and living in situations of acute vulnerability. Yet, even as the international community mobilises in support of these young people, some researchers and practitioners are linking orphaning and crime, suggesting that growing numbers of impoverished orphans may pose a threat to individual and communal security in some countries. This connection is generally presented as a neat, linear relationship. But is this the case?
MORE CHANGES: Impact of SAPS restructuring on public order policing
Authors: Omar Bilkis
Published: April 2016

The effect of the pending South African Police Services (SAPS) restructuring process has raised concerns about the future of specialised policing units, including the Area Crime Combating Units (ACCUs). The concerns relate to the fact that these units may lose their specialist abilities and become overburdened, ultimately leading to the end of the units in their current form. Considering that the trends show an increase in the number of public protests over time, it could be argued that the proposed changes may not be in the country’s best interests. This article considers the implications of the proposed SAPS restructuring on the ACCUs.
POLICE AS WORKERS: Police labour rights in Southern Africa and beyond
Authors: Marks Monique , Fleming Jenny
Published: April 2016

Efforts by police organisations to unionise and to increase their social and labour rights is an international phenomenon, and one that is becoming  more vigorous in the Southern African region. However, many governments are wary of police unions and limit their rights, or refuse to recognise them at all. This gave impetus to the formation of the International Council of Police Representative Associations (ICPRA), in September 2006. Two of ICPRA’s aims are to assist and advise police unions all over the world and to provide the international police union movement with a voice for influencing policing futures. In South Africa, the Police and Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) is assisting police in the subregion and has become a symbol of what is possible for police even in repressive states. In a rapidly changing police labour environment, police unions have the capacity to confront existing (undemocratic) occupational cultures, to promote organisational accord and to forge positive reform.
PARALYSED BY FEAR: Perceptions of crime and violence in South Africa
Authors: Harris Mari , Radaelli Stephano
Published: April 2016

The findings of the latest Markinor opinion poll on government performance indicate that two thirds of all South Africans believe that government’s ability to fight crime is at its lowest level since 2003 – despite the fact that official crime statistics are going down. But the survey also shows that many people are passive bystanders in the fight against crime and expect government to take full responsibility for bringing down the crime rate. It is argued that it will require a huge concerted and joint effort by government and the public to change the perception of South Africa as one of the crime hot spots of the world.
POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE? Compulsory HIV testing of alleged sexual offenders
Authors: Roehrs Stefanie
Published: April 2016

Since 2003 the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development has deliberated on legislation providing for the compulsory HIV testing of accused sexual offenders. After having been approved by the National Assembly and submitted to the National Council of Provinces in May 2007, it seems likely that compulsory HIV testing of alleged sexual offenders will be enacted as part of the new sexual offences legislation. This article describes the development and content of the provisions on compulsory HIV testing and examines their practical utility against the background of the alleged offender’s constitutional rights. It is argued that these provisions are unlikely to provide the relief sought by victims, and may result in an unconstitutional limitation of an accused’s right to privacy.
HOW WE GOT IT WRONG: What to do about the failure of crime prevention
Authors: Altbeker Antony
Published: April 2016

After 1994, South Africa committed itself to a vision of criminal justice that placed the prevention of crime at the centre of the strategic vision of the criminal justice system. The roots of this decision lie in the politics, organisational dynamics and intellectual climate of criminology in the mid-1990s. The model has, however, proved disappointing. Worse, by distracting government from the challenge of building a criminal justice system that identifies and incarcerates more violent criminals, it may actually have helped to foster the high levels of crime from which South Africa suffers.
WHY LAW ENFORCEMENT IS NOT ENOUGH: Lessons from the Central Karoo on breaking the cycle of crime and violence
Authors: Holtmann Barbara
Published: April 2016

A 2003 initiative to develop a crime prevention strategy for the Central Karoo District Municipality helped formulate the ‘life cycle’ that perpetuates crime and violence, which is discussed in this article. Children’s developmental needs are obvious and logical if we are to raise young people with good self esteem, who are capable and prepared to contribute to society in a constructive manner. Yet in the Central Karoo (and many other communities) our children’s needs are being ignored. As a result, children learn to fend for themselves and some quickly tip over from being vulnerable victims to becoming young offenders. This article shows that as long as we ignore children’s needs, we can never build a criminal justice system that will adequately address crime and violence in South Africa. It demonstrates why safety is an issue for society as a whole and not just for the police, courts and prisons.
WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR: The Scorpions and the politics of justice
Authors: Bruce David
Published: April 2016

