bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Otoneurologic Disturbances Caused by Solvent Pollution
Authors: Ödkvist Lars M. , Möller Claes , Thuomas Karl‐Åke
Published: January 2017

Subjects exposed to industrial solvents may experience vertigo and nausea. Solvents are usually volatile hydrocarbon compounds, which are Important parts of everyday life in a modern society. They may also cause neurastenia, personality changes, and reduced intellectual capacity. The syndrome that may develop was formerly named psycho‐organic syndrome (POS), but in modern terminology it is called chronic toxic encephalopathy (CTE). The syndrome develops slowly, and during the first years no pathological findings will be found using various test batteries. Somewhat later, when the syndrome still might be reversible, psychometric, auditory, and otoneurologic testing may well unveil disturbances within the posterior fossa structures. Animal experiments suggest one site of effect for solvents to be within the cerebellum and brainstem regions with close relationship to the gamma‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA) transmission. In the otoneurologic test battery, visual suppression and smooth pursuit are of extreme value, as are some auditory tests such as discrimination of interrupted speech and cortical response audiometry using frequency glides as stimuli. Dynamic posturography and magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) have recently proved valuable in the diagnosis. Research is needed concerning the most efficient test battery for early detection of solvent‐induced lesions. During further research it is Important to unveil other toxic agents, like heavy metals and alcohol, and their damage to the central nervous system and to make comparisons between these substances and the lesions caused by hydrocarbon solvents.
Effect of Environmental Pollutants on Taste and Smell
Authors: Schiffman Susan S. , Nagle H. Troy
Published: January 2017

Various man‐made and naturally occurring chemicals and substances can modify the chemosensory systems of animals and man. This article provides an overview of research studies that Investigate the Impact of pollution on taste and smell perception. Acute and chronic alterations in taste and olfaction are discussed for solvents, herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, disinfectants, germicides, soil fumigants, dyes, pharmaceuticals, textile wastes, smog, tobacco smoke, perfumes, flavors, plastics, synthetic rubber, and other Industrial substances. The mechanisms by which pollutants may cause physiologic and biologic changes are highlighted. Natural detoxification systems are discussed, as well as treatments for chemosensory deficits.
Effects of Pollution on Swallowing: How Little We Know
Authors: Palmer Jeffrey B. , Silver Kenneth H. C.
Published: January 2017

Swallowing is an essential function of the upper alimentary tract. It is highly complex, requiring precise coordination of numerous nerves and muscles of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Swallowing is integrated with other physiologic functions, Including mastication and respiration. Impairments of swallowing may result from many different structural or physiologic disorders. Little is currently known about the direct effects of pollution on swallowing. Structures critical to swallowing, however, are vulnerable to damage by environmental hazards such as exposure to ionizing radiation or intake of toxins by ingestion or inhalation. The relationship of swallowing to environmental lung disease is an area of particular Interest because Impaired swallowing may result in aspiration of food particles into the lung, and because pollutants may hamper airway defense mechanisms. In this article, we discuss the possible impact of selected environmental agents on swallowing and suggest future directions for research.
Third place — resident basic science award 1993: Control of the mucosal microcirculation in the upper respiratory tract
Authors: Smith Timothy L. , Prazma Jiri , Coleman Clarence C. , Drake Amelia F. , Boucher Richard C.
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of the mucosal microvascular network in the upper respiratory tract. Tracheal mucosal circulation was observed using a specially constructed chamber that allowed direct microscopic visualization of mucosal arterioles. Solutions of increasing hypertonicity (500 and 900 mOsm) applied to the tracheal epithelium resulted in increasing dilation of the underlying mucosal arterioles (p < 0.001). Nomega‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 1 mmol/L), a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, added to a hypertonic solution inhibited dilation of mucosal arterioles (p < 0.001). Addition of the substrate for nitric oxide synthesis, L‐arginine (0.6 mmol/L) to the hypertonic solution containing L‐NAME resulted in dilation of mucosal arterioles once again. These data demonstrate that nitric oxide is a crucial mediator in the response of mucosal arterioles to the hypertonic stimulus presented to the epithelial surface of the trachea. Further elucidation of the control of the mucosal microcirculation in the upper respiratory tract could be implemented in new treatment for pathologic processes of the upper respiratory tract such as mucosal congestion and edema
The role of gentle ventilation in prevention of subglottic stenosis in the newborn
Authors: Gaynor Edward B. , Danoff Stuart J.
Published: January 2017

Prolonged endotracheal intubation has become the standard of care in most neonatal units for maintenance of mechanical ventilation in the presence of respiratory distress. Unfortunately this approach has become associated with significant complications, including acquired subglottic stenosis. We have successfully used nasal continuous positive airway pressure to avoid or decrease the incidence and duration of endotracheal intubation. With use of this technique we have been able to significantly reduce sequelae (i.e., bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage) and have not encountered subglottic stenosis in more than 200 cases. The use of this technique may be of significant value in preventing or reducing the incidence of acquired subglottic stenosis
The safety and efficacy of bedside tracheotomy
Authors: Futran Neal D. , Dutcher Paul O. , Roberts Jay K.
Published: January 2017

