bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status of ‘ghaf trees’ Prosopis cineraria (sw.) D.c. in the State of Qatar
Authors: Elazazi Elsayed Mohamed , Al-Mohannadi Rashed , Al-Qahtani Maryam , Shahsil Nafeesath , Al-Kuwari Aisha , Al-Marri Masoud
Published: April 2017

Climatic changes exert additional pressure on biodiversity, the impacts on native species include changes in distribution, and abundance. As well as the spread of exotic invasive Prosopis juliflora. This research aimed to surveying, evaluating the current status of Prosopis Cineraria trees in the State of Qatar, collecting seeds, determination seeds viability and conservation in the Qatar gene bank for short and long term-conservation. Three different sites were studied considered for natural distribution of P. cineraria trees in Qatar. Gene bank playing a vital role to survey, conservation and documentation of biodiversity of plant genetic resources of the flora of Qatar, international standard methods were used to conserving P. cineraria including seed bank, DNA bank, and herbarium. The results of our study indicated that the P. cineraria distributed in 3 main sites in the state of Qatar the first site in al ghafat “rawdat rashed” a stand of 7 trees, the trees very endangered by the hyper-arid stress, and over grazing. The second group in north of Qatar “rawdat makin or ghafat makin” this site have sporadic 11 trees in good growing conditions, but trees have threatened by exotic invasive P. juliflora and human activities. The third site on the road from north road to Al Zubarah historical site after 5.4 Km from Al-Ghwoyriyah, we recorded 7 small trees on this site with high threatened by P. juliflora community. The results showed the seeds that have been collected from north of Qatar from rawdat ghafat makin with high quality in the seed size, weight of 100 seeds, number of seeds in the legume, and seed showed with high germination percentage 98% after treatment with mechanical scarification by removing part of the seed coat. Long-term monitoring “2012–2016” of rawdat ghafat makin vegetation showed a general decline in the coverage and frequency of some native species and deterioration in wild ghaf P. Cineraria, on the other hand, we record rapidly growing of the invasive plant P. juliflora, increased number of seedlings, increased of plant distribution and plant cover of the soil. Finally, we recommended removing P. juliflora and protect P. cineraria in studied site in north of Qatar, based on our study results we got a permit from minister of ministry of municipality and environment to protect ghafat makin site.
الممارسات التقنية لطلبة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في مجال أمن المعلومات: دراسة تحليلية
Authors: بنت محمد بن سيف الشيبانية, جوخة , علي بن عبد الله البلوشية نوال بنت , بنت مسلم بن سلام الهنائية مروة
Published: April 2017

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على واقع الممارسات التقنية لطلبة قسم دراسات المعلومات بكلية الآداب والعلوم الاجتماعية بجامعة السلطان قابوس في مجال أمن المعلومات بالاعتماد على المكونات الرئيسة لأمن المعلومات (السرية، السلامة، الإتاحة) لتحقيق الجودة المطلوبة، واعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، واستخدمت الاستبانة كأداة لجمع البيانات حيث وزعت على 100 طالب من طلبة البكالوريوس والماجستير والدكتوراه بالقسم، وتم استخدام برنامج الأكسل لتحليل البيانات.

وتوصلت الدراسة إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها: أن معظم ممارسات الطلبة فيما يتعلق بحماية الحسابات الإلكترونية ذات مؤشرات إيجابية حيث أن معظم الطلبة يستخدمون كلمات مرور تتكون من حروف وأرقام معقدة عند إنشاء حساب إلكتروني، ولا يقومون بتداول كلمات المرور الخاصة بهم مع زملائهم، وأوضحت النتائج أن معظم الطلبة لا يستطيعون التعرف على البرامج التجسسية التي تحاول تحميل نفسها على الحاسوب أو الهاتف لسرقة البيانات الشخصية، بالإضافة إلى أن (70%) من طلبة البكالوريوس لديهم خلفية واسعة عن الفيروسات وحصان طروادة والدودة الإلكترونية، بينما (33.3%) فقط من طلبة الماجستير لديهم معرفة بذلك، وأن أغلب طلبة البكالوريوس لا يستخدمون ميزة الجدار الناري بينما أغلب طلبة الماجستير ليس لديهم معرفة بذلك.

وأوصت الدراسة بتوعية الطلبة بالتعاون مع مختصين في مجال أمن المعلومات وتنفيذ ورش عمل على فترات مستمرة في مواضيع مختلفة تخص أمن المعلومات لتعريفهم بالبرامج التجسسية الضارة وكيفية تجنبها وحماية بياناتهم منها، وتعريفهم بالبرامج والتطبيقات المختلفة التي توفر لهم الحماية كالجدران النارية وغيرها. بالإضافة إلى العمل على زيادة عدد المقررات الدراسية المطروحة في موضوع أمن المعلومات بحيث يكون الطالب على دراية بهذا الموضوع ومدى أهميته.
Perfil do Docente de Ciências Contábeis: Perspectiva de sua Qualificação Acadêmica, Pedagógica e Profissional
Authors: Chaves Perazo Ana Neles , Machado Debora Gomes , Da Cruz Ana Paula Capuano , Quintana Alexandre Costa
Published: April 2017

