2,896 research outputs found
On using Directional Information for Parameter Space Decomposition in Ellipse Detection
No full textIn this paper we use the parametric polar representation to extend the application of edge directional information from circle to ellipse extraction. As a result we obtain a mapping which decomposes the parameter space required for ellipse extraction into two independent sub-spaces and one final histogram accumulator. The mapping includes the tangent of the angle of the first and second directional derivatives. These tangents are computed by considering edge direction at two border points. We show that the use of gradient information for parameter space decomposition avoids the intensive point labelling imposed by geometric constraints used by other approaches
RETHINKING INDUSTRIAL POLICY
No full textDespite the hold of the neoliberal orthodoxy on policy making in developing countries, industrial policy remains important for the promotion of industrial development. However, the context for the design of industrial policy has profoundly changed as a result of new rules governing international trade, the rise of global value chains and marketing networks, and other aspects of globalization. Traditionally, the case for industrial policy has been framed in terms of “market failures” but the paper argues that that is not a sufficient basis. After addressing the traditional points of criticism, an attempt is made to outline the “domains” of industrial policy in the current circumstances, especially for industrially lagging countries. As country contexts differ widely there are no satisfactory blueprints for policy making that countries can readily adopt. As in production decisions, considerable ingenuity and innovation is needed in designing policies. This is all the more necessary as the WTO rules have become increasingly stringent and the rise of international trading networks has created new barriers for young firms to enter the world market. These developments have changed the context but not the importance of policy in industrial development. The paper identifies areas where government intervention is needed and can still make a positive difference.
CHINA´S WTO ACCESSION: ITS IMPACT ON CHINESE EMPLOYMENT
No full textIt is often claimed that the WTO membership will benefit China by increasing exports and employment and forcing domestic firms to improve efficiency through competition. Benefits are expected to accrue through improved resource allocation and greater economic efficiency resulting from trade liberalization and greater global competition. In the paper we argue that although some sectors will benefit from competition others will suffer a great deal especially in the short and medium terms. The net overall benefits are likely to accrue only in the long run. During the transition period China will face enormous problems of restructuring of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and banking, insurance and financial services, entailing significant loss of employment. The employment impact of the accession with special reference to SOEs is considered since they are generally less competitive than the non-state enterprises. Reduction in SOE employment may not be compensated by an increase in employment in the non-state sector. The experience of three specific industries is discussed: textiles and clothing, automobiles and household appliances. Besides the unemployment impact of the accession, the paper examines the possibility of a ‘flying geese model’ of trade and development working within China to maintain its global competitiveness on account of low labour costs in the hinterland. It also discusses China’s possible response to global competition to protect employment, for example. Three types of response are considered: non-compliance of the WTO accord, devaluation, and a production shift from tradeables to non-tradeables.
A RE-EXAMINATION OF THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM IN A GLOBAL SETTING: ISSUES AND PROPOSALS
No full textThe globalization of the world economy poses major challenges to the prevailing international economic system. The recent trade-investment system raises the issues of the marginalization of countries, firms, and agents if they are not capable to compete with large successful entities. The system engenders conflicts of interest in its interfacing with sovereign domains. In numerous cases such as employment and mutual trade benefits, it can produce zero sum outcomes. Consequently, significant segments of public opinion in many countries have mobilized against it. In the monetary and financial area, the system has from 1945 evolved on a piecemeal and ad hoc basis. In recent years, it has not been able to predict, prevent or effectively deal with financial crisis. It demonstrates a lacuna in global financial governance especially with respect to enforcing its rules on the major countries and bringing the private sector therein. The central institution, the IMF, is shown to be in need of basic reforms involving forging a global vision, reconsidering and updating conditionality, further democratization of political governance, and revamping the exchange rates and surveillance functions.
AN OVERVIEW OF MAJOR SOURCES OF DATA AND ANALYSES RELATING TO PHYSICAL FUNDAMENTALS IN INTERNATIONAL COMMODITY MARKETS
No full textThe debate on whether price movements in commodity markets are determined by changes in physical supply and demand fundamentals or by the speculative effects of financial investors seems to find some element of agreement on one particular point: the need for increased transparency and improved information on futures markets and physical commodity markets. This discussion paper provides an assessment of the current situation with regard to availability of information on physical commodity markets, pointing to some of the existing information gaps and areas for improvement. The paper presents a comprehensive account of the different information sources for physical commodity markets (including their websites), and could therefore be considered a practical information tool in itself, of use to different stakeholders interested in knowing about developments in these markets.
