bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The information-theoretic meaning of Gagliardo–Nirenberg type inequalities
Authors: Toscani Giuseppe
Published: June 2019

Gagliardo–Nirenberg inequalities are interpolation inequalities which were proved independently by Gagliardo and Nirenberg in the late fifties. In recent years, their connections with theoretic aspects of information theory and nonlinear di¤usion equations allowed to obtain some of them in optimal form, by recovering both the sharp constants and the explicit form of the optimizers. In this note, at the light of these recent researches, we review the main connections between Shannon-type entropies, di¤usion equations and a class of these inequalities.
On some singular nonlinear problems for monotone elliptic operators
Authors: Chipot Michel
Published: June 2019

The goal of this note is to study some class of problems associated to nonlinear operators of the

p

-Laplacian type with source term having a singularity at the origin.
On the impact of the stress situation on the optical properties of $WSe_2$ monolayers under high pressure
Authors: Francisco-López Adrián , Han Bo , Lagarde Delphine , Marie Xavier , Urbaszek Bernhard , Robert Cedric , Goñi Alejandro
Published: June 2019

We have studied the optical properties of $WSe_2$ monolayers (ML) by means of photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation (PLE) and Raman scattering spectroscopy at room temperature and as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to ca. 12 GPa. For comparison the study comprises two cases: A single $WSe_2$ ML directly transferred onto one of the diamonds of the diamond anvil cell and a $WSe_2$ ML encapsulated into hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers. The pressure dependence of the A and B exciton, as determined by PL and PLE, respectively, is very different for the case of the bare $WSe_2$ ML and the $hBN/WSe_2-ML/hBN$ heterostructure. Whereas for the latter the A and B exciton energy increases linearly with increasing pressure at a rate of 3.5 to 3.8 meV/GPa, for the bare $WSe_2$ ML the A and B exciton energy decreases with a coefficient of -3.1 and -1.3 meV/GPa, respectively. We interpret that this behavior is due to a different stress situation. For a single ML the stress tensor is essentially uniaxial with the compressive stress component in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the ML. In contrast, for the substantially thicker $hBN/WSe_2-ML/hBN$ heterostructure the compression is hydrostatic. The results from an analysis of the pressure dependence of the frequency of Raman active modes comply with the interpretation of having a different stress situation in each case.

Reviewed by: A. San Miguel, Institut Lumière Matière, Université de Lyon, France; Edited by: J. S. Reparaz
Using freezing spectra characteristics to identify ice-nucleating particle populations during the winter in the Alps
Authors: Creamean Jessie M. , Mignani Claudia , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Conen Franz
Published: June 2019

