bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La reforma de la Contabilidad de la Administración Local española: algunas reflexiones críticas en torno a las nuevas instrucciones de contabilidad
Authors: Vela Bargues José Manuel , Polo-Garrido Fernando , Pérez-Yuste María Soledad
Published: July 2019

Este artículo pretende aportar una serie de reflexiones críticas sobre la nueva regulación contable de la Administración Local recientemente introducida. El proceso de normalización contable de las administraciones públicas en España se inició hace 25 años y su última reforma ha finalizado recientemente con la nueva normativa introducida en 2015 que es objeto de estudio. En el presente trabajo, se identifican tres líneas maestras en la reforma y sus principales novedades. Su definitiva configuración merece un análisis crítico, centrado en la complejidad del sistema contable, los modelos de cuentas anuales, la necesidad de elaboración de información resumida y sintetizada, la contabilidad de costes, la consolidación de cuentas anuales, la estabilidad presupuestaria y lo que quizás resulta en los momentos actuales más inaplazable: una normativa legal que obligue a que nuestras corporaciones locales vean sus cuentas anuales auditadas externamente de forma regular y con un alcance adecuado a su propia población y presupuesto.
Contrataciones públicas socialmente responsables: la necesidad de reconsiderar el potencial de la contratación pública en la consecución de objetivos sociales
Authors: Burzaco Samper María
Published: July 2019

La relevancia de los fondos públicos dedicados a la contratación hace imprescindible una reflexión sobre la viabilidad de alcanzar fines de interés general que trasciendan el objeto propio de cada contrato. La Unión Europea ha aprobado recientemente un paquete legislativo –las conocidas como Directivas de contratación de cuarta generación– que comporta el tránsito hacia la contratación pública estratégica e intenta profundizar en las posibilidades de las “contrataciones públicas socialmente responsables” en cumplimiento de los objetivos establecidos en la Estrategia Europa 2020. Este potencial de la contratación conoce, sin embargo, dificultades importantes atendiendo no sólo a la normativa, sino a la interpretación que de determinados principios se ha hecho por parte de los órganos jurisdiccionales, administrativos y consultivos. Teniendo en cuenta que estamos inmersos en pleno proceso de reforma, se examinarán los avances y problemas de las consideraciones sociales en la normativa que está por venir.
Propuesta de indicadores de la Responsabilidad Social Universitaria conforme a la guía G4 del GRI: el caso de la Universidad de Córdoba
Authors: Guijarro Jiménez Clara , Gomera Martínez Antonio , Antúnez López Miguel
Published: July 2019

El uso de indicadores resulta una herramienta útil de evaluación en el desarrollo de estrategias de Responsabilidad Social Universitaria (RSU). Además, el cumplimiento con estándares internacionales para la elaboración de memorias de responsabilidad social ayuda a crear una visión integrada de la contribución de las organizaciones a la sostenibilidad. Ambas prácticas son cada vez más comunes en el ámbito universitario nacional. El objetivo de este artículo es elaborar una propuesta de indicadores de la RSU acorde con la versión más reciente de la “Guía para la elaboración de memorias de sostenibilidad” del Global Reporting Initiative. Para ello se han analizado comparativamente las dos últimas versiones de dicha Guía y una muestra de memorias de RSU de universidades españolas, además de las distintas propuestas nacionales que tratan de integrar las dimensiones educacionales en este tipo de informes.
La elaboración de memorias GRI sobre responsabilidad social por las empresas públicas de abastecimiento y saneamiento de aguas españolas
Authors: Pérez Chamorro Vicente Antonio , García Álvarez de Perea Juan , Casasola Balsells María Araceli
Published: July 2019

El objeto del presente trabajo exploratorio es conocer en qué medida entidades públicas del sector de abastecimiento y saneamiento de aguas españolas elaboran memorias Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) y analizar sus principales características. Igualmente, se analiza la divulgación de los indicadores de desempeño incluidos en las memorias versión G3.1 de 2013 o 2014 de tres entidades de gestión pública directa y tres de gestión públicoprivada, utilizando para ello la metodología del análisis de contenido. Aunque los resultados muestran una adopción progresiva en la última década de este tipo de informes por las entidades de mayor tamaño, existen diferencias en los niveles de aplicación adoptados. El análisis de los indicadores de desempeño muestra que se incluye información principalmente relacionada con prácticas laborales y ética del trabajo, aunque también en gran medida de carácter económico y  ambiental; siendo limitada la divulgación de indicadores relacionados con la responsabilidad en materia de productos, derechos humanos y de carácter social
Iberoamérica, Ciudad Futura. Ciudades sostenibles y medioambiente
Authors: Sánchez Llorens Mara
Published: July 2019

La ciudad del futuro no es una página en blanco sino la ciudad existente y nuestra capacidad de transformarla. El siglo XXI va a ser el siglo de las ciudades y el futuro de la humanidad se desarrollará en ellas, su éxito radicará en ser sostenibles. Hay que repensar la ciudad: acercarnos a ella desde múltiples perspectivas y escalas, y recuperar su lado humano.El objetivo de este artículo es explorar algunas de las claves con las que enfrentarnos a la ciudad del futuro: alianzas entre la ciudad que ya existe y la ciudad que está por acontecer, alianzas entre lo natural y lo artificial quefavorezcan ecosistemas urbanos adecuados para las sociedades urbanitas.El texto, en primer lugar examina ciertas claves de entendimiento del propio concepto de ciudad sostenible a través de varias experiencias en Ciudad de México y, en segundo lugar, vislumbra nuevos modos de actuar en el diseño de la ciudad.
La economía del bien común y la economía social y solidaria, ¿son teorías complementarias?
Authors: Gómez Calvo Verónica , Gómez-Álvarez Díaz Rosario
Published: July 2019

