Fractal characterization for the mining crack evolution process of overlying strata based on microseismic monitoring technology

In order to study the evolution laws during the development process of the coal face overburden rock mining-induced fissure,we studied the process of evolution of overburden rock mining-induced fissures and dynamically quantitatively described its fractal laws,based on the high-precision microseismic monitoring method and the nonlinear Fractal Geometry Theory.The results show that:the overburden rock mining-induced fissure fractal dimension experiences two periodic change processes with the coal face advance,namely a Small→ Big→ Small process,which tends to be stable;the functional relationship between the extraction step distance and the overburden rock mining-induced fissure fractal dimension is a cubic curve.The results suggest that the fractal dimension reflects the evolution characteristics of the overburden rock mining-induced fissure,which can be used as an evaluation index of the stability of the overburden rock strata,and it provides theoretical guidance for stability analysis of the overburden rock strata,goaf roof control and the support movements in the mining face.

Improving effectiveness of protection efforts in tiger source sites:Developing a framework for law enforcement monitoring using MIST

Wild tigers are in a critical state with an estimated population decline of more than 95%over the past century.Improving the capacity and effectiveness of law enforcement in reducing poaching of tigers is an immediate priority to secure remaining wild populations in source sites.From 2008-2010,standardized patrol-based law enforcement monitoring(LEM)was established under the Tigers Forever Program across 8 key tiger sites in order to improve and evaluate law enforcement interventions.Patrol-based monitoring has the distinct advantage of providing regular and rapid information on illegal activities and ranger performance,although,until recently,it has received relatively little scrutiny from the conservation community.The present paper outlines a framework for implementation of LEM in tiger source sites using MIST,a computerized management information system for ranger-based data collection.The framework addresses many of the technical,practical and institutional challenges involved in the design,implementation,sustainability and evaluation of LEM.Adoption of such a framework for LEM is a cost-effective strategy to improve the efficiency of law enforcement efforts,to increase the motivation of enforcement staff and to promote the accountability of law enforcement agencies in addressing threats to tigers.When combined with independent,systematic and science-based monitoring of tigers and their prey,LEM has great potential for evaluating the effectiveness of protection-based conservation investments.

Indicators of success for smart law enforcement in protected areas:A case study for Russian Amur tiger(Panthera tigris altaica)reserves

Although considerable conservation resources have been committed to develop and use law enforcement monitoring and management tools such as SMART,measures of success are ill-defined and,to date,few reports detail results post-implementation.Here,we present 4 case studies from protected areas with Amur tigers(Panthera tigris altaica)in Russia,in which indicators of success were defined and evaluated at each.The ultimate goal was an increase in tiger numbers to 1 individual/100 km^(2)at each site.We predicted that improvements in law enforcement effectiveness would be followed by increases in prey numbers and,subsequently,tiger numbers.We used short-term and long-term indicators of success,including:(i)patrol team effort and effectiveness;(ii)catch per unit effort indicators(to measure reductions in threats);and(iii)changes in target species numbers.In addition to implementing a monitoring system,we focused on improving law enforcement management using an adaptive management process.Over 4 years,we noted clear increases in patrol effort and a partial reduction in threats.Although we did not detect clear trends in ungulate numbers,tiger populations remained stable or increased,suggesting that poaching of tigers may be more limiting than prey depletion.Increased effectiveness is needed before a clear reduction in threats can be noted,and more time is needed before detecting responses in target populations.Nonetheless,delineation of concrete goals and indicators of success provide a means of evaluating progress and weaknesses.Such monitoring should be a central component of law enforcement strategies for protected areas.