Unsafe driving behaviour and four wheel drive vehicles: observational study

Objective To assess the level of compliance with the new law in the United Kingdom mandating penalties for rising a hand held mobile phone while driving, to compare compliance with this law with the one on the use of seat belts, and to compare compliance with these laws between drivers of four wheel drive vehicles and drivers of normal cars. Design Observational study with two phases-one within the grace period, the other starting one week after penalties were imposed on drivers using such telephones. Setting Three busy sites in London. Participants Drivers of 38 182 normal cars and 2944 four wheel drive vehicles. Main outcome measures Proportions of drivers seen to be using hand held mobile phones and not using seat belts. Results Drivers of four wheel drive vehicles were more likely than drivers of other cars to be seen using hand held mobile phones (8.2% v 2.0%) and not complying with the law on seat belts (19.5% v 15.0%). Levels of non-compliance with both laws were slightly higher in the penalty phase of observation, and breaking one law was associated with increased likelihood of breaking the other. Conclusions The level of non-compliance with the law on the use of hand held mobile phones by drivers in London is high, as is non-compliance with the law on seat belts. Drivers of four wheel drive vehicles were four times more likely than drivers of other cars to be seen using hand held mobile phones and slightly more likely not to comply with the law on seat belts.

QUATRO RODAS 1960-63: COMO UMA REVISTA FEZ DO JORNALISMO ESPECIALIZADO FERRAMENTA PARA CRIAR A CULTURA DO AUTOMÓVEL NO COTIDIANO BRASILEIRO

Esta dissertação investiga a contribuição da revista Quatro Rodas como veículo de comunicação e agente de mudança cultural da sociedade e da imprensa brasileiras, a partir da instalação de indústrias nacionais e da adoção do carro como meio de transporte e símbolo de modernização econômica, urbana e social. Nesse sentido, contextualiza o período histórico nacional que vai da década de 1920 até o terceiro ano da publicação (1960 a 1963) e, por meio de estudo de caso, analisa o conteúdo de 58 reportagens das primeiras 36 edições reunidas em seis unidades de registro: urbanismo, medicina do trânsito, comportamento ao volante, segurança ao volante, mercado de compra e venda e mulheres e carros. O trabalho destaca a relevância da revista ao reunir de modo analítico e didático questões que envolviam os cidadãos, como motoristas ou pedestres, a indústria automobilística e as autoridades, na atribuição de, respectivamente, educar, avaliar e cobrar. Desse modo, a partir de agosto de 1960, Quatro Rodas contribui para abrir um novo campo na imprensa brasileira, antecipando questões ainda hoje presentes (e não resolvidas) nas ruas e estradas do país e desenhando o perfil do brasileiro e sua nascente paixão pelo automóvel.

A PUBLICIDADE RADIOFÔNICA EM BUSCA DE UMA NOVA CONFIGURAÇÃO

Ainda que um conjunto de atributos confira ao rádio um grande potencial para chamar a atenção do ouvinte e envolvê-lo em sua mensagem; ainda que o rádio seja uma das mídias com maior penetração nos domicílios e automóveis do Brasil; ainda que a adaptação do rádio às tecnologias digitais trace perspectivas otimistas para o meio; ainda que a sociedade moderna esteja criando indivíduos extremamente ocupados, que passam mais tempo no trabalho e nos automóveis do que em casa, abrindo espaço para o único meio que permite a execução de outras tarefas enquanto é consumido; comercialmente, o rádio enfrenta grandes dificuldades para atrair investimentos publicitários principal fonte de renda do meio. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa exploratória pretende identificar e analisar os fatores que influenciam o baixo posicionamento do rádio no ranking dos investimentos publicitários. Para tanto, serão analisadas duas questões consideradas fundamentais: o emprego das possibilidades expressivas e persuasivas da publicidade radiofônica nos anúncios veiculados pelas emissoras e a percepção dos profissionais envolvidos na operacionalização da publicidade radiofônica sobre a atividade publicitária no rádio.