Many institutions require that tracheotomies be performed in the operating room. Movement of critically ill patients dependent on multiple life support systems is technically difficult, labor intensive, and potentially dangerous for the patients. Between 1983 and 1992, 1088 tracheotomies were performed on patients ages 1 week to 94 years at the University of Rochester affiliated hospitals on critically ill patients as isolated procedures. The procedure was performed in the Intensive Care Units (ICU) on 996 patients, (92.9%), whereas 92 patients (7.1%) had tracheotomies in the operating room (OR1). An additional 346 tracheotomies took place in the operating room in conjunction with other head and neck procedures (OR2). Incidence of perioperative bleeding (within 48 hours) was 2.3% in the ICU group, 2.1% in the ORI group, and 2.0% in the OR2 group. Incidence of stomal infection was also similar among the three groups at 1.8%, 2.1%, and 1.5%, respectively. Tube dislodgement in all groups was a complication. No statistical differences were noted among the three groups (ICU, OR1, OR2) at the p < 0.01 level. Criteria for performing the tracheotomy in the ICU are delineated and discussed.
The retreat of Hemophilus Influenzae type B invasive disease: Analysis of an immunization program and implications for OTO‐HNS
Authors: Beck Richard A. , Kambiss Scott , Bass James W.
Published: January 2017

Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old. Hib is also responsible for other invasive diseases including epiglottitis, cellulitis, sepsis, pneumonia, and osteomyelitis. A child's cumulative risk of systemic Hib disease during the first 5 years of life is approximately 1 in 200. A polysaccharide Hib vaccine was first marketed in 1985, and newer, more effective conjugated vaccines have been licensed since 1987. Immunization schedules have Included Increasingly younger children. No studies have been published that analyze the effects of a vigorous immunization program on a sample population representative of the United States at large. Records of pediatric patients ages 5 years and younger who were treated for Hib meningitis or epiglottitis (N = 373) at all U.S. Army medical facilities between 1986 and 1991 were reviewed. The combined incidence of these diseases declined by more than 86% in the study group during this period. The largest decrease occurred in infants less than 1 year old, before vaccines were licensed for use in this group. Meanwhile, the number of cases of bacterial meningitis due to other organisms in this cohort remained unchanged. Economic modeling validates the cost‐effectiveness of vaccination. The impact of these preliminary trends on health care systems and otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery will be significant. Almost two thirds of Hib disease has involved infants under 15 months old, for whom a conjugated vaccine has been available only since October 1990. The change in disease frequency will have substantial bearing on training programs, because management of neurologic sequelae and the emergent airway require the expertise of otolaryngologists. In the face of medical onslaught, Hib invasive disease is in retreat
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with chronic sinusitis and asthma
Authors: Nishoka Gary J. , Cook Paul R. , Davis William E. , McKinsey Joel P.
Published: January 2017

Twenty asthma patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis were studied. Medical records and questionnaire data for these 20 patients were studied regarding the Impact of sinus disease and functional endoscopic sinus surgery on their asthma. We found that 95% reported that their asthma was worsened by their sinus disease (95% confidence interval, 0.74 to 0.99+), and 85% reported that functional endoscopic sinus surgery improved their asthma (0.60 to 0.97). Of the 13 patients who used both inhalers and systemic medication, 53.8% were able to eliminate some of their medication (0.21 to 0.79). Furthermore, 61.5% of these patients had a concomitant reduction in their inhaler use (0.28 to 0.85). All patients (six) who used only inhalers experienced a reduction in their inhaler use (0.54 to 1.00), and two patients were able to eliminate their inhalers completely. One of two patients who were steroid dependent was able to discontinue steroids after surgery. Of patients who used steroids intermittently (13), 53.8% were able to eliminate the use of steroids after surgery (0.21 to 0.79). Patients who required preoperative hospital admissions (4) and emergency room or urgent physician office visits (18) had a 75.0% and 81.3% (p < 0.001) reduction in visits, respectively, after surgery. Because 43% of the cost of asthma is the result of hospitalizations and emergency department/urgent physician office visits, a significant Impact on health care costs can be realized with functional endoscopic sinus surgery in this patient population.
Auditory and cytocochlear correlates of inner ear disorders
Authors: Schuknecht Harold F.
Published: January 2017

