bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging the Private Homeowner: Linking Climate Change and Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Authors: Beery Thomas
Published: December 2018

Current and projected climate change in the Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Area indicates an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall. One key outcome of this change is a subsequent potential increase in stormwater runoff, a concern exacerbated by the region’s shallow, often clay soils and exposed bedrock, along with highly impervious urban surfaces. This situation, coupled with public perception of climate change that is increasingly inclusive of severe weather, highlights an opportunity to apply green infrastructure to the challenge of stormwater management, referred to as green stormwater infrastructure. In addition to coordinated public action at local, state, and national levels, there is a role for the private landowner to participate in this form of climate adaptation. Private citizens have an opportunity to both protect their home and property while contributing to overall stormwater management for the community in which they live. Focus group research was conducted to better understand outreach and involve local residents in the creation of a tool to assist private green stormwater infrastructure efforts. Results of the focus group sessions were analyzed, and key themes emerged from the data to guide this process and support private home/landowner action. It is recommended that a fifth domain be added to the typology for public and private roles in climate adaptation, i.e. private adaptation for public and private benefit.
Food Purchasing Characteristics and Perceptions of Neighborhood Food Environment of South Africans Living in Low-, Middle- and High-Socioeconomic Neighborhoods
Authors: Odunitan-Wayas Feyisayo , Okop Kufre , Dover Robert , Alaba Olufunke , Micklesfield Lisa , Puoane Thandi , Uys Monica , Tsolekile Lungiswa , Levitt Naomi , Battersby Jane , Victor Hendriena , Meltzer Shelly , Lambert Estelle V.
Published: December 2018

Using intercept surveys, we explored demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with food purchasing characteristics of supermarket shoppers and the perceptions of their neighborhood food environment in urban Cape Town. Shoppers (N = 422) aged ≥18 years, categorized by their residential socioeconomic areas (SEAs), participated in a survey after shopping in supermarkets located in different SEAs. A subpopulation, out-shoppers (persons shopping outside their residential SEA), and in-shoppers (persons residing and shopping in the same residential area) were also explored. Fruits and vegetables (F&V) were more likely to be perceived to be of poor quality and healthy food not too expensive by shoppers from low- (OR = 6.36, 95% CI = 2.69, 15.03, p < 0.0001), middle-SEAs (OR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.45, 8.04, p < 0.001) compared to the high-SEA shoppers. Low SEA shoppers bought F&V less frequently than high- and middle-SEA shoppers. Purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and snacks were frequent and similar across SEAs. Food quality was important to out-shoppers who were less likely to walk to shop, more likely to be employed and perceived the quality of F&V in their neighborhood to be poor. Food purchasing characteristics are influenced by SEAs, with lack of mobility and food choice key issues for low-SEA shoppers.
A Cropping System for Resource-Constrained Urban Agriculture: Lessons from Cape Town
Authors: Olivier David W.
Published: December 2018

In Africa, many urban farmers apply cropping systems from rural backgrounds into their urban setting. This paper explores the possibility that “upgrading” cropping systems in African cities could boost economic empowerment for impoverished urban farmers. To these ends, the author conducted a case study of cropping systems in Cape Town, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the predominant cropping system. Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions with a selection of 59 urban farmers as well as interviews with key informants from non-governmental organizations, and local government. The findings are interpreted using an asset-based community development lens, which suggests that local networks and locally sourced inputs, utensils, and infrastructure are fundamental to resilient urban agriculture in this context. A limitation of the case study method is in the generalisability of the findings to other contexts. This study may, however, be used as a guideline for conducting similar case studies in other contexts.
Effects of Continuous Slope Gradient on the Dominance Characteristics of Plant Functional Groups and Plant Diversity in Alpine Meadows
Authors: Zhang Qi-Peng , Wang Jian , Gu Hong-Liang , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Wang Qian
Published: December 2018

Many studies reported the effect on plant functional groups and plant diversity under discontinuous slope gradient. However, studies on the effect of continuous slope gradient on plant functional groups and plant diversity in alpine meadows have rarely been conducted. We studied the effect of a continuous slope gradient on the dominance characteristics of plant functional groups and plant diversity of alpine meadows on the Tibetan plateau—in Hezuo area of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Altogether, 84 samples of alpine meadows grass and 84 soil samples from seven slope gradients at sunlit slopes were collected. By using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation coefficient, this study revealed: (1) Continuous slope gradient is an important factor affecting plant communities in alpine meadows, due to the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and water content. The number of families, genera, and species increased first then decreased at the different slope gradient levels, respectively; (2) there is a close relationship between the soil and plant functional groups, and plant diversity. In other words, the slope determines the functional groups of plants and the soil nutrients; and (3) soil characteristics (pH value, Soil Total Nitrogen, Soil Water Content) are the determining factors of the plant community characteristics at each slope gradient level. To conclude, a continuous slope gradient is an important factor that affects plant communities in alpine meadows.
Board Attributes and Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guerrero-Villegas Jaime , Pérez-Calero Leticia , Hurtado-González José Manuel , Giráldez-Puig Pilar
Published: December 2018