Nuestro propósito es determinar si existe complementariedad entre la Economía Social y Solidaria y la Economía del Bien Común pues ambas comparten el propósito de construir una economía basada en valores ycon objetivos sociales. Una vez presentadas ambas teorías, se realiza una comparativa de los aspectos comunes: la visión antropológica del hombre, la democracia como principio de construcción desde lo local y el activismo. Por otro lado, se identifica las diferencias respecto a la empresa, el capital, el valor social, la amplitud de las relaciones mercantilistas y el papel del sector público. Nuestra conclusión es que ambas propuestas ofrecen aspectos complementarios para generar un proceso de transformación económico, político y social.
¿Presentan las cooperativas contextos favorables para la igualdad de género?: Especial referencia a la provincia de Teruel
Authors: Esteban Salvador María Luisa , Gargallo Castel Ana F. , Pérez Sanz Francisco Javier
Published: July 2019

Las cooperativas presentan características organizativas y de funcionamiento diferenciales que podrían ofrecer contextos favorables para la igualdad de género. En este trabajo se exponen diferentes aspectos relacionados con las condiciones laborales y de flexibilidad en el trabajo de las mujeres en las cooperativas de un territorio con alta despoblación, como es la provincia de Teruel. A su vez se estudia el papel de los distintos agentes de interés involucrados en estas organizaciones y los potenciales beneficios y ventajas para el desarrollo familiar, personal y profesional de las mujeres en este contexto de la economía social. El mayor conocimiento de los factores sociales y organizativos inherentes a estas organizaciones facilitará el desarrollo de políticas y acciones encaminadas a reforzar proyectos empresariales que contribuyan a integrar las necesidades de las mujeres y las de su entorno. Con esta finalidad se ha llevado a cabo un análisis cualitativo mediante del desarrollo de entrevistas en profundidad, dado que estas aportan información más precisa y extensa que otras metodologías de investigación alternativas. Los resultados aportan evidencia sobre las políticas sociales internas y externas aplicadas, y las relaciones institucionales y empresariales de estas cooperativas, caracterizadas por una alta presencia de mujeres en su gestión y funcionamiento. También se observa que la autogestión permite mayor flexibilidad que otras fórmulas empresariales, en aspectos como la conciliación o las condiciones laborales. Así mismo, las mujeres reconocen que su implicación con la entidad debe ser mayor, dado que su futuro laboral depende de la supervivencia de la cooperativa.
Integración de personas con discapacidad en la Economía social. Elementos facilitadores y obstáculos detectados
Authors: Santero Sánchez Rosa , Castro Núñez Belén , Martínez Martín Mª Isabel , Guilló Rodríguez Nuria
Published: July 2019

La integración efectiva de las personas con discapacidad en la sociedad pasa por su incorporación en el mercado laboral. Más allá de las ventajas y desventajas de las diferentes políticas laborales, es importante profundizar en el estudio de los factores que favorecen su integración, especialmente en el mercado laboral ordinario. La Economía social se caracteriza por una serie de principios diferenciales, entre los que cabe destacar la valorización del ser humano y la generación de valor social por encima de los resultados económicos o financieros. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar la contribución de la Economía social a la cohesión social en términos del empleo de trabajadores/as con discapacidad, y en particular, el cumplimiento de la cuota de reserva y, detectar tanto los elementos facilitadores como los principales obstáculos encontrados sobre los que trabajar en el diseño de políticas laborales para una mejor y mayor incorporación del colectivo. Para ello, se ha realizado una encuesta ad-hoc dirigida a empresas y entidades de la Economía social. Los resultados muestran que las entidades de la Economía social cumplen en su mayoría con la cuota de reserva, siendo este cumplimiento el principal facilitador de la integración de personas con discapacidad en sus plantillas, junto con la existencia de ayudas y/o desgravaciones fiscales. La mayoría de las entidades no encuentran dificultades en la integración del colectivo, aunque sí reconocen tener que enfrentarse a dificultades relacionadas con la adaptación de la persona al puesto y al entorno.
Características de los códigos éticos y de su gestión. Un estudio exploratorio en Andalucía
Authors: Ruiz-Lozano Mercedes , De los Ríos Berjillos Araceli , Millán Lara Salud
Published: July 2019

El desarrollo de una economía global más justa se ve impulsado por instrumentos de gestión como el código ético para regular el comportamiento o las relaciones con los grupos de interés. Por ello, es necesario conocer las características de los códigos existentes y cómo se incorporan al sistema de gestión empresarial.Varias investigaciones han abordado el grado de penetración de los códigos en las empresas españolas, pero pocas han analizado su contenido, y menos aún son las que han profundizado en aspectos relacionados con su gestión. Por otra parte, a diferencia de otros estudios que se han basado en el análisis de contenidos, en esta investigación se ha utilizado un cuestionario, diseñado según los aspectos que la literatura especializada ha identificado como contenidos relevantes de los códigos y de su gestión.Los resultados del estudio ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de mejorar su gestión y el predominio de códigos orientados a comunicar los valores que deben guiar el desarrollo de la actividad, si bien, atienden más a la prevención de malas conductas que a la recompensa de las buenas. Destaca la necesidad de mantenerlos actualizados, por motivaciones intrínsecas de las organizaciones y por implicaciones legales derivadas de la modificación del Código Penal.Otras áreas de mejora identificadas son la necesidad de adaptar los contenidos a las particularidades de las empresas, la difusión a través de las páginas web, la comunicación a otros grupos de interés, así como la necesidad de incorporar indicadores para su evaluación y mejorar su gestión.
El plan de actuación en las fundaciones: apoyo público para su elaboración y medidas de impacto
Authors: Ibáñez Carpena Nieves , Benito López Bernardino
Published: July 2019

