bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Business groups, the financial market and modernization*
Authors: Kali Raja 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBusiness groups are an important aspect of the industrial organization of many developing countries. This paper develops a theory suggesting that they may be organizations that facilitate modernization in the presence of financial market constraints.An important function of the stockmarket is the diversification of risk that comes with specialized, productive technology. But in the face of serious information problems a well functioning stockmarket may fail to emerge, relegating the economy to a low productivity‐poverty trap. Bilateral links between a firm and a group of others may be a more cost effective way to achieve risk‐sharing. Such business groups may be feasible when a full‐fledged stockmarket is not. As modernization takes place, either because information problems become less severe or more firms enter the economy, business groups actually expand in size before being abruptly rendered obsolete by the stockmarket. This is consistent with empirical results from a number of emerging economies.
Gender pay differentials during the transition in Poland*
Authors: Adamchik Vera A. , Bedi Arjun S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper assesses the relative economic welfare of women during the transition in Poland. After providing an account of gender differences in several labour market outcomes we analyse the male‐female wage differential over the period 1993–97. We find that there is almost no change in the wage gap, that most of the explained portion of the wage gap may be attributed to industrial and occupational segregation, and that a substantial portion of the wage gap remains unexplained. We briefly discuss possible socio‐economic explanations for our findings.
Credibility costs in the monetary integration game*
Authors: Besancenot Damien , Vranceanu Radu 
Published: December 2003

AbstractEuro candidates are expected to maintain the value of their currency within the fluctuation band of the new exchange rate mechanism for at least two years. This paper highlights some unpleasant macroeconomic effects that could occur during this interval. The problem is cast as a two‐stage sequential game between private agents and the government of the applicant country. The policy‐maker decides whether to devaluate the domestic currency or not at two distinct dates; it makes a last choice just before accession to the monetary union. Under an assumption of incomplete information of private agents about the government's priorities on inflation and economic activity, the game presents a hybrid perfect Bayesian equilibrium. In the pooling configuration, an initial policy of zero devaluation does not signal the final devaluation decision. As private agents cannot completely rule out the risk of a ‘last devaluation’, a premium adds to interest rates and entails a systematic output loss.
Continued decline for ethnic minorities in the transition?
Authors: Giddings Lisa 
Published: December 2003

AbstractUsing three Bulgarian cross‐sectional household surveys from 1986, 1993 and 1997, this essay shows that the mean log wage differential between ethnic Bulgarians and Turks increased from 0.1615 in 1986 to 0.2874 in 1993 and again to 0.4075 by 1997. Bulgarian gains over ethnic Turks in the early transition are related to both changes in the relative returns to skill and changes in the composition of demand for goods and services as the country moved toward a market economy. The Turks began the transition with fewer years of education than the Bulgarians, and began to close the education gap over this time. The Bulgarians, however, were more likely to have obtained more general secondary and university degrees than the ethnic Turks – degrees that, in contrast to technical or vocational degrees, are experiencing increased remuneration in the transition. With more of an asset that has become more valuable, the ethnic Bulgarians improved their relative position.
Reform reversals and output growth in transition economies*
Authors: Merlevede Bruno 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper tests whether reform reversals during transition carry an economic cost. Reform is measured by an average reform index, while reform reversals are characterized by a drop in the average reform index. In the standard empirical framework the current level of reform affects growth negatively, while the lagged level affects growth positively. This non‐linear effect implies a counterintuitive, short‐lived positive effect of a reversal. In a simultaneous equation system with growth and the level of reform as dependent variables we explicitly introduce a reversal parameter. Empirical results suggest that reversals have an immediate negative impact on real output growth. Controlling for the level of reform shows that reversals are more costly at higher levels of reform.
A comment on The relationship between policies and growth in transition countries
Authors: Rzońca Andrzej , Ciżkowicz Piotr 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe goal of this article is to point out the likely reasons for the differences between the results obtained by Roxana Radulescu and David Barlow1 and those presented in most other research papers on the growth determinants in the post‐communist countries. The authors also present the consequences of the impact of the specific composition of the EBRD index on the results of analysis obtained on the basis of econometric models, in which the index is used as a variable.
Increasing urban wage inequality in China
Authors: Knight John , Song Lina 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTwo strictly comparable cross‐section household datasets, relating to 1988 and 1995, are used to analyse the increase in wage inequality from an initially low level in urban China over this period of labour market reform. The institutional background and the evolution of policy are described. The rapid growth of wage inequality and the sharp widening of wage structure are quantified. Earnings functions are compared, and the increase in both the level and the inequality of wages are decomposed into their constituent elements. Quantile regression analysis is conducted to throw light on the relationships between the observed and the unobserved determinants of wages. Distinctions are made between the variables likely to represent human capital, discrimination, and segmentation. The evidence suggests that productive characteristics were increasingly rewarded as marketization occurred, but that discrimination and segmentation also grew. The move towards a fully‐fledged labour market was by no means complete.
