bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst] can be more productive than monocultures. Evidence from over 100 years of observation of long-term experiments
Authors: Bielak Kamil , Dudzińska Małgorzata , Pretzsch Hans
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of species mixing of Scots pine and Norway spruce on the productivity at the stand and species level. We also analysed to what extent the mixing effects is modified by drought stress.Area of study: The study was conducted inN-E Poland and based on three experiments located in Maskulińskie, Strzałowo and Kwidzyn Forest Districts.Material and methods: We evaluated long-term mixed-species experiments in Scots pine and Norway spruce which are under continuous survey since more than 100 years. Stand productivity was analysed based on the periodic annual increment and total yield of stem volume. Growth and yield were compared between mixed and neighbouring pure stands. As a substitute for the missing Norway spruce monocultures, we used appropriate yield table data. In order to characterize the effect of water supply on the mixing effects, we correlated the Martonne index of aridity with the ratio of Scots pine growth in mixed versus pure stands.Main results: We found that the mixed stands exceed the weighted mean of the pure stands’ volume productivity on average by 41%. At the species level Scots pine benefits from the mixture by 34% and Norway spruce by 83%. Growth periods with harsh climate conditions reinforce overyielding, while periods with mild conditions reduce the benefit of mixing. The overyielding of mixed stands, especially when growing under unfavourable conditions, is explained by niche complementarity of both species and discussed in view of the stress-gradient-hypothesis.Research highlights: The revealed overyielding of mixed compared with neighbouring pure stands, particularly under harsh weather conditions, substantiates the preferences of Scots pine-Norway spruce mixtures regarding climate change.    Keywords: drought resilience; mixed stand; pure stand; facilitation; competition; overyielding; underyielding.
La reforma del sistema de negociació col·lectiva espanyol i les seves implicacions des d'una perspectiva jurídica
Authors: Martínez Alberto Pastor
Published: November 2014

En el present article es presenten els principals canvis que, com a conseqüència de les últimes reformes legislatives, s'han produït en el marc normatiu legal regulador de la negociació col·lectiva. A través de l'anàlisi dels canvis que s'han produït en àmbits com l'estructura de la negociació col·lectiva i la concurrència de convenis, la inaplicació del conveni sectorial o la limitació de la ultraactivitat, s'exposen els efectes que es deriven per al sistema de negociació col·lectiva espanyol. D'aquesta forma, i com a conclusions s'adverteix que la reforma legal ha propiciat un debilitament de l'autonomia col·lectiva com a instrument regulador tant de les condicions de treball com del propi sistema de relacions laborals, així mateix es considera que l'afebliment de l'eficàcia vinculant del conveni pot provocar un doble procés d'individualització i segmentació de les condicions de treball.
Reformes i transformacions de la negociació col·lectiva a França
Authors: Amauger-Lattes Marie-Cécile
Published: November 2014

La llei del 14 de juny 2013 a França ha posat en marxa un canvi en la negociació col·lectiva per millorar l'organització de l'empresa . El canvi consisteix a enfortir la negociació a l'empresa amb la finalitat de vincular els continguts de la negociació amb les condicions específiques de cada empresa . És a dir , adaptar la negociació col·lectiva a les situacions específiques de les empreses . Fins ara la tradició d'intervenció estatal francesa ha obstaculitzat el desenvolupament de la negociació col·lectiva , tot i que la llei Auroux intentés fer-ho l'any 1982. La reforma considera també l'articulació de la negociació del nivell sectorial i l'empresa . L'objectiu prioritari de la reforma és preservar l'ocupació.
Negociació en l'empresa i individualització: tendències més significatives dels canvis en la negociació col·lectiva
Authors: Lope Peña Andreu
Published: November 2014

Es presenten a debat aspectes significatius que suggereixen les ponències sobre “Reformes i transformacions en la negociació col·lectiva”. Entre ells destaquen la potenciació de l'empresa com a eix de la negociació col·lectiva i la creixent tendència a individualitzar les relacions col·lectives de treball. La possible influència de la UE en aquestes línies de canvi, és un altre dels aspectes a debatre.
Determinants de la crisi en Espanya: dinàmica econòmica recent i polítiques públiques
Authors: Banyuls Josep
Published: November 2014

Des de 2008 la societat espanyola està sumida en una crisi profunda que a mig i llarg termini comportarà canvis estructurals de gran transcendència. La situació actual no respon a un problema conjuntural sinó que la crisi que estem vivint respon a problemes estructurals de l’economia i la societat espanyola, en un doble àmbit. Per una banda, la feblesa del model productiu i del sector públic, que els anys de creixement havien “dissimulat” però que ara es mostren amb força. Per altra, les polítiques públiques aplicades, que agreugen els problemes i dificulten la eixida de la situació actual. Els dos factors senyalats, dinàmica econòmica i polítiques públiques es reforcen negativament i apunten un futur amb elevades taxes d’atur, desigualtat i pobresa.
Two Cheers for Czech Democracy
Authors: Hanley Seán
Published: November 2014

