All News Aggregated

Abstract:
Introduction - In view of the serious health risks and high costs to the health care system of tobacco consumption, getting young people to avoid smoking is an important element of preventive health care. The aim of this study was to give an overview of the scientific literature on cost-effectiveness in smoking preventive interventions within this age group.
Methods - A literature search was conducted in publicly available databases.
Results - Eight studies confirming the cost-effectiveness of those programmes were identified. These publications evaluate behaviour-based as well as environment-related interventions. Depending on the specific measures used, the results varied enormously. Nevertheless, in most scenarios the cost-effectiveness was favourable with less than 20,000 euros per life year gained (LYG) or quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In the long-term perspective some studies estimate significant cost savings from a societal perspective.
Conclusion - According to the available evidence, the authors assume that smoking prevention in adolescents is cost-effective. Due to the small number of comparable studies, there is a lack of reliable evidence regarding the economic aspects of primary tobacco prevention.

Keywords: Smoking, Primary prevention, Adolescents, Cost-effectiveness, Review

by Andrej Rasch; Health Economics and Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bielefeld, Postfach 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany; Email: andrej.rasch@uni-bielefeld.de

Journal of Public Health via Springer Publishing www.SpringerLink.com
Volume 16, Number 1; February, 2008; Pages 3-11
DOI: 10.1007/s10389-007-0149-6
http://www.springerlink.com/content/mxu182l7pj62t760/

Abstract: Recent decades have seen an acceleration in public concern about the allocation of increasingly scarce water supplies. There are many reasons for this concern, such as growth in urban populations. In this article, we focus on how surface water’s special qualities (the combination of spillovers, rent-seeking behavior, and common pool resources) complicate the assignment of property rights in any legal framework. These characteristics make specific market structures necessary in order to efficiently allocate rights. The state usually designs those structures. Yet, just like markets can fail, so can governments fail to effectively allocate those rights. So designers often turn to quasi-judicial conservancy boards as a second-best solution. We argue that those boards may themselves fail through a form of “corporation failure.” We address these three types of failures, and offer an analysis of two cases that suggests that the likelihood conservancy boards will suffer from corporate failure depends on the actions of the boards and outside stakeholders (like governments).

Keywords: Water rights, Institutional design, Second best solutions, Market failure, Government failure, Corporation failure, Double moral hazard

by Andrew B. Whitford 1 and Benjamin Y. Clark 2
1. Department of Public Administration and Policy, The University of Georgia, 204 Baldwin Hall, Athens, GA 30602-1615, USA; Email: aw@uga.edu
2. Department of Public Administration and Policy, School of Public & International Affairs, The University of Georgia, 204 Baldwin Hall, Athens, GA 30602-1615, USA; Email: benclark@uga.edu

Policy Sciences via Springer Publishing www.SpringerLink.com
Volume 40, Number 4; December, 2007; Pages 335-351
DOI: 10.1007/s11077-007-9048-5
http://www.springerlink.com/content/mp41wk162724222k/

Abstract: Asia's biodiesel manufacturers are finding profits elusive in a market characterized by poor demand and rapidly rising feedstock costs. Supplies of biodiesel appear to have outstripped demand in many countries as scores of new plants have come on-stream in response to rising concerns about oil supplies. Initially hailed as an environmentally-friendly fuel, biodiesel is now being heavily criticized as a threat to the region's tropical rain forests.

Oil and Energy Trends via Blackwell Publishing www.Blackwell-Synergy.com
Volume 33 Issue 1; January, 2008; Pages 13-14
doi:10.1111/j.1744-7992.2008.330113.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1744-7992.2008.330113.x

Abstract: This paper presents a practical risk assessment methodology to provide drinking water infrastructure (DWI) decision-makers with an objective risk assessment tool. The purpose of this risk assessment tool is to maintain the desired level-of-service or systems reliability [r(f)], while managing the financial uncertainty of the expected budgetary impact within the capital improvement program (CIP). The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the value of an objective risk assessment tool for estimating the DWI decision-maker's sensitivity to the risk of systems failure (R). The objectives are to: (1) incorporate probability of systems failure [p(f)] into the CIP budgetary analysis process and (2) evaluate the affects of p(f) on the expected CIP budgetary outcome. The magnitude of the expected budgetary impact is managed through the DWI decision-maker's sensitivity to R, which is represented by the level of the rate of reinvestment (RR). The expected result of the proposed risk assessment tool demonstrates that by proactively managing R to maintain a desired r(f) will effectively manage the impact of uncertainty on the expected budgetary outcome within the CIP. The expected contribution of the practical risk assessment methodology is to provide DWI decision-makers with the ability to reduce budgetary uncertainty when allocating limited financial resources among competing operational, repair, maintenance, and expansion activities within the CIP. The conclusions of the paper reveal that if DWI decision-makers assume risk-avoidance positions through proactive asset management (AM) strategies, they will achieve positive affects on expected budgetary outcomes.