Many studies have examined the relationships between board attributes (board independence, CEO duality, board size, and women on boards) and corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) as a means to improve a firm’s reputation. This research was performed in various international settings and uneven outcomes were obtained. We therefore meta-analyzed 88 studies to summarize scattered evidence and found that CEO duality had a significantly negative relationship with CSRD, while board independence, board size and women representation had a significantly positive relationship with CSRD. These relationships were more significant in countries with low levels of commitment to sustainable goals. Thus, our study revealed differences in the relationship between board attributes and CSRD, and that these differences were conditioned by the institutional contexts in which firms operate. Our research has practical implications for practitioners and policy makers alike as we offer guidelines on the most suitable corporate governance mechanisms to achieve lower capital costs and better access to finance.
Public and Private Governance in Interaction: Changing Interpretations of Sovereignty in the Field of Sustainable Palm Oil
Authors: Schouten Greetje , Hospes Otto
Published: December 2018

Since the 1990s, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses have gained prominence as architects of new forms of transnational governance creating Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS). The legitimacy and effectiveness of VSS are dependent on interactions with public authorities and regulation. While studies suggest that the (perceived) gain or loss of sovereignty by a state shapes public–private interactions, we have little understanding on how states use or interpret sovereignty in their interactions with VSS. In this paper, we explore what interpretations of sovereignty are used by states at different ends of global value chains in interactions with VSS. Based on a comparative and longitudinal study of interactions of Indonesian and Dutch state actors with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, we conclude that states strategically use different and changing notions of sovereignty to control the policy and debate regarding sustainable palm oil. When interactions between public and private governance are coordinative in nature, notions of interdependent sovereignty are used. However, when interactions are competitive, domestic and Westphalian notions of sovereignty are used. Our results show conflicting interpretations and usages of sovereignty by different states, which might negatively impact the regulatory capacity within an issue field to address sustainability issues.
How Practices of Managing Partnerships Contributes to the Value Creation—Public–Social Partnership Perspective
Authors: Frączkiewicz-Wronka Aldona , Wronka-Pośpiech Martyna
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the authors aim to answer the question of which model of public management—Public Administration, New Public Management, or Collaborative Public Management—is conducive to achieving better results in the public-social partnership. We understand public–social partnership as an activity undertaken in collaboration between organizations operating both in the public and social sectors. We also claim that Collaborative Public Management fosters sustainability in partnerships and should therefore be preferred in partnerships that are focused on delivering social services. In particular, we aim to find out how management practices that are used in the public-social partnership contribute to the co-creation of public value. The article brings together theoretical insights and empirical data. First, we integrate insights from different strands of literature. Next, empirical data are derived from two main sources: first, a specific case of the public-social partnership established by 18 institutions and organisations, followed by quantitative research that was conducted in 173 partnerships in Poland. Based on the presented case study, analysis of the survey results and in-depth interviews (IDIs) conducted with the 18 leaders of the organisations constituting the partnership, the observed pattern revealed the dominance of the Collaborative Public Management model contributing to the success of the partnership. It was also identified what actions were taken by the manager of the partnership in order to maintain links between the partners, build trust, and win their support and legitimisation in public space—all of which are necessary to create public value, which in turn contributes to the sustainability of the partnership.
Analysis of Accessibility in an Urban Mass Transit Node: A Case Study in a Bangkok Transit Station
Authors: Noichan Rungpansa , Dewancker Bart
Published: December 2018

Urban mass transit is significant for the urbanization of cities, and the demand for public transit has increased rapidly in recent years. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is experiencing an imbalance between demand and supply. Bangkok is facing a transportation problem, particularly in terms of public transport. Accessibility is one of the issues that should be addressed as soon as possible, as it is one of the most important aspects of a transit station. However, there is little analysis of the accessibility of transit nodes. The aim of this paper was to analyze the characteristics of connectivity and accessibility of existing transit stations and station buildings based on the theory of space syntax. This paper selected three transit stations located in high-potential areas, which are the main hubs of public transit in each zone of Bangkok. The integration values of different stations were compared, and objective, quantitative, and graphical methods were used to evaluate the effectiveness of their internal series of spatial accessibility through spatial syntax-related professional software Depthmap, theoretical interpretation of the derived data and images, and exploration of their spatial structure layouts. Also, a spatial analysis of activities located along the connection routes was conducted using betweenness analysis in order to identify the interaction between activities and architecture space in the station building regarding transit connection behavior. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the accessibility of transit stations and the relationship between the architecture spaces and station facilities that affect accessibility for passengers.
A Sustainable Power Plant Control Strategy Based on Fuzzy Extended State Observer and Predictive Control
Authors: Chen Chen , Pan Lei , Liu Shanjian , Sun Li , Lee Kwang Y.
Published: December 2018