The paper discusses the state of Czech democracy and current research agendas on democracy in the Czech Republic, focusing in particular on the role of political parties. It considers Czech democracy both in relation to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and in the light of the evolving relationship between CEE and Western Europe. It suggests that current CEE states such as the Czech Republic gradually approximating to models of West European-style party politics may need rethinking. It then examines democracy in the Czech Republic in relation to debates on democratic “backsliding”, arguing that in the Czech cases the principal “backsliding” risks lie less in the rise of authoritarian populists than a potential crisis of democratic representation driven by perceptions of corruption. The paper concludes with some suggestions about future avenues for research on Czech and CEE democracy.
The Floating Voter in a Multiparty Systems Democracy: Does the Number of Electoral Parties Actually Matter?
Authors: Schamp Tom
Published: November 2014

This paper deals with the relationship between institutional, electoral and party system dynamics on the one hand, and the evolution of total electoral volatility in Belgium, on the other. Based on aggregated election data from the 1876–2010 period the paper describes how and why party system size and electoral volatility in a fragmented parliamentary democracy interrelate and how they affect the equal parliamentary representation of parties. There are three important conclusions: first of all, the national party system has become more permeable to new parties over time and, concurrently, has become more competitive. This process has impacted negatively on the supremacy of the three traditional ideologies and the distinctive electoral market leadership of the Flemish Catholic party. But more importantly, it is not the absolute number but rather the relative change in electoral competition from one election to the next that has been a prime factor in explaining the linkage between party system fragmentation and electoral volatility. Lastly, the increasingly permeable Belgian national party system seems to have impacted adversely on the equal representation of smaller parties and – somewhat counterintuitively – even after the year 2000 has primarily rewarded larger parties, the very parties that represent the main pillar-based ideologies. Added to this is that one of the main factors precluding equal representation of (new) parties is total electoral volatility.
Party System Dynamics in a Federal State. The Argentine Case
Authors: Altavilla Cristian
Published: November 2014

This article analyzes evolution and change in the party system in Argentina. Starting from literature emphasizing the effects of territorialisation over the political party system, the article assesses the relevance of the territorial dimension as a key variable in party politics in Argentina. In order to describe this evolution and change, two variables are combined, one institutional and one capturing the material characteristics of the different constituencies. The focus of the analysis is purely national and, as a consequence, so are the parties which are its actors. The impact of territorialization is analyzed on the basis of their territorial organization and electoral performance over the past 30 years. After analyzing each party individually, the paper concludes with a discussion of the dynamics of the entire party system. The hypothesis is that the existence of different territories endowed with specific socioeconomic characteristics and political autonomy, combined with a particular electoral system and set of laws regulating party political structure, contributes to some extent to a heightened chance that party structures will fragment. All this translates into tension within the party structure – something that could itself produce fragmentation within the party – and, in more general terms, fragmentation of the entire party system.
Our New Allies? The Perception of the New Member States of the EU by the Old Members
Authors: Mišík Matúš
Published: November 2014

This paper analyses the perception of the new Member States of the EU (the 2004 and 2007 entrants) held by diplomats from permanent representations of the old Member States in Brussels. The contention is that being aware of the perceptions within the EU decision-making process can foster our understanding of the mechanism, since the way in which representatives of individual Member States view other members impacts cooperation at EU level. To study these perceptions, the paper employs image theory, a foreign policy analysis approach, and asks what sort of image diplomats from the old Member States ascribe to the newcomers. The paper is based on 24 semi-structured interviews with representatives of old Member States at their permanent representations. It analyzes the three dimensions that make up the image (relative power, compatibility of goals and cultural distance) and concludes that the prevailing image is that of an ally. But the newcomers are not seen as a unitary group and there are fine-grained differences along each of the dimensions. Future research should therefore focus on amending image theory in order to shed more light on subtle differences in the mutual perceptions of EU Member States.
Presidents above Parties? Presidents in Central and Eastern Europe, their Formal Competences and Informal Power
Authors: Brunclík Miloš
Published: November 2014

Hloušek, Vít et al. 2013. Presidents above Parties? Presidents in Central and Eastern Europe, their Formal Competences and Informal Power. Brno: International Institure of Political Science of Masaryk University. 311 pages.
Federalism beyond Federations: Asymmetry and Processes of Resymmetrization in Europe
Authors: Dvořák Pavel
Published: November 2014

Requeko, Farren; Nagel, Klaus-Jürgen (eds.). 2011. Federalism beyond Federations: Asymmetry and Processes of Resymmetrization in Europe. Farnham: Ashgate. 279 pages.
Kam se ztratili voliči? Vysvětlení vývoje volební účasti v České republice v letech 1990-2010
Authors: Marie Giňová Petra
Published: November 2014

Linek, Lukáš. 2013. Kam se ztratili voliči? Vysvětlení vývoje volební účasti v České republice v letech 1990-2010. Brno: CDK. 334 pages.
“Does Community Make Any Sense?” A Semantic Analysis of the Term “Community” Among Albanian Immigrants and Italian Majority Residents
Authors: Mannarini Terri , Rochira Alessia
Published: November 2014

