bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Becoming-Woman”: Masculine “Emergency” After 9/11 in Cormac McCarthy
Authors: Jarraway David R. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract: In Cormac McCarthy's most recent fiction, it's the crisis of masculinity in particular which must be signally re-imagined from becoming-woman as a kind of state of emergency (à la President George Bush) to its opposite as an emergent occasion for reassessment and reconfiguration in so-called post-feminist discourse (à la philosopher Gilles Deleuze). In the ever-expanding textual space that opens up, for instance, in No Country for Old Men (2005), between the hyperviolent and sociopathic behaviour of the ghastly Chigurh, and the more empathic and quiescent Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, readers of McCarthy's latest fiction experience a quite palpable shift away from the model of American masculinity instinct with cruelty and isolation famously remarked upon by D. H. Lawrence and Leslie Fiedler (among others), and so visibly sublimated in America's invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq immediately following the 2001 attacks.
Does the Declaration of Independence Declare a State of Emergency?
Authors: Downes Paul 
Published: March 2012

Abstract: The Declaration of Independence announces that a state of emergency is in effect on account of King George's manifest failure to protect his colonial subjects from the horrors of a politico-legal state of nature. But it can also be read to announce the end of a particular way of thinking about the relationship between sovereignty and emergency. The Lockean political philosophy underpinning the Declaration rejects the immediate equation of the state of nature with a state of emergency, an equation associated with the work of Thomas Hobbes and condemned for helping to sustain a pernicious form of political power. The Declaration could then be said to have effected a politicization of emergency insofar as it introduced a distinction between the emergency that helps to sustain arbitrary authority and the emergency situation provoked by that very complicity. But what is the relationship between democratic sovereignty and declarations of emergency? Has emergency and its relationship to sovereign power simply become naturalized or strategically obfuscated since the revolution? This paper prepares the ground for a consideration of such questions.
Suffer the Children: National Crisis, Affective Collectivity, and the Sexualized Child
Authors: Knabe Susan 
Published: March 2012

Abstract: This article takes up the explicit and implicit political deployment of children in relation to two recent enactments of childhood innocence and vulnerability: Dateline NBC's wildly popular series, To Catch a Predator, where men who think they are meeting an underage child for sex are caught on camera, exposed, and arrested; and the phenomenon of Purity Balls, a growing practice within fundamentalist Christian communities, in which a daughter pledges her virginity to her father during a yearly father-daughter formal ball. The article situates these particular examples within the political and ideological utilization of children that has been increasingly apparent within the American political landscape in the latter quarter of the twentieth century. It also draws on the theoretical work by Lee Edelman, Lauren Berlant, and Peter Coviello in order to explore the political and cultural implications of the way that the trope of childhood vulnerability circulates to reiterate a particular kind of heteronormative, patriarchal social imaginary, what Edelman identifies as reproductive futurism, and to anticipate the constitutive effects of vicarious trauma for imagining the nation.
Pretreatment With Low‐Dose β‐Adrenergic Antagonist Therapy Does Not Affect Severity of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Palla Amruth R. , Dande Amit S. , Petrini Joann , Wasserman Hal S. , Warshofsky Mark K. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of transient left ventricular dysfunction following acute emotional or physical stress without obstructive coronary artery disease. The leading hypothesis for the etiology is stress‐induced catecholamine surge.Hypothesis:People taking outpatient β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist therapy have less‐severe presentation and clinical course of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.Methods:We identified patients diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy from October 2005 to January 2011 by analyzing our cardiac‐catheterization database. Clinical records and angiograms were reviewed by 2 experienced observers independently to confirm the diagnosis. We collected clinical, demographic, laboratory, and angiographic data for the identified patients. We then compared the severity of myocardial dysfunction or damage (cardiac enzymes, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and left ventricular ejection fraction) between patients taking outpatient β‐adrenergic antagonist therapy upon admission vs those who were not. Arrival and peak values for cardiac enzymes were analyzed when available. Analysis of parameters related to the severity of myocardial dysfunction or damage was conducted using the Mann‐Whitney U test. Means for age were compared using the Student t test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 (2‐tailed).Results:Out of 64 patients identified, 16 (25%) were on one of 3 β‐adrenergic antagonists on presentation: metoprolol succinate, metoprolol tartrate, or atenolol, with mean doses of 75 mg daily, 52.5 mg twice daily, and 37.5 mg daily, respectively. Patients on β‐blockers were older (mean age 73.1 years vs 66 years; P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in levels of cardiac enzymes, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, or left ventricular ejection fraction between the 2 groups.Conclusion:Prior therapy with low‐dose β‐adrenergic antagonists does not affect the severity of presentation and clinical course of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy as measured by common markers of myocardial dysfunction. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 DOI: 10.1002/clc.21983The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Ensemble dressing for hydrological applications
