bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reglamentos indígenas en áreas protegidas de Bolivia: el caso del Pilón Lajas
Authors: Márquez Guerra José Francisco
Published: November 2016

Durante los últimos diez años, el campo de la conservación con sus estrategias, normas, discursos y prácticas ha jugado un rol destacado en la reconfiguración del espacio en las tierras bajas de Bolivia. Las técnicas espaciales y las formas de ordenación de las actividades humanas en las Areas Protegidas se han instrumentalizado dentro de un proceso de juridización de las comunidades indígenas denominado fortalecimiento institucional y que busca dotarlas de Estatutos y reglamentos para el uso de sus recursos naturales. El artículo muestra cómo, en medio de la ambigüedad, los habitantes del Pilón Lajas intentan obtener un grado superior de autonomía y a la vez continuar favoreciéndose de la titulación de tierras y de la presencia de los agentes estatales y ONGs de la conservación. Se constata que al interior de las comunidades indígenas la aplicación de los instrumentos produce un juego interactivo generando un espacio de negociación entre los diferentes actores lo que les otorga cierta autonomía dentro de una libertad enmarcada, contextual y situacional que reconfigura la naturaleza y la cultura en las formas de existencia locales. El presente trabajo es producto de una investigación etnográfica más amplia desarrollada durante seis meses en el que se analizaron 58 entrevistas semiestructuradas, y la información obtenida mediante observación participante y demás técnicas de trabajo de campo
Los deberes contractuales de información en materia de contratación a distancia ante la Ley 3/2014, de 27 de marzo, por la que se modifica el Texto Refundido de la Ley de Consumidores y Usuarios
Authors: Sosa Olan Henrry
Published: November 2016

Una de las novedades de la actual Directiva sobre los Derechos de los Consumidores del año 2011 es la previsión de un deber precontractual de información (art. 5), el cual se aplica para todo tipo de contratos de consumo, incluyendo la contratación a distancia. Sin embargo, el legislador europeo no previó sanción alguna cuando el empresario incumpla con tal deber, razón por la cual, es un precepto a medias que el legislador nacional tuvo que completar. Lo cual provoca que haya dispersión normativa y, por lo tanto, fragmentación jurídica en materia de contratación a distancia, tal y como veremos en el presente trabajo.
Evaluation of the effect of carnosine, its novel derivative trolox-carnosine and trolox in a pre-clinical study focussing on the regulation of immunity
Authors: Slovák L. , Poništ S. , Kuncírová V. , Mihalová D. , Fedorova T. , Bauerová K.
Published: November 2016

The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of the products of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism highly depend on the action of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO). The present results show increased concentrations of the KMO in the plasma of rats repeatedly exposed to an immune challenge. Increased concentrations of this key enzyme are likely to cause a shift of kynurenine pathway towards enhanced production of neurotoxic metabolites.
The Keystone Perforator Flap Concept – A Useful Tool in the Armamentarium of Plastic Surgery
Authors: Yordanov Y. , Krupev M. , Shef A. , Nikolova A.
Published: November 2016

Closure of skins and soft tissue defects is a mainstream procedure in the field of reconstructive plastic surgery. Nowadays plenty of reconstructive options exists in the armamentarium of the specialty. The “keystone island perforator flap” is a relatively new conception which consists of taking skin and superficial fascia in a keystone pattern adjacent to the defect that needs to be covered. This technique is based on the most contemporary knowledge of the vascularization and three-dimensional vascular architecture of the skin and soft tissue overlying the bones - the so called angiosomes and perforasomes concepts. In the present article a brief review of the main keystone fl ap types and on their predecessor - the Bezier flap, was made. Two clinical cases with difficult defects on the limbs are presented and discussed in order to illustrate the application of that approach. The keystone perforator island flaps is a sophisticated and relatively easy option for defect closure. However, this surgical concept still remains unpopular in the Bulgarian practice and science of plastic surgery. To the best of our knowledge this paper is the first one focused on the topic.
Rechtlich-soziale Strukturen und Alltag im Verhältnis zwischen Juden und Christen in der Vormoderne, besonders im Rhein-Main-Neckar-Raum
Authors: Battenberg J. Friedrich
Published: November 2016