Bridging Community Psychology and the Theory of Social Representations, the study was aimed at exploring how the concept of community and sense of belonging to various communities vary across diverse ethno-cultural groups (namely, immigrant and native-born groups) and how the meanings and the experience of community affect or are affected by the relationships that each group establishes with the other group. Participants were 30 native-born Italians and 30 immigrants from Albania lived in an area located in the south-east of Italy. They participated in an open-ended semi-structured interview, which was analysed using T-Lab software. Results indicated that the concept of community and sense of belonging to multiple communities do vary across diverse ethno-cultural groups and that each group is cross-cut by multiple axes of differentiation, one of which is linked to the experience of inter-cultural relations. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the functions served by the diverse communities affect the representations shared by the distinct sub-groups and that the simultaneous orientation of individuals toward multiple communities stimulate the development of a compound and even conflicting sense of attachment towards them. Implications for acculturation processes are discussed.
Adolescent Bullying and Sleep Difficulties
Authors: Hunter Simon C. , Durkin Kevin , Boyle James M. E. , Booth Josephine N. , Rasmussen Susan
Published: November 2014

This study evaluated whether adolescents who report having been bullied, being bullies, or report both being a bully and being bullied experience more sleep difficulties than children uninvolved in bullying. The study drew upon cognitive theories of insomnia, investigating whether the extent to which young people report worrying about bullying can moderate associations between victimization and sleep difficulties. Participants were 5420 adolescents who completed a self-report questionnaire. Pure Victims (OR = 1.72, 95% CI [1.07, 2.75]), Pure Bullies (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.16, 2.81]), and Bully-Victims (OR = 2.90, 95% CI [1.17, 4.92]) were all more likely to experience sleep difficulties when compared to uninvolved young people. The extent to which young people reported worrying about being bullied did not moderate the links between victimization and sleep difficulties. In this way, bullying is clearly related to sleep difficulties among adolescents but the conceptual reach of the cognitive model of insomnia in this domain is questioned.
Physical Aggression and Facial Expression Identification
Authors: Taylor Alisdair James Gordon , Jose Maria
Published: November 2014

Social information processing theories suggest that aggressive individuals may exhibit hostile perceptual biases when interpreting other’s behaviour. This hypothesis was tested in the present study which investigated the effects of physical aggression on facial expression identification in a sample of healthy participants. Participants were asked to judge the expressions of faces presented to them and to complete a self-report measure of aggression. Relative to low physically aggressive participants, high physically aggressive participants were more likely to mistake non-angry facial expressions as being angry facial expressions (misattribution errors), supporting the idea of a hostile predisposition. These differences were not explained by gender, or response times. There were no differences in identifying angry expressions in general between aggression groups (misperceived errors). These findings add support to the idea that aggressive individuals exhibit hostile perceptual biases when interpreting facial expressions.
A Case-Series Evaluation of a Brief, Psycho-Social Approach Intended for the Prevention of Relapse in Psychosis
Authors: Brett Petrina , Sorensen John , Priest Helena
Published: November 2014

There is a wealth of research into relapse prevention in psychosis; however, specific research into the effectiveness of short-term, self-management strategies aimed to prevent relapse is lacking. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of Sorensen’s ‘Relapse Prevention in Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses’ manual-based therapy (Sorensen, 2006b) with 11 participants in one UK National Health Service Trust. The intervention was delivered over four sessions and interviews were conducted pre and post intervention. The effect of the intervention on measures of hopelessness, perceived control over internal states, and satisfaction were recorded using validated questionnaires at one week, one month and two months follow-up, supported by measures taken from visual analogue scales. Data analysis revealed significant improvements on hopelessness, perceived control over internal states, and satisfaction at one week follow-up, although these results were not maintained at one and two months follow-up. Additionally, the attrition rate meant that results lacked statistical power at one and two months follow-up. The study also considered the clinical significance of the research findings with the Jacobson-Truax (Jacobson & Truax, 1991) method for measuring reliable change. A substantial number of clients attained clinically significant changes with regards to hopelessness and perceived control over internal states. Future research is required in order to evaluate the use of self-management strategies to prevent relapse. It would be valuable to repeat the current study with the additional use of booster sessions in order to assess whether the positive impacts on hopelessness and perceived control over illness can be maintained at the longer term follow up.
Predictors of Burnout Syndrome in Dentistry Students
Authors: Bonafé Fernanda Salloume Sampaio , Maroco João , Campos Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
Published: November 2014

Aim

To estimate the contribution of social support and demographic factors in the development of burnout syndrome in dentistry students.

Method

A total of 169 Brazilian students participated via internet. For identification of the syndrome, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-SS). Social support was assessed by the Satisfaction with Social Support Scale (ESSS). The validity and reliability of the instruments were estimated. To check the effect of variables on burnout syndrome, linear regression using structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to estimate causal trajectories (β).

