bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Fibre Aspect Ratio and Prepolymerised Polyurethane as Binder in Enhancing Strength of Palm-Based Fibreboard
Authors: Azman Azlin Mohmad , Baharum Azizah , Badri Khairiah Haji
Published: September 2018

Palm–based medium-density fibreboard (palm-based MDF) comprised of polyurethane prepolymer (pPU) and palm oil empty fruit bunch fibre (EFB) was prepared. The pPU was a reacting mixture in acetone consisted of palm kernel oil-based monoester polyol (PKO-p) and 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) with polyethylene glycol (Mw of 200 kDa, PEG200) as the plastisizer. EFB with size ranging from 250 μm to 500 μm (MDF S1), 500 μm to 1000 μm (MDF S2) and 1000 μm to 2000 μm (MDF S3) was investigated. The flexural strength and modulus increased with decreasing fibre size with optimum strength and modulus at 46.7 MPa and 1923 MPa respectively. Higher glass transition temperature (Tg at 77 °C) was observed in MDF S1 compared to MDF S3 (Tg at 67 °C). FTIR spectrum indicated possible formation of urethane linkage between the reactive NCO active groups in pPU with OH group from cellulose constituent in EFB fibre.
Effect of Halloysite Nanoclay Concentration and Addition of Glycerol on Mechanical Properties of Bionanocomposite Films
Authors: Risyon Nazratul Putri , Othman Siti Hajar , Basha Roseliza Kadir , Talib Rosnita A.
Published: September 2018

Conventional plastic made from petrochemical based polymer which is non-degradable is not environmentally friendly. Thus, there is a need to develop bionanocomposite films to replace the non-degradable plastic. Bionanocomposite films were produced by the casting method using polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer with the incorporation of nanoclay, particularly halloysite. The effect of the halloysite nanoclay concentration (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 wt.%) as well as the addition of a plasticiser, particularly glycerol, on the mechanical properties (tensile stress, elongation at break and tensile strength) of bionanocomposite films was investigated. It was found that without the addition of glycerol, 2 wt.% concentration of halloysite nanoclay film resulted in the maximum tensile strength and elongation at break due to the interaction of the PLA and the nanoclay which is known for interfacial adhesion. The interaction was confirmed by FTIR spectrum. When more than 2 wt.% of nanoclay clay was added, both the tensile strength and the elongation at break reduced due to the agglomeration of the nanoclay. However, when glycerol was added, the film without the addition of halloysite nanoclay exhibited the maximum tensile strength and the film with 8 wt.% halloysite nanoclay exhibited the maximum elongation at break. The addition of glycerol lowered the mechanical properties of the films because the intercalation of the glycerol into the clays prevented the entry of PLA into the interlamellar of the nanoclay.
Bordering imaginaries and the everyday construction of the Mediterranean neighbourhood: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Scott James Wesley , Celata Filippo , Coletti Raffaella
Published: September 2018

This special issue of European Urban and Regional Studies maps out a move from a strictly geopolitical to more socio-political and socio-cultural interpretations of the European Union’s (EU’s) ‘Mediterranean neighbourhood’. In doing this, the authors propose a dialogic understanding of neighbourhood as a set of ideas and imaginaries that reflect not only top-down geopolitical imaginaries but also everyday images, representations and imaginations. The introduction briefly summarizes conceptualizations of ‘neighbourhood’ provided by the individual contributions that connect the realm of high politics with that of communities and individuals who are affected by and negotiate the EU’s Mediterranean borders. Specifically, three cases of socio-spatial imaginaries that exemplify patterns of differential inclusion of the ‘non-EU’ will be explored. The cases involve Italy–Tunisia cross-border relations, the EU’s post-‘Arab Spring’ engagement with civil society actors and the case of Northern Cyprus. The authors suggest that ‘neighbourhood’ can be conceptualized as a borderscape of interaction and agency that is politically framed in very general terms but that in detail is composed of many interlinked relational spaces. The European neighbourhood emerges as a patchwork of relations, socio-cultural encounters, confrontation and contestation, rather than merely as a cooperation policy or border regime.
Synthesizing depoliticization and responsibilization: The case of financial education in Israel
Authors: Avigur-Eshel Amit
Published: September 2018

Depoliticization and responsibilization are two frameworks that have contributed substantially to the analysis of state-society-economy relations under neoliberalism. They have also presented some limitations. The depoliticization literature has not looked into policymakers’ active allocation of responsibility for economic outcomes to individuals. The Foucauldian responsibilization literature has largely overlooked who construct(s) the responsibilization governing technique and the political process through which this technique is produced. I argue that synthesizing the two frameworks can overcome these limitations and improve our ability to analyse the current state of the neoliberal project. I illustrate my argument by analysing the case of a governmental Financial Education Department in Israel. The department was established as a depoliticizing tool in a context of a popular protest that re-politicized economic policy. Its main concern was constructing financially responsible subjects. As political circumstances changed, political support waned and the department stagnated, although it never diminished.
Risky Decisions and the Family Firm Bias: An Experimental Study Based on Prospect Theory
Authors: Lude Maximilian , Prügl Reinhard
Published: September 2018