Pure‐tone threshold audiograms showing sensorineural hearing loss, when plotted on a data‐based anatomic frequency scale, show a close spatial correlation with their respective cytocochieograms. Whereas most of the cochleae show pathology of several different cell types, a sufficient number show losses that involve predominantly a single cell type, which permits the following deductions: (1) focal lesions of the organ of Corti are strongly tonotopic and are responsible for those instances of abrupt pure‐tone threshold losses; (2) lesions of the stria vascuiaris show no tonotopic organization but lead to flat pure‐tone threshold losses; and (3) the principal effect of neuronal losses is a diminished capability for word recognition. There Is an indeterminate group where no pathologic correlate can be identified by light microscopy.
Effects of nutrition on wound healing
Authors: Ondrey Frank G. , Hom David B.
Published: January 2017

Optimal wound healing and Its close relationship to a patient's positive nutritional balance is well known. For years, physicians have attempted to improve the metabolic status of patients after surgery or trauma. Currently, major emphasis is placed on perioperative nutritional status and its effect on postoperative wound healing. The intricacies of metabolism and healing are areas of current active research. In an effort to advance the quality of patient care. For the head and neck surgeon, wound healing is of paramount concern in areas of tumor extirpation, head and neck reconstruction, and maximization of postoperative functional recovery. To better explain why adequate nutrition is important in postoperative wound healing, we will provide a brief synopsis of nutrition and its relationship to wound healing.
The future of wound healing in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery
Authors: Holt G. Richard
Published: January 2017

The future of wound healing progress lies in the support of research being performed at this very moment. In basic science and clinical laboratories all across the nation, there are investigative studies underway, which have as their purpose, the ultimate improvement of wound healing capabilities of the human body In both soft and hard tissues.
Mucosal Allergy in the Absence of Systemic Allergy in Nasal Polyposis and Rhinitis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Shatkin Judith S. , Delsupehe Kathelune G. , Thisted Ronald A. , Corey Jacquelynne P.
Published: January 2017

To better determine the role of allergy in rhinitis and nasal polyposis, we assessed the prevalence of nasal mucosal allergy in the absence of systemic allergy. After a thorough literature search we complied and analyzed data from nine studies (287 patients) that tested for specific immunoglobulin E both intranasally and systemically. When meta‐analysis was applied to the different populations, 19% of those who demonstrated specific immunoglobulin E manifested nasal mucosal allergy but no systemic allergy. We suggest that there to an important segment of rhinitis and nasal polyp patients who have nasal mucosal allergy.
Reliability of Microvascular Free Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Truelson John M. , Leach Joseph L. , Close Lanny Garth
Published: January 2017

Reliable reconstructive techniques are essential in the surgical treatment of head and neck cancer patients. Free flaps have often been used as reconstructive options of last resort in the head and neck because of the need for added technical skill, a longer operating time, and a perception of poor reliability. This study reviews our experience with 39 free flaps performed by the Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Service. For the first 17 cases, an interrupted anastomotic technique was used; a running technique was performed in the remaining 22 cases. The average total ischemic time (3.7 vs. 2.7 hours; p < 0.001) was significantly less with a running technique. There were 10 complications: 7 minor wound problems, 1 death from aspiration without surgical wound/flap problem, and 2 cases requiring second flaps (1 flap necrosis, 1 fistula with healthy free flap). No statistical correlation was found between complications and ischemic time, suture technique, age, or hospital (five hospitals). Free flaps are reliable and may obviate the need for sacrifice of trunk muscles for wound closure (e.g., fasciocutaneous free flaps instead of myocutaneous flaps); therefore we recommend revascularized free flaps as the primary mode of reconstruction for head and neck defects.
Gentamicin Vestibulotoxicity
Authors: Halmagyi G. Michael , Fattore Costantino M. , Curthoys Ian S. , Wade Steven
Published: January 2017

We reviewed 36 patients with gentamicin vestibulotoxicity to determine its relationship to gentamicin dosage, serum gentamicin levels, and the development of gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Thirty of the patients had received intravenous or intramuscular gentamicin; six had received intraperitoneal gentamicin. Sixteen of the 30 patients treated with intramuscular or intravenous gentamicin had received less than the recommended maximum dose of 5 mg/kg/day for less than the recommended maximum period of 10 days. Nephrotoxicity as well as vestibulotoxicity developed in 16 of these 30 patients. Gentamicin vestibulotoxicity was not recognized before discharge from hospital in 32 of the 36 patients. We conclude that as far as the vestibular system is concerned there is no safe gentamicin dose and no safe serum gentamicin level, and there is an increased risk of vestibulotoxicity in patients in whom nephrotoxicity develops. Physicians who use gentamicin should become more aware of the clinical features of vestibulotoxicity because stopping gentamicin as soon as symptoms of vestibulotoxicity appear could prevent permanent impairment of vestibular function.
Intraoperative Monitoring of the Visual Evoked Potential during Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Herzon Garrett D. , Zealear David L.
Published: January 2017

