bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the uncultured microeukaryote majority in the oceans: reevaluation of ribogroups within stramenopiles
Authors: Massana Ramon , del Campo Javier , Sieracki Michael E , Audic Stéphane , Logares Ramiro 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Molecular surveys in planktonic marine systems have unveiled a large novel diversity of small protists. A large part of this diversity belongs to basal heterotrophic stramenopiles and is distributed in a set of polyphyletic ribogroups (described from rDNA sequences) collectively named as MAST (MArine STramenopiles). In the few groups investigated, MAST cells are globally distributed and abundant bacterial grazers, therefore having a putatively large impact on marine ecosystem functioning. The main aim of this study is to reevaluate the MAST ribogroups described so far and to determine whether additional groups can be found. For this purpose, we used traditional and state-of-the-art molecular tools, combining 18S rDNA sequences from publicly available clone libraries, single amplified genomes (SAGs) of planktonic protists, and a pyrosequencing survey from coastal waters and sediments. Our analysis indicated a final set of 18 MAST groups plus 5 new ribogroups within Ochrophyta (named as MOCH). The MAST ribogroups were then analyzed in more detail. Seven were typical of anoxic systems and one of oxic sediments. The rest were clearly members of oxic marine picoplankton. We characterized the genetic diversity within each MAST group and defined subclades for the more diverse (46 subclades in 8 groups). The analyses of sequences within subclades revealed further ecological specializations. Our data provide a renovated framework for phylogenetic classification of the numerous MAST ribogroups and support the notion of a tight link between phylogeny and ecological distribution. These diverse and largely uncultured protists are widespread and ecologically relevant members of marine microbial assemblages.
0.7–2.7 GHz wideband CMOS low‐noise amplifier for LTE application
Authors: Hidayov O.A. , Nam N.H. , Yoon G. , Han S.K. , Lee S.G. 
Published: November 2013

A wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) for long‐term evolution applications is presented. A capacitive cross‐coupled common‐gate in combination with current‐bleeding common‐source topologies is adopted for wideband input matching, high gain and low noise figure (NF). Inter‐cascade inductors are adopted to cancel the inter‐stage parasitics, which extend input matching and operational bandwidth to higher frequency with additional NF reduction. Implemented in a 0.18 µm CMOS technology, the proposed wideband LNA shows a voltage gain of 17 dB, a NF of < 2.5 dB, |S11| of higher than 10 dB and a maximum IIP3 of + 1.52 dBm over the frequency range of 0.7–2.7 GHz while consuming 7.5 mA from a 1.8 V supply.
Microcontroller‐based instrumentation system for measurement of refractive index of liquid using bare, tapered and bent fibre as sensor
Authors: Laskar Shakuntala , Bordoloi Sandip 
Published: November 2013

This study presents a microcontroller‐based instrumentation system to measure the refractive index (RI) of an unknown liquid using an optical fibre sensor probe. A bare, tapered and bent multi‐mode optical fibre (BTBMOF) is used as the sensing element or refractometer to construct an optical fibre sensor probe. The optical fibre sensor probe contains (i) a diode laser as source (with a pigtail), (ii) a BTBMOF as sensing element and (iii) an LDR (light dependent resistor) as detector. The bare and tapered portion of the optical fibre sensor is given the shape of a semicircular arc to add the macro bending effect along with the power coupling effect (which takes place because of propagation of a light ray through the tapered portion of the fibre). The diode laser source launches a beam of laser ray at one end of the BTBMOF. The power transmitted through the BTBMOF is influenced by the RI of the liquid surrounding it. The laser beam coming out from the BTBMOF is made incident on the LDR. Thus, the resistance of the LDR changes according to the RI of the liquid applied around the BTBMOF. The LDR is connected across a 5 V DC supply with a series resistance to form a potential divider circuit. The output from the potential divider circuit is interfaced to the ADC0 (analogue input pin) of an ATmega 32 microcontroller via a low‐pass filter for reading and displaying the RI value of the liquid.
Optimised full‐bridge transformerless photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter with low conduction loss and low leakage current
Authors: Xiao Huafeng , Liu Xipu , Lan Ke 
Published: November 2013

The unipolar sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) full‐bridge inverter brings high‐frequency common‐mode voltage, which restricts its application in transformerless photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter. The freewheeling path added in ac side is adopted to restrict leakage current, but the common‐mode voltage is variable at switching frequency scale. To solve this problem, an improved full‐bridge structure with two switches and a capacitor divider has been proposed, which guarantees that freewheel path is clamped to half of input voltage in freewheel period. Sequentially, the high‐frequency common‐mode voltage has been avoided in unipolar SPWM full‐bridge inverter. The operation mode and the clamping mode are analysed, and several related topologies are discussed. Finally, the differential‐mode and common‐mode performance of the proposed topology are verified by a universal prototype inverter rated at 1 kW.
High sensitivity optochemical and electrochemical metal ion sensor
Authors: Serry Mohamed , Gamal Asmaa , Shaban Mohamed , Sharaf AbdelHameed 
Published: November 2013