Abstract. One of the least understood cloud processes is modulation
of their microphysics by aerosols, specifically of cloud ice by ice-nucleating particles (INPs). To investigate INP impacts on cloud ice and
subsequent precipitation formation, measurements in cloud environments are
necessary but difficult given the logistical challenges associated with
airborne measurements and separating interstitial aerosol from cloud
residues. Additionally, determining the sources of INPs is important given
the dependency of glaciation temperatures on the mineral or biological
components and diversity of such INP populations. Here, we present results
from a comparison of INP spectral characteristics in air, cloud rime, and
fresh fallen snow at the High Altitude Research Station, Jungfraujoch. The
goal of the study was twofold: (1) to assess variability in wintertime INP
populations found in cloud based on wind and air mass direction during
snowfall and (2) to evaluate possible INP sources between different sample
types using a combination of cumulative INP (K(T)) and differential INP (k(T))
spectra. INP freezing temperatures and concentrations were consistently
higher on average from the southeast as compared to the northwest for rime,
snow, and especially aerosol samples, which is likely a result of air mass
influence from predominantly boundary layer terrestrial and marine sources
in southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. For all three
sample types combined, average onset freezing temperatures were −8.0 and
−11.3 ∘C for southeasterly and northwesterly days, respectively,
while K(T) were 3 to 20 times higher when winds arrived from the southeast.
Southeasterly aerosol samples typically had a clear mode in the warm-temperature regime (i.e., ≥-15 ∘C) in the k(T)
spectra – indicating a putative influence from biological sources – while
the presence of a warm mode in the rime and snow varied. Evaluating K(T) concert
with k(T) spectra exhibited variable modality and shape – depending on the types
of INPs present – and may serve as a useful method for comparing different
sampled substances and assessing the possible relative contributions of
mixed mineral and biological versus only biological INP sample populations.
Merging regional and global AOD records from 15 available satellite products
Authors: Sogacheva Larisa , Popp Thomas , Sayer Andrew M. , Dubovik Oleg , Garay Michael J. , Heckel Andreas , Hsu N. Christina , Jethva Hiren , Kahn Ralph A. , Kolmonen Pekka , Kosmale Miriam , de Leeuw Gerrit , Levy Robert C. , Litvinov Pavel , Lyapustin Alexei , North Peter , Torres Omar
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Satellite instruments provide a vantage point to study aerosol loading consistently over different regions of the world. However, the typical lifetime of a single satellite platform is on the order of 5–15 years; thus, for climate studies the usage of multiple satellite sensors should be considered. This paper assesses some options for creating merged products from an ensemble of 15 individual aerosol optical depth (AOD) data records produced from a broad range of institutions, sensors, and algorithms. Discrepancies exist between AOD products due to differences in their information content, spatial and temporal sampling, calibration, retrieval algorithm approach, as well as cloud masking and other algorithmic assumptions. Users of satellite-based regional AOD time-series are often confronted with the challenge of choosing the appropriate dataset for the intended application. In this study AOD products from different sensors and algorithms are discussed with respect to temporal and spatial differences. Several approaches are investigated to merge AOD records from different satellites, based on evaluation and inter-comparison results. Global and regional comparison of AOD monthly aggregates with ground-based AOD from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) indicates that different products agree qualitatively for major aerosol source regions on annual, seasonal and monthly time scales, but have regional offsets. All merged regional AOD time series show highly consistent temporal patterns illustrating the evolution of regional AOD. With few exceptions, all merging approaches lead to similar results, reassuring the usefulness and stability of the merged products. Here, we introduce a monthly AOD merged product for the period 1995–2017, which provides a long-term perspective on AOD changes over different regions of the world. We show that the quality of the merged product is as good as that of individual products. Optimal agreement of the AOD merged product with the AERONET further demonstrates the advantage of the merging of multiple products.
Dimensionality-reduction techniques for complex mass spectrometric datasets: application to laboratory atmospheric organic oxidation experiments
Authors: Koss Abigail R. , Canagaratna Manjula R. , Zaytsev Alexander , Krechmer Jordan E. , Breitenlechner Martin , Nihill Kevin , Lim Christopher , Rowe James C. , Roscioli Joseph R. , Keutsch Frank N. , Kroll Jesse H.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Oxidation of organic compounds in the atmosphere produces an immensely complex mixture of product species, posing a challenge both for their measurement in laboratory studies and their inclusion in air quality and climate models. Mass spectrometry techniques can measure thousands of these species, giving insight into these chemical processes, but the data sets themselves are highly complex. Data reduction techniques that group compounds in a chemically and kinetically meaningful way provide a route to simplify the chemistry of these systems, but have not been systematically investigated. Here we evaluate three approaches to reducing the dimensionality of oxidation systems measured in an environmental chamber: positive matrix factorization (PMF), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and a parameterization to describe kinetics in terms of multigenerational chemistry (gamma kinetics parameterization, GKP). The evaluation is implemented by means of two data sets: synthetic data consisting of a three-generation oxidation system with known rate constants, generation numbers, and chemical pathways; and the measured products of OH-initiated oxidation of a substituted aromatic compound in a chamber experiment. We find that PMF accounts for changes in the average composition of all products during specific periods of time, but does not sort compounds into generations or by another reproducible chemical process. HCA, on the other hand, can identify major groups of ions and patterns of behavior, and maintains bulk chemical properties like carbon oxidation state that can be useful for modeling. The continuum of kinetic behavior observed in a typical chamber experiment can be parameterized by fitting species' time traces to the GKP, which approximates the chemistry as a linear, first-order kinetic system. Fitted parameters for each species are the number of reaction steps with OH needed to produce the species (the generation) and an effective kinetic rate constant that describes the formation and loss rates of the species. The thousands of species detected in a typical laboratory chamber experiment can be organized into a much smaller number (10–30) of groups, each of which has characteristic chemical composition and kinetic behavior. This quantitative relationship between chemical and kinetic characteristics, and the significant reduction in the complexity of the system, provide an approach to understanding broad patterns of behavior in oxidation systems and could be exploited for mechanism development and atmospheric chemistry modeling.
Statistical Analysis of Ice Microphysical Properties in Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems Derived from Cloud Radar and In-Situ Microphysical Observations
Authors: Fontaine Emmanuel , Schwarzenboeck Alfons , Leroy Delphine , Delanoë Julien , Protat Alain , Dezitter Fabien , Strapp John Walter , Lilie Lyle Edward
Published: June 2019

