bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-destructive Prediction of Quality Parameters in Alphonso Mangoes Using Near-infrared Spectroscopy: A Comprehensive Study on Physicochemical Characteristics and Ripening Dynamics
Authors: Kiran Patil Rajvardhan , Parray Roaf Ahmad
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on the application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict key quality parameters in Alphonso mangoes, namely Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Titratable Acidity (TA), pulp firmness, and carotenoid content. Alphonso mangoes, known as the "king of fruits," are a significant tropical fruit, with India being the leading global producer. Quality control is crucial for fruit export, and the mango supply chain involves various procedures. Physiological transformations occur in mangoes from production to consumption, affecting their internal quality. The challenges in assessing internal quality factors such as soluble solids, dry matter, firmness, starch, and sugar content hinder the exportation of mangoes.
The ripening process in mangoes involves metabolic changes leading to modifications in physical, mechanical, and chemical attributes. Non-destructive identification of internal defects in Alphonso mangoes is an underexplored field, with limited research on internal quality factors. The study aims to enhance understanding of light penetration into fruit tissues using numerical simulation techniques. NIR spectroscopy's significance in post-harvest technology is highlighted, and the study develops prediction models for quality parameters using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. The calibration models are optimized with spectral pre-processing techniques, and the Savitzky–Golay first derivative method yields favorable results. The results indicate changes in TSS, carotenoid content, firmness, and acidity during storage, providing insights into mango ripening dynamics. The Unscrambler software is employed for multivariate analysis, emphasizing the importance of the 600–1000 nm wavelength range. The study contributes to the development of portable instruments for rapid and accurate quality prediction of Alphonso mangoes in the supply chain.
Effect of Different Crop Establishment Methods and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Finger Millet in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India
Authors: Das Himangshu , Sial Parshuram , Dash Samir Ranjan , Dalei Bibhuti Bhusan , Behera Tanmaya Kumar
Published: March 2024

Organic agriculture appears to be a way to maintain desired crop production in future. In terms of nutrients, organic farming practices vary with the availability of local resources of manures and its quantity needs to be identified to meet the nutritional needs of finger millet. So, a field experiment was conducted at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Sub-Station (OUAT), Malkangiri, Odisha during rainy season of 2019-2021 to find out the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield and economics of finger millet under different establishment methods. Three crop establishment methods (line sowing, transplanting and broadcasting) and six different organic sources of nutrients (FYM @ 5 t ha-1, VC @ 2 t ha-1, FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1, Compost prepared by Waste decomposer @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 and Gliricidia leaf manure @ 2.5 t ha-1) were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The recorded data revealed that significantly highest number of tillers (2.55 hill-1), fingers (5.52 ear head-1), finger length (6.53 cm) along with highest yield (1259 kg ha-1), net return (Rs. 14709 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.48) were obtained with transplanted condition. Growth and yield attributes of finger millet was significantly varied by application of different organic sources of nutrients and it was observed that application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1 recorded highest number of tillers (2.52 hill-1), fingers (5.76 ear head-1), finger length (6.72 cm) and grain yield (1327 kg ha-1) followed by application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg  ha-1and both were statistically at par in respect to all above parameters. But, highest net return (Rs. 18923 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.65) was obtained with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1. So, transplanting of finger millet with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 should be recommended for the studied region as organic nutrient management.
Tanggapan Terhadap Stereotip “Tionghoa Punya Toko”
Authors: Averina Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Eksistensi etnis Tionghoa di Indonesia sejak awal sudah dari berabad-abad yang lalu. Dalam menjalankan kehidupan di Indonesia, etnis Tionghoa khususnya di Indonesia bekerja dalam berbagai macam bidang. Bidang-bidang tersebut antara lain adalah sebagai pedagang, petani, pengrajin maupun yang lainnya. Di zaman Orde Baru juga terjadi beberapa hal yang membatasi etnis Tionghoa-Indonesia, hingga di era saat ini orang Tionghoa di stereotipkan sebagai “Tionghoa punya toko”. Meskipun bertahun-tahun telah berlalu, namun stereotip itu masih terus ditujukan kepada etnis Tionghoa. Penulis berfokus meneliti stereotip ini yang bersumber pada masyarakat Tionghoa dan non-Tionghoa di Indonesia, khususnya kota Surabaya. Dengan tujuan untuk meneliti lebih lanjut apakah stereotip “Tionghoa Punya Toko” ini masih relevan di era saat ini. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan teori Stereotype Content Model, untuk dapat melihat kedudukan stereotip terhadap orang Tionghoa yang ada di Indonesia ini dengan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif. Hasil wawancara terhadap para informan yang telah penulis analisis menunjukkan bahwa stereotip terhadap etnis Tionghoa masih ada hingga saat ini, namun sudah mulai berkurang.
O DESEJO E O CIÚME EM DOM CASMURRO
Authors: Grigolo Daniele , Romani Fabrício
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo se dedica a uma crítica literária direcionada à obra Dom Casmurro, de Machado de Assis. Inicialmente, expõe-se a metáfora do ciúme, vinculado à abordagem de Dom Casmurro sobre Capitu. Posteriormente, verifica-se a relação entre Bento Santiago e Escobar, e todas as ramificações que resultam partindo desta relação, por entender, também, que é nela que se baseiam os diversos discursos vinculados à culpabilização da personagem supramencionada. Ademais, utilizou-se a teoria de Freud (2011) acerca dos mecanismos neuróticos envoltos no ciúme. Conclui-se que existem trechos da obra que possibilitam a leitura do desejo e que o ciúme promove leituras outras da relação do personagem consigo mesmo e com os outros. Nota-se também a possível tentativa de ‘desviar’ o olhar do leitor, e direcioná-lo sobre Capitu.
LOS (D)EFECTOS DE LA COCA
Authors: DI BENEDETTO MATÍAS
Published: March 2024

