bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical human security studies
Authors: NEWMAN EDWARD 
Published: January 2010

AbstractFrom a critical security studies perspective – and non-traditional security studies more broadly – is the concept of human security something which should be taken seriously? Does human security have anything significant to offer security studies? Both human security and critical security studies challenge the state-centric orthodoxy of conventional international security, based upon military defence of territory against ‘external’ threats. Both also challenge neorealist scholarship, and involve broadening and deepening the security agenda. Yet critical security studies have not engaged substantively with human security as a distinct approach to non-traditional security. This article explores the relationship between human security and critical security studies and considers why human security arguments – which privilege the individual as the referent of security analysis and seek to directly influence policy in this regard – have not made a significant impact in critical security studies. The article suggests a number of ways in which critical and human security studies might engage. In particular, it suggests that human security scholarship must go beyond its (mostly) uncritical conceptual underpinnings if it is to make a lasting impact upon security studies, and this might be envisioned as Critical Human Security Studies (CHSS).
Systemic pressures and domestic ideas: a neoclassical realist model of grand strategy formation
Authors: KITCHEN NICHOLAS 
Published: January 2010

AbstractScholars in international relations have long known that ideas matter in matters of international politics, yet theories of the discipline have failed to capture their impact either in the making of foreign policy or the nature of the international system. Recent reengagement with the insights of classical realists has pointed to the possibility of a neoclassical realist approach that can take into account the impact of ideas. This article will suggest that the study of grand strategy can enlighten the intervening ideational variables between the distribution of power in the international system and the foreign policy behaviour of states, and thus constitute the key element in a neoclassical realist research agenda.
The torture convention, rendition and Kant's critique of ‘pseudo-politics’
Authors: WILLIAMS HOWARD 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBy what standards ought we to judge politicians? The article addresses the question in the light of the treatment of two controversial issues in contemporary world politics: the implementation of the 1984 UN Convention against Torture; and the post 9/11 rendition of terrorist suspects to US authorities by European governments. Their treatment brings out the way in which the role of political leaders is popularly conceived and understood. This conventional understanding is contrasted with the role recommended by Kant's political philosophy. An answer to the question depends on how we conceive politics in the first place. If politics is seen as a ‘free for all’ where all strategies can be canvassed then the response will be entirely different from a situation where we consider ourselves bound by rules of legitimacy and its attendant problems of morality and law. The article represents a rejection of certain received accounts of politics and approval of a Kantian view. The account of politics which in one respect or another tries to drive a wedge between politics and ordinary morality is seen as inferior to a Kantian concept of politics which is always conditioned by morality.
Dying for the state: the missing just war question?
Authors: BARON ILAN ZVI 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThis article introduces the problem of having to risk one's life for the state in war, asking first why this question is no longer asked in the just war literature and then suggesting five issues that relate to this question: 1) that of individual consent, 2) whether or not any state can be justified in obliging its citizens in this regard and whether or not the type of government is important, 3) whether or not the problem of the obligation differs between conscript and volunteer armies, 4) the problem of political obligation and how any individual could be justifiably obliged to risk his or her life for the state in war, and 5) the question of whether a citizen may be obliged to go into any war. The argument is that these questions are no longer given much attention in the just war literature because of the way that the concept of proper authority has come to be understood. The article concludes by suggesting that the problem of the ‘obligation to die’ should be included in our understanding and use of just war theory and the ethics of war.
A comparison of risk factors associated with community-associated methicillin-resistant and -susceptibleStaphylococcus aureusinfections in remote communities
Authors: GOLDING G. R. , LEVETT P. N. , McDONALD R. R. , IRVINE J. , NSUNGU M. , WOODS S. , HORBAL A. , SIEMENS C. G. , KHAN M. , OFNER-AGOSTINI M. , MULVEY M. R. ,   the Northern Antibiotic Resistance Partnership (NARP)
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYIn this case-control study, cases [community-associated methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA),n=79] and controls [community-associated methicillin-susceptibleS. aureus(CA-MSSA),n=36] were defined as a laboratory-confirmed infection in a patient with no previous hospital-associated factors. Skin and soft tissue were the predominant sites of infection, both for cases (67·1%) and controls (55·6%). Most of the cases (79·7%) and controls (77·8%) were aged <30 years. Investigations did not reveal any significant statistical differences in acquiring a CA-MRSA or CA-MSSA infection. The most common shared risk factors included overcrowding, previous antibiotic usage, existing skin conditions, household exposure to someone with a skin condition, scratches/insect bites, and exposure to healthcare workers. Similar risk factors, identified for both CA-MRSA and CA-MSSA infections, suggest standard hygienic measures and proper treatment guidelines would be beneficial in controlling both CA-MRSA and CA-MSSA in remote communities.
