bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption Analyses of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions Using Magadiite Modified with Organo-Functional Groups: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies
Authors: Ge Mingliang , Wang Xubin , Du Mingyi , Liang Guodong , Hu Guoqing , S.M. Jahangir Alam
Published: December 2018

Organically-modified magadiite (MAG–CTAB–KH550) was synthesized via ion-exchange method and condensation reaction in the presence of pure magadiite (MAG), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550) in aqueous solution in this research. This new adsorbent material was studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms process. It was found that the MAG–CTAB–KH550 has high Brunaur-Emmet-Teller (BET) specific surface area and mesoporous pore size distribution which enhanced its ability to remove phenol in aqueous solution; and, the value of pH has a relatively large impact on the adsorption behavior of the sorbent. Finally, the adsorptive behavior of the mesoporous material on phenol was followed pseudo-second-order kinetic adsorption model. In contrast, the adsorption equilibrium isotherm was better performed Langmuir isotherm model than the Freundlich isotherm model; in addition, the results also showed that the MAG–CTAB–KH550 had a better adsorption capacity and removal efficiency than MAG.
Ciguatera in Mexico (1984–2013)
Authors: Núñez-Vázquez Erick J. , Almazán-Becerril Antonio , López-Cortés David J. , Heredia-Tapia Alejandra , Hernández-Sandoval Francisco E. , Band-Schmidt Christine J. , Bustillos-Guzmán José J. , Gárate-Lizárraga Ismael , García-Mendoza Ernesto , Salinas-Zavala Cesar A. , Cordero-Tapia Amaury
Published: December 2018

Historical records of ciguatera in Mexico date back to 1862. This review, including references and epidemiological reports, documents 464 cases during 25 events from 1984 to 2013: 240 (51.72%) in Baja California Sur, 163 (35.12%) in Quintana Roo, 45 (9.69%) in Yucatan, and 16 (3.44%) cases of Mexican tourists intoxicated in Cuba. Carnivorous fish, such as snapper (Lutjanus) and grouper (Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) in the Pacific Ocean, and great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and snapper (Lutjanus) in the Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea), were involved in all cases. In the Mexican Caribbean, a sub-record of ciguatera cases that occurred before 1984 exists. However, the number of intoxications has increased in recent years, and this food poisoning is poorly studied in the region. Current records suggest that ciguatera fish poisoning in humans is the second most prevalent form of seafood poisoning in Mexico, only exceeded by paralytic shellfish poisoning (505 cases, 21 fatalities in the same 34-year period). In this study, the status of ciguatera in Mexico (epidemiological and treatment), and the fish vectors are reviewed. Dinoflagellate species Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, and Prorocentrum are related with the reported outbreaks, marine toxins, ecological risk, and the potential toxicological impact.
The Multitarget Activity of Natural Extracts on Cancer: Synergy and Xenohormesis
Authors: Herranz-López María , Losada-Echeberría María , Barrajón-Catalán Enrique
Published: December 2018

It is estimated that over 60% of the approved drugs and new drug developments for cancer and infectious diseases are from natural origin. The use of natural compounds as a potential source of antitumor agents has been deeply studied in many cancer models, both in vitro and in vivo. Most of the Western medicine studies are based on the use of highly selective pure compounds with strong specificity for their targets such as colchicine or taxol. Nevertheless, approximately 60% of fairly specific drugs in their initial research fail because of toxicity or ineffectiveness in late-stage preclinical studies. Moreover, cancer is a multifaceted disease that in most cases deserves a polypharmacological therapeutic approach. Complex plant-derived mixtures such as natural extracts are difficult to characterize and hardly exhibit high pharmacological potency. However, in some cases, these may provide an advantage due to their multitargeted mode of action and potential synergistic behavior. The polypharmacology approach appears to be a plausible explanation for the multigargeted mechanism of complex natural extracts on different proteins within the same signalling pathway and in several biochemical pathways at once. This review focuses on the different aspects of natural extracts in the context of anticancer activity drug development, with special attention to synergy studies and xenohormesis.
Research on Wafer-Level MEMS Packaging with Through-Glass Vias
Authors: Yang Fan , Han Guowei , Yang Jian , Zhang Meng , Ning Jin , Yang Fuhua , Si Chaowei
Published: December 2018

