The Likelihood Ratio Test in Structural Equation Models: A Multi-Group Approach to Portuguese Material Deprivation

In this study a multi-group approach is used within the structural equations modelling framework, with the purpose of validating the temporal stability of the material deprivation measurement model, as well the impact of the existence of children in the household. For the purposes of model comparison, the use of the likelihood ratio test is discussed, when the normal distribution of the data cannot be assumed and the robust Satorra-Bentler scaled-corrected chi-square estimator is used. The statistical package LISREL 8.8 is used for estimating models

Cationization of eucalyptus kraft lignoboost lignin: preparation, properties, and potential applications

Current changes toward a more biobased economy have recently created tremendous renewed interest in using lignin as a valuable source for chemicals and materials. Here, we present a facile cationization approach aiming to impart kraft lignin water-solubility, with similar good features as lignosulfonates. Eucalyptus globulus kraft lignin obtained from a paper mill black liquor by applying the LignoBoost process was used as the substrate. Its reaction with 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC) in an aqueous alkaline medium was studied to assess the impact of different reaction conditions (temperature, time, educt concentration, molar CHPTAC-to-lignin ratio) on the degree of cationization. It has been shown that at pH 13, 10 wt % lignin content, 70 °C, and 3 h reaction time, a CHPTAC-to-lignin minimum molar ratio of 1.3 is required to obtain fully water-soluble products. Elemental analysis (4.2% N), size-exclusion chromatography (M w 2180 Da), and quantitative 13C NMR spectroscopy of the product obtained at this limit reactant concentration suggest introduction of 1.2 quaternary ammonium groups per C9 unit and substitution of 75% of the initially available phenolic OH groups. The possible contribution of benzylic hydroxyls to the introduction of quaternary ammonium moieties through a quinone methide mechanism has been proposed. Since both molecular characteristics and degree of substitution, and hence solubility or count of surface charge, of colloidal particles can be adjusted within a wide range, cationic kraft lignins are promising materials for a wide range of applications, as exemplarily demonstrated for flocculation of anionic dyes.publishe

Valorization of lignin side-streams into polyols and rigid polyurethane foams—a contribution to the pulp and paper industry biorefinery

Valorization of industrial low-value side-streams are of great interest, contributing to boosts in the circular economy. In this context, lignin side-streams of the pulp and paper industry were oxypropylated to produce biobased polyols and tested in the synthesis of rigid polyurethane (RPU) foams. E. globulus lignins, namely a lignin isolated from an industrial Kraft black liquor and depolymerized lignins obtained as by-products of an oxidation process, were used. RPU foams, synthesized with 100% lignin-based polyols and using a 1.1 NCO/OH ratio, were characterized concerning apparent density, morphology, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and heat release rate (HRR). Foams containing the lignin-based polyols presented densities varying from 44.7 to 112.2 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity in the range of 37.2–49.0 mW/mK. For the reference foam (sample produced with 100% wt. Daltofoam TP 32015 polyol), values of 70.9 kg/m3 and 41.1 mW/mK were obtained, respectively. The achieved results point out the viability of using the generated lignin-based polyols at 100% content in RPU foams, mainly when depolymerized lignins are used. Moreover, fire retardancy was favored when the lignin-based polyols were introduced. The proposed strategies can contribute to establishing the integrated pulp and paper biorefinery concept where material synthesis (polyols and RPU foams) can be combined with chemical production (vanillin and syringaldehyde).Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) and FEDER under Program PT2020 for financial support to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020), and to UIDB/50020/2020 of the Associate Laboratory LSRE-LCM—funded by national funds through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC); national funding by FCT, PI, through the institutional scientific employment program contract for Isabel P. Fernandes. This work was carried out under the Project No. 33969 Bioblocks—Design of biobased products from renewable lignocellulosic sources as precursors for the bioindustry of chemical synthesis and biomaterials—financed by FEDER through the Operational Program for Competitiveness Factors (POFC) and QREN. To COST Action LignoCOST (CA17128) supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Determining factors of functioning in hemodialysis patients using the international classification of functioning, disability and health

