bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hearing Loss in Townes‐Brocks Syndrome
Authors: Rossmiller David R. , Pasic Thomas R. 
Published: November 2015

Townes‐Brocks syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome consisting of anomalies affecting the ear, hand, foot, anus, and kidney. Anomalies affecting the ear include lop ear, preauricular skin tags, ossicular abnormalities, and a mixed hearing loss. The hearing loss in Townes‐Brocks syndrome is predominantly sensorineural, affects high‐frequency thresholds more than low‐frequency thresholds, and has a variable (usually small) conductive component. The sensorineural component of the hearing loss is slowly progressive. It is typically in the mild range (20 to 40 dB hearing level) during early childhood and progresses to the moderate hearing loss range (40 to 60 dB hearing level) by early adulthood. We present a description of the otologic manifestations and an analysis of audiologic findings in six members of a family With Townes‐Brocks syndrome.
Job Stress and Satisfaction among Palliative Physicians
Authors: Graham J , Ramirez AJ , Cull A , Finlay I , Hoy A , Richards MA 
Published: November 2015

A national questionnaire-based survey has found that palliative physicians report lower levels of burnout and similar levels of psychiatric morbidity than those reported by consultants in other specialties. To try to explain these findings, this study compared the sources of job stress and satisfaction reported by consultant palliative physicians with those reported by consultants working in four other specialties: surgery, gastroenterology, radiology and oncology. Stressful and satisfying aspects of work were assessed using questionnaires designed specifically for the study. The response rate for the palliative physicians was 126/154 (82%) and for the consultants in the other specialties 882/1133 (78%). Palliative physicians reported that feeling overloaded and its effect on home life made the greatest contribution to their job stress, and having good relationships with patients, relatives and staff made the greatest contribution to their job satisfaction. However, compared with the other specialist groups, palliative physicians reported less stress from overload ( p < 0.001) and more satisfaction from having good relationships ( p < 0.001). They also reported less stress and more satisfaction with the way they are managed and resourced (both p < 0.001). Hospital-based palliative physicians reported more stress and less satisfaction from their management and resources than their colleagues working in hospices (both p = 0.05). Thirty-five percent of palliative physicians felt insufficiently trained in communication skills and 81% felt insufficiently trained in management skills. Burnout was more prevalent among consultants who felt insufficiently trained in communication and management skills than among those who felt sufficiently trained. It is important therefore that effective training in communication and management skills are provided and that, at the very least, existing levels of resourcing and management practices within palliative medicine are maintained in order that physicians working in the specialty are able to provide care to dying patients without prejudicing their own mental health.
Pathology of Liver Granulomas in Turkeys
Authors: Arp L. H. , Robinson I. M. , Jensen A. E. 
Published: November 2015

Liver granulomas from five- and seven-week-old turkeys were studied by light and electron microscopy and by bacterial culture. Granulomas of five-week-old poults were composed of a caseous, necrotic center surrounded by consecutive zones of heterophils, giant cells, macrophages, and finally by lymphocytes. Tissue Gram and modified Dieterle stains demonstrated numerous gram-positive, filamentous bacteria in necrotic centers with radial extension of the bacteria to the zone of giant cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed septate, filamentous bacteria within an electron-dense milieu between heterophils, macrophages, and giant cells. An anaerobic, gram-positive bacillus and a staphylococcus were isolated from most granulomas examined. In broth, the bacillus formed long filaments or chains morphologically similar to those in tissue sections. The bacillus was identified tentatively as Eubacterium tortuosum. The staphylococcus had cultural reactions typical for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Intravenous inoculation of three-week-old poults with a mixture of E. tortuosum and S. epidermidis produced granulomas in liver and spleen and multiple mucosal ulcers in the duodenum and colon.
Evaluation of Novel New NSAIDs: A Review of COX-2 Inhibitors, with an Emphasis on Gastrointestinal Toxicity
Authors: Kirk Julienne K. , Hamilton Jennifer M. , Phelps Kathy C. 
Published: November 2015