A MEMS fabrication process with through-glass vias (TGVs) by laser drilling was presented, and reliability concerns about MEMS packaging with TGV, likes debris and via metallization, were overcome. The via drilling process on Pyrex 7740 glasses was studied using a picosecond laser with a wavelength of 532 nm. TGVs were tapered, the minimum inlet diameter of via holes on 300 μm glasses was 90 μm, and the relative outlet diameter is 48 μm. It took about 9 h and 58 min for drilling 4874 via holes on a four-inch wafer. Debris in ablation was collected only on the laser inlet side, and the outlet side was clean enough for bonding. The glass with TGVs was anodically bonded to silicon structures of MEMS sensors for packaging, electron beam evaporated metal was used to cover the bottom, the side, and the surface of via holes for vertical electrical interconnections. The metal was directly contacted to silicon with low contact resistance. A MEMS gyroscope was made in this way, and the getter was used for vacuum maintenance. The vacuum degree maintained under 1 Pa for more than two years. The proposed MEMS fabrication flow with a simple process and low cost is very suitable for mass production in industry.
Geochemical Investigations of Fe-Si-Mn Oxyhydroxides Deposits in Wocan Hydrothermal Field on the Slow-Spreading Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean: Constraints on Their Types and Origin
Authors: Olatunde Popoola Samuel , Han Xiqiu , Wang Yejian , Qiu Zhongyan , Ye Ying
Published: December 2018

We have studied morphology, mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of Fe-oxyhydroxide deposits from metal-enriched sediments of the active (Wocan-1) and inactive (Wocan-2) hydrothermal sites (Carlsberg Ridge, Northwest Indian Ocean). Fe-oxyhydroxide deposits on the Wocan-1 site are reddish-brownish, amorphous and subangular. They occur in association with sulfides (e.g., pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite) and sulfate minerals (e.g., gypsum and barite). The geochemical composition shows enrichment in transition metals (Ʃ (Cu + Co + Zn + Ni) = ~1.19 wt. %) and low (<0.4 wt. %) values of Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) ratio. The Wocan-2 samples show poorly crystallized reddish brown and yellowish Fe-oxyhydroxide, with minor peaks of goethite and manganese oxide minerals. The mineral assemblage includes sulfide and sulfate phases. The geochemical compositions show two distinct types (type-1 and type-2). The type-1 Fe-oxyhydroxides are enriched in transition metals (up to ~1.23 wt. %), with low values of Fe/Ti vs. Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) ratio similar to the Wocan-1 Fe-oxyhydroxides. The type-2 Fe-oxyhydroxides are depleted in transition metals, with Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) ratio of 0.003–0.58 (mean value, 0.04). The ridge flank oxyhydroxides exhibit an extremely low (mean value ~ 0.01) Fe/Mn ratio and a depleted concentration of transition metals. Our results revealed that the Wocan-1 Fe-oxyhydroxides and type-1 Fe-oxyhydroxides of the Wocan-2 site are in the range of Fe-oxyhydroxides deposits that are precipitated by mass wasting and corrosion of pre-existing sulfides. The type-2 Fe-oxyhydroxides are precipitated from sulfide alteration by seawater in an oxygenated environment relative to type-1. The association of biogenic detritus with the oxyhydroxides of the ridge flanks and the low Fe/Mn ratio suggests hydrogenous/biogenic processes of formation and masked hydrothermal signatures with distance away from the Wocan hydrothermal field.
Associated-Extraction Efficiency of Six Cyclodextrins on Various Flavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix
Authors: Feng Tao , Liu Fan , Sun Lili , Huo Hongna , Ren Xiaoliang , Wang Meng
Published: December 2018

Puerariae Lobatae Radix (PLR), a well-known herbal medicine, is the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi and has been employed for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to compare the associated-extraction efficiency of six cyclodextrins (CDs) on five flavonoids in PLR, namely puerarin, daidzein, daidzin, genistein and genistin, which are the major secondary metabolites, and exhibit low water solubility. The six CDs applied were β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin (HP-γ-CD), carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CM-β-CD), and sulfobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD). They can be grouped into one of the following three categories: traditional cyclodextrins (β-CD and γ-CD), water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives (HP-β-CD and HP-γ-CD) and ionic cyclodextrin derivatives (SBE-β-CD and CM-β-CD). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the five flavonoids in the original aqueous extracts (OAE) in the presence or absence of various CDs. The associated-extraction efficiency of the various CDs followed the ranking: SBE-β-CD > HP-β-CD > CM-β-CD > HP-γ-CD > γ-CD > β-CD. It was clear that SBE-β-CD presented the highest associated-extraction capability, and it was used to extract the four flavonoids from three PLR products, including raw product, stir- fried product, and product simmered with wheat bran. The results showed that SBE-β-CD could improve the extraction capability of flavonoids, both from the raw product and in processed products of PLR. In conclusion, CDs, especially SBE-β-CD, have a promising application for the associated-extraction of flavonoids from PLR.
High-Quality Biodiesel Production from Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Oil Soapstock
Authors: Pantoja Samantha Siqueira , Mescouto Vanessa Albuquerque de , Costa Carlos Emmerson Ferreira da , Zamian José Roberto , Rocha Filho Geraldo Narciso da , Nascimento Luís Adriano Santos do
Published: December 2018

