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Focusing on new demands posed by social and economic change, and applying a pattern-based approach, this study examined constellations of increasing labor market uncertainties (understood as threat) and increasing job-related learning tasks (understood as positive challenge). We investigated whether and how the groups of working individuals behind these constellations would systematically differ in socio-demographic characteristics and psychological resources and adjustment. Results derived from two corresponding data sets from Germany and Poland (German data set: N=1448; Polish data set: N=1584). Discriminant analyses revealed very similar results in both countries. As expected, respondents with a "Negative change" pattern (high uncertainty/low learning) differed from the "Positive change" group (low uncertainty/high learning) in that they showed higher levels of psychological resources (e.g., change-related self-efficacy), adjustment (e.g., work satisfaction), and socioeconomic status. Respondents with a "Complex change" pattern (high/high) mainly differed from those with a "No change" pattern (low/low) in that they showed more change-related exploration. Additional analyses revealed that the "Positive change" pattern is particularly prevalent in high positions (i.e., managers and professionals). Taken together, the results illustrate that constellations of change-related demands are systematically distributed within the working population as a function of socio-demographic background and psychological make-up. (Contains 1 figure and 5 tables.)

The manuscript describes the results of an experimental study of the level of PM (particulate matter) emissions arising from the combustion of two selected types of biomass (i.e., rapeseed straw pellets and engine biofuel (biodiesel, FAME)), which were derived from rapeseed. The PM emissions from the combustion of biofuels were compared with those obtained from the combustion of their traditional counterparts (i.e., wood pellets and diesel fuel). Both types of pellets were burned in a 10 kW boiler designed to burn these types of fuels. The engine fuels tested were burned in a John Deere 4045TF285JD engine mounted on a dynamometer bench in an engine dyno, under various speed and load conditions. A Testo 380 analyzer was used to measure the PM emission levels in boiler tests, while an MPM4 particle emission meter was used in the engine tests. The combustion (under rated conditions) of rapeseed straw pellets resulted in a significant increase in PM emissions compared to the combustion of wood pellets. The PM emissions during the combustion of wood pellets were 15.45 mg·kg−1, during the combustion of rapeseed straw pellets, they were 336 mg·kg−1, and the calculated emission factors were 44.5 mg·MJ−1 and 1589 mg·MJ−1, respectively. In the engine tests, however, significantly lower particulate emissions were obtained for the evaluated biofuel compared to its conventional counterpart. The combustion of rapeseed oil methyl esters resulted in a 40–60% reduction in PM content in the exhaust gas on average for the realized engine speeds over the full load range compared to the combustion of diesel fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the increased distributed generation (DG) capacity in electric distribution systems has been observed. Therefore, it is necessary to research existing structures of distribution networks as well as to develop new (future) system structures. There are many works on the reliability of distribution systems with installed DG sources. This paper deals with a reliability analysis for both present and future medium voltage (MV) electric distribution system structures. The impact of DG technology used and energy source location on the power supply reliability has been analyzed. The reliability models of electrical power devices, conventional and renewable energy sources as well as information and communications technology (ICT) components have been proposed. Main contribution of this paper are the results of performed calculations, which have been analyzed for specific system structures (two typical present network structures and two future network structures), using detailed information on DG types, their locations and power capacities, as well as distribution system automation applied (automatic stand-by switching on—ASS and automatic power restoration—APR). The reliability of the smart grid consisting of the distribution network and the coupled communications network was simulated and assessed. The observations and conclusions based on calculation results have been made. More detailed modeling and consideration of system automation of distribution grids with DG units coupled with the communication systems allows the design and application of more reliable MV network structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the importance of electoral turnout, in the perspective of Poland, where low turnout is assumed to be the trigger of collapse of the communist system is presented. The results suggest that low turnout did erode the legitimacy of Polish regime in 1987 but in post communist Poland lower turnout does not lead to unrepresentative government, as the abstainers are not at once significantly different from regular voters.

Public perceptions of corruption are significant for their political consequences. But they are conceptually and empirically distinct from corruption. First, because perceptions of corruption run far ahead of experience. Second, because different factors influence the one more than the other--indeed poverty and low education increase perceptions of corruption while decreasing participation in it. Third, because the political consequences of corruption and corruption-perceptions differ not only in degree but in their targets--perceptions and experiences of corruption erode trust in different politicians and institutions. External moralising from institutions such as the EU may reduce corruption in Accession States while simultaneously increasing perceptions of it. And within these states, that moralising 'culture which can resist corruption' which the EU demands, itself tends, perversely, to increase (not decrease) perceptions, suspicions, and allegations of corruption.