The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Brian Dollery - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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no aladdin s cave in new south wales local government Amalgamation scale economies and data envelopment analysis specification
Administration & Society, 2017Co-Authors: Joseph Drew, Michael A Kortt, Brian DolleryAbstract:Local government structural reform programs are often based on the purported benefits of increased scale. We examine this question in relation to the proposed Amalgamation program for New South Wal...
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did the big stick work an empirical assessment of scale economies and the queensland forced Amalgamation program
Local Government Studies, 2016Co-Authors: Joseph Drew, Michael A Kortt, Brian DolleryAbstract:AbstractIn 2007, the Queensland Government imposed forced Amalgamation with the number of local authorities falling from 157 to just 73 councils. Amalgamation was based inter alia on the assumption that increased economies of scale would generate savings. This paper empirically examines pre- and post-Amalgamation (2006/07 and 2009/10) for scale economies. For the 2006/07 data, evidence of economies of scale was found for councils with populations up to 98,000, and thereafter diseconomies of scale. Eight percent of councils in 2006/07 (ten councils) – representing 64% of the state’s population – exhibited diseconomies of scale. For the 2009/10 data, the average cost curve remained almost stationary at 99,000 residents per council, but almost 25% of all councils (thirteen councils) were now found to exhibit diseconomies of scale. The compulsory merger program thus increased the proportion of Queensland residents in councils operating with diseconomies of scale to 84%.
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separation anxiety an empirical evaluation of the australian sunshine coast regional council de Amalgamation
Public Money & Management, 2014Co-Authors: Joseph Drew, Brian DolleryAbstract:As part of the broader Queensland local government Amalgamation programme, in 2008 Noosa Shire Council, Caloundra City Council and Maroochy Shire Council were compulsorily merged into a new Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Five years on, unyielding public opposition and a new Queensland Government has secured deAmalgamation of Noosa Shire from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Given the almost complete absence of empirical literature on municipal de-Amalgamation, the Noosa case provides a rare opportunity to empirically assess a de-Amalgamation process. Accordingly, this paper provides a critical evaluation of the de-Amalgamation analysis prepared by the Queensland Treasury Corporation. Far from placating residents, the de-Amalgamation plans are likely to provoke further acrimony due not only to equity problems, but also a lack of democratic representation on key decisionmaking bodies. On a broader level, this case study serves as a template for the theory and practice associated with any municipal de-Amalgamation-either in Australia or abroad .
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a normative model for local government de Amalgamation in australia
Australian Journal of Political Science, 2011Co-Authors: Brian Dollery, Michael A Kortt, Bligh GrantAbstract:Ongoing local community dissatisfaction in some newly amalgamated local government areas resulting from the 2007 Queensland forced Amalgamation program has raised the prospect of de-merger in that state. One catalyst has been the Opposition's commitment to de-Amalgamation should it acquire government. Apart from some descriptive discussion of actual de-Amalgamation episodes, almost no prescriptive analysis exists on the optimal form any de-merger process may take. Using two documented cases of de-Amalgamation in metropolitan and regional settings, this exploratory paper seeks to address this gap in the literature on local government by presenting a ‘stylised’ approach to de-Amalgamation designed for Australian local government conditions built around five generic principles.
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optimal structural reform in australian local government an empirical analysis of economies of scale by council function in new south wales
Urban Policy and Research, 2007Co-Authors: Brian Dollery, Joel Byrnes, Percy AllanAbstract:Amalgamation has always been the preferred means of improving the operational efficiency of Australian local government through structural reform. However, its implicit assumption that ‘bigger is better’ has scant empirical support, especially regarding the question of economies of scale. This article considers the results of a survey of general managers in New South Wales that sought to solicit opinion on which services should be provided locally and which services should be provided on a regional basis. The results of the survey suggest that respondents felt that only some services would benefit from regional provision thereby not undermining only weakening the argument for Amalgamation as a panacea, but also implicitly rejecting the view that economies of scale are ubiquitous across all services.
Alexei Kolesnikov - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Amalgamation functors and homology groups in model theory
2014 International Congress of Mathematicans ICM 2014, 2014Co-Authors: John Goodrick, Byunghan Kim, Alexei KolesnikovAbstract:We introduce the concept of an amenable class of functors and define homology groups for such classes. Amenable classes of functors arise naturally in model theory from considering types of independent systems of elements. Basic lemmas for computing these homology groups are established, and we discuss connections with type Amalgamation properties. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 03C45; Secondary 55N35.
