bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental sustainability through project appraisals
Authors: Harou Patrice , Daly Herman , Goodland Robert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEnvironmentally sustainable development's final aim is to bring a better quality of life for all time. To reach that objective, some economists see man‐made capital as the main constraining factor for economic growth. Others argue that such a unidirectional search for growth will not bring economic development since natural capital is the main constraint to long‐ term growth. A reconciliatory position is proposed in this paper by which the search for improved general welfare over time can only be pursued with consideration of the earth's sustainable capability to produce the resources we need and to absorb the waste we generate. Once the sustainability constraints are set, a benefit/cost framework is useful to establish development project priorities.To establish sustainability constraints requires changing mindsets, implementing new policies, both macro‐economic and sectoral, and changing and creating new laws and institutions, among other challenging tasks. As all these reforms are complex and cannot always be implemented quickly and efficiently, project appraisal has an important role to play in attaining incrementally a stage of sustainable development. The basic principle underlying appraisal of projects which have an important environmental dimension remains the same, once the right policies have been established. Some important additional considerations are supplementary streams of environmental inputs and outputs for which there may be inappropriate or no market prices and which should be valued indirectly, duly calculating user costs in both cases, a discount rate encompassing both the opportunity cost of capital and society's rate of time preference, and a different analysis of uncertainty which embodies the irreversibilities and discontinuities inherent in ecosystems. Projects need to be monitored carefully and be the object of homeostatic feedbacks similar to those encountered in natural ecosystems, if they are to fit in a strategy of sustainable development. Following this approach of appraisal and monitoring projects once an appropriate policy framework has been set in place, development banks are attempting to translate the concept of sustainability into economic development incrementally, project by project.
Sustainable development in China: Seeking a balance between economic growth and environmental protection
Authors: Wu Bin , Flynn Andrew 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSustainable development requires the balancing of economic growth with environmental protection. Since the late 1970s, China's government has been exploring a new path to improve its economic efficiency and decrease resource consumption and environmental pollution. Remarkable progress has been made due to the success of Deng's reform oriented to the market economy and the strengthening of environmental management. However, China has a long way to go to achieve the new development pattern because of the constraints imposed by its unbalanced economic structure and difficulties of moving from a planned to a market economy. China's experience in the 1980s shows that the two processes, sustainable development and economic reform, are closely related.
Economic sustainability and the role of fiscal and monetary policies in a depressed economy: The case of Nigeria
Authors: Olaloye A. O. , Ikhide S. I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn recent years, most developing countries have embarked on some kind of reform programme. At the heart of such programmes are orthodox demand management policies aimed at reducing inflation, relieving the pressure on the balance of payments and improving the level of output in the long term. Prominent among these sets of policies are monetary and fiscal policies. However, the relative effectiveness of these policies is an issue that has continued to generate both academic and policy interests. This study reveals that for the Nigerian economy fiscal policy is more effective than monetary policy for getting the country out of economic depression. Specifically, given the role assigned to the use of government expenditure in the study, government must formulate appropriate policies with regard to its mix of current/capital expenditure, subsidies and transfers and its massive expenditure projects that are neither productive nor efficient in the long term.
Methods of defining ‘sustainability’
Authors: Basiago Andrew D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe notion of ‘sustainability’ emerged in The Ecologist's A Blueprint for Survival, in 1972. The quest to make modern civilization ‘sustainable’ inspired the UN's Stockholm Conference in 1972 and the ‘global trusteeship’ of subsequent international environmental treaties. ‘Sustainability’ is related to ‘futurity’, hence the Brundtland Commission in 1987 defined sustainable development as ‘development which meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. ‘Sustainability’ animates ‘the precautionary principle’, affirmed by the European Union (EU) in 1990 in its Bergen Declaration on Sustainable Development, which requires ecological preservation in cases of scientific uncertainty where serious or irreversible damage is threatened. The Earth Summit in 1992 established ‘sustainable development’ as the most important policy of the 21st century. ‘Sustainability’ is at the heart of The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and Agenda 21, accords signed at the Earth Summit that herald a new paradigm of society, economics and the environment. The EU's Fifth Environmental Action Programme (1993) pursues ‘sustainability’ in industry, energy, transport, agriculture and tourism. ‘Sustainability’ has also been endorsed by the Clinton Administration (1994). In the light of these events, ‘sustainability’ is now used widely in biology, economics, sociology, urban planning, ethics and other domains. It is regarded as tantamount to a new philosophy, in which principles of futurity, equity, global environmentalism and biodiversity must guide decision‐making. Far from being a mere doctrine of development science, ‘sustainability’ has emerged as a universal methodology for evaluating whether human options will yield social and environmental vitality.
