Resumen La agricultura es una actividad humana vital que contribuye al desarrollo sostenible. Hace unas décadas, el sector agrícola introdujo el Internet de las Cosas (IoT), desempeñando un papel relevante en la agricultura de precisión e inteligente. Los desarrollos IoT en agricultura requieren colaboración entre múltiples dispositivos, lo que incrementa su vulnerabilidad, debido principalmente a la falta de seguridad integrada por restricciones del contexto. Otras amenazas a estos dispositivos conciernen el almacenamiento y procesamiento de datos conectados a servidores periféricos o en nube. Para garantizar que las soluciones IoT cumplen los requisitos funcionales y no funcionales, especialmente los de seguridad, las empresas de software deberían adoptar un enfoque centrado en la seguridad para su especificación de requerimientos de software. El objetivo del artículo consistió en proponer un método ligero para especificar escenarios de seguridad integrando los puntos de vista de requisitos y arquitectura en el contexto del IoT en soluciones agrícolas. El método comprende cuatro actividades: (i) crear escenarios de buen uso, (ii) crear escenarios de uso incorrecto, (iii) traducir el escenario anterior en escenario de seguridad aplicando reglas y (iv) refinar el escenario de seguridad resultante. También se describe un prototipo de herramienta que utiliza el algoritmo propuesto para ayudar a reforzar el escenario de uso incorrecto basado en el escenario de uso correcto, dando al experto la posibilidad de completar la información para el análisis y posterior derivación del escenario de seguridad. Por último, se proporciona una evaluación preliminar del método propuesto. Los resultados de mostraron que el enfoque propuesto permite a los ingenieros de software definir y analizar escenarios de seguridad en los contextos de IoT y agricultura con buenos resultados. La encuesta, aplicada a cinco expertos en seguridad, encontró que el método de escenario de seguridad propuesto es generalmente útil, pero necesita mejoras en diferentes áreas.

Abstract Agriculture is a vital human activity that contributes to sustainable development. A few decades ago, the agricultural sector adopted the Internet of Things (IoT), which has played a relevant role in precision and smart farming. The IoT developments in agriculture require that numerous connected devices work cooperatively. This increases the vulnerability of IoT devices, mainly because they lack the necessary built-in security because of their context and computational capacity. Other security threats to these devices are related to data storage and processing connected to edge or cloud servers. To ensure that IoT-based solutions meet functional and non-functional requirements, particularly those concerning security, software companies should adopt a security-focused approach to their software requirements specification. This paper proposes a method for specifying security scenarios, integrating requirements and architecture viewpoints into the context of IoT for agricultural solutions. The method comprises four steps: (i) describe scenarios for the intended software, (ii) describe scenarios with incorrect uses of the system, (iii) translate these scenarios into security scenarios using a set of rules, and (iv) improve the security scenarios. This paper also describes a prototype application that employs the proposed algorithm to strengthen the incorrect use scenario based on the correct use scenario. Then, the expert can complete the information for the analysis and subsequent derivation of the security scenario. In addition, this paper describes a preliminary validation of our approach. The results show that the proposed approach enables software engineers to define and analyze security scenarios in the IoT and agricultural contexts with good results. A survey administered to five security experts found that the proposed security scenario method is generally useful for specifying agricultural IoT solutions but needs improvement in different areas.

Resumo No leste subúmido da Bahia, Brasil, água de superfície armazenada em reservatórios revestidos é usada para irrigar por gotejamento plantas de fumo tipo Sumatra cultivadas sob sombreamento parcial. Este trabalho, no âmbito de um estudo maior sobre evaporação, teve como objetivo monitorar, durante duas estações de cultivo (2015 e 2016), a turbidez da água, o balanço de radiação (componentes de onda curta - OC e onda longa - OL) e a temperatura superficial da água (Tw), com sensores instalados numa plataforma flutuante. A turbidez da água era muito baixa (cerca de 2,6 NTU em média) devido à filtragem e tratamento osmose reversa antes do armazenamento. Com base nos dados de ambas as estações, a radiação líquida de OC Snet correspondeu a cerca de 96% da radiação de OC incidente Sg. O saldo diário de OL Lnet foi consistentemente negativo (média de -55,1 W/m2). A radiação líquida total Rn correspondeu a 77% de Snet. Quatro dias foram selecionados (dois de cada ano) para avaliar os efeitos da nebulosidade nos componentes de OC e OL. Enquanto Snet diminuiu com a nebulosidade devido ao bloqueio da radiação solar, Lnet também diminuiu, mas devido ao aumento da radiação OL incidente Latm com a nebulosidade. Rn também diminuiu com a cobertura de nuvens. Com base nos dados de 2015, em média, a Tw diária (26,1 °C) foi maior que a temperatura do ar Ta (21,8 °C) devido à absorção da radiação solar pela superfície, Ta mostrando uma amplitude diária muito maior. Bahia Brasil parcial trabalho evaporação monitorar 2015 (201 2016, 2016 , 2016) Tw, (Tw) flutuante 26 2 6 2, média armazenamento 96 Sg 55,1 551 55 1 -55, W/m2. Wm2 Wm W/m2 . W m2 m W/m2) 77 dois ano nuvens 26,1 261 (26, °C C 21,8 218 21 8 (21, 201 (20 (Tw 9 55, 5 -55 W/m 7 26, (26 21, (21 20 (2 -5 (

