bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The political economy of power generation in Zimbabwe since 1980
Authors: Söderholm Patrik
Published: October 2009

This article presents a historical analysis of the power generation choices in Zimbabwe since independence in 1980; their causes and consequences. In the early 1980s, the electricity supply choices of the country were dictated by a policy of self‐sufficiency, and least‐cost supply options (e.g. imports and hydropower) were rejected at a not negligible economic cost. At the end of the 1980s, a new political environment and pressures from the World Bank prompted substantial changes towards least‐cost alternatives. In the early 1990s, security of supply motives still played an important role and financial constraints were severe. At present, however, there is little evidence that imported power is still as cheap a source of electricity as it was about 15 years ago. This situation together with the ongoing trend towards higher discount rates imply that thermal power, in particular coal‐fired power, will dominate future electricity supply investments in Zimbabwe.
The stone forum: Implementing a consensus building methodology to address impacts associated with small mining and quarry operations
Authors: Peiter C. , Boas R.C. Villas , Shinya W.
Published: October 2009

Small‐scale mining, including quarry operations, continues to play an important social and economic role in hundreds of communities throughout Brazil. Often operating outside the formal economy, conflicts between the owners of small‐scale mining operations, the mineworkers, various government agencies, and other stakeholders have contributed to the progressive degradation of the environment, poor health and safety standards, and low productivity. The Centre for Mineral Technology (CETEM) of Brazil is implementing a consensus building methodology in order to produce dimension stone by small‐scale miners on a more sustainable basis in the Pádua region, located in the northwest of the State of Rio de Janeiro. The approach being used by CETEM is based on its own experience in working with gold prospectors in the Amazon, and lessons and experiences learned from Canadian officials and industry representatives. The lessons and insights gained from this project may prove to be useful to those involved in addressing similar problems elsewhere in Brazil, South America and around the world.
Choice of stakeholder groups and members in multicriteria decision models
Authors: Harrison Steve R. , Qureshi M. Ejaz
Published: October 2009

Simplistic economic objectives such as maximisation of producer profits are of little relevance in generating information to assist in the management of natural resources beyond the individual firm level. To provide data and information to support decision‐making in natural resource management, it is necessary to take into account the views of various stakeholder groups and the multiple objectives of each group, through the use of some form of multicriteria analysis (MCA). Important decisions arise in the choice of stakeholder, since this will influence the management advice generated. Many groups and individuals can be affected by resource management decisions, but it would be impractical to attempt to identify the objectives and estimate their importance for each group. Also, questions arise concerning whether or not to include government agencies (which represent the broader community) and researchers as stakeholders. A further issue concerns choosing representative samples of stakeholder groups, from which to obtain preference data. Discussions with modellers and a reading of the literature would suggest that the choice of stakeholder groups and representatives is conducted haphazardly and is perhaps biased, and that a more systematic approach is needed. This article explores the above issues with reference to a number of multicriteria analyses, including local studies.
Towards a sustainable Russian forest sector
Authors: Carlsson Lars
Published: October 2009

Russia's forest resources are enormous, but despite almost ten years of transition, problems are still immense, in terms of commercial output and with respect to forest management. This article suggests that one way of changing the situation is to introduce community management of forests. Using the Swedish forest commons as an example, this article argues that such a change in property rights will provide an alternative to massive privatization of the forests and to the undesirable continuation or strengthening of state forest management. Finally, it is concluded that such an introduction of new property rights regimes will not provide the solution to the problems, but rather will contribute to the establishment of a better institutional framework in the Russian forest sector.
Climate change in Asia: issues and policy options
Authors: Sanderson Jamie , Islam Sardar M.N.
Published: October 2009

This article provides a brief review of some of the policy issues facing the Asian region with respect to climate change and its economic consequences. The environmental consequences of Asia's economic rise threaten the future growth of the region. Despite recent economic expansion, Asia will be one of the areas of the world most vulnerable to climate change. While Asia currently contributes moderately to greenhouse gas emissions, the potential for increases in emissions is significant. National and regional policy options, including abatement and adaptation, are examined as strategies for tackling the likely effects of climate change. This study recommends that national initiatives that have no ‘regrets’ properties be a priority area for further research so that they can be implemented as soon as possible. It is envisaged that in the short to medium term, identifiable no regrets policies can be a useful tool for reducing emissions and vulnerability to climate change in developing regions such as Asia.
Nesting biodiversity conservation into landscape management
Authors: Fuentes‐Quezada Eduardo R. , Sekhran Nikhil , Kunte‐Pant Arundhati
Published: October 2009