A qualificação docente tem sido investigada no campo científico sob os mais diferentes enfoques. No presente estudo objetivou-se identificar o perfil, em termos de qualificação acadêmica, pedagógica e profissional, dos docentes dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis de três instituições públicas de ensino superior no Rio Grande do Sul; a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, a Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul e a Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Quanto à abordagem do problema o estudo classifica-se como quantitativo, quanto aos objetivos, exploratório e descritivo. A amostra foi composta por 54 currículos lattes de docentes que ministravam aulas no curso de Ciências Contábeis das três Universidades. Os resultados revelaram que: em relação à qualificação acadêmica, a maioria dos docentes das três instituições possuía conhecimentos necessários à docência de acordo com a bibliografia consultada; quanto à formação pedagógica observou-se um reduzido número de docentes que haviam realizado algum curso complementar da área pedagógica ao longo da carreira e quanto à formação profissional pelo menos metade dos docentes das três instituições havia atuado no mercado de trabalho em alguma área contábil por pelo menos dois anos. De forma geral, os achados desta pesquisa sinalizam que ainda é preciso investir em qualificações acessórias, sobretudo nos âmbitos acadêmico e pedagógico.
GESTÃO PACTUADA E DISPÊNDIOS COM PESSOAL: UMA AVALIAÇÃO NO HOSPITAL DE TRAUMAS DA PARAÍBA À LUZ DA LEI DE RESPONSABILIDADE FISCAL
Authors: NUNES NICKSON KLEYTON SILVA , PAIVA SIMONE BASTOS
Published: April 2017

No Brasil, tem sido cada vez maior a participação de organizações sociais no fomento às atividades estatais. Junto com o instrumento de gestão pactuada, surgem questionamentos quanto ao devido registro das despesas com pessoal, as quais, atualmente, são classificadas como “Outros Serviços de Terceiros” e não integram o cômputo do limite máximo imposto pela Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal (LRF). Por vezes, a essência de tais despesas aproxima-se do que a LRF concebe como “Outras Despesas de Pessoal”. O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar o tratamento contábil dado a dispêndios com remuneração de pessoal no contexto de uma gestão pactuada entre a organização social Cruz Vermelha e a Secretaria de Saúde do estado da Paraíba, à luz da LRF. A metodologia utilizada caracterizou-se como descritiva, por explanar o que a LRF define como despesa com pessoal e por caracterizar o contrato de gestão pactuada. A pesquisa bibliográfica e documental foi realizada através de material relacionado ao assunto e de elementos que sofreram tratamento analítico, como os relatórios fiscais, financeiros e folhas de pagamento. Os dados coletados foram agrupados e analisados para possibilitar o cômputo dos índices percentuais de despesa com pessoal, do Poder Executivo da Paraíba, em relação à receita corrente líquida. Mediante os resultados encontrados, concluiu-se que, mesmo não sendo suficientes para elevar a despesa total com pessoal do Poder Executivo do Estado da Paraíba à extrapolação do limite máximo imposto pela LRF, as despesas na entidade pesquisada, pagas a título de “Outros Serviços de Terceiros”, merecem um tratamento contábil mais adequado, de modo que tal parceria não se constitua em instrumento que leve a não observância dos limites impostos pela LRF.
ESTRUTURA DE PROPRIEDADE E CONSERVADORISMO CONDICIONAL EM INSTITUIÇÕES BANCÁRIAS NO BRASIL
Authors: Ribeiro Denise Maria , Dos Reis Elizio Marcos , Da Cunha Jacqueline Veneroso Alves
Published: April 2017

Considerando a importância dos bancos para a economia e sua não inclusão em grande parte das pesquisas realizadas, este artigo tem por objetivo verificar se os resultados contábeis divulgados pelos bancos brasileiros apresentam características de conservadorismo condicional. Como a estrutura de capital de uma empresa afeta o comportamento dos seus gestores, procurou-se também verificar a ocorrência de diferença de comportamento das empresas quando considerados os bancos de capital aberto e os de capital fechado. Foram utilizados os modelos de Basu (1997) e Ball e Shivakumar (2005), de reversão dos componentes transitórios nos lucros, analisados dados semestrais, no período de 1999 a 2012. Os resultados indicaram que as instituições não praticam conservadorismo condicional e que não há diferença no comportamento adotado pelos dois grupos de bancos.
TDABC (Time-Driven Activity-based Costing) aplicado em uma pequena empresa de costura industrial
Authors: Wernke Rodney , Lembeck Marluce , Junges Ivone , Zanin Antonio , Medeiros Jamilson Pinto de
Published: April 2017

O artigo tem o objetivo de averiguar a pertinência ou não da aplicação do TDABC (Custeio Baseado em Atividades e Tempo ou Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing) para identificar as vantagens e limitações de utilizar o método na determinação do custo fabril unitário dos produtos de uma facção de pequeno porte.  Foi empregada metodologia do tipo descritiva, no formato de estudo de caso, com abordagem qualitativa. Inicialmente, foi efetuada uma revisão da literatura a respeito desse método de custeio, onde foram evidenciados aspectos como conceitos, etapas a serem percorridas para implementá-lo, benefícios informativos oriundos e limitações associadas. Em seguida foram apresentadas as principais características do estudo de caso realizado por meio de breve descrição da empresa enfocada e as etapas seguidas para tentar aplicar o método TDABC na empresa. Posteriormente foram elencados os benefícios informativos proporcionados pelo estudo e ressaltadas as limitações associáveis à metodologia utilizada. Do ponto de vista teórico, os autores desta pesquisa defendem que o TDABC não consegue eliminar a subjetividade que é imputada ao Custeio Baseado em Atividades (ABC) por Kaplan e Anderson (2007). No caso dessa empresa de pequeno porte, com apenas três setores (corte, costura e acabamento), mas com 31 atividades diferentes sendo realizadas nos quatro produtos utilizados nesta pesquisa, a abordagem preconizada pelo TDABC pode provavelmente aumentar o subjetivismo dos valores alocados aos produtos, em vez de reduzi-lo, visto que assume o “custo por minuto” do setor por onde passa o produto e não o consumo de recursos de equipamentos, máquinas ou funcionários específicos.
JULGAMENTO DOS AUDITORES INDEPENDENTES SOBRE O ATIVO INTANGÍVEL: UM ESTUDO SOBRE A QUALIDADE DA AUDITORIA EM CLUBES DE FUTEBOL DO BRASIL
Authors: Silva Rosana Cristina , Moreira Felipe Silva , Firmino José Emerson , Miranda Jaspe Padilha , Silva José Dionísio Gomes
Published: April 2017

