bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extractant Immobilization in Alginate Capsules (Matrix- and Mononuclear-Type): Application to Pb(II) Sorption from HCl Solutions
Authors: Alba Janette , Navarro Ricardo , Saucedo Imelda , Vincent Thierry , Guibal Eric
Published: June 2017

The decontamination of dilute industrial effluents is a critical challenge for decreasing the environmental impact of mining and metallurgical activities. As an alternative to conventional processes, new extractant impregnated resins (EIRs) have been synthesized by the immobilization of Cyanex 301 and Cyanex 302 in alginate capsules using two different procedures (matrix-type immobilization vs. mononuclear encapsulation). These materials have been tested for Pb(II) sorption from acidic solutions. The Langmuir equation fitted well the sorption isotherms and the maximum sorption capacities vary between 24 and 80 mg·g−1 at pH 1, depending on the type and loading of the extractant in the EIR. Uptake kinetics were controlled by the resistance to intraparticle diffusion; though both the Crank equation (intraparticle diffusion) and pseudo-second order rate equation equally fitted uptake profiles. The amount of extractant immobilized in mononuclear capsules is lower than in matrix-type beads; this leads to lower sorption capacities but slightly better mass transfer properties. The balance between the advantages and drawbacks of the different systems makes more promising matrix-type capsules. The desorption of Pb(II) is possible using 1 M HNO3 solutions: metal ions were completely desorbed. However, the probable oxidation of the extractants (conversion to oxidized forms more sensitive to pH) reduces the sorption efficiency when they are re-used.
The Use of Empirical Methods for Testing Granular Materials in Analogue Modelling
Authors: Montanari Domenico , Agostini Andrea , Bonini Marco , Corti Giacomo , Ventisette Chiara
Published: June 2017

The behaviour of a granular material is mainly dependent on its frictional properties, angle of internal friction, and cohesion, which, together with material density, are the key factors to be considered during the scaling procedure of analogue models. The frictional properties of a granular material are usually investigated by means of technical instruments such as a Hubbert-type apparatus and ring shear testers, which allow for investigating the response of the tested material to a wide range of applied stresses. Here we explore the possibility to determine material properties by means of different empirical methods applied to mixtures of quartz and K-feldspar sand. Empirical methods exhibit the great advantage of measuring the properties of a certain analogue material under the experimental conditions, which are strongly sensitive to the handling techniques. Finally, the results obtained from the empirical methods have been compared with ring shear tests carried out on the same materials, which show a satisfactory agreement with those determined empirically.
Trichodermanins C–E, New Diterpenes with a Fused 6-5-6-6 Ring System Produced by a Marine Sponge-Derived Fungus
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Suzue Mayo , Arai Takanobu , Kikuchi Takashi , Tanaka Reiko
Published: June 2017

Trichodermanins C–E (1–3), new diterpenes with a rare fused 6-5-6-6 ring system, have been isolated from a fungus Trichoderma harzianum OUPS-111D-4 separated from a piece of a marine sponge Halichondria okadai, and these chemical structures have been established by spectroscopic analyses using IR, MASS, HRFABMS, and NMR spectra. We established their absolute stereostructures by application of the modified Mosher’s method. In addition, 1 inhibited the growth of cancer cell lines potently.
Editorial for Special Issue: Advances in Microfluidic Devices for Cell Handling and Analysis
Authors: Oliva Abel
Published: June 2017

Microfluidics is a technology that is expanding rapidly in many areas of research, especially in the biological areas of cell handling and analysis.[...]
Two New β-Dihydroagarofuran Sesquiterpenes from Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb and Their Anti-Proliferative Activity
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Han Na , Lv Guanghui , Jia Lina , Liu Zhihui , Yin Jun
Published: June 2017

Two new β-dihydroagarofuran-type sesquiterpenes (1–2) were isolated and identified from the fruit of Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb, together with seventeen known compounds (3–19). The structures of the isolated new compounds were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analyses. The cytotoxic activities of the 19 sesquiterpenes on three cell lines, human acute promyelocytic leukemia HL-60, human leukemic K562, and human colon cancer HCT-116 cells, were evaluated in vitro. Compound 4 exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against HL-60, K562, and HCT116 cell lines with IC50 values of 3.61 μΜ, 17.13 μΜ and 10.15 μΜ, respectively, and the other compounds displayed moderate activity.
3D Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening and Docking Approaches toward the Discovery of Novel HPPD Inhibitors
Authors: Fu Ying , Sun Yi-Na , Yi Ke-Han , Li Ming-Qiang , Cao Hai-Feng , Li Jia-Zhong , Ye Fei
Published: June 2017

p-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) is not only the useful molecular target in treating life-threatening tyrosinemia type I, but also an important target for chemical herbicides. A combined in silico structure-based pharmacophore and molecular docking-based virtual screening were performed to identify novel potential HPPD inhibitors. The complex-based pharmacophore model (CBP) with 0.721 of ROC used for screening compounds showed remarkable ability to retrieve known active ligands from among decoy molecules. The ChemDiv database was screened using CBP-Hypo2 as a 3D query, and the best-fit hits subjected to molecular docking with two methods of LibDock and CDOCKER in Accelrys Discovery Studio 2.5 (DS 2.5) to discern interactions with key residues at the active site of HPPD. Four compounds with top rankings in the HipHop model and well-known binding model were finally chosen as lead compounds with potential inhibitory effects on the active site of target. The results provided powerful insight into the development of novel HPPD inhibitors herbicides using computational techniques.
New Strigolactone Mimics as Exogenous Signals for Rhizosphere Organisms
Authors: Oancea Florin , Georgescu Emilian , Matusova Radoslava , Georgescu Florentina , Nicolescu Alina , Raut Iuliana , Jecu Maria-Luiza , Vladulescu Marius-Constantin , Vladulescu Lucian , Deleanu Calin
Published: June 2017

