bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 2 diabetes and heart failure: Characteristics and prognosis in preserved, mid-range and reduced ventricular function
Authors: Johansson Isabelle , Dahlström Ulf , Edner Magnus , Näsman Per , Rydén Lars , Norhammar Anna
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To study the characteristics and prognostic implications of type 2 diabetes in different heart failure entities from a nationwide perspective.

Methods:

This observational study comprised 30,696 heart failure patients prospectively included in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF) 2003–2011 from specialist care, with mortality information available until December 2014. Patients were categorized into three heart failure entities by their left ventricular ejection fraction (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: ⩾50%, heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction: 40%–49% and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: <40%). All-cause mortality stratified by type 2 diabetes and heart failure entity was studied by Cox regression.

Results:

Among the patients, 22% had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, 21% had heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction and 57% had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The proportion of type 2 diabetes was similar, ≈25% in each heart failure entity. Patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were older, more often female and burdened with hypertension and renal impairment compared with heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients among whom ischaemic heart disease was more common. Type 2 diabetes remained an independent mortality predictor across all heart failure entities after multivariable adjustment, somewhat stronger in heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction below 50% (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval; heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: 1.32 [1.22–1.43], heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction: 1.51 [1.39–1.65], heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: 1.46 [1.39–1.54]; p-value for interaction, p = 0.0049).

Conclusion:

Type 2 diabetes is an independent mortality predictor across all heart failure entities increasing mortality risk by 30%–50%. In type 2 diabetes, the heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction entity resembles heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in clinical characteristics, risk factor pattern and prognosis.
Catalytic Leadership in Food & Fitness Community Partnerships
Authors: Tsuchiya Kazumi , Howard Caldwell Cleopatra , Freudenberg Nicholas , Silver Michele , Wedepohl Sarah , Lachance Laurie
Published: September 2018

Catalytic leadership is a type of multidimensional leadership that facilitates cross-sector collaboration to enact systems and policy changes within communities. Catalytic leaders provide opportunities for stakeholders to partner and merge their efforts to create new opportunities for their work. Catalytic leaders are individuals, organizations, and collaborative partnerships that stimulate partnership alliances. Additionally, catalytic partnerships facilitate the process of collaboration through encouraging and supporting stakeholders to work together effectively and successfully. This article provides examples of catalytic leadership roles that emerged from the Food & Fitness community partnerships. These partnerships were funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to increase access to locally grown food and safe places to play for children and families through systems and policy changes in communities throughout the United States. Key strategies and types of support (i.e., informational and instrumental support) provided through Food & Fitness catalytic leadership that sustained the work of these partnerships was discussed. Based on catalytic leadership strategies identified and types of support provided, outcomes that emerged from this work were also described. We conclude with key recommendations for community partnerships interested in serving as catalytic leaders for large-scale initiatives in their communities.
Using a Systems Approach to Achieve Impact and Sustain Results
Authors: Zurcher Kathleen A. , Jensen Jon , Mansfield Ann
Published: September 2018

Successful implementation of the Food & Fitness Initiative depended on community partners transforming complex systems to support healthy eating and active living, while addressing health equity. To apply systems thinking in diverse communities and in partnership with stakeholders who had differing levels of education and experience, we assembled a clear conceptual framework, an effective toolkit, and multiple opportunities to build capacity. This article describes the ways that we deployed systems thinking within the initiative, both collectively and at individual sites, and what we learned. Community partners offer advice to others who seek to transform complex systems.
Lessons Learned From Food & Fitness About Building Successful Partnerships: Focus, Capacity, and Sustainability
Authors: Lachance Laurie , Quinn Martha , Kowalski-Dobson Theresa
Published: September 2018

Approaches undertaken by the Food & Fitness (F&F) community partnerships demonstrate that engaging community residents in the process of creating systems change strengthens the ability of neighborhoods, organizations, and institutions to foster and sustain those changes over time. The F&F partnerships were established to increase access to locally grown food and safe places for physical activity for children and families in communities with inequities across the United States. A critical focus of this initiative has been to use community-determined approaches to create changes in policies, infrastructures, and systems that will lead not only to change but also to sustainable change that positively influences health equity. During the 9 years of the initiative, lessons were learned about the fundamental elements that built the foundation for success across all partnership work. Data were extracted from the systems and policy change tracking forms related to efforts for all F&F sites over the entire implementation period (2009-2016). Documentation related to both the process and outcomes of the efforts were qualitatively analyzed to determine factors related to success. The following factors have emerged from our analyses and uncover a deeper understanding of what actions and factors were critical for the work: focus of the work over time, capacity built in the partnerships, and sustainability of the work and outcomes.
Working Together to Improve Community-Level Health: The Evolution of the New York City Food & Fitness Partnership
Authors: Capers Tracey
Published: September 2018

