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Key Developments (key + development)
Selected AbstractsThe Australian corporate rescue regime: bold experiment or sensible policy?INTERNATIONAL INSOLVENCY REVIEW, Issue 2 2001Colin Anderson This paper takes its title from a paper given by the Honourable Justice Robert Austin, of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, to a conference on Key developments in Corporate Law and Equity in March 2001. In that speech he described Australia's corporate rescue regime as a "bold experiment". This paper suggests that this is not a justified description and further that it is unlikely to end in the foreseeable future. The paper consists of a broad outline of how the system operates in Australia. It provides some commentary on the more significant features of the operation of Part 5.3A of the Corporations Law and considers suggestions that have been made in respect of reform of the legislation. The paper goes on to consider how the regime has been used since its introduction showing it is now the most widely used form of insolvency administration. The paper then examines briefly some of the attempts at evaluation of the regime. It concludes by suggesting that at this stage there is inadequate information to be conclusive as to the procedure's success or otherwise in fulfilling its aims of providing better returns to creditors. It is argued first, that the wide use of the procedure suggests that it is unlikely to be fundamentally altered in the near future. A further conclusion is that there is some soundness in the approach that the legislation takes in having less court control and a greater role played by the insolvency practitioner. [source] A review of forecast error covariance statistics in atmospheric variational data assimilation.THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 637 2008II: Modelling the forecast error covariance statistics Abstract This article reviews a range of leading methods to model the background error covariance matrix (the B -matrix) in modern variational data assimilation systems. Owing partly to its very large rank, the B -matrix is impossible to use in an explicit fashion in an operational setting and so methods have been sought to model its important properties in a practical way. Because the B -matrix is such an important component of a data assimilation system, a large effort has been made in recent years to improve its formulation. Operational variational assimilation systems use a form of control variable transform to model B. This transform relates variables that exist in the assimilation's ,control space' to variables in the forecast model's physical space. The mathematical basis on which the control variable transform allows the B-matrix to be modelled is reviewed from first principles, and examples of existing transforms are brought together from the literature. The method allows a large rank matrix to be represented by a relatively small number of parameters, and it is shown how information that is not provided explicitly is filled in. Methods use dynamical properties of the atmosphere (e.g. balance relationships) and make assumptions about the way that background errors are spatially correlated (e.g. homogeneity and isotropy in the horizontal). It is also common to assume that the B -matrix is static. The way that these, and other, assumptions are built into systems is shown. The article gives an example of how a current method performs. An important part of this article is a discussion of some new ideas that have been proposed to improve the method. Examples include how a more appropriate use of balance relations can be made, how errors in the moist variables can be treated and how assumptions of homogeneity/isotropy and the otherwise static property of the B -matrix can be relaxed. Key developments in the application of dynamics, wavelets, recursive filters and flow-dependent methods are reviewed. The article ends with a round up of the methods and a discussion of future challenges that the field will need to address. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Aerial photosieving of exposed gravel bars for the rapid calibration of airborne grain size mapsEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 6 2010Stephen J. Dugdale Abstract In recent years, fluvial remote sensing has seen considerable progress in terms of methods capable of system scale characterisation of river catchments. One key development is automated grain size mapping. It has been shown that high resolution aerial photography can be used to automatically produce grain size maps over entire rivers. However, current aerial grain size mapping procedures all require field calibration data. The collection of such data can be costly and problematic in the case of remote areas. This paper presents a method developed to remove the need for field based calibration data. Called ,aerial photosieving', this method consists of using the same very high resolution aerial imagery intended for grain size map production to visually measure particle sizes on-screen in order to provide calibration data. The paper presents a rigorous comparison of field-based photosieving calibration data and aerial photosieving calibration data. Statistical tests are used to demonstrate that aerial photosieving gives similar results when compared with field-based data with only a slight systematic overprediction. The new aerial photosieving method therefore simplifies the overall procedure required for the production of grain size maps and thus improves the cost-effectiveness and potential availability of this new fluvial remote sensing technology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley &Sons, Ltd. [source] Corporate Governance: a review of some key developmentsCORPORATE GOVERNANCE, Issue 2 2005Chris Mallin No abstract is available for this article. [source] ETHICS AND EDUCATION FORTY YEARS LATEREDUCATIONAL THEORY, Issue 1 2007Bryan R. Warnick At least in the United States, however, it is now rarely read or discussed. In this essay, Bryan Warnick looks at the virtues and vices of Ethics and Education, examining some major criticisms of the book in light of key developments in philosophy and educational theory that have occurred since it was