bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The welfare of pensioners during economic transition: an analysis of Hungarian survey data1
Authors: Hancock Ruth , Pudney Stephen 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper examines the welfare of pensioners over the early transition period 1987‐93 in Hungary. We describe the pension system in detail, and demonstrate the tendency towards compression of the pensioner income distribution towards low income which is induced by the rules and indexation provisions of the pension system. We use the Hungarian Household Budget Surveys to analyse the growth of poverty among the pensioner population and to compare their experience with two other distributionally sensitive groups: households with children and households affected by unemployment.
The restructuring of large firms in the Slovak Republic1
Authors: Djankov Simeon , Pohl Gerhard 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper examines case study evidence of large Slovak firms chosen to represent a wide range of initial conditions, privatization techniques and success with restructuring. We document the ownership changes and restructuring actions of firms. We then re‐examine several hypotheses about firm restructuring in the light of this new evidence. In particular, we show that the majority of large Slovak firms have successfully restructured in the absence of foreign investors and government‐led restructuring programmes. The study also generates some new queries on the effectiveness of different privatization methods in enhancing corporate governance and improving access to skills and capital. We find that privatization to insiders through management‐employee buy‐outs did not hamper firm restructuring, at least in the initial years after privatization, as the new owners (old managers) invested heavily in new technology, laid off a substantial part of their workforce, sought foreign partnerships, and were prepared to sell controlling stakes to outsiders in return for fresh financial resources. The evidence also suggests that the mass privatization programme in the Slovak Republic did not result in weak corporate governance since it was followed by a rapid consolidation of outsider ownership. This is in contrast to the anecdotal evidence for Georgia, Russia and Ukraine which opted for mass privatization to insiders (managers and employees)
On privatization methods in Eastern Europe and their implications1
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Blanchard Olivier J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe have two goals in this paper. The first is to draw lessons from the privatization experiences in Eastern Europe so far, in particular with respect to the relation between alternative privatization methods, the evolution of ownership after privatization and restructuring. The second is to draw from these lessons to suggest ways in which remaining privatization programmes might be designed or improved, when political constraints and economic realities are taken into account.
Labour market characteristics and profitability: An econometric analysis of Hugarian exporting firms, 1986‐951
Authors: Halpern László , Körösi Gábor 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis paper follows through an aspect of microeconomic restructuring in Hungary during the transition period. This restructuring brought about substantial changes in the behaviour of all economic agents. Our study combines labour market and corporate financial information to explore the effect of the quality of labour employed on the profitability of the firm. The quality of labour is measured as that portion of wage differentials that cannot be explained by a standard human capital model. The profitability of Hungarian exporting firms can be explained by economic factors during transition. In addition the quality of labour, export share, wage and bank costs, payables, receivables, foreign ownership, inventories, amortization and equity are all significant explanatory variables.
Russian commodity exchanges: A case study of organized markets in the transition process, 1990‐96
Authors: Davis Jerome D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFew developments are more significant in transitional economics than the development of organized commodity and financial markets. Working from a transaction costs framework, this paper analyses a set of these markets, the Russian commodity exchanges, and their attempts to order trade in commodities in the period 1990‐96. These exchanges have incurred high transaction costs both in defining the property rights involved in trading and in overcoming the problems of agent search and ‘immediacy’. Parallels between Russian commodity exchanges and other organized markets in Eastern Europe are drawn and remedies for the problems encountered are suggested.
Trade in quality goods, trading regimes and unemployment in transition economies1
Authors: Moutos Thomas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractOne of the most important consequences of the transition in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has been the dismantling of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA). It is argued in this paper that the abrupt loss of trading partners for the former CMEA countries and the Newly Independent States (NIS) are partly responsible for the ensuing contraction of output and the emergence of unemployment. A model in which trade is conducted in vertically‐differentiated products is constructed with the implication that the dismantling of ‘clearing trade’arrangements among CMEA countries may make unemployment more than just a short‐term phenomenon.
Trade liberalization and political support in transition economies
Authors: Wunner Norbert 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMost transition economies in Central and Eastern Europe have rather surprisingly resisted protectionist pressures‐at least during early stages of reform‐and pursued fairly liberal trade policies. In this paper, trade policy during transition is explained from a political economy perspective. It is shown that pursuing liberal trade policies can be a rational strategy of reform politicians, maximizing the probability of electoral success.
