bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy rainfall maps in Brazil to 5 year return period
Authors: Souza Gabriela Rezende de , Bello Italoema Pinheiro , Oliveira Luiz Fernando Coutinho de , Corrêa Flavia Vilela
Published: September 2019

This study created thematic heavy rainfall maps for Brazil, with durations of 5-, 30-, 60- and 120 minutes and 5 years of return period (T). The intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) relationships used were compiled from studies found in the literature (798 locations) and derived for 4411 rainfall gauges available in the Hidroweb information system, totaling 5209 rainfall data collected. To derive IDF relationships, Gumbel's probability distributions were used, with parameters estimated by the method of moments. Distribution adequacy was verified by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Rainfall-intensity values obtained by IDF relationships were spatialized in Geographic Information Systems, allowing elaboration of the thematic maps. Thematic maps enable obtain rainfall intensities for places without rain gauge data and/or precarious time-series data. Therefore, these maps are a great tool for the design of hydraulic structures related to urban and rural micro-drainage.
Fourier optimization and prime gaps
Authors: Carneiro Emanuel , Milinovich Micah B. , Soundararajan Kannan
Published: September 2019

We investigate some extremal problems in Fourier analysis and their connection to a problem in prime number theory. In particular, we improve the current bounds for the largest possible gap between consecutive primes assuming the Riemann hypothesis.
Поднятие параллелоэдров
Authors: Grishukhin Vyacheslav Petrovich , Danilov Vladimir Ivanovich
Published: September 2019

Параллелоэдр - это такой многогранник, параллельными сдвигами которого можно замостить пространство без зазоров и пересечений по внутренним точкам. Г. Вороной выдвинул гипотезу, что всякий параллелоэдр аффинно эквивалентен ячейке Дирихле-Вороного некоторой решетки. Б. Н. Делоне в статье по перечислению 4-мерных параллелоэдров использовал термин параллелоэдр смещения. В настоящей работе этот параллелоэдр называется параллелоэдром поднятия, так как он получается как расширение параллелоэдра до параллелоэдра размерности на единицу большей.
В настоящей статье показано, что в результате операции поднятия получаются именно те параллелоэдры, сумма Минковского которых с некоторым нетривиальным отрезком снова является параллелоэдром. Доказывается, что для параллелоэдров, допускающих поднятие и поднятых в общем положении, справедлива гипотеза Вороного.
Библиография: 20 названий.
Гармонический анализ периодических и почти периодических на бесконечности функций из однородных пространств и гармоничных распределений
Authors: Baskakov Anatoly Grigorievich , Strukov Victor Evgen'evich , Strukova Irina Igorevna
Published: September 2019

В статье изучаются периодические и почти периодические на бесконечности векторные функции из однородных пространств и гармоничные распределения. Определяется понятие ряда Фурье периодической и почти периодической на бесконечности функции (распределения), коэффициентами которого являются медленно меняющиеся на бесконечности функции (распределения). Изучаются свойства рядов Фурье, получен аналог теоремы Винера об абсолютно сходящихся рядах Фурье для периодических на бесконечности функций. Особое внимание уделяется критериям периодичности и почти периодичности на бесконечности решений дифференциальных и разностных уравнений. Одними из основных результатов статьи являются теоремы об асимптотическом поведении ограниченной полугруппы операторов, генератор которой не имеет предельных точек на мнимой оси. Кроме того, вводится понятие асимптотически конечномерной полугруппы операторов и доказывается теорема о структуре такой полугруппы.
Библиография: 39 названий.
Circuito de equações: uma estratégia para a aprendizagem ativa
Authors: Scott Puhl Cassiano , Jacintho Müller Thaísa , Gianni de Lima Isolda
Published: September 2019

Este artigo apresenta e discute uma estratégia de aprendizagem ativa aplicada como experimento para a construção de significados no estudo de equações, em uma turma de 9° ano do Ensino Fundamental. A atividade proposta aos estudantes compreende um circuito de questões sobre equações quadráticas, biquadradas e irracionais, e objetiva integrar a turma, atribuindo aos estudantes funções específicas e complementares. Tais funções definem papeis que aqui são chamados de solucionador, orientador e analisador de resoluções de equações. A proposta é fundamentada na teoria da aprendizagem de Vygotsky e na teoria do desenvolvimento cognitivo de Piaget, e, portanto, pretende propiciar momentos de interação, de cooperação e de pensamento coletivo, caracterizando-se como uma estratégia de aprendizagem ativa. Na prática, a turma é separada em equipes, sendo cada uma delas formada por três grupos, que se revezam na realização das atividades da seguinte maneira: um grupo sorteia uma equação e deve resolvê-la no quadro; outro precisa estar atento à resolução de forma a poder auxiliar os colegas em caso de dificuldade, e o terceiro grupo tem de analisar a resolução da equação sorteada, atentando à exatidão dos resultados e à adequação da linguagem matemática. Assim, a realização dos exercícios e a sua avaliação pelos pares promovem aprendizagem, e o caráter lúdico é o motor afetivo que incentiva as discussões e as reflexões para a construção do significado na experiência com equações. Além disso, a atividade oportuniza aos estudantes o desenvolvimento de habilidades de comunicação e de trabalho em equipe, que incluem respeito, cooperação e participação ativa. O resultado é o aprimoramento de conhecimentos, à medida que aprendem com os colegas e compartilham o que sabem
Vestígios do ensino de desenho na Escola Normal do Maranhão: uma leitura a partir de revisão de literatura
Authors: Guimarães Marcos Denilson , Lima Maria Consuelo Alves
Published: September 2019

