bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronologie et paléohydrologie des hauts niveaux quaternaires du bassin Natron-Magadi (Tanzanie-Kenya) d'après la composition isotopique (18O, 13C, 14C, U/Th) des stromatolites littoraux. Chronology and paleohydrology of former lake levels in the Natron-Magadi basin (Tanzania-Kenya) from isotopic composition (18O, 13C, 14C, U/Th) of shoreline stromatolites
Authors: Casanova Joel , Hillaire-Marcel Claude
Published: June 2018

Trois générations de stromatolites marquent l'extension récente de paléolacs dans le bassin Natron-Magadi, à la frontière tanzano-kenyenne. Leurs teneurs en ¹⁸O et en ¹³C, relativement élevées, reflètent un long temps de résidence de l'eau des paléolacs favorable à l'établissement d'un équilibre entre le CO₂ atmosphérique et le carbone inorganique dissous malgré les forts apports de carbone profond lié au volcanisme carbonatitique régional. De ce fait, les âges ¹⁴C obtenus sur les stromatolites les plus récents (12 00 à 10 000 B.P.) sont considérés comme représentatifs. Les stromatolites plus anciens ont donné des âges U/Th de 135 000 ans et de ca. 240 000 ans. Un épisode humide semble donc caractériser l'Afrique de l'Est au cours de chaque transition entre les périodes glaciaires et interglaciaires.
Cleavage and its relation with metamorphic grade in the Cantabrian Zone (Hercynian of North-West Spain). La schistosité et sa relation avec le degré de métamorphisme dans la Zone Cantabrique (chaîne hercynienne, NW de l'Espagne)
Authors: Aller Jésus , Bastida Fernando , Brime Convadoga , Perez-Estaun Andrès
Published: June 2018

Dans la Zone Cantabrique (Z.C., chaîne hercynienne, NW de l'Espagne), où la schistosité et le métamorphisme sont peu fréquents, on peut observer localement une augmentation graduelle des conditions métamorphiques, qui habituellement est accompagnée du développement de la schistosité. Cela se produit aux limites occidentale et méridionale de la Z.C. dans la région limitrophe avec la Zone Asturoccidentale-Léonaise où la schistosité et le métamorphisme sont généralisés, et aussi dans quelques secteurs de la Z. C. en relation avec des événements thermiques tardifs par rapport à l'évolution structurale générale de la Z.C. ou à des gradients à l'intérieur de certaines unités allochtones. On a pu distinguer trois types de base de schistosité aux zones à bas degré métamorphique : schistosité grossière, schistosité ardoisière grossière et schistosité ardoisière. Le front de schistosité est situé dans des zones différentes de métamorphisme (de la diagenèse à l'épizone), ce qui a été rapporté à la quantité de déformation. Néanmoins, dans tous les cas étudiés, le développement des différents types de schistosité a besoin des conditions métamorphiques minimes. De cette façon, la schistoristé ardoisière grossière a été observée exclusivement à partir de la limite anchizone-épizone et la schistosité ardoisière seulement dans l'épizone.
Miospores du Dévonien moyen et supérieur du bassin du Parana, Brésil : systématique et stratigraphie. / Middle-Upper Devonian miospores from the Parana basin : systematics and Stratigraphy
Authors: Loboziak Stanislas , Streel Maurice , Burjack Maria Iêda Almeida
Published: June 2018

Middle-Upper Devonian miospores from the Parana basin, Brazil : systematics and stratigraphy

Fifty nine miospores including six new species were identified during the palynological study of thirty six samples in the borehole RSP-1. Ponta Grossa Formation. Parana basin. Brazil. Their stratigraphie distribution compared with the ardenno-rhenish biozonation allows to give Ponta Grossa Formation a late Eifelian to late Frasnian age. The attention is drawn on the question implied by similar palynofloras observed on so a wide latitudinal range.
Organic geochemistry of Moroccan phosphorites and bituminous shales. A contribution to the problem of phosphogenesis. Géochimie organique de phosphorites et schistes bitumineux du Maroc. Une contribution au problème de la phosphatogenèse
Authors: Meunier-Christmann Claude , Lucas Jacques , Albrecht Pierre
Published: June 2018

Une étude moléculaire comparative de la fraction lipidique de schistes bitumineux et de sédiments phosphatés provenant des régions des Oulad Abdoun et de Timahdite a été réalisée en vue de mieux comprendre le processus de phosphatogenèse très important à cet endroit à l'époque Maastrichtien-Eocène.

L'analyse des hydrocarbures saturés, insaturés et aromatiques, ainsi que celle des acides révèle l'importance des marqueurs stéroïdes et hopanoïdes qui sont caractéristiques respectivement d'un apport primaire planctonique et d'un remaniement bactérien substantiel. La prédominance des isomères biologiques démontre l'immaturité de la matière organique. D'autre part, les schistes bitumineux contiennent des quantités significatives de composés organo-soufrés et de molécules fossiles de bactéries méthanogènes typiques d'environnements anoxiques. Par contre, l'extrait organique des sédiments phosphatés est plutôt pauvre en molécules fonctionnalisées qui ont pu être détruites lors d'une exposition à des conditions plus oxydantes. Ces dernières auraient provoqué la libération du phosphore qui s'est rapidement minéralisé sous forme d'apatite.

