Fluorescent Diarylethene Photoswitches—A Universal Tool for Super‐Resolution Microscopy in Nanostructured Materials

Super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy allows for unprecedented in situ visualization of biological structures, but its application to materials science has so far been comparatively limited. One of the main reasons is the lack of powerful dyes that allow for labeling and photoswitching in materials science systems. In this study it is shown that appropriate substitution of diarylethenes bearing a fluorescent closed and dark open form paves the way for imaging nanostructured materials with three of the most popular super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy methods that are based on different concepts to achieve imaging beyond the diffraction limit of light. The key to obtain optimal resolution lies in a proper control over the photochemistry of the photoswitches and its adaption to the system to be imaged. It is hoped that the present work will provide researchers with a guide to choose the best photoswitch derivative for super‐resolution microscopy in materials science, just like the correct choice of a Swiss Army Knife's tool is essential to fulfill a given task.     

One-pot preparation of surface-functionalized barium titanate nanoparticles for high-K polystyrene composite films prepared via floating method

An advanced and inexpensive one-pot method to prepare polystyrene (PS)–barium titanate (BT) films by solution mixing is reported. The process was developed to obtain free-standing films with an increased dielectric constant (ε′). Since PS is soluble in apolar solvents, BT nanoparticles (BT-NPs) were surface-modified with palmitic acid (PAc) and embedded within the polymer matrix without affecting homogeneity and smoothness of the composite. The films were prepared by floating method consisting in dropping BT-NPs dispersed in PS/toluene solution on the water surface. After the evaporation of toluene, smooth, free-standing and thermally stable films were obtained with a markedly higher ε′ compared to the neat PS. PAc modification improved the dispersion of BT-NPs in the apolar phase and prevented their diffusion into the aqueous phase during the toluene evaporation. The proposed film-forming technique makes it possible to modulate the thickness and shape of the films by selecting the quantity and concentration of the organic phase and using various templates, thus opening up a broad range of applications.     

Lean practices implementation and their relationships with operational responsiveness and company performance: an Italian study

Although many firms report large benefits from lean implementation, a lot of scepticism still remains regarding attainable results and the possibility to apply Lean approach outside high-volume manufacturing and stable context. In this work, combining field interviews with literature review, theoretical connections have been developed among Lean manufacturing techniques, operational responsiveness and company growth performances. A conceptual model has been proposed for investigating the network of influences among lean practices (supplier management, human resource management, just-in-time and total quality management practices), operational responsiveness (Product mix variety, Product innovation and Time effectiveness) and company growth performances in Italian companies. Using structural equation modelling, a second-order confirmatory factor analysis has been used to test the hypothesised relationships in the structural models. This study highlights that the operational responsiveness is only partially connected to a Lean strategy of a company. Indeed, the lean practices implementations are negatively influenced by product mix variety and innovation, while positively influenced by time effectiveness variables. Moreover, product mix variety and time effectiveness are the main characteristics of the operational responsiveness that positively influences company growth performances. So time effectiveness could be considered as a mediator between Lean best practices and firm growth. Moreover, no direct relationship has been found between lean bundles and firm’s performances. Lack of resources and mainly poor communication and managers’ commitment and support seem to be the main obstacles of lean implementation and success.     

High degree of N-functionalization in macroscopically assembled carbon nanotubes

Journal of Materials Science - Nitrogen doping of carbon nanomaterials has emerged as a method to develop novel material properties, though limitations in the form of extended treatment times,...     

The Geography of Logistics Firm Location: The Role of Accessibility

The organization of modern economies is built upon an efficient transport system and an increasing role is played by the logistics sector in overcoming the constraints of time and distance in modern supply chains. While a large body of literature is dedicated to the spatial distribution of firms and firm location choice in general, surprisingly little is still known about the location patterns of logistics firms, and more specifically about the role of accessibility in their location decisions. We use geo-referenced firm level data along with detailed information on transport infrastructure in order to investigate the geography of logistics firms in Spain. We place specific attention to the relationship between logistics firm location, accessibility, and urban structure. Our results show that these firms are located closer to highways and other transport infrastructure compared to other sectors and that the logistics sector is highly urbanized. Yet, they are also locating increasingly in suburban locations and to some extent in extra-urban locations with good accessibility while central cities of urban areas have experienced a declining share of logistics firms.     

Integrating value modeling and legal risk management: an IT case study

Information Systems and e-Business Management - Companies need to be able to demonstrate compliance with rules and regulations, especially start-ups who typically do not have the legal expertise to...     

Monoclinic β-MoO(3) nanosheets produced by atmospheric microplasma: application to lithium-ion batteries

Porous high surface area thin films of nanosheet-shaped monoclinic MoO(3) were deposited onto platinized Si substrates using patch antenna-based atmospheric microplasma processing. The films were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical analysis. The electrochemical analysis shows original redox peaks and high charge capacity, and also indicates a reversible electrochemical behaviour particularly beneficial for applications in Li-ion batteries. SEM shows that the films are highly porous and consist of nanosheets 50-100 nm thick with surface dimensions in the micrometre range. HRTEM reveals that the MoO(3) nanosheets consist of the monoclinic beta phase of MoO(3). These intricate nanoarchitectures made of monoclinic MoO(3) nanosheets have not been studied previously in the context of applications in Li-ion batteries and show superior structural and morphological features that enable effective insertion of Li ions.     

Zirconium oxide regulates RNA interfering of osteoblast-like cells

Zirconium oxide (ZO) has outstanding mechanical properties, high biocompatibility and high resistance to scratching. Since dental implants are made with ZO and the genetic effects of ZO on osteoblasts are incompletely understood, we used microRNA microarray techniques to investigate the translation process in osteoblasts exposed to ZO. By using miRNA microarrays containing 329 probes designed from Human miRNA sequences, we identified in osteoblast-like cells line (MG-63) cultured on ZO disks several miRNA whose expression was significantly modified. The most notable regulated genes acting on osteoblasts are: NOG, SHOX, IGF1, BMP1 and FGFR1. The data reported below represent the first study on translation regulation in osteoblasts exposed to zirconium and one in which the effect of ZO on bone formation has been detected.