Abstract In eastern sub-humid Bahia, Brazil, surface water stored in lined ponds is used to drip irrigate Sumatra tobacco plants grown under partial shading. This work, as part of a large evaporation study, aimed at monitoring, over two irrigation seasons (2015 and 2016), the water turbidity, the radiation balance (shortwave - SW and longwave - LW components), and the skin water temperature (Tw) with sensors deployed in a raft. The water turbidity was very low (around 2.6 NTU on average) due to filtration and reverse osmosis treatment of water prior to storage. Considering data from both seasons, the net SW radiation Snet was about 96% of incoming SW flux Sg. The daily net LW flux Lnet was consistently negative (-55.1 W/m2 average). The net all-wave radiation Rn corresponded to 77% of Snet. Four days were selected from both seasons to evaluate the effects of cloudiness on the SW and LW components. While Snet decreased with cloudiness due to solar radiation blockage, Lnet also decreased but due to increasing of downward LW radiation Latm with cloudiness. Rn also decreased with cloud cover. Based on the 2015 data, on average, daily Tw (26.1 °C) was higher than air temperature Ta (21.8 °C) due to near-surface absorption of solar radiation with Ta showing a much higher daily amplitude. subhumid sub humid Bahia Brazil shading work study monitoring (201 2016, 2016 , 2016) shortwave components, components components) (Tw raft around 26 2 6 2. average storage 96 Sg 55.1 551 55 1 (-55. Wm2 Wm W m2 m W/m average. . allwave all wave 77 blockage cover 201 26.1 261 (26. °C C 21.8 218 21 8 (21. nearsurface near amplitude (20 9 55. 5 (-55 7 20 26. (26 21. (21 (2 (-5 ( (-

Abstract The exponential growth of Databases at the beginning of this century generated the need for innovative mechanisms for information storage and management. One of these emerging paradigms is cloud computing, a model that provides access to a group of computing resources through the network in a simple way. The aim of this study is to elaborate a state of the art on aspects related to Databases used for cloud computing. For this, 5 research questions were specified that served to guide a systematic review of the literature with which 72 Primary Studies were analyzed; among the findings, eight specific techniques for Database modeling were found, the most cited being data encryption; likewise, it was possible to identify that Amazon is the most popular corporate provider for this type of management systems.

Resumen El crecimiento exponencial de las Bases de Datos a principios del presente siglo generó la necesidad de mecanismos innovadores para almacenamiento y gestión de información. Uno de estos paradigmas emergentes es el cómputo en la nube, un modelo que brinda acceso a un conjunto de recursos informáticos a través de la red de una manera sencilla. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo elaborar un estado del arte sobre aspectos vinculados con los esquemas de persistencia utilizados para el cómputo en la nube. Para ello se especificaron 5 preguntas de investigación que sirvieron para guiar una Revisión Sistemática de Literatura con la que se analizaron 72 Estudios Primarios. Entre los hallazgos se encontraron ocho técnicas específicas para el modelado de Bases de Datos, siendo la más citada el cifrado de datos; así mismo, se pudo identificar que Amazon es el proveedor corporativo más popular para dicho tipo de sistemas de gestión.

