Working hours, their duration and work schedule Abstract The diploma thesis deals with the topic of working hours and related institutes in Czech labor law in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the valid legal regulation. In addition, the work deals with the issues of breaks and rest periods, which are inseparably related to working hours. The thesis is divided into six chapters, which are subdivided into subchapters. The first chapter contains a historical excursion into the history of working hours regulation in the Czech lands from the Middle Ages to the present. I also mention the valid legal regulation of working hours at international and national level. The second chapter defines the concept of working hours, followed by a detailed description of each of the related institutes - its length, scheduling of work, work overtime, night work, on-call duty and working hours register. The following chapters discuss the organization of working hours for employees who look after children or other natural persons, pedagogical workers, workers in transportation and employees working under agreements to work outside the scope of employment. For these employees, there are some deviations from the general legal regulation of working hours or special conditions, as I refer here. The last chapter deals with...

Many plants require exposure to low temperature for a certain period during each year. This was determined more than a century ago. Understanding this phenomenon, known as the rest period, is part of a larger problem of understanding the factors which determine the ability of an organism to grow. The property of rest is ultimately a property of the actively growing cells, rather than that of the cells involved with protection and support.

In this thesis there is a set of waste disposal facilities, a set of customers at which waste is collected and an unlimited number of homogeneous vehicles based at a single depot. Empty vehicles leave the depot and collect waste from customers, emptying themselves at the waste disposal facilities as and when necessary. Vehicles return to the depot empty. We take into consideration time windows associated with customers, disposal facilities and the depot. We also have a driver rest period. The problem is solved heuristically. A neighbour set is defined for each customer as the set of customers that are close, but with compatible time windows. This thesis uses six different procedures to obtain initial solutions for the problem. Then, the initial solutions from these procedures are improved in terms of the distance travelled using our phase 1 and phase 2 procedures, whereas we reduce the number of vehicles used using our vehicle reduction (VR) procedure. In a further attempt to improve the solutions three metaheuristic algorithms are presented, namely tabu search (TS), variable neighbourhood search (VNS) and variable neighbourhood tabu search (VNTS). Moreover, we present a modified disposal facility positioning (DFP), reverse order and change tracking procedures. Using all these procedures presented in the thesis, four solution procedures are reported for the two benchmark problem sets, namely waste collection vehicle routing problems with time windows (VRPTW) and multi-depot vehicle routing problem with inter-depot routes (MDVRPI). Our solutions for the waste collection VRPTW problems are compared with the solutions from Kim et al (2006), and our solutions for the MDVRPI problems are compared with Crevier et al (2007). Computational results for the waste collection VRPTW problems indicate that our algorithms produce better quality solutions than Kim et al (2006) in terms of both distance travelled and number of vehicles used. However for the MDVRPI problems, solutions from Crevier et al (2007) outperform our solutions.