In this article, we look at how a family firm signal affects decision making of nonprofessional investors. Grounded in prospect theory and supported by empirical evidence from a choice-based experimental study ( N = 418) backed by a qualitative study, we demonstrate a behavioral bias induced by the family firm signal. This family firm bias shifts nonprofessional investors’ preferences toward the high-risk alternative in a choice situation. Accordingly, processing the family firm information seems to moderate risk aversion as risk avoidance is decreased in the gain domain, while risk seeking is reinforced in the loss domain due to trust and longevity associations tied to the family firm signal.
Does Democracy Enhance Health? New Empirical Evidence 1900–2012
Authors: Wang Yi-ting , Mechkova Valeriya , Andersson Frida
Published: September 2018

This study tests the relationship between democracy and population health. Some studies argue that democracies are more likely than authoritarian regimes to provide public goods and, thus, enhance health. However, recent research has challenged this argument and identified good governance as the crucial determinant of human development. Using a newly collected dataset covering 173 countries from 1900 to 2012, our analyses show that across models with various specifications, democratic elections have consistent effects on health outcomes even when other important factors, including good governance, are taken into account. There are some nuances in this relationship. First, the impact of electoral democracy tends to persist over time. Furthermore, the positive effects are particularly salient once the quality of elections has achieved a certain threshold. Our results also suggest that previous studies yielded mixed results in part because the commonly used governance indicators are only available for relatively short time periods, and the sample does not reflect the entire range of variation in measures of both democracy and governance.
Mercury Pollution and Artisanal Gold Mining in Alto Cauca, Colombia: Woman's Perception of Health and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Vélez-Torres Irene , Vanegas Diana C. , McLamore Eric S. , Hurtado Diana
Published: September 2018

This article discusses the results of a pilot research strategy for monitoring environmental hazards derived from the use of mercury in artisanal gold mining in the Alto Cauca region, Colombia. During 2016 and 2017, a transdisciplinary approach was established to inquire on the health, environment, and territorial problems originated from artisanal mining. In this article, we specifically focus on how this particular issue affects women in the area. We establish a closed-loop approach for integrating social action research with analytical sciences/engineering to understand risks associated with Hg2+ levels in artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Cauca department. We develop a platform known as closed-loop integration of social action and analytical chemistry research.
Effective Low-Intensity Strategies to Enhance School Success: What Every Educator Needs to Know—A Closing Commentary
Authors: Freeman Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Researchers have identified low-intensity classroom management strategies that, when implemented consistently, lead to significant improvements in student behavior. The strategies detailed in this special issue—behavior-specific praise, high-probability request sequence, precorrection, active supervision, instructional choice, and instructional feedback—can easily be embedded within academic instruction and result in decreased student disruptive behavior and increased academic engagement.
Coated inhomogeneities of arbitrary shape with internal uniform hydrostatic stress resultants in isotropic laminated plates
Authors: Wang Xu , Chen Liang , Schiavone Peter
Published: September 2018

We study the internal stress resultants inside an elastic inhomogeneity of arbitrary shape embedded in an infinite Kirchhoff plate (matrix) via an intermediate coating. Each material phase is considered an isotropic laminated plate and the surrounding matrix is subjected to uniform remote membrane stress resultants and bending moments. We find that internal uniform hydrostatic stress resultants within the inhomogeneity can be achieved when (i) the mapping function characterizing the shape of the inhomogeneity is identified and specialized accordingly; (ii) the relative coating thickness should satisfy a higher-order algebraic equation; (iii) several restrictions on the remote loading should be satisfied for given material and geometric parameters of the composite plate. When all these conditions are met, the hoop membrane stress resultant and hoop bending moment on the coating side are uniform along the entire inhomogeneity–coating interface.
Validation of the French Version of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale–Self-Report in a Large Cohort of Adult Patients With ADHD
Authors: Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Weibel Sébastien , Weiss Margaret , Gachet Marie , Guichard Kelly , Bioulac Stéphanie , Philip Pierre , Jaussent Isabelle , Dauvilliers Yves , Lopez Régis
Published: September 2018