Abstract. This study presents a statistical analysis of the properties of ice hydrometeors in tropical mesoscale convective systems observed during four different aircraft campaigns. Among the instruments on board the aircraft, we focus on the synergy of a 94 GHz cloud radar and 2 optical array probes (OAP; measuring hydrometeor sizes from 10 µm to about 1 cm). For two campaigns, an accurate simultaneous measurement of the ice water content is available, while for the two others, ice water content is retrieved from the synergy of the radar reflectivity measurements and hydrometeor size and morphological retrievals from OAP probes. The statistics of ice hydrometeor properties is calculated as a function of radar reflectivity factor measurement percentiles and temperature. Hence, MCS microphysical properties (ice water content, visible extinction, mass-size relationship coefficients, total concentrations and second and third moment of hydrometeors size distribution) are sorted in temperature (thus altitude) zones, and subsequently each individual campaign is analysed with respect to median microphysical properties of the global dataset (merging all 4 campaign datasets). The study demonstrates that ice water content, visible extinction, total crystal concentration, and second and third moments of hydrometeors size distributions are similar in all 4 type of MCS for IWC larger than 0.1 g m−3. Finally, two parameterizations are developed for deep convective systems. The first one concerns the calculation of the visible extinction as a function of temperature and ice water content. The second one concerns the calculation of hydrometeor size distributions as a function of ice water content and temperature that can be used in numerical weather prediction.
Extending Square Conservation to Arbitrarily Structured C-grids with Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Zhou Lilong , Feng Jinming , Hua Lijuan
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The square conservation theory is widely used on latitude–longitude grids, but it is rarely implemented on quasi-uniform grids, given the difficulty involved in constructing anti-symmetrical spatial discrete operators on these grids. Increasingly more models are developed on quasi-uniform grids, such as arbitrarily structured C-grids. Thuburn–Ringler–Skamarock–Klemp (TRiSK) is a shallow water dynamic core on an arbitrarily structured C-grid. The spatial discrete operator of TRiSK is able to naturally maintain the conservation properties of total mass, total absolute vorticity and instantaneous total energy. The first 2 integral invariants are entirely conserved during integration, but the total energy dissipates when using the dissipative temporal integration schemes, i.e., Runge-Kutta. The method of strictly conserving the total energy simultaneously uses both an anti-symmetrical spatial discrete operator and square conservative temporal integration scheme. In this study, we demonstrate that square conservation is equivalent to energy conservation in both a continuous shallow water system and a discrete shallow water system of TRiSK, attempting to extend the square conservation theory to the TRiSK framework. To overcome the challenge of constructing an anti-symmetrical spatial discrete operator, we unify the unit of evolution variables of shallow water equations by Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) transformation, expressing the temporal trend of the evolution variable by using the original operators of TRiSK. Using the square conservative Runge-Kutta scheme, the total energy is completely conserved, and there is no influence on the properties of conserving total mass and total absolute vorticity. In the standard shallow water numerical test, the square conservative scheme not only helps maintain total conservation of the three integral invariants but also creates less simulation error norms.
Estimating water flux and evaporation losses using stable isotopes of soil water from irrigated agricultural crops in tropical humid regions
Authors: Mahindawansha Amani , Külls Christoph , Kraft Philipp , Breuer Lutz
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Reliable information on water flow dynamics and water losses via irrigation on irrigated agricultural fields is important to advance water management strategies. We investigated the effect of season (wet season, dry season), irrigation management (flooded, non-flooded), and crop diversification (wet rice, dry rice, and maize) on soil water dynamics and water losses via evaporation during plant growth. Soil water was extracted and analyzed for the stable isotopes of water (δ2H and δ18O), and the fraction of evaporation loss was determined using the Craig–Gorden equation. For all crops, shallow soil compartments (0 to 0.2 m) were more isotopically enriched than deep soils (below 0.2 m). The soil in maize fields showed stronger evaporation enrichment than rice, which increased as the crops progressed through the growth; however, it decreased in both rice varieties during both seasons. Greater water loss was encountered during the wet season even though evaporation signals were stronger during the dry season. The enrichment of surface water was reflected in shallow soils of wet rice, and it decreased towards the end of growth during the wet and dry seasons. Isotope data indicated that soil water flow mechanisms varied depending on field conditions. In flooded conditions, surface soil was consistently affected by piston type matrix flow. During non-flooded conditions, matrix flow via diffusion dominated compared to upwards evaporative flux. Occasionally, preferential flows occurred through cracks, especially in maize fields. In wet rice fields, soil water was largely influenced by short-term variability of precipitation events during the wet season and subsequent formation of hydrogen compounds as a result of continued wetness and anaerobic physiochemical conditions that depleted δ2H with respect to δ18O.
Surface predictor of overturning circulation and heat content change in the subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Desbruyères Damien G. , Mercier Herlé , Maze Guillaume , Daniault Nathalie
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) impacts
ocean and atmosphere temperatures on a wide range of temporal and spatial
scales. Here we use observational datasets to validate model-based
inferences on the usefulness of thermodynamics theory in reconstructing AMOC
variability at low frequency, and further build on this reconstruction to
provide prediction of the near-future (2019–2022) North Atlantic state. An
easily observed surface quantity – the rate of warm to cold transformation
of water masses at high latitudes – is found to lead the observed AMOC at
45∘ N by 5–6 years and to drive its 1993–2010 decline and its
ongoing recovery, with suggestive prediction of extreme intensities for the
early 2020s. We further demonstrate that AMOC variability drove a
bi-decadal warming-to-cooling reversal in the subpolar North Atlantic before
triggering a recent return to warming conditions that should prevail at
least until 2021. Overall, this mechanistic approach of AMOC variability and its impact on ocean temperature brings new key aspects for understanding and
predicting climatic conditions in the North Atlantic and beyond.
Surface mass balance downscaling through elevation classes in an Earth System Model: analysis, evaluation and impacts on the simulated climate
Authors: Sellevold Raymond , van Kampenhout Leonardus , Lenaerts Jan T. M. , Noël Brice , Lipscomb William H. , Vizcaino Miren
Published: June 2019

