Price-caps and Efficient Pricing for the Electricity Italian Market

Deregulation of the electricity generating industry, under way in the United States as well as in Europe, would yield economies to operate in a more competitive environment causing improvement of efficiency and the possibility to develop related financial markets to manage price uncertainty. Electricity spot prices tend to be remarkably volatile as consequence of extreme weather conditions, therefore there seems to be sufficient price uncertainty to warrant the development of derivative markets, however it is important to verify whether the underlying spot market is sufficiently competitive and well functioning to stimulate the development of related financial markets. Analyzing the features and price volatility of European markets which undertook the same process, as well as Norwey, Germany and Spain, we formulate a simple model to control the well functioning of energy spot markets in a deregulated context. The model is tested using Norwegian, Deutsch and Spanish spot prices over the last two years in order to assess the correct price formation in competitive operating markets.Electricity market, Price limits, Market Power

Counselor in Training 360 Degree Case Conceptualization Process for Group Supervision

This article introduces a developmental process for case conceptualization practice during group supervision based on the underpinnings of the Integrative Developmental Model presented by Stoltenberg and McNeill (2010) and Mindsets by Dweck (2006). The design incorporates a strengths-based method encouraging reflective practice and risk-taking. Practical methods for group interaction and discussion are presented

School Counselor Suicide Response: A Final Rejoinder

In this article, we provide a summary of responses to Gallo and Wachter Morris (2022). We provide additional considerations based upon contributing authors’ perspectives and concluding thoughts on how to move forward on issues specific to school counselors’ roles in suicide prevention, assessment, and intervention in K-12 schools, as well as recommendations for pieces to consider for school counselor educators and practicing professional school counselors

Experiences of Middle School Counselors Learning and Applying Principles of Neuroscience

Adolescence is a critical period of development during which time individuals’ brains experience increased neuroplasticity and structural reorganization (Albert, Chein, & Steinberg, 2013; Bava & Tapert, 2010; Casey, Getz, & Galvan, 2008). Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change in response to new learning and environmental influences (Siegel, 2012). A number of factors influence an individual’s brain development and associated changes in affect, cognition, and behavior, including genetic predispositions, early childhood experiences, and temperament (Steinberg, 2014). For example, adolescents who have a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a set of toxic experiences such as abuse or having a caretaker who is dependent on substances, often have unique patterns in brain development and are at an increased risk for engaging in anti-social behavior and/or experiencing psychological distress (Andersen et al., 2008; Duke, Pettingell, McMorris, & Borowsky, 2010). Keeping in mind the complexity and uniqueness of individual experience, we will briefly review some of the most influential changes in adolescents’ brains below

Suicide Intervention in Schools: If Not School Counselors, Then Who?

Youth suicide rates continue to rise each year. School counselors play an essential role in preventing suicide within K-12 schools. After the publication of the article, “Suicide Assessments: The Medical Profession Affirms School Counselors’ Truth,” in 2021 by Dr. Carolyn Stone, some confusion surfaced regarding professional school counselors’ responsibilities and liabilities around issues of suicide. To provide clarification, the role and training of school counselors are highlighted to provide evidence for their place in suicide risk assessment. Ethical implications and previous legal cases are provided to inform the profession. Training/supervision recommendations for counselor educators are also discussed

Students’ Experiences Conducting Telehealth Counseling During a Pandemic

In this article, the results of an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis qualitative research study are presented. This study explored the experiences of counselors-in-training learning how to conduct telehealth counseling during their practicum experience. Telehealth counseling was implemented for training due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlighted the five superordinate themes of participants: (1) importance of relationships, (2) emotional awareness; (3) counselor development; (4) belief in counseling; and (5) skill acquisition. Participant quotes are included to convey the essence of their experiences. Following the presentation of results, a discussion with implications and the need for future research is presented