Authors: Pagano Thomas C. , Shrestha Durga Lal , Wang Q. J. , Robertson David , Hapuarachchi Prasantha 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis manuscript presents a simple yet effective method to account for uncertainty in hydrologic ensemble forecasting applications. Most operational hydrological ensemble forecasting systems only account for uncertainty in future climate (e.g. precipitation) forcings, ignoring other sources of uncertainty (e.g. model error). The result can be under‐dispersive and overconfident forecasts. Ensemble dressing is a form of statistical post‐processing to include information about the uncertainty of individual ensemble members. First, the historical simulations can be corrected to remove systematic biases. Next, the simulated and observed flow data are transformed to ensure that model residuals can be fitted to a distribution (e.g. normal); this study uses a 2‐parameter log‐sinh transformation. Model residuals in transformed space determine the width of the error distribution. Ensemble forecasts are then generated and transformed. Each ensemble is dressed with the error distribution, the results are untransformed, and finally, a probabilistic forecast is derived from the collective distribution of the dressed ensembles. The method is applied to 128 catchments in southeast Australia, demonstrating that the raw ensemble can be made reliable through the use of this dressing method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differential distribution of cobalt, chromium, and nickel between whole blood, plasma and urine in patients after metal‐on‐metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty
Authors: Newton Ashley W. , Ranganath Lakshminarayan , Armstrong Catherine , Peter Viju , Roberts Norman B. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractEvidence shows that raised cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) whole blood concentrations correlate with poor device outcome in patients following metal‐on‐metal (MoM) hip arthroplasty. To understand the local and systemic pathological effects of these raised metal concentrations it is important to define their distribution between whole blood, plasma, and urine. The metals were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). Two hundred and five plasma, 199 whole blood, and 24 sets of urine samples were analyzed from 202 patients with Co–Cr alloy MoM hip prostheses implanted between 8 months to 12 years (mean 6.0 years) prior to analysis. Plasma Co (median 39.1 nmol/L) showed significantly positive 1:1 correlation with whole blood Co (median 45.9 nmol/L; R2 = 0.98, p < 0.001, slope = 1.0). Plasma Cr (median 53.8 nmol/L) and whole blood Cr (median 40.3 nmol/L) were also correlated; however, concentrations were significantly higher in plasma indicating relatively little blood cell uptake (R2 = 0.96, p < 0.001, slope = 1.6). Urinary Co was up to threefold higher than Cr (median 334.0 vs. 97.3 nmol/L respectively). Nickel concentrations in whole blood, plasma, and urine were low relative to Co and Cr. The analysis shows fundamental differences in the physiological handling of these metals: Co is distributed approximately equally between blood cells and plasma, whereas Cr is mainly in plasma, despite which, Cr had far less renal excretion than Co. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1640–1646, 2012
Effective bulk doping concentration of diffused and undiffused silicon wafers obtained from combined photoconductance and photoluminescence measurements
Authors: Hameiri Z. , Trupke T. , Gao N. , Sinton R. A. , Weber J. W. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe effective doping concentration of the bulk of a silicon wafer is an important material parameter for photovoltaic applications. The techniques commonly used to measure the effective doping concentration are based on conductance or resistivity measurements and include both contacted methods, such as the four‐point probe, and contactless approaches, such as eddy current measurements. Applying these techniques to diffused wafers is complicated by the fact that the total conductance is the sum of the bulk conductance and the diffused layer conductance. Without further information about the emitter properties, a clear separation of these two parameters is not possible. This paper demonstrates a contactless method for specifically measuring the effective doping concentration of the bulk without significant influence from diffused layers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods and Effects of a Case‐based Pediatric Gastroenterology Online Curriculum
Authors: Feist Mark , Ciccarelli Mary , McFerron Brian A. , Molleston Jean P. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTObjectives:Asynchronous learning, using Web‐based instruction, is developing a growing role in medical education. Restrictions on resident work hours continue to require restructuring of formal educational activities in many programs. The objectives of this curriculum development project was to determine whether using blended learning with case‐based online modules supplemented by faculty‐facilitated case discussion was effective and well received.Methods:The pediatric gastroenterology curriculum, completed during a 4‐week subspecialty rotation, consists of 8 case‐based online modules and four 1‐hour didactic sessions. The curriculum was pilot tested using a 1‐group, pretest/posttest design as well as a survey to assess both knowledge acquisition and learner satisfaction. Resident evaluations of the rotation were examined during a 4‐year pre‐ and postimplementation period.Results:Twenty‐one learners participated in pilot testing of the curriculum. After completing the curriculum, there was a significant improvement in post‐test medical knowledge scores (pretest 73%, posttest 92%, P < 0.001). The satisfaction survey showed that learners were highly satisfied with the course format, and this teaching method was actually preferred to more traditional methods of teaching. Pilot learners reported increased comfort in caring for patients with gastrointestinal complaints. Evaluations of the gastroenterology rotation improved significantly across multiple domains in the years after implementation of the curriculum.Conclusions:This curriculum, which uses online teaching reinforced by faculty‐facilitated case discussion, was both effective and well received by learners. The implementation of this curriculum appears to have had sustained beneficial effects on the learning environment beyond the simple acquisition of medical knowledge.