Scientific research into the early modern development of Jewish Society within a Christian environment has increased considerably in recent years. On the occasion of the Sixteenth World Congress of Jewish Studies in 2013 five young scholars, led by Friedrich Battenberg, presented at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem – in addition to these important lectures – a panel under the heading of »Christian Politics towards Jews in the Region of Frankfurt and Mainz in Early Modern Times«. After a comprehensive introduction the following contribution contains printed versions of two of these lectures (Hausmann and Behr). Verena Kasper-Marienberg changed her subject, because she had to publish her Jerusalem lecture on »Criminal History and Jewish Daily Life« elsewhere. Gabriela Schlick-Bamberger, who spoke in Jerusalem on »Jewish brokers at the Frankfurt exchange«, will publish her contribution as part of her dissertation. Andreas Goeller’s lecture about »Social and Economic Aspects in Jewish Life in Early Modern Germany« will be published in a later number of this journal. Thorsten Burger, who could not participate in the Jerusalem Congress, completed the collection presented here with his relevant contribution on the legislation applied to Jewish affairs by the Frankfurt authorities. The following introduction, as well as the four essays, permit short but profound glimpses into Jewish life conditions in Early Modern Germany.
Simulations in orthopedics and rehabilitation – Part I: Simulators
Authors: Dygut Jacek , Piwowar Piotr , Gołda Maria , Popławski Krzysztof , Jakubas Robert , Gonzales Gustaw , Piwowar Monika
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, medical simulators and computer simulation programs are used to train various skills required in medicine. The development of medicine, including orthopedics and rehabilitation, has meant that resident physicians, within a much shorter period of time, must acquire the knowledge and skills that their older colleagues gained over years, learning as they operated on patients. For this reason, simulation very often helps the doctor and others engaged in health care train some techniques necessary during the work before they start working in a clinical environment. They have a chance of fine-tuning certain skills under nonclinical environment. On the other hand, simulation techniques are used in medical scientific research to know and explain the different biological processes that can be used for better patient treatment in the future. In this paper (Part I), the authors focused on the presentation of different types of simulators for the following purposes: test (conducted under laboratory conditions), training (incorporated into school, universities syllabus), diagnostic and therapeutic (within the hospital, clinics, private medical practice).
Genetic structure and diversity in Juniperus communis populations in Saxony, Germany
Authors: Reim Stefanie , Lochschmidt Frank , Proft Anke , Tröber Ute , Wolf Heino
Published: November 2016

In recent years, land use changes led to a rapid decline and fragmentation of J. communis populations in Germany. Population isolation may lead to a restricted gene flow and, further, to negative effects on genetic variation. In this study, genetic diversity and population structure in seven fragmented J. communis populations in Saxony, Germany, were investigated using nuclear microsatellites (nSSR) and chloroplast single nucleotide polymorphism (cpSNP). In all Saxony J. communis populations, a high genetic diversity was determined but no population differentiation could be detected whatever method was applied (Bayesian cluster analysis, F-statistics, AMOVA). The same was true for three J. communis out-group samples originating from Italy, Slovakia and Norway, which also showed high genetic diversity and low genetic differences regarding other J. communis populations. Low genetic differentiation among the J. communis populations ascertained with nuclear and chloroplast markers indicated high levels of gene flow by pollen and also by seeds between the sampled locations. Low genetic differentiation may also provide an indicator of Juniper survival during the last glacial maximum (LGM) in Europe. The results of this study serve as a basis for the implementation of appropriate conservation measures in Saxony.
The sedge Carex secalina – critically endangered species in Poland: new locality in the breeding colony of black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Authors: Sandecki Rafał
Published: November 2016

A new locality of rye sedge Carex secalina, a critically endangered species was discovered on an island of Lake Kusowo, in the vicinity of Bydgoszcz (Kuyavian-Pomeranian Province), in June 2015. The species was found in a breeding colony of black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus. The population size was estimated at least at 30 individuals and all of them produced generative shoots. This locality of C. secalina is the northernmost in Poland and the only ascertained, apart from Inowrocław Plain. Colonization of the island by C. secalina was caused, probably, by zoochory as a result of accidental bringing of propagules by gulls, together with nesting material from outside the colony.
Fungus Evaluation from Seeds Germplasm before Medium and Long Term Storage
Authors: Plăcintă Domnica Daniela , Murariu Danela
Published: November 2016

During 2000-2016, 213 entries from 29 plant species from different crop groups (cereals, legumes, industrial crops, perennial grasses, vegetables, cucurbits, aromatic and medicinal plants) from core collection of the Suceava Genebank were evaluated from phytosanitary status point of view, before the storing. The seeds testing to the micromycetes incidence in the laboratory by incubating of them on blotting paper substrate and agar medium was performed. Fungal saprophytes from genus as: Alternaria spp., Stemphylium spp., Cladosporium sp., Rhyzopus sp., Epicocum sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Botrytis sp. occurred frequently in seeds samples of the tested crops. Also, 12 fungal parasite were isolated: Sclerospora sp., Diplodia sp., Nigrospora sp. on maize; Drechslera spp. on wheat, barley, rye and flax; Septoria sp. on barley; Fusarium spp. on maize, barley, rye, millet, bean, pea, flax, hemp, peppers, cucumbers; Colletotrichum spp. on maize, bean and faba bean; Sclerotinia sp., Isariopsis sp. and Rhyzoctonia sp. on bean; Verticillium sp. on peppers and okra, Ascochyta sp. on pea. The obtained results were expressed as percentage of the number of fungal isolated from tested samples species, highlighting the existing microflora and need to seed health testing with major importance in maintaing of high quality germplasm avoiding the pathogens preservation and dissemination.
Small Grain Cereal–Clover Mixtures for Forage Production
Authors: Shoaib M. , Akhtar N. , Shehzad M. , Qamar R. ,   Sanaullah
Published: November 2016

