bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociedades cooperativas de trabajo asociado versus sociedades de capital. Análisis comparado de fortaleza financiera y rentabilidad en el País Vasco
Authors: Zubiaurre Miguel Ángel , Andicoechea Lorea , Saitua Ainhoa
Published: July 2019

Tradicionalmente, los agentes económicos de la economía social y, en particular las cooperativas, se habían mostrado más resistente en entornos de crisis, generando mejores resultados en términos de mantenimiento de empleo. El estallido del caso Fagor Electrodomésticos ha supuesto un estímulo que ha extendido la necesidad de revisar algunos de los parámetros del modelo cooperativo.
En este sentido, el trabajo realiza un análisis comparado de la estructura financiera, la solvencia, la rentabilidad y la capacidad de generar riqueza de las sociedades cooperativas respecto a las sociedades de capital. Según los resultados del trabajo entre las empresas industriales de más de 50 empleados del País Vasco, las cooperativas ofrecen indicadores similares o superiores a las sociedades anónimas y limitadas. Por tanto, el cooperativismo industrial vasco presenta datos positivos que muestran su capacidad de mantenerse como una fuente de generación de riqueza y empleo.
Factores clave de una central de compras cooperativa. Análisis comparativo de dos experiencias
Authors: Boccatonda Carmen , Banchieri Lucia-Clara , Campa-Planas Fernando
Published: July 2019

El entorno competitivo y dinámico ha obligado a las empresas a buscar la excelencia operativa y la mayor eficiencia para sobrevivir, no estando las empresas cooperativas exentas de dicha búsqueda. Una de las herramientas de que dispone este tipo de organizaciones es unirse formando una central de compras que les permita acceder a menores costes como consecuencia del mayor volumen.El objetivo del presente trabajo es averiguar los factores clave para el buen funcionamiento de una central de compras cooperativa y, asimismo, realizar un análisis comparativo entre la central de compras de la Federación Argentina de Cooperativas de Consumo (en adelante, CCFACC), una incipiente central de compras cooperativa argentina, y la Coop Italia, un modelo con amplia trayectoria en el mercado, con resultados comprobados y con proyecciones de mayor crecimiento.La metodología utilizada es el estudio de caso múltiple cruzado, en donde el muestreo consiste en dos casos específicos que son escogidos por ser reveladores y ejemplos extremos. Dicho análisis presenta interés dado que, aunque cada uno de éstos se ubica en contextos y continentes diferentes, siguen compartiendo el compromiso por los valores y principios cooperativos.
Crisis’ consequences on recapitalization and exposure for Cypriot and Greek cooperative banks
Authors: Karafolas Simeon , Kleanthous Akis
Published: July 2019

The financial crisis of 2008 transformed, in some countries, to economic and social one, created serious problems to the banking system. Capital basis and asset exposures, especially through the non-performing loans, have been the most important. Capital inadequacy caused the failure of banks that didn’t succeed to accomplish the capital requirements set by Basel II obligations.The treatment was not the same for all banks as only those considered as significant banks, for the economy, received capital aid from their state. The paper investigates through capital basis requirements and asset exposures the crisis’ consequences on Cyprus and Greek cooperative banks. The consequences were cataclysmic for the cooperative banking systems of the two countries. In Greece, the cooperative banks did not receive any state aid, leading to the bankruptcy of many of them. In Cyprus, once all the cooperative banks were merged into the central cooperative bank, the latter received state aid as it was considered as a significant bank for the national economy. Moreover, the high level of non-performing loans and the new economic environment that the crisis had caused, forced the cooperative banks to change their asset exposures structure and their credit policy.
La eduCAC: formación y educación mediática
Authors: Ollé Candela
Published: July 2019

Son pocos los medios de comunicación que se dirigen a los niños y jóvenes. El proyecto de educación y formación mediática eduCAC liderado por el Consell de l’Audiovisual de Catalunya (CAC) y dirigido a toda la comunidad educativa, quiere ser una iniciativa continuada y sobre todo proactiva. En el complejo ambiente informativo actual, donde el uso y el abuso de las pantallas de móvil y tabletas es una realidad y los nuevos consumos de medios son un hecho, hay que ayudar a: distinguir las fuentes, los canales, para identificar la credibilidad del que emite, a detectar qué confianza merece desde el punto de vista personal/individual una información. En otras palabras, formar a unos jóvenes consumidores con espíritu crítico, que reconozcan las garantías y los beneficios que aporta el periodismo de rigor, que hace uso del código deontológico y conseguir que éstos hagan un consumo responsable de los medios.
Luis Buñuel, animado
Authors: Sánchez-Navarro Jordi
Published: July 2019

Buñuel en el laberinto de las tortugas es uno de los grandes triunfos del cine de animación español de los últimos años, una obra destinada a perdurar. Nacida en cómic en 2008 de la mano de Fermín Solís, ilustrador y autor de historieta nacido en la provincia de Cáceres, Buñuel en el laberinto de las tortugas narra el rodaje de Las Hurdes. Tierra sin pan, el documental sobre la comarca cacereña realizado por Luis Buñuel tras sus dos primeras obras, en las que se había revelado como uno de los grandes del surrealismo cinematográfico.
Entrena tu creatividad
Authors: Montaña Blasco Mireia
Published: July 2019