Ces résultats confirment sur un plan moléculaire le fait que les phosphorites et les schistes bitumineux qui leur sont associés sont deux produits divergents de l'évolution d'un même type de sédiment riche en matière organique, une hypothèse qui avait été proposée antérieurement sur la base d'observations plus globales.
Uranium in natural phosphorites : the Syrian example. L'uranium dans les phosphorites naturelles : l'exemple syrien
Authors: Lucas Jacques , Abbas Mahmoud
Published: June 2018

The Senonian phosphorites which form the Palmyrides deposits in Syria (Khneifiss and Charquieh) were studied in order to determine the relationships of uranium and apatite in these deposits. A very good U-P₂O₆ correlation is evident in all the deposits, though it is slightly better developed at Charquieh than at Khneifiss. The fission track method makes it possible to see that uranium is essentially concentrated within the phosphatic grains. The distribution of uranium in the grains is not random ; a closer association between uranium and organic matter is apparent. In the discussion concerning this distribution and the behaviour of uranium during the reworking and weathering of the phosphorites, it is proposed that uranium is not only in the lattice of apatite, but is also adsorbed on the surface of crystallites and is trapped at a very early stage in the formation of the grains.
Caractérisation de la taille des particules. Particle size characterization
Authors: Dodds John , Baluais Gérard
Published: June 2018

On présente les définitions qui permettent de déterminer la taille des particules irrégulières et de caractériser leur forme. Les méthodes de représentation des distributions granulométriques sont données ainsi que quelques méthodes physiques pour la détermination de ces quantités, par exemple par sédimentation, perméabilité et diffraction de la lumière laser.
Etude minéralogique des sédiments de l'estuaire de l'Oued Bou Regreg (côte atlantique marocaine). Les conséquences de la construction du barrage Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah. / The mineralogical study of the sediments in the Bou Regreg estuary (Atlantic coast of Morocco). Consequences of the construction of the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah dam
Authors: Moguedet Gérard , Texier H. , Mayif Mohamed , Colleuil Bernard
Published: June 2018

L'étude minéralogique des sédiments de l'estuaire de l'oued Bou Regreg (côte atlantique marocaine) a permis de mettre en évidence les modifications qui se sont produites après la construction du barrage Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah en 1974. En l'absence d'apports venus de l'amont piégés dans la retenue, l'estuaire vit sur son ancien stock sédimentaire. Soumis à la seule influence des courants de marée, il subit une remontée des sédiments vers l'amont, en particulier des particules fines. Cet estuaire n'est donc déjà plus, en réalité, qu'un simple bras de mer.
Nd-Sr isotopic compositions of dissolved and particulate material transported by the Parana and Uruguay rivers during high (December 1993) and low (September 1994) water periods. / Compositions isotopiques de Nd et Sr des matières en suspension et dissoutes transportées par les fleuves Parana et Uruguay en périodes de hautes (décembre 1993) et basses (septembre 1994) eaux
Authors: Henry Françoise , Probst J.L. , Thouron Danièle , Depetris Pedro , Garçon Véronique
Published: June 2018

Compositions isotopiques de Nd et Sr des matières en suspension et dissoutes transportées par les fleuves Parana et Uruguay en périodes de hautes (décembre 1993) et basses (septembre 1994) eaux

L'objectif de notre étude est de mieux contraindre les signatures isotopiques de Nd et Sr des sources fluviatiles (Parana et Uruguay) qui se jettent en face de la zone de confluence des courants du Brésil et des Malouines du côté ouest de l'océan Atlantique Sud. Pour cela, nous présentons à deux saisons de nouvelles données isotopiques obtenues sur les fractions dissoutes et particulates des deux fleuves Parana et Uruguay qui forment le Rio de la Plata constituant en super¬ ficie le second bassin de drainage pour le continent sud-américain.

En néodyme, les échantillons d'eaux filtrées du fleuve Parana sont moins radiogéniques (sNd (0) compris entre -12,1 et -8,2) que ceux de l'Uruguay (valeur moyenne d'sNd (0) = -6,3 ± 0,3). Les matières en suspension montrent la même tendance isotopique que pour le dissous (valeurs moyennes respectives d'sNd (0) de -10,3 et -6,0 pour le Parana et l'Uruguay). Les rapports isotopiques 87Sr/S6Sr obtenus sur les deux fractions sont, à l'inverse du Nd, plus radiogéniques pour les échantillons du Parana (moyennes dissous : 0.7123 et particulate : 0,7247) que ceux de l'Uruguay (moyennes dissous : 0.7097 et particulate : 0,7115). Comparées au fleuve Parana, les signatures isotopiques relativement radiogéniques en Nd et non radiogéniques en Sr obtenues pour le fleuve Uruguay pourraient s'expliquer par la prédominance d'affleurements de basaltes tholéiitiques dans ce bassin.

