scholarly journals An approach for evaluating the role of protection measures in rockfall hazard zoning based on the Swiss experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 1127-1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Prina Howald ◽  
Jacopo Maria Abbruzzese ◽  
Chiara Grisanti
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Framework ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Correct Operation ◽  
Rockfall Hazard ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Hazard Zoning ◽  
Swiss Experience ◽  
Federal Guidelines ◽  
Rockfall Protection

Abstract. Rockfall hazard zoning is essential for ensuring the safety of communities settled at the toe of potentially unstable slopes. Rockfall hazard zoning can be performed to include the effect of protection measures when land use restrictions might not be enough to mitigate hazards. The real effectiveness of the measures must be assessed to make sure they can play their role, especially in those cases when measures might have been installed at a given site for years. This article focuses on how to evaluate the effectiveness of rockfall protection measures and how hazard zoning can be influenced by their correct operation. The approach presented is divided into four main stages, which include a two-step procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of both existing and new protections. It is based on quite a comprehensive rockfall protection database built for the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, and on the Swiss Federal Guidelines for hazard zoning; however, all the methodological framework proposed and related considerations could be in principle extended to any other regional or national context in which a combination of intensity and frequency is used to assess rockfall hazards.

scholarly journals An approach for evaluating the role of protection measures in rock fall hazard zoning based on the Swiss experience

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Prina Howald ◽  
Jacopo Maria Abbruzzese ◽  
Chiara Grisanti
Keyword(s):  
Rock Fall ◽  
Methodological Framework ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Correct Operation ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Hazard Zoning ◽  
Swiss Experience ◽  
Fall Protection ◽  
Federal Guidelines

Abstract. Rock fall hazard zoning is essential for ensuring the safety of communities settled at the toe of potentially unstable slopes. Rock fall hazard zoning can be performed including the effect of protection measures, when land use restrictions might not be enough to mitigate hazards. The real effectiveness of the measures must be assessed to make sure they can play their role, especially in those cases when measures might have been installed at a given site since years. This article focuses on how to evaluate the effectiveness of rock fall protection measures and how hazard zoning can be influenced by their correct operation. The approach presented is divided into four main stages, which include a two-step procedure to evaluate the effectiveness of both existing and new protections. It is based on quite a comprehensive rock fall protection database built for the Canton of Vaud in Switzerland, and on the Swiss Federal Guidelines for hazard zoning; however, all the methodological framework proposed and related considerations could be in principle extended to any other regional or national contexts in which a combination of intensity and frequency is used to assess rock fall hazards.

scholarly journals Rockfall characterisation and structural protection – a review

2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2617-2651 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Volkwein ◽  
K. Schellenberg ◽  
V. Labiouse ◽  
F. Agliardi ◽  
F. Berger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Environmental Engineering ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Loss Of Life ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Hazard Zoning ◽  
Rockfall Protection ◽  
Travel Distances ◽  
Runout Modelling

Abstract. Rockfall is an extremely rapid process involving long travel distances. Due to these features, when an event occurs, the ability to take evasive action is practically zero and, thus, the risk of injury or loss of life is high. Damage to buildings and infrastructure is quite likely. In many cases, therefore, suitable protection measures are necessary. This contribution provides an overview of previous and current research on the main topics related to rockfall. It covers the onset of rockfall and runout modelling approaches, as well as hazard zoning and protection measures. It is the aim of this article to provide an in-depth knowledge base for researchers and practitioners involved in projects dealing with the rockfall protection of infrastructures, who may work in the fields of civil or environmental engineering, risk and safety, the earth and natural sciences.

scholarly journals L'inventaire forestier comme méthode de caractérisation spatiale de l'aléa chute de pierres

2019 ◽  
Vol 170 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Mainieri ◽  
Jérôme Lopez-Saez ◽  
Christophe Corona ◽  
Markus Stoffel ◽  
Eric Mermin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Source Area ◽  
Historical Records ◽  
Systematic Mapping ◽  
Mountain Areas ◽  
Rockfall Hazard ◽  
Source Areas ◽  
Breast Height ◽  
Hazard Zoning ◽  
Tree Data ◽  
Rockfall Protection

