bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viol
Authors: Ahrendt Rebekah , Slowik Catherine
Published: November 2017

The viol is a five-, six-, or seven-string instrument made of wood and most commonly played with a bow, though it may also be plucked or struck. It comes in a variety of sizes, from high treble or pardessus down to contrabass (violone). As its Italian name, viola da gamba, implies, the instrument is customarily held upright between the legs. Common morphological characteristics of instruments in the viol family include a flat back and a slightly curved top. A bridge, usually fairly low and gently arched, supports the strings. The usually thin and wide neck features adjustable frets (typically seven), though other combinations are possible. Instruments related to the viol, such as the baryton or lirone, additionally accommodate a range of sympathetic strings. The belly of the instrument includes a soundhole on either side, often C-shaped, F-shaped (like a violin), or flame-shaped; anomalous sound holes are also present in historical exemplars, as are rosettes or other carved features. According to some early commentators, the viol was the first Western stringed instrument to utilize a soundpost, a feature that contributed to the resonant sound for which the viol family is noted. The origins of what we in the 21st century call the viol are still somewhat obscure; the most commonly accepted narrative places the earliest recognizable iterations of the instrument on the Iberian Peninsula at the end of the 15th century. From there, the viol spread to Italy, where it quickly gained popularity among elites. And thence extends a tradition stretching nearly unbroken until today of an instrument cherished by kings and commoners, children and the elderly, amateurs and professionals alike. Part of the instrument’s appeal lies not just in its comfortable and elegant playing position but in its great musical flexibility. It may be played solo in melodic or polyphonic chordal styles or in consort with other viols, other instruments, or voices. The bass viol—the preeminent soloist of the family—was also a favored continuo instrument, while treble models such as the pardessus or quinton made violin repertoires accessible to new publics. All told, the rich musical possibilities and complex social life of the viol have generated reams of commentary and scholarship. This article primarily focuses on major sources regarding the instrument and its construction; performance practice is only lightly touched upon, and repertoire is largely ignored.
Exploratory Data Analysis
Authors: Yu Chong Ho
Published: November 2017

Exploratory data analysis (EDA) is a strategy of data analysis that emphasizes maintaining an open mind to alternative possibilities. EDA is a philosophy or an attitude about how data analysis should be carried out, rather than being a fixed set of techniques. It is difficult to obtain a clear-cut answer from “messy” human phenomena, and thus the exploratory character of EDA is very suitable to psychological research. This research tradition was founded by John Tukey, who often relates EDA to detective work. In EDA, the role of the researcher is to explore the data in as many ways as possible until a plausible “story” emerges. A detective does not collect just any information. Instead, he or she collects clues related to the central question of the case. By the same token, EDA is not “fishing” or “torturing” the data set until it confesses. Rather, it is a systematic way to investigate relevant information from multiple perspectives. Tukey emphasizes the role of data analysis in research, rather than mathematics, statistics, and probability. Mathematics is secondary in the sense that it is a tool for understanding the data. Classical statistics aims to infer from the sample to the population based on the probability as the relative frequency in the long run. However, in many stages of inquiry, the working questions are non-probabilistic and the focal point should be the data at hand rather than the probabilistic inference in the long run. Hence, prematurely adopting a specific statistical model would hinder the researchers from considering different possible solutions. Because EDA endorses open-mindedness and triangulation, it is not a standalone approach. Rather, it complements traditional confirmatory data analysis (CDA) by generating a working hypothesis, as well as spotting outliers and assumption violations that might invalidate CDA. Additionally, it can also be operated with Bayesian statistics and resampling side by side. With the advent of high-power computers and voluminous data, many exploratory techniques have been developed in data science. These methods are known as data mining. Because it is tedious or even impossible to detect the data patterns when the sample size is extremely large or there are too many variables (this problem is called the “curse of dimensionality”), some data miners use machine learning to explore alternate routes for understanding the data. There are different taxonomies of EDA. Traditionally, EDA comprises residual analysis, data re-expression, resistant procedures, and data visualization. With the advance of high-power computing and big data analytics, the alternate taxonomy is goal oriented, namely, clustering, variable screening, and pattern recognition.
Translation inhibition and resource balance in the TX-TL cell-free gene expression system
Authors: Nagaraj Vijayalakshmi H , Greene James M , Sengupta Anirvan M , Sontag Eduardo D
Published: November 2017

