Sugar-based bicyclic monomers for aliphatic polyesters: a comparative appraisal of acetalized alditols and isosorbide

Three series of polyalkanoates (adipates, suberates and sebacates) were synthesized using as monomers three sugar-based bicyclic diols derived from D-glucose (Glux-diol and isosorbide) and D-mannose (Manx-diol). Polycondensations were conducted in the melt applying similar reaction conditions for all cases. The aim was to compare the three bicyclic diols regarding their suitability to render aliphatic polyesters with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. The ensuing polyesters had molecular weights (Mw) in the 25,000–50,000 g mol-1 range with highest values being attained for Glux-diol. All the polyesters started to decompose above 300 °C and most of them did not display perceivable crystallinity. On the contrary, they had glass transition temperatures much higher than usually found in homologous polyesters made of alkanediols, and showed a stress– strain behavior consistent with their Tg values. Glux-diol was particularly effective in increasing the Tg and to render therefore polyesters with high elastic modulus and considerable mechanical strength.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Triblock copolyesters derived from lactic acid and glucose: synthesis, nanoparticle formation and simulation

ABA triblock copolyesters were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of l-lactide in solution initiated by a telechelic d-glucose-based polyester macroinitiator. The macroinitiator with a number-average molecular weight about 2500 g mol-1 was synthesized by non-stoichiometric polycondensation in the melt of 2,4:3,5-di-O-methylene-d-glucitol and dimethyl succinate. Two triblock copolyesters of Mn ranging between ~6000 and ~9000 g mol-1, and differing in the length of the polylactide blocks were prepared. These copolyesters started to decompose when heated at ~220 °C and degraded slowly upon aqueous incubation under physiological conditions. They did not display any perceivable crystallinity and showed a single glass transition temperature (Tg) around 60 °C with the higher value corresponding to the larger content in glucitol units. The copolyesters were able to form nanoparticles with average diameters of ~100–130 nm and satisfactory dispersity. The effect of the block lengths on size, ¿-potential values and physical stability of the nanoparticles was evaluated. A molecular dynamics simulation study allowed modelling the two-phase structure of the nanoparticles and evidenced the preference of the glucose-based block to be peripherally located.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Science and technology policies: A tale of political use, misuse and abuse of traditional R&D indicators

Future political priorities for science and technology (S&T) policy formulation usually rest on a rather simplistic interpretation of past events. This can lead to serious errors and distortions and can negatively affect the innovation system. In this article we try to highlight the riskiness involved in policy making based on traditional R&D indicators and trends. We would emphasise that this approach does not take account of structural aspects crucial for the analysis of the innovation system. We examine the implications for science, technical and human resources policies of the political challenge of R&D convergence in a peripheral EU region. Three scenarios are developed based on application of the same criteria to the trends observed in traditional R&D input indicators