O mercado brasileiro dos clubes de futebol superou R$ 2,18 bilhões de receitas em 2010, evolução de 13,4% em relação ao ano anterior e 171% nos últimos 8 anos. No exercício 2011, o volume das receitas geradas atingiu a marca de R$ 2,7 bilhões. Os direitos federativos dos jogadores profissionais, os custos de atletas em formação e o seu uso comercial da imagem, devem ser classificados como ativos intangíveis de acordo com a resolução do CFC N.º 1.429/13. Esses ativos são um dos principais influenciadores na geração de riqueza dos clubes, assim faz-se necessário um disclosure preciso e oportuno nas demonstrações contábeis para reduzir a perspectiva dos usuários da informação num possível gerenciamento de resultado. A auditoria independente como um dos responsáveis pela redução da assimetria informacional apresenta um papel relevante nesse cenário. Desta forma a pesquisa busca identificar a qualidade da opinião no Relatório dos Auditores, tendo como problema: existe qualidade na opinião emitida pelo auditor independente sobre as demonstrações contábeis dos clubes brasileiros, tendo como critério técnico a obrigatoriedade de divulgação do ativo intangível? A pesquisa foi realizada através dos relatórios dos auditores e demonstrações contábeis dos Clubes Brasileiros. A população compreendeu 24 Clubes de Futebol brasileiro nos anos de 2010 e 2011. Os resultados demonstram a não existência de qualidade de auditoria na opinião emitida, tendo como critério técnico de julgamento a divulgação do ativo intangível, considerando o baixo disclosure evidenciado e a não citação de modificação do auditor independente em seu relatório.
O FLUXO DE CAIXA COMO FERRAMENTA PARA A TOMADA DE DECISÃO: UM ESTUDO COM EMPRESAS DE FREDERICO WESTPHALEN - RS
Authors: Da Silva Luiz Gustavo Zuliani , Bonzanini Osmar Antonio , Diverio Tamara Silvana Menuzzi , Vargas Bianca Soldá , Centenaro Luiz Henrique
Published: April 2017

O fluxo de caixa é uma ferramenta gerencial que auxilia nas tomadas de decisões e permite diagnosticar a situação da empresa, informando o período que irão ocorrer os ingressos e desembolsos de caixa. Através do Demonstrativo do Fluxo de Caixa (DFC), é possível harmonizar o capital de giro com a liquidez. O presente estudo aborda os aspectos relacionados ao fluxo de caixa nas empresas de Frederico Westphalen. Trata-se de um estudo multicaso, exploratório e bibliográfico, que tem como objetivo geral mensurar a percepção dos gestores atuantes nas empresas de Frederico Westphalen em relação ao fluxo de caixa. Para atender aos objetivos do estudo, foram utilizados questionários como instrumentos de coleta de dados. Os resultados obtidos referentes à utilização do fluxo de caixa como instrumento gerencial demonstram-se satisfatório no âmbito em que a maioria dos administradores conhece e utilizam o fluxo de caixa como ferramenta de gestão.
COMPORTAMENTO DA ESTRUTURA DE CAPITAL NAS EMPRESAS TANGÍVEL E INTANGÍVEL-INTENSIVAS
Authors: De Lima Andréia , Sanfelice Frazzon Lorenzo , Schnorrenberger Darci , Gasparetto Valdirene , Lunkes Rogério João
Published: April 2017

O objetivo deste estudo é identificar o comportamento do endividamento das empresas tangível e intangível-intensivas de capital aberto listadas na BM&FBovespa. Desta maneira, foram analisadas empresas pertencentes aos setores de telecomunicações – por ser um setor tangível-intensivo – e de consumo cíclico – setor intangível-intensivo. Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal compreendendo o período entre os anos de 2000 a 2013. As premissas existentes na literatura afirmam que empresas intangível-intensivas tendem a captar menos recursos de terceiros para financiar suas atividades se comparadas as empresas tangível-intensivas. Com o intuito de verificar o comportamento da estrutura de capital, foram analisadas o endividamento geral (EG) e o grau de intangibilidade (GI) das empresas pertencentes a amostra selecionada. Dentre os resultados, pode-se verificar que ao longo do tempo, as variações no endividamento das empresas não acompanhavam as alterações no seu grau de intangibilidade. Entretanto, encontrou-se diferenciação nos níveis de endividamento de empresas do setor intangível-intensivo e do setor tangível-intensivo.
Determinantes do momento de divulgação das demonstrações contábeis de empresas que compõem o Índice da Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (IBOVESPA)
Authors: Paixão Lílian Menezes Diniz , Avelino Bruna Camargos , Takamatsu Renata Turola
Published: April 2017