The buriti palm (Mauritia flexuosa) is a palm tree widely distributed throughout tropical South America. The oil extracted from the fruits of this palm tree is rich in natural antioxidants. The by-products obtained from the buriti palm have social and economic importance as well, hence the interest in adding value to the residue left from refining this oil to obtain biofuel. The process of methyl esters production from the buriti oil soapstock was optimized considering acidulation and esterification. The effect of the molar ratio of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to soapstock in the range from 0.6 to 1.0 and the reaction time (30–90 min) were analyzed. The best conditions for acidulation were molar ratio 0.8 and reaction time of 60 min. Next, the esterification of the fatty acids obtained was performed using methanol and H2SO4 as catalyst. The effects of the molar ratio (9:1–27:1), percentage of catalyst (2–6%) and reaction time (1–14 h) were investigated. The best reaction conditions were: 18:1 molar ratio, 4% catalyst and 14 h reaction time, which resulted in a yield of 92% and a conversion of 99.9%. All the key biodiesel physicochemical characterizations were within the parameters established by the Brazilian standard. The biodiesel obtained presented high ester content (96.6%) and oxidative stability (16.1 h).
Highly Sensitive and Selective Fluorescent Detection of Gossypol Based on BSA-Stabilized Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Xu Shuangjiao , Zhou Kehai , Fang Dan , Ma Lei
Published: December 2018

In this paper, fluorescent copper nanoclusters (NCs) are used as a novel probe for the sensitive detection of gossypol for the first time. Based on a fluorescence quenching mechanism induced by interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and gossypol, fluorescent BSA-Cu NCs were seen to exhibit a high sensitivity to gossypol in the range of 0.1–100 µM. The detection limit for gossypol is 25 nM at a signal-to-noise ratio of three, which is approximately 35 times lower than the acceptable limit (0.9 µM) defined by the US Food and Drug Administration for cottonseed products. Moreover, the proposed method for gossypol displays excellent selectivity over many common interfering species. We also demonstrate the application of the present method to the measurement of several real samples with satisfactory recoveries, and the results agree well with those obtained using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The method based on Cu NCs offers the followings advantages: simplicity of design, facile preparation of nanomaterials, and low experimental cost.
Biosynthetic Conversion of Ag+ to highly Stable Ag0 Nanoparticles by Wild Type and Cell Wall Deficient Strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Rahman Ashiqur , Kumar Shishir , Bafana Adarsh , Dahoumane Si Amar , Jeffryes Clayton
Published: December 2018

In the current study, two different strains of the green, freshwater microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii bioreduced Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have applications in biosensors, biomaterials, and therapeutic and diagnostic tools. The bioreduction takes place in cell cultures of C. reinhardtii at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, thus eliminating the need for specialized equipment, harmful reducing agents or the generation of toxic byproducts. In addition to the visual changes in the cell culture, the production of AgNPs was confirmed by the characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band in the range of 415–425 nm using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and further evolution of the SPR peaks were studied by comparing the peak intensity at maximum absorbance over time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) determined that the NPs were Ag0. Micrographs from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that 97 ± 2% AgNPs were <10 nm in diameter. Ag+ to AgNP conversion was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The AgNPs were stable over time in the cell culture media, acetone, NaCl and reagent alcohol solutions. This was verified by a negligible change in the features of the SPR band after t > 300 days of storage at 4 °C.
Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.
Authors: Ahmed Hiwa M.
Published: December 2018

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. (PF) is an annual herbal medicinal, aromatic, functional food, and ornamental plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. The origin of perilla traces back to East Asian countries (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India), where it has been used as a valuable source of culinary and traditional medicinal uses. The leaves, seeds, and stems of P. frutescens are used for various therapeutic applications in folk medicine. In the absence of a comprehensive review regarding all aspects of perilla, this review aims to present an overview pertaining to the botanical drug, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and biological activity. It was found that the taxonomic classification of perilla species is quite confused, and the number of species is vague. Perilla has traditionally been prescribed to treat depression-related disease, anxiety, asthma, chest stuffiness, vomiting, coughs, colds, flus, phlegm, tumors, allergies, intoxication, fever, headache, stuffy nose, constipation, abdominal pain, and indigestion, and acts as an analgesic, anti-abortive agent, and a sedative. Until now, 271 natural molecules have been identified in perilla organs including phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, triterpenes, carotenoids, phytosterols, fatty acids, tocopherols, and policosanols. In addition to solvent extracts, these individual compounds (rosmarinic acid, perillaldehyde, luteolin, apigenin, tormentic acid, and isoegomaketone) have attracted researchers’ interest for its pharmacological properties. Perilla showed various biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotection effects. Although the results are promising in preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo), clinical studies are insufficient; therefore, further study needs to be done to validate its therapeutic effects and to ensure its safety and efficacy.
Preparation and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Agents of Berberine Organic Acid Salts for Enhancing the Bioavailability
Authors: Cui Hong-Xin , Hu Ya-Nan , Li Jing-Wan , Yuan Ke , Guo Ying
Published: December 2018