El objeto de nuestro trabajo es la recopilación de las prácticas actuales, tanto en España como en diferentes países, en torno al plan de actuación, y al papel y tipo de organización de los organismos que se encargan de su tutela y supervisión, así como la propuesta de medidas de eficiencia técnica a partir del mismo.No ha resultado posible contrastar y actualizar el porcentaje de fundaciones que cumplen actualmente con la obligación de hacer público su plan de actuación, debido a dificultades con las fuentes de información, la cual se encuentra dispersa a lo largo del territorio nacional español. A este respecto, resulta complicado tener un conocimiento y acercamiento adecuado a la problemática de las fundaciones, encontrándose la legislación todavía pendiente de implantación y desarrollo.Por todo ello, resulta preciso emprender un proceso de concentración, al estilo de los países en los que el desarrollo de las fundaciones se ha mostrado exitoso, corrigiendo la actual dispersión de autoridades supervisoras. De esta forma se facilita, además del ahorro de medios, una contribución a la solicitada transparencia en la gestión del sector, dando a conocer de manera directa los objetivos y resultados de las fundaciones en el desarrollo de sus actividades. El sistema actual podría mutar hacia el camino que marcan las tendencias actuales.
Testing MKTOR Scale Properties in Serbian Exporters’ Context
Authors: Njegic Katarina , Djokic Ines , Milanovic Vesna
Published: July 2019

Research Question: This paper investigates whether the Narver and Slater’s market orientation scale (MKTOR scale) is reliable, valid and applicable in the Serbian exporters’ context. Motivation: Previous studies that examined the applicability of the MKTOR scale report inconsistent results (Matsuno, Mentzer, & Rentz 2005; Ward, Girardi, & Lewandowska, 2006; Rojas-Mendez, & Rod, 2013) and the studies that use MKTOR scale in export performance research are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to examine psychometric properties of the MKTOR scale based on the data gathered from Serbian exporters. Idea: The core idea of this paper was to empirically evaluate reliability, convergent, discriminant and nomological validity of the the MKTOR scale. Data: In order to collect data for the analysis, an on-line survey was conducted which related to the business year 2017. It involved 60 managers of exporting firms in the Republic of Serbia. Tools: The statistical methods used were exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and path analysis through partial least squares. Findings: The obtained results indicate that the original the MKTOR scale satisfies the reliability and convergent validity criteria. Since the MKTOR scale did not demonstrate adequate discriminant validity, a refined scale was proposed. The results of the research shown that the MKTOR consists of three separate components that can be used as independent measurement scales. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between market orientation measured with the MKTOR scale and the overall satisfaction with export performance, which demonstrates the nomological validity of the examined scale. The obtained results contribute to the external validation of the MKTOR scale. The results are valuable since they provide researchers from Serbia with the reliable measurement instrument that can be used for the empirical investigation of market orientation and its various influential factors. Contribution: This paper contributes to the existing literature by providing the evidence from the context in which the scale was not tested before. The paper demonstrates the usefulness of the MKTOR scale in predicting export performance. This paper expands the existing research related to the applicability of the MKTOR scale and it formulates practical suggestions of the way market orientation can be operationalized in export performance research.
Construction of Irreducible Polynomials in Galois elds, GF(2m) Using Normal Bases
Authors: Aidoo Abraham , Gyam Kwasi Baah
Published: July 2019

This thesis is about Construction of Polynomials in Galois fields Using Normal Bases in finite fields. In this piece of work, we discussed the following in the text; irreducible polynomials, primitive polynomials, field, Galois field or finite fields, and the order of a finite field. We found the actual construction of polynomials in GF(2m) with degree less than or equal to m − 1 and also illustrated how this construction can be done using normal bases. Finally, we found the general rule for construction of GF(pm) using normal bases and even the rule for producing reducible polynomials.
Cyanuric Chloride / Manganese Chloride Tetrahydrate Catalyzed Beckmann Rearrangement of Ketoximes
Authors: Shen-Yue Tong , Jue-Lin Lu , Xiao-Wen Li , Wan-Min NI , Ke-Wei Xu , Qi Feng
Published: July 2019

In order to find an efficient catalytic system for Beckmann rearrangement of ketoximes, cyanuric chloride and Lewis acids were screened, and the cyanuric chloride /manganese chloride tetrahydrate system with good catalytic effect has been discovered. Using 2 mol% cyanuric chloride and 2 mol% MnCl2·4H2O as catalyst, the yield of Beckmann rearrangement of benzophenone oxime was 96% after refluxing for 2 h in acetonitrile. A variety of ketoximes underwent the Beckmann rearrangement to afford the corresponding amides in moderate to high yields.
Evaluation of Maize Varieties for Grain Yield under Water-restricted Conditions
Authors: Almeida Rafael Nunes de , Valadares Fernanda Vargas , Silva Larícia Olária Emerick , Neto José Dias de Souza , Ferraz Diego Rogério , Vettorazzi Julio Cesar Fiorio , Berilli Ana Paula Cândido Gabriel , Moulin Monique Moreira
Published: July 2019