There is universal recognition that biological diversity (biodiversity) is being lost at an alarming rate. The costs and risks of these losses for humanity are still not fully understood, but are believed to be very significant. While much is being achieved through conservation programmes, the task of addressing the current crisis remains complex, particularly as there are significant biological, social and economic challenges to nesting conservation objectives into land‐use management. This paper emphasizes the socio‐economic challenges, wherein a central issue is that of equitably sharing the costs and benefits of conservation among all beneficiaries, nationally and internationally. The world's biological heritage supplies mankind with a number of ecological goods and services, which have attached direct use values, indirect use values, existence values and option values. Currently, only a few direct values are tangible and here much remains to be done to capture effectively and distribute equitably the benefits arising from the other values. The paper discusses three instances where some of these challenges are being addressed, in Belize, Pakistan and Mongolia. Finally, the paper discusses the need for additional mechanisms that will help meet the challenge of establishing and maintaining conservation arrangements in the landscapes of developing countries, where much of the most threatened biota is found.
Agroforestry as alternative land‐use production systems for the tropics
Authors: Kang B. T. , Akinnifesi F. K.
Published: October 2009

The science of agroforestry has progressed significantly during the past three decades. This article describes and documents various prominent traditional agroforestry systems. In‐depth research on interactive processes of some agrisilvicultural systems have been undertaken and quantified. It has been found that the presence of woody species can enhance nutrient cycling, and can improve soil productivity, soil conservation and soil biotic andfaunal activities. In simultaneous systems however, their presence can also cause competition with the associated food crops. Most agroforestry systems constitute ecologically and bio‐physically sustainable land use systems. Some are highly sustainable and economically viable, in particular the highly complex and specialized types, such as the damar and rubber agroforests in Indonesia. Agroforestry systems have potential uses in stabilization of sloping lands and buffer zones around forest reserves, for recovering degraded lands, and for improving the productivity of the bush fallow system. Despite rapid progress in biophysical research, field application of the science of agroforestry is still minimal. This article examines the possibilities of exploring the multiple contributions of trees to food security, rural income generation, diversity of products and ecosystem conservation within sustainable agroforestry contexts. Research efforts in the new millennium need to focus more on practical research and also on socio‐economic and policy factors that can enhance beneficial application of the science in the near future to smallholder farmers in the tropics.
Corporate strategy and viable future land use: planning for closure from the outset of mining
Authors: Warhurst Alyson , Noronha Ligia
Published: October 2009

This paper provides an overview of the environmental impact of mining on viable future land use and underlines the imperative of improved environmental management and closure planning. It argues that pollution prevention, through planning for closure, can lead to cost‐effective strategies for sustainable minerals development and viable future land use. This seems to be most true for greenfield sites since, generally, the earlier closure planning and pollution prevention is built into a project, the more cost‐effective and environmentally benign closure will be. Further, for greenfield sites, pollution prevention techniques can be employed from the outset, at the stages of exploration and mine development, and then monitored and improved through the operation stage to closure, and can be kept in place to manage future land use.

The paper discusses how global changes in the industry, following the liberalisation of investment regimes, and mergers and strategic alliances between key firms, has, by virtue of the diffusion of new technology, led to further opportunities to prevent pollution and optimise future land use through planning for closure from the outset. The objectives and components of closure plans are also reviewed as the paper draws on case studies to highlight some of the possible constraints and challenges to pollution prevention that may be faced at the level of both public policy and corporate strategy. The article concludes by suggesting a forward‐looking approach to integrated environmental management and viable future land‐use planning based on a dynamic model for environmental management.
Not by nutrients alone: a call to broaden the soil fertility initiative
Authors: Budelman Arnoud , Defoer Toon
Published: October 2009

The article discusses agricultural practices in sub‐Saharan Africa, especially in terms of maintaining soil fertility. It disagrees with alarmist tendencies in the current debate, exaggerating the state of soil impoverishment in the African region. Nor does it subscribe to the idea that the remedy lies primarily in a massive influx of chemical fertilisers, especially phosphorus.

Instead, the article advocates a more balanced approach, where soil nutrient replenishment, as an improvement in natural capital, is but one part of the investment African agriculture needs. To achieve sustainable rural livelihoods, other forms of capital are also required, such as physical capital, i.e. infrastructure (roads, means of communication); financial capital in the form of credit and savings schemes; and human‐ and social capital, especially improved access to information and knowledge for farmers as well as improved local organisation and empowerment.

