Transparent porous polymer sheets for efficient product separation in solar water splitting

Efficient product separation is an essential requirement for the safe operation and implementation of solar water splitting devices. Ion exchange membranes are typically used, but for a device that requires...

Epoch-Making Discovery for CO2 Characteristics: “Pseudo Osmosis” in the Gas Phase

Recently, unprecedented torrential rains have deluged the globe, resulting in disastrous floods. These disasters were caused by climate changes because of an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere since the industrial revolution. Therefore, atmospheric accumulation of CO2 should be reduced to avoid a future climate crisis. Many methods to fix CO2 have been developed, but a practical method has not been established, except for the method using amines based on moderate plant constructions. However, the membrane method has not yet been established because of the conflicting relationship between penetrability and specificity, although membrane technology can be used for CO2 separation. Epoch-making discoveries for CO2 characteristics have been presented as follows: 1) the high penetrability of CO2 in the gas phase caused “pursued osmosis” against polymer elasticity; 2) highly penetrable CO2 passed through polymer membranes such as authentic polymers and natural cellulose, whereas neither O2 nor N2 penetrates these polymers examined; 3) CO2 is absorbed by plastics; 4) H2 and CH4 gases penetrate through polymer membranes, but their penetration was completely blocked in the presence of water; and 5) using a polytunnel made of polymer sheets (an artificial forest or positive green house), which allows CO2 penetration, instead of hard chamber, steel, or plastic could be cost effective. Therefore, polymer membranes could be practically and economically useful for CO2 separation from the exhaust gas and atmosphere.

EFFECT OF PRODUCT INNOVATION ON PERFORMANCE OF PRINTING SMES IN KAMPALA CENTRAL DISTRICT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of product innovation on performance of printing SMEs in Kampala Central District Methodology: The study used the explanatory design. The study conducted a census on a target population of 125printing SMEs operating in Kampala Central district. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires that were self- administered to managers of printing SMEs. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software program v 25.0 where both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done. In particular, frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation and correlation analyses were used and the resultant presentation was done using figures and tables. Results: The study established that product innovation positively affected performance of printing SMEs. The study also revealed that use of graphic designs, digital printing and polymer sheets were among the major product innovations that were used which was represented by mean scores of 4.17, 3.95 and 3.81 respectively. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that printing firms should constantly endeavor to invest in different new product designs and improve on the existing products so as to attain a competitive advantage against competitors. For example, holographic and scratch off foils are some of the new products that firms can take advantage of. Holographic foil adds a thrilling effect that provides a high-tech look while scratch-off foil covers things that can be revealed by just a scratch creating an interactive print. Such products can bring more traffic and sales to the business as they are attractive and are perceived to have higher value. Additionally, the new products should be designed in a way that meets customer needs in the dynamic market environment.

Correction: Aung et al. Air Permeability, Shock Absorption Ability, and Flexural Strength of 3D-Printed Perforated ABS Polymer Sheets with 3D-Knitted Fabric Cushioning for Sports Face Guard Applications. Polymers 2021, 13, 1879

Error in Figures 3 and 6 [...]