Iatrogenic blindness resulting from conventional and endoscopic sinus surgery continues to be a major concern to the head and neck surgeon. A new electrophysiologic monitoring technique has been developed that can help avoid damage to the optic nerve and visual system. The approach involves monitoring the visual evoked potential with presentation of flash stimuli to the eyes. Thirty patients with chronic sinusitis underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with visual evoked potential monitoring. The procedures were carried out with patients under intravenous general anesthesia. Needle cortical electrodes were placed in the scalp. A modified light‐emitting diode array/goggle was positioned in front of the patient's closed eyes. A triggered flash of 2 Hz was delivered through the goggle to stimulate the patient's retina. Cortical responses were amplified and averaged for 100 trials. Amplitude and peak‐latency changes were monitored to alert the surgeon to any change in the visual response during the surgical dissection. Although no changes in response were noted during dissection, cold‐water irrigation and reflected telescopic light could produce variations in the recorded responses, as will be discussed. Visual evoked potential monitoring may prevent a surgeon from continuing a bilateral procedure when there is indication of iatrogenic visual loss from dissection on the first side. Visual evoked potential also reassures the operator that no damage has occurred to the visual pathway at the conclusion of a case. Methods, case selection, operative technique, and documentation of monitoring will be discussed.
Complications of Ethmoidectomy: A Survey of Fellows of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
Authors: Kennedy David W. , Shaman Paul , Han Wei , Selman Heather , Deems Daniel A. , Lanza Donald C.
Published: January 2017

A survey regarding complications of sinus surgery was mailed to 6969 otolaryngologists; 3933 responses (56.44%) were obtained, and 3043 of these physicians (77.37%) reported that they performed ethmoidectomy. Completed questionnaires were available for review from 42.21% of all Academy fellows (2942 physicians). Responses were tabulated and summarized question by question. Physicians generally did not rate their residency training in ethmoidectomy highly. The survey confirmed that there has been a marked rise in the frequency of ethmoidectomy and in the amount of training in ethmoidectomy since 1985. Empirical complication rates were calculated for different procedures and time periods. Poisson regression models were then constructed to describe the rate of complications under varying conditions such as the type of surgery performed, time period, experience and training of the surgeon, and type of complication encountered. The models permitted determination of the statistical significance of variables in relation to Incidence of complications. The study did not demonstrate a clear and consistent statistical relationship between the incidence of complications, the type of surgery performed, and the quality of training. Moreover, physicians who provided data from record review tended to report higher rates than those who estimated responses. The majority of physicians discussed specific potential complications with their patients before surgery and routinely performed preoperative computed tomography. The study demonstrated that physicians who experienced complications at higher rates were more likely to discuss these complications with patients before surgery.
Organizational Structure and Crosscultural Management: The Case of Credit Suisse's Project Copernicus in Singapore
Authors: Jacob Nina
Published: January 2017

This paper explores the linkage between organizational structure and cross-cultural management. It suggests that a fluid and continuously evolving structure enables effective crosscultural management. In support of this proposition, the paper reports on the experience of one of the world's largest financial services corporations – a Swiss Bank. The bank adopted a different type of organizational structure for one of its units. This new structure was different from the traditional bureaucracy it had used throughout the 150 years of its existence. It was observed to be an emergent structure, evolving in response to the stimulants provided by its various cultural constituents. It was also flexible, allowing it to assimilate when necessary, the inputs provided by its diverse cultural constituents, and discard when necessary, the structural features which no longer served any useful purpose. This paper discusses and analyses the experience of Credit Suisse Private Banking's Project Copernicus in Singapore, (October 2000 – December 2001). The principal findings of this paper are: Traditional modes of organizational structure are not appropriate for the management of diversity. Fluid and amorphous organizational structures provide the context within which crosscultural management can be effected. There is a symbiotic relationship between organizational structure and organizational members' cultural heritage.

The author had earlier highlighted (2005) the fact that current cross-cultural management research emphasises the need for multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is the management of subcultures within an entity like the nation-state. Organizational structures need to be designed keeping in mind the dynamics of interacting sub-cultures within a multicultural organization.

An analysis of the case study embedded in this paper reveals that cross-cultural management is facilitated by: The co-evolution of organizational structure and management practices. In other words, organizational structure need not be durable as has traditionally been the case. Additionally, it need not precede the creation and operationalization of management practices. Allowing individual members' cultural heritage to influence the evolving nature of organizational structure. Thus a manager entering a multicultural organization would try and align himself⁄herself with the existing structure. Co-terminously, he⁄she would impact on the structure's design. The impact would have cultural underpinnings. Enacting an organizational structure that overtly takes into account the cultural conditioning of individual members. Thus two managers from different cultures experiencing difficulty in interacting with each other may both have to adapt and change in order to sresolve discord as well as to find a fit with the organization. Meanwhile, the amorphous nature of the organizational structure makes possible the improvisation that accompanies managers' attempts to find a fit.
Toward a Grounded Theory of Effective Business Incubation
Authors: Maital Shlomo , Ravid Shmuel , Seshadri D V R , Dumanis Alon
Published: January 2017

