Bankruptcy

This article is a survey of relevant developments in bankruptcy law from December 1, 2019, through November 30, 2020. The article focuses on law likely to be influential to Texas practitioners

Surface structure on abandoned upland blanket peatland tracks

Temporary permissions are often granted for track use on peatlands. However, even when peatland track designs attempt to minimise environmental impacts via use of mesh systems, such linear disturbances may have persistent impacts. We evaluated the surface peatland structure of five abandoned tracks (four with a mesh surface, one unsurfaced) with varying past usage frequencies, at an upland site in northern England. Simplification of the surface nanotopography was found on all tracks compared to surrounding control areas, with increased micro-erosion patterns in rutted areas, and invasive species on some treatments. The frequency of previous usage was not found to be a significant factor controlling nano-topographic loss. Edge effects and hillslope position were influential in places, but these effects were not consistent across treatments. Nano-topographic recovery was found to be inhibited when track usage commenced within a short time frame after track construction. Mesh tracks appear to create a spatial constraint leading to poor development of plants and a reduced ability to form characteristic structures which are integral to mire function

Blanket bogs exhibit significant alterations to physical properties as a result of temporary track removal or abandonment

Temporarily consented tracks made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh have been used to mitigate both the physical and ecological impacts on peatlands from low-frequency vehicle usage. However, the impacts of mesh track removal or abandonment at the end of the consented period remain poorly understood. Over a 2-year period, we studied replicate sections of abandoned mesh track which, at the start of the experiment, had been unused for approximately 5 years, on a UK blanket bog. Some sections were removed (using two treatment methods – vegetation mown and unprepared), whereas others were left in situ. Metrics were compared both between treatments and to undisturbed reference areas. Significant differences in surface soil moisture were found between abandoned and removed tracks depending on season. Control areas had higher volumetric soil moisture than track locations. Compaction was significantly higher across all track locations in comparison to controls (p < 0.001), but rarefaction was not recorded post-removal, suggesting long-term deformation. Overland flow events were recorded in rut sections for a mean of 16% of the time, compared to <1% in control areas. Sediment traps on the tracks collected 0.406 kg compared to 0.0048 kg from the control traps, equating to a per trap value of 7.3 g from track samplers and 0.17 g from control samplers. Erosion and desiccation features occurred on both removed and abandoned track sections. Both abandonment and removal of mesh tracks have a wide range of impacts on the physical properties of peatlands, suggesting that only where access is a necessity should such a track be installed

A Comparative Analysis of the Traditional Sit-and-Reach Test and the R.S. Smith Sit-and-Reach Design

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of the gastrocnemius on the posterior chain by comparing traditional Sit-and-Reach Test (TSRT) performance in the standard 90 degree of ankle dorsiflexion position with the R.S. Smith Sit-And-Reach Design (SSRT) placing the ankle at 35 degrees of ankle plantar flexion. Methods: The researchers tested a total of 169 participants. All participants completed an informed consent prior to the tests. After completing a five-minute elliptical warm-up, participants performed three trials of each SRT variation. The highest score of each test was recorded. The researchers used a paired t-test to determine statistical significance. Results: The participants achieved a mean distance of 24.98±9.28 cm in the TSRT and 27.83±10.10 cm in the SSRT. The results showed a significant difference between SRT performance in the standard 90 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion position and the modified ankle position of 35 degrees of ankle plantar flexion, with the significance level set at p\u3c0.001. Conclusion: The flexibility of the gastrocnemius has a significant effect on the posterior chain. Therefore, when analyzing TSRT performance, gastrocnemius flexibility must also be taken into account. Several studies have been published on the premise that the TSRT evaluates low back and hamstring flexibility. Future studies should indicate that the test is assessing low back, hamstring and gastrocnemius flexibility

Removal of mesh track on an upland blanket peatland leads to changes in vegetation composition and structure

Mesh tracks on peatlands are often granted permits on a temporary basis under the presumption that the tracks are either removed at the end of their permitted use or remain unused in situ. However, the fragility of peatland habitats and poor resilience of the specialist plant communities within them, mean that these linear disturbances may persist post-abandonment or post-removal. We removed sections of mesh track, abandoned five years earlier, from a blanket peatland using two different removal treatment methods (mown and unprepared) and studied a third treatment with sections left in place over a period of 19 months. On abandoned tracks, invasive species including Campylopus introflexus and Deschampsia flexulosa had established, while track removal led to extensive loss of Sphagnum species. Loss of surficial nanotopographic vegetation structures during track removal was extensive, and micro-erosion features were prevalent in both removal treatments. Abandoned sections of track performed comparably better across all metrics than removed sections. However, similarity between the vegetation assemblage of the abandoned track and the controls was <40% at the study outset, with NMDS (Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling) highlighting divergences. There was a mean species loss of 5 per quadrat for the removed sections. Bare peat was present in 52% of all track quadrats by the finish of the study. Our findings suggest that mesh tracks left in situ and track removal both present significant barriers to recovery and additional conservation interventions may be required after peatland tracks are abandoned

Guidance for New Motivational Interviewing Trainers When Training Addiction Professionals

Evidence-based practices, such as motivational interviewing (MI), are not widely used in community alcohol and drug treatment settings. Successfully broadening the dissemination of MI will require numerous trainers and supervisors who are equipped to manage common barriers  to technology transfer. The aims of the our survey of 36 MI trainers were: 1) to gather opinions about the optimal format, duration, and content for beginning level addiction-focused MI training conducted by novice trainers and 2) to identify the challenges most likely to be encountered during provision of beginninglevel MI training and supervision, as well as the most highly recommended strategies for managing those challenges in addiction treatment sites. It is hoped that the findings of this survey will help beginning trainers equip themselves for successful training experience

Include me in: user involvement in research and evaluation

yesPurpose: This paper discusses the experiences of a group of ten user and carer researchers from mental health and learning disability services who worked together in a research and evaluation project between 2009 and 2012. The research project aimed to identify changes that took place as over 300 people moved from hostel accommodation into independent tenancies in flats and bungalows. These moves were part of a three year project involving a partnership between a local authority and a housing association. Design / approach: The paper describes the process of involving user and carers in the research process, identifying the challenges and benefits of involving users and carers. The ways in which people were trained and supported to take part and stay involved are outlined, as well as how the group felt they learnt new skills and increased their confidence. Findings: User involvement in research can mean different things with different levels of involvement, from consultation through to user-controlled research. The collaborative study had a range of benefits for the lives of the co-researchers, as well as contributing to the development of a new independent living service. A number of factors contribute to the success of user involvement in research and these are listed. Originality / value: This paper adds the voices of the co-researchers to the literature and provides ‘lessons learned’ for other researchers in this area

Surface structure on abandoned upland blanket peatland tracks

Temporary permissions are often granted for track use on peatlands. However, even when peatland track designs attempt to minimise environmental impacts via use of mesh systems, such linear disturbances may have persistent impacts. We evaluated the surface peatland structure of five abandoned tracks (four with a mesh surface, one unsurfaced) with varying past usage frequencies, at an upland site in northern England. Simplification of the surface nanotopography was found on all tracks compared to surrounding control areas, with increased micro-erosion patterns in rutted areas, and invasive species on some treatments. The frequency of previous usage was not found to be a significant factor controlling nano-topographic loss. Edge effects and hillslope position were influential in places, but these effects were not consistent across treatments. Nano-topographic recovery was found to be inhibited when track usage commenced within a short time frame after track construction. Mesh tracks appear to create a spatial constraint leading to poor development of plants and a reduced ability to form characteristic structures which are integral to mire function