bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are causes of belief reasons for belief? Silver on evil, religious experience, and theism
Authors: SNIDER ERIC 
Published: May 2008

AbstractDavid Silver has argued that there is an illegitimate circularity in Plantinga's account of how a Christian theist can defend herself against the potential defeater presented by Paul Draper's formulation of the problem of evil. The way out of the circle for the theist, thinks Silver, would be by adopting a kind of evidentialism: she needs to make an appeal to evidence that is independent of the reasons she has for holding theistic belief in the first place. I shall argue that Silver's argument is unsuccessful, mainly because he does not get Plantinga's thought right. Silver's confusion is in taking causes of belief as reasons for belief, and in failing to account for the impact of belief holism and our web of beliefs on the very hope for independent reasons.
A correction for estimating error when using the Local Pooled Error Statistical Test
Authors: Murie Carl , Nadon Robert 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Jain et al. introduced the Local Pooled Error (LPE) statistical test designed for use with small sample size microarray gene-expression data. Based on an asymptotic proof, the test multiplicatively adjusts the standard error for a test of differences between two classes of observations by π/2 due to the use of medians rather than means as measures of central tendency. The adjustment is upwardly biased at small sample sizes, however, producing fewer than expected small P-values with a consequent loss of statistical power. We present an empirical correction to the adjustment factor which removes the bias and produces theoretically expected P-values when distributional assumptions are met. Our adjusted LPE measure should prove useful to ongoing methodological studies designed to improve the LPE's; performance for microarray and proteomics applications and for future work for other high-throughput biotechnologies.
Availability: The software is implemented in the R language and can be downloaded from the Bioconductor project website (http://www.bioconductor.org).
Contact: robert.nadon@mcgill.ca
High-performance hardware implementation of a parallel database search engine for real-time peptide mass fingerprinting
Authors: Bogdán István A. , Rivers Jenny , Beynon Robert J. , Coca Daniel 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) is a method for protein identification in which a protein is fragmented by a defined cleavage protocol (usually proteolysis with trypsin), and the masses of these products constitute a ‘fingerprint’ that can be searched against theoretical fingerprints of all known proteins. In the first stage of PMF, the raw mass spectrometric data are processed to generate a peptide mass list. In the second stage this protein fingerprint is used to search a database of known proteins for the best protein match. Although current software solutions can typically deliver a match in a relatively short time, a system that can find a match in real time could change the way in which PMF is deployed and presented. In a paper published earlier we presented a hardware design of a raw mass spectra processor that, when implemented in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) hardware, achieves almost 170-fold speed gain relative to a conventional software implementation running on a dual processor server. In this article we present a complementary hardware realization of a parallel database search engine that, when running on a Xilinx Virtex 2 FPGA at 100 MHz, delivers 1800-fold speed-up compared with an equivalent C software routine, running on a 3.06 GHz Xeon workstation. The inherent scalability of the design means that processing speed can be multiplied by deploying the design on multiple FPGAs. The database search processor and the mass spectra processor, running on a reconfigurable computing platform, provide a complete real-time PMF protein identification solution.
Contact: d.coca@sheffield.ac.uk
Calibration of bottom trawls for northern shrimp
Authors: Kingsley Michael C. S. , Wieland Kai , Bergström Bo , Rosing Michael 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Kingsley, M. C. S., Wieland, K., Bergström, B., and Rosing, M. 2008. Calibration of bottom trawls for northern shrimp. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 873–881. The Skjervøy 3000 trawl used since 1988 in the West Greenland bottom-trawl survey has been replaced by a Cosmos 2000. To be able to compare old data on the northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) with new data, calibration experiments were carried out by trawling twice consecutively along the same track, using either the same gear twice or the two different gears in one order or the other. Catch models were fitted to the shrimp data—both size-aggregated catch weights and size-specific counts—by likelihood and Bayesian methods. The catch in the second haul relative to that in the first depended not only on the gear used in the two hauls, but also on density, the second catches being a smaller proportion of first catches when densities were high, and often larger than the first catches at low-density stations. This density-dependence of the catch ratio was larger for small shrimp than for big ones. The Cosmos trawl was estimated to fish with ∼87% of the catchability of the Skjervøy trawl after correction for its greater wingspread. Catchability ratio varied with the size of shrimp caught, but the differences were not statistically significant.