The article reviews nine case studies, taken from different climate zones in the region and representing different soil conditions. All case studies were projects using the participatory learning and action research (PLAR) method, which is discussed in detail.
Use of seasonal precipitation forecasting to improve agricultural production in the Sudano‐Sahel: an institutional analysis of Burkina Faso
Authors: Kirshen Paul H. , Flitcroft Ian D.
Published: October 2009

Climate forecasts of the total rainfall in the Sudano‐Sahelian region of West Africa may have sufficient value to assist in agricultural decision‐making at the national, regional and local level. Forecasts are produced in both international and national centres using a variety of techniques. Institutions in Burkina Faso, the focus of the present case study, that are involved in agro‐meteorology and agriculture are interested in using forecasts. They have requested many improvements in the forecasts—some of which are beyond the state of the art. The research for the present article, based on interviews with representatives of institutions and following the trail of other agro‐meteorological information, confirms the existence of an information network within Burkina Faso that could reasonably well disseminate climate forecasts to interested organizations, farmers, and pastoralists.
Pond management in rural Bangladesh: problems and possibilities in the context of the water supply crisis
Authors: Kränzlin Irène
Published: October 2009

Today, Bangladesh is confronted with an immense water supply crisis: the decline of surface water bodies as well as a fall in the water table, together with the multiple pollution of the water in general, has put pressure on a precious resource that needs to meet the demand of a growing population. However, the most serious problem became public just four years ago—the contamination of the groundwater with arsenic. Considering the extent of the water supply problem, solutions for the future provision of safe drinking water are urgently needed. This article argues that ponds, a traditional water source in Bangladesh, could contribute to a solution. However, it is essential to recognise the problems and advantages of ponds in order to make suggestions on how to integrate ponds into the national water policy. Therefore, this paper analyses pond management—the use, maintenance and control of ponds—and its change from the past to the present. A holistic, dynamic and actor‐oriented approach on a small scale was proved to be the appropriate instrument for this analysis.
Water supply and sanitation services for all: global progress during the 1990s
Authors: Neto Frederico , Tropp Håkan
Published: October 2009

The Earth may be largely covered with water, but over one billion people are estimated to be without safe drinking water and almost 2.5 billion (40% of the world's population) without adequate sanitation at the outset of the new millennium. The provision of safe water and sanitation for all poses several serious institutional and economic challenges at international, national and local levels. Despite the various political commitments made from the late 1970s onwards, these commitments have remained largely unfulfilled. Even though some efforts to expand coverage have been made over the past two decades, much of those efforts have been undermined by socioeconomic problems and growing population, particularly in the urban areas of developing countries. The water supply and sanitation sector is actually in acute need of new investments for expansion and maintenance of facilities. Nonetheless, some positive trends can be discerned, such as, for example, the increasing recognition of integrated water resources management, environmental sanitation, public‐private partnerships and women as a key for improvement and expansion of services.
Restitution of forest property in post‐communist Bulgaria
Authors: Staddon Caedmon
Published: October 2009

After ten years of post‐communist transformation, the current Bulgarian Government has only recently initiated the task of wholesale reform of the communist‐era structures extant within the forestry sector. This is an unavoidably complex process, involving the reorganisation of tenure over forest resources (restitution to pre‐communist era owners), the privatisation and decentralisation of commercial and related activities in the woods, the redefinition of the role of the State in oversight, management and planning, and the development of a supportive institutional context for the growth of small and medium private enterprise throughout the forestry production process. This paper discusses the legal, institutional, economic and environmental implications of forest restitution. The author argues that the particular Bulgarian solution to the reform of forestry tenure structures, based on a mix of private and public ownership, arises out of the crucible of Bulgarian historical geography and the requirements of contemporary neoliberal models of transition. On the basis of the analysis, a number of important implications for Bulgarian, and indeed all post‐communist forestry sectors, are raised for major related processes, such as the development of a robust private forestry sector, the limitation of the role of the State to conservation, management and oversight, and the reconfiguration of timber as a resource for local economic development.
Private micro‐hydro power and associated investments in Nepal: the Barpak village case and broader issues
Authors: Ghale Bir Bahadur , Shrestha Ganesh Ram , DeLucia Russell J.
Published: October 2009

