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The electric potential techniques are of two types: the direct current potential drop method (DCPD) and the alternating current potential drop method (ACPD). While the latter can be used mainly to detect surface defects, the first is more appropriate for detecting the initiation of cracks and monitoring their growth. One of the advantages of the ACPD is that it can be easily employed as a non‐destructive inspection tool. The DCPD has been used mainly in the laboratory environments under various conditions of loading including high gross inelastic deformations where subsurface flaws are present. Both these techniques have high accuracy and can be used as tools to detect defects in manufactured parts such as flaws in welds. Their findings are very useful in preventive maintenance; the inspectors and engineers use them to take decisions for scheduling maintenance. The present paper presents a review of the evolution in the design of ACPD and DCPD systems, with their advantages, disadvantages and fields of application. It is shown that ACPD and DCPD have comparable sensitivity and are widely used for surface crack measurement. The relatively new AC field measurement technique will be described. Its performance will be compared to that of ACPD. The use of DCPD in applications involving high temperature and gross inelastic strains will be stressed. The results obtained in low cycle fatigue conditions show that by including a special reference potential ratio, the DCPD yields a good estimation of the average surface and subsurface crack lengths. The method also allows an accurate detection of crack initiation in these conditions.

This chapter looks at the development of the concepts of ethical governance within the English local government structure. It examines this development by reference both to the current crisis in funding and service provision, and also to the development of standards for good governance and integrity.

The chapter draws upon a national survey that was conducted by the authors in 2012.

The chapter suggests that while there may have been a wish to create more opportunities for devolved decision-making in English local government through changes in legislation, those policy-makers surveyed thought that the structures and processes of decision-making might be weakened.

The chapter indicates not just the need for further studies but also a more holistic exploration of the relationships between the ideas of ‘good governance’ and whose different interests are met through such changes.

Grid‐group analysis is grounded in a humanistic conception of social science but, it is argued, it has flaws when applied to the analysis of the environmental movement. Environmentalism is not “border” country particularly as existing only in opposition to a “centre”. Grid‐group analysis loses clarity when forced into a “border versus centre” format. And the grid‐group analysis of sub‐cultures is not sufficiently well developed; the lack of a clear holistic frame plays havoc with efforts to derive solid policy.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.

‘We have a problem with communications’ is probably the most common phrase that trainers come across in their needs analysis process. Consequently a vast amount of training effort is expended in the area of improving people's skills in how to communicate. What is neglected on the majority of courses is why people say and do things and especially why they react to a communication stimulus in a particular way. By analysing oneself it is possible to appreciate why some communication problems arise and Transactional Analysis by providing the framework for such an analysis is an important training tool in the search for improved communications.

At the passing of the Fair Trading Act, 1973, and the setting up of a Consumer Protection Service with an Office of Fair Trading under a Director‐General, few could have visualized this comprehensive machinery devised to protect the mainly economic interests of consumers could be used to further the efforts of local enforcement officers and authorities in the field of purity and quality control of food and of food hygiene in particular. This, however, is precisely the effect of a recent initiative under Sect. 34 of the Act, reported elsewhere in the BFJ, taken by the Director‐General in securing from a company operating a large group of restaurants a written undertaking, as prescribed by the Section, that it would improve its standards of hygiene; the company had ten convictions for hygiene contraventions over a period of six years.