The study sought to evaluate maize germplasm accessions from the Ifes Germplasm Bank (Ifes BAG) to identify promising lines for breeding programs to increase yield under water-restricted conditions. A competition trial was carried in two contrasting environments in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil: municipality of Alegre and municipality of Colatina. Twenty-one maize accessions were collected and evaluated for agronomic performance in two locations (The municipalities of Alegre and Colatina) in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Trials were conducted under water-restricted conditions from vegetative to reproductive stage in a randomized block design with five replicates. Data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F Test and to multivariate clustering analysis according to the estimate of genetic distance proposed by Mahalanobis. Genotype by environment interaction identified promising genotypes for each specific environment. Maize germplasm accessions from the Ifes BAG showed genetic variability. Among the germplasm accessions from the Ifes BAG, the populations Padrinho, Piranão 14, Aliança and Palha Roxa are promising for breeding programs with the goal of increasing grain yield under water-restricted conditions in tropical climate regions.
CD300f epitopes are specific targets for acute myeloid leukemia with monocytic differentiation
Authors: Abadir Edward , Gasiorowski Robin E. , Lai Kaitao , Kupresanin Fiona , Romano Adelina , Silveira Pablo A. , Lo Tsun‐Ho , Fromm Phillip D. , Kennerson Marina L. , Iland Harry J. , Ho P. Joy , Hogarth P. Mark , Bradstock Kenneth , Hart Derek N.J. , Clark Georgina J.
Published: July 2019

Antibody‐based therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been marred by significant hematologic toxicity due to targeting of both hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Achieving greater success with therapeutic antibodies requires careful characterization of the potential target molecules on AML. One potential target is CD300f, which is an immunoregulatory molecule expressed predominantly on myeloid lineage cells. To confirm the value of CD300f as a leukemic target, we showed that CD300f antibodies bind to AML from 85% of patient samples. While one CD300f monoclonal antibody (mAb) reportedly did not bind healthy hematopoietic stem cells, transcriptomic analysis found that CD300f transcripts are expressed by healthy HSPC. Several CD300f protein isoforms exist as a result of alternative splicing. Importantly for antibody targeting, the extracellular region of CD300f can be present with or without the exon 4‐encoded sequence. This results in CD300f isoforms that are differentially bound by CD300f‐specific antibodies. Furthermore, binding of one mAb, DCR‐2, to CD300f exposes a structural epitope recognized by a second CD300f mAb, UP‐D2. Detailed analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data indicated that CD34+ HSPC expressed fewer CD300f transcripts that lacked exon 4 compared to AML with monocytic differentiation. Analysis of a small cohort of AML cells revealed that the UP‐D2 conformational binding site could be induced in cells from AML patients with monocytic differentiation but not those from other AML or HSPC. This provides the opportunity to develop an antibody‐based strategy to target AMLs with monocytic differentiation but not healthy CD34+ HSPCs. This would be a major step forward in developing effective anti‐AML therapeutic antibodies with reduced hematologic toxicity.
Development of 3D Lymph Node Mimetic for Studying Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Hakamivala Amirhossein , Huang YiHui , Chang Yung‐Fu , Pan Zui , Nair Ashwin , Hsieh Jer‐Tsong , Tang Liping
Published: July 2019

Lymph node (LN) metastasis causes poor prognosis for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Although LN‐cells and cellular responses play a pivotal role in cancer metastasis, the interplay between LN‐cells and PCa cells is undetermined due to the small size and widespread distribution of LNs. To identify factors responsible for LN metastasis, a 3D cell culture biosystem is fabricated to simulate LN responses during metastasis. First, it is determined that LN explants previously exposed to high metastatic PCa release substantially more chemotactic factors to promote metastatic PCa migration than those exposed to low‐metastatic PCa. Furthermore, T‐lymphocytes are found to produce chemotactic factors in LNs, among which, CXCL12, CCL21, and IL‐10 are identified to have the most chemotactic effect. To mimic the LN microenvironment, Cytodex beads are seeded with T cells to produce a LN‐mimetic biosystem in both static and flow conditions. As expected, the flow condition permits prolonged cellular responses. Interestingly, when PCa cells with varying metastatic potentials are introduced into the system, it produces PCa‐specific chemokines accordingly. These results support that the LN mimetic helps in analyzing the processes underlying metastasized LNs and for testing various treatments to reduce cancer LN metastasis.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly of Functional Nanoparticles for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy
Authors: Gao Xiujun , He Zhuanxia , Ni Wenfeng , Jian Xiqi , Hu Chunhong , Zhao Yuqing , Yan Yan , Wei Xi
Published: July 2019