Keywords: Risk assessment; Asset management

by Jeffrey W. Rogers and Garrick E. Louisa; both of Department of Systems and Information Engineering, SEAS, University of Virginia, Olsson Hall, 151 Engineers Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA; Telephone: +434 384 7845; fax: +434 386 5696.

Journal of Environmental Management via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 87, Issue 1; April, 2008; Pages 26-36
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.01.002

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in public and private investment in university research parks (URPs). URPs are important as an infrastructural mechanism for the transfer of academic research findings, as a source of knowledge spillovers, and as a catalyst for national and regional economic growth. We present international evidence on the growth of URPs, review the academic literature on URPs, and outline an agenda for additional theoretical and empirical research on this topic.

Keywords: innovation, intellectual property, patents, trademarks, copyright

by Albert N. Link 1 and John T. Scott 2
1. University of North Carolina at Greensboro, e-mail: al_link@uncg.edu
2. Dartmouth College, e-mail: john.t.scott@dartmouth.edu

Oxford Review of Economic Policy via Oxford University Press http://oxrep.oxfordjournals.org
Volume 23, Issue 4; 2007; Pages 661-674
http://oxrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/23/4/661?etoc
doi:10.1093/oxrep/grm030

Abstract: What is the impact of raising the minimum wage on family incomes? Using data from the 1994–1995 to 2002–2003 Survey of Income and Housing, the characteristics of low-wage workers are analysed. Those who earn near-minimum wages are disproportionately female, unmarried and young, without postschool qualifications and overseas born. About one-third of near-minimum-wage workers are the sole worker in their household. Due to low labour force participation rates in the poorest households, minimum-wage workers are most likely to be in middle-income households. Under plausible parameters for the effect of minimum wages on hourly wages and employment, it appears unlikely that raising the minimum wage will significantly lower family income inequality.

by Andrew Leigh, Social Policy Evaluation, Analysis and Research Centre, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Email: andrew.leigh@anu.edu.au; http://econrsss.anu.edu.au/~aleigh/

Economic Record via Blackwell Publishing www.Blackwell-Synergy.com
Volume 83, Issue 263; December, 2007; Pages 432-445
doi:10.1111/j.1475-4932.2007.00432.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1475-4932.2007.00432.x

Abstract: Landfill siting is a difficult, complex, tedious, and protracted process requiring evaluation of many different criteria. This paper presents a fuzzy multicriteria decision analysis alongside with a geospatial analysis for the selection of landfill sites. It employs a two-stage analysis synergistically to form a spatial decision support system (SDSS) for waste management in a fast-growing urban region, south Texas. The first-stage analysis makes use of the thematic maps in Geographical information system (GIS) in conjunction with environmental, biophysical, ecological, and socioeconomic variables leading to support the second-stage analysis using the fuzzy multicriteria decision-making (FMCDM) as a tool. It differs from the conventional methods of integrating GIS with MCDM for landfill selection because the approach follows two sequential steps rather than a full-integrated scheme. The case study was made for the city of Harlingen in south Texas, which is rapidly evolving into a large urban area due to its vantage position near the US–Mexico borderlands. The purpose of GIS was to perform an initial screening process to eliminate unsuitable land followed by utilization of FMCDM method to identify the most suitable site using the information provided by the regional experts with reference to five chosen criteria. Research findings show that the proposed SDSS may aid in recognizing the pros and cons of potential areas for the localization of landfill sites in any study region. Based on initial GIS screening and final FMCDM assessment, “site 1” was selected as the most suitable site for the new landfill in the suburban area of the City of Harlingen. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Monte Carlo simulation where the decision weights associated with all criteria were varied to investigate their relative impacts on the rank ordering of the potential sites in the second stage. Despite variations of the decision weights within a range of 20%, it shows that “site 1” remains its comparative advantage in the final site selection process.