The control of an ultra-supercritical (USC) boiler–turbine power plant is critical in maintaining the safety of the sustainable power grid. However, it is challenging due to the internal nonlinearity, hard manipulation constraints, and widespread uncertainties. To this end, a fuzzy extended state observer (FESO)-based stable fuzzy predictive control (SFPC) approach is developed in this paper. First, the control difficulties of the USC boiler–turbine unit are analyzed. Then, based on a Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model, a new FESO is developed for nonlinear systems to achieve a more precise observation performance. The gain of FESO is determined by solving a series of linear matrix inequalities, while guaranteeing the stability of FESO. Then, by combining the proposed FESO with the SFPC, an integrated FESO–SFPC algorithm is devised. The disturbance rejection ability of the FESO–SFPC algorithm is analyzed theoretically. Simulation results on a 1000 MW USC boiler–turbine power plant model further validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Rethinking Performance Gaps: A Regenerative Sustainability Approach to Built Environment Performance Assessment
Authors: Coleman Sylvia , Touchie Marianne F. , Robinson John B. , Peters Terri
Published: December 2018

Globally, there are significant challenges to meeting built environment performance targets. The gaps found between the predicted performance of new or retrofit buildings and their actual performance impede an understanding of how to achieve these targets. This paper points to the importance of reliable and informative building performance assessments. We argue that if we are to make progress in achieving our climate goals, we need to reframe built environment performance with a shift to net positive goals, while recognising the equal importance of human and environmental outcomes. This paper presents a simple conceptual framework for built environment performance assessment and identifies three performance gaps: (i) Prediction Gap (e.g., modelled and measured energy, water consumption); (ii) Expectations Gap (e.g., occupant expectations in pre- and post-occupancy evaluations); and, (iii) Outcomes Gap (e.g., thermal comfort measurements and survey results). We question which of measured or experienced performance is the ‘true’ performance of the built environment. We further identify a “Prediction Paradox”, indicating that it may not be possible to achieve more accurate predictions of building performance at the early design stage. Instead, we propose that Performance Gaps be seen as creative resources, used to improve the resilience of design strategies through continuous monitoring.
How User-Innovators Pave the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future: A Study among German Energy Enthusiasts
Authors: Grosse Matti
Published: December 2018

The existence of user-innovators in the household sector is undeniable. Prior research provided evidence on the vast scope of product developments by household sector users and documented a large set of individual user-innovator characteristics to explain their behavior. What has largely been neglected as a potential source of user innovation activities are product- and technology-specific factors. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying and analyzing user-innovators in Germany. On the basis of the results of a large-scale survey on German energy enthusiasts, we find dissatisfaction with existing products and time-consuming implementation as the main drivers of user innovation in our setting. The results show a negative correlation between data security concerns and the likelihood of becoming a user-innovator, pointing towards the maker culture among user-innovators. As an implication of our work, we provide a roadmap for all stakeholders aiming to harness the potential of user-innovators for future open innovation eco-systems.
Sustainable Forest Management, FLEGT, and REDD+: Exploring Interlinkages to Strengthen Forest Policy Coherence
Authors: Tegegne Yitagesu Tekle , Cramm Mathias , Van Brusselen Jo
Published: December 2018

Sustainable forest management (SFM) is a concept that guides forest management and policy globally. Over the past decades, two prominent regimes have emerged at the global level that can strengthen SFM: The European Union’s Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) and the United Nations’ mechanism for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+). However, the understanding of how FLEGT and REDD+ can interlink with SFM to strengthen forest policy coherence is limited. Enhancing knowledge about interlinkages and synergies is important in view of recent global commitments to strengthen policy coherence. This study employed content analysis of the main global policy documents related to FLEGT and REDD+ to identify (i) the potential contributions of the two regimes to SFM, and (ii) strategies to manage the interlinkages among SFM, FLEGT, and REDD+. The results revealed several potential interlinkages, such as monitoring, reporting, and verification systems, establishing the enabling conditions of SFM, and addressing drivers of forest degradation. However, the interlinkages must be managed if their potential is to be realized. For this, the study proposes three approaches to managing the interlinkages and catalyzing progress toward SFM.
Challenges of Promoting Sustainable Mobility on University Campuses: The Case of Eastern Mediterranean University
Authors: Dehghanmongabadi Abolfazl , Hoşkara Şebnem
Published: December 2018