Este ensayo tiene como finalidad el análisis de la articulación entre las sustancias y las disrupciones vanguardistas. Para ello relevamos los usos estéticos que recibe la planta de coca mediante una reformulación de los modos representativos de herencia indigenista, ligados directamente a la construcción de una representación estigmatizante. Churata y Chabes ponen en funcionamiento una operación de resignificación de dicha sustancia, ligada en principio al imaginario religioso del sujeto andino, con el objetivo de poner en crisis las formulaciones hegemónicas de una narrativa cuasi-etnográfica del indio y su imaginario así como también de las concepciones médicas basadas en los intereses de la industria farmacológica. Para ello, evidencian los límites interpretativos de un higienismo eurocéntrico capaz de estigmatizar el consumo de coca no sólo al confundirlo con la cocaína sino también al asociar exclusivamente sus efectos con el aumento de la plusvalía de las iniciativas extractivistas.
ENTRE MEMÓRIAS E COSMOGONIAS ANDINAS
Authors: Costa dos Santos Jirlaine , Pereira de Souza Carla Dameane
Published: March 2024

O Peru foi palco de inúmeros episódios de violência entre os anos de 1980 e 2000, período posteriormente denominado como Conflito Armado Interno (CAI). Esses acontecimentos marcaram profundamente a história do país e consequentemente a vida daqueles que foram vítimas de seus efeitos. Famílias foram devastadas, houve mortes em grande escala. Órfãos, viúvas e mulheres violentadas e muitos jovens sequestrados e assassinados. O CAI, que resultou em diversas mortes, sequestros e desaparecimento de pessoas é tema presente em diversas produções artísticas peruanas na atualidade. As experiências traumáticas sofridas pelos povos andinos, em especial as mulheres, está apresentada no romance Rosa Cuchillo (1997), do escritor peruano Óscar Colchado Lucio, com o qual dialogaremos neste trabalho. Analisaremos como este autor revisita o contexto de violência peruano como também enaltece a cultura andina, e suas manifestações ancestrais. Sendo assim, neste artigo serão apresentados alguns aspectos formais e temáticos do romance Rosa Cuchillo, alguns deles frutos da pesquisa de mestrado[1] em que realizei a análise do romance, relacionando-o à ação cênica homônima desenvolvida pelo grupo cultural Yuyachkani. Para o presente trabalho, teremos como base teórica Rita Segato (2012), Rocío Silva Santisteban (2017), Walter Benjamin (1987), Carla Dameane Pereira de Souza (2017), Edith Pérez Orozco (2011).
 
[1] A pesquisa realizada durante o mestrado (2019) foi resultado da análise da tradução intersemiótica do romance Rosa Cuchillo, do escritor Óscar Colchado Lucio para a ação cênica homônima desenvolvida pelo grupo cultural Yuyachkani, em 2002. tendo o romance como base para a pesquisa, também relacionei ao estudo os testemunhos das mulheres da ANFASEP- Asociación Nacional de Familiares de Secuestrados, Detenidos y Desaparecido del Perú - afetadas pela violência interna, em especial o relato de Angélica Mendoza de Ascarza, a Mamá Angélica.
Mestizos, indios y señores: entre danzantes y retablos
Authors: Campuzano Betina Sandra
Published: March 2024

Me propongo abordar, primero, el modo en que la producción etnográfica de José María Arguedas evidencia los desplazamientos entre las identificaciones de mestizos, indios y señores en la conformación de las ciudadanías de mediados del siglo XX en Perú, a partir de dispositivos culturales como las danzas y los retablos; y, luego, la forma en que esta producción se proyecta en el testimonio contemporáneo del conflicto armado interno en el siglo XXI. Para ello, recurro a los aportes de la teoría y la crítica literarias latinoamericanas (Cornejo Polar, Bueno Chávez, Lienhard), los estudios andinos (Ulfe, Mamani Macedo) y los performáticos (Taylor), como también me enmarco en la propuesta metodológica del comparatismo contrastivo (Pizarro) que permite observar el sistema testimonial sincrónica y diacrónicamente. El resultado de este abordaje da cuenta de cómo la escritura arguediana, que conjuga mirada poética y registro etnológico, actúa como una matriz cultural que se reactualiza en el testimonio andino de la violencia política reciente.
Fronts and Storms
Authors: Kraght Peter E.
Published: December 2006