Une ré-estimation des flux de Nd pour les fleuves du continent sud-américain se jetant dans les océans Atlantique Sud et tropical est proposée. Au total, le flux en Nd particulate entrant dans les zones estuariennes est de deux ordres de grandeur plus important que le flux en Nd dissous. En tenant compte des flux nets en Nd dissous et particulate des deux fleuves à l'amont de l'estuaire du Rio de la Plata, on obtient une valeur d' sNd(0) égale à -10.2. A la sortie de l'estuaire, les eaux du Rio de la Plata auraient une composition isotopique de -8.3 en prenant en compte des processus de soustraction dans l'estuaire.
Direct AFM-based nanoscale mapping and tomography of open-circuit voltages for photovoltaics
Authors: Atamanuk Katherine , Luria Justin , Huey Bryan D
Published: June 2018

The nanoscale optoelectronic properties of materials can be especially important for polycrystalline photovoltaics including many sensor and solar cell designs. For thin film solar cells such as CdTe, the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current are especially critical performance indicators, often varying between and even within individual grains. A new method for directly mapping the open-circuit voltage leverages photo-conducting AFM, along with an additional proportional-integral-derivative feedback loop configured to maintain open-circuit conditions while scanning. Alternating with short-circuit current mapping efficiently provides complementary insight into the highly microstructurally sensitive local and ensemble photovoltaic performance. Furthermore, direct open-circuit voltage mapping is compatible with tomographic AFM, which additionally leverages gradual nanoscale milling by the AFM probe essentially for serial sectioning. The two-dimensional and three-dimensional results for CdTe solar cells during in situ illumination reveal local to mesoscale contributions to PV performance based on the order of magnitude variations in photovoltaic properties with distinct grains, at grain boundaries, and for sub-granular planar defects.
Kinematic Evidence for an Embedded Protoplanet in a Circumstellar Disk
Authors: Pinte C. , Price D. J. , Ménard F. , Duchêne G. , Dent W. R. F. , Hill T. , Gregorio-Monsalvo I. de , Hales A. , Mentiplay D.
Published: June 2018

Disks of gas and dust surrounding young stars are the birthplace of planets. However, the direct detection of protoplanets forming within disks has proved elusive to date. We present the detection of a large, localized deviation from Keplerian velocity in the protoplanetary disk surrounding the young star HD 163296. The observed velocity pattern is consistent with the dynamical effect of a two-Jupiter-mass planet orbiting at a radius ≈260 au from the star.
Adhesives and the Herbarium: International Survey and Application of the Results in Analysis of the Influence of Conservation Materials on DNA of Herbarium Specimens
Authors: Grenda-Kurmanow Magdalena
Published: June 2018

In 2017 the author conducted an international survey among the conservators who have worked with herbaria collections, particularly paper conservators who treated historic herbaria. During the survey the author contacted 25 people from 9 countries. The participants were the conservators who either shared their experience through publications or whose conservation reports were available to the author. Participants were asked to recommend materials used in the conservation of historic herbaria and materials used on a daily basis to mount specimens. The aim of the survey was to list the materials that have direct contact with the surface of the specimens. Therefore the results concentrated mostly on adhesives. Acknowledging that materials recommended for conservation treatment may differ from those used for a typical mounting of a modern specimen, the author presented a traditional conservator’s approach that every modern object (including herbaria) may one day become a valuable part of heritage. This means that all materials used when working with herbaria should be reversible and DNA-safe. The survey revealed that most conservators recommend materials that are very popular in paper conservation: wheat starch paste and methylcellulose at different concentrations, however some suggested using animal glues such as gelatine or isinglass and mixtures of isinglass and starch paste. Other adhesives that were present in the results were two versions of hydroxypropylcellulose, Klucel G and Klucel E, rice starch, shofu, and different PVAs used for mounting (e.g. Hewit M218 and Jade 403). Many conservators expressed their negative approach to popular mounting materials and techniques of mounting by overall adhesion.

The survey was a part of the project "Heritage preservation and ethnobotany. Analysis of the influence of conservation treatment on genetic material comprised in historic herbaria“ (project no. 2014/13/N/HS2/03118) funded by the National Science Centre in Poland. The results of the survey served as a basis for the next stage of the project, which was testing samples of herbarium specimens, 'treated' with the chosen materials, for the possible damaging influence on the DNA of specimens. The choice of materials based on the results of the survey, literature and availability of materials (some adhesives used for mounting some decades ago are no longer available). The herbarium samples were made of Arabidopsis thaliana and Fragaria vesca leaves, prepared for the project. After drying and 'treating' with conservation and mounting materials, the samples were artificially aged in a climatic chamber to imitate deterioration processes.
Engaging Children with Herbarium Specimens at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s Science Festival
Authors: Bavington Melissa
Published: June 2018

The Kew and Wakehurst Science Festivals consists of five days of activities over two weekends. Workshops and tours allow visitors to engage with the scientists and their research. We designed an interactive experience, so children could understand what a herbarium sheet is and the process of making one.

The Herbarium accessions an average of 30,000 specimens per year and because specimens need to have a long life and be able to withstand being handled for hundreds of years they need to be ‘mounted’ according to strict protocols and guidelines. Botanical specimens are vital to research at Kew and beyond, providing key scientific data. Once mounted onto herbarium sheets botanical specimens are added to the Herbarium and made widely available to visiting scientists and researchers. Digitising these specimens increases access further through online portals. To achieve a specimen that can be handled for many years the specimens are mounted onto archival paper, along with their labels, before being added to the collection. There are 6 members in RBG Kew’s Specimen Preparation team who work full time to prepare botanical specimens for accession into the Herbarium collection; which currently stands at 7 million specimens and the oldest dates from the 1700s.