Central dimensions in a sustainable urban development
Authors: Næss Petter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSeveral dimensions of urban form and spatial urban development are discussed in the light of the main criteria of a sustainable development. If a sustainable development is to be achieved, it is necessary to avoid further urban sprawl. Low density, dispersed cities can hardly be energy efficient unless their inhabitants renounce the freedoms of choice characterizing today's cities with respect to job market opportunities, services and cultural events. However, a strategy for more compact cities should be cautious so that it does not decimate important green areas within the city, and localities of unfavourable microclimatic conditions should not be selected for residential construction. Planning for sustainability must be oriented towards long‐term and global goals, but should not rely solely on technical and instrumental rationality. A broad spectrum of planning strategies should be used, contingent on the concrete planning situation.
The use of logit and probit models in strategic management research: Critical issues
Authors: Hoetker Glenn 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe logit and probit models have become critical parts of the management researcher's analytical arsenal, growing rapidly from almost no use in the 1980s to appearing in 15% of all articles published in Strategic Management Journal in 2005. However, a review of three top strategy journals revealed numerous areas in their use and interpretation where current practice fell short of ideal. Failure to understand how these models differ from ordinary least squares can lead researchers to misunderstand their statistical results and draw incorrect conclusions regarding the theory they are testing. Based on a review of the methodological literature and recent empirical papers in three leading strategy journals, this paper identifies four critical issues in their use: interpreting coefficients, modeling interactions between variables, comparing coefficients between groups (e.g., foreign and domestic firms), and measures of model fit. For each issue, the paper provides a background, a review of current practice, and recommendations for best practice. A concluding section presents overall implications for the conduct of research with logit and probit models, which should assist both authors and readers of strategic management research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of membership in competing alliance constellations: Evidence on the operational performance of global airlines
Authors: Lazzarini Sergio G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractMany industries have witnessed the formation of multiple‐partner alliances or constellations competing against each other for both clients and members. Using the global airline industry as an empirical setting, I evaluate the proposition that membership in airline constellations allows carriers to capture externalities from other firms in the form of direct or indirect traffic flow, thereby enhancing their operational performance. I also distinguish between two ways to demarcate the boundaries of constellations: explicitly or implicitly. Analyzing patterns of membership in explicit constellations involving formal, multilateral agreements (such as the Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam), I find that membership benefits are greatest in groups involving large aggregate traffic and for carriers contributing with a large portion of the group's capacity. I also evaluate patterns of membership in implicit constellations, corresponding to groups of firms showing relatively more ties to one another than to firms outside their group. I find that carriers bilaterally linked with key players of such groups are able to increase their operational performance even if they do not belong to any explicit constellation. Thus, results show that it is worth analyzing distinct patterns of membership simultaneously, because they are likely to have distinct implications for firm performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Situational and institutional determinants of firms' R&D search intensity
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ru , Miller Kent D. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractOur theory extends the situational considerations explaining firm R&D search intensity beyond the behavioral theory of the firm by including shifts in the focus of attention among bankruptcy, aspirations, and slack. We also allow that search can reflect institutionalized investment patterns within firms and industries. We find stable firm‐specific R&D investment patterns (i.e., institutionalized search) and variations in R&D intensity depending on firms' situations—including performance relative to aspirations, proximity to bankruptcy, and slack. Our empirical results evidence shifts in the focus of attention relevant to explaining R&D search intensity for subsamples of firms in different situations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The size, structure, and performance of corporate headquarters
Authors: Collis David , Young David , Goold Michael 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the unique functions of corporate headquarters in diversified firms and reports on a survey of the structure and staffing of more than 600 headquarters in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Chile. It explores the extent to which corporate headquarters are contingent on size of the company, corporate strategy (corporate portfolio and corporate structure and policies), and governance system (ownership and regulation, and country of origin). The results confirm that factors in each of these areas are important determinants of the size and structure of headquarters. Performance data suggest that these findings are not merely descriptive but that corporate headquarters should be designed to fit the corporate strategy. Although the results are capable of alternative interpretations, analysis provides no support for the view that ‘lean and mean’ headquarters lead to better performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aerodynamic structures and processes in rotationally augmented flow fields
Authors: Schreck Scott J. , Sørensen Niels N. , Robinson Michael C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRotational augmentation of horizontal axis wind turbine blade aerodynamics currently remains incompletely characterized and understood. To address this, the present study concurrently analysed experimental measurements and computational predictions, both of which were unique and of high quality. Experimental measurements consisted of surface pressure data statistics used to infer sectional boundary layer state and to quantify normal force levels. Computed predictions included high‐resolution boundary layer topologies and detailed above‐surface flow field structures. This synergy was exploited to reliably identify and track pertinent features in the rotating blade boundary layer topology as they evolved in response to varying wind speed. Subsequently, boundary layer state was linked to above‐surface flow field structure and used to deduce mechanisms underlying augmented aerodynamic force production during rotating conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd.
