bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Marketing-Character in Fiction: Len Deighton's Close up (1972) as a Sociological Description of Post-War Hollywood and the Process of Americanisation
Authors: Kuzmics Helmut
Published: January 2017

Len Deighton's book, although not well known among sociologists, provided as early as 1972 a profound and shrewd analysis not only of the American movie industry, its milieux and culture of deception and their influence on old Europe, but also of the more general mechanisms of a radical marketisation of the self. The novel can, thus, contribute to a better understanding of America's hegemonic position in Europe, insofar as it results in far-reaching Americanisation. The legionary barracks of the Romans, the French Court of Louis XIV and the English Public School have found their legitimate successor in the social fabric of Hollywood and the American spirit of commercial entertainment.
Children's Drawings as a Methodological Tool: Reflections on the Eleven Plus System in Northern Ireland
Authors: Leonard Madeleine
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the growing debates about appropriate methodologies for researching children's lives. I intend to outline the usefulness of using drawings as a methodological tool. This method was one of three used in a study concerned with examining children's experiences of doing the Eleven Plus. This is an exam taken by the majority of 10–11 year old children in Northern Ireland. The advantages and disadvantages of employing drawings in research with children will be explored. Drawing is generally considered by adults to be a common form of expression for children. However, the article will question its relevance as a method of obtaining data on how children view their social worlds.
Class, Ethnicity and Political Identity in Northern Ireland
Authors: Coulter Colin
Published: January 2017

The formal purpose of this paper is to offer a critical examination of the social and political philosophy of electoral integrationism. The critique of electoral integrationism is employed as a means by which to explore the relationship between class, ethnicity and political identity in contemporary Northern Ireland. The paper tenders two principal contentions. First, I challenge the view that the ethnoreligious divisions existent within the province are aberrant and irrational. I claim instead that political sectarianism in the six counties may be more faithfully conceived as a rational and perhaps inevitable reflection of the manner in which northern society is structured and experienced. Secondly, I argue that whilst political identity in Northern Ireland may be fashioned primarily by ethnicity, it also bears the indelible impression of class sentiment and experience. It is the particular nature of the articulation between class and ethnic identity in modern Northern society which renders the present conflict so apparently intractable. The paper concludes with the suggestion that, given the material foundations of ethnoreligious sentiment, the eradication of political sectarianism in the six counties will require radical structural reform.
Conflict Management vs Conflict Resolution: An Emancipatory Approach to the Northern Ireland Conflict
Authors: Ruane Joseph
Published: January 2017

This paper takes issue with the conflict management approach now dominant in academic and policy-making discourse in respect to Northern Ireland. Such an approach is exemplified in the report of the Opsahl Commission. The paper presents a different understanding of the origins and dynamics of the conflict, one which points to the necessity of a policy of conflict resolution conceived in emancipatory terms.
The Conduct of Irish Disputes: The Issue of Processes and the Processing of Issues in a Marine Environment
Authors: Keary Brian
Published: January 2017

This article argues that the high-profile, obdurate public disputes which characterise the time we live in can only be understood in relation to their contexts and the long-drawn-out natures of their ‘careers’: the manner they develop and change, the issues and parties involved, and the means utilised. From the vantage-point of newspaper evidence - in many cases the only extant source of evidence to detail the public course of a dispute - the article analyses one example, the Bantry Bay fishing dispute which began in 1975. This data yields an account which emphasises the nature of the analytical approach appropriate for understanding it.
Irish History as a Testing Ground for Sociological Theory: Hechter's Internal Colonialism and Hutchinson's Cultural Nationalism
Authors: Murray Peter
Published: January 2017

In the field of historical sociology Ireland has served as a case study testing ground for Hechter's internal colonialism and for Hutchinson's cultural nationalism. This paper reviews the ways in which these theories were tested on the Irish case. The coherence of internal colonialism is called into question by fundamental discrepancies between the original and the revisited versions of the model. In the testing of cultural nationalism the procedures followed suffer from a circularity that sees Irish historical evidence sifted to highlight what the theory postulates before the extent to which the theory fits the evidence is comparatively assessed. The manner in which these theories were tested lends support to Goldthorpe's criticisms of the methodology of ‘grand historical sociology’.
Surface Modification of Titanium Based Biomaterials by Ion Beam
Authors: Xianghuai Liu , Zhihong Zheng , Zhuyao Zhou , Nan Huang , Ping Yang , Guanjun Cai , Yuanru Chen
Published: January 2017