Quantifying the effect of vital resources on transcription (TX) and translation (TL) helps to understand the degree to which the concentration of each resource must be regulated for achieving homeostasis. Utilizing the synthetic TX-TL system, we study the impact of nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs) and magnesium (Mg2+) on gene expression. Recent observations of the counter-intuitive phenomenon of suppression of gene expression at high NTP concentrations have led to the speculation that such suppression is due to the consumption of resources by TX, hence leaving fewer resources for TL. In this work, we investigate an alternative hypothesis: direct suppression of the TL rate via stoichiometric mismatch in necessary reagents. We observe NTP-dependent suppression even in the early phase of gene expression, contradicting the resource-limitation argument. To further decouple the contributions of TX and TL, we performed gene expression experiments with purified messenger RNA (mRNA). Simultaneously monitoring mRNA and protein abundances allowed us to extract a time-dependent translation rate. Measuring TL rates for different Mg2+ and NTP concentrations, we observe a complex resource dependence. We demonstrate that TL is the rate-limiting process that is directly inhibited by high NTP concentrations. Additional Mg2+ can partially reverse this inhibition. In several experiments, we observe two maxima of the TL rate viewed as a function of both Mg2+ and NTP concentration, which can be explained in terms of an NTP-independent effect on the ribosome complex and an NTP-Mg2+ titration effect. The non-trivial compensatory effects of abundance of different vital resources signal the presence of complex regulatory mechanisms to achieve optimal gene expression.
Does using PAs in the closed treatment of pediatric forearm fractures increase malunion risk?
Authors: Garrison Stephanie , Eismann Emily A. , Cornwall Roger
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

This study assessed whether using physician assistants (PAs) for fracture follow-up during nonoperative management of pediatric forearm fractures was associated with an increased risk of malunion.

Methods:

The study was a retrospective review of charts of 141 children under age 18 years who were treated nonoperatively in the division of orthopedics over 12 months for forearm fractures. The effect of type and number of follow-up providers on risk of malunion was determined and controlled for fracture type, location, and initial angulation. Logistic regression, Fisher exact test, and Cochran-Armitage trend test were used to analyze the data, with P < .05 indicating statistical significance.

Results:

Using strict criteria, malunion was identified in 42 (30%) of 141 patients. Follow-up provided by even up to four PAs did not increase malunion risk. Transfer of care between two attending physicians increased malunion risk, independent of fracture characteristics.

Conclusion:

The involvement of even multiple PAs during follow-up management of nonoperatively treated pediatric forearm fractures is not associated with an increase in the risk of malunion. These findings are consistent with previous published works that highlighted the safe and valuable role PAs can play in the management of common fractures.
Conization and healthcare use: a population-based register study
Authors: Frederiksen Maria E. , Vázquez-Prada Baillet Miguel , Jensen Pernille T. , Rygaard Carsten , Hallas Jesper , Lynge Elsebeth
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to assess whether negative psychological consequences of conization reported in questionnaire studies translated into increased use of the healthcare services that could relieve such symptoms. This was a population-based register study comparing women undergoing conization with a control group of women with normal cytology results. Data were derived from Danish registers. Using the difference-in-differences method, we measured contacts with general practitioners (GPs), hospitals, psychiatrist/psychologists, and use of anxiolytic and antidepressant prescription drugs over 5 years ‘before’ and ‘after’ the conization in the study group, and in comparable periods in the control group. During the ‘before’ period, women who later had a conization had greater contact with GPs and hospitals, and slightly more contact with psychiatrist/psychologists, than control women. In both groups, healthcare use increased significantly from the ‘before’ to the ‘after’ period. For contacts with GPs and hospitals, the increase was significantly larger for the conization group than for the control group, but this could be attributed to the standard postconization follow-up process. In the ‘before’ period, women who later had a conization used fewer drugs than women of the control-group, but their drug use increased similarly over time. The conization event did not result in an increased use of the healthcare services that could relieve potential negative side effects. However, women who underwent a conization seemed to constitute a select group as they already used GPs and hospitals more frequently, and anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs less frequently, than other women in the years ‘before’ the conization event.
Ultrasound Identifies Broken Drainage Tube Postthyroidectomy
Authors: Xing Jiayi , Wang Jian , You Shanshan , Li Jianchu
Published: November 2017

Drains are routinely used after thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection. In rare cases, the drainage tube is broken and retained in the neck. It is difficult to identify the sonographic features of the remnant tube due to variable reasons. However, through comparative and phantom observations, we noticed the double-tract sign of the tube wall and drainage holes as the key points to solving this problem. We report such a case of the ultrasound-guided localization of a broken drainage tube that was retained in the patient.
Fetal Splenomegaly
Authors: Moreira Marta , Brás Rafael , Gonçalves Daniela , Alencoão Inês , Inocêncio Gonçalo , Rodrigues Maria , Braga Jorge
Published: November 2017

Enlargement of the fetal spleen is usually found secondary to systemic diseases and is frequently associated with hepatomegaly. By far, the most common causes of fetal splenomegaly are infectious. Other etiologies responsible for this sign are hemolytic anemia, congestive cardiac failure, metabolic disorders, and rarely, leukemia, lymphoma, and histiocytosis.

