Transitions to low carbon transport futures: strategic conversations from London and Delhi

Climate change is a global problem and across the world there are major difficulties being experienced in reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The transport sector in particular is finding it difficult to reduce CO₂ emissions. This paper reports on two studies carried out by the authors in London (UK) and Delhi (India). It considers the common objectives for transport CO₂ reduction, but the very different contexts and baselines, potentials for change, and some possible synergies.Different packages of measures are selected and scenarios developed for each context which are consistent with contraction and convergence objectives. CO₂ reduction potentials are modelled and quantified by package and scenario. London is considering deep reductions on current transport CO₂ emission levels; Delhi is seeking to break the huge projected rise in transport CO₂ emissions.The scale of policy intervention required to achieve these goals is huge and there is certainly little public discussion of the magnitude of the changes required. The paper argues for a ‘strategic conversation’ at the city level, using scenario analysis, to discuss the priorities for intervention in delivering low carbon transport futures. A greater focus is required in developing participatory approaches to decision making, alongside network investments, urban planning, low emission vehicles and wider initiatives. Aspirations towards equitable target emissions may assist in setting sufficiently demanding targets. Only then is a wider awareness and ownership of potential carbon efficient transport futures likely to take place.     

Does mandatory food safety training and certification for restaurant employees improve inspection outcomes?

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between mandatory food safety training and certification and inspection results of chain restaurants and independent restaurants, using current food safety inspection results of food service establishments in Central Florida. More specifically, this study examines whether there is any statistically significant difference in the violation frequency among chain and independent restaurants. Reducing the risk of any foodborne illness is a critical strategy that industry stakeholders should pursue in an area dominated by tourism such as Orlando, Florida. A one-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences between the two types of restaurants. Findings indicate that there is significant difference between chain and independent restaurants for critical violations. No difference was found when comparing chain verses independent restaurants for non-critical violations.     

浅析如何降低技能训练教学成本、提高教学质量

针对焊接、车工、数控专业技能训练,通过对课程优化、教法优化、工艺优化、技术优化、材料优化等多种手段,探索降低技能训练教学成本、提高教学质量的可行性措施。     

Exchange rate determination: a theory of the decisive role of central bank cooperation and conflict

Economists’ faith that variable exchange rates benevolently equilibrate has been empirically disconfirmed. That faith is here tackled at its theoretical core with an exchange rate model that although ultra abstract, includes the undeniable fundamentals of market power and differential goals of central bankers and large-scale private players. It permits a game theoretic analysis under the assumption that all agents maximize their payoffs. The paper then relaxes the assumption of maximising agents, allowing for a more complex and thus realistic second version of the model that is interpretable within SKAT, the Stages of Knowledge Ahead Theory of risk and uncertainty. In an experimental setting, this second version of the model points to: a) the inability of agents in central banks, governments and the private real and financial sectors to operate in maximising ways; b) destructive central bank conflict; and c) the widely discrepant outcomes arising from the dynamics of individual personality differences. The paper’s theoretical and empirical findings thus both point to the merits of a single world currency.     

美国在绑架世界经济

对我国而言,在改革开放初期把钱投到美国国债比较保险,另外,购买美国国债量可以很大而且在市场上进出都很方便,但现在购买美国国债的量太大导致我国外汇储备中美元依存度更高这对我国是巨大的风险。     

Island residents' identities and their support for tourism: an integration of two theories

Most studies that examine tourism impacts and community attitudes have been carried out from the perspective of industrialized economies, making the findings less valid for small islands. This paper discusses some pertinent issues in relation to tourism development and community attitudes in small islands, and it develops and presents a conceptual framework based on social exchange theory and identity theory. The different facets of identity relevant to small-island communities that are likely to influence attitudes and support for tourism are incorporated in the framework and discussed. These include occupational identity, environmental identity and gender identity. Based on these, five propositions are developed. The study concludes that inclusion of identity variables in behavioral models could increase their predictive power in explaining attitudes to tourism and consequent support for the industry.     

如何制定医院的经济管理方案

为加强医院管理,最大限度调动职工增收节支的积极性,每个医院的决策层,每年都必须要制订医院经济管理方案.在新的形势下,尽管各大医院都取得了长足的发展,但往往也让医院管理层,感到经管方案越来越难以确定.文章阐述了制定医院经济管理方案的必要性及医院经济管理的基本方法和原则,并对医院经济管理方案制定所面临的困难进行了讨论.     

网络环境下地方志资源的开发与利用

互联网的诞生改变了人类的生活方式,也提高了人们的工作效率和能力。互联网环境下,加强地方志资源的开发与利用,将对本地经济发展和社会进步起到积极的推动作用。     

美、法国有企业改革对我国国有企业发展转型的启示

改革开放以来,随着社会主义市场经济的迅猛发展,对国有企业的改革要求也越来越高;另外,国有企业的改革也极大地促进了社会主义市场经济的发展。但是,也应该看到:我国的国有企业体制仍然存在着很多问题,和社会主义市场经济的发展存在着一定的冲突。本文以美国和法国这两个西方发达国家为参照,从改革历程、手段等方面全面分析两个国家的国有企业改革并总结其中经验,尝试对我国未来的国有企业改革提出一些建议。     

Analysis of Chinese Manufacturing Export Duration

This paper studies the duration of Chinese manufacturing exports and its determinants, using disaggregated 6‐digit level Harmonized System product trade data from 1995 to 2007. Cox proportional hazard, Weibull and exponential models are used to examine the effects of various factors on export duration. It is revealed that export duration tends to be rather short‐lived. It is also found that GDP and GDP per capita of the export destination have positive effects on export duration, while trade relationships with distant and landlocked countries are generally of shorter duration. In addition, export duration is longer for differentiated and parts and components products, as well as products with large initial trade values. WTO membership is also important for longer export duration. Our empirical analysis suggests that developed markets, such as the USA and the EU, are important to China, and should still be the major sources for Chinese export growth in the long run. Moreover, technical innovation of firms and free trade agreement negotiations will be helpful for sustainable export growth.