A utilidade das informações contábeis para fins de tomada de decisão de seus usuários é uma função não somente da natureza e conteúdo da informação, mas, também, do momento no qual ela é comunicada. O presente trabalho buscou avaliar se é possível detectar algum tipo de padrão no momento de divulgação das informações contábeis no mercado brasileiro. Mais especificamente, avaliou-se a hipótese de que as “boas notícias” são antecipadas e as “más notícias” adiadas. Isso porque a literatura indica que gestores enfrentam incentivos para adiar a divulgação de notícias desfavoráveis que os permite, por exemplo, dispor de tempo para realizar negociações em termos mais favoráveis, rebaterem críticas ou mesmo reverterem a performance passada antes do anúncio vir a público (BEGLEY; FISCHER, 1998).  A segunda hipótese avaliada foi a de que as empresas mais tempestivas no reporte das informações contábeis exibiriam retornos anormais acumulados superiores, baseado no pressuposto de que as empresas que divulgam seus resultados mais rapidamente, fornecem informações mais tempestivas aos investidores, tornando-as mais úteis para fins de tomada de decisão. Contrariando os resultados da literatura contábil de referência, ao adotar um nível de significância de 5%, não foram encontrados indícios estatísticos para sustentar a hipótese de divergência de médias de retornos anormais acumulados e de defasagem na divulgação de “boas” e “más notícias”. Por outro lado, ao adotar um nível de significância de 10%, foi possível concluir que existe diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a defasagem na divulgação de “boas” e “más notícias”. Quanto à segunda hipótese, verificou-se que, na amostra analisada, não existe diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a média dos retornos anormais acumulados das companhias mais tempestivas, comparativamente à média dos retornos anormais acumulados das companhias menos tempestivas.
Uma análise do Conservadorismo após a implantação das IFRS: um estudo em empresas listadas na BMF&Bovespa
Authors: Santos Luis Augusto Ferreira dos , Gonçalves Diego Emanoel Sousa , Santos Roberto Oliveira
Published: April 2017

A aplicação do valor justo (fair value), após a regulamentação das Normas e Padrões Internacionais de Contabilidade deveria provocar o processo de institucionalização de uma nova prática. O objetivo desse trabalho foi indagar a nível epistemológico aonde o conservadorismo seria classificado hoje na estrutura conceitual da Contabilidade, para tanto investigou-se se havia predominância de tal prática entre empresas listadas na BMF&Bovespa, no período de 2007 e 2013, diante da regulação das IFRS, e as motivações para isso, amparando em conceitos dentro do âmbito da Nova Sociologia Institucional. O conservadorismo, até o desenvolvimento da Teoria Positiva da Contabilidade, estava pacificamente lastreado na Teoria Normativa da Contabilidade. Principalmente depois dos trabalhos sobre o conservadorismo condicional, após o ano de 1995, esse tema passou a ser amparado unicamente na Teoria da Agência. Os achados rejeitam a suposição de que medidas de conservadorismo não foram subjugadas pela aplicação do valor justo, para tanto foi utilizado como proxy a análise de dados em painel com 1302 observações e aplicando regressão múltipla. Esse trabalho foi uma tentativa de aprimorar novos olhares sobre um mesmo objeto, que já foi diversas vezes visitado recentemente, sobretudo somente em uma direção.
Editorial
Authors: Costa Flaviano
Published: April 2017

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Evaluating the environmental sustainability of energy crops: A life cycle assessment of Spanish rapeseed and Argentinean soybean cultivation
Authors: Fernández-Tirado Francisca , Parra-López Carlos , Romero-Gámez Mercedes
Published: April 2017

Rapeseed oil is expected to be increasingly used in Spain as raw material to produce biodiesel to the detriment of extra-EU imports of biodiesel mainly based on soybean oil from Argentina. Therefore, the environmental impacts produced throughout the life cycle of energy crops used to produce biodiesel which is consumed in Spain could be radically affected. In this context, the environmental impacts of rapeseed cultivation in Spain and soybean cultivation in Argentina, were compared under certain growing conditions using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Two methods of calculation for Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) and two functional units (FUs) were used to test potential biases. The results showed that the cultivation of soybean in Argentina had, in general, fewer environmental impacts than rapeseed cultivation in Spain when the FU was the area of cultivation, but these findings are inverted when the analysis is conducted according to the energy content of the biodiesel obtained from these crops. Soybean in fact has very low oil content, meaning that larger areas of land are required to obtain the same amount of biodiesel and that consequently it has a higher environmental impact by energy content. Fertilization was, in general, the process that generated the greatest environmental burdens, and is an area in which improvement is necessary in order to increase sustainability, particularly with regard to Spanish rapeseed.
Biodiversidade do Mesozooplâncton do Nordeste do Brasil.
Authors: NEUMANN-LEITÃO Sigrid , GUSMÃO Lúcia Maria De Oliveira , NASCIMENTO-VIEIRA Dilma Aguiar do , SILVA Tâmara De Almeida e , SILVA Andréa Pinto , PORTO NETO Fernando Figueiredo , MOURA Mauro César De Oliveira
Published: April 2017

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La estructura de la enumeración. Análisis, descripción y propuesta de detección automática
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (Chile), Koza Walter
Published: April 2017