Keywords: Fuzzy MCDM; Geographic information systems; Decision support system; Landfill siting; Solid waste management

by Ni-Bin Chang 1, G. Parvathinathan 2 and Jeff B. Breeden 3
1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; Telephone: +1 407 7547521
2. Department of Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
3. Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute Texas A&M University - Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA

Journal of Environmental Management via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 87, Issue 1; April, 2008; Pages 139-153
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.01.011

Abstract: Many electric utilities, as a response to the deregulation of the electric power industry, adopted a strategy of acquiring other electric or gas utilities. We examine whether these merger and acquisition strategies create value for the utility shareholders and whether the strategies result in superior post-merger operating and stock-price performance relative to utilities that did not grow through acquisitions. We find little evidence that the mergers and acquisitions created long-term value for a fully diversified investor. Furthermore, the stock price and operating performance of the acquirers under performed the stock price and operating performance of a control portfolio of utilities that did not engage in merger activity.

Keywords: Deregulation, Electric utilities, Mergers and acquisitions

by John R. Becker-Blease 1, Lawrence G. Goldberg 2 and Fred R. Kaen 3
1. Washington State University, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686-9600, USA; Email: jblease@vancouver.wsu.edu
2. University of Miami, 514 Jenkins Building, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA
3. University of New Hampshire, 5 College Road, Durham, NH 03824, USA; Email: frk@christa.unh.edu

Journal of Regulatory Economics via Springer Publishing www.SpringerLink.com
Volume 33, Number 1; February, 2008; Pages 21-53
DOI: 10.1007/s11149-007-9047-7
http://www.springerlink.com/content/n130934508087qjn/

Joel Makower and the editors of GreenBiz.com attempt to answer the question: How are U.S. businesses doing in their quest to be greener and more environmentally responsible? "The State of Green Business 2008" introduces the GreenBiz Index, a set of 20 indicators of progress, tracking the resource use, emissions, and business practices of U.S. companies: carbon, materials, energy, and toxics intensity, clean-tech investments, e-waste recovery, paper use, employee commuting, and more.

The report also features the 10 key green business trends of 2007 as well as dozens of "Editors' Picks," lists of the best books, websites, reports, business initiatives, and other resources of the past year.

Contents

* Introduction
* Top Green Stories of 2007
o ? Climate Commitments Heat Up
o ? Car Companies Finally Get into Gear
o ? The Greening of Transport Gathers Speed
o ? Green Marketing -- and Greenwashing -- Make a Comeback
o ? Companies Get Deadly Serious about Toxics
o ? Computing Loses Its Bite
o ? The Big Dogs Flex Their Muscles
o ? Green Building Elevates Expectations
o ? The Greening of Banks Earns Interest
o ? 'Zero' Becomes the New Black
* The GreenBiz Index
o ? Alt-Fuel Vehicles
o ? Building Energy Efficiency
o ? Carbon Intensity
o ? Carbon Trading
o ? Carbon Transparency
o ? Clean-Technology Investments
o ? Clean-Technology Patents
o ? Corporate Reporting
o ? Employee Commuting
o ? Employee Telecommuting
o ? Energy Efficiency
o ? Environmental Management Systems
o ? E-Waste
o ? Green Office Space
o ? Green Power Use
o ? Packaging Intensity
o ? Paper Use and Recycling
o ? Pesticide Use
o ? Quality of Management
o ? Toxic Emissions
* Indicators We Wish We Had
* The Best of 2007: Editors' Picks
o ? Tools and resources, reports and research, sustainability initiatives, books and websites, and more.
Published January 30, 2008
Free Download of 64 page report is available at:
http://stateofgreenbusiness.com/
Greenbiz.com www.greenbiz.com

Abstract:

Objective-
This paper assesses the potential benefits of increased walking and reduced obesity associated with taking public transit in terms of dollars of medical costs saved and disability avoided.

Methods-
Ryan D. Edwards conducts a new analysis of a nationally representative U.S. transportation survey to gauge the net increase in walking associated with public transit usage. He translate minutes spent walking into energy expenditures and reductions in obesity prevalence, estimating the present value of costs and disability that may be avoided.
Results.

Taking public transit is associated with walking 8.3 more minutes per day on average, or an additional 25.7?39.0 kcal. Hill et al. [Hill, J.O., Wyatt, H.R., Reed, G.W., Peters, J.C., 2003. Obesity and the environment: Where do we go from here� Science 299 (5608), 853?855] estimate that an increase in net expenditure of 100 kcal/day can stop the increase in obesity in 90% of the population. Additional walking associated with public transit could save $5500 per person in present value by reducing obesity-related medical costs. Savings in quality-adjusted life years could be even higher.

Conclusions-
While no silver bullet, walking associated with public transit can have a substantial impact on obesity, costs, and well-being. Further research is warranted on the net impact of transit usage on all behaviors, including caloric intake and other types of exercise, and on whether policies can promote transit usage at acceptable cost.