Objective: To analyze the psychometric properties of the French version of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale–Self Report (WFIRS-S) in a large clinical sample of adults with ADHD. Method: Patients ( N = 363) were diagnosed with ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) criteria. Psychometric properties of the French version of the WFIRS-S were tested including construct validity with a confirmatory factor analysis, internal structural validity with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, external validity by correlations with the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI-II), and the EuroQol five-dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis found the following: root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.061, 90% confidence interval (CI) = [0.058, 0.063]; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.67. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .91. Correlations with EQ-5D descriptive index, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and BDI-II scores were –0.48, –0.55, and 0.53, respectively. Conclusion: The French version of the WFIRS-S is a psychometrically acceptable self-reported questionnaire for the multi-domain evaluation of functional impairments in adults with ADHD, for research and clinical purposes.
Polyethylene terephthalate/basalt stab-resistant sandwich composites based on the Box–Behnken design: Parameter optimization and empirical regression model
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Zhang Xiayun , Wu Liwei , Peng Haokai , Shiu Bing-Chiuan , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: September 2018

In this study, the thicknesswise fibers of the low-melting polyethylene terephthalate (LPET) nonwoven fabrics are needle punched and intertwined with the intra-laminar basalt fibers (BF) of basalt plain woven fabric in order to strengthen the stab-resistant property of LPET/BF sandwich composites as well as to fabricate armor that is composed of less lamination layers. Two LPET nonwoven fabrics and a BF plain woven fabric as an interlayer are laminated and combined using a needle-punch reinforcing method. The response surface analysis based on the Box–Behnken design is used to examine the influences of structure parameters of low-melting PET nonwoven fabrics including areal density (AD) and manufacture parameters including needle punching density (ND), and depth of needle punch (DP) on the spike stab resistance, knife stab resistance, bursting resistance, and tensile property. An empirical regression model of AD, ND, and DP is thereby established. The test results show that the bursting strength and quasi-static stab resistance of sandwich composites are highly dependent on AD and ND. Likewise, DP has a significant influence on the knife stab resistance and bursting strength, while the tensile strength is solely dependent on ND. According to the empirical regress model, the acquired optimal needle punching parameters of sandwich composites are an AD of 400 g/m2, ND of 143.77 needles/cm2, and DP of 6.41 mm. The 95% confidence interval yielded by the empirical regression model is in conformity with the test results. The empirical regression model of the stab resistance is proven to provide effective prediction of the number of lamination layers required by armor in the future.
Upper arm basilic vein elevation as a solution for forearm ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistulae with cannulation problems
Authors: Mallios Alexandros , Jennings William , Costanzo Alessandro , Boura Benoit , Combes Myriam
Published: September 2018

Background:

Ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistula is an alternative option when a radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula is not feasible. We review our technique of basilic vein transposition in the upper arm for difficult to puncture forearm ulnar-basilic non-transposed arteriovenous fistulae.

Technical note:

Three patients were referred for forearm ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistulae with difficult cannulation where the forearm basilic vein was left in situ (non-transposed). Surgeon performed ultrasound examination confirmed a patent arteriovenous fistula with adequate diameter and flow, draining to the basilic vein in the forearm and into the upper arm. Recurrent new and resolving hematomas were present surrounding the forearm basilic vein resulting from difficult cannulation issues and problems maintaining needle position due the posterior-medial ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistula position and mobility of the non-transposed forearm basilic vein. A basilic vein transposition elevation procedure was performed in the upper arm starting at the level of the elbow to a few centimeters below the axilla. Branches of the dilated basilic vein were ligated, the median cutaneous nerve was preserved, and the vein was elevated from its native position to a superficial and anterior location. Although difficult, dialysis access had been continued in the forearm during a brief period and none required catheter placement. Reliable dialysis access was successfully initiated using the newly transposed basilic vein in the upper arm 3–4 weeks after the procedure, maintaining arterial inflow based on the original ulnar-basilic arteriovenous fistula anastomosis at the wrist. None of the patients required further interventions with follow-up of 8, 15, and 22 months.
Hybridizing pedagogical models: A systematic review
Authors: González-Víllora Sixto , Evangelio Carlos , Sierra-Díaz Jacob , Fernández-Río Javier
Published: September 2018

The goal of this study was to assess hybridizations conducted among pedagogical models (PMs) from 1st to 12th grade (six–18 years) in physical education (PE). Research articles selected were found through Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, SportDiscus (EBSCO), ERIC (ProQuest) and Google Scholar databases. The keywords associated with PMs (e.g. models-based practice and sport education (SE)), hybridization (e.g. hybrid), PE and educational levels (e.g. middle school) were used in different combinations. The articles were selected using the following criteria: (a) peer-reviewed studies in international journals indexed in JCR/Scopus; (b) PM hybridizations; (c) quantitative and/or qualitative methods and findings; (d) school context research; and (e) published in English or Spanish. 20 articles were identified as being of moderate/high quality. Results showed that the PMs used in the hybridizations determined the outcomes, and these were grouped in two major categories: (a) game-related skills (physical/motor and cognitive domains), which included game understanding and tactical–technical skills; and (b) psychosocial variables (social and affective domains), which included psychological, social and personal development. The combination of SE and sport initiation models favoured the first category, while the hybrid models which included cooperative learning and/or teaching for personal and social responsibility favoured the second one. There seems to be an advantage for hybrid over isolated PM implementation, because the former can promote outcomes in many different domains, overcoming the constraints of single PMs. Teachers’ commitment, training and experience of PMs were key features for a successful hybridization.
Legal and ethical issues surrounding the use of crowdsourcing among healthcare providers
Authors: Sims Max H , Hodges Shaw Margie , Gilbertson Seth , Storch Joseph , Halterman Marc W
Published: September 2018