Business incubators are found all over the world. Yet, to date, no viable integrative theory of effective business incubation exists. This essay outlines a grounded theory of incubation, driven by case studies, empirical results, and field work, based on three main principles that generalize across countries and cultures. They are: The paradox of market emulation: Successful incubators both emulate market conditions and shield their ‘infants’ from them. Managing this paradox is fraught with difficulty, not the least because it is often not explicitly recognized. Resolving the key make-or-break constraint: In every country, there are many constraints that hinder ultimate business success of incubator projects, but there is one key constraint that always ‘resonates’, i.e., that dominates the attention and concern of project managers. In India, this constraint is funding. In Israel, where the VC industry is mature and liquid, funding is not a major constraint (though as always and everywhere, raising money is a major challenge), but experienced managerial capacity is the resonating factor. Hence, a theory of incubation should include principles that guide identification of the key ‘resonating’ constraint and provide direction toward reducing or eliminating it. Alignment with local and national cultures: Culture is a shared, learned, symbolic system of values, beliefs, and attitudes that shapes and influences perception and behaviour. Culture is how values drive behaviour. In national studies of incubation, it is strongly evident how powerfully national culture acts as a mediating variable between, for instance, incubator operations and processes and the national and global business environment. Hence, a theory of incubation should include answers to the following question:

How can incubator processes align well with elements of national and local culture, in order to: reinforce those aspects of the culture that act positively to help incubator projects attain success mitigate or eliminate those aspects of culture that act negatively, and lead to failure?

It is hoped that this work will stimulate other scholars to seek even more important general principles, leading to a powerful general theory of business incubation.
From Wall Street to Main Street: The Financial Crisis in the US
Authors: Young Douglas
Published: January 2017

What caused the ‘meltdown’ in the US financial markets? In this transcribed version of his talk delivered at IIMA, Douglas Young explores the variety of factors that influenced the housing boom and bust and discusses how that affected the household saving behaviour and the behaviour of lenders in the mortgage market, ultimately culminating into a financial crisis. The factors which led to the crisis include public policy, financial innovation, and just plain ‘bubble mania’ – the belief that real estate prices would just keep on rising forever. The policy responses are in three stages – (a) prevention of a collapse in the financial system; (b) Economic Stimulus and Recovery Act in place to cut taxes, increase infrastructure spending, etc., and (c) regulatory reforms for the financial system. The consequences of financial crisis for the Wall Street, Main Street, and India are also discussed.
US Economic and Financial Meltdown: How India is Braving Its Global Domino Effects
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhrendu
Published: January 2017

Subhrendu Bhattacharya examines the economic and financial challenges that the US economy has been facing since December 2007 and also the factors that caused the crisis, both structural and risk management. It analyses how consumerism, supply-driven production patterns, and ubiquity of debt, have actively interacted with each other, in the economic landscape, to unleash forces that have been very challenging in recent years. Further, it compares the aggressive risktaking initiatives of American banks with risk aversion and cautious approach of the banks in India. Finally, the paper dwells on the areas, where India enjoys some plusses, relative to highly debtridden US economy, with its concomitant challenges to the personal finances of average Americans.
The Economic Downturn: Coping Strategies and the Way Forward
Authors: Raghavan Achal
Published: January 2017

Achal Raghavan takes an in-depth look at the manner in which various business leaders in the Indian manufacturing and IT sectors coped with the downturn that hit the Indian economy from Q4 2008. Faced with significant threats to sales, profit, and enterprise value, CEOs initiated a slew of coping strategies � such as cost reduction, cash management, operational excellence, people management, and customer portfolio optimization. Implementing these strategies involved facing up to many challenges, both internal and external. With the economy showing signs of recovery, now is the time for corporate leaders to retain the gains made in operational efficiencies, and focus on emerging growth opportunities in the marketplace.
The Post-Recession Challenge of Innovation
Authors: Gopalakrishnan R
Published: January 2017

At a time when the world is still in a heads-down crisis mode, R Gopalakrishnan sees the global economy looking up and hesitantly bidding farewell to the bottom of markets. At such a juncture, it is a challenge for the managers to find answers to the contradictions arising in an economy in transition. The author tells the story of Tata—how it navigated the different waves of capability at different times and is now preparing itself for the phase after meltdown—with an increased focus on its innovative capabilities. First clarifying the concept of Innovation—as a programmed implementation of an invention—something that is difficult to replicate, the author talks about the different variations of innovations, and how the Tata group is trying to align its aspirations and create an architecture that would enable the realization of its innovation objectives, finally admitting that the ultimate goal should be to liberate the innovative gene inside a person and the organization. Our challenge is to build on the legacy of creativity, he concludes.
Surviving the Recession: Venus Jewel –A Case Study from the Indian Diamond Industry
Authors: Rao Indu , Bhatnagar Deepti
Published: January 2017