Basics of Fronts and Storms

Extratropical Cyclone

Wave Cyclone

Instability Line

Law of Storms

Storms of the Middle Latitudes

Storms of the Tropics

Hurricanes

Other Localized Storm Phenomena

Tornadoes

Other Specific Storm Phenomena
Boron Carbide, Boron Nitride, and Metal Borides
Authors: Greim Jochen , Schwetz Karl A.
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Boron Carbide1.1.Crystal Structure1.2.The Boron ‐ Carbon System1.3.Physical Properties1.4.Chemical Properties1.5.Production1.6.Uses1.7.Economic Aspects2.Boron Nitride2.1.Properties2.2.Production2.3.Uses3.Metal Borides3.1.Properties3.2.Production3.3.Uses
Fatty Acids
Authors: Anneken David J. , Both Sabine , Christoph Ralf , Fieg Georg , Steinberner Udo , Westfechtel Alfred
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.Introduction2.Properties2.1.Physical Properties2.2.Chemical Properties3.Production of Natural Fatty Acids3.1.Resources and Raw Materials3.2.Fat Splitting3.2.1.Hydrolysis – Principles3.2.2.Hydrolysis – Industrial Procedure3.2.3.Hydrolysis – Enzymatic Processes3.3.Separation of Fatty Acids3.3.1.Distillation3.3.2.Crystallization3.4.Modification of Fatty Acids3.4.1.Hydrogenation3.4.2.Double Bond Isomerization3.4.3.Dehydration3.4.4.Dimerization3.4.5.Ozonolysis3.4.6.Thermal Decomposition3.4.7.Bio‐Oxidation of Fatty Acids3.4.8.Enzymatic Esterification4.Production of Synthetic Fatty Acids4.1.Hydroformylation4.2.Hydrocarboxylation4.3.Other Commercial and Noncommercial Processes5.Analysis6.Storage and Transportation7.Environmental Protection, Toxicology and Occupational Health8.Uses9.References
Fatty Alcohols
Authors: Noweck Klaus , Grafahrend Wolfgang
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Saturated Fatty Alcohols2.1.Physical Properties2.2.Chemical Properties2.3.Production from Natural Sources2.3.1.Hydrolysis of Wax Esters2.3.2.Reduction of Wax Esters with Sodium2.3.3.Hydrogenation of Natural Raw Materials2.3.3.1.Raw Materials and Pretreatment2.3.3.2.Hydrogenation Processes2.4.Synthesis from Petrochemical Feedstocks2.4.1.Ziegler Alcohol Processes2.4.2.Oxo Process2.4.3.Hydrogenation of Fatty Acids produced by Oxidation of Paraffinic Hydrocarbons2.4.4.Bashkirov Oxidation2.4.5.Other Processes2.5.Uses3.Unsaturated Fatty Alcohols4.Guerbet Alcohols5.Bifunctional Fatty Alcohols6.Quality Specifications7.Storage and Transportation8.Economic Aspects9.Ecotoxicology and Toxicology9.1.Ecotoxicology and Environmental Aspects9.2.Toxicology
Petroleum Coke
Authors: Predel Heinrich
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Physical and Chemical Properties

3.

Production

3.1.

Production Processes

3.1.1.

Delayed Coking

3.1.2.

Fluid Coking

3.1.3.

Flexicoking

3.2.

Calcination

3.2.1.

Rotary Kiln Calciner

3.2.2.

Rotary Hearth Calciner

4.

Uses

4.1.

Green Petroleum Coke

4.2.

Calcined Petroleum Coke

5.

Quality Aspects

5.1.

Green Coke

5.2.

Regular Calcinate

5.3.

Needle Coke

6.

Environmental and Safety Aspects

6.1.

Green Coke

6.2.

Calcined Petroleum Coke

The petroleum coke production started about 80 years ago and will reach the 100 × 10
6
‐t/a level in the next years. The yearly increase rates are up to 10%.

Characteristics, localization, and production methods including the Delayed Coker process of petroleum coke are shown. The world market profile for petroleum coke is presented, and the amount and prices of the petroleum coke species, “green coke”, “regular calcinate”, and “needle coke” are given. Particular interesting is the production process of green coke, which is increasingly used in power generation, and the production of metallurgical coke for steel processes (blast furnace). The use of regular calcinate for the carbon anode in the aluminium production stagnates because of the impetuous development of the aluminium recycling. Likewise, the needle coke has only marginal increase for the production of graphite electrodes used in electric‐arc furnaces by steel processes. The reason is the rapidly reduced consumption of electrodes/t steel due to process modifications.

The environmental and safety aspects are addressed and the available results are shown.
Sonochemistry
Authors: Peuker Urs A. , Hoffmann Ulrich , Wietelmann Ulrich , Bandelin Stefan , Jung Rainer
Published: December 2006

The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Fundamentals of Ultrasound

2.1.

Ultrasound in Liquids

2.2.

Cavitation

2.2.1.

Bubble Behavior in Acoustic Fields

2.2.2.

Cavitation Thresholds

2.2.3.

Parameters Influencing Cavitation

2.3.

Nonlinear Effects

2.3.1.

Bubble Collapse near Boundaries

2.3.2.

Finite Amplitude Waves and Shock Waves

2.3.3.

Streaming

2.3.4.

Radiation Forces

2.3.5.

Bjerknes Forces

2.3.6.

Forces on Small Particles

2.4.

Sonochemical Effects

2.4.1.

Hot‐Spot Theory

2.4.2.

Shock Wave Theory

2.4.3.

Supercritical Water Theory

2.4.4.

Charge Theory

2.4.5.

Promotion of Single Electron Transfer

2.4.6.

Cleaning

2.4.7.

Mechanical Activation

2.4.8.

Enhanced Mass and Heat Transfer

3.

Heterogeneous Systems

3.1.

