bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergy of extreme drought and shrub invasion reduce ecosystem functioning and resilience in water-limited climates
Authors: Caldeira Maria C. , Lecomte Xavier , David Teresa S. , Pinto Joaquim G. , Bugalho Miguel N. , Werner Christiane 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExtreme drought events and plant invasions are major drivers of global change that can critically affect ecosystem functioning and alter ecosystem-atmosphere exchange. Invaders are expanding worldwide and extreme drought events are projected to increase in frequency and intensity. However, very little is known on how these drivers may interact to affect the functioning and resilience of ecosystems to extreme events. Using a manipulative shrub removal experiment and the co-occurrence of an extreme drought event (2011/2012) in a Mediterranean woodland, we show that native shrub invasion and extreme drought synergistically reduced ecosystem transpiration and the resilience of key-stone oak tree species. Ecosystem transpiration was dominated by the water use of the invasive shrub Cistus ladanifer, which further increased after the extreme drought event. Meanwhile, the transpiration of key-stone tree species decreased, indicating a competitive advantage in favour of the invader. Our results suggest that in Mediterranean-type climates the invasion of water spending species and projected recurrent extreme drought events may synergistically cause critical drought tolerance thresholds of key-stone tree species to be surpassed, corroborating observed higher tree mortality in the invaded ecosystems. Ultimately, this may shift seasonally water limited ecosystems into less desirable alternative states dominated by water spending invasive shrubs.
Cobalt-Porphyrin-Platinum-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Hybrid Nanostructures: A Novel Peroxidase Mimetic System For Improved Electrochemical Immunoassay
Authors: Shu Jian , Qiu Zhenli , Wei Qiaohua , Zhuang Junyang , Tang Dianping 
Published: October 2015

Abstract5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine cobalt flat stacking on the reduced graphene oxide with platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs/CoTPP/rGO) were first synthesized and functionalized with monoclonal rabbit anti-aflatoxin B1 antibody (anti-AFB1) for highly efficient electrochemical immunoassay of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in this work. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and spectral techniques were employed to characterize the PtNPs/CoTPP/rGO hybrids. Using anti-AFB1-conjugated PtNPs/CoTPP/rGO as the signal-transduction tag, a novel non-enzymatic electrochemical immunosensing system was designed for detection of target AFB1 on the AFB1-bovine serum albumin-functionalized sensing interface. Experimental results revealed that the designed immunoassay could exhibit good electrochemical responses for target analyte and allowed the detection of AFB1 at a concentration as low as 5.0 pg mL−1 (5.0 ppt). Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were below 10%. Importantly, the methodology was further validated for analyzing naturally contaminated or spiked blank peanut samples with consistent results obtained by AFB1 ELISA kit, thus providing a promising approach for quantitative monitoring of organic pollutants.
Wettability and Coalescence of Cu Droplets Subjected to Two-Wall Confinement
Authors: Li Xiongying , Ren Hongru , Wu Weikang , Li Hui , Wang Long , He Yezeng , Wang Junjun , Zhou Yi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractControlling droplet dynamics via wettability or movement at the nanoscale is a significant goal of nanotechnology. By performing molecular dynamics simulations, we study the wettability and spontaneous coalescence of Cu droplets confined in two carbon walls. We first focus on one drop in the two-wall confinement to reveal confinement effects on wettability and detaching behavior of metallic droplets. Results show that Cu droplets finally display three states: non-detachment, semi-detachment and full detachment, depending on the height of confined space. The contact angle ranges from 125° to 177° and the contact area radius ranges from 12 to ~80 Å. The moving time of the detached droplet in the full detachment state shows a linear relationship with the height of confined space. Further investigations into two drops subjected to confinement show that the droplets, initially distant from each other, spontaneously coalesce into a larger droplet by detachment. The coalescing time and final position of the merged droplet are precisely controlled by tailoring surface structures of the carbon walls, the height of the confined space or a combination of these approaches. These findings could provide an effective method to control the droplet dynamics by confinement.
A dye sensitized solar cell using natural counter electrode and natural dye derived from mangosteen peel waste
Authors: Maiaugree Wasan , Lowpa Seksan , Towannang Madsakorn , Rutphonsan Phikun , Tangtrakarn Apishok , Pimanpang Samuk , Maiaugree Prapen , Ratchapolthavisin Nattawat , Sang-aroon Wichien , Jarernboon Wirat , Amornkitbamrung Vittaya 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMangosteen peel is an inedible portion of a fruit. We are interested in using these residues as components of a dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Carbonized mangosteen peel was used with mangosteen peel dye as a natural counter electrode and a natural photosensitizer, respectively. A distinctive mesoporous honeycomb-like carbon structure with a rough nanoscale surface was found in carbonized mangosteen peels. The efficiency of a dye sensitized solar cell using carbonized mangosteen peel was compared to that of DSSCs with Pt and PEDOT-PSS counter electrodes. The highest solar conversion efficiency (2.63%) was obtained when using carbonized mangosteen peel and an organic disulfide/thiolate (T2/T−) electrolyte.
Impact of solar photovoltaics on the low‐voltage distribution network in New Zealand
Authors: Watson Jeremy D. , Watson Neville R. , Santos‐Martin David , Wood Alan R. , Lemon Scott , Miller Allan J.V. 
Published: October 2015