The New York City Food & Fitness Partnership case study discusses how the scope and abundance of diverse community stakeholders can create difficulties when addressing and conducting work in a large city landscape. We describe our 9-year journey, from initial citywide planning, to early challenges, to rebirth as a Central Brooklyn–focused effort led by a community development corporation. We describe difficult and transparent conversations, and the various leadership changes and organizational transitions that have helped the partnership embrace equity frameworks. We illustrate how these principles have been demonstrated in their efforts to be community driven, ensuring that intended beneficiaries would be involved in every stage of decision making.
Improving Would Healing Ability by Training: Experiences of China
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Lu Shuliang , Wen Bin , Fu Xiaobing
Published: September 2018

In China, chronic wounds are an important issue. However, wound care knowledge and the skill of health care professionals varies among hospitals and cities. A training program in wound care in China was completed in 2015 and achieved great success. To facilitate expertise in wound healing in China, a sequential training project supported by the Wound Healing Union and the Chinese Medical Doctor Association was initiated. The aim of the training program was mainly to improve experience and skills in wound healing. Until December 2016, a total of 301 medical staffs, including 134 physicians and 167 nurses, have been trained. Most of the doctors (92 of 134) and nurses (142 of 167) were from Grade IIIA/B hospitals, and there were no doctors and nurses from community hospitals. Most participants were satisfied about the training program, and more nurses were satisfied (79%) than doctors (60%). All trainees have completed 4½ months of training and passed a final examination.
Robot vision ultra-wideband wireless sensor in non-cooperative industrial environments
Authors: Galajda Pavol , Galajdova Alena , Slovak Stanislav , Pecovsky Martin , Drutarovsky Milos , Sukop Marek , Samaneh Ihab BA
Published: September 2018

In this article, the ultra-wideband technology for localization and tracking of the robot gripper (behind the obstacles) in industrial environments is presented. We explore the possibilities of ultra-wideband radar sensor network employing the centralized data fusion method that can significantly improve tracking capabilities in a complex environment. In this article, we present ultra-wideband radar sensor network hardware demonstrator that uses a new wireless ultra-wideband sensor with an embedded controller to detect and track online or off-line movement of the robot gripper. This sensor uses M-sequence ultra-wideband radars front-end and low-cost powerful processors on a system on chip with the advanced RISC machines (ARM) architecture as a main signal processing block. The ARM-based single board computer ODROID-XU4 platform used in our ultra-wideband sensor can provide processing power for the preprocessing of received raw radar signals, algorithms for detection and estimation of target’s coordinates, and finally, compression of data sent to the data fusion center. Data streams of compressed target coordinates are sent from each sensor node to the data fusion center in the central node using standard the wireless local area network (WLAN) interface that is the feature of the ODROID-XU4 platform. The article contains experimental results from measurements where sensors and antennas are located behind the wall or opaque material. Experimental testing confirmed capability of real-time performance of developed ultra-wideband radar sensor network hardware and acceptable precision of software. The introduced modular architecture of ultra-wideband radar sensor network can be used for fast development and testing of new real-time localization and tracking applications in industrial environments.
Hexapod with legs based on Peaucellier–Lipkin mechanisms
Authors: Juárez-Campos Ignacio , Núñez-Altamirano Diego A , Márquez-Pérez Lucia , Romero-Muñoz Leonardo , Juárez-Campos Beatriz
Published: September 2018

This article describes the way in which six nontraditional legs collaborate to provide locomotion to a walking machine when it moves along a path. Such legs are based on the one-degree-of-freedom Peaucellier–Lipkin mechanism, which was modified by the addition of four degrees of freedom. Such five-degree-of-freedom legs have the ability to adapt their postures according to the center of rotation around of which the machine walks. The attributes and abilities of the hexapod are expressed by means of a mathematical framework, which grants the spatial description and required joint variables, according to a specific task, resulting in the configuration of its legs for a particular path planning. Additionally, the article presents an illustrative example describing a detailed procedure concerning the configurations and collaboration of their legs according to an imposed center of rotation around of which the six-legged robot walks.
Intra and inter-reliability testing of a South African developed computerised notational system among Western Province Club Rugby Coaches
Authors: Painczyk Heinrich , Hendricks Sharief , Kraak Wilbur
Published: September 2018

The coach’s role is to enhance the performance of players through observing the performance, evaluating the performance, providing feedback on the performance and then implementing appropriate interventions to improve the performance. In coaching environments specifically, there can only be confidence in the data generated from computerised notational systems if the system provides reliable information and statistics. There are many systems on the market that are being utilised by amateur club rugby coaches and performance analysts; yet only a few have been tested for reliability. The aim of the study is to firstly, determine the inter- and intra-coder reliability of a South African developed computerised notational systems and secondly, to compare the coding proficiency of Western Province Rugby Union club coaches versus an experienced coder. Five club coaches with no prior experience of computerised notational systems or coding and one experienced coder participated in the study. The participants ( n = 6) each coded five international rugby matches and re-coded two of these matches to determine the intra-coder reliability. The reliability between the different coding agreements was measured using Cohen’s kappa statistic (К). The study revealed a good inter-coder agreement for all the performance indicators (К = 0.79) with the strongest agreement being for the set pieces (К = 0.93). Very good intra-coder reliability was also revealed for all the coders; there was a mean of К = 0.82. Comparing the club coach’s coding to the experienced coder showed a good mean agreement of К = 0.77. The study concluded that the EncodeProRX is a reliable computerised notational systems that can be accurately and consistently used in club rugby set-up.
During forearm rotation the three-dimensional ulnolunate distance is affected more by translation of the ulnar head than change in ulnar variance
Authors: Shin Seung-Han , Lee Yong-Suk , Choi Keun-Young , Kwak Dai-Soon , Chung Yang-Guk
Published: September 2018