Implications of the precautionary approach for the management of the European eel, Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Russell I. C. , Potter E. C. E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), has a complex life history and many aspects of the biology and population dynamics of this species remain unknown or, at best, poorly understood. Relatively little is also known about the status of the stocks and fisheries, but available data suggest that recruitment of glass eels has been falling for the last 20 years and is at historically low levels. Yellow and silver eel catches have also been falling in many parts of the species range over a similar time‐scale. Re‐examination of the principles applied to fisheries management over recent years has resulted in the adoption of a ‘precautionary approach’ to the conservation, management and exploitation of fish stocks, and in an explicit need to take account of uncertainties in management to reduce risks to stocks and their environment. Such an approach is highly relevant to the management of the European eel and requires that urgent consideration is given to harvest strategies and decision structures for the national and international management of stocks and fisheries. Provisional biological reference levels should be established to provide an equable assessment of the status of stocks in all parts of Europe and to evaluate the need for management measures in all fisheries. These will need to be reviewed as further information comes available. Monitoring and research on eel stocks should therefore be enhanced and co‐ordinated to improve our understanding of the status of stocks throughout Europe and the biology of the species.
Estuarine and fluvial recruitment of the European glass eel, Anguilla anguilla, in an exploited Atlantic estuary
Authors: Briand C. , Fatin D. , Fontenelle G. , Feunteun E. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA glass eel fishery exists downstream of the Arzal estuarine dam in the Vilaine (Brittany, France). Catch statistics were collected between 1996 and 2000, and processed using a subsampling technique which allowed data from a reliable subsample to be extrapolated to the whole fishery. During the same period, glass eel migration into fresh water was monitored using a glass eel trap located on the dam – the upstream limit of the fishery. The analysis of glass eel biology and exploitation shows that the glass eel fishery is very intensive and that there was more or less no escapement during the fishing seasons studied. The proportion of the stock successfully migrating towards fresh water, as compared with the total catch is estimated to range between 0.3 and 3.9%. In such a fishery, the fishing effort affects the abundance. Consequently, the total catch has to be used instead of catch‐per‐unit‐effort to estimate abundance.
Orbital cellulitis associated withToxocara canisin a dog
Authors: Laus José L. , Canola Júlio Carlos , Mamede Fabrício V. , Almeida Denize E. , Godoy Guilherme S. , Oliveira Celso J. B. , Pontin Karina , Albuquerque Sérgio , Alessi Antônio C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractReports ofToxocara canisocular larva migrans are uncommon in animals, with only a few cases reported. Most reports involve larval migration into the retina and choroid, with parasitic invasion of the orbit reported only in experimental studies. This is the first clinical case ofToxocara canisinfection in the retrobulbar region of a 10‐year‐old, cross‐bred male dog presenting with unilateral orbital cellulitis. Ophthalmic signs included protrusion of the nictitating membrane, chemosis, exophthalmos and hypertropia. The parasite was diagnosed by histologic and parasitologic examination of orbital tissues, which were removed during enucleation.
Granulomatous conjunctivitis in an ostrich
Authors: Saroglu Murat , Yucel Rauf , Aktas Mustafa 
Published: December 2003

AbstractOstriches lack meibom glands, but have small lacrimal glands ventral to the lateral canthus, with ductules that open into the inside of the lower eyelid. Chalazion is a chronic granulomatous inflammation of the meibom glands that may develop from blockage of the ductules into the conjunctiva. A 2‐year‐old female ostrich presented with chronic granulomatous conjunctivitis, with clinical and histopathologic findings similar to chalazion of other species. The granulomatous dacryoadenitic mass was excised and no recurrence occurred at 4 months. This is the first case of chronic granulomatous conjunctivitis reported in the ostrich.
Abnormal ocular pigment deposition and glaucoma in the dog
Authors: Van De Sandt Roswitha R.O.M. , Boevé Michael H. , Stades Frans C. , Kik Maria J.L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe combined occurrence of ocular pigment deposition and glaucoma has been described in Cairn Terriers. Recently, this condition was also observed in two other breeds: the Boxer (two cases) and the Labrador Retriever (one case). Six dogs were referred to the Ophthalmology section of the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals and to a private referral clinic because of glaucoma or blindness in one or both eyes. In five cases ophthalmic examination showed pigment depositions in the sclera around the entire circumference of the perilimbal zone. Eight enucleated eyes (four eyes of two Cairn Terriers, three eyes of two Boxers and one eye of a Labrador Retriever) were examined microscopically. All eyes showed the same findings: an extensive infiltration of large melanin‐containing cells with an eccentric nucleus, located in the iris, ciliary body, retina, choroids and sclera. Transmission electron microscopy of two of the examined eyes revealed that the morphology of most of these cells was consistent with melanophages. While reports in the veterinary literature concerning this condition are limited the cells concerned have been described to be melanocytes. Further research is needed to conclusively identify the cell type. As described in the present report, the histologic and transmission electron microscopic findings suggest a different etiology of the ocular pigment deposition and glaucoma compared with the pigment dispersal syndrome in humans.