Abstract. The modeling of ice sheets in Earth System Models (ESMs) is an active area of research with applications to future sea level rise projections and paleoclimate studies. A major challenge for the surface mass balance (SMB) modeling with ESMs arises from their coarse resolution. This paper evaluates the elevation classes (EC) method as an SMB downscaling alternative to the dynamical downscaling of regional climate models. To this end, we compare EC-simulated elevation dependent surface energy and mass balance gradients from the Community Earth System Model 1.0 (CESM1.0) with those from RACMO2.3. The EC implementation in CESM1.0 combines prognostic snow albedo, a multi-layer snow model, and elevation corrections for two atmospheric forcing variables: temperature and humidity. Despite making no corrections for incoming radiation and precipitation, we find that the EC method in CESM1.0 yields similar SMB gradients as RACMO2.3, in part due to compensating biases in snowfall, surface melt and refreezing gradients. We discuss the sensitivity of the results to the lapse rate used for the temperature correction. We also evaluate the impact of the EC method on the climate simulated by the ESM and find minor cooling over the Greenland ice sheet and Barents and Greenland Seas, which corrects a warm bias in the ESM due to topographic smoothing. Based on our diagnostic procedure to evaluate the EC method, we make several recommendations for future implementations.
Chapter IX: “I Can’t Take It!”: August Wilson Leaves Pittsburgh
Authors: Glasco Laurence
Published: June 2019

The story of August Wilson leaving Pittsburgh for St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1978.
A Status Update on August Wilson House
Authors: Rawson Christopher
Published: June 2019

August Wilson House strives to preserve the legacy of August Wilson by sponsoring and supporting such efforts as the annual Hill District Birthday Block Party, backyard productions of August’s plays in collaboration with Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, and Visiting Fellowships in collaboration with Pittsburgh universities, such as the initial partnership with Duquesne University.
Comunicación educativa, educomunicación y educación mediática: una propuesta de investigación y formación desde un enfoque culturalista
Authors: Narvaez-Montoya Ancizar
Published: June 2019

Entre educación presencial y virtual, escuela y medios e interacción e interactividad, se suele debatir el campo de la educomunicación. Por otro lado, esta se ha entendido como educación sobre los medios o por los medios, por lo cual siempre se ha tendido a confundir con educación mediática. El objetivo de este artículo es hacer una revisión del concepto básico de comunicación educativa y sus derivaciones: educomunicación y educación mediática, para luego redefinirlos desde un punto de vista culturalista. Desde este enfoque, se aplican las categorías de la teoría de los códigos a la llamada educomunicación, que da como resultado la existencia de tres tipos de educomunicación: oral-ritual, icónico-narrativa y alfabético-argumentativa (paradigmática). En conclusión, se propone la educomunicación como la totalidad de la subjetivación humana, entendida como la adquisición de diferentes códigos, entre ellos, la lengua particular, y la educación mediática como la asunción de los códigos mediáticos, entendidos no como tecnologías sino como cultura. El aporte fundamental es la ampliación del concepto educomunicación al incorporar, además del análisis de las tecnologías, de las prácticas y de las instituciones, el análisis de los códigos.
El cine como espejo diferido: el concepto de transferencia en André Bazin y Stanley Cavell
Authors: Esqueda Verano Lourdes
Published: June 2019

Este artículo rescata la visión de André Bazin para señalar su actualidad en el momento de tratar de la siempre cambiante naturaleza del cine, específicamente ante las nuevas formas cinematográficas. La teoría de Bazin se sustenta de un modo aparentemente paradójico sobre la identidad entre el modelo real y su imagen fotográfica, una premisa compleja que será desarrollada décadas más tarde por el filósofo estadounidense Stanley Cavell. En este trabajo, se indicará, primero, el sentido de esta identidad. En vistas a demarcar el alcance y las repercusiones de esta identidad ontológica en la perepción de la imagen cinematográfica, se abordará el concepto en relación con el de semejanza y con el de causalidad, para conocer la especificidad de este. A continuación, se explicará su alcance a partir del concepto de transferencia. Para llegar a una comprensión cabal de este proceso, se analizará el modo en el que aparece en los trabajos de ambos teóricos. Una de las principales conclusiones del artículo es que el realismo no es algo de lo que el sujeto deba investir a la imagen fotográfica, sino que es una propiedad de esta, en virtud de la transferencia de realidad del objeto a la imagen. Con ello, se muestra cómo el espectador de cine, frente a la pantalla, lleva a cabo un acto análogo al de la percepción cotidiana: el reconocimiento de una realidad representada en pantalla.
La aporía de la muerte: comunicación entre vivos y muertos
Authors: Mazzetti Latini Carolina
Published: June 2019