This article examines a number of issues connected with the development of small‐scale hydroelectric power and related investments in Nepal. The micro‐hydro investment scheme in Barpak village serves as a case study, and the article also presents a number of related issues discussed against the background of the evolution of micro‐hydro power in Nepal. The article outlines the success of micro‐hydro development, modest in relation to its enormous potential, the realization of which depends on whether a number of challenges and constraints can be overcome. The article closes with suggestions on implementing sustainable micro‐hydro development in rural areas, based on the Barpak experience and the authors' other recent studies of rural energy issues in Nepal.
Private participation in isolated grids in Mozambique
Authors: Sakairi Yuriko
Published: October 2009

This article presents a case study from Mozambique of the electrification of two selected towns under a World Bank financed project. Low‐cost electricity services were extended to the two isolated areas after an enabling framework had been created for private sector participation. The World Bank project also demonstrates that the private sector can be attracted to participate in rural electrification schemes even in a poor country. The example shown in this article is one of the few of its kind in SubSaharan Africa.
Fostering sustainable small‐scale investments: lessons from experience and ideas for intervention and innovation
Authors: DeLucia Russell J.
Published: October 2009

This article presents lessons from experience pertinent to implementing small‐scale natural resource and related investment projects in developing countries. It outlines ideas for intervention and innovation to foster such investments. Particular emphasis is placed on private‐sector participation in these investments. Following a brief presentation of the economic development and other arguments that support intervention and innovation in support of such small‐scale natural resource investments, the article discusses many of the lessons learned from experience. These lessons reinforce those touched upon in the investment‐specific discussions in the previous articles. The experience and associated lessons that are examined include experiences in both developing and developed countries and encompass not just lessons from natural resource investments, but also small‐scale investments in other sectors. Financing and other innovations which facilitate meeting the challenges are drawn from relevant experience where barriers to investment have been surmounted. Options for programme and project interventions to increase market penetration of small‐scale investments and achieve the associated development linkages and synergies are suggested. These suggestions are aimed especially at governments and bilateral and multilateral development finance and development assistance entities. It is those players who might support such interventions in collaboration with local financial institutions and other market players.
Tree plantations for restoration of degraded lands and greening of India: a case study of tree growers' cooperatives
Authors: Balooni K. , Singh K.
Published: October 2009

India has over 100 m ha (million hectares) of village common lands. De jure, these lands are owned by the state but, de facto, they are used in common by villagers. Most of the village commons are degraded and denuded and are almost nonproductive. Several attempts have been made in the recent past to restore them through planting of trees by governmental and non‐governmental organizations. Tree Growers' Co‐operative Societies (TGCS), as an organisational innovation of relatively recent origin, have proved to be more cost‐effective than other forms of organisations engaged in greening the village commons in India. This paper attempts to assess the financial viability of tree plantations carried out by three selected TGCS and to distil lessons of their experience useful for policy purposes. The study revealed that plantations founded by the sample TGCS were financially viable, and that the plantations had transformed the desolate village commons into ‘green wealth’. The authors conclude that the TGCS have a high potential as an instrument for promoting the afforestation of India's degraded village common lands and thereby improving village economy and the quality of the environment.
Challenges to the implementation of a sustainable development certification programme for the minerals and metals industry
Authors: Henry Bradley S. , Shinya Wayne M.
Published: October 2009

Private, voluntary eco‐labelling and certification programmes are being developed for a number of industries to promote and verify higher environmental, economic and social standards. In some cases, these initiatives have developed regardless of whether there is initial, broad support within industry. This article seeks to identify some of the challenges inherent in the implementation of a sustainable development certification programme for the minerals and metals industry. The article looks for guidance from initiatives that are drawn for the most part from other resource industries, most notably forestry. While the article takes a Canadian perspective, many of the challenges raised in the article are also applicable internationally. The article concludes that stakeholders can learn from other resource industries if a decision is made to develop a certification programme for the minerals and metals industry. Crucial to the long‐term success of such a programme will be the establishment of a true partnership among stakeholders throughout the initiative's development. Crown Copyright.
Transportation energy in global cities: sustainable transportation comes in from the cold?
Authors: Newman Peter , Kenworthy Jeffery
Published: October 2009