Normal ocular features, conjunctival microflora and intraocular pressure in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis)
Authors: Cullen C. L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective The aim of the study was to assess the ocular features, normal conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis).Sample population Sixteen, apparently healthy beavers with no evidence of ocular disease, and live‐trapped in regions throughout Prince Edward Island.Procedures The beavers were sedated with intramuscular ketamine (12–15 mg/kg). Two culture specimens were obtained from the ventral conjunctival sac of both eyes of 10/16 beavers for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal identifications. The anterior ocular structures of all beavers were evaluated using a transilluminator and slit lamp biomicroscope. Palpebral fissure length (11/16 beavers), and horizontal and vertical corneal diameters (10/16 beavers) were measured. IOPs were measured in both eyes of 11/16 beavers using applanation tonometry. Both eyes of 3/16 beavers and one eye of 1/16 beavers were dilated using topical tropicamide prior to sedation to effect timely maximal dilation. Culture specimens and IOPs were not evaluated in these four animals. Indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed on 7/8 eyes of these four beavers.Results Conjunctival specimens from all eyes cultured positively for one or more isolates of aerobic bacteria. The most common isolate wasMicrococcusspp. (five beavers; 9/20 eyes). Other isolates included a Gram‐positive coccobacilli‐like organism (four beavers; 7/20 eyes), Aeromonas hydrophila(three beavers; 4/20 eyes),Staphylococcusspp. (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Gram positive bacilli (one beaver; 2/20 eyes),Enterobacterspp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes),Streptococcusspp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), aerobic diphtheroids (one beaver; 1/20 eyes), andPseudomonasspp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes).Clostridium sordellii(one beaver; 1/20 eyes) andPeptostreptococcusspp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) were the sole anaerobic bacteria isolated. All conjunctival specimens were negative for growth of fungi. Ophthalmic examinations revealed the normal beaver eye and ocular adnexa included dorsal and ventral puncta, a vestigial third eyelid, and a circular pupil. Average palpebral fissure length was 9.36 mm (SD = 1.00) for both eyes. Mean horizontal and vertical corneal diameters of both eyes were 9.05 mm (SD = 0.64) and 8.45 mm (SD = 0.69), respectively. Mean IOP for the right and left eyes were 17.11 mmHg (SD = 6.39) and 18.79 mmHg (SD = 5.63), respectively. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations revealed normal anangiotic retinas.Conclusions Gram‐positive aerobes were most commonly cultured from the conjunctival sac of normal beavers, withMicrococcusspp. predominating. The overall mean IOP in ketamine‐sedated beavers was 17.95 mmHg. The beaver, an amphibious rodent, has an anangiotic retina.
Effects of topical administration of 1% brinzolamide on normal cat eyes
Authors: Gray H. E. , Willis A. M. , Morgan R. V. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective To evaluate the effect of short‐term daily topical administration of 1% brinzolamide on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of healthy domestic cats with normotensive eyes and to assess the potential for negative side effects of drug administration.Animals Twelve privately owned adult domestic cats without physical or ocular abnormalities.Procedure Normal variation in IOP was determined on day 1. Cats were then treated on days 2–8 with a topical placebo (artificial tear solution) OU q 12 h. On days 9–15 the cats were treated q 12 h with 1% brinzolamide in one randomly selected eye and the placebo in the contralateral eye. All medications (drug and placebo) were administered twice daily at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. On days 16–22 the cats received no topical medications. IOP, horizontal pupil size in mm and assessment of conjunctival hyperemia were noted OU on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 5 time points (9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.). Mixed linear regression models were used to compare the IOP of each eye at all time periods for each cat, controlling for age and weight.Results Mean IOP was not significantly altered in any eye at any time point during the treatment period compared with pretreatment, baseline, or follow‐up evaluations. Conjunctival hyperemia and miosis were not detected in either eye at any time point.Conclusions and clinical relevance Short‐term q 12 h administration of 1% brinzolamide did not significantly reduce IOP in this small sample population of normotensive cats under these study conditions. No clinically relevant side effects were noted with brinzolamide administration.