Universities have the extraordinary ability to generate awareness regarding all aspects of sustainability in communities. To be successful, they must first adopt and model sustainable concepts within their own campuses. Transportation is one of the most affective sectors on the level of sustainability on university campuses. In recent decades, numerous universities around the world have begun encouraging usage of active modes of transportation through various strategies. This research has a multi-faceted approach to researching proven strategies, sampling local conditions, and making context-driven recommendations. The literature review outlines the most effective strategies related to Transportation Demand Management (TDM) for promoting usage of active modes of transportation inside university campuses. After that, the condition of existing facilities and strategies as well as commuters’ propensities related to active modes of transportation in the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) campus are evaluated using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results include a set of recommendations and a framework for administrating, implementing, and enhancing a sustainable transportation system thereby increasing the commuter’s use of sustainable active modes of transportation to, from, and within the university campus.
On the Electric-Magnetic Duality Symmetry: Quantum Anomaly, Optical Helicity, and Particle Creation
Authors: Agulló Iván , Del Río Adrián , Navarro-Salas José
Published: December 2018

It is well known that not every symmetry of a classical field theory is also a symmetry of its quantum version. When this occurs, we speak of quantum anomalies. The existence of anomalies imply that some classical Noether charges are no longer conserved in the quantum theory. In this paper, we discuss a new example for quantum electromagnetic fields propagating in the presence of gravity. We argue that the symmetry under electric-magnetic duality rotations of the source-free Maxwell action is anomalous in curved spacetimes. The classical Noether charge associated with these transformations accounts for the net circular polarization or the optical helicity of the electromagnetic field. Therefore, our results describe the way the spacetime curvature changes the helicity of photons and opens the possibility of extracting information from strong gravitational fields through the observation of the polarization of photons. We also argue that the physical consequences of this anomaly can be understood in terms of the asymmetric quantum creation of photons by the gravitational field.
An Improved A* Algorithm Based on Hesitant Fuzzy Set Theory for Multi-Criteria Arctic Route Planning
Authors: Wang Yangjun , Zhang Ren , Qian Longxia
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a new route planning system for the purpose of evaluating the strategic prospects for future Arctic routes. The route planning problem can be regarded as a multi criteria decision making problem with large uncertainties originating from multi-climate models and experts’ knowledge and can be solved by a modified A* algorithm where the hesitant fuzzy set theory is incorporated. Compared to the traditional A* algorithm, the navigability of the Arctic route is firstly analyzed as a measure to determine the obstacle nodes and three key factors to the vessel navigation including sailing time, economic cost and risk are overall considered in the HFS-A* algorithm. A numerical experiment is presented to test the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Impact of Naja nigricollis Venom on the Production of Methaemoglobin
Authors: Williams Harry F. , Hayter Paul , Ravishankar Divyashree , Baines Anthony , Layfield Harry J. , Croucher Lorraine , Wark Catherine , Bicknell Andrew B. , Trim Steven , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel
Published: December 2018

Snakebite envenomation is an affliction currently estimated to be killing upwards of 100,000 people annually. Snakebite is associated with a diverse pathophysiology due to the magnitude of variation in venom composition that is observed worldwide. The haemolytic (i.e., lysis of red blood cells) actions of snake venoms are well documented, although the direct impact of venoms on haemoglobin is not fully understood. Here we report on the varied ability of a multitude of snake venoms to oxidise haemoglobin into methaemoglobin. Moreover, our results demonstrate that the venom of an elapid, the black necked spitting cobra, Naja nigricollis, oxidises oxyhaemoglobin (Fe2+) into methaemoglobin (Fe3+) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner that is unparalleled within the 47 viper and elapid venoms evaluated. The treatment of venom with a reducing agent, dithiothreitol (DTT) is observed to potentiate this effect at higher concentrations, and the use of denatured venom demonstrates that this effect is dependent upon the heat-sensitive proteinaceous elements of the venom. Together, our results suggest that Naja nigricollis venom appears to promote methaemoglobin production to a degree that is rare within the Elapidae family, and this activity appears to be independent of proteolytic activities of venom components on haemoglobin.
Deoxynivalenol Impairs Porcine Intestinal Host Defense Peptide Expression in Weaned Piglets and IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yang Jiacheng , Zhang Beiyu , Wu Kuntan , Yang Ao , Li Chong , Zhang Jiacai , Zhang Cong , Rajput Shahid Ali , Zhang Niya , Sun Lvhui , Qi Desheng
Published: December 2018