A COMUNICAÇÃO DE MERCADO, O LUXO E A CONSTRUÇÃO DA MARCA MERCEDES-BENZ: TEMPO VERSUS CONCEITOS

A marca Mercedes-Benz é uma marca legendária e está presente no imaginário do consumidor quando o assunto é automóvel. A história dessa importante indústria automobilística ultrapassa os 100 anos (1902-2008) e a cada dia impressiona ainda mais com novos modelos, sinônimo de tecnologia, qualidade, segurança e luxo. Este trabalho visa analisar e compreender o processo de comunicação da marca Mercedes-Benz, que surgiu em 1902 (como Mercedes), depois como Mercedes-Benz (1926), DaimlerChyrsler (1998), atualmente como Daimler AG (matriz Alemanha) e Mercedes-Benz do Brasil Ltda., e que permanece fortalecida e prestigiada no seu segmento, de acordo com os números e informações apresentadas, ratificadas por profissionais do setor automotivo e especialistas em luxo. Faz parte deste estudo abordar a forma e o significado da marca, representada por sua logomarca em toda a sua trajetória: esboço inicial, mudanças e desenho atual (parte gráfica) bem como as mensagens transmitidas e comunicação com o mercado. A metodologia consiste em realizar um levantamento bibliográfico por meio de: publicações, periódicos, documentos internos, dissertações e teses, que contenham informações sobre a marca Mercedes-Benz desde o seu momento inicial até o atual, visando estabelecer uma comparação entre os períodos, sobretudo no cenário nacional. O trabalho irá tratar o assunto como um estudo de caso, por se tratar de uma análise organizacional e gerencial, que compreendem fenômenos contemporâneos inseridos na vida real. O estudo tem como referência a Comunicação Integrada de Marketing, como linha de pesquisa e a Comunicação Especializada, como área de concentração.(AU)

ESTUDO DOS EFEITOS DE PROGRAMA DE APOIO NA AGRESSIVIDADE REACIONAL DE POLICIAIS ENVOLVIDOS EM OCORRÊNCIAS GRAVES

O objetivo do presente trabalho é estudar os efeitos de programa de apoio na agressividade reacional de policiais envolvidos em ocorrências graves, considerando-se como tal aquelas em que há confronto armado ou acidentes de trânsito com viaturas em atividade operacional, qualquer que seja o resultado do evento. Esse estudo é composto pela verificação da modificação da resposta agressiva reacional de 77 policiais militares envolvidos em ocorrências graves, utilizando-se, para esse fim, o Psicodiagnóstico Miocinético antes e depois da execução do programa de apoio. Compõem, ainda, o estudo a caracterização sóciodemográfica da amostra e a identificação dos níveis de agressividade nela existentes no início do programa e após o seu encerramento, além da definição do perfil de cinco categorias distintas, em função do tipo de resposta apresentada após o programa: agressividade ampliada, reduzida, inalterada, estável e instável. É ainda objeto da presente pesquisa o estudo clínico de um caso de cada uma das categorias definidas, de acordo com o perfil apurado, utilizando-se, além dos dados do Psicodiagnóstico Miocinético, outros levantados por intermédio de ficha de cadastro, de entrevista individual, do Teste Palográfico e da Escala de Personalidade de Comrey. Os resultados demonstram a modificação da resposta agressiva reacional na maioria dos policiais militares envolvidos no estudo, após o programa de apoio.