We report a case of prenatal splenomegaly diagnosed at 35 weeks, confirmed in the postnatal period. The postnatal workup showed the newborn had a familial type 3 form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is an aggressive and life-threatening syndrome of excessive immune activation. The genes implicated in the hereditary forms of the disease act in an autosomal recessive fashion.
Temporal Flap as an Option for Buconasal Fistula Closure
Authors: Carvalho de Lima do Nascimento Tuanny , Wastner Bruna da Fonseca , Biron Cassia , Romanowski Maurício , Strujak Guilherme , Scariot Rafaela , Carlini João Luiz
Published: November 2017

Maxillary defects with buconasal/businusal communications are situations difficult to manage and solve. Several treatment options are available on the literature, each one with its indication. Temporal muscle flap is one of these options, being a technique that requires more experience of the surgeon to be properly performed and that is mainly indicated for difficult cases, large defects and those nonresponsive to simpler techniques. The main purpose of this paper is to report 3 clinical patients of the application of the temporal muscle flap for the closure of extensive oral defects. None of the patients had necrosis, nervous deficits, or any long-term changes. The authors conclude that the use of this flap was shown to be a viable, safe technique with low complication and high success rates, which may contribute to the rehabilitation of well-indicated patients.
Repair of the Nasal Floor by the Cleft Margin Flap in Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip
Authors: Tsumoto Jumpei , Imai Keisuke , Wu Cheng Chun
Published: November 2017

Bilateral complete cleft lip deformity has been the most challenging to plastic surgeons, and lots of methods of repair have been described in the literature. The basic principles are to achieve continuity of the orbicularis oris muscle, a balanced Cupid's bow with nasal ala, and a complete reconstruction of the nasal floor. The last one is, however, easily neglected. A well-reconstructed nasal floor serves as a good support of the nasal cartilage, which minimizes secondary deformity. In addition, a nasal floor with sufficient soft tissue and minimal contracture makes bone grafting easier in the future. The cleft margin flap was first introduced by Tajima in 1983 and used for the nasal floor repair in the unilateral complete cleft lip. The authors have used this technique in bilateral complete cleft lip repair, and from our practice, tension-free repairs of the nasal floors could easily be achieved by the cleft margin flaps. The results were satisfying and no significant scar contracture or deformity of the nasal floor was observed during follow-up. The authors conclude that the cleft margin flaps are viable and alternative choices for the repair of the nasal floors in bilateral complete cleft lip without major complications.
Management of Nonsyndromic Skeletal Dysgnathia by Distraction Osteogenesis Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Kochar Gagan Deep , Chakranarayan Ashish , Varghese Bensy , Londhe Sanjay Manohar , Chowdhury Sanjay Kumar Roy , Krishnawarrier Shreehari Ambika
Published: November 2017

Distraction osteogenesis has been a paradigm shift in the field of orthognathic surgery. Majority of the published cases are those of syndromic patients that have been managed using varying treatment protocols. This communication describes a patient of 18-year-old male diagnosed with skeletal Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retognathism. The patient was taken up for mandibular corpus distraction of 10 mm. By this approach the patient was benefitted with good esthetic result and functional occlusion. Distraction protocol followed in this patient for lengthening of mandibular corpus has resulted in a stable outcome. The 2-year follow-up photographs show a stable result both esthetically and functionally.
Generative models for network neuroscience: prospects and promise
Authors: Betzel Richard F. , Bassett Danielle S.
Published: November 2017