Cutting fluid efficiency in end milling of AISI 304 stainless steel
Authors: Abou‐El‐Hossein K.A. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of cutting fluids when end milling AISI 304 stainless steels.Design/methodology/approachTwo groups of cutting tests were conducted, one with the application of a coolant (wet machining) and the other – without (dry cutting), using multilayer coated carbide inserts. The findings of tool life and tool wear mechanisms are compared.FindingsCoolant application proves to be efficient at low‐cutting speeds. With increasing the cutting speed, the coolant effect on improving tool life becomes less significant. Built‐up edge and nose wear are the dominant failure mechanisms in dry machining, while in wet machining, the dominant mechanisms are found to be notch wear and cutting edge grooving.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information for manufacturing engineers dealing with end milling of stainless steel components. It helps select beneficial cutting conditions for dry and wet end milling operations.
Experimental study of the effect of additive on the tribological properties journal bearing under running‐in and start‐up or shut‐down stages
Authors: Durak Ertuğrul , Adatepe Hakan , Biyiklioğlu Aydin 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effects of additive on the tribological properties such as friction coefficient and wear loss in the journal bearings during start‐up (or shut‐down) and running‐in periods.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, fully formulated commercial engine mineral oil (SAE 20W50) and commercial oil additives (3 per cent) added into this oil were tested to determine the tribological performances such as friction coefficient, wear loss and the effect of the additive on protective layers formed on the sliding bearing's surfaces.FindingsThis study presents an experimental procedure for obtaining practical results pertaining to the tribological performance of the journal bearing under running‐in and start‐up or shut down stages. Also, in this study, the authors have attempted to show the linkage between the oil additive and the running conditions such as running‐in and start‐up and shut‐down in effecting performance of the journal bearing. It is well known that one of the roles of an additive is to form a protective layer to reduce friction coefficient in lubricated contacts.Originality/valueThe paper is of value in presenting an experimental procedure for obtaining practical results pertaining to the tribological performance of the journal bearing under running‐in and start‐up or shut down stages.
Merger deal breakers: when operational due diligence exposes risk
Authors: Morrison Nan J. , Kinley Guy , Ficery Kristin L. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this of this paper is to show that judging by the number of mergers that still go sour, there is plenty of room to intensify the kind of operational due diligence that can uncover deal‐breaking factors before they destroy shareholder value. The paper focuses on specifically supply chain and IT as the two operations areas that deserve special attention because they still get short shrift.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was written based on survey findings, publicly sourced information, case study work and Accenture's point of view based on work at over 400 M&A client engagements, three quarters with companies in the Global 1000. The two surveys cited are: 2006 Accenture study of supply chain managers; and Third Annual Due Diligence Symposium 2007 Survey.FindingsThe paper finds that when senior, experienced operations experts are involved in due diligence and pre‐merger planning, the major risks and potential deal breakers are exposed quickly – before deal momentum pushes things to the point where participants are reluctant to walk away. Also, with this input, deal makers can accurately assess the true investments needed as well as the “to be” operating costs of the joined companies. Those numbers can be used to adjust post‐merger cash flow projections, which are often extrapolated based on percentage estimates and projected top‐down rather than bottom‐up based on major projects under way or on operating model complexity. The operations experts allow new potential sources of value to be identified and considered as part of the valuation of the target company. The purchase price may then be adjusted up or down.Originality/valueDealmakers have significantly improved their understanding of, and skills in conducting, many elements of mergers and acquisitions, especially valuation and merger integration. Yet in example after example, due diligence processes have proven to be an Achilles heel. Dealmakers today must use every tool at their disposal to improve their odds of a successful deal while at the same time avoiding bad acquisitions. That means placing the same importance on operational due diligence as on valuation, traditional due diligence and merger integration. It also calls for using operational due diligence to pinpoint initiatives that protect and create value after an acquisition. The shift to this next level of due diligence will require enhancing rather than replacing traditional due diligence activities. The due diligence lists will be longer, yes, but importantly, they will be forward‐looking, gauging current observations against future operating needs.