Results

The participants’ mean average age was 21.6 (SD = 3.3) years, 64.5% were female and 59.2% were enrolled in private schools. An appropriate adjustment of the instruments’ factor models to sample was observed (MBI-SS: χ²/df = 2.173, CFI = .943; GFI = .888; RMSEA = .084; ESSS: χ²/df = 2.378, CFI = .904; GFI = .888; RMSEA = .091). The reliability of the scales was adequate (MBI-SS: α = .799-.903; ESSS: α = .653-.799). The model explained 33% of the variation of burnout with a significant contribution of social support (ESSS) (β = -.136, p = .042), gender (β = -.186, p = .005), housing (β = .124, p = .050), student performance in the course (β = -.293, p ≤ .001) and the thought of quitting the course (β = .333, p ≤ .001).

Conclusion

Social support and demographic variables may play an important role in the burnout syndrome and therefore should be considered when implementing preventive actions and/or interventions (self-help or guided) in college students.
Intensity of Treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer: Findings From the Portuguese Version of Intensity of Treatment Rating Scale 3.0
Authors: Santos Susana , Crespo Carla , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Pinto Armando
Published: November 2014

Objetivo

Este estudo teve como objetivos apresentar a versão portuguesa da Escala de Classificação da Intensidade do Tratamento 3.0, uma medida objetiva para avaliar a intensidade do tratamento no cancro pediátrico, e comparar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde (QdVrS) em crianças/adolescentes com diferentes níveis de intensidade do tratamento.

Método

A amostra foi constituída por 129 crianças/adolescentes com cancro (98 em tratamento e 31 fora de tratamento). A intensidade do tratamento foi classificada pelos médicos oncologistas pediátricos com a Escala de Classificação da Intensidade do Tratamento 3.0 e a QdVrS foi avaliada pelas crianças/adolescentes através do DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure (DCGM-12).

Resultados

As análises do coeficiente de Kappa revelaram excelentes índices de fiabilidade interavaliadores. Verificou-se a existência de diferenças estatisticamente significativas na QdVrS de acordo com o nível de intensidade do tratamento. Comparações post-hoc revelaram níveis de QdVrS superiores em crianças/adolescentes com tratamentos de intensidade 2 comparativamente aos de intensidade 3 e 4.

Conclusão

Os dados evidenciam a importância de intervenções para melhorar a QdVrS junto de potenciais grupos de risco, definidas de acordo com a intensidade do tratamento.
Psychological Variables Associated With Health-Related Quality-of-Life in Uruguayan Women Surgically Intervened for Breast Cancer
Authors: Reich Micaela , Remor Eduardo
Published: November 2014

Aim

This study described demographic, clinical, psychological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) characteristics in women surgically intervened for breast cancer, and the present study was conducted to examine the association between these characteristics.

Method

Uruguayan women (N = 116) diagnosed and surgically intervened for breast cancer were assessed on demographic, clinical and psychological indicators and HRQOL, by self-report questionnaires (i.e., BDI-II, PSS, Brief-COPE, and SF-36). Study was conducted adopting a non-experimental, cross-sectional methodology. After studying associations between variables assessed, hierarchical regression analyses were performed to identify HRQOL predictors.

Results

HRQOL Physical Health Component (SF-36) was predicted by perceived stress and depression, above and beyond demographic and clinical factors. And HRQOL Mental Health Component (SF-36) was predicted by education, time elapsed since diagnosis of breast cancer, time hospitalized during the past year, perceived stress and depression.

Conclusion

Results suggest that psychological variables may have a significant role for HRQOL prediction, and need to be taken into account along with demographic and clinical markers in order to explain HRQOL outcomes in women with breast cancer.
Évaluation d’un programme de télécounseling pour joueurs problématiques
Authors: Giroux Isabelle , Fortin-Gagnon Émilie , Ladouceur Robert , Jacques Christian , Ferland Francine , Lévesque David , Sévigny Serge
Published: November 2014

La participation excessive aux jeux de hasard et d’argent peut conduire à des conséquences importantes pour les joueurs. Le télécounseling représente une nouvelle modalité d’intervention auprès des joueurs problématiques et a fait l’objet d’un nombre limité d’évaluations scientifiques. La présente étude évaluea posterioriun programme de télécounseling auprès de joueurs problématiques. Le programme, à partir de données compilées provenant de 84 dossiers de joueurs, a fait l’objet d’analyses quant à (1) sa concordance avec le programme cognitivo-comportemental de Ladouceur et coll. (2000) duquel il s’inspire ; (2) l’intégrité de son administration ; (3) son effet sur la motivation au changement et (4) la satisfaction des joueurs. Les résultats révèlent que 47,3 % du contenu du programme de télécounseling s’inspire du programme de traitement cognitivo-comportemental pour les problèmes de jeu. L’intégrité de l’administration du programme révèle que 24,3 % des joueurs ayant complété le programme ont reçu l’ensemble des éléments jugés essentiels à l’atteinte des objectifs. Les résultats révèlent une augmentation statistiquement significative du sentiment que le problème de jeu est résolu ou sous contrôle, une absence d’effet statistiquement significatif sur l’envie de jouer et un taux élevé de satisfaction à l’égard du programme. À la lumière de ces résultats, le télécounseling auprès des joueurs problématiques semble constituer une méthode d’intervention satisfaisante. Les futurs programmes de télécounseling devraient, avant leur mise en place, s’inscrire dans une démarche évaluative et méthodologique rigoureuse afin de s’assurer de leur efficacité.
QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF BAUXITE „OŠTRELJ“ NEAR BOSANSKA KRUPA
Authors: Babajić Elvir , Salkić Zehra , Babajić Alisa , Stević Milan , Jovović Miodrag
Published: November 2014