Keywords: Obesity; Walking; Exercise; Transportation; Health expenditures

by Ryan D. Edwards, Queens College?City University of New York, 300-S Powdermaker Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Fax: +1 718 997 5466.

Preventive Medicine via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 46, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 14-21
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.10.004

Abstract: Socially responsible consumption is increasing and many companies are responding to the desires and, in some cases, demands of socially and environmentally responsible consumers. Theoretically, the domain of socially responsible consumption has changed over the years, as have socially responsible corporate programs in the marketplace. The Socially Responsible Purchase and Disposal (SRPD) scale is developed to reflect recent developments that have occurred in theory and practice. Three dimensions of socially responsible consumption emerge: (1) purchasing based on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance; (2) recycling; and (3) avoidance and use reduction of products based on their environmental impact. The SRPD provides a tool for academicians and practitioners in the development of theory and marketing strategy.

Keywords: Socially responsible consumption; Environmentally responsible consumption; Recycling; Corporate social responsibility

by Deborah J. Webb 1, Lois A. Mohr 2 and Katherine E. Harris 3
1. University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA 30118-3050, United States
2. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30302-3965, United States
3. Babson College, Babson Park, MA 02457-0310, United States

Journal of Business Research via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 61, Issue 2; February, 2008; Pages 91-98
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2007.05.007

Abstract: Canadian food processing is an important manufacturing industry, accounting for 13 percent of shipments. By its nature food processing depends on infrastructure capital. Our objective is to estimate infrastructure’s effects on input requirements, cost and productivity. The increase in capital and decrease in materials were respectively 2.5 and 3 times greater than the −0.07 infrastructure elasticity of labor. Infrastructure investment was cost-reducing by inducing reductions in employment and intermediate inputs. A 1 percent increase caused cost to decline by 0.16 percent. Infrastructure capital was a major contributor to productivity, annually contributing 0.5 percentage points. This was nearly double TFP growth.

Keywords: Food processing, Infrastructure capital, Productivity growth

by Jeffrey I. Bernstein 1 and 2 Cand Theofanis P. Mamuneas 3
1. Department of Economics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA; Email: jeffrey.bernstein@fiu.edu
2. NBER, 1050 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
3. Department of Economics, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus;
Email: tmamuneas@ucy.ac.cy

Journal of Productivity Analysis via Springer Publishing www.SpringerLink.com
Volume 29, Number 1; February, 2008; Pages 1-13
DOI: 10.1007/s11123-007-0063-5
http://www.springerlink.com/content/ux44728772612520/

Abstract: Spent hydroprocessing catalysts from refineries have been classified as hazardous solid waste by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), refiners must find a viable but economical solution to solve this serious environmental issue. Catalyst rejuvenation is an attractive option for minimizing the environmental problems associated with spent catalysts. In this study, a preliminary design for such a process and the corresponding economic analysis are performed to assess the proposed catalyst rejuvenation process for metal-fouled spent catalysts generated in residue hydroprocessing units. The scenarios used in the economic assessment are based on three options of process synthesis and two operator modes. It is found that the option of rejuvenating medium and lightly fouled spent catalyst produced by the refinery will be the best solution for refiners, both environmentally and economically.

Keywords: Hazardous waste; Hydroprocessing; Spent catalyst recycling; Rejuvenation; Economic assessment; Waste utilisation

by Meena Marafi, Antony Stanislaus and Ezra Kam all of Petroleum Refining Department, Petroleum Research and Studies Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait; Telephone: +965 3980499; fax: +965 3980445.

Journal of Environmental Management via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 86, Issue 4; March, 2008; Pages 665-681
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.12.017

Abstract: A process optimization method has been developed for the design of reverse osmosis (RO) processes. RO process configurations are systematically generated using a flexible superstructure and evaluated by economical (investment and operating costs), technical (energy requirement, water recovery rate) and environmental performance indicators (Life Cycle Assessment). The simultaneous optimization of the RO process layout and operating conditions constitutes a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, which is solved using a multi-objective optimization (MOO) approach. The MOO identifies the best technological alternatives for the set of selected objectives. In a given context, it allows to define a set of optimal solutions representing the trade-off between conflicting objectives such as economical costs and environmental impacts. As a case study, the methodology is applied on a brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) desalination project, for which the optimal design is characterized depending on the economical conditions.