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are efficient defense components of the innate immune system, playing critical roles in intestinal homeostasis and protection against pathogens. This study aims to investigate the interference effects of DON on the intestinal porcine HDPs expression in piglets and intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) cells, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms through which it functions. In an animal experiment, intestinal HDPs were determined in weaned piglets fed control and 1.28 mg/kg or 2.89 mg/kg DON-contaminated diets. Dietary exposure to DON significantly decreased piglet average daily gain, increased intestinal permeability and depressed the expression of porcine β-defensin1 (pBD1), pBD2, pBD3, epididymis protein 2 splicing variant C (pEP2C), PMAP23, and proline/arginine-rich peptide of 39 amino acids (PR39) in the intestine (p < 0.05). In IPEC-J2 cells, DON decreased cell viability and inhibited the expression of pBD1, pBD3, pEP2C, PG1-5, and PR39 (p < 0.05). NOD2, key regulator that is responsible for HDPs production, was markedly downregulated, whereas caspase-12 was activated in the presence of DON. In conclusion, DON induced caspase-12 activation and inhibited the NOD2-mediated HDPs production, which led to an impaired intestinal barrier integrity of weaned piglets. Our study provides a promising target for future therapeutic strategies to prevent the adverse effects of DON.
Occurrence and Levels of Aflatoxins in Fish Feeds and Their Potential Effects on Fish in Nyeri, Kenya
Authors: Mwihia Evalyn Wanjiru , Mbuthia Paul Gichohi , Eriksen Gunnar Sundstøl , Gathumbi James K. , Maina Joyce G. , Mutoloki Stephen , Waruiru Robert Maina , Mulei Isaac Rumpel , Lyche Jan Ludvig
Published: December 2018

Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites that contaminate foods and feeds, causing adverse health effects in humans and animals. This study determined the occurrence of aflatoxins in fish feeds and their potential effects on fish. Eighty-one fish feeds were sampled from 70 farms and 8 feed manufacturing plants in Nyeri, Kenya for aflatoxin analysis using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fish were sampled from 12 farms for gross and microscopic pathological examination. Eighty-four percent of feeds sampled tested positive for aflatoxins, ranging from 1.8 to 39.7 µg/kg with a mean of 7.0 ± 8.3 µg/kg and the median of 3.6 µg/kg. Fifteen feeds (18.5%) had aflatoxins above the maximum allowable level in Kenya of 10 µg/kg. Homemade and tilapia feeds had significantly higher aflatoxin levels than commercial and trout feeds. Feeds containing maize bran and fish meal had significantly higher aflatoxin levels than those without these ingredients. Five trout farms (41.7%) had fish with swollen abdomens, and enlarged livers with white or yellow nodules, which microscopically had large dark basophilic hepatic cells with hyperchromatic nuclei in irregular cords. In conclusion, aflatoxin contamination of fish feeds is prevalent in Nyeri, and may be the cause of adverse health effects in fish in this region.
Transcriptomic Characterization of the South American Freshwater Stingray Potamotrygon motoro Venom Apparatus
Authors: Silva Filipe , Huang Yu , Yang Vítor , Mu Xidong , Shi Qiong , Antunes Agostinho
Published: December 2018

Venomous animals are found through a wide taxonomic range including cartilaginous fish such as the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro occurring in South America, which can injure people and cause venom-related symptoms. Ensuring the efficacy of drug development to treat stingray injuries can be assisted by the knowledge of the venom composition. Here we performed a detailed transcriptomic characterization of the venom gland of the South American freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro. The transcripts retrieved showed 418 hits to venom components (comparably to 426 and 396 hits in other two Potamotrygon species), with high expression levels of hyaluronidase, cystatin and calglandulin along with hits uniquely found in P. motoro such as DELTA-alicitoxin-Pse1b, Augerpeptide hhe53 and PI-actitoxin-Aeq3a. We also identified undescribed molecules with extremely high expression values with sequence similarity to the SE-cephalotoxin and Rapunzel genes. Comparative analyses showed that despite being closely related, there may be significant variation among the venoms of freshwater stingrays, highlighting the importance of considering elicit care in handling different envenomation cases. Since hyaluronidase represents a major component of fish venom, we have performed phylogenetic and selective pressure analyses of this gene/protein across all fish with the available information. Results indicated an independent recruitment of the hyaluronidase into the stingray venom relative to that of venomous bony fish. The hyaluronidase residues were found to be mostly under negative selection, but 18 sites showed evidence of diversifying positive selection (P < 0.05). Our data provides new insight into stingray venom variation, composition, and selective pressure in hyaluronidase.
Advances in Influenza Virus Research: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Subbarao Kanta
Published: December 2018

Technical advances in the last decade have made it possible to investigate influenza virus infection from the cellular and subcellular level to intact animals and humans. As a result, we have gained a new understanding of the virus and disease.
Assessment of Changes in Water Balance Components under 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C Global Warming in Transitional Climate Basin by Multi-RCPs and Multi-GCMs Approach
Authors: Hao Ying , Ma Jingjin , Chen Jing , Wang Dongyong , Wang Yuan , Xu Hongmei
Published: December 2018