We simplified this specimen preparation process down to the basic component parts of paper, glue, plant material and pressing. Using material and tools that visitors would be able to find for themselves; art paper, child friendly glue and plant material used in flower crafts we created a hands-on experience for mounting a herbarium specimen.

The Science Festival is now in its 3rd year and each year the activity has been modified based on lessons learned over the course of the festival and each year. The stall is immensely popular going from 300 participants in the first year to over 700 in 2017. In the second year we added a new dimension and allowed visitors to image the specimens they created allowing them to zoom in and see plant parts and structures in further detail to highlight the importance of digitisation. These images can be viewed on the Kew Science Flickr group.
Assessing Herbarium Specimen Image Quality with FineFocus
Authors: Barber Anne , Skema C. , Mancini Michelle , Block Timothy
Published: June 2018

The Mid-Atlantic Megalopolis Thematic Collections Network, a digitization project funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, seeks to digitize ca. 800,000 herbarium specimens through imaging, transcription, and georeferencing. The use of autofocus alone in herbarium specimen imaging with a digital single-lens reflex camera does not yield consistently sharp images, even with relatively two-dimensional specimens and a proper selection of focus point. The FineFocus technique provides a way of assessing contrast, as a proxy for focus quality, through analysis of a standard text target using two freeware programs run through a batch script. By calculating a numeric value, this protocol provides an objective way to obtain a high level of focus quality for a specific imaging rig with given conditions before proceeding with imaging. Adjusting focus with FineFocus yields noticeably sharper images, allowing users to see fine details otherwise obscured by poor focus, such as secondary venation. This technique can be easily implemented in herbarium digitization workflows to improve the quality of specimen images.
Launching a Risk Assessment Project
Authors: Anderson Gretchen , Burgwin Marion , McLaren Suzanne
Published: June 2018

In 2017 Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CM) received funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to conduct a risk assessment for collections. CM had already conducted two general conservation surveys (1989 and 2010) and an environmental survey (2011), all funded by IMLS. The next logical step was to do a risk assessment.

The initial planning was done through the development of a funding proposal. Both the concept and the process had to be supported by administration and staff, which was ensured up front through the development of the grant application. At the time, we were fortunate enough to have a new administration that supported this project as a logical step toward developing a long-term collection care strategy. In the application we identified the most experienced subject matter expert as a consultant (R. R. Waller, Project Heritage Inc.). Waller has a longstanding relationship with CM, having been part of the core team in the general conservation surveys. Waller worked closely with the grant application team to develop the project schedule and internal team. Additionally, the grant application proposed the use of Waller's Cultural Property Risk Analasys Model (CPRAM) to assess our risks.

One key element in developing the proposal was the acknowledgment of limited staff time. This was solved by including money to hire a Collections Associate dedicated to the project, full time for the two-year duration of the project. There is a steep learning curve for the process. Having this "gatekeeper" to manage the data being gathered maintains consistencey and focuses adequate staff time to keep the project moving forward.

The overall goal of the project is to identify risks to the collections in a quantifiable manner. Using these data we will prioritize those risks and subsequently develop reasonable strategies to reduce the risks. This project will inform the overall strategic plan currently being developed for CM. By strategically including a few non-collection staff in the project, the risk assessment work will also promote better understanding and communication of collection concerns across the museum and our parent organization.

This poster examines the initial phase of the two-year project. It demonstrates how we, at CM, are approaching the organization of the CPRAM, training staff, and beginning this complex project.
Les prisonniers de guerre français dans l’industrie de guerre du Reich (1940-1945)
Authors: Woehrle Christophe
Published: June 2018

Résumé La captivité lors de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, par son ampleur, présente des aspects uniques dans l’histoire des conflits contemporains. Cet article propose une approche novatrice par l’étude de parcours individuels de prisonniers de guerre français dans l’industrie de guerre allemande au cœur du Reich. Les catégories de Français mis au travail sont définies, leurs conditions de vie et l’organisation de leur captivité sont analysées afin de déterminer ce qui leur est commun et d’isoler ce qui est caractéristique.
La secularización en Cataluña en los informes episcopales (1800-1867)
Authors: Moliner Prada Antonio
Published: June 2018

El proceso de secularización en Cataluña entre 1800 y 1867 se refleja en los informes que los obispos de las distintas diócesis envían a Roma. Remarcan el proceso creciente de mundanización y alejamiento de los valores evangélicos en los periodos revolucionarios: aumento de la indiferencia religiosa en las ciudades, corrupción de costumbres por la prensa liberal y circulación de libros impíos y disminución de las prácticas religiosas (cumplimiento dominical, pascual, ayuno y abstinencia). Las nuevas doctrinas, protestantismo y socialismo, derivadas del liberalismo, aparecen como los verdaderos enemigos de la Iglesia.
GalNAc-T15 in gastric adenocarcinoma: Characterization according to tissue architecture and cellular location
Authors: De Souza Albuquerque Mário S. , Da Silva-filho Antônio F. , Ferraz Cordeiro Marina , Deodato de Souza Maria de Fátima , Quirino Michael W.L. , Amorim Lima Luiza R. , Da Rocha Pitta Maira G. , Martins Mario R. , De Melo Rêgo Moacyr J.B.
Published: June 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. This study aims to investigate the differential tissue expression of ppGalNAc-T15 and to evaluate its possible association with clinical-pathological parameters and outcome of gastric adenocarcinoma patients. For these 70 patients were evaluated the expression by immunohistochemistry to ppGalNAc-T15. Our results showed that 33 (47.1%) patients were ppGalNAC-T15+ positive and 37 (52.9%) negative. Positive staining for ppGalNAc-T15 was significantly present in patients older than 60 years (P=0.0306) and submitted to total gastrectomy (P=0.0087). Also, some results remained at the limit of significance as surgical standing (P=0.0562) and histological grade (P=0.0549). Therefore, the ppGalNAc-T15 immunoreactivity can be useful to understand the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.
Vision-specific and psychosocial impacts of low vision among patients with low vision at the eastern regional Low Vision Centre
Authors: Adamptey Beatrice , Naidoo Kovin S. , Govender Pirindhavellie
Published: June 2018