Fresh forages are the cheapest source of animal feed in world. Small grain cereals (SGC) are the most commonly used fresh forages or ensiled forage. Clovers are the perennial legumes that offer quality forage but their initial dry matter (DM) yield is low. Usually, SGC and clover are sown in mixtures to draw benefits from greater Cut-1 DM yield of cereals and biological nitrogen (N) fixation of clovers. However, mixtures are difficult to manage, compared to monoculture owing to differences in their growth pattern, temporal, spatial and physical requirements. In this review, SGC-clover mixtures are analyzed for their potential herbage DM yield and quality of the produce. Effect of various management factors on the productivity of forage mixtures are well documented. Decisions in managing mixtures, like choice of cereal and cutting time and how they affect the value of the final produce is reviewed. Besides decision, effect of relative proportion and spatial arrangement of intercrops is also deliberated. Special attention is paid to the competition between SGC and clovers and its impact on clover suppression in mixture. At the end conclusions are drawn to optimize production from mixtures.
Leben, Selbstbewusstsein, Negativität
Authors: Ng Karen
Published: November 2016

This paper explores Hegel’s speculative identity thesis as presented in theDifferenzschrift, thePhenomenology of Spirit, and theScience of Logic. I argue that speculative identity refers to the identity and non-identity of life and self-conscious cognition, a relation that establishes the constitutive importance of life for conceptual activity. Speculative identity thus entails that both self-consciousness and the Concept(der Begriff)are doubly constituted. I present this argument in three stages: first, through Hegel’s early critique of Fichte and his defense of the “objective subject-object” in theDifferenzschrift;second, through the concept of experience(Erfahrung)developed in thePhenomenology;and finally, through a brief consideration of the Concept as presented in theLogic. Although there are significant developments that take place between Hegel’s early and mature presentations of speculative identity, I argue that there is a common thread that persists throughout, namely, the constitutive importance of life for the purposive self-determination of thought.
Pragmatistische Erneuerung der globalen Gerechtigkeitsdebatte
Authors: Festl Michael G.
Published: November 2016

The article explicates how the pragmatic account of justice which is called ‘justice as historic experimentalism’ can be applied to the debate on global justice. It investigates thereby the role that normative justifications of the nation-state ought to play in global theories of justice. It argues that one distinctive element of pragmatic approaches, as opposed to the dominant approaches in the field of global justice, is that arguments on the role of the nation-state do not occupy a central position. Rather, it is concrete problems of justice and their experimental and historic examination that guide the pragmatist inquiry. The role of the nation-state has to fall in line. The problem of global economic in equalities is invoked to illustrate the merits of the pragmatist approach to justice here presented.
Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulphur concentration and δ13C, δ15N values in Hypogymnia physodes within the montane area – preliminary data
Authors: Ciężka Monika , Kossowska Maria , Paneth Piotr , Górka Maciej
Published: November 2016

The contribution of C, N and S, as well as the isotopic composition of C and N of atmospheric pollutants, are assumed to be reflected in the organic compounds inbuilt into the lichen thallus. The chemical and isotopic analyses were carried out on lichen Hypogymnia physodes samples gathered from Picea abies and Larix decidua, collected in 13 sampling points located in Karkonoski National Park and its closest vicinity in 2011. The results for %C, %N and %S varied from 43.44 to 46.79%, from 0.86 to 1.85% and from 0.07 to 0.27 %, respectively. The δ13C values ranged from −26.6 to −24.6‰, whereas δ15N values varied from −13.0 to −6.8‰. The ranges in isotope composition suggest different sources of C and N for Karpacz compared to the remaining sampling sites. For Karpacz, the δ13C values suggest (in case the fractionation product-substrate does not exist and Δ=0) that the dominant sources are coal combustion processes, whereas for remaining sampling points, the δ13C values are ambiguous and are masked by many mixed natural and anthropogenic processes. With the same assumption that Δ=0, the δ15N values suggest that transport is not a dominant source of nitrogen within Karpacz city. Moreover, in this study we tested the possible fractionation (Δ) for carbon and nitrogen, assuming that within the investigated area, the source of carbon is probably CO2 and/or DIC (HCO3
−) dissolved in precipitation, while the source of nitrogen is NOx and/or NO3
− ion. The calculated fractionation factors were: (i) for gaseous carbon compounds ΔCO2-Corg value from −13.4 to −11.4‰, whereas for the ions form ΔHCO3
−-Corg value from −16.6 to −14.6‰, (ii) for nitrogen gaseous compounds ΔNOx-Norg value between apx. −17 and −5‰, whereas for the ions form ΔNO3
−-Norg value between −9.9 and −3.7‰.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Ethanol Synthesis from Glycerol by Two-Step Reactor Sequence
Authors: Mendoza-Chávez Erick A. , Rodríguez-Olalde Nancy E. , Maya-Yescas Rafael , Campos-García Jesús , Saucedo-Luna Jaime , Castro-Montoya Agustín J.
Published: November 2016