Buscou-se neste artigo identificar nos trabalhos já produzidos de história da educação do Maranhão vestígios e/ou pistas (Bloch, 2002) que evidenciassem como se deu a formação de professores primários em Desenho na Escola Normal desse Estado. Com vistas a atingir esse objetivo, foi feita uma breve revisão da literatura, a partir da qual se estabeleceu a investigação. Neste sentido, descreve-se o movimento social, político e educacional da Escola Normal do Maranhão dos oitocentos (Saldanha, 2008; Soares, 2016; Castro, 2018), incluindo as tentativas de institucionalização e situando as condições que possibilitaram a formação dos profissionais no tocante à disciplina Desenho. A partir da tentativa de inserir o Maranhão num contexto de modernidade e progresso, a disciplina Desenho se insere neste movimento de alterações na formação dos professores primários maranhenses. E embora constitua um estudo ainda inicial, nomes de professores de Desenho e as suas devidas nomenclaturas já podem indicar dois possíveis movimentos: um de tomada desses sujeitos como experts em educação (Hofstetter et al., 2017) e outro de finalidades (Chervel, 1990) desta disciplina escolar.
The Philosophy of Susanne Langer
Authors: Chaplin Adrienne Dengerink
Published: September 2019

This book is a comprehensive study of one of the most insightful and fertile but also one of the most neglected and misunderstood philosophers of art of the twentieth century, Susanne Langer.

By the late 1980’s Langer’s Philosophy in a New Key (1942) was Harvard University Press’s all-time best-seller. But failure to recognise Langer’s seminal philosophical sources has led to frequent misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Beginning with an overview of Langer’s life and education, this study provides a much-needed explanation of how Langer’s philosophy of mind and feeling was shaped by four seminal sources: her mentors Henry Sheffer and Alfred North Whitehead and the European philosophers Ernst Cassirer and Ludwig Wittgenstein. By acknowledging the role of Sheffer and Whitehead, Chaplin is able to explain Langer’s aesthetics against the background of her earlier work on symbolic logic and argue that aesthetics for Langer does not lie at the margins of philosophy but at its very centre.

Shedding new light on Langer as an American philosopher whose innovative thought crosses the customary boundaries between analytic and European philosophy, The Philosophy of Susanne Langer confirms why she continues to have relevance today.
The Fund's Transparency Policy - Review of Experience and Next Steps
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper reviews the experience with transparency of the Fund’s activities and its members’ policies. Transparency of the Fund as an institution has now become much more systematic. Fund missions consult more regularly with a broad group of interested parties. The Independent Evaluation Office has been established to provide objective and independent evaluation of issues related to the Fund. The Fund’s transparency has also been increased through external consultations on, and independent evaluations of, its own policies and more systematic publication of policy papers. Finally, the Fund has enhanced the provision of information to the public through its website, and a substantial percentage of documents covering a wide range of topics is now published. Overall, activities of the Fund are now subject to much greater public scrutiny.
Background Paper for MFD Technical Assistance to Recent Post-Conflict Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper provides background information to the paper “MFD Technical Assistance to Recent Post-Conflict Countries.” The paper presents case studies on eight countries: Afghanistan, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Serbia, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste.
Macroeconomic and Structural Policies in Fund-Supported Programs - Review of Experience
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

