scholarly journals Understanding bioplastic materials - current state and trends

2020 ◽  
pp. 51-51
Author(s):  
Sanja Jeremic ◽  
Jelena Milovanovic ◽  
Marija Mojicevic ◽  
Sanja Skaro-Bogojevic ◽  
Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic
Keyword(s):  
Polylactic Acid ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Biodegradable Materials ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Butylene Succinate ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments

Plastic pollution is now considered one of the largest environmental threats facing humans and animals globally. Development of bioplastic materials may offer part of the solution as bioplastics include both nondegradable and biodegradable materials with both being important for sustainability. Bioplastic materials are currently being designed to encompass minimal carbon footprint, high recycling value and complete biodegradability. This review examines recent developments and trends in the field of bioplastic materials. A range of the most utilized bioplastic materials is presented (polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxy-alkanoate (PHA), starch, cellulose, bio-based poly(butylene succinate) (bio-PBS) and bio-polyethylene (bio-PE)) including their production, application and degradation options.

scholarly journals Sensory Attenuation in the Auditory Modality as a Window Into Predictive Processing

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Kiepe ◽  
Nils Kraus ◽  
Guido Hesselmann
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Coding ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Predictive Processing ◽  
Auditory Modality ◽  
Auditory Input ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Sensory Attenuation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Predictive Mechanisms

Self-generated auditory input is perceived less loudly than the same sounds generated externally. The existence of this phenomenon, called Sensory Attenuation (SA), has been studied for decades and is often explained by motor-based forward models. Recent developments in the research of SA, however, challenge these models. We review the current state of knowledge regarding theoretical implications about the significance of Sensory Attenuation and its role in human behavior and functioning. Focusing on behavioral and electrophysiological results in the auditory domain, we provide an overview of the characteristics and limitations of existing SA paradigms and highlight the problem of isolating SA from other predictive mechanisms. Finally, we explore different hypotheses attempting to explain heterogeneous empirical findings, and the impact of the Predictive Coding Framework in this research area.

Nano-Sized and Nanocrystalline Calcium Orhophosphates in Biomedical Engineering

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 59-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey V. Dorozhkin
Keyword(s):  
Bone Repair ◽  
Dental Enamel ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biological Origin ◽  
Current State ◽  
Calcium Orthophosphates ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Hard Tissue Engineering

There has been much recent activity in the research area of nanoparticles and nanocrystalline materials, in many fields of science and technology. This is due to their outstanding and unique physical, mechanical, chemical and biological characteristics. Recent developments in biomineralization have demonstrated that nano-sized particles play an important role in the formation of the hard tissues of animals. It is well established that the basic inorganic building blocks of bones and teeth of mammals are nano-sized and nanocrystalline calcium orthophosphates (in the form of apatites) of a biological origin. In mammals, tens to hundreds of nanocrystals of biological apatite are found to combine into self-assembled structures under the control of bio-organic matrixes. It was also confirmed experimentally that the structure of both dental enamel and bones could be mimicked by an oriented aggregation of nano-sized calcium orthophosphates, determined by the biomolecules. The application and prospective use of nano-sized and nanocrystalline calcium orthophosphates for clinical repair of damaged bones and teeth are also known. For example, a greater viability and a better proliferation of various cells were detected on smaller crystals of calcium orthophosphates. Furthermore, studies revealed that the differentiation of various cells was promoted by nano-sized calcium orthophosphates. Thus, the nano-sized and nanocrystalline forms of calcium orthophosphates have the potential to revolutionize the field of hard tissue engineering, in areas ranging from bone repair and augmentation to controlled drug delivery devices. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge and recent developments of various nano-sized and nanocrystalline calcium orthophosphates, covering topics from the synthesis and characterization to biomedical and clinical applications. This review also provides possible directions of future research and development.

Institutional Theory and E-Government Research

2008 ◽  
pp. 349-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahidul Hassan ◽  
J. Ramon Gil-Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fourth Section ◽  
Current State ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Good Starting Point ◽  
Government Research

Recent developments in institutional theory are highly promising for the study of e-government. Scholars in various disciplines, such as economics (North, 1999; Rutherford, 1999), sociology (Brinton & Nee, 1998), and political science (March & Olsen, 1989; Peters, 2001), have used institutional approaches to understand diverse social and organizational phenomena. Insights gained from these studies can be valuable for guiding research in e-government. In fact, there are some initial efforts in information systems and e-government research that have applied institutional theory and proved useful in generating new insights about how information technologies are adopted (Teo, Wei, & Benbasat, 2003; Tingling & Parent, 2002), designed and developed (Butler, 2003; Klein, 2000; Laudon, 1985), implemented (Robey & Holmstrom, 2001), and used (Fountain, 2001) in organizations. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of some of these initial studies to highlight the usefulness of institutional theory in e-government research. We also suggest some opportunities for future research in e-government using institutional theory. This chapter does not capture all the essential theoretical and empirical issues related to using institutional theory in information systems and e-government research. Instead, it is a brief review and a good starting point to explore the potential of institutional theory. We hope that e-government scholars find it interesting and useful. The chapter is organized in five sections, including this introduction. The second section provides a brief overview of institutional theory in various disciplinary traditions, with an emphasis on institutional theory in sociology. Then the chapter identifies various patterns of the use of institutional theory in information systems and e-government research. Based on our analysis of the current state of the art, the fourth section suggests some opportunities for future research. Finally, the fifth section provides some final comments.