El salario mínimo, vital y móvil en Argentina

Durante la década de 1990 el salario mínimo se mantuvo en niveles muy bajos. En la práctica, esto lo volvía inoperante a la hora de fijar un umbral mínimo de ingresos que garantizara a los trabajadores la satisfacción de sus necesidades básicas. Desde 2003, en cambio, se asistió a una significativa recomposición del monto del salario mínimo, lo que volvió a transformarlo en un valor de referencia relevante para la fijación de los salarios y le devolvió importancia como instrumento de política salarial. Sin embargo, en un mercado de trabajo en el que muchos trabajadores no se encuentran cubiertos por la legislación, su alcance es aún limitado.Fil: Arceo, Nicolás. Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo Argentino; Argentina.Fil: Fernández, Ana Laura. Centro de Estudios para el Desarrollo Argentino; Argentina.Fil: Gallo, Marcos Esteban. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Sociales; Argentina

¿Son los armadillos controladores naturales de plagas? Hábitos alimentarios de cinco especies de armadillos en la Argentina

Armadillos are among the most common mammals in agroecosystems in Argentina. Their insec-tivorous/omnivorous food habits raise the question about their putative role as pest controllers. The aim of this study is to describe the prey items of five armadillo species and evaluate their possible role as natural pest controllers. The stomach contents of 12 Dasypus hybridus, 10 Chaetophractus vellerosus, 14 Chaetophractus villosus, 4 Tolypeutes matacus and 9 Zaedyus pichiy were analyzed. We described the diet and identified prey items to family level, whenever possible, and computed the frequency of occurrence (FO) and relative abundance of prey items. With these values, the Item Categorization Index (ICI) was calculated to classify the items in order of importance (primary, secondary and tertiary items). Shannon diversity index was also computed. The armadillos studied here consumed arthropod species belonging to families of phytosanitary importance such as Acrididae, Scarabaeidae, Tenebrionidae, Lepidoptera, Formicidae, and Termitidae. Only two armadillos showed primary items in their diet; Z. pichiy (ants and tenebrionids) and T. matacus (termites and scarabid larvae). Important pest arthropods had FO values close to or greater than 50% in the diet of all armadillos. Armadillos consumed arthropods that are important pests for agriculture, forestry, and wood construction. Even though this study was mainly focused on armadillos’ diet, we suggest that the presence of these native species could benefit the productivity and health of agroecosystems by reducing the need for harmful agrochemicals.Los armadillos son algunos de los mamíferos más comunes en los agroecosistemas de Argentina. Sus hábitos alimentarios omnívoro/insectívoro sugirieron la pregunta acerca de su rol como presuntos controladores de plagas. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la dieta de cinco armadillos y evaluar su posible rol como controladores de plagas. Se analizaron los estómagos de 12 Dasypus hybridus, 10 Chaetophractus vellerosus, 14 Chaetophractus villosus, 4 Tolypeutes matacus y 9 Zaedyus pichiy. Se identificaron los ítems presa hasta el nivel de familia cuando fue posible. Se estimó la frecuencia de ocurrencia (FO) y la abundancia relativa. Con estos valores se calculó el Índice de Categorización de Ítems (ICI) para clasificar las presas siguiendo un orden e importancia (primarias, secundarias y terciarias). También se calculó el índice de diversidad de Shannon. Los armadillos consumieron especies de artrópodos pertenecientes a familias de importancia fitosanitaria como Acrididae, Scarabaeidae, Tenebrionidae, Lepidoptera, Formicidae y Termitidae. Solo dos armadillos mostraron ítems primarios en su dieta: Z. pichiy (hormigas y tenebrionidos) y T. matacus (termitas y larvas de escarábidos). Los artrópodos plaga encontrados en la dieta de los armadillos tuvieron una FO cercana o superior al 50%. Los armadillos consumieron especies de artrópodos que son plagas importantes para la agricultura, la industria forestal y la construcción maderera. Aunque este estudio estuvo enfocado principalmente a la dieta de armadillos, sugerimos que la presencia de estas especies nativas podría beneficiar la productividad y salud de los agroecosistemas, reduciendo la necesidad de de utlizar agroquímicos perjudiciales.Fil: Gallo, Jorge Alberto. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Delegación Regional Patagonia; Argentina. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Parque Nacional "Nahuel Huapi"; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Fasola, Laura. Administración de Parques Nacionales. Delegación Regional Patagonia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte; ArgentinaFil: Abba, Agustin Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; Argentin