Publications

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Journals

  1. Peng, W., H. Bao, Y.Wang,  E. Cote, W.J. Sagues, H. Hagelin-Weaver, J. Gao, D. Xiao,  Z. Tong*. Selective depolymerization of lignin towards isolated phenolic acids under mild conditions. ChemSusChem, 2023 p.e202300750. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202300750
  2. Dong, H., S.Tang, L. Zhang, Z. Tong, Z. Wu, P. Zhan, L. Shao, Y. Qing, J. Liu, Wood-derived bio-coating materials incorporating hydrophobic lignin and hierarchically porous biochar for high-efficiency coating slow-release fertilizers. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023, 242, p.124769. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124769
  3. Helal, M.I.*, Z. Tong*, H. A. Khater, M. A. Fathy, F. E. Ibrahim, Y. Li, N. H. Abdelkader, N.H., Modification of fabrication process for prolonged nitrogen release of lignin–montmorillonite biocomposite encapsulated urea. 2023, Nanomaterials, 13(12), p.1889. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13121889
  4. Helal, M.I., M.M. El-Mogy, H.A. Khater, M.A. Fathy, F.E. Ibrahim, Y.C. Li, Z. Tong, K. F. Abdelgawad, A controlled-release nanofertilizer improves tomato growth and minimizes nitrogen consumption. 2023, Plants, 12(10), p.1978. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101978
  5. He, D., S. Zhang*, Y. Yang, Z. Tong, Y. Yao, J. Xie, Y.Tang, S. Li, Y. Liu, M.Yang, Preparation and Nutrient Release Characteristics of Liquefied Apple Tree Branche-Based Biocoated Large Tablet Urea. 2023, ACS omega, 8(11), pp.9775-9784. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c04674
  6. Chai, Y., M. Bai, A. Chen*, X. Xu, Z. Tong, J. Yuan, L. Peng, J. Shao, J. Xiong, C. Peng. Upcycling contaminated biomass into metal-supported heterogeneous catalyst for electro-Fenton degradation of thiamethoxam: Preparation, mechanisms, and implications. Chemical Engineering Journal 2023,453: 139814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.139814
  7. Ma, X., S. Zhang, Y.Yang, Z.Tong, T. Shen, Z. Yu, T. Shen, Z. Yu,  J. Ie, Y. Yao, B.  Gao, Y.C. Li, Helal, M. I. Development of multifunctional copper alginate and bio-polyurethane bilayer coated fertilizer: Controlled-release, selenium supply and antifungal. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023, 224, 256-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.121
  8. Zhang, S., Yang, M. Meng, S. Yang, Y., Li, Y. C., Z. Tong*. Biowaste-derived, nanohybrid-reinforced double-function slow-release fertilizer with metal-adsorptive function. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 450, 138084. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.138084
  9. Meng, S., Z. Tong*, S. Zhang, G, Li, H. Bao, S. D. Bruner, Y.C. Li, Y. Chen, Biowaste-derived, hyperbranched Dendritic EDTA analogue as anionic bio-chelator with superior metal affinity, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 2022,10 (6), 2010-2021. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c05190
  10. Pounds, K., Bao, H., Luo, Y., De, J., Schneider, K., Correll, M., Z. Tong*. Real-Time and Rapid Food Quality Monitoring Using Smart Sensory Films with Image Analysis and Machine Learning. ACS Food Science & Technology, 2022, 2(7), pp.1123-1134.  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00124
  11. Ma, X., S. Zhang, Y. Yang, Z. Tong, T. Shen, Z.Yu, J. Xie, Y. B.Yao, Y.C. Li, M. I. Helal. Development of multifunctional copper alginate and bio-polyurethane bilayer coated fertilizer: Controlled-release, selenium supply and antifungal. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2022. 453, 139814. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.121
  12. Meng, S., H. Wang, Y. C. Li, T. Li, G. Liu, S. Zhang, Z. Tong*. Porous 3D-Biocomposite Adsorbent for Iron Reclamation and Use in Agricultural Applications. ACS Applied Polymer Materials. 2022, 4(11): 8277-8289. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.2c01198
  13. Yang, M., S. Li, S. Zhang, B. Gao, Z.Tong, D. Cheng, D. Chen, R. Huang, Y. Yang. Dense and superhydrophobic biopolymer-coated large tablet produced with energy efficient UV-curing for controlled-release fertilizer. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 2022. 10(36), 18834-18844. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA03702E