Ulnolunate abutment has been thought to be aggravated by pronation because of an increase in ulnar variance. We hypothesized that the ulnolunate distance might be greater in pronation because the ulnar head is dorsally translated. Twenty-one three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomographic scans of wrists taken in supination and pronation were investigated. The ulnolunate distance was measured in each position, and the change in ulnolunate distance from supination to pronation was calculated. The changes in ulnar variance from supination to pronation and the amount of translation of the ulnar head were measured directly by superimposing three-dimensional reconstructions. The mean ulnolunate distance in pronation was significantly greater than in supination. There was no significant correlation between the changes in ulnolunate distance and in the ulnar variance. The change in ulnolunate distance had a significant positive linear relationship with the amount of translation of the ulnar head. The change in ulnolunate distance during forearm rotation is determined by the amount of translation of the ulnar head rather than by change in ulnar variance.

Level of evidence: IV
Salivary biomarkers in association with periodontal parameters and the periodontitis risk haplotype
Authors: Liukkonen Joonas , Gürsoy Ulvi K , Könönen Eija , Gürsoy Mervi , Metso Jari , Salminen Aino , Kopra Elisa , Jauhiainen Matti , Mäntylä Päivi , Buhlin Kåre , Paju Susanna , Sorsa Timo , Nieminen Markku S , Lokki Marja-Liisa , Sinisalo Juha , Pussinen Pirkko J
Published: September 2018

Genetic factors play a role in periodontitis. Here we examined whether the risk haplotype of MHC class III region BAT1-NFKBIL1-LTA and lymphotoxin-α polymorphisms associate with salivary biomarkers of periodontal disease. A total of 455 individuals with detailed clinical and radiographic periodontal health data were included in the study. A 610 K genotyping chip and a Sequenom platform were used in genotyping analyses. Phospholipid transfer protein activity, concentrations of lymphotoxin-α, IL-8 and myeloperoxidase, and a cumulative risk score (combining Porphyromonas gingivalis, IL-1β and matrix metalloproteinase-8) were examined in saliva samples. Elevated IL-8 and myeloperoxidase concentrations and cumulative risk scores associated with advanced tooth loss, deepened periodontal pockets and signs of periodontal inflammation. In multiple logistic regression models adjusted for periodontal parameters and risk factors, myeloperoxidase concentration (odds ratio (OR); 1.37, P = 0.007) associated with increased odds for having the risk haplotype and lymphotoxin-α concentration with its genetic variants rs2857708, rs2009658 and rs2844482. In conclusion, salivary levels of IL-8, myeloperoxidase and cumulative risk scores associate with periodontal inflammation and tissue destruction, while those of myeloperoxidase and lymphotoxin-α associate with genetic factors as well.
When Do Frontline Hospitality Employees Take Charge? Prosocial Motivation, Taking Charge, and Job Performance: The Moderating Role of Job Autonomy
Authors: Cai Zhenyao , Huo Yuanyuan , Lan Junbang , Chen Ziguang , Lam Wing
Published: September 2018

This study draws on trait activation theory to examine the effects of frontline hospitality employees’ prosocial motivation on their taking charge and job performance and how job autonomy moderates these effects. We collected data in two stages from 185 pairs of frontline hospitality employees and their direct supervisors, and we found a positive relationship between employees’ prosocial motivation and their taking charge. In addition, job autonomy strengthened this positive relationship, and taking charge mediated the interactive effect of prosocial motivation and job autonomy on job performance. These results suggest that when frontline hospitality employees perceive their level of job autonomy to be high enough to activate their expression of prosocial motivation, they will be more likely to engage in taking charge, which should lead to a higher evaluation of their job performance. Theoretical and practical implications for hospitality industry were discussed at the end of the article.
Importance of Nesting Resources and Soil Conditions for the Recovery of Ant Diversity During Secondary Succession in a Tropical Rainforest
Authors: Rocha-Ortega Maya , García-Martínez Miguel Á.
Published: September 2018

