J.L. Livesey, J.D. Jackson and C.J. Southern
Experiments have been carried out to determine the magnitude of static hole errors for holes of various diameters and depths. A new approach is tried to the problem of…
Abstract
Experiments have been carried out to determine the magnitude of static hole errors for holes of various diameters and depths. A new approach is tried to the problem of extrapolation to zero hole size for the purpose of obtaining a true value of static pressure. The results obtained are in broad agreement with previous experimental data and confirm the fact that a positive error is obtained for deep static holes, whereas shallow holes with large cavities behind them can involve negative errors. Since the effects of hole size and hole depth are apparently opposite, the use of fairly shallow holes can result in pressure measurements which are very close to the true value, provided that in drilling the holes no distortion of the duct wall is produced and all burrs are carefully removed. This point may be of interest in some engineering applications where the material used in the construction of the duct or model is thin.
It may be remarked that the area immediately concerned is about 1,700 square miles, or somewhat greater than the area of the County of Kent. We say immediately concerned, as the…
Abstract
It may be remarked that the area immediately concerned is about 1,700 square miles, or somewhat greater than the area of the County of Kent. We say immediately concerned, as the Governments of St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and others submitted samples for examination, but these related to criminal investigations and call for no comment. In Trinidad itself what may be called the upper classes are of European origin—British, French, or Spanish. There is a high proportion of East Indians, i.e., from Asia, and the lower classes are of mixed negro origin. It is, perhaps, as well to remind readers of these facts. The records of criminal investigation undertaken by the Department at the request of the police authorities suggest by their number and nature that we are here concerned with people who in general are in a somewhat lower state of social culture than that which is found, for instance, in an English district. This would tend to react on the Health Administration generally by increasing the difficulties already existing that arise from a tropical climate and a sparse population very largely engaged in agricultural pursuits, or in industries closely allied thereto. The Port of Spain, the capital, contains perhaps a fifth of the total population and a higher proportion of persons of European origin than elsewhere. The Health Authorities of the city, however, still seem disinclined to avail themselves as fully as they might do of the resources of the Government Chemist's Department. Few samples appear to be sent for examination, though it hopefully stated that more samples of foods and drugs may be sent in when the new Food and Drugs Act replaces the existing one. The Medical Officer of the Port of Spain sends in water samples from the main sources of supply every week for chemical examination. The results of examination are satisfactory, but even in the British Isles water is not the chief form of sustenance, and the need for a due examination of foods and drugs—especially the last—is shown by the facts that while the number of food samples submitted for examination has decreased, the number found to be unsatisfactory has increased. As to drugs, it is sufficient to quote the words of the report, “No samples of drugs were submitted under the Ordinance, so that it is not possible to offer any opinion as to whether or not adulteration is practised of these important articles which are sold to the public. We believe this sin of omission to be one of long standing. The total number of samples and exhibits of all kinds was 4,950. Of these, 4,359 were official and 548 were unofficial, a decrease of 437 and 131 respectively. Out of this total 1,058 were samples of foods, or baking powder, vinegar, and so forth. The number found to be unsatisfactory was 131, or 12·4 per cent. This is a high percentage of failures. It is due almost entirely to cows' milk of poor quality. Three hundred and eighty‐five samples were examined, and 12·4, or 32·2 per cent. were reported against. Out of 163 samples of butter and cooking butter 2·5 per cent were deficient in fat. Having regard to the tenor of this report, the distinction here made between “butter” and “cooking butter” seems to be a rather unfortunate one. In the shops and kitchens of this country the distinction used to be accepted. But why a substance which is, by implication, inferior or unpalatable and unfit to be eaten with bread, might still be used in cooking, has never been clear to us. The unaccepted defence of a baker—convicted over here of putting bad eggs in his pastry—“The stink goes off in the baking,” comes to mind. The fat deficiency ranged from 6·10 to 3·63. Out of 128 coffee samples three were adulterated with burnt sugar. The general position with regard to food—especially in the case of milk—seems to be very unsatisfactory. The remarks of the Govern‐ment Chemist are unquestionably fully justified.