As the pace of medical discovery widens the knowledge-to-practice gap, technologies that enable peer-to-peer crowdsourcing have become increasingly common. Crowdsourcing has the potential to help medical providers collaborate to solve patient-specific problems in real time. We recently conducted the first trial of a mobile, medical crowdsourcing application among healthcare providers in a university hospital setting. In addition to acknowledging the benefits, our participants also raised concerns regarding the potential negative consequences of this emerging technology. In this commentary, we consider the legal and ethical implications of the major findings identified in our previous trial including compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, patient protections, healthcare provider liability, data collection, data retention, distracted doctoring, and multi-directional anonymous posting. We believe the commentary and recommendations raised here will provide a frame of reference for individual providers, provider groups, and institutions to explore the salient legal and ethical issues before they implement these systems into their workflow.
The technological performance of populism
Authors: Baldwin-Philippi Jessica
Published: September 2018

This article investigates the Trump campaign’s strategic use of digital platforms and their affordances and norms that contribute to a technological performance of populism. To do so, I build on theories of populism as a performance, rather than a set of identifiable qualities, and make a theoretical intervention calling for the need to add a material and technological focus to how scholars approach the concept in our contemporary media environment. This article presents a model for understanding populist affordances as those that center “the people” to various degrees, and applies that model in a case study of how campaigns in the 2016 US presidential race engaged in a technological performance of populism across a variety of platforms, including email, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and campaign-created mobile apps. Central to this analysis are campaign strategies of controlled interactivity, amateurism, participatory/user-generated content, and data-driven campaigning.
The effect of failure to comply with technological and technical requirements on the condition of newly built cement mortar floors
Authors: Hoła Jerzy , Sadowski Łukasz , Hoła Anna
Published: September 2018

The article presents the results of “in situ” tests of two new cement mortar floors that were made defectively in an important public building with a large area. The performed results of organoleptic tests and extensive strength tests, which are helpful in determining the causes of numerous and various defects in floors, were presented. It was observed that the source of the aforementioned causes is not only the failure to comply with the technological and technical conditions and requirements for laying a cement mortar mix and the execution of floors but also the lack of appropriate supervision over the entire flooring process. The causes of defects were determined and should help to avoid similar situations in the future.
The influence of the regulatory, normative and cognitive institutions on entrepreneurial orientation in South Africa
Authors: Urban Boris
Published: September 2018

Understanding the impact that the institutional environment may have on entrepreneurial orientation (EO) in an under-explored African context is important, considering that researchers argue that firms can leverage entrepreneurship to respond to and take advantage of the institutional environment. Rather than merely use an EO aggregate, this article provides a more nuanced approach by analysing how the regulatory, normative and cognitive institutional environments influence each of the EO dimensions. The article hypotheses are confirmed where results highlight the importance of the institutional forces in shaping EO innovativeness, risk-taking and proactiveness. In particular, the cognitive institutional dimension plays a significant role in determining a firm’s EO levels, as educational attainments and other forms of human capital investments are in short supply in Africa, making them highly prized resources for firms engaged in EO. Implications suggest that firms in emerging market environments need to foster high levels of EO to effectively deal with the institution-specific conditions.
Relative glycosidic bond stabilities of naturally occurring methylguanosines: 7-methylation is intrinsically activating
Authors: Devereaux Zachary J , Zhu Y , Rodgers MT
Published: September 2018

The frequency and diversity of posttranscriptional modifications add an additional layer of chemical complexity beyond canonical nucleic acid sequence. Methylations are particularly frequently occurring and often highly conserved throughout the kingdoms of life. However, the intricate functions of these modified nucleic acid constituents are often not fully understood. Systematic foundational research that reduces systems to their minimum constituents may aid in unraveling the complexities of nucleic acid biochemistry. Here, we examine the relative intrinsic N-glycosidic bond stabilities of guanosine and five naturally occurring methylguanosines (O2′-, 1-, 7-, N2,N2-di-, and N2,N2,O2′-trimethylguanosine) probed by energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry and complemented with quantum chemical calculations. Apparent glycosidic bond stability is generally found to increase with increasing methyl substitution (canonical < mono- < di- < trimethylated). Many biochemical transformations, including base excision repair mechanisms, involve protonation and/or noncovalent interactions to increase nucleobase leaving-group ability. The protonated gas-phase methylguanosines require less activation energy for glycosidic bond cleavage than their sodium cationized forms. However, methylation at the N7 position intrinsically weakens the glycosidic bond of 7-methylguanosine more significantly than subsequent cationization, and thus 7-methylguanosine is suggested to be under perpetually activated conditions. N7 methylation also alters the nucleoside geometric preferences relative to the other systems, including the nucleobase orientation in the neutral form, sugar puckering in the protonated form, and the preferred protonation and sodium cation binding sites. All of the methylated guanosines examined here are predicted to have proton affinities and gas-phase basicities that exceed that of canonical guanosine. Additionally, the proton affinity and gas-phase basicity trends exhibit a roughly inverse correlation with the apparent glycosidic bond stabilities.
How do care staff in residential aged care facilities conceptualise their non-verbal interactions with residents with dementia and what relevance has this for how residents’ preferences and capacity for decision-making are understood?
Authors: Cameron Nadine , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Bauer Michael , Tarzia Laura
Published: September 2018