Network neuroscience is the emerging discipline concerned with investigating the complex patterns of interconnections found in neural systems, and identifying principles with which to understand them. Within this discipline, one particularly powerful approach is network generative modelling, in which wiring rules are algorithmically implemented to produce synthetic network architectures with the same properties as observed in empirical network data. Successful models can highlight the principles by which a network is organized and potentially uncover the mechanisms by which it grows and develops. Here, we review the prospects and promise of generative models for network neuroscience. We begin with a primer on network generative models, with a discussion of compressibility and predictability, and utility in intuiting mechanisms, followed by a short history on their use in network science, broadly. We then discuss generative models in practice and application, paying particular attention to the critical need for cross-validation. Next, we review generative models of biological neural networks, both at the cellular and large-scale level, and across a variety of species includingCaenorhabditis elegans,Drosophila, mouse, rat, cat, macaque and human. We offer a careful treatment of a few relevant distinctions, including differences between generative models and null models, sufficiency and redundancy, inferring and claiming mechanism, and functional and structural connectivity. We close with a discussion of future directions, outlining exciting frontiers both in empirical data collection efforts as well as in method and theory development that, together, further the utility of the generative network modelling approach for network neuroscience.
Population genomic analysis reveals contrasting demographic changes of two closely related dolphin species in the last glacial
Authors: Vijay Nagarjun , Park Chungoo , Oh Jooseong , Jin Soyeong , Kern Elizabeth , Kim Hyun Woo , Zhang Jianzhi , Park Joong-Ki
Published: November 2017

Population genomic data can be used to infer historical effective population sizes (Ne), which help study the impact of past climate changes on biodiversity. Previous genome sequencing of one individual of the common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus revealed an unusual, sharp rise in Ne during the last glacial, raising questions about the reliability, generality, underlying cause, and biological implication of this finding. Here we first verify this result by additional sampling of T. truncatus. We then sequence and analyze the genomes of its close relative, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin T. aduncus. The two species exhibit contrasting demographic changes in the last glacial, likely through actual changes in population size and/or alterations in the level of gene flow among populations. Our findings demonstrate that even closely related species can have drastically different responses to climatic changes, making predicting the fate of individual species in the ongoing global warming a serious challenge.
Developmental loci harbor clusters of accelerated regions that evolved independently in ape lineages
Authors: Kostka Dennis , Holloway Alisha K. , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: November 2017

Some of the fastest evolving regions of the human genome are conserved non-coding elements with many human-specific DNA substitutions. These Human Accelerated Regions (HARs) are enriched nearby regulatory genes, and several HARs function as developmental enhancers. To investigate if this evolutionary signature is unique to humans, we quantified evidence of accelerated substitutions in conserved genomic elements across multiple lineages and applied this approach simultaneously to the genomes of five apes: human, chimpanzee, gorilla, orangutan, and gibbon. We find roughly similar numbers and genomic distributions of lineage-specific accelerated regions (linARs) in all five apes. In particular, apes share an enrichment of linARs in regulatory DNA nearby genes involved in development, especially transcription factors and other regulators. Many developmental loci harbor clusters of nonoverlapping linARs from multiple apes, suggesting that accelerated evolution in each species affected distinct regulatory elements that control a shared set of developmental pathways. Our statistical tests distinguish between GC-biased and unbiased accelerated substitution rates, allowing us to quantify the roles of different evolutionary forces in creating linARs. We find evidence of GC-biased gene conversion in each ape, but unbiased acceleration consistent with positive selection or loss of constraint is more common in all five lineages. It therefore appears that similar evolutionary processes created independent accelerated regions in the genomes of different apes, and that these lineage-specific changes to conserved non-coding sequences may have differentially altered expression of a core set of developmental genes across ape evolution.
Host shifts result in parallel genetic changes when viruses evolve in closely related species
Authors: Longdon Ben , Day Jonathan P , Alves Joel M , Smith Sophia CL , Houslay Thomas M , McGonigle John E , Tagliaferri Lucia , Jiggins Francis M
Published: November 2017

Host shifts, where a pathogen invades and establishes in a new host species, are a major source of emerging infectious diseases. They frequently occur between related host species and often rely on the pathogen evolving adaptations that increase their fitness in the novel host species. To investigate genetic changes in novel hosts, we experimentally evolved replicate lineages of an RNA virus (Drosophila C Virus) in 19 different species of Drosophilidae and deep sequenced the viral genomes. We found a strong pattern of parallel evolution, where viral lineages from the same host were genetically more similar to each other than to lineages from other host species. When we compared viruses that had evolved in different host species, we found that parallel genetic changes were more likely to occur if the two host species were closely related. This suggests that when a virus adapts to one host it might also become better adapted to closely related host species. This may explain in part why host shifts tend to occur between related species, and may mean that when a new pathogen appears in a given species, closely related species may become vulnerable to the new disease.
Australian customer willingness to pay and wait for mass-customised products
Authors: Kalantari Hassan Daronkola , Johnson Lester
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out how consumers constantly trade off the potential extra cost of mass customisation with the additional time they have to wait to receive their customised products.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine this issue by using conjoint analysis to estimate the trade-offs using a sample of Australian consumers. The authors use cluster analysis to form market segments in the three product categories examined.