Keywords: Reverse osmosis (RO) desalination; Process design; Multi-objective optimization; Economical costs; Environmental impacts

by François Vince 1 and 2, François Marechal 2, Emmanuelle Aoustin 1 and Philippe Bréant 1
1. Veolia Environment Research & Development, 36–38 Avenue Kléber, 75116 Paris, France
2. Industrial Energy Systems Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

Desalination via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 222, Issues 1-3; March 1, 2008; Pages 96-118
presented at European Desalination Society and Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Sani Resort 22 –25 April 2007, Halkidiki, Greece, European Desalination Society and Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Sani Resort
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2007.02.064

Abstract: This paper reviews the current situation of bioenergy development in China, particularly on its relationship to sustainable rural development. It argues that the current government strategy, investment policy and industrial interest are over-emphasized on biomass-burning power generation as part of the clean energy development trajectories, which may not lead to the most cost-effective outcomes in terms of investments, resource use and social development objectives. It points out that there are large potentials in developing and disseminating household-based biomass technologies in rural areas, especially with energy-efficient modern biomass stoves, which can produce far more economic, social and environmental benefits than biomass power plants. It is a decentralized solution to use renewable energy resources for meeting multi-objectives. It is suggested that key incentive policies be provided by the government to encourage this technological transition, or the leapfrogging from using traditional household stoves towards modern biomass stoves, which will lead to a win–win situation in global, regional and local environmental protection, sustainable resource management and related social benefits, particularly for the poor in remote communities. Six policy recommendations are made: (1) financial schemes development; (2) preferable tax and carbon tax; (3) regulatory policy reform; (4) service industry support; (5) market research, training and capacity building for key stakeholders; (6) development of methodologies and standards for CDM projects. The potential co-benefits brought up by this massive biomass technology transition will bring new perspectives to realizing Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and global CO2 emissions reduction targets in China, and also set an example to other developing countries.

Keywords: Bioenergy; Sustainable rural development; China

by Lin Gan 1 and Juan Yu 2
1. CICERO, P.O. Box 1129, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway; Telephone: +47 22858756; fax: +47 22858751
2. Fudan University, China

Energy Policy via Elsevier ScienceDirect www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 36, Issue 2; February, 2008; Pages 531-540
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2007.10.005

On January 24, 2008 The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) released a report on the status of brownfield sites in more than 200 American cities. Brownfields are abandoned or underutilized properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by either real or perceived environmental contamination.

This report, titled “Recycling America’s Land: A National Report on Brownfields redevelopment”, is the seventh report which documents the problems of redevelopment of brownfields faced by local communities throughout the United States and identifies the opportunities lost when properties remain idle and abandoned. This report quantifies some of the benefits from brownfields redevelopment efforts across the country.

This year’s results indicate that 188 cities estimated that they collectively had more than 24,896 brownfields sites, with the average size of a brownfield site being 6.5 acres. Additionally, there were 176 cities estimating 83,949 acres of land, which were idle or abandoned properties holding the potential to create jobs or produce tax revenue. More than 150 cities also estimated 3,282 sites have been “mothballed”, which are sites that the current owner has no intention of redeveloping or selling due to environmental impact concerns. Another key finding is that 150 cities reported successfully redeveloping nearly 1,600 sites containing a total of approximately 17,000 acres. The survey also reported that 187,000 new jobs have been created.

Other highlights of the survey findings include:
- Over 46 percent of survey respondents stated that if their brownfield properties were redeveloped they could realize tax revenues between $1.3 billion to $3.8 billion annually.
- 62 cities provided actual tax revenue from redeveloped brownfields sites totaling over $408 million.
- The report indicates that it now takes 4.5 to 5 years to redevelop a brownfield site compared to a previous average of 3 years.

The report can be viewed at http://usmayors.org/76thWinterMeeting/release_012408b_report.pdf
U.S. Conference of Mayors http://usmayors.org

Abstract: Photovoltaic powered brackish water reverse osmosis (PV-BWRO) desalination systems have been proved to be a technically and economically mature choice for water supply in isolated communities and islands suffering from lack or poor water quality. However, photovoltaic seawater reverse osmosis (PV-SWRO) systems are characterized for their high water production cost that reaches the value of 15–20 Є/m3. This high water production cost is mainly due to the high energy requirements (10–20 kWh/m3) that accounts for around 60–70% of the operating and maintenance cost and that is due to the fact that majority of the small autonomous PV-SWRO do not contain energy recovery devices (ERDs). Another reason for the high water production cost is the need of solar batteries to achieve a constant pressure and flow rate for the membranes. Solar batteries are characterized by their high capital cost that reaches 110 Є/kWh and operating cost mainly due to the replacement cost, solar batteries also have short operation life especially in hot climates.