A Fund-supported program is a package of envisaged policies which, combined with approved financing, is expected to achieve certain economic objectives such as fostering macroeconomic stability and orderly external adjustment, promoting growth and poverty reduction, and reducing vulnerability to future balance of payments problems or financial crises. This paper reviews experience with specific macroeconomic and structural policies intended to achieve these objectives.
Mali - Staff Assessment of Qualification for the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Mali reached the completion point under the enhanced HIPC initiative on March 6, 2003. Staff recommends that the Board determine that Mali qualifies for MDRI debt relief.
Cambodia - Staff Assessment of Qualification for the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Cambodia is not a HIPC country because its debt levels were below the relevant thresholds. It is, however, eligible under the MDRI because it had per capita annual GDP of below $380 as of 2004. No IDA relief is currently expected under the MDRI for non-HIPC countries. Staff is of the view that all criteria have been met, and recommends that the Board determine that Cambodia qualifies for immediate relief under the MDRI.
Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative and Exogenous Shocks Facility - Proposed Decisions
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper puts forward a package of proposed decisions to implement the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (“MDRI”) and establish the Exogenous Shocks Facility within the PRGF Trust; it also provides a Commentary on key aspects of the decisions. The proposed decisions generally reflect the overall structure and modalities that have been identified by the staff and endorsed by Executive Directors in the several meetings held to date concerning the G-8 debt relief proposal/MDRI and ESF.
Using the Government Finance Statistics Manual 2001 (GFSM 2001) Statistical Framework to Strengthen Fiscal Analysis in the Fund
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper responds to the Board’s call for greater consistency in fiscal reporting in line with GFSM 2001. In this context, the paper summarizes the framework, reviews the implementation process of the GFSM 2001 framework by member countries and Fund staff, and proposes pilot studies. It seeks the support of the Board for gradual adoption of the framework as the basis for fiscal analysis in Fund staff reports.
Report of the Managing Director to the International Monetary and Financial Committee on the IMF's Policy Agenda
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This report provides an update on the work and direction of the Fund since the 2005 Spring Meetings. Since that time, the global economy has enjoyed strong growth--albeit with significant regional differences--and an absence of major financial crises, even though growing imbalances and rising oil prices have clouded the outlook. Although some steps the Fund has been advocating for some time have been taken--for example, increased flexibility in exchange rate regimes in Asia—decisive action to reduce global imbalances has remained elusive. At the same time, progress toward the Millennium Development Goals MDGs) remains slow and uneven,1 highlighting the need for concerted action by all countries. Further impetus is also urgently needed to move the Doha Round of trade negotiations toward an ambitious conclusion.
2005 Review of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Approach - Balancing Accountabilities and Scaling Up Results
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In December 1999, the World Bank (the Bank) and the International Monetary Fund (the Fund) introduced a new approach to their relations with low-income countries, centered around the development and implementation of poverty reduction strategies (PRS) by the countries as a precondition for access to debt relief and concessional financing from both institutions. These strategies were also expected to serve as a framework for better coordination of development assistance among other development partners.
Can PRGF Policy Levers Improve Institutions and Lead to Sustained Growth?
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Broad economic institutions are of fundamental importance for sustained economic growth. Changing these institutions is difficult, particularly for outsiders. But this does not mean that there is no role for the Fund to play in assisting low-income countries to create conditions for sustained growth acceleration.
Report of the Independent Panel on Safeguards Assessments
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In its March 2002 review of the Safeguards Assessments (SA) policy, the Executive Board of the IMF indicated that an independent panel should be involved in the next review of the SA policy in early 2005. To meet this requirement, a panel of four deputy central bank governors from different regions was convened (see Attachment I). The panel was asked to determine whether safeguards assessments have been successful in meeting their stated objectives, and what, if any, improvements could be made to the safeguards policy and process going forward. The panel’s terms of reference are included as Attachment II.
Operational Framework for Debt Sustainability Assessments in Low-Income Countries - Further Considerations
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Building on initial discussions of the proposed framework in February/March 2004, and further considerations in September 2004, this paper responds to remaining concerns that need to be resolved to make the framework operational. These concerns relate to the indicative debt-burden thresholds (Section II); the interaction of the framework with the HIPC Initiative (Section III); and the modalities for Bank-Fund collaboration in deriving a common assessment of sustainability (Section IV). This note should be read in conjunction with the original proposal, which presented the wider issues on the use of the indicative thresholds, the evaluation of policies and institutions, and the need for discretion when assessing sustainability on a forward-looking basis.
Financial Sector Assessment Program - Review, Lessons, and Issues Going Forward
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper reports on developments in the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) since the last Board review of the FSAP in spring 2003 and discusses staff views of the programs evolution.
Subsidization of the Fund's Emergency Assistance for Natural Disasters to PRGF-Eligible Members
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper provides the semi-annual update on the financing of PRGF and HIPC operations and the subsidization of post-conflict emergency assistance.
Nepal - Assessment Letter for the Asian Development Bank
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Assessment Letters or Statements may be prepared for member countries with Fund-supported programs; receiving Fund emergency assistance; with staff-monitored programs; or surveillance-only cases. They are typically produced for use by the country with multilateral or bilateral donors or creditors, in particular the World Bank and other International Financial Institutions.
Bangladesh - Assessment Letter for the Asian Development Bank
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