Berberine has many pharmacological effects, such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, but the question remains on how its low oral bioavailability has greatly limited its clinical application. As a safer hypoglycemic agent, we must evaluate the bioavailability of berberine organic acid salts (BOAs) to ensure that the bioavailability of berberine is not negatively affected. It has been proven that the bioavailability of BOAs is higher than that of BH (berberine hydrochloride); especially BF (berberine fumarate) and BS (berberine succinate), which are improved by 1.278-fold and 1.313-fold, respectively. After 1 h of oral administration, berberine mainly acted on the stomach of mice, it also influenced the liver, kidney, lungs, and intestines after 4 h. The accumulation of BF in the lung is more evident than BH. Our analysis shows that these results are closely related to the regulation of organic acids and berberine in the intestinal tract, they also indicate the influence of intestinal flora on berberine metabolism.
The Food Supply Prior to the Implementation of the Chilean Law of Food Labeling and Advertising
Authors: Kanter Rebecca , Reyes Marcela , Swinburn Boyd , Vandevijvere Stefanie , Corvalán Camila
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the composition of the food supply ahead of the implementation of the Chilean Law of Food Labeling and Advertising (Law 20.606) in June 2016. The INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research, Monitoring and Action Support) framework for monitoring the composition of the food supply was used. The Law’s initial (2016) and final (2019) limits were used to evaluate if foods would receive a “High in” warning for Calories, Sodium, Sugars and/or Saturated Fats (initial/final, solids: >350/275 kcal; >800/400 mg; >22.5/10 g; >6/4 g; liquids: >100/70 kcal; >100/100 mg; >6/5 g; >3/3 g respectively). Foods were excluded if they required reconstitution, had missing information or if total labeled energy was estimated as incorrect (n = 942). In February 2015 and 2016, fieldworkers photographed a purposeful sample of packaged food and beverage products (n = 5421 and n = 5479) from 6 different supermarkets in Santiago, Chile. Seven percent of foods had no added critical nutrients (n = 720). Two-thirds of products had critical nutrients exceeding at least one initial limit indicative of a “high in” warning. Under the final phase limits, only 17% of foods would have zero warning labels. By 2019, 10 of the 17 food and beverage categories studied are predicted to have less than half of their products without a high in sodium warning label. While 8 of the 17 categories studied are predicted to have less than half their products without a high in total sugars or a high in total calories warning label, respectively; while even fewer food and beverage categories are predicted to be without a high in saturated fat warning label. Most products will have to be reformulated to avoid at least one front-of-package warning label.
Sacrifice and ‘Religion’: Modeling Religious Change in the Roman Empire
Authors: Rives James
Published: December 2018

In this paper I present a model for describing the change in religion that took place during the Roman imperial period, a model that is built around a contrast between orthopraxy and orthodoxy. I begin with a brief survey of the most important earlier models of religious change in the Roman empire, followed by an initial sketch of my own proposed model. In the third and fourth sections I elaborate on this model in more detail by developing it through two brief case studies: the Graeco-Roman practice of animal sacrifice and the nascent Christian discourse around that practice. In analyzing animal sacrifice, I focus on its role in constructing the socio-political and cultural structures of the Roman empire. For the Christian discourse of sacrifice, I limit myself to one particular text, Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, which provides some of the earliest surviving reflections on sacrifice by a Christ-follower. I close with a few comments on some of the limitations as well as the potential of my proposed model.
A New Electro-Optical Switch Modulator Based on the Surface Plasmon Polaritons of Graphene in Mid-Infrared Band
Authors: Cai Ming , Wang Shulong , Gao Bo , Wang Yindi , Han Tao , Liu Hongxia
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a new electro-optical switch modulator based on the surface plasmon polaritons of graphene is proposed. An air–graphene-substrate–dielectric structure is adopted in the modulator. In this structure, the graphene is considered as a film of metal whose thickness tends to be infinitesimal. By changing the external voltage, the boundary conditions can be changed to decide whether the surface plasmon polariton waves can be excited in mid-infrared band. Because of this effect, the structure can be used as an electro–optical switch modulator, whose modulation depth is about 100% in theory. Finally, the 3 dB bandwidth (~34 GHz) and the energy loss (36.47 fJ/bit) of the electro–optical switch modulator are given, whose low energy loss is very suitable for engineering applications.
Non-Destructive Trace Detection of Explosives Using Pushbroom Scanning Hyperspectral Imaging System
Authors: Chaudhary Siddharth , Ninsawat Sarawut , Nakamura Tai
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of the non-destructive hyperspectral imaging system (HSI) and accuracy of the model developed using Support Vector Machine (SVM) for determining trace detection of explosives. Raman spectroscopy has been used in similar studies, but no study has been published which is based on measurement of reflectance from hyperspectral sensor for trace detection of explosives. HSI used in this study has an advantage over existing techniques due to its combination of imaging system and spectroscopy, along with being contactless and non-destructive in nature. Hyperspectral images of the chemical were collected using the BaySpec hyperspectral sensor which operated in the spectral range of 400–1000 nm (144 bands). Image processing was applied on the acquired hyperspectral image to select the region of interest (ROI) and to extract the spectral reflectance of the chemicals which were stored as spectral library. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and first derivative was applied to reduce the high dimensionality of the image and to determine the optimal wavelengths between 400 and 1000 nm. In total, 22 out of 144 wavelengths were selected by analysing the loadings of principal components (PC). SVM was used to develop the classification model. SVM model established on the whole spectrum from 400 to 1000 nm achieved an accuracy of 81.11%, whereas an accuracy of 77.17% with less computational load was achieved when SVM model was established on the optimal wavelengths selected. The results of the study demonstrate that the hyperspectral imaging system along with SVM is a promising tool for trace detection of explosives.
Methane Emissions from a Grassland-Wetland Complex in the Southern Peruvian Andes
Authors: Jones Sam P. , Diem Torsten , Arn Teh Yit , Salinas Norma , Reay Dave S. , Meir Patrick
Published: December 2018