Findings

The segments demonstrate that there are groups of customers who are quite willing to trade-off price with waiting time. The results have significant implications for Australian manufacturers who are contemplating moving into mass customisation.

Originality/value

Many researchers have investigated the issue of a customer’s readiness to buy a customised product. In particular, they have examined whether customers are willing to pay extra for a mass-customised product, whether they would spend some time to design it, as well as wait to receive it. There has been no study that has examined all three factors simultaneously. The results of this study can help manufacturers form a better understanding of customer willingness for purchasing mass-customised products.
Indian telecom regulatory framework in comparison with five countries: structure, role description and funding
Authors: Hallur Giri Gundu , Sane Vivek S.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a cross-country qualitative comparative analysis of telecom regulatory frameworks of five countries with that of India. Adopting an institutionalist approach, this paper contributes to understanding of how institutional frameworks in these five countries are structured as compared to that in India so as to ensure division of the authority and scope of the regulator vis-a-vis that of the ministry, and the bureaucracy; financial autonomy of the regulator; redressal of grievances of individual consumers; and modification in the framework to cater to convergence of telecom and broadcasting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on literature review of research papers, secondary research and documents published by the regulators of the five countries. The research methodology used is qualitative comparative analysis case-based research of five countries. The variables for comparison have been sourced from the World Bank Handbook for Evaluating Infrastructure Regulatory System. The researcher has adopted qualitative research method to bring forth the similarity, as well as the diversity in the regulatory setup of the five countries in comparison with India.

Findings

Analysis reveals that there is an absence of clear role definition for policy formulating body, the DoT and the regulatory body, the TRAI. The involvement of a number of bodies leads to duplication of regulatory functions in the TRAI, DoT and the Telecom Commission. Secondly, with respect to standards, compliance and spectrum management, the TEC and WPC function as divisions of DoT; however, the TRAI is entrusted with ensuring interoperability among service providers as well as spectrum management. This leads to duplication of regulatory functions and absence of a single authority. Lastly, funding of the TRAI is done through the departmental allocation given to DoT alone with no additional funds coming in the form of regulatory fees. This is seen to be specific to TRAI as other sector regulators in India have been empowered to collect fees from industry participants. The Indian framework shows two commonalities in comparison with the five countries; firstly, India has adopted self-regulation through the setting up of the Telco-consumer group-led consumer redressal process. The second similarity being convergence of the regulatory functions performed by the TRAI for the telecom as well as the information and broadcasting ministries, although the two ministries continue to function independently.

Originality/value

The paper furthers the understanding of the good practices in the design of telecom regulatory framework. It brings out the similarity and diversity in these frameworks. And, most importantly, it highlights limitations that the Indian telecom regulatory framework has in areas of role definition for the regulator, its autonomy and regulation of telecom-media convergence.
Research on market power and market structure
Authors: Sun Baowen , Jing Wenjun , Zhao Xuankai , He Yi
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to clear whether the monopoly structure of the internet industry has produced market power and discussed the welfare change of the internet industry monopoly.

Design/methodology/approach

By using new empirical industrial organization methods and taking the e-commerce market as an example, the authors measured market power and economies of scale of the internet platform companies.

Findings

Internet platform enterprises have formed scale economy, but it has not had market power, and the industry still maintains high levels of competition; also, the emergence of large enterprises may increase the welfare of consumers.

Originality/value

The conclusion of this paper clarified actual competition status of internet industry and provided a new foothold for regulation and ideas for the traditional industry to crack the Marshall Conflict.
Analysis of e-commerce transaction system’s division of labor based on essential services quantity
Authors: Wang Li , Chai Yueting , Liu Yi
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The division of labor of e-commerce transaction system is an important research topic. However, there is a certain disparity between the current mainstream research model and the reality, which leads to a biased result. This paper aims to find the effects of transaction efficiency on the evolution of e-commerce transaction system’s division of labor and the relationships between the results and other parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper puts forward a definition of transaction efficiency based on transaction services and establishes a model of middleman’s specialized production decision of transaction services on this basis.

Findings

The research results show that the transaction efficiency plays an important role on the change of middlemen’s division of labor level. The degree of economic specialization, price of commodities and transaction services and other associated factors also affect middlemen’s division of labor.