Residential rooftop‐mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are being installed at an increasing rate, both in New Zealand and globally. There have been concerns over possible issues such as overvoltage and overcurrent. These PV systems are mostly connected at low voltage (LV). This study presents a case study of simulating the entire LV network from a single utility, comprising 10,558 11 kV–415 V transformers and their associated distribution feeders. These results are also presented by network type. Various solar PV penetration levels are added to the model and the power‐flow results are presented. From these results, possible maximum limits of solar PV penetration are investigated and measures to alleviate overvoltage problems are simulated. The effect of using PV inverters with voltage regulation is simulated. Results show that some minor overvoltage problems can be expected in the future, particularly in urban areas. However, in most cases the overvoltage would not be much higher than the statutory limit of 1.06 p.u.
City Portrait, Civic Body, and Commercial Printing in Sixteenth-Century Ghent
Authors: Buylaert Frederik , De Rock Jelle , Van Bruaene Anne-Laure 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article discusses a woodcut series with an elaborate iconographic representation of the Flemish city of Ghent, printed in 1524 by Pieter de Keysere. The three-sheet composition consists of a city view, an image of the allegorical Maiden of Ghent, and an extensive heraldic program with the coat of arms of prominent Ghent families and of the Ghent craft guilds. The print series’ production and consumption are unraveled and framed within the wider debate on civic religion in Renaissance Europe. The main argument is that while in this region of Northern Europe civic ideology was equally strong as in Italy, it was not the exclusive playground of the ruling elites. Pieter de Keysere’s woodcut series was aimed at a socially broad, local audience, most particularly Ghent’s corporate middle groups.
Symbol sequences and orbits of the free-fall three-body problem
Authors: Tanikawa Kiyotaka , Mikkola Seppo 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Using the symbols and symbol sequences along the orbits introduced in our preceding work, we numerically study the orbital structure of the free-fall three-body problem. We confirm and re-interpret the results obtained by us before. We describe the overall structure of the plane. It turns out that the structures of the initial condition plane can be systematically obtained with symbol sequences. Then, we obtain the structure of two interesting local regions: the isosceles and collinear boundaries of the plane. We present sequences of triple collision orbits and periodic orbits on these boundaries. We additionally argue that stable and/or unstable manifolds of the two-body collision manifolds connect different triple collision manifolds.
Synchrotron study of metal localization inTypha latifolia L. root sections
Authors: Qian Yu , Feng Huan , Gallagher Frank J. , Zhu Qingzhi , Wu Meiyin , Liu Chang-Jun , Jones Keith W. , Tappero Ryan V. 
Published: October 2015

Understanding mechanisms that control plant root metal assimilation in soil is critical to the sustainable management of metal-contaminated land. With the assistance of the synchrotron X-ray fluorescence technique, this study investigated possible mechanisms that control the localization of Fe, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in the root tissues ofTypha latifolia L. collected from a contaminated wetland. Metal localizations especially in the case of Fe and Pb in the dermal tissue and the vascular bundles were different. Cluster analysis was performed to divide the dermal tissue into iron-plaque-enriched dermal tissue and regular dermal tissue based on the spatial distribution of Pb and Fe. Factor analysis showed that Cu and Zn were closely correlated to each other in the dermal tissues. The association of Cu, Zn and Mn with Fe was strong in both regular dermal tissue and iron-plaque-enriched dermal tissue, while significant (p< 0.05) correlation of Fe with Pb was only observed in tissues enriched with iron plaque. In the vascular bundles, Zn, Mn and Cu showed strong association, suggesting that the localization of these three elements was controlled by a similar mechanism. Iron plaque in the peripheral dermal tissues acted as a barrier for Pb and a buffer for Zn, Cu and Mn. The Casparian strip regulated the transportation of metals from dermal tissues to the vascular bundles. The results suggested that the mechanisms controlling metal localization in root tissues varied with both tissue types and metals.
The Competitive Advantage of Nations: origins and journey
Authors: Huggins Robert , Izushi Hiro 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the origins and journey of the fundamental ideas underpinning Michael Porter’s The Competitive Advantage of Nations as a means of assessing its influence.

