bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial incentives to improve environmental performance: a review of Nordic public sector support for SMEs
Authors: Clement Keith , Hansen Malin 
Published: February 2003

AbstractEuropean governments offer various forms of financial assistance to support small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in aspects of environmental improvement. Such subsidies can be controversial, but it is generally accepted that economic instruments must be used in working towards environmental policy goals.Through a comparative analysis, this article reviews 15 environmental incentives for SMEs in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Four broad themes identified in incentive coverage comprise environmental management, environmental technology, environmental employment and energy. The associated objectives range from launching research and development through to implementing environmental technology, raising awareness and skills, creating jobs and competing in the specialist environmental sector. In comparison with Europe‐wide survey data, the Nordic countries have recently used a greater proportion of grants.Issues of research significance include the lack of clarity regarding company perception of environmental incentives, the impact of incentives on SME environmental performance and whether these subsidies ultimately contribute to economic competitiveness. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment.
Environmental NGOs and the Biosafety Protocol: a case study on political influence
Authors: Arts Bas , Mack Sandra 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIt is not only governments which play an important role in securing international agreements, but environmental non‐governmental organizations (ENGOs) as well. This is reflected in the ever‐growing body of literature concerning this topic. This article deals with the political influence of ENGOs on the Biosafety Protocol, a protocol linked to the UNEP Convention on Biological Diversity. It concludes that these organizations did have an impact on the final agreement that was made, with one example being the inclusion of the precautionary principle in the final protocol (although not exclusively determined by ENGOs). They were particularly able to influence policy outcomes by lobbying government delegates, by co‐operating with developing countries and by mobilizing public pressure. With regard to the time frame of the biosafety negotiations, ENGOs succeeded in exercising most of their influence in the so‐called ‘pre‐negotiation’ phase. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment.
Classification of emissions trading scheme design characteristics
Authors: Mavrakis Dimitrios , Konidari Popi 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe analysis of existing emission trading schemes leads to the classification of their characteristics into four categories: (i) objectives, (ii) target groups, (iii) rules–influencing mechanisms and (iv) implementation network. This classification is applied for the design of a Hellenic emissions trading scheme and for exploring policy interactions between the Hellenic scheme and other Hellenic climate policy instruments. The results of this procedure confirm that the proposed classification facilitates the definition of the elementary Hellenic scheme characteristics and the specification of its distinctions from other national regimes. Conclusively the proposed classification systematizes and facilitates the integrated design of an emissions trading scheme. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment.
Elastohydrodynamics of tensioned web roll coating process
Authors: Carvalho M. S. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractCoating process is an important step in the manufacturing of different products, such as paper, adhesive and magnetic tapes, photographic films, and many other. The tensioned web roll coating is one the several methods used by different industries. It relies on the elastohydrodynamic action between the fluid and the tensioned substrate for transferring and applying the liquid. The main advantage of this method is its ability to apply very thin liquid layers with less sensitivity to mechanical tolerance at relative small cost. Despite its industrial application, theoretical analysis and fundamental understanding of the process are limited. This work analyses this elastohydrodynamic action by solving the differential equations that govern the liquid flow, described by the Navier–Stokes equation, and the web deformation, modelled by the cylindrical shell approximation. The goal is to determine the operating conditions at which the process is two dimensional and defect free. The equations are discretized by the Galerkin/finite‐element method. The resulting non‐linear system of equations is solved by Newton's method coupled with pseudo‐arc‐length continuation in order to obtain solutions around turning points. The theoretical results are used to construct an operating window of the process that is in agreement with limited experimental data. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A finite volume method for multicomponent gas transport in a porous fuel cell electrode
Authors: Stockie John M. , Promislow Keith , Wetton Brian R. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractWe present a mathematical model for multicomponent gas transport in an anisotropic fuel cell electrode.The model couples the Maxwell–Stefan equations for multicomponent diffusion along with Darcy's law for flow in a porous medium. The equations are discretized using a finite volume approach with the method of lines, and the resulting non‐linear system of differential equations is integrated in time using a stiff ODE solver. Numerical simulations are performed to validate the model and to investigate the effect of various parameters on fuel cell performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear stability analysis of flow in a periodically grooved channel