Ion beam enhanced deposition (IBED) was adopted to synthesize biocompatible titanium oxide film. Structure characteristics of titanium oxide film were investigated by RBS, AES, and XRD. The blood compatibility of the titanium oxide film was studied by measurements of blood clotting time and platelet adhesion. The results show that the anticoagulation property of titanium oxide film is improved significantly. The mechanism of anticoagulation of the titanium oxide film was discussed.
In Vitro Release of New Quinolones from Biodegradable Systems: A Comparative Study
Authors: Andreopoulos A. G. , Korakis T. , Dounis E. , Anastasiadis A. , Tzivelekis P. , Kanellakopoulou K.
Published: January 2017

A new biodegradable delivery system based on low molecular weight poly(lactic acid) has been formualted, with potential application in the sustained antibiotic release against bone infection. The in vitro release of two new quinolones (ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin) from the biodegradable matrix showed that the delivery of ofloxacin from the matrix lasted fifty-six days, whereas that of ciprofloxacin lasted fifty-one days. In both cases, release is controlled by the drug diffusion and the matrix degradation, the latter being the most critical factor. The obtained concentration levels are well above the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against the major causative bacteria of osteomyelitis. This fact in combination with the good reproducibility of measurements indicated that the system studied could be of value for the preparation of implantable controlled release systems for treatment of diseases in the bone system.
Rural Malawian Women’s Resistance to Systematic Oppression, Violence, and Abuse by Their Husbands
Authors: Mkandawire-Valhmu Lucy , Bauer Wendy S. , Stevens Patricia E. , Galvao Loren W. , Grande Katarina M. , Yerges April , Emer Lindsay , Mwenyekonde Thokozani , Weinhardt Lance
Published: January 2017

In Malawi, 41% of women aged 15 to 49 report ever experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Although there is evidence of the pervasiveness of IPV in Malawian society, the context in which it occurs and how women respond is not well described. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of IPV of rural Malawian women. In-depth interviews were conducted with 55 rural Malawian women aged 21 to 75 years ( M = 39) as part of a larger, mixed-methods study. This qualitative thematic analysis highlights husbands’ IPV against wives and women’s actions to protect themselves and their children, and to thrive despite the violence. Our use of a postcolonial feminist perspective led us to acknowledge Malawian women’s acts of resistance in the midst of the harsh realities of IPV and gender inequality. We contend women’s resilience and resistance against oppression within intimate relationships are critical tools in the process of reducing IPV. Structural interventions that (a) address the multiple distal and proximal factors affecting IPV, (b) are tailored to and owned by local populations, and (c) involve both men and women as architects and active participants, we believe, hold the greatest promise for reducing IPV in Malawi.
Neuroticism and Its Associated Brain Activation in Women With PTSD
Authors: Brown Nicholas , Wojtalik Jessica A. , Turkel Melissa , Vuper Tessa , Strasshofer David , Sheline Yvette I. , Bruce Steven E.
Published: January 2017

Previous research suggests a diathesis-stress model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), wherein individuals with high levels of neuroticism who are exposed to traumatic events subsequently develop PTSD. Although studies have established relationships between neuroticism and neurological functioning in various brain regions for healthy and depressed individuals, the specific neural correlates of neuroticism for individuals with PTSD are yet unknown. This relationship is particularly relevant for women, given that their increased risk for PTSD is partially accounted for by their higher baseline levels of neuroticism. The current study examined previously established neural correlates of neuroticism in 61 women (48 women with interpersonal violence [IPV]/PTSD and 13 healthy controls). A specific region of interest map, including the amygdala, hippocampus, parahippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), was examined while participants completed an emotional conflict task. Results showed that the PTSD group had significantly higher neuroticism scores than the healthy control group ( t = 6.90, p < .001). Higher neuroticism scores were associated with increased neural activity in the right dmPFC when participants were instructed to directly attend to faces with negative emotional valences. Significant trends between higher neuroticism scores and greater right amygdala and right ACC activation also emerged for this condition. Finally, neuroticism was found to be associated with right amygdala and right parahippocampal activity when participants were instructed to ignore faces with negative emotional valences. The results of this study lend further evidence to the proposed diathesis-stress model of neuroticism and PTSD. Moreover, findings suggest a significant association between neuroticism and neural activity in brain regions associated with fear and emotion regulation for women with IPV and subsequent PTSD.
Beaten Into Submissiveness? An Investigation Into the Protective Strategies Used by Survivors of Domestic Abuse
Authors: Irving Laura , Liu Ben Chi-pun
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and perceived helpfulness of a variety of protective strategies that were used by female survivors of domestic abuse and to explore factors that may have influenced strategy usage. Forty participants were recruited from a voluntary sector domestic abuse service, commissioned by an outer London local authority in the United Kingdom, in early 2014. The measurement tools used were the Intimate Partner Violence Strategies Index (IPVSI) and the Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) Domestic Abuse, Stalking and “Honour”-Based Violence (DASH) Risk Assessment Checklist. The average age was 33 years ( SD = 7.9, range = 20-57); half reported to be of Asian ethnicity, 37.5% White, and 12.5% Black or Mixed ethnicity. The average DASH score was 9.8 ( SD = 13.2, range = 0-18), and an average of 18 ( SD = 6.7, range = 1-29) protective strategies were utilized by each participant. All of the most commonly used strategies were from the placating category. Although safety planning strategies were rated as the most helpful by all participants, placating strategies were also rated as helpful by two thirds of participants. Stepwise multiple regression showed that placating was the only significant predictor of DASH score (β = .375, p < .05) and accounted for 14% of the variance of DASH score. Findings showed that women utilized a diverse range of protective strategies with placating strategies being most intensely used and rated as helpful. However, placating strategy usage could be a risk factor as opposed to a protective factor. This study has also demonstrated that greater placating strategies were used by White than South Asian women, and women who were employed used more formal strategies. This research has extended the knowledge base of protective strategies that professionals can draw from to underpin decisions and interventions when working with domestic abuse survivors.
Mother–Father Dyad Conflict Strategy Clusters: Implications for Emerging Adults
Authors: McKinney Cliff , Walker Courtney S. , Kwan Janet W.
Published: January 2017