Design/methodology/approach
– Drawing on a reflection of the book’s text and associated works by Porter, the paper shows how Porter’s thinking evolved from his earlier writings, as well as how his ideas went through further periods of development following the publication of The Competitive Advantage of Nations.

Findings
– The paper focuses on the emergence of Porter’s cluster theory and his growing acknowledgement of the role of innovation within processes of economic development. It shows how these concepts have provided a foundation for contemporary economic development practices. Also, the paper highlights how the fundamental concepts of Porter’s text have shifted from a unit of analysis focused on nations to one where subnational regions are the primary analytical unit.

Originality/value
– The paper concludes by suggesting that the nature of Porter’s conceptual insights is likely to ensure the long-term endurance of the fundamental lessons contained within The Competitive Advantage of Nations.
Twenty years after the Porter Report for Portugal
Authors: Gonçalves Vítor da Conceição , Ribeiro Mendes Fernando , Sardinha Idalina Dias , Rodrigues Ricardo 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contribution of the Porter Report toward increasing the competitiveness of the Portuguese economy and highlights the factors that affected its operationalization.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper considers the contributions of the Porter Report, entitled “Building the Competitive Advantages of Portugal”, presented in 1994, particularly with regard to the recommended clusters and public policies, as well as the assessment and warnings provided by Michael Porter in 2002, examining both in the present perspective.

Findings
– Although Michael Porter, in 2002, made a critical judgment about the country’s evolution since the 1994 report, it is clear that, on the one hand, the recommended development model attracted high attention and had positive repercussion in academic and business circles, while on the other hand, some of the objectives were achieved, albeit at a slower pace than would have been desirable. Political and economic context and the time period are relevant for all technological and geostrategic changes, among others. The accuracy of the diagnosis and the development model proposed by Michael Porter is confirmed and the difficulty in its implementation is highlighted.

Originality/value
– The analysis of the Portuguese evolution after Porter’s recommendations is instrumental in understanding the competitiveness and development challenges faced by a small peripheral economy in the European integration process. Understanding these difficulties and successes is of utmost importance in improving the definition and in the implementation of policies focused on the competitiveness of countries and regions.
Barriers to risk reduction: Dontse Yakhe, South Africa
Authors: Harte Wendy , Sowman Merle , Hastings Peter , Childs Iraphne 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify hazard risks and factors impeding the implementation of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe in Hout Bay, South Africa.Design/methodology/approach– A case study approach was selected for this research. Interviews were conducted with community leaders and other relevant government and civil society stakeholders. Insights and perceptions of Dontse Yakhe residents were obtained from a focus group interview. Secondary data sources were reviewed and field observations made.Findings– The findings reveal a number of key risks and a complex web of geographical, political, social and environmental factors, and stakeholder interactions, prioritisations and decision making that has created barriers to the implementation of the aims and objectives of disaster risk management policies and strategies in Dontse Yakhe.Originality/value– The contribution of the research is that it provides insight into the complex factors that are stalling development and infrastructure provision, and implementation of risk reduction strategies, in Dontse Yakhe as outlined in disaster risk management policies and strategies, demonstrating a gap between policy rhetoric and practice.
Crisis management at the government offices: a Swedish case study
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Bynander Fredrik , Ohlsson Alicia , Schyberg Erik , Holmberg Martin 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to gain a deeper understanding of crisis management at the Swedish Government office level in an international crisis by using a multiperspective approach, and paying particular attention to factors contributing favorably to the management process.

Design/methodology/approach
– The Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption on Iceland in 2010 was accompanied by an ash cloud that caused serious air traffic problems in large parts of Europe. Interviews were conducted with seven high-level informants at the Swedish Government offices and two informants at the Swedish Aviation Authority. An interview guide inspired by governance, command and control, and leadership perspectives was used.

Findings
– A Crisis Coordination Secretariat, organizationally placed directly under the prime minister, coordinated the operation. A combination of mandate (hard power) and social smoothness (soft power) on part of the Crisis Coordination Secretariat contributed to confidence building and a collaboration norm between the ministries, and between the ministries and their underlying agencies. Preparatory training, exercises and a high level of system knowledge on part of the Crisis Coordination Secretariat – contextual intelligence – also contributed to a favorable crisis management.

Research limitations/implications
– The study relies on retrospective self-report data only from a limited group of informants making generalizations difficult.

Practical implications
– The organizational positioning of the Crisis Coordination Secretariat directly under the prime minister gave its members formal authority. These members in turn skillfully used social flexibility to build confidence and a will to collaborate. This combination of hard and soft power is recommended.