In this work a batteryless PV-SWRO equipped with an ERD is installed, tested and compared to a battery based system, promising to produce 0.35 m3/d in winter (feed water temperature 18°C) consuming only 4.6 kWh/m3 with a cost of 7.8 Є/m3.

Keywords: Energy recovery; Seawater reverse osmosis; Specific energy consumption; Direct coupled

by Essam Sh. Mohamed 1, G. Papadakis 1, E. Mathioulakis 2 and V. Belessiotis 2
1. Department of Natural Resources and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Street, GR 11855 Athens, Greece; Telephone: +30 210 5294046; Fax +30 210 5294032
2. Laboratory of Solar and Other Energy Systems, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", 153-10 Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Greece

Desalination via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 221, Issues 1-3; March 1, 2008; Pages 17-22
Presented at the European Desalination Society and Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Sani Resort 22 –25 April 2007, Halkidiki, Greece, European Desalination Society and Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Sani Resort
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2007.01.065

Abstract: We examine the economic effects of the introduction of consumer-oriented genetically modified (GM) products into the food system by developing a model of heterogeneous consumers and producers that allows for vertical and horizontal differentiation between the products available to consumers. The model facilitates the estimation of consumer and producer surpluses in the product/utility and product/net returns spaces. Results show that the introduction of consumer-oriented GM products can change the relationship between GM and conventional and organic products from one of vertical to one of horizontal product differentiation and can enhance both economic welfare and the market acceptance and growth of agricultural biotechnology.

by Konstantinos Giannakas 1 and Amalia Yiannaka 2
1. Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

American Journal of Agricultural Economics via Elsevier Science Direct www.ScienceDirect.com
Volume 90, Issue 1; February, 2008; Pages 152-171
doi:10.1111/j.1467-8276.2007.01053.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8276.2007.01053.x

Abstract: Criticisms of the Green Revolution have focused on environmental and human health problems associated with pesticides. Pesticides may also have adverse effects on wild fish and other aquatic animals in rice paddies that supply an additional source of food and income for some farm households and provide natural pest control. We use survey data from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam to estimate the impact of pesticides on fish harvests from rice fields. The results confirm findings of ecological studies that pesticide use harms fish populations. However, fish harvest losses are small enough that ignoring them is likely economically rational.

by Heather Klemick and Erik Lichtenberg
1. Economist, National Center for Environmental Economics, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2. Professor, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park

American Journal of Agricultural Economics via Blackwell Publishing www.Blackwell-Synergy.com
Volume 90, Issue 1; February, 2008; Pages 1-14
doi:10.1111/j.1467-8276.2007.01059.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-8276.2007.01059.x

Abstract: Adoption of more uniform sprinkler systems involves a trade off between increased capital expenditure on equipment and the benefits associated with reduced water application when application is uniform. An empirical analysis of the economics of lettuce production, grown using sprinkler systems under the windy conditions of the Swan Coastal plain in Western Australia is presented, where the yield response to water exhibits eventual declining marginal productivity. A range of sprinkler designs that have been field-tested for performance were examined. The optimal per-crop water application for the least efficient system was up to double the application rate of the most efficient system. However, the economic analysis demonstrates that there are clear incentives for adopting more water-efficient systems despite the higher capital cost, because of the yield depressing effect of over-watering. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates substantially poorer incentives for improving irrigation efficiency when yield relationships follow a Mitscherlich functional form.

Keywords: Irrigation uniformity, Water use efficiency, Economic modeling

by Donna Brennan; Policy and Economics Research Unit, CSIRO Land and Water, Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Private Bag 5, Wembley, WA, 6913, Australia and School of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia; Email: donnabrennan@iinet.net.au

Irrigation Science via Springer Publishing www.SpringerLink.com
Volume 26, Number 2; January, 2008; Pages 109-119
DOI: 10.1007/s00271-007-0077-9
http://www.springerlink.com/content/5053260634131w71/

Abstract:
Objectives: Health state utilities play an important role in decision analysis and cost-utility analysis. The question whose utilities to use at various levels of health-care decision-making has been subject of considerable debate. The observation that patients often value their own health, but also other health states, higher than members of the general public raises the question what underlies such differences? Is it an artifact of the valuation methods? Is it adaptation versus poor anticipated adaptation? This article describes a framework for the understanding and study of potential mechanisms that play a role in health state valuation. It aims at connecting research from within different fields so that cross-fertilization of ideas may occur.