The energy, environmental and social benefits of sustainable transportation, i.e. public transit, biking and walking, have long been recognized but are now mainstream in global and local transportation policy debates. However, the economic value of sustainable transportation has always been seen as secondary, unless many external costs were included. The results of a new global study show that cities with significant sustainable transportation systems have reduced costs on road construction and maintenance; better operating cost recovery and fuel‐efficiency; fewer road accidents and less air pollution. In overall terms, the percentage of city funds going to transportation is reduced. The data show that cities with the most roads have the highest transportation costs and the most rail‐oriented cities have the lowest. Further, the most sprawling cities have the highest direct and indirect costs for transportation. Thus, strategies to contain sprawl, to reurbanize, to build new rail systems into car‐dependent suburbs with focussed sub‐centers, and to facilitate biking and walking, not only will improve energy efficiency but will reduce costs to the economy of a city. Strategies that build freeways and add to sprawl will do the opposite. Trends indicate that moves toward sustainable urban patterns are beginning. The need to operationalize sustainable transportation strategies in planning and engineering practice and in the politics of infrastructure funding remains a major challenge. Some cities are showing how this can be done.
Cars and fuels for tomorrow: a comparative assessment
Authors: Åhman Max , Nilsson Lars J. , Johansson Bengt
Published: October 2009

Light duty vehicles, i.e. passenger cars and light trucks, account for approximately half of global transportation energy demand and, thus, a major share of carbon dioxide and other emissions from the transport sector. Energy consumption in the transport sector is expected to grow in the future, especially in developing countries. Cars with alternative powertrains to internal combustion engines (notably battery, hybrid and fuel‐cell powertrains), in combination with potentially low carbon electricity or alternative fuels (notably hydrogen and methanol), can reduce energy demand by at least 50%, and carbon dioxide and regulated emissions much further. This article presents a comparative technical and economic assessment of promising future fuel/vehicle combinations. There are several promising technologies but no obvious winners. However, the electric drivetrain is a common denominator in the alternative powertrains and continued cost reductions are important for widespread deployment in future vehicles. Development paths from current fossil fuel based systems to future carbon‐neutral supply systems appear to be flexible and a gradual phasing‐in of new powertrains and carbon‐neutral fluid fuels or electricity is technically possible. Technology development drivers and vehicle manufacturers are found mainly in industrialised countries, but developing countries represent a growing market and may have an increasingly important role in shaping the future.
Why Singapore's land transportation energy consumption is relatively low
Authors: Ang B.W. , Tan K.C.
Published: October 2009

Since the early 1970s, Singapore has enacted a number of measures to tackle traffic congestion, including measures to restrain vehicle ownership. Although Singapore's per capita GDP is comparable to that of OECD countries, the present car‐ownership level in Singapore (10 cars per 100 people) is only a fraction of levels in the OECD countries. Traffic flow in this city‐State is relatively smooth, even during peak hours. Although the measures taken were aimed primarily at tackling traffic congestion, they have had other positive impacts, such as reducing energy consumption, air pollution and CO2 emissions. This article presents an overview of the transportation measures and initiatives in Singapore, and analyses two of the transport demand management measures in detail: the vehicle restraint measure, in particular the unique vehicle quota system introduced in 1990; and the two road pricing systems, i.e. the area licensing scheme (ALS) that operated from 1974 to 1998, and the electronic road pricing system (ERP) that went into operation in 1998. Energy and environmental impacts are then discussed, and finally factors contributing to the success of these schemes. Although certain conditions are unique to Singapore, the experience shows that substantial energy and environmental benefits can be achieved through managing urban transportation system in an integrated and innovative way.
Wider roads, more cars
Authors: Næss Petter , Mogridge Martin J. H. , Sandberg Synnøve Lyssand
Published: October 2009

The transport policy currently followed in many European cities seems to be a combination of investments in public transport in order to increase, or at least maintain, its market share, and road building in order to keep up with expected traffic growth. Apparently, there is a prevalent belief among policy makers that increased road capacity in urban areas does not in itself cause any growth in car traffic worth mentioning. Such a belief neglects the simple economic theory of supply and demand, as well as more specific theories about the dynamics of traffic under congested conditions. An empirical study of commuting patterns in two transport corridors in Oslo, Norway, shows that a considerable proportion of commuters are sensitive to changes in the speed of the respective modes of transportation. The mode chosen depends to a large extent on the ratio of door‐to‐door travel times by car and transit. Freer flowing traffic in the road network will induce a higher proportion of commuters to travel by car. Conversely, faster public transport will reduce the proportion of car commuters, but the effects of such improvements will be offset if road capacity is simultaneously increased. In addition to the relative speeds of car and transit, the parking conditions at the workplace are of great importance to the choice of transport mode.
Control strategies for vehicular NOx emissions in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Shao Min , Zhang Yuanhang , Raufer Roger
Published: October 2009

Guangzhou is a city in southern China that has experienced very rapid economic development in recent years. The city's air has very high concentrations of various pollutants, including sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3) and particulate. This paper reviews the changes in air quality in the city over the past 15 years, and notes that a serious vehicular‐related emissions problem has been superimposed on the traditional coal‐burning problem evident in most Chinese cities. As NOx concentrations have increased, oxidants and photochemical smog now interact with the traditional SO2and particulate pollutants, leading to increased health risks and other environmental concerns.