This paper considers the significance of how staff in residential aged care facilities interpret the non-verbal communication and behaviour of residents vis-a-vis their assessments of residents’ preferences and ability to participate in decision-making. It highlights the risks associated with staff members’ failure to interpret residents’ non-verbal communication and behaviour with reference to residents’ backgrounds and prior experiences. It also considers how non-verbal communication implemented by staff may impact residents’ emotional state and, as a consequence, decision-making abilities. Drawing on interview data with aged care staff from Queensland and Victoria, it demonstrates that care staff in residential facilities appear to rely heavily on non-verbal signals in assessing the decision-making capacity and preferences of residents with dementia. It also indicates that many staff fail to consider residents’ non-verbal communication and behaviour with due consideration of residents’ individual histories.
The role of life histories in an age of apology: A presence of the past?
Authors: De Wilde Lieselot , Vanobbergen Bruno , Roets Griet
Published: September 2018

Based on an oral history study that retrospectively explores the life histories of former orphans in the city of Ghent (Belgium) after the Second World War, we analyse and critique the role of historical research in the current apology trend. Due to the crucial role of (oral) history in these out-of-home care inquiries, these official public apologies, offered by the state as an attempt to come to terms with the past, deserve some specific academic attention in social work research. By inquiring into historical abuse in child welfare and educational institutions, governments of the Western world attempt to close a rather dark chapter in their national histories. Relying on research insights emerging from our research project with formerly orphaned children, we argue that it is impossible to puzzle together one common historical narrative. Moreover, we discovered that the history of the Ghent orphanages is still very much debated and alive more than 35 years after their doors were closed. In this article, we tease out how life histories can play a role in Western welfare states today. We therefore explore the relevance of the notion of ‘presence’ in order to rethink the relationship between the past and the present.
Time extended, discretion expanded
Authors: Lau Martin
Published: September 2018

In the latest saga of the Astro v First Media litigation, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (HKCFA) allowed First Media’s out-of-time challenge against enforcement of New York Convention arbitral awards rendered in favour of the Astro Group. This note critically analyses the Court of Final Appeal’s decision. It argues that there was no compelling reason to reject the structured approach as adopted by the lower courts. This is because, on a correct reading of the said approach, it could accommodate the very concerns that troubled the HKCFA. Meanwhile, the ‘overall justice’ test as adopted by the HKCFA lacks guidance power and its application to the facts was questionable. To this end, it is argued that, as and when similar issues arise in other jurisdictions, a careful judgment would have to be made as to whether the Hong Kong approach should be followed.
Predictive models for identifying risk of readmission after index hospitalization for heart failure: A systematic review
Authors: Mahajan Satish M , Heidenreich Paul , Abbott Bruce , Newton Ana , Ward Deborah
Published: September 2018

Aims:

Readmission rates for patients with heart failure have consistently remained high over the past two decades. As more electronic data, computing power, and newer statistical techniques become available, data-driven care could be achieved by creating predictive models for adverse outcomes such as readmissions. We therefore aimed to review models for predicting risk of readmission for patients admitted for heart failure. We also aimed to analyze and possibly group the predictors used across the models.

Methods:

Major electronic databases were searched to identify studies that examined correlation between readmission for heart failure and risk factors using multivariate models. We rigorously followed the review process using PRISMA methodology and other established criteria for quality assessment of the studies.

Results:

We did a detailed review of 334 papers and found 25 multivariate predictive models built using data from either health system or trials. A majority of models was built using multiple logistic regression followed by Cox proportional hazards regression. Some newer studies ventured into non-parametric and machine learning methods. Overall predictive accuracy with C-statistics ranged from 0.59 to 0.84. We examined significant predictors across the studies using clinical, administrative, and psychosocial groups.