Spatial analysis of melioidosis distribution in a suburban area
Authors: CORKERON M. L. , NORTON R. , NELSON P. N. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYBurkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis is associated with soil. This study used a geographic information system (GIS) to determine the spatial distribution of clinical cases of melioidosis in the endemic suburban region of Townsville in Australia. A total of 65 cases over the period 1996–2008 were plotted using residential address. Two distinct groupings were found. One was around the base of a hill in the city centre and the other followed the old course of a major waterway in the region. Both groups (accounting for 43 of the 65 cases examined) are in areas expected to have particularly wet topsoils following intense rainfall, due to soil type or landscape position.
Disease transmission model for community-associated Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: OTTEN A. M. , REID-SMITH R. J. , FAZIL A. , WEESE J. S. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYParticipating researchers and public health personnel at a Canadian workshop in 2007, noted considerable gaps in current understanding of community-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CA-CDI), specifically infection sources and risk factors. A disease transmission model for CA-CDI was requested as an initial step towards a risk assessment, to analyse infection sources and risk factors, addressing priority research areas. The developed model contains eight infection states (susceptible, gastrointestinal exposure, colonized, diseased, deceased, clinically resolved colonized, relapse diseased, and cleared) and notes directional transfers between the states. Most published research used focused on hospital-associated C. difficile infection (HA-CDI) and further studies are needed to substantiate the use of HA-CDI knowledge in the transmission of CA-CDI. The aim was to provide a consistent framework for researchers, and provide a theoretical basis for future quantitative risk assessment of CA-CDI.
Face masks to prevent transmission of influenza virus: a systematic review
Authors: COWLING B. J. , ZHOU Y. , IP D. K. M. , LEUNG G. M. , AIELLO A. E. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYInfluenza viruses circulate around the world every year. From time to time new strains emerge and cause global pandemics. Many national and international health agencies recommended the use of face masks during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. We reviewed the English-language literature on this subject to inform public health preparedness. There is some evidence to support the wearing of masks or respirators during illness to protect others, and public health emphasis on mask wearing during illness may help to reduce influenza virus transmission. There are fewer data to support the use of masks or respirators to prevent becoming infected. Further studies in controlled settings and studies of natural infections in healthcare and community settings are required to better define the effectiveness of face masks and respirators in preventing influenza virus transmission.
Mixed viral infections causing acute gastroenteritis in children in a waterborne outbreak
Authors: RÄSÄNEN S. , LAPPALAINEN S. , KAIKKONEN S. , HÄMÄLÄINEN M. , SALMINEN M. , VESIKARI T. 
Published: January 2010

SUMMARYWe examined stool specimens for viral pathogens from 50 children referred to hospital due to acute gastroenteritis (AGE) resulting from consuming drinking water contaminated with sewage in a Finnish community using PCR methods. Rotavirus was detected in 33 (66%), human calicivirus in 31 (62%), and both in 40% of cases. Of the caliciviruses, 20/31 (65%) were noroviruses and 11 (35%) sapoviruses. Furthermore, Aichi virus was detected in 25 (50%), adenovirus in six (12%) and bocavirus in four (8%) cases.Campylobacter jejuniwas present in 20 (61%) andSalmonellain four (12%) of the 33 stools cultured for bacteria. On a 20-point scale median severity score of AGE in the 28 hospitalized children was 17; the severity was similar regardless of viruses detected. Bloody diarrhoea occurred only whenC. jejuniwas present. To conclude, massive exposure to several AGE viruses caused mixed infections and severe AGE regardless of the aetiological agents.
First articulated skeleton of Palaeeudyptes gunnari from the late Eocene of Isla Marambio (Seymour Island), Antarctica
Authors: Hospitaleche Carolina Acosta , Reguero Marcelo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe first articulated skeleton of a penguin from the late Eocene of Antarctica is described. MLP 96-I-6-13 comes from the upper Submeseta Allomember (La Meseta Formation) of Isla Marambio (locality DPV 10/84). The significance of this finding in the context of the Anthropornis nordenskjoeldi biozone is discussed. An osteologic description of the recovered elements and a brief discussion of its systematic determination are provided. MLP 96-I-6-13 is the first articulated skeleton with sure specific assignment to Palaeeudyptes gunnari (Wiman, 1905), a species previously known only through isolated tarsometatarsi and included in the groups of Wiman.