Any responsible NOx control strategy for the city must include vehicle emission control measures. This paper reviews control strategies designed to abate vehicle emissions to fulfill the city's air quality improvement target in 2010. A cost‐effectiveness analysis suggests that, while NOx emission control is expensive, vehicular emission standards could achieve a relatively sizable emissions reduction at reasonable cost. To achieve the 2010 air quality target of NOx, advanced implementation of EURO3 standards is recommended, substituting for the EURO2 currently envisioned in the national regulations. Related technical options, including fuel quality improvements and inspection/maintenance (I/M) upgrades (ASM or IM240), are assessed as well.
Climate negotiations at a crucial stage: the Hague meeting of contracting Parties in November 2000 and its follow‐up
Authors: Kjellén Bo
Published: October 2009

The author discusses the central issues of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol in the general context of the Rio process. The nexus of issues under negotiation in relation to climate change are viewed in the context of multilateral diplomacy for sustainable development. The article outlines the background to the important Sixth Conference of the Parties, held in the Hague in November 2000, and highlights the relationship between the main actors in the negotiations. Finally, the main results of the Hague negotiations are presented, followed by comments on follow‐up procedures and perspectives.
Sustainability of the dimension stone industry in Zimbabwe—challenges and opportunities
Authors: Maponga Oliver , Munyanduri Nelson
Published: October 2009

The rapid expansion of the dimension stone and black granite industry in Zimbabwe in the 1990s, a result of increasing domestic and international demand for black granite, has ushered in new challenges and opportunities for producers and beneficiaries alike. This article investigates the social, environmental and economic challenges emanating from the export boom, the economic opportunities presented by the expanding market and the potential role the robust industry could play in regional economic development and poverty alleviation. The article evaluates the long‐term sustainability of the dimension stone industry and recommends the reinvestment of revenues into diversification of the regional economic base, upgrading of local infrastructure, further processing of rough stone before export and encouragement of micro‐businesses to enhance sustainability. The author argues for modification of economic incentives to incorporate environmental and social objectives in order to enhance sustainability. The need for a holistic approach to policies affecting the exploitation, processing and marketing of granite resources and their products is recognized. More research on the operations of the industry is called for.
Guatemala strives for environmental and economic sustainability in the Rio Dulce region
Authors: Perlack Robert D. , Ensminger J. Timothy , Martinez Romeo
Published: October 2009

Conditions in Guatemala's Rio Dulce National Park (RDNP) present an immediate decision‐making challenge concerning the reversal of current destructive environmental trends, and in establishing policies for restoration, protection, and sustainable use. This article summarises results of environmental assessment activities undertaken at three levels: an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a proposed industrial forestry activity, an environmental assessment of management options for the Rio Dulce National Park, and water management planning for the Rio Dulce/Lago Izabal watershed. A key result of the EIA was to prohibit construction of a barge terminal within the boundaries of the park because it could set a precedent for future development. Management options for the park focused on establishing land‐use controls, dealing with river transport more effectively, and identifying funding mechanisms to implement solutions. At the watershed scale, a strategic approach was recommended to identify priority issues for initiating change toward sustainability in the region.
Alternative approaches to flood mitigation: a case study of Bangladesh
Authors: Neto Frederico
Published: October 2009

Floods were by far the most damaging type of natural disasters during the 1990s, in terms of both human impacts and socio‐economic losses. Vulnerability to flooding disasters around the world is almost always differentiated by the socio‐economic conditions of different income groups in the disaster area. In general, the poorer the income group (or the country) the more vulnerable it is likely to be to the adverse impacts of floods. The article argues that Bangladesh is the world's most flood‐prone developing country in terms of the relative socio‐economic impacts of floods. While conventional flood control strategies tend to be based on structural engineering approaches—such as the construction of large‐scale embankments, diversion canals and dams—this article argues that more emphasis should be given to alternative, non‐structural measures. The main lesson from recent flooding disasters in Bangladesh is that, in the absence of expensive structural measures, many non‐structural ones can go a long way towards reducing vulnerability to and mitigating the impacts of floods.
Numerical Study of a Bio‐Centrifugal Blood Pump With Straight Impeller Blade Profiles
Authors: Song Guoliang , Chua Leok Poh , Lim Tau Meng
Published: October 2009