The importance of strigolactones in plant biology prompted us to synthesize simplified strigolactone mimics effective as exogenous signals for rhizosphere organisms. New strigolactone mimics easily derived from simple and available starting materials in significant amounts were prepared and fully characterized. These compounds contain an aromatic or heterocyclic ring, usually present in various bioactive molecules, connected by an ether link to a furan-2-one moiety. The new synthesized strigolactone mimics were confirmed to be active on plant pathogenic fungi and parasitic weed seeds.
Self-Assembled Lipid Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery of Heparin-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Theranostic Purposes
Authors: Truzzi Eleonora , Bongio Chiara , Sacchetti Francesca , Maretti Eleonora , Montanari Monica , Iannuccelli Valentina , Vismara Elena , Leo Eliana
Published: June 2017

Recently, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have attracted increasing attention owing to their potential as an oral delivery system, promoting intestinal absorption in the lymphatic circulation which plays a role in disseminating metastatic cancer cells and infectious agents throughout the body. SLN features can be exploited for the oral delivery of theranostics. Therefore, the aim of this work was to design and characterise self-assembled lipid nanoparticles (SALNs) to encapsulate and stabilise iron oxide nanoparticles non-covalently coated with heparin (Fe@hepa) as a model of a theranostic tool. SALNs were characterised for physico-chemical properties (particle size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro stability, and heparin leakage), as well as in vitro cytotoxicity by methyl thiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay and cell internalisation in CaCo-2, a cell line model used as an indirect indication of intestinal lymphatic absorption. SALNs of about 180 nm, which are stable in suspension and have a high encapsulation efficiency (>90%) were obtained. SALNs were able to stabilise the heparin coating of Fe@hepa, which are typically unstable in physiological environments. Moreover, SALNs–Fe@hepa showed no cytotoxicity, although their ability to be internalised into CaCo-2 cells was highlighted by confocal microscopy analysis. Therefore, the results indicated that SALNs can be considered as a promising tool to orally deliver theranostic Fe@hepa into the lymphatic circulation, although further in vivo studies are needed to comprehend further potential applications.
Extraction Optimization, Characterization, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine Employing Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Liu Yu-Jie , Mo Xue-Lin , Tang Xiao-Zhang , Li Jiang-Hua , Hu Mei-Bian , Yan Dan , Peng Wei , Wu Chun-Jie
Published: June 2017

In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharides (PSA) from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine (PRPCA) was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The structural characteristics of PSA were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high performance gel permeation chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. In addition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of PSA were studied by different in vitro assays. Results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: the ratio of water to raw of 30 mL/g, extraction time of 46.50 min, ultrasonic temperature of 72.00 °C, and ultrasonic power of 230 W. Under these conditions, the obtained PSA yield (13.21 ± 0.37%) was closely agreed with the predicted yield by the model. The average molecular weights of the PSA were estimated to be 5.34 × 103 and 6.27 × 105 Da. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that PSA consisted of mannose, galactose uronic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose with a molar ratio of 1.83:0.55:75.75:1.94:0.45. Furthermore, PSA exhibited moderate antioxidant and antibacterial activities in vitro. Collectively, this study provides a promising strategy to obtain bioactive polysaccharides from processed products of herbal medicines.
Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Constituents from the Peels of Citrus grandis
Authors: Kuo Ping-Chung , Liao Yu-Ren , Hung Hsin-Yi , Chuang Chia-Wei , Hwang Tsong-Long , Huang Shiow-Chyn , Shiao Young-Ji , Kuo Daih-Huang , Wu Tian-Shung
Published: June 2017

A series of chromatographic separations performed on the ethanol extracts of the peels of Citrus grandis has led to the characterization of forty compounds, including seventeen coumarins, eight flavonoids, two triterpenoids, four benzenoids, two steroids, one lignan, one amide, and five other compounds, respectively. The chemical structures of the purified constituents were identified on the basis of spectroscopic elucidation, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR, and mass spectrometric analysis. Most of the isolated compounds were examined for their inhibition of superoxide anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils. Among the isolates, isomeranzin (3), 17,18-dihydroxybergamottin (12), epoxybergamottin (13), rhoifolin (19), vitexicarpin (22) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (29) displayed the most significant inhibition of superoxide anion generation and elastase release with IC50 values ranged from 0.54 to 7.57 μM, and 0.43 to 4.33 μM, respectively. In addition, 7-hydroxy-8-(2′-hydroxy-3′-methylbut-3′-enyl)coumarin (8) and 17,18-dihydroxybergamottin (12) also exhibited the protection of neurons against A-mediated neurotoxicity at 50 μM.
Theoretical Study of the BaTiO3 Powder’s Volume Ratio’s Influence on the Output of Composite Piezoelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Zhou Xi , Xu Qi , Bai Suo , Qin Yong , Liu Weisheng
Published: June 2017