En el presente artículo se indaga acerca de la estructura de la enumeración a partir de un enfoque gramatical y desde la perspectiva de la lingüística computacional. Para ello, se exponen algunas consideraciones teóricas del fenómeno sobre la base de la naturaleza de los elementos que componen la enumeración, la relación que esta entabla con la matriz que la contiene y el elemento sintáctico que posibilita su aparición en la cláusula. Posteriormente, y sobre la base de dicha descripción, se realiza una modelización que permite una implantación en máquina, a fin de desarrollar un método de detección automático. Para el trabajo computacional se recurrió al programa NooJ. Dicho método fue probado en un corpus compuesto por entradas de Wikipedia relacionadas con el dominio médico, logrando 88,40% de precisión, 90,19% de exhaustividad (recall) y 89,82% de Medida F. Finalmente, se plantean los aportes del presente estudio para los estudios gramaticales y la lingüística computacional, a la vez que se establecen nuevos lineamientos de trabajo.
Prognosis of Stage IIB Early Gastric Cancer Has a Unique and Dismal Property Putatively Requiring Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Ushiku H. , Yamashita K. , Ema A. , Katada N. , Hosoda K. , Moriya H. , Mieno H. , Sakuramoto S. , Kikuchi S. , Watanabe M.
Published: April 2017

Pathological T1 (pT1) gastric cancer showed excellent prognosis; however, lymph node metastasis sometimes reflects patients with dismal prognosis. In this study, we investigated prognosis of pT1 gastric cancer with lymph node metastasis to identify prognostic factors. Among 1442 gastric cancer patients between 2002 and 2010, 73 (5%) of pT1 with lymph node metastasis were identified. Univariate prognostic factors were applied to multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. First, among the 1442 patients, pT1 was composed of 333 patients with pT1a and 423 patients with pT1b, which included 9 (2.7%) and 64 cases (15.1%) with lymph node metastasis, respectively. Secondly, 10 (13.7%) patients of the 73 patients with lymph node metastasis showed tumor relapse. Univariate negative prognostic factors were tumor size (P = 0.03), intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.03), and perioperative transfusion (POT; P = 0.001), as well as 14th JGCA (Japanese Gastric Cancer Association) Stage (P < 0.0001), and multivariate analysis identified 14th JGCA Stage (P = 0.0004) and POT (P = 0.03) as independent prognostic factors. Third, pT1 gastric cancer representing pN3 (Stage IIB) was rare (n = 4) and unique entity from a prognostic point of view, exhibiting dismal prognosis (0% at 5 years). We thereafter identified 17 such cases from 5204 gastric cancer cases including the earliest cases. Prognosis of the 17 patients was unique in that recurrences occurred even 5 years after curative operation, and the frequent recurrent sites were bone. pT1 gastric cancer prognosis is robustly affected by pN3 and POT, and Stage IIB disease showed unique prognosis requiring special attention even after 5 years of operation.
Ensemble superparameterization versus stochastic parameterization: A comparison of model uncertainty representation in tropical weather prediction
Authors: Subramanian Aneesh C. , Palmer Tim N.
Published: April 2017

Stochastic schemes to represent model uncertainty in the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble prediction system has helped improve its probabilistic forecast skill over the past decade by both improving its reliability and reducing the ensemble mean error. The largest uncertainties in the model arise from the model physics parameterizations. In the tropics, the parameterization of moist convection presents a major challenge for the accurate prediction of weather and climate. Superparameterization is a promising alternative strategy for including the effects of moist convection through explicit turbulent fluxes calculated from a cloud‐resolving model (CRM) embedded within a global climate model (GCM). In this paper, we compare the impact of initial random perturbations in embedded CRMs, within the ECMWF ensemble prediction system, with stochastically perturbed physical tendency (SPPT) scheme as a way to represent model uncertainty in medium‐range tropical weather forecasts. We especially focus on forecasts of tropical convection and dynamics during MJO events in October–November 2011. These are well‐studied events for MJO dynamics as they were also heavily observed during the DYNAMO field campaign. We show that a multiscale ensemble modeling approach helps improve forecasts of certain aspects of tropical convection during the MJO events, while it also tends to deteriorate certain large‐scale dynamic fields with respect to stochastically perturbed physical tendencies approach that is used operationally at ECMWF.
Understanding volcanic hazard at the most populated caldera in the world: Campi Flegrei, Southern Italy
Authors: De Natale Giuseppe , Troise Claudia , Kilburn Christopher R. J. , Somma Renato , Moretti Roberto
Published: April 2017

Naples and its hinterland in Southern Italy are one of the most urbanized areas in the world under threat from volcanic activity. The region lies within range of three active volcanic centers: Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, and Ischia. The Campi Flegrei caldera, in particular, has been in unrest for six decades. The unrest followed four centuries of quiescence and has heightened concern about an increased potential for eruption. Innovative modeling and scientific drilling are being used to investigate Campi Flegrei, and the results highlight key directions for better understanding the mechanisms of caldera formation and the roles of magma intrusion and geothermal activity in determining the volcano's behavior. They also provide a framework for evaluating and mitigating the risk from this caldera and other large ones worldwide.
Space physics and policy for contemporary society
Authors: Cassak P. A. , Emslie A. G. , Halford A. J. , Baker D. N. , Spence H. E. , Avery S. K. , Fisk L. A.
Published: April 2017

Space physics is the study of Earth's home in space. Elements of space physics include how the Sun works from its interior to its atmosphere, the environment between the Sun and planets out to the interstellar medium, and the physics of the magnetic barriers surrounding Earth and other planets. Space physics is highly relevant to society. Space weather, with its goal of predicting how Earth's technological infrastructure responds to activity on the Sun, is an oft‐cited example, but there are many more. Space physics has important impacts in formulating public policy.
Ocean surface currents from satellite data
Authors: Dohan Kathleen
Published: April 2017

