Peroxide-Induced Synthesis of Maleic Anhydride-Grafted Poly(butylene succinate) and Its Compatibilizing Effect on Poly(butylene succinate)/Pistachio Shell Flour Composites.

Framing the Circular Bioeconomy, the use of reactive compatibilizers was applied in order to increase the interfacial adhesion and, hence, the physical properties and applications of green composites based on biopolymers and food waste derived lignocellulosic fillers. In this study, poly(butylene succinate) grafted with maleic anhydride (PBS-g-MAH) was successfully synthetized by a reactive melt-mixing process using poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and maleic anhydride (MAH) that was induced with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as a radical initiator and based on the formation of macroradicals derived from the hydrogen abstraction of the biopolymer backbone. Then, PBS-g-MAH was used as reactive compatibilizer for PBS filled with different contents of pistachio shell flour (PSF) during melt extrusion. As confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), PBS-g-MAH acted as a bridge between the two composite phases since it was readily soluble in PBS and could successfully form new esters by reaction of its multiple MAH groups with the hydroxyl (-OH) groups present in cellulose or lignin of PSF and the end ones in PBS. The resultant compatibilized green composites were, thereafter, shaped by injection molding into 4-mm thick pieces with a wood-like color. Results showed significant increases in the mechanical and thermomechanical rigidity and hardness, meanwhile variations on the thermal stability were negligible. The enhancement observed was related to the good dispersion and the improved filler-matrix interfacial interactions achieved by PBS-g-MAH and also to the PSF nucleating effect that increased the PBS's crystallinity. Furthermore, water uptake of the pieces progressively increased as a function of the filler content, whereas the disintegration in controlled compost soil was limited due to their large thickness.

The feeling of emptiness questionnaire (CSV). elaboration and validation.

Chronic feeling of emptiness (CFE) is con- sidered a diagnostic criteria in current psychiatric classifica- tions. However, no rating scale is still available for this phe- nomenological concept, which affects diagnostic reliability and the homogeneous use of the concept among clinicians. The aim of this study is to investigate the dimensional com- ponents of CFE and elaborate a specific questionnaire.

El cuestionario del sentimiento de vacío (CSV). Elaboración y validación / The feeling of emptiness questionnaire (CSV). elaboration and validation

INTRODUCCIÓN: El sentimiento crónico de vacío (SCV) aparece en los criterios diagnósticos de las clasificaciones psiquiátricas actuales, pero no existe ningún instrumento de evaluación del mismo, lo que reduce la fiabilidad diagnóstica y el uso homogéneo del término entre los clínicos. En ello se justifica el intento de este estudio de investigar los componentes dimensionales del SCV y elaborar un cuestionario específico. METODOLOGÍA: A partir de un análisis cualitativo basado en las descripciones de 42 pacientes con TLP sobre el sentimiento de vacío se elaboró un cuestionario inicial de 44 ítems. La fiabilidad de consistencia interna se analizó a través de la matriz de correlaciones entre los diferentes ítems y del coeficiente de alpha de Cronbach. Para realizar la validez de constructo se utilizó la prueba de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) y la prueba de esfericidad de Bartlett. Se realizó la validez convergente del cuestionario mediante el cálculo del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson. RESULTADOS: En el proceso de validación se obtuvo un cuestionario final de 33 items con un coeficiente alpha de Cronbach 0,971 y una puntuación en la KMO de 0,933 con cinco factores o dimensiones principales y con significación estadística en la prueba de esfericidad. CONCLUSIONES: El CSV puede ser un instrumento de utilidad para la cuantificación del sentimiento de vacío crónico en el trastorno límite de la personalidad y para la evaluación de su valor predictivo en la evolución de los trastornos de la personalidad en general

INTRODUCTION: Chronic feeling of emptiness (CFE) is considered a diagnostic criteria in current psychiatric classifications. However, no rating scale is still available for this phenomenological concept, which affects diagnostic reliability and the homogeneous use of the concept among clinicians. The aim of this study is to investigate the dimensional com-ponents of CFE and elaborate a specific questionnaire. METHODOLOGY: Following a qualitative analysis of the descriptions of feeling of emptiness from 42 patients with BPD, an initital questionnaire of 44 items was proposed. Internal consistency was analyzed with the matrix correlation betweeen different ítems and with de Alpha coeficient. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests were used to evaluate construct validity of the questionnaire, and Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze convergent validity. RESULTS: Through the validation proccess a final 32 items Questionnaire in Spanish language (Cuestionario de Sentimiento de Vacío, CSV) was obtained with a Cronbach a-pha coeficient of 0,971 and a construct validity supported by KMO index of 0.933, with five major factors identified within the construct . CONCLUSIONS: The CSV ("Cuestionario de Sentimiento Crónico de Vacío") could be useful for measurement of chronic feeling of emptiness in BPD and also for evaluation of its predictive value over the clinical evolution of personality disorders