Assessment Letters or Statements may be prepared for member countries with Fund-supported programs; receiving Fund emergency assistance; with staff-monitored programs; or surveillance-only cases. They are typically produced for use by the country with multilateral or bilateral donors or creditors, in particular the World Bank and other International Financial Institutions.
Borrowing Agreement with the Government of Canada
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This paper presents for the approval of the Executive Board a draft borrowing agreement between the Government of Canada and the Fund. The Government of Canada announced its willingness to lend up to $10 billion to the Fund to support the Fund’s ability to provide timely and effective balance of payments assistance to its members in the context of the summit of the Leaders of the Group of Twenty (G-20) in early April. Staff and the Canadian authorities have now reached agreement on a draft borrowing agreement, the text of which is set forth in the Attachment (the “Agreement”). The Agreement would make an important contribution to the multilateral effort to ensure the adequacy of the Fund’s financial resources, adding to the resources already available to the Fund from the borrowing agreements with Japan and Norges Bank that were approved by the Board recently. It is also expected that borrowing agreements with other members will be proposed for Board approval soon.
Framework Administered Account for Selected Fund Activities - Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic Technical Assistance Center (CAPTAC-DR) Subaccount
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In March 2009, the Fund established a new Framework Administered Account to administer external financial resources for selected Fund activities (the “SFA Instrument”). The financing of activities under the terms of the SFA Instrument is implemented through the establishment and operation of a subaccount within the SFA. The subaccount for the Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic Technical Assistance Center (CAPTAC-DR) would be the first one established under the SFA. This paper requests Executive Board approval to establish the CAPTAC-DR subaccount (the “Subaccount”) under the terms of the SFA Instrument.
Managing Public Debt-Formulating Strategies and Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In May 2007, the IMF and World Bank Boards discussed the paper "Strengthening Debt Management Practices: Lessons from Country Experiences and Issues Going Forward". In those discussions, the Boards of both institutions endorsed a public debt management (PDM) work program that was particularly focused on strengthening frameworks and capacity in low-income countries (LICs). This comprised three main elements: (i) develop a toolkit to help LICs formulate an effective Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) and apply it in 4–6 countries a year; (ii) undertake debt management performance assessments; and (iii) continue the provision of debt management and domestic market development technical assistance (TA) and advisory services to middle-income countries (MICs). This paper is a response to the Boards' request for an update on the development and implementation of that work program.

Developing a Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS)— Guidance Note for Country Authorities

Debt Management Performance Assessment Tool (DEMPA)

Developing a Medium Term Debt Management Strategy: User Guide and Analytical Tool — In March 2009, the Executive Boards of the World Bank and the IMF endorsed the Medium Term Debt Management Strategy (MTDS) Framework developed by IMF and World Bank staff to help countries elaborate effective debt management strategies. The MTDS framework and toolkit comprises two elements: An operational guidance note (GN) and a spreadsheet-based analytical tool (AT). The GN provides practical guidance on the process of developing an effective MTDS, describing each step involved, while the AT provides quantitative analysis to guide the MTDS decision-making process.
Review of the Adequacy of and Options for Supplementing Fund Resources
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This review discusses the potential scale of a possible increase, as well as modalities that would facilitate a prompt increase in the Fund’s resources should the need for additional resources be agreed. While a permanent increase in Fund resources has traditionally been achieved through an increase in quotas, borrowing has often been used to bridge to a general quota increase given the substantial time involved in the latter undertaking. At a time of crisis, the case for such an approach is even stronger. The precise design and scope of any such borrowing would need to be considered in consultation with potential creditors, and with careful attention to the broader implications for the Fund’s finances.
Fourteenth General Review of Quotas - Updated Data Set and Quota Calculations
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

In March 2009, the Fund established a new Framework Administered Account to administer external financial resources for selected Fund Activities (the “SFA Instrument”). The financing of activities under the terms of the SFA Instrument is implemented through the establishment and operation of a subaccount within the SFA. This paper requests Executive Board approval to establish the United States Subaccount for Selected Fund Activities (the “Subaccount”) under the terms of the SFA instrument.
Case Studies on Managing Government Compensation and Employment - Institutions, Policies, and Reform Challenges
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: September 2019

This supplement presents country case studies reviewing country experiences with managing wage bill pressures, which are the basis for the compensation and employment reform lessons identified in the main paper. The selection of countries for the case studies reflects past studies carried out by either the IMF or the World Bank in the context of technical assistance or bilateral surveillance (Table 1). These studies provide important insights into the different sources of wage bill pressures as well as the reform challenges governments have faced when addressing these pressures over the short and medium term. The studies cover 20 countries, including five advanced economies, six countries from sub-Saharan Africa, two countries in developing Asia, one country in the Middle East and North Africa, three countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and three countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the CIS. The structure of each case study is similar, with each study starting with a presentation of the institutional coverage and framework for setting and managing the wage bill; a description of employment and compensation levels, including their comparison with the private sector; and a discussion of the challenges that motivated the need for reforms and, when applicable, the reforms implemented and lessons derived from these.
International Financial Connection and Stock Return Comovement
Authors: Ando Sakai
Published: September 2019

This paper studies whether bilateral international financial connection data help predict bilateral stock return comovement. It is shown that, when the United States is chosen as the benchmark, a larger U.S. portfolio investment asset position on the destination economy predicts a stronger stock return comovement between them. For large economies such as the United States and Germany, the portfolio investment position is also the best predictor among other connection variables. The paper discusses with a simple general equilibrium portfolio model that the empirical pattern is consistent with the behavior of index investors who trade in response to risk-on/risk-off shocks.
Maldives
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept
Published: September 2019