Authors: Adachi1 T. , Uehara H. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractWe have conducted the linear stability analysis of flow in a channel with periodically grooved parts by using the spectral element method. The channel is composed of parallel plates with rectangular grooves on one side in a streamwise direction. The flow field is assumed to be two‐dimensional and fully developed. At a relatively small Reynolds number, the flow is in a steady‐state, whereas a self‐sustained oscillatory flow occurs at a critical Reynolds number as a result of Hopf bifurcation due to an oscillatory instability mode. In order to evaluate the critical Reynolds number, the linear stability theory is applied to the complex laminar flow in the periodically grooved channel by constituting the generalized eigenvalue problem of matrix form using a penalty‐function method. The critical Reynolds number can be determined by the sign of a linear growth rate of the eigenvalues. It is found that the bifurcation occurs due to the oscillatory instability mode which has a period two times as long as the channel period. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LES of the flow past a rectangular cylinder using the immersed boundary concept
Authors: Grigoriadis D. G. E. , Bartzis J. G. , Goulas A. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIncompressible turbulent flow past a long square cylinder is investigated using large eddy simulations (LES). Results are presented and compared with available experimental databases for a Reynolds number Red=22000. The problem served as one of the validation cases for the development of a numerical code designed for efficient, parallel, three‐dimensional N‐S computations in complex geometrical configurations. In contrast with previous studies, the geometrical definition of the problem is established by the immersed boundary concept (IMB) while pressure solution is performed by a fast, fully parallel direct pressure solver. Calculations were performed with the widely applied Smagorinsky turbulence model and the filtered structure function model (FSF) which has not been previously applied to the flow case under consideration. In order to assess the potential of LES at its lowest (RANS), and highest (DNS) limit, different numerical resolutions were examined. Depending on the available resolution, either no‐slip conditions or a modified Werner and Wengle approximate wall boundary condition was used. The predicted mean velocity and fluctuation profiles, force statistics and Strouhal numbers were found to be in very good agreement with the experimental data sets. Analysis of the results indicates that for time varying bluff‐bodies flows that involve complex flow phenomena, successful large eddy simulations are not just possible, but can also achieve an excellent quality of results at a relatively low cost. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bulk viscosity damping for accelerating convergence of low Mach number Euler solvers
Authors: Mazaheri Karim , Roe Philip L. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIn solution of the Euler equations in the steady state external flows, error or residual waves are blamed for decelerating the convergence. These waves may be damped by adding a bulk viscosity term to the momentum equations. We analyse effects of this term on the linearized differential equations, and study its explicit and implicit implementation in one and two space dimensions. Optimum values of the bulk viscosity damping (BVD) are discussed. After generalization to two space dimensions, its performance both alone and in combination with a soft wall boundary condition and residual smoothing in central differencing codes is reviewed. It is shown that BVD is complementary to them, and acts independently of them. Finally, application of BVD in solution of low Mach number flows is considered, to show how it can strongly stabilize and accelerate these low Mach number computations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PDF of distance function for level‐set flamelet library modelling
Authors: Nilsson P. , Bai X. S. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe difference between a presumed distribution of flamelet position and a numerically simulated distribution of distance function (a signed distance to flamelet) is investigated. It is shown that even if the distribution of flamelet position is symmetrical and close to Gaussian, the distribution of distance function away from the mean flame position is skewed towards the mean position and the mean of the distance function is also different from the distance to the mean position. The difference depends on the distance to the mean flame and the flame wrinkling amplitude. An extension method for the variance of the distance function and an upwind scheme for solving the re‐initialization equation are presented. A numerical simulation of a premixed turbulent flame is compared to experimental data. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cost‐minimisation study of alternative discharge policies after hip fracture repair
Authors: Polder Johan J. , van Balen Romke , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Cools Herman J.M. , Habbema J. Dik F. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIt is widely assumed that health care costs can be reduced considerably by providing care in appropriate health care institutions without unnecessary technological overhead. This assumption has been tested in a prospective study. Conventional discharge after hip fracture surgery was compared with an early discharge policy in which patients were discharged to a nursing home with specialised facilities for rehabilitation. We compared costs for both strategies from a societal perspective, using comprehensive and detailed data on type of residence and all kinds of medical consumption during a 4‐month follow‐up period.As expected, early discharge reduced the hospital stay (with 13 days, p=0.001). More patients were discharged to a nursing home (76% versus 53%). Total medical costs during follow‐up were reduced from an average of €15 338 to €14 281, representing relatively small and not significant savings (p=0.3). There are two explanations for this unexpected result. First, costs incurred by hip fracture patients were relatively less while in hospital. Hence, nursing home costs almost equalled hospital costs per admission day. Second, compared with the conventionally discharged group early discharged patients were subjected to more medical procedures during the first post‐operative days. We conclude that: (1) early discharge shifted rather than reduced costs; (2) the details of costing have a major influence on the cost‐effectiveness of alternative discharge policies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The determinants of health care expenditure: testing pooling restrictions in small samples
Authors: Herwartz Helmut , Theilen Bernd 
Published: February 2003