The global warming of 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C proposed in the Paris Agreement has become the iconic threshold of climate change impact research. This study aims to assess the potential impact of 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming on water balance components (WBC) in a transitional climate basin—Chaobai River Basin (CRB)—which is the main water supply source of Beijing. A semi-distributed hydrological model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) was driven by climate projections from five General Circulation Models (GCMs) under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) to simulate the future WBC in CRB under the 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C global warming, respectively. The impacts on annual, monthly WBC were assessed and the uncertainty associated with GCMs and RCPs were analyzed quantitatively, based on the model results. Finally, spatial variation of WBC change trend and its possible cause were discussed. The analysis results indicate that all the annual WBC and water budget are projected to increase under both warming scenarios. Change trend of WBC shows significant seasonal and spatial inhomogeneity. The frequency of flood will increase in flood season, while the probability of drought in autumn and March is expected to rise. The uneven spatial distribution of change trend might be attributed to topography and land use. The comparison between two warming scenarios indicates that the increment of 0.5 °C could lead to the decrease in annual surface runoff, lateral flow, percolation, and the increase in annual precipitation and evapotranspiration (ET). Uncertainties of surface runoff, lateral flow, and percolation projections are greater than those of other components. The additional 0.5 °C global warming will lead to larger uncertainties of future temperature, precipitation, surface runoff, and ET assessment, but slightly smaller uncertainties of lateral flow and percolation assessment. GCMs are proved to be the main factors that are responsible for the impact uncertainty of the majority assessed components.
Normal Values of Renal Function measured with 99mTechnetium Mercaptoacetyltriglycine SPECT in Mice with Respect to Age, Sex and Circadian Rhythm
Authors: Huang Kai , Lukas Mathias , Steffen Ingo , Lange Catharina , Huang Eleonore , Dorau Viktoria , Beindorff Nicola , Brenner Winfried
Published: December 2018

Aim: The aim of this study is to present normal values for 99mtechnetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal uptake kinetics as a function of age, sex and circadian rhythm in mice using multi-pinhole SPECT.

Methods: Dynamic multi-pinhole SPECT semistationary acquisitions consisting of 10 20 s frames followed by 25 50 s frames began prior to intravenous injection of 50 MBq in 12 female (F) and 12 male (M) C57BL/6N mice. Each mouse had follow-up imaging at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 22 months of age. To assess physiological changes related to circadian rhythm, animals were imaged during light (sleeping phase, SP) and dark conditions (awake phase, AP). Renal excretion time activity curves were analysed to determine maximum time to peak uptake (Tmax).

Results: There was an age-related effect on renal Tmax. In one-month-old mice median Tmax (1.8 min) occurred later than in 3-month-old mice (1.7 min; p = 0.035). Thereafter, mice showed continuously increasing time to renal Tmax up to an age of 22 months (2.3 min; p < 0.001). Female mice showed a significantly later renal Tmax than males (F 2.1 min, M 1.7 min; p < 0.001) from 3 months onwards. An effect of circadian rhythm on renal uptake was also observed with borderline relevance. Pooled results for all animals showed that renal Tmax appeared at a later timepoint after injection during SP (2.0 min) than during AP (1.8 min; p = 0.019), while in age and sex matched animal groups no significant differences were observed.

Conclusion: This study showed that kidney function in mice is dependent on age and sex, whereas circadian rhythm does not cause a significant effect. Therefore, age and sex should be considered as important study design considerations for renal scintigraphy in mice, while the impact of circadian rhythm seems negligible.
Stakeholder Engagement in Event Planning: A Case Study of One Rural Community's Process
Authors: Jordan Tricia , Gibson Fred , Stinnett Brad , Howard Deborah
Published: December 2018

Stakeholder engagement attempts to develop partnerships in order to assist in problem solving and decision making. The case study attempts to understand how one rural community reengages corporate sponsors in the event planning process. Emphasis is placed on understanding the motives,
benefits, and challenges associated with community engagement. Investigators used a case study methodology collecting data from event observations and key stakeholder interviews. The design helped develop an in-depth analysis of a program, event, activity, process, or one or more individuals.
Benefits of engagement included brand placement, morale, and community betterment. Resource allocation provided a major challenge while information provided a critical component of stakeholder engagement decisions. Factors that motivated sponsor involvement included mission, community connection,
strategic engagement, and having the right partners. The results have important implications for professionals attempting to reengage corporate sponsors in event planning. Findings suggest the value of using social capital found within an event sponsors organization. When events are organized
by small nonprofit organizations or single departments located within rural municipalities, the additional social capital is invaluable in meeting both community and corporate sponsor goals.
RECENT CHANGES OF SQUARE DESIGN IN VILNIUS OLD TOWN: SEMANTIC ASPECT
Authors: Novickas Audrius
Published: December 2018

During the last ten years quite a few city squares in Vilnius went through the renovation process. Refreshed designs and aesthetic qualities of renovated public spaces were discussed rather widely in mass and scientific media. At the same time no considerable attention was paid to the impact of elements in new square compositions on the semantic codes of public spaces. The paper analyses the semantic aspect of changed public squares on the basis of the data collected upon field investigation as well as information from media on the intentions of all sides involved in the renovation process (municipality officials, developers, architects, artists). The main task of the work is to define the messages communicated by new elements in square design and to determine their relation to the rapidly changing sociocultural context of the Lithuanian capital. New square compositions are investigated in the context of the historic development of the same public spaces emphasizing the fact that previous designs were produced in accordance with changing concept of public spaces. A conclusion is made that recent changes in square design in most cases are directed towards conservation rather than transformation of the meaning of the space. New square designs stress upon defensive rather than communicative features of the public space in spite of democratic changes in the Lithuanian society.

