Uranium reserve, nuclear fuel cycle delusion, CO2 emission from the sea, and electricity supply: reflections after the fuel meltdown of Fukushima nuclear power units

The Great Tohoku-Kanto earthquake and resulting tsunami has brought considerable attention to the issue of the construction of new power plants. We argue in this paper, nuclear power is not a sustainable solution to energy problems. First, we explore the stock of uranium-235 and the different schemes developed by the nuclear power industry to exploit this resource. Second, we show that these methods, fast breeder and MOX fuel reactors, are not feasible. Third, we show that the argument that nuclear energy can be used to reduce CO2 emissions is false: the emissions from the increased water evaporation from nuclear power generation must be accounted for. In the case of Japan, water from nuclear power plants is drained into the surrounding sea, raising the water temperature which has an adverse affect on the immediate ecosystem, as well as increasing CO2 emissions from increased water evaporation from the sea. Next, a short exercise is used to show that nuclear power is not even needed to meet consumer demand in Japan. Such an exercise should be performed for any country considering the construction of additional nuclear power plants. Lastly, the paper is concluded with a discussion of the implications of our findings.

Sea Urchins Predation Facilitates Coral Invasion in a Marine Reserve

Macroalgae is the dominant trophic group on Mediterranean infralittoral rocky bottoms, whereas zooxanthellate corals are extremely rare. However, in recent years, the invasive coral Oculina patagonica appears to be increasing its abundance through unknown means. Here we examine the pattern of variation of this species at a marine reserve between 2002 and 2010 and contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that allow its current increase. Because indirect interactions between species can play a relevant role in the establishment of species, a parallel assessment of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the main herbivorous invertebrate in this habitat and thus a key species, was conducted. O. patagonica has shown a 3-fold increase in abundance over the last 8 years and has become the most abundant invertebrate in the shallow waters of the marine reserve, matching some dominant erect macroalgae in abundance. High recruitment played an important role in this increasing coral abundance. The results from this study provide compelling evidence that the increase in sea urchin abundance may be one of the main drivers of the observed increase in coral abundance. Sea urchins overgraze macroalgae and create barren patches in the space-limited macroalgal community that subsequently facilitate coral recruitment. This study indicates that trophic interactions contributed to the success of an invasive coral in the Mediterranean because sea urchins grazing activity indirectly facilitated expansion of the coral. Current coral abundance at the marine reserve has ended the monopolization of algae in rocky infralittoral assemblages, an event that could greatly modify both the underwater seascape and the sources of primary production in the ecosystem.

Effects of total fishing prohibition on the rocky fish assemblages of Medes Islands marine reserve (NW Mediterranean)

Visual scuba diving censuses were used to assess the effects of fishing prohibition on abundance and size structure of littoral fish populations by comparing the same benthic communities inside and outside the protected area of Medes Islands (NE Catalonia, Spain). The total number of species found was 43 in the reserve and 44 outside, but the mean value of species richness per sampling station was significantly higher in the protected area. However, diversity, heavily affected by the presence or absence of large schools of pelagic species, showed no significant differences between sites. The prohibition of fishing for 6 years is the first factor affecting the qualitative and quantitative structure of fish populations ('reserve effect'), and depth is the second factor. Thus, except in the cases of Serranus cabrilla and Mullus surmuletus, all other vulnerable species are highly sensitive to the protection measures. The size structure of all vulnerable species was found to be absolutely different at the reserve sites than in the unprotected zones, and the modal size classes of size frequency distributions were always higher in the reserve than outside. The reserve effect was significantly responsible of the differences observed in this change on size structure. Some highly vulnerable species, such as Epinephelus guaza and Sciaena umbra, have only been found in the protected area. Others, such as Sparus aurata, Diplodus cervinus and Dicentrarchus labrax, were much more frequent inside the reserve.