Escribo este artículo pocas horas después de la entrega de los premios publicitarios de El Sol. Este festival, en sus 33 años de historia, ha ido evolucionando desde la primera edición en Marbella. Durante este período ha cambiado de ubicación, pasando por San Sebastián, Bilbao y Madrid, y se ha abierto a los países latinoamericanos. La esencia, sin embargo, no ha cambiado, sigue premiando las mejores ideas.
La importancia de las redes sociales en la promoción de cine y series
Authors: Gurpegui Vidal Carlos
Published: July 2019

La localidad navarra de Tudela ha sido la sede, por segundo año consecutivo, del certamen “Lo que Viene”, una cita organizada por la Asociación de Informadores Cinematográficos de España (AICE) que reúne a la industria y prensa especializada en cine y series para adelantar algunos de los estrenos más destacados en el segundo semestre del año.
¿Por qué desconfiamos de la política?
Authors: Lalueza Ferran
Published: July 2019

La erosión de la confianza explica muchas cosas de la realidad política actual, desde la desafección al populismo rampante pasando por la polarización extrema. Aunque la confianza sea considerada un intangible, puede medirse. En este artículo explicamos cómo hacerlo y te invitamos a descubrir a qué nivel está tu confianza en los políticos.
Tendencias en creatividad: 'Cannes Lions 2019'
Authors: Sivera Sílvia
Published: July 2019

Junio es el mes de la creatividad publicitaria por excelencia porque se celebran dos de los festivales más importantes del sector: El Sol y Cannes Lions. A propósito de este último, el Colegio de Publicitarios y Relaciones Públicas de Cataluña reunió el pasado 5 de julio a cuatro profesionales de primer nivel para analizar las tendencias detectadas y descubrirnos cómo se está transformando la profesión.
Business analytics: new concepts and trends
Authors: Soldić-Aleksić Jasna , Chroneos Krasavac Biljana , Karamata Ema
Published: July 2019

Research question: In the last decade, the concept of Business analytics (BA) has gone through revolutionary changes. It has gained a lot in popularity and attracted immense interest both in academic and commercial communities. Accepting this reality, the main research topic of the paper is to investigate and present the global tendencies regarding the development of business analytics concept. Motivation: We have been motivated by huge changes in ICT environment and have studied how they reflect on the domain of Business analytics. Idea: The main idea was to elaborate and make distinction between crucial characteristics of the classical and new emerging concepts of Business analytics. In addition to technical aspects, the broader business context of all presented concepts and phenomena are discussed. Findings: Dealing with essential elements of the BA concept, this paper points out that the history of Business analytics has been strongly influenced by the changes and innovations in the sphere of information communications technologies (ICT). In particular, the paper addresses two tendencies connected to the status of Business analytics in the digital economy. The first tendency concerns the emergence of Big Data phenomenon and its implications on both business and public environment. The other tendency concerns the increasing business request and need for data and analytics democratization. The paper concludes that specifically two forms of analytics – embedded analytics and self-service analytics – appeared as strong enablers of the process of data and analytics democratization. Contribution: Although a considerable part of the paper tackled the issue of the ICT trends and its impact on the business analytics, one specific part of the paper presents the broader business implications of data and analytics deployment. Our opinion is that this part provides a significant contribution to the BA topic. We demonstrate that there is strong evidence that one of the most important benefits that BA brings to the company is competitive advantage. Also, it is emphasized that the other big issue in business domain concerns the forms of BA deployment in the organization. We strongly support the opinion that successful BA deployment requires a clear data and analytics strategy, with elements of proposed ICT innovations and BA solutions.
Spawning stock recruitment creates misleading dynamics under predation release in ecosystem and multi-species models
Authors: McGregor Vidette L. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Dunn Matthew R.
Published: July 2019

Ecosystem and multi-species models are used to understand ecosystem-wide effects of fishing, such as population expansion due to predation release, and further cascading effects. Many are based on fisheries models that focus on a single, depleted population, and may not always behave as expected in a multi-species context. The spawning stock recruitment (SSR) relationship, a curve linking the number of juvenile fish to the existing adult biomass, can produce dynamics that are counter-intuitive and change scenario outcomes. We analysed the Beverton–Holt SSR curve and found a population with low resilience when depleted becomes very productive under persistent predation release. To avoid implausible increases in biomass, we propose limiting recruitment to its unfished level. This allows for specification of resilience when a population is depleted, without sudden and excessive increase when the population expands. We demonstrate this dynamic and solution within an end-to-end ecosystem model, focusing on myctophids under fishing-induced predation release. We present one possible solution, but the specification of stock-recruitment models should continue to be a topic of discussion amongst multi-species and ecosystem modellers and empiricists going forward.
Effect of pH and Sugar Level on Heat Resistance of Escherichia coli in Sweet Orange Juice (Citrius Sinensis)
Authors: Ochelle P. O. , Ejoha P. O. , Ukeyima M. T.
Published: July 2019

The effect of pH and sugar levels on the microbiological properties of sweet orange juice was evaluated. Microbial analysis of the treated Orange juice (Citrus Sinensis) were determined using standard method. The standard method of Prescott [12] was used. The microbial load of the produce reduced as the concentration of the derived preservatives increased. Both pH and sugar level used had inhibitive effect on the test organism. The result revealed that the use of pH and sugar level as hurdles should be encouraged in processing food products.
Insect Pest Profile of Leaf Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus L) and Prevention Herbivory Using Oil-Based Extracts of Alium sativum L, Xylopia aethiopica Dunal and Eucalyptus globolus L
Authors: A. Borisade, O. , O. Awodele, S. , I. Uwaidem, Y.
Published: July 2019

