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Environmental Considerations (environmental + consideration)
Selected AbstractsEnvironmental considerations within manufacturing strategy: an international studyBUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 4 2007Déirdre Crowe Abstract This paper examines the relative importance of environmental management in four key areas of manufacturing strategy: competitive priorities, action programmes, performance improvement and improvement goals. Its overall position in manufacturing strategy is measured through the creation of an original index using data from the 2001 International Manufacturing Strategy Survey (IMSS). Results show that in a minority of firms environmental management is positively positioned. The index's relationships with indicators of innovation and performance in manufacturing are examined. Some significant results include capabilities in the areas of strategy formalization, strategic fit and ISO14001 certification. While results are specific to the IMSS context, implications may be drawn for resource-based view of the firm research on the application of resources and capabilities. An implication for policy makers is that the development of capabilities for strategy formalization and implementation should be incorporated into environmental policy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Using environmental management systems to increase firms' competitivenessCORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2003Dr Gerusa Giménez Leal The traditional view that has predominated in the industrial world has been that of a total clash between economic activity and the protection of the environment. This perception has evolved somewhat and currently environmental considerations have become a fundamental part of business practices. The first step that may help organizations to face these new challenges lies in recognizing the competitive advantages that environmental management systems, EMSs, can bring. This article presents the findings of a recent survey of Spanish firms. The results suggest that a positive relationship exists between the effects of EMSs and improving firms' competitiveness. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment [source] The environmental dimension of sustainable regional development in the English regions: reflections upon the experience of North West EnglandENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 5 2005Sue Kidd Abstract This paper explores the practice of sustainable development and the emphasis given to environmental considerations in the English regions. Part 1 provides an overview of the rise of regional governance in England and the place of sustainable development within the new regional structures. Part 2 then focuses upon the North West, and the changing emphasis given to the environmental dimension of sustainable regional development is explored with reference to a series of key regional documents. Part 3 considers the extent to which the analysis of the North West might be indicative of other English regions. This is followed by consideration of the importance of institutional structures in promoting sustainable patterns of regional development. It is concluded that an institutionalist perspective may be helpful in understanding why some regions are performing better than others in promoting sustainable patterns of development, and various avenues of future research are proposed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Environmental and economic development issues in the Polish motorway programme: a review and an analysis of the public debateENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 2 2002E. J. Judge This paper examines the development of the Polish motorway programme, though the lessons apply generally throughout the central and east European (CEE) region. This has particular significance for European transport policy as three major corridors of the Polish motorway network also form crucial links of the Trans European Network (TEN). Thus, until recently, motorways have been presented on the one hand (by the Polish government and its supporters) as a boost to national and regional development, and on the other (by its detractors, principally the environmental lobby) as a threat that will suck development out of the country, while saddling it with substantial environmental costs. Environmental pressure groups have sought to refute economic development arguments using Western research, and have seen such research as influential in public debate and decision making. Based on evidence drawn from official reports and documents and a content analysis of the public debate on motorway development using the media archive of the Polish Motorways Agency, this paper suggests that these arguments have so far in fact been overshadowed by environmental considerations, and even more by financing issues. However, the future direction of policy is uncertain because of political changes after the September 2001 election. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Development and Testing of Energetic Materials: The Concept of High Densities Based on the Trinitroethyl FunctionalityADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2009Michael Göbel Abstract The development of new energetic materials is an emerging area of materials chemistry facilitated by a worldwide need to replace materials used at present, due to environmental considerations and safety requirements, while at the same time securing high performance. The development of such materials is complex, owing to the fact that several different and apparently mutually exclusive material properties have to be met in order for a new material to become widely accepted. In turn, understanding the basic principles of structure property relationships is highly desirable, as such an understanding would allow for a more rational design process to yield the desired properties. This article covers the trinitroethyl functionality and its potential for the design of next generation energetic materials, and describes relevant aspects of energetic materials