Qualitative characteristics of bauxite deposit „Oštrelj“ are defined through extensive laboratory testing of chemical and mineralogical-petrographic composition, and geomechanical characteristics. Chemical composition has shown that it is a relative poor bauxite with low Al/Si module (2,28). Low values of Al/Si module are result of lower Al2O3 concentration (48 %), and higher SiO2 concentration (21 %), what these bauxites define as high silicic or »acidic«. Identified are increased concentrations of larger number of analyzed trace elements (B, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Sn, V, Zn) comparing to the medium content in the Earth's crust. Mineralogical composition, structure and texture are uniform.

Holders of Al mineralization are bemite and diaspor (to a lesser extent) as crypto-crystalline phases of rock matrix. Lower Cretaceous age (K1) of roof layers over bauxite deposit is paleontologicaly documented, while in the bauxite any fossils are not registrated. Values of geomechanical paramers of layers under and over bauxite is uniform. In bauxite value of compressive strength is increased, which is equivalent to chemical and mineralogical composition, and structural and textural characteristics of tested bauxite samples.
GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS FOR BUILDING OF THE NEUM-STOLAC ROAD ON THE SECTION BROČANACDRENOVAC
Authors: Operta Mevlida , Pamuk Suada
Published: November 2014

Within the project task for the road M-17,3 Buna-Neum, section Neum-Stolac, several variants have been considered and the section has been divided into several sub-sections. The sub-section Stari NeumKiševo in the length of cca 3 km has already been built, as well as the sub-section of Kiševo-Bročanac, with length cca 8,5 km. Within the sub-section Bročanac-Drenovac, which construction is in progress, two main variants of the route have been set aside, namely the blue and the red one. The blue route starts from east of the Bročanac village, on mileage km 11+300 if counting from the beginning of the road in Stari Neum, and it follows the corridor of the existing road between Bročanac and Drenovac.

The red variant, as well as the previous one, starts from east of the Bročanac village, passes south of the Hutovo village, near the Glumin village, and approaches to the blue variant in the region of Trnovski brijeg. After that, it goes again towards south and over the Burmazi plateau it approaches to Drenovac, while at Varda it approaches to the blue variant and the existing route on north. For adopted blue variant there have been analyzed geomorphologic characteristics, geological structure, and hydrogeological and engineering geological, as well as seismic characteristics of the terrain. Reconnaissance of the terrain has also been done, and all previous documentation has been used as well as results of the former conducted geological investigations. As a basic point there have been used the Main Geologic Maps, papers Ston and Metkovići 1:100 000 with legends.
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE FIELD AT THE LOCATION OF THE UGLJEVIK 3 THERMAL POWER PLANT IN UGLJEVIK
Authors: Đurić Neđo , Nedeljković Slobodan , Stojanović Lazar
Published: November 2014

Location for the construction of the Ugljevik 3 Thermal Power Plant is planned within the complex of existing Thermal Power Plant Ugljevik 1 and previously commenced Thermal Power Plant Ugljevik 2. During the field research, the presence of the faults was identified, which is particularly significant for the part of planned main facilities of thermal power plant. For a detailed definition of the presence of faults and their elements, geophysical investigations of the field were carried out. Seismic scanning of the field was performed at six profiles as well as geoelectrical investigations. Obtained results showed that faults are not seismogenic, and that thermal power plant facilities can be built in this area.
GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF MECHANICALLY COMPACTED KOŠEVO LAYERS
Authors: Mataradžije Milada
Published: November 2014

This paper is an attempt of forming mechanical behavior and establishing behavior model of reconstructed clay compacting Koševo layers in road embankments derived by numerical analysis using the Plaxis software package. For the purposes of defining the parameters of the model behavior, geomechanical laboratory tests such as identification classification tests, and deformability test in oedometar conditions and strength in triaxial CU and CD test were performed. Based on defined model parameters of the mechanical behavior the check is performed which model best fit with tested material.
DEFINING THE BASIC CONDITIONS FOR THE APPLICATION LONGWALL PRINCIPE HORIZONTAL MERGER
Authors: Miljanović Jovo , Đurić Neđo , Stojanović Lazar , Majstorović Slobodan , Kovačević Žarko
Published: November 2014

Getting coal using mechanized longwall on the principle of horizontal concentration in a single procedure, it can be successfully applied in mining coal seams very small thickness. For high calorific coal thickness of coal seam that can be successfully excavate this method is approximately 1.0m other coals to 5.0 m.

Result of extensive laboratory research presented in this study are related to the possibility of mechanized exploitation (mining application longwall) coal seams in the mine "Lubnica".

