[en] The paper discuss a project conceived to perform a social, economic and environmental assessment of the use of IRIS Reactor for electricity generation and water desalination in the most dry region of Brazil, the Polygon of Drought. The project is financed by the Fund of Energy of the Brazilian Council on Research and Development (CNPq) of the Brazilian Ministry of Science and Technology (MCT), and it will be performed by the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPe) and the Energetic and Nuclear Research Institute (IPEN) of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN). The project will provide comparisons between nuclear and gas options. The final objective of the project is to offer effective evaluations considering the total costs (direct and externalisation) of the different energy options and also the social and environmental aspects associated with them.(author)

[en] The paper examines the problems of linear optimization with the introduction of risks in the allocation of resources among a finite number of consumers. Risk is seen as a product of a resource and the probability for an adverse event in the allocation of that resource. Resources and risks are considered variables between which there are linear constraints. The aim is to minimize the costs of allocating resources and the insurance against the involved risks. Implementing such minimization separately for the resources and the risks solves two separate linear optimization problems, but there is a disruption in the relationship between the resources, the risks, and the probability for adverse events. The paper proposes a method in which, through an appropriate modification of variables and coefficients, a linear optimization of the costs is performed simultaneously both by the resources and by the risks, subject to all constraints and relations between resources, risks and the likelihood of adverse events. A numerical example is solved by applying the proposed method based on a linear optimization with modified variables and coefficients, consistent with linear constraints and requirements for the relations between the resources, the risks, and the probabilities of adverse events. This example shows the possibilities for practical application of the proposed method. Key words: linear optimization, resources, risks, adverse events probabilities, total costs minimization

[en] The paper describes the way and results of human reliability data analysis collected as a part of the Bohunice Simulator Data Collection Project (BSDCP), which was performed by VUJE Trnava, Inc. with funding support from the U.S. DOE, National Nuclear Security Administration. The goal of the project was to create a methodology for simulator data collection and analysis to support activities in probabilistic safety assessment (PSA) and human reliability assessment for Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plant consisting of two sets of twin units: two VVER 440/V-230 (V1) and two VVER 440/V-213 (V2) reactors. During the project, training of V-2 control room crews was performed at VUJE Trnava simulator. The simulator training and the data collection were done in parallel. The main goal of BSDCP was to collect suitable data of human errors under simulated conditions requiring the use of symptom-based emergency operating procedures (SBEOPs). The subjects of the data collection were scenario progress time data, operator errors, and real-time technological parameters. The paper contains three main parts. The first part presents preparatory work and semi-automatic computer-based methods used to collect data and to check technological parameters in order to find hidden errors of operators, to be able to retrace the course of each scenario for purposes of further analysis, and to document the whole training process. The first part gives also an overview of collected data scope, human error taxonomy, and state classifications for SBEOP instructions coding. The second part describes analytical work undertaken to describe time distribution necessary for execution of various kinds of instructions performed by operators according to the classification for coding of SBEOP instructions. It also presents the methods used for determination of probability distribution for various operator errors. Results from the data evaluation are presented in the last part of the paper. An overview of observed human error probabilities (HEP) according to the developed taxonomy is given. HEP observed during training process were used as reference input data for HRA (Human Reliability Assessment) within existing PSAs performed by VUJE. Observing two different training seasons offered an opportunity to compare a progress achieved through the training process. This paper shows us how it is possible to make this kind of comparison in order to establish an objective measure of training quality and to determine training weaknesses. Results gained during the project evoked interest of different NPPs (Nuclear Power Plant) in Slovak Republic to collect and process simulator data for further improvement of human factor safety, operational procedures, training process, etc. (author)

[en] Retrospective assessment of exposure to radon remains the greatest challenge in epidemiologic efforts to assess lung cancer risk associated with residential exposure. An innovative technique based on measurement of α-emitting, long-lived daughters embedded by recoil into household glass may one day provide improved radon dosimetry. Particulate air pollution is known, however, to retard the plate-out of radon daughters. This would be expected to result in a differential effect on dosimetry, where the calibration curve relating the actual historical radon exposure to the remaining α-activity in the glass would be different in historically smoky and nonsmoky environments. The resulting open-quotes measurement confoundingclose quotes can distort inferences about the effect of radon and can also produce spurious evidence for synergism between radon exposure and cigarette smoking. 18 refs., 4 figs

[en] Conclusion: • INPRO methodology in all assessment areas uses assessment method separated from the analysis of PR; • Two parallel activities currently ongoing in INPRO: - PROSA collaborative project (final report compilation and editing) development improvement enhancement of INPRO PR analysis method Report in final stages in Printing Process; - Revision of the INPRO Methodology Proliferation Resistance Manual INPRO PR assessment method development (links to analytical methods and concept of sustainable development) with the goals: Make the assessment methodology simpler and easier to use; Allow for different users and depths of analysis as part of assessment; Demonstrate value of the refined assessment methodology to the users; • The CM to revise the INPRO PR manual Commenced 4 Q 2020: - Contribution from global selection of subject area experts; - Broader audience expertise gained with the invited consultancy experts; - Consensus on structure of PR Manual and utility of URs a main goal.