chemistry including theoretical calculations capable of reliably predicting material properties. The synthesis, characterization, energetic properties, and structure property relationships of several new promising compounds displaying excellent material properties are reported with respect to different kinds of applications and compared to standard explosives currently used. Based on a review of trinitroethyl-containing compounds available in the literature, as well as this new contribution, it is observed that high density can generally be obtained in a more targeted manner in energetic materials taking advantage of noncovalent bonding interactions, a prerequisite for the design of next generation energetic materials. [source] Projected changes in the organic carbon stocks of cropland mineral soils of European Russia and the Ukraine, 1990,2070GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007JO SMITH Abstract In this paper, we use the Rothamsted Carbon Model to estimate how cropland mineral soil carbon stocks are likely to change under future climate, and how agricultural management might influence these stocks in the future. The model was run for croplands occurring on mineral soils in European Russia and the Ukraine, representing 74 Mha of cropland in Russia and 31 Mha in the Ukraine. The model used climate data (1990,2070) from the HadCM3 climate model, forced by four Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission scenarios representing various degrees of globalization and emphasis on economic vs. environmental considerations. Three land use scenarios were examined, business as usual (BAU) management, optimal management (OPT) to maximize profit, and soil sustainability (SUS) in which profit was maximized within the constraint that soil carbon must either remain stable or increase. Our findings suggest that soil organic carbon (SOC) will be lost under all climate scenarios, but less is lost under the climate scenarios where environmental considerations are placed higher than purely economic considerations (IPCC B1 and B2 scenarios) compared with the climate associated with emissions resulting from the global free market scenario (IPCC A1FI scenario). More SOC is lost towards the end of the study period. Optimal management is able to reduce this loss of SOC, by up to 44% compared with business as usual management. The soil sustainability scenario could be run only for a limited area, but in that area was shown to increase SOC stocks under three climate scenarios, compared with a loss of SOC under business as usual management in the same area. Improved agricultural soil management will have a significant role to play in the adaptation to, and mitigation of, climate change in this region. Further, our results suggest that this adaptation could be realized without damaging profitability for the farmers, a key criteria affecting whether optimal management can be achieved in reality. [source] Considering context, place and culture: the National Latino and Asian American StudyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2004Margarita Alegria Abstract This paper provides a rationale for, and overview of, procedures used to develop the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). The NLAAS is nationally representative community household survey that estimates the prevalence of mental disorders and rates of mental health service utilization by Latinos and Asian Americans in the US. The central aims of the NLAAS are to: 1) describe the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the rates of mental health services use for Latino and Asian American populations using nationwide representative samples of Latinos and Asian Americans, 2) assess the associations among social position, environmental context, and psychosocial factors with the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and utilization rates of mental health services, and 3) compare the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of psychiatric disorders, and utilization of mental health services of Latinos and Asian Americans with national representative samples of non-Latino whites (from the National Comorbidity Study-Replication) (NCS-R) and African Americans (from the National Survey of American Life) (NSAL). This paper presents new concepts and methods utilized in the development of the NLAAS to capture and investigate ethnic, cultural and environmental considerations that are often ignored in mental health research. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Do bacteria need to be regulated?JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006P. Silley Abstract Additives for use in animal nutrition are regulated under Regulation (EC) No. 1831/2003. The scope of this paper addresses the specific microbiological issues relevant to a microbial feed additive, containing a Bacillus spp. and uses as an example a product with the trade name, Calsporin®. Bacillus subtilis C-3102 is the active ingredient in Calsporin® and is added to animal feed to favourably affect animal production and performance (growth and feed efficiency), by modulating the gastrointestinal flora. It is not the purpose of this review to present the raw data for Calsporin® but rather to use Calsporin® as an example of the type of data required by the European regulatory authorities. At the time of preparation of this manuscript Calsporin® has yet to be reviewed by the authorities. The regulatory system under the auspices of the EFSA FEEDAP Panel is clearly attempting to move in line with development of scientific opinion and is to be applauded for such efforts. Bacteria do need to be regulated, and the regulations clearly provide adequate and appropriate protection to human health and to environmental considerations. [source] Protecting the environment through public procurement: The case of South AfricaNATURAL RESOURCES FORUM, Issue 1 2008Phoebe Bolton Abstract This article deals with the use of the procurement or purchasing power of governments to protect the environment. The focus is on South Africa and the aim is to show that South African organs of state can use procurement as