 
PROBLEMS OF HERMETICALITY OF WELLS FOR LEACHING IN “TETIMA” MASSIF AND REPAIRING CONSTRUCTION IN CASE OF UNHERMETICAL COLUMN PIPES 9 5 /8"
Authors: Šabović Almir , Nuhanović Sanel , Hodžić Adnan , Nalić Adnan
Published: November 2014

As it is known, the extraction of rock salt from deposit “Tetima”, Majevica, performed is by controlled leaching in the underground chambers positioned diply in the salt deposit. The connection between the underground chamber, that represents the basic production unit in the primary salt production and technological installations on the surface, is through a deep wellbore, which is an integral part of the leaching system.
Upper atmosphere has cooled steadily for three decades
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2014

Increasing amounts of greenhouse gases released by human activities do not just affect only the lower atmosphere: Scientists project that anthropogenic carbon emissions have caused a cooling trend in the upper atmosphere, between 200 and 400 kilometers, over the past few decades. Cooling in this atmospheric region can affect the operations of satellites and the orbits of space junk. However, data about cooling trends in the upper atmosphere are still incomplete, and better data are needed to confirm this projection.
Role of lunar atmospheric tides in thermosphere density
Authors: Palus Shannon
Published: November 2014

Half a million objects, including debris, satellites, and the International Space Station, orbit Earth in the thermosphere, the largest layer of the planet's atmosphere. To predict the orbits—and potential collisions—of all this stuff, scientists must forecast the weather in the thermosphere. To help develop a more comprehensive and nuanced model of this weather, Zhang et al. explored the role that lunar atmospheric tides play in the density of thermosphere air.
Benchmarking the seasonal cycle of CO2 fluxes simulated by terrestrial ecosystem models
Authors: Peng Shushi , Ciais Philippe , Chevallier Frédéric , Peylin Philippe , Cadule Patricia , Sitch Stephen , Piao Shilong , Ahlström Anders , Huntingford Chris , Levy Peter , Li Xiran , Liu Yongwen , Lomas Mark , Poulter Benjamin , Viovy Nicolas , Wang Tao , Wang Xuhui , Zaehle Sönke , Zeng Ning , Zhao Fang , Zhao Hongfang
Published: November 2014

We evaluated the seasonality of CO2 fluxes simulated by nine terrestrial ecosystem models of the TRENDY project against (1) the seasonal cycle of gross primary production (GPP) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) measured at flux tower sites over different biomes, (2) gridded monthly Model Tree Ensembles‐estimated GPP (MTE‐GPP) and MTE‐NEE obtained by interpolating many flux tower measurements with a machine‐learning algorithm, (3) atmospheric CO2 mole fraction measurements at surface sites, and (4) CO2 total columns (XCO2) measurements from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). For comparison with atmospheric CO2 measurements, the LMDZ4 transport model was run with time‐varying CO2 fluxes of each model as surface boundary conditions. Seven out of the nine models overestimate the seasonal amplitude of GPP and produce a too early start in spring at most flux sites. Despite their positive bias for GPP, the nine models underestimate NEE at most flux sites and in the Northern Hemisphere compared with MTE‐NEE. Comparison with surface atmospheric CO2 measurements confirms that most models underestimate the seasonal amplitude of NEE in the Northern Hemisphere (except CLM4C and SDGVM). Comparison with TCCON data also shows that the seasonal amplitude of XCO2 is underestimated by more than 10% for seven out of the nine models (except for CLM4C and SDGVM) and that the MTE‐NEE product is closer to the TCCON data using LMDZ4. From CO2 columns measured routinely at 10 TCCON sites, the constrained amplitude of NEE over the Northern Hemisphere is of 1.6 ± 0.4 gC m−2 d−1, which translates into a net CO2 uptake during the carbon uptake period in the Northern Hemisphere of 7.9 ± 2.0 PgC yr−1.
CO2 and CH4 isotope compositions and production pathways in a tropical peatland
Authors: Holmes M. Elizabeth , Chanton Jeffrey P. , Tfaily Malak M. , Ogram Andrew
Published: November 2014

While it is widely recognized that peatlands are important in the global carbon cycle, there is limited information on belowground gas production in tropical peatlands. We measured pore water methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and δ13C isotopic composition and CH4 and CO2 production rates in peat incubations from the Changuinola wetland in Panama. Our most striking finding was that CH4 was depleted in 13C (−94‰ in pore water and produced at −107‰ in incubated peat) relative to CH4 found in most temperate and northern wetlands, potentially impacting the accuracy of approaches that use carbon isotopes to constrain global mass balance estimates. Fractionation factors between CH4 and CO2 showed that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the dominant CH4 production pathway, with up to 100% of the CH4 produced via this route. Far more CO2 than CH4 (7 to 100X) was measured in pore water, due in part to loss of CH4 through ebullition or oxidation and to the production of CO2 from pathways other than methanogenesis. We analyzed data on 58 wetlands from the literature to determine the dominant factors influencing the relative proportions of CH4 produced by hydrogenotrophic and acetoclastic methanogenesis and found that a combination of environmental parameters including pH, vegetation type, nutrient status, and latitude are correlated to the dominant methanogenic pathway. Methane production pathways in tropical peatlands do not correlate with these variables in the same way as their more northerly counterparts and thus may be differently affected by climate change.
Upwelling rebound, ephemeral secondary pycnoclines, and the creation of a near‐bottom wave guide over the Monterey Bay continental shelf
Authors: Cheriton Olivia M. , McPhee‐Shaw Erika E. , Storlazzi Curt D. , Rosenberger Kurt J. , Shaw William J. , Raanan Ben Y.
Published: November 2014