Naujausi Vilniaus senamiesčio aikščių meninio pavidalo pokyčiai: semantinis aspektas

Santrauka

Semantiniu aspektu nagrinėjami Vilniaus miesto aikščių meninio pavidalo pokyčiai, įvykę per pastarąjį dešimtmetį. Bandoma išsiaiškinti, kokias reikšmių slinktis lėmė viešųjų erdvių renovacija. Atskleidžiami svarbiausių miesto aikščių meninių pavidalų ir jų sociokultūrinio konteksto istorinės raidos charakteringiausi bruožai, išryškinami ankstesnių laikotarpių ir šiandien vykstančių renovacijų skirtumai. Tyrime naudoti duomenys, gauti integruojant lauko tyrimus ir žiniasklaidoje pateiktą informaciją apie kai kurių Vilniaus aikščių naujausių meninių pavidalų ženklinį charakterį. Atskleidžiamos prieštaros tarp šių dienų sociokultūrinio konteksto ir aikščių naujųjų meninių pavidalų semantinio turinio.
ORIGINALITY AS VALUE IN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Andriušytė Aistė
Published: December 2018

Originality is one of the most important qualities of an architectural object. Its relation with contextuality is ambivalent: these categories are evaluated according to personal approach which is formed by experience. The field of the sense of the originality concept is broad: e g stylistic unaniminity of epoch processes is cultural originality that presents the feeling of identity. The factor of originality and identity recognition is important with respect to familiar for man space places and to cultural novelty. The aspiration of a creator for self-expressioness in positive relation is suited to the motive of recognition, that is orientation to universal values. If originality is considered as universal value, it should be acknowledged with respect to both a new work of art and medium. As every place of natural space is unique, it is quite probable that an object created with respect to the context will be distinguished by its originality.

Savitumas kaip vertybėarchitektūroje

Santrauka

Savitumas – viena svarbiausių architektūros objekto kokybių. Jo santykis su kontekstualumu yra ambivalentiškas: šios kategorijos vertinamos pagal asmeninį požiūrį, kurį formuoja patirtys. Sąvokos savitumas prasmių laukas platus: pavyzdžiui, stilistinis epochos reiškinių vientisumas yra kultūrinis savitumas, teikiantis tapatumo jausmą. Savumo, atpažinimo veiksnys svarbus ir žmogui pažįstamų erdvės vietų, ir kultūrinių naujovių atžvilgiu; kūrėjo saviraiškos siekis esant teigiamam santykiui dera su pripažinimo, t. y. su orientacijos į visuotines vertybes motyvu. Visuotine vertybe laikant savitumą, jis turi būti pripažįstamas ir naujo kūrinio, ir terpės atžvilgiu. Kadangi kiekviena iš natūralių erdvės vietų yra nepakartojama, labai tikėtina, jog objektas, sukurtas, atsižvelgiant į kontekstą, pasižymės savitumu.
PRINCIPLES AND PROPOSALS FOR NORM FORMATION OF LITHUANIAN GREEN AREAS
Authors: Jakovlevas-Mateckis Konstantinas , Dringelis Liucijus , Dimindavičiūtė Dovilė
Published: December 2018

In this paper norms of urban green areas formed by the order of the Ministry of Environment are presented. The current legislation of Lithuanian green areas as a component of urban structure is surveyed. Experience in norm formation for green areas is discussed. Classification of green areas is indicated (separate and dependant greenery). The main principles of normalization and allocation of green areas is introduced. It is proposed to normalize separate green areas, depending on the size of towns and health-resorts (big, middle-sized, small) and depending on their place in a green system (local, in a district or town). Also, it is proposed to calculate the area of dependant green areas as a portion (in percent) of the whole area of a land plot and according to land use of the plot.

Lietuvos miestų želdynų urbanistinių normų sudarymo principai ir pasiūlymai

Santrauka

Lietuvoje teritorijų planavimo procesas yra reglamentuojamas daugelio įvairaus lygmens teisinių dokumentų: įstatymų, taisyklių, tvarkų, normatyvų. Tačiau tarp jų nėra nė vieno dokumento, skirto išimtinai miestų želdynų, kaip svarbaus urbanistinės struktūros komponento, reglamentavimui. Esant tokiai situacijai, miesto želdynai lieka beveik neapsaugoti nuo sunaikinimo pritrūkus laisvų ir patogių teritorijų statyboms. Formuojant miestus, priimant strateginius jų plėtros sprendimus, želdynai dažniausiai lieka paskutinėje vietoje po visuomeninų ar komercinių statinių ir transporto.
Siekiant ištaisyti tokią padėtį, būtina parengti teisinius teritorijų planavimo dokumentus, kuriuose būtų aiškai reglamentuojamas želdynų planavimas, tvarkymas, apsauga. Taigi šiame straipsnyje pateikiama trumpa Lietuvos želdynų normų apžvalga ir želdynų normavimo pasiūlymai, jų klasifikacija, esminiai želdynų normavimo ir skirstymo principai bei normavimo pasiūlymai.
POLYCENTRIC URBAN STRUCTURE AS STRATEGIC PRIORITY FOR LITHUANIA AND THE EU
Authors: Daunora Zigmas Jonas
Published: December 2018