Highlights

–

Glycerol was dry-reformed to syngas and sequentially utilized for ethanol synthesis

–

Adding CO2to the glycerol dry reforming reactor was advantageous for ethanol synthesis

–

Maximum yield was 1 mole ethanol per mole glycerol at CO2/glycerol ratio≥2

–

ethanol synthesis from syngas was dependent on the temperature and CO2/glycerol ratio

–

Wasted glycerol from biodiesel-manufacturing is suitable for syngas/ethanol production
Influence of an Alkaline Zeolite on the Carbon Flow in Anaerobiosis of Three Strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hernández-Villa Gabriela , Velasco-Bedrán Hugo , González-Brambila Margarita , Campos-Guzmán Eneida
Published: November 2016

Nowadays ethanol is considered an alternative to liquid fossil fuels, as a product of fermentation of sugars by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other microorganisms. It is very important in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Prior studies show that the addition of certain amount of zeolite induces an increase in the ethanol/glucose yield. In this work, the effect of zeolite on the carbon flux of S. cerevisiae in different culture conditions is reported. An explanation for the effect of the zeolite on the yeast metabolism is offered. Results show a 20 % increase in yield, thus lowering production costs and improving the use of raw materials, which would increase the possibilities of using alcohol as biofuel.
Deformation Monitoring of the Submillimetric UPV Calibration Baseline
Authors: García-Asenjo Luis , Baselga Sergio , Garrigues Pascual
Published: November 2016

A 330 m calibration baseline was established at theUniversitat Politècnica de València(UPV) in 2007. Absolute scale was subsequently transferred in 2012 from the Nummela Standard Baseline in Finland and distances between pillars were determined with uncertainties ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. In order to assess the long-term stability of the baseline three field campaigns were carried out from 2013 to 2015 in a co-operative effort with theUniversidad Complutense de Madrid(UCM), which provided the only Mekometer ME5000 distance meter available in Spain. Since the application of the ISO17123-4 full procedure did not suffice to come to a definite conclusion about possible displacements of the pillars, we opted for the traditional geodetic network approach. This approach had to be adapted to the case at hand in order to deal with problems such as the geometric weakness inherent to calibration baselines and scale uncertainty derived from both the use of different instruments and the high correlation between the meteorological correction and scale determination. Additionally, the so-called the maximum number of stable points method was also tested. In this contribution it is described the process followed to assess the stability of the UPV submillimetric calibration baseline during the period of time from 2012 to 2015.
“Verum Est Ipsum Factum” – True is What Has Been Made as Such
Authors: Sirén Torsti
Published: November 2016

In traditional International Relations theory (IR), states have been approached from empiricist perspective by using methods and terminologies that consider states as homogeneous ‘speaking billiard balls’, which compete for power, prestige and so forth with each other. This article does not argue that traditional paradigms of IR (such as Classical Realism or Neorealism) would not count any more, vice versa, but what this article argues is that for being able to understand more deeply such topical social phenomena as terrorism, strategic communities, spread of nuclear weapons, nuclear policies, world order, NATO-enlargement, EU-integration, threat scenarios, enemy images an so forth, one has to adopt a more holistic, Constructivist social theoretical, approach than traditional IR offers. In this context Constructivism necessitates at least three things. Firstly, one has to explicitly clear out his/her ontological and epistemological points of departure for being able to operate with Constructivist social theory. In some occasions it may e.g. be necessary to deal with God’s and religions’ ontological and epistemological statuses as signifiers of interests, or as ‘root causes’ of behaviour of many social groups, communities and nations. Secondly, the state should be considered as a ‘decentred subject’ consisting of individuals, many sub-groups, organizational structure, institutions and especially identity structure, which has been purposefully constructed throughout the history (the endogenous perspective), and which is under constant reconstruction through domestic and international discursive interactions (the interactionist perspective). Thirdly, one should take into account that human communities and societies tend to habituate themselves into certain beliefs, values and modes of action that change very slowly over the course of history (the cultural perspective), despite increasing interactions.
Enhancement of National Collaboration Between Defence Establishment and Industry by Systems Approach
Authors: Anteroinen Jukka
Published: November 2016

The objective of this paper is to discuss current challenges of specific collaboration mechanisms between the defence establishment and national defence industry and to present a holistic, conceptual co-operation model of systems approach, based on discussion to enhance that cooperation. This survey focuses mainly on problems that are related to defence technology and industrial strategies. A special emphasis is placed on collaboration activities and mechanisms between the above mentioned partners; technology programmes, industrial participation, defence centres of excellence and immaterial property rights to reveal collaboration dilemmas from various aspects. The conceptual model of systems approach pursues to manage cooperation activities and mechanisms comprehensively and so fulfil expectations placed for the collaboration both by the defence establishment and the industry. Applicability and value of the model is verified by risk analysis.