Identification of two isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2, has initiated a revolution in the approach to pharmacologie pain management. It has been further determined that inhibition of COX-2 reduces inflammation, and inhibition of COX-1 compromises gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. As traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, gastrointestinal ulceration can develop in association with the use of these agents to control pain and inflammation. An ideal NSAID would, therefore, inhibit COX-2 to provide anti-inflammatory effects while leaving COX-1, and, therefore, gastrointestinal mucosa, unaffected. Two selective COX-2 inhibitors have recently been approved in the United States. Celecoxib (Celebrex, G.D. Searle & Co.) and rofecoxib (Vioxxj, Merck & Co., Inc.) are indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Also, celecoxib is approved for rheumatoid arthritis. Rofecoxib is also approved for the treatment of acute pain and dysmenorrhea. Both agents have displayed similar efficacy to traditional NSAIDs. In addition, endoscopically detected gastrointestinal ulceration is reduced versus older NSAIDs. Further evaluation of selective COX-2 inhibitors will elucidate long-term efficacy, safety, and potential reduction of health care dollars spent on hospitalization and treatment for NSAID-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.
The Elements of Crashworthiness: Scope and Actuality
Authors: Johnson W 
Published: November 2015

An across-the board survey of several aspects of crashworthiness is attempted, being in part an update and an improvement to the balance of an early monograph on the subject of The crashworthiness of vehicles of which the writer was co-author (1). Attention is given to perceiving this subject as three interconnected disciplines—materials engineering and design, combustion and fire, and medical engineering or biomechanics—but only after discussing some general guiding principles and the engineer's responsibility for the vehicles he or she produces. The latter subjects, together with short separate sections on head injury, fire fundamentals with broad allusions to vehicle fire situations and studies of kinetic energy absorption systems, comprise Part 1 of the paper. Part 2 reviews some types of collision concentrating on those involving road vehicles but with some attention to the other main types identified. Some useful and provocative conclusions are finally drawn. The author has tried to provide a useful list of references, the needs of students and non-specialists being kept in mind throughout.
Role of Technology in Manufacturing Units
Authors: Agrawal Ankur 
Published: November 2015

Technology is defined as the know-how to transform concepts into products and services for the satisfaction of consumers/customers. Technology, according to the Indian philosophy is like ‘god’ and can produce anything and everything on earth provided it is ordained by the creator to the inventor/ builder god ‘Vishwakarma’. Technology as created by Vishwakarma, can convert the impossible into possible. Technology in its forms would include know-how. know-why, designs , drawings, specifications, manufacturing process, management information system, training, retraining, etc. Pt. Nehru stated that the creation and adoption of new scientific techniques can, in fact, make up for deficiency in natural resources and reduce the demands of capital. Now-a-days, it has become a readymade instrument to solve labour problems which were considered in the Marxian age as indomitable.
Operational Risk: Measurement and Management Techniques
Authors: Ghosh T P 
Published: November 2015

In the recent period, there is a dramatic change in the management approach to operational risks. Capturing past event loss is an important hurdle in the implementation phase. It is, of course, possible to use industry data for operational loss event and loss impact can be modified to fit into the size of an organisation. However, using standard industry data may not be justified because of specific inefficiency and advantages of a particular organisation as compared to the industry standard. However, a manufacturing organisation can easily use this method to identify loss provision and risk capital need as well as impact of catastrophic loss. This is in particular applicable to after sale services and product warranty agreement and in transactions with dealers. Non-financial service industry like hotel, transportation can also apply this model.
Global Competitiveness With Core Competence: A Case Study of HCL
Authors: Kak Anjana 
Published: November 2015

The most effective way to exist in global market has not been explored by most of the companies. During last decade, the CEOs were judged on their ability to redesign and making organisations flatter. But now the trend is different, they will be judged on the front of core competence. The global leadership is determined by core competencies and companies must gear themselves up to build these competencies. A global competitive advantage exists in when a company can differentiate itself from its competitors, thereby succeeding not by making profits but also creating share of mind among global customers. There can be numerous sources of a company’s global competitive advantage, how sustainable is the competitive advantage is the main issue. Innovation can give a company a competitive advantage and profits, it is imitated with add on features or lower prices and does not last forever. Learning is the only sustainable source of advantage and managers must device actions for growing core competencies that lie at the heart of competitive advantage at the global level. This article examines the conditions under which core competence can be a long lasting source of a company’s global competitive advantage. It also identifies the mode of technology acquisition best suited to the organization with respect to the people involved, inherent strength, existing facilities and managerial actions that can improve the odds of success with technology development. It links the development of technology to the company’s competitive strategy, the need for executive level information for technology assimilation, accessing the technology implementation process and linking core competence perspective to the company’s competitive strategy. A case study of HCL has been presented to analyze that core competence is the sustainable source of competitive advantage at global level.
Investigating the IT Paradox
Authors: Singh UG 
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the paradoxical situation that appears to exist between IT Educators and their apparent lack of use of Educational Technology tools at university IT departments in South Africa, is investigated. In previous research (Blewett & Singh, 2003) it was found that only 16% of IT academics, at universities, were making significant use of Educational Technology tools. It was also noted that 32% of the IT academics surveyed felt that the use of technology was not more effective than traditional methods of teaching. This paper now presents the results of further research that was conducted, in an attempt to investigate this paradoxical situation. The survey reveals that there are 5 key factors hindering the usage of Educational Technology tools by University IT departments in South Africa: 1. Resistance to changing traditional teaching practices 2. Increased time commitment (workload) for academic staff 3. Academic staff have not been taught how to apply technology in teaching 4. Inadequate infrastructure for access, support and training to sustain technology 5. Lack of coordinated planning for technology at departmental, institutional and systems levels. Although identifying these key inhibitors, the paradox deepens further when Resistance to Change is considered as the number 1 inhibitor. Further to this is the apparent belief by IT academics that their limited use of basic Educational Technology Tools (Type 1 Tools) constitutes the use and application of Educational Technology.
Comparative Study of Organized Agri-Food Businesses in India
Authors: Samuel Michael Vinrald , Shah Mrinalini 
Published: November 2015

