Münster University of Applied Sciences

About: Münster University of Applied Sciences is a education organization based out in Münster, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Luminescence & Laser. The organization has 694 authors who have published 1067 publications receiving 12597 citations.

Composites from Luminescent Nanosized ZnS and Optical Polymer

Abstract: In this work, transparent luminescent nanocomposites were obtained using manganese – doped ZnS nanoparticles with crystallite sizes of about 10 nm, dispersed in the monomer isobornyl acrylate (IBOA). Suited nanocrystals of Mn2+-doped ZnS have been prepared by arrested precipitation in the presence of capping agents like cysteamine, combined with hydrophobization. Transparent ZnS: Mn/PIBOA nanocomposites were subsequently prepared via in situ polymerization. Nanocomposites were produced by adding different percentages of nanoparticles up to 30% by weight. The structural properties of the ZnS:Mn nanoparticles were studied in detail using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform IR spectrometer (FT-IR), spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The X-ray diffraction pattern exhibited peaks corresponding to the cubic phase of ZnS. The emission spectrum (at 320 nm excitation) of the composites showed the same broad band as bulk ZnS:Mn, centered at 590 nm.

Exploring External Factors Affecting the Intention-Behavior Gap When Trying to Adopt a Sustainable Diet: A Think Aloud Study.

Abstract: Not least from an ecological and health perspective, it can be posited that a broader part of consumers should practice sustainable diets. People who are already willing to do so are often confronted with the intention-behavior gap, caused by a range of internal and external factors. To eliminate these barriers requires a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of these factors and their interplay. Therefore, a think aloud study with 20 adult German participants was conducted to explore the four chosen external factors of availability, education, advertising and price. Furthermore, questionnaires for all four factors were handed out and a follow-up interview was conducted to gain additional qualitative data. Results show that these four external factors seem to have a major impact on the intention-behavior relation. According to the participants all factors interact in some way with other internal and external factors, making practicing sustainable diets a complex activity. In conclusion, the four external factors availability, education, advertising and price need to be addressed by various stakeholders within our food systems in order to move forward in the process of making sustainable diets practicable and sustainable food systems firmly established.