The paper has a Finnish focus and it delineates the challenges identified with Finnish examples. However, the model that it represents is of universal application, especially for countries that do not have a comprehensive defence industry but import the major part of their materiel from abroad.
Usability Monitoring – Extending Quality of Service Monitoring for Decision Making
Authors: Koskinen Anne , Jormakka Jorma
Published: November 2016

The paper presents a new concept, Usability Monitoring, and applies it for situational awareness applications in military Command, Control, Communication, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance systems (C4ISR). Usability Monitoring means taking measurements of technical Quality of Service (QoS) parameters in end systems and comparing them to target values of reference cases. The concept differs from QoS monitoring in the goal and in the placement of measurement points: In QoS monitoring the goal is to verify that the network provides the promised service quality in the user system - network interface. QoS monitoring does not capture the actual end user experience, which is influenced also by the end system, and therefore it does not directly correspond to the service quality that a user sees. Usability Monitoring has exactly this goal. The Observe-Orient-Decide-Act-Loop (OODA) is a decision making concept that is widely used in the network-centric approach and it emphasizes fast decision making. The presented model for Usability Monitoring is based on the OODA-loop. It includes QoS measurements not only in the Act-phase, i.e., can the user perform the actions s/he wants or are there delays and losses that make the system less usable, but also in the Observe-phase, i.e., does the user get the information s/he subscribes to, and in the Orient-phase, i.e., does the user get confusing information and cannot orient, and also the Decide-phase, i.e. is the user able to make right decisions based on the previous steps. The measured technical QoS parameters are connected to user experience by Mean of Score (MOS) functions that are obtained by usability tests.

A case study for partially evaluating the Usability Monitoring concept is from MNE5 MSA (Multinational Experimentation 5, Maritime Situational Awareness) Experimentation Event 3 that was conducted in partnership with the Navy Command Finland, Naval Warfare Centre of Sweden and NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and the Singaporean Armed Forces (SAF) Future Systems Directorate. In the MNE5 MSA experimentation we were able to monitor end user experience, how the user sees the services and is able to work with the current tools and capabilities. In this article we describe how Usability Monitoring was addressed in the MNE5 MSA case study: meters for Usability Monitoring were selected and we investigated what aspects of usability affect the phases of the OODA-loop.
Strategy as Discursive Construction in the Finnish Defence Forces
Authors: Westling Jouni , Laaksonen Marko , Huhtinen Aki
Published: November 2016

This paper draws upon critical discourse analysis to analyse an empirical study of strategy practices in a military organization. The recent practice-turn in strategy research emphasizes the meaning of discourses, routines and activities in a strategy formation process. Strategy is not understood only as an attribute of an organization, but also as activity; it is something people do and say or leave undone and unspoken. Research concerning strategy practices has, however, ignored military organizations and concentrated mainly on private enterprises and public administration. In this paper we argue that there is a need for a practice-turn in the military context as well. Just as practice theory has proven its usefulness in examining corporate strategies, it can also contribute to our understanding of the actual strategy process in military organizations and help us understand the practices behind formulated strategy.

We focus on the high-level strategic planners in the Finnish Defence Forces and analyse their conceptions of the strategy process. Based on the data of 14 in-depth interviews, the paper's goal is to analyse the discursive elements of strategy talk in a military organization. This paper will concentrate on three central issues. (1) What is the relationship between civil and military strategists while formulating strategy in a military organization? (2) Who are defined as strategists? (3) Are the high-level strategy planners aware of a variety of hidden agendas and power relations that shape the strategy formulation process? Although the discourses and practices we have found are, of course, context-specific, we claim that similar kind of strategic discourses and practices can be found in other military organizations and possibly even in non-military organizations.

Research on civil-military relations has traditionally concentrated on examining the interaction between civil and military organizations but neglected the interaction within these organizations. Our study shows that formulating strategy in military organizations is a complex process far from the Clausewitzian conception that delimits the concept of strategy only to conventional war. Direction-setting, monitoring and allocation of resources are all outcomes of a constant debate between political, military, technological, economical and cultural aspects. Getting to know this kind of process can be beneficial for strategy researchers and managers working in the corporate field as well.