Solid ‐ Fluid Reactions

3.1.1.

Noncatalytic Reactions

3.1.2.

Catalytic Reactions

3.1.3.

Precipitation and Crystallization

3.1.4.

Atomization

3.1.5.

Disaggregation – Comminution

3.1.6.

Cell Disruption

3.2.

Ultrasonic Extraction

3.3.

Liquid ‐ Liquid Reactions

3.3.1.

Emulsification

3.4.

Phase‐Transfer Catalysis

3.5.

Sonoelectrochemistry

4.

Homogeneous Systems

4.1.

Aqueous Liquids

4.2.

Nonaqueous Liquids

4.3.

Polymers and Macromolecules

4.4.

Sonoluminescence

5.

Equipment

5.1.

Transducer Technology

5.2.

Reactors for Sonochemical Reactions

5.2.1.

Laboratory Equipment

5.2.2.

Large‐Scale Equipment

5.3.

Mapping of Sonochemical Reactors

5.3.1.

Hydrophone

5.3.2.

Thermocouples

5.3.3.

Optical Methods – Bubble Dynamics

5.3.4.

The Weissler Reaction

Applications of ultrasound in processing and synthesis are widespread and offer unusual and beneficial operating conditions. Two major principles are used in sonochemistry or sonoprocessing: a) mechanical effects for mixing and disintegration and b) high energy processes for radical reactions. The fundamentals in ultrasound and the parameters influencing cavitation are explained.

In heterogenous systems, ultrasound is used in noncatalytic and catalytic reactions, biological applications, crystallization, emulsification, atomization, extraction, electroplating, phase‐transfer catalysis. In homogeneous systems, applications of ultrasound include the preparation and degradation of polymers and macromolecules.

Mapping of sonochemical reactors can be achieved with several measuring systems and provides an essential knowledge about intensity distribution of the pressure field within the reactor volume.
A Quantum‐Splitting Phosphor Exploiting the Energy Transfer from Anion Excitons to Tb3+ in CaSO4:Tb,Na
Authors: Lakshmanan A. R. , Kim S.‐B. , Jang H. M. , Kum B. G. , Kang B. K. , Heo S. , Seo D.
Published: December 2006

Wide‐bandgap materials doped with rare‐earth ions are currently of great interest as new vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) phosphors for lighting and displays. This paper reports the development of a highly sensitive green phosphor, CaSO4:Tb,Na, which exhibits a quantum efficiency higher than 100 % by exploiting the energy‐transfer mechanism from anion excitons to the activator ions, Tb3+. The VUV excitation spectra of CaSO4:Tb3+ with Na+ as a charge compensator show two prominent excitation bands at 147 and 216 nm. The former band is attributed to the charge‐transfer excitations within SO42– complexes while the latter was assigned to the 4f8 → 4f75d transitions on Tb3+. The energy‐transfer mechanism from anion excitons to Tb3+ strongly raises the possibility of two‐photon emission via a second‐order down‐conversion under the VUV excitation, which is basically a new approach in the goal of achieving a quantum‐splitting phosphor.
Fine Control of the Wettability Transition Temperature of Colloidal‐Crystal Films: From Superhydrophilic to Superhydrophobic
Authors: Wang J. , Wen Y. , Hu J. , Song Y. , Jiang L.
Published: December 2006

A facile strategy for finely controlling the wettability transition temperature of colloidal‐crystal films from superhydrophilic (water contact angle, CA, 0°) to superhydrophobic (water CA, 150.5°) is demonstrated. The colloidal‐crystal films are assembled from poly(styrene‐n‐butyl acrylate–acrylic acid) amphiphilic latex spheres. The wettability transition temperature of the films can be well tuned by adjusting the n‐butyl acrylate/styrene balance of the latex spheres. Superhydrophobic films are achieved when assembled at 90, 80, 70, 60, 40, or even 20 °C. This approach offers the flexibility of fabricating colloidal crystals with desired and tunable wettability, and can be further extended to general materials, opening up new perspectives in controlling the wettability behavior by chemical composition.
Demographic review of a captive colony of callitrichids (Callithrix kuhlii)
Authors: Ross Corinna N. , Fite Jeffrey E. , Jensen Heather , French Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2006

Although reports on colony demographics for a variety of callitrichid species are available in the literature, to date there has not been a detailed examination of Wied's black tufted‐ear marmoset (Callithrix kuhlii). The purpose of this study is to present colony demographics for C. kuhlii from the University of Nebraska at Omaha's Callitrichid Research Center from 1991 to 2002. C. kuhlii are currently held in a number of zoological parks in the United States and abroad; however, the University of Nebraska at Omaha held the only breeding colony in North America. Here we report data on lifespan, sex ratio, litter size, and interbirth interval (IBI) for that captive breeding colony. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1–7, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of traps to capture black and gold howlers (Alouatta caraya) on the Islands of the upper paraná river, Southern Brazil
Authors: Aguiar Lucas M. , Ludwig Gabriela , Svoboda Walfrido K. , Teixeira Gustavo M. , Hilst Carmen L.S. , Shiozawa Marcos M. , Malanski Luciano S. , Mello Ângel M. , Navarro Italmar T. , Passos Fernando C.
Published: December 2006