The combination of the piezoelectric materials and polymer is an effective way to make the piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) possess both the polymer’s good flexibility and ferroelectric material’s high piezoelectric coefficient. The volume ratio of ferroelectric material in the composite is an important factor that determines the PENG’s output performance. In this paper, the BaTiO3/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite PENG was demonstrated as having an optimal volume ratio (46%) at which the PENG can output its highest voltage, and this phenomenon can be ascribed to the trade-off between the composite PENG’s top electrode charge and its capacitance. These results are of practical importance for the composite PENG’s performance optimization.
Osthole Enhances Osteogenesis in Osteoblasts by Elevating Transcription Factor Osterix via cAMP/CREB Signaling In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Zhong-Rong , Leung Wing , Li Gang , Kong Siu , Lu Xiong , Wong Yin , Chan Chun
Published: June 2017

Anabolic anti-osteoporotic agents are desirable for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Osthole is a coumarin derivative extracted from the medicinal herbs Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson and Angelica pubescens Maxim.f. Osthole has been reported with osteogenic and anti-osteoporotic properties, whereas the underlying mechanism of its benefit still remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the osteopromotive action of osthole on mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and on mouse femoral fracture repair, and to explore the interaction between osthole-induced osteopromotive effect and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) elevating effect. Osthole treatment promoted osteogenesis in osteoblasts by enhancing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization. Oral gavage of osthole enhanced fracture repair and increased bone strength. Mechanistic study showed osthole triggered the cAMP/CREB pathway through the elevation of the intracellular cAMP level and activation of the phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Blockage of cAMP/CREB downstream signals with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT5720 partially suppressed osthole-mediated osteogenesis by inhibiting the elevation of transcription factor, osterix. In conclusion, osthole shows osteopromotive effect on osteoblasts in vitro and in vivo. Osthole-mediated osteogenesis is related to activation of the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway and downstream osterix expression.
Investigating the Relative Significance of Drug-Related Problem Categories
Authors: Kjeldsen Lene , Nielsen Trine , Olesen Charlotte
Published: June 2017

The aim of the review was to investigate whether an assessment of clinical significance can be related to specific drug-related problems (DRPs) and hence may assist in prioritizing individual categories of DRP categorization systems. The literature search using Google Scholar was performed for the period 1990 to 2013 and comprised primary research studies of clinical pharmacy interventions including DRP and clinical significance assessments. Two reviewers assessed the titles, abstracts, and full-text papers individually, and inclusion was determined by consensus. A total of 27 unique publications were included in the review. They had been conducted in 14 different countries and reported a large range of DRPs (71–5948). Five existing DRP categorisation systems were frequently used, and two methods employed to assess clinical significance were frequently reported. The present review could not establish a consistent relation between the DRP categories and the level of clinical significance. However, the categories “ADR” and possibly “Drug interaction” were often associated with an assessed high clinical significance, albeit they were infrequently identified in the studies. Hence, clinical significance assessments do not seem to be useful in prioritizing individual DRPs in the DRP categorization systems. Consequently, it may be necessary to reconsider our current approach for evaluating DRPs.
Literary Fiction or Ancient Astronomical and Meteorological Observations in the Work of Maria Valtorta?
Authors: Matricciani Emilio , De Caro Liberato
Published: June 2017

In The Gospel as revealed to me, Maria Valtorta reports a lot of information on the Holy Land at the time of Jesus: historical, archaeological, astronomical, geographical, meteorological. She states she has written what seen “in vision”. By a detailed astronomical analysis of explicit and implicit calendar information reported while she narrates detailed episodes concerning the three years of Jesus’ public life—possible because of many references to lunar phases, constellations, planets visible in the night sky in her writings—it is ascertained that every event described implies a precise date—day, month, year—without being explicitly reported by her. For example, Jesus’ crucifixion should have occurred on Friday April 23 of the year 34, a date proposed by Isaac Newton. She has also recorded the occurrence of rain so that the number of rainy days reported can be compared to the current meteorological data, supposing random observations and no important changes in rainfall daily frequency in the last 2000 years, the latter issue discussed in the paper. Unexpectedly, both the annual and monthly averages of rainy days deduced from the data available from the Israel Meteorological Service and similar averages deduced from her writings agree very well.
Doppler Navigation System with a Non-Stabilized Antenna as a Sea-Surface Wind Sensor
Authors: Nekrasov Alexey , Khachaturian Alena , Veremyev Vladimir , Bogachev Mikhail
Published: June 2017

We propose a concept of the utilization of an aircraft Doppler Navigation System (DNS) as a sea-surface wind sensor complementary to its normal functionality. The DNS with an antenna, which is non-stabilized physically to the local horizontal with x-configured beams, is considered. We consider the wind measurements by the DNS configured in the multi-beam scatterometer mode for a rectilinear flight scenario. The system feasibility and the efficiency of the proposed wind algorithm retrieval are supported by computer simulations. Finally, the associated limitations of the proposed approach are considered.
Does Implementation of Big Data Analytics Improve Firms’ Market Value? Investors’ Reaction in Stock Market
Authors: Lee Hansol , Kweon Eunkyung , Kim Minkyun , Chai Sangmi
Published: June 2017