The atmosphere drives entire ocean motions, and yet the exchange of momentum between the atmosphere and ocean occurs in the thin layer where they meet, involving the smallest scales of turbulence. The Ocean Surface Current Analyses Real‐time (OSCAR) project attempts to better understand this exchange using satellite observations with simplified physics to calculate global ocean currents. The goal is to continually improve the physics in OSCAR and more accurately model the currents. The theoretical study will help coupled ocean‐atmosphere modeling efforts whereas the societal benefits of measuring ocean currents are broad, e.g., fish larval dispersion, heat transport, commercial shipping, and search and rescue.
War and Battle in the Greek World, 800–168BC
Authors: Strauss Barry
Published: April 2017

Most Greek warfare was local and fought on a limited scale, though there were significant campaigns, conquests, and military developments. The defining principles of Greek warfare were prowess, cunning, and science. Rapid expansion of Greek colonization in the archaic period brought about conflicts with neighboring states and the emergence of the Greekpolis. The main military unit of thepoliswas the hoplite, an armored infantryman who fought in close ranks. Sparta and Athens early rose to prominence, with Sparta forming the Peloponnesian League, an alliance of city‐states. The Greco‐Persian war was the dominant military conflict of the classical period, uniting Athens, Sparta, and other states against the Persians. Athens formed the Delian League to help combat Persian aggression. The Peloponnesian Wars, another extended conflict of this period, were fought between Athens and Spartan allies. This led Athens to form the Second Athenian League. In the fourth centurybc, other states rose to power, including Thebes, Syracuse, and Macedon. Mixed forces of cavalry and light and heavy infantry, including the new phalanx formation, began to dominate land battles. The catapult was invented in Syracuse and had a lasting impact on military strategy. The Hellenistic period is characterized by the spread of Greek modes of warfare throughout much of the eastern Mediterranean and the regions conquered by Alexander the Great.
The Ionian Revolt, 498–494
BC
Authors: Brosius Maria
Published: April 2017

In 498 
bc
Persian authority in the west was challenged when several Greek cities in Ionia revolted. Supported by Athens and Eretria, the rebels sacked the satrapal capital of Sardis, a success that prompted further revolts at the Hellespont, to the southwest in Caria and on Cyprus. In 497 the might of the Persian army and navy was progressively brought to bear to crush the rebels. By 494 Miletus was one of the few mainland cities still in revolt; it was sacked after the Persian navy overwhelmed a Greek fleet drawn from Miletus and the larger Aegean islands.
The Revolt of Agis, 333–331
BC
Authors: Whitby Michael
Published: April 2017

In the 330 s 
bc
Sparta had refused to submit to Macedonian domination, a situation tolerated by Philip and Alexander since it encouraged other states to rely on Macedon to guarantee their safety. In 333 and 332 the Persians supported Spartan preparations in an attempt to distract Alexander from his eastern campaigns. By 331 King Agis was ready to move, but his challenge was rapidly crushed by Antipater, whom Alexander had left in control of Macedon,
The Avars and the Slavs, 570–626
Authors: Whitby Michael
Published: April 2017

Following Slav incursions across the Danube, in 577 the Romans paid the Avars to attack the Slav homelands. Success was limited but did demonstrate the fragility of Roman power. In 579 the Avars bridged the Sava and blockaded Sirmium for two years. Under the emperor Maurice, the Romans maintained a defensive posture in the Balkans until the termination of the Persian War in 591. Using troops from the east, however, Maurice began the reassertion of Roman authority. In 599, the Romans pushed into Avar territory and concluded peace. Campaigns in the last years of Maurice's reign were directed against the Slavs, but the Danubian armies mutinied. Maurice was replaced with Phocas, who reverted to a defensive posture. In 210 Heraclius was installed as emperor, but a military collapse in the east meant that the west had to fend for itself, relying on fortifications. In the 610 and 620 s the Thessalonicans beat off several attacks, supposedly thanks to the intervention of Saint Demetrius. In 626, while Heraclius was campaigning in the east, an army of Slavs under Avar leadership appeared before Constantinople, while a Persian army threatened from the Bosporus. Numerous Slav assaults were repulsed and their forces were forced to withdraw. The authority of the Avars disintegrated.
The Persian Wars, 602–628
Authors: Howard‐Johnston James D.
Published: April 2017

For almost three decades, Rome and Persia were locked in a conflict that had begun as an attempt by Khusro II to oust the murderer of his benefactor, Maurice, but then evolved into a struggle to control all of the eastern provinces. For 20 years the Persians swept all before them, capturing Jerusalem and Egypt and reaching the Bosporus, before Emperor Heraclius embarked on a daring counteroffensive that saw him abandon Constantinople to take the fight into Persia with significant help from Turks and various inhabitants of Transcaucasia. Heraclius’ successes triggered the overthrow of Khusro and initiated a decade of dynastic instability.
Association Between Inflammatory Back Pain Characteristics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in the Spine and Sacroiliac Joints
Authors: Arnbak Bodil , Jurik Anne G. , Jensen Tue S. , Manniche Claus
Published: April 2017

Objective

To investigate the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings at the sacroiliac (SI) joints and vertebral endplates and pain characteristics assumed to be indicative of axial inflammation.