Pest profile of Amaranthus hybridus was recorded in a single organic agro-ecosystem in Southwestern Nigeria between November-December in 2016 and January-February 2017, during the dry season. Activities of different pests were monitored to identify those responsible for the most significant damage. Vegetable oil-based extracts of Alium sativum, Xylopia aethiopica and Eucalyptus globolus were prepared and applied on A. hybridus as protectants against herbivory by phytophagous insects and damage to foliage was assessed. Thereafter, the extracts were rated based on the mean percentage damage (MPD) recorded in different plots in relation to the treatments. A total of nine pests were recorded from three insect Orders namely, Orthoptera (62.5%), Coleoptera (12.5%) and Lepidoptera (25%) and they were grouped into Major, Minor or Occasional pests based on their activities. Two lepidopterans, Spoladea recurvalis and Psara basalis (Family: Crambidae) were responsible for the most significant damage. All the extracts reduced damage with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) compared with the control. The MPD in X. aethiopica-, A. sativum- and E. globolus-treated plots and the control plots were 10.9%, 8%, 14% and 31.2% respectively when the amaranth was due for harvest in the first trial. The MPD to the amaranth in the treated plots during the second trial was between 13.6% and 16.3% when the harvest was due while the MPD in the control was 54.9%. The performances of E. globolus and X. aethiopica were comparable and they were relatively more effective in protecting A. hybridus against phytophagous pest attacks.
HIV-2 Treatment in Mali and Drug Resistance Antiretroviral Profile
Authors: Oumar Aboubacar Alassane , Katile Drissa , Guindo Ibrehima , Sidibe Younoussa , Tulkens Paul M. , Dao Sounkalo , Ruelle Jean , Mukadi-Kabamba Benoit
Published: July 2019

Aims: We evaluated different treatment regimens administered to patients infected with HIV-2 in Mali, and studied pol polymorphisms that may influence susceptibility to antiretrovirals.

Methodology: We collected 57 blood samples from HIV - 2 seropositive patients in health centers in Mali (Bamako, Segou and Sikasso), including 21 treated patients and 36 untreated patients. The confirmation of the serological status and the measurement of the viral load were carried out in Brussels. Genotypic analysis of protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase was then performed on specimens with detectable viral load. The search for ARV resistance mutations and polymorphism positions was performed in comparison with reference sequences.

Results: The most used treatment regimen was ZDV-3TC-LPV/ r.  Genotypic analysis of protease, reverse transcriptase and integrase was performed on 20 samples from patients with detectable viral load: 16 untreated patients and 4 treated patients. Seventy-five percent of the strains analyzed correspond to group A of HIV-2. In 2cas, mutations associated with resistance to the administered molecules were found. Three viral strains from untreated patients had NRTI or PI resistance mutations. In integrase, no mutation associated with resistance was observed.

Conclusion: The circulation of strains carrying resistance mutations to NRTIs and PIs has been observed in Mali.
Antimicrobial Activities of Different Soaps on Selected Human Skin Pathogens
Authors: Teniola Olakunle D. , Folounsho Veronica Temitayo , Ogunlusi Pelumi S. , Aderounmu Ayomikun E. , Omemu Adebukunola M.
Published: July 2019

Aims: To evaluate the antimicrobial activities of various branded soaps against selected microbes present on the normal and infected skin.

Study Design:  Experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological sciences (Ondo State University of Science and Technology) between April 2017 and October 2017.

Methodology: The identities of the reference organisms used were confirmed using standard microbiological techniques. A total of 10 soaps were assayed for their antimicrobial properties. Of these, three were medicated soaps, two laundry soaps, two beauty soaps, two toilet soaps and one black soap (traditionally made). Statistical analysis for zones of inhibition revealed variability of antimicrobial activity among different categories of the soaps.

Results: Soaps within the same categories showed positive correlation. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible microbe with a zone of inhibition of 26.0±0.88 mm while Candida albicans was the least susceptible with a zone of inhibition of 9.0±0.67 mm. Averagely, Sample A3 exhibited the least zone of inhibition (13.0±1.70) mm. The results showed that majority of antimicrobial soaps have antibacterial activity though lack antifungal effect. Sample X1 (traditional black soap) and A3 are the only effective antifungal agents used. The study also revealed physical changes occur in the microbial structure of the test microorganisms.

Conclusion: This study has revealed that black soaps and medicated soaps are better antimicrobial agents than beauty soaps. Hence, it justifies the use of medicated soaps for control of skin related infections. However, better promotion is required for traditional black soap in order to maximize its antimicrobial potentials.
Phosphate Fertilization in Amaranth Culture cv. BRS Alegria in Second Harvest in the Cerrado
Authors: Pittelkow Fábio Kempim , Bianchini Aloisio , Pereira Pedro Silvério Xavier , Belufi Luana Maria de Rossi , Bianchini Maria das Graças de Assis , Rosa Rodrigo Pengo
Published: July 2019