The paper discusses conditions for a polycentric development of cities and their systems. Suggestions for possible correction of our country’s regional structure considering changed external interaction course and demographic potential development tendencies. Reasoning is based on attitudes sustained by scientific and global practice which nowadays are respected in different international programmes. The following propositions of accomplished analysis can be formulated:

1. Polycentric development of countries, regions and major cities is an approved strategy of sustainable development. This strategy is successfully evolved in Lithuania since 1957. During the period of intensive urbanization (1970–1990) it enabled to develop a group of small towns which became centres and subcentres of regions.

2. New directions of international integration and a regressive demographic development of the country initiate correction of its regional structure for a better consolidation of demographic and material resources. Such opportunities are provided by: a) the growing role of Klaipėda city and region which is oriented to the Baltic region; b) the fact that the international communication corridors of Via Baltica and Rail Baltica, emphasizing the importance of the north-south direction, are becoming a reality.

3. Urban planning and regional development require the government’s attention, adequate to the importance of the tasks to be solved. The country’s consolidated regional structure with 8 regions instead of 10, stronger Utena region, with growing seaport and Kaunas region, dominating in the centre of the country, would give more dynamics and opportunities for the progress of the state.

Policentriška urbanistinė struktūra – strateginis Lietuvos ir EU prioritetas

Santrauka

Nagrinėjamos miestų ir jų sistemų policentriškos plėtros sąlygos. Iškeliamos kai kurios prielaidos galimai Lietuvos regioninės struktūros korektūrai, atsižvelgiant į pakitusias išorinės sąveikos kryptis bei demografinio potencialo raidos tendencijas. Samprotavimai paremti mokslo ir pasaulinės praktikos patvirtintomis nuostatomis, kurios dar 1957 m. buvo pradėtos diegti Lietuvos gyvenviečių sistemoje ir išlieka veiksmingu instrumentu darniai plėtojant šalies socialinį, kultūrinį ir eko nominį potencialą.
Stem cell targeted therapeutic approaches for molecular
subtypes of clinical breast cancer (Review)
Authors: Telang Nitin
Published: December 2018

The global profiling of differentially expressed
genes in subtypes of clinical breast cancer identifies predic‑
tive and prognostic biomarkers for disease progression and
rationalizes breast cancer subtype‑based treatment options.
The expression status of hormone and growth factor recep‑
tors dictates the options for chemo‑endocrine and/or pathway
selective small molecule inhibitor‑based treatments. Overall,
these treatment options are associated with long‑term systemic
toxicity and acquired tumor resistance, predominantly due to
the emergence of drug‑resistant cancer stem cell population and
due to therapy‑resistant disease progression. These limitations
emphasize the identification of non‑toxic testable therapeutic
alternatives for the efficacious targeting of breast cancer stem
cells. The present review summarizes published evidence
focused on i) developing cellular models for molecular subtypes
of breast cancer; ii) isolating and characterizing drug‑resistant
cancer stem cells from the developed models; and iii) identi‑
fying mechanistic leads for potential stem cell‑targeting lead
compounds. Cellular models for Luminal A, human epidermal
growth factor receptor‑2 (HER‑2) enriched and triple‑negative
breast cancer subtypes represented the experimental models.
Prototypic chemo‑endocrine therapeutic agents were used to
select the drug‑resistant stem cell phenotype. The vitamin A
derivative, all‑trans retinoic acid, and the rosemary terpenoid,
carnosol, respectively representing a mechanistically distinct
natural product and a potential bio‑active constituent of a
nutritional herb provided stem cell‑selective lead compounds.
The cellular models for Luminal A, HER‑2‑enriched and
triple‑negative breast cancer subtypes exhibited growth
inhibitory effects in response to treatment with prototypic
chemo‑endocrine therapeutics, natural products and nutritional
herbs. Drug‑resistant phenotypes exhibited an upregulated
expression of stem cell‑specific cellular and molecular markers.
Lead compounds induced the downregulated expression of the
stem cell markers in drug‑resistant phenotypes. These data
validate an experimental approach with which to identify
potential non‑toxic natural products and nutritional herbs that
may represent testable alternatives for the stem cell targeted
therapy of breast cancer.