bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Polylactide under Inert Atmosphere and Vacuum
Authors: Kaur Paramjit , Mehta Rajeev , Berek Dusan , Upadhyay Siddh Nath 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐ lactide was carried out in bulk using various initiators along with triphenylphosphine (PPh3) as co‐initiator. Equimolar addition of triphenylphosphine increased the molecular masses of polylactide (PLA). The polymerization was carried out at 403.15 K up to 155 hr. Different experiments were carried out over a wide range of monomer to initiator (Mo/Io) ratios. It was found that maximum molecular weight of polylactide was observed when Mo/Io ratio was 2500–2700. Polymerization reactions were carried out under two different environments in the reaction vessel, an inert cover and a partial vacuum. The average molecular weight of polylactide was determined by using size exclusion chromatography. The increase of polymerization time increased the weight average molecular weight but after prolonged reaction time, the molecular weight decreased gradually.
Methods for Characterizing the 3‐D Morphology of Polymer Composites
Authors: Koch Thomas , Salaberger Dietmar , Zankel Armin , Reingruber Herbert , Steiger‐Thirsfeld Andreas , Voronko Yulia , Seidler Sabine 
Published: June 2012

Abstract3‐dimensional visualization of polymer morphology is of increasing interest in the polymer community because it provides a deeper insight into the arrangement of the phases in heterophasic polymeric materials, for example in composites. Depending on the size of the fillers, an adequate method offering a good compromise between suitable resolution and observable volume must be selected.Different polypropylene composites filled with long glass fibres, mica and talcum particles were investigated. Four methods were applied to account for the different filler sizes. For composites containing fillers larger than several micrometers, i.e. glass fibres and mica particles, X‐ray tomography offers a very good combination of visibility and volume. Serial sectioning by polishing in combination with light optical microscopy can be an alternative if no X‐ray equipment is available. This combined method has the disadvantage, however, that the imaged volume is smaller and involves more effort, which makes it unsuitable for routine observations. The much smaller talcum particles with thicknesses down to 200 nm were investigated by coupling focused ion beam (FIB) milling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by insitu ultramicrotomy in the SEM. Both methods led to good and comparable results.
A Mixed Methods Study of the Experience of Transition to the Community of Working-Aged People with Non-Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Hall Alexandra , Grohn Brooke , Nalder Emily , Worrall Linda , Fleming Jennifer 
Published: June 2012

Background and aims: The ‘transition’ phase from hospital to home following brain injury is well established as a critical period of adjustment for individuals and their families. There is, however, a lack of knowledge about the experience of transition following nontraumatic brain injury (e.g., stroke, aneurysm) for individuals of working age. The purpose of this study was to explore the transition experiences of individuals with nontraumatic brain injury using mixed methods approach.Methods: Six individuals with nontraumatic brain injury were recruited from a larger study using maximum variation sampling criteria. Individuals participated in semistructured interviews at 6-months postdischarge and completed quantitative measures of psychosocial outcomes predischarge and at 6-months postdischarge. Results: Qualitative content analysis of interviews identified three themes: (1) changes in role performance, (2) support and services and (3) coping with life after brain injury. The transition experience was characterised by loss of valued roles including driving and work, identified as major barriers to regaining independence postdischarge. Informal support provided by family and friends were relied on, while formal supports were accessed infrequently. Life post-injury presented a number of challenges including adjusting to changes in physical and cognitive abilities and a fear of reinjury. Qualitative data were supported by an overall trend of improved functioning on the quantitative measures over the 6 months.Conclusions: Key life circumstances of working age adults with nontraumatic brain injury influence the transition experience. Clinically, the findings support the need for individualised, structured transition services pre- and postdischarge for this group.
Precision in bycatch estimates: the case of tuna purse-seine fisheries in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Amandè Monin J. , Chassot Emmanuel , Chavance Pierre , Murua Hilario , de Molina Alicia Delgado , Bez Nicolas 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Amandè, M. J., Chassot, E., Chavance, P., Murua, H., Delgado de Molina, A., and Bez, N. 2012. Precision in bycatch estimates: the case of tuna purse-seine fisheries in the Indian Ocean. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . Estimating bycatch, i.e. the incidental catch of non-target marine animals and undersized individuals of target species, by raising observer data to the whole fishery is routine practice. The annual bycatch of the European tropical tuna purse-seine fishery over the period 2003–2009 was estimated at 11 590 t [95% confidence interval: (8165–15 818 t)], corresponding to 4.7% of the tuna landings. An analysis of the variability in the precision of this estimate, based on generalized linear models and Monte Carlo simulations, showed that the current sampling coverage of the tropical tuna fishery observer programme, which is 4.6% of the fishing trips, resulted in large uncertainties in bycatch estimates by species, i.e. none of the estimates have a relative root mean square error smaller than 50%. Although the overall magnitude of bycatch of the fishery appeared to be small, the current sampling coverage was insufficient to give any reliable estimate for low-occurring species, such as marine turtles, some oceanic pelagic sharks, and some billfishes. Increasing the sampling coverage would likely improve bycatch estimates. Simulation outputs were produced to help define (i) trade-offs between the priority species to be monitored, (ii) the estimation precision, (iii) expected accuracy, and (iv) the associated sampling costs.