Innovation systems in motion: an early music case

This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/MD-11-2011-0433). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing LimitedPurpose This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the innovation system and the learning processes involved in a very specific cultural field: the production of early music. Design/methodology/approach A single case study of the generic value chain in the music production industry describes and analyses the process and the actors involved in editing a new early music collection resulting from the collaboration between a record company and a public research organization. Findings There is a need for new knowledge in the various stages of performance and publication of a new recording. The early music sector is a knowledge-intensive, science-driven sector that can be characterized as a system because the interactions among actors substantially influence final products. Research limitations/implications The single case study represents a specific sector within the music industry. However, its conclusions can be applied to other fields in the cultural heritage sector. Originality/value The literature on innovation in the cultural field primarily focuses on the relationship between art and information and communication technology (ICT). This paper is novel in analysing a case where scientific knowledge is key to new product development, and suggesting that we need to take account of the interactions among cultural heritage entities, universities and other knowledge production organizations. It concludes that these organizations should be involved institutionally in other aspects of the innovation process.Castro-Martínez, E.; Recasens, A.; Jiménez-Sáez, F. (2013). Innovation systems in motion: an early music case. Management Decision. 51(6):1276-1292. doi:10.1108/MD-11-2011-0433S12761292516Amable, B., & Palombarini, S. (1998). Technical change and incorporated R&D in the service sector. Research Policy, 27(7), 655-675. doi:10.1016/s0048-7333(98)00076-6Asheim, B., Coenen, L., Moodysson, J., & Vang, J. (2007). Constructing knowledge-based regional advantage: implications for regional innovation policy. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 7(2/3/4/5), 140. doi:10.1504/ijeim.2007.012879Asheim, B., & Hansen, H. K. (2009). Knowledge Bases, Talents, and Contexts: On the Usefulness of the Creative Class Approach in Sweden. Economic Geography, 85(4), 425-442. doi:10.1111/j.1944-8287.2009.01051.xCastro‐Martínez, E., Fernández de Lucio, I., Pérez‐Marín, M. and Criado‐Boado, F. (2008a), “La transferencia de conocimientos desde las Humanidades: posibilidades y características”,Arbor, Vol. 184 No. 732, pp. 619‐636.Chapain, C., & Comunian, R. (2009). Enabling and Inhibiting the Creative Economy: The Role of the Local and Regional Dimensions in England. Regional Studies, 44(6), 717-734. doi:10.1080/00343400903107728Consoli, D. (2005). The dynamics of technological change in UK retail banking services: An evolutionary perspective. Research Policy, 34(4), 461-480. doi:10.1016/j.respol.2005.02.001Consoli, D., & Mina, A. (2008). An evolutionary perspective on health innovation systems. Journal of Evolutionary Economics, 19(2), 297-319. doi:10.1007/s00191-008-0127-3Cunningham, S. (2002), “From cultural to creative industries: theory, industry, and policy implications”,Media International Australia Incorporating Culture and Policy: Quarterly Journal of Media Research and Resources, pp. 54‐65, available at: http://eprints.qut.edu.au/588/ (accessed 31 May 2011).Cunningham, S., Cutler, T., Hearn, G., Ryan, M. and Keane, M. (2004), “An innovation agenda for the creative industries: where is the R&D?”,Media International Australia; Incorporating Culture and Policy, No. 112, pp. 174‐185.Davis, C. H., Creutzberg, T., & Arthurs, D. (2009). Applying an innovation cluster framework to a creative industry: The case of screen-based media in Ontario. Innovation, 11(2), 201-214. doi:10.5172/impp.11.2.201Djellal, F., & Gallouj, F. (2005). Mapping innovation dynamics in hospitals. Research Policy, 34(6), 817-835. doi:10.1016/j.respol.2005.04.007Eltham, B. (2009). Australian cultural and innovation policies: Never the twain shall meet? Innovation, 11(2), 230-239. doi:10.5172/impp.11.2.230Ettlie, J. E., & Rosenthal, S. R. (2011). Service versus Manufacturing Innovation*. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 28(2), 285-299. doi:10.1111/j.1540-5885.2011.00797.xGander, J., & Rieple, A. (2002). Inter-organisational Relationships in the Worldwide Popular Recorded Music Industry. Creativity and Innovation Management, 11(4), 248-254. doi:10.1111/1467-8691.00256García-Aracil, A., & Fernández De Lucio, I. (2008). Industry–University Interactions in a Peripheral European Region: An Empirical Study of Valencian Firms. Regional Studies, 42(2), 215-227. doi:10.1080/00343400601142704Hjalager, A. (2009). Cultural Tourism Innovation Systems – The Roskilde Festival. Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 9(2-3), 266-287. doi:10.1080/15022250903034406Hirsch, P. M. (2000). Cultural Industries Revisited. Organization Science, 11(3), 356-361. doi:10.1287/orsc.11.3.356.12498Hotho, S., & Champion, K. (2011). Small businesses in the new creative industries: innovation as a people management challenge. Management Decision, 49(1), 29-54. doi:10.1108/00251741111094428Jaaniste, L. (2009). Placing the creative sector within innovation: The full gamut. Innovation, 11(2), 215-229. doi:10.5172/impp.11.2.215Jeffcutt, P., & Pratt, A. C. (2002). Managing Creativity in the Cultural Industries. Creativity and Innovation Management, 11(4), 225-233. doi:10.1111/1467-8691.00254Jöckel, S., Will, A., & Nawrath, U. (2007). Consumer Preferences towards Commercial Music Downloads. Journal of Media Business Studies, 4(3), 1-19. doi:10.1080/16522354.2007.11073453Le Blanc, A. (2010), “Cultural districts, a new strategy for regional development?”,The South‐East Cultural District in Sicily, Regional Studies, Vol. 44 No. 7, pp. 905‐917.Lorenzen, M., & Frederiksen, L. (2005). The management of projects and product experimentation: examples from the music industry. European Management Review, 2(3), 198-211. doi:10.1057/palgrave.emr.1500044Lundvall, B. (2007). National Innovation Systems—Analytical Concept and Development Tool. Industry & Innovation, 14(1), 95-119. doi:10.1080/13662710601130863McLean, R., Oliver, P. G., & Wainwright, D. W. (2010). The myths of empowerment through information communication technologies. Management Decision, 48(9), 1365-1377. doi:10.1108/00251741011082116Malerba, F. (2002). Sectoral systems of innovation and production. Research Policy, 31(2), 247-264. doi:10.1016/s0048-7333(01)00139-1Miles, I. (2000), “Services innovation: coming of age in the knowledge‐based economy”,International Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 371‐389.Potts, J. (2009). Introduction. Innovation, 11(2), 138-147. doi:10.5172/impp.11.2.138Potts, J., Cunningham, S., Hartley, J., & Ormerod, P. (2008). Social network markets: a new definition of the creative industries. Journal of Cultural Economics, 32(3), 167-185. doi:10.1007/s10824-008-9066-yPower, D., & Hallencreutz, D. (2002). Profiting from Creativity? The Music Industry in Stockholm, Sweden and Kingston, Jamaica. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 34(10), 1833-1854. doi:10.1068/a3529Pratt, A. C. (2005). Cultural industries and public policy. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 11(1), 31-44. doi:10.1080/10286630500067739Ramlogan, R. and Consoli, D. (2007), “Knowledge, understanding and the dynamics of medical innovation”,European Journal of Economic and Social Systems, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 231‐249.Sundbo, J. (2009). Innovation in the experience economy: a taxonomy of innovation organisations. The Service Industries Journal, 29(4), 431-455. doi:10.1080/02642060802283139Sundbo, J., Orfila-Sintes, F., & Sørensen, F. (2007). The innovative behaviour of tourism firms—Comparative studies of Denmark and Spain. Research Policy, 36(1), 88-106. doi:10.1016/j.respol.2006.08.004Van der Groep, R. (2009). ‘Breaking Out’ and ‘Breaking In’: Changing Firm Strategies in the Dutch Audiovisual Industry. Regional Studies, 44(7), 845-858. doi:10.1080/00343400903167896Vence, X. and Trigo, A. (2010), “La innovación en los servicios: de la especificidad sectorial a la diversidad intrasectorial. Análisis de la experiencia española” (“Innovation in services: from sectorial specificity to intersectorial diversity: an analysis of the Spanish experience)”,Principios Journal, No. 17, pp. 53‐75.Wilson, N. C., & Stokes, D. (2005). Managing creativityandinnovation. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 12(3), 366-378. doi:10.1108/1462600051061228