A novel sensor that deploys opto‐ and electrochemical techniques for the rapid and highly sensitive separation and detection of metal ions in aqueous media is reported. The sensor comprises a porous membrane coated with an ultra‐thin porous layer of highly ordered, hexagonally packed arrays of metal (Au and Pt) nanoparticles with ≤ 25 nm sub‐gaps. This platform enables an integrated detection method that relies on in‐situ surface enhanced Raman scattering. An additional scheme is utilised based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to increase both the selectivity and the sensitivity of the sensor. Electrochemical separation bolsters the effectiveness of the optical method through ion separation and pre‐concentration. The latter are induced by forcing the liquid electrolyte through the membrane's nanopores through a new proposed method based on surface tension mismatch. The sensor demonstrates high selectivity for six different heavy metal ions (Hg2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+) at concentrations that range from 1 to 20 ppb (1 × 10−3 –20 × 10−3 μg/ml). The novelty of this sensor consists of the fact that the separation, pre‐concentration and detection of the targeted ions are all performed in a single stage, eliminating the need for time‐consuming and complex sample preparation steps.
Nonuniqueness of two-temperature Guldberg-Waage and Saha equations: Influence on thermophysical properties of SF6 plasmas
Authors: Wang Weizong , Rong Mingzhe , Spencer Joseph W. 
Published: November 2013

This paper focuses to study how the choice of Guldberg-Waage and Saha equations affects the thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients of SF6 plasmas under both thermal equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. The species composition is numerically determined using two typical forms of two-temperature Saha equations and Guldberg-Waage equations that have appeared in the literature. The great influence of the choice of the excitation temperature on the plasma composition and hence the thermodynamic properties and transport coefficients is discussed as well. Transport coefficients are calculated with most recent collision interaction potentials by adopting Devoto's electron and heavy particle decoupling approach but expanded to the third-order approximation (second-order for viscosity) within the framework of Chapman-Enskog method. Furthermore, an analysis of the effect of different definitions of Debye length on the properties values was performed as well. The results are computed for various values of pressures from 0.10 atm to 10 atm and non-equilibrium parameter, i.e., ratio of the electron temperature to the heavy particle temperature from 1 to 5 with electron temperature range from 300 to 40 000 K. Both forms of Guldberg-Waage and Saha equations used here can give completely the same value when the two-temperature model reaches the special case of local thermodynamic equilibrium. It has been observed that all above mentioned factors can significantly modify the plasma species composition and consequently affect the thermodynamic and transport properties.
Proton radiography and proton computed tomography based on time-resolved dose measurements
Authors: Testa Mauro , Verburg Joost M , Rose Mark , Min Chul Hee , Tang Shikui , Bentefour El Hassane , Paganetti Harald , Lu Hsiao-Ming 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We present a proof of principle study of proton radiography and proton computed tomography (pCT) based on time-resolved dose measurements. We used a prototype, two-dimensional, diode-array detector capable of fast dose rate measurements, to acquire proton radiographic images expressed directly in water equivalent path length (WEPL). The technique is based on the time dependence of the dose distribution delivered by a proton beam traversing a range modulator wheel in passive scattering proton therapy systems. The dose rate produced in the medium by such a system is periodic and has a unique pattern in time at each point along the beam path and thus encodes the WEPL. By measuring the time dose pattern at the point of interest, the WEPL to this point can be decoded. If one measures the time–dose patterns at points on a plane behind the patient for a beam with sufficient energy to penetrate the patient, the obtained 2D distribution of the WEPL forms an image. The technique requires only a 2D dosimeter array and it uses only the clinical beam for a fraction of second with negligible dose to patient. We first evaluated the accuracy of the technique in determining the WEPL for static phantoms aiming at beam range verification of the brain fields of medulloblastoma patients. Accurate beam ranges for these fields can significantly reduce the dose to the cranial skin of the patient and thus the risk of permanent alopecia. Second, we investigated the potential features of the technique for real-time imaging of a moving phantom. Real-time tumor tracking by proton radiography could provide more accurate validations of tumor motion models due to the more sensitive dependence of proton beam on tissue density compared to x-rays. Our radiographic technique is rapid (∼100 ms) and simultaneous over the whole field, it can image mobile tumors without the problem of interplay effect inherently challenging for methods based on pencil beams. Third, we present the reconstructed pCT images of a cylindrical phantom containing inserts of different materials. As for all conventional pCT systems, the method illustrated in this work produces tomographic images that are potentially more accurate than x-ray CT in providing maps of proton relative stopping power (RSP) in the patient without the need for converting x-ray Hounsfield units to proton RSP. All phantom tests produced reasonable results, given the currently limited spatial and time resolution of the prototype detector. The dose required to produce one radiographic image, with the current settings, is ∼0.7 cGy. Finally, we discuss a series of techniques to improve the resolution and accuracy of radiographic and tomographic images for the future development of a full-scale detector.
The introduction of the exemption system for foreign profits and its effects on international acquisitions – the UK and Japan regaining international tax competitiveness?
Authors: Hohler Katrin 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Both, the UK and Japan abolished the tax credit system for foreign source dividends in 2009 in favour of the exemption system. With the move towards a dividend exemption system the governments intended to enhance the international tax competitiveness of their countries. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implications of substituting the credit system for the exemption system in the UK and Japan on cross-border transaction prices when competing for international acquisitions.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper uses an economic model under certainty to analyse the changes in cross-border marginal purchase and seller prices as a result of the introduction of the newly introduced dividend exemption system.