Originality/value

This paper is of great significance for evaluating the development level and forecast the development direction of e-commerce.
A driving behavior model evaluation for UBI
Authors: Liu Zhishuo , Shen Qianhui , Ma Jingmiao
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a driving behavior scoring model to decide the personalized automobile premium for each driver.

Design/methodology/approach

Driving behavior scoring model.

Findings

The driving behavior scoring model could effectively reflect the risk level of driver’s safe driving.

Originality/value

A driving behavior scoring model for UBI.
Resilience and entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review
Authors: Korber Stefan , McNaughton Rod B.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature at the intersection of resilience and entrepreneurship. It identifies six scholarly conversations, each of which draws on distinct notions of resilience and entrepreneurship. Based on those conversations, shortcomings in the existing literature are discussed and avenues for future research are outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic multi-disciplinary review of 144 papers that are categorized into six scholarly conversations to build the foundation for a critical discussion of each line of inquiry.

Findings

This paper identifies six conversations or research streams at the intersection of entrepreneurship and resilience: resilience as traits or characteristics of entrepreneurial firms or individuals, resilience as a trigger for entrepreneurial intentions, entrepreneurial behavior as enhancing organizational resilience, entrepreneurial firms fostering macro-level (regions, communities, economies) resilience, resilience in the context of entrepreneurial failure, and resilience as a process of recovery and transformation. The review revealed these publications imprecisely define constructs and use a limited amount of the extant scholarship on both entrepreneurship and resilience. Future research should take a more holistic approach to explore entrepreneurship and resilience from a multi-level and longitudinal perspective, especially in the context of socio-ecological sustainability.

Originality/value

This paper incorporates insights on resilience and entrepreneurship across academic disciplines to show how future contributions could benefit by incorporating research from other fields. In doing so, it provides a starting point for more nuanced discussions around the interrelationships between the different conversations and the role entrepreneurs can play in promoting a positive, long-term trajectory for a socio-ecological system.
Ambiguities in policymaking and administration: A typology
Authors: Sharkansky Ira , Friedberg Asher
Published: November 2017

Ambiguity appears in many settings. Published reports of Israel's State Comptroller, the supreme audit body, provide material to illustrate a typology of where ambiguity occurs in Israeli policymaking and administration, under what conditions, and with what effects. Although the examples reflect peculiarities of one country's politics, the typology used to array them offers wider application. Although the disadvantages of ambiguity are emphasized in the reports of the State Comptroller, the implications are not entirely negative.
Chester Barnard's fourth door
Authors: Smith Edward B.
Published: November 2017

Chester Barnard tells us he went through phases in his own life which showed him that the individual can and should grow as a result of belonging to an organization. This article suggests that this is Barnard's most enduring contribution to the study of management.
Organizational culture and standardized programs: A practitioner’s guide to implementation
Authors: Larry Fraser D. , Stupak. Ronald J.
Published: November 2017

Standardized programs are those programs in which all or most of the procedures and processes are performed in a certain way. This article will explore the purposes and logic of these kinds of programs and the role organizational culture can play in implementing them.
Understanding and managing physician restructuring through organizational theory
Authors: Kiel Joan M.
Published: November 2017

Physician restructuring is occurring rapidly as physicians are readily leaving solo practice and joining group practices, including multi-specialty group practices. Organizational theory provides a framework for the rationale and management of physician restructuring in this environment of managed care. Through studying Open Systems Theory, Population Ecology and Strategic Adaptation Models, Institutional Theory, Resource Dependency Theory, Group Theory, Exchange Theory, and Transaction Costs Economics, one can better understand the environment, and operational and management issues which surround physician group restructuring.
Postmodernism and public administration: Implications for the cia in an age of uncertainty
Authors: Damask Nicholas A.
Published: November 2017

This article discusses the concept of the "postmodern administrative mentality" and employs it to explain the mindset behind the administrative reforms currently being enacted at the Central Intelligence Agency. The postmodern administrative mentality is characterized by a.) a hostility to the notion of objectivity and objectively grounded truth; b.) a call for "flattened" administrative hierarchies; and c.) an insistence on "gray," or ill-defined mission boundaries. The paper concludes that should the postmodern administrative mentality continue to guide administrative reform of the CIA, the results would be that the CIA would no longer be an effective intelligence-gathering agency and that there would be a return to unethical and possibly illegal activities by the CIA.
Public administration at the edge of a new millennium: Megatrends in the science of public administration in western europe
Authors: Nelissen N. J. M.
Published: November 2017