Research has examined the different parenting styles that are present during emerging adulthood; however, less is known about potential parental conflict strategies that emerging adults may be experiencing during this developmental time period. Conflict strategies are conceptualized in the current study as parents’ efforts to regulate, correct, or enforce a consequence in response to their emerging adult child’s behavior. Previous research on discipline during childhood and adolescence has suggested the use of harsh discipline (e.g., use of physical force) leads to negative outcomes for children. Despite evidence linking harsh discipline methods to harmful outcomes in various developmental periods and suggested influence of parents in emerging adulthood, very little is known about how parents handle conflict with their emerging adult children. Thus, the present study investigated parental conflict strategies and mental health outcomes of emerging adults. Results revealed a significant parent–child gender interaction for non-violent strategies and psychological aggression. Moreover, results indicated that emerging adult children of parents who utilize similar levels of aggressive methods reported greater psychological problems. The findings from the current study underscore parents’ use of conflict strategies when interacting with their emerging adult children, and further emphasize the importance of future research in this area.
Fault-type identification and fault estimation of the active steering system of an electric vehicle in normal driving conditions
Authors: Zhang Guoguang , Zhang Hui , Wang Junmin , Yu Hai , Wang Xiaoyong , Graaf Roger , Doering Jeffrey
Published: January 2017

Fault-type identification and fault estimation for the active steering system of a vehicle are considered in this paper. The vehicle studied is an electric ground vehicle, which operates mainly under normal driving conditions. First, a two-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of the lateral motion and the yaw motion of the vehicle is established and verified by experimental data. Then, an adaptive observer is proposed to estimate the steering motor fault by using measurements of the yaw rate of the vehicle. Residuals are defined for specific fault-type identification purposes. Experimental tests on the electric ground vehicle are carried out to assess the fault identification and estimation performance as well as to reveal the limitations of and possible improvement in the proposed method.
Transient motion control for a free-piston engine
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Chen , Sun Zongxuan
Published: January 2017

The free-piston engine has a unique internal-combustion engine architecture which features unconstrained piston movement because the crankshaft has been removed. The engine design is thus more compact, modular and efficient. One of the technical challenges that hinder the development of free-piston engine technology is the lack of precise control of the piston motion. Previously, a robust repetitive controller was designed and implemented to form a virtual crankshaft to provide stable and precise control of the piston motion. The virtual crankshaft mechanism ensures stable and repeatable free-piston engine operation and opens up an opportunity for controlling the in-cylinder gas pressure–temperature trajectories by altering the piston trajectory. The experimental data from engine motoring tests with the virtual crankshaft demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller. However, the presence of a transient period after combustion prevents the engine from continuous firing. Thus, a transient control scheme is presented in this paper, which consists of a detection and shifting algorithm to remove the transient period, so that continuous engine firing operation can be achieved.
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma in South and Central America and the Caribbean: systematic search and review
Authors: Oliveira Pedro D , de Carvalho Rebeca F , Bittencourt Achiléa L
Published: January 2017