[en] President Obama has called for the development of new energy technologies to address our national energy needs and restore US economic competitiveness. In response, the Department of Energy has established new R and D modalities for energy research and development designed to facilitate collaboration across disciplinary, institutional, and sectoral boundaries. In this research note, we provide a preliminary assessment of the potential for essential mechanisms for coordinated problem solving among diverse actors within two new modalities at the DOE: Energy Innovation Hubs and Energy Frontier Research Centers. - Highlights: → Energy Frontier Research Centers may lack the basic mechanisms for coordinating diverse actors. → Divergent goals across diverse actors may hinder coordination in Energy Innovation Hubs. → The implementation of these and similar energy policies require further investigation.

[en] A methodology, based on techniques which are used in securities markets, to evaluate resource development projects was described. The method demonstrates the uncertainties associated with the discounted cash-flow method (DCF), (where costs are less risky than revenues) that use the same discount rate in the valuation of all projects, and tends to undervalue the advantages of risk absorbing activities such as price risk management or hedging. In place of discounted cash-flow method the author advocates the modern asset pricing method (MAP) which can incorporate parameters regarding commodity price volatility into the analysis and provide the appropriate risk discounting for the slate of products which may be produced by the project. Some case histories were used to illustrate use of this risk assessment method. 7 refs

[en] Aim of study: To propose a new approach to defining rotation ages on the basis of productive and technological aspects and to present an example of application of the methodology to natural Pinus sylvestris stands in relation to silvicultural treatment (light or heavy thinning) and site index. Area of study: Central Spain. Material and methods: We assumed that the price per m3 of logwood suitable for veneer is four times higher than logwood not apt for veneer. Considering the yield distribution for different technological and commercial classes, a model of diameter distributions and yield tables, the variation in an average price index for different age classes, site indexes and silvicultural treatments was calculated. The age at which the price index rises by less than 3%, the proportion of trees with d.b.h. higher than 40 cm, and other aspects such as the possible presence of fungal decay in old-growth stands were also taken into account to establish three criteria for defining rotation ages. Main results: The proposed methodology generates a wide range of rotation ages between 100 and 140 years for lightly thinned stands, and between 90 and 140 years for heavily thinned stands, depending on the site index. Research highlights: The proposed approach is based on technological and productive criteria, with the limitations imposed by sanitary risks. The methodology can be applied to generate rotation ages in relation to different site indexes and silvicultural treatments, provided that the timber market prices and the yield distribution for different technological and commercial classes are known, and that a model of diameter distributions and yield tables are available.

[en] This article presents lessons from experience pertinent to implementing small-scale natural resource and related investment projects in developing countries. It outlines ideas for intervention and innovation to foster such investments. Particular emphasis is placed on private-sector participation in these investments. Following a brief presentation of the economic development and other arguments that support intervention and innovation in support of such small-scale natural resource investments, the article discusses many of the lessons learned from experience. These lessons reinforce those touched upon in the investment-specific discussions in the previous articles. The experience and associated lessons that are examined include experiences in both developing and developed countries and encompass nor just lessons from natural resource investments, but also small-scale investments in other sectors. Financing and other innovations which facilitate meeting the challenges are drawn from relevant experience where barriers to investment have been surmounted. Options for programme and project interventions to increase market penetration of small-scale investments and achieve the associated development linkages and synergies are suggested. These suggestions are aimed especially at governments and bilateral and multilateral development finance and development assistance entities. It is those players who might support such interventions in collaboration with local financial institutions and other market players. (author)

[en] The Programme of Technology Assessment (TA Programme) of the Swiss Science Council has commissioned a literature study which is intended to provide an overview of the current state of the art regarding advanced nuclear systems. The trilingual (German, French, English) report is a summary of the TA study 'Advanced Nuclear Systems'. It contains interesting results. Because reactor research is a topic involving many different aspects, which is not easy to put across, the summary also contains some supplementary information and a certain amount of introductory information, necessarily abbreviated, regarding the technical background of nuclear energy. (author)