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This paper investigates whether new venture performance becomes easier to predict as the venture ages: does the fog lift? To address this question we primarily draw upon a theoretical framework, initially formulated in a managerial context by Levinthal (Adm Sci Q 36(3):397-420, ) that sees new venture sales as a random walk but survival being determined by the stock of available resources (proxied by size). We derive theoretical predictions that are tested with a 10-year cohort of 6579 UK new ventures in the UK. We observe that our ability to predict firm growth deteriorates in the years after entry-in terms of the selection environment, the 'fog' seems to thicken. However, our survival predictions improve with time-implying that the 'fog' does lift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Cochrane Library databases are available via different interfaces; evidence in the literature, together with anecdotal evidence, shows interfaces perform differently. To ensure the quality of searches, a study was undertaken to systematically explore the functionality of interfaces. Objectives To demonstrate differences in functionality when searching the same databases across different interfaces; to discuss the implications this may have on searching; and in a wider context, to suggest a 'best match' for comparable searching. Methods Detailed cross-comparisons of a selection of search functions including Me SH terms, free text, proximity operators and truncation were undertaken in databases accessed via CRD, Wiley and Ovid. Up to three terms per function were selected and analysed. Results Differences were identified in the way searches for Me SH headings are executed, which fields are searched, how proximity operators perform, the word order searched and where terms are searched. This adds to a body of evidence demonstrating a lack of consistency in searching across different interfaces. Conclusions A 'best match' for comparable searching is suggested. Differences between interfaces offering the same database content can have implications for the success of a search, on user education, and on database evaluation and purchasing decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defining health impact assessment as any combination of procedures or methods by which a proposed policy or program may be judged as to the effect(s) it may have on the health of a population, we make recommendations about how to evaluate the health impact of all government-initiated policies. Such health impact cannot be assessed in the absence of a conceptual or organizing framework that provides the requisite guideposts -- population health goals and targets. Health impact assessment offers an approach to ensuring that governments' program and policy initiatives align, or are congruent with, the agreed-upon health goals. It suggests that proposed national policies should be supported or resisted on the basis of their probable influence on the health of populations. In the current Canadian national policy framework, however, there are no underpinnings on which to situate such a process. The specification of consensus goals and objectives with measurable targets can provide the requisite guideposts and benchmarks for health impact assessment. Such an undertaking can set the stage and provide the necessary foundation for an effective health impact assessment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the need for the government to prioritize the management and prevention of dementia to ensure public health in Great Britain. The topics discussed include the estimated number of individuals suffering from dementia, the projected rise of people sick with it by 2030 and 2050, and the public health techniques aimed at reducing dementia incidence or delay the onset of the ailment.

The authors conveys their concerns on the global perspective on dementia care. Topics discussed include the core and neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, economic reasons to prioritise dementia care, and the partnership between "The Lancet" journal and several British academic and charitable groups to establish a Commission on Dementia Care.

Reports that a league table of mortality rates published in Great Britain reveals that the outcomes of heart surgery have improved overall since 1995, as of November 24, 2001, but that there are still wide variations in death rates between hospitals. Details of the survey; Mortality rates at various hospitals; Reaction to this survey by the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland; Details of a previous survey.

Reports that faulty methods of specimen collection have illegitimized the results of a study to determine the presence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in sheep in Great Britain. Response of the Institute for Animal Health, which was commissioned by the government to conduct the study, and other involved agencies; Contamination of the sheep-brain specimens with bovine material; Implications.

Discusses the need for a coordinated national strategy to fight public health problems in the United Kingdom. How a report by public health experts warns that the public health sector lacks the necessary resources; Proposal for the establishment of a national academic public health strategy group involving governmental and non-governmental funding agencies; Goals to increase coordination in the support for public health research.

Reports that the University of Manchester has been selected to host the coordination center for the UK Biobank project in Great Britain. Controversy over the project, which aims to link DNA samples and life style data with the medical records of thousands of individuals; Goal of the project to explore the role of genes and environment on health; Involvement of the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, and the Department of Health in the project.

Reports that researchers in Great Britain and the Netherlands launched a joint initiative to use RNA interference (RNAi) to systematically uncover the function of each gene in the human genome. Hopes of investigators that ultimately they will be able to identify which genes play an important part in the development of cancer and other diseases; Use by researchers of the sequence of the human genome to create RNAi vectors to knock out the expression of each gene one at a time; Discovery of RNAi in the nematode worm.

Reports that the government of Great Britain has planned to spend money allocated to science technology. Mention of the report 'Investing in Innovation'; Comparison of the amount of scientific research in British universities to research in institutions in other countries; Outlook for Research Councils UK to discuss how extra money for research should be allocated.

States that a network of six Genetic Knowledge Parks will be set up in Great Britain, according to a January 16, 2002 announcement by Health Secretary Alan Milburn. Purpose of the centers, where they will be located, and how they will be funded.

Reports on the rejection by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee, the United Kingdom government advisory body, of suggestions that there might be a link between variant Creutzfelt Jakob disease (vCJD) and polio vaccination. Discussion of the possible link; Use of fetal calf serum in the manufacture of the vaccine; Assertion of the committee that the link was a remote one.

Focuses on the firm performance of a state-subsidized training-loan scheme for small business in Great Britain. Impact of the scheme on firm growth; Development on the management of small firms; Enhancement on the workforce training in smaller enterprises.