Wet organic-rich mineral and peat soils in the tropical Andes represent a potentially significant, but little studied, source of methane to the atmosphere. Here we report the results of field and laboratory measurements of soil–atmosphere methane exchange and associated environmental variables from freely draining upland and inundation prone wetland soils in a humid puna ecosystem in the Southeastern Andes of Peru. Between seasons and across the landscape soil–atmosphere exchange varied between uptake and emission. Notable hotspots of methane emission, peaking during the wet season, were observed from both upland and wetland soils with particularly strong emissions from moss-accumulating topographic lows. This variability was best explained by the influence of oxygen concentration on methane production in superficial soil horizons.
The Edge Effect on Plant Diversity and Soil Properties in Abandoned Fields Targeted for Ecological Restoration
Authors: Ruwanza Sheunesu
Published: December 2018

Changes in biotic and abiotic factors may create opportunities for biodiversity recovery in abandoned agricultural fields. This study examined the natural/old field edge effect on plant diversity and soil properties at Lapalala Wilderness in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Detailed vegetation surveys and soil measurements were conducted in three old fields that share a natural/old field road edge boundary. On each site, three transects, each with four plots (10 × 10 m), located 10 m into the natural area and 10, 30 and 50 m into the old field from the edge, were setup. Plant diversity and composition measurements were conducted on each plot. Soil moisture and total N, C and P were measured at the center of each plot. Results indicate that abundance of some woody species was significantly (P < 0.001) higher close to the edge than far into the old fields. However, this was not the case for herbs and grasses which did not increase with edge proximity. All measured soil properties were significantly (P < 0.001) higher close to the edge than far into the old fields. The study concludes that both vegetation and soil properties are influenced by proximity to the edge.
Research on the Composite Index of the Modern Chinese Energy System
Authors: Cheng Wanjing , Mo Dongxu , Tian Yajun , Xu Wenqiang , Xie Kechang
Published: December 2018

The Chinese government is going to “push ahead the revolution of energy production and consumption, and establish a clean, low-carbon, secure, and efficient energy system”, which points out a direction for the energy industry in the new era. Using the analytic hierarchy process of the system analysis method, we constructed an indicator system of the modern Chinese energy system, and by determining the weighting of each indicator, we obtained the composite index of the modern Chinese energy system, as well as four sub-indexes of clean, low-carbon, secure, and efficient. Then, we investigated policy changes and energy development characteristics of important periods, and performed historical trend analysis. Finally, we forecasted the composite index and four sub-indexes by 2050, and proposed an energy development path and policy suggestions to achieve a modern Chinese energy system as soon as possible.
Biodegradation of Tetrabromobisphenol-A in Mangrove Sediments
Authors: Yang Chu-Wen , Liao Chien-Sen , Ku His , Chang Bea-Ven
Published: December 2018

Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) is a pollutant which has a devastating impact on our environment and should be removed from earth. This research aims to evaluate the aerobic and anaerobic TBBPA degradation and bacterial community changes in mangrove sediments. TBBPA degradation in the sediments was enhanced with a microcapsuled enzyme extract of spent mushroom compost (MC) under aerobic conditions and with zerovalent iron under anaerobic conditions. The TBBPA aerobic or anaerobic degradation rates were enhanced for three time additions. Four bacterial genera (Bacillus, Erythrobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus) were associated with TBBPA aerobic degradation; and four other bacterial genera (Desulfovibrio, Pseudomonas, Sphaerochaeta, Sphingomonas) were associated with TBBPA anaerobic degradation in the sediment. Moreover, nine methanogens were identified under anaerobic conditions that might also be involved in TBBPA anaerobic degradation in the sediment. Our results demonstrate two feasible methods toward TBBPA bioremediation for mangrove sediments under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Spacetime Symmetries and Classical Mechanics
Authors: Bertschinger T. H. , Flowers Natasha A. , Moseley Serena , Pfeifer Charlotte R. , Tasson Jay D. , Yang Shun
Published: December 2018