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is caused by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) which is endemic in countries of Caribbean and Central and South America. We performed a systematic search and review to identify publications on ATL in these countries to verify if this disease was getting recognition in these regions as well as the characteristics of the observed cases. The median age of 49.4 years was lower than that referred to in Japan. According to our findings in most Brazilian states and in some other countries, ATL is not being recognized and should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of T-cell leukemias/lymphomas. Failure to identify these cases may be due to the unsystematic realization of serology for HTLV-1 and phenotypic identification of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that may result from lack of resources. Detection of ATL cases has been more feasible with cooperation from foreign research centers. A huge effort should be made to improve the surveillance system for ATL diagnosis in most of the South- and Central-American and Caribbean countries, and this attitude should be embraced by public organs to support health professionals in this important task.
Choice of Sexual Partner According to Rate of Partner Change and Social Class of the Partners
Authors: Ramstedt Kristina , Giesecke Johan , Forssman Lars , Granath Fredrik
Published: January 2017

Models for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS, rely on sexual partner mixing patterns in the population. From data acquired through partner notification for infection with Chlamydia trachomatis among young people in Gothenburg, Sweden, it was possible to construct contact matrices for the variables ‘rate of partner change’ and ‘social class’ of the partners in pair formations. These matrices show a restricted mixing between these two variables for young heterosexual women. Therefore random mixing models will probably overestimate rate of spread and possibly final size of an epidemic of a sexually transmitted disease.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Prostitutes in Moshi and Arusha, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Nkya W M M M , Gillespie S H , Howlett W , Elford J , Nyamuryekunge C , Assenga C , Nyombi B
Published: January 2017

Sexually transmitted diseases are thought to be important in facilitating transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. This study reports the prevalence of several sexually transmitted diseases in 106 prostitutes in Arusha and Moshi Northern Tanzania. The seroprevalence of HIV was 73% compared with 3% for local blood donors. Over half (51%) of the subjects had evidence of N. gonorrhoeae infection. Seventy-four per cent had a positive TPHA and 27% a positive RPR. Of 47 subjects tested 12 (25%) had Chlamydia trachomatis antigen detected in endocervical swabs. No significant statistical association was found between the presence of any of the STDs investigated and HIV seropositivity.
The Reliability and Validity of a Symptom Checklist for Use in HIV Infection: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Burgess Adrian P , Irving Gillian , Riccio Massimo
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to determine the reliability and validity of a self-report symptom checklist designed for use in HIV infection. One hundred and seventy-one gay men completed a 28-item symptom checklist which produces 3 dimensions: physical, cognitive and psychological. The validity of each dimension was examined by comparing scores on the checklist with indices of disease progression and previously validated psychological scales. People with more advanced HIV disease had higher scores on the physical and cognitive checklists, though the psychological scale was not related to disease stage. All the scales showed moderate correlations with measures of psychological health. Examination of individual item responses suggested that patients over-reported the presence of some symptoms. Although individual items should be interpreted with caution, the overall scores of the RSC are reliable and valid as measures of subjective health status in HIV infection. The importance of psychological factors in the reporting of symptoms suggests that symptom checklists should be interpreted in the light of adequate measures of psychological state.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection of Early Passage Cervical Epithelial Cultures
Authors: Patrick S L , Wright T C , Fox H E , Ginsberg H S
Published: January 2017

Women are infected with HIV in increasing numbers; the predominant mode of spread is through heterosexual transmission. Little is known regarding the mechanism of HIV transit through the female genital tract. We investigated whether early passaage cervical epithelial cells could be directly infected with HIV-1LAI*.

Virus production was measured using the reverse transcriptase (RT) assay and direct assay for syncytia-forming units. In-situ hybridization was performed on infected cervical cell cultures. Immunostaining was carried out using a monoclonal antibody to leukocyte common antigen (LCA).

Virus was recovered in the supernatants of all infected cervical cultures. Localization of HIV infection using in-situ hybridization identified rare cells in the population which gave a strong signal. These infected cells had a lymphoid morphology and were also detected using immunostaining for LAC.

Cervical epithelial cells were uninfected in this in vitro model; cells in this population which supported viral replication were most likely of the macrophage/monocyte lineage.
Used Automotive Engines in a Solar Assist, Biomass Fuelled Power System
Authors: Walker G. , Reader G. , Fauvel O.R.
Published: January 2017

A new concept for an air-charged open-cycle engine is presented. The engine is based on a modified automotive engine because these are cheap and readily available when derived from scrap cars. Such engines can often be readily modifed and lightly renovated to provide long life, low cost, light load systems.

The proposed heating system includes locally manufactured linear parabolic solar collectors with low cost tubular biomass furnaces for heating in the dark hours. Use of either or both types of heater is optional depending on local circumstances. Pressurised air from the engine is circulated through the furnace/collector heating system and back to the engine.