Bat assemblages in the Nietoperek bat reserve (Western Poland) and their conservation strategies

Międzyrzecz Fortified Front, were Natura 2000 site PLH080003 Nietoperek is situated, was built by the Germans in the 1930s and during the World War II. It is composed of above ground bunkers connected by underground tunnels of ca. 32 km total length. Nietoperek is the eighth largest bats hibernation site in EU. Monthly censuses were carried out from October to April during three consecutive winter seasons (2011/12 – 2013/14) in area covering ca. 30% of the undergrounds. The aims of the study were: (1) to describe changes in numbers of each species in the course of hibernation season, (2) to suggest deadlines for counting particular bat species to obtain maximal numbers and (3) to describe negative impact of tourism on hibernating bats. The results will be useful for restriction of winter tourism in Nietoperek. The total number of bats observed during the study was 37869 individuals of 9 species. Because of difficulties in distinguishing without handling M. mystacinus and M. brandtii were treated as one group. M. myotis constituted from 53% (first season) to 64% (last season) of all hibernating bats. The maximal numbers of individuals were observed in November (first two seasons) and in December (third season). M. daubentonii constituted from 27% (first season) to 21% (last season) and M. nattereri from 10% (first season) to 11% (second season) of all bats. During the three seasons the maximal numbers of M. daubentonii and M. nattereri were observed in November and December respectively. B. barbastellus and P. auritus constituted from 4% (first season) to 2% (last season) of the multi species colony. The maximal numbers of B. barbastellus were observed in January and P. auritus in January (first and second seasons) and in December (third season). Results indicated that the best period for counting maximal numbers of M. myotis and M. daubentonii is November, for M. nattereri is December and for B. barbastellus and P. auritus is January. The study undertaken in the part visited by tourists in winter (total length of 900 m) proved negative effect caused by human disturbance with 23% decline of total bat numbers.

Interest rate determination in the interbank market

The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of equilibrium in the market for daily funds. We use the EONIA panel database which includes daily information on the lending rates applied by contributing commercial banks. The data clearly shows an increase in both the time series volatility and the cross section dispersion of rates towards the end of the reserve maintenance period. These increases are highly correlated. With respect to quantities, we find that the volume of trade as well as the use of the standing facilities are also larger at the end of the maintenance period. Our theoretical model shows how the operational framework of monetary policy causes a reduction in the elasticity of the supply of funds by banks throughout the reserve maintenance period. This reduction in the elasticity together with market segmentation and heterogeneity are able to generate distributions for the interest rates and quantities traded with the same properties as in the data.

The daily market for funds in Europe: what has changed with the EMU?

This paper presents evidence that the existence of deposit and lending facilities combined with an averaging provision for the reserve requirement are powerful tools to stabilize the overnight rate. We reach this conclusion by comparing the behavior of this rate in Germany before and after the start of the EMU. The analysis of the German experience is useful because it allows to isolate the effects on the overnight rate of these particular instruments of monetary policy. To show that this outcome is a general conclusion and not a particular result of the German market, we develop a theoretical model of reserve management which is able to reproduce our empirical findings.

Preferred suppliers in auction markets

In a procurement setting, this paper examines agreements between a buyer and one of the suppliers which would increase their joint surplus. The provisions of such agreements depend on the buyer's ability to design the rules of the final procurement auction. When the buyer has no such ability, their joint surplus can be increased by an agreement which grants to the preferred supplier a right-of-first-refusal on the lowest price offer from the other suppliers. When the buyer does have this ability, one agreement which maximizes their joint surplus includes a revelation game for the cost of the preferred supplier and a reserve price in the procurement auction based on that cost.

Proyecto ecoturístico integrado en la Reserva Natural El Tisey - La Estanzuela

El presente proyecto realizado en la Reserva Natural El Tisey-La Estanzuela en la República de Nicaragua pretende mejorar la situación de dicha Reserva como destino ecoturístico. Mediante una descripción exhaustiva del área y una valoración de los recursos y servicios turísticos, se ha planteado la problemática para el desarrollo del ecoturismo. Según la OMT, el ecoturismo es un tipo de turismo sostenible que se realiza en espacios naturales protegidos para conocer la flora y fauna características. Debe satisfacer las necesidades de los turistas y de los autóctonos, al mismo tiempo que protege y mejora las oportunidades de futuro y se respeta la integridad cultural, los procesos ecológicos, la diversidad biológica y los sistemas de apoyo a la vida. En base a ésto y a los resultados obtenidos tanto de la valoración de los servicios y recursos como del análisis DAFO, se han propuesto un conjunto de mejoras y se ha realizado un plan de actuación, que se trata de la elaboración de cuatro itinerarios así como de trípticos informativos, que de llevarse a cabo, mejorarían las condiciones turísticas y de seguro que aumentaría la afluencia de turistas.