The contribution of modularity to green operations practices

This paper discusses the possible contributions from modularity and industrial condominiums towards enhancing environmental performance in the automotive industry. The research described in this study is underpinned by a review of journal articles and books on the topics of: modularity of production systems; green operations practices, and the automotive industry and sustainability. The methodology is based on theoretical analysis of the contribution of the modular production system characteristics used in the automotive industry for Green Operations Practices (GOP). The following GOPs were considered: green buildings, eco-design, green supply chains, greener manufacturing, and reverse logistics. The results are theoretical in nature; however, due to the small number of studies that investigate the relationship between modularity and sustainability, this work is relevant to increase knowledge in academic circles and among practitioners in order to understand the possible environmental benefits from modular production systems. For instance, based upon our analysis, we could deduce that the existing modular production systems in the automotive industry may contribute in different ways to the implementation of GOPs. In all types of modularity, product simplification through the use of modules can enhance environmental performance and facilitate further activities such as maintenance and repair contributing to a longer life of cars on the road. Moreover, modules will make automobiles easier to disassembly, so increasing the chances of reuse of valuable components and a better final disposal of scrap. Regarding the potential benefits of each type of modularity, it is expected that modular consortia will have a better integration of environmental practices with suppliers and seize on high efficiency during manufacturing and logistics compared with conventional production systems.

Stock price reaction following large one-day price changes: UK evidence

We examine the short-term price reaction of 424 UK stocks to large one-day price changes. Using the GJR-GARCH(1,1), we find no statistical difference amongst the cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) of the Single Index, the Fama–French and the Carhart–Fama–French models. Shocks bigger or equal to 5% are followed by a significant one-day CAR of 1% for all the models. Whilst shocks smaller or equal to -5% are followed by a significant one-day CAR of -0.43% for the Single Index, the CARs are around -0.34% for the other two models. Positive shocks of all sizes and negative shocks maller or equal to -5% are followed by return continuations, whilst the market is efficient following larger negative shocks. The price reaction to shocks is unaffected when we estimate the CARs using the conditional covariances of the pricing variables.

Stock index reaction to large price changes:evidence frommajor Asian stock indexes

We examine the short-term price behavior of ten Asian stock market indexes following large price changes or “shocks”. Under the standard OLS regression, there is stronger support for return continuations particularly following positive and negative price shocks of less than 10% in absolute size. The results under the GJR-GARCH method provide stronger support for market efficiency, especially for large price shocks. For example, for the Hong Kong stock index, negative shocks of less than -5% but more than -10% generate a significant one day cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of-0.754% under the OLS method, but an insignificant CAR of 0.022% under the GJR-GARCH. We find no support for the uncertainty information hypothesis. Furthermore, the CARs following the period after the Asian financial crisis adjust more quickly to price shocks.

A case study on services upgrading prediction

Customer Base Analysis is perhaps the first stage of analysis in customer value, aiming to predict purchase frequency and customer lifecycle. An important part of the customer purchase frequency and its retention has to do with the service upgrade. Many models have tried to predict purchase frequency as well as upgrading. The comparison of these models seems important to provide academics with a picture of the current situation. The purpose of this research is to evaluate how models can predict service upgrade among a customer database of an online DVD rental company and suggest an alternative based on data mining techniques and data on historical transactions.

Technology transfer and Chinese government policy:opportunities and implications for business

State-owned enterprises in China have been given greater autonomy and responsibility, have freer access to foreign technology, and are being encouraged to form groups to gain from rationalization and integration. This article uses case studies to identify the key strategic issues that affect the commercial viability of foreign technology acquisition by state-owned enterprises within the context of enterprise reforms. All the case study enterprises used technology transfer to develop new or improved products. Technologies acquired as parts of subcontracting arrangements and well-established technologies to produce end-use products are easier to manage and operate profitably. However, the latter type of technology has been imported by numerous enterprises and has led to fierce competition and industy restructuring. Importing capital-intensive and complex technology to produce major components for products, such as cars, is more difficult and requires closer coordination with customers and suppliers.

A modelling strategy for vehicle dynamics using Pro/ENGINEER

Vehicle dynamics modelling can provide vehicle designers with vehicle performance data that can assist with the efficient development of more refined cars. However, such models are notoriously complicated requiring the user to have a considerable understanding of vehicle dynamics.