Reforming state‐market relations in rural China1
Authors: Park Albert , Rozelle Scott 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBecause of the political importance of stable and affordable food prices, governments in transitional economies in Europe and Asia fkequently struggle to balance the desire to maintain state controls in the rural sector with the goal of promoting market development and privatizing or commercializing state agencies involved in rural trade or finance. This paper examines institutional change in China's rural state agencies during the reform period, focusing on the conflict between managerial incentives to maximize profits, on the one hand, and implement policy, on the other. We explain the reasons for changing contractual incentives and authority arrangements over time, assess the effects of new institutional forms on economic performance and policy implementation, and consider reform options.
Qualitative analysis of parents’ information needs and psychosocial experiences when supporting children with health care needs
Authors: Jackson Rachel , Baird Wendy , Davis‐Reynolds Loretta , Smith Christine , Blackburn Stephen , Allsebrook Janet 
Published: November 2007

AbstractObjective:  To identify the information needs of parents of children with health care needs.Methods:  A series of three focus groups and one in‐depth interview were held with parents (n = 10, 90% female) in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, UK.Results:  Findings were grouped into four themes: delivery of information; levels of support; relationship between the family and professional; and management of events. Parents expressed a preference for information to be delivered on a verbal, ‘one‐to‐one’ basis by a professional, supplemented by accessible, written reference materials. The provision of a contact telephone number for a named professional, so further information could be obtained when required, was identified as a key source of support. Participants emphasized the importance of being consulted about the care of their child, the interaction between professional and child, and also of being treated as an individual by the professional.Conclusions:  Delivery of information to parents may be most effective on a verbal, ‘one‐to‐one’ basis with a professional, in conjunction with written accessible general and child‐specific reference materials. The importance to parents of the provision of contact details for a named professional and specialist nurse support is also emphasized. The psychosocial experiences of parents, along with the impact of the relationship between family and professional, and requirement for good channels of communication, must be taken into account by professionals during the care of children with health care needs. These findings have important implications for professionals and service providers for the future delivery of information to parents of children with health care needs.
Public health practitioners’ information access and use patterns in the Maryland (USA) public health departments of Anne Arundel and Wicomico Counties1
Authors: Twose Claire , Swartz Patricia , Bunker Edward , Roderer Nancy K. , Oliver Kathleen B. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractPurpose:  To increase understanding of the information needs and use of public health practitioners.Setting:  From June 2005 to May 2006, the library offered a course in public health information resources to eighteen practitioners in two counties, access to the library's licensed electronic resources through a tailored web portal, and consulting services.Evaluation method:  We combined usage statistics from the web portal, self‐report and observational data collected during training and shadowing of participants.Conclusions:  The data from this project indicate that usage of licensed information resources and services is infrequent but broad ranging. A few users register at the high end of the usage range, but one use of one high quality article can have a significant impact on policy decisions. Time and competing responsibilities often constrain the retrieval and use of resources for evidence‐based decision making and an informationist or power‐user model may be more appropriate than training all practitioners to integrate searching into their workflow. This study indicates (i) that evidence‐based public health practice requires seamless and broadly based information access; and (ii) that the currently existing patchwork does not support the level of use or take into account the time constraints of information needs for public health practice.
The Problem of Military Service as an Employment Opportunity for the Epileptic
Authors: QUADFASEL F. A. , GUHLEMAN H. V. 
Published: November 2007

Summary

It is calculated from available data that there are about 460,000 epileptics of employable age (15–59) in the U. S. A. representing > potential manpower pool for military service. The actual number available cannot be determined because no figures are available as to the number of epileptics who are able to maintain constant employment.
The peculiarities of military service, the necessity for special handling of the epileptic and the high cost of separation and post‐service compensation must be weighed against the potential contribution to the military service.
Despite rigid exclusion policies many epileptics are inducted, and they constitute a disproportionate number of neuropsychiatric cases in the services. The percentage of epileptics seen on the Neurological Section of an Army General Hospital was more than twice as great as on the Neurological Section of a Veterans Administration Hospital with a special epilepsy service (32.6% and 16.2%).
In 77.3 induction was due to failure of adequate screening (disregard of patient's statement in 40%, failure to question in 37.3%).
56% of all patients with a history of epilepsy before induction had to be hospitalized during the first five months of military service; 73% during the first eight months.
The problems of acceptance and rejection for military service have not yet been satisfactorily solved. Although more employment in private industry seems practicable, military service ap>ears not feasible without many changes in attitudes and regulations.