The same air is the working medium in the engine. In a typical case two cylinders operate as expansion engines, two as compression cylinders with two regenerators added, one experiencing the hot blow, one experiencing the cold blow. Switching valves are operated by the crankshaft.
California Wind Energy Development: Environmental Support - and Opposition
Authors: Bosley P. , Bosley K.
Published: January 2017

Quantitative and qualitative research was conducted during 1988 and 1989 with regards to California's large wind energy developments. Environmental support as well as environmental opposition was studied.

Environmental concerns, especially those of local environmentalists and activists within the host communities, are limiting wind energy well below its potential in California. “Visual Intrusion” is by far the most salient environmental concern.

The tradeoffs between scenic preservation and windpower's reliable, economical, pollution-free electricity production need to be realistically addressed. This cannot occur until perceptions regarding wind energy's attributes catch up with its technology.
Gaseous Emissions Due to Electricity Fuel Cycles in the uk
Authors: Eyre N.J.
Published: January 2017

In assessing the environmental emissions and consequential damage due to the use of any fuel, it is necessary to consider the whole fuel cycle. This report covers the most important gaseous emissions from the major electricity fuel cycles in the UK. Emissions are identified from each stage of each fuel cycle and related to a unit of electricity delivered to the final consumer. Totals are presented for each fuel cycle. Both acid deposition and global warming are the result of emissions of more than one species. Simple composite indicators are derived for both acid emissions and greenhouse gases. It is concluded that electricity fuel cycles are responsible for the emission of 24% of UK greenhouse gases and 62% of UK acid emissions.
Global Deforestation and Co2 Emissions: Past and Present. A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Bueno Marco Antonio Ferreira , Helene Maria Elisa Marcondes
Published: January 2017

The present study makes a comprehensive review on the causes of the deforestation process and their consequent CO2 emissions both in the past and present. Our primary goals are: (i) identify the range of current deforestation estimates. (ii) analyse global deforestation in an historical context which will consider both temperate and tropical forests. We particularly consider those factors upon which carbon emissions from tropical forests are dependent, such as area, biomass content and deforestation rates. A methodological approach shows that (i) the best available estimates on rates and areas of deforestation are mainly remote sensing-based studies, (ii) new approaches for the calculations of the biomass of tropical forests have narrowed the range of the estimates and (iii) the most unknown factor determinant of biotic carbon emissions is the burning efficiency. The fluxes of carbon from the vegetation to the atmosphere due to deforestation and land use changes have been calculated by the use of models that simulate alterations of the stored carbon as different disturbances are provoked on the forested land. The conclusions that arise from these models should be considered just a first approach to the question of biotic carbon emission, once (i) several assumptions are made so as to allow the model to work and (ii) there are uncertainties concerning several basic data that feed the models. A historical approach show us that past temperate deforestation, at its most explosive moment (from 1860 to 1890), may have contributed more than one and a half times the average figure for the carbon released per year from current tropical deforestation (3.7 Gt versus 2.4 Gt of carbon/year, respectively). The total amount of carbon released by the temperate deforestation in the referred 3 decades (1860–1890) was also one and a half times larger than the total amount released from 1850 to 1980 due to the tropical deforestation (110 versus 75 Gt of carbon). In the eighties, the biotic carbon emissions in the tropics ranged from 0.4 to 2.8 Gt of carbon per year. The Brazilian Amazon deforestation is currently responsible for the release of 0.27 to 0.45 Gt of carbon per year. Tropical deforestation is currently responsible for 33 per cent of the global annual CO2 emissions. These biotic emissions are crucial because (i) they are taking place concomitantly with the massive burning of fossil fuels and (ii) the present atmospheric CO2 concentration is much increased. Moreover, mechanisms of the planet have already been requested to control the atmospheric CO2 build-up. CO2 emissions from current tropical deforestation may play an important role in the greenhouse effect, contributing to around 16% of the total effect.
The Environmental Context of Energy Decision-Making in Asian-Pacific Developing Countries
Authors: Hills Peter
Published: January 2017

This paper focuses on the changing environmental context for energy decision-making in the region since the first oil price shock of the early 1970s. It summarizes the evolution of energy planning and policy-making systems in Asian developing countries over this period, considering the basic elements and objectives of energy policy. The discussion then deals with the ways in which environmental policy frameworks have developed and some of the difficulties that have arisen in interfacing energy-environment concerns. The latter part of the paper focuses on the increasing interdependence between energy and environmental decision-making in the light of concerns associated with both the local and regional impacts of energy sector projects and the global environmental implications of emerging energy supply strategies for the 1990s and beyond.
Energy Development and Environmental Protection: Dual Challenges for China
Authors: Longhai Shen , Lujun Liu
Published: January 2017