Elke Mattheiss, Georg Regal, Johann Schrammel, Markus Garschall and Manfred Tscheligi
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of tailored text input methods for visually impaired and blind users that are needed on touchscreen devices to support their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of tailored text input methods for visually impaired and blind users that are needed on touchscreen devices to support their accessibility. Previous approaches still have issues related to the necessity of searching for characters, slow entry speeds or cumbersome handling.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed a new Braille-based text input method named EdgeBraille, which allows entering six-point Braille characters by swiping one finger along the edges of the touchscreen in an arbitrary sequence. The approach was compared with the current standard method of a talking keyboard, first in a short-term lab study (14 participants) and then during two weeks of daily training (seven participants).
Findings
Overall EdgeBraille was perceived well by the users and possesses favourable handling characteristics. In terms of user performance (words per minute and error rate) the authors found no significant differences between the two methods. However, based on the evaluation results and the feedback of the participants the authors identified possibilities for improvement in terms of a smaller EdgeBraille version allowing the entry of eight-point Braille characters, and conducted a proof-of-concept study (seven participants).
Originality/value
In the paper the authors comprehensively reflect on advantages and disadvantages of Braille-based methods in general and EdgeBraille in particular. The authors argue why and how Braille-based methods should serve as complement to current text input paradigms based on talking keyboard and indicate future directions of research.
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Barrie O. Pettman and Richard Dobbins
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
Abstract
This issue is a selected bibliography covering the subject of leadership.
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The purpose of this paper is to use a variety-expanding growth model embedded in the North–South framework to study the implementation of globally desirable protection of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use a variety-expanding growth model embedded in the North–South framework to study the implementation of globally desirable protection of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the emerging South.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a variety-expanding growth model with innovation-led economic growth in both North and South. As usual, imitations targeted equally at Northern and Southern innovations only occur in the South, and the authors focus on the design of Southern IPR protection.
Findings
Welfare-maximizing degrees of Southern IPR protection are explicitly derived for both North and South. There tends to exist a North–South conflict on the right degree of protection. To resolve this conflict, the Southern government can grant appropriate subsides to support domestic innovators. The authors derive the right rate of innovation subsidies such that the conflict is resolved.
Originality/value
This paper represents the first attempt to deal with the North–South conflict on the degree of Southern IPR protection within the variety-expanding growth model. And the novel perspective is to relax the North–South tension on IPR protection via additionally implementing an appropriate innovation subsidy policy.
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Alefu Chinasho, Bobe Bedadi, Tesfaye Lemma, Tamado Tana, Bisrat Elias and Tilahun Hordofa
This study aims to analyze the temperature variability and change for the past 30 years (1990–2019) and the future 60 years (2030s, 2050s and 2070s) in Wolaita Zone and the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyze the temperature variability and change for the past 30 years (1990–2019) and the future 60 years (2030s, 2050s and 2070s) in Wolaita Zone and the surroundings, in Southern Ethiopia.
Design/methodology/approach
The temperature (maximum and minimum) data of the past 30 years (1990–2019) of ten meteorological stations and the future (2021–2080) data of regional climate models (RCMs) under two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were used in this study. The accuracy of RCMs in representing observed temperature data was evaluated against mean absolute error, root-mean-square error, percent bias, Nash–Sutcliffe measure of efficiency, index of agreement (d) and coefficient of determination (R2). The temperature variability was analyzed using the coefficient of variation, and the trend was determined using the Mann–Kendall trend and Sen’s slope tests.
Findings
The results indicate that the past maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures showed low variability (CV = 4.3%) with consistently increasing trends. Similarly, Tmax and Tmin are projected to have low variability in the future years, with upward trends. The Tmax and Tmin are projected to deviate by 0.7°C–1.2°C, 1.3°C–2.2°C and 1.5°C–3.2°C by 2030s, 2050s and 2070s, respectively, under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, from the baseline. Thus, it can be concluded that temperature has low variability in all periods, with consistently increasing trends. The increasing temperature could have been affecting agricultural production systems in Southern Ethiopia.