Vegetable species, capable of diversifying production in the second crop of the Cerrado, producing grains rich in protein and providing dry matter for off-season, are most welcome. The amaranth presents these characteristics, however its cultivation is little known in Brazil. The adequate availability of nutrients for this plant, under cerrado conditions, has not yet been defined and these soils, in turn, are of low natural fertility, deficient, mainly, in phosphorus. Before this senary, the present work was developed with the objective of evaluating agronomic and productive aspects of amaranth cv. BRS Alegria, cultivated in succession to soybean, underwent increasing doses of phosphorus. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with five levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1 of phosphorus - triple superphosphate) applied in the sowing furrow, with four replications. Plant height was evaluated; stem diameter; panicle length; final population of plants; phosphorus content in leaf tissue; mass of dry matter of panicle, stem, leaf and total and; grain yield. The model with higher R2 in the regression analysis was selected to express the behavior of the phosphorus doses on the evaluated characteristics. The phosphorus applied in the sowing furrow increases productivity and phosphorus content in the amaranth foliar tissue in succession to the soybean crop. The highest estimated productivity of amaranth grains was obtained with 98.7 kg ha-1 of P2O5, with values close to the level of economic response to the application of the input.
Shape‐Assisted 2D MOF/Graphene Derived Hybrids as Exceptional Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Jayaramulu Kolleboyina , Dubal Deepak P. , Schneemann Andreas , Ranc Václav , Perez‐Reyes Cecilia , Stráská Jana , Kment Štěpán , Otyepka Michal , Fischer Roland A. , Zbořil Radek
Published: July 2019

Herein, a novel polymer‐templated strategy is described to obtain 2D nickel‐based MOF nanosheets using Ni(OH)2, squaric acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), where PVP has a dual role as a structure‐directing agent, as well as preventing agglomeration of the MOF nanosheets. Furthermore, a scalable method is developed to transform the 2D MOF sheets to Ni7S6/graphene nanosheet (GNS) heterobilayers by in situ sulfidation using thiourea as a sulfur source. The Ni7S6/GNS composite shows an excellent reversible capacity of 1010 mAh g−1 at 0.12 A g−1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 98% capacity retention. The electrochemical performance of the Ni7S6/GNS composite is superior not only to nickel sulfide/graphene‐based composites but also to other metal disulfide–based composite electrodes. Moreover, the Ni7S6/GNS anode exhibits excellent cycle stability (≈95% capacity retention after 2000 cycles). This outstanding electrochemical performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of Ni7S6 and GNS, where GNS serves as a conducting matrix to support Ni7S6 nanosheets while Ni7S6 prevents restacking of GNS. This work opens up new opportunities in the design of novel functional heterostructures by hybridizing 2D MOF nanosheets with other 2D nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage/conversion applications.
Nanoparticle‐Mediated Enzyme Immobilization on Cellulose Fibers: Reusable Biocatalytic Systems for Cascade Reactions
Authors: Goldhahn Christian , Burgert Ingo , Chanana Munish
Published: July 2019

Enzymatic biocatalysis has the potential to enable greener and more efficient synthesis routes for the chemical industry. However, enzymes are hard to remove and recover from the reaction solution due to the homogeneous nature of biocatalysis. Hence, enzymes are often limited to single‐use applications. This work shows the immobilization of enzymes based on nanoparticle‐mediated robust physisorption on natural cellulose fibers. The resulting hybrid material is able to perform heterogeneous biocatalysis. The catalytic activity and the multifold reusability of immobilized enzyme are exemplarily investigated for the enzyme laccase. The kinetic parameters of immobilized laccase are determined and compared to the ones of free laccase. Furthermore, relative activities are evaluated in dependence of pH and temperature, and compared to the ones of free enzyme. The heterogeneous biocatalyst is easy to handle and can be quickly and completely removed from the reaction solution due to its macroscopic nature. The potential of multifold reusability of the catalyst is shown for 20 cycles with remaining activities of 45% after 10 and 24% after 20 reaction cycles. The approach may allow for sophisticated enzymatic cascade reaction systems in a simple flow‐through device as exemplarily shown for the immobilized enzymes glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase.
The Impacts of Adhesion on the Wear Property of Graphene
Authors: Zhao Shuji , Zhang Zhihong , Wu Zhanghui , Liu Kaihui , Zheng Quanshui , Ma Ming
Published: July 2019

Adhesion plays an important role in the antiwear property of graphene layer on a substrate. Here the wear property of the inner region of monolayer graphene grown on copper foils via chemical vapor deposition is studied. The adhesive strength is controlled by changing the oxidation of the copper substrate into two oxidation degrees with intact graphene preserved. For graphene layers on copper substrates with either low oxidation degree (LOD) or high oxidation degree (HOD), it is found in both systems wear starts at the wrinkle position under similar normal force. However, with the development of wear, for the LOD substrate the covering graphene layer is worn out gradually, while for the HOD substrate the graphene layer is peeled off rapidly. By measuring the adhesion between graphene and substrates indirectly, together with finite element analysis, it is shown that the underlying mechanism for the different wear phenomena is due to the higher adhesion between graphene and LOD substrates than that between graphene and HOD substrates. This study provides insights on the impacts of adhesion between monolayer material and substrates on the antiwear properties, which can benefit the design of lubrication coatings based on layered materials.
Targeting Antitumoral Proteins to Breast Cancer by Local Administration of Functional Inclusion Bodies
Authors: Pesarrodona Mireia , Jauset Toni , Díaz‐Riascos Zamira V. , Sánchez‐Chardi Alejandro , Beaulieu Marie‐Eve , Seras‐Franzoso Joaquin , Sánchez‐García Laura , Baltà‐Foix Ricardo , Mancilla Sandra , Fernández Yolanda , Rinas Ursula , Schwartz Simó , Soucek Laura , Villaverde Antonio , Abasolo Ibane , Vázquez Esther
Published: July 2019