The secondary succession of tropical rainforest in abandoned agricultural fields modifies components of species diversity and processes of species colonization and replacement. In general, knowledge on invertebrate reassembly is lacking, even though invertebrate assemblages directly influence the maturation of forests. Ants are especially useful for testing hypotheses about the effects of resource diversity and microhabitat conditions. We experimentally assessed the effects of different successional stages on nest colonization. Then, we assessed whether nesting resources and microhabitat conditions (i.e., abiotic conditions) are potential mechanisms that influence the colonization pattern of twig-dwelling ants along a natural chronosequence for 1 year in the Lacandon region, Mexico. We found that ant species richness in twigs is correlated with total species found in leaf litter. The nest occupancy increased as succession progressed, but species richness did not change. Nests occupation increased to greater artificial nesting resource decomposition rates and lower soil pH. Meanwhile, species richness was increased only with lower soil compaction. Species composition changes among successional categories; the changes were greater with greater soil compaction and soil pH. The diversity of nesting resources did not drive twig-dwelling ant assembly. We conclude that the natural maturation of tropical forest enables greater colonization of twig-dwelling ants, but recovery of the species composition of assemblages after 30 years is incomplete, although it shows a recovery trend.
Habitat Association and Conservation Status of the Endangered Giant Nuthatch (Sitta magna) in Thailand
Authors: Techachoochert Supatchaya , Gale George A. , Khudamrongsawat Jenjit , Round Philip D.
Published: September 2018

The Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna is restricted to southwestern China, eastern Myanmar, and northern Thailand. Although globally endangered, most aspects of its ecology remain as yet unquantified. To assess its habitat associations and population size, we conducted point counts with playback at 42 sample points across 12 discrete historical and potential localities within its Thai range during October to November 2015. Eleven habitat variables were measured, including three site-level vegetation variables and eight landscape variables were assessed, using geographic information system land cover maps. N-mixture models were applied to estimate density and extrapolate the size of the population. The Giant Nuthatch was found at four localities (12 of the 42 sample points) at elevations between 1,192 m and 1,738 m. It was not detected at four historical Giant Nuthatch localities in protected areas. Abundance increased with increasing elevation, increasing proportion of evergreen forest, and greater distance from villages. We estimated that the Thai population of Giant Nuthatch was approximately 964 individuals based on an average density of 1.96 individuals/km2 in approximately 491.8 km2 of appropriate forest habitat at 1,192 m to 1,951 m elevation. This may be an overestimate because available forest cover maps and images do not distinguish between the characteristic, patchily distributed, lower montane open pine–oak forest association used by Giant Nuthatch and denser, closed-canopy forest. Although Thailand’s Giant Nuthatch population may be better protected than those in adjoining countries, we suggest that it remains threatened by forest fragmentation and habitat degradation throughout its range. Further comprehensive research is needed to assess the status of the remaining global population and the reasons for its scarcity.
Optimization of Treatments for the Conversion of Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp to Dissolving Pulp
Authors: Köpcke Viviana , Ibarra David , Larsson Per Tomas , Ek Monica
Published: September 2018

Eucalyptus wood is known worldwide for its use in the production of kraft pulps and dissolving pulps. In our previous study, the feasibility of using a eucalyptus kraft pulp as a dissolving pulp was investigated. It was demonstrated that a kraft pulp subjected to a sequence of treatments that included enzymatic treatments using a xylanase and a monocomponent endoglucanase and, an alkali extraction, accomplished the requirements of a commercial dissolving pulp in terms of cellulose reactivity and hemicellulose content. Nevertheless, the low degree of polymerization and the presence of cellulose II showed that the combination of treatments had to be optimized. As a result, the parameters involved in the sequence of treatments were examined as well as their influence in the production of dissolving pulps. Furthermore, new sequences were tested. It was noticed that by decreasing the concentration of alkali in the alkali extraction stage, no cellulose II formed at short reaction times (10 min.) and that the degree of polymerization was increased. On the other hand, the cellulose reactivity and the hemicellulose content were barely affected. Moreover, a high pulp consistency (10%) led to an inhomogeneous mixture and the stirring effect was slightly noticeable.
Soya Based Polyurethane: Dynamic Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Patel Hemul V. , Raval Jignesh P. , Patel Pradip S.
Published: September 2018

Novel biobased polyurethanes from soyabean oil-derived polyols, soyabean oil phosphate ester polyol (SOPE), blending of SOPE with monoglyceride of soyabean oil (SOPESG) and blending of SOPE with polyethylene glycol 400 mol. wt (SOPEP14) using aromatic isocynate adduct(TDI-TMP) were prepared and their dynamic mechanical properties were investigated after casting sheets on glass plate. The results showed that the damping ability gets enhanced through the introduction of monoglyceride and PEG-400 in to the base resin system.
Characterization of the Potential of Soda Cooking to Extract Fibrous Residues from Rice Hulls
Authors: Ndazi Bwire S. , Karlsson Sigbritt
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the potential of soda cooking to extract fibrous residues from rice hulls was investigated. Soda cooking was carried out at 170°C for 60 minutes using 5 to 13% NaOH. The goal was to selectively degrade silica and lignin from the structure of the rice hulls and produce fibrous carbohydrates that could be used as fillers in polymer biocomposites. This was studied by characterizing the physical and chemical properties of the fibrous residues and the spent liquor products. Results of scanning electron microscopy have revealed a substantial fragmentation of rice hulls above 7.5% NaOH charge. The fragmentation was accompanied with a significant removal of silica and lignin and the reduction of fibrous residues yield to 57% at 13%NaOH. Wet chemical composition analyses, infrared spectroscopy and x-ray spectroscopy have also revealed that lignin and silica were partly retained in the fibrous residue while the carbohydrates content were not affected. It is therefore concluded that soda cooking could be among the best processes for dissolving lignin and silica from rice hulls if the cooking conditions are optimized.
Structure-Property Relation between Non-Mulberry Silk Fabrics and Goat Suede Leather
Authors: Sureshkumar P.S. , Thanikaivelan P. , Ashokkumar M. , Chandrasekaran B.
Published: September 2018