Culture Italian style: business and the arts
Authors: Comunian Roberta 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the practice of business investment in arts and culture, and provide a better understanding of this phenomenon from a competitive strategy perspective.Design/methodology/approachOur understanding of the way in which companies build relations with the arts and cultural world is very limited. Many studies have looked at the marketing implications but have not really expanded on the larger impact of these activities on overall company strategy and results. The competitive advantage/competitive strategy framework provides a new perspective on the issue and highlights how the different ways in which businesses collaborate and build relations with the arts can be understood as an integral part of the company's activities. In order to illustrate how arts and culture can impact on companies' competitive advantage we present a series of case studies from Italy.FindingsThe case studies presented provide a useful set of tools for other companies, involved in supporting the arts or considering similar activities, to benchmark their activities and the nature of their involvement against some successful international case studies.Originality/valueThe paper is an original attempt to situate a common business practice such as business support of the arts in a larger understanding of our socio‐economic context. Such practices are usually dismissed as simple philanthropy, although they can have a strong connection with the competitive strategy of a company and be a source of competitive advantage, particularly in a new economic era where aesthetic, creative and symbolic values attached to goods and services are becoming increasingly important.
Modern system of mathematics and a pair of hidden contradictions in its foundation
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Gong Ningsheng , Du Guoping 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe paper's aim is to show a pair of deeply hidden contradictions in the system of mathematics.Design/methodology/approachThe paper takes a conceptual approach to the problem.FindingsIt is indicated that it is an intrinsic attribute of modern mathematics and its theoretical foundation to mix up the intensions and methods of two different thoughts of infinities, which provides the basis of legality for using the methods of analysis, produced by combining the two kinds of infinities, in the study of the modern mathematical system. In this paper, by exactly employing the method of analysis of mixing up potential and actual infinities, we card the logical and non‐logical axiomatic systems for modern mathematics. The outcome of our carding implies that in modern mathematics and its theoretical foundation, some axioms implicitly assume the convention that each potential infinity equals an actual infinity, while some other axioms implicitly apply the belief that “each potential infinity is different of any actual infinity.”Originality/valueBy using the concepts of potential and actual infinities, the authors uncover two contradictory thinking logics widely employed in the study of mathematics.
Inconsistency of uncountable infinite sets under ZFC framework
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose is to show that all uncountable infinite sets are self‐contradictory non‐sets.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual approach is taken in the paper.FindingsGiven the fact that the set N={x|n(x)} of all natural numbers, where n(x)=df “x is a natural number” is a self‐contradicting non‐set in this paper, the authors prove that in the framework of modern axiomatic set theory ZFC, various uncountable infinite sets are either non‐existent or self‐contradicting non‐sets. Therefore, it can be astonishingly concluded that in both the naive set theory or the modern axiomatic set theory, if any of the actual infinite sets exists, it must be a self‐contradicting non‐set.Originality/valueThe first time in history, it is shown that such convenient notion as the set of all real numbers needs to be reconsidered.
Mathematical system of potential infinities (III) – meta theory of logical basis
Authors: Zhu Wujia , Lin Yi , Du Guoping , Gong Ningsheng 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThis paper is the third part of the effort to resolve the following two problems, which urgently need an answer: how can an appropriate theoretical foundation be chosen for modern mathematics and computer science? And, under what interpretations can modern mathematics and the theory of computer science be kept as completely as possible?Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual discussion of the metatheory.FindingsThe paper establishes the metatheory of the logical foundation for the mathematical system of potential infinities.Originality/valueThe authors prove the relevant results on the reliability and the completeness of the logical system.
Nurturing an effective creative culture within a marketing organization
Authors: Pitta Dennis A. , Wood Van R. , Franzak Frank J. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of and the management of creative individuals in organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper integrates concepts including a range of recently published (1995‐2006) theoretical works in the creative culture, creativity, and innovation literature.FindingsThe paper provides information and action approaches to marketers to aid them in harnessing creative talent within their organizations. Relevant literature shows that communities may be magnets that attract or repel creative individuals. Organizations can engineer themselves to become attractive to creatives. If marketers are skillful in managing creative individuals, the organization may enjoy increased competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical concepts that form the foundation of the paper appear to have a significant application to consumer marketing but have not been tested empirically.Practical implicationThe study explores a global effect that has implications for the nature and scope of marketing orientation performance.Originality/valueThis paper describes the nature and application of creativity and creative culture to marketing. While most literature has concentrated on the city or community level, the paper provides a perspective that may help to nurture the creativity of individuals within an organization. It offers the potential of increasing marketing competitiveness by allowing firms to maximize their creativity as a competitive tool.