Methods: The framework is based on stimulus response models from social judgment theory. For each phase, from stimulus, through information interpretation and integration, to judgment, and, finally, to response, we provide evidence of factors and processes that may lead to different utilities in patients and healthy subjects.

Results: Examples of factors and processes described are the lack of scope of scenarios in the stimulus phase, and appraisal processes and framing effects in the information interpretation phase. Factors that play a role in the judgment phase are, for example, heuristics and biases, adaptation, and comparison processes. Some mechanisms related to the response phase are end aversion bias, probability distortion, and noncompensatory decision-making.

Conclusions: The framework serves to explain many of the differences in valuations between respondent groups. We discuss some of the findings as they relate to the field of response shift research. We propose issues for discussion in the field, and suggestions for improvement of the process of utility assessment.
Users who read this article also

by Anne M. Stiggelbout PhD 1, Elsbeth de Vogel-Voogt PhD
1. Department of Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. E-mail: a.m.stiggelbout@lumc.nl

Value in Health via Blackwell Publishing www.Blackwell-Synergy.com
Volume 11 Issue 1; January/February, 2008; Pages 76-87
doi:10.1111/j.1524-4733.2007.00216.x
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1524-4733.2007.00216.x

The “green building” movement is affecting every segment of the construction industry, and waterproofing is no exception.
...
Chicago offers the most incentives, and contractors there have installed more 2.5 million sq. ft. of green roofs in the last 10 years.
...
According to GreenRoofs.com, the number of green roofs built every year is growing 80% per year.

While they cost up to twice as much to install as conventional roofs, advocates say green roofs pay for themselves in several ways.

Durability: Green roofs typically last longer than conventional ones. A conventional roof might last 20 years, while a green roof will survive 40 to 50 years. That’s because the plants and soil protect the waterproofing from ultraviolet rays and temperature fluctuations that cause cracks.

Energy Efficiency and Acoustical Comfort: The soil and plants on a green roof add insulation, increase energy efficiency, and absorb sound. Field studies in Ottawa, Canada, found that a 6-inch-thick green roof reduced heat gains by 95% and heat losses by 26%. The greenery also minimizes the heat island effect of the building.

Stormwater Runoff: Another significant benefit is that green roofs reduce stormwater runoff significantly. Ford Motor Company eliminated the need for a $10 million stormwater handling system by installing a green roof on its truck manufacturing plant in Dearborn, Mich. The roof, which covers more than 10 acres, is the largest green roof in the world.
Occupant Wellbeing: Studies in Europe show that workers in green offices are happier, more productive, absent less often, and stay with the company longer. The building owners, in turn, are able to charge more for the space.

The Fairmount hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, has a garden roof, and claims guests are willing to pay more for a stay because of it. It also saves them $25,000 a year by providing all the herbs for the hotel restaurant.
...
The East Medical Center near Houston Texas, has a 14,500 square foot extensive green roof built with traditional methods. The idea was nearly scrubbed however, when Joe Webb, lead architect on the project, got installation bids of $25 - $35 per square foot instead of the $10- $15 per sq. ft. he’d expected.

After evaluating, mixing and matching hundreds of products, they finally found a combination within their budget that was quicker to install as well.

They started with a 4" layer of rigid foam insulation, topped with a 40-mil. reinforced waterproofing membrane. A drain mat was installed on top of the waterproofing membrane, and topped with 9" of specially designed soil.

Jeff Mickler, president of Jacob White Construction and general contractor for the job, believes they were able to save at least two to three weeks on their schedule, and deliver hefty energy savings as well. The cost savings in mechanical equipment alone was in the neighborhood of $250,000.
...
Approximately 73% of all rain that falls on the roof is retained to sustain the vegetation growth, while the excess (about 24,000 gallons a month) is reclaimed in an underground cistern and used for everything from irrigating the grounds to flushing the toilets.
The building was completed in January 2007.

FOR FULL STORY GO TO:
http://www.waterproofmag.com/back_issues/200801/green_roofs.php
Waterproof! Magazine www.waterproofmag.com
Winter, 2008
Story Title: Green Roofs

According to the publisher:
This book revisits traditional evaluation methods, such as cost?benefit analysis, to try and find a balance between the ever-increasing demand for transport, the search for sustainable mobility and green transport solutions, and the limited financial resources that governments are able to invest in transport infrastructure projects.

In this respect, the effects of transport policy need to be measured and evaluated based on multiple criteria and the need to take into consideration a larger group of stakeholders and investors in transport projects. The book illustrates, methodologically and empirically, why and how the institutional and multi-actor environment impacts upon the analysis, evaluation and decision-making of transport projects in Europe.