Two structurally and functionally unrelated proteins, namely Omomyc and p31, are engineered as CD44‐targeted inclusion bodies produced in recombinant bacteria. In this unusual particulate form, both types of protein materials selectively penetrate and kill CD44+ tumor cells in culture, and upon local administration, promote destruction of tumoral tissue in orthotropic mouse models of human breast cancer. These findings support the concept of bacterial inclusion bodies as versatile protein materials suitable for application in chronic diseases that, like cancer, can benefit from a local slow release of therapeutic proteins.
All‐in‐One, Wireless, Stretchable Hybrid Electronics for Smart, Connected, and Ambulatory Physiological Monitoring
Authors: Kim Yun‐Soung , Mahmood Musa , Lee Yongkuk , Kim Nam Kyun , Kwon Shinjae , Herbert Robert , Kim Donghyun , Cho Hee Cheol , Yeo Woon‐Hong
Published: July 2019

Commercially available health monitors rely on rigid electronic housing coupled with aggressive adhesives and conductive gels, causing discomfort and inducing skin damage. Also, research‐level skin‐wearable devices, while excelling in some aspects, fall short as concept‐only presentations due to the fundamental challenges of active wireless communication and integration as a single device platform. Here, an all‐in‐one, wireless, stretchable hybrid electronics with key capabilities for real‐time physiological monitoring, automatic detection of signal abnormality via deep‐learning, and a long‐range wireless connectivity (up to 15 m) is introduced. The strategic integration of thin‐film electronic layers with hyperelastic elastomers allows the overall device to adhere and deform naturally with the human body while maintaining the functionalities of the on‐board electronics. The stretchable electrodes with optimized structures for intimate skin contact are capable of generating clinical‐grade electrocardiograms and accurate analysis of heart and respiratory rates while the motion sensor assesses physical activities. Implementation of convolutional neural networks for real‐time physiological classifications demonstrates the feasibility of multifaceted analysis with a high clinical relevance. Finally, in vivo demonstrations with animals and human subjects in various scenarios reveal the versatility of the device as both a health monitor and a viable research tool.
Gate‐Tunable Electrical Transport in Thin 2M‐WS2 Flakes
Authors: Che Xiangli , Deng Yujun , Fang Yuqiang , Pan Jie , Yu Yijun , Huang Fuqiang
Published: July 2019

Electrolyte gating has been employed as an effective way to modulate the electronic properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) by carrier doping over a wide range. Here, the carrier density of a new metastable phase of TMD material 2M‐WS2 is controlled by electrolyte gating to achieve reversible transitions between the superconducting state, metallic state, and insulating state. Pristine 2M‐WS2 has a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 8.9 K with a hole‐type carrier density of 9.05 × 1021 cm−3 at 100 K. A gate voltage (Vg) is applied between the sample and a side gate, which are both immersed in a droplet of gel‐like Li‐ion electrolyte (LiClO4 dissolved in polyethylene oxide matrix). When Vg = −3.5 V, the sample is in its pristine superconducting phase. With increasing Vg, the lithium ions gradually intercalate into the layered sample and tune it from a superconductor to an insulator. By precise tuning of Vg in this device, the entire phase diagram of 2M‐WS2 over a large range of carrier density is obtained.
Enhanced Electron Transport and Heat Transfer Boost Light Stability of Ternary Organic Photovoltaic Cells Incorporating Non‐Fullerene Small Molecule and Polymer Acceptors
Authors: Yin Hang , Chiu Ka Lok , Bi Pengqing , Li Gang , Yan Cenqi , Tang Hua , Zhang Chujun , Xiao Yiqun , Zhang Hengkai , Yu Wei , Hu Hanlin , Lu Xinhui , Hao Xiaotao , So Shu Kong
Published: July 2019

Operation stability remains the key hurdle for the best‐performing non‐fullerene small molecule acceptor (SMA)‐based organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Among all SMAs, the ITIC‐derivative is the most promising OPV cell using ITIC‐derivative acceptors with a power conversion efficiency > 15%. However, the operation stability of SMA‐based devices under illumination is relatively inferior when compared to bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) cells that employ polymeric acceptors. Here, a polymer acceptor N2200 is used as the ternary component to study the device performance of ITIC‐derivative‐based PBDB‐T:ITIC‐M and PBDB‐T‐2F:IT‐4F BHJ solar cells, which currently are the representative state‐of‐the‐art high‐performance OPV devices. The ternary solar cells with low N2200 loading enjoy significantly improved operation stability, while maintaining a high power conversion efficiency. A comprehensive mechanism study is conducted on the ternary OPV systems in i) electronic and ii) thermal aspects. For i), the ternary BHJs show remarkably improved electron transport. For ii), the thermal diffusivity D of the ternary BHJ exhibits almost an order of magnitude improvement in D values, indicating that heat can be more effectively transferred out of such films than binary counterpart. The results show that N2200 ternary loading facilitates an improved network for both electron transport and heat dissipation, leading to improved photostability.
On the Capacity Losses Seen for Optimized Nano‐Si Composite Electrodes in Li‐Metal Half‐Cells
Authors: Lindgren Fredrik , Rehnlund David , Pan Ruijun , Pettersson Jean , Younesi Reza , Xu Chao , Gustafsson Torbjörn , Edström Kristina , Nyholm Leif
Published: July 2019