Howlers (genusAlouatta) are widely captured with the use of anesthetic projectiles; however, no capture protocol involving the use of traps has been described to date. In the present study we describe the first efficient capture program for black and gold howlers (Alouatta caraya) using traps, which was implemented on the islands of the upper Paraná River in southern Brazil. We constructed two trap models with either manual or automatic activation (trap A with two entrances and guillotine‐type doors; trap B with one entrance and a guillotine‐type door). The traps were suspended in the canopy by means of vertical climbing techniques, and were baited regularly and abundantly with bananas and mangoes. We captured 70 howlers (86% using manual activation and 14% using automatic activation) on four different islands. We restrained 41 of these animals and measured their body mass, which averaged 5.30 kg±1.79. Given our results, we suggest that the system described in the present study represents an alternative capture program for howlers in areas that have low food diversity and no other mammal species that will compete for the bait, as has been observed in riparian environments, islands, and forest fragments. Am. J. Primatol. 69:1–7, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Demography and life history of Thomas langurs (Presbytis thomasi)
Authors: Wich Serge A. , Steenbeek Romy , Sterck Elisabeth H.M. , Korstjens Amanda H. , Willems Erik P. , Van Schaik Carel P.
Published: December 2006

Life history data from wild primate populations are necessary to explain variation in primate social systems and explain differences between primates and other mammals. Here we report life history data from a 12.5‐year study on wild Thomas langurs. Mean age at first reproduction was 5.4 years and the sex ratio at birth was even. The mean interbirth interval (IBI) after a surviving infant was 26.8 mo, after nonsurviving infants 17.7 mo, and combined 22.0 mo. Mean annual birth rate of adult females was 0.44, while reaching a peak at 6 years of age and showing no decrease with age. Mortality was highest during the first year of life (48.0% for males and 43.0% for females) and consistently higher for males than females. The oldest female observed during the study was estimated to be 20 years of age, whereas the oldest male disappeared at age 13 years, indicating that males die at a much earlier age than females. A Leslie matrix based on these estimates yielded a growth rate of 1.01, which is comparable to the nonsignificant increase in density indicated by our long‐term field data. A comparison with life history data for sympatric frugivorous primates suggests that folivory might be associated with faster life history. Am. J. Primatol. 69:641–651, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grafted wood pulp containing quaternary ammonium group and its application in the removal of different anions from aqueous solution
Authors: Sokker H. H.
Published: December 2006

Network wood pulp based on acrylonitrile (AN) has been chemically modified through different reactions to obtain group capable of anion exchange. Graft copolymerization of AN onto wood pulp was carried out by using γ‐radiation 60Co. Factors affecting the grafting process, e.g., radiation dose and monomer concentration, was investigated. The chemical modification of cyano groups were carried out by reaction with ethanolamine producing oxazoline group followed by quaternization of tertiary amine by reaction with benzyl chloride producing quaternary ammonium salt. The grafted and modified wood pulp were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and TGA. Qualitative adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of modified wood pulp to fix sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, and dichromate from aqueous solution using batch extractions. Based on the results obtained, it may be concluded that it is possible to modify chemically wood pulp containing cyano groups by different routes to use it as anion exchanger for different anions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3120–3128, 2007
Effect of network heterogeneities on the physical properties of nitrile rubbers cured with dicumyl peroxide
Authors: González L. , Rodríguez A. , Marcos‐Fernández A. , Valentín J. L. , Fernández‐Torres A.
Published: December 2006

The scope of this study is to continue our earlier studies on the peroxide curing of diene elastomers. The effect of peroxide content and temperature on the curing and mechanical properties of NBR and H‐NBR rubbers with different acrilonitrile content was evaluated. Experimental evidence indicates that saturated rubbers behave as expected whereas in unsaturated nitrile rubbers abstraction of allylic hydrogen and addition to the double bonds can act as mechanism of crosslinking, the weight of each mechanism is dependent of DCP content and curing temperature. The addition mechanism produces densely crosslinked zones or clusters, generating a heterogeneous network with effect on the vulcanizate properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3377–3382, 2007
Calcium‐carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel beads for protein drug delivery system
Authors: Liu Zonghua , Jiao Yanpeng , Zhang Ziyong
Published: December 2006

In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) hydrogel beads were prepared by crosslinking with Ca2+. The pH‐sensitive characteristics of the beads were investigated by simulating gastrointestinal pH conditions. As a potential protein drug delivery system, the beads were loaded with a model protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA). To improve the entrapment efficiency of BSA, the beads were further coated with a chitosan/CMC polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) membrane by extruding a CMC/BSA solution into a CaCl2/chitosan gelation medium. Finally, the release studies of BSA‐loaded beads were conducted. We found that, the maximum swelling ratios of the beads at pH 7.4 (17–21) were much higher than those at pH 1.2 (2–2.5). Higher entrapment efficiency (73.2%) was achieved in the chitosan‐coated calcium‐CMC beads, compared with that (44.4%) in the bare calcium‐CMC beads. The PEC membrane limited the BSA release, while the final disintegration of beads at pH 7.4 still leaded to a full BSA release. Therefore, the chitosan‐coated calcium‐CMC hydrogel beads with higher entrapment efficiency and proper protein release properties were a promising protein drug carrier for the site‐specific release in the intestine. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3164–3168, 2007
Newly developed itaconic acid copolymers for gypsum and calcium carbonate scale control
Authors: Shakkthivel P. , Vasudevan T.
Published: December 2006