The Indian diamond industry witnessed a severe recession in the year 2008. The industry is already showing signs of recovery in 2009 led by its large-sized firms. This case presents facts from a study conducted in a large-sized Indian diamond processing firm which has existed for the last 40 years and led the revival of the industry. It includes description of the company policies, management practices, innovations, the organization structure, and other unique systems. It also describes the exemplary business acumen and leadership qualities of the founder of the unit of our case. Besides, this is the first such study conducted in the Indian diamond industry which has otherwise remained undocumented in spite of an extraordinary global performance.
The Globalisation of Corporate Governance: External and Internal Mechanisms of Control
Authors: Dore Ronald
Published: January 2017

Much of the literature on corporate governance assumes that there is one universally valid prescription for good governance—or at most assumes a single choice between pro-shareholder and pro-stakeholder prescriptions. It is, however, not only “who gets what” outcomes which have to be taken into account in choosing governance systems, but also different preconditions for effectiveness, affected by national cultures and employment systems. One dimension of variation is, the relative need for, and efficacy of, externally imposed disciplines on management on the one hand, and the internal controls of conscience and peer pressures on the other. Internal control mechanisms seem to work in community-like firms such as those of Japan. Will China turn out to have similar possibilities?
Theorizing Corporate Governance: Organizational Alternatives
Authors: Learmount Simon
Published: January 2017

In this paper I contrast ‘economic’ and ‘organizational’ approaches to corporate governance, in order to draw out some of their distinctive features and discuss their relative strengths and weaknesses. I identify some promising areas of new research that examine the role of social controls and trust for the way that companies are governed. Although these are fairly embryonic, I argue that they call into question the hegemony of economic theories in theorizing the governance of the corporation. I conclude by advocating a re-consideration and broadening of the current conceptual scope of corporate governance, so as to facilitate and encourage other potentially valuable ways of exploring and understanding how companies are governed.
Union Agendas and the Disintegration of Job Stability—an Institutional Perspective
Authors: Beck Matthias P. , Allen John G.
Published: January 2017

Job quality in the US has traditionally been formulated as a synthetic concept where empirical ‘good’ jobs net a whole array of quality dimensions. ‘Good’ jobs, it was assumed, simultaneously provided high wage levels, a high propensity for wage growth, and good job security. The demise of the postwar collective bargaining system and the process of industrial restructuring, with the accompanying decline in manufacturing employment, have created a situation where this view is no longer warranted. Today’s jobs are unlikely to optimise on all dimensions of job quality, and individual employment is likely to be characterised by tradeoffs between different quality dimensions. These tradeoffs are manifested in the institutional structure of empirical labor market in three ways: a) in the public sector, jobs are highly secure but employees have traditionally experienced lower than average wage increases, b) in the strongly unionised manufacturing sector, wage levels tend to be above average but jobs appear to be less secure than elsewhere in the economy, c) in the dynamic tertiary sector, the possibility of wage mobility tends to be substantial while starting-out wages tend to lie below average. This essay argues that contrary to research which has described the efforts of US unions in the past decade as essentially ineffective, unions have met the challenges of disintegrated job quality and contributed to the alleviation of job quality deficits in each of the three sectors outlined above.
The Role the Static Maximization Approach Plays in Neoclassical Analyses
Authors: Toboso Fernando
Published: January 2017

This is an article on the methodology of economic thought. The critical assessment of the neoclassical research programme contained here basically comes from the contributions of J.M. Buchanan, Nobel prize winner in Economics 1986. These comments are aimed at pointing out the role that the static maximization approach plays in neoclassical analyses since L. Robbins and P. Samuelson’s influential contributions came about after World War II. Just to complement this basic purpose, I present in section 4 the alternative methodological foundations J.M. Buchanan proposes and uses to replace the static maximization approach when building public choice analyses and I sketch in section 5 several personal comments about some explanatory and prescriptive limitations both neoclassical and public choice analyses share. Except in rare and anomalous cases, neither neoclassical nor public choice analyses contain concepts making reference to the non-voluntary or power influences some individuals might exercise over others in their economic interactions.

“In a brief treatment it is helpful to make bold charges against ideas or positions taken by leading figures. In this respect I propose to take on Lord Robbins as an adversary and to state, categorically, that his all too persuasive delineation of our subject field has served to retard, rather than to advance, scientific progress.” [Buchanan, J.M. (1964), p. 20.]
Book Review: The Economics of the Trade Union
Authors: McCartney John
Published: January 2017

Alison L. Booth, The Economics of the Trade Union, 1994: 295 pages. Available in hardback (UK £40.00, US $54.95, ISBN 0 521 46467 6), and paperback (UK £14.95, US $19.95, ISBN 0 52146839 6) from Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
Research Note. Vibration Modes of a Human Skull at Low Frequencies. Measurement with Holographic Interferometry
Authors: Kobayashi Fumio , Miyao Masaru , Sakakibara Hisataka , Nakagawa Takeo , Kito Kazuyoshi , Shimosato Kenji , Koide Yoshiki , Sugiyama Satoshi , Hongo Takeo , Oka Tatsu
Published: January 2017

Vibration modes of a human skull exposed to vibration at low frequencies (20–240 Hz) were studied by means of holographic interferometry. In the frequencies examined, the skull behaved as a single mass and showed rotating vibratory movement around a horizontal or a perpendicular axis which passed near the foramen magnum where the skull was fixed to the vibration-proof table.