India is the second largest producer of fruits after China with on estimated production of 54.4 million tonnes in 2008. India’s diverse agro-climatic condition allows production of a wide range of tropical, subtropical and temperate fruits. Sighting huge business opportunities, retail giants like the UK’s Tesco, France’s Carrefour, and American Wal-Mart are looking to make a foray into the Indian retail market by providing the Indian customer a unique experience of shopping. Not lagging behind are the Indian cooperatives like Reliance with Reliance Fresh, Aditya Birla Group, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Adani Group. This research has specifically been carried out to understand the present organized agri-food retail sector in India as well as the objectives, strategies, and financial performances of six existing companies in this business. The research paper will enable business houses to plan and decide at what level they can venture the present highly fragmented Indian market.
Legal Impediments in the Growth of Housing Finance in India
Authors: Sundaram P.S.A. 
Published: November 2015

It has been estimated that around Rs. 77,500 crores would be the requirement for the housing sector during the 8th Five Year Plan. It has been further estimated that around forty lakh dwelling units would be required provide shelter to the needy persons by the turn of the century. Viewed in the above context, this paper identifies some of the legal impediments hindering the growth of the housing sector, the most crucial being resource mobilisation. To ensure recycling of funds, the existing legal provisions for timely recovery of loans need to be suitably modified. A secondary mortgage market, on the pattern of other countries, could play an important role in resource mobilisation for the growth of housing finance in India.
Boardroom in the Twenty-First Century: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Shahi R.V. 
Published: November 2015

The new economic policy initiated by the government in 1991 which led to liberalisation, end of license system, private sector involvement in economic development and disinvestment of public sector has given rise to increased expectations for greater accountability and effective functioning of organisations. The degree of expectation varies, depending on the nature of organisation, whether public or private sector, but nevertheless the requirement is common to all. It is in this context that corporate governance and the role of Board of Directors in the governance of organisations is receiving increased attention. The National Task Force set up by the Confedration of Indian Industry (CII) evolved in 1998, the “Desirable Corporate Governnance Code” which lays down the basic guidelines on issues concerning board of directors, desirable disclosures, capital market issues, creditors rights and financial institutions and nominee directors. In the case of public sector undertakings a novel scheme called “Navaratna” was introduced whereby the boards of nine central public sector companies were restructured with lesser number of officials from government and more professionals from outside. Reduced ownership of the government through disinvestment by more than 50 per cent seems to be the only answer to provide the PSUs with the requisite autonomy.
Corporate Governance: A Futuristic Model
Authors: Singh R.P. 
Published: November 2015

The role of public sector undertakings, after India attained independence, as envisaged by political leaders and industrialists in a “mixed economy” was that of providing infrastructure facilities like power, telecom, roads, basic industries, etc. and thereby contribute towards the economic development of the country. The private sector, on the other hand, was to cater to the demand created by the rapid pace of industrialisation. However, liberalisation has led to the Indian economy integrating itself with the world economies, and corporates have to change their mind set. The compulsion for survival in such a scenario has led the Indian corporates to refocus their attention on Corporate Governance. In the case of public sector the issues of corporate governance relate to empowered internal governance, narrowing down multiple accountabilities and restructuring the system of checks and balances. It is in this context that the role and constitution of the Board assumes significance. Boards must be able to function independently and must comprise professionals who have a pragmatic approach. For effective corporate governance it is necessary to institutionalise ethics in the organisation culture.
Globalisation of Service Activities: Opportunities and Challenges for India
Authors: Sekar Hemavathi 
Published: November 2015