Computational fluid dynamic simulations of the flow in the Kyoto‐NTN (Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan) magnetically suspended centrifugal blood pump with a 16‐straight‐bladed impeller were performed in the present study. The flow in the pump was assumed as unsteady and turbulent, and blood was treated as a Newtonian fluid. At the impeller rotating speed of 2000 rpm and flow rate of 5 L/min, the pump produces a pressure head of 113.5 mm Hg according to the simulation. It was found that the double volute of the pump has caused symmetrical pressure distribution in the volute passages and subsequently caused symmetrical flow patterns in the blade channels. Due to the tangentially increasing pressure in the volute passages, the flow through the blade channels initially increases at the low‐pressure region and then decreases due to the increased pressure. The reverse flow and vortices have been identified in the impeller blade channels. The high shear stress of the flow in the pump mainly occurred at the inlet and outlet of the blade channels, the beginning of the volute passages and the regions around the tips of the cutwater and splitter plate. Higher shear stress is obtained when the tips of the cutwater and splitter plate are located at the impeller blade trailing edges than when they are located at the middle of the impeller blade channel. It was found that the blood damage index assessed based on the blood corpuscle path tracing of the present pump was about 0.94%, which has the same order of magnitude as those of the clinical centrifugal pumps reported in the literature.
Low‐Cost Pulsatile Cardiac Assist Device With Compliant Input Chamber
Authors: Del Cañizo Juan , Rodríguez‐Martínez Daniel , Perez‐Caballero Ramon , Quintana Begoña , Ruiz‐Fernandez Manuel
Published: October 2009

We propose a new, low‐cost pulsatile ventricular assist device (VAD) for short‐term applications. The new device could prove very useful in emergency ventricular failure in which patient survival is not assured. In these cases, the device allows ventricular function to be maintained as the patient's situation is evaluated and a decision is made on whether to perform a heart transplant or to replace the device with a long‐term VAD. The device has a pneumatic tubular blood chamber, clip valves over the cannulae, and a compliant input chamber that improves filling of the pump. Clip valves and all other functions of the device are controlled by means of a computerized console. The use of clip valves reduces the cost of the disposable part of the device.
Are Dialysis Devices Usable as Ozone Gas Exchangers?
Authors: Travagli Valter , Zanardi Iacopo , Gabbrielli Alessandro , Paccagnini Eugenio , Bocci Velio
Published: October 2009

A study aimed to compare the efficiency of the ozone transfer of four hydrophilic dialysis filters, and one hydrophobic gas‐exchange device (GED) has been performed. Obviously, the former should be specifically used only for dialysis. Unfortunately, some clinicians incautiously use them as GEDs. It has been shown that: (i) dialysis filters present a wide range of gas‐exchange yield (from 0 up to 70%), often related to variability according to the treatment time; (ii) by scanning microscopy, it has been noticed that hollow fibers are somewhat altered by ozone; and (iii) because their constitutive materials may not be ozone‐resistant, they may release toxic compounds harmful for the patients. On the contrary, the appropriate GED is ozone‐transfer efficient, is ozone‐resistant, and is suitable for blood autotransfusion and ozonation.
TRANSFUSION COMPLICATIONS: Seroprevalence of Babesia microti in blood donors from Babesia‐endemic areas of the northeastern United States: 2000 through 2007
Authors: Johnson Stephanie T. , Cable Ritchard G. , Tonnetti Laura , Spencer Bryan , Rios Jorge , Leiby David A.
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Current estimates of 70 cases of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti, with 12 associated deaths, suggest that Babesia is a growing blood safety concern. The extent of Babesia infections among blood donors has not been well defined. To determine how common exposure to B. microti is among blood donors, a seroprevalence study was undertaken in the American Red Cross Northeast Division.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood donations at selected blood drives in Connecticut and Massachusetts (2000 through 2007) were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies to B. microti using immunofluorescence assay. Geographic and temporal trends of B. microti seroprevalence were estimated for donor's zip code of residence.

RESULTS: Overall, a 1.1% seroprevalence was identified in Connecticut, with the highest levels found in two Southeastern counties (Middlesex and New London). Observed seroprevalence for offshore islands of Massachusetts was 1.4%. Seropositive donations were identified from donors residing in all eight counties in Connecticut and three counties in Massachusetts. Although a seasonal peak was found between July and September, seropositive donations were identified in every month of the year.