The contribution of tree inventories to the spatial characterisation of the rockfall hazard Rockfall is one of the most frequent natural hazards in mountain areas. The characterisation of rockfall activity in terms of frequency, intensity (energy) and dispersion (run-out distance) is essential for risk management, but is extremely complex due to the diffuse nature of this hazard and the gaps in historical records. In this study we show that trees can be reliable bioindicators to reconstruct rockfall activity. Our method is based on the combination of a systematic mapping of all trees (location, breast height diameter, species) and the complete recording of all visible scars. On an area of one hectare in the municipality of Saint-Guillaume (Vercors massif, French Alps) we recorded 793 trees and 2333 scars. The spatial distribution of the tree species and scars was used to locate the most active source areas and the most important rockfall trajectories and to show the decreasing rockfall activity with increasing distance to the source area and thus also the protective effect of the forest. The approach is particularly valuable in areas where historical records are lacking. It can be used in the future to 1) refine hazard zoning and 2) calibrate rockfall models. Thanks to the recorded tree data, the area could also be used as a marteloscope for practicing silvicultural interventions in the rockfall protection forest.

The role of forest deadwood in rockfall protection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Ringenbach ◽  
Peter Bebi ◽  
Perry Bartelt ◽  
Andrin Caviezel
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Spruce Forest ◽  
Runout Distance ◽  
In Situ Sensors ◽  
Efficient Protection ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Rockfall Protection

<p>Forests with a high density and basal area of living trees are known for their function as natural and cost-efficient protection against rockfall. The role of deadwood, however, is less understood. We address this knowledge gap in this contribution as we present the results of repeated real-scale experiments in a) a montane beech-spruce forest with and without deadwood and b) in a subalpine scrub mountain pine-spruce forest with deadwood. We used artificial rocks with either an equant or platy shape, masses between 45 kg and 800 kg (≈ 0.3 m3), and equipped with in-situ sensors to gain insights into rotational velocities and impact-accelerations. Clusters of deadwood and erected root plates reduced the mean runout distance at both study sites. For site a), we found that more rocks were stopped behind lying than living trees and that the stopping effect of deadwood was greater for equant compared to platy rock shapes. Site b) revealed a braking effect of scrub mountain pines for relatively small (45 kg), but also a visible reduction in rotational velocities for the 800 kg rocks sensor stream. We conclude that deadwood must be taken into account in rockfall modeling and the management of rockfall protection forests.</p>

scholarly journals Smaller net or just fewer to catch? Disentangling the causes for the varying sizes of minimum income schemes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jussi Tervola ◽  
Merita Jokela ◽  
Joonas Ollonqvist
Keyword(s):  
Social Assistance ◽  
Welfare States ◽  
Nordic Countries ◽  
Methodological Framework ◽  
Political Will ◽  
Minimum Income ◽  
Weak Evidence

The sizes of minimum income schemes vary significantly even in welfare states that are considered similar. For example among Nordic countries, the share of recipients is almost double in Finland compared to Nordic peers. Considering the strong political will to diminish the receipt of last-resort benefits, we demonstrate a methodological framework to evaluate the reasons for varying number of beneficiaries and apply it to two Nordic countries, Finland and Sweden. By using microsimulation of eligibility rates, we examine the role of social assistance legislation, first-tier benefits and non-take-up. Relatively high number of beneficiaries in Finland is traced back to social assistance policies such as higher norm levels and earning disregard but also to lower non-take-up rate of social assistance benefits, which potentially reflects looser discretion and asset test. We also find some, albeit weak, evidence that the implementation reform of social assistance in Finland 2017 has further reduced non-take-up.

scholarly journals The Opinions on Force Protection in Asymmetric Operations

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-192
Author(s):  
Ionel Cotoarbă ◽  
Ion Mituleţu
Keyword(s):  
Effective Management ◽  
Operational Environment ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Civilian Population ◽  
Counter Terrorism ◽  
Degree Of Protection ◽  
The Future

Abstract The future conflicts will take place in increasingly complex operational environments and will largely include conventional, asymmetric or hybrid opponents. The battle space that has acquired new valences and the asymmetrical nature of the current operational environment require the perpetual reconfiguration of the rules of engagement. Within the asymmetric actions, the enemy will focus their efforts on attacking vulnerable military structures, which have a degree of protection inadequate for the operational situation. Therefore, the protection of force is a key element in the effective management of situations, maintaining the pace of actions and the ability to fight in the development of asymmetric operations. From the range of asymmetric actions that manifests itself globally, we aim to conduct an analysis focused on force protection measures specific to counterinsurgency, counter-guerrilla and counter-terrorism operations. The place and role of force protection in asymmetric operations attest to the fact that specific measures are aimed in particular at maintaining the morale and combat capability of their own forces throughout the range of missions performed, as well as protecting the civilian population in the area of action.