Resumo Introdução / objetivo: Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de demonstrar os fatores que impactam a aceitação de tecnologia de armazenamento em nuvem nos escritórios de contabilidade filiados a uma instituição representativa de seus interesses no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, amparada pelos paradigmas propostos pela Teoria Unificada de Aceitação e Uso de Tecnologia. Metodologia: A coleta de dados procedeu-se por meio de um questionário disponibilizado aos endereços eletrônicos dos responsáveis pelos escritórios de contabilidade, por meio do sistema Google Form. Na análise dos dados, o estudo recorreu ao software SPSS 25, para a apresentação da estatística descritiva, e ao software SmartPLS 3.0, para a modelagem de equações estruturais. Resultados: As evidências da pesquisa apontaram que apenas a variável “hábito” apresentou significância, demonstrando que somente esse construto apresenta influência significativa na intenção de uso da ferramenta de armazenamento em nuvem. Conclusões: Como contribuição, este estudo auxilia na gestão organizacional, no entendimento dos fatores influenciadores da adoção de tecnologias de armazenamento em nuvem, a fim de melhorar a rotina dos escritórios de contabilidade e maximizar a agilidade, o custo e a segurança do armazenamento de dados.

Abstract Introduction / objective: This research was carried out to demonstrate the factors that impact the acceptance of cloud storage technology in accounting offices affiliated with an institution representing their interests in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, supported by the paradigms proposed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Methodology: Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire made available to the electronic addresses of those responsable for accounting offices, through the Google Form system. In data analysis, the study used the SPSS 25 software for the presentation of descriptive statistics and the SmartPLS 3.0 software for structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The research evidence showed that only the variable habit presented a positive hypothesis, demonstrating that only this construct has a significant influence on the intention to use the cloud storage tool. Conclusions: As a contribution, this study helps organizational management in understanding the factors influencing the adoption of cloud storage technologies, aiming to improve the routine of accounting offices and maximize the agility, cost, and security of data storage.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the public sector's willingness to entrust their records to cloud computing technology with the view to propose potential strategies to encourage cloud migration. This qualitative study, utilised interviews, and document analysis to collect data. The target population consisted of purposively chosen chief information officers and records practitioners from the national government departments in South Africa. A total of ten participants were interviewed and data were analysed thematically. The study made several findings such as that the government was hesitant to subscribe to the privately-owned cloud due to security concerns such as attack of a physical host, bankruptcy, cross-border jurisdiction, sovereignty, access to information, and data loss, as well as the absence of legislation on cloud storage. The study recommends for the enactment of cloud storage legislation and encourage the storage of digital records on a cloud within the borders of South African virtual space.

Abstract The notion of Digital Carbon Footprint refers to the amount of Carbon Dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s activity, organization or community derived from the use of Information and Communication Technologies. The main objective of this research is to contribute elements to the debate on the high environmental impact of the global digital activity, emphasizing the current context characterized by an increasingly intensive use of interconnected electronic devices as well as digital resources that cloud storage requires. We conclude that the increase in the Digital Carbon Footprint has a high socio-environmental impact, a fact that takes us away from the carbon neutrality indicated by the 2030 Agenda and will only be mitigated as long as it intertwined with new energy management model (renewable energy) that optimize both the infrastructure (date centers) such as the very use of the Internet, as well as the cloud information storage.

Resumen La noción de huella de carbono digital se refiere a la cantidad de dióxido de carbono liberada a la atmósfera como resultado de la actividad de un individuo, organización o comunidad, derivado del uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. El objetivo central de este trabajo es aportar elementos al debate sobre el alto impacto ambiental de la actividad digital global, y poner el foco de atención en el contexto actual caracterizado por un uso cada vez más intensivo tanto de los dispositivos electrónicos interconectados como de los recursos digitales que requiere el almacenamiento de la información en la nube virtual. Concluimos que el incremento de la huella de carbono digital tiene un alto impacto socioambiental, ya que nos aleja de la carbononeutralidad señalada por la Agenda 2030 y solo será mitigado en tanto se entrelace con nuevos modelos de gestión energética (energías renovables) que optimicen tanto la infraestructura (data centers), el uso mismo del internet, como el almacenamiento de la información en la nube.

