Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ethylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten stat of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer is disclosed having the composition g) from 8 to 80% by weight of a starch modified to include an hydroxyalkyl C2-6 group or modified by reaction with an anhydride of a dicarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, a) from 0 to 87.9% of starch, b) from 4 to 11% by weight of a water soluble polymer selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of ehtylene and vinylalcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, c) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser, preferably glycerol, d) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12-22 fatty acid or salt, preferably stearic acid and, e) 0 to 12% added water. The polymers are suitable as biodegradable rigid sheet or flexible film materials for use in packaging foodstuffs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data, such as metadata. In one exemplary method, metadata from files created by several different software applications are captured, and the captured metadata is searched. The type of information in metadata for one type of file differs from the type of information in metadata for another type of file. Other methods are described and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.