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) treatment affects functioning, physical activity level, clinical biomarkers, and body composition. However, the association between these variables with functioning, considering International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible association between physical activity, biomarkers, and body composition with functioning in HD patients in reference to the ICF. Methods: Eighty HD patients performed different tests grouped according to ICF domain: Body structure and function – handgrip strength (HS), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, and 60-s sit-to-stand test (5-STS, 60-STS, respectively); Activity – short physical performance battery (SPPB); and Participation – participation scale questionnaire. Physical activity [Human Activity Profile questionnaire (HAP)], body composition (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), Parathormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed as possible variables associated with ICF domains. Data analyses were performed using simple and multiple regression models adjusted for age, duration of HD, and diuresis volume. Results: In the body structure and function domain, appendicular lean mass, PTH level, and age were associated with HS ( R2 = 0.558); HAP and PTH were associated with 5-STS ( R2 = 0.263); and HAP, PTH, duration of HD, and age were associated with 60-STS ( R2 = 0.337). In the activity domain, HAP, PTH, alkaline phosphatase, duration of HD, age, and body fat were associated with SPPB ( R2 = 0.689). Finally, only HAP was associated with the participation scale ( R2 = 0.067). Conclusion: Physical activity and PTH levels are determinant protagonists of functioning in all ICF domains in hemodialysis patients

Novel luminescent materials based on silica doped with an europium(III) complex of 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid: the crystal structure of [(nBu4N)2[Eu(2,6-Hdhb)(5)(H2O)(2)]

Novel luminescent materials were prepared by introducing a new Eu3+ complex of 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,6-H2dhb) into a silica gel made by the sol–gel method. The crystal structure of the resulting complex [nBu4N]2[Eu(2,6-Hdhb)5(H2O)2] was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound was further characterised using FTIR, FT-Raman and elemental analysis. Photoluminescence measurements were performed for the isolated Eu(III) 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate complex and also for the related silica composite material

A strategy-as-practice approach to strategy research and education

This conclusion to the Dialog proposes a strategy-as-practice based approach to bringing strategy research and education closer to practice. Strategy-as-practice rejects the choice, proposed in the previous articles, between theory and practice. The authors argue for strategy research based rigorously on sociological theories of practice. Such research complements the parsimony and generalizability of economics-driven theory, extending strategy research to incorporate the messy realities of doing strategy in practice, with a view to developing theory that is high in accuracy. The authors suggest that practice-based research can also inform strategy teaching by providing students with rich case studies of strategy work as actually practiced, analyzed through such sociological lenses as ethnomethodology, dramaturgy, and institutional theory. Strategy-as-practice research does not aim to give students parsimonious models for analysis or expose them to cases of best practice but rather to help them develop practical wisdom through a better understanding of strategy in practice