first published. He finds that some of the criticisms seem unjustified and overstated, while others can be met with a reading of the text that places its language analysis within a framework of communitarian ethics, a move made possible by rejecting Peters's fact/value dichotomy. This way of reading Ethics and Education reveals an interesting conception of what philosophy of education can be: namely, a sort of normative analytic anthropology. It also shows the value of engaging more with the recent history of philosophy of education. [source] The future of magnetic resonance-based techniques in neurologyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2001European Federation of Neurological Societies Task Force Magnetic resonance techniques have become increasingly important in neurology for defining: 1,brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerve or muscle structure; 2,pathological changes in tissue structures and properties; and 3,dynamic patterns of functional activation of the brain. New applications have been driven in part by advances in hardware, particularly improvements in magnet and gradient coil design. New imaging strategies allow novel approaches to contrast with, for example, diffusion imaging, magnetization transfer imaging, perfusion imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging. In parallel with developments in hardware and image acquisition have been new approaches to image analysis. These have allowed quantitative descriptions of the image changes to be used for a precise, non-invasive definition of pathology. With the increasing capabilities and specificity of magnetic resonance techniques it is becoming more important that the neurologist is intimately involved in both the selection of magnetic resonance studies for patients and their interpretation. There is a need for considerably improved access to magnetic resonance technology, particularly in the acute or intensive care ward and in the neurosurgical theatre. This report illustrates several key developments. The task force concludes that magnetic resonance imaging is a major clinical tool of growing significance and offers recommendations for maximizing the potential future for magnetic resonance techniques in neurology. [source] The End of an Era: What Became of the "Managed Care Revolution" in 2001?HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 1p2 2003Cara S. Lesser Objective. To describe how the organization and dynamics of health systems changed between 1999 and 2001, in the context of expectations from the mid-1990s when managed care was in ascendance, and assess the implications for consumers and policymakers. Data Sources/Study Setting. Data are from the Community Tracking Study site visits to 12 communities that were randomly selected to be nationally representative of metropolitan areas with 200,000 people or more. The Community Tracking Study is an ongoing effort that began in 1996 and is fielded every two years. Study Design. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 50,90 stakeholders and observers of the local health care market in each of the 12 communities every two years. Respondents include leaders of local hospitals, health plans, and physician organizations and representatives of major employers, state and local governments, and consumer groups. First round interviews were conducted in 1996,1997 and subsequent rounds of interviews were conducted in 1998,1999 and 2000,2001. A total of 1,690 interviews were conducted between 1996 and 2001. Data Analysis Methods. Interview information was stored and coded in qualitative data analysis software. Data were analyzed to identify patterns and themes within and across study sites and conclusions were verified by triangulating responses from different respondent types, examining outliers, searching for disconfirming evidence, and testing rival explanations. Principal Findings. Since the mid-1990s, managed care has developed differently than expected in local health care markets nationally. Three key developments shaped health care markets between 1999 and 2001: (1) unprecedented, sustained economic growth that resulted in extremely tight labor markets and made employers highly responsive to employee demands for even fewer restrictions on access to care; (2) health plans increasingly moved away from core strategies in the "managed care toolbox"; and (3) providers gained leverage relative to managed care plans and reverted to more traditional strategies of competing for patients based on services and amenities. Conclusions. Changes in local health care markets have contributed to rising costs and created new access problems for consumers. Moreover, the trajectory of change promises to make the goals of cost-control and quality improvement more difficult to achieve in the future. [source] Community engagement for counterterrorism: lessons from the United KingdomINTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, Issue 4 2010RACHEL BRIGGS This article explores the development of community engagement within the UK's strategy to tackle international terrorism linked to and inspired by Al-Qaeda, commonly known as CONTEST. It focuses mostly on the ,Prevent' strand of the strategy which seeks to prevent radicalization towards violence, reduce tacit support for violence, and increase the resilience of communities to tackle radicalization and extremist messages themselves. Community engagement for counterterrorism also relates to certain aspects of the ,Pursue' strand of CONTEST, and these are highlighted. The article outlines the case for a community-based approach to counterterrorism and outlines a number of the key developments in its emergence from 2005 onwards. It analyses the performance of this aspect of the counterterrorism strategy, pointing to a number of shortcomings in relation to the establishment of partnerships, the integration of the approach, capacity shortfalls at the local level, and the wider challenges of a hostile political and media environment. Written as the new UK coalition government announces a review of the ,Prevent' strategy, it offers a number of recommendations for the future direction of this area of policy. It calls for an overhaul in working styles, a focus on people rather than projects, and the