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The sustainable development of innovative eco-friendly multifunctional nanocomposites, possessing superior characteristics, is a noteworthy topic. Novel semi-interpenetrated nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) covalently and thermally crosslinked with oxalic acid (OA), reinforced with a novel organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR-4) derived from co-polycondensation in solution reaction of equimolar amounts of co-monomers, namely, bis((6-oxido-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorinyl)-(4-hydroxyaniline)-methylene)-1,4-phenylene, bisphenol S, and phenylphosphonic dichloride, in a molar ratio of 1:1:2, and additionally doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag), have been prepared by casting from solution technique. The morphology of the as prepared PVA-oxalic acid films and their semi-interpenetrated nanocomposites with PFR-4 and ze-Ag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the organophosphorus compound and nanoparticles within the nanocomposite films has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was established that composites with a very low phosphorus content had noticeably improved flame retardancy. The peak of the heat release rate was reduced up to 55%, depending on the content of the flame-retardant additive and the doping ze-Ag nanoparticles introduced into the PVA/OA matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus increased significantly in the reinforced nanocomposites. Considerably increased antimicrobial activity was revealed in the case of the samples containing silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles.

The sustainable development of innovative eco-friendly multifunctional nanocomposites, possessing superior characteristics, is a noteworthy topic. Novel semi-interpenetrated nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) covalently and thermally crosslinked with oxalic acid (OA), reinforced with a novel organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR-4) derived from co-polycondensation in solution reaction of equimolar amounts of co-monomers, namely, bis((6-oxido-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorinyl)-(4-hydroxyaniline)-methylene)-1,4-phenylene, bisphenol S, and phenylphosphonic dichloride, in a molar ratio of 1:1:2, and additionally doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag), have been prepared by casting from solution technique. The morphology of the as prepared PVA-oxalic acid films and their semi-interpenetrated nanocomposites with PFR-4 and ze-Ag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the organophosphorus compound and nanoparticles within the nanocomposite films has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was established that composites with a very low phosphorus content had noticeably improved flame retardancy. The peak of the heat release rate was reduced up to 55%, depending on the content of the flame retardant additive and the doping ze-Ag nanoparticles introduced into the PVA/OA matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus increased significantly in the reinforced nanocomposites. Considerably increased antimicrobial activity was revealed in the case of the samples containing silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles.

The present study aimed to design macromolecular architectures having imide core in the main chain and bearing two 9,10-dihydro-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide heterocycles in the side chain of each structural units as a synergetic two components key factor to induce attractive flame retardant properties in the resulted materials. The synthesis pathway consisted in the classical polycondensation reaction strategy using a phosphorus-containing diamine synthesized in the laboratory and three commercial dianhydrides co-monomers. The chemical structure confirmation of the phosphorus-containing polyimides has been performed by means of FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the products was introspected through TGA analysis. The char yields measured at 900oC ranged between 35% and 54%. Using these parameters limiting oxygen index values were theoretically calculated. Also, the microscale combustion calorimetry measurements have been conducted, in order to investigate the combustion mechanism of the synthesized phosphorus-containing polyimides.

La Línea Sur de Río Negro (Patagonia, Argentina) es una zona caracterizada por su clima árido-semiárido de secano y sujeta a eventos naturales extremos, como sequías y nevadas abundantes. Estos factores impulsaron la pérdida de stock ganadero (principal actividad productiva), comprometiendo la persistencia de las familias campesinas. Frente a esta situación, se desarrolló desde instituciones estatales y asociaciones de productores la iniciativa de repoblamiento con Cabras Criollas Neuquinas. Esta raza fue elegida por su rusticidad y habilidad para producir en condiciones de escasez de forraje y clima extremo y su disponibilidad en un área cercana (norte de Neuquén). Si bien había antecedentes de su producción en la región, las especies y razas históricamente predominantes han sido los ovinos Merino y las cabras Angora. En este trabajo se analiza esta iniciativa de repoblamiento, específicamente los cambios productivos, la organización del trabajo y las contribuciones en la economía de las familias campesinas. Los resultados demuestran que las Cabras Criollas Neuquinas se adaptaron a la zona y no generaron dificultades de manejo, basándose en los saberes campesinos propios y compartidos con los crianceros neuquinos. Contribuyeron en la provisión de carne para el autoconsumo, generaron nuevos ingresos a partir de la venta de crías y permitieron la diversificación de sus economías con nuevos productos, como cashmere, leche (queso) y cuero. Los campesinos destacaron la posibilidad de sostener la actividad productiva en el ámbito familiar, incluyendo el retorno de miembros que habían migrado. Así, se evidencia que las razas locales pueden dar respuesta inmediata para procurar la seguridad alimentaria y contribuir a la continuidad de la población rural. Río Negro’s Southern Line (Argentinean Patagonia) is an area characterized by its arid and semiarid climate, subject to extreme natural events, which are intensified by climate change. In 2011, the eruption of Caulle –Puyehue volcano caused a productive and socio­environmental emergency, which generated a reduction of up to 65%of livestock production. The emergency compromisedfoodsecurity andthe persistence of peasant’s families.Towards this situation, it was developeda restocking initiative with Neuquén Criollo goats (NCG), which wereselecteddue to their rusticity and prolificacy for fast producing meat. The objective of this paper is to analyze NCG’s performance after three years of the restocking and to comprehend the productive changes and the contributions to the economy of 90 families who participated in the proposal in the Southern Line. Through surveys and workshops, productive and socio­economic information was gathered from 69 families, which declared that they are still raising NCG. The results showthat this local breed adapted to the change of environment, contributedin providing meat for home consumption and generated surplus for sale. Besides newincomes, it allowed economydiversification with newproducts, without complicating animal husbandry. Peasant’s highlighted the possibility tomaintain productive activity at a family level, including the return of members that had migrated. It is revealed the importance of local breeds to improve the adaptation of peasants’ productive systems to environmental emergencies. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche Fil: Lanari, Maria Rosa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Losardo, Pablo Gustavo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Area de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar Región Patagonia; Argentina Fil: Perez Centeno, Marcelo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Área de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar Región Patagonia; Argentina Fil: Moronta, Martin Nestor. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Área de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar Región Patagonia; Argentina Fil: Ejarque, Mercedes. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Área de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar Región Patagonia; Argentina Fil: Lammel, Sofía Ailén. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Área de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar Región Patagonia; Argentina Fil: Preda, Graciela Maria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA). Área de Investigación para la Agricultura Familiar Región Patagonia; Argentina Fil: Cumilaf, Ana Maria. Municipalidad de Comallo; Argentina Fil: Fornasa, Alejandro Victorio. Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Pesca de la Nación. Secretaría de Agricultura Familiar, Campesina e Indígena; Argentina