  14. Partow, A. J., S. Meng, A.J., Wong, D.A. Savin, Z. Tong*. Recyclable & highly porous organo-aerogel adsorbents from biowaste for organic contaminants’ removal. Science of The Total Environment. 2022, 827:154051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154051
  15. Tefera, B.B., H.K. Bayabil*, Z.Tong*, F. T.Teshome, W. Pang, Y.C. Li, N.S. Hailegnaw, B. Gao. Using liquefied biomass hydrogel to mitigate salinity in salt-affected soils. Chemosphere. 2022:136480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136480
  16. Partow, A.J., M. Kim, P. Fan, T. Liu, Z. Tong, K. C. Jeong*, Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo risk assessments of β-lactam antibiotic and β-lactamase inhibitor loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry.2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiec.2022.05.044
  17. Fan, P., Z. Ma, A. Partow, M. Kim, G. Shoemaker, R. Tan, Z. Tong, C. Nelson, Y.Jang, K. C. Jeong, Fan, P., Z. Ma, A. Partow, M. Kim, G. Shoemaker, R. Tan, Z. Tong, C. Nelson, Y.Jang, K. C. Jeong, A novel combination therapy for multidrug resistant pathogens using chitosan nanoparticles loaded with β-lactam antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitors, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2022,195, 506-514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.12.035
  18. Zhang, L., W. Peng, F. Wang, H. Bao, P. Zhan, J. Chen, Z. Tong*, Fractionation and quantitative structural analysis of lignin from a lignocellulosic biorefinery process by gradient acid precipitation, Fuel, 2022, 309, 1, 122153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2021.122153
  19. Gao H., S. Zhong, W. Zhang, I. Igou T, E. Berger, E. Reid, Y. Zhao, D. Lambeth, L. Gan, M.A., Afolabi, Z. Tong. Y. Chen*. Revolutionizing Membrane Design Using Machine Learning-Bayesian Optimization. Environmental science & technology. 2021, 56(4), 2572-2581. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c04373
  20. Wei, Q., Zhang, L., Chen, J., Tong, Z., Zhou, X., Shao, L., Wu, Z., Zhan, P., Wang, F., Liu, N. and Lin, H., Solvent-free coating of crosslinked and hydrophobic lignin-based biocomposite for slow-release fertilizer, Polymer Testing, 2021,102, p.107335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2021.107335
  21. Haimanote K. B. Y. Li, Z. Tong, B. Gao, Potential management practices of saltwater intrusion impacts on soil health and water quality: a review, Journal of Water and Climate Change, 2021, 12,5, 1327-1343. https://doi.org/10.2166/wcc.2020.013
  22. Li, T., Z. Tong*, Q. Zheng, H. Bao, A. Partow, S. Meng, L. Li, and Y. C. Li, Fabrication of a Lignin-Based Magnetic Nanocomposite Adsorbent to Recover Phosphorus in Water for Agricultural Reuse. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2021, 9, 31, 10468–10478. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c01492
  23. Pounds, K., S. Jairam, H. Bao, S. Meng, L. Zhang, S. Godinez, D. A. Savin, W. Pelletier, M. Correll, Z. Tong*, Glycerol-based dendrimer nanocomposite film as a tunable pH-sensor for food packaging, ACS Applied Materials and Interface, 2021,13(19), 23268–23281. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c05145
  24. Pei, X., L. Lan, Z. Tong*, H, Gao, S. Meng, P. Wang, and Y. Chen*, Robust cellulose-based composite adsorption membrane for heavy metal removal, Journal of Hazard Materials. 2021. 124746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124746
  25. Yu, H., Z. Ma,1, S. Meng, S. Qiao, X Zeng, Z. Tong, and K. C. Jeong*, A novel nanohybrid antimicrobial based on chitosan nanoparticles and antimicrobial peptide microcin J25 with strong antimicrobial activity and low toxicity, Carbohydrate Polymer, 2021. 253 (1), 117309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.117309
  26. Li, T., Z. Tong*, S. Meng, Y. C. Li, B. Gao, and H. K. Bayabila, Characterization of residues from non-woody pulping process and its function as fertilizer, Chemosphere Journal, 2021. 262, 127906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127906
  27. Zhang, S., X. Fu, Z. Tong*, G. Liu, S. Meng, Y. Yang, M. I.D. Helal, Y. C. Li, Lignin-clay nanohybrid biocomposite-based double-layer coating materials for controlled-release fertilizer, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 2020,8 (51), 18957-18965. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c06472