China's energy consumption is growing very rapidly and along with this are associated environmental problems. However, as per capita energy consumption in the country remains very low, ways must be found to allow continued rapid energy expansion at lower environmental costs. China stands committed to join global endeavours to met the dual challenges of energy development and environmental protection. This paper reviews China's energy and environment paths an implemented, planned and possible future actions to lessen energy-environmental tradeoffs.
Environmental Challenges in the 1990s a Korean Context
Authors: Rhee Deok-Gil
Published: January 2017

This paper presents an overview of the energy and environment situation in Korea. Korea is a newly industrializing country with rising affluence and growing environmental problems. Recently the country has stepped up its environmental protection activities with the energy sector being a major target One policy thrust is to increase use of LNG, while another is to require fuel switching and cleaner technology in the transport sector. In addition, the government is undertaking greatly expanded treatment of industrial and municipal wastes.
Energy and The Environment in Nepal
Authors: Sharma R.P. , Adhikary Arun D.
Published: January 2017

Nepal has a large potential for hydroelectric energy but its development is capital intensive and difficult. Present energy use relies overwhelmingly on traditional biofuels and over-exploitation of biomass resources is causing considerable environmental damage. Energy planning in Nepal aims at increasing supplies while lowering environmental impacts through development of alternative sources of energy, fuel switching, and more attention to emissions control.
Energy Related Projects and Environmental Impact Legislation in South Australia
Authors: Harvey Nick
Published: January 2017

Australian projects designed for the production, distribution and use of energy are generally governed by specific legislation within individual States, mostly for the promotion and regulation of resource development. These projects are also subject to environmental protection provisions in Commonwealth and State legislation, in particular environmental impact assessment legislation, which has a much longer history than in Europe. This paper examines the application of the Commonwealth and the South Australian environmental impact assessment legislation to South Australian energy related projects, focusing on the period from 1982–1993. The paper notes the importance of the State government and its instrumentalities in all major energy supply and energy use projects. The paper also notes that significant energy related projects are subject to public scrutiny through the environmental impact assessment process in South Australia but that key energy policy decisions which may also have significant impacts are not subject to the same public scrutiny. The paper concludes by canvassing strategic environmental assessment options as an alternative to project based assessment for energy related projects.
Public Reactions to Windfarms: The Dynamics of Opinion Formation
Authors: Elliott D.A.
Published: January 2017

With more than 20 windfarms now in operation in the UK, public responses to the reality rather than to the idea are emerging. The evidence is mixed: most opinion polls show overall strong support, but there are, equally, signs of strong local opposition in some areas and a general polarisation of views. This paper attempts to explore the way in which local and national attitudes and views have developed, looking in particular at the role of the Government, academic, and the media. It argues for a more constructive debate aimed at developing a consensus on the UK's ‘carrying capacity’ for windfarms.
Environmental and Health Benefits of Utility-Based Cogeneration in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Hart Donald R. , Rosen Marc A.
Published: January 2017

The potential environmental benefits of utility-based cogeneration are examined, using the energy system in Ontario, Canada, as a case study. Data are presented regarding fuel cycle emissions, environmental and health effects, and associated economic costs of the existing provincial energy system, as a basis for comparison to a more efficient energy system with utility production of useable steam and hot water. Estimates are presented of reductions in emissions, effects and environmental and health costs that could be achieved by the improved system. Costs associated with mortality, morbidity, lost work days, lost crop yield, lost fish yield and building damage are considered. The analysis suggests that utility cogeneration could reduce these costs by 10 to 45%, depending on the cogeneration scenario.
Anaerobic Digestion of Cheese Whey, Poultry Waste and Cattle Dung – A Study of the Use of Mixture of Adsorbents and/or Surfactants to Improve Digester Performance
Authors: Desai Manik , Madamwar Datta
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the improvement of anaerobic digestion process due to the addition of various surfactants and adsorbents in different combinations. Among the different combinations tested mixture of silica gel (2000 mg litre–1) and sodium lauryl sulphate (300 mg litre–1) showed maximum enhancement in gas production as well as methane content indicating better process performance.
Exploration for Oil in the Soviet Union: Special Problems Facing Western Companies
Authors: Smith Michael R.
Published: January 2017

The Soviet Union, including its Republics and Autonomous Regions, although remaining the world's largest oil and gas producer, is seeking the co-operation of the international oil industry to assist in further developing its vast reserves and potential resources. A legislation and taxation system that allows for foreign investment in the Soviet oil industry is being created. Many international oil companies, large and small, are currently evaluating opportunities in the country.