Conclusions:

Complex disease management and correspondingly increasing costs for heart failure are driving innovations in building risk prediction models for readmission. Large volumes of diverse electronic data and new statistical methods have improved the predictive power of the models over the past two decades. More work is needed for calibration, external validation, and deployment of such models for clinical use.
Choice of propulsion plants for container vessels operating under Short Sea Shipping conditions in the European Union: An assessment focused on the environmental impact on the intermodal chains
Authors: Martínez-López Alba , Caamaño Sobrino Pilar , Chica González Manuel , Trujillo Lourdes
Published: September 2018

The unbalanced evolution of the environmental normative in the European Union for the different transport modes has led to a broader debate about whether Short Sea Shipping is still a green transport mode. This discussion is especially pertinent because there is no technological alternative indisputably identified as the most adequate one to meet the emission requirements in the emission control area without penalizing the competitiveness of Short Sea Shipping. The objective of this article is to assess the performance of intermodal chains versus trucking in terms of costs, times, and externalities when the selected fleet for Short Sea Shipping is made up of optimal container vessels operating with different propulsion plants and fuels in compliance with emission control area requirements. This is, Tier III- four-stroke diesel engine with marine gas oil, a Tier III- four-stroke diesel engine Tier III with scrubber and heavy fuel oil, and a four-stroke dual engine operating with liquefied natural gas. To this aim, a mathematical model, which is able to provide optimized technical and operative features of the vessels, is modified and solved for an intermodal chain between Spain and France through the Atlantic coast. This study shows that dual liquefied natural gas engines prove to be not only the most sustainable solution but also the most suitable in terms of costs, as long as the difference in price between liquefied natural gas and petroleum fuels is equal to the base case or within a modification range of 20%. This study also highlights that due to the limited range of Short Sea Shipping vessels, the loss of the cargo capacity in holds by the gas tanks arrangement was not significant.
Re-use of Ground Rubber Waste - A Review
Authors: De S. K.
Published: September 2018

Disposal of worn out tyres and other rubber-based products is a global problem. They are not biodegradable. Since they are crosslinked, they can not be recycled like thermoplastics. Keeping the environmental and economic factors in mind, it is envisaged that the disposal problem could be solved by incorporating ground waste rubber into virgin polymer matrices.
Properties of Rubber Materials Containing Recycled Microbially Devulcanized Cryo-Ground Tire Rubber
Authors: Bredberg Katarina , Christiansson Magdalena , Bellander Martin , Stenberg Bengt , Holst Olle
Published: September 2018

Cryo-ground tire rubber was treated with the sulfur oxidizing bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in order to devulcanize the surface of the ground particles. The devulcanized rubber (15% (w/w)) was mixed with carbon black filled natural rubber, and subsequently vulcanized. The physical properties of the resulting material were examined. This study shows that the stress relaxation properties are improved due to the microbial treatment. The stress at break and swelling properties are also positively affected by this process.
Toughening Studies of an Unsaturated Polyester Resin Using Maleated Elastomers
Authors: Benny Cherian A. , Thachil Eby Thomas
Published: September 2018

Unsaturated polyester resins are extensively used in the fibre-reinforced plastic industry. The fracture toughness and impact resistance of rigid unsaturated polyester can be improved by the incorporation of elastomers by physical and chemical methods. In the physical method, two strategies are adopted. In the first, various masticated elastomers are dissolved in styrene and blended with unsaturated polyester resin. In this study, the mechanical properties of cured blends are compared with the unmodified resin and the performance of nitrile rubber is found to be far superior to all other rubbers considered. In the second approach, elastomers are modified by grafting with maleic anhydride. These maleated elastomers are then dissolved in styrene and blended with polyester resin. Maleic anhydride modified elastomers are found to improve the mechanical properties such as toughness, impact resistance and tensile strength of the cured resin to a greater extent compared to unmodified elastomers.
Decomposition of GFRP in Nitric Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide Solution for Chemical Recycling
Authors: Dang Weirong , Kubouchi Masatoshi , Maruyama Takuya , Sembokuya Hideki , Tsuda Ken
Published: September 2018

Decomposition of Glass Fiber Reinforced epoxy resin cured with amine in nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution has been investigated. After specimens were immersed in above solutions for a specific time, glass fiber could be separated from matrix resulting from the decomposition of matrix resin. The chemical structures and molecular weight distributions of the decomposed products were analyzed by FT-IR and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). When nitric acid was used, the resin was mainly decomposed into 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid) and quasi-monomer. In the case of hydrogen peroxide, the backbone of resin was broken into monomer and dimer, or peracetic acid, depending on immersion time. On the other hand, glass fiber exhibited low corrosion resistance to nitric acid, while it was hardly degraded in hydrogen peroxide. Based on analyzing the decomposed products and observing the degradation of glass fiber, the chemical recycling method on GFRP was proposed.
Dielectric Cure Analysis of Epoxy Resins before Gelation
Authors: Koike Tsuneo
Published: September 2018