In addition, the Finnish Defence Forces constitute an interesting field for strategy research, as it is one of the three European armies that relies on compulsory military service. The fact that almost every male citizen has served guarantees a special position for this institution in society and particularly in strategy discourses.
The Relation Between Finnish Conscripts’ Reading Difficulties (Rd), Cognitive Abilities And The Length Of Service Period
Authors: Hirvasoja-Korkee Heidi , Holopainen Leena , Tolvanen Asko , Leskinen Jukka
Published: November 2016

In this study, the existence of reading difficulties (RD) among young adults and the relation between RD, cognitive abilities and length of service period were examined. The aim was to study the manifestation of reading difficulties with young adult males, the connection between different cognitive abilities and reading comprehension and decoding skills, and to determine whether the membership of different reading skills groups was related to the length of the service period, which is partly dependent on the scores of cognitive assessment in military service, Basic Test 1. The participants in this study (N=1399) were Finnish adolescents (mean age 20 years, sd .61) participating in compulsory military service. Every Finnish male citizen is obligated to undergo military service and because RD is more common in males than females, warfare becomes more technological and military training is increasingly based on written material that requires reading skills, it is very reasonable to study RD with persons in military service. Results showed that reading difficulties persist into adulthood, but some regional differences were found, and reading difficulties (especially decoding difficulties) had only a minor direct connection to the length of the service period.
A Cost Increase Analysis of Weapon Systems Using the Paache Index: Cases from the German Bundeswehr
Authors: Essig Michael , Glas Andreas H. , Mondry Simon
Published: November 2016

The media and the public often make claims regarding the excessive cost increases in the development and production of major weapon systems such as fighter planes, submarines or tanks. The purpose of this research is in assessing the cost increase of such weapon systems during their procurement periods with the help of the Paasche price index. In contrast to other approaches, which focus upon either the specific situations of single weapon systems or cost increases relative to planned budgets, we compare several projects of military services and their cost increases over time to reveal generalisable trends.

For this purpose, we used a framework model that allows for performance and cost comparisons. This paper primarily emphasises the cost perspective by calculating a Paasche index for each chosen project. As a background case for our analysis, we have used the acquisition projects for major weapon systems in Germany. However, the framework model that this study employs is universally applicable.

In contrast to the public perception of cost increases, we could not find any clear trend that would indicate that modern weapon systems have a significantly higher (or lower) cost increase than was the case for projects several decades before. To give brief insight into the empirical findings, the cost increase ratios of the Starfighter and Eurofighter jets have the same level, while cost increase ratios of other weapon systems (APC tanks, submarines) differ significantly (to the worse and to the better) over time. Our findings imply that there is no general trend that today the costs for weapon systems increase more/less than some decades ago. This paper calculates data only from the regarded seven cases therefore we could not question the causes for this observation on basis of our sample. However, it appears that, within a specific service or a specific vehicle type (tank, fighter jet, ship/boat), cost increases may be similar over time.
Shaped Charge Calculation Models for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations
Authors: Johnsson Fredrik , Vretblad Bengt , Sivertun Åke
Published: November 2016

The clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) containing shaped charge warheads poses a particular technical hazard to consider for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel. The wide use of light anti-tank weapons, such as rocket propelled grenades and the scattering of sub-munitions in different conflict areas have made the clearance of shaped charge ammunition a frequent task. However, unlike other hazards, for shaped charges, EOD personnel lack adequate means for the establishment of the maximum hazardous area and for the design of measures for hazard confinement against the shaped charge effect.

In this article two different models are suggested, which together give guidance for protective measures during clearance of shaped charge ammunition. The development of these models is based on their military utility, by consideration of the limited information availability, the short time frames, the working methods and the technology level that are characteristic for EOD operations. The two suggested models are developed further into a complete set of design rules for protective measures, giving a versatile tool to replace today´s rough estimates and guesswork, in these safety-related decisions.
Non-State Actors in Cyberspace Operations
Authors: Sigholm Johan
Published: November 2016

The growing importance of cyberspace to modern society, and its increasing use as an arena for dispute, is becoming a national security concern for governments and armed forces globally. The special characteristics of cyberspace, such as its asymmetric nature, the lack of attribution, the low cost of entry, the legal ambiguity, and its role as an efficient medium for protest, crime, espionage and military aggression, makes it an attractive domain for nation-states as well as non-state actors in cyber conflict.

This paper studies the various non-state actors who coexist in cyberspace, examines their motives and incitements, and analyzes how and when their objectives coincide with those of nation-states. Literature suggests that many nations are currently pursuing cyberwarfare capabilities, oftentimes by leveraging criminal organizations and irregular forces. Employment of such non-state actors as hacktivists, patriot hackers, and cybermilitia in state-on-state cyberspace operations has also proved to be a usable model for conducting cyberattacks. The paper concludes that cyberspace is emerging as a new tool for state power that will likely reshape future warfare. However, due to the lack of concrete cyberwarfare experience, and the limited encounters of legitimate cyberattacks, it is hard to precisely assess future effects, risks and potentials.
The American Way of Remote Air Warfare
Authors: Vicente João
Published: November 2016

This analysis will assess the effects of the American way of Remote Air Warfare on the decision to wage war and the factors affecting the tactical conduct of war. This will be accomplished by determining how the Remote Air Warfare operational template influences the decision making process at the strategic level, by analyzing the political willingness to wage war, and at the tactical level, by assessing how the distance from the battlefield impacts warfighter’s proneness to use lethal force.

