Sustainable Synthesis of Epoxidized Cynara C. Seed Oil

The use of non-edible vegetable oils to produce oleochemicals has been attracting more attention in recent years. Cardoon seed oil, derived from the Cynara C. plant, growing in marginal and contaminated lands, represents a non-edible alternative to soybean oil to obtain plasticizers through epoxidation reaction. The use of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant and in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst allows overcoming the limits of epoxidation with peracids. γ-alumina has been shown to have an active catalyst epoxidation reaction with hydrogen peroxide, mainly using acetonitrile as solvent. However, the use of acetonitrile as solvent is widely debated due to its hazardous character and health issues. For these reasons, the influence of solvent on the reaction was studied in this work to find a more environmentally friendly and stable solvent. The study showed that the epoxidation reaction takes place also in the absence of solvent although with lower selectivity. The type of solvent influences both the epoxidation and decomposition reactions of hydrogen peroxide. γ-valerolactone was found to be the most promising solvent for cardoon oil epoxidation reaction. This finding represents a noteworthy novelty in the field of epoxidation of vegetable oils with hydrogen peroxide, opening the way to greener and cleaner process. Finally, an optimization study showed that the most effective molar ratio between hydrogen peroxide and double bonds for better selectivity was 4.5 and the need to use the highest possible initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide (approximately 60 wt. %)

In vivo and Post-synthesis Strategies to Enhance the Properties of PHB-Based Materials: A Review

The transition toward “green” alternatives to petroleum-based plastics is driven by the need for “drop-in” replacement materials able to combine characteristics of existing plastics with biodegradability and renewability features. Promising alternatives are the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), microbial biodegradable polyesters produced by a wide range of microorganisms as carbon, energy, and redox storage material, displaying properties very close to fossil-fuel-derived polyolefins. Among PHAs, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is by far the most well-studied polymer. PHB is a thermoplastic polyester, with very narrow processability window, due to very low resistance to thermal degradation. Since the melting temperature of PHB is around 170–180°C, the processing temperature should be at least 180–190°C. The thermal degradation of PHB at these temperatures proceeds very quickly, causing a rapid decrease in its molecular weight. Moreover, due to its high crystallinity, PHB is stiff and brittle resulting in very poor mechanical properties with low extension at break, which limits its range of application. A further limit to the effective exploitation of these polymers is related to their production costs, which is mostly affected by the costs of the starting feedstocks. Since the first identification of PHB, researchers have faced these issues, and several strategies to improve the processability and reduce brittleness of this polymer have been developed. These approaches range from the in vivo synthesis of PHA copolymers, to the enhancement of post-synthesis PHB-based material performances, thus the addition of additives and plasticizers, acting on the crystallization process as well as on polymer glass transition temperature. In addition, reactive polymer blending with other bio-based polymers represents a versatile approach to modulate polymer properties while preserving its biodegradability. This review examines the state of the art of PHA processing, shedding light on the green and cost-effective tailored strategies aimed at modulating and optimizing polymer performances. Pioneering examples in this field will be examined, and prospects and challenges for their exploitation will be presented. Furthermore, since the establishment of a PHA-based industry passes through the designing of cost-competitive production processes, this review will inspect reported examples assessing this economic aspect, examining the most recent progresses toward process sustainability

Design of a tuned vbration absorber (TVA) for applications in transport engineering

The control of the response to tonal excitations or to broadband stochastic disturbances of a stiffened cylinder is investigated through the use of a Tuned Vibrating Absorber (TVA). In particular, the study considered both a purely passive device (Mechanical) and a semi-active one with shunt circuit (Electro-Mechanical) to evaluate the efficiencies and differences

Aspetti patogenetici comuni tra stenosi aortica calcifica e aterosclerosi: ruolo del recettore dei prodotti di glicosilazione avanzata