Cancer treatments with conventional approaches often result in limited clinical outcomes due to inefficient therapeutic efficacy and cumulative toxicity against normal tissue. Recently, most research has focused on combined therapeutic studies by functional carriers. In this study, functional nanoparticles (FNPs) are assembled in a layer‐by‐layer fashion. FNPs are loaded with two drugs (10‐hydroxycamptothecin and apoptin plasmid) with dual hepatocellular carcinoma‐targeting ligands (lactobionic acid and biotin) on the surface. Cytotoxicity studies and acute toxicity experiments in BAL b/c mice show that blank FNPs demonstrate good biocompatibility. Flow cytometry analysis and cytotoxicity studies demonstrate that the dual‐targeting FNPs allow for better specificity and selectivity of the tumor mass. FNPs can escape from endosomal/lysosomal compartments effectively, as is demonstrated using the Cell Navigator lysosome staining kit. When the drugs are released into the cytosol, the nuclear localization signal can enhance the nuclear delivery of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin loaded carriers and apoptin plasmids, as is demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vivo experiments show the circulation time and tissue distribution of FNPs, which greatly improve the therapeutic efficacy of BAL b/c nude mice with subcutaneous tumors. Taken together, the results suggest that FNPs are a promising candidate for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
Tunable Moiré Superlattice of Artificially Twisted Monolayers
Authors: Chen Po‐Yen , Zhang Xin‐Quan , Lai Ying‐Yu , Lin Erh‐Chen , Chen Chun‐An , Guan Syu‐You , Chen Jyun‐Jyun , Yang Zhe‐Hong , Tseng Yu‐Wen , Gwo Shangjr , Chang Chia‐Seng , Chen Lih‐Juann , Lee Yi‐Hsien
Published: July 2019

Twisting between two stacked monolayers modulates periodic potentials and forms the Moiré electronic superlattices, which offers an additional degree of freedom to alter material property. Considerable unique observations, including unconventional superconductivity, coupled spin‐valley states, and quantized interlayer excitons are correlated to the electronic superlattices but further study requires reliable routes to study the Moiré in real space. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is ideal to precisely probe the Moiré superlattice and correlate coupled parameters among local electronic structures, strains, defects, and band alignment at atomic scale. Here, a clean route is developed to construct twisted lattices using synthesized monolayers for fundamental studies. Diverse Moiré superlattices are predicted and successfully observed with STM at room temperature. Electrical tuning of the Moiré superlattice is achieved with stacked TMD on graphite.
Superomniphobic Surfaces with Improved Mechanical Durability: Synergy of Hierarchical Texture and Mechanical Interlocking
Authors: Wang Wei , Vahabi Hamed , Movafaghi Sanli , Kota Arun K.
Published: July 2019

Due to their unique functionality, superomniphobic surfaces that display extreme repellency toward virtually any liquid, have a wide range of potential applications. However, to date, the mechanical durability of superomniphobic surfaces remains a major obstacle that prevents their practical deployment. In this work, a two‐layer design strategy is developed to fabricate superomniphobic surfaces with improved durability via synergistic effect of interconnected hierarchical porous texture and micro/nanomechanical interlocking. The improved mechanical robustness of these surfaces is assessed through water shear test, ultrasonic washing test, blade scratching test, and Taber abrasion test.
Trifunctional Copper Mesh for Integrated Oil/Water Separation, SERS Detection, and Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Xu Cheng , Lu Wenya , Li Manman , Cao Yunzhe , Pang Huimin , Gong Chen , Cheng Si
Published: July 2019

In real environment, wastewaters containing various oily organic solvents or soluble dyes bring serious damage to the environment and threaten the health of human. Although substantial efforts are devoted to removing oily pollutants from water, it cannot solve the problem of water pollution thoroughly since some soluble dyes still exist in separated water phase. Meanwhile, it is still a challenge to directly detect pollutants with low concentration in oil/water mixtures by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique owing to the mutual interference of Raman signals by mixed organic solvents and soluble dyes. Therefore, developing an effective solution for separating oil/water mixture, detecting, and degrading pollutants simultaneously is highly desired. In this work, a trifunctional superhydrophobic copper mesh which integrates the separation, detection, and further degradation of the dyes in one material is reported. The trifunctional copper mesh is fabricated by in situ growing Au/AgCl nanoparticles on the surface of copper mesh. Au/AgCl nanoparticles improve the roughness and hydrophobic performance of copper mesh. Au provides abundant plasmonic hotspots which are beneficial to the improved SERS activity, and AgCl exhibits highly efficient photocatalytic ability for degrading organic dyes. The idea of integrating three functions in one substrate will open a novel horizon for realistic wastewater purification.
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Oxidative Alkylarylation of N‐Aryl/Benzoyl Acrylamides Through Direct C−H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Lu Maojian , Zhang Tao , Tan Dabao , Chen Chengzhu , Zhang Ying , Huang Mingqiang , Cai Shunyou
Published: July 2019

Radical cascade oxidative alkylarylations of N‐aryl/benzoyl acrylamides have been established through visible‐light‐enabled photocatalysis, furnishing a wide variety of functionalized oxindoles and isoquinolinediones in good‐to‐excellent yields under the synergistic interactions of an organic fluorophores‐type photocatalyst 4CzIPN, trifluoroacetoxyiodobenzene (PIFA), and 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene with visible light irradiation. The prominent features of this method are the broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and mild reaction conditions.