El propósito del artículo consiste en una aproximación a la construcción social de la muerte desde algunos aportes de quien instalara la deconstrucción como estrategia de escritura y análisis, Jacques Derrida. El objetivo central no consiste en recorrer exhaustivamente la obra del autor (exhaustividad que iría en contra de su propuesta ontológica), sino más bien en tomar algunas categorías analíticas y ponerlas al servicio de la comunicación entre vivos y muertos. La estrategia teórico-metodológica se sostiene en un diseño de investigación cualitativa basado en el análisis de relatos desde un marco biográfico interpretativo. Se parte de relatos de entrevistas que narran experiencias personales de algún tipo de comunicación con personas fallecidas o de reflexiones acerca de la creencia en torno a la posibilidad de este contacto, para problematizar el registro comunicacional vida/muerte y dar cuenta de la operatividad de la lógica derridiana. El trabajo se enmarca en un proceso de investigación que rastrea los principales supuestos que modelan el sentido social de la muerte, cuyos resultados preliminares ponen en evidencia la necesidad de trascender los binarismos y las dicotomías para alojar la contradicción y lo paradójico en torno a la vida y la muerte. La conclusión, y de ahí el aporte de este enfoque que aboga por el devenir espectral, radica en que la polarización vida/muerte aporta elementos sustanciales para retomar la reflexión en torno a la comunicación entendida como dispositivo hermenéutico. Es decir, la muerte se constituye en metáfora para pensar la comunicación.
Growth performance of Heterobranchus longifilis, (Valenciennes, 1840) Fingerlings Fed with Nymphaea lotus (Linné, 1753)
Authors: Athanase Otchoumou Kraidy , Célestin Blé Mélécony , Justin Saki Suomion , Laurent Alla Yao
Published: June 2019

A 56-day feeding trial was performed to examine the effects of using Nymphaea lotus leaf meal (NLM) on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and survival rate of African catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis). Five treatment groups in triplicates with an average of the initial weight of 0.26±0.07g were fed diets incorporated with graded levels of NLM (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%). The obtained results showed that higher final body weight (FBW), daily weight gain (DWG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed with fish fed the control diet (CD) and NLM at the level of 20% compared to those of ﬁsh fed other diets. Protein efficiency ratios (PER) were not altered with dietary treatment. In addition, feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish groups fed up to 30% of NLM were not varied (p>0.05), meanwhile, daily feed intake of fish fed NLM diets exhibited lower values compared to those of ﬁsh fed CD. Final whole body proximate compositions of catfish showed no signiﬁcant differences (P>0.05) except for the body total fat and ash contents. Fat contents of ﬁsh fed diets incorporated with NLM were signiﬁcantly lower than those of ﬁsh fed the control diet (CD) (P<0.05). Meanwhile, ash contents of ﬁsh fed diets incorporated with high levels of NLM (30, 40%) were signiﬁcantly lower than those of ﬁsh fed the control diet (CD) (P<0.05). Survival rates ranged between 72 - 80% and there were no differences among all groups (P > 0.05). Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that up to 20% of NLM protein can be incorporated in the diet of African catfish with no adverse effects on growth performance, feed utilization, and survival rate.
Survey of Big Data applications: health, education, business & finance, and security & privacy
Authors: Al-Kabi Mohammed N. , Jirjees Jassim Mohammed
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, Big Data is experiencing an exponential growth in all domains of life. The total amount of data created in the world from the beginning of time up until 2005 is now created every 48 hours! Big Data represents large datasets that cannot be analyzed using traditional computing techniques. Big Data has the potential to transform many aspects of our modern life, such as healthcare services, traditional businesses, politics, and security. Today, Big Data analytics (BDA) is used to predict whether a marriage will be successful or not. Scientists are currently using BDA to predict diseases that will affect humans, in order to invent suitable personal genome-based drugs. This study provides an abstracted review of Big Data applications in order to emphasize the uses of BDA in the following four domains of life: health, education, business and finance, and security and privacy. It also presents summarized reviews of the amazing aspects of Big Data applications, especially in the last four years. Most of the studies reviewed in this article were conducted and published in the last four years.
تقييم تجربة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في ممارسات الجودة والاعتماد الأكاديمي
Authors: حارث الحراصي الدكتور نبهان بن , جمال بن مطر السالمي الدكتور
Published: June 2019

ملخص: يُعد الاعتماد الأكاديمي من أهم الوسائل المستخدمة لضمان جودة التدريس والبحث العلمي في الأقسام الأكاديمية، حيث يتيح، من ناحية، إخضاع جميع أنشطة القسم للتقييم من قِبل مؤسسة اعتماد متخصصة ومحايدة، كما أنه، من ناحية أخرى، يسمح بنوع من التواصل العلمي وتبادل الخبرات بين القسم الأكاديمي والمؤسسة، قد يتطور لاحقًا إلى استشارات ومشاركة في تطوير الخطط الدراسية، والعمل على وضع الاستراتيجيات المستقبلية للقسم.

تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى عرض تجربة قسم دراسات المعلومات بجامعة السلطان قابوس في الاعتماد الأكاديمي، بعد حصوله مؤخرًا على شهادة الاعتماد الأكاديمي من مؤسسة CILIP» (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals). وتستعرض الدراسة مجموعة من مؤسسات الاعتماد الدولية، وتجارب بعض الأقسام في الاعتماد الأكاديمي، وأثر وانعكاس الاعتماد على تطور المقررات والخطط الدراسية.

تعتمد الدراسة في جمع المادة العلمية على تحليل وثائق وتقارير مؤسسة «CILIP» الخاصة بتقييم مختلف مراحل الاعتماد، والتعرُّف على برنامج المعارف والمهارات المهنية لمتخصصي المعلومات (PKSB) (The Professional Knowledge and Skills Base)، ومدى توافقه مع المقررات التي يدرسها القسم. وكذلك انعكاس تجربة الاعتماد على ممارسات التدريس بالقسم، وإعداد وتطوير المقررات الدراسية. ويؤمل أن تساهم الدراسة المقترحة في توضيح مراحل، وصعوبات، ونتائج الدخول في مشروع اعتماد أكاديمي متكامل، بحيث تتحقق الاستفادة منه من قِبل الأقسام الأكاديمية المناظرة.
Researching corruption: understanding its key concepts
Authors: Fayed Ahmed Alaa
Published: June 2019

Given the controversial nature of the notion of corruption that has transcended time and place, this paper serves as a review article for the essential and pivotal debatable concepts that are used to better understand corruption. It will look at different definitions and types of corruption, and the measurement techniques used in corruption studies. The paper presents the debate on whether corruption can or cannot be used as a developmental tool, and manages to show that its significant long-term negative consequences easily overcome its positive aspects. Finally, there is a discussion on causality, where I argue that given the multidisciplinary nature of corruption, it is difficult to infer causation. Simply, this paper helps in understanding the current debates in corruption literature, as this is the first step to properly fight corruption, which is one of the targets of SDG 16.
Corruption and corporate social responsibility codes of conduct: The case of Petrobras and the oil and gas sector in Brazil
Authors: Costa Ligia Maura
Published: June 2019

Corruption and combating corruption is one of the most important challenges for both developing and developed countries. Corruption is a serious threat to principles and values of any government. It undermines the enforcement of the rule of law and compromises democracy. In the early 1990s, corporate social responsibility (CSR) codes of conduct emerged as an effective mechanism for integrating responsible economic practices against corruption. However, the question that arises is whether this self-regulatory instrument has any impact on the practice and policy of companies with respect to corruption. This study addresses this question through an analysis of the provisions related to corruption issues embodied in international conventions and guidelines, the norms or standards of oil and gas associations, NGOs, international and multilateral organizations. In particular, this paper examines how Petrobras, the giant Brazilian oil and gas company, responds to corruption in its CSR code of conduct. Using a comparative analysis of Petrobras’ policy and practice as expressed in its CSR statements and the related provisions embodied in the international framework, this study examines the extent to which provisions included in Petrobras’ CSR code of conduct are consistent with the belief of the current international framework system. Finally, this paper investigates the responses to questionnaires related to CSR codes of conduct of oil and gas companies operating in Brazil.
Looking for consistency in corruption risk assessment: How key guidance materials stack up1
Authors: Petkov Alex
Published: June 2019

The risk-based approaches for fighting corruption are a trending topic in the contemporary anti-corruption field. They are often presented as useful tools to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities within a system that may cause corruption. However, issues including lack of capacity, knowledge and expertise can affect their practical implementation. This paper discusses different corruption risk assessment methods with the aim to provide both practitioners and academics with a better understanding of the concept of corruption risk management. The study applies comparative methods to analyze five key corruption risk assessment guides, developed by different international organizations, in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses, which could facilitate experts in choosing the methodology that fits best their own needs and requirements. In addition, this paper argues that the most effective way to implement corruption risk assessment is as an organizational level assessment. This research is structured in four parts: the first part explains the concept of risk management and provides definitions of key terms. The second part describes the methodology used in the paper, while the third part presents the comparative analysis. Finally, all findings and results are discussed in the last part of the study.
The State Commission for Prevention of Corruption as a preventive anti-corruption agency in Macedonia
Authors: Daneva Ana Pavlovska , Bitrakov Konstantin
Published: June 2019