Influence of Ta2O5 on polyaniline surface for liquid petroleum gas sensing applications
Authors: Roy Aashis S. , Parveen Ameena , Prasad Ambika , Anilkumar Koppalkar R. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the sensitivity and selectivity properties of polyaniline/tantalum pentoxide (PANI/Ta2O5) composite to liquid petroleum gas (LPG).Design/methodology/approachPolyaniline/tantalum pentaoxide (PANI/Ta2O5) composites were synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. This is the novel polymerization process for the direct synthesis of emeraldine salt phase of the polymer. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. Temperature dependence conductivity of the composites shows thermally activated behaviour. Sensitivity and selectivity of the composites are studied.FindingsThe PANI/ Ta2O5 composites of 20 wt% and 30 wt% are showing maximum change in resistance against time when compared to pure PANI and other polyaniline composites when exposed to LPG. The 20 wt % composites show maximum sensitivity of 83% to LPG. The selectivity studies reveals that LPG could be sensed better when compared to oxyacetylene and other test gases.Practical implicationsSelectivity studies have been carried out and the sensor proved to be better than metal oxides sensors.Social implicationsThe sensing material is of low cost.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, studies on Ta2O5‐based gas sensor have not been reported previously.
Infrastructure asset: developing maintenance management capability
Authors: Too Eric 
Published: March 2012

PurposeMaintenance management is a core process in infrastructure asset management. Infrastructure organisations must constantly strive to ensure the effectiveness of this process in order to obtain the greatest lifetime value from their infrastructure assets. This paper aims to investigate how infrastructure organisations can enhance the effectiveness of their maintenance management process.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilised multiple case studies as the research approach. The case organisations were asked to identify the challenges faced in the maintenance process and the approaches they have adopted to overcome these challenges. Analysis of these findings, together with deductive reasoning, leads to the development of the proposed capability needed for effective maintenance management process.FindingsThe case studies reveal that maintenance management is a core process in ensuring that infrastructure assets are optimally and functionally available to support business operations. However, the main challenge is the lack of skilled and experienced personnel to understand and anticipate maintenance requirement. A second challenge is the reduced window of time available to carry out inspection and maintenance works. To overcome these challenges, the case organisations have invested in technologies. However, technologies available to facilitate this process are complex and constantly changing. Consequently, there is a need for infrastructure organisations to develop their technology absorptive capability, i.e. the ability to embrace and capitalise on new technologies to enhance their maintenance management process.Originality/valueThe paper provides an in‐depth analysis of three case studies that reveal that an infrastructure organisation cannot avoid the need to introduce technologies to monitor the condition of its assets and to predict when assets will fail. It suggests that organisations must be proactive in searching for the best technologies for their purpose.
Barriers to internationalisation in SMEs: evidence from Jordan
Authors: Al‐Hyari Khalil , Al‐Weshah Ghazi , Alnsour Muhammed 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis study aims to identify some of the major barriers that may hinder potential small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) exporters and non‐exporters from exporting their operations in the international market.Design/methodology/approachBased on the aim of this study, a questionnaire based survey method was conducted among 250 Jordanian manufacturing SMEs using random sampling with usable response rate of 54 per cent. Data were analysed using relevant statistical methods ranging from factor analysis to regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that economic/political‐legal and governmental barriers, financial and information barriers have a significant negative relationship with the export performance of SMEs in Jordan. Also, the results show that exporters and non‐exporters significantly agree in their views of the various barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out on SMEs operating in Jordan. Hence, caution should be taken when generalisation across cultures is considered. However, the findings of the study provide public and company policy makers with valuable guidelines for the formulation of suitable export marketing strategies and national export assistance programs.Originality/valueThis is ascribed to the relatively small local market size and to the country's gradual shift from heavy reliance on import substitution strategies in the last two decades to contemporary export orientation. Also, there is now a need for an urgent action plan to correct the deficit in the trade balance in the Jordanian economy. This action plan needs to include what causes Jordanian SMEs to export or prevents them from doing so. Once the relative importance of these barriers is detected, their validity in predicting the probability of a SME firm being an exporter can be tested.