Reliable Transient Transformation of Intact Maize Leaf Cells for Functional Genomics and Experimental Study
Authors: Kirienko Daniel R. , Luo Anding , Sylvester Anne W. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMaize (Zea mays) transformation routinely produces stable transgenic lines essential for functional genomics; however, transient expression of target proteins in maize cells is not yet routine. Such techniques are critical for rapid testing of transgene constructs and for experimental studies. Here, we report bombardment methods that depend on leaf developmental stage and result in successful expression with broad applications. Fluorescent marker genes were constructed and bombarded into five developmental regions in a growing maize leaf. Expression efficiency was highest in the basal-most 3 cm above the ligule of an approximately 50-cm growing adult leaf. Straightforward dissection procedures provide access to the receptive leaf regions, increasing efficiency from less than one transformant per cm2 to over 21 transformants per cm2. Successful expression was routine for proteins from full genomic sequences driven by native regulatory regions and from complementary DNA sequences driven by the constitutive maize polyubiquitin promoter and a heterologous terminator. Four tested fusion proteins, maize PROTEIN DISULFIDE ISOMERASE-Yellow Fluorescent Protein, GLOSSY8a-monomeric Red Fluorescent Protein and maize XYLOSYLTRANSFERASE, and maize Rho-of-Plants7-monomeric Teal Fluorescent Protein, localized as predicted in the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, and plasma membrane, respectively. Localization patterns were similar between transient and stable modes of expression, and cotransformation was equally successful. Coexpression was also demonstrated by transiently transforming cells in a stable line expressing a second marker protein, thus increasing the utility of a single stable transformant. Given the ease of dissection procedures, this method replaces heterologous expression assays with a more direct, native, and informative system, and the techniques will be useful for localization, colocalization, and functional studies.
Three Members of the Arabidopsis Glycosyltransferase Family 8 Are Xylan Glucuronosyltransferases
Authors: Rennie Emilie A. , Hansen Sara Fasmer , Baidoo Edward E.K. , Hadi Masood Z. , Keasling Jay D. , Scheller Henrik Vibe 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Xylan is a major component of the plant cell wall and the most abundant noncellulosic component in the secondary cell walls that constitute the largest part of plant biomass. Dicot glucuronoxylan consists of a linear backbone of β(1,4)-linked xylose residues substituted with α(1,2)-linked glucuronic acid (GlcA). Although several genes have been implicated in xylan synthesis through mutant analyses, the biochemical mechanisms responsible for synthesizing xylan are largely unknown. Here, we show evidence for biochemical activity of GUX1 (for GlcA substitution of xylan 1), a member of Glycosyltransferase Family 8 in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) that is responsible for adding the glucuronosyl substitutions onto the xylan backbone. GUX1 has characteristics typical of Golgi-localized glycosyltransferases and a K m for UDP-GlcA of 165 μm. GUX1 strongly favors xylohexaose as an acceptor over shorter xylooligosaccharides, and with xylohexaose as an acceptor, GlcA is almost exclusively added to the fifth xylose residue from the nonreducing end. We also show that several related proteins, GUX2 to GUX5 and Plant Glycogenin-like Starch Initiation Protein6, are Golgi localized and that only two of these proteins, GUX2 and GUX4, have activity as xylan α-glucuronosyltransferases.
Nutritional knowledge, nutritional labels, and health claims on food
Authors: Petrovici Dan , Fearne Andrew , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Drolias Dimitris 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe primary purpose is to examine the factors that affect the use of nutritional facts, nutrient content claims and health claims on food label use in the United Kingdom.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports the results of a survey of over 300 face‐to‐face interviews with shoppers of Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury – three of the major supermarkets in the UK.FindingsProduct class involvement factors, individual characteristics, health‐related factors (nutritional knowledge, health locus of control, perceived need of dietary change), situational, attitudinal and behavioral factors were found to be significant factors affecting the use of nutritional information and nutritional and health claims on food labeling. While the use of nutritional information and health claims increases with the stated importance of “nutrition” and “family preferences”, it is less likely among shoppers for whom “taste” is an important driver of food purchasing behaviour. There is also evidence of mistrust in health claims, as indicated by the negative relationship between the consideration of such claims and the stated importance of “quality” and perceived need to “change dietary quality” – the more discerning shoppers are the least likely to consider health claims.Originality/valueThe study provides evidence that a wider range of product class involvement factors is necessary to predict the use of nutritional information and nutritional and health claims on food labeling. It also offers a conceptualization of health‐related factors to include health locus of control as a predictor of the acquisition of nutrition and health information.
