Abstract: opments and ethnicity. The discussion of poverty can draw upon a large number of definitions and approaches. For instance, there is a difference between absolute and relative poverty. Absolute poverty is defined by reference to the ability to acquire the package of essential con sumption goods. For this, a minimum income level has to be attained. Relative poverty reflects the general state of affluence in a broad sense in a given society. Both poverty and affluence are specified in relation to the general situation; the poor are those who have less than others. Or even more

Abstract: Magnetic levitation is the first truly new transportation technology in one hundred years and comes at a time when advances in transportation are urgently needed. The German Transrapid magnetic levitation train is the first such commercially available system. Based on technology that originated in the United States, it has been under development for approximately fifteen years in Germany. While not yet in commercial operation, tests on the Transrapid indicate that the system can provide better service to passengers than conventional rail, both in terms of speed and comfort. And comparisons of environmental impacts show that the Transrapid compares favorably with other modes of transport. The article points out doubts that remain about costs and revenues and about the effects of electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: From its inception in 1964 the Shinkansen has been a success story. The four lines - now totalling over 1800 km and carrying more than 250 million passengers per annum - compete well with the airlines for journeys under 700 km and exhibit a very high degree of reliability. The system is one of the most outstandingly successful projects undertaken in postwar Japan. There are two reasons. First, the system is very punctual, a factor of great importance to business travelers. Second, the service is very frequent. It is possible to arrive at the stations and get a train within a few minutes, without a reservation. These features emerge from the dedicated character of the system. The construction cost is not low, but the system is nevertheless economically sound under large travel demands.

Abstract: The Japanese Maglev system represents a completely new technology, using superconducting magnetic levitation, that aims to provide a 313 mph (500 km/h) operation passenger service. Not only will the Maglev train bring major improvements to transport in Japan, but it is also destined to have a major impact on urban and regional forms. Development of the system is continuing, and the engineering information provided in this paper is based on the data from the newest MLU002 type trial at the Miyazaki test track.

Abstract: The German InterCity Express (ICE) is the product of a series of developments dating back to the late 1960s when the declining contribution of rail in Germany's rapidly growing transportation sector was first officially recognized. This generated a program to update the infrastructure and rolling stock, improve quality and service, differentiate market segments, identify matching products and integrate services, and restructure the Deutsche Bundesbahn. The ICE is one piece of the program to improve transportation in Germany. In comparison to other high-speed trains the ICE is the most comfortable, but it may not be as fast or as frequent. However it appears to be succeeding in its chosen market sector. Its future development, in comparison with its nearest competitor, the French TGV, should prove interesting.