Originality/value
– The multiperspective approach used when designing the interview guide and when interpreting the responses was new as well as the focus on factors contributing to crisis management success.
Revisiting organizational interpretation and three types of uncertainty
Authors: Sund Kristian Johan 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The aim of this paper is to move toward a holistic model of organizational interpretation under uncertainty. This paper makes a series of novel conceptual propositions regarding the associations between state, effect and response uncertainty and the organizational interpretation process.Design/methodology/approach– This conceptual paper extends existing conceptual work by distinguishing between general and issue-specific scanning and linking the interpretation process to three different types of perceived uncertainty: state, effect and response uncertainty.Findings– It is proposed that environmental scanning leads to lower state and effect uncertainty, i.e. less uncertainty regarding the estimation of probabilities of events occurring in the external environment of the organization and of their consequences. It is further proposed that scanning leads to higher levels of perceived control over events and that the actual interpretation of events, in opportunity/threat terms, drives irregular issue-specific scanning and organizational reactions to such events.Research limitations/implications– The paper suggests a way to test links between organizational interpretation and uncertainty that might help explain and untangle some of the conflicting empirical results found in the extant literature. The paper illustrates how the literature could benefit from re-conceptualizing the perceived environmental uncertainty construct to take into account different types of uncertainty.Practical implications– For practitioners, this paper emphasizes the importance of environmental scanning and how scanning practices can lead to general alertness, to more positive event interpretations and how interpretations form responses to opportunities in the environment.Originality/value– This paper extends on existing work by linking the interpretation process to three different types of uncertainty (state, effect and response uncertainty) with several novel and testable propositions. The paper also differentiates clearly general (regular) scanning from issue-specific (irregular) scanning. Finally, the paper provides a unifying view, piecing together in one picture elements that have so far been dispersed in the literature.
An examination of training and development of middle level managers in emerging economies
Authors: Abugre James B. , Adebola Kester 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the training and development (T & D) of middle-level managers in the financial institutions of a sub-Saharan African country make any difference in the performances of the managers and the institutions in general.Design/methodology/approach– An empirical analysis of managers’ opinions based on a quantitative survey of 140 middle-level managers from four banking institutions in Ghana is conducted.Findings– Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between T & D of middle-level managers and their performance and, consequently, performance of the banks. The findings also showed that managers become savvier in personal initiatives and responsive to customer care leading to enhanced service delivery. The paper proposes that T & D should focus on the significant relationship between the outcomes and programme objectives of organisations in emerging economies if these organisations want to be counted in this competitive global world.Practical implications– The paper provides valuable information on the important role of middle-level managers as custodians of “tacit knowledge” that can turn around organisations, particularly in developing economies, if the needed T & D are given to them.Originality/value– Empirical literature on T & D and on middle-level managers’ development in developing countries is limited. The contribution of this paper identifies the roles that middle management can play in the performances of organisations and especially in emerging economies.
Policy process lessons from the Orphan Drug Act: applications for health policy advocates
Authors: Andraka-Christou Barbara 
Published: October 2015

Purpose– The Orphan Drug Act has provided the pharmaceutical industry with incentives to research and develop drugs for orphan diseases: rare diseases with little profit potential. It is considered very successful legislation by legal scholars, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and orphan drug activists. The policy process of the Act provides an important model of the policy process for future incentive-based pharmaceutical legislation. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the important incentives of the Act and the historical events leading up to the Act. The paper applies three different theoretical models of the public policy process to understand the emergence of the Orphan Drug Act: Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Model, the Advocacy Coalition Framework, and Social Constructionism Theory. The paper then synthesizes the public policy process lessons from each perspective and provides four recommendations for other social activists seeking to propel incentive-based pharmaceutical legislation for under-researched diseases.Design/methodology/approach– The author analyzes the history of the Orphan Drug Act based on publicly available scholarly research, government documents, and interest group publications. The author then applies three public policy theories to the history of the Orphan Drug Act to explain the emergence of the Act and to extract policy process lessons for future disease activists.Findings– Regardless of which theoretical perspective the Orphan Drug Act is analyzed from, some common themes of the policy process emerge. First, focussing events are instrumental in capturing the public’s sympathy and Congress’s attention. Second, in its activities and proposed legislation, a coalition should provide a role for all relevant and important actors. Third, the target groups of the legislation were construed positively, increasing the pressure for Congressmen to pass some kind of bill. Finally, the proper construction of “the problem” is instrumental to passing effective legislation as a “solution.”Originality/value– The Orphan Drug Act is widely considered successful incentive-based pharmaceutical legislation. However, because it was originally passed in 1983 and has not had public attention since the early 1990s (when it was amended), it has rarely been written about in recent years. However, its lessons are still highly relevant to policy activists, especially disease activists. Furthermore, existing articles focus on the impact of the legislation and ways to amend it, rather than on the passage of the Act.