scholarly journals A Step by Step Methodology for Building Sustainable Cementitious Matrices

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Styliani Papatzani ◽  
Kevin Paine
Keyword(s):  
Fly Ash ◽  
Portland Cement ◽  
Silica Fume ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Strength Development ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Current State ◽  
First Time

In an effort to produce cost-effective and environmentally friendly cementitious binders. mainly ternary (Portland cement + limestone + pozzolanas) formulations have been investigated so far. Various proportions of constituents have been suggested, all, however, employing typical Portland cement (PC) substitution rates, as prescribed by the current codes. With the current paper a step by step methodology on developing low carbon footprint binary, ternary and quaternary cementitious binders is presented (PC replacement up to 57%). Best performing binary (60% PC and 40% LS (limestone)) and ternary formulations (60% PC, 20% LS, 20% FA (fly ash) or 43% PC, 20% LS 37% FA) were selected on the grounds of sustainability and strength development and were further optimized with the addition of silica fume. For the first time a protocol for successfully selecting and testing binders was discussed and the combined effect of highly pozzolanic constituents in low PC content formulations was assessed and a number of successful matrices were recommended. The present paper enriched the current state of the art in composite low carbon footprint cementitious binders and can serve as a basis for further enhancements by other researchers in the field.

Recent developments in pharmacotherapy for hypertriglyceridemia: what’s the current state of the art?

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matilda Florentin ◽  
Michael S Kostapanos ◽  
Panagiotis Anagnostis ◽  
George Liamis
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments

scholarly journals The Pope’s Jesus book and the Christologies of the gospels

2011 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim J.C. Weren
Keyword(s):  
Final Section ◽  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Historical Jesus ◽  
Redaction Criticism ◽  
Benedict Xvi ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Literary Figure ◽  
State Of Research ◽  
Further Development

This article maps out recent developments in the exegetical investigation of Jesus. It starts with a discussion of the Jesus book by Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, in which ‘canonical exegesis’ is used to argue that Johannine Christology is also present in the other gospels and that this Christology actually goes back to Jesus. In this way, the book narrows the gap between the historical Jesus and the Christ of faith. The next section argues for maintaining the multiplicity of images of Jesus as a literary figure that is the fruit of relatively recent approaches: redaction criticism, narrative-semantic analysis and intertextuality. The final section contains a sketch of the current state of research on the historical Jesus and its relevance for Christology. The multiplicity in the literary and historical approaches poses challenges to the further development of Christology.

Functional Neuroimaging of PTSD

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-France Marin ◽  
Mohammed R. Milad
Keyword(s):  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Novel Approaches

The merger of neuroscience and psychiatry during the last two decades has enabled psychiatric neuroscience, as a newly refined discipline, to make great advances in understanding pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The advent of neuroimaging tools and the continued exponential growth and sophistication of the methods are key factors underlying advances in the field. In this chapter, informed by neuroimaging tools and basic neuroscience, the authors paint an optimistic canvas to illustrate the current state of knowledge pertaining to the etiology and pathophysiology of PTSD. The chapter describes the state of some recent developments and what is coming on the horizon in terms of novel approaches that may be applied toward the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.

Recent developments in relations between the United Kingdom and the Argentine Republic in the South Atlantic/Antarctic region

Polar Record ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Dodds ◽  
Alan D. Hemmings
Keyword(s):  
White Paper ◽  
South Atlantic ◽  
The South ◽  
Antarctic Region ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Current State ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Antarctic Treaty ◽  
Overseas Territories ◽  
The Antarctic

ABSTRACTThis article assesses the current state of UK-Argentine relations with reference to the South Atlantic and Antarctic region. Three major themes are pursued: the current state of UK-Argentine relations, with the contested Falklands/Malvinas looming large in the assessment, alongside fisheries management around South Georgia; the mapping of Argentine Antarctic territory in the context of extended continental shelf delimitation; and finally, the recent UK White Paper on Overseas Territories is noted insofar as it marks the most recent public assessment of how the coalition government is attempting to manage the most southerly portions of the British Overseas Territories portfolio. The article concludes with a warning that there is a danger that worsening UK-Argentine relations might begin to have more profound implications for the Antarctic Treaty System as resource, sovereignty and territorial issues acquire more piquancy.

Base-Catalyzed Hydrolysis Behavior of PLA/PBS Blends

2013 ◽  
Vol 821-822 ◽  
pp. 941-944
Author(s):  
Shi Jie Zhang ◽  
Yi Wen Tang ◽  
Li Hua Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Degradation Rate ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Biodegradable Materials ◽  
Butylene Succinate ◽  
New Type

Poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) was mixed with Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) through Haake Reomix, a new type of biodegradable materials can be obtained. With the increasing addition of PBS and the raise of the solution basicity, the degradation rate of blends increase sharply. The GPC analysis can approve the reduction of molecular weight in the degradation process of PLA/PBS blends.

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