Recently, due to the development of social media, multimedia, and the Internet of Things (IoT), various types of data have increased. As the existing data analytics tools cannot cover this huge volume of data, big data analytics becomes one of the emerging technologies for business today. Considering that big data analytics is an up-to-date term, in the present study, we investigated the impact of implementing big data analytics in the short-term perspective. We used an event study methodology to investigate the changes in stock price caused by announcements on big data analytics solution investment. A total of 54 investment announcements of firms publicly traded in NASDAQ and NYSE from 2010 to 2015 were collected. Our results empirically demonstrate that announcement of firms’ investment on big data solution leads to positive stock market reactions. In addition, we also found that investments on small vendors’ solution with industry-oriented functions tend to result in higher abnormal returns than those on big vendors’ solution with general functions. Finally, our results also suggest that stock market investors highly evaluate big data analytics investments of big firms as compared to those of small firms.
Sustainable Effects of Small Hydropower Substituting Firewood Program in Majiang County, Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Zha Tonggang , Zhao Yun , Qin Jing , Lyv Zhiyuan , Ma Zhijie , Yu Haiyan , Zhu Yushen , Wang Gaomin , Tettenborn Felix , Freiherr von Lueninck Benedikt
Published: June 2017

Small hydropower substituting fuel (SHSF) is an ecological environment protection program to improve regional ecosystems and alleviate poverty. However, the sustainability of SHSF programs remains controversial due to lingering doubts about its potential for socioeconomic development and its environmental impacts. The sustainability of SHSF was examined based on field investigations and household questionnaire surveys. The results were as follows: (1) Biomass of SHSF protected masson pine (Pinus massoniana) and weeping cypress (Platycladus orientalis) plantations were 11.06 t·ha−1 and 7.15 t·ha−1 higher than unprotected plantations, respectively. Furthermore, the differences in ecosystem biomass were mainly derived from arbor biomass. While the energy conversion efficiency based on field investigations was merely 1.28 kg (kWh)−1, which was only 64% of the empirical value and 54% of the guideline for accounting for the ecological benefit of small hydropower substituting fuel. (2) Households’ total income in SHSF villages was higher than in households with access to a hydropower plant but no substituting fuel or households with no hydropower plant. (3) Most of the households had a positive attitude towards SHSF because of its cheaper electricity and associated ecological environmental improvements. Overall, our results suggest optimistic and sustainable prospects for the SHSF program; however, continued education and policy communications are needed to sustain program success.
Environmental Management System Adoption and the Operational Performance of Firm in the Textile and Apparel Industry of China
Authors: Li Biao , Wu Kekun
Published: June 2017

In China, more firms in the textile and apparel industry adopt environmental management systems compared to firms that manufacture other products. It is important to know how the firms’ financial and real performances are affected. We study the changes of firms’ performance in profitability, sales, and operational efficiency after environmental management system (EMS) adoption using an event study. Based on 22 events of EMS adoption, we found a significant decrease in firms’ profitability, sales, and inventory productivity. We explore the reasons which led to the decrease in firm performances. We found that the increase in sample firms’ total assets is the major reason. The loss in operational efficiency and flexibility are due to the requirements of the EMS.
Sustainable Traceability in the Food Supply Chain: The Impact of Consumer Willingness to Pay
Authors: Sun Shengnan , Wang Xinping , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2017

This article addresses the sustainable traceability issue in the food supply chain from the sourcing perspective in which consumer willingness to pay for traceability is considered. There are two supplier types: traceable suppliers, which are costly but can carry a precise recall in food safety events, and non-traceable suppliers, which are less expensive but may suffer a higher cost in food safety events. A portion of consumers display traceability consciousness, and are willing to pay a premium for traceable food products. Four possible strategies in a transparent food supply chain and three sourcing strategies in a nontransparent food supply chain are identified and we determine when each strategy is optimal. We show that efforts to improve traceability that focus on consumers, by increasing their willingness to pay for traceability or expanding the portion of traceability consciousness consumers, may lead to an unintended consequence, such as a decrease in the provision of traceable food products. However, efforts that focus on revealing and penalizing the buyer always lead to a higher provision of traceable food products. We further find that efforts focusing on eliminating the information asymmetry may not be helpful for sustainable traceability in the food supply chain.
Yield and Milk Composition at Different Stages of Lactation from a Small Herd of Nguni, Boer, and Non-Descript Goats Raised in an Extensive Production System
Authors: Idamokoro Emrobowansan , Muchenje Voster , Masika Patrick
Published: June 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the yield and composition of milk from 30 indigenous South African goats of different genotypes, namely Nguni, Boer, and non-descript, reared under a free-ranging system. Milk yield and composition (milk fat, protein, lactose, solid non-fat, and minerals) from Nguni (10), Boer (10) and non-descript (10) goats were measured and analysed per week at each stage of lactation. Results showed that Nguni goats produced (1.2 ± 0.09, 1.3 ± 0.11 and 1.2 ± 0.07 litres per day) more milk (p < 0.05) at early, mid-, and late stages of lactation than Boer (0.6 ± 0.10, 1.0 ± 0.17, and 0.6 ± 0.09 litres per day) and non-descript (0.3 ± 0.10, 0.3 ± 0.12, and 0.3 ± 0.09 litres per day) goats, respectively. The mean value of milk fat, protein, and lactose content from Nguni goats was 3.98, 3.54, and 5.31; Boer goats, 2.9, 3.59, and 5.04 and non-descript goats, 4.05, 3.39, and 5.02, respectively. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of genotypes on milk fat, milk magnesium, and sodium contents of Nguni, Boer, and non-descript goats. It could be concluded that Nguni goats produced more milk than Boer and non-descript goats, but the non-descript goat had a higher mean percentage of milk fat compared to Nguni and Boer goats.
An Evaluation of Urban Renewal Policies of Shenzhen, China
Authors: Liu Guiwen , Yi Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaoling , Shrestha Asheem , Martek Igor , Wei Lizhen
Published: June 2017