AbstractHealth care expenditure has increased substantially in all Western industrialized countries in the last decades. The necessity to contain the increase in health care expenditure has motivated the analysis of its determinants to explain differences across countries and health systems. However, recent studies have questioned the use of cross section data arguing that health systems are too different to allow for such comparisons. In this paper we investigate whether this criticism is really justified. We analyze the variations of health care expenditure in OECD countries relative to income, population aging and technological change. Our analysis is based on pooled cross section data and time series. Firstly, formulating error correction models for individual countries we demonstrate that in almost all cases the investigated variables are cointegrated. Secondly, we use a bootstrap framework for inference and examine whether the influence of explanatory variables is unique across countries. Applying recursive estimation procedures we find evidence for cross country homogeneity during the period 1961–1979. In the last two decades health care dynamics become more and more country specific thus indicating divergence of health systems and the growing importance of country‐specific effects in the explanation of differences in health care expenditure. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical student indebtedness and the propensity to enter academic medicine
Authors: Fox Marc 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThis paper considers the potential impact of medical school indebtedness and other variables on the propensity of US doctors to enter academic medicine. Probit models provide some evidence that indebtedness reduces the likelihood that physicians will choose academic medicine as their primary activity. Nevertheless, the magnitude of this effect is not large. As indebtedness may be endogenous, the probits are rerun using an instrumental variables approach. These estimates imply that over time indebtedness may have an important impact on the propensity of physicians to enter academic medicine. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deadweight loss of bacterial resistance due to overtreatment
Authors: Elbasha Elamin H. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractWidespread use of antibiotics is considered the major driving force behind the development of antibiotic resistance. The benefits of exceeding the welfare‐maximizing level of antibiotic use are below the costs of resistance created by this excess quantity of antibiotics used, thereby resulting in a welfare deadweight loss. This paper uses a simple economic model to examine the theoretical and empirical aspects of the welfare loss generated by resistance and analyzes its policy implications. The annual deadweight loss associated with outpatient prescriptions for amoxicillin in the United States is estimated at $225 million. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How measures of perception from survey data lead to inconsistent regression results: evidence from adolescent and peer substance use
Authors: Norton Edward C. , Lindrooth Richard C. , Ennett Susan T. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractIn studies of peer group behavior, the direct measure of peer group behavior is often not available, and so is replaced by perceptions from survey respondents. This study shows that regression estimators are inconsistent when the correctly measured independent variable of group behavior is replaced with perceived measures from survey respondents. The inconsistency is due to three sources: projection of own behavior onto the group, rescaling the marginal effect of the group, and simple random measurement error. We discuss why each effect may cause inconsistency, derive formulas for the probability limit to quantify their effects, and illustrate with three examples of adolescent smoking and drinking. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managed care and technical efficiency
Authors: Shelton Brown H. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractBy focusing exclusively on consumer benefit, previous studies of the effects of managed care have ignored important hospital efficiency gains. This study uses the HCUP sample of hospitals for 1992–1996 to estimate a stochastic frontier model of hospital technical efficiency. After controlling for hospital and market area variables, the study finds strong evidence that increased managed care insurance in a given market is associated with improved technical efficiency in the area's hospitals, especially in tertiary cases. Using Battese and Coelli's one‐stage method (1995), the coefficients estimates are more efficient than for two‐stage methods found in the literature. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the optimal combinations of mutually exclusive interventions: a response to Hutubessy and colleagues
Authors: Coyle Douglas 
Published: February 2003

