The Potential Application of Starch and Walnut Shells as Biofillers for Natural Rubber (NR) Composites.

The goal of this study was application of corn starch and ground walnut shells in various amounts by weight as biofillers of natural rubber (NR) biocomposites. Additionally, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmiCl) and (3-aminopropyl)-triethoxysilane (APTES) were used to increase the activity of biofillers and to improve the curing characteristics of NR composites. The effect of biofillers used and their modification with aminosilane or ionic liquid on the curing characteristics of NR composites and their functional properties, including crosslink density, mechanical properties in static and dynamic conditions, hardness, thermal stability and resistance to thermo-oxidative aging were investigated.

[Depression in children and adolescents -symptoms, etiology, therapy].

Early onset depression, regarding its high prevalence and debilitating effects on development, is considered to be one of the major mental illness in children and adolescents. Most commonly is recurrent and continues in adulthood. Factors determining vulnerability to depression can be grouped into following categories: genetics, familial environment, personal characteristics and severe stress.