By measuring the transmissibility of vibration energy through the skull, it was found that there was a resonance at about 80 Hz and that this peak was caused by the structure connecting the basal part of the skull to the supporting stand, which corresponded to the neck. This shows that, although the holographic technique is successful in determining vibration modes, the methods of support and excitation must be carefully validated in order to produce useful results.
Infrasound — Tutorial and Review: Part 1
Authors: Backteman O. , Köhler J. , Sjöberg L.
Published: January 2017

Infrasound is everywhere. Even in an environment that is very quiet, infrasound levels of 40 dB(IL) (2–20 Hz) can be measured.

Results from numerous investigations about the influence of infrasound on people and animals have been published during the last 20 years. What all these investigations have in common is that only short time exposures have been investigated i.e. infrasound exposures during minutes or hours.

Discrete frequencies in the range of 4–16 Hz have often been used instead of low frequency random noise spectra. The results of these investigations vary considerably, which may be due to the fact that there has not been equal excitation.

In certain experiments and reports the stimuli spectra are often not accounted for. If they are accounted for this is done inadequately. This is also true for the way the results have been treated. Some conclusions that have been made have to be seen as spectacular! Several scientists have pointed out that the results may be caused by stimulus in the audible range, not by infrasound.

At the conference “Low frequency noise and hearing” (May 1980 in Aalborg, Denmark), where most of the leading scientists of the low frequency area participated, it was stated that there are people who seem to be more sensitive to low frequency disturbances than others. In general, infrasound should not be a direct problem for normal people, which these research results showed. There was full agreement that there is not enough research being done today on low frequency disturbances in the range of 20–100 Hz. These disturbances cannot be sufficiently indicated by measuring the sound level in dB(A). The participants seemed quite convinced that people are irritated by low frequency disturbances both during work, at home and during leisure time. This has not been sufficiently noted.

Most machines in industries and in homes also have frequencies in the region of 50 Hz, e.g. transformers, compressors, diesel- and gas motors, electric motors and fans.

The objective of this work has been to make a comprehensive review, especially in accounting for infrasound levels under normal working conditions and in home environment, both in Sweden and in the rest of the world. Due to the fact that the results from different reports are not uniform and often incomplete, a direct comparison of results is not possible.
Vibration Characteristics of Rock Drills
Authors: Hutton Stanley G. , Brubaker Robert L.
Published: January 2017

This report presents the results of field tests conducted to ascertain the vibration characteristics of rock drills from the viewpoint of hand transmitted vibration. Measurements were conducted on a number of jack leg and stoper drills while the drills were being used in a production environment. R.M.S. acceleration spectra are presented and the effects of operating variables are considered.
Significance of Age and Physical Fitness for the Stressing of Subjects in Complex Exposure Situations
Authors: Manninen Olavi
Published: January 2017

Although it would be very valuable in preventing health hazards, we have only limited knowledge of the effects of age and physical fitness on the strenuousness of exposure situations and on the duration of recovery periods. Therefore, this study was set up to examine the differences in the subjective experience of stressfulness between persons of different ages and physical fitness levels, when the subjects were exposed either separately or simultaneously to noise, whole body vibration, physical dynamic muscular work and mental competition type work at relatively high ambient temperatures. The subjects were males representing three age groups: under 25, 26 to 39 and over 40 years of age. The study was performed in a special exposure chamber, and it involved a total of 192 subjects. One personal test took 5½ hours and consisted of several consecutive exposure periods of 16 min. During the test the subjects rated their feelings of stressfulness four times using a five-class scale. The physical fitness of the subjects was tested with a bicycle ergometer, and the results were used to calculate the physical working capacity (PWC170-value) and the maximum oxygen intake (VO22 max-value). The report discusses the results and draws conclusions on the evaluation of complex exposure situations. Some suggestions are made as to the practical application of the results in standardization work considering the combined effects of noise and vibration.
Three Dimensional Sound and Vibration Frequency Responses of the Sheep Abdomen
Authors: Peters Aemil J.M. , Abrams Robert M. , Gerhardt Kenneth J. , Longmate Jeffery A.
Published: January 2017