Purpose: To determine vision-specific and psychosocial implications of low vision among patients with low vision visiting the Low Vision Centre of the Eastern Regional Hospital in Ghana.Methodology: This was a descriptive case-control study of 41 patients with low vision and 41 patients with normal vision recruited from the Low Vision Centre of the Eastern Regional Hospital by simple random sampling. Data on vision-specific and psychosocial impacts of low vision was collected using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25). Biographical and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, educational status, marital status, employment and income status were gathered from consenting patients. Mann–Whitney U analysis using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was conducted to compare scores on vision-specific and psychosocial subscales of the NEI VFQ-25 between patients with low vision and patients with normal vision.Results: Patients with low vision recorded the lowest score on the driving subscale (median = 8.33, IQR [interquartile range]: 8.33–41.67, n = 41, p < 0.001), as well as on distance activities (median = 35.42, IQR = 16.70–58.80). Psychosocial implications of low vision included high dependency (median = 33.33, IQR = 25.00–50.00), reduced mental health (median = 37.50, IQR = 25.00–50.00) and limitation in partaking in social activities (median = 50.00, IQR = 37.50–78.00).Conclusion: Low vision has both vision-specific and psychosocial implications for the patients. Low vision management and services should therefore be tailored to meet these psychosocial and vision-specific needs to enable patients better accept their visual changes and to be better prepared to use their remaining vision to achieve their daily goals.
Respect for privacy and confidentiality as a global bioethical principle: Own reasons from a Protestant perspective
Authors: Rheeder Adriaan L.
Published: June 2018

In the development and acceptance of Article 9 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (UDBHR or also refer to as ‘the Declaration’), the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) did not involve the Protestant faith tradition in the consultation process (other traditions were consulted). This given brings the universality (UNESCO perspective) as well as the acceptability of the Declaration and its principles (democratic perspective) into question. In order to address this issue, it is necessary to involve the Protestant tradition in the discourse by presenting own reasons that support the universal principles in the Declaration (theological perspective). This discourse shows that respect for privacy and confidentiality as universal shared values can be grounded from a theological perspective. Therefore, the appeal of the Declaration to consider this principle seriously in the field of bioethics can be supported by the Protestant religious tradition.
Erratum: Wideband acoustic immittance for assessing middle ear functioning for preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Gouws Nandel , Swanepoel De Wet , Biagio de Jager Leigh
Published: June 2018

No abstract available.
Theoretical analysis of state capture and its manifestation as a governance problem in South Africa
Authors: Dassah Maurice O.
Published: June 2018