Lack of availability of good quality leather and growing demand for products force the researchers to find alternative materials or to partially substitute the usage of leather in products. Eco-friendly biodegradable materials are the need of the hour owing to growing environmental issues associated with the synthetic polymers. This study aims at assessing the physical, comfort, structural and thermal properties of non-mulberry silks such as eri, muga and a blend of eri and muga (EM) fabrics for their suitability to combine with goat suede leather for apparel application. It was found that all the selected fabrics exhibit comparable or even better comfort and mechanical properties to that of goat suede leather. Indeed tensile strength of muga fabric is much superior to goat suede leather. On the other hand, goat suede leather dominates in percentage elongation compared to all the selected fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopic analysis provide convincing evidences on the fact that all the selected silk fabrics are based on non-mulberry varieties. The thermal stability of all the three silk fabrics is better than goat suede leather. The results of this study suggest that the selected silk fabrics can be used for making apparel as well as other variety of products in combination with leather.
Effect of Alkali and Laccase Pretreatment of Brassica Campestris Straw: Architecture, Crystallisation, and Saccharification
Authors: Yang Peizhou , Jiang Shaotong , Zheng Zhi , Luo Shuizhong , Pan Lijun
Published: September 2018

The morphological architecture and enzymatic hydrolysis of Brassica campestris straw after pretreatment with alkali and then with laccase was investigated. The results show that the diameters and depths of holes on the surface using the alkali and laccase pretreatment are larger than those observed with alkali pretreatment alone. At the same time, the crystallinity indices after alkali and laccase pretreatment are 1.1% higher compared with those observed after alkali pretreatment alone. The components were investigated, and saccharification analysis was carried out. The results showed that the contents of glucose (121 ± 1.1 g/L), xylose (55.9 ± 1.4 g/L), and total reducing sugar (195.3 ± 8.2 g/L) with the alkali and laccase treatment are 38, 193, and 69% higher than with the alkali pretreatment alone. Correspondingly, saccharification reaches 48.8 and 28.9% respectively with the alkali and laccase pretreatment and with the alkali treatment alone.
Preparation, Characterization and Properties of Binary and Ternary Blends with Thermoplastic Starch, Poly(Lactic Acid) and Poly(Butylene Succinate)
Authors: Zhen Zhong , Ying Song , Hongye Fu , Jie Ren , Tianbin Ren
Published: September 2018

Binay and ternary blends of thermoplastic starch (TPS), poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were prepared using a one-step extrusion process. The concentration of TPS in both binary and ternary blends was fixed at 50 wt%, with the rest being PLA and PBS. A compatibilizer was used to improve the interfacial affinity between TPS and the polyester. The thermal properties, mechanical properties and water absorption were characterized. The result showed that the mechanical properties of the blends exhibited a dramatic improvement in elongation at break with increasing PBS content; the process properties and heat softening characteristics improved by adding PBS to the blends. Binary and ternary blends with TPS/PLA/PBS could be applied as necessary by changing the content of the component.
Biodegradable Polymer Composites Based on Agro-Industrial Complex Waste
Authors: Kirsh I.A. , Chutkina E.P.
Published: September 2018

This paper looks at questions to do with the creation of filled biodegradable polymer composites based on agro-industrial complex (AIC) and packaging waste with a view to producing raw material and items made from it. Attention is given to study of the physical/mechanical properties of filled biodegradable polymer composites. Processes of biodegradation of polymer composites filled with AIC wastes are considered.
Effect of Different Compatibilisers and Nanoclays on the Physical Properties of Wood (Phragmites Karka)–Polymer Composites
Authors: Deka Biplab K. , Dutta Nipu , Maji Tarun K.
Published: September 2018

Wood–polymer composites (WPCs) were prepared by solution blending of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (1:1:0.5), wood four, nanoclay, and compatibiliser. Compatibility among different polymers as well as with wood four was evaluated by using different kinds of compatibiliser, namely glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) and polyethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate (PE-co-GMA). The formation of a nanocomposite was confirmed by XRD and TEM studies. SEM study showed that maximum improvement in compatibility of nanoclay-reinforced WPCs was achieved by using a mixture of compatibilisers (GMA + PE-co-GMA + PE-g-MA). FTIR study indicated an interaction between the polymer blend, wood four, nanoclay, and the compatibiliser. WPCs prepared by using blended compatibiliser, nanoclay, and 40 phr wood four exhibited maximum hardness, thermal stability, mechanical and fame-retardant properties. The water uptake capacity of blended-compatibiliser-based wood–polymer nanocomposites was lower than that of individual-compatibiliser-based nanocomposites.
Wood–Mineral–Polymer Composite Materials
Authors: Raspopov L.N. , Matkovskii P.E.
Published: September 2018