Several sequential upwelling events were observed in fall 2012, using measurements from the outer half of the continental shelf in Monterey Bay, during which the infiltration of dense water onto the shelf created a secondary, near‐bottom pycnocline. This deep pycnocline existed in concert with the near‐surface pycnocline and enabled the propagation of near‐bottom, cold, semidiurnal internal tidal bores, as well as energetic, high‐frequency, nonlinear internal waves of elevation (IWOE). The IWOE occurred within 20 m of the bottom, had amplitudes of 8–24 m, periods of 6–45 min, and depth‐integrated energy fluxes up to 200 W m−1. Iribarren numbers (<0.03) indicate that these IWOE were nonbreaking in this region of the shelf. These observations further demonstrate how regional upwelling dynamics and the resulting bulk, cross‐margin hydrography is a first‐order control on the ability of internal waves, at tidal and higher frequencies, to propagate through continental shelf waters.
Fresh exposures of hydrous Fe‐bearing amorphous silicates on Mars
Authors: Weitz Catherine M. , Bishop Janice L. , Baker Leslie L. , Berman Daniel C.
Published: November 2014

We have discovered relatively fresh exposures of a hydrated, amorphous material along the wall rock slopes in Coprates Chasma, Mars. Visible and near‐infrared reflectance spectra extracted from the deposits exhibit broad absorptions around 1.42, 1.94, and 2.25 µm that are most consistent with laboratory spectra of nanophase hydrated Fe‐rich allophane and Fe‐rich opal. The three absorptions, especially the 1.4 µm band, have the strongest hydration signatures yet detected on Mars by orbital data, suggesting high‐water content material that is relatively fresh and has not altered or lost water since its formation or exposure. Age dating from crater size‐frequency distributions of the Fe‐rich allophane/opal deposits yields ages of ~50–100 Myr, consistent with a young exposure time and minimal time for dehydration. Either the Fe‐rich allophane/opal represents an older material already contained within the wall rock that has been more recently exposed, or it represents a younger material formed during more recent aqueous activity.
Reconciling precipitation trends in Alaska: 2. Gridded data analyses
Authors: McAfee Stephanie , Guentchev Galina , Eischeid Jon
Published: November 2014

There is a great deal of interest in whether and how Alaska's precipitation is changing but little agreement in the existing peer‐reviewed literature. To provide insight on this question, we have selected three commonly used 0.5° resolution gridded precipitation products that have long‐term monthly data coverage (Climatic Research Unit TS3.10.1, Global Precipitation Climatology Centre Full Data Reanalysis version 5, and University of Delaware version 2.01) and evaluated their homogeneity and trends with multiple methods over two periods, 1950–2008 and 1980–2008. All three data sets displayed common broadscale features of Alaska's precipitation climatology, but there were substantial differences between them in terms of average precipitation amount and interannual variability. Temporal inhomogeneity was a significant concern over Alaska in gridded precipitation products, as it was in the state's coastal weather stations. Although underlying station inhomogeneities were inherited to some extent by all of the gridded data sets, differences in data set construction contributed to dissimilarities in inhomogeneity, as well. There were contrasts in trends between the two time periods, and some minor discrepancies occurred as a function of the trend detection method, but the main disparities stemmed from choice of data set. Indeed, there were large areas where these data sets disagreed on both the sign and significance of precipitation trends. Until further analysis can resolve these differences, researchers using gridded precipitation data or evaluating studies based on such data should interpret results with extreme caution.
A simple modeling approach to elucidate the main transport processes and predict invasive spread: River‐mediated invasion of Ageratina adenophora in China
Authors: Horvitz Nir , Wang Rui , Zhu Min , Wan Fang‐Hao , Nathan Ran
Published: November 2014

A constantly increasing number of alien species invade novel environments and cause enormous damage to both biodiversity and economics worldwide. This global problem is calling for better understanding of the different mechanisms driving invasive spread, hence quantification of a range of dispersal vectors. Yet, methods for elucidating the mechanisms underlying large‐scale invasive spread from empirical patterns have not yet been developed. Here we propose a new computationally efficient method to quantify the contribution of different dispersal vectors to the spread rate of invasive plants. Using data collected over 30 years regarding the invasive species Ageratina adenophora since its detection at the Sichuan province, we explored its spread by wind and animals, rivers, and roads into 153 subcounties in the Sichuan, Chongqingshi, and Hubei provinces of China. We found that rivers are the most plausible vector for the rapid invasion of this species in the study area. Model explorations revealed robustness to changes in key assumptions and configuration. Future predictions of this ongoing invasion process project that the species will quickly spread along the Yangtze River and colonize large areas within a few years. Further model developments would provide a much needed tool to mechanistically and realistically describe large‐scale invasive spread, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms and an ability to predict future spatial invasive dynamics.
Asset–Liability Management for Life Insurers
Authors: Sherris Michael
Published: November 2014