To mitigate scale formation and the consequences of clogging of filters and the reduction in efficiencies in cooling systems, itaconic acid–maleic acid (Ita–MA) and itaconic acid–methacrylic acid (Ita–MAA) copolymers were developed. Calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate scales formation have been prevented at temperatures ranging from 50 to 80°C using the newly developed polymers. The effect of the polymers on their scale‐arresting abilities has been assessed through chemical screening test, constant potential electrolysis, and A.C. impedance techniques. XRD (x‐ray diffraction) and SEM (scanning electron microscope) studies have been performed to identify the change in crystal surfaces by the addition of the polymers. The amount of scale deposition is increased with increase in both the temperature and the pHs of the medium. The efficacy of the polymers (antiscalants) on the scale prevention is increased with increase in polymer dosage. However, decrease in efficiency is noticed with increase in temperature and pHs. The results, at different dosage levels with different temperature and pHs, are critically discussed. Both of the scales have been inhibited, through the adsorption of the polymers onto the growth sites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3206–3213, 2007
Preparation and characterization of conductive poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyaniline doped by dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PVA/PANDB) blend films
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Ho , Mao Ching‐Feng , Su Shun‐Fua , Fahn Yauh‐Yarng
Published: December 2006

In this study a solution‐blend method is adopted to prepare conductive poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyaniline doped by dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (PVA/PANDB) blend films. Emeraldine base (EB)‐type polyaniline (PANI) is dissolved in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP) and then blended with PVA/dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid (DBSA) solution by various amounts. It is found that the electrical conductivity and the thermal degradation onset temperature of the PVA/PANDB blend film are increased as the amount of EB‐type PANI solution is increased. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra show that the intensity of the characteristic peak of the functional groups in the blend film is significantly changed as the amount of EB‐type PANI is changed. From optical microscopy examination, it indicates that the amount and size of green particles are increased with increasing the amount of EB‐type PANI solution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3415–3422, 2007
Mechanical characterization and chemical resistances of cured unsaturated polyester resins modified with vinyl ester resins based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Atta Ayman M. , Abdel‐Raouf Manar E. , Elsaeed Shimaa M. , Abdel‐Azim Abdel‐Azim A.
Published: December 2006

Unsaturated polyester resin (UP) was prepared from glycolyzed oligomer of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste based on diethylene glycol (DEG). New diacrylate and dimethacrylate vinyl ester resins prepared from glycolysis of PET with tetraethylene glycol were blended with UP to study the mechanical characteristics of the cured UP. The vinyl ester resins were used as crosslinking agents for unsaturated polyester resin diluted with styrene, using free‐radical initiator and accelerator. The mechanical properties of the cured UP resins were evaluated. The compressive properties of the cured UP/styrene resins in the presence of different vinyl ester concentrations were evaluated. Increasing the vinyl ester content led to a pronounced improvement in the compression strength. The chemical resistances of the cured resins were evaluated through hot water, solvents, acid, and alkali resistance measurements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3175–3182, 2007
Kinetic study of radical polymerization. VII. Investigation into the solution copolymerization of acrylonitrile and itaconic acid by real‐time 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Reza Mahdavian Ali , Abdollahi Mahdi
Published: December 2006

Free radical solution copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and itaconic acid (IA) was performed with DMSO‐d6 as the solvent and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. Weight ratio of the monomers to solvent and molar ratio of initiator to monomers were constant in all experiments. The initial comonomer composition was the only variable in this study. On‐line 1H NMR spectroscopy was applied to follow individual monomer conversion. Mole fraction of AN and IA in the reaction mixture (f) and in the copolymer chain (F) were measured with progress of the copolymerization reaction. Overall monomer conversion versus time and also compositions of monomer mixture and copolymer as a function of overall monomer conversion were calculated from the data of individual monomer conversion versus time. Total rate constant for the copolymerization reaction was calculated by using the overall monomer conversion versus time data and then kp/kt0.5 was estimated. The dependency of kp/kt0.5 on IA concentration was studied and it was found that this ratio decreases by increasing the mole fraction of IA in the initial feed. The variation of comonomer and copolymer compositions as a function of overall monomer conversion was calculated theoretically by the terminal model equations and compared with the experimental data. Instantaneous copolymer composition curve showed the formation of alternating copolymer chain during copolymerization reaction. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3253–3260, 2007
Isothermal‐crystallization kinetics and melting behavior of crystalline/crystalline blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate)
Authors: Run Mingtao , Wang Yingjin , Yao Chenguang , Zhao Hongchi
Published: December 2006

The isothermal crystallization and crystal morphology of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/poly (ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) blends were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. The commonly used Avrami equation was used to fit the primary stage of isothermal crystallization. The Avrami exponents were evaluated to be in the range of 3.0–3.3 for isothermal crystallization. The subsequent melting endotherms of the blends after isothermal crystallization showed multiple melting peaks. The crystallization activation energies of the blends with 20 or 40% PTT was −48.3 and −60.9 kJ/mol, respectively, as calculated by the Arrhenius formula for the isothermal‐crystallization processes. The Hoffman–Lauritzen theory was also employed to fit the process of isothermal crystallization, and the kinetic parameters of the blends with 20 or 40% PTT were determined to be 1.5 × 105 and 1.8 × 105 K2, respectively. The spherulite morphology of the six binary blends formed at 190°C showed different sizes and perfect Maltese crosses when the PTT or PEN component was varied, suggesting that the greater the PTT content was, the larger or more perfect the crystallites were that formed in the binary blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3316–3325, 2007
Thermal and mechanical properties of uncrosslinked and chemically crosslinked polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer blends
Authors: Khonakdar H. A. , Jafari S. H. , Haghighi‐Asl A. , Wagenknecht U. , Häussler L. , Reuter U.
Published: December 2006

