Characterisation of Congolese Aquatic Biomass and Their Potential as a Source of Bioenergy

This study assesses the bioenergy potential of two types of aquatic biomass found in the Republic of Congo: the green macroalgae Ulva lactuca (UL) and Ledermanniella schlechteri (LS). Their combustion behaviour was assessed using elemental and biochemical analysis, TGA, bomb calorimetry and metal analysis. Their anaerobic digestion behaviour was determined using biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests. The average HHV for LS is 14.1 MJ kg−1, whereas UL is lower (10.5 MJ kg−1). Both biomasses have high ash contents and would be problematic during thermal conversion due to unfavourable ash behaviour. Biochemical analysis indicated high levels of carbohydrate and protein and low levels of lipids and lignin. Although the lipid profile is desirable for biodiesel production, the levels are too low for feasible extraction. High levels of carbohydrates and protein make both biomasses suitable for anaerobic digestion. BMP tests showed that LS and UL have an average of 262 and 161 mL CH4 gVS−1, respectively. The biodegradability (BI) of LS and UL had an average value of 76.5% and 43.5%, respectively. The analysis indicated that these aquatic biomasses are unsuitable for thermal conversion and lipid extraction; however, conversion through anaerobic digestion is promisin

Internalisation Theory and outward direct investment by emerging market multinationals

The rise of multinational enterprises from emerging countries (EMNEs) poses an important test for theories of the multinational enterprise such as internalisation theory. It has been contended that new phenomena need new theory. This paper proposes that internalisation theory is appropriate to analyse EMNEs. This paper examines four approaches to EMNEs—international investment strategies, domestic market imperfections, international corporate networks and domestic institutions—and three case studies—Chinese outward FDI, Indian foreign acquisitions and investment in tax havens—to show the enduring relevance and predictive power of internalisation theory. This analysis encompasses many other approaches as special cases of internalisation theory. The use of internalisation theory to analyse EMNEs is to be commended, not only because of its theoretical inclusivity, but also because it has the ability to connect and to explain seemingly desperate phenomena