Clinical and experimental studies identified several similarities between calcific aortic stenosis and atherosclerosis, suggesting the involvement of similar pathogenic pathways in both conditions.There are severalmolecules involved in regulating the development, progression and calcification of the valve sclerosis and in growth and complications of atherosclerotic plaque. Among these molecules, the receptor of advanced glycation end-products , a multi-ligand receptor involved in the pathogenesis of several degenerative, inflammatory and immune diseases, could have an important regulatory role in both diseases and therefore worthy of study as a potential target therapeutic for both conditions.Studi sperimentali e clinici hanno individuato molte analogie fra la stenosi aortica calcifica e l\u27aterosclerosi,suggerendo una via patogenetica comune. Esistono diverse molecole coinvolte nella regolazione dello sviluppo, progressione della sclerosi e calcificazione della valvola,cos? come nella crescita e complicanze della placca aterosclerotica. Tra queste molecole, il recettore per i prodotti di glicosilazione avanzata, un recettoremulti-ligando che ? coinvolto nella patogenesi di diversemalattie degenerative infiammatorie e immunitarie, potrebbe avere un ruolo regolatore importante in entrambe le malattie, rappresentando un potenziale bersaglio terapeutico in ambedue le condizioni

A STEAM game-based learning framework: Maximizing integrated and immersive learning in the classroom

Digital simulation tools exist to compliment teaching strategies; however, there is tremendous potential to enhance their functionality by integrating them into immersive, educational simulations across the STEAM disciplines. To accomplish this, McMaster University’s Biology students, together with George Brown College students enrolled in the Game–Art, Game– Programming, Game Design, and Concept Art for Entertainment programs, have come together to create an immersive biological video game, Cells at War. Through this continued partnership, students work during their field placement requirements, towards the continued development, expansion, and pilot of this video game platform. This now includes partnerships across multiple institutes (eg. with the University of Wollongong, Australia), and across other STEAM disciplines including physics and music. This innovative WIL partnership will enable these multi-disciplinary students to emulate professional work-place practices used in the game industry, while leveraging technology to facilitate access, progression, and completion of this unique work-integrated learning project. As a combined applied-research/community and industry-engaged project, our industry partners provide consultation on the simulation design, types of interactions integrated into the simulation, and the user experience while playing the simulation. Our STEAM Game-Based Learning framework facilitates student skill development and experiences, while driving educational innovation. Through this project, students from all backgrounds engage in innovative WIL, while producing a robust, video game (eg. Cells at War) that will be employed across educational sectors, and will now include other STEAM disciplines. Presentation attendees are encouraged to bring their own device (eg. smartphone, tablet, laptop) so that they can engage with a browser-based game. This research was approved by the McMaster Research Ethics Board

Understanding Marine Biodegradation of Bio-Based Oligoesters and Plasticizers

The study reports the enzymatic synthesis of bio-based oligoesters and chemo-enzymatic processes for obtaining epoxidized bioplasticizers and biolubricants starting from cardoon seed oil. All of the molecules had MW below 1000 g mol-1 and were analyzed in terms of marine biodegradation. The data shed light on the effects of the chemical structure, chemical bond lability, thermal behavior, and water solubility on biodegradation. Moreover, the analysis of the biodegradation of the building blocks that constituted the different bio-based products allowed us to distinguish between different chemical and physicochemical factors. These hints are of major importance for the rational eco-design of new benign bio-based products. Overall, the high lability of ester bonds was confirmed, along with the negligible effect of the presence of epoxy rings on triglyceride structures. The biodegradation data clearly indicated that the monomers/building blocks undergo a much slower process of abiotic or biotic transformations, potentially leading to accumulation. Therefore, the simple analysis of the erosion, hydrolysis, or visual/chemical disappearance of the chemical products or plastic is not sufficient, but ecotoxicity studies on the effects of such small molecules are of major importance. The use of natural feedstocks, such as vegetable seed oils and their derivatives, allows the minimization of these risks, because microorganisms have evolved enzymes and metabolic pathways for processing such natural molecules

Profile of a new extended range-of-vision IOL: a laboratory study

Purpose To evaluate the surface profile of a new-generation extended range-of-vision intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare it with that obtained for a monofocal IOL based on the same platform. Methods Prospective, experimental, laboratory study comparing the surface profile of the DFT015 (AcrySof IQ Vivity; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), a new-generation presbyopia-correcting IOL, with the profile of the SN60WF (AcrySof IQ; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), an aspheric monofocal IOL based on the same platform. Raw profiles were obtained using contact profilometry. The best-fit form was then subtracted from each raw profile to highlight potential differences. Results No significant differences were appreciated in raw profiles. On the contrary, after form removal, the new extended range-of-vision IOL showed a peculiar profile characterized by the presence of two altitudinal symmetrical changes in the order of 1 µm, localized in the central portion of the optic. Conclusions The new-generation extended range-of-vision IOL evaluated showed a smooth change of its surface compared to the same platform monofocal IOL. The altitudinal changes blended in the central design of the new presbyopia-correcting IOL, although micrometric, might play a crucial role in creating a continuous focal range while minimizing visual disturbances.Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di Trieste within the CRUI-CARE Agreement

