Investigation of Balance Function Using Dynamic Posturography under Electrical-Acoustic Stimulation in Cochlear Implant Recipients

Introduction. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of electrical-acoustic stimulation on vestibular function in CI patients by using the EquiTest and to help answer the question of whether electrically stimulating the inner ear using a cochlear implant influences the balance system in any way. Material and Methods. A test population (n = 50) was selected at random from among the cochlear implant recipients. Dynamic posturography (using the EquiTest) was performed with the device switched off an switched on. Results. In summary, it can be said that an activated cochlear implant affects the function of the vestibular system and may, to an extent, even lead to a stabilization of balance function under the static conditions of dynamic posturography, but nevertheless also to a significant destabilization. Significant improvements in vestibular function were seen mainly in equilibrium scores under conditions 4 and 5, the composite equilibrium score, and the vestibular components as revealed by sensory analysis. Conclusions. Only under the static conditions are significantly poorer scores achieved when stimulation is applied. It may be that the explanation for any symptoms of dizziness lies precisely in the fact that they occur in supposedly noncritical situations, since, when the cochlear implant makes increased demands on the balance system, induced disturbances can be centrally suppressed

Technology Adoption: An Integrative Model of Strategic Factors Driving the Diffusion of Innovation

Diffusion is a prerequisite for successful new product introductions. The central theme of this paper is how firms can increase the likelihood of adoption of a new-to-the-world technology. We propose a set of strategy options and explore their effectiveness in influencing product availability, consumers' awareness, and willingness to pay. The contended contributions are to develop a propositional framework and enrich the literature on entry strategy options; to provide managerial suggestions for acting strategically in dynamically competitive industries; and to suggest an agenda for research on diffusion-inducing strategie

Absorptive Capacity: Valuing a Reconceptualization

Zahra and George (2002) suggested a reconceptualization of the absorptive capacity construct in order to reduce ambiguity in empirical studies. A re-reading of the seminal Cohen and Levinthal (1990) article in light of current research on learning and innovation directs our attention to serious ambiguities and omissions in Zahra and George's reconceptualization. We suggest a reintroduction of "recognizing the value," an alternative understanding of "transformation," a clarification of "potential absorptive capacity," an elaboration of the impact of socialization mechanisms, an investigation of the role of "power relationships," and an inclusion of feedback loops in a dynamic model of absorptive capacity

Technology adoption: an integrative model of strategic factors driving the diffusion of innovation

Diffusion is a prerequisite for successful new product introductions. The central theme of this paper is how firms can increase the likelihood of adoption of a new-to-the-world technology. We propose a set of strategy options and explore their effectiveness in influencing product availability, consumers' awareness, and willingness to pay. The contended contributions are to develop a propositional framework and enrich the literature on entry strategy options; to provide managerial suggestions for acting strategically in dynamically competitive industries; and to suggest an agenda for research on diffusion-inducing strategie