an environmental policy tool to contribute to sustainable development as they have commendably done so to address past discriminatory policies and practices. It is argued that such use does not fall outside the current legislative framework governing procurement and suggestions are made as to how environmental considerations could be incorporated throughout the procurement process, namely the preparatory stage; the drawing up of tender or technical specifications; ensuring the capability or responsibility of contractors; the use of criteria to compare different tenders; and ensuring that eventual performance under a contract is environmentally sound. [source] Hydrodebromination of bromoarenes using Grignard reagents catalyzed by metal ionsAPPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2009Miao Shen Abstract The metal salts, FeCl·24H2O, FeCl3, NiCl2, CoCl2, CuBr and some iron complexes were found to be efficient catalysts for hydrodebromination of bromoarenes under mild reaction conditions with two equivalents of Grignard reagents. Among them, the iron systems showed the best behavior regarding economic and environmental considerations. All the alkyl Grignard reagents (except CH3MgCl) and p -tolylMgBr were promising reductive reagents with the formation of their homo-coupling products. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Supporting mechanism of non-toxic chromium (III) acetate on silica for preparation of Phillips ethylene polymerization catalystsASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2009Pengyuan Qiu Abstract Phillips catalyst is an important kind of industrial polyethylene catalyst. As early as in the late 1970s, CrO3 was substituted by chromium (III) acetate for the preparation of Phillips catalyst on the industrial scale owing to health and environmental considerations. There is still considerable research focusing on the relations between the preparation process and catalyst properties in academics. In this work, the supporting mechanism of chromium (III) acetate on silica has been studied by Thermogravimetry,Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA), and Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), in comparison with that of supporting CrO3 on SiO2. The basic chromium (III) acetate supported on high surface area silica gel decomposed differently from that for bulk basic chromium acetate when decomposition temperature was decreased by 15 °C. The decomposition temperature was 299 °C for Cr3(OH)2(Ac)7/SiO2 catalyst precursor, which would be firstly transferred into CrO3 followed by supporting on silica surface as chromate species. The further weight loss came from thermal inductive reduction of chromate species into Cr2O3, which was also supported by the results of colors of catalysts. Moreover, with the increase of chromium loading of Cr3(OH)2(Ac)7/SiO2, such thermal inductive reduction became more severe. ESR spectra of Cr3(OH)2(Ac)7/SiO2 and CrO3/SiO2 catalyst precursors showed that a small amount of supported Cr5+ can exist stably on silica gel surface at temperatures higher than 200 °C. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Innovation and competitive advantages from the integration of strategic aspects with social and environmental management in European firmsBUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 5 2009Marcus Wagner Abstract This paper analyses the nature and details of the association that the integration of social and environmental considerations with corporate strategy has for different competitive advantages and innovation activities at the firm level. Its objective is to answer the question as to whether a positive link exists between integration and the effects of environmental and social performance on these different dimensions of economic performance. The question of the specific form of this relationship is also raised. These questions are analysed using cluster analysis and regression models. Results are presented for four different dimensions of competitive advantage, and for two types of innovation activity. These raise the possibility that the process of integration is more important for bringing about a positive link than a resulting integration type. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Managing environmental risk in existing light industrial estatesBUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT, Issue 6 2001Michael Ross Jayne In order to optimize the role of light industrial estates in the environment, it is desirable to follow the principles of ecological modernization and factor the environmental considerations into the development process. This is not possible with existing estates, where a different approach must be taken. This paper examines research conducted at five light industrial estates and considers the role of the landlord in determining an alternative strategy. The results suggest that occupiers are still not taking all the reasonable steps available to them in order to mitigate their potential for environmental damage, nor are they fully exploiting the opportunities that exist for environmental improvements. Landlords of light industrial estates have long term interests in property and, consequently, have a role in ensuring that existing estates are better managed from an environmental point of view. As such landlords have the potential to contribute to the process of ecological modernization. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment [source] Is Comorbidity a Psychological Science?CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2007Robert E. Drake This commentary questions the current rush to reify comorbidity that a medical disease lexicon encourages. The emphasis on comorbidities has proceeded without clear evidence that true diseases are thereby identified. Its consequence is an obscuring of historical, sociopolitical, and environmental considerations that play a significant role in bringing comorbidities about. Comorbidities can in this way become in part a product of policy decisions made by professionals. We encourage psychologists to question these trends. [source] | ||||||||||||||||