SUMMARY: Cloud forests are ecosystems with high hydrological value, however, land use change and the modification of climate patterns are increasingly threatening their existence. This study examined the hydrological behavior of the Los Gavilanes river catchment (~ 35 km2) that supplies 90 % of water to the city of Coatepec (Veracruz, México) and surrounding areas. Rainfall was registered using automatic rain gauges and streamflow was measured using water level readings from pressure transducers in combination with stream gauging methods. Annual rainfall (2015-2016) was 2,692 mm distributed in 177 events with mean rainfall amounts and average intensities of 22.6 mm and 6.5 mm hr-1 during the wet season, respectively, and 11.4 mm and 1.6 mm hr-1 during the dry season. Annual streamflow was 1,394 mm, of which 90 % was baseflow with no seasonal differences observed. In general, the catchment’s hydrological response shows a clear signal of its high rainfall infiltration and water storage capacity, characteristics preserved by the forest cover, allowing to sustain streamflow and the provision of water sources for the region throughout the year. Finally, maximum rain event intensities and amounts were the key variables explaining quickflow and baseflow generation and total discharge in the study catchment.

RESUMEN: Los bosques de niebla son ecosistemas de alto valor hidrológico, sin embargo, el cambio de uso de suelo y modificación de los patrones climáticos amenazan cada vez más su existencia. Este trabajo examinó el comportamiento hidrológico de la cuenca del río Los Gavilanes (~ 35 km2) que suministra el 90 % del agua potable a la ciudad de Coatepec (Veracruz, México) y congregaciones aledañas. La precipitación fue registrada con pluviómetros y el caudal fue medido con transductores de presión y aforos. La cantidad de precipitación anual (año hidrológico 2015-2016) fue de 2.692 mm distribuida en 177 eventos con tamaños de lluvia e intensidades promedio de 22,6 mm y 6,5 mm hr-1 durante la época de lluvias, respectivamente, y de 11,4 mm y 1,6 mm hr-1 durante la época de secas. El caudal anual observado fue de 1.394 mm, con una contribución del 90 % del flujo base sin diferencias estacionales. En general, la respuesta hidrológica de la cuenca muestra una clara señal de sus altas tasas de infiltración y almacenamiento de agua en el suelo y subsuelo, características conservadas por la cobertura boscosa, lo que permite sostener caudales y proveer agua para la región a lo largo del año. Finalmente, el tamaño y la intensidad máxima de los eventos de precipitación fueron las variables que más se correlacionaron con el caudal total y la generación de flujos rápido y base en la cuenca estudiada.

Resumen: El presente trabajo busca esclarecer cómo la prestación de servicios de cloud computing puede afectar al derecho a la protección de datos personales reconocido a los consumidores ecuatorianos, y qué medidas podrían ser establecidas por el Estado para que este derecho los ampare de forma preventiva. Inicialmente se explicará el modelo de prestación de servicios del cloud computing, estableciendo las fases para el tratamiento de datos personales. También se definirán pautas estandarizadas para comprender el derecho a la protección de datos personales y su aplicabilidad para los consumidores ecuatorianos. Finalmente, se intentará dilucidar si existe la necesidad de implementar en Ecuador normativa que prevenga y ampare en relaciones B2C frente al cloud computing.

Abstract: The present work seeks to clarify how the provision of cloud computing services can affect the right to data protection granted to Ecuadorian consumers, and the measures that could be established by the State so that this right guards them in a preventive manner. Initially, the model for provision of cloud computing services are explained, setting up phases for the processing of personal data. Standard guidelines will also be defined to understand the right of data protection and its enforceability by Ecuadorian consumers. Finally, we will attempt to clarify the need to implement in Ecuador a preventive framework that protects B2C relations in face of cloud computing.

Abstract: Biomedical research has become an intensive effort, based on a secure and scalable computing, storage and network infrastructure, which has traditionally been acquired, supported and maintained locally. For certain types of biomedical applications, "Cloud Computing" has emerged as an alternative to traditional locally maintained computing approaches. Cloud computing provides users with usage-based access to services such as hardware infrastructure, platforms and software to solve common biomedical computing problems. Cloud computing services provide secure, on-demand storage and analysis and are differentiated from traditional high- performance computing by their rapid availability and service scalability. As such, cloud services are designed to address large data issues and improve the likelihood of sharing, replicating and reusing data and analysis. This paper is adapted from the article "Cloud computing applications for biomedical science: A perspective", published under the CC0 1.0 Universal license, which provides a list of cloud computing tools useful for academics, researchers and science students working with biological data. Here, an introductory perspective on cloud computing is provided to help the Spanish-speaking reader determine its value for their own research.