La depuradora de Begues: reactor biològic o aiguamolls construïts?. Estudi comparatiu dels vectors: superfície, consum energètic, integració en el medi

L’objectiu del present estudi és comparar els vectors de superfície, consum energètic i integració en el medi entre 2 tipus d’instal·lacions EDAR al municipi de Begues; una ja existent amb tractament secundari i terciari mitjançant un reactor biològic i una potencial amb tractament secundari i terciari mitjançant aiguamolls construïts. La finalitat del projecte és determinar, gràcies a l’estudi dels principals vectors ambientals de la infraestructura i a altres estudiats per en Jordi Gómez Castillo, quina de les 2 tipologies d’instal·lació s’ajusta més al territori i a les necessitats de tractament de les aigües del mateix. Els resultats de la investigació indiquen que els aiguamolls construïts fan un ús més productiu del sòl però ocupen l’espai de reserva disponible amb el sistema de reactor biològic. A més, consumeixen 50kWh/dia menys que l’altra instal·lació, fet que implica un 7% menys d’emissions de CO2 anuals. Finalment, tenen una millor integració en el medi i proporcionen uns beneficis auxiliars afegits. Amb el projecte d’en Jordi Gómez Castillo, les conclusions que es poden establir en referència a la decisió d’instal·lar una depuradora o una altra indiquen que l’EDAR sense aiguamolls té més probabilitat de ser escollida com la més adient per les necessitats del territori d’estudi.

A correlation sensitivity analysis of non-life underwriting risk in solvency capital requirement estimation

This paper analyses the impact of using different correlation assumptions between lines of business when estimating the risk-based capital reserve, the Solvency Capital Requirement (SCR), under Solvency II regulations. A case study is presented and the SCR is calculated according to the Standard Model approach. Alternatively, the requirement is then calculated using an Internal Model based on a Monte Carlo simulation of the net underwriting result at a one-year horizon, with copulas being used to model the dependence between lines of business. To address the impact of these model assumptions on the SCR we conduct a sensitivity analysis. We examine changes in the correlation matrix between lines of business and address the choice of copulas. Drawing on aggregate historical data from the Spanish non-life insurance market between 2000 and 2009, we conclude that modifications of the correlation and dependence assumptions have a significant impact on SCR estimation.

How to use the standard model with own data?

In this work discuss the use of the standard model for the calculation of the solvency capital requirement (SCR) when the company aims to use the specific parameters of the model on the basis of the experience of its portfolio. In particular, this analysis focuses on the formula presented in the latest quantitative impact study (2010 CEIOPS) for non-life underwriting premium and reserve risk. One of the keys of the standard model for premium and reserves risk is the correlation matrix between lines of business. In this work we present how the correlation matrix between lines of business could be estimated from a quantitative perspective, as well as the possibility of using a credibility model for the estimation of the matrix of correlation between lines of business that merge qualitative and quantitative perspective.

Estràtegies de gestió per al manteniment de la biodiversitat a la sabana brasilera: control d'especies exòtiques amb foc