The genius of Erasmus Darwin

The Genius of Erasmus Darwin provides insight into the full extent of Erasmus Darwin's exceptional intellect. He is shown to be a major creative thinker and innovator, one of the minds behind the late eighteenth-century industrial revolution, and one of the first, if not the first, to perceive the living world (including humans) as part of a unified evolutionary scenario. The contributions here provide contextual understandings of Erasmus Darwin's thought, as well as studies of particular works and accounts of the later reception of his writings. In this way it is possible to see why the young Samuel Taylor Coleridge was moved to describe Darwin as 'the first literary character in Europe, and the most original-minded man'. Erasmus Darwin, Charles Darwin's grandfather, was one of the leading intellectuals of eighteenth-century England. He was a man with an extraordinary range of interests and activities: he was a doctor, biologist, inventor, poet, linguist, and botanist. He was also a founding member of the Lunar Society, an intellectual community that included such eminent men as James Watt and Josiah Wedgwood. Contents: Introduction; Setting the scene, Jonathan Powers; Prologue 'Catching up with Erasmus Darwin in the New Century', Desmond King-Hele. Section 1: Medicine: Physicians and physic in 17th and 18th century Lichfield, Dennis Gibbs; Dr Erasmus Darwin MD FRS (1731–1802): England's greatest physician?, Gordon Cook; William Pale (1743–1805) and James Parkinson (1755–1824): two peri-Erasmatic thinkers (and several others), Christopher Gardner-Thorpe; The vertiginous philosophers: Erasmus Darwin and William Charles Wells on vertigo, Nicholas Wade. Section 2: Biology: The Antipodes and Erasmus Darwin: the place of Erasmus Darwin in the heritage of Australian literature and biology, John Pearn; Erasmus Darwin on human reproductive generation: placing heredity within historical and Zoonomian contexts, Philip Wilson; All from fibres: Erasmus Darwin's evolutionary psychobiology, C.U.M. Smith; Two special doctors: Erasmus Darwin and Luigi Galvani, Rafaella Simili. Section 3: Education: But what about the women? The lunar society's attitude to women and science and to the education of girls, Jenny Uglow; The Derbyshire 'Darwinians': the persistence of Erasmus Darwin's influence on a British provincial literary and scientific community, c.1780–1850, Paul Elliot. Section 4: Technology: Designing better steering for carriages (and cars); with a glance at other inventions, Desmond King-Hele; Mama and papa: the ancestors of modern-day speech science, Philip Jackson; Negative and positive images: Erasmus Darwin, Tom Wedgwood and the origins of photography, Alan Barnes; Section 5: Environment: Erasmus Darwin's contributions to the geological sciences, Hugh Torrens; The air man, Desmond King-Hele; Erasmus Darwin, work and health, Tim Carter; Section 6: Literature: The progress of society: Darwin's early drafts for the temple of nature, Martin Priestman; The poet as pathologist: myth and medicine in Erasmus Darwin's epic poetry, Stuart Harris; 'Another and the same': nature and human beings in Erasmus Darwin's doctrines of love and imagination, Maurizio Valsania. Epilogue: 'One great slaughter-house the warring world': living in revolutionary times, David Knight; Coda: Midlands memorabilia, Nick Redman; Appendix: The Creation of the Erasmus Darwin Foundation and Erasmus Darwin House, Tony Barnard; Index.

An investigation into the use of knowledge representation in computer-integrated manufacturing