Resumen: La investigación biomédica se ha convertido en un esfuerzo intensivo basado en una infraestructura de computación, almacenamiento y de red segura y escalable, que tradicionalmente se ha adquirido, apoyado y mantenido de forma local. Para ciertos tipos de aplicaciones biomédicas, el “Cloud Computing” o computación en la nube ha surgido como una alternativa a los enfoques de computación tradicionales mantenidos localmente. La computación en la nube ofrece a los usuarios acceso de pago por uso a servicios tales como infraestructura de hardware, plataformas y software para la solución de problemas computacionales biomédicos comunes. Los servicios de computación en la nube ofrecen almacenamiento y análisis seguros bajo demanda y se diferencian de la informática tradicional de alto rendimiento por su rápida disponibilidad y la escalabilidad de sus servicios. Como tales, los servicios en la nube están diseñados para abordar grandes problemas de datos y mejorar la probabilidad de compartir, reproducir y reutilizar datos y análisis. El presente trabajo es una adaptación del artículo “Cloud computing applications for biomedical science: A perspective”, publicado bajo la licencia de CC0 1.0 Universal, la cual ofrece una lista de herramientas de computación en la nube útiles para académicos, investigadores y estudiantes de ciencias que trabajan con datos biológicos. Aquí, se proporciona una perspectiva introductoria sobre la computación en la nube para ayudar al lector de habla hispana a determinar su valor para su propia investigación.

Abstract: Cloud storage services in public clouds (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.) allow users to store, to access and to share digital content twenty four hours a day and seven days a week, just using an internet connection and a compatible device. The security of stored digital content is a concern for both parties, both the service provider and the client. Along with the technical tools intended to offer security in the use of the service, we also find several “contractual tools”, which define the client’s expectations regarding the integrity and privacy of the stored content (for example, clauses on the use and access to these contents by the service provider itself or by third parties, or limitation of liability clauses in favor of the provider). This work offers an analysis of this contract and those clauses, with the purpose to determine its content, validity and effectiveness, from Chilean Law perspective.

Resumen: Los servicios de cloud storage en nubes públicas (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, etcétera) permiten a los usuarios almacenar, acceder y compartir contenidos digitales en todo momento, bastando una conexión a internet y un dispositivo compatible. La seguridad de los contenidos digitales almacenados es una preocupación tanto para el proveedor como para el cliente. En este punto, junto con las herramientas técnicas destinadas a ofrecer seguridad en el uso del servicio, es posible hallar una serie de herramientas contractuales que delimitan las expectativas del cliente en relación con la integridad y privacidad de los contenidos almacenados. Por ejemplo, sobre el uso y acceso a esos contenidos por parte del parte del propio prestador del servicio o de terceros, o cláusulas de exoneración de responsabilidad en favor del prestador. En este trabajo se ofrece un análisis de este contrato y de dichas cláusulas, a fin de determinar su contenido, validez y eficacia, a la luz del derecho chileno.

A evolução das redes de telecomunicações tem promovido o desenvolvimento de novas aplicações para dispositivos móveis. Algumas destas aplicações exigem requisitos computacionais e energéticos que vão para além das capacidades dos dispositivos móveis. Neste contexto, pode ser utilizada a arquitetura Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC), que permite executar as aplicações em datacenters na cloud e aliviar o processamento nos dispositivos móveis. No entanto, algumas aplicações mais exigentes, e.g. interativas e de tempo real, são mais sensíveis ao atraso no processamento e comunicação da informação. Para estas aplicações, a arquitetura Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) pode ser utilizada como uma tecnologia intermédia que disponibiliza recursos computacionais e de armazenamento a partir da periferia da rede. Este artigo apresenta um estudo que avalia o desempenho das arquiteturas MCC e MEC na execução de duas aplicações tomadas como representativas do espectro das aplicações interativas, de tempo real e de processamento intensivo: o Fluid e o FaceSwap. São apresentados resultados que permitem quantificar o desempenho destas arquiteturas em diferentes circunstâncias.

Telecommunication networks evolution is driving the development of new applications for mobile devices. Some of these applications are resource-intensive and push computational and energy demands of mobile devices beyond the mobile hardware capabilities. In this context, Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) architecture emerges as a solution for offloading mobile devices that allows to execute these applications in cloud datacenters thus reducing the processing demand in mobile devices. However, more demanding applications, e.g. interactive and real-time applications, are sensitive to processing and communications delay. For these applications, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) can be used as an intermediary technology, providing computing and storage resources in the network edge. This paper presents a study carried out to evaluate the performance of MEC and MCC architectures when executing two applications, Fluid and FaceSwap, representative of real time and computing intensive applications. A set of scenarios were designed to quantify the performance of these architectures in different settings.