need to draw a much clearer line between downstream and targeted ,Prevent' work and the broader and longer-term community development work, with the latter encapsulated within the government's Big Society Programme and aimed at all fragile communities, not just Muslims. [source] Micro-fuel cell power sourcesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 6-7 2007Jeffrey D. Morse Abstract This paper presents a review and discussion of micro-fuel cell technologies, providing insight into the innovations that have been made to date. Discussion of concepts and results leading towards increased levels of integration and performance for micro-fuel cell systems will elucidate the potential of thin film and microfabrication methods in meeting the challenges and requirements necessary for consumer applications. While the amount of literature in this area is substantial, a representative sampling of key developments will be presented in this paper, in order to gain a sense of the design methodologies being implemented for micro-fuel cell power sources. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Case management models and the care programme approach: how to make the CPA effective and credibleJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2003A. SIMPSON rmn ba (hons) pgdip The care programme approach (CPA), a form of case management, is a key mental health policy in England. Yet after over 10 years, it remains poorly and unevenly implemented with few benefits for service users, carers or mental health staff. This paper reviews the wider literature on case management and identifies and considers the principal models that might have informed the development of the CPA. After discussing the evidence for each of the clinical, strengths, intensive and assertive case management models, the paper identifies the key components that appear to be central to effective case management across these models. These components are then considered in relation to the CPA. It is argued that the CPA has been undermined by a failure to incorporate and build on certain important features of the major models of case management. The paper concludes by suggesting the key developments required to make the CPA more effective and to underpin the policy with a unifying philosophy while endorsing it with much needed credibility among both clinicians and service users. [source] Prescriber 1990,2010: key developments in drug treatmentPRESCRIBER, Issue 9 2010FBPharmacolS, Gordon McInnes BSc Our editorial consultants highlight the significant advances made in their therapeutic areas over the past 20 years. Here we look at developments in CVS and respiratory medicine and diabetes. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] New perspectives in forensic anthropologyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue S47 2008Dennis C. Dirkmaat Abstract A critical review of the conceptual and practical evolution of forensic anthropology during the last two decades serves to identify two key external factors and four tightly inter-related internal methodological advances that have significantly affected the discipline. These key developments have not only altered the current practice of forensic anthropology, but also its goals, objectives, scope, and definition. The development of DNA analysis techniques served to undermine the classic role of forensic anthropology as a field almost exclusively focused on victim identification. The introduction of the Daubert criteria in the courtroom presentation of scientific testimony accompanied the development of new human comparative samples and tools for data analysis and sharing, resulting in a vastly enhanced role for quantitative methods in human skeletal analysis. Additionally, new questions asked of forensic anthropologists, beyond identity, required sound scientific bases and expanded the scope of the field. This environment favored the incipient development of the interrelated fields of forensic taphonomy, forensic archaeology, and forensic trauma analysis, fields concerned with the reconstruction of events surrounding death. Far from representing the mere addition of new methodological techniques, these disciplines (especially, forensic taphonomy) provide forensic anthropology with a new conceptual framework, which is broader, deeper, and more solidly entrenched in the natural sciences. It is argued that this new framework represents a true paradigm shift, as it modifies not only the way in which classic forensic anthropological questions are answered, but also the goals and tasks of forensic anthropologists, and their perception of what can be considered a legitimate question or problem to be answered within the field. Yrbk Phys Anthropol 51:33,52, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Subcorneal pustular dermatosis: 50 years onCLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2008S. Cheng Summary We review the key developments in our understanding of subcorneal pustular dermatosis (SCPD, also known as Sneddon,Wilkinson disease) over the past 50 years. SCPD is a rare, chronic, sterile pustular eruption that was first described by Sneddon and Wilkinson in 1956. The primary lesions are pea-sized pustules classically described as half-pustular, half-clear flaccid fluid blisters. Histologically the salient feature is a subcorneal accumulation of neutrophils, suggesting the presence of chemoattractants such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF), in the uppermost epidermis. However, to date its exact pathophysiology is unknown. Cases in association with pyoderma gangrenosum, benign monoclonal IgA gammopathy and multiple myeloma are well documented. There are anecdotal reports of SCPD associated with other internal malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, thymoma, apudoma and epidermoid carcinoma of the lung. The treatment of choice is dapsone. Therapeutic alternatives include retinoids, phototreatment with psoralen ultraviolet (UV) A, broadband or narrow band UVB and corticosteroids. Anecdotal uses of tacalcitol, ketoconazole, azithromycin, tetracycline, minocycline, vitamin E, ciclosporin, colchicine, mizoribine, mebhydrolin, infliximab and adalimumab with mycophenolate mofetil have all been reported. [source] | ||||||||||||||||