Avaliação da boatividade de frações fenólicas de Eucalyptus globulus labill

No contexto industrial, Eucalyptus globulus Labill é uma das espécies mais importantes para a obtenção de pasta de papel. Deste processo resulta um resíduo, a casca, cuja valorização por extração dos polifenóis tem sido estudada no LSRE [1-3]. Neste âmbito, o extrato obtido utilizando condições otimizadas, foi fracionado por ultra- e/ ou nano-filtração e purificado por adsorção/dessorção. O extrato inicial (Fração I) foi diafiltrado (Fração II) e submetido a um processo de adsorção/desorção. Daqui resultaram 2 frações: a fração recolhida à saída da coluna (Fração III) e a fração purificada obtida por dessorção com etanol (Fração IV). As propriedades antioxidantes das quatro frações (Fração I-IV) foram avaliadas através de ensaios in vitro (atividade captadora de radicais livres, poder redutor e inibição da peroxidação lipídica). Na determinação das propriedades citotóxicas aplicou-se o método da sulforrodamina B a linhas celulares tumorais humanas designadamente, MCF-7 (carcinoma de mama), NCI-H460 (carcinoma pulmão), HCT-15 (carcinoma de cólon), HeLa (carcinoma cervical) e HepG2 (carcinoma hepatocelular). A citotoxicidade das frações foi também avaliada utilizando culturas primárias de células de fígado de porco (células não-tumorais, PLP2). A fração purificada (Fração IV) mostrou ter melhor atividade antioxidante (valores de EC50 inferiores a 841-lg/mL) e antitumoral, (valores de GI50 inferiores a 921-lg/mL) com exceção da linha celular MCF-7 em que a fração à saída da coluna (Fração III) originou melhores resultados (GI50=23 11g/mL). Nenhuma amostra apresentou toxicidade contra células não tumorais (Gl50>400 11g/mL). A maior bioatividade demonstrada pela fração purificada está certamente relacionada com o seu teor superior em compostos fenólicos totais (67%) e proantocianidinas (55 o/o)

Valor nutritivo de pastagens de capim-elefante manejadas sob sistema convencional e agroecológico.

O capim-elefante é utilizado, na sua grande maioria, em sistemas convencionais de produção animal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o valor nutritivo do capimelefante em sistemas de manejo agroecológico e convencional, quanto a proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS). Foram usados quatro piquetes, com 0,12ha cada um. No sistema convencional, o capim-elefante foi estabelecido singularmente. No sistema agroecológico, o plantio foi feito em linhas afastadas de 3m. Nas entrelinhas, estabeleceu-se a aveia e o azevém no período hibernal, enquanto que no período estival permitiu-se o desenvolvimento de espécies espontâneas. A adubação foi feita com fertilizantes orgânicos (150kg ha-1 de N). No sistema agroecológico, foram conduzidos sete pastejos, de 24/04/2004 a 05/05/2005. Na pastagem convencional, usouse a mesma quantidade de N (uréia), sendo conduzidos quatro ciclos de pastejo, de 06/10/2004 a 05/05/2005. Para ambos os sistemas foram utilizadas vacas da raça Holandês, recebendo complementação alimentar de 3,5kg dia-1 de concentrado com 20% de proteína bruta, constituindo-se nos animais experimentais. Nas avaliações, considerou-se a massa de forragem inicial com base na matéria seca (MS), os componentes botânicos da pastagem e estruturais do capimelefante. As análises de qualidade foram feitas em amostras de pastejo simulado. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos, convencional e agroecológico, duas repetições (piquetes) e em parcelas incompletas subdivididas no tempo (pastejos). Houve interação (P<0,05) entre tratamentos e pastejos em todas as variáveis. Na pastagem agroecológica, o modelo que melhor se ajustou foi o cúbico para todas as variáveis, em função do tempo de pastejo. Na pastagem convencional, a PB e a DIVMS ajustaram-se melhor ao modelo linear, com taxa positiva de crescimento, sendo observado comportamento inverso para FDN, com o decorrer dos pastejos. Tanto na pastagem convencional quanto na agroecológica encontraram-se associações negativas entre lâmina foliar do capim-elefante com PB e DIVMS e positiva com FDN. Ambos os sistemas apresentaram teores qualitativos elevados das pastagens, considerando-se a adubação, o manejo e o tempo de utilização

Measurement of the Bs0→J/ψKS0B_s^0\to J/\psi K_S^0 branching fraction

The $B_s^0\to J/\psi K_S^0$ branching fraction is measured in a data sample corresponding to 0.41$fb^{-1}$ of integrated luminosity collected with the LHCb detector at the LHC. This channel is sensitive to the penguin contributions affecting the sin2$\beta$ measurement from $B^0\to J/\psi K_S^0$ The time-integrated branching fraction is measured to be $BF(B_s^0\to J/\psi K_S^0)=(1.83\pm0.28)\times10^{-5}$. This is the most precise measurement to date