Manuel González Pérez

Radiation-Induced Graft Copolymerization of Metacrylic Acid and Butyl Methacrylate onto Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)

Abstract Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastic polyester obtained microbiologically. Its main drawbacks are its thermal instability, brittleness, and moderate hydrophobicity, which limit its applications. The present study involves the chemical modification of PHB by means of the synthesis and characterization of graft copolymers with two selected monomers. Typical monomers, methacrylic acid (MA) and butyl methacrylate (BuM), were graft polymerized onto PHB by radiation-induced graft copolymerization reaction to improve PHBs hydrophilicity. The effect of different solvents on the radiation-induced graft copolymerization of the monomers onto poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) was investigated. Structures of the graft copolymers obtained were determined by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Examination of the infrared spectra of the polymeric materials showed that there are no significant changes in their spectra apart from slight changes in the intensities of absorption bands. The results are consistent with the successful grafting of MA and BuM monomer onto PHB. Double melting peaks for grafted PHB were observed, which was probably caused by recrystallization of the graft copolymer. For grafted PHB, the introduction of MA and BuM groups hinders its crystallization, causing a decrease in the degree of crystallinity. The swelling behavior was also studied. The results showed that water uptake significantly increased. Hence, such a grafting process improved the hydrophilic character of PHB. The possibility of using these grafted polymers in practical biomedical applications is promising.

Conceptual Model for the Evaluation of the Organizational Impact

The process of evaluating the organizational impact is a subject widely studied nationally and Internationally. The reference to the organizational impact, it is necessary to focus on the positive or negative results of a change, modification or innovation applied to the organization and that directly affects a part or the entire organization. The Conceptual Model for the Evaluation of the Organizational Impact (CMEOI) to determine the degree of knowledge of the objective, goals or projects, information and communication, effectiveness of specific programs or projects, motivation, benefits, stimuli or compensation, labor climate and identification of potential. The present investigation proposes a conceptual model that will be useful to determine the degree of organizational impact, of an entity in the face of any change, modification or innovation, whether internal or external.

RECYCLING OF WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AS A STRATEGIC LINE TANGENTIAL OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Electronic arbitration (E-arbitration) is usually defined as a method to settle disputes through online platforms providing arbitration services. It constitutes a recent process dispute resolution mechanism between economic agents through the use of information and communication technology. Earbitration is inseparable from the growth of e-commerce and cross-border trade transactions. Contracting parties in such transactions expect a swift, cost-effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanism. It is no coincidence therefore that an increasing number of domestic legislations and international regulations adhere to the rules governing E-arbitration. The fact remains that, surprisingly, the Lebanese regulatory framework puts several obstacles to the successful implementation of E-arbitration in Lebanon. In this respect, this contribution endeavors to identify the scope of such obstacles, and discusses the solutions adopted in other legal frameworks.

MODELO DE INTERVENCIÓN PARA LA PROTECCIÓN DE INVENCIONES EN INSTITUCIONES DE EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR MEXICANAS

Electronic arbitration (E-arbitration) is usually defined as a method to settle disputes through online platforms providing arbitration services. It constitutes a recent process dispute resolution mechanism between economic agents through the use of information and communication technology. Earbitration is inseparable from the growth of e-commerce and cross-border trade transactions. Contracting parties in such transactions expect a swift, cost-effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanism. It is no coincidence therefore that an increasing number of domestic legislations and international regulations adhere to the rules governing E-arbitration. The fact remains that, surprisingly, the Lebanese regulatory framework puts several obstacles to the successful implementation of E-arbitration in Lebanon. In this respect, this contribution endeavors to identify the scope of such obstacles, and discusses the solutions adopted in other legal frameworks.

EL ROL DEL CAPITAL INTELECTUAL EN LA INNOVACIÓN DE LAS EMPRESAS (ARTÍCULO DE REVISIÓN)

Organizational performance is a key concern for stakeholders in both the profit and non-profit sectors. However, more attention has been focused on profit-making organizations with little emphasis on performance of community-based organizations (CBOs) and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) especially those located in sub-Saharan Africa. Theoretically, scholars in management discipline indicate that the internal environment of an organization influences its performance. Thus, performance is dependent on the internal structures and systems existing within an organization. This paper examines the impact of the internal organizational environment on performance of community-based HIV and AIDS organizations in Nairobi County, Kenya. The authors empirically assess the predicted relationship using survey data from 163 Community Based HIV and AIDS Organizations, in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study findings indicate that the internal environment of an organization has an impact on an organization’s effectiveness, efficiency, relevance and financial viability with impacts on the efficiency and relevance performance indicators. This study has important implications for managers of CBOs on the relevance of developing sustainable internal systems and structures within their organizations to enhance performance.