Western companies have not been directly involved in Soviet oil operations since 1918. During the intervening years significant diversities of approach, particularly with regard to exploration methods and geological analysis, have emerged between Soviet and western geoscientists. Such differences have caused a myriad of special problems for geologists and geophysicists employed by western oil companies newly evaluating the petroleum potential of the country. These probems must be addressed and overcome before embarking on an expensive exploration or development venture.
Structural Changes in the Ussr Coal Industry and Prospects for International Co-operation
Authors: Astakhov A.S.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of the paper is to draw some lines of long-run development of the USSR coal industry and to attract attention of western colleagues to some new possibilities of business activities related to a number of structural changes which are faced for this industry. Objective necessity of such restructuring and hard problems arising from it are, in the author's opinion, main objects to be taken into account in future co-operation. It is not intended to discuss details, but to review some effective directions. Restructuring directions are to be discussed within a wide spectrum of activities.
The Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Europe
Authors: Beniston Martin , Tol Richard S. J.
Published: January 2017

GCMs project higher temperatures for all of Europe, with greater changes at higher latitudes. In Northern and Western Europe, winter precipitation may increase, and summer precipitation may remain unchanged. Different models show different changes for Southern, Central and Eastern Europe. Water resources follow roughly the same patterns, although higher temperatures increase the risk of summer droughts, particularly in Southern and Central Europe. In Western Europe, river floods may increase. Vegetation patterns may drastically change, with some species and communities expanding and other shrinking. Particularly vulnerable are ecosystems depending on northern cold, and ecosystems isolated by geography or human activity. On the whole, agriculture would seem to benefit from climatic change, although not-well-understood pests and water availability may alter this. Sea level rise would negatively affect low-lying coasts and deltas, which support important natural and human systems. In a warmer climate, cold-related health problems would decline, but heat-related ones would increase. Tentatively, the balance is reduced mortality. Less important climate-related diseases would, on balance, increase. Research on other sector has progressed less far; results show mixed positive and negative impacts. Expressing all impact in money and adding up suggests a light negative overall impact of climate change on Europe.
Building Backstop Technologies and Policies to Implement the Framework Convention on Climate Change
Authors: Edmonds James , Wise Marshall
Published: January 2017

The goal of the Framework Convention on Climate Change is to stabilize the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at levels which avoid dangerous an thropogenic interference with the climate (United Nations, 1992). No consensus currently exists with regard to a concentration that can be regarded as “safe,” and the issue remains subject to debate, fuelled at least in part by the enormous difficulties in predicting and valuing the consequences of climate change. The attraction of efficient instruments for achieving atmospheric stabilization is great, and most of the analysis to date has focused on either tradable permits or taxes as the instruments of implementation (Hourcade et al., 1996). Clearly, efficient instruments are a first-best alternative for achieving any emissions mitigation objective. But efficient instruments have their own difficulties, not the least of which is the income distribution problem. The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance and cost characteristics of an alternative, technology based, policy instrument, which might serve as a “backstop” in the event that efficient policy instruments could not be employed. Such instruments are of interest because they potentially offer a strategy for stabilizing the atmosphere, while requiring relatively minor financial transfers and allowing economic development to proceed. They accomplish these goals at the expense of economic efficiency, although our study shows the effect of the economic inefficiency is limited to approximately 30%. On the other hand, a technology strategy approach can offer wide technological flexibility in meeting the performance standard. The backstop protocol we study here requires new powerplant and coal-based synthetic fuels capacity to scrub carbon from the waste gas stream in Annex I nations, and provides a mechanism by which non-Annex I nations can graduate into obligations. We examine this protocol under two alternative reference energy futures: one dominated by coal and the other dominated by unconventional oil and gas.
Do Differences in Climate Change Policy Reflect Different Cultures and Vice Versa?
Authors: Jochem Eberhard
Published: January 2017

The Pre-Kyoto period and the outcome of the Kyoto conference demonstrated significant differences between the climate change policy in the United States and that in Western Europe. Although scientific methods and knowledge are universal and globally available, the scientific results on climate change are taken up differently by the political systems on each side of the Atlantic. Different preferences for the results of economic modelling may be due to differences in the expectations of the average American/European of the government's responsibility, different reactions in cases of uncertainty, in the political system, the openness of public controversial discussions, and in the lobbyist intensity of interest groups. Both industrialized regions, however, face the problem of the short-term orientation of market economies and of the voters of representative national democracies versus the very long-term necessities of climate change policy. The different views and traditions on each side of the Atlantic could be used for a very fruitful process of global climate change policy.
The Climate Change Policy: The Position of the European Union
Authors: Palinkas Peter
Published: January 2017