The Maldives suffered devastating damage from the December 2004 tsunami. Although
human casualties were limited, damage to infrastructure was extensive, with the cost of
reconstruction estimated at nearly a half of GDP. Tourism declined by a third and the
economy contracted in 2005. Fiscal management has deteriorated and foreign reserves
declined from 3½ months of imports a year ago to 2½ months.
Republic of Poland
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept.
Published: September 2019

This capacity development mission follows on two earlier missions conducted by the Fiscal
Affairs Department (FAD) of the International Monetary Fund. These missions covered the
development of a Standard Chart of Accounts (SCoA) and the Medium-Term Budget Framework
(MTBF) that are part of the wider Public Financial Management reforms the Polish government is
implementing. These reforms will improve consistency in reporting and provide a stronger basis
for understanding the financial position of the general government. It will also help attain the
medium-term objective of reducing the structural deficit to 1 percent of GDP by 2021.
The mission commends the Polish Ministry of Finance (MoF), for the high level of
commitment to the reforms. This commitment was evidenced in various actions and activities
of government, including public pronouncements by the Minister of Finance. Also, the progress
made with the implementation of the recommendations of the earlier missions was noted. Most
notable was the establishment of the Budget System Reform (BSR)1 Project Governance
Structures, the progress that various working groups have made with research on their respective
topics, and the changes to the Budget Regulation of January 2019 to accommodate medium-term
planning. This is supported by the high level of knowledge and expertise displayed by staff
working on these reforms.
Mali
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: September 2019

Mali is a low-income fragile country facing significant development challenges that have intensified due to insurgency, terrorism, and social tensions. Implementation of the 2015 peace agreement is challenging, and the authorities have limited control over the North and Center regions. Mali’s social development could be further undermined by the recent instability and interethnic violence that complicates the government’s ability to implement basic social and poverty-reducing programs. The economic outlook for Mali remains positive but subject to important downside risks. The potential real growth rate is estimated at about 5 percent per year and inflation is expected to continue to be contained by the CFAF’s peg to the euro. Downside risks relate to the possible further deterioration of the security situation, potential shocks to the terms of trade (the price of gold, cotton, and fuels), and adverse weather conditions. In addition, a continued shortfall in domestically-financed public investment, if revenue mobilization does not improve as expected, could adversely affect growth potential and performance.
Plant assemblages in atmospheric deposition
Authors: Dong Ke , Woo Cheolwoon , Yamamoto Naomichi
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Plants disperse spores, pollen, and fragments into the
atmosphere. The emitted plant particles return to the pedosphere by
sedimentation (dry deposition) and/or by precipitation (wet deposition) and
constitute part of the global cycle of substances. However, little is known
regarding the taxonomic diversities and flux densities of plant particles
deposited from the atmosphere. Here, plant assemblages were examined in
atmospheric deposits collected in Seoul in South Korea. A custom-made
automatic sampler was used to collect dry and wet deposition samples for
which plant assemblages and quantities were determined using high-throughput
sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with universal plant-specific primers
targeting the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region. Dry deposition
was dominant for atmospheric deposition of plant particles (87 %). The
remaining 13 % was deposited by precipitation, i.e., wet deposition, via
rainout (in-cloud scavenging) and/or washout (below-cloud scavenging). Plant
assemblage structures did not differ significantly between dry and wet
deposition, indicating a possibility that washout, which is possibly
taxon-independent, predominated rainout, which is possibly taxon-dependent,
for wet deposition of atmospheric plant particles. A small number of plant
genera were detected only in wet deposition, indicating that they might be
specifically involved in precipitation through acting as nucleation sites in
the atmosphere. Future interannual monitoring will control for the
seasonality of atmospheric plant assemblages observed at our sampling site.
Future global monitoring is also proposed to investigate geographical
differences and investigate whether endemic species are involved in
plant-mediated bioprecipitation in regional ecological systems.
Global-scale human pressure evolution imprints on sustainability of river systems
Authors: Ceola Serena , Laio Francesco , Montanari Alberto
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Human pressures on river systems pose a major threat to the sustainable development of human societies in the twenty-first century. Previous studies showed that a large part of global river systems was already exposed to relevant anthropogenic pressures at the beginning of this century. A relevant question that has never been explained in the literature so far is whether these pressures are increasing in time, therefore representing a potential future challenge to the sustainability of river systems. This paper proposes an index we call “Differential Human Pressure on Rivers” (DHPR) to quantify the annual evolution of human pressure on river systems. DHPR identifies a per-year percentage increment (or decrement) of normalized human pressures on river systems (i.e., ratio of annual values to long-term average). This index, based on annual nightlights and stationary discharge data, is estimated for 2195 major river basins over a period of 22 years, from 1992 to 2013. The results show that normalized annual human pressure on river systems increased globally, as indicated by an average DHPR value of 1.9 % per year, whereby the greatest increase occurred in the northern tropical and equatorial areas. The evaluation of DHPR over this 22-year period allows the identification of hot-spot areas, therefore offering guidance on where the development and implementation of mitigation strategies and plans are most needed (i.e., where human pressure is strongly increasing).
Decreasing Wind Speed Extrapolation Error via Domain-Specific Feature Extraction and Selection
Authors: Vassallo Daniel , Krishnamurthy Raghavendra , Fernando Harindra J. S.
Published: September 2019