Research limitations/implications
This research did not remove the uncertainties of models (inherited errors of models) in future temperature projections. However, this study did not have any limitation. Therefore, individuals or organizations working on agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable development can use the results and recommendations.
Practical implications
The globe has been warming due to the increasing temperature; as a result, many adaptation and mitigation measures have been suggested globally and nationally (IPCC, 2021). FAO (2017) indicates that the level of vulnerability to the impacts of climate change varies with geographic location, economy and demography; the adaptation measures need to be local. The detailed information on temperature variability and change in the past and future helps to understand the associated negative impacts on agriculture, hydrology, biodiversity, environment and human well-being, among others.
Social implications
The projected future climate pattern helps the country devise proactive adaptation and mitigation measures for the associated damages at different levels (from local to national). This could improve the resilience of farmers and the country to climate change impacts. This contributes to achieving sustainable development goals (e.g. no poverty, zero hunger and climate action). This is because the agriculture sector in Ethiopia accounts for 80% of employment, 33% of the gross domestic product and 76% of exports (EPRSS, 2023).
Originality/value
Temperature is one of the major climate elements affecting agricultural production in rain-fed production systems. Despite this, past studies in Southern Ethiopia considered only the past temperature but not the future climate. Thus, generating detailed information about past and future temperatures is very important to take proactive adaptation measures for reducing climate-associated damages in the agriculture sector in Ethiopia.
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This chapter addresses the issue of the Global South external debt by mobilizing insights from Modern Monetary Theory, Ecological Economics, and Dependency Theory. It argues that…
Abstract
This chapter addresses the issue of the Global South external debt by mobilizing insights from Modern Monetary Theory, Ecological Economics, and Dependency Theory. It argues that the external debt problem of Southern governments is a reflection of their subordinate economic and monetary status. It shows why the argument of foreign currency shortage often used to explain the need for Southern governments to issue foreign currency debts remains superficial. In contrast to the usual focus on creditors, the chapter highlights the role played by foreign direct investment in the genesis of the chronic external indebtedness of most Southern countries. It argues then that the external debt of the South must be understood holistically not only as a manifestation of the unequal ecological exchange between the North and the South but also as an instrument that has contributed to reproducing and amplifying this pattern. Under these conditions, the cancellation or restructuring of the South's external debt stock and a few other unlikely concessions by the Northern countries will not be enough to abolish the “debt system.” This is an important lesson from the antiimperialist critique of the mid-1970s New International Economic Order (NIEO) agenda that current movements for Southern debt cancellation and Climate Justice would do well to remember.
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Many jurisdictions fine illegal cartels using penalty guidelines that presume an arbitrary 10% overcharge. This article surveys more than 700 published economic studies and…
Abstract
Many jurisdictions fine illegal cartels using penalty guidelines that presume an arbitrary 10% overcharge. This article surveys more than 700 published economic studies and judicial decisions that contain 2,041 quantitative estimates of overcharges of hard-core cartels. The primary findings are: (1) the median average long-run overcharge for all types of cartels over all time periods is 23.0%; (2) the mean average is at least 49%; (3) overcharges reached their zenith in 1891–1945 and have trended downward ever since; (4) 6% of the cartel episodes are zero; (5) median overcharges of international-membership cartels are 38% higher than those of domestic cartels; (6) convicted cartels are on average 19% more effective at raising prices as unpunished cartels; (7) bid-rigging conduct displays 25% lower markups than price-fixing cartels; (8) contemporary cartels targeted by class actions have higher overcharges; and (9) when cartels operate at peak effectiveness, price changes are 60–80% higher than the whole episode. Historical penalty guidelines aimed at optimally deterring cartels are likely to be too low.