Introduction: Isokinetic testing is used in rehabilitation settings on a regular basis, yet there is a lack of consistency in rest period usage among protocols. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish an optimal rest period that would allow reproducibility of strength during a common isokinetic strength-test. Methods: Twentyseven healthy college-aged males underwent isokinetic strength testing to determine peak torque at 60, 180 and 300 deg/sec, respectively. Work:rest ratios of 1:3, 1:8 and 1:12 were counterbalanced between sets. A 3 X 3 repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. The p < .05 level of significance was used for all tests. Results: There was no significant difference in either knee extension or knee flexion peak torque when comparing work:rest ratios. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a 1:3 work:rest ratio is sufficient during a common isokinetic strength test.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do uso de duas estratégias de manejo do pastejo com adubação nitrogenada no capim Marandu, buscando possíveis vantagens na adoção de tais práticas no ecótono Cerrado-Amazônia. O experimento avaliou características morfogênicas, estruturais, agronômicas e produtivas do capim Marandu. Este fora conduzido em delineamento em blocos casualizados em arranjo com parcelas subdivididas 4x2 com 4 blocos. Os tratamentos consistiram de combinações entre dois períodos de descanso e quatro doses de nitrogênio, sendo os períodos de descanso de 28 dias (PD28dias) e altura de 40 cm (PD40cm) e as doses de nitrogênio de 0, 150, 300 e 450 kg de N.ha-1.ano-1, aplicadas na forma de sulfato de amônio. Permitiu-se verificar através das variáveis morfogênicas e estruturais que os melhores índices para o PD40cm foram obtidos quando houve aplicação na faixa de 280 a 333 kg de N.ha-1, enquanto a dose de 450 kg de N.ha- 1 foi a que obteve mais resultados desejados para PD28dias. Também se verificou que a estratégia de uso com PD40cm promoveu a redução de respostas em decorrência da senescência, impulsionado pelo aumento da adubação nitrogenada, demonstrados pela redução da TSF, NFM e aumento da DVF. O uso de altura para definir o período de descanso possibilitou a redução do intervalo de dia para a entrada dos animais para alimentação quando houve uma aplicação maior de nitrogênio. A altura de 40 cm mostrou-se que pode ser acima do ponto ideal para coleta do capim Marandu, sendo recomendado avaliações com alturas menores para ecótono Cerrado-Amazônia. / This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the use of two grazing management strategies with nitrogen fertilization in Marandu grass, looking for possible advantages in adopting such practices in ecotone Cerrado-Amazon. The experiment evaluated morphogenesis, structural, agronomic and productive Marandu grass. This was conducted in a randomized block design in a split plot arrangement with 4x2 with 4 blocks. The treatments consisted of combinations between two rest periods and four doses of nitrogen, with rest periods of 28 days (PD28days) and height of 40 cm (PD40cm) and nitrogen doses of 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg N.ha-1.year-1, applied in the form of ammonium sulfate. Allowed to check through the morphogenetic and structural variables that the best rates for PD40cm were obtained when there was application in the range 280-333 kg N.ha-1, while the dose of 450 kg N.ha-1 was which obtained more desired results for PD28days. It was also found that the use of strategy PD40cm promoted the reduction of responses because of senescence, driven by increased nitrogen fertilization, demonstrated by the reduction of TSF, NFM and increased DVF. The use of height to set the rest period has reduced the day interval for the entry of animals for food when there was a greater application of nitrogen. The height of 40 cm was shown to be above the ideal point for collecting Marandu grass is recommended ratings with lower heights to ecotone Cerrado-Amazon.

abstract: One of the main requirements of designing perpetual pavements is to determine the endurance limit of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). The purpose of this study was to validate the endurance limit for HMA using laboratory beam fatigue tests. A mathematical procedure was developed to determine the endurance limit of HMA due to healing that occurs during the rest periods between loading cycles. Relating healing to endurance limit makes this procedure unique compared to previous research projects that investigated these concepts separately. An extensive laboratory testing program, including 468 beam tests, was conducted according to AASHTO T321-03 test procedure. Six factors that affect the fatigue response of HMA were evaluated: binder type, binder content, air voids, test temperature, rest period and applied strain. The endurance limit was determined when no accumulated damage occurred indicating complete healing. Based on the test results, a first generation predictive model was developed to relate stiffness ratio to material properties. A second generation stiffness ratio model was also developed by replacing four factors (binder type, binder content, air voids, and temperature) with the initial stiffness of the mixture, which is a basic material property. The model also accounts for the nonlinear effects of the rest period and the applied strain on the healing and endurance limit. A third generation model was then developed by incorporation the number of loading cycles at different locations along the fatigue degradation curve for each test in order to account for the nonlinearity between stiffness ratio and loading cycles. In addition to predicting endurance limit, the model has the ability to predict the number of cycles to failure at any rest period and stiffness combination. The model was used to predict fatigue relationship curves for tests with rest period and determining the K1, K2, and K3 fatigue cracking coefficients. The three generation models predicted close endurance limit values ranging from 22 to 204 micro strains. After developing the third generation stiffness ratio model, the predicted endurance limit values were integrated in the strain-Nf fatigue relationships as a step toward incorporating the endurance limit in the MEPDG software. The results of this study can be used to design perpetual pavements that can sustain a large number of loads if traffic volumes and vehicle weights are controlled. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering 2012