Spatial distribution, habitat preference and colonization status of two alien terrestrial invertebrate species in Antarctica
Authors: Hughes Kevin A. , Worland M. Roger 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe introduction of invasive species is one of the greatest threats to Earth’s biodiversity, as they can reduce native biodiversity and alter ecosystem structure and function. Currently, the only two known non-native terrestrial invertebrates in Antarctica are the chironomid midge Eretmoptera murphyi and the enchytraeid worm Christensenidrilus blocki. These invertebrates were probably introduced to ground near Signy Research Station, South Orkney Islands, during transplantation experiments in the late 1960s. Between 2007 and 2009, this study surveyed the area around the introduction site for midge larvae and worms to assess any change over the last four decades in their spatial distribution, habitat preference and colonization status. Eretmoptera murphyi was found in concentrations up to 4.1 × 105 larvae m-2 (mean 2.1 × 104 larvae m-2) at distances of up to 220 m from the probable introduction site (c. 35 000 m2), while C. blocki was only found close to the introduction site in low numbers. Significantly more E. murphyi larvae were found in peat and dead organic material (3.34 × 104 m-2) than in stony soil and gravel (1.52 × 104 m-2) or living moss and other plant material (1.16 × 104 m-2). Eretmoptera murphyi can no longer be considered a persistent alien as it clearly expanding its distribution, while C. blocki remains a persistent alien species.
UNIVALENT HARMONIC MAPPINGS INTO TWO-SLIT DOMAINS
Authors: GANCZAR ANDRZEJ , WIDOMSKI JAROSŁAW 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe study some classes of planar harmonic mappings produced with theshear constructiondevised by Clunie and Sheil-Small in 1984. The first section reviews the basic concepts and describes the shear construction. The main body of the paper deals with the geometry of the classes constructed.
Evaluation and analysis of criteria and sub‐criteria of a construction excellence model
Authors: Bassioni H.A. , Hassan T.M. , Price A.D.F. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate and analyse the criteria and sub‐criteria of an excellence model for construction that would aid construction contractors in measuring and improving their business performance.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of evaluation was based on similar evaluations of total quality management frameworks and excellence models in the literature. The developed model was measured via a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire as a measuring instrument was evaluated in terms of reliability and validity using techniques such as factor analysis, multiple correlation, and Cronbach's alpha. The weights of the criteria were empirically calculated using factor regression coefficients.FindingsThe criteria and sub‐criteria of the proposed construction excellence model were confirmed using empirical data, and the criterion weights were suggested on an empirical / scientific basis.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is limited as a managerial tool: it can increase the chances of success, but not guarantee it. The model was evaluated on, and therefore limited to, large construction contracting organisations.Originality/valueThe main benefit of the construction excellence model is that it provides criteria and sub‐criteria for an excellence model developed for and evaluated by construction companies. It has a more comprehensive and wider coverage of performance criteria relevant to the construction industry than other excellence models.
The selection of sharing ratios in target cost contracts
Authors: Badenfelt Ulrika 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a broader understanding of target cost arrangements by empirical study of the choice of sharing ratios from the perspective of both clients and contractors.Design/methodology/approachEight Swedish construction clients and eight contractors were interviewed. These interviews were followed by a case study of a large construction project with a target cost contract. The data for the case study were gathered through interviews, contract documents and non‐participant observation. The impact of perceived risks on the selection process is discussed in terms of agency theory.FindingsKey factors influencing the selection of a sharing ratio included perceptions of fairness, knowledge of target cost contracts, and long‐term relationships. The perceived level of risk is affected by the perceived performance risk and the perceived relational risk. Consequently, attention should be paid to the impact of long‐term relationships on the design and outcome of target cost contracts since such relationships reduce the risks associated with asymmetric information, such as relational risk.Originality/valueThis study identifies factors that previous research has ignored in relation to the negotiation of target cost contracts.