Bio-based aliphatic polyesters from aliphatic diacids and bicyclic alditols: A comparative study

In this work we have prepared and compared the thermal and mechanical properties of aliphatic polyesters made from aliphatic diacids with different polymethylene chain lengths (2, 4, 6, 8) and three bicyclic sugar derived diols namely, dianhydro-1,4:3,6-D-glucitol (also known as isosorbide, Is), and two bicyclic diazetalized hexitols, 2,4:3,5-di-O-methylene- D-mannitol (Manx-diol) and -D-glucitol (Glux-diol) derived from D-mannose and D-glucose respectively (Fig. 1)Postprint (published version

TRHIOS: Trust and reputation in hierarchical and quality-oriented societies

In this paper we present TRHIOS: a Trust and Reputation system for HIerarchical and quality-Oriented Societies. We focus our work on hierarchical medical organizations. The model estimates the reputation of an individual, RTRHIOS, taking into account information from three trust dimensions: the hierarchy of the system; the source of information; and the quality of the results. Besides the concrete reputation value, it is important to know how reliable that value is; for each of the three dimensions we calculate the reliability of the assessed reputations; and aggregating them, the reliability of the reputation of an individual. The modular approach followed in the definition of the different types of reputations provides the system with a high flexibility that allows adapting the model to the peculiarities of each society

How Continuous Monitoring Changes the Interaction of Patients with a Mobile Telemedicine System

The use of continuous glucose monitor changes the way patients manage their diabetes, as observed in the increased number of daily insulin bolus, the increased number of daily BG measurements, and the differences in the distribution of BG measurements throughout the day. Continuous monitoring also increases the interaction of patients with the information system and modifies their patterns of use

Electronic Report Generation Web Service evaluated within a Telemedicine System

This work presents a generic tool based on a client-server architecture that generates electronic reports helping the evaluation process of any information system. For the specific evaluation of telemedicine systems the defined reports cover four dimensions: auditory of the system; evolution of clinical protocols; results from the questionnaires for user acceptance and quality of life; and surveillance of clinical variables. The use of a Web Service approach allows multiplatform use of the developed electronic report service and the modularity followed in the implementation enables easy system evolution and scalability

Hydroxyl-functionalized amphiphilic triblock copolyesters made of tartaric and lactic acids: Synthesis and nanoparticle formation

Bio-based triblock copolyesters were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide in solution using a hydroxyl-ended polytartrate as di-functional macroinitiator. This telechelic polyester with a Mn about 3000¿g·mol-1 was obtained by non-stoichiometric melt polycondensation of dimethyl 2,3-di-O-isopropylidene-l-tartrate and 1,4-butanediol. Two symmetrical triblock copolyesters with Mn in the 5000–7000¿g·mol-1 range and differing in the length of the polylactide blocks were prepared. The protecting isopropylidene group was removed in trifluoracetic acid to generate amphiphilic triblock copolyesters bearing free hydroxyl groups in the central block. All copolyesters started to decompose approximately at 260–280¿°C, were semicrystalline, and readily degraded by hydrolysis of the main chain under both acid and basic conditions. The acetalized copolyesters had a single Tg, whereas free-hydroxyl bearing copolyesters showed two Tg indicative of blocks phase separation. All copolyesters were able to form nanoparticles with average diameters within the ~200–450¿nm range. The influence of the block lengths and protection/deprotection of the hydroxyl groups on size and ¿-potential of the nanoparticles was evaluated.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

MR imaging findings in primary spinal cord glioblastoma

Spinal cord glioblastoma is a rare disease, with an aggressive course and a poor prognosis. We describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, in 3 adult cases of biopsy-confirmed glioblastoma. Conventional MRI findings were unclear with regard to the differential diagnosis between this rare tumor and other more common spinal cord lesions, including less aggressive tumors such as ependymoma or pilocytic astrocytoma, abscesses or tumefactive demyelinating lesions. After reasonable exclusion of infectious/inflammatory conditions, a final diagnosis of glioblastoma was established based on histopathological analysis. The cases reported reflect the difficulty of early radiological diagnosis of spinal cord glioblastoma, and indicate the need to perform a biopsy once inflammatory-infectious conditions are excluded with appropriate laboratory tests