Differences in Labor versus Value Chain Industry Clusters: An Empirical Investigation

ABSTRACT Regional analysts often identify industry clusters according to a single dimension of industrial interdependence, typically by trading patterns as revealed in national or regionalized input–output data. This is despite the fact that the theory underpinning regional industry cluster applications draws heavily on Marshall's theory of external economies, including the important role of labor pooling economies and knowledge spillovers in addition to spatially co‐located suppliers. This article investigates whether industry clusters identified based on trading relationships (value chain clusters) are meaningfully different in industrial composition and geography than those derived from an analysis of occupational employment requirements (labor‐based clusters). The results suggest that value chain linkages are a weak proxy for shared labor requirements, and vice versa.     

Integrating Civil Society and Economic Growth in Appalachia

ABSTRACT Building from a framework that incorporates ideas from the civil society perspective into market‐based sociological models of economic growth, this article examines the effects of three measures of civic engagement on measure of economic growth in Appalachian counties during the 1990–1995 period. The analysis shows that net of other market competition‐based measures, civic engagement does have a net positive impact on economic growth (increases in private non‐farm employment, private establishment, per capita income, earnings, etc.). The three measures of civic engagement are (1) percent of population in civically engaged denominations (1990), (2) number of national associations per capita (1990), (3) and number of third places per capita (1990). All three measures have significant positive effects in one or more models. Percent in civically engaged denominations has the most consistent effects. Implications are discussed.     

Observed patches of walleye pollock eggs and larvae in Shelikof Strait, Alaska: their characteristics, formation and persistence

Using observations from 38 ichthyoplankton surveys conducted near Shelikof Strait, Alaska between 1979 and 1992, we characterized the horizontal distribution and spatial patchiness of the early life stages of walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogtamma ). Lloyd's index of patchiness ranged from 3.9-6.1 for eggs and 3.9–16.2 for larvae. This index was size (age) dependent: low for eggs, high for newly hatched larvae, then decreasing through late larval stage. By the early juvenile stage, patchiness increased as pollock began to school. The percentage of larvae in a patch (defined as the percentage of larvae present at stations where larval counts exceeded the mean by one standard deviation during the given survey) varied greatly (26–92%). Larval distributions were used to deduce physical mechanisms responsible for patches. Three categories of patches were identified: those created by interaction of larvae with time-dependent currents, those in the vicinity of Sutwik Island, and those associated with eddies. Simulation experiments were utilized to examine processes influencing patch formation and the role of larval swimming. Between 5 and 6 weeks after hatching, larvae have swimming abilities that enable them to maintain a patch already created by physical mechanisms.     

Size-dependent predation on marine fish larvae by Ctenophores, Scyphomedusae, and Planktivorous fish

Size-dependent predation rates on marine fish larvae by the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi , scyphomedusa Chrysaora quinquecirrha , and planktivorous fish Anchoa mitchilli were estimated via experiments in 3.2 m³ me-socosms. Predation rates on larvae of the goby Gobio-soma bosci were estimated in relation to 1) length of larval prey, 2) presence or absence of alternative < 1 mm zooplankton prey, and 3) a predator-prey interaction between the scyphomedusa and ctenophore. The consumption rate of larvae by the three predators generally declined as larval length increased. The ctenophore ate fewer (1.0 d^-1 per predator) larvae than did the medusa (7.8 d ^-1 per predator) or bay anchovy (4.0 d ^-1 per predator), but it consumed larvae in all size classes tested (3.0–9.5 mm SL). Predation by bay anchovy and the medusa was more size-dependent: 3.0–5.0 mm larvae were most vulnerable. Fewer larvae were eaten by the ctenophore and bay anchovy when zooplankton alternative prey was available, but predation on larvae by the medusa was not influenced by alternative zooplankton prey. Consumption rate of fish larvae by the medusa was reduced 20–25% when the ctenophore was present as its alternative prey. An encounter-rate model was developed and its parameters estimated from the experimental results. Model simulations indicated that the relationship between larval size and vulnerability is dependent on size, swimming speed, and behavior of both predators and larvae, and that bigger or faster-growing fish larvae are not always less vulnerable to predation.     

ADRENAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE DOG

The ultrasonographic appearance of the normal canine adrenal gland has not been described. This is due to the small size and shape of the canine adrenal glands, overlying abdominal viscera, similar acoustic texture to that of the surrounding tissue, frequent abundant perirenal fat, and the lack of patient compliance. Adrenal enlargement in association with hyperadrenocorticism, secondary to hyperplasia or neoplasia, can sometimes be identified by finding a distinct structure cranial and/or medial to the cranial pole of either kidney. Case history reports are used to characterize the appearance of adrenal enlargement from hyperplasia and adrenocortical adenocarcinoma. Additional case history reports are included to illustrate possible interpretation problems. Lack of ultrasonographic visualization of the adrenal gland does not rule out the possibility of enlargement, particularly if the enlargement in mild.     

The effect of some exogenous hormones on seminal characteristics, libido and peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations in the male Beagle

The effect of short term treatment with exogenous hormones viz. HCG, testosterone, betamethasone and delmadinone, on semen characteristics, libido and peripheral plasma testosterone concentrations was studied in five mature Beagle dogs. HCG caused a slight increase in the total ejaculatory volume whilst betamethasone depressed the total ejaculatory volume, reduced sperm output and increased the number of abnormal spermatozoa. Delmadinone reduced libido, ejaculatory volume and total sperm output.     

Tracheal rupture in a cat

A case of tracheal rupture in a cat is described, in which onset of presenting clinical signs was slow enough both to hinder diagnosis and to permit containment of leaked air within the mediastinum.     

A Mucosal Apposition Technique for Ureteroneocystostomy After Renal Transplantation in Cats

Renal transplantation is a successful treatment for terminal renal failure in cats. However, in the initial clinical study, there was a frequent occurrence of obstruction of the implanted ureter at the bladder wall or stoma. This resulted in the use of a modified "drop-in" technique that had proved effective in the prevention of obstruction in five normal cats. When applied to renal transplant recipients, ureteral obstruction was reduced, but continued to occur. The modified "drop-in" technique was abandoned and replaced with a technique that apposed the cut edge of the ureteral mucosa to the torn edge of the bladder mucosa. This technique is recommended as it has prevented ureteral obstruction in six successive cases. Prevention of ureteral obstruction, and the required corrective surgery, markedly reduces patient morbidity and mortality, length of hospitalization, and expense to the client.