In Western Europe, the science of Public Administration is undergoing important changes. In this article a series of changes are described. These changes can be categorized under several headings called megatrends. The ten megatrends mentioned will shape the face of the science of Public Administration in the new millennium. This means that the theoretical basis, the methodological approach and the subject matter of the science of Public Administration will change to a certain degree.
From imitation to creation: Public organization research in korea, 1967-1996
Authors: Ho Chung Sung
Published: November 2017

This paper reviews public organization research in Korea conducted during the last five years. To frame the discussion, earlier research is also reviewed, and a direction for future research is suggested. The major characteristics of past research are summarized as "apolitical," in the sense that it simply introduced positivist theories from the United States and ignored the relationship between public organization problems and authoritarian governments in Korea. This "apolitical" orientation produced two major issues: questioning the relevancy of the research and "Koreanization" of the U.S. theories. The "apolitical" trend continues in recent research, as do the issues. The paper suggests a "political" approach as an antithesis to an "apolitical" one for the direction of future research in Korea.
Integrated performance monitoring systems: Benefits, pitfalls, and prescriptions
Authors: Cirincione Carmen
Published: November 2017

Performance monitoring systems are typically designed to assess the achievement of a single program or agency. In recent years, there have been efforts to integrate programs addressing a particular policy area (e.g., workforce development). The evolving systems incorporate multiple programs, agencies, funding streams, service providers, information systems, and goals. The design of integrated performance monitoring systems requires applying measures, standards, and comparisons to multiple levels of assessment. The author differentiates between traditional and integrated performance monitoring systems, identifies the levels that must be addressed by integrated systems and the obstacles that must be overcome in developing them, and discusses the benefits of integrated performance monitoring systems.
Historical perspectives on ideological and legal challenges to labor-management participation efforts
Authors: P. Kelly Eileen
Published: November 2017

Labor-management participation efforts have grown dramatically under such forms as quality circles, total quality management, participation teams, and employee councils. Employers promote participation efforts as a means to increase employee commitment, product quality, customer satisfaction and company profitability. Nonetheless participation efforts are under assault both legally and ideologically. Segments of the labor movement challenge participation efforts as subterfuges for union busting and violations of existing labor laws. This article constructs an historical framework against which to cast the current debate over participation efforts. It traces the roots of differing ideological perspectives on participation efforts by examining the rise of the industrial democracy movement in the 1920s and the use of representation plans and company unions. The historical roots of differing legal perspectives on participation efforts are also examined. The article discusses the historical reasons why contemporary labor statutes were written with such strong circumscription of employee-employer participation efforts.
Three worlds of public administration modernization
Authors: König Klaus
Published: November 2017

Since Max Weber analysed the process of the historical differentiation of religion, politics, law and economics, it is now accepted that it is functional differentiation into relatively autonomous subsystems and spheres of action, together with the rationalization of these areas according to their own principles, that fundamentally determines the modern. This immediately focuses the spotlight on public administration characterized as a type of bureaucracy with a system of official responsibilities, a hierarchy of offices, an official routine, adherence to a set of rules, a career public service. Between the basic bureaucratic character of public administrations in the west and the various manifestations of the nation state, it is possible to identify certain politico-cultural communities in the Anglo-Saxon area on the one hand and Continental Europe on the other which enable a distinction to be made between civic culture administration and the classic system of administration
Managerial influences in public administration
Authors: David Edwards J.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a discussion of the influence of managerialist values on the field of public administration. The author begins by developing a definition of managerialism consisting of four components: efficiency as the primary value guiding managers1 actions and decisions; faith in the tools and techniques of management; a class consciousness among managers; and a view of managers as moral agents. The paper next considers the influence of managerialism on the development of the field of public administration. The analysis centers on the early history of the field, but also discusses the ongoing influence of the managerialist mindset. The author then turns to consideration of three alternative approaches to public administration theory and practice which have arisen as challenges to the dominance of the managerialist mindset within the discipline. Specifically, the values and assumptions underlying the work of selected writers associated with the New PA, the Blacksburg group, and PA Theorists are discussed. The paper closes by contrasting these alternative views of public administration to managerialism and considering the extent to which they represent major challenges to its dominance or simply reflect variations of the same theme.
The legacy of david hume for american public administration: empiricism, scepticism, and constitutionalism
Authors: Spicer Michael W.
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the ideas of David Hume and their importance to American public administration writing and practice. Hume’s ideas on empiricism, scepticism, and constitutionalism have indirectly, via their impact on modern philosophy, encouraged both support for and criticism of empiricist approaches in public administration. Also, Hume’s ideas on constitutionalism, because of their influence on the Founders' writings and design, provide an important legacy for the practice of public administration. The paper argues that Hume’s notion of mitigated scepticism, as well as his constitutional ideas, have continuing relevance for the study and practice of contemporary public administration. This paper examines the ideas of David Hume and their importance to American public administration writing and practice. Hume’s ideas on empiricism, scepticism, and constitutionalism have indirectly, via their impact on modern philosophy, encouraged both support for and criticism of empiricist approaches in public administration. Also, Hume’s ideas on constitutionalism, because of their influence on the Founders' writings and design, provide an important legacy for the practice of public administration. The paper argues that Hume’s notion of mitigated scepticism, as well as his constitutional ideas, have continuing relevance for the study and practice of contemporary public administration. This paper examines the ideas of David Hume and their importance to American public administration writing and practice. Hume’s ideas on empiricism, scepticism, and constitutionalism have indirectly, via their impact on modern philosophy, encouraged both support for and criticism of empiricist approaches in public administration. Also, Hume’s ideas on constitutionalism, because of their influence on the Founders' writings and design, provide an important legacy for the practice of public administration. The paper argues that Hume’s notion of mitigated scepticism, as well as his constitutional ideas, have continuing relevance for the study and practice of contemporary public administration. This paper examines the ideas of David Hume and their importance to American public administration writing and practice. Hume’s ideas on empiricism, scepticism, and constitutionalism have indirectly, via their impact on modern philosophy, encouraged both support for and criticism of empiricist approaches in public administration. Also, Hume’s ideas on constitutionalism, because of their influence on the Founders' writings and design, provide an important legacy for the practice of public administration. The paper argues that Hume’s notion of mitigated scepticism, as well as his constitutional ideas, have continuing relevance for the study and practice of contemporary public administration.
Moral conscience in burkean thought: implication of diversity and tolerance in public administration
Authors: Haque Akhlaque
Published: November 2017