Asymptotic behavior of a Neumann parabolic problem with hysteresis
Authors: Eleuteri M. , Krejčí P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA parabolic equation in two or three space variables with a Preisach hysteresis operator and with homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions is shown to admit a unique global regular solution. A detailed investigation of the Preisach memory dynamics shows that the system converges to an equilibrium in the state space of all admissible Preisach memory configurations as time tends to infinity.
Risk Perception, Worry and Satisfaction Related to Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer
Authors: Bjorvatn Cathrine , Eide Geir Egil , Hanestad Berit Rokne , Øyen Nina , Havik Odd E. , Carlsson Anniken , Berglund Gunilla 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this multi center study, genetic counseling for hereditary cancer was evaluated by assessing patients’ worry, perceived risk of developing cancer and satisfaction with genetic counseling. An overall aim was to identify characteristics of vulnerable patients in order to customize genetic counseling. In addition, agreement between patients’ and counselors’ scores was measured. A total of 275 Norwegian patients were consecutively recruited, and 213 completed questionnaires before and after genetic counseling. Patients’ perceived risk decreased after the genetic counseling session. There was incongruence between risk perception expressed as a percentage and in words. Patients were significantly less worried after counseling. Higher levels of worry were predicted by low instrumental satisfaction with counseling, high degree of perceived risk of developing cancer and younger age. In conclusion, counselors met the patients’ psychological needs to a satisfactory degree during counseling. However, patients did not fully understand their risk of developing cancer.
Anticancer activity of natural and synthetic acetylenic lipids
Authors: Dembitsky Valery M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis review is a comprehensive survey of acetylenic lipids and their derivatives, obtained from living organisms, that have anticancer activity. Acetylenic metabolites belong to a class of molecules containing triple bond(s). They are found in plants, fungi, microorganisms, and marine invertebrates. Although acetylenes are common as components of terrestrial plants, fungi, and bacteria, it is only within the last 30 years that biologically active polyacetylenes having unusual structural features have been reported from plants, cyanobacteria, algae, invertebrates, and other sources. Naturally occurring aquatic acetylenes are of particular interest since many of them display important biological activities and possess antitumor, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifouling, antifungal, pesticidal, phototoxic, HIV‐inhibitory, and immunosuppressive properties. There is no doubt that they are of great interest, especially for the medicinal and/or pharmaceutical industries. This review presents structures and describes cytotoxic and anticancer activities only for more than 300 acetylenic lipids and their derivatives isolated from living organisms.
Effect of conjugated linoleic acid type, treatment period, and dosage on differentiation of 3T3 cells
Authors: He M. L. , Hnin T. M. , Kuwayama H. , Mir P. S. , Okine E. K. , Hidari H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis study was conducted to determine effect of CLA and linoleic acid (LA) on cell differentiation, cellular glycerol‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity, and FA accumulation in differentiating 3T3‐L1 cells (3 isomers×3 treatment periods×4 doses). The cells were cultured in 24‐well plates for proliferation until confluence. Then they were treated with media containing 0, 10, 35, or 70 mg/L (0, 35, 125, or 250 mmol/L, respectively) of LA,cis9,trans11‐ortrans10,cis12‐CLA during early (day 0–2), intermediate and late (day 3–8), or overall (day 0–8) differentiation periods. Dexamethasone, methyl‐isobutylxanthine, and insulin were supplemented to the media only for the early period to induce the differentiation. On day 8 of postconfluence the cells were harvested for Oil Red O staining, analysis of GPDH activity, and determination of the FA concentration. Cellular LA or CLA was found to accumulate in a dose‐response manner, mainly during the intermediate/late period. Treatment withtrans10,cis12‐CLA lowered (P<0.05) GPDH activity and the concentration of FA including palmitic acid (16∶0) and palmitoleic acid (16∶1), especially during the intermediate/late and overall periods, or whenever a high dose of 70 mg/L was applied. This also resulted in a higher (P<0.05) ratio of saturated FA to monounsaturated FA. Treatment with LA orcis9,trans11‐CLA lowered cellular FA only when they applied during the early period at a dose of 70 mg/L. The results demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of CLA on differentiation, GPDH activity, and FA accumulation of 3T3‐L1 cells are dependent on the isomer type, treatment period, and dose.