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homology groups of types in model theory and the computation of h 2 p
Journal of Symbolic Logic, 2013Co-Authors: John Goodrick, Byunghan Kim, Alexei KolesnikovAbstract:We present definitions of homology groups Hn(p), n ≥ 0, associated to a complete type p. We show that if the generalized Amalgamation properties hold, then the homology groups are trivial. We compute the group H2(p) for strong types in stable theories and show that any profinite abelian group can occur as the group H2(p). The work described in this paper was originally inspired by Hrushovski’s discovery [7] of striking connections between Amalgamation properties and definable groupoids in models of a stable first-order theory. Amalgamation properties have already been much studied by researchers in simple theories. The Independence Theorem, or 3-Amalgamation, was used to construct canonical bases for types in such theories in [5], and in [1], Hrushovski’s group configuration theorem for stable theories was generalized to simple theories under the assumption of 4-Amalgamation over sets containing models. In [10], the n-Amalgamation hierarchy was studied systematically. See Section 1 below for a precise definition of n-Amalgamation. In [7], Hrushovski showed that if a stable theory fails 3-uniqueness, then there must exist a groupoid whose sets of objects and morphisms, as well as the composition of morphisms, are definable in the theory. In [6], an explicit construction of such a groupoid was given and it was shown in [3] that the group of automorphisms of each object of such a groupoid must be abelian profinite. The morphisms in the groupoid construction in [6] arise as equivalence classes of “paths”, defined in a model-theoretic way. In some sense, the groupoid construction paralleled that of the construction of a fundamental groupoid in a topological space. Thus it seemed natural to ask whether it is possible to define the notion of a homology group in model-theoretic context and, if so, whether such homology groups are related to the groups described in [6, 3]. In the present paper, we define homology groups Hn(p) for a complete strong type p in any rosy theory. We show that if T has k-Amalgamation for every k between 1 and n + 2, then Hn(p) = 0 for any complete type p. This leaves open the question of the converse, whether the triviality of all homology groups could imply n-Amalgamation for every n. In this paper, we make a step in this
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Amalgamation functors and boundary properties in simple theories
Israel Journal of Mathematics, 2013Co-Authors: John Goodrick, Alexei KolesnikovAbstract:This paper continues the study of generalized Amalgamation properties begun in [1], [2], [3], [5] and [6]. Part of the paper provides a finer analysis of the groupoids that arise from failure of 3-uniqueness in a stable theory. We show that such groupoids must be abelian and we link the binding group of the groupoids to a certain automorphism group of the monster model, showing that the group must be abelian as well.
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Amalgamation functors and boundary properties in simple theories
Israel Journal of Mathematics, 2013Co-Authors: John Goodrick, Byunghan Kim, Alexei KolesnikovAbstract:This paper continues the study of generalized Amalgamation properties begun in [1], [2], [3], [5] and [6]. Part of the paper provides a finer analysis of the groupoids that arise from failure of 3-uniqueness in a stable theory. We show that such groupoids must be abelian and we link the binding group of the groupoids to a certain automorphism group of the monster model, showing that the group must be abelian as well. We also study connections between n-existence and n-uniqueness properties for various “dimensions” n in the wider context of simple theories. We introduce a family of weaker existence and uniqueness properties. Many of these properties did appear in the literature before; we give a category-theoretic formulation and study them systematically. Finally, we give examples of first-order simple unstable theories showing, in particular, that there is no straightforward generalization of the groupoid construction in an unstable context.
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Amalgamation functors and homology groups in model theory
arXiv: Logic, 2011Co-Authors: John Goodrick, Byunghan Kim, Alexei KolesnikovAbstract:We present definitions of homology groups associated to a family of Amalgamation functors. We show that if the generalized Amalgamation properties hold, then the homology groups are trivial. We compute the group H_2 for strong types in stable theories and show that in this context, the class of possible groups H_2 is precisely the profinite abelian groups.
Alan S Collins - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Madagascar and the Amalgamation of Central Gondwana
Gondwana Research, 2006Co-Authors: Alan S CollinsAbstract:Abstract Madagascar lay in an interesting position in Gondwana, straddling one of the largest orogens that formed as the supercontinent amalgamated. The Malagasy basement preserves a record of the timing and style of this Amalgamation, and in addition contains much information as to the palaeogeography of the eastern Mozambique Ocean. Madagascar consists of a number of tectonic units that amalgamated in the Ediacaran–Cambrian. The tectonic units are: The Antongil Block; the Antananarivo Block; the Tsaratanana Sheet and the Bemarivo Belt. In addition to these, there are a number of regions dominated by Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, including the Molo, Betsimisaraka, Vohibory and Androyen regions. In this review I outline these units, discuss their Amalgamation history and implications for Neoproterozoic–Cambrian palaeogeography, and highlight a few key questions for future study.
