DMPonline Version 4.0: User-Led Innovation

DMPonline is a web-based tool to help researchers and research support staff produce data management and sharing plans. Between October and December 2012, we examined DMPonline in unprecedented detail. The results of this evaluation led to some major changes. We have shortened the DCC Checklist for a Data Management Plan and revised how this is used in the tool. We have also amended the data model for DMPonline, improved workflows and redesigned the user interface. This paper reports on the evaluation, outlining the methods used, the results gathered and how they have been acted upon. We conducted usability testing on v.3 of DMPonline and the v.4 beta prior to release. The results from these two rounds of usability testing are compared to validate the changes made. We also put forward future plans for a more iterative development approach and greater community input

Reshaping the DCC Institutional Engagement Programme

This paper shares results from the Digital Curation Centre’s programme of Institutional Engagements (IEs), and describes how we continue to provide tailored support on Research Data Management (RDM) to the UK higher education sector.Between Spring 2011 and Spring 2013, the DCC ran a series of 21 Institutional Engagements. The engagement programme involved helping institutions to assess their needs, develop policy and strategy, and begin to implement a range of RDM services.We have conducted a synthesis and evaluation of the programme, analysing the types of assistance requested and the impact of our support. The findings and lessons to emerge from these exercises have informed our future strategy and helped reshape the programme.</p

Enzymatic synthesis and characterization of novel terpolymers from renewable sources

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid and itaconic acid are both important biobased platform chemicals and their terpolymer with 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) can be the starting point for a new class of reactive polyesters, with important applications. The green synthetic route developed in this study involves a biocatalytic condensation polymerization reaction of dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMFDC) and dimethyl itaconate (DMI) with HDO in toluene at 80°C, using commercial immobilized lipases from Candida antarctica B. In the best conditions, the formed polymer product was isolated with more than 80% yield, containing about 85% terpolymer with average molecular mass of about 1200 (Mn, calculated from MALDI-TOF MS data) and 15% DMFDC-HDO copolymer. Considering the higher reactivity of DMFDC, the composition of the synthesized polymer can be directed by adjusting the molar ratio of DMFDC and DMI, as well as by extending the reaction time. Structural analysis by NMR demonstrated the regioselective preference for the carbonyl group from DMI adjacent to the methylene group. The biocatalyst was successfully reused in multiple reaction cycles.</p