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The application of vegetable oil based additive for lubricating oil has attracted considerable interest due to their biocompatibility and multifunctional performances compared to conventional additives. In the present work, we have synthesized homopolymer of castor oil and copolymer of castor oil with styrene by thermal method without any solvent at different percentage composition by using BZP (benzoyl peroxide) as initiator. Characterization of the additives was completed by spectral technique (FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy). The molecular weight of the prepared additives was determined by gel permeation chromatography method (GPC method). Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) method was used to study the thermal stability of the prepared polymers. Standard ASTM methods were used to investigate the performance of all the prepared polymers in SN150 mineral oil as viscosity index improver (VII), pour point depressant (PPD) and antiwear. Biodegradability of all the polymers was determined disk diffusion method. From the experimental results, it was found that copolymers are more effective as VII, PPD and antiwear than homopolymer. Moreover, average molecular weight, thermal stability and performances as VII and antiwear increase with increasing the percentage of styrene in copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homopolymer of linseed oil and its four copolymers with styrene, 1-decene, isodecyl acrylate and octyl acrylate, respectively, have been synthesized in this present context. The prepared polymers are characterized by NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The molecular weights have been measured by gel permeation chromatography. Their effectiveness as pour point depressant (PPD), viscosity index improver (VII) and their shear stability in terms of permanent shear stability index have been evaluated in lube oil. The copolymers acted as better PPDs than the homopolymer whereas the homopolymer of linseed oil excelled as VII. Further it was observed that all the prepared polymers were stable enough under severe mechanical shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of lean philosophy on a firm's financial performance. Although a large number of studies provide evidence about the benefits of implementing lean management, there is very little systematic and rigorous research investigating financial benefits derived from lean management. The study analyzes horizontal performance comparing lean firms' performance with the industry average and formulates ordinary least squares (OLS) to test the benefit of adopting lean management. The results of the study suggest that lean management can improve financial performance significantly. These findings will encourage managers of non-lean firms to think about implementing lean management. These findings will also work as a guide for lean firms as although lean management can improve the financial performance significantly, but, to perform at or beyond the industry averages, they need to focus on efficient and effective uses of lean management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of lean philosophy on a firm's financial performance. Although a large number of studies provide evidence about the benefits of implementing lean management, there is very little systematic and rigorous research investigating financial benefits derived from lean management. The study analyzes horizontal performance comparing lean firms' performance with the industry average and formulates ordinary least squares (OLS) to test the benefit of adopting lean management. The results of the study suggest that lean management can improve financial performance significantly. These findings will encourage managers of nonlean firms to think about implementing lean management. These findings will also work as a guide for lean firms as although lean management can improve the financial performance significantly, but to perform at or beyond the industry averages, they need to focus on efficient and effective uses of lean management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stereoselective synthesis of the northern hemisphere (C 20 -C 41 ) of the purported structure of the extremely potent anticancer natural product neaumycin B has been accomplished. Twelve out of nineteen asymmetry centers have been installed chemically. The key highlights of this synthesis include the Krische iridium catalyzed anti -diastereoselective carbonyl crotylation, the Crimmins aldol reaction, HWE olefination, CBS reduction, vanadium promoted stereoselective epoxidation, Evans methylation and spiroketalization.