Revealing the lifestyles of local food consumers
Authors: Mirosa Miranda , Lawson Rob 
Published: June 2012

PurposeChanging consumption patterns have led to a number of transformations throughout the food cycle, and understanding how and why people purchase local food is important. This paper aims to examine the characteristics of the people leading this phenomenon: those that prefer to buy locally produced food.Design/methodology/approachIn order to explore the characteristics of local food purchasers, a single item question, “I try to buy a lot of locally produced food”, was included in the food section of a New Zealand consumer lifestyles survey for which 3,556 responses were collected. The full survey included 600 questions across the full attitude, interest and opinion schedule.FindingsFor people who express a strong intention to purchase local food, this behaviour is linked to the types of food they eat (e.g. unprocessed foods), where they buy it (e.g. at speciality stores), and how they cook it (e.g. follow recipes). A range of personality and other personal characteristics differ between local and non‐local food buyers, with the former segment being more liberal, interested in quality, and frugal.Practical implicationsConsumers who express an interest in purchasing local food are a demanding segment of the population whose interest in food makes them critical judges of produce. Local food must thus be fresh and value for money. Growing this sector requires making local food more accessible through mainstream retail outlets.Originality/valueWhile something is known about why people buy local food, less is known about other aspects of local food consumers, the range of attitudes they hold towards food or their food‐related behaviours.
An analysis of collaboration in a sugarcane production and processing supply chain
Authors: Nicolaas Bezuidenhout Carel , Bodhanya Shamim , Brenchley Linda 
Published: June 2012

PurposeSugar from cane remains an important economic contributor in many countries. A lack of collaboration has been identified as a key problem in many of these regions. To date, few sugar researchers have exploited the valuable supply chain collaboration knowledge available in the literature, such as the Supply Chain Collaboration Index (SCCI). This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachQualitative and quantitative data were collected from three sugarcane milling areas. The SCCI was contextualised from a psychological perspective and used in the quantitative data analyses. A special objective was to raise a number of pertinent questions, which would fast track stakeholders to a new level of collaboration.FindingsMany relationships in the supply chain remain relatively positive. The main attributes of concern are stability, reliability, trust, personal relationships and communication. A lack of these attributes causes fragmentation, opportunism and a desire to over‐control. Mutuality and communication are key leverages in the system.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to understand how collaboration could be enhanced when stakeholders hold different balances of power. This study is still limited to sugarcane milling in South Africa.Practical implicationsThis paper demonstrates a partially quantitative research methodology to understand collaboration in a food supply chain. The authors also propose a tool to help industry stakeholders to resolve current problems.Originality/valueThe psychological profiling of SCCI attributes and subsequent correspondence analyses is original. A framework of collaboration questions combined with Kepner‐Tregoe Problem Analyses is unique. These tools are generic to any agricultural supply chain.
Preparation and tribological properties of zinc dialkyl(aryl)ethoxy dithiophosphates
Authors: Margielewski Leszek , Stanecka‐Badura Renata , Plaza Stanislaw , Kozlowski Witold 
Published: June 2012

PurposeEnvironmental regulations have called for reduction of phosphorus content in engine oils because this element strongly deactivates the catalyst in automotive catalytic converters. The primary source of phosphorus is zinc dialkyl(aryl)dithiophosphate (ZDDP). Therefore, to protect catalyst ZDDP is replaced with other additives or its amount in engine oil is reduced. Zinc dialkyl(alkylaryl)ethoxy dithiophosphates (ZEDPs), a novel derivative of dithiophosphate additive, soluble in lubricating base oils were synthesized and used to replace containing more phosphorus ZDDP.Design/methodology/approachTribological properties of ZEDPs were evaluated using four‐ball and the ball‐disc tribometers. The ZEDPs thermal stability and worn surface were analysed using TGA, XPS techniques.FindingsZEDPs significantly reduce the friction and wear under boundary, mixed and hydrodynamic lubrication regimes. Friction and wear properties are dependent on chemical structure of additives, their surface active behavior in tribological system and frictional parameters. The effectiveness of friction and wear reduction increases with the concentration of lubricating oil additive solution and depend on the amount of the additive adsorbed on the surfaces. ZEDPs are much more thermally stable than ZDDPs. The XPS shows that the tribochemical films formed on rubbing surfaces contain zinc and iron phosphates and sulphates.Research limitations/implicationsThe effect of the number of etoxy groups in ZEDPs molecules on their tribological properties was not investigated.Practical implicationsZEDPs were synthesized and can be a potential replacement for ZDDP.Originality/valueZEDPs were first investigated in lubrication of steel‐steel frictional contact and results indicate that they can be used as additives in combustion engine base oil.