State capture became topical in South Africa in March 2016 following the dismissal of the then Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene, on 09 December 2015. ‘Nenegate’ revealed poor understanding of state capture among politicians and the general public. The literature indicates that state capture lacks analytical clarity as there is no clear demarcation between legitimate political lobbying and state capture created by corruption. The research question addressed in this article is: What is state capture and how is it manifested in South Africa? Firstly, it systematically unpacks the phenomenon as a type of business–state relationship distinct from influence, corruption and lobbying and outlines its types, features and essence. Secondly, the article explores state capture in contemporary South Africa. Methodology-wise, a combination of literature study and current research reports is used to illuminate the phenomenon and its manifestation. The article contributes to existing knowledge by not only clarifying a concept conflated with corruption but also analysing the manifestations of state capture in South Africa.
Sea-surface dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentration from satellite data at global and regional scales
Authors: Galí Martí , Levasseur Maurice , Devred Emmanuel , Simó Rafel , Babin Marcel
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The marine biogenic gas dimethylsulfide (DMS) modulates climate by enhancing
aerosol light scattering and seeding cloud formation. However, the lack of
time- and space-resolved estimates of DMS concentration and emission hampers
the assessment of its climatic effects. Here we present
DMSSAT, a new remote sensing algorithm that relies on
macroecological relationships between DMS, its phytoplanktonic precursor
dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSPt) and plankton light exposure. In the first
step, planktonic DMSPt is estimated from satellite-retrieved chlorophyll a
and the light penetration regime as described in a previous study (Galí
et al., 2015). In the second step, DMS is estimated as a function of DMSPt
and photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) at the sea surface with an
equation of the form: log10DMS=α+βlog10DMSPt+γPAR. The two-step
DMSSAT algorithm is computationally light and can be
optimized for global and regional scales. Validation at the global scale
indicates that DMSSAT has better skill than previous
algorithms and reproduces the main climatological features of DMS seasonality
across contrasting biomes. The main shortcomings of the global-scale
optimized algorithm are related to (i) regional biases in remotely sensed
chlorophyll (which cause underestimation of DMS in the Southern Ocean) and
(ii) the inability to reproduce high DMS ∕ DMSPt ratios in late summer
and fall in specific regions (which suggests the need to account for
additional DMS drivers). Our work also highlights the shortcomings of
interpolated DMS climatologies, caused by sparse and biased in situ sampling.
Time series derived from MODIS-Aqua in the subpolar North Atlantic between
2003 and 2016 show wide interannual variability in the magnitude and timing
of the annual DMS peak(s), demonstrating the need to move beyond the
classical climatological view. By providing synoptic time series of DMS
emission, DMSSAT can leverage atmospheric chemistry and
climate models and advance our understanding of plankton–aerosol–cloud
interactions in the context of global change.
An intercomparison of oceanic methane and nitrous oxide measurements
Authors: Wilson Samuel T. , Bange Hermann W. , Arévalo-Martínez Damian L. , Barnes Jonathan , Borges Alberto V. , Brown Ian , Bullister John L. , Burgos Macarena , Capelle David W. , Casso Michael , de la Paz Mercedes , Farías Laura , Fenwick Lindsay , Ferrón Sara , Garcia Gerardo , Glockzin Michael , Karl David M. , Kock Annette , Laperriere Sarah , Law Cliff S. , Manning Cara C. , Marriner Andrew , Myllykangas Jukka-Pekka , Pohlman John W. , Rees Andrew P. , Santoro Alyson E. , Torres Mabel , Tortell Philippe D. , Upstill-Goddard Robert C. , Wisegarver David P. , Zhang Guiling L. , Rehder Gregor
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Large scale climatic forcing is impacting oceanic biogeochemical cycles and is expected to influence the water-column distribution of trace gases including methane and nitrous oxide. Our ability as a scientific community to evaluate changes in the water-column inventories of methane and nitrous oxide depends largely on our capacity to obtain robust and accurate concentration measurements which can be validated across different laboratory groups. This study represents the first formal, international, intercomparison of oceanic methane and nitrous oxide measurements whereby participating laboratories received batches of seawater samples from the subtropical Pacific and the Baltic Sea. Additionally, compressed gas standards from the same calibration scale were distributed to the majority of participating laboratories to improve the analytical accuracy of the gas measurements. The computations used by each laboratory to derive the dissolved gas concentrations were also evaluated for inconsistencies (e.g. pressure and temperature corrections, solubility constants). The results from the intercomparison and intercalibration exercises provided invaluable insights into methane and nitrous oxide measurements. It was observed that analyses of seawater samples with the lowest concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide had the lowest precisions. In comparison, while the analytical precision for samples with the highest concentrations of trace gases was better, the variability between the different laboratories was higher; 36 % for methane and 27 % for nitrous oxide. In addition, the comparison of different batches of seawater samples with methane and nitrous oxide concentrations that ranged over an order of magnitude revealed the ramifications of different calibration procedures for each trace gas. Overall, this paper builds upon the intercomparison results to develop a framework for improving oceanic methane and nitrous oxide measurements, with the aim of precluding future analytical discrepancies between laboratories.
On the social dynamics of moisture recycling
Authors: Keys Patrick W. , Wang-Erlandsson Lan
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The biophysical phenomenon of terrestrial moisture recycling connects distant
regions via the atmospheric branch of the water cycle. This process, whereby
the land surface mediates evaporation to the atmosphere and the precipitation
that falls downwind, is increasingly well-understood. However, recent studies
highlight a need to consider an important and often missing dimension – the
social. Here, we explore the social dynamics of three case study countries
with strong terrestrial moisture recycling: Mongolia, Niger, and Bolivia. We
first use the WAM-2layers moisture tracking scheme and ERA-Interim climate
reanalysis, to calculate the evaporation sources for each country's
precipitation, a.k.a. the precipitationshed. Second, we examine the social
aspects of source and sink regions, using economic, food security, and
land-use data. Third, we perform a literature review of relevant economic
links, land-use policies, and land-use change for each country and its
evaporation sources. The moisture-recycling analysis reveals that Mongolia,
Niger, and Bolivia recycle 13, 9, and 18 % of their own moisture,
respectively. Our analysis of social aspects suggests considerable
heterogeneity in the social characteristics within each country relative to
the societies in its corresponding evaporation sources. We synthesize our
case studies and develop a set of three system archetypes that capture the
core features of the moisture-recycling social–ecological systems (MRSESs):
isolated, regional, and tele-coupled systems. Our key results are as follows:
(a) geophysical tele-connections of atmospheric moisture are complemented by
social tele-couplings forming feedback loops, and consequently, complex
adaptive systems; (b) the heterogeneity of the social dynamics among our case
studies renders broad generalization difficult and highlights the need for
nuanced individual analysis; and, (c) there does not appear to be a single
desirable or undesirable MRSES, with each archetype associated with benefits
and disadvantages. This exploration of the social dimensions of moisture
recycling is part of an extension of the emerging discipline of
socio-hydrology and a suggestion for further exploration of new disciplines
such as socio-meteorology or socio-climatology, within which the Earth system
is considered as a coevolutionary social–ecological system.
Campesinos y renta feudal en una sociedad colonial en construcción. La región de Tortosa, Tarragona (1148-1212)
Authors: Virgili Antoni
Published: June 2018