This operational template translates the double moral implications of the increasing distance and removal of human risk from the duel. On the other hand, exposes a political maneuver’s expansion of freedom, increasing the propensity to wage war and changing the relationship between state and society.

The research was guided by an inductive methodology of prospective nature, which analyses the past to inform present decisions, aiding to formulate future strategic actions. Thus, performing a critical analysis of the ideas underlying the employment of airpower, within an operational template of Remote Air Warfare, will facilitate the development of a comprehensive knowledge about its effects and a more effective adaptation to future war.
Wargame as a combined method of qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Hämäläinen Juhani , Sormunen Jari , Rantapelkonen Jari , Nikkarila Juha-Pekka
Published: November 2016

Wargames are important methods for military planning, education and research. Qualitative models have a long tradition in wargaming for improving and practising the military skills as well as enhancing the military planning based on the experiences and understanding of the experts. Quantitative models are included in simulations and technical studies. Traditionally, the relations between the qualitative and quantitative research have been described as opposites. We shall consider both the approaches, their challenges and possibilities, and their combination for producing more exhaustive wargame and for answering to the criticism of wargame as a mainly qualitative method.

Our main research question is: How to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches and methods to improve quality of results of military wargames? Our main objective is to clarify and illustrate how qualitative and quantitative methods can be combined through the wargame. We shall emphasize the importance of the model selection at the beginning as it limits and guides the form (not the content) of the obtained results. We shall illustrate a combined wargame within different steps and the modelling themes of the game. Our results and findings should be useful for improving and focusing wargames to answer given research questions.
The Strategic Assessment Model (Stratam) Studying and Preventing Strategic Failure
Authors: Ruff-Stahl Hans-Joachim Klaus
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this study is to introduce the Strategic Assessment Model (STRATAM), a model designed to assist in the prevention of strategic failure. STRATAM aids firstly in the assessment of a strategy, as well as its crafting and evolution; secondly, it aims to enable and possibly streamline civil-military strategic debates on military operations. It is argued that strategic blunders in many cases result from latent organizational failures on one’s own side. Therefore, STRATAM combines Clausewitz’ theory of war and strategy with organizational failure theory. To demonstrate the use of this model, this paper uses Operation Cast Lead (or the Gaza War) of 2008-2009 as a case study. The paper’s findings include that the ultimate reasons for strategic failure were on one hand Clausewitzian; on the other hand, the Israeli Defense Force’s failure in organizational learning from a previous war two years earlier. The timely, strategic assessment and an effective civil-military debate about the effects of ongoing military operations might have prevented this failure. STRATAM would have provided the necessary language, structure, and relevance to identify actual and potential strategic failures with the goal to evolve the strategy.
Examining The Impact of Personality and Situational Factors on Decision Making Among Military Staffs
Authors: Wallenius Claes , Bäccman Charlotte , Larsson Gerry
Published: November 2016

Military staff performance may be inferior due to several reasons. The purpose of the present survey was to study the impact of stress reactions, personality factors, situation awareness, and maladaptive group dynamics on the quality of the decision-making in Swedish high-level military staffs. Participants were mainly captains and majors, but also lieutenant colonels and colonels took part (n = 256, 61 % response rate). A mainly self-made questionnaire was administered in two staff exercises. Maladaptive group dynamics, stress exposure, lack of situation awareness, and negative stress reactions were the strongest predictors of poor staff performance, while personality had less impact.
The influence of military identity on work engagement and burnout in the norwegian army rapid reaction force
Authors: Johansen Rino Bandlitz , Martinussen Monica , Kvilvang Nils
Published: November 2016

The present study examined the influence of military identity on work engagement and burnout among members in the Norwegian Army Rapid Reaction Forces (RRF).