There is growing awareness and concern about reproductive hazards in the workplace. Sound and vibration have long been recognized as occupational hazards, but there are no guidelines or consensus standards for foetal protection. A three-dimensional analysis of sound pressure level (SPL) within the abdomen was used to show how sound and vibration of various frequencies are transmitted throughout the abdominal segment of sheep. Sinusoidal stimulation was provided with a mechanical vibrator placed on the anterior abdominal wall just posterior to the umbilicus. A hydrophone was placed at 45 intraabdominal locations within a space measuring 20×20×25 cm centered over the mechanical oscillator. Pure tones of 10, 100, 1000 and 2000 hertz were used to stimulate the abdominal wall. Intraabdominal SPL was negatively correlated with distance between the hydrophone and the vibrator (p<0.0001) and was negatively correlated with frequency of vibration (p<0.0001). The rate at which the system attenuated high frequencies was greater than for lower frequencies and it attenuated higher frequencies more uniformly throughout the entire abdomen (p<0.0001).
The Evaluation of Vibration Exposure in the Operation of Chain Saws and Bush Cutters
Authors: Yamada Shin'ya , Sakakibara Hisataka
Published: January 2017

The evaluation of vibration exposure has had three aims for the prevention of vibration syndrome among Japanese forest workers using chain saws and bush cutters. The first was to introduce exposure time regulation in chain saw and bush cutter operation, the second to improve the chain saw and bush cutter, and the third to find effective tests for the early diagnosis of vibration syndrome. For the first aim, correlations between vibration exposure time (minutes, hours, days and years) and physiological effects including subjective symptoms were observed. From the results, new effective regulations were introduced. For the second aim, existing and new chainsaws and bush cutters were compared in terms of vibration acceleration level and changes of physiological function between before and after chain saw and bush cutter operation. Those results promoted the improvement of chain saws and bush cutters. For the third aim, correlations between vibration exposure dose and physical examination results were analyzed. From the analysis, effective tests relating closely with vibration exposure dose were obtained.
Acoustic Transfer Function of a Cavity and its Application to Rapid Sound Evaluation at Low Frequency Band
Authors: Yin Gang , Chen Hualing , Huang Xieqing , Hu Xuanli
Published: January 2017

Acoustic transfer function (ATF) plays an important role in the procedure of structure dynamic modification for sound field optimization of a cavity, since it makes rapid sound evaluation possible. In this paper, a new method to obtain ATF's numerical solution by BEM, was presented. For a simply supported panel backed by a rectangular cavity, the influence of frequency on ATF was discussed. Then application of ATF to rapid sound evaluation was tested. The relation between the accuracy of rapid sound evaluation and discretization schemes of the panel is analyzed.
Activated carbons from golden shower upon different chemical activation methods: Synthesis and characterizations
Authors: Tran Hai Nguyen , Chao Huan-Ping , You Sheng-Jie
Published: January 2017

Activated carbons (ACs) were synthesized from golden shower (GS) through chemical activation. Two synthesis processes were used: one-stage and two-stage processes. In the one-stage process, GS that was impregnated with K2CO3 was directly pyrolyzed (GSAC), and the two-stage process consisted of (1) pyrolytic or hydrolytic carbonization to produce biochar or hydrochar and (2) subsequent chemical activation was defined as GSBAC and GSHAC, respectively. The activated carbon’s characteristics—thermal stability and textural, physicochemical, structural, and crystal properties—were thoroughly investigated. Results demonstrated that the characteristics of activated carbons strongly depend on the method used for their synthesis. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area followed the order GSAC (1413 m2/g) > GSHAC (1238 m2/g) > GSBAC (812 m2/g). The existence of acidic groups was determined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Boehm titration. The excellent adsorptive capacities of the activated carbons were confirmed from the iodine number (1568–2695 mg/g) and methylene number (143–233 mg/g).
Preparation of rhamnolipid-layered double hydroxide nanocomposite for removing p-cresol from water
Authors: Bi Hao-Yu , Li Yan
Published: January 2017

Rhamnolipid (RL)-modified Mg3Al-layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared as p-cresol adsorbent by ion exchange (RL-LDH1) and delamination/reassembling (RL-LDH2) method, respectively. The basal spacing of RL-LDH1 ( d003 = 3.22 nm) and RL-LDH2 ( d003 = 3.39 nm) was significantly increased compared with Mg3Al LDH ( d003 = 0.90 nm) due to the intercalation of RL anions between the LDH layers. The reduced surface area of RL-LDH nanocomposites demonstrated their strong hydrophobic property. The highest adsorption capacity of RL-LDH2 for p-cresol was intimately related to its stacking model of the interlayer hydrophobic moiety and higher RL (organic carbon) content. The linear model well fitted for p-cresol adsorption isotherms, implying a partitioning adsorption process. Along with the effect of temperature on p-cresol adsorption, an adsolubilization mechanism and an exothermic adsorption nature during adsorption process were revealed.