The results of the work make it possible to recycle renewable waste of plant origin and certain mineral highly dispersed substances, and may be used in the furniture and building sectors of industry. An empirical approach is proposed to describing the physicomechanical properties of the composites considered, based on three constituent volume fractions: (1) rigid, slightly deforming volume fractions; (2) thermoplastic volume fractions; (3) cavities.
Synthesis, Characterisation, and Conductive Superparamagnetism Studies of γ-Fe2O3/Polyaniline-Levodopa Composites
Authors: Tang Rong , Liu Min , Kan Jinqing
Published: September 2018

γ-Fe2O3/polyaniline–levodopa (γ-Fe2O3/PANI–levodopa) composites were prepared using γ-Fe2O3 and levodopa as dopants and ammonium persulfate as oxidant. The composites were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectra and confirmed that the γ-Fe2O3 and levodopa were doped into the PANI chain. A transmission electron microscopy study revealed that the size of the γ-Fe2O3 was of the order of 10 nm, whereas the composite size was of the order of 25 nm; furthermore, it was observed that the PANI–levodopa chain was intercalated to form a core shell of γ-Fe2O3. Cyclic voltammetry and magnetisation studies showed that the γ-Fe2O3/PANI–levodopa composites had both electrochemical activity and conductive superparamagnetism, so these composites may be well suited for chemotherapy drugs.
Polypropylene-cellulose Innovative Compounding Technology
Authors: Sobczak L. , Limper A. , Keuter H. , Fischer K. , Haider A.
Published: September 2018

Lightweight construction and recyclability are essential factors when it comes to meeting environmental targets. Natural fibre-reinforced composites (NFCs) have an important role to play here. The density of natural fibre materials is up to 50% lower than that of the reinforcing fibres traditionally used for plastics, such as glass fibres, and as well as being fully recyclable the composites offer 100% thermal energy recovery.
Characterization of the Tensile Behavior of Pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) Fibers
Authors: Temer B.C. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2018

Pejibaye (Bactris gasipaes) palm is harvest in large plantations to the sustainable production of heart of palm. Residues of the cut down palms can be conveniently managed to produce short and long fibers. These fibers are now beginning to be used to produce agglomerated panels and to reinforce polymeric matrices composites, but their mechanical behavior is not yet described at the literature. In this work, the tensile mechanical behavior of pejibaye fibers is characterized and the results are described using the Weibull statistical distribution and are compared with the tensile properties of other common lignocellulosic fibers.
Sugar Palm Tree: A Versatile Plant and Novel Source for Biofibres, Biomatrices, and Biocomposites
Authors: Sahari J. , Sapuan S.M. , Zainudin E.S. , Maleque M.A.
Published: September 2018

The use of green materials is a vital component in tackling problems of environmental protection. At the same time, these materials help solve problems arising from the shortage and undegradable nature of petroleum-based materials. Among the numerous green material sources in Malaysia, the sugar palm tree is a versatile plant that can produce biofibres, biomatrices, and biocomposites for a wide range of applications. This paper focuses mainly on the significance of the unutilised part of sugar fibres, as they are highly durable and easy to process. Besides discussing recent advances in research into sugar palm fibres and their biocomposites, this paper also addresses recent advances in research into the development of new biodegradable polymers derived from sugar palm starch. Fibre surface treatment, product development, and efforts to enhance the properties of sugar palm fibre composites are also considered.
The Effect of Surface Modifications on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Empty Fruit Bunch Oil Palm Fibre PP Biocomposites
Authors: Kittikorn Thorsak , Strömberg Emma , Ek Monica , Karlsson Sigbritt
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work was to study the effect of chemical surface modifications on empty fruit bunch oil palm fibre/polypropylene composite properties. By FTIR spectra, propionylated fibre and PPgMA-modified fibre showed the presence of a carbonyl group of esters while vinyltrimethoxysilane-treated fibre showed a peak of silicate, confirming that the modifications were successful. PPgMAmodified fibre PP composite at fibre content 20% demonstrated the highest modulus of 0.71 GPa while the modulus of unmodified fibre PP composite was 0.56 GPa. By DSC analysis, PPgMA-modified fibre and vinyltrimethoxysilane-treated fibre PP composite at the same fibre content of 5% showed the highest crystallinity of 46% and 44% respectively whereas unmodified fibre PP composite showed a lower crystallinity of 38%. The DMTA analysis showed that after 60°C, the modified fibre PP composites exhibited a higher stiffness than pure polypropylene.
Experimental Study on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Composites Filled with Agricultural Residue
Authors: Raju G.U. , Kumarappa S.
Published: September 2018