Uncrosslinked and chemically crosslinked binary blends of low‐ and high‐density polyethylene (PE), with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), were prepared by a melt‐mixing process using 0–3 wt % tert‐butyl cumyl peroxide (BCUP). The uncrosslinked blends revealed two distinct unchanged melting peaks corresponding to the individual components of the blends, but with a reduced overall degree of crystallinity. The crosslinking further reduced crystallinity, but enhanced compatibility between EVA and polyethylene, with LDPE being more compatible than HDPE. Blended with 20 wt % EVA, the EVA melting peak was almost disappeared after the addition of BCUP, and only the corresponding PE melting point was observed at a lowered temperature. But blended with 40% EVA, two peaks still existed with a slight shift toward lower temperatures. Changes of mechanical properties with blending ratio, crosslinking, and temperature had been dominated by the extent of crystallinity, crosslinking degree, and morphology of the blend. A good correlation was observed between elongation‐at‐break and morphological properties. The blends with higher level of compatibility showed less deviation from the additive rule of mixtures. The deviation became more pronounced for HDPE/EVA blends in the phase inversion region, while an opposite trend was observed for LDPE/EVA blends with co‐continuous morphology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3261–3270, 2007
Effect of annealing on fracture behavior of poly(propylene‐block‐ethylene) using essential work of fracture analysis
Authors: Li Qing‐guo , Xie Bang‐Hu , Yang Wei , Li Zhong‐Ming , Zhang Wei‐qin , Yang Ming‐Bo
Published: December 2006

The influence of annealing conditions on the fracture behavior of poly(propylene‐block‐ethylene) sheets was investigated by means of the essential work of fracture method, and was complemented by the study of the effect of annealing on crystal structure, using differential scanning calorimetry. It was shown that both the crystal perfection degree and crystallinity could be improved substantially as annealing temperature (Ta) increased, while the prolonged annealing time at 80°C mainly resulted in the improvement of crystallinity. The reasons for an increase in the specific essential work of fracture and a decrease in the specific plastic work item as crystal perfection degree and crystallinity grew are discussed. The displacement to failure of double edge notched tension specimens decreased gradually with increasing Ta, and the double‐plastic zone could be observed in all specimens. In addition, a novel method to aid the accurate measurement of intense stress‐whitening outer plastic zone height by adjustment of illumination conditions is proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3438–3446, 2007
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐sodium acrylate) hydrogels: Interactions with surfactants
Authors: Mohan Y. M. , Joseph D. K. , Geckeler K. E.
Published: December 2006

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐sodium acrylate) [poly(NIPAM‐co‐SA)] hydrogels were modified with three different kind of surfactants (cationic, anionic, and nonionic) to study the effect on the swelling properties. The structural variation of the surfactant‐modified hydrogels was investigated in detail. The interaction between the surfactants and the hydrogel varies and strictly depends on the surfactant type. The variation in thermal stability of the modified surfactant hydrogels was investigated and compared with unmodified hydrogel. Further, the hydrogel swelling/diffusion kinetic parameters were investigated and diffusion of water into hydrogel was found to be of the non‐Fickian transport mechanism. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3423–3430, 2007
Control of structure and mechanical properties for binary blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and cellulose derivative
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Arakawa Keiichi
Published: December 2006

Structure and mechanical properties for binary blends composed of a poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and a cellulose derivative, such as cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), have been studied by means of dynamic mechanical analysis, isothermal crystallization measurements, and tensile testing. It is found that β relaxation temperature due to glass transition of PHB or PHB‐rich phase in the blends, in which the cellulose derivative has lower molecular weight, is almost the same as that of the pure PHB. On the other hand, the peak location is shifted to even lower temperature than that of the pure PHB by blending the cellulose derivative with higher molecular weight, although the cellulose derivative is a glassy polymer with high glass transition temperature. Further, the blend with lower β relaxation temperature exhibits ductile behavior with low modulus in uniaxial deformation. The difference in the structure and mechanical properties for the blends are found to be determined by the crystallization rate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3447–3452, 2007
Effect of the surface roughness and construction material on wall slip in the flow of concentrated suspensions
Authors: Gulmus Sergul Acikalin , Yilmazer Ulku
Published: December 2006

Recent studies on polyethylene, elastomers, and thermoplastics have revealed that the construction material and surface roughness are two important factors affecting wall slip. In this study, to determine the true rheological behavior of model concentrated suspensions, a multiple‐gap separation method was used in a parallel disk rheometer. The model suspensions studied were poly (methyl methacrylate) particles with an average particle size of 121.2 μm in hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of disk Ra in the range of 0.49–1.51 μm and disk construction material on the wall slip and the true viscosity of the model concentrated suspensions. The wall slip velocity and the viscosity were found to be independent of Ra for particle size‐to‐disk Ra ratios of 80–247. Also, the true viscosity was found not to be affected by the rheometer surface construction material. Glass surfaces resulted in the highest slip velocity, whereas aluminum surfaces resulted in the lowest slip velocity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3341–3347, 2007
Effects of melt‐extension and annealing on row‐nucleated lamellar crystalline structure of HDPE films
Authors: Lee Sang‐Young , Park Soon‐Yong , Song Heon‐Sik
Published: December 2006