While the use of silicon‐based electrodes can increase the capacity of Li‐ion batteries considerably, their application is associated with significant capacity losses. In this work, the influences of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, volume expansion, and lithium trapping are evaluated for two different electrochemical cycling schemes using lithium‐metal half‐cells containing silicon nanoparticle–based composite electrodes. Lithium trapping, caused by incomplete delithiation, is demonstrated to be the main reason for the capacity loss while SEI formation and dissolution affect the accumulated capacity loss due to a decreased coulombic efficiency. The capacity losses can be explained by the increasing lithium concentration in the electrode causing a decreasing lithiation potential and the lithiation cut‐off limit being reached faster. A lithium‐to‐silicon atomic ratio of 3.28 is found for a silicon electrode after 650 cycles using 1200 mAhg−1capacity limited cycling. The results further show that the lithiation step is the capacity‐limiting step and that the capacity losses can be minimized by increasing the efficiency of the delithiation step via the inclusion of constant voltage delithiation steps. Lithium trapping due to incomplete delithiation consequently constitutes a very important capacity loss phenomenon for silicon composite electrodes.
Safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in liver transplanted patients: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Lim Cherng‐Harng , Shih Kai‐Lun , Wu Shun‐Sheng , Fan Chuan‐San , Yen Hsu‐Heng , Su Wei‐Wen , Tsai Hao‐Chien
Published: July 2019

The incidence rate of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complication in liver transplanted patient has not been well studied. Some studies believed such patients inherit higher complication risk in ERCP procedure owing to innate structure deformity and coagulopathy condition. Our aim of this study is to evaluate the post‐ERCP complications incidence in liver transplanted patients. All liver transplant patients (deceased donor and living‐related donor) from January 2010 to December 2015 who underwent ERCP procedure alone in Changhua Christian medical center hospital were retrospective evaluated. Data regarding post‐ERCP complications, including pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforation, and infection, are collected and analyzed. A total of 98 ERCP procedures were performed in 43 liver transplanted patients during 5‐year period. The overall incidence rate of post ERCP complications was 13.27%. The most common complication was bleeding 6.12%, followed by pancreatitis 5.10%, perforation 2.04%, and cholangitis 1.02%. Among patients with post‐ERCP hemorrhage, more than half of the patients had delay bleeding and required more than two times of endoscopic procedure. Differ from general ERCP complications, all of the perforation events were related to bile duct injury.
The effect of discontinuation of aspirin on colonoscopic postpolypectomy bleeding
Authors: Yao Chih‐Chien , Chiu Yi‐Chun , Wu Keng‐Liang , Tai Wei‐Chen , Hu Ming‐Luen , Chou Yeh‐Pin , Liang Chih‐Ming , Lu Lung‐Sheng , Chuah Seng‐Kee
Published: July 2019

Bleeding is one of the most common complications after colonoscopic polypectomy. Several factors associated with postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) have been discussed, but whether aspirin increases the risk remains controversial, and the effect of the discontinuation of aspirin on PPB is still unclear. We aim to identify the risk factors of PPB and to assess the effect of aspirin on PPB. Patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy between November 2013 and September 2014 were recruited to the retrospective study. Patients' demographics, clinical parameters, polyp characteristics, using of antithrombotics, and the prevalence of PPB were reviewed from electronic medical records. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors associated with PPB. A total of 497 patients with 827 polyps removed were recruited to this study. The bleeding rate was significantly higher in patients on aspirin therapy (17.3% vs 6.3%, P = .005). In multiple logistic regression analysis, aspirin users (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51‐8.89, P = .007) and bigger polyp removal (cut level 11.5 mm, HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.23, P = .001) were the significant factors. In aspirin users, discontinuation of aspirin for 7 days before polypectomy was the independent protective factor of bleeding (HR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03‐0.75, P = .022), especially when the polyp was ≧12 mm. Our study found that use of aspirin and bigger polyp size are associated with colonoscopic postpolyectomy bleeding. Discontinuation of aspirin before polypectomy could decrease the bleeding while the polyp size was greater than 12 mm.
Soehendra stent retriever for dilation of tight biliary and pancreatic duct strictures defying conventional wire‐guided endoscopic techniques: Single‐center experiences
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Hung , Huang Wen‐Hsin , Yu Cheng‐Ju , Ting Chun‐Fu , Yang Chi‐Ying , Chuang Shih‐Chieh , Peng Cheng‐Yuan
Published: July 2019

Endoscopists frequently encounter severe tight strictures during therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Dilation using a Soehendra stent retriever (SSR) can be the approach of choice. However, reports of SSR use for the aforementioned strictures are scant. Patients presenting with strictures of the biliary or pancreatic ducts between July 2015 and March 2019 were prospectively screened. The aforementioned strictures allowed the passage of only a guidewire but denied 5.5‐French (Fr) catheter advancement and conventional balloon or catheter dilation. After guidewire passage and endoscopic sphincterotomy, an (7‐Fr) SSR was screwed clockwise over a guidewire and advanced progressively to traverse and dilate the stricture proximally. A plastic stent was then placed in the biliary or pancreatic duct for internal drainage. The stricture and procedural characteristics and immediate postprocedural status were analyzed. Eleven patients (nine men and two women; median age 58 [range 43‐75] years) with severe benign strictures of the biliary (n = 5) or pancreatic (n = 6) ducts were included. The median length of the strictures was 5 (range 2‐9) mm. All 11 severe strictures were successfully dilated using an SSR followed by stenting with a plastic stent (range 5‐7 Fr). Only one patient had brief minor hemobilia immediately after the procedure, and another briefly experienced acute cholangitis. Five (5/6, 83.3%) patients in the pancreatic group eventually achieved stent removal. None of the patients achieved stent removal in the biliary duct group until the end of follow‐up. Nonetheless, the patients did not require percutaneous or surgical interventions. Dilation using the SSR is safe, tolerable, and successful for the tight biliary and pancreatic duct strictures that defy conventional wire‐guided endoscopic access.
The diagnostic yield and risk of screening colonoscopy in geriatric subjects older than 80 years
Authors: Lin Zong‐Wei , Hsu Chen‐Ming , Cheng Hao‐Tsai , Su Ming‐Yao , Ho Yu‐Pin , Chen Tsung‐Hsing , Chu Pao‐Hsien
Published: July 2019