Dielectric measuring methods have been widely used for monitoring the curing system of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA), a typical commercially available epoxide oligomer. The uncured DGEBA oligomer is regarded as a simple structural model for the reactive DGEBA-curing agent system before gelation. Dielectric monitoring methods, which are based on viscoelastic data of uncured DGEBA, are reviewed in terms of the real-time monitoring of the DGEBA curing system.
The WEEE Directive: Information and Opportunities for Plastics Recycling
Authors: Goodship V. , Cain R.L. , Reynolds N. , Pharaoh M.W.
Published: September 2018

The forthcoming EU directive on Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment will have far reaching effects throughout the plastics supply chain. Important factors are discussed such as the directives scope and policing, design and disassembly and potential market opportunities within and outside the existing supply chain.
Mechanical Properties of Rubber Scrap – Polyolefine Compositions
Authors: Kowalska Ewa
Published: September 2018

The mechanical properties and the structure of sections of specimens prepared from rubber scrap – polyolefin compositions were investigated. The comminuted vulcanised rubber scrap rubber scrap was used in an amount of 5 – 75 wt%. The mode of incorporation and the method of preparation of the composition in a single-screw or a twin screw extruder, was examined. The maximum amount of the rubber scrap that can be added to compositions prepared by single screw extruder and a twin screw extruder was found to be up to 75 wt% and up to 30 wt% and for both polyolefins, respectively. Silanes were studied as additives intended to compatibilize thermoplastics and rubber scrap. The mode of incorporation of silanes and the method of preparation of the composition were examined. The mechanism of formation of rubber scrap – polyolefin compositions was defined.
Kinetics of Crystallisation of Polymers - A Review
Authors: Sajkiewicz P.
Published: September 2018

A review covering nucleation modes and models of polymer crystallization kinetics. The classical models assume the rate of crystallization to be related to temperature only. For materials exhibiting low molecular mobility, e.g., polymers, time effects appear justified. Ziabicki's model (51-53) allows the rate to be related to time. In thermal nucleation, this relation stems from the delay of the steady-state condition to become established under specific external conditions. The athermal mechanism of nucleation produces another time effect. It involves no potential barriers to be overcome by a cluster to become a nucleus and proceeds only on account of the change in the criterion for the nucleus stability (critical size) as external conditions are modified. Experiments showed the (iso and non-isothermal) crystallization rate to be directly related to time. The underlying phenomenon involves the athermal nucleation occurring on crystal residues left in the melt and the relaxation effect upon subsequent thermal nucleation. The applicability of Ziabicki's model is demonstrated.
Ecological Assessment of Natural Fibre Reinforced Components and Thermoplastics for Automotive Parts
Authors: Flake Michael , Fleissner Thomas , Hansen Anja
Published: September 2018

Renewable raw materials are generally considered as environmentally friendly. According to the Life Cycle Assessment method, this paper presents an investigation of different automotive parts based on natural fibres and plastics. During their whole life cycle, from the provision of raw materials up to their recycling, expenditures of matter, energy and emissions are compared in order to identify the ecological effects of production and the usefulness of the parts investigated.

It is shown that with respect to the demand for matter and energy and to environmentally relevant emissions, a side panel consisting of natural fibres is more advantageous than the reference part consisting of ABS injection moulding. Ecological optimisation is related to a substitution of the epoxy resin hardener system. Cultivation and processing of fibre plants are ecologically harmless in comparison to the other life cycle stages. Weighing less, further ecological advantages of natural fibre parts result from energy savings during the utilisation of a car. So far, material recycling is difficult for the natural fibre composite, therefore, incineration (or deposition) is the best disposal option. Ecological effects of the boot panels are determined by construction and by materials employed. Depending on the design, also plastics can result in lighter components.
Use of an Alternative Colorant for Polyethylene Fuel Tanks Recycling
Authors: Gorrasi Giuliana , Di Maio Luciano , Vittoria Vittoria , Acierno Domenico
Published: September 2018

A black colorant alternative to carbon black, for Polyethylene tanks, which avoids the hysteresis of solvent and allows a more friendly recycling process, was studied. Sorption-desorption isotherms where obtained using a model molecule (n-heptane), in order to simulate the contact with the fuel. The material pigmented with the alternative black colorant was put in contact with liquid fuel for six months: after desorption the rheological behaviour was analyzed at 240°C. Films were obtained after contact with fuel, and submitted to dynamic mechanical analysis. The experimental data were compared with the ones obtained from the material utilized by FIAT Company (Italy) for fuel tanks (carbon black pigmented), both virgin and used ones.
Epoxy Resin Based on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Waste: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Atta Ayman M.
Published: September 2018

Aromatic epoxy resin based on poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, was synthesised by glycolysis of PET with different ratios of diethanolamine or triethanolamine and manganese acetate as a catalyst. The glycolyzed products were reacted with epichlorohydrine to prepare a series of di- and tetraglycidyl epoxy resins with different molecular weights. P-Phenylene diamine and diaminodiphenylether were used as curing agents. The curing reactions and thermal properties of cured aromatic epoxy resins were investigated. Curing and post cure peaks were observed in dynamic DSC thermograms. The crosslinked network was thermally stable up to 470oC. Preliminary tests indicate that the resins exhibit superior adhesion properties.
Dynamometric Analysis of the Tear Resistance Performance of Polyolefin Based Materials
Authors: Suman Michele
Published: September 2018

The use of plastic packaging materials characterised by tear resistance properties is always more critical in manifold commercial sectors, where a consumer might re-use a package many times.