The row‐nucleated lamellar crystalline structure of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) films was prepared by applying elongation stress to HDPE melt during T‐die cast film extrusion and subsequently annealing the extruded films. This unusual crystalline structure was analyzed in terms of lamellar crystalline orientation, long‐period lamellar spacing, crystallite size, and degree of crystallinity. The contribution of melt‐extension represented by draw‐down‐ratio (DDR) to the overall orientation was found to be most noticeable than other processing variables. Meanwhile, the long‐period lamellar spacing, the crystallite size, and the degree of crystallinity were influenced predominantly by the annealing temperature. Finally, the processing (melt extension and annealing temperature) – structure (lamellar crystalline structure) – property (hard elasticity) relationship of HDPE films was investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3326–3333, 2007
Sustained release of iodine from a polymeric hydrogel device for water disinfection
Authors: Punyani Supriya , Narayanan Priya , Vasudevan Padma , Singh Harpal
Published: December 2006

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) based polymeric hydrogels were synthesized by free‐radical redox bulk polymerization technique using 1% ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinking monomer and ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylenediamine (TEMED) as redox initiator. Polymeric hydrogel samples were loaded with solid elemental iodine. Thermal and physical characteristics of polymer before loading and after 3 months release of iodine were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). On immersing in water, different forms of iodine were released from the hydrogel device. The amount and rate of release of I− and I were measured by analytical techniques. Released iodine species showed broad spectrum antimicrobial properties and release was sustained for about 120 days. Polymeric hydrogel iodine‐based system developed can be used as a device for controlled release of iodine species at concentration levels sufficient for disinfection to get potable water. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3334–3340, 2007
Effects of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid monomer units on physical properties of thermal liquid crystalline poly(ester imide ketone)s
Authors: Xu Jun , Zhu Yafei , Zhang Yi , Zheng Yimin , Chi Zhenguo , Xu Jiarui
Published: December 2006

A series of poly(ester imide ketone)s (PEIKs) with varied p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) molar fraction derived from N,N′‐hexane‐1,6‐diylbis(trimellitimide), 4,4′‐dihydroxybenzophenone, and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid were synthesized by a “step‐feeding” polycondensation method in benzene sulfonyl chloride, dimethylformamide, and pyridine. High field 1H, 13C, and 2D NMR spectroscopy measurements were combined to determine the assignments of hydrogen and carbon atoms in the copolymers. 13C inverse gated decoupling NMR spectra were taken and used as a quantitative method to analyze the chain sequence structures of these copolymers. The liquid crystalline behaviors and thermal properties of the PEIKs were characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The NMR studies show that the monomeric unit ratios of the PEIKs are very close to the ratios of the monomers added into the polycondensation process. The analytical results of sequence distribution indicate that the sequence ratios of I‐H, H‐D, and H‐H dias rise with the increase of HBA molar fraction, while that of I‐D decrease. It is worth noting that the sequence ratios of H‐H are always very small among the four sequence ratios although the HBA molar fraction varied from 0 to 50%. It was shown that the copolymers possess a typical nematic thermotropic liquid crystalline character and high thermal stability, which is strongly related with the changes in sequence structure of the molecular chains. This type of liquid crystalline polymers also exhibits excellent fiber‐forming character in the melting state, which would find its potential usages in high performance fiber and fiber modification materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3183–3193, 2007
Sustainability report in small enterprises: case studies in Italian furniture companies
Authors: Borga Francesca , Citterio Annalisa , Noci Giuliano , Pizzurno Emanuele
Published: December 2006

The recent evolution of the economic and social context has led enterprises to consider and assess corporate environmental and social impacts integrated with the traditionally measured economic and operating performances.

  From this point of view, the international debate on the advantages given by the firms' adoption of socially responsible behaviour has been developed; the increasing consciousness of the social character in enterprises' activities has enlarged the interest in communication. For this reason, several different standards have been developed in order to transmit, to the stakeholders, data, information and approaches about environmental, social and sustainability topics related to the firm's activities. In this dynamic context, the features of SMEs require specific guidelines, which address the contents of an SME‐oriented sustainability report.

  In this perspective the aim is to design guidelines able to meet with these SMEs' requirements; seven case studies, on Italian furniture small enterprises, complete the study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The impact of environmental information on professional purchasers' choice of products
Authors: Grankvist Gunne , Biel Anders
Published: December 2006

Professional food purchasers are an important group of people since they influence what alternatives of a food product consumers will have the possibility to choose between. The aim of the present study was to investigate the inclination among professional purchasers to choose food products associated with more benign environmental consequences.

  Information about product price, total use of energy, emission of greenhouse gases and use of pesticides associated with production and consumption of one kilogram of minced beef and fresh apples was varied systematically in order to study the relative influence on product preference. Product price was found to influence product preference more than any of the three environmentally related factors. Introduction of a labeling system that indicated whether the environmental impacts associated with a food product during its life cycle were ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than an average product partly increased the effect of environmental information. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.