  28. Bao, H., W. J. Sagues, Y. Wang, W. Peng, S. Yang, D. Xiao, and Z. Tong*, Catalytic depolymerization of lignin into monophenolics using low-cost biomimetic persulfate under mild conditions, ChemSusChem. 2020. 13 (24):1-13. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202002240
  29. Li, L., Z. Tong*, S. Meng, T. Li, H. Wang, Y. Chen, Lignin-Based Nanocapsules with Tunable Size for Cu(II) Ion Absorption, ACS Applied Nanomaterials, 2020. 3(11), 10835-10843. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.0c01483
  30. Wang, Li, R. Zou, Y. C. Li, Z. Tong, M. You, W. Huo, K. Chi, H. Fan*, Effect of Wheat-Solanum nigrum L. intercropping on Cd accumulation by plants and soil bacterial community under Cd contaminated soil, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2020. 206:111383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111383
  31. Wang, F., L. Wang, S. Meng, H. Lin, M. Correll, Z. Tong*, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111383Oxide Nanocomposite: Pre-modification, Synthesis, and Latex Stability, Journal of Composite Science, 2020. Preprint. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202007.0647.v1
  32. Zhang, S., Y. Yang*, Z. Tong*, B. Gao, N. Gao, T. Shen, Y. Wan, Y. Zhen, M. Xiao, Y. Guo, F. Job, and Y. Li, Self-assembly of hydrophobic and self-healing bio-nanocomposite-coated controlled-release fertilizer. ACS Applied Materials and Interface, 2020. 12 (24), 27598–27606. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c06530
  33. Ma, Z., M. Kang, S. Meng, Z. Tong, S.D. Yoon, Y. Jang and K. C. Jeong*, Selective killing of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli with antibody-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles in the gastrointestinal tract, ACS Applied Materials and Interface, 2020. 12(16):18332. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c02177
  34. Zeng, J., H. Bao, N. Chen, F. Wang, Y. Wang, D. Xiao, and Z. Tong*, Controllable Depolymerization of Lignin Using Carbocatalyst Graphene Oxide under Mild Conditions, Fuel, 2020. 267: 117100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2020.117100
  35. Zou, Y., L. Wang, Y. Li, Z. Tong, W. Huo, K. Chi, and H. Fan*, Cadmium absorption and translocation of Amaranth (Amaranthus mangostanus L.) affected by iron deficiency, Environmental Pollution. 2020. 256: 113410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113410
  36. Li, T., Z. Tong*, B. Gao, Y. Li*, A. Smith, and H. K. Bayabila, Polyethyleneimine modified biochar for enhanced phosphate absorption, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2020. 27 (7), 7420-7429. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-07053-2
  37. Chen, N., H. Wang, C. Ling, W. Vermerris, B. Wang, and Z. Tong*, Cellulose-based injectable hydrogel composite for pH-responsive and controllable drug delivery. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2019. 225 (1) 115207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115207
  38. Bao, H., Z. Zhou, G. Kotsalis, G. Lan*, and Z. Tong*, Lignin valorization process control under feedstock uncertainty through a dynamic stochastic programming approach. Reaction Chemistry & Engineering, 2019. 4 (10), 1740-1747. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9RE00176J
  39. Zhang, S., Y. Yang*, Zhai W., Z. Tong, T.Shen, Y. Li, M. Zhang, G. Sigua, J. Chen, and Ding, F., Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer improved lodging resistance, potassium and silicon uptakes of direct-seeded rice, Crop Science. 2019. DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2018.12.0765. https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2018.12.0765
  40. Li, T., B. Gao*, Z. Tong, Y. Yang, and Y. Li. Chitosan and graphene oxide nanocomposites as coatings for controlled-release fertilizer, Water Air and Soil Pollution. 2019. 230: 146. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-019-4173-2
  41. Sagues, J. H. Bao, J. L. Nemenyi, and Z. Tong*, Lignin-first approach to biorefining: utilizing Fenton’s reagent and supercritical ethanol for the production of phenolics and sugars, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2018. 6 (4): 4958-4965. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.7b04500