Here a method is proposed for determining the energy necessary to propagate a tear in a test film sample, to simulate the opening operation of a package.

This method has been adopted for comparing the properties of different materials based on Cast Polypropylene (CPP), Biaxially-Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Respect to the lowest tear resistance showed by BOPP and, in part, by films combined with it, there are higher performances expressed by CPP and HDPE materials.

The break point energy registered is a useful parameter to use for comparing the three materials.
Flexible Polyurethane Foams from Recycled PET
Authors: Rossi Peter , Kosior Edward , Iovenitti Pio , Massod Syed , Sbarski Igor
Published: September 2018

Plastic packaging forms a significant portion of household waste, and PET soft drink bottles represent a major percentage of the waste. Consequently, PET bottle grade material makes up a significant portion of the feedstock in the recycling plant at Visy plastics. The end uses are theoretically many, however, there are few applications for less purified grades of recycled PET. This paper presents the preliminary results of an industry based collaborative research project which aims to investigate the breaking down of recycled PET into its chemical building blocks using glycolysis. The main objective is to produce a polyester polyol for the polyurethane industry from recycled PET and to compare the properties with that of a virgin resin.
Effect of Model Pollutants on the Recycling of PE/PS Plastic Blends
Authors: Kallel Tasnim , Massardier-Nageotte Valérie , Jaziri Mohamed , Gérard Jean-François , Elleuch Boubaker
Published: September 2018

PE/PS blends have been extensively studied with the objective of improving their recycling. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of potential pollutants on properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/polystyrene (PS) plastic blends. The pollutants selected were a polar molecule of low molar mass, i.e. ethylene glycol, and an oil for engine which can be considered as less polar higher molar mass molecules. Such study can be considered for the recycling of polymer wastes from automotive applications. The compatibilizer used for PE/PS blends was a non-grafted Styrene-Ethylene Butene-Styrene copolymer (SEBS). Rheological properties, morphology and mechanical properties were analyzed. Study of the morphologies and of the mechanical properties shows that a small polar molecule such as ethylene glycol can form a third phase whereas an oil can improve compatibilization (lower diameter of the dispersed phase, better adhesion). Morphologies are in good agreement with mechanical behavior. For PE/PS blends, the lower adhesion due to the presence of ethylene glycol induced a decrease of the viscosity and absorbed energy. On the opposite, the presence of oil decreases the diameter of the dispersed phase, which leads to a significant improvement of the impact properties.
In-situ Reactions between Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate and Nylon 6 Blends
Authors: Kegel Mark , Sbarski Igor , Iovenitti Pio , Masood Syed , Kosior Edward
Published: September 2018

In this research the interaction between Nylon 6 (N6) and Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET) have been examined. In particular the condensation reaction between ester and amine groups during the solid stating process. This has the effect of creating an in-situ compatibaliser between the two incompatible phases in the blend. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) are the techniques used to identify the presence of the RPET/N6 copolymer. It was found that there was a copolymer formed during solid stating and that this was a time dependent reaction.
Melt Rheology of Thermoplastic Elastomers from High Density Polyethylene/Styrene – Butadiene Rubber Blends: Effect of Blend Ratio and Dynamic Vulcanization
Authors: Jayasree T. K. , Pradeep P. , Thomas S. , Menon A. R. R.
Published: September 2018

The melt rheological behavior of HDPE/Styrene butadiene Rubber blends has been investigated with special reference to the effect of blend ratio, shear stress and temperature using capillary rheometer. HDPE/SBR blends show pseudoplastic behavior, which evidenced by the decrease in viscosity with increase in shear rate. The flow behavior index also support the pseudoplastic nature of these blends. The viscosity of the blends increase as the amount of SBR increases. The shear viscosity versus composition of the blends showed negative deviation, which is more pronounced at low shear rates. Various theoretical models are used to predict the melt viscosity of the blends. The influence of dynamic crosslinking using different curing systems on the rheological properties of the blends has been analyzed. A shear-rate superposition analysis has been done to predict the melt viscosities of the system as a function of temperature. Using a plot of modified shear stress versus shear rates; it is seen that various curves were unified as a single master curve.