In May 2008 legislation was tabled in Parliament providing for the dissolution of the Directorate of Special Operations (known as the ‘Scorpions’), an investigative unit based in the National Prosecuting Authority. The draft legislation provides that Scorpions members will selectively be incorporated into a new investigative unit located within the SAPS. These developments followed a resolution passed at the African National Congress National Conference in Polokwane in December 2007, calling for the unit to be disbanded. Since December the ANC has been forced to defend its decision in the face of widespread support for the Scorpions. One of the accusations made by the ANC was that the Scorpions were involved in politically motivated targeting of ANC members. This article examines the issue of political manipulation of criminal investigations and argues that doing away with the Scorpions will in fact increase the potential for such manipulation thereby undermining the principle of equality before the law.
A WATCHDOG WITHOUT TEETH? The Independent Complaints Directorate
Authors: Burger Johan , Adonis Cyril
Published: April 2016

The Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) was established in 1997 to promote proper police conduct and to ensure a transformed police service in line with the spirit and purport of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Concerns within the ICD that the police very often do not comply with their recommendations led to a joint ICD/ISS research project to investigate these concerns. The study eventually concludes that the ICD is relatively successful in cases of death in police custody or as a result of police action, but with regards to police misconduct and recommendations for disciplinary action, it is largely ignored by the police.
WHERE HAVE ALL THE DEMOCRATS GONE? The case for dissolving the Scorpions
Authors: Shaik Moe
Published: April 2016

Those who lament the imminent dissolution of the Scorpions are blinded to the shortcomings of the unit and fail to see the role they have played in entrenching patronage. Not only have they fallen short of delivering justice, they have been given the freedom to act as intelligence gatherers without the responsibility of having to account to oversight structures. This is a shortcoming of the legislation that created the unit, but has irreparably tarnished the unit’s reputation. Locating a new investigative unit in the SAPS is the best solution to overcome these problems and avoid them in the future.
Agents of restorative justice? Probation officers in the child justice system
Authors: Gxubane Thulane
Published: April 2016

Probation officers, like generic social workers, have been and continue to be implementers rather than generators of social policies. Yet, probation officers have an important role to play in transforming the child justice system as they are central to the administration of child justice. This article argues that the Child Justice Bill (B49 of 2002) needs to be aligned with other pieces of legislation and policies that reflect a developmental approach and response to crime. The developmental approach will not only maximise the opportunities for meaningful interventions that could translate into prevention of crime and recidivism among young offenders, but will also have long-term benefits for the young offenders, their victims and society in general.
Investigating psychologically motivated crimes: The work of the SAPS Investigative Psychology Unit
Authors: Omar Bilkis
Published: April 2016

The investigation of crimes like serial murder and serial rape requires both experience and proficient detective work. It also requires specialist knowledge to identify the psychological and criminological elements of a serial offence. Within the SAPS, there is a specialist unit that deals with psychologically motivated crimes – the Investigative Psychology Unit (IPU). This article draws attention to the contribution the unit makes to the investigation and prosecution of serial crimes in South Africa.
A long and winding road: The Child Justice Bill, civil society and advocacy
Authors: Skelton Ann , Gallinetti Jacqui
Published: April 2016

This article charts the journey of civil society's engagement with the Child Justice Bill. The story begins with activism in the early 1980s, and tracks the reform efforts through various phases. The Bill was rewritten in Parliament in 2003, and it then fell off the parliamentary agenda. When it re-surfaced at Parliament in 2008 civil society lobbied hard for changes that would bring the Bill closer to the original intentions. An account is given of the gains and losses, and, all in all, th
Learning to fear, fearing to learn: Measuring the extent of school violence
Authors: Burton Patrick
Published: April 2016

Violence in South African schools impacts on children, their families, and society more generally. Much of what occurs in schools is learnt through exposure to violence at home and outside the school, necessitating an integrated approach to addressing school violence that moves beyond a limited focus on the school itself. The Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention National Schools Violence Study provides an indication of how bad school violence is in South Africa, and through the wide range of data collected, provides a framework for interventions that cuts across sectors and conventional school-based stakeholders.