Utilization of a Biodegradable Mulch Sheet Produced from Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ecoflex®/Modified Starch in Mandarin Orange Groves

We have developed a mulch sheet made by inflation molding of PLA, Ecoflex® and modified starch, which all have different biodegradabilities. A field test of use as an agricultural mulch sheet for mandarin oranges was carried out over two years. The mechanical properties of the mulch sheet were weakened with time during the field test, but the quality of the mandarin oranges increased, a result of the controlled degradation of the sheet. The most degradable modified starch degraded first, allowing control of the moisture on the soil. Accelerator mass spectroscopy was used for evaluation of the biomass carbon ratio. The biomass carbon ratio decreased by degradation of the biobased materials, PLA and modified starch in the mulch sheet

Definitions of basic terms relating to polymer liquid crystals (IUPAC Recommendations 2001)

The document first gives definitions of basic terms related to liquid-crystalline and mesomorphic states of matter and then terms specific to the classification of liquid-crystal polymers. The terms have been restricted to those most commonly encountered in the structural description of the latter class of materials. The terms have been selected from the recently published comprehensive document "Definitions of basic terms relating to low-molar-mass and polymer liquid crystals" [Pure and Applied Chemistry 73 (5), 845-895 (2001)] and are intended to form a readily usable guide for the reader interested in the structural description of polymer liquid crystals. The more comprehensive document should be used for terminology associated with types of mesophases and the optical and physical characteristics of liquid-crystalline materials. The advice given by representatives of the International Liquid Crystal Society for the preparation of this document is gratefully acknowledged.Fil:Barón, M. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Invaluable and insignificant: a meditation on U.S. citizenship

Gerda Bikales is a committed worker for immigration reform in the United States. Here she comments on developments in naturalisation law in her country, and ways in which the September 11 tragedy last year may affect these trends.Pagination

Tracing the Relationship: The Evolving Marriage of Music and Dance

Senior Project submitted to The Division of Arts of Bard College