The main goal of the study is to determine which socio-economic factors affect level of participation in the community forest management of ''Ludhi-Damgade'' of Gorkha district in Nepal. The empirical evidence for level of participation as a function of social status is obtained by using an ordered probit and two-stage least-squares model. The model also estimates the marginal effects of socio-economic factors on different levels of participation suggesting how per unit change in such socio-economic characters affects the level of participation. Empirical results from the model also verify that participation in forest management determines the quantity and type of benefits received from the community forest. The research findings of the study suggest that participation in community forest management is based on the socio-economic profile of an individual and the level of participation is determined by the benefits obtained from the common forest resources. Lack of participation in community forest management excludes the disadvantaged groups from decision-making in product distribution. Consequently, the disadvantaged groups get less benefit from the community forest. The empirical results are expected to aid policy makers in empowering people of lower socio-economic status to understand the importance of participation in ARTICLE IN PRESS www.elsevier.de/jfe 1104-6899/$ -see front matter

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Previous research reveals various economic and social impacts in the community from listing historic resources in the National Register of Historic Places; however, information on underlying community factors that influence these listings has not been examined and could be useful for policy makers. The current study examines the socioeconomic, institutional, and location factors influencing the listing of historic resources in the National Register in the Appalachian state of West Virginia. Two separate models of total historic listings and rate of historic house listings in the National Register identify the following: number of higher education institutions and older houses, rural area, more than one historic preservation organization, proportion of females, and the share of income in the service economy. Age, poverty rate, and the Gini coefficient of income inequality have an inverse relationship with listing.

Automated transportation is an innovative and sustainable concept that works emission-free with fully-automated and driverless vehicles on a network of specially-built, elevated guide ways. These systems are also called Automated People Mover (APM) or Public Rapid Transit (PRT) and are considered to be a solution to many global and environmental problems related to the use of the automobile. These transportation systems claim to be clean, affordable and safe technology, and a smart urban planning solution to move away from America's dependence on foreign oil, the faltering auto industry, and the misuse of urban landscapes. One of the first APM systems has been operating since the 1970's at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. In order to examine community's attitude, perception and individual characteristic that influence the use of the systems, a random intercept survey was conducted. Findings from correlation analysis and an ordered probit model suggest socio-demographic attributes associated with attitudes toward the system. The frequent users are characterized as having a higher level of educational attainment, and are primarily students. Findings explore underlying factors regarding commuting, crucial for transportation policies and practices for managing sustainable transportation systems in comparable urban settings.

While historians believe that preserving a historic building in its original location is important to maintain its historic integrity, the general public's opinion is unknown. Survey data were gathered from local residents regarding a proposed relocation of a historic mill in rural West Virginia. Only a minority of the sample population supported preserving the mill at its original location. Willingness to pay for preservation was estimated at $8.45 for a one-time donation for the sample and $2.29 after adjusting for non-respondents using characteristics of the local population.