Methods

Patients ages 18–40 years with persistent low back pain referred to an outpatient spine clinic participated, including an unknown proportion of axial spondyloarthritis patients. Data included MRI of the spine and SI joints and self‐reported responses to questions covering the Calin, Berlin, Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society, and Bailly inflammatory back pain (IBP) definitions.

Results

In the 1,020 included patients, 53% were women, and the median age was 33 years. Positive associations were found between the SI joint MRI findings and pain characteristics, odds ratios ranging from 1.4 to 2.7. SI joint bone marrow edema (BME) was associated with morning stiffness >60 minutes, and SI joint erosions with the Calin, Berlin, and Bailly IBP definitions, alternating buttock pain, and good response to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. SI joint fatty marrow deposition (FMD) was associated with insidious onset, and SI joint sclerosis with pain at night. In addition, the spinal MRI changes were associated with IBP, odds ratios ranging from 1.4 to 2.0; vertebral endplate BME was associated with morning stiffness, and vertebral endplate FMD with the Calin and Bailly IBP definitions, improvement with exercise, morning stiffness >30 minutes, and pain worst in the morning.

Conclusion

The identified associations between inflammatory MRI findings and pain characteristics indicate that axial inflammation to some degree induces a specific pain pattern. Thus, the results add to knowledge of axial inflammatory processes. However, all identified associations were weak, which compromises the use of IBP as a marker of axial inflammation.
Soft Multifunctional Composites and Emulsions with Liquid Metals
Authors: Kazem Navid , Hellebrekers Tess , Majidi Carmel
Published: April 2017

Binary mixtures of liquid metal (LM) or low‐melting‐point alloy (LMPA) in an elastomeric or fluidic carrier medium can exhibit unique combinations of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This emerging class of soft multifunctional composites have potential applications in wearable computing, bio‐inspired robotics, and shape‐programmable architectures. The dispersion phase can range from dilute droplets to connected networks that support electrical conductivity. In contrast to deterministically patterned LM microfluidics, LMPA‐ and LM‐embedded elastomer (LMEE) composites are statistically homogenous and exhibit effective bulk properties. Eutectic Ga‐In (EGaIn) and Ga‐In‐Sn (Galinstan) alloys are typically used due to their high conductivity, low viscosity, negligible nontoxicity, and ability to wet to nonmetallic materials. Because they are liquid‐phase, these alloys can alter the electrical and thermal properties of the composite while preserving the mechanics of the surrounding medium. For composites with LMPA inclusions (e.g., Field's metal, Pb‐based solder), mechanical rigidity can be actively tuned with external heating or electrical activation. This progress report, reviews recent experimental and theoretical studies of this emerging class of soft material architectures and identifies current technical challenges and opportunities for further advancement.
Moiré Chiral Metamaterials
Authors: Wu Zilong , Zheng Yuebing
Published: April 2017

Plasmonic chiral metamaterials are promising for applications in chiral sensors and photonic devices due to their strong optical chirality and light–matter interactions at the subwavelength scale. However, most of current plasmonic chiral metamaterials rely on local structural chirality or site‐specific symmetry breaking, which has limited their optical activity, tunability, and scalable fabrication for practical applications. Here, this paper reports a new type of chiral metamaterials consisted of two layers of identical achiral Au nanohole arrays stacked into moiré patterns. The chiroptical responses of the moiré chiral metamaterials can be precisely tuned by the in‐plane rotation between the two layers of nanohole arrays. Furthermore, the moiré chiral metamaterials are applied to achieve label‐free enantiodiscrimination of biomolecules and drug molecules at the picogram level. With their ultrathin thickness (≈70 nm, which is only ≈1/10 of the operation wavelength), strong chirality, and high tunability, the moiré chiral metamaterials will advance a variety of photonic and optoelectronic applications.
Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Based on a Solution Processable Nickel(II) Phthalocyanine and Vanadium Oxide Integrated Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Cheng Ming , Li Yuanyuan , Safdari Majid , Chen Cheng , Liu Peng , Kloo Lars , Sun Licheng
Published: April 2017

An organic–inorganic integrated hole transport layer (HTL) composed of the solution‐processable nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) abbreviated NiPc‐(OBu)8 and vanadium(V) oxide (V2O5) is successfully incorporated into structured mesoporous perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The optimized PSCs show the highest stabilized power conversion efficiency of up to 16.8% and good stability under dark ambient conditions. These results highlight the potential application of organic–inorganic integrated HTLs in PSCs.
Development of quaternarized poly(vinyl alcohol) anion‐exchange membranes for applications in electrodialysis
Authors: Müller Franciélli , Andretta Rafaela , de Oliveira Meneguzzi Lorenzo , Arthur Ferreira Carlos
Published: April 2017

The main objective of this work is the development of anionic exchange membranes for the treatment of solutions containing metallic ions using the electrodialysis process. Anionic membranes were synthesized from poly(vinyl alcohol), with the insertion of quaternary ammonium groups in the polymeric matrix and subsequent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde and maleic anhydride. Different membranes were synthesized in order to evaluate the combination of physical–chemical properties and ionic transport. The morphology and structure of the membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The thermal transitions and stability of all the membranes were characterized using calorimetric techniques: thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, and compared with those of the individual polymers. The physical properties (ion‐exchange capacity, water absorption, and dimensional stability) showed that the different crosslink agents used significantly affect the membrane properties. The electrodialysis performance of the membranes in the transport of chloride and nitrate ions showed that the membranes produced can be successfully used in this separation process. Selemion® AMV commercial membrane was used to compare the percentage extractions of the indicated ions with the produced membranes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44946.
Twenty‐Year Outcome and Association Between Early Treatment and Mortality and Disability in an Inception Cohort of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From the Norfolk Arthritis Register
Authors: Gwinnutt James M. , Symmons Deborah P. M. , MacGregor Alexander J. , Chipping Jacqueline R. , Marshall Tarnya , Lunt Mark , Verstappen Suzanne M. M.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To describe the outcome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 20 years from symptom onset, and to assess the association between early treatment (with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs/steroids) and mortality and disability during follow‐up.