This paper deals with the core preventive Anti-corruption Agency (ACA) of the Republic of Macedonia, namely the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC). The idea therein is two-fold: firstly, to explain the ACA model which the Republic of Macedonia has chosen and, secondly, to criticize some of the characteristics of the respective legal and institutional framework. Of course, we do not aim to analyze every aspect of the SCPC – which would imply a much longer article than the one at hand – but rather to focus on the most important details. In that respect, we will place focus on the SCPC's competencies (functions, tasks and powers) and discuss if they are properly designed. Furthermore, we will tackle the institutional design and the capacities of the institution, so to illuminate the existing discrepancy between this ACA's de-jure competencies and de-facto possibilities. Thirdly, we will speak of its effectiveness. Doing so, we will not only draw the attention of the international research community to the SCPC but also enable comparative research in the future. What is especially valuable to note is that in terms of many of its characteristics, the SCPC is compared to other ACAs in the region of Southeastern Europe too, meaning that an initial contrast has been set. Finally, the main findings of the text are such that an answer for improvement cannot be provided instantly, but additional work in the field is required. Thus, one can only hope that this research inspires other individuals and professionals in the sphere too.
Re-creating slum tourism: Perspectives from South Africa
Authors: Booyens Irma , Rogerson Christian M.
Published: June 2019

Slum tourism is a growing phenomenon in several cities in the global South. The objective in this conceptual paper is to analyse the development and critical challenges around slum tourism in the urban global South and to argue a case for ‘re-creating’ slum tourism by building upon the potential for creative tourism. The focus is upon the ‘townships’ of South Africa. It is argued that South Africa provides an instructive case study in the international phenomenon of slum tourism and of its potential to be reimagined and developed in a responsible manner, including through an important role for creative tourism. Recommendations are offered for a research agenda on creative slum tourism.
Stellenbosch coffee society: Societal and locational preferences
Authors: Ferreira Sanette , Beuster Lukas
Published: June 2019

Stellenbosch is a university town boasting knowledge-intensive economic sectors with a variety of ‘new economy’ occupations and activities. The presence of a professional and creative class, as well as university students has changed the economy, the retail landscape and the social spaces of the town. This paper reports on an investigation of the geography of coffee shops (third places) in downtown Stellenbosch and describes the social and physical factors which influence customer preferences for certain coffee shops. A brief review of the literature on the evolution of coffee shop and café cultures, the functioning as third places and the siting of coffee shops in inner cities (or specific neighbourhoods) is presented. A mixed-methods research approach consisting of transect walks, a questionnaire survey and three in-depth-interviews with coffee shop owners (or managers) is explained. The study area in the historical precinct of the town is contextualised. The bigger picture of coffee consumption in Stellenbosch – social and locational preferences, place attachments of consumers and the relative location of coffee shops – is sketched. The findings of three in-depth case studies (selected speciality coffee shops) are discussed. The paper concludes by pointing out some implications for the planning of consumption spaces in secondary cities in developing world contexts.
Business tourism under apartheid: The historical development of South Africa’s conference industry
Authors: Rogerson Christian M.
Published: June 2019

Conference tourism as part of MICE tourism has attracted a growing international literature. It is argued existing scholarship is overwhelmingly ‘present-minded’ and that historical issues relating to the conference industry often are overlooked. Using historical documentary sources and industry press, this paper examines the evolution of conference tourism in South Africa from the early 1960s to the period of the country’s democratic transition in 1994. Under apartheid, conference tourism was primarily a domestic affair, lacked professionalism and quality infrastructure in terms of dedicated proposed built conference venues. By 1994 whilst the country’s conference industry did not have any global standard facilities, the planning for such convention centres was in process in the country’s three major cities.
Architecture in Southern African informal settlements: A contextually appropriate intervention
Authors: Perold Rudolf , Donaldson Ronnie , Devisch Oswald
Published: June 2019

Architectural professionals can contribute to efforts at achieving sustainable urbanism. However, the realm of professional discourse is extremely limited. Grounded architectural practice (GAP) is developed as a conceptual framework to explore an emergent form of contextually appropriate architectural practice in the context of a resident-driven in situ informal settlement upgrading project. The exploration takes the form of a descriptive narrative. Each challenge that arose during the descriptive narrative was mapped according to Engeström’s activity system model, an analytical tool emanating from cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT). By participating in live projects in informal settlements and analysing these projects by means of CHAT, the authors explored the highly improvising and generative everyday practices of the urban majority. Architectural practice in such a context requires a multi-disciplinary approach which extends beyond conventional professional boundaries, and attention must be paid to building the capacity of all participants to function in such uncharted territory.
Local economic development agencies and peripheral small town development: Evidence from Somerset East, South Africa
Authors: Lawrence Faith , Rogerson Christian M.
Published: June 2019

The activities of Local Economic Development Agencies (LEDAs) represent a channel for place-based development. In South Africa national government has supported the expansion of LEDAs to improve the weak performance of local economic development planning, one of the cornerstones of the developmental state. This article investigates the evolution and operations of a small town LEDA which is situated in one of South Africa’s peripheral regions. The local development facilitation and project work undertaken by the Blue Crane Development Agency (BCDA) in the small town of Somerset East in Eastern Cape Province is discussed. It is shown that this LEDA was innovative in development initiatives which were launched during the period 2004- 2014 for Somerset East and its surrounds. In terms of the projects and operations of BCDA considerable effort was made to identify catalytic opportunities and to support the unlocking of projects in this small town through development facilitation and project management. Nevertheless, the evidence from this case study demonstrates that despite successes, development agencies in South Africa have a strong dependence on parent municipalities which can determine the future direction and sustainability of LEDAs.
Studentification in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Authors: Visser Gustav , Kisting Dene
Published: June 2019