Urban renewal is a pragmatic approach in the sustainable urban development of urban areas, and has now become an essential strategy for most metropolises in China. The question of how urban renewal can best be realized has gained the attention of urban planning researchers looking to formulate practical evidence-based urban renewal policies through policy instruments. This paper analyzes the urban renewal policies of Shenzhen, a pioneer city in China in the promulgation of urban renewal legislation. In doing so, an analytical framework is established by focusing on three main policy instruments, along with several sub-instruments within them. Shenzhen’s five main urban renewal policies, issued between 2009 and 2016, are analyzed through this framework. Content analysis and pattern-matching is used in the review and analysis of the data. The results show that “Environment” side policies tend to be the most widely applied by the Shenzhen municipal government. Additionally, “Regulation Control” and “Goal-planning” policies are the two instruments most frequently adopted as sub-instruments. Moreover, it is found that the application of “Supply” side polices and “Demand” side polices needs be strengthened. These findings identify the types of urban renewal policies currently employed in China and provide a clear understanding of the current policy priorities, with suggestions and insight into further urban renewal policy initiatives for Shenzhen and beyond.
Inaccurate Assessment of Canine Body Condition Score, Bodyweight, and Pet Food Labels: A Potential Cause of Inaccurate Feeding
Authors: Yam Philippa S. , Naughton Gregory , Butowski Christina F. , Root Amanda L.
Published: June 2017

The objectives were to investigate owners’ ability to assign the correct bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) to their dog and to interpret wet and dry pet food labels by estimating how much to feed daily. One hundred and seventy-four questionnaires were completed. Owner estimated BW was compared to actual BW, correct being defined within ±10% of actual BW. Correct interpretation of the total amount of food required was determined by the number of cans (±25% of cans) required for wet food and grams (±20% of grams) for dry food, based on the dog’s actual BW, the feeding guidelines on the label, and a comparison with the owner’s estimate. Eleven percent of owners overestimated BCS and 19% overestimated BW. Only 48% of owners could correctly estimate their dog’s BW. Only 23% and 43% of owners could correctly estimate how much wet and dry food to feed, respectively. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant positive association for owners correctly estimating their dog’s BW and interpreting the wet pet food label. Many owners are not aware of their pet’s BCS and BW and cannot accurately interpret pet food labels. Further owner education to improve these skills is needed if dogs are to be fed correctly.
Inexact Two-Stage Stochastic Programming for Water Resources Allocation under Considering Demand Uncertainties and Response—A Case Study of Tianjin, China
Authors: Ji Ling , Sun Ping , Ma Qiang , Jiang Na , Huang Guo-He , Xie Yu-Lei
Published: June 2017

In this paper, an inexact two-stage stochastic programming model was developed for supporting regional water resource allocation management under uncertainties. The proposed model is an integrated framework of interval parameter programming and two-stage stochastic programming, which can tackle uncertain parameters expressed as interval values with probability distribution information. The proposed model was successfully applied to a typical heavy industrial city suffering water shortage in the east of China, Tianjin. The uncertainties of future water demand were taken into account through generating a set of representative scenarios. The results indicated that different scenarios would affect the water distribution patterns, water shortages, total benefits and system cost. The results revealed that the transferred water from Luan River and Changjiang River would still be the main water resource for each water user. Besides, nearly all water demand in planning horizon would be guaranteed through the reasonable dispatch except under high demand level scenario, in which a small proportion of water requirement in agricultural, municipal and environmental sectors would not be satisfied. The developed method could be used by environmental managers to identify the optimal water supply plan from multiple sources to different end-user sectors under system uncertainties.
Communication is Key: The Interaction of Emotional Labor Strategies on Hotel Supervisors' Turnover Intentions in China
Authors: Xu Shi , Martinez Larry R. , Lv Qin
Published: June 2017

Although past research has examined the link between emotional labor and turnover in organizational contexts, relatively little research has focused specifically on supervisors' experiences of emotional labor and turnover. In the present study, supervisors' levels of communication are
posited to affect the interactive relation between expressing genuine emotions and engaging in surface acting because the interactive relation is expected to be more pronounced for supervisors who communicate less. This study was administered to 144 supervisors in four Chinese hotel companies.
The results showed that the interactive effects of genuine emotions and surface acting on turnover intentions were strengthened when supervisors communicated with other colleagues less intimately but that there was not an effect related to the extent to which they communicated with many colleagues.
The findings extend previous literature by demonstrating that a lack of intimate communication will increase intentions to leave among supervisors who express less genuine emotions and who engage in more surface acting.
Environmental Impacts of Mass Religious Tourism: From Residents' Perspectives
Authors: Alipour Habib , Olya Hossein G. T. , Forouzan Iman
Published: June 2017