The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield and risks of screening colonoscopy in octogenarians and older. A retrospective review of medical records in the Chang Gung Healthcare Center from January 2010 to December 2016 was performed. A total of 164 adults older than 80 years receiving screening colonoscopy were enrolled. Cecal intubation rate, colonoscopic finding, renal function, colon preparation, and procedure‐related complications were used to estimate the outcome of colonoscopy. All participants were under deep sedation. The crude cecal intubation rate was 95%. Acceptable colon preparation was 95.1%. No procedure‐related complications, such as bleeding or perforation, occurred in this study. The level of creatinine increasing more than 25% were two (6.3%) in polyethylene glycol group and 10 (16.1%) in oral sodium phosphate solution (NaP) group. The colonoscopic finding were as follows: 19 advanced neoplasms (11.5%), 56 non‐advanced adenomas (34.1%), and 38 hyperplastic polyps (23.2%). This study disclosed the diagnostic yield and safety of colonoscopy in octogenarians and older. In addition, we should be cautious when giving NaP to these subjects.
Phenotype evolution and health issues of adults with Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome
Authors: Gazzin Andrea , Carli Diana , Sirchia Fabio , Molinatto Cristina , Cardaropoli Simona , Palumbo Giuseppe , Zampino Giuseppe , Ferrero Giovanni Battista , Mussa Alessandro
Published: July 2019

Background

Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) phenotype usually mitigates with age and data on adulthood are limited. Our study aims at reporting phenotype evolution and health issues in adulthood.

Methods

34 patients (16 males), aged 18–58 years (mean 28.5) with BWS were enrolled.

Results

26 patients were molecularly confirmed, 5 tested negative, and 3 were not tested. Final tall stature was present in 44%. Four patients developed Wilms' Tumor (2, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively); one hepatoblastoma (22 years); one acute lymphoblastic leukemia (21 years); one adrenal adenoma and testicular Sertoli cell tumor (22 and 24 years, respectively); and three benign tumors (hepatic haemangioma, uterine myoma, and mammary fibroepithelioma). Surgery for BWS‐related features was required in 85%. Despite surgical correction several patients presented morbidity and sequelae of BWS pediatric issues: pronunciation/swallow difficulties (n = 9) due to macroglossia, painful scoliosis (n = 4) consistent with lateralized overgrowth, recurrent urolithiasis (n = 4), azoospermia (n = 4) likely consequent to cryptorchidism, severe intellectual disability (n = 2) likely related to neonatal asphyxia and diabetes mellitus (n = 1) due to subtotal pancreatectomy for intractable hyperinsulinism. Four patients (two males) had healthy children (three physiologically conceived and one through assisted reproductive technology).

Conclusions

Adult health conditions in BWS are mostly consequent to pediatric issues, underlying the preventive role of follow‐up strategies in childhood. Malignancy rate observed in early adulthood in this small cohort matches that observed in the first decade of life, cumulatively raising tumor rate in BWS to 20% during the observation period. Further studies are warranted in this direction.
A new three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics analysis of the Ouranopithecus macedoniensis cranium (Late Miocene, Central Macedonia, Greece)
Authors: Ioannidou Melania , Koufos George D. , de Bonis Louis , Harvati Katerina
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study aims to virtually reconstruct the deformed face (XIR‐1) and maxilla (RPl‐128) of the Late Miocene hominoid Ouranopithecus macedoniensis from Greece, through the application of mirror‐imaging and segmentation. Additionally, analysis was conducted through 3D geometric morphometrics, utilizing a comparative sample of fossil hominoids, extant great apes (Gorilla, Pan, and Pongo) and humans, so as to explore shape variation and phenetic similarities between them.

Materials and methods

High‐resolution computed tomography was used to create digital representations of the XIR‐1 and RPl‐128 specimens. The virtual reconstruction of the XIR‐1 cranium was achieved by mirror‐imaging, while the RPl‐128 maxilla was virtually segmented and reattached in a correct anatomical position. Anatomical landmarks were registered in three dimensions on a comparative sample of adult crania of extant great apes, humans and fossil hominoids. The data were processed with Procrustes superimposition and analyzed using multivariate statistics methods.

Results

Results show that Ouranopithecus macedoniensis falls within or close to the Gorilla convex hull in the principal component analyses, and it is closer to the mean Procrustes shape distance of primarily Gorilla. Both specimens, XIR‐1 and RPl‐128, are classified as Gorilla based on discriminant function analyses.