In the last twenty years, the use of lignocellulosic fibers as filler to produce polymer composites has increased progressively. A lot of research work has been performed all over the world on the use of natural fibers as reinforcing material for the preparation of composites. The objective of the present work is to prepare a polymer based composite material using agricultural waste as reinforcing material and characterize some mechanical and thermal properties. In this investigation, groundnut shell particles were chemically modified and used with epoxy to form novel bio-based composites. Composite boards were fabricated with the different weight percentages of groundnut shell particles and epoxy resin. The maximum strength was observed for the sample A1 having 50 wt% filler content and 0.5 mm particle size. However, the sample A3 with 85 wt% filler content and 1mm particle size has maximum MOE. It was observed that thermal conductivity of composite specimens range from 0.07638 to 0.3487 W/m-K and linear thermal expansion varies from 0.725 × 10-6 to 1.296 × 10-6/°C. The results of present study have showed that groundnut shell particles could be used successfully to develop a beneficial composite that would be a substitute for wood-based panels in many applications.
Preparation and Technological Evaluation of Methacrylic and Polyacrylic Acid/Leucaena Gum as a Thickener in Printing Protein Fibre
Authors: Ibrahim M.A. , Thalouth I. Abd Al , Salem A.A. , Kantouch F. , Soudy S.F.
Published: September 2018

Polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acid/leucaena gum composites were prepared via grafting methacrylic acid monomers onto the galactomannan gum, isolated from leucaena seeds, using ammonium persulphate as an initiator. The rheological properties, in addition to the suitability of the composite for the direct printing of protein fabrics with acid or reactive dyes, were thoroughly investigated. It was found that polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acid/leucaena gum pastes are characterized by a non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour; the apparent viscosity at a constant rate of shear depends on the neutralization and storage process. The prepared composites could be successfully used in printing wool and silk, regardless of the nature of the fabric. The K/S depends on the degree of neutralization of the composite employed as well as the storage time. The colour fastness properties to washing, rubbing and perspiration ranges between good to very good.
A Comparative Study of Biodegradable Starch-g-PEHA/SS and Starch-g-PEHA/MMT Nanocomposites
Authors: Mallick Bipra N. , Rana Pradeep K. , Sahoo Prafulla K.
Published: September 2018

Potato starch was modified by free radical polymerization with 2-ethyl hexylacrylate (EHA) monomer in presence of sorbitol a surfactant and a comparative study was done taking both the additives i.e., sodium silicate (SS) and montmorillonite (MMT) individually to establish the greater extent of biodegradation as well as application of the nanocomposite in paint technology (exterior coating). This newly developed nanocomposite was found to be a cost effective material for domestic as well as industrial applications. The bonding and formation of the nanocomposites were characterised by FTIR, TGA, XRD and TEM. The application to paint technology was established by drawing thin films and studying the ageing property too. Property like coating, antifungal activity were also studied and the study on biodegradability of the developed nanocomposites (disposal after use) showed that the starch-g-PEHA/MMT was more degradable than starch-g-PEHA/SS exhibiting the durability of the coating for its better commercialization.
High Level of Cellulase and β-Glucosidase Production by T.reesei and T.koningii Combinations on Corn Straws of Alkali Pretreatment
Authors: Yang Peizhou , Luo Shuizhong , Zheng Zhi , Jiang Shaotong , Guo N.A. , Cheng Jieshun
Published: September 2018

In order to obtain high level of β-glucosidase and filter paper activity production, the screening of strain combinations and the characteristic of enzymes from co-culture were investigated. The results showed that both the β-glucosidase (0.347 U/ml) and FPA (3.21 U/ml) reached the highest level via co-culture of T.reesei and T.koningii with the corn straw of alkali pretreatment as fermentation substrate. After 72 h of fermentation, both two enzyme activities reached the highest level. And the optimal temperature and pH value were 55°C and 5.5, respectively. These two enzyme stability decreased rapidly when the temperatures exceeded 90°C. The conversion efficiency reached 0.652 g reducing sugar per g pretreated corn straw using the enzymes from these two fungi, which was 1.49-fold and 1.64-fold compared with those from T.reesei (0.439 g/g) and T.koningii (0.398 g/g). The present work demonstrated an effective way to develop an efficient system for the bioconversion of agricultural waste straws to sugar.
Effect of Processing Methods on the Properties of Poly(lactic Acid)/Acetylated Starch Blends
Authors: Zhang Shui-Dong , Huang Han-Xiong , Tan Ling-Cao , Jiang Guo
Published: September 2018

