Researchers aim to cut noise around airports

The most advanced jet engines have seemingly simple zigzags cut around the metal exhaust nozzle to control noise, like the General Electric jet engine above. Now, researchers are trying to replace it with an aircraft mute button.

Ohio State University professors Mohammad Samimy and Igor Adamovich have shown that they can change the patterns of exhaust turbulence — one of the main causes of aircraft noise — with high-voltage electric current.

Unlike the metal cutouts, the current can be switched off when noise reduction isn’t needed, saving fuel, researchers say.

The next step is taking it from lab simulation to testing on a scale model engine and then the real thing.

Lawrence chamber seeks participants for program

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its 2004-2005 Leadership Lawrence program.

Leadership Lawrence seeks participants with a commitment to develop and practice new leadership skills, enthusiasm and willingness to be involved in the community, a concern for the future of Lawrence and Douglas County and a record of community involvement.

Application forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 734 Vt. Applications also can be downloaded from the chamber’s Web site, www.lawrencechamber.com. Applications must be returned to the chamber by 5 p.m. Aug. 3.

An informational meeting for those interested in learning more about the program will be from 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt.

For more information, contact Nancy Longhurst, executive director at 842-1202.

Bad communication tops list of bosses’ mistakes

Your boss might act infallible, driving you nuts.

But they make mistakes as supervisors, and most of them know it, according to a survey of 150 executives in finance, marketing and human resource departments.

The biggest problem area is in deficient communication — a full fifth of the managers said they needed to communicate more and to do it more effectively. Poor hiring decisions was cited by 13 percent.

Managers had a few responses when queried on the biggest mistakes they had made — withholding praise was a common response, as was letting poor performance go unchecked.

Motley Fool: Name that company

I’m the world’s No. 1 tire manufacturer, cranking out 180 million tires per year, and generating 52 percent of my sales in Europe and 35 percent in North America. I also put out 22 million maps and guides each year. I boast 70 percent of the world market in tires for very large earth-moving equipment, and I’m the largest maker of aircraft tires. Based in France, I employ 125,000 people worldwide. I trace my roots back to 1832. My mission and profession is: “contribute to long-term progress in the field of mobility.” Who am I?