This article outlines approaches used to quantify risk using ALM for life insurers.
Collective Risk Models
Authors: Lin X. Sheldon , Willmot Gordon E.
Published: November 2014

This article reviews models for aggregate claims arising from an insurance portfolio when policy replacements are allowed. It presents various approaches to evaluation of aggregate claims.
Comonotonicity
Authors: Dhaene Jan , Vanduffel Steven , Goovaerts Marc J.
Published: November 2014

In an actuarial or financial context it is often necessary to calculate the distribution function or risk measures for random variables of the type where the marginal distributions of theXiare known but their dependence structure is too difficult to work with. Comonotonicity, which is an extremal form of positive dependence, can be useful to determine easily computable and accurate upper and lower bounds for the distribution ofS, and hence also for risk measures related toS.
Equity‐Linked Life Insurance
Authors: Bacinello Anna R.
Published: November 2014

Equity‐linked life insurance contracts are characterized by the fact that benefits are directly linked to the value of an investment portfolio, typically composed of units of one or more mutual funds and kept separate from the other assets of the insurance company. These contracts generally imply a rather high level of financial risk that can be totally charged to the policyholder, in
pure equity‐linked contracts
, or shared between the policyholder and the insurance company, in
guaranteed equity‐linked contracts
. In the first case the insurance company acts as a mere financial intermediary, while in the second case it has to set up suitable hedging strategies because the financial risk is of systematic nature and cannot be eliminated by sufficiently increasing the size of its portfolio. In this contribution we first describe, in general terms, the main characteristics of equity‐linked products and their advantages with respect to other types of life insurance and investment contracts. Then we pass to analyze how the investment portfolio to which benefits are linked evolves over time and, finally, to present some possible approaches that the insurance company can follow in order to hedge the liabilities arising from the issue of minimum guarantees.
Insurance Applications of Life Tables
Authors: Pitacco Ermanno
Published: November 2014

Mortality constitutes one of the main causes of risk in a life insurance portfolio (or pension plan). Many risk factors contribute to determine the mortality in a portfolio. In particular, at an individual level, the insured's age has an important role. In this article, we first describe the features of a (period) life table which constitutes the basic tool to represent the age pattern of mortality, and the applications of life tables to the calculation of expected present values (or “actuarial values”) in life insurance. Next, we introduce the ideas underlying the projected life tables, meant as a tool to represent future mortality. Finally, we focus on randomness in the results of a life insurance portfolio (cash flows, profits, etc.), and the use of stochastic models.
Pricing of Life Insurance Liabilities
Authors: Biffis Enrico
Published: November 2014

We describe how traditional insurance contracts can be priced by adopting a market‐consistent approach. In particular, we examine the impact of interest rate risk, mortality risk, portfolio size and heterogeneity of sums assured on the insurer's liabilities.
Reinsurance
Authors: Simões Onofre , Lourdes Centeno Maria
Published: November 2014

We start by giving an overview of the importance of reinsurance for the management of direct insurers and introduce most of the reinsurance concepts, namely, by presenting the different forms that reinsurance contracts can assume and how they affect the retained business of the insurers. We also explain how reinsurance can be placed and finish with some considerations about designing reinsurance programmes.
Securitization/Life
Authors: Blake David , Dowd Kevin
Published: November 2014

This article examines the securitization of life‐related risks. It briefly reviews the history of such securitizations and sets out their potential benefits to the firms and investors involved. It then explains their mechanics and examines four recent important classes: “block of business” securitizations, regulatory reserving or XXX securitizations, the issuance of mortality or longevity bonds, and pension bulk buyout securitizations.
Mathematics of Risk and Reliability: A Select History
Authors: Singpurwalla Nozer D. , Wilson Simon P.
Published: November 2014

This article is a brief description of some landmark advances in the mathematics of risk and reliability, starting with the initial developments of probability theory in the seventeenth century to the ascendancy of reliability theory during the last 60 years.
Particle‐scale modeling of coal devolatilization behaviors for coal pyrolysis in thermal plasma reactors
Authors: Yan Binhang , Cheng Yan , Cheng Yi
Published: November 2014

A generalized heat transfer and devolatilization model coupled with the thermal balance between the heating gas and particles was established to predict the complex coal pyrolysis behaviors in the practical plasma reactors. It was proved that this model could well describe the coal devolatilization behaviors in both the pilot‐scale and lab‐scale plasma reactors as the mechanisms of coal chemistry and particle‐scale physics were incorporated. The achieved understanding on the reactor energy balance demonstrated that the heat recovery of the quenching process was crucial to the thermal efficiency and economic benefit of the overall project. The in‐depth discussion of the influences of coal feed rate and particle size on the reactor performance revealed the dominant roles and presented the optimal values of these two factors. In particular, the simulation results of several coals could help to provide a simple, quick method of coal type selection for industrial plasma processes. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 913–921, 2015