The Effects of Convulsive and Anesthetic Agents on Steady Cortical Potential
Authors: GOLDRING SIDNEY , O'LEARY JAMES L. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYCortical potential changes — too slow to be recorded by ordinary capacity coupled amplifiers and called SP changes — were studied incident to i.v. injection of convulsive and anesthetic agents. Investigation of these slowly shifting potential phenomena required the use of very stable non‐polarizable calomel electrodes and some monitoring potential of fast time course, such as the spike discharge, or a succession of dendritic responses.1. Strychnine, caffeine and metrazol effects were recorded simultaneously from cerebral and cerebellar cortex of the rabbit. Each of the agents occasioned characteristic SP shifts. With strychnine a negative SP shift precedes the appearance of rhythmic discharge in the cerebellum. Positive SP shifts develop in both cerebrum and cerebellum following caffeine, ushering in seizure discharge, which appears first in the cerebellum, later in the cerebrum. Divergent SP shifts (cerebral, positive; cerebellar, negative) occur during the development of seizure discharge with metrazol.2. The effect of nembutal (i.v.) was studied in the cerebral cortex of the cat. Given in sufficient amounts (30–50 g) to elicit barbiturate spindles it produced a positive (300–500 μV) SP shift. Injection of additional nembutal (50–100 mg) caused flattening of the record and further development of the positive shift. However with enough nembutal to produce death the shift reversed to become strongly negative.3. The effect of deepening nembutal anesthesia was tested upon serially evoked dendritic responses and their accompanying negative SP shift. With moderately deep nembutal anesthesia the individual dendritic potentials disappeared from the tracing while the negative shift underlying them showed a striking increase in amplitude and duration. Such an SP change outlasted the stimulus period by 2–3 sec.4. Finally, capacity coupled and DC records of metrazol and nembutal induced changes are compared, emphasizing that important slow changes are missed by capacity coupled recording.
Phylogenetic Development of Susceptibility to, and Symptomatology of Epileptic Seizures
Authors: SERVÍT ZDENEK 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYSeizure susceptibility to pharmacological and electrical stimuli increases in the course of vertebrate phylogenesis.The pattern of a paroxysm of convulsions (a generalized epileptic seizure) changes during phylogenesis. At lower levels of phylogenetic development of the brain, this seizure consists of more prolonged convulsions without a clear differentiation of the clonic and tonic phase.A comparative study shows that at higher levels of development the typical form of this seizure occurs in three phases: clonic, tonic, clonic, consisting of an initial clonus, a tonic phase and a terminal clonus.Signs of differentiation of this form of seizure can be seen in amphibians, but it is fully developed only in reptiles and mammals. The tonic phase of convulsive seizure shortens with phylogenetic development of the brain.The pattern of more differentiated (automatic) epileptic seizures is determined by the physiological pattern of locomotion of the animal. The running forms of paroxysm are the most frequent forms of epileptic automatism in such animals where the rapid locomotion over long distances forms the physiological pattern of motion.
Serum Mucoproteins in Progressive Familial Myoclonic Epilepsy (A Preliminary Note)
Authors: MILLAR J. H. D. , NEILL D. W. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYThis preliminary study suggests that it may be possible to identify cases of Progressive Familial Myoclonic Epilepsy due to Lafora inclusions by electrophoresis of the serum mucoproteins. Further quantitative studies will require to be done to identify the type of mucoprotein implicated.
Recent Experiences with Parenteral Dilantin
Authors: SCHWAB ROBERT S. , MURPHY JOHN T. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONSWe have continued to find the parenteral form of Dilantin useful in the management of a number of complications of epileptic seizures and in their prevention. We recommend its use where doses of barbiturate beyond 200 milligrams carry a risk or are not feasible, as well as a more effective anticonvulsant in other situations.RÉSUMÉ ET CONCLUSIONSNous sommes toujours d'avis que la forme injectable de la Dilantine est utile dans le traitement de diverses complications des crises d'épilepsie ainsi que pour prévenir l'apparition de ces complications. Nous recommandons son emploi dans les cas où des doses de barbituriques supérieures à 200 mg comportent des risques ou ne peuvent être pratiquées; nous en recommandons également l'usage dans les cas où, dans d'autres situations, l'emploi d'un anti‐convulsivant plus actif paraît indiqué.