scholarly journals Latent Profiles of Parental Burnout During COVID-19: The Role of Child-Related Perceptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katja Upadyaya ◽  
Katariina Salmela-Aro
Keyword(s):  
Conduct Problems ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Growth Mindset ◽  
Prosocial Skills ◽  
Peer Problems ◽  
Step Procedure ◽  
Latent Profiles ◽  
Emotional Distancing

The present study examined latent profiles of parental burnout dimensions (e.g., exhaustion in parental role, contrast with previous parental self, feelings of being fed up, and emotional distancing, measured with a shortened version of the parental burnout assessment scale) among Finnish parents of sixth and eighth grade children. In addition, the role of children’s strengths and difficulties (e.g., prosocial skills, hyperactivity, somatic problems, conduct problems, and peer problems) and parents’ growth mindset in predicting membership in the latent parental burnout profiles was examined. The participants were 1,314 parents (80% mothers) from the Helsinki Metropolitan area who filled in a questionnaire concerning their parenting burnout and child-related perceptions during the fall 2020. The results were analyzed using latent profile analysis (LPA) and three-step procedure. Three latent profiles of parental burnout were identified as: low parental burnout (85.7% of the parents), high parental burnout (8%), and emotionally distanced (6.3%) profiles. Parents who reported their children having some challenges (e.g., hyperactivity, somatic problems, conduct problems, and peer problems) more often belonged to the high burnout or emotionally distanced profiles rather than to the low parental burnout profile. Parents whose children had high prosocial skills and who employed growth mindset more often belonged to the low parental burnout rather than to the distanced profile.

scholarly journals Pharmacists’ Perception of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11541
Author(s):  
Tamara Al-Daghastani ◽  
Odate Tadros ◽  
Shereen Arabiyat ◽  
Deema Jaber ◽  
Husam AlSalamat
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Second Wave

Objectives: To analyze the role of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, to measure pharmacists’ attitude toward COVID-19 safety measures (wearing masks, wearing gloves, isolation shield, good hygiene, etc.), and explore their perspectives regarding a second wave of the virus. Methods: This cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak in July 2020 to discuss Jordanian pharmacists’ awareness of safety at their workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak, their sources of information, and their predictions for COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The participants (n = 311) were all pharmacists mostly aged between 23–30 years old (45%) and female (83%). The primary source of information about COVID-19 was social networking (38.9%). Pharmacists were committed to social distancing (86.5%) and wearing masks (76.2%). They expressed levels of agreement to their role in decreasing COVID-19 spread (94.2%) and correcting false information (94.5%); they expressed levels of expectation toward concern about a second COVID-19 wave (83%) that would be more severe than the previous one (43.4%). Pharmacists expected that an influenza vaccine might be helpful in decreasing severity and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic (56.9%). Pharmacists expected COVID-19 vaccine development within 6 months of administering our study survey (84.9%) and that vaccination might be effective in preventing COVID-19 (93%) infection. Conclusion: Pharmacists expressed positive roles on COVID-19 spread through exemplary actions, self-commitment to protection measures, and public health awareness. Social media as a source of health information should be cautiously investigated, and pharmacists should always refer to evidence-based sources. The role of pharmacists is particularly important for the upcoming era of COVID-19 vaccination administration and awareness.

scholarly journals Witness protection in the criminal justice system of the Baham

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 167-194
Author(s):  
David Baxter Bakibinga
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
National Level ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
The Bahamas ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Criminal Justice Systems ◽  
The Government ◽  
Aid Policy

Witness protection is now firmly entrenched in the modern criminal justice systems especially in jurisdictions dealing with organized and violent crime. The decision by the government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to enact legislation in respect to procedural and non-procedural measures for protection of witnesses is commendable, given that violent and organized crime is rife in the country. This article highlights the basic tenets of witness protection and the legal framework, both at the international and national level. It also addresses the role of key duty bearers in the process of witness protection. Furthermore the procedural and non-procedural measures taken by law enforcement officers in The Bahamas are explored. And lastly, the challenges encountered in the implementation of the witness protection measures in The Bahamas are examined. This is intended to aid policy makers, advisers and those entrusted with decision making, like parliamentarians, to devise means and ways to eradicate and/or mitigate challenges faced in the implementation of witness protection measures in The Bahamas.

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