This study aims to examine residents' perceptions of the environmental impact of mass religious tourism in Mashhad, Iran. Although numerous studies have examined residents' perceptions regarding the impact of mass religious tourism, there is a paucity of research specifically assessing
the spatial pattern of the environmental impact of religious tourism with a focus on areas surrounding the shrine. The city of Mashhad is one of the most highly revered religious sites for the Shiite sect of Islam. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed to those living around the holy
shrine, and an analysis of variance was performed to compare the mean scores of the environmental dimensions against educational level, income level, and residency length. A geostatistical technique using geographic information system software was applied to map spatial variations in environmental
impact, indicating that although religious tourism has resulted in environmental improvement, it is limited to those areas immediately surrounding the shrine, and this improvement does not extend to the whole city. Based on statistical results, residents' perceptions generally were negative
in terms of the environmental impact of religious tourism. Moreover, respondents' perceptions appeared to be colored by their income and the length of their residency.
Tourism Small and Medium Enterprise Management Practices and Firm Performance
Authors: Set Kalsitinoor , Agbola Frank W. , Mahmood Amir
Published: June 2017

A better understanding of tourism small and medium enterprise (TSME) management practices could improve firm performance. Extending the resource-based view theory, this study empirically investigated the causal relationships between management practices and TSME firm performance using
a structural equation model and survey data of 346 tourism entrepreneurs. Six of the nine hypotheses were confirmed. It was found that business planning, entrepreneurial motivation, and government assistance do have a direct and positive effect on TSME firm performance. Additionally, entrepreneurial
motivation was positively associated with business planning, business alliance, and firm performance; however, business alliance and Internet adoption did not affect firm performance. The findings highlight the importance of management practices that have previously been overlooked in policy
decision making within the tourism industry.
Attitudes Toward the Legalization of Marijuana on Colorado Tourism
Authors: Gaede Diane B. , Vaske Jerry J.
Published: June 2017

Recreational use of marijuana was legalized in Colorado in January 2014. This article compared marijuana consumers' and nonconsumers' attitudes about the impact of legalization on tourism. We hypothesized that (a) consumers would evaluate the impacts more positively than nonconsumers
and (b) there would be more consensus in these attitudes among consumers compared to nonconsumers. Data were obtained from a survey of undergraduate students (n = 1,760; response rate = 88%) at a university in northern Colorado in 2014. The independent variable was the students' self-reported
consumption of marijuana [i.e., no (n = 1,127) or yes (n = 634)]. The dependent variables were attitudes (i.e., positive, neutral, negative) toward legalization on seven types of tourism (i.e., summer, winter, skiing, romantic, family, Denver, overall). Results support both hypotheses.
Consumers were statistically more positive about legalization of marijuana than nonconsumers, and there was more consensus about legalization among marijuana consumers compared to nonconsumers.
SOME ASPECTS OF RECOGNIZING LITHUANIAN MODERN ARCHITECTURE AS PROTECTED HERITAGE. CASE OF POSTMODERNISM / KAI KURIE LIETUVOS MODERNIOSIOS ARCHITEKTŪROS ĮPAVELDINIMO ASPEKTAI. POSTMODERNIZMO ATVEJIS
Authors: Mankus Martynas
Published: June 2017

Recently, objects of the so-called “modern heritage” have been gaining more and more attention from heritage protection institutions. The majority of buildings of the period does not comply with the formal 50-year age requirement applicable to protected objects. Respectively, it is more complicated to establish their valuable qualities, and this often provokes all kinds of conflicts. Samples of such architecture decline, or the issue of their value is resolved in the presence of actual threat to their physical condition. By taking into consideration one of the “youngest” periods – the architecture of postmodernism, the article aims at reviewing the context of fixing the criteria for recognizing modern architecture as protected heritage. With a hypothesis being raised that compliance with a certain historical and stylistic trend should be considered a sign of valuable architecture, the chronological and aesthetic evaluation perspectives of postmodern architecture and features of its expression are discussed in the article. Moderniosios paveldosaugos akiratyje vis dažniau atsiduria vadinamojo moderniojo paveldo objektai. Dauguma šio laikotarpio pastatų neatitinka formalaus 50 metų cenzo, – saugomiems objektams keliamo reikalavimo. Atitinkamai sudėtingiau nustatyti ir jų vertingąsias savybes, o tai dažnai tampa konfliktų objektu. Tokios architektūros pavyzdžiai sparčiai nyksta arba vertės klausimas svarstomas realios grėsmės jų fizinei būklei akivaizdoje. Straipsnyje siekiama apžvelgti moderniojo paveldo įpaveldinimo kriterijų nustatymo kontekstą, atkreipiant dėmesį į vieną „jauniausių“ laikotarpių – postmodernizmo architektūrą. Keliant hipotezę, kad atitiktis konkrečiai istorinei ir stilistinei krypčiai laikytina vertės ženklu, aptariamos postmodernizmo architektūros chronologinė ir estetinė vertinimo perspektyvos bei jos raiškos bruožai.
THE PROBLEMATICS OF PERSONALIZATION – PHENOMENA THAT STRUCTURED THE DEMAND OF PERSONALIZATION AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH DESIGN FIELD / PERSONALIZACIJOS PROBLEMATIKA – REIŠKINIAI, SUFORMAVĘ POREIKĮ, IR JŲ SĄVEIKA SU DIZAINO LAUKU
Authors: Kibildytė-Klimienė Kristė
Published: June 2017