Fatty acids and monoacylglycerols inhibit growth ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kelsey J. A. , Bayles K. W. , Shafii B. , McGuire M. A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractStaphylococcus aureuscauses a variety of human infections including toxic shock syndrome, osteomyelitis, and mastitis. Mastitis is a common disease in the dairy cow, andS. aureushas been found to be a major infectious organism causing mastitis. The objectives of this research were to determine which FA and esterified forms of FA were inhibitory to growth ofS. aureusbacteria. FA as well as their mono‐, di‐, and triacylglycerol forms were tested for their ability to inhibit a human toxic shock syndrome clinical isolate (MN8) and twoS. aureusclinical bovine mastitis isolates (305 and Novel). The seven most potent inhibitors across all strains tested by minimum inhibitory concentration analysis included lauric acid, glycerol monolaurate, capric acid, myristic acid, linoleic acid,cis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid, andtrans‐10,cis‐12 conjugated linoleic acid. Some of these lipids were chosen for 48‐h growth curve analysis with a bovine mastitisS. aureusisolate (Novel) at doses of 0, 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL except myristic acid, which was tested at 0, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL. The saturated FA (lauric, capric, myristic) and glycerol monolaurate behaved similarly and reduced overall growth. In contrast, the polyunsaturated FA (linoleic andcis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid) delayed the time to initiation of exponential growth in a dose‐dependent fashion. The results suggest that lipids may be important in the control ofS. aureusduring an infection.
Expression Profiles of Genes Involved in Fatty Acid and Triacylglycerol Synthesis in Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)
Authors: Chen Grace Q. , Turner Charlotta , He Xiaohua , Nguyen Tasha , McKeon Thomas A. , Laudencia‐Chingcuanco Debbie 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCastor seed triacylglycerols (TAGs) contain 90% ricinoleate (12‐hydroxy‐oleate) which has numerous industrial applications. Due to the presence of the toxin ricin and potent allergenic 2S albumins in the seed, it is desirable to produce ricinoleate from temperate oilseeds. To identify regulatory genes or genes for enzymes that may up‐regulate multiple activities or entire pathways leading to the ricinoleate and TAG synthesis, we have analyzed expression profiles of 12 castor genes involved in fatty acid and TAG synthesis using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction technology. A collection of castor seeds with well‐defined developmental stages and morphologies was used to determine the levels of mRNA, ricinoleate and TAG. The synthesis of ricinoleate and TAG occurred when seeds progressed to stages of cellular endosperm development. Concomitantly, most of the genes increased their expression levels, but showed various temporal expression patterns and different maximum inductions ranging from 4‐ to 43,000‐fold. Clustering analysis of the expression data indicated five gene groups with distinct temporal patterns. We identified genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and transport that fell into two related clusters with moderate flat‐rise or concave‐rise patterns, and others that were highly expressed during seed development that displayed either linear‐rise or bell‐shaped patterns. Castor diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 was the only gene having a higher expression level in leaf and a declining pattern during cellular endosperm development. The relationships among gene expression, cellular endosperm development and ricinoleate/TAG accumulation are discussed.
Analyzing biodiesel: standards and other methods
Authors: Knothe Gerhard 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBiodiesel occupies a prominent position among the alternatives to conventional petrodiesel fuel owing to various technical and economic factors. It is obtained by reacting the parent vegetable oil or fat with an alcohol)transesterification) in the presence of a catalyst to give the corresponding monoalkyl esters, which are defined as biodiesel. Because of the nature of the starting material, the production process, and subsequent handling, various factors can influence biodiesel fuel quality. Fuel quality issues are commonly reflected in the contaminants or other minor components of biodiesel. This work categorizes both the restricted species in biodiesel and the physical properties prescribed by the standards, and details the standard reference methods to determine them as well as other procedures. Other aspects of biodiesel analysis, including production monitoring and assessing biodiesel/petrodiesel blends, are also addressed. The types of analyses include chromatographic, spectroscopic, physical properties‐based, and wet chemical methods. The justifications for specifications in standards are also addressed.