The impact of globalisation on services is increasingly receiving the attention of researchers and policy-makers alike, as services have emerged as the single largest contributor to economic growth and employment. The present examines the processes of globalisation and their impact on the service sector, in particular on the IT-enabled services. Over the past decade or so, low-wage countries such as India have developed vibrant, export-oriented software and IT service industries, which admittedly have both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, globalisation tends to force down the price of services in high cost areas, increase output and improve service quality. On the negative side, there is dislocation from increased competition as uncompetitive firms lose market-share and their employees are laid-off. India is the most prominent off-shore location in the TT sector. Depending on the statistical source one is using, its share of global off-shore outsourcing business is estimated at 70 to 90 per cent. Its service portfolio focuses on a range of activities - application development, taking over the entire IT infrastructure or individual business support services (Business Process Outsourcing - BPO), and call centre services. As India's major trading partner, North America accounts for the lion's share - two thirds - of the subcontinent's software and IT-based services exports. Software and service export firms in India are growing at 20 to 25 per cent per year according to the best statistics available; and each of the three leading Indian software firms (InfoSys, TCS, and Wipro) already employs over 40,000 people. India has made substantial inroads in applications development, where it has captured 16.4 per cent of the world market. India's recent boom in outsourcing of IT services has further facilitated declining costs of international communication and transportation, which points to the wide range of economic opportunities existing in the service businesses. By 2008, the global market for IT-enabled services alone will exceed US $1,000 billion, and India's export of IT services will exceed $50 billion which is double the country's total export of goods and services in 2000.
The Policy of new Thinking in the Changing World
Authors: Bochkarev Andrei G. 
Published: November 2015

Since 1985 when Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union has undergone unprecedented change. As the end of the twentieth century approaches, it becomes clear that we will face a future considerably more international than ever believed possible in the past. Nuclear proliferation, regional conflicts, the energy crisis, world food shortages, and environmental problems threaten to involve us all Many of the previous distinctions between foreign and domestic policies have become artificial National interests can no longer be defined in strictly ideological terms. Nations with different ideological commitments must begin to cooperate to resolve common strategic, economic, humanitarian, and environmental concerns. Our world is becoming increasingly smaller and global interdependence has become a reality. As Rene Dubos, the 1969 Pulitzer Prize recipient once stated, “It becomes obvious that each of us has two countries, our own and the planet earth.” In our ever-changing world change is the one certainty. By the end of the century the Soviet Union will not exist in its present form, and politically the world will be very different in the future from what it is today. Today we face a different world and we must seek a different road to the future. This road must draw on the accumulated experience of yesterday, yet be fully aware of the fundamental differences between the circumstances of yesterday and those of today and tomorrow. This article contains a brief analytical exposition of the changes that have come about in Soviet foreign policy, its philosophy, and progress, which are a result of the evolving concept of new political thinking and the early steps towards putting this policy into practice. The article concludes with more specific information regarding arms control third world issues, humanitarian concerns, and political ecology.
Western Theories of Music Origin, Historical and Modern
Authors: Levman Bryan G. 
Published: November 2015

All music origin theories are concerned with the purpose and effects of music, a subject first systematically broached by Plato who felt that music's primary use was for aggression, defence, persuasion and social harmony. In Cratylus Plato provided an epistemological foundation for later theorists by arguing for a natural correspondence between sound and meaning, opposing the view that names and sounds were arbitrary. One important group of musical origin theories developed this viewpoint, asserting that music evolved as a result of spontaneous emotional outbursts, a form of self expression and communication. Darwin heads a second adaptationist direction, maintaining that music evolved to enhance organisms' sexual attraction, thus increasing their ability to procreate. A third theoretical school asserts that music originated because of organisms' innate rhythmic sense. Other phylogenetic and functional ways of grouping music origin theories are also examined. In evolutionary time music's survival value lay in its use for territorial domination, deterrence of predators, intraspecific competition and social cohesion. Most musical/sonic signalling is deceptive and manipulative in nature, designed to give the signaller a competitive advantage against his/her rivals and therefore to increase his/her progeny. Although music in the western art tradition has only a limited social function, some of these utilitarian and duplicitous elements are preserved in the war, healing and supernatural songs of aboriginal tribes. Today music still serves the function of demarcating personal and group space, creating social cohesion, arousing to action and just pure enjoyment. Because of its ability to reawaken and allow us to re-experience primeval survival emotions, music is also cathartic and therapeutic.