Referring to the fields of sociology and cultural sociology aims to build up a critical approach and make deeper analysis of the phenomenon of personalization. The analysis of modern world by Zygmunt Bauman draws attention to the rampant individualization in conditions of liquid modern world. In this modern structure of society, based on atomistic individualism, the phenomenon of personalization is formed, becomes relevant and widely adaptable. The structure of society has become atomistic – we became “a society of individuals”. The changing structure of society has a direct impact on design discourse. The aim of this article – to identify the phenomena that led to changes in society and the individual, and structured the demand and the trend of personalization. The atomistic individualism of modern self, emotional capitalism and the triumph of psychological discourse in Western civilization had an impact on design field and describe the complexities, tensions and even contradictions that are inherent in the phenomenon of personalization. Remiantis sociokultūriniais tyrimais formuojamas kritinis požiūris, reikalingas personalizacijos fenomeno analizei. Zygmunto Baumano šiuolaikinio pasaulio būvio analizė atkreipia dėmesį į nevaldomą „individualizaciją“ pasaulyje takiomis moderniojo gyvenimo sąlygomis. Būtent tokios modernios visuomenės struktūroje, grįstoje atomistiniu individualizmu, formuojasi, tampa aktualus ir plačiai pritaikomas personalizacijos fenomenas. Visuomenės struktūra tapo atomistine – mes tapome individų visuomene. Kintanti visuomenės struktūra turi tiesioginę įtaką dizaino diskursui1. Straipsnio tikslas – identifikuoti reiškinius, kurie lėmė visuomenės ir individo pokyčius ir paskatino personalizacijos poreikį.
THE ROLE OF UNREALIZED PROJECTS IN DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS / NEĮGYVENDINTŲ PROJEKTŲ VAIDMUO VISUOMENĖS SĄMONĖJIMO KONTEKSTE
Authors: Gudelytė-Račienė Indrė
Published: June 2017

The article analyses the unrealized projects in the context of growing social consciousness/awareness. First of all the possibilities of society’s participation in designing processes are discussed in the framework of different historic periods. Further in the article, the correlations and interactions between the unrealized architectural projects and conscious society are analysed. To illustrate this, the resonance, attracting lots of attention, but failed projects, as well as projects orientated towards the formation of social consciousness are analysed. After summarizing the results of the research, a direct correlation between the unrealised projects of public importance and social self-consciousness, i.e. the society’s ability to concentrate, discuss and influence the governmental institutions, pass the determined decisions and precondition the unexpected course of architectural processes, has been established. Straipsnyje analizuojami neįgyvendinti architektūros projektai visuomenės sąmonėjimo1 kontekste. Pirmiausiai aptariamos vartojamų aktualių sąvokų – visuomenė, savimonė, socialinis aktyvumas, formalus ir neformalus veikimas etc. – suvokimo ribos. Toliau apžvelgiama visuomenės dalyvavimo projektavimo procesuose raida skirtingais istoriniais laikotarpiais, nagrinėjamas santykis tarp neįgyvendintų architektūros projektų ir sąmoningos visuomenės būvio Lietuvoje. Tam iliustruoti pasitelkiami rezonansiniai, daug dėmesio sulaukę, bet sužlugę projektai, taip pat projektai, orientuoti socialinės savimonės formavimo linkme, sukurti XX a. pr.–XXI a. pr. Chronologinė straipsnio struktūra leidžia stebėti architektūros kaip meninio reiškinio socialėjimo dinamiką, per kurią išryškėja architektūros konceptualioji, idėjinė vertė ir jos galima įtaka ugdant sąmoningą, aktyvią visuomenę. Apibendrinant tyrimo rezultatus, išvedamas tiesioginis ryšys tarp neįgyvendintų visuomeninės svarbos projektų ir socialinės savimonės, t. y. visuomenės gebėjimo susitelkti, diskutuoti, daryti įtaką, lemti netikėtą architektūrinių procesų eigą. Remiantis konkrečiais neįgyvendintų projektų atvejais, įvardinami ir įvertinami visuomenės savimonės ir aktyvumo raiškos aspektai.
FUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN STANDARDIZED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSES: LEGAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES / TIPINIO GYVENAMOJO NAMO ARCHITEKTŪROS FUNKCINĖ KAITA: TEISINĖS IR POLITINĖS PRIELAIDOS
Authors: Galaunytė Aistė
Published: June 2017