Abstract. Model uncertainty is a significant challenge in the wind energy industry and can lead to mischaracterization of millions of dollars' worth of wind resource. Machine learning methods, notably deep artificial neural networks (ANNs), are capable of modeling turbulent and chaotic systems and offer a promising tool that can be used to produce high-accuracy wind speed forecasts and extrapolations. This paper quantifies the role of domain knowledge on ANN wind speed extrapolation accuracy using data collected using profiling lidars over three field campaigns. A series of 11 meteorological features are used as ANN inputs and the resulting output accuracy is compared with that of a simple power law extrapolation. It is found that normalized inputs, namely turbulence intensity, normalized current wind speed, and normalized previous wind speed, are the features that most reliably improve ANN accuracy, providing up to a 52 % increase in extrapolation accuracy over the power law predictions. The volume of input data is also deemed important for achieving robust results. One test case is analyzed in-depth using dimensional and non-dimensional features, showing that feature normalization drastically improves network accuracy and robustness for uncommon atmospheric cases.
Atuação dos enfermeiros ante aos direitos dos pacientes: tomada de decisão, identidade e autonomia pessoal
Authors: Ramos Andreia Alves , Bampi Luciana Neves da Silva , Lunardi Valéria Lerch
Published: September 2019

Estudo que objetivou verificar a percepção dos enfermeiros acerca de sua atuação ante os direitos dos pacientes, considerando os fundamentos: tomada de decisão, identificação do paciente e autonomia pessoal. Estudo quantitativo, descritivo-observacional e transversal, realizado num Hospital Universitário de Brasília-DF. Dados foram coletados a partir da aplicação de instrumento específico para o objetivo proposto já validado, a 128 enfermeiros. Realizada análise estatística descritiva e teste estatístico não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Verificou-se que os enfermeiros perceberam-se atuando em defesa dos direitos dos pacientes em todos os fundamentos analisados sendo a autonomia pessoal o mais exercido e o favorecimento de informações para a tomada de decisão como o menos exercido. O estudo viabilizou a verificação de quais fundamentos do respeito aos direitos dos pacientes são percebidos como mais respeitados, além de produzir questionamento acerca do conhecimento teórico que os enfermeiros possuem sobre os conceitos e a aplicação destes fundamentos.
The Residue of Seed Harvest From Tropical Grasses as a Roughage Source in the Feedlot Lambs Diet
Authors: Ítavo Camila Celeste Brandão Ferreira , Ítavo Luis Carlos Vinhas , Valle Cacilda Borges do , Dias Alexandre Menezes , Difante Gelson Do Santos , Gomes Marina De Nadai Bonin , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , Soares Claudia Muniz , Silva Pâmila Carolini Gonçalves da , Ferell Kedma Leonora Silva Monteiro , Silva Jonilson Araújo , Souza Arco Thais Fernanda Farias de
Published: September 2019

Our hypothesis was whether the residue of seed harvest from tropical grasses (Brachiaria sp. and Panicum sp.) as roughage source might result in the similar performance of lambs confined to obtain sustainability in agricultural and food systems by use of this by-product. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the residue of seed harvest (straw-hay) from tropical grasses as a roughage source in the feedlot lamb diet on intake, digestibility, performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality. The randomized block design used 36 lambs (six animals per treatment) distributed in six treatments arranged in individual cages on performance assay. The offered straw-hay did not influence nutrient intake and digestibility. Chewing was influenced by straw-hays. In addition, an effect was not observed on the length of the carcass, length of the leg, width and perimeter of the croup, depth of the chest or weight of the left half of the carcass. The averages of gammon, palette and neck yields were considered satisfactory, which may have been caused by the high content of neutral detergent fiber that was offered (511.4 g/Kg for Tupi and 617.6 g/Kg for Basilisk), and the weight of the palette and gammon can result in high commercial value. The meat characteristic was affected by a straw-hay. Diets containing residue of seed harvest from tropical grasses (Brachiaria sp. and Panicum sp.) as a roughage source did not have any effect on the dry matter and crude protein consumption and on the growth performance. So, we recommend the residue of seed harvest from tropical grasses as a fiber source to feedlot lamb diet.
DYNAMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL STATE OF VEGETABLE COVERAGE AND LAND USE IN LANDSCAPE REGIONS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN PORTION OF THE BRAZILIAN STATE OF MATO GROSSO
Authors: Neves Sandra Mara Alves da Silva , Kreitlow Jesã Pereira , Miranda Miriam Raquel Da Silva , Galvanin Edinéia Aparecida Dos Santos , Da Silva João Dos Santos Vila , Cruz Carla Bernadete Madureira , Vicens Raúl Sánches
Published: September 2019