Report for the scientific sojourn at the Instituto de Biociências, of the Universidade de Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 2007 to 2009. African exotic grasses, used as forage crops for cattle, found optimal conditions in Brazilian savannas for their spread. They established as invasive grasses in almost all conservation units, becoming a serius threat to native biote and to most ecological processes. Fire is a cyclical event in Brazilian savannas and can be used as a management tool for enhancing competitivity of native grasses and controlling exotic grasses. Seeking for alternatives for the management of these grasses, this study investigates the effect of recurrent burnings in different periods of the year (fire regimes) on: distribution patterns of exotic grasses and their associations wotih native grasses, the local edaphic characteristics, the nutrient pool of the aerial biomass of both native and exotic grasses, and soil seed banks. This project is held on the IBGE Ecological Reserve, in Brasília (Brazil), in an area destined specifically for research of fire effects on brazilian savannas. The project quantifies: aerial biomass of native and exotic grasses, soil seed bank of exotic grasses, nutrient pool in soil and also in grasses tissues. Spatial relationships for any association between species, as well as for nutrient pools in soil and in plant tissues will be established. A better understanding of these processes will provide useful tools for adopting specific policies on the management of exotic grasses in Brazilian savanna.

Estudio de la estructura y composición de carbonales (Acacia pennatula) en dos estadios de desarrollo. Diseño de protocolo para el seguimiento de la dinámica de la vegetación en el CIEA "El Limón", Estelí (Nicaragua)

Los carbonales son un tipo de bosque secundario originados por el abandono de un sistema de producción silvopastoril. Estos parches de bosque ocupan una superficie importante de la zona de amortiguamiento de la Reserva Natural del Tisey-La Estanzuela, área del bioma más amenazado del mundo, el Bosque Seco Tropical. La principal especie que compone esta comunidad vegetal es la Acacia pennatula, conocida comúnmente como carbón. Actualmente no hay muchos estudios sobre los carbonales, por lo que el presente proyecto pretende caracterizar la estructura y composición de la comunidad y describir algunos índices ecológicos básicos, en dos estadios diferentes. El análisis de los datos proporciona información de las principales diferencias en cuanto a estructura y composición que tienen lugar en los carbonales. La disminución natural de la densidad de individuos de A. pennatula con los años, parece tener un efecto positivo sobre la diversidad, composición y estructura de la comunidad. En base a estos datos, se ha diseñado un protocolo para realizar un estudio experimental de estas comunidades en el CIEA “El Limón”. En el protocolo, mediante diferentes tratamientos de tala en estadios tempranos, se obtendrán áreas de estudio que presenten un gradiente en la variable densidad de individuos de A. pennatula. El objetivo principal es describir y comparar la estructura, composición y dinámica del carbonal a lo largo del tiempo, y determinar que efecto tiene sobre la comunidad modificar esta variable. Los resultados obtenidos en el protocolo pueden utilizarse como base para desarrollar un plan de manejo para los carbonales que facilite la restauración del Bosque Tropical Seco y el aprovechamiento forestal.

Sistema de reservas hoteleras RESHOTEL

XXXTOUR és una empresa que té com a principal negoci fer d'intermediari per a les agències de viatge i els particulars que vulguin reservar places hoteleres, d'una banda, i per als establiments hotelers, de l'altra. Així, doncs, contracta aquestes places a uns proveïdors i les ven a aquests clients. En l'actualitat, els proveïdors comuniquen a XXXTOUR totes les dades referents a les places mitjançant documents impresos i per telèfon, i els treballadors de l'empresa les han d'introduir al sistema d'informació de l'empresa. Per mitjà del nou sistema, els proveïdors, a més de poder emprar la funcionalitat actual, podran accedir al portal d'XXXTOUR i introduir les seves pròpies dades. I quan rebin una petició de places les podran confirmar accedint al portal, de manera que el client tindrà les places sol·licitades molt més aviat, cosa que millora el servei.

Tecnologia .NET : Hotel SPA

Treball de Fi de Carrera sobre la tecnologia .NET de Microsoft. En aquest treball s'ha creat un servei WCF i una petita aplicació de consola per hostatjar-lo. Aquest servei utilitza unes classes de LINQ To SQL per accedir a la base de dades. L'aplicació HotelSpaWPF, creada amb WPF i XAML, consumeix el servei WCF per treballar amb la informació de que es disposa a la base de dades.L'aplicació d'escriptori HotelSpaWPF consta de dues parts, la part corresponent als clients de l'hotel, on podran consultar el serveis, activitats i recursos oferts així com fer peticions, inscripcions o reserves. La part d'administrador permet gestionar tota aquesta informació.