Findings
– Shifting to an exemption system has ambiguous effects on the ability to compete for foreign acquisitions: investors from both countries are able to pay higher prices in the course of acquisitions, but while investors from the UK become more competitive, the relative competitive position for Japanese investors hardly changes and remains relatively constrained, independent of the form of double taxation relief. Thus the author verifies that the international tax regime is not the only determinant influencing the competitive position, ranking second to, e.g., the interaction with international tax rate differentials.

Originality/value
– The international tax reforms in UK and Japan in 2009 offer a unique opportunity to study the impact of international tax policy on the international tax competitiveness of multinational firms in the course of foreign acquisitions. Evidence from this paper is not exclusively applicable to the UK and Japan setting. The observed effects shed new light on the intensified debate in the USA of changing the international tax system by analysing the impact on the bidding situation in international acquisitions in a real-world transition scenario.
Analysis of the performance of agro-based companies in the Nigerian stock exchange
Authors: Akanbi Ayinde Idris , Olayinka S. Ayanwale Abiodun , A. Shittu Musediku , Olufemi Kareem Razak 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Given the potential of the stock market to provide required capital for agro-based companies, a time series analysis of the performance of major agricultural-based companies in the Nigerian stock exchange (NSE) was carried out.

Design/methodology/approach
– Monthly records of volume of shares traded (VOL) as well as its determinants – current market price (CMP), dividend (DIV), earnings per share (EPS), price-earning ratio (PER), earning yield (EARN) and dividend yield (YIELD) were obtained from the NSE as indicators of performance through 11 years (1998-2008). Non-stationarity of the variables under consideration led to re-conceptualisation of the model as a vector autoregressive (VAR) system. Existence of more than one co-integrating vector in the data through the Johansen test, led to estimation of restricted VAR using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) imposing normalisation of VOL and PER.

Findings
– The result of the analysis revealed that VOL is positively related to YIELD and CMP while it is inversely related to EARN, EPS and DIV. On the other hand PER increases with increasing EPS and DIV but reduces with increase in EARN and CMP. Short-run adjustment coefficients were generally large ranging from four months to ten years.

Research limitations/implications
– However, variables coefficients were more elastic in the long run.

Originality/value
– This paper is an original article and has not been done by any other researcher. Furthermore, this paper has not been submitted to any other publishing house prior to this.
Assessing the performance of a supply chain for organic vegetables from a smallholder perspective
Authors: Bhattarai Salil , C. Lyne Michael , K. Martin Sandra 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that constrain marketing choices available to smallholders, limiting the chain's robustness from their perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper draws on transaction cost economics to develop a model explaining dyadic relationships between smallholders and their buyers. The model was used to analyse a case study of the supply chain for organic fresh vegetables in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Findings
– This chain is characterised mainly by relational contracting between smallholders and their buyers. There was also evidence of vertical integration by some buyers, and of growers selling on informal markets. However, there was no evidence of spot market trading or of conventional contracting. These outcomes were attributed primarily to the absence effective standards and legal systems. Despite this, the chain offered smallholders a range of dyads with different risk-reward trade-offs.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper is based on the findings of a case study. While the results can be generalised to theory, they cannot be generalised to other supply chains.