The objective of this article is to investigate the space-time dynamics of vegetation cover and land use and the Environmental State of the landscape regions of the southwestern portion of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso.The vegetation cover and land use maps were generated from the Landsat 5 satellite images from 1984, and Landsat 8 from 2013 in the SPRING software. Map quantifications and layouts were elaborated withArcGis. The regionalization and analysis of the environmental state of the landscape were made through a regional geoecological matrix. From the results obtained, it was verified that the anthropic uses in the period of study were expanded by 134.08% while the vegetal coverings were reduced by 21.66% and the water bodies by 39%. Pasture is the predominant land use in the region, 24.09% (31,335.86 km²), mainly occupying the flat and smooth wavy terrain. Forest cover totaled 66.36% (84,967.12 km2), being found mainly in forest fragments, in which the larger territorial dimensions are either protected by environmental legislation or located in indigenous lands. Eight landscape regions were delimited in the southwest portion of Mato Grosso, including the Paraguay River Depression, which presents the landscape with the highest percentage of anthropic uses, predominantly the Degraded Environmental State. It was concluded that there is a need to adopt land use practices that minimize the environmental degradation of landscape regions, considering that during the period under investigation, the expansion of anthropic uses, mainly Livestock, directly influenced the suppression of vegetation cover.
Sobre a noção de bem comum no pensamento político ocidental: entre becos e encruzilhadas da dimensão ancestral do moderno conceito de interesse público
Authors: Cristóvam José Sérgio Da Silva
Published: September 2019

O artigo tem por objetivo discutir as bases da noção de bem comum no pensamento político ocidental, a partir da breve recuperação de algumas ideias centrais do pensamento político da Antiguidade clássica grega (Platão e Aristóteles) e romana (Marco Túlio Cícero), passando pela filosofia cristã da Idade Média (Santo Agostinho e Santo Tomás de Aquino), até as portas do pensamento político moderno (a moralidade política em Nicolau Maquiavel e o conceito de vontade geral em Jean-Jacques Rousseau). Assim, pretende-se estabelecer uma espécie de genealogia da noção de bem comum e em certa medida um diálogo com a própria dimensão moderna de interesse público. O método utilizado é o dedutivo e monográfico e a técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica.
Os Circuitos da Economia Urbana na Perspectiva do Turismo em Belém, Pará
Authors: Chaves Rodrigues Ágila Flaviana Alves
Published: September 2019

O presente trabalho discute o turismo e sua relação com a teoria dos circuitos da economia urbana proposta por Milton Santos no final da década de 1970, considerando as suas atualizações. Buscou-se contribuir na compreensão de dinâmicas particulares do processo de urbanização de Belém, capital do estado do Pará, dentro das especificidades impostas pela atividade turística na orla central e sul da cidade. Com o intuito de atingir tal objetivo, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a teoria dos circuitos da economia, bem como a análise documental de planos e projetos governamentais, tendo o auxílio da observação sistemática não-participante da paisagem. Concluiu-se que as atuais propostas de intervenções na orla central e sul visam refletir as novas dinâmicas impostas pelo Estado em sua relação com os circuitos econômicos do turismo, que alteram de modo significativo a divisão social do trabalho sem, contudo, excluir suas antigas dimensões.
Impacts of Tropical Cyclones in the Northern Atlantic on Adverse Phenomena Formation in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Fedorova Natalia , Levit Vladimir , Carvalho Vieira Cavalcante Lucas
Published: September 2019

Tropical cyclone (TC) impacts on adverse phenomena in the tropical region of Northeastern Brazil (NEB) have been analyzed. TC influence on fog and rain formation was not described in the previous papers. The main goal of the chapter is to evaluate the existence of such influence and thus to improve the weather forecasting in this area. TC information from the NHC of the NOAA was used. METAR and SYNOP data were used for the adverse phenomena study. Analysis of the synoptic systems was based on different maps at the pattern levels and on satellite images. These maps were elaborated using reanalysis data from the ECMWF. Thermodynamic analysis was also used. Middle tropospheric cyclonic vortexes (MTCV) in the tropical region of the Southern Atlantic were described recently. Five from 10 MTCVs were associated with tropical cyclones and disturbances in the Northern Atlantic. Circulation patterns between TC and synoptic systems at the NEB are described. These circulations create sinking over the BNE and, as a result, form fog, mist and weak rain in the BNE during TC days. Mechanisms of TC influence on weather formation in the BNE are presented. This information is important for improving weather forecasting methods.
The effects of single versus multiple training sessions on the motor learning of two Krav Maga strike techniques, in women
Authors: Di Bacco Vincenzo E. , Taherzadeh Mehran , Birot Olivier , Gage William H.
Published: September 2019