POLICY SPACE: WHAT, FOR WHAT, AND WHERE?
No full textThe paper examines how developing countries can use existing policy space, and enlarge it, without opting out of international commitments. It argues that: (i) a meaningful context for policy space must extend beyond trade policy and include macroeconomic and exchange-rate policies that will achieve developmental goals more effectively; (ii) policy space depends not only on international rules but also on the impact of international market conditions and policy decisions taken in other countries on the effectiveness of national policy instruments; and (iii) international integration affects policy space through several factors that pull in opposite directions; whether it increases or reduces policy space differs by country and type of integration.
A speech portrait of our contemporary in A.S. Kushner's lyrics
No full textThe article is devoted to the speech image of the author in A.S. Kushner's poetry. Combining various socially marked colloquial units with traditional poetic means forms individual style of the author and creates a vivid image of our time
Product mix of České dráhy, a.s.
No full textBakalářská práce se zaměřuje na společnost České dráhy, a.s. a její služby poskytované v rámci širokého portfolia produktů všem cestujícím. V první části práce se autor zaměří na všeobecné informace o nástrojích marketingového mixu. Ve druhé části tyto nástroje aplikuje na produkty a služby společnosti České dráhy, a.s., zejména pak na prvky marketingového mixu, kterými jsou 4P, 5P, 7P, SWOT analýza a nástroje 4C. V poslední části dojde k vyhodnocení navržených produktů na základě dotazníkového šetření. Navrhované produkty, které budou respondentům prezentovány, vznikly na základě briefingu se zástupcem Českých drah, a.s. a se zaměstnanci cateringové společnosti JLV, a.s.The Bachelor thesis focuses on the company České dráhy, a.s. and on its services, which are promoted in wide portfolio of products to all customers. In the first chapter the author focuses to general information about tools of Marketing Mix. In the next chapter are these tools applicated to products and services of České dráhy, a.s., mainly to the points of Marketing Mix, which are following tools 4P, 5P, 7P, SWOT analysis and tools of 4C. The conclusion deals with proposed products, which are based on questionnaire results. Proposed results, which will be presented to respondents, were created thanks to briefing with the representative of České dráhy, a.s. and with employees of catering company JLV, a.s.Dopravní fakulta Jana PerneraProblematiku řešenou ve své bakalářské práci dokázal student odpovídajícím způsobem obhájit. Prokázal schopnost samostatné práce. Na doplňkové otázky reagoval pohotově, se znalostí věci a bez závažných nepřesností je zodpověděl.Dokončená práce s úspěšnou obhajobo
A Lagrangian sub-grid model for the dispersion of clouds of tracers
No full textTurbulence models are expected to satisfy the conflicting requirements of accuracy and computational efficiency. Here we discuss a new model that was recently developed in order to accurately and efficiently describe the dynamic of a clouds of tracers particles in Large Eddy Simulations of homogeneous and isotropic turbulent flows. The models incorporates the multi-scale nature of time and space turbulent velocity correlations that are essential in order to correctly reproduce the relative dispersion of multi-particle clouds. The model can be seen as an off-grid solver for the Eulerian velocity field at the positions of a given number of Lagrangian tracers that self-consistently move with it. Extensions to non homogeneous and isotropic turbulence as well as to the dynamics of particles will be discussed
Rate of breakup of small inertial aggregates in homogeneous turbulence
No full textThe hydrodynamic breakup of small inertial aggregates in homogenous and isotropic turbulence is studied through numerical simulations. Small inertial aggregates are subject to shear stress caused by the local velocity gradient and drag stress caused by the relative velocity of the aggregate and the fluid flow. In our simulations, we follow aggregates moving through the flow and record the total stress acting on them. Breakup is assumed to occur when the total stress overcomes a predefined threshold representing the aggregate strength. By determining how long it takes for an aggregate to reach a stress exceeding its strength for the first time, we are able to derive a breakup rate. It is found that with increasing aggregate inertia, the drag stress rapidly becomes the dominant stress resulting in an increase of the breakup rate with increasing the aggregate inertia
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