Influence of braking pressure on tribological performance of non‐asbestos brake shoe for mine hoister during emergency braking
Authors: Bao Jiusheng , Zhu Zhencai , Tong Minming , Yin Yan , Peng Yuxing 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe some tribological experiments which were executed to find the influence of braking pressure on tribological performance of non‐asbestos brake shoe used in mine hoister during its emergency braking.Design/methodology/approachThe WSM‐3 non‐asbestos brake shoe, which has been widely used in mine hoister, was selected as experimental material. Some tribological experiments of the brake shoe sliding on 16Mn steel were investigated on the X‐DM friction tester by simulating of emergency braking conditions of mine hoister. Three kinds of tribological indexes: friction coefficient, stability coefficient of friction coefficient, and wear rate were considered to score the tribological performance and the morphology of worn surfaces were observed through the S‐3000N scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to explore the tribological mechanisms.FindingsIt was found first, that the instant friction coefficient is not constant during emergency braking. After a short climbing period, it rises gradually to steady value. Second, with the increasing of braking pressure, the mean friction coefficient rises first then falls, while its stability coefficient falls gradually. The wear rate rises continuously with the braking pressure increasing. Also, the rising velocity of wear rate at high pressure is higher than it is at low pressure. Third, the instant surface temperature rises first then falls during braking and the mean surface temperature rises continuously with the braking pressure increasing.Originality/valueIt is found that the increasing of braking pressure within a certain range is helpful for achieving a high friction coefficient and a steady wear rate. But too high pressure will cause contrarily the falling of frictional performance and serious of wear performance. So it is not reliable to rise the braking pressure without limited during emergency braking.
The effect of steel balls based on different standards on the anti‐wear properties of lubricants
Authors: Yi Meirong , He Xiaoying , Chen Huan , Hao Lifeng 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThrough practical tests, it has been found that steel balls based on different standards could affect tribological performances of the same lubricant, but unfortunately, past researches in the field have been quite inadequate. The aim of this paper, therefore, is conscientiously to study the problem.Design/methodology/approachThe anti‐wear properties of four kinds of lubricants were evaluated by four‐ball tester using two kinds of steel balls based on different standards. The reason for different anti‐wear properties of the same lubricant was also discussed using hardness tester and scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS).FindingsIt was found that steel balls based on different standards could affect the tribological results for the same lubricant. The reason could lie in the surface chemical composition, surface roughness and hardness of steel balls which originated from the subtle difference of different standards.Originality/valueThe paper shows that, as far as evaluating anti‐wear properties is concerned, steel ball based on AISI Standard Steel No. E‐52100 is a better choice than that based on Chinese standard GB 308.
Converging worlds of activation?
Authors: Graziano Paolo R. 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between the emerging European activation policies and the evolution of domestic activation policies and its governance. Drawing on the emerging Europeanization debate and comparative literature on activation, the crucial research question will be the following: is there a European Union (EU)‐induced convergence in domestic activation policies in the EU?Design/methodology/approachFollowing Bonoli's work, the article unpacks activation in two dimensions (human capital investment and employment market orientation) and looks at the trajectories of seven Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries using OECD active labour market policy (ALMP) expenditure data.FindingsThe article argues that there is only limited EU‐induced convergence towards the employment assistance component of the EU hybrid model and similarly limited convergence can be seen with respect to the governance of activation policies. Although fully‐fledged explanations of such limited convergence go beyond the scope of this article, the paper puts forward two tentative explanations which should be tested with further research: first, the lack of convergence may lie primarily in the overall “softness” of the European Employment Strategy (which means, among other things, limited resources), but the lack of convergence may also lie in the lack of administrative capacities enabling member state governments to fully implement innovative activation policies.Originality/valueThe paper is innovative since it empirically tests the role of European policies and ideas in shaping domestic reforms of activation policies. Contrary to other findings, the article shows that there is a limited degree of convergence and that the role is particularly negligible with respect to implementation capacities of reformed activation strategies.