  42. Garrido-Maestu, A., Z. Ma, S. Paik, N. Chen, S. Ko, Z. Tong, and K. C. Jeong, Engineering of chitosan-derived nanoparticles to enhance antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2018. 197, 623-630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.06.046
  43. Pang, Y, Z. Tong*, L. Tang, X. Li, K. Zhang, and X. Liao, Effect of humic acid on the degradation of methylene blue by peroxymonosulfate without activators, Journal of Open Chemistry. 2018. 16(1), 401-406. https://doi.org/10.1515/chem-2018-0044
  44. Zhou, Q.*, A. H. Benjamin, Z. Tong, B. Gao, G. Liu, An in-situ technique for producing low-cost agricultural biochar, Pedosphere. 2018. 28 (4), 690-695. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(17)60482-X
  45. Tang Y., F. Soroush, Z. Tong, M. F. Kiani, and B. Wang*.  Targeted multidrug delivery system to overcome chemoresistance in breast cancer. 2017. International Journal of Biomedicine, 2017. 12: p671-681. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S124770
  46. Chen N., L. A. Dempere, and Z. Tong*. Synthesis of pH-responsive lignin based nanocapsules for controlled release of hydrophobic molecules. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2016. 4(10): p5204-5211. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b01209
  47. Wang, F. and Z. Tong*. Solely biomass-derived polyethylene terephthalate (PET): conversion of bio-based isoprene and acrolein to p-xylene and terephthalic acid., ChemistrySelect, 2016.  1 (17): p5538-5541. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.201600055
  48. Chen N., J. Y. Zhu, and Z. Tong*. Fabrication of microfibrillated cellulose gel from waste pulp sludge via mild maceration combined with mechanical shearing. Cellulose, 2016. 23(4): p2573-2583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-016-0959-1
  49. Jairam S., R. Bucklin, M. Correll, T. S. Sakthive, S. Seal, J. Truett, and Z. Tong*, UV resistance of polystyrene co-butyl acrylate (PSBA) encapsulated lignin-saponite nanohybrid composite film, Materials and Design, 2016. 90: p151-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2015.10.118
  50. Liao, X., B. Hugue, S. Zhu, Z. Tong, G. Liu*, and Y. Li. Using bioethanol wastes as an alternative phosphorus source for snap bean and radish production. American Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2015. 12(1): 1-7. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajessp.2016.1.7
  51. N. Chen, Z. Tong*, W. Yang and A. B. Brennan, Biocomposites with Tunable Properties from Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Copolymers and Carboxymethyl Cellulose via Ionic Assembly. Carbohydrate Polymers, 2015. 128: p122-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.04.015
  52. Biswapriya B. M., Evaldo D. A., Z. Tong, S. Chen*. Metabolomic responses of guard cells and mesophyll cells to bicarbonate, PLoS One, 2015. 10:12. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0144206
  53. Zeng, J., C. G. Yoo, F. Wang, X. Pan, W. Vermerris, and Z. Tong*, Biomimetic Fenton-catalyzed lignin depolymerization to high value aromatics and dicarboxylic acid. ChemSusChem, 2015. 8(5): p861-871. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201403128
  54. Z. Li, J. Zeng, Z. Tong, Y. Qi, and L. Gu*, Hydrogenolytic depolymerization of procyanidin polymers from hi-tannin sorghum bran, Food Chemistry, 2015. 188: p337-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.021
  55. Zeng, J., Z. Tong*, L. Wang, J. Zhu, and L. Ingram, Isolation and structural characterization of sugarcane bagasse lignin after dilute phosphoric acid plus steam explosion pretreatment and its effect on cellulose hydrolysis. Bioresource Technology, 2014. 154: p.274-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.12.072
  56. Wang, F. and Z. Tong*, Dehydro-aromatization of cyclohexene-carboxylic acids by sulfuric acid: critical route for bio-based terephthalic acid synthesis. RSC Advances, 2014. 4(12): p.6314-6317. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3RA46670A
  57. Jairam, S., Z. Tong*, L. Wang, and B. Welt, Encapsulation of a biobased lignin–saponite nanohybrid into polystyrene co-butyl acrylate (PSBA) latex via miniemulsion polymerization. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2013. 1(12): p.1630-1637. https://doi.org/10.1021/sc4003196