Discussion

The results of our geometric morphometrics analyses indicate that Ouranopithecus macedoniensis is morphologically more similar to Gorilla than to Homo, Pan, or Pongo, results that can contribute to the evaluation of existing hypotheses about its phylogenetic position.
Fluor und Lithium: Ideale Partner für Elektrolyte in wiederaufladbaren Hochleistungsbatterien
Authors: von Aspern N. , Röschenthaler G.‐V. , Winter M. , Cekic‐Laskovic I.
Published: July 2019

Eine weitere Verbesserung der Energiedichte für wiederaufladbare Lithium‐Batterien verlangt nach neuartigen Zellchemien, die moderne Elektrodenmaterialien mit geeigneten Elektrolyten verbinden ohne die Gesamtleistung und Sicherheit, insbesondere für Hochvolt‐Anwendungen, zu verringern. Signifikante Verbesserungen in neu entwickelten Akkumulatorzellen gegenüber traditionellen, auf organischen Carbonaten basierenden Elektrolyten können durch die Einführung von Fluor in die Salz‐, Lösungsmittel/Co‐Lösungsmittel‐ oder Additivstruktur erreicht werden. Die richtige Kombination der Vorteile verschiedener Komponenten dominiert die Optimierung von Elektrolyten und Zellchemien im Hinblick auf bestimmte Anwendungen. Dieser Aufsatz soll Forschungsaktivitäten und technische Entwicklungen von Fluor‐basierten Materialien für aprotische, nicht‐wässrige Elektrolyte auf Lösungsmittelbasis und deren Bestandteile sowie die Herausforderungen und Limitierungen beleuchten. Fluorhaltige Elektrolyte, die auf ionischen Flüssigkeiten basieren, werden in diesem Aufsatz nicht behandelt.
Electrophilic Iron Catalyst Paired with a Lithium Cation Enables Selective Functionalization of Non‐Activated Aliphatic C−H Bonds via Metallocarbene Intermediates
Authors: Hernán‐Gómez Alberto , Rodríguez Mònica , Parella Teodor , Costas Miquel
Published: July 2019

Combining an electrophilic iron complex [Fe(Fpda)(THF)]2 (3) [Fpda=N,N′‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)‐o‐phenylenediamide] with the pre‐activation of α‐alkyl‐substituted α‐diazoesters reagents by LiAl(ORF)4 [ORF=(OC(CF3)3] provides unprecedented access to selective iron‐catalyzed intramolecular functionalization of strong alkyl C(sp3)−H bonds. Reactions occur at 25 °C via α‐alkyl‐metallocarbene intermediates, and with activity/selectivity levels similar to those of rhodium carboxylate catalysts. Mechanistic investigations reveal a crucial role of the lithium cation in the rate‐determining formation of the electrophilic iron‐carbene intermediate, which then proceeds by concerted insertion into the C−H bond.
Local Structure and Coordination Define Adsorption in a Model Ir1/Fe3O4 Single‐Atom Catalyst
Authors: Jakub Zdenek , Hulva Jan , Meier Matthias , Bliem Roland , Kraushofer Florian , Setvin Martin , Schmid Michael , Diebold Ulrike , Franchini Cesare , Parkinson Gareth S.
Published: July 2019

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) bridge homo‐ and heterogeneous catalysis because the active site is a metal atom coordinated to surface ligands. The local binding environment of the atom should thus strongly influence how reactants adsorb. Now, atomically resolved scanning‐probe microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed desorption, and DFT are used to study how CO binds at different Ir1 sites on a precisely defined Fe3O4(001) support. The two‐ and five‐fold‐coordinated Ir adatoms bind CO more strongly than metallic Ir, and adopt structures consistent with square‐planar IrI and octahedral IrIII complexes, respectively. Ir incorporates into the subsurface already at 450 K, becoming inactive for adsorption. Above 900 K, the Ir adatoms agglomerate to form nanoparticles encapsulated by iron oxide. These results demonstrate the link between SAC systems and coordination complexes, and that incorporation into the support is an important deactivation mechanism.
Fluorine and Lithium: Ideal Partners for High‐Performance Rechargeable Battery Electrolytes
Authors: von Aspern N. , Röschenthaler G.‐V. , Winter M. , Cekic‐Laskovic I.
Published: July 2019

Further enhancement in the energy densities of rechargeable lithium batteries calls for novel cell chemistry with advanced electrode materials that are compatible with suitable electrolytes without compromising the overall performance and safety, especially when considering high‐voltage applications. Significant advancements in cell chemistry based on traditional organic carbonate‐based electrolytes may be successfully achieved by introducing fluorine into the salt, solvent/cosolvent, or functional additive structure. The combination of the benefits from different constituents enables optimization of the electrolyte and battery chemistry toward specific, targeted applications. This Review aims to highlight key research activities and technical developments of fluorine‐based materials for aprotic non‐aqueous solvent‐based electrolytes and their components along with the related ongoing scientific challenges and limitations. Ionic liquid‐based electrolytes containing fluorine will not be considered in this Review.
Antimony‐Based Composites Loaded on Phosphorus‐Doped Carbon for Boosting Faradaic Efficiency of the Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Xien , Jang Haeseong , Li Ping , Wang Jia , Qin Qing , Kim Min Gyu , Li Guangkai , Cho Jaephil
Published: July 2019

A nanocomposite of PC/Sb/SbPO4 (PC, phosphorus‐doped carbon) exhibits a high activity and an excellent selectivity for efficient electrocatalytic conversion of N2 to NH3 in both acidic and neutral electrolytes under ambient conditions. At a low reductive potential of −0.15 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the PC/Sb/SbPO4 catalyst achieves a high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 31 % for ammonia production in 0.1 m HCl under mild conditions. In particular, a remarkably high FE value of 34 % is achieved at a lower reductive potential of −0.1 V (vs. RHE) in a 0.1 m Na2SO4 solution, which is better than most reported electrocatalysts towards the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) in neutral electrolyte under mild conditions. The change in surface species and electrocatalytic performance before and after N2 reduction is explored by an ex situ method. PC and SbPO4 are both considered as the active species that enhanced the performance of NRR.