Hierarchical regression analyses found work engagement to be predicted by military identity (positively so by professionalism, and negatively by individualism), with individualism also predicting burnout. This is the first study to examine the unique influence of military identity on burnout and engagement among operational army personnel in the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Nordic Armaments Co-operation Savings Potential
Authors: Lehtonen Juha-Matti , Isojärvi Henry
Published: November 2016

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the potential cost savings of Nordic defence co-operation, which is frequently given as one of the arguments in its favour by politicians. Theoretical grounds for savings in co-operation such as economies of scale are reviewed in both the business and defence contexts. Then the potential cost savings in the future acquisition plans are studied through comparing countries’ plans and in maintenance through assessing the commonality of current military equipment. Comparison of public defence purchasing plans reveals that the opportunities for procurement co-operation are limited as Nordic countries are planning to acquire mainly different equipment. Due to differences in current military equipment, the savings opportunities in maintenance are likewise limited other than in the land vehicles’ sector. As currently practiced, Nordic defence co-operation seems not to offer any savings potential that could make a difference at the overall military budget level. The independent assessment of this article is based on publicly available data, which limits both the scope and details of the results.
Adversarial Risk Analysis for Enhancing Combat Simulation Models
Authors: Roponen Juho , Salo Ahti
Published: November 2016

Adversarial Risk Analysis (ARA) builds on statistical risk analysis and game theory to analyze decision situations involving two or more intelligent opponents who make decisions under uncertainty. During the past few years, the ARA approach-which is based on the explicit modelling of the decision making processes of a rational opponent-has been applied extensively in areas such as counterterrorism and corporate competition. In the context of military combat modelling, however, ARA has not been used systematically, even if there have been attempts to predict the opponent’s decisions based on wargaming, application of game theoretic equilibria, and the use of expert judgements. Against this backdrop, we argue that combining ARA with military combat modelling holds promise for enhancing the capabilities of combat modelling tools. We identify ways of combining ARA with combat modelling and give an illustrative example of how ARA can provide insights into a problem where the defender needs to estimate the utility gained from hiding its troop movements from the attacker. Even if the ARA approach can be challenging to apply, it can be instructive in that relevant assumptions about the resources, expectations and goals that guide the adversary’s decisions must be explicated.
The epileptic multifactorial patient’s burden. Review of the topic
Authors: Pimentel José
Published: November 2016

Background. Approximately 26% of the burden of neurologic diseases is due to epilepsy. Its negative impact reflects mainly on people with epilepsy (PWE) themselves.

Aims. To highlight the negative impacts of epilepsy on the lives of PEW’s so as to identify a realistic approach to their individual needs.

Methods. For recently published papers PubMed and MEDLINE databases were used. In addition relevant references mentioned in the searched articles were also considered.

Review and discussion. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures and refractory epilepsy are the most important factors burdening PWE’s, resulting in increased injuries and mortality, including Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The need of chronic intake of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and of epilepsy surgery are also important with regards to potential for side effects, drug interactions, and different surgery risks. PWE harbour more medical and psychiatric comorbidities than the general population and results in a decreased quality of life. Decreased self-esteem and major stigma are also frequent, linked to social, economic and personal negative consequences.

Age also plays a role, younger people being more stigmatized given the interdiction to drive or difficulty in getting a job. In the elderly, seizures may have an impact on mental status, mood and sleep. Gender may also contribute, particularly involving women in childbearing age, linked to the fear or depression due to the possibility of AED-induced fertility disturbances, foetal malformations, or breast feeding side-effects.

Conclusions. The burden that PWE face must be considered by all people involved in the management of their epilepsy. The causes may be multifactorial, all interconnected and each one influencing the others.
The Continuing Evolution of Official Statistics: Some Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: MacFeely Steve
Published: November 2016

As economies, societies, and environments change, official statistics evolve and develop to reflect those changes. In reaction to disruptive innovations arising from globalisation, technological advances, and cultural changes, the pace of change of official statistics will accelerate in the future. The motivation for change may also be more existential than that of the past as official statisticians consider the survival of their discipline. This article examines some of the emerging developments and questions whether they present threats or offer opportunities.
Data-Mining Opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises with Official Statistics in the UK
Authors: Coleman Shirley Y.
Published: November 2016

There is a growing interest in data amongst small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This article looks at ways in which SMEs can combine their internal company data with open data, such as official statistics, and thereby enhance their business opportunities. Case studies are given as illustrations of the statistical and data-mining methods involved in such integrated data analytics. The article considers the barriers that prevent more SMEs from benefitting in this field and appraises some of the initiatives that are aimed at helping to overcome them. The discussion emphasizes the importance of bringing people together from the business, IT, and statistical worlds and suggests ways for statisticians to make a greater impact.
Demographic Projections: User and Producer Experiences of Adopting a Stochastic Approach
Authors: Dunstan Kim , Ball Christopher
Published: November 2016

Statistics New Zealand is one of the few national statistical agencies to have applied a stochastic (probabilistic) approach to official demographic projections. This article discusses the experience and benefits of adopting this new approach, including the perspective of a key user of projections, the New Zealand Treasury. Our experience is that the change is less difficult to make than might be expected. Uncertainty in the different projection inputs (components) can be modelled simply or with more complexity, and progressively applied to different projection types. This means that not all the different demographic projections an agency produces need to adopt a stochastic approach simultaneously. At the same time, users of the projections are keen to better understand the relative certainty and uncertainty of projected outcomes, given the important uses of projections.