Poly (Lactic Acid)/Thermoplastic Starch Films: Effect of Cardoon Seed Epoxidized Oil on Their Chemicophysical, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties

In this work, biodegradable films based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and corn thermoplastic starch (TPS), additivated with epoxidized cardoon oil plasticizer (ECO) at 3% by weight with respect to PLA mass fraction, were prepared by melt extrusion process and compression molding. The effect of ECO on structural, thermal, mechanical, barrier, and spectral optical properties of the films was investigated. Spectroscopic analysis evidenced the development of physical interaction between oil and polymers, mainly PLA. In addition, no oil migration occurrence was detected after six months of film preparation, as evidenced by oil mass evaluation by precipitation as well as by 1H-NMR methods, thus highlighting the good inclusion of oil inside the polymeric network. The plasticizing action of the oil induced a lean improvement of the interfacial adhesion between hydrophobic PLA and hydrophilic TPS, particularly accentuated in PLA80_ECO composition, as evidenced by morphological analysis of blend fracture surfaces. TGA data underlined that, differently from TPS-based films, PLA-based systems followed one degradative thermal profile suggesting a slight compatibilization effect of epoxidized oil in these films. The shifting of Tg values, by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, indicated a weak miscibility at molecular level. Generally, in the investigated blends, the phase separation between PLA and TPS polymers was responsible for the mechanical properties failing; in particular, the tensile strength evidenced a negative deviation from the rule of mixtures, particularly marked in TPS-based blends, where no physical entanglements occurred between the polymers since their immiscibility even in presence of ECO. The epoxidized oil strongly improved the barrier properties (water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (O2P)) of all the films, likely developing a physical barrier to water and oxygen diffusion and solubilization. With respect to neat PLA, PL80 and PL80_ECO films evidenced the improvement of surface wettability, due to the presence of polar groups both in TPS (hydroxyl residues) and in epoxidized oil (oxirane rings). Finally, following to the conditioning in climatic chamber at T = 25 °C and RH = 50%, PLA80 film became opaque due to TPS water absorption, causing a light transmittance decreasing, as evidenced by spectral optical analysis

B.A.C.K. TO T.H.E. F.U.T.U.RE. − Bim Acquisition as Cultural Key TO Transfer Heritage of ancient Egypt For many Uses To many Users Replayed

Il progetto partecipa all’iniziativa pilota “Metti in Rete la tua idea di Ricerca”, finan-ziata nell’ambito della collaborazione tra Politecnico di Torino e Compagnia di San Paolo, per promuovere i progetti di ricerca proposti dai ricercatori del Politecnico di To-rino in collaborazione con università, azien-de e altri enti del sistema socio-economico italiano e di qualsiasi altro Stato membro dell’Unione Europea / The project takes part of the pilot initiative “Create a network around your research idea”, funded within the framework of the collaboration between Politecnico di Tori-no and Compagnia di San Paolo.The initia-tive promotes the research projects proposed by researchers of the Politecnico di Torino in collaboration with universities, companies and other entities of the socio-economic sys-tem located in Italy and in any other State Member of EU

Plan estratégico para hotel de cinco estrellas en el distrito de San Isidro periodo 2020-2024

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo desarrollar un plan estratégico para el Hotel Le Bonheur categoría cinco estrellas en el periodo 2020-2024, el cual opera desde la década de 1980 en el distrito de San Isidro. La investigación se inicia con los resultados de dos intentos estratégicos 2014-2016 y 2017-2019, donde el hotel buscó posicionarse en el mercado y desarrollar su ventaja competitiva enfocada en su servicio. Con dichos resultados, el hotel tenía proyectado implementar estrategias agresivas y de crecimiento que le permitan posicionarse dentro de su industria. Sin embargo, debido a la coyuntura actual, el objetivo de la empresa ha cambiado radicalmente