title: Regime-dependent output convergence in Latin America

authors: Holmes, Mark J.

subjects: economics

abstract: This paper tests for long-run output convergence between a sample of eight Latin American countries and over the study period 1900-2203. The key contribution of this paper is in terms of the econometric methodology where non-stationarity of log real per capita income differentials is tested within a Markov regime-switching framework. In contrast to existing studies, this paper defines two new concepts of output convergence where one allows for the possibility that output differentials behaviour either switches between stationary and non-stationary regimes (partial convergence), or switches between stationary regimes characterised by differing degrees of persistence (varied convergence). Whereas standard univariate and panel data unit root testing clearly suggest that output differentials are non-stationary, employment of the regime-switching methodology indicates that most of the sample is characterised by the existence of two distinct stationary regimes. Furthermore, it is argued that the often-cited convergence rate of two per cent per annum is likely to be an underestimate.

text: Regime-dependent output convergence in Latin America This paper tests for long-run output convergence between a sample of eight Latin American countries and over the study period 1900-2203. The key contribution of this paper is in terms of the econometric methodology where non-stationarity of log real per capita income differentials is tested within a Markov regime-switching framework. In contrast to existing studies, this paper defines two new concepts of output convergence where one allows for the possibility that output differentials behaviour either switches between stationary and non-stationary regimes (partial convergence), or switches between stationary regimes characterised by differing degrees of persistence (varied convergence). Whereas standard univariate and panel data unit root testing clearly suggest that output differentials are non-stationary, employment of the regime-switching methodology indicates that most of the sample is characterised by the existence of two distinct stationary regimes. Furthermore, it is argued that the often-cited convergence rate of two per cent per annum is likely to be an underestimate.

year: 2006

title: Sedimentologic and hydrodynamic trends along a modern fluvial to marine transition zone: Mud deposition in the Lower Waihou River, Aotearoa-New Zealand

authors: Roche, Ben

subjects: Process-response

abstract: The fluvial to marine transition zone (FMTZ) is a dynamic environment, subject to a mixture of marine and riverine forcing mechanisms. These processes control deposition of sediments, which can hold valuable natural resources. However, due to the complex process regime, the sedimentary successions from these areas can be difficult to interpret. This study aims to improve depositional models by linking quantified measurements of the active processes to their deposits along the transition zone, using a modern example of these systems, the Waihou River in the North Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand. This study produced three main findings, which are relevant to people researching ancient shallow marine strata: 1) The locus of mud deposition occurs in the middle of the transition zone due the combined influence of depositional and preservational controls. Mixing of marine and freshwater reduces landward, which limits flocculation, and hence, deposition of mud upstream. In contrast, preservation of mud deposits is reduced towards the mouth of the river as a result of faster flow speeds. Midway between these two endpoints is a region where deposition and preservation of mud is the largest within the FMTZ. 2) Fluid mud deposits are poorly preserved in the deepest parts of channels, likely due to the high energy levels in this environment. Nevertheless, our results do not preclude the possibility that significant accumulations may occur in the shallow parts of the cross-channel profile. 3) Mud facies diversity is an indicator of depositional position along the FMTZ. Facies diversity was greatest at the middle observational site, which corresponds to the area that is subject to the most variable process regime. The landward and seaward ends of the transition zone exhibit a greater level of dominance in solely riverine or marine depositional processes, respectively. This study yields new insights into the process-response relationships for mud deposition at the interface of land to sea.

text: Sedimentologic and hydrodynamic trends along a modern fluvial to marine transition zone: Mud deposition in the Lower Waihou River, Aotearoa-New Zealand The fluvial to marine transition zone (FMTZ) is a dynamic environment, subject to a mixture of marine and riverine forcing mechanisms. These processes control deposition of sediments, which can hold valuable natural resources. However, due to the complex process regime, the sedimentary successions from these areas can be difficult to interpret. This study aims to improve depositional models by linking quantified measurements of the active processes to their deposits along the transition zone, using a modern example of these systems, the Waihou River in the North Island of Aotearoa-New Zealand. This study produced three main findings, which are relevant to people researching ancient shallow marine strata: 1) The locus of mud deposition occurs in the middle of the transition zone due the combined influence of depositional and preservational controls. Mixing of marine and freshwater reduces landward, which limits flocculation, and hence, deposition of mud upstream. In contrast, preservation of mud deposits is reduced towards the mouth of the river as a result of faster flow speeds. Midway between these two endpoints is a region where deposition and preservation of mud is the largest within the FMTZ. 2) Fluid mud deposits are poorly preserved in the deepest parts of channels, likely due to the high energy levels in this environment. Nevertheless, our results do not preclude the possibility that significant accumulations may occur in the shallow parts of the cross-channel profile. 3) Mud facies diversity is an indicator of depositional position along the FMTZ. Facies diversity was greatest at the middle observational site, which corresponds to the area that is subject to the most variable process regime. The landward and seaward ends of the transition zone exhibit a greater level of dominance in solely riverine or marine depositional processes, respectively. This study yields new insights into the process-response relationships for mud deposition at the interface of land to sea.

year: 2022

title: Problem based learning and New Zealand legal education

authors: Mackinnon, Jacquelin

subjects: law

abstract: The literature (and e-literature) on Problem Based Learning in Law suggests that this approach has been adopted with enthusiasm by some lecturers in the United Kingdom, Europe and Hong Kong. This article will explore the adoption of PBL approaches through the literature in order to draw some conclusions about the nature of PBL approaches in law and their relationship with institutional approaches to legal education. Problem Based Learning approaches are not visible in New Zealand. The article discusses the reasons for PBL's invisibility and PBL's appropriateness in the New Zealand legal education context now and in the future of legal work. Part of the New Zealand context is the participation of the indigenous people in legal education and consideration is given to whether PBL can benefit Māori law students. 
It is suggested that PBL approaches to learning law promote: 
	Contextualisation
	Interdisciplinarity
	Integration of prior personal and/or professional knowledge
	Collaboration
	Enquiry skills
	Reflection and transition
	Self directed learning and self assessment
	Praxis.

Problem Based Learning requires and fosters reflexive participants, who are sufficiently conceptually literate to read and critique key aspects of the social order and to understand their own, and others' status and role in it. Reflexivity contributes to humanist as well as legal solutions to complex human problems. PBL approaches are consistent with legal education in an increasingly global employment market.

text: Problem based learning and New Zealand legal education The literature (and e-literature) on Problem Based Learning in Law suggests that this approach has been adopted with enthusiasm by some lecturers in the United Kingdom, Europe and Hong Kong. This article will explore the adoption of PBL approaches through the literature in order to draw some conclusions about the nature of PBL approaches in law and their relationship with institutional approaches to legal education. Problem Based Learning approaches are not visible in New Zealand. The article discusses the reasons for PBL's invisibility and PBL's appropriateness in the New Zealand legal education context now and in the future of legal work. Part of the New Zealand context is the participation of the indigenous people in legal education and consideration is given to whether PBL can benefit Māori law students. 
It is suggested that PBL approaches to learning law promote: 
	Contextualisation
	Interdisciplinarity
	Integration of prior personal and/or professional knowledge
	Collaboration
	Enquiry skills
	Reflection and transition
	Self directed learning and self assessment
	Praxis.

Problem Based Learning requires and fosters reflexive participants, who are sufficiently conceptually literate to read and critique key aspects of the social order and to understand their own, and others' status and role in it. Reflexivity contributes to humanist as well as legal solutions to complex human problems. PBL approaches are consistent with legal education in an increasingly global employment market.

year: 2006-06-01