In a certain automobile factory, batch-painting of the body types in colours is controlled by an allocation system. This tries to balance production with orders, whilst making optimally-sized batches of colours. Sequences of cars entering painting cannot be optimised for easy selection of colour and batch size. `Over-production' is not allowed, in order to reduce buffer stocks of unsold vehicles. Paint quality is degraded by random effects. This thesis describes a toolkit which supports IKBS in an object-centred formalism. The intended domain of use for the toolkit is flexible manufacturing. A sizeable application program was developed, using the toolkit, to test the validity of the IKBS approach in solving the real manufacturing problem above, for which an existing conventional program was already being used. A detailed statistical analysis of the operating circumstances of the program was made to evaluate the likely need for the more flexible type of program for which the toolkit was intended. The IKBS program captures the many disparate and conflicting constraints in the scheduling knowledge and emulates the behaviour of the program installed in the factory. In the factory system, many possible, newly-discovered, heuristics would be awkward to represent and it would be impossible to make many new extensions. The representation scheme is capable of admitting changes to the knowledge, relying on the inherent encapsulating properties of object-centres programming to protect and isolate data. The object-centred scheme is supported by an enhancement of the `C' programming language and runs under BSD 4.2 UNIX. The structuring technique, using objects, provides a mechanism for separating control of expression of rule-based knowledge from the knowledge itself and allowing explicit `contexts', within which appropriate expression of knowledge can be done. Facilities are provided for acquisition of knowledge in a consistent manner.

A study in the reduction of efficiency of nitrogen oxide removal catalysts for automobiles

Automotive catalysts are the most effective short-term answer to air pollution from automobiles. Since strict control of exhaust emissions is, or will be,covered by legislation in most developed countries in the world, catalytic devices will be increasingly fitted to cars. There is consequently an urgent need for the development of catalysts that will not compete for scarce precious metal resources. A number of problems have already been identified in connection with base metal catalysts but quantitative investigations are lacking. The base metal reduction catalysts developed by Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, catalysts and Chemical Group, in collaboration with the Air Pollution Control Laboratory, B L Cars Limited for automotive emission control, are susceptible to de-activation by three major mechanisms. These are: physical loss of the wash-coat (a high surface area coating which supports the active species), aggregation of the active species and poisoning by fuel and engine oil additives. This thesis is especially concerned with the first two of these and attempts to indicate the relative magnitude .of their effect on the activity of. the catalysts. Aggregation of the active species or sintering, as it is loosely called, was studied by using impregnated granules to overcome effects due to the loss of the wash-coat. Samples were aged in a synthetic exhaust gas, free from poisons, and metal crystallite sizes were measured by scanning-electron microscopy. The increase in particle size was correlated with the loss in catalytic activity. In order to maintain a link with the real conditions of service a number of monolithic catalysts were tested in an engine-dynamometer and several previously tested endurance catalysts were examined. A mechanism is proposed for the break-up and subsequent 10s.5 of the wash-coat and suggestions for improved resistance to loss of the' coating and active species are proposed.

A study of the impact of lean on UK manufacturing organisations that view it as a philosophy

There were three principal research aims: primarily, Lean is and always should be regarded as a business model as depicted by Toyota who is dedicated towards finding better ways of producing cars; consequently an investigation of whether organisations embracing Lean as a philosophy were indeed more triumphant. An adapted balanced scorecard was used which embraced strategic, operation and indices focused towards the future prospects of an organisation. Secondly, it was obligatory to explicitly and precisely determine whether an organisation espoused Lean as a philosophy as opposed to another process or strategy. Thirdly, since Lean has to be envisaged as a never-ending journey; it was important to map out the Lean journey and to be able to categorize the juncture an organisation occupies at any particular phase of its overall implementation. This affords an opportunity to advise an organisation of specific requirements it needs to satisfy should it wish to embrace Lean as a philosophy. The methodological approach focused on the effective deployment of survey questionnaires in sixty-eight organisations and seven extensive case studies in manufacturing organisations of varying sizes. The CIMA organisational classification, the Puttick grid and the Product-Process matrix were used to analyse the range of organisations used in this investigation. Whilst there was a requirement to investigate whether Lean indeed equates to success, pertinent performance measurement was considered decisive; the DMP Model (Maltz et al., 2003) was modified to perform this role. An unremitting theme both in literature concerning the implementation of Lean and in the research evolves around the notion of corporate cultures. Its relevance is explored further within the analysis. In accepting the premise that Lean incorporates a journey, it was fundamental to identify the voyage. Prevalent frameworks are deficient in identifying the sustainability and ideological facets of Lean. Consequently, an extensive Lean audit was developed and piloted in twenty disparate organisations.