Culture change through the use of appropriate pricing systems
Authors: Kaka Ammar , Wong Chee , Fortune Chris , Langford David 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show how practitioners have not fully responded to calls for change in culture. Given that construction teams are motivated by several key factors including money, payment systems may play a major role in facilitating this change. Traditional pricing methods are still found to be the most popular system but often criticised for their contribution to the adversarial culture witnessed in the industry. Alternative pricing systems aimed at aligning constructors' behaviour with clients' objectives are emerging. As a result, the choice of an appropriate pricing system must be based on the circumstances surrounding the project and the likelihood that the system is to influence behaviour positively. This paper aims to propose an analytical hierarchic process (AHP) to help the industry do that.Design/methodology/approachThe AHP consists of a MCDM hierarchy structure, pair‐wise comparisons, and the calculation of the relative priorities of MCDM attributes. The attributes used have been identified through a series of interviews followed by postal questionnaires.FindingsThe paper results in the development of a decision aid tool for use by the industry to select appropriate pricing systems. This tool identifies seven project objectives as being important for deciding on what pricing system to adopt.Originality/valueThere has been limited research on how pricing systems are being selected, or should be selected. The novelty of this paper stems from the subject area being addressed, rather than the methodologies being adopted.
Collaborative project information management in a semantic web environment
Authors: Anumba C.J. , Pan J. , Issa R.R.A. , Mutis I. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe advent of web services and the semantic web have opened up opportunities for a new generation of interoperable systems on the web. The purpose of this paper is to show the importance of semantics in design and construction, and how this has long been recognised and addressed to varying extents by researchers.Design/methodology/approachThere is now the potential for designs to be developed through a system of collaborating design services and for input by the construction team members. The potential also extends to the construction phase where the designers can provide more timely responses to problems encountered in the field. Within this environment, there is the need for effective mechanisms for design and construction information management, in addition to an ontology that facilitates the sharing of design and construction information and the underlying semantics. This paper explores these trends in collaborative design and construction, and presents an ontology‐based approach to project information management in a semantic web environment.FindingsThe findings include a framework for semantic web‐based information management (SWIMS), which provides for effective collaborative information management. Examples, based on design and construction information, are presented to illustrate the key concepts.Originality/valueThis paper presents an innovative approach to overcoming the limitations of conventional information management approaches in construction. The proposed approach is expected to enhance collaboration, and avoid information loss, overload and misunderstanding,
Structural equation model of construction safety culture
Authors: Chinda Thanwadee , Mohamed Sherif 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper sets out to describe the development and empirical testing of a structural equation model of construction safety culture. A key contribution of the model is providing insights into the interactions among safety culture enablers, and the relation between those enablers (what the organisation is doing) and safety culture goals (what the organisation aims to achieve) in the context of the Thai construction industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on the internationally recognised EFQM Excellence model, this paper empirically examines the interactions and causal relationships between five enablers (i.e. Leadership, Policy and strategy, People, Partnerships and resources and Processes) and safety outcome (i.e. Goals). The paper utilises the structural equation modelling technique to test the hypothesised positive inter‐relationships between the enablers and goals. A questionnaire survey was administered to a sample of construction contracting organisations operating in Thailand to elicit opinions on the different attributes in the context of their current safety practices and performance.FindingsSupported by empirical evidence, this study established that firstly, the Leadership enabler directly influences the implementation of Policy and Strategy, however, its effect on Partnerships and Resources appears to be an indirect one; secondly, Partnerships and Resources was found to indirectly affect Processes through Policy and Strategy, which likewise appears to be indirectly influenced by the People enabler.Originality/valueThis study provides a greater understanding of the interactions between the key elements of safety culture (enablers and goals), and among the enablers themselves.
The contractor's use of life cycle costing on PFI projects
Authors: Swaffield L.M. , McDonald A.M. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate attitudes and opinions of quantity surveyors working for design and construction contractors regarding the importance and use of life cycle costing within private finance initiative (PFI) projects, and the subsequent effects on the maintenance budgets of the facilities management contractor within the PFI consortium.Design/methodology/approachThis research includes a literature review, a questionnaire survey, four semi‐structured interviews and a case study of a facilities management contractor that operated on a completed PFI project.FindingsThe research identified that contractors' quantity surveyors generally did consider life cycle costs when procuring new products/elements for PFI projects, but in certain circumstances, such as during exceptionally busy times or when working within tight construction budgets, life cycle costs were not considered and procurement decisions for some products/elements were made on the basis of lowest capital cost. The research found that the occasional failure of contractors' quantity surveyors to consider life cycle costs had significant financial risk implications for the facilities management contractors, as there were likely to be increased maintenance costs in the future, compared to the original budget for maintenance costs.Originality/valueThis research will be of interest to industry professionals working on PFI projects, particularly quantity surveyors and facilities management contractors. Academic researchers with an interest in life cycle costing will benefit from the information on the practicalities of managing costs on a PFI project.