Physics students are rarely exposed to the style of thinking that goes into theoretical developments in physics until late in their education. In this work, we present an alternative to the traditional statement of Newton’s second law that makes theory questions accessible to students early in their undergraduate studies. Rather than a contrived example, the model considered here arises from a popular framework for testing Lorentz symmetry used extensively in contemporary experiments. Hence, this work also provides an accessible introduction to some key ideas in ongoing tests of fundamental symmetries in physics.
Clostridium difficile in Asia: Opportunities for One Health Management
Authors: Collins Deirdre A. , Riley Thomas V.
Published: December 2018

Clostridium difficile is a ubiquitous spore-forming bacterium which causes toxin-mediated diarrhoea and colitis in people whose gut microflora has been depleted by antimicrobial use, so it is a predominantly healthcare-associated disease. However, there are many One Health implications to C. difficile, given high colonisation rates in food production animals, contamination of outdoor environments by use of contaminated animal manure, increasing incidence of community-associated C. difficile infection (CDI), and demonstration of clonal groups of C. difficile shared between human clinical cases and food animals. In Asia, the epidemiology of CDI is not well understood given poor testing practices in many countries. The growing middle-class populations of Asia are presenting increasing demands for meat, thus production farming, particularly of pigs, chicken and cattle, is rapidly expanding in Asian countries. Few reports on C. difficile colonisation among production animals in Asia exist, but those that do show high prevalence rates, and possible importation of European strains of C. difficile like ribotype 078. This review summarises our current understanding of the One Health aspects of the epidemiology of CDI in Asia.
Impact of Urban Morphology on Energy Consumption of Vertical Mobility in Asian Cities—A Comparative Analysis with 3D City Models
Authors: Murshed Syed Monjur , Duval Alice , Koch Andreas , Rode Philipp
Published: December 2018

Sustainable development of cities and the overall efficiency of urban infrastructure have emerged as central issues in policy consideration. Consequently, investigating the influence of urban physical form on resource use is critical. This paper investigates energy use due to vertical mobility in the context of Asia’s diverging cities. Micro mobility of citizens’ movement in the vertical direction has a distinct impact on the total energy consumption of a city or urban block. The objective of this research is to analyse the impact of different urban morphologies on vertical mobility—from buildings to urban blocks. A methodology is proposed to calculate energy consumption of lifts, based on a detailed review of literature, codes of practice, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)/DIS 25745-1 standard and 3D city models. Furthermore, a tool is developed and applied in 20 typical urban blocks in four cities: Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Singapore. The average annual specific energy consumption of lifts varies significantly across the samples. A comparative analysis of all the morphologies across these cities help to understand the impact of building forms, usage, and a number of further parameters on the energy consumption for vertical mobility.
Genomic-Scale Interaction Involving Complementary Sequences in the Hepatitis C Virus 5′UTR Domain IIa and the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Coding Region Promotes Efficient Virus Replication
Authors: Rance Elodie , Tanner Jerome E. , Alfieri Caroline
Published: December 2018

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome contains structured elements thought to play important regulatory roles in viral RNA translation and replication processes. We used in vitro RNA binding assays to map interactions involving the HCV 5′UTR and distal sequences in NS5B to examine their impact on viral RNA replication. The data revealed that 5′UTR nucleotides (nt) 95–110 in the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) domain IIa and matching nt sequence 8528–8543 located in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase coding region NS5B, form a high-affinity RNA-RNA complex in vitro. This duplex is composed of both wobble and Watson-Crick base-pairings, with the latter shown to be essential to the formation of the high-affinity duplex. HCV genomic RNA constructs containing mutations in domain IIa nt 95–110 or within the genomic RNA location comprising nt 8528–8543 displayed, on average, 5-fold less intracellular HCV RNA and 6-fold less infectious progeny virus. HCV genomic constructs containing complementary mutations for IRES domain IIa nt 95–110 and NS5B nt 8528–8543 restored intracellular HCV RNA and progeny virus titers to levels obtained for parental virus RNA. We conclude that this long-range duplex interaction between the IRES domain IIa and NS5B nt 8528–8543 is essential for optimal virus replication.
Simultaneous Quantitative Detection of Six Families of Antibiotics in Honey Using A Biochip Multi-Array Technology
Authors: Barrasso Roberta , Bonerba Elisabetta , Savarino Alessandra Emilia , Ceci Edmondo , Bozzo Giancarlo , Tantillo Giuseppina
Published: December 2018

Chemical residues of veterinary drugs such as streptomycin, chloramphenicol, macrolides, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones and aminoglycosides and other contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals have been found in honey, leading to concerns for human health. Indeed, there is a growing interest in their presence and persistence in the environment because low levels of antibiotics may favour the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Moreover, antibiotics present in honey may produce residues in foodstuffs, causing adverse effects on humans such as allergic reactions, toxic effects and damage to the central nervous systems. For food and health/safety reasons, antibiotic drugs are not authorized for the treatment of honey bees in the EU, even though these antimicrobial drugs have been approved in many third-party countries. For this reason, contaminated honey products can still be found in European markets. Therefore, there is a need to develop a precise, accurate and sensitive analytical method that may be used to simply and rapidly detect these compounds in honey. The aim of our study was to detect the presence of antibiotics in Apulian honey using the Anti-Microbial array II (AM II) as an innovative screening method to test the health quality of honey and honey products.
Destination Resilience and Smart Tourism Destinations
Authors: Gretzel Ulrike , Scarpino-Johns Michelle
Published: December 2018