abstract: Perpetual Pavements, if properly designed and rehabilitated, it can last longer than 50 years without major structural rehabilitation. Fatigue endurance limit is a key parameter for designing perpetual pavements to mitigate bottom-up fatigue cracking. The endurance limit has not been implemented in the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide software, currently known as DARWin-ME. This study was conducted as part of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 9-44A to develop a framework and mathematical methodology to determine the fatigue endurance limit using the uniaxial fatigue test. In this procedure, the endurance limit is defined as the allowable tensile strains at which a balance takes place between the fatigue damage during loading, and the healing during the rest periods between loading pulses. The viscoelastic continuum damage model was used to isolate time dependent damage and healing in hot mix asphalt from that due to fatigue. This study also included the development of a uniaxial fatigue test method and the associated data acquisition computer programs to conduct the test with and without rest period. Five factors that affect the fatigue and healing behavior of asphalt mixtures were evaluated: asphalt content, air voids, temperature, rest period and tensile strain. Based on the test results, two Pseudo Stiffness Ratio (PSR) regression models were developed. In the first model, the PSR was a function of the five factors and the number of loading cycles. In the second model, air voids, asphalt content, and temperature were replaced by the initial stiffness of the mix. In both models, the endurance limit was defined when PSR is equal to 1.0 (net damage is equal to zero). The results of the first model were compared to the results of a stiffness ratio model developed based on a parallel study using beam fatigue test (part of the same NCHRP 9-44A). The endurance limit values determined from uniaxial and beam fatigue tests showed very good correlation. A methodology was described on how to incorporate the second PSR model into fatigue analysis and damage using the DARWin-ME software. This would provide an effective and efficient methodology to design perpetual flexible pavements. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering 2012

Pastaraisiais metais augant kelių transporto sektoriui didėja konkurencija tarp vežėjų. Siekdami užimti kuo didesnę rinkos dalį bei gauti kuo daugiau pelno, dažnai vežėjai siekia sutrumpinti pervežimų laiką pažeisdami nustatytas vairuotojų darbo ir poilsio laiko reguliavimo taisykles. Siekiant užtikrinti sąžiningą konkurenciją, o taip pat užtikrinti mobilių darbuotojų, kurie dirba ypatingomis darbo sąlygomis, sveikatą bei pagerinti eismo saugumą keliuose, būtina specialus darbo ir poilsio laiko reguliavimas, nustatytas Europos Sąjungos bei tarptautiniuose teisės aktuose. Lietuva įstojusi į Europos Sąjungą įsipareigojo perkelti į nacionalinę teisę bendrus reikalavimus, susijusius su darbo ir poilsio laiku, tačiau perkeliant teisės aktus kyla problemų, apie kurias mažai diskutuojama. Todėl magistro baigiamojo darbo tikslas yra išnagrinėti kelių transporto darbuotojų darbo ir poilsio laiko reguliavimo ypatumus, atskleisti ir išanalizuoti šių darbuotojų darbo ir poilsio laiko reguliavimo ypatumų problemas ir pateikti pasiūlymus dėl reguliavimo tobulinimo. Remiantis tarptautiniais, Europos Bendrijos ir nacionaliniais teisės aktais, darbe analizuojama prielaidos diferencijuotam kelių transporto darbuotojų darbo reguliavimui bei darbo ir poilsio ypatingo reguliavimo tikslai, nagrinėjama specialūs pagrindiniai tarptautiniai, Europos Bendrijos bei nacionaliniai teisės aktai, reguliuojantys kelių transporto darbuotojų darbą, lyginama šiuo metu galiojantys ir jais pakeisti teisės aktai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In recent years competition between carriers has been growing simultaneously with road transport sector. With the aim to cut as large piece of market and to make as big profit as it is possible carriers often strive for shortening transportation period by violating the set rules for driver‘s work and rest time. In order to ensure fair competition and health of mobile employees, which work in particular conditions, as well as to improve road traffic safety, specific work and rest time control, in particular the one set out by legal acts of the European Union and international laws, is in urgent need. Having entered the European Union Lithuania has like-for-like undertaken to transfer general requirements related to work and rest time to its national law, however, such transfer causes considerable amount of problems, which have not been discussed widely and in greater detail. Therefore, the aim of this MA thesis is to analyze work and rest time control peculiarities of road traffic sector employees, to reveal and discuss problems related to such control and make offers on its improvement. Following international and national laws and legal acts of the European Union, this paper analyzes preconditions for differential control of the work of people employed in road transport sector and purpose of specific work and rest time control, discusses the main specific international and national laws and legal acts of the European Community regulating work of road transport sector... [to full text]