Managed care's clinical and economic impact on patients with type II diabetes in France
Authors: Boyer Laurent , François Patrice , Fourny Magali , Ohrond Céline , Chanut Charles , Labarère José , Auquier Pascal 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of five type II diabetes managed care programmes (MCPs) in clinical and economic terms at the community level in which these programmes function in the Provence‐Alpes‐Côte d'Azur region of France.Design/methodology/approachA prospective, controlled, before‐and‐after study (2001‐2004) compared diabetic patients who lived in departments (localities) with (the experimental group) and without a MCP (the control group). Quality of care was estimated by the conformity of health care professionals' practices when following‐up type II diabetes. Costs are compared from a health service perspective.FindingsThe study finds that of 626 patients enrolled, 529 lived in departments with an MCP and 97 patients in departments without. Type II diabetes follow‐up globally improved between the two study periods (2001 and 2004), but the study did not show significant differences between the two groups, except for the proportion of creatinine and ophthalmologic examinations, which were higher for the control group. The study did not find significant differences in the increase of costs between the two groups from 2001 to 2004.Research limitations/implicationsThis type of study could constitute a methodological model to assess the MCP's population impact.Practical implicationsMCPs probably did not reach a critical size in terms of patient recruitment and healthcare professional adhesion to have a significant impact at a population level.Originality/valueThe study highlights a number of points to consider for future MCPs in France.
Binational tourism in Niagara: insights, challenges and the future
Authors: Jayawardena Chandana , White Arlene , Carmichael Barbara A. 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights to relevant theories, challenges and the future opportunities for binational tourism in the Niagara region.Design/methodology/approachA selected cross‐section of relevant publications including news media items are reviewed. Data gathered by a group of graduate students from Niagara College during their externships with the Binational Tourism Alliance, are utilized. Binational tourism initiatives from different parts of the world are analyzed.FindingsThis paper implies that in order to strategize binational tourism in Niagara, relevant theories, international best practices, historic developments of binational initiatives in Niagara as well as news media reports should be analysed. It concludes that Niagara's tourism industry, on both sides of the border, must continue to work in close partnership on their binational tourism strategy and binational positioning in order to remain competitive as a major tourist destination in the world.Originality/valueInputs from the Executive Director of the Binational Tourism Alliance of the Niagara region as a co‐author, enhances the practical value of this paper. Not much research has been undertaken on the topic of binational tourism in Niagara. Therefore, particularly, the tourism policy makers as well as other stakeholders of tourism in the Niagara region should benefit from this paper.
Institutionalisation in a newly created private university
Authors: Hodson Peter , Connolly Michael , Younes Said 
Published: May 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the introduction of a quality assurance system in a new, private university in Syria, and considers the extent to which the theoretical model based on institutional theory and isomorphism is reflected in practice.Design/methodology/approachA five year longitudinal study which reviews the design, implementation and embedding of a quality assurance system was undertaken. The approach reflects on the prevailing practice and adoption of quality assurance systems at key points throughout the existence of the institution.FindingsThe findings show that for any organisation or institution which is creating a new model, which is outside the conventional or prevailing models of the sector, there will be multiple challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was conducted during the many visits made throughout the period, but the changes witnessed to key staff at Kalamoon throughout the five years has impacted on the institutionalisation model, and generated both increased and reduced isomorphic responses from staff at various points in the study.Practical implicationsThe paper is a useful source of information to any new organisation creating policies and processes which they hope will quickly become embedded within the organisational culture, especially in countries where strong state leadership has been the historical norm.Originality/valueThe paper reports on the first private university in Kalamoon, Syria, and the strategies adopted to deliver the quality assurance agenda. In addition, it uses the theoretical approach of institutionalization in a novel manner.