AbstractHutubessy and colleagues have suggested a technique for decision‐makers to employ in determining the optimal combination of interventions. This technique requires the adoption of Monte Carlo simulation analysis to identify the probability that a certain program will be included in an optimal mix given the uncertainty around the program's expected costs and benefits.In this response, it will be demonstrated that this methodology can lead to potential inefficiencies arising through the dependence of such probabilities on decisions relating to other programs and the failure to consider the opportunity costs of obtaining increased health benefits. A simple alternative approach is suggested which avoids these problems. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Double discounting of QALYs
Authors: MacKeigan Linda D. , Gafni Amiram , O'Brien Bernie J. 
Published: February 2003

AbstractQuality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) calculated from time tradeoff (TTO) based preferences have a time preference component. To impose a conventional discount rate on these implicitly discounted QALYs introduces some degree of double discounting. The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of the double discounting effect and the effectiveness of a suggested method for avoiding double discounting in a TTO‐based QALY model. Our analysis used holistic and composite preference scores obtained with the TTO technique in a prior study of four hypothetical treatment paths in type 2 diabetes. Discounted composite preference scores were significantly discrepant from holistic preference scores. Adjusting TTO‐based quality weights prior to external discounting reduced the discrepancy only slightly. Since time preference effects may vary with health state context, the double discounting effect needs further investigation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new paradigm for R&D in water resources engineering
Authors: Pandit Chetan 
Published: February 2003

AbstractThe technology in water resources engineering (WRE) seems to be stagnant. No new technology of any significance has emerged for quite some time now and there seems to be none in the pipeline. In the WRE sector, R&D does not generate the same level of excitement and challenges that it does in other sectors. Shortage of funds does not seem to be the reason for this disappointing performance of R&D. The main problems are:

WRE R&D has very little potential for patents, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and profit and therefore the private sector does not take any interest in R&D in WRE.

Most of the research pursued by the universities is too theoretical. There is very little applied research.

There is a marked lack of creativity and inspiring ideas for R&D. There are neither any “technology dreamers” nor any dreams.

Users are not being involved in the planning.

The time is running out for R&D managers in WRE. The vision plans of most governments incorporate a set of measurable performance targets to be achieved in a stipulated time frame. Many of the targets are less than 10 years away. Therefore, if R&D is to be of any assistance in achieving the targets set for 2010, then that R&D must start now, not next year. The present approach to R&D has not produced desired results and, therefore, it must be changed immediately.The paper proposes a new approach to provide an impetus to R&D in the WRE sector. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Addressing the unanswered questions in global water policy: a methodology framework
Authors: de Fraiture Charlotte , Cai Ximing , Rosegrant Mark , Molden David , Amarasinghe Upali 
Published: February 2003

AbstractAre the available water resources sufficient to produce food for the growing world population while at the same time meet increasing municipal, industrial and environmental requirements? Projections for the year 2025, presented by different research groups at the second World Water Forum in The Hague, show an increase in global agricultural water use ranging from 4 to 17%. Estimates for the growth of total withdrawals, including domestic and industrial sectors, vary from 22 to 32%. This range is the result of differences in model structure and assumptions. Although these analyses were instrumental in raising awareness concerning the extent of present and future water scarcity problems, they raise many questions, which remain largely unanswered. The questions relate to the impact of water‐ and food‐related policies on global and regional water scarcity, food production, environment and livelihoods through the year 2025. The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) embarked on a joint modeling exercise to address these questions. This paper lays out the issues and discusses the methodology. During the 18th ICID Congress in July 2002 at Montreal, preliminary results will be presented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human uterine vascular structures in normal and diseased states
Authors: Hickey Martha , Fraser Ian 
Published: February 2003

AbstractMenstrual bleeding disorders are one of the most common problems presenting to the gynaecologist. There is increasing evidence that alterations in human uterine vascular structures are associated with spontaneous and sex steroid–induced changes in menstrual bleeding patterns. This article will discuss the normal anatomy and physiology of uterine vascular growth, breakdown, and repair and will indicate where altered anatomy and function may contribute to menstrual disorder. In particular, impact of low‐dose progestogens on the endometrial vasculature and endometrial vascular fragility will be discussed. Disturbances of myometrial vascular growth and remodeling, including fibroids, adenomyosis, implantation, and arterio‐venous malformations will also be addressed. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:377–389, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.