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Sliding Interconnection for Flexible Electronics with a Solution‐Processed Diffusion Barrier against a Corrosive Liquid Metal
Authors: Shin Dong‐Youn , Baek Sang‐Yup , Song Hyung‐Jun , Lee Jeong In , Kang Gi‐Hwan
Published: July 2019

The epoch of flexible electronics demands new measures to interconnect electronic components and circuits under mechanical deformations such as bending, rolling, folding, and even stretching. Although liquid metal has been proposed as an alternative to solid‐state solder alloys and conductive adhesives, its corrosive nature rapidly deteriorates the electrical and structural integrity of metallic interconnects and has remained an arduous challenge. A facile solution‐processable method to construct a flexible and electrically conductive diffusion barrier on aluminum electrodes, which are vulnerable to liquid metal, is presented. The stacked layers of graphene oxide (GO) in conjunction with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) effectively block the diffusion of liquid metal, where PEDOT:PSS serves as an electrically conducting medium to complement the non‐conductive trait of GO, and as an impeding factor together with GO against the diffusion of liquid metal. A fluidic interconnect using liquid metal and aluminum electrodes with the solution‐processed diffusion barrier of the PEDOT:PSS/GO composite exhibits a better electrical contact property than a conventional interconnect. Finally, a novel proof of concept of sliding interconnection is demonstrated by rolling a carbon nanofiber‐coated liquid metal ball on aluminum electrodes coated with the PEDOT:PSS/GO composite, offering a new opportunity beyond flexibility and stretchability.
Programmable Multilevel Memtransistors Based on van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Park Hyunik , Mastro Michael A. , Tadjer Marko J. , Kim Jihyun
Published: July 2019

Neuromorphic computing that mimics the energy‐efficient cortical neural network in the human brain is attractive because of its possibility to process complex and massive data sets and achieve fast computing capability. Herein, a heterosynaptic and programmable memtransistor architecture with high computing functionality is reported by monolithically integrating a hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) memristor with a molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) transistor. Memristors consisting of a vertically stacked van der Waals materials (multilayer graphene (MLG) and h‐BN) exhibit a stable bipolar resistive switching behavior with a memory window more than three orders of magnitude due to the formation and rupture of the metallic filament within the h‐BN layer. By controlling the resistance state of the h‐BN memristor, the behaviors of the memtransistor can be programmed with a high switching ratio of ≈104, showing ≈16 pW standby power consumption. A multistate computing window and tunable current on/off ratio can be achieved by controlling the synaptic weight of the memristor, demonstrating that the presented 2D architecture can be exploited as a logic inverter device. The results pave the way toward the development of highly functional neuromorphic systems for the next‐generation in‐memory computing.
Enhanced Ferroelectric Functionality in Flexible Lead Zirconate Titanate Films with In Situ Substrate‐Clamping Compensation
Authors: Onn Winestook Rachel , Saguy Cecile , Ma Chun‐Hao , Chu Ying‐Hao , Ivry Yachin
Published: July 2019

Much attention has recently been given to flexible and wearable integrated electronic devices, with a strong emphasis on real‐time sensing, computing, and communication technologies. Thin ferroelectric films exhibit switchable polarization and strong electromechanical coupling, and hence are in widespread use in such technologies, albeit not when flexed. Effects of extrinsic strain on thin ferroelectric films are still unclear, mainly due to the lack of suitable experimental systems that allow cross structural–functional characterization with in situ straining. Moreover, although the effects of intrinsic strain on ferroelectric films, e.g., due to film–substrate lattice mismatch, have been extensively investigated, it is unclear how these effects are influenced by external strain. A method to strain thin films homogenously in situ is developed, allowing structural characterization as well as functional switching and piezorsponse measurements at the nanoscale, while retaining the sample under constant straining conditions. Using this method, thin films of PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3, which were grown on a flexible mica substrate, are strained to reduce substrate clamping effects and increase the tetragonality. Consequently, the domain stability is increased, the coercive field value is decreased, and imprint effects are reduced. This method also allows direct characterization of the relationship between the lattice parameters and nanoscale properties of other flexible materials.
Green‐Sensitive Phototransistor Based on Solution‐Processed 2D n‐Type Organic Single Crystal
Authors: Kim Jin Hong , Oh Sangyoon , Park Sang Kyu , Park Soo Young
Published: July 2019

2D single crystals of down to two‐monolayer thickness are fabricated from a push–pull structure‐based green light absorbing organic n‐type semiconductor, (2E,2′E)‐3,3′‐(2,5‐difluoro‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(2‐(5‐(4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)acrylonitrile) (2F‐4‐TFPTA). The 2F‐4‐TFPTA 2D single crystal exhibits field‐effect electron mobility of 0.9 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the dark and also decent photoresponsivity of 3.6 × 103 A W−1 under green light‐emitting diode irradiation, which is noted as the first demonstration of green‐sensitive 2D organic phototransistors. Photoresponse time of this 2F‐4‐TFPTA 2D single‐crystal device is as fast as 43 ms for the rise and 85 ms for the decay.
Phase Transition Engineering of Cu2S to Widen the Temperature Window of Improved Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Liang Xin , Jin Dou , Dai Feihu
Published: July 2019

Cu2S compounds are promising thermoelectric (TE) candidate materials with environmentally friendly and earth abundant chemical constituents. A series of phase transitions occur with temperature whereas only the high temperature stabilized cubic structure (α‐Cu2S) exhibits desirable TE properties. In this work, by alloying Cu sites with Mn, Zn, Ga, and Ge, profound influence on β‐ to α‐Cu2S phase transition and thermoelectric transport properties is observed. Both phase transition temperature (Tc) and the enthalpy of phase change (ΔH) decreases with doping; remarkably, for Cu1.95Mn0.03S, Tc reduces by ≈156 K. The Seebeck anomaly near the critical point of phase transition also vanishes. The electrical conductivity is remarkably improved for doped samples due to the largely elevated hole concentration. In comparison with pristine Cu2S, not only is the peak TE power factor substantially enhanced (by ≈272%), but also the average ZT for 500–823 K is highly improved (by ≈145%) due to the successful stabilization of α‐Cu2S at lower temperatures. The present work offers a clue to enlarge the temperature regime of high TE properties, which is practically useful for a variety of polymorphous thermoelectric compounds.
Suppressing X‐Migrations and Enhancing the Phase Stability of Cubic FAPbX3 (X = Br, I)
Authors: Oranskaia Aleksandra , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: July 2019