Including contributions from scholars with considerable expertise in the field, this book will be of great interest to consultants, policymakers and researchers.

Contents:
Introduction: Transport Project Evaluation in a Complex European and Institutional Environment by Elvira Haezendonck

Institutional Drivers and Impediments in the Context of Current Transport Projects by Theo Notteboom and Willy Winkelmans

Part I: PERSPECTIVES ON TRANSPORT PROJECT EVALUATION AND METHODOLOGIES
1. Some Considerations on Social Cost?Benefit Analysis as a Tool for Decision-making by Rafael Saitua
2. The Boundaries of Welfare Economics: Transport Appraisal in the UK by Roger Vickerman
3. The Institutional Theory Approach to Transport Policy and Evaluation. The Collective Benefits of a Stakeholder’s Approach: Towards an Eclectic Multi-criteria Analysis by Klaas De Brucker and Alain Verbeke
4. Socio-economic Impact of Transport Policies: An Institutional Approach by Enrico Musso, Simona Sanguineti and Cécile Sillig
5. Multi-criteria Analysis as a Tool to Include Stakeholders in Project Evaluation: The MAMCA Method by Cathy Macharis
6. Ad Hoc Project Procedures for the Development of Transport Infrastructures by Eric Van Hooydonk

PART II: EMPIRICAL STUDIES AND APPLICATIONS OF ECONOMIC TRANSPORT PROJECT EVALUATION IN A COMPLEX EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENT
7. A New Guideline for ‘Ex Ante’ Evaluation of Large Infrastructure Projects in the Netherlands by Martin de Jong and Bert van Wee
8. Project Appraisal and Decision-making in Practice: Evidence from the Deurganckdock Case in the Port of Antwerp by Chris Coeck and Toon Tessier
9. An Application of Stakeholder Analysis to Infrastructure Development: The Case of the ‘DHL Super-hub Location Choice’ by Micha?l Dooms, Cathy Macharis and Alain Verbeke
10. In Search of the Ideal Institutional Structure for Decision-making on Transport Infrastructure: A Conjoint Analysis of Expert Opinions on Hybrid Forms of German, Danish and Dutch Decision-making by Martin de Jong, Harry Geerlings and Eric Molin

Conclusion: Evolution Towards Integrated Project Appraisal by Chris Coeck and Elvira Haezendonck

‘This timely book puts transport cost?benefit analysis in a wider, institutional perspective, relating it in particular to decision making. The book will be of interest to practitioners, consultants and academics who are active in the evaluation of transport projects.’
? Erik T. Verhoef, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands

‘This is an important piece of work on project evaluation. An attractive feature is the balanced treatment of theory and application. The book provides very useful information on efforts of national governments in various countries to increase the quality of project evaluation studies by formulating guidelines for project evaluation. One of the strong points of the book is that it does not only address technical aspects of project evaluation tools, but also the institutional structures within which decisions are taken.’
? Piet Rietveld, Vrije Universiteit and Tinbergen Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Edited by Elvira Haezendonck, University of Brussels (VUB) and University of Antwerp (UA), Belgium

Edward Elgar Publishing http://www.e-elgar-environment.com
http://www.e-elgar-environment.com/Bookentry_DESCRIPTION.lasso?id=12787
Published January 2008; Hardback; 240 pages; ISBN: 978 1 84720 379 3
Price: $115.00, on-line discount: $103.50

Abstract:

Objectives: We undertake a systematic review to examine the methods used by researchers in developing cost-of-illness (COI) studies. This review aims to categorize the approaches that the published literature uses in terms of perspective, scope, components of care analyzed in the literature, data sets, and valuation approaches used for direct cost. It draws conclusions regarding the adequacy of current COI research methods and makes recommendations on improving them.

Methods: The online bibliographic information service HealthSTAR (which incorporates MEDLINE) was used to search for COI studies in the research literature published during the period from 2000 to 2004. The search strategy used the term "cost of illness" as a MeSH (medical subject heading) term.

Results: The HealthSTAR literature search identified references to 650 articles. Review of abstracts resulted in the identification of 170 of these for a more detailed review. This process identified 52 articles that met all criteria of COI studies. We identified 218 components of care analyzed across the 52 articles. Private-insurance or employer-claims data sets comprised the largest source of utilization and cost information among the studies.

Conclusion: Analyzing cost of illness presents useful opportunities for communicating with the public and policymakers on the relative importance of specific diseases and injuries. Our research, however, indicates that COI studies employ varied approaches and many articles have methodolo