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madagascar and the Amalgamation of central gondwana
Gondwana Research, 2006Co-Authors: Alan S CollinsAbstract:Abstract Madagascar lay in an interesting position in Gondwana, straddling one of the largest orogens that formed as the supercontinent amalgamated. The Malagasy basement preserves a record of the timing and style of this Amalgamation, and in addition contains much information as to the palaeogeography of the eastern Mozambique Ocean. Madagascar consists of a number of tectonic units that amalgamated in the Ediacaran–Cambrian. The tectonic units are: The Antongil Block; the Antananarivo Block; the Tsaratanana Sheet and the Bemarivo Belt. In addition to these, there are a number of regions dominated by Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, including the Molo, Betsimisaraka, Vohibory and Androyen regions. In this review I outline these units, discuss their Amalgamation history and implications for Neoproterozoic–Cambrian palaeogeography, and highlight a few key questions for future study.
Percy Allan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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optimal structural reform in australian local government an empirical analysis of economies of scale by council function in new south wales
Urban Policy and Research, 2007Co-Authors: Brian Dollery, Joel Byrnes, Percy AllanAbstract:Amalgamation has always been the preferred means of improving the operational efficiency of Australian local government through structural reform. However, its implicit assumption that ‘bigger is better’ has scant empirical support, especially regarding the question of economies of scale. This article considers the results of a survey of general managers in New South Wales that sought to solicit opinion on which services should be provided locally and which services should be provided on a regional basis. The results of the survey suggest that respondents felt that only some services would benefit from regional provision thereby not undermining only weakening the argument for Amalgamation as a panacea, but also implicitly rejecting the view that economies of scale are ubiquitous across all services.
Marcello M Veiga - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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cyanidation of mercury contaminated tailings potential health effects and environmental justice
Current Environmental Health Reports, 2016Co-Authors: Kevin Drace, Adam M Kiefer, Marcello M VeigaAbstract:There is a variety of health and environmental issues associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which includes concerns regarding mercury pollution. In many countries, intervention programs and policies emphasized the importance of reducing mercury use by focusing on viable alternative methods to Amalgamation that may include a transition to cyanidation. ASGM communities that now employ a combination of both methods may be increasing health and environmental risks by using mercury-contaminated tailings in the cyanidation process. This review provides a current overview of mercury and cyanide use in ASGM including the dangers of centralized processing centers that lack best practices. The combination of Amalgamation and cyanidation has the potential to adversely affect many ASGM communities around the world and necessitates additional investigations to determine environmental and health impacts.
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review of barriers to reduce mercury use in artisanal gold mining
The Extractive Industries and Society, 2014Co-Authors: Marcello M Veiga, Gustavo Angelocisantos, John A MeechAbstract:Abstract This article reviews the use of Amalgamation in artisanal gold mining (AGM) and the barriers to reducing mercury use and emissions from the sector. In 2012, AGM accounted for approximately 12% of all the gold produced in the world. The main method of extraction used is gold Amalgamation, a process which accounts for the release of between 1000 and 1600 tonnes of metallic mercury every year. The availability of mercury is expected to decline since the international market is shrinking as a result of international policies. Major producers and traders are discontinuing efforts to market the metal. Unfortunately, gold Amalgamation is still in wide use around the world, despite its elevated price in a restricted market. Alternative gold extraction methods for artisanal miners have been attempted, but with limited success. This paper brings to light the perceptions of different stakeholders, including governments, communities, academics, and the artisanal gold miners themselves, all of whom have impeded progress towards improved gold processing practices. Capacity building, education, and the presence of trainers prior to introducing a new approach are keys to facilitating change.
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mercury balance in Amalgamation in artisanal and small scale gold mining identifying strategies for reducing environmental pollution in portovelo zaruma ecuador
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2010Co-Authors: Patricio C Velasquezlopez, Marcello M Veiga, Ken J HallAbstract:Abstract The gold ore mined by artisanal and small-scale miners in Portovelo-Zaruma, Ecuador, is processed in custom mills. Miners can choose between Chilean-mill processing centers, where the ore is ground, concentrated and amalgamated, or “Chancha” Centers, where the whole ore is amalgamated. By weighing mercury before and after all unit operations involved in the Amalgamation process, it was possible to determine mercury losses. Analyses in eight centers indicated that 51–59% of mercury introduced into the Amalgamation process is recovered when miners squeeze the excess mercury. Around 29% of total mercury is lost when miners burn amalgam and gold is melted, and 15% is lost with the tailings. When only gravity concentrates are amalgamated, 1.4% of mercury entering the process is lost with tailings, whereas 29.5% is lost when the whole ore is amalgamated. Approximately 1.5 tonnes/annum of mercury is released in Portovelo-Zaruma, from which 70% is evaporated and 30% is released with tailings. Mercury-contaminated tailings are leached with cyanide in agitated tanks. A large majority of the processing centers dispose the final tailings with mercury and cyanide into the Calera River and Amarillo River. Mercury dissolved with cyanide likely becomes more bioavailable than metallic mercury. A campaign for reducing mercury emissions must focus on the use of individual retorts – mercury pollution control devices – and the elimination of whole ore Amalgamation.