Businesses store more and more information on their systems without being easily precise about their value and the ease with which they can lose it. From the physical damage of its servers, hard drives and storage media, such as other factors such as floods or electrical surges, to computer attacks, file hijacking or virus infections, simple falls or accidental or intentional deletion of data, there are many the causes of the loss of information by SMEs. Among the challenges that an SME faces in the face of a technological disaster is a direct impact on profits and the future of the business, on the reputation of the brand, legal problems with data protection regulations, direct direct costs, lack of availability and data accessibility. This article presents an overview of the most important concepts of Cloud Computing, showing the potential of the Amazon S3 low-cost storage service, makes a comparative comparison between a traditional deployment on premises and the storage service. S3 at the level of security, availability and costs, subsequently ends with the analysis of a case study using the financial model of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), as a tool for making decisions in technology projects and as a result provided a clear economic benefit to the opt for AWS S3 Cloud Storage Service.

Las empresas almacenan cada vez más información en sus sistemas sin ser plenamente conscientes de su valor y la facilidad con la que pueden perderla.  Desde el daño físico de sus servidores, discos duros y medios de almacenamiento, como otros factores como las inundaciones o sobrecargas eléctricas, pasando por ataques informáticos, secuestro de archivos o infecciones de virus, simples caídas o borrado accidental o intencionado de datos, son muchas las causas de la pérdida de información por parte de las pymes. Dentro de los impactos que tendría una pymes ante un desastre tecnológico esta Impacto directo en los beneficios y en el futuro del negocio, en la  reputación de la marca, Problemas legales con las normativas de protección de datos, Costes directos elevados, Falta de disponibilidad y accesibilidad a los datos.  Este artículo presenta una visión general de los conceptos más importantes de la Computación en la nube mostrando las potencialidades que tiene el servicio de almacenamiento a bajo costo de Amazon S3, se realiza una comparativo entre  una implementación tradicional On premise y el servicio de almacenamiento S3  a nivel de seguridad, Disponibilidad y Costos, posteriormente  finaliza  con el análisis de una caso estudio utilizando el modelo financiero de Coste Total de Propiedad (TCO), como herramienta para toma decisiones en proyectos de tecnología y proporcionó como resultado un claro beneficio económico al optar por el servicio  almacenamiento en la nube  de AWS S3.

BACKGROUND: Many scholars lament of poor infrastructure for the management and preservation of digital records in the public sector in South Africa. For example, in South Africa, the national archives repository and its subsidiary provincial archives do not have infrastructure to ingest digital records into archival custody. As a result, digital records are left to the creating agencies to manage and preserve. The problem is compounded by the fact that very few public sector organisations in South Africa have procured systems to manage digital records. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether government departments in South Africa entrust their records to cloud storage. The study asked the questions: How are digital records managed and stored in these organisations? Do government departments entrust their records to the cloud as an alternative storage?. METHOD: Qualitative data were collected through interviews with purposively chosen chief information officers, records managers and IT managers from public entities that implemented e-government services, as well as officials from the National Archives and Services of South Africa, which is charged with the statutory regulatory role of records management in governmental bodies and the State Information Technology Agency, a public sector Information Communication Technology (ICT) company established in 1999 to consolidate and coordinate the state's information technology resources. RESULTS: The key findings suggest that although public servants informally and unconsciously save some records in the cloud, government departments in South Africa are sceptical to entrust their records in the cloud because of a number of reasons such as lack of trust in the cloud storage, jurisdiction, legal implications, privacy and security risks related to Minimum Information Security Standards, as well as lack of policy and legislative framework, specifically regarding cloud storage. CONCLUSION: Because of lack of infrastructure for management and preservation of digital records, for the purpose of increased storage and access, this study recommends that government departments should cautiously consider exploring the possibility of storing their records in a trusted digital repository cloud as an interim solution whilst observing legal obligations. As cloud storage is not very prevalent amongst government departments in South Africa, given the present challenges in managing digital records, it would be advantageous to have cloud storage tested rigorously before embarking on the exercise.