Chemical bonding of formamidinium (FA) with the inorganic perovskite skeleton of FAPbX3 (X = Br, I) is studied with emphasis on the differences to methylammonium: stronger hydrogen bonding, the presence of π‐anion bonding, and more sterically hindered motion inside the perovskite inorganic cage. Organic cation dopants fitting in the perovskite cubic cell and being capable of hydrogen and halogen bonding with overall doubled bonding strength as compared to FA are proposed. They are shown to suppress not only X‐migrations but also the undesirable α–δ phase transition of FAPbI3. In addition, a possible atomistic explanation of the champion solar cell efficiency achieved experimentally is developed.
Rapid Identification of Halogen Bonds in Co‐Crystalline Powders via 127I Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Szell Patrick M. J. , Grébert Lorraine , Bryce David L.
Published: July 2019

127I nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy is established as a rapid and robust method to indicate the formation of iodine–nitrogen halogen bonds in co‐crystalline powders. Once the relevant spectral frequency range has been established, diagnostic 127I NQR spectra can be acquired in seconds. The method is demonstrated for a series of co‐crystals of 1,4‐diiodobenzene. Changes in the 127I quadrupolar coupling constant (CQ) by up to 74.4 MHz correlate with the length of the C−I donor covalent bond and inversely with the I⋅⋅⋅N halogen‐bond length. The predictive power of this technique is validated on two previously unknown co‐crystalline powders prepared mechanochemically. Single‐crystal growth via co‐sublimation and structure determination by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction cross‐validates the findings. Natural localized molecular‐orbital analyses provide insight into the origins of the quadrupolar coupling constants.
Effect of reactive diluent on gas separation behavior of photocurable acrylated polyurethane composite membranes
Authors: Molavi Hossein , Shojaei Akbar , Mousavi Seyyed Abbas , Ahmadi Seyyed Ahmad
Published: July 2019

In this study, the effects of the type and content of reactive diluents on the permeation/separation of carbon dioxide/nitrogen (CO2/N2) through acrylate‐terminated polyurethane (APU)‐acrylate/acrylic diluent (APUA) composite membranes was investigated. A series of APUs based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐1000 g mol−1, toluene diisocyanate, and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate was synthesized and then diluted with several reactive diluents. The results obtained from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared analyses showed that the microphase interference of hard and soft segments increased with increasing reactive diluent content. Furthermore, with increasing alkene double bond of reactive diluents, the degree of phase separation increased, which might be due to the higher gel content of APUAs. APUAs were used as top selective layer on PS/PSF as the support layer to obtain composite membrane. Field emission scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed that APUAs penetrated into the support layer, leading to strong interfacial adhesion between APUA and support layers. The gas permeation experiments indicated that the gas permeability decreased, while the CO2/N2 selectivity increased with increasing reactive diluent content due to the enhancement of crosslinking density of APUAs. Moreover, the reactive diluent with high polarity, for example, acrylonitrile monomer, exhibited higher CO2/N2 selectivity due to the improvement in solubility of CO2 in APUA, while the permeability was retained compared with other reactive diluents. The thickness of APUA selective layer exhibited expectedly opposite effect on permeability and selectivity; however, the increment in selectivity is higher than the reduction in permeability when the thickness decreased from 50 to 10 μm. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48293.
PGE2 mediates cytoskeletal rearrangement of hemocytes via Cdc42, a small G protein, to activate actin‐remodeling factors in Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Ahmed Shabbir , Kim Yonggyun
Published: July 2019

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediates cellular immune responses in insects by stimulating hemocyte‐spreading behavior that is driven by actin remodeling to form filopodial or lamellipodial cytoplasmic extensions. In Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Cdc42, a small G protein, played a crucial role in mediating PGE2 signal on hemocyte‐spreading behavior. Hemocyte‐spreading behavior requires actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. A plethora of actin‐related proteins have been predicted to have functional links with Cdc42. Here, we selected four actin‐associated genes (Actin‐related protein 2 [Arp2], Profilin, Cofilin, and Fascin) and evaluated their influences on cytoskeletal rearrangement in S. exigua. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed their gene identities. Transcript analysis using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated that all four actin‐associated genes were expressed in most developmental stages, showing high expression levels in larval hemocytes. RNA interference (RNAi) against these genes was performed by injecting double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) to hemocoel. Under RNAi condition, the hemocyte‐spreading behavior was significantly impaired except for dsRNA treatment against Cofilin, an actin‐depolymerizing factor. Alteration of cytoskeletal rearrangement appeared to vary after different RNAi treatments. RNAi against Arp2 markedly suppressed lamellipodial extension while RNAi against Profilin or Fascin adversely influenced filopodial extension. RNAi of these actin‐associated factors prevented cellular immune responses measured by nodule formation against bacterial challenge. Under RNAi conditions, addition of PGE2 did not well induce hemocyte‐spreading behavior, suggesting that these actin‐associated factors might act downstream of the hormone signaling pathway. These results suggest that PGE2 can mediate hemocyte‐spreading behavior via Cdc42 to activate downstream actin polymerization/branching/bundling factors, thus inducing actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel 3‐(thiophen‐2‐ylthio)pyridine derivatives as potential multitarget anticancer agents
Authors: Xi Jian‐Jun , He Ruo‐Yu , Zhang Jian‐Kang , Cai Zhao‐Bin , Zhuang Rang‐Xiao , Zhao Yan‐Mei , Shao Yi‐Dan , Pan Xu‐Wang , Shi Ting‐Ting , Dong Zuo‐Jun , Liu Shou‐Rong , Kong Li‐Min
Published: July 2019