Poly(lactic acid)/acetylated starch (PLA/AS) blends was prepared using a twin-screw extruder and two different types of single-screw extruder, respectively. One of the single-screw extruder was combined with conveying screw elements, providing shearing mixing, and the other with conveying screw elements and chaotic mixing screw elements, providing both shearing and chaotic mixing. To investigate the effect of processing methods on the rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA/AS blends, intrinsic viscosity tests, dynamic oscillatory rheological measurement, thermal analysis, tensile tests, and scanning electron microscopy were employed. Results show that the screw configuration of the extruder has a major influence on the properties of PLA/AS blends. Compared with PLA/AS blends prepared on the twin-screw extruder and on the single-screw extruder with shear mixing, improved dispersion of AS in the PLA matrix is found in blends produced on the single-screw extruder with chaotic mixing. The reason is that the interaction between PLA and AS phases is enhanced by chaotic mixing during the process of extrusion, facilitating to improving the thermal stability and tensile strength of the blend.
Unique Multifunctional Behaviour of Ash from the Latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines in Chlorobutyl Rubber (CIIR) Compound for a Truck Inner-Tube Application - Part II
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sanjay K. , Jana Sudip , Sharma Giriraj , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra , Bandyopadhyay Abhijit
Published: September 2018

The latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines is a green renewable source of material which acts as the origin of Ash. Ash generated from toluene insoluble fraction of the coagulum at 750°C found to contain nearly 73% magnesium oxide (MgO). It was observed that the ash can act as a cure retarder in a model chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) based truck inner tube compound and its action was comparable with the commercial MgO, though not exactly equivalent. Optimum cure-retardation with ash was observed at 0.3 phr loading. Surprisingly, the ash also produced some cure activation effect due to presence of zinc oxide. Rate of cure in gum/ filled compositions at 0.3 phr loading of ash was found 125/48 min-1 against 106.4/29.6 min-1 of commercial MgO.
Chitosan Extrusion at High Solids Content: An Orthogonal Experimental Design Study
Authors: Chen Fei , Nilsson Fritjof , Gällstedt Mikael , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: September 2018

For economic reasons and to save time there is a need to shorten the drying operation associated with the production of chitosan materials. Hence it is of interest to extrude chitosan at as high a solids content as possible. This is, to our knowledge, the first systematic study of the extrusion of chitosan at high solids content (60 wt%). An orthogonal experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of processing conditions and material factors on the extrudability of chitosan. This, together with the examination of the evenness and surface finish of the extrudate, made it possible to determine the best conditions for obtaining a readily extrudable high quality material. It was observed that a 1/1 ratio of chitosans with molar masses of 12 and 133 kDa, a process liquid containing 30 wt% acetic acid and 70 wt% water, and extrusion at 50 rpm and 50°C were the optimal material and processing conditions. Materials processed under these conditions were evaluated mechanically at different times after extrusion (stored at 50% RH) in order to see when the properties stabilized. Most mass loss occurred within the first three days after extrusion and this governed the mechanical properties (stiffness and extensibility), which also exhibited the largest changes within these three days (an increase in modulus from 18 to 830 MPa and a decrease in elongation at break from 17 to 3%).
Characterization of Ubuçu (Manicaria Saccifera) Natural Fiber Mat
Authors: Oliveira A.K.F. , d'Almeida J.R.M.
Published: September 2018

Ubuçu (Manicaria saccifera) is a natural palm found in the Brazilian Amazon estuary. This palm has its fruits protected by a fibrous sac, called tururi, from where a natural mat like material can be extracted. Although the ubuçu palm has local economic importance, the physical, mechanical and chemical characteristics of its fibers have not yet been reported. In this work, in natura tururi fibers were analyzed by thermal analysis (TGA), X-rays diffraction, FT-IR and DSC. The morphology of the fibers was characterized through SEM/EDS, and the tensile breaking load of the fibers' natural mat was also determined. The results show that the fibers have a crystalline index of 60.6%, and are thermally stable up to approximately 264°C. The activati°n energy of the main thermal degradation process was found to be 180.2 kJ/mol. Silica rich protrusions were identified at the fibers surface and the fibrous mat has and apparent density of 0.97 g/cm3, and a tensile breaking load of 432 N.
Wood-Like Material from Thermoplastic Polymer and Landfill Bio-Materials: Water Absorption, Thermal and Morphological Studies
Authors: Mousa Ahmad , Heinrich Gert , Wagenknecht Udo
Published: September 2018

The aim of this research was to produce wood like material from land-fill material such as olive husk powder (OHR) and polymer matrix such as polyamide-12. For this purpose the land-fill material was subject to two types of chemical treatments: a) coated with toulene-2–4-diisocyanate (TDI) b) mercerized in sodium hydroxide solution followed by neutralization in acetic acid. The composites were fabricated from PA-12 and the land-fill material (OHR) at 30% by weight filler by melt mixing technique at 180 °C and 50 rpm using Brabender internal mixer. The composites were inspected with respect to their thermal properties using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The possible interactions between the amide groups of PA-12 and the hydroxyl groups of the OHR in the presence and absence of TDI was inspected using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The water resistance of the composites was evaluated by measuring the percentage weight and thickness gain of the composites as well as the water diffusion coefficient for the PA-12 with and without treated filler. The impact resistance of the composites was studied as a function of filler type. The bonding quality as well as the dispersion state of the chemically treated OHR within the PA-12 matrix was inspected by scanning electron microscope (SEM).