CONCLUSIONS: Foci of statistically higher B. microti seroprevalence among blood donors were observed; however, B. microti transfusion transmission risk exists for blood collected throughout Connecticut and portions of Massachusetts. Similarly, a seasonal peak was identified; nevertheless, seropositive donations were found year‐round. Thus, geographic and/or seasonal exclusion methods are insufficient to fully safeguard the blood supply from Babesia transmission. Steps should be taken to reduce risk of transfusion‐transmitted B. microti, perhaps through implementation of year‐round, regional testing.
Skin disinfection methods: prospective evaluation and postimplementation results
Authors: Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra , Goldman Mindy
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Optimal skin disinfection ensures blood safety. In this study, efficacies of the two‐step skin disinfection methods used at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) and two one‐step methods produced by different manufacturers were compared.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In each of the three phases of the study, two methods were compared by disinfection of the antecubital fossae of study subjects. The two‐step methods were compared in Phase I: Method A (isopropyl alcohol scrub and iodine tincture ampule) and Method B (isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine scrub and isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine ampule). In Phases II and III, Method B was compared to two different one‐step swab sticks containing isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine (Methods C and D). Contact plates were applied on each of the subjects before and after disinfection and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours followed by colony counting.

RESULTS: In 99% of the subjects, colonies per plate were reduced from approximately 60 to less than 10 after disinfection using any method. Method B was superior to Method A (p < 0.05) but was not significantly different from Methods C and D. Method D was implemented for skin disinfection at CBS with no significant effects on blood product contamination. Skin reactions increased from approximately 0.02% to approximately 0.62% after implementation, which were subsequently reduced to approximately 0.04%.

CONCLUSION: In this study, isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine disinfectants were more efficacious than isopropyl alcohol and iodine. There was no difference in efficacy between one‐step and two‐step procedures or between methods of application. A one‐step chlorhexidine and isopropyl alcohol kit has been successfully implemented at CBS.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease patients in Uganda
Authors: Natukunda Bernard , Schonewille Henk , Ndugwa Christopher , Brand Anneke
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is an integral part in the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Alloimmunization is a recognized complication of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions with consequences including delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and difficulties in getting compatible blood for future transfusions. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of RBC alloimmunization in SCD patients in Uganda where pretransfusion screening for alloantibodies is not practiced.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: In a cross‐sectional study, SCD patients at Mulago Hospital Sickle Cell Clinic, Kampala, Uganda, were investigated. The demographic characteristics and transfusion history were recorded. Blood samples were drawn from consenting, previously transfused patients and RBC alloimmunization was demonstrated using immunohematologic techniques.

RESULTS: There were 428 patients (median age, 12 years; female/male ratio, 1.0) and they had received a median of 3 units in a median of three transfusion episodes. Twenty‐six patients (6.1%) possessed RBC alloantibodies and 21 (80.7%) of them had received up to 10 transfusions. A total of 30 alloantibodies was found; 20 (66.7%) and 5 (16.6%) belonged to Rh and MNS blood groups, respectively. Five of the alloimmunized patients had multiple antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS: The rate of RBC alloimmunization in Ugandan SCD patients was 6.1%. The homogeneity between donors and SCD patients plus the low transfusion load may explain this immunization frequency. Nevertheless, our study confirms the significance of RBC alloimmunization as a complication in Ugandan SCD patients. Therefore, there is need to improve immunohematologic testing in Uganda so that RBC alloimmunization and its consequences may be prevented.
Goose Neck Snare for LV Lead Placement in Difficult Venous Anatomy
Authors: WORLEY SETH J. , GOHN DOUGLAS C. , PULLIAM ROBERT W.
Published: October 2009

Venous anatomy frequently impairs placement of the left ventricular (LV) lead. In some cases, the wire will not advance into the vein and in others wire position is lost as the lead is advanced. This article describes how a commonly available goose neck snare is used to gain access to the distal end of the wire as it re‐enters the coronary sinus retrograde via collaterals through an adjacent vein. The snare is advanced into the coronary sinus through the same catheter as the wire. The snare opens perpendicular to the long axis of the coronary sinus due to which the wire must pass through the open loop, provided the diameter of the snare is approximately the same as the coronary sinus. Thus no time‐consuming manipulation of the snare is required. With access to both ends of the wire the vein is approached either retrograde (over the distal end) or antegrade (over the proximal end) while the other end of the wire is secured by the operator. Gaining control of both ends of the wire with a snare is another example of adapting interventional techniques for the device implantation. Unlike venoplasty, the snare does not evoke credentialing concerns and can be easily implemented by most implanting physicians.