13 research outputs found

    Statistical Epistemic Logic

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    We introduce a modal logic for describing statistical knowledge, which we call statistical epistemic logic. We propose a Kripke model dealing with probability distributions and stochastic assignments, and show a stochastic semantics for the logic. To our knowledge, this is the first semantics for modal logic that can express the statistical knowledge dependent on non-deterministic inputs and the statistical significance of observed results. By using statistical epistemic logic, we express a notion of statistical secrecy with a confidence level. We also show that this logic is useful to formalize statistical hypothesis testing and differential privacy in a simple and abstract manner

    Challenge clusters facing LCA in environmental decision-making—what we can learn from biofuels

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    Purpose Bioenergy is increasingly used to help meet greenhouse gas (GHG) and renewable energy targets. However, bioenergy’s sustainability has been questioned, resulting in increasing use of life cycle assessment (LCA). Bioenergy systems are global and complex, and market forces can result in significant changes, relevant to LCA and policy. The goal of this paper is to illustrate the complexities associated with LCA, with particular focus on bioenergy and associated policy development, so that its use can more effectively inform policymakers. Methods The review is based on the results from a series of workshops focused on bioenergy life cycle assessment. Expert submissions were compiled and categorized within the first two workshops. Over 100 issues emerged. Accounting for redundancies and close similarities in the list, this reduced to around 60 challenges, many of which are deeply interrelated. Some of these issues were then explored further at a policyfacing workshop in London, UK. The authors applied a rigorous approach to categorize the challenges identified to be at the intersection of biofuels/bioenergy LCA and policy. Results and discussion The credibility of LCA is core to its use in policy. Even LCAs that comply with ISO standards and policy and regulatory instruments leave a great deal of scope for interpretation and flexibility. Within the bioenergy sector, this has led to frustration and at times a lack of obvious direction. This paper identifies the main challenge clusters: overarching issues, application and practice and value and ethical judgments. Many of these are reflective of the transition from application of LCA to assess individual products or systems to the wider approach that is becoming more common. Uncertainty in impact assessment strongly influences planning and compliance due to challenges in assigning accountability, and communicating the inherent complexity and uncertainty within bioenergy is becoming of greater importance. Conclusions The emergence of LCA in bioenergy governance is particularly significant because other sectors are likely to transition to similar governance models. LCA is being stretched to accommodate complex and broad policy-relevant questions, seeking to incorporate externalities that have major implications for long-term sustainability. As policy increasingly relies on LCA, the strains placed on the methodology are becoming both clearer and impedimentary. The implications for energy policy, and in particular bioenergy, are large

    Шматмоўныя перавыданні твораў Мікалая Гусоўскага ў Літве, Польшчы, Украіне

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    Рец. на кн.: Гусовський М. Пiсня про зубра. Поема. На латинськiй та украïнськiй мовах. Рiвне: Волинські обереги, 2007. 126 с. Husovianas Mikalojus. Raštai = Nicolaus Hussovianus. Opera. Vilnius: Lietuvių literatūros ir tautosakos institutes, 2007. 302 р. Hussowski Miko łaj. Pieśń o żubrze, jego postaci, dzikości i o polowaniu na niego = Carmen de statura feritate ac venatione bisontis = Песьня пра аблічча, дзікасьць зубра і паляваньне на яго = Giesmė apie stumbro išvaizdą, žiaurumą ir medžioklę = Песнь о зубре = A poem on bison (fragments). Supraśl: Stowarzyszenie Uroczysko; Agencja Reklamowo-Wydawnicza Arkadiusz Grzegorczyk, 2007. 336 s

    Energy Balance: Cumulative Fossil Fuel Demand and Solar Energy Conversion Efficiency of Transport Biofuels

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