Propagation of Epileptic Discharge, as Revealed by Activated Electroencephalography
Authors: AIRD ROBERT B. , GAROUTTE BILL 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARY1. A detailed examination of 1300 consecutive EEGs revealed 151 (11%) in which gross foci were observed that were associated with exacerbations of activity sufficient to permit a study of the modes of propagation of focal discharge when recorded by means of homologous runs obtained simultaneously and when activated by hyper‐ventilation and other methods.2. In addition to local cortical spread, two types of propagation of activated focal discharge were observed.3. Gross generalized exacerbations were found in 51 % of the focal records, while focal exacerbation of the contralateral homologous region was definite in 47%. Both types were observed in the records of some patients.4. The characteristics of the generalized and bilaterally synchronous exacerbations were such that they could only be explained in terms of a subcortical “pacemaker”. The characteristics of the more focal, contralateral homologous spread seemed to justify attributing it to commissural transmission.5. Generalized activation occurred predominantly in the convulsive group, and activation of this type that was sufficient to obscure the primary focus occurred only in the convulsive cases.6. Focal activation of contralateral homologous regions occurred predominantly in the nonconvulsive group.7. The significance of these findings, in terms of the propagation of epileptic discharge and of EEG differential diagnosis was discussed.RÉSUMÉ1. L'examen détaillé de 1300 EEG consécutifs révèle que dans 151 (11%) des cas on a observé de grands foyers associés à des exacerbations d'activité suffisantes pour permettre une étude des modes de propagation de la décharge focale enregistrée à l'aide de dérivations homologues obtenues simultanément et activée par hyperventilation ou autres méthodes.2. Deux types de propagation d'une décharge focale activée ont été observés conjointement avec une extension corticale locale.3. De fortes exacerbations généralisées ont été constatées en 51% des enregistrements focaux, tandis qu'une exacerbation focale de la région contralatérale homologue a été observée en 47% des cas. Les deux types ont été observés dans les enregistrements de quelques malades.4. Les caractéristiques des exacerbations synchrones généralisées et bilatérales étaient telles qu'on ne peut les expliquer que par l'emploi du terme “pacemaker” subcortical. Il semble juste d'attribuer les caractéristiques d'une extension focale contralatérale et homologue à une transmission commissurale.5. L'activation généralisée se produit principalement dans le groupe convulsif; l'activation de ce type suffisante pour masquer le foyer primaire ne se produit que dans des cas convulsifs.6. Une activité focale de régions homologues contralatérales se présente surtout dans le groupe non‐convulsif.7. Discussion de la signification de ces découvertes quant à la propagation d'une décharge épileptique et quant au diagnostic différentiel de l'EEG.
Trend in Public Attitudes toward Epilepsy over the Past Decade
Authors: CAVENESS WILLIAM F. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYIn the years 1949, 1954 and 1959 Doctor George Gallup of the American Institute of Public Opinion obtained answers to questions about epilepsy from representative members of the adult population throughout the United States. During this ten‐year period knowledge of epilepsy was found in 90% of the population. When those familiar with epilepsy were asked if they would object to their children playing with epileptics, 24% answered yes in 1949, 17% in 1954 and 18% in 1959. When asked if they thought epilepsy was a form of insanity 13% said yes in 1949, 7% in 1954 and 4% in 1959. When asked if epileptics should be employed, 45% said yes in 1949, 60% in 1954 and 75% in 1959. This increase in work approval was accompanied by greater understanding of the practical problems in epileptic employment. In each of the three polls the most favorable opinion was among the better educated, better employed younger and urban mumbers of the population. Woman were somewhat more favorable toward epileptic than men. The states in the Eastern and Western regions showed less prejudice than those in the Central and Southern regions. This measure of public opinion indicates a distinct improvement in general attitude toward epilepsy. It also indicates the areas of remaining prejudice.RÉSUMÉAu cours des années 1949, 1954 et 1959 le Docteur George Gallup de l‘“American Institute of Public Opinion” a reçu, de membres représentatifs de la population adulte de toutes les régions des États‐Unis, des réponses à des questions posées quant à l’épilepsie. Il a été constaté ainsi que, pendant ces 10 années, 90% de la population connaissaient l‘épilepsie. Les personnes familiarisées avec cette maladie ont répondu affirmativement (1) à la question de savoir si elles verraient des inconvénients à ce que leurs enfants jouent avec des épileptiques en 24% des cas en 1949, 17% en 1954 et 18% en 1959, et (2) quand on leur a demandé si elles pensaient que l’épilepsie était une forme de démence en 13% des cas en 1949,7% en 1954 et 4% en 1959. Interrogées sur la question de savoir si des épileptiques pourraient être employés, 45% ont dit oui en 1949, 60% en 1954 et 75% en 1959.A mesure qu'augmentaient les approbations à la possibilité de l'emploi, on a pu observer une plus grande compréhension des problèmes pratiques inhérents à l'emploi des épileptiques. En ce qui concerne chacune de ces trois enquêtes, l'opinion la plus favorable a étéémise par les membres de la population les mieux élevés, et les jeunes habitants des centres urbains occupés à des travaux supérieurs. Les femmes se sont montrées plus favorables aux épileptiques que les hommes. Les États des régions occidentales et orientales ont manifesté moins de prévention que ceux du Centre ou du Sud. Ce sondage de l'opinion publique révèle une amélioration marquée dans l'attitude générale adoptée envers l'épilepsie, et en même temps les régions dans lesquelles restent encore des préventions.