Background. Experts of the Krav Maga (KM) self-defense system propose that KM techniques are based on simple body movements which are suggested to be learned rapidly and retained. This study investigated the acquisition, retention, and further improvement with additional training of two KM strike techniques among novice female practitioners: straight punch and defensive kick. Methods. Sixteen healthy females (age: 23 ± 3.7 years) without any previous martial arts/self-defense experience volunteered to participate. All participants received an initial 30-minute instruction session (AQ), taught by a certified KM instructor, where each technique was deconstructed into three checkpoints (defined as a component of the entire movement) for learning. Participants were divided into two groups, one of which received additional training. Several kinematic and kinetic measures were recorded at four timepoints: immediately before AQ, immediately after AQ, five days after AQ, and twelve days after AQ. Results. Results suggest that both techniques were learned rapidly, as checkpoint performance was significantly improved after AQ. Kick velocity and impact force also increased significantly after AQ, however, these measures did not change after AQ for the punch technique. Additional training did not improve either punch or kick performance beyond that learned during AQ. Conclusion. The findings from this study suggest that a single training session may be sufficient to learn and retain KM strike techniques relatively permanently; and the acquisition of the kick technique may lead to concomitant improvements in kick velocity and impact force.
Genetic diversity, functional properties and expression analysis ofNnSBEgenes involved in starch synthesis of lotus (Nelumbo nuciferaGaertn.)
Authors: Zhu Fenglin , Sun Han , Diao Ying , Zheng Xingwen , Xie Keqiang , Hu Zhongli
Published: September 2019

Background

Starch branching enzyme (SBE) is one of the key enzymes in starch biosynthetic metabolism, determining amylopectin structure.

Methods

Full length coding sequences (CDS) ofSBEgenes were cloned using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) technology, and neighbor-joining (NJ) tree was used for phylogenetic analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined to assess the genetic polymorphisms and variation indexes between individuals and clusters. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to analyze the spatial and temporal expression ofNnSBEgenes. The effect ofNnSBEgenes on amylopectin’s fine structures was explored using affinity and the enzyme activity analysis of two isoforms in amylopectin and amylose.

Results

In this study, two SBE family genes,NnSBEIandNnSBEIII, were identified in lotus (Nelumbo nuciferaGaertn.). Phylogenetic analysis sorted NnSBEI into SBE family B and NnSBEIII into SBE family A. UPGMA phylogenetic tree divided 45 individuals of lotus into three classes. The homozygous haplotype (A G G A G) ofNnSBEIIIwas observed in seed lotus. During the seed embryo development stage,NnSBEIIIreached the peak in the middle of the development stage, whileNnSBEIincreased in the mid-late developmental stage. The different affinity activity of the two isozymes binding amylopectin and amylose assay indicated NnSBEI has higher activity and wider affinity.

Discussion

Genetic diversity showed thatNnSBEgenes received artificial selection during the process of cultivation and domestication in lotus seeds. Furthermore, the expression pattern and affinity activity analysis indicated thatNnSBEgenes were related to the chain length of amylopectin.
Enterococcus faecalis α1–2‐mannosidase (EfMan‐I): an efficient catalyst for glycoprotein N‐glycan modification
Authors: Li Yanhong , Li Riyao , Yu Hai , Sheng Xue , Wang Jing , Fisher Andrew J. , Chen Xi
Published: September 2019

While multiple α 1–2‐mannosidases are necessary for glycoprotein N‐glycan maturation in vertebrates, a single bacterial α1–2‐mannosidase can be sufficient to cleave all α1–2‐linked mannose residues in host glycoprotein N‐glycans. We report here the characterization and crystal structure of a new α1–2‐mannosidase (EfMan‐I) from Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram‐positive opportunistic human pathogen. EfMan‐I catalyzes the cleavage of α1–2‐mannose from not only oligomannoses but also high‐mannose‐type N‐glycans on glycoproteins. Its 2.15 Å resolution crystal structure reveals a two‐domain enzyme fold similar to other CAZy GH92 mannosidases. An unexpected potassium ion was observed bridging two domains near the active site. These findings support EfMan‐I as an effective catalyst for in vitro N‐glycan modification of glycoproteins with high‐mannose‐type N‐glycans.
NAD
+
‐Reducing [
NiFe
]‐Hydrogenase
Authors: Shomura Yasuhito , Higuchi Yoshiki
Published: September 2019

Hydrogenases catalyze the decomposition and synthesis of molecular hydrogen (H
2
) and play crucial roles in microbial H
2
metabolism. They are divided into evolutionarily independent three classes based on the metal content of the active sites: the [Fe]‐, [FeFe]‐, and [NiFe]‐hydrogenases. The NAD
+
‐reducing [NiFe]‐hydrogenases contain the Ni–Fe cluster at the active site in the heterodimeric hydrogenase unit, HoxHY, which forms a complex with the heterodimeric NADH diaphorase unit, HoxFU, harboring FMN as a cofactor for the oxidation and reduction of pyridine nucleotides. The members from photosynthetic bacteria and
Geobacter
spp. further contain the HoxE subunit as a component of the diaphorase unit, which is termed the heteropentamer types. The active sites of the hydrogenase in HoxH and the diaphorase in HoxF are connected via several Fe–S clusters for electron transfer.