Originality/value
– This study considers supply-chain performance from the perspective of smallholders. The model proposed for the study extends the traditional vertical coordination continuum to incorporate missing dyads and informal markets.
Integrated services for women through a One Stop Shop: a realist review
Authors: Hardwick Rebecca 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– One Stop Shops (OSSs) are a model of integrated delivery, where a range of needs are met in one place through a bespoke, person-centred service that works across organisational and sectoral boundaries. Third Sector Organisations provide OSSs for women in the criminal justice system and whilst they are shown to be effective in meeting complex needs, how this effectiveness is generated needs explaining. The purpose of this paper is to set out a preliminary framework for explaining their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
– A realist review was conducted to research the way in which context influences how OSSs work. This approach was chosen because it is designed to synthesise evidence on social programmes and policies which are complex. The review was conducted in two phases: theory building and theory refinement.

Findings
– The review explains how individual, interpersonal, institutional and infrastructural contexts influence the effectiveness of OSSs. The evidence suggested that the organisational or legal form of the provider is not as important as the values and attitudes of their staff.

Originality/value
– The paper adds to our understanding of how OSS services work, and gives insight for commissioners and Third Sector providers of services by beginning to explain how this effectiveness is generated.
The effect of online news delivery platform on elements in the communication process
Authors: Caruana Janelle 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Does the same news item on three different online news platforms, namely: newspapers, blogs and video news, impact each of perceived source credibility, likeability, content believability and attitude toward a message, differently? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– An experimental approach conducted among university students is adopted.

Findings
– The psychometric properties of the instruments used are supported. Results showed that source credibility did not differ for the three platforms, indicating that respondents did not find one platform less credible than another. However, differences were observed on each of content believability, likeability and attitude toward the message. Online newspapers scored highest in all of these. Blogs came second in both content believability and likeability, while video news came second in attitude toward a message.

Research limitations/implications
– A number of limitations are noted. In particular, generalisability of findings to all youths in the country and beyond must be done with extreme caution.

Practical implications
– The results suggest that the medium does change the message and online newspapers as a platform retain an advantage despite the arrival of alternative new media platforms, represented by blogs and video news. The latter emerges as the least effective indicating that respondents appear to prefer reading their news.

Originality/value
– The paper uses an experimental approach and robust measures to compare news platforms across a number of elements in the communication process among a strong user segment.
Strategy and co-creation thinking
Authors: Ramaswamy Venkat , Ozcan Kerimcan 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– The authors propose that platforms of stakeholder engagement can become the new basis of enterprise value creation.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors report on how new co-creation engagement models can be designed all across the value chain of enterprise activities.

Findings
– According to the authors' studies of leading firms, strategy making has become a joint process of co-creative discovery, as enterprises devise and develop new opportunities together with customers, partners and other stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
– Case examples of implementation at leading companies are offered.

Practical implications
– Leaders will have to manage a process of value creation from a stakeholding-individual and experience-based perspective.

Originality/value
– The article challenges leaders to question why companies should be limited by the internal competencies of the firm when co-creation platforms could provide access to greater competencies through a well-developed global resource base.
A two-model integrated personality disorder service: two-year follow up of effect upon psychiatric bed use
Authors: Jones Barry , Juett Georgia , Hill Nathan 
Published: November 2013

Purpose
– Following on from an earlier published study, the purpose of this paper is to further clarify with a larger sample and over a longer timescale of two years the effect of a therapeutic-community informed personality disorder service intervention upon psychiatric in-patient bed use. The service integrates two psychoanalytical models; a mentalization-based treatment (MBT) and a service user network (SUN) model.

Design/methodology/approach
– The number of psychiatric bed days used by patients attending each arm of the service model (SUN and MBT) was collated using the electronic patient records system. Bed use in the six-12-18-and 24-month period before each patient started treatment was compared with bed use in the same periods after starting treatment.

Findings
– There appeared no significant increase after intervention in the group of patients using no psychiatric beds prior to intervention. Bed use in the second group (those using beds prior to intervention) appeared significantly reduced by six months and the reduction continued to prove significant at 12 and 18 months post-intervention. In relation to the component arms of the service, a significant reduction in bed use was seen in each of the MBT and SUN interventions at six, 12, 18 and 24 months after commencement. However, due to the small sample sizes, these results lacked sufficient power to afford a meaningful comment upon the effect of component arms.

Research limitations/implications
– Intervention by the TC informed two-model integrated personality disorder service had a statistically significant effect overall on reducing bed use, which was maintained at six and 12 months.

Practical implications
– The paper supports the finding of the authors’ previous study; a therapeutic model of care that significantly reduces psychiatric bed use. That the reduction in psychiatric bed use continues to further appear highly significant at 18 months suggest that our service has an enduring effect upon inpatient psychiatric resources.

Originality/value
– The paper describes a unique model of care currently successfully employed in the therapeutic management of people with personality disorder. The model is replicable and effective and offers some possibilities for the development of therapeutic-community informed practice.