The influence of organizational factors on e‐business use: analysis of firm size
Authors: Bordonaba‐Juste Victoria , Lucia‐Palacios Laura , Polo‐Redondo Yolanda 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThere are two purposes of this paper: first, to analyze the effect of size and other organizational factors (IT knowledge, IT external support and the level of employees' education) on the use of e‐business; and second, to identify similarities and differences among these factors in micro, small, medium‐sized and large enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model is empirically tested using data from the Sectorial e‐Business W@tch survey. A logit estimation for the whole sample and for each type of firm size has been implemented on the use of e‐business.FindingsThe study finds positive and significant effects of all the organizational factors on the intensity of e‐business use. When analyzing the effect of size, it was found that medium‐sized and large firms are more likely to use e‐business more intensively. Although medium‐sized and large firms are similar, some differences have been found between small and medium‐sized firms. Only small firms use IT outsourcing as a key factor to use e‐business.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on a cross‐sectional data set. Longitudinal research would be needed for comparing results over time. Future studies could focus on the use of each type of e‐business technology, instead of a global measure of e‐business use. Future research could also analyze the differences of e‐business adoption rates among countries.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that small and micro firms are less likely to conduct e‐business than medium‐sized and large firms. An important influence on the use of e‐business is workforce education, implying that training could substitute hiring IT employees. Outsourcing IT activities is a suitable strategy only for small firms.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on e‐business with new evidence of the importance of size and human capital. Additionally, an analysis for each firm size has been done, which allows comparison of results.
Examining megachurch growth: free riding, fit, and faith
Authors: von der Ruhr Marc , Daniels Joseph P. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeMegachurches are thriving in religious markets at a time when Americans are asserting their ability as consumers of religious products to engage in religious switching. The apparent success of megachurches, which often provide a low cost and low commitment path by which religious refugees may join the church, seems to challenge Iannocconne's theory that high commitment churches will thrive while low commitment churches will atrophy. This paper aims to investigate this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a signaling model to illustrate the strategy and organizational forms megachurches employ to indicate a match between what the church produces and the religious refugee wishes to consume in an effort to increase their membership. The model illustrates that megachurches expect little in regard to financial or time commitment of new attendees. However, once the attendees perceive a good fit with the church, the megachurch increases its expectation of commitment. Data from the FACT2000 survey provide evidence in support of the model's predictions.FindingsData from the FACT2000 survey provide evidence in support of the model's predictions.Originality/valueThe paper serves to illustrate the dynamic process by which megachurches attract new attendees and transform those that find a good fit between their needs and what the church offers into full members of the church.
A tenant‐mix model for shopping malls
Authors: Yim Yiu Chung , Xu Sherry Y.S. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a novel tenant mix model for shopping malls based on an analogy from ecological theories.Design/methodology/approachThis study empirically investigates the tenant species‐area relationship and tenant species‐abundance distribution in shopping malls. In this study, the tests on species‐area relationship and species‐abundance distribution in shopping malls are derived from ecological theories. Empirical tests by a sample of 18 shopping malls for the species‐area relationship and of five malls for the species‐abundance distribution are carried out in Hong KongFindingsIt shows that, in line with the findings of biogeography, the tenant species‐area relationship follows a power law of exponent of about 0.20. Furthermore, the species‐abundance distributions of the five large‐scale malls are found to be closely in track with a geometric distribution as commonly found in ecology. These results imply that tenant mix strategies are governed by two principles: the number of tenant species is related to the mall size; and the shop area allocation follows a geometric distribution.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides the first quantitative tenant mix model on the number of tenant species in a particular mall size, and on the tenant species abundance distribution pattern. These results provide far‐reaching implications for research and practice, including a quantitative benchmarking of tenant mix strategy and an optimal design of shopping malls.Practical implicationsThe model is the first tenant mix model for practitioners to formulate quantitative tenant mix strategy, and evaluate the effects of tenant mix on the performance of a shopping mall.Originality/valueIt is the first quantitative model for tenant mix, and would open up a novel agenda for research on tenant mix strategies.