Superficial, nonhealing corneal ulcers in horses: 23 cases (1989–2003)
Authors: Michau T. M. , Schwabenton B. , Davidson M. G. , Gilger B. C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective  To characterize superficial, nonhealing corneal ulcers in the horse and to assess the affect of age, breed, sex, inciting cause of the ulcer, and treatment on healing time of these ulcers.Design  Retrospective study.Animals  Twenty‐three horses with superficial, nonhealing corneal ulcerations.Procedure  Medical records from 1989 to 2003 of horses diagnosed with superficial, nonhealing corneal ulcers were reviewed. Signalment, duration of clinical signs, ophthalmic abnormalities, treatment and response to treatment were recorded. Horses were treated, in addition to medical therapy, using debridement, debridement and grid keratotomy, superficial keratectomy, and superficial keratectomy with conjunctival graft placement.Results  Mean age ± SD of horses was 13.7 ± 5.8 years. The mean time of presence of the corneal ulceration was 38.9 ± 21.3 days. Mean time to complete re‐epithelialization of the corneal ulcers after treatment was 20 ± 14.7 days. Horses treated with debridement alone, grid keratotomy and superficial keratectomy healed in a mean time of 15.3 ± 14.6 days, 16 ± 12.6 days, and 22.8 ± 6.7 days, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevance  Horses treated with a single debridement at initial evaluation healed in a significantly shorter time period than horses treated with grid keratotomy or superficial keratectomy. The latter two procedures may be beneficial in the treatment of nonhealing ulceration in horses, but the results of this study suggest that these procedures should only be performed following failure of the ulcer to heal after epithelial debridement.
Bartonella vinsoniisubspeciesberkhoffias a possible cause of anterior uveitis and choroiditis in a dog
Authors: Michau T. M. , Breitschwerdt E. B. , Gilger B. C. , Davidson M. G. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA 2‐year old, neutered, female spaniel mixed breed was referred to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for evaluation of bilateral anterior uveitis. The dog was febrile and, in addition to anterior uveitis, multifocal hyporeflective lesions were present in the tapetal fundus of both eyes. The antibody titer forBartonella vinsoniisubspeciesberkhoffiwas positive (1 : 512). Aqueous paracentesis was performed for PCR in an attempt to detectB. vinsoniiin the eye but was unsuccessful. The ocular manifestations ofBartonellainfection in humans are currently expanding as more sensitive serologic and PCR techniques are being developed to identifyBartonellaspp. In addition to optic neuritis and neuroretinitis, retinochoroidal lesions are one of the most common manifestations ofB. henselaeinfection, and are frequently accompanied by vitreous or anterior segment inflammation. Diagnosis of aBartonellainfection in humans can be made on serology alone, in conjunction with ocular examination findings. The ultimate proof ofB. vinsonii (berkhoffi)as a direct cause of ocular disease would be detection of the infectious agent in the eye. However, it is unknown at this time whetherBartonellacauses ocular disease primarily, secondarily via an autoimmune reaction, or both. Due to the difficulties associated with culture ofBartonellaspp. and the limitations of PCR, serology is currently the most useful tool for screening dogs for possibleBartonellaspp. infection. In the case presented here, even though the PCR was negative, the clinical signs of anterior uveitis and choroiditis might reasonably be associated withB. vinsonii (berkhoffi)seroreactivity, which was repeatable on three separate occasions. Clinical improvement was also accompanied by a post‐treatment decrease inB. vinsonii (berkhoffi)seroreactivity, potentially supporting resolution ofBartonellainfection in this dog. This is the first reported case of a possible association between uveitis, choroiditis andBartonellainfection in the dog, without clinical manifestations of other organ or tissue involvement. Future studies based on PCR analysis of intraocular fluids may clarify the involvement ofB. vinsonii (berkhoffi)in dogs with intraocular inflammatory disease. Furthermore, performing fluorescein angiography in dogs with elevatedBartonellatiters may also prove useful in the identification and characterization of lesions.
Tonometry in adult yellow‐footed tortoises (Geochelone denticulata)
Authors: Selmi A. L. , Mendes G. M. , MacManus C. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult yellow‐footed tortoises using applanation tonometry.Animals Fifteen healthy adult captive yellow‐footed tortoises (eight males and seven females).Procedures Intraocular pressures were estimated for tortoises by using an applanation tonometer after topical anesthesia. Body length, measured from nuchal to anal scutes, ranged from 27.5 to 57.2 cm. Five measurements from each eye were obtained by a single observer in an ambient temperature of approximately 30 °C.Results Mean ± SEM IOP of 30 eyes of 15 yellow‐footed tortoises was 14.2 ± 1.2 mmHg. Range of IOP was 6–30 mmHg for tortoises. Significant differences were detected neither between right and left eyes (P = 0.357) of individual tortoises, nor between males and females (P = 0.524). Observer's readability was good (intraclass coefficient = 0.65), and IOP did not change over the ordered five measurements.Conclusions There was no significant difference in IOP between males and females in this specie. Tonometry values for normal eyes may represent a useful diagnostic methodology for recognition and treatment of ocular diseases in reptiles.