Destinations around the world are rolling out smart tourism initiatives to increase their competitiveness and to support their sustainability goals. However, whether smart tourism development can also help them build resilience is a question that currently lacks an answer. This article
links the two concepts of smart destinations and destination resilience at the conceptual level and presents a five-pillar framework of smart destination resilience. Specifically, it suggests smart tourism infrastructure and governance equip smart destinations with sensing, opening, sharing,
governing, and innovating capacities that can enhance destination resilience by supporting six specific resilience conditions. As such, the article provides the necessary theoretical building blocks to support empirical research at the intersection of smart tourism and destination resilience.
It further provides practical insights on how to ensure that smart destination development leads to greater resilience but also warns of the need to scope out potential vulnerabilities inherent in smart destination design.
Thailand's Approach to Destination Resilience: An Historical Perspective of Tourism Resilience From 2002 to 2018
Authors: Beirman David
Published: December 2018

Thailand's inbound tourism industry has grown significantly during the early part of the 21st century. By the end of 2017, Thailand attracted the highest level of international tourist visitation of the 10-nation Association of South East Nations (ASEAN) with 35.38 million international
visitors. By 2017, it was the ninth most visited country in the world and ranked second only to China as the most visited national destination in Asia. A key characteristic of Thailand's government destination management and marketing organization [Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)] and
the private sector of Thailand's tourism industry has been a remarkable capacity for destination resilience. This article focuses on the resilience of Thailand as a destination between 2002 and 2018 through the theoretical prism of organizational resilience and the destination sustainability
framework. During this period, Thailand's tourism industry overcame a range of potentially damaging crises and reputational challenges. This article seeks to explain the TAT's commitment to embedding resilience into its strategic planning. TAT's extensive implementation of effective risk and
crisis management best practices has enabled Thailand's tourism market to recover rapidly from a range of challenges. TAT's commitment to resilience is enhanced by its extensive cooperation with both its private sector stakeholders and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which is headquartered
in Bangkok. The Thai tourism industry's commitment to risk and crisis management reflects the importance of tourism to Thailand's national reputation, image, and economy. TAT's close relationship with PATA and ASEAN Tourism, two transnational tourism associations with a strong commitment to
destination resilience, has helped to benchmark Thailand's qualitative approach to tourism resilience. TAT demonstrates a clear appreciation that rapid recovery from crisis events and effective contingency management practice require a high level of collaboration with key stakeholders. Numerous
private sector stakeholders with a vested interest in the success of Thai tourism represent all sectors of the tourism industry. They have readily contributed their resources and support to Thailand's marketing campaigns.
The Role of Guanxi in Chinese Tourists' Destination Loyalty
Authors: Wang Yao-Chin , Chen Chun-Chu Bamboo , Lin Yueh-Hsiu , Ryan Chris
Published: December 2018

The theory of guanxi, coming from the work in Chinese psychology, has been widely applied in marketing and management academy. Although tourism scholars have paid considerable attention to Chinese tourists, the use of Chinese psychology in explaining the market remains limited. The
purpose of this study is to apply guanxi in explaining Chinese tourists' destination loyalty using Taiwan as a case study of a tourist destination. Based on the guanxi theory, the study results showed that cognitive image, affective image, and perceived value exerted positive influences on
destination loyalty. Further, sentiment, one dimension of cognitive image, appears to play a determining role for Mainland Chinese tourists to establish guanxi with Taiwan.
A simple and effective preparation of quercetin pentamethyl ether from quercetin
Authors: Tatsuzaki Jin , Ohwada Tomohiko , Otani Yuko , Inagi Reiko , Ishikawa Tsutomu
Published: December 2018

Among the five hydroxy (OH) groups of quercetin (3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), the OH group at 5 position is the most resistant to methylation due to its strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl group at 4 position. Thus, it is generally difficult to synthesize the pentamethyl ether efficiently by conventional methylation. Here, we describe a simple and effective per-O-methylation of quercetin with dimethyl sulfate in potassium (or sodium) hydroxide/dimethyl sulfoxide at room temperature for about 2 hours, affording quercetin pentamethyl ether (QPE) quantitatively as a single product. When methyl iodide was used in place of dimethyl sulfate, the C-methylation product 6-methylquercetin pentamethyl ether was also formed. A computational study provided a rationale for the experimental results.
PROBLEM OF GREEN CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Bučas Jurgis
Published: December 2018

