Abstract: A book is disclosed for facilitating experiential learning. The book includes a first task packet that includes a collection of preview material that introduces a task without revealing what the task is. The first task packet also includes a collection of description material that identifies what the task is. Finally, the first task packet includes a commitment mechanism configured to discourage a reader from proceeding from the collection of preview material to the collection of description material until the reader is committed to performing the task.

Abstract: Integrated processes of preparing industrial chemicals starting from seed oil feedstock compositions containing one or more unsaturated fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acid esters, which are essentially free of metathesis catalyst poisons, particularly hydroperoxides; metathesis of the feedstock composition with a lower olefin, such as ethylene, to form a reduced chain olefin, preferably, a reduced chain ?-olefin, and a reduced chain unsaturated acid or ester, preferably, a reduced chain ?,?-unsaturated acid or ester. The reduced chain unsaturated acid or ester may be (trans)esterified to form a polyester polyolefin, which may be epoxidized to form a polyester polyepoxide. The reduced chain unsaturated acid or ester may be hydroformylated with reduction to produce an ?,?-hydroxy acid or ?,?-hydroxy ester, which may be (trans)esterified with a polyol to form an ?,?polyester polyol.

Abstract: A polyurethane-polymer composition suitable for preparing a lightweight tire support includes at least one isocyanate, at least one polyol, and at least one chain extender. A polyurethane-polymer composition can also include an additive such as a catalyst, a filler, a surfactant, a colorant, and a mold-release agent. A lightweight tire support can be prepared from a polyurethane-polymer composition by, for example, reaction injection molding. Such a tire support desirably has temperature stability and load-bearing capability.