La conquista y colonización de la Cataluña Nueva en la segunda mitad del siglo XII (regiones de Tortosa y Lleida) representó el asentamiento de centenares de familias de colonos cristianos procedentes de distintas regiones feudales septentrionales. La historiografía ha insistido en distinguir entre un campesinado sujeto a servidumbre, propio de las comarcas de la Cataluña Vieja, y un campesinado libre, característico de las regiones de frontera con al-Ándalus (caso de la Cataluña Nueva). No obstante, esta distinción de orden jurídico no tiene en cuenta el alcance real de la renta feudal, en buena medida fijada en los censos estipulados en los contratos agrarios (donaciones a censo o establecimientos). En este estudio, centrado en la región de Tortosa en las décadas inmediatas a la conquista de 1148, se analiza en profundidad el contenido de estos documentos con el propósito, primero, de identificar a los censatarios para, en segundo lugar, discriminar quiénes de ellos eran los campesinos, y dónde situar el nivel de la renta feudal. Los datos que se aportan muestran que las cargas que gravaban al campesinado en una sociedad colonial en construcción propia de una región de conquista reciente alcanzaban unos niveles de renta semejantes a las exigidas a los campesinos de las áreas feudalizadas de la Cataluña Vieja.
La orientación de las iglesias mozárabes
Authors: Pérez Valcárcel Juan , Pérez Palmero Victoria
Published: June 2018

Las iglesias mozárabes plantean numerosos puntos dudosos, empezando por el propio concepto de mozárabe, muy discutido por los especialistas. Uno de ellos es su orientación, que tiene algunas características propias que lo diferencian de otros edificios prerrománicos. Mantienen la tendencia general de la orientación hacia la salida del sol, pero presentan unas dispersiones mayores que en otros ejemplos estudiados. Existe un porcentaje significativo de iglesias cuyas orientaciones no corresponden con ninguna posición posible del orto solar e incluso existe un caso especialmente extraño, como es la ermita de Hérmedes de Cerrato, con una orientación prácticamente a norte, excepcional en las iglesias altomedievales europeas. Dada la escasez de estudios específicos sobre la orientación de las iglesias mozárabes, los autores pretenden analizar las orientaciones medidas sobre un conjunto de 49 iglesias españolas y portuguesas. Son casi los únicos lugares donde se realizó esta arquitectura, a excepción de algunos ejemplos en la Septimania francesa, cuya consideración presenta dudas y que no se incluyen en la base de datos. Se trata de definir el día que fueron orientadas y las razones simbólicas, litúrgicas o funcionales de tal orientación. Para ello se hará una breve exposición de los cálculos astronómicos necesarios. También se analizarán algunos casos atípicos de interés, muy notables en este tipo de iglesias.
Cuando la patria es el idioma: la correspondencia inédita de Norah de Borges a Gabriela Mistral (1935-1948)
Authors: García Chacón Irene , Garcerá Fran
Published: June 2018

En su lucha por la profesionalización de la actividad artística, las creadoras de la primera mitad del siglo XX desarrollaron múltiples y diversas estrategias. Una de estas estrategias principales consistió en valerse de unas determinadas redes artísticas. La correspondencia epistolar, que en la época jugó un papel esencial a la hora de tejer estos lazos estéticos, supone una herramienta de inestimable valor para documentar dichas redes. El presente artículo explora, a través de la correspondencia inédita que la pintora Norah Borges (1901-1998) dirigió a la poeta Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957), la importancia que los escritos privados tuvieron en la configuración de la esfera pública. Las cartas que aquí se presentan son huellas de la solidaridad artística femenina. Materializan la relación personal y profesional mantenida por ambas creadoras que colaboraron con el fin de obtener u otorgar visibilidad y legitimación. Publicar estas misivas supone así un acto de comprensión de las vicisitudes íntimas que las dos artistas debieron soslayar y que se traduce en la integración de estos sujetos en nuestra historia cultural, artística y literaria.
Amor, posmodernidad y perspectiva de género: entre el amor romántico y el amor líquido
Authors: Sánchez-Sicilia Alejandro , Cubells Serra Jenny
Published: June 2018

Bauman acuñó el término modernidad líquida para conceptualizar y visibilizar la nueva manera de relacionarnos y vincularnos interpersonalmente. En el trabajo que aquí presentamos hemos querido analizar esta transición, mediante análisis del discurso, en concreto de repertorios interpretativos del programa de adolescentes para la búsqueda del amor Chicos y Chicas de YouTube, identificando las características que conforman el repertorio del amor líquido tanto en sus elementos teóricos como retóricos. El análisis que hemos llevado a cabo nos ha permitido identificar a su vez el conflicto, convivencia, complementación y fusión entre el amor romántico y el líquido, produciéndose así un fenómeno al que hemos denominado Consumo Romántico. Desde el análisis de género, tanto las prácticas románticas como las líquidas suponen una subordinación y objetivización de lo femenino frente a lo masculino. En ambas prácticas la mujer es desprovista de su capacidad de agencia, y se la presenta cual ente a la espera de ser conquistada en el amor romántico, y consumida en el amor líquido.
The Financing of Walloon Municipalities: A Financing between Externality and Solidarity
Authors: Bauweraerts Jonathan , Vandernoot Julien , Buchet Antoine
Published: June 2018