During the years of soviet occupation, housing policy was one of the most important state issues and projects of standardized designs were authorized and distributed by the state. Legal architecture parameters and regulations of soviet times, although their actual validity expired, are visible in todays modern, especially non-elite, standardized architecture. One can identify “traditions” formed by soviet law in contemporary single-family houses or even in legal regulations. The study examines and compares soviet and contemporary legal regulations and their impact on typical single-family houses architecture. The study is contextualized by invoking historical and social evaluations of the period.
Sovietinės okupacijos metais Lietuvoje būsto projektavimas ir statyba buvo griežtai reglamentuojami sovietinės valdžios įstatymų, tipiniai projektai buvo leidžiami centralizuotai. Tuomet apibrėžti architektūros parametrai ir nuostatos, nors faktinis jų galiojimo laikas ir pasibaigęs, pastebimi ir šiuolaikinėje, ypač tipinėje, architektūroje. Įstatymų leidyboje galima atpažinti sovietinių įstatymų suformuotas „tradicijas“, kurios taikomos Nepriklausomos Lietuvos laikų vienbučiams namams. Tyrime nagrinėjami ir tarpusavyje lyginami teisiniai reglamentai bei jų įtaka tipinei vienbučių architektūrai. Tyrimui kontekstualizuoti pasitelkiami istoriniai socialiniai laikotarpio vertinimai.
Formation of Complex Molecules in Prestellar Cores: A Multilayer Approach
Authors: Vasyunin A. I. , Caselli P. , Dulieu F. , Jiménez-Serra I.
Published: June 2017

We present the results of chemical modeling of complex organic molecules (COMs) under conditions typical for prestellar cores. We utilize an advanced gas-grain astrochemical model with updated gas-phase chemistry, with a multilayer approach to ice-surface chemistry and an up-to-date treatment of reactive desorption (RD) based on recent experiments of Minissale et al. With the chemical model, radial profiles of molecules, including COMs, are calculated for the case of the prototypical prestellar core L1544 at the timescales when the modeled depletion factor of CO becomes equal to that observed. We find that COMs can be formed efficiently in L1544 up to the fractional abundances of 10(−10) wrt. total hydrogen nuclei. Abundances of many COMs such as CH3OCH3, HCOOCH3, and others peak at similar radial distances of 2000–4000 au. Gas-phase abundances of COMs depend on the efficiency of RD, which in turn depends on the composition of the outer monolayers of icy mantles. In prestellar cores, the outer monolayers of mantles likely include large fractions of CO and its hydrogenation products, which may increase the efficiency of RD according to Minissale et al., and makes the formation of COMs efficient under conditions typical for prestellar cores, though this assumption is yet to be confirmed experimentally. The hydroxyl radical (OH) appears to play an important role in gas-phase chemistry of COMs, which makes it deserving of further detailed studies.
Search for Gamma-Ray Bursts with the ARGO-YBJ Detector in Shower Mode
Authors: Bartoli B. , Bernardini P. , Bi X. J. , Cao Z. , Catalanotti S. , Chen S. Z. , Chen T. L. , Cui S. W. , Dai B. Z. , D’Amone A. , Danzengluobu  , Mitri I. De , Piazzoli B. D’Ettorre , Girolamo T. Di , Sciascio G. Di , Feng C. F. , Feng Zhaoyang , Feng Zhenyong , Gao W. , Gou Q. B. , Guo Y. Q. , He H. H. , Hu Haibing , Hu Hongbo , Iacovacci M. , Iuppa R. , Jia H. Y. , Labaciren  , Li H. J. , Liu C. , Liu J. , Liu M. Y. , Lu H. , Ma L. L. , Ma X. H. , Mancarella G. , Mari S. M. , Marsella G. , Mastroianni S. , Montini P. , Ning C. C. , Perrone L. , Pistilli P. , Salvini P. , Santonico R. , Shen P. R. , Sheng X. D. , Shi F. , Surdo A. , Tan Y. H. , Vallania P. , Vernetto S. , Vigorito C. , Wang H. , Wu C. Y. , Wu H. R. , Xue L. , Yang Q. Y. , Yang X. C. , Yao Z. G. , Yuan A. F. , Zha M. , Zhang H. M. , Zhang L. , Zhang X. Y. , Zhang Y. , Zhao J. , Zhaxiciren  , Zhaxisangzhu  , Zhou X. X. , Zhu F. R. , Zhu Q. Q. ,   (The ARGO-YBJ Collaboration)
Published: June 2017

The ARGO-YBJ detector, located at the Yangbajing Cosmic Ray Laboratory (4300 m a. s. l., Tibet, China), was a “full coverage” (central carpet with an active area of ∼93%) air shower array dedicated to gamma-ray astronomy and cosmic-ray studies. The wide field of view (∼2 sr) and high duty cycle (>86%), made ARGO-YBJ suitable to search for short and unexpected gamma-ray emissions like gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Between 2007 November 6 and 2013 February 7, 156 satellite-triggered GRBs (24 of them with known redshift) occurred within the ARGO-YBJ field of view (zenith angle θ ≤ 45°). A search for possible emission associated with these GRBs has been made in the two energy ranges 10–100 GeV and 10–1000 GeV. No significant excess has been found in time coincidence with the satellite detections nor in a set of different time windows inside the interval of one hour after the bursts. Taking into account the EBL absorption, upper limits to the energy fluence at a 99% confidence level have been evaluated, with values ranging from ∼10−5 erg cm−2 to ∼10−1 erg cm−2. The Fermi-GBM burst GRB 090902B, with a high-energy photon of 33.4 GeV detected by Fermi-LAT, is discussed in detail.