The paper discusses some concepts of traditional heritage terms. The main attention is paid to the heritage that man has been creating for centuries using not the artificial but natural live material. The aim of the paper is to define precisely the values of art synthesis and landscape architecture created by the man in the context of constantly changing heritage terminology. Several illustrations (figures) are presented in the paper in order to allow the reader to think what name should be given to this unique (distinctive) heritage and to what category it should be attributed.
INFLUENCE OF GREENERY ON LIFE QUALITY AND DWELLING PRISE IN VILNIUS CITY
Authors: Burinskienė Marija , Rudzkienė Vitalija
Published: December 2018

In the stage of today’s civilization development, remote city districts became accessible easier because of transport and technologies progress and processes of globalization, since new factors started to have an influence on the development of cities. The accessibility of transport means and expansion of city limits give opportunities to improve citizens’ living environment, expand the areas of greenery and water. It is often noted (when assessing the quality of citizens’ life) that natural elements, such as trees and water, make cities more attractive and improve the quality of life. The development of technologies has an effect on people’s consciousness, priorities and assessment of life quality. Changeable conception of a “prestigious dwelling” is reflected in changes of its price. Dwelling prices are one of the main criteria reflecting the level of economic development and the quality of life in cities and regions. The results of recent investigations show that besides the well- known classical ecological characteristics of greenery (protection from dust, air cleaning) it also has a significant social effect. It is proved that green areas have a soothing effect, reduce stress and aggressiveness, improve communication among neighbours and consolidate communities. When considering dwelling prices in cities, it is necessary to regard the fact that urban structure isn’t homogeneous. The city is composed of separate residential districts which usually have some common characteristics: build-up density, the number of working places, distance from the city centre, the size of greenery, etc. An empirical model of correlation-regression was developed when seeking to estimate the influence of different factors on dwelling prices in separate districts, and the method of clusters was used when identifying general groups of city districts. In the case of Vilnius residential districts are divided into three clusters which differ significantly in their dwelling prices and the area of greenery per capita. Conclusions were formulated in accordance with the performed statistical analysis.
HERITAGE CREATED BY EDOUARD ANDRÉ IN THE CONTEXT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF VILNIUS CITY
Authors: André-Olivier Florence , Deveikienė Vaiva , Deveikis Steponas
Published: December 2018

Cultural and natural heritage in the vicinity of Vilnius, 3 parks at Lentvaris, Trakų Vokė and Užutrakis created by French landscape architects Edouard André and René André in 1898–1900 is very important for Vilnius city development.
PARALLELS OF EUROPEAN STRUCTURALISM IDEAS IN LITHUANIAN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Nekrošius Liutauras
Published: December 2018

One of the most controversial periods of architectural history, which has been identified with avant-garde of philosophy, art, music and science, in Lithuania is laconically described as soviet modernism. One of contemporary architectural phenomena, which is characterized as a part of soviet modernism, is structuralism. In Lithuania it developed as a reaction to creative results of a modernistic style. The text concentrates on one segment of a wider research of structuralism ideas in contemporary Lithuanian architecture. The paper discusses the basic concepts of structuralistic architecture and their genesis, reviews the manifestation of these ideas in Lithuania and other European countries. Attention is paid to ideas which determined changes in townscape. Supposedly, such a review will help to define peculiarities in the genesis and development of structuralistic tendencies in Lithuania and understand their influence on architectural development in the country.
DEMOCRACY OUTBREAKS IN HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Authors: Bučas Jurgis
Published: December 2018

After the restoration of independence of Lithuania the legal basis and administrative structures of heritage preservation were changed many times, though the maintenance, use and state of heritage were not improved, and its decay did not decrease. Undemocratic and inhumane legal basis and management of heritage preservation based on restrictions, prohibitions and penalties without any compensatory incentives for imposed restrictions and economic disadvantages increasingly raises discontent not only from society but also from heritage owners and users.

The owners and users of land where heritage objects are situated realize that their property can be used more efficiently and profitably and that social and economic restrictions imposed by heritage protection regulations contravene their rights. Instead of investing into preservation of heritage objects, owners usually attempt to get rid of them.

Conflicts between heritage preservation institutions, owners of heritage objects and society are especially inherent in historic city centers where commercial interests are expanding and master plans and development projects propose intensive modernization and development of high rise buildings.

Countries with long-lasting democracy traditions are looking for solutions how, without contradicting heritage preservation ethics and social justice, to encourage owners and users of heritage objects to protect and use rationally the legacy inherited from the past simultaneously retaining and stimulating vitality of historic centers and improving quality of life of their inhabitants.

The problem is multipartite and ambivalent. Only changes and improvements in heritage preservation systems enacted in latter years in the countries of stable democracy, emphasizing the problem of development and protection ethics, the questions of respect of heritage values and implementation of social justice in juridical and practical heritage preservation activities are discussed in the paper.
PREFACE
Authors: Kowalska Wioletta Małgorzata
Published: December 2018

„Preface“, LIMES: Cultural Regionalistics, 2(1), p. 3-4
PREFACE
Authors: Kačerauskas Tomas , Barevičiūtė Jovilė
Published: December 2018

„Preface“, LIMES: Cultural Regionalistics, 2(2), p. 1