This paper investigates the dynamic impacts of cotton marketing reforms on farm output in rural Zambia. Following liberalization and the elimination of the Zambian cotton marketing board, the sector developed an outgrower scheme whereby cotton firms provided credit, access to inputs and output markets, and technical assistance to the farmers. There are two distinctive phases of the reforms: a f...

In order to plan manipulation of an object by pushing, a robot must have a model of the geometry and the friction properties of the object. This paper presents an approach to estimating the relevant friction parameters by performing experimental pushes and observing the resultant motion. Recognition of objects based on their friction parameters is also explored.

fair, and valid test. The flaw in selection may be that it is impossible to reconcile the need for the recruitment process to fill all the training posts every year, and ensure that all these recruits pass the MRCGP examination within their 3 years of training. Any worries that the MRCGP examination is not a good test of competence needs to be addressed by the Royal College of General Practitio...