Sparked by the September 11 event, ethnic and religious diversity in the American culture has opened a new dialogue about tolerance to foreign cultures and religions. Using Burke’s views about morality and religious tolerance, this paper argues how ethical guidelines of public administrators ought to be sought from a universal moral law derived from natural principles and constitutional values of the regime. The argument focuses on Burkean prudence as a practical application of moral law and a guide for public administrators in a diverse global environment. Furthermore, it argues civil law to be inadequate in situations where the majority favors a particular opinion against a minority population. By acknowledging a universal moral law, public administrators can play a dual role as individuals building human relations in a diverse culture, and as public servants upholding Constitutional values to preserve the integrity of public institutions
Customer relationship management: a viable strategy for the retail industry?
Authors: Kenyon Julie , Vakola Maria
Published: November 2017

This paper uses as its focus the traditional U.K. retail industry at a time when competition from newer channels is increasing. Research into other industry sectors has proven that well planned and executed customer relationship management strategies can increase profitability by improving customer loyalty. Many areas of the retail sector appeared to have neglected the benefits of CRM strategies, and where attempts have been made to implement CRM one or more of the vital constituents - employees, customers and shareholders have been neglected. The true barriers to CRM implementation are often thought to be financial or technological, according to research into other industry sectors. In reality however, financial and technological barriers are less problematic than organisational change, cultural and people barriers. The results of the retail survey carried out by the researchers support their original idea that few sectors of the traditional UK retail industry have implemented CRM strategies, and those that have are still are the early stages in the cycle. The survey questioned retailers on 3 main areas - The Company; IT Strategy and Future Strategy. Results for each for area are presented and change implications are discussed.
Adventures in ethics and politics: tales told by professional public administrators
Authors: Lewis Carol W. , Hess Ann M. , Jakubowski Jason , Occhiogrosso Roy , Potamianos Paul
Published: November 2017

Four professional public administrators returned to their alma mater to serve as role models, offer guidelines and cautions about working in highly political environments, and pose hypothetical case studies drawn from their own and others' experiences in such a setting. Counseling that the gravity and complexity of ethical dilemmas increase as one’s career advances, they suggest that the tensions between politics and policy figure among the more serious sources of ethical challenges facing professionals in the public sphere. While proposing that the professional’s duty in part is to empower elected officials to make the right decision with the best information and most useful tools, they note that some frustration is unavoidable in this complex environment; there are no easy answers because the issues themselves are not easy and perspectives about what is right and important vary. Centering on the duty of serving the public interest, their cases focus upon mixed allegiances, clashing loyalties, multiple perspectives, truthfulness and candor, privileged treatment, the appearance of impropriety, and accountability