Abstract: Background: Forest plantations with fast-growing native species contribute to capture and storage Carbon (C). However, little is known about the survival, potential of capture and storage of C in plantations with native species of mountain cloud forests (MCF) in Mexico. Questions: Is the survival different between individuals of Alnus acuminata and Trema micrantha sown in experimental plantations? Is the annual carbon capture rate and the total C content between these two species different? Species of study: A. acuminata and T. micrantha, species of rapid growth of the MCF. Study site and years of study: Central area of the state of Veracruz. 2009-2012. Method: A. acuminata and T. micrantha experimental plantations of three years an a half years old, survival, diameter and height were recorded. The volume, basal area, weight of aerial biomass, carbon content of trees and height, diameter and carbon growth rate were estimated. Results: The survival of A. acuminata plants was greater than T. micrantha (P < 0.05). The plantations of A. acuminata stored significantly more C (12.55 ± 0.05 Mg C ha-1) than the plantations of T. micrantha (11.62 ± 0.042 Mg C ha-1) (P < 0.001). The annual rate of carbon capture in A. acuminata was higher (2.6 ± 0.0001 Mg ha-1 yr-1) than T. micrantha (2.02 ± 0.00001 Mg ha-1 yr-1) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Plantations with native species of early succession represent a complementary strategy in MCF restoration actions, as well as being carbon sinks that could contribute to mitigate climate change.

Resumen: Antecedentes: Las plantaciones forestales con especies nativas de crecimiento rápido contribuyen a la captura y almacenamiento de Carbono (C). Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la supervivencia, el potencial de captura y almacenamiento de C en plantaciones con especies nativas del bosque mesófilo de montaña (BMM). Preguntas: ¿Es la supervivencia diferente entre Alnus acuminata y Trema micrantha sembrados en plantaciones?, ¿Son diferentes, la tasa anual de captura de carbono y el contenido de C total, entre ambas especies? Especies de estudio: A. acuminata y T. micrantha, de estados sucesionales tempranos. Sitio de estudio y fechas: Centro estado de Veracruz. 2013. Método: En plantaciones de A. acuminata y T. micrantha de tres años y medio de edad, se registró la supervivencia, el diámetro y la altura. Se estimó el volumen, el área basal, el peso de la biomasa aérea, el contenido de C y las tasas anuales de crecimiento en altura, diámetro y contenido de carbono. Resultados: La supervivencia de A. acuminata fue mayor que T. micrantha (P < 0.05). Las plantaciones de A. acuminata almacenaron más C (12.55 ± 0.05 Mg C ha-1) que las plantaciones de T. micrantha (11.62 ± 0.04 Mg C ha-1) (P < 0.001). La tasa anual de captura de carbono en A. acuminata fue mayor (2.6 ± 0.0001 Mg ha−1año−1) que T. micrantha (2.02 ± 0.00001 Mg ha−1año−1). Conclusiones: Las plantaciones con especies nativas de sucesión temprana representan una estrategia en acciones de restauración del BMM y constituyen sumideros de carbono que pueden contribuir a la mitigación del cambio climático.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar o monitoramento e o controle em tempo real do consumo de água nas residências, com feedback aos usuários e de baixo custo. As informações de consumo de água serão disponibilizadas na nuvem e poderão ser acessadas através de um aplicativo de celular. Os dados coletados possibilitam que a concessionária de fornecimento de água da cidade também tenha acesso e supervisão sobre eles. Sendo assim, é analisada a viabilidade do projeto em termos de hardware e software e seus elementos necessários para sua concepção. Feito isso, simulações foram realizadas com o objetivo de comprovar o funcionamento do sistema considerando as seguintes métricas: taxa de transmissão, potência do sinal e qualidade de transmissão. Após as simulações, o hardware e software foram integrados e o resultado final foi apresentado através de um aplicativo. O trabalho apresentou e aplicou uma metodologia de projeto e desenvolvimento de RSSF, aplicando-se tecnologia da Internet das Coisas (IoC) e Cidades Inteligentes na área de sistemas de distribuição de água.

Abstract The objective of this work is to explore the implementation of a low-cost real-time monitoring and control of water consumption together with a user feedback interface. Water usage information will be available in a cloud storage and can be accessed through a mobile application. The collected data allows access and supervision of both client- and water concessionaire. Project feasibility is analyzed in terms of hardware and software, as well as each element required for the design. The simulations were carried out with the purpose of verifying system operation, considering the following metrics: transmission rate, signal strength and transmission quality. After the simulations, the hardware and software were integrated, and the final result was presented through a mobile application. This work presents and applies a design and development methodology of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and Smart City in water-distribution systems.