Belgium is a federal state made up of Regions and Communities. 262 Municipalities are situated in the Walloon Region. The aim of this paper is to describe their funding and to analyze the impact of the last reform of the funding of the Walloon municipalities. This reform is characterized by an increase in the overall amount of the funding and a change in the rules of funding. We analyze the impact of this change on municipalities’ revenue distribution by using a cluster system which allow us to see that some municipalities benefit more than the others from this new funding rules.
Met recht een zorg
Authors: Claessen D. , Eijkman Q.A.M. , Lamkaddem M.
Published: June 2018

Met recht een zorg: lokale sociale professionals als poortwachters van de Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning 2015

Op basis van één casestudy van een wijkteam in Amersfoort gaat dit artikel in op de mate van juridische kennis van lokale sociale professionals over de Wet maatschappelijke ondersteuning 2015 (Wmo 2015). Ook komen knelpunten aanbod, die zij ervaren in de uitvoering van de juridische procedure. Als hulpverlener dienen ze de belangen van hun cliënt te behartigen. Tegelijkertijd bepalen ze als poortwachter, onder mandaat van de gemeente, wie in aanmerking komt voor een maatwerkvoorziening op basis van de Wmo 2015. Deze dubbele pet heeft onbedoelde consequenties voor geschillenbeslechting. Professionalisering is nodig om de kwaliteit van besluitvorming door sociale professionals te verbeteren en de rechtspositie van mensen met een beperking sterker te waarborgen.
Le système d’identification automatique (AIS), un outil pour la gestion d’aires marines protégées : revue des applications au parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent
Authors: Turgeon Samuel , Martins Cristiane C. A. , Chion Clément , Ménard Nadia
Published: June 2018

Les diverses conséquences des activités de navigation sur le milieu marin sont maintenant reconnues et de plus en plus documentées, en particulier sur les mammifères marins. Dans les dernières années, les gouvernements se sont engagés à rehausser le niveau de protection du milieu marin, notamment par la création d’aires marines protégées. Le système d’identification automatique (AIS), implémenté à l’origine pour la sécurité maritime et la gestion du trafic, est devenu un outil indispensable pour la gestion des activités de navigation dans un contexte de conservation de l’environnement marin. Afin de présenter différentes applications des données AIS dans la gestion d’une aire marine protégée, nous utilisons comme étude de cas le parc marin du Saguenay–Saint-Laurent, reconnu pour la diversité des espèces de mammifères marins qui le fréquentent et pour l’intensité du trafic maritime. Les exemples portent sur la description de l’utilisation de l’espace maritime par les activités de navigation, sur l’évaluation et la modélisation de leurs effets environnementaux et sur le suivi de la conformité à des mesures de gestion. En plus d’illustrer les différents avantages d’utilisation des données AIS, une revue critique sur les limites de ces données en conservation est également présentée.
Principal cells of the brainstem’s interaural sound level detector are temporal differentiators rather than integrators
Authors: Franken Tom P , Joris Philip X , Smith Philip H
Published: June 2018

The brainstem’s lateral superior olive (LSO) is thought to be crucial for localizing high-frequency sounds by coding interaural sound level differences (ILD). Its neurons weigh contralateral inhibition against ipsilateral excitation, making their firing rate a function of the azimuthal position of a sound source. Since the very first in vivo recordings, LSO principal neurons have been reported to give sustained and temporally integrating ‘chopper’ responses to sustained sounds. Neurons with transient responses were observed but largely ignored and even considered a sign of pathology. Using the Mongolian gerbil as a model system, we have obtained the first in vivo patch clamp recordings from labeled LSO neurons and find that principal LSO neurons, the most numerous projection neurons of this nucleus, only respond at sound onset and show fast membrane features suggesting an importance for timing. These results provide a new framework to interpret previously puzzling features of this circuit.
Reproductive ecology of the endangered Beal’s-eyed turtle,Sacalia bealei
Authors: Lin Liu , Hu Qingru , Fong Jonathan Julio , Yang Jiangbo , Chen Zhongdong , Zhou Feiyu , Wang Jichao , Xiao Fanrong , Shi Haitao
Published: June 2018

The Beal’s-eyed turtle (Sacalia bealei) is endemic to southeastern China and endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. Knowledge ofS. bealeiecology is lacking and this study provides baseline information of its reproduction in a natural environment. We studied the reproductive ecology ofS. bealeiusing X-ray, spool-and-line tracking, and direct observation. Six nesting females were successfully tracked and their nesting behaviors are documented in detail. Females produced a mean clutch size of 2.2 eggs (range 1–3). The hard-shelled eggs were ellipsoidal with a mean length of 45.50 mm, a mean width of 23.20 mm, and mean weight of 14.8 g. The relative clutch mass was 9.47%, while the relative egg mass was 4.60%. The mean incubation period was 94.7 days with a mean nest temperature of 25.08 °C. Hatchlings had a mean weight of 9.7 g, carapace length of 40.1 mm, carapace width of 33.3 mm, carapace height of 17.4 mm, plastron length of 31.6 mm, and plastron width of 25.4 mm. The results of this study provide important information to inform conservation plans and ex-situ breeding for this endangered species.