Den här studien undersöker huruvida anställda i restaurangbranschen har kännedom och möjlighet att nyttja sina rättigheter. Studien har genomförts med ett medarbetarperspektiv. En kvalitativ undersökning genomfördes med hjälp av semistrukturerade intervjuer. Respondenterna har olika befattningar och arbetsplatser, detta ger en helhetsbild av restaurangbranschen. Huvudfokus vid intervjutillfällena har varit dygns- och veckovila, samt betald semester. Resultatet visar både likheter och skillnader mellan respondenternas upplevelser. En del respondenter hade tidigare reflekterat över frågorna, därför användes två mer djupgående intervjuer som nyckelintervjuer. Idén till studien uppkom ur tidigare forskning som visar att anställda i restaurangbranschen har svårt att få inflytande på arbetsplatsen. Vår förhoppning är att studien ska bidra till ökad kunskap kring vilka rättigheter man har som medarbetare i restaurangbranschen. / This study examines whether employees within the restaurant industry are aware of and have the freedom to make use of their rights. The study has been carried out with an employee focused perspective. We conducted qualitative research using semi-structured interviews. The respondents obtain different positions and work at different workplaces which helps create a big picture of what the restaurant industry looks like. The main focuses during the interviews was on the daily rest period, weekly rest and paid vacation. The results show both similarities and differences between the respondents' experiences. Some respondents had previously reflected on the matters, therefore two of the more in-depth interviews were used as key interviews. The idea for the study arose from previous research that shows that employees in the restaurant industry find it difficult to gain influence in the workplace. Our hope is that the study will contribute to increased knowledge about what rights you have as an employee in the restaurant industry.

AD is regarded as a sustainable technology that could assist the UK Government meet internationally agreed GHG emission targets by 2050. However, the mature status of the technology is based on expensive systems that rely on high energy feedstock to be profitable. Meanwhile, the natural biodegradation of cow slurry is a recognised contributor to climate change despite having a relatively low CH4 potential because of the large volumes produced. Economic mixing is essential to the cost-effectiveness of farm AD but techniques applied are not always appropriate as slurry is a shear thinning thixotropic Herschel-Bulkley fluid and therefore challenging to mix. The apparent viscosity of slurry and the shear stress induced was most influenced by solids content (exponential change) followed by temperature (linear). Most shear thinning occurred before a rising shear rate of 20s-1 was achieved with the fluid acting near-Newtonian above. Thixotropic recovery occurred within 1 hour of resting. Rheological values were also much higher than previously reported. Highest CH4 production occurred in the first 10 days of the batch process using a range of mixing regimes with different shear rates and rest periods. During fed-batch operations, changing shear rate had a minimal effect on CH4 production using a 30-day HRT whereas shorter rest periods increased production. Specific CH4 production rate was highest when feeding and mixing coincided. However, when HRT was reduced (OLR increased) the CH4 produced by all mixed regimes significantly increased with highest values being achieved using high intensity mixing rested for short periods. Lower HRTs also requires smaller digesters. Parasitic mixing energy invariably had the most influence on net energy production. Signs of instability were evident after 20 days using the low HRT. Significant microbial adaptation was also observed as the experiments progressed. The research outcomes demonstrate that mixing regime and HRT can be managed to maximise net energy production whilst reducing capital expenditure.