The EU has always tried to play a major role in coordinating the activities of its now 15 Member States in the broad area of climate change policy. This active role of the EU was demonstrated in the first climate protection negotiations (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), the follow-up conferences (Berlin 1995 and Geneva 1996) and finally at the Kyoto-Conference in December 1997. At the Kyoto-Conference the EU negotiators had to abandon their original negotiating position of 15% reduction based on three greenhouse gases. The final Protocol requires a collective EU reduction by 8% based on 6 gases. This modification is, however, closer to the initial EU position than it indicates, since the final commitment based on six gases is roughly equivalent to a 13% reduction based on 3 gases only. Further compromise made by the EU was on the issue of differentiation. Keeping the “EU-bubble” approach, the EU had to accept country-specific reduction targets as initially proposed by the Japanese delegation. The EU also had to agree on including emissions-trading and joint implementation in the Protocol. During the negotiations EU representatives expressed their concern that trading must not become a substitute for any domestic actions. Consequently, in the Protocol any emission trading is declared as supplementary to domestic actions. Despite the number of unavoidable concessions made by the EU negotiators, the European Commission recognized that the Kyoto protocol is an important first step toward reversing the upward trend in the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the EU Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard expressed a certain disappointment in not reaching agreement on even more ambitious commitments.
German Industry's Declaration on Climate Protection: A Voluntary Commitment or a Congratulatory Self-Assurance?
Authors: Kübler Knut
Published: January 2017

In many industrial countries voluntary commitments are emerging as a new instrument for energy policy to reduce greenhouse gases. This paper examines the latest version of the German Industry's Declaration on Climate Protection from 1996. The statistical analysis shows that the largest part of the German Industry's commitments for 2005 were already reached in 1994 and 1995, thus prior to signing the Declaration. This result corresponds to economic theory that in an open competition-based economy, companies cannot do more for the environment than the market allows.
Factors Influencing SO2 Removal Efficiency by Electron Beam Processing of Coal-Fired Flue Gas Treatment
Authors: Kikuchi Ryunosuke
Published: January 2017

A bench-scale test (800 Nm3/h) for electron beam treatment of flue gas was conducted. It was concluded that the method is favourable for treatment of flue gas with a high SO2 concentration (5,500 ppm) at low electron beam irradiation (5 kGy). Results are consistent with the claim that SOx is removed from flue gas by the reaction of SOx with ammonia, and the intermediate salts formed are oxidised by radicals to sulphate salts consisting mainly of ammonium sulphate (a N-fertiliser). A typical flue gas desulphurization (FGD) method such as the wet limestone process cannot remove NOx and SO3 effectively (Ando, 1990), but the electron beam process removes SO2, SO3 and NOx simultaneously without generating waste water and CO2.
Effects on developmental landmarks and reproductive capability of 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl and 3,3',4,4',5- Pentacholorobiphenyl in offspring of rats exposed during pregnancy
Authors: Faqi A S , Dalsenter P R , Merker H-J , Chahoud I
Published: January 2017

1 Pregnant Wistar rats were treated orally with a single dose of 100 mg3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77)/ kg b.w. or 10 mg3,3',4,4',5 pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)/kg b.w. on day 15 of pregnancy. The control rats received peanut oil at the same day. Developmental landmarks were assessed in all offspring rats and reproductive effects of PCB 77 and PCB 126 on male offspring were studied on postnatal day 65 (at puberty) and on postnatal day 140 (at adulthood).

2 The ano-genital distance as well as the ratio anogenital distance to body length was reduced in male pups of the PCB 126 group and the age at vaginal opening was significantly delayed in the female pups.

3 Testis, brain weights and daily sperm production were permanently increased and seminal vesicle weights were decreased in male offspring of the PCB 77 group. In male rats of PCB 126 group, the brain weights were permanently increased and ventral prostate weights permanently reduced. In both PCB groups, however, serum testosterone concentration was reduced only at adulthood. Additionally, the male rats of the PCB 126 group showed alterations in sexual behavior. In these rats the number of mounts with intromissions was significantly increased.

4 The results of this study show that PCB 126 elicits some TCDD-like reproductive effects after in utero exposure, while the reproductive effects of in utero exposure to PCB 77 on male offspring may be attributed to the neonatal hypothyroidism induced by the substance during early fetal development. Further studies using multiple doses and providing thyroid hormone data will be necessary to support this hypothesis.