  58. Wang, L., Z. Tong*, G. Liu and Y. Li, Characterization of biomass residues and their amendment effects on water sorption and nutrient leaching in sandy soil, Chemospere, 2013. 107: p.354-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.088
  59. Cheng, Q., Z. Tong*, L. Dempere, L. Ingram, L. Wang, and J.Y. Zhu, Disk refining and ultrasonication treated sugarcane bagasse residues for poly(Vinyl Alcohol) bio-composites. Journal of Polymer and the Environment, 2013. 21(3), 648-657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-012-0562-y
  60. Wang, L., Z. Tong*, L. O. Ingram, Q. Cheng, S. Matthews, Green composites of poly (lactic acid) and sugarcane bagasse residues from bio-refinery processes. Journal of Polymer and the Environment, 2013. 21(3): p. 780-788. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-013-0601-3
  61. Yang, Y., Z. Tong, Y. Geng, Y. Li, and M. Zhang, Biobased polymer composites derived from Corn Stover and feather meals as double-coating materials for controlled-release and water-retention urea fertilizers. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2013. 61(34): p. 8166-8174. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf402519t
  62. Tong, Z*.  and Y. Deng, The formation of asymmetric polystyrene/saponite composite nanoparticles via miniemulsion polymerization. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2013. 127(5): p. 3916-3922. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.37737
  63. Yang, X., M. Tu, R. Xie, S. Adhikari, and Z. Tong, A comparison of three pH control methods for revealing effects of undissociated butyric acid on specific butanol production rate in batch fermentation of Clostridium acetobutylicum. AMB Express, 2013. 3(1): p. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/2191-0855-3-3
  64. Nieves, I.U., C.C. Geddes, E.N. Miller, M.T. Mullinnix, R.W. Hoffman, Z. Fu, Z. Tong, and L.O. Ingram*, Effect of reduced sulfur compounds on the fermentation of phosphoric acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse by ethanologenic Escherichia coli. Bioresource Technology, 2011. 102(8): p. 5145-5152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.02.008
  65. Nieves, I.U., C.C. Geddes, M.T. Mullinnix, R.W. Hoffman, Z. Tong, E. Castro, K.T. Shanmugam, and L.O. Ingram*, Injection of air into the headspace improves fermentation of phosphoric acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse by Escherichia coli MM170. Bioresource Technology, 2011. 102(13): p. 6959-6965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.04.036
  66. Tong, Z. and Y. Deng*, Kinetics of miniemulsion polymerization of styrene in the presence of organoclays. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, 2008. 293(6): p. 529-537. https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.200800028
  67. Tong, Z. and Y. Deng*, Synthesis of polystyrene encapsulated nanosaponite composite latex via miniemulsion polymerization. Polymer, 2007. 48(15): p. 4337-4343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2007.05.032
  68. Tong, Z. and Y. Deng*, Synthesis of water-based polystyrene-nanoclay composite suspension via miniemulsion polymerization. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2006. 45(8): p. 2641-2645. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie0509600
  69. Tong, Z. and X. Pan*, Woody Biomass Liquefaction. Forestry Industry, 2000. 6: p. 3-5 9.

Patents

  1. Tong, Z., H. Bao, G. Lan, K. Moses. “Devices and methods for detecting or monitoring the quality of food products”, U.S. Patent Serial No. 62/984,481, T17998US001 (222107-8720), 2020.
  2. Tong, Z., H. Bao. “Catalytic Depolymerization of lignin to high value hydrocarbons”, PCT/ US2020-037920, 2020.
  3. Tong, Z., S. Jairam. “pH-sensitive nanoparticles for detecting and preventing food spoilage cross-reference to related applications.” US patent serial no. 15/863,263, 2018.
  4. Tong, Z., Wang, L., and Ingram, Lonnie. “Bio-degradable based composites, methods of making composites, and structures made from the composites.” PCT/US patent # 61/514,142. 2011

Chapters

  1. Cheng, Q., S. Wang, and Z. Tong. “Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Cellulose Nanocomposites” in book: Handbook of Polymer Nanocomposites. Processing, Performance, and Application, 2014. p.433-447.