Globally, studentification has emerged as a prominent urban process, fast becoming entrenched in geographical discourse. Since the early 1990s, in both developed and developing world countries, an expansion in student enrolment has outstripped the ability of higher education institutions to provide adequate accommodation. These trends have been noted in South Africa too. The extent and impact of studentification on the urban geography of those places in which it has taken root is still poorly understood in both South Africa and the global South at large. This paper investigates studentification as experienced in one of South Africa’s secondary cities – Stellenbosch. An overview of generic studentification impacts is provided and the development of this process tracked. Thereafter, the motivation for living in these developments and the impacts of this process comes into view. It is argued that the areas affected by studentification have fundamentally changed in their physical and social character. Interestingly, a range of findings in the academic record were not present in the Stellenbosch context. Finally, it is suggested that studentification in South Africa requires greater research attention in a range of other urban settings in which this process has emerged. This is particularly urgent as it would appear that studentification can radically and very rapidly transform the geography of the areas in which it takes hold.
Towards regional economic development in South Africa: Conceptualising the ‘region’ associated with economic development through the Durban Aerotropolis
Authors: Luthuli Nomkhosi , Houghton Jennifer HOUGHTON
Published: June 2019

This paper critically considers the conceptualization of the ‘region’ in regional economic development. It utilizes the Durban Aerotropolis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as a case of reference through which the conceptualization and underpinnings of ‘region’ associated with economic development are understood. This exercise is prompted by the nomenclatural shifts in local government from local economic development to regional economic development which is causing shifts in approaches to the implementation of economic development projects. The findings presented in this paper show that in the conceptualisation of the region in the instance of the Durban Aerotropolis, understanding the function, form and scale of a regional economic development project becomes pertinent to the social construction of the region with consequences for the project focus and implementation. In the discussion, function is examined as the purpose of a regional economic development project, form refers to the kind of economic development mechanism or strategy which could assist in fulfilling that purpose and scale speaks to the extent, reach and magnitude of the project, without which the implications are challenging practical enactment or implementation of regional economic development projects. The social constructions of region outlined in this paper thereby attest to the multiplicity of definitions which are typically based on the context in which the concept is being used and thus shows the ‘region’ inherent in regional economic development as produced through, and for, an assemblage of economic activity in space. From this we understand the region in regional economic development to be a social construct which presents itself as an assemblage of economic activity in space. Although we understand regions as spatially contingent, the theoretical and empirical conceptualisation of regions within regional economic development planning, policy–making and practice must draw on the specifics of contextuality to ensure its utility to economic development.
Sovereign Credit_Rating Disclose and Bond Liquidity under Sovereign Debt Crisis
Authors: Saadaoui Amir , Kriaa Mohamed
Published: June 2019

This study examines the effect of the informational content of local credit rating announcements in emerging markets on the liquidity of their bond markets. We analyze the bond liquidity markets across five countries such as Poland, Greece, Spain, Hungary and Turkey. The sample includes daily data about sovereign bonds over the period ranging from July 2009 to January 2014.We mainly focus on the period before and after the sovereign debt crisis. We note that the bond liquidity is affected due to the sign of the rating granted by the rating agencies for each country.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE OUT OF THE 1550 nm WINDOW TRANSMISSION
Authors: Turkiewicz Jarosław Piotr
Published: June 2019

Abstract. In this paper, opportunities for transmission in the 850 nm and 1310 nm windows are reviewed. In particular, the mentioned windows can be utilized for the data centre related transmission.
THE PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS IN THE PROCESSES OF GRAVITATIONAL ENRICHMENT
Authors: Suleimenov Batyrbek , Kulakova Yelena
Published: June 2019

Intelligent control systems are actively developing and can significantly reduce financial costs and improve the environmental performance of ore-dressing processes. Usage of intelligent control systems for gravitational enrichment allows to minimize costs and negative influence of ore tails on the environment, exclude losses of concentrate and energy resources in the ore-dressing process. The paper discusses the problems and prospects for the application of intelligent control systems of gravity concentration equipment. A structure of the control system and an intelligent model for determining the frequency of pulsation jigging machine based on fuzzy logic are proposed. The model is based on data obtained from experts, it is researched. The obtained results allow to judge about the prospects for the implementation of intelligent systems in the management of ore enrichment.
APPLICATION OF HYDRAULIC AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT FOR THE EFFICIENCY ENHANCEMENT OF THE OPERATION ELEMENTS OF THE MOBILE MACHINERY
Authors: Polishchuk Leonid , Kozlov Leonid , Burennikov Yuri , Strutinskiy Vasil , Kravchuk Valerii
Published: June 2019

The application of adaptive drives in working units of various technological and mobile machines is considered. The results of theoretical and experimental research have proved the effectiveness of their use for improving the dynamic characteristics of machines, reducing unproductive power losses during their operation.