Methods

Patients recruited to the Norfolk Arthritis Register (NOAR) between 1990 and 1994 who met the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism RA criteria at baseline were included in this analysis. Demographic and clinical variables were collected at baseline and at years 1–3, 5, 7, 10, 15, and 20. Disease activity (swollen joint count [SJC]/tender joint count [TJC]), disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index [HAQ DI]), and mortality over 20 years were determined. Associations between treatment group (early treatment [ET], treatment ≤6 months after symptom onset; late treatment [LT], treatment >6 months after symptom onset; never treatment [NT], no treatment) and mortality and disability were assessed using weighted pooled logistic regression and weighted multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression, respectively. Inverse weights were used to account for confounding by indication and censoring.

Results

This study included 602 patients with RA (median age 56 years [interquartile range 44–68 years]; 65.9% women). The median SJCs and TJCs were low during the follow‐up period (1–3 swollen joints and 3–6 tender joints). The median HAQ DI score increased after year 1 but remained at low/moderate levels (median 1.25 after year 10). The risk of mortality was reduced in the ET and LT groups compared with that in the NT group. The ET group and the NT group had comparable HAQ DI scores during the follow‐up period (β = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.06, 0.12), while the HAQ DI score was increased in the LT group (for LT versus NT, β = 0.10 [95% CI 0.02, 0.17]).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate the importance of early treatment with regard to the long‐term outcomes in patients with RA.
Short‐Term Pulmonary Function Trends Are Predictive of Mortality in Interstitial Lung Disease Associated With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Goh Nicole S. , Hoyles Rachel K. , Denton Christopher P. , Hansell David M. , Renzoni Elisabetta A. , Maher Toby M. , Nicholson Andrew G. , Wells Athol U.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To determine the prognostic value of pulmonary function test (PFT) trends at 1 and 2 years in interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

The prognostic significance of PFT trends at 1 year (n = 162) and 2 years (n = 140) was examined against 15‐year survival in patients with SSc‐associated ILD. PFT trends, expressed as continuous change and as categorical change in separate analyses, were examined against mortality in univariate and multivariate models. SSc‐associated ILD was defined at presentation as either limited lung fibrosis or extensive lung fibrosis, using the United Kingdom Raynaud's and Scleroderma Association severity staging system.

Results

One‐year PFT trends were predictive of mortality only in patients with extensive lung fibrosis: categorical change in the forced vital capacity (FVC), alone or in combination with categorical change in the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), had greater prognostic significance than continuous change in the FVC or trends in other PFT variables. Taking into account both prognostic value and sensitivity to change, the optimal definition of progression for trial purposes was an FVC and DLco composite end point, consisting of either an FVC decline from baseline of ≥10% or an FVC decline of 5–9% in association with a DLco decline of ≥15%. At 2 years, gas transfer trends had the greatest prognostic significance, in the whole cohort and in those with limited lung fibrosis. However, in patients with extensive lung fibrosis, the above‐defined FVC and DLco composite end point was the strongest prognostic determinant. Larger changes in the FVC:DLco ratio than in the carbon monoxide transfer coefficient were required to achieve prognostic significance.

Conclusion

Based on linkages to long‐term outcomes, these findings provide support for use of routine spirometry and gas transfer monitoring in patients with SSc‐associated ILD, with further evaluation of a composite FVC and DLco end point warranted for trial purposes.
Fracture guide wire during an elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Samanidis George , Contrafouris Constantinos , Antoniou Theofani , Perreas Konstantinos
Published: April 2017

Key Clinical Message

Dose the fractured guide wire should be removed during or after percutaneous coronary interventions? In case when the patients have unstable hemodynamic status the fractured guide wire should be removed with percutaneous or surgical method. Antiplatelet drug administration should be considered after procedure to prevention of the coronary artery thrombosis.
Dissolving Lignin in Water through Enzymatic Sulfation with Aryl Sulfotransferase
Authors: Prinsen Pepijn , Narani Anand , Hartog Aloysius F. , Wever Ron , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: April 2017

We introduce the concept of using site‐specific sulfation of various lignins for increasing their aqueous solubility and thereby their processability. Using p‐nitrophenylsulfate as a sulfate source and an aryl sulfotransferase enzyme as catalyst, lignins are easily sulfated at ambient conditions. We demonstrate the specific sulfation of phenolic hydroxyl groups on five different lignins: Indulin AT (Kraft softwood), Protobind 1000 (mixed wheat straw/Sarkanda grass soda) and three organosolv lignins. The reaction proceeds smoothly and the increase in solubility is visible to the naked eye. We then examine the reaction kinetics, and show that these are easily monitored qualitatively and quantitatively using UV/Vis spectroscopy. The UV/Vis results are validated with 31P NMR spectroscopy of the lignin phenol groups after derivatization with phosphorylation reagent II. In general, the results are more significant with organosolv lignins, as Kraft and soda lignins are produced from aqueous lignocellulose extraction processes.