A series of novel 3‐(thiophen‐2‐ylthio)pyridine derivatives as insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) inhibitors was designed and synthesized. IGF‐1R kinase inhibitory activities and cytotoxicities against HepG2 and WSU‐DLCL2 cell lines were tested. For all of these compounds, potent cancer cell proliferation inhibitory activities were observed, but not through the inhibition of IGR‐1R. Selected compounds were further screened against various kinases. Typical compound 22 (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50] values, HepG2: 2.98 ± 1.11 μM and WSU‐DLCL2: 4.34 ± 0.84 μM) exhibited good inhibitory activities against fibroblast growth factor receptor‐2 (FGFR2), FGFR3, epidermal growth factor receptor, Janus kinase, and RON (receptor originated from Nantes), with IC50 values ranging from 2.14 to 12.20 μM. Additionally, the cell‐cycle analysis showed that compound 22 could arrest HepG2 cells in the G1/G0 phase. Taken together, all the experiments confirmed that the compounds in this series were multitarget anticancer agents worth further optimizing.
Densely substituted piperidines as a new class of elastase inhibitors: Synthesis and molecular modeling studies
Authors: Hamdani Syeda S. , Khan Bilal A. , Saeed Aamer , Larik Fayaz A. , Hameed Shahid , Channar Pervaiz A. , Ahmad Khalil , Mughal Ehsan Ullah , Abbas Qamar , Amin Noor Ul , Ghumro Sarfaraz A. , Maitlo Habibullah , Hassan Mubashir , Raza Hussain , Seo Sung‐Yum
Published: July 2019

Elastase is the only enzyme that has the capability to degrade elastin and collagen, the two proteins essential for skin and bones. The synthesis of some densely substituted piperidines functionalized with the trifluoromethyl group (4a‐j) was carried out. The newly prepared compounds were subjected to elastase enzyme inhibitory potential and antioxidant activity assays. Among the series, 4i (IC50 = 0.341 ± 0.001 μM) exhibited the maximum inhibition against elastase. Binding analysis delineated that the fluorine atom of ligand 4i showed hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds with Thr41 and Thr96, with bond distances of 3.84 and 5.631 Å, respectively. The obtained results indicate that these trifluoromethyl functionalized piperidine derivatives could be considered as potential candidates to treat skin disorders.
MIL‐53(Al) as a Versatile Platform for Ionic‐Liquid/MOF Composites to Enhance CO2 Selectivity over CH4 and N2
Authors: Kavak Safiyye , Polat H. Mert , Kulak Harun , Keskin Seda , Uzun Alper
Published: July 2019

Five different imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) were incorporated into a metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL‐53(Al), to investigate the effect of IL incorporation on the CO2 separation performance of MIL‐53(Al). CO2, CH4, and N2 adsorption isotherms of the IL/MIL‐53(Al) composites and pristine MIL‐53(Al) were measured to evaluate the effect of the ILs on the CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 selectivities of the MOF. Of the composite materials that were tested, [BMIM][PF6]/MIL‐53(Al) exhibited the largest increase in CO2/CH4 selectivity, 2.8‐times higher than that of pristine MIL‐53(Al), whilst [BMIM][MeSO4]/MIL‐53(Al) exhibited the largest increase in CO2/N2 selectivity, 3.3‐times higher than that of pristine MIL‐53(Al). A comparison of the CO2 separation potentials of the IL/MOF composites showed that the [BMIM][BF4]‐ and [BMIM][PF6]‐incorporated MIL‐53(Al) composites both showed enhanced CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivities at pressures of 1–5 bar compared to composites of CuBTC and ZIF‐8 with the same ILs. These results demonstrate that MIL‐53(Al) is a versatile platform for IL/MOF composites and could help to guide the rational design of new composites for target gas‐separation applications.
Engineering of the Filler/Polymer Interface in Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Mixed‐Matrix Membranes to Enhance Gas Separation
Authors: Ma Liang , Svec Frantisek , Lv Yongqin , Tan Tianwei
Published: July 2019

Traditional films cannot fully adapt to industrial applications and to intensified processes. Advanced mixed‐matrix membranes comprising metal–organic frameworks (MOF) embedded in a polymer matrix have been developed with the goal of breaking the trade‐off effect of traditional polymer membranes and achieving separation performance beyond Robeson's upper limit. The key challenges in the fabrication of MOF‐based mixed‐matrix membranes are an enhancement in compatibility between the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix, elimination of the irregular morphology and non‐selective interfacial defects, and further improvement in the gas‐separation performance. This review summarizes the recent advances in protocols and strategies in terms of designing interfacial interactions to enhance the MOF/polymer interface compatibility. This review aims at providing some meaningful insights into preparing MOF‐based mixed‐matrix membranes targeting ideal interfacial morphology and leading to excellent gas‐separation performance.