This paper reports, the studies on chemical transformations at thermal treatment of a mixture of SrCO3 and Co3O4 corresponding to stoichiometric ratio of SrCoO3 compound. The mixture of raw materials was prepared by mechanical activation. Thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used for these studies. It was found that SrCoO3 forms at 930oC but is not stable and turn immediately into Sr2Co2O5 by eliminating of oxygen. This compound, Sr2Co2O5, is unstable and by increasing of the temperature decomposes in Sr3Co2O6 and cobalt oxide. At temperatures above the 1250oC, the samples melt and Sr3Co2O6 crystallizes from vitreous phase by cooling.

Stroke patients are a major problem for their families because of the weight and limitations of recovery procedures. In this study, it is desired to show the benefits of virtual reality utilization both singularly and in tandem with the drug, namely the dual use of virtual realities and cerebrolysin. The aim of the study was to evaluate the overall functioning of patients diagnosed with stroke and their recovery.We compare patients who received drug treatment and physiotherapy and those who benefited from advanced physiotherapy (assisted by virtual reality) and drug treatment. The study group has a total of 42 participants (15 women and 27 men), of whom 22 received medical treatment and 20 underwent medical treatment and a virtual reality based physical therapy. The study also shows the starting point for rehabilitation respectively that how started rehabilitation prior to the 1-year mark and after the 1 year mark.The analysis was carried out over a period of 1.5 years in the hospital with a specially militarized status for the former patients and followers for a period of 1 years and seeing their evolution in several tests of: balance, posture, speed and assessment of the degree of functionality. The Health Improvement Analysis was done on these parameters and on the answers given in a clinical self-evaluation questionnaire. The physical therapy and exercise added to medical treatment play a considerable part in the recovery of overall functioning of patients with stroke.

The spirocyclic tin salicyl alcoholate, 4H,4′H-2,2′-spirobi[benzo[d][1,3,2]dioxastannine] (1), and its 6,6′-dimethoxy (2) and 8,8′-di-tert-butyl-6,6′-dimethyl derivative (3) were synthesized and thermally induced twin polymerization of precursor 2 was performed to give a SnO2-containing hybrid material. Studies on the molecular structures of 1–3 were carried out using 119Sn{1H} CP MAS NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Crystallization of compound 3 from dimethyl sulfoxide solution provided the Lewis acid–base adduct 3(dmso)2 exhibiting a hexacoordinated tin atom in the solid state, in agreement with the results of the spectroscopic and DFT calculation data. 119Sn NMR spectroscopy of the compounds 1–3 and 3(dmso)2 revealed equilibria among the diverse oligomers in solution phase pointing at hexacoordinated tin atoms.

This paper investigates the valorization potential of two biowaste types resulting from biotrickling filtration of volatile organic compounds (i.e., ethanol) and carbon dioxide from air by co-immobilized microalgae and compost heterotrophs, which were either attached on polypropylene spheres or entrapped within the alginate beads. In this regard, biomass samples from the surface of the packing spheres (S1) and the waste alginate beads (S2) underwent thermal and energy characterization via thermogravimetry and calorimetry techniques as a screening step for establishing some possible biomass valorization pathways. The heat release capacity (HRC) values for the samples S1 and S2 were 95.67 J/(g·K) and 44.11 J/(g·K), respectively, while the total heat release (THR) values were 11.03 kJ/g and 3.64 kJ/g, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the S1 biomass could be suitable for undergoing thermal decomposition processes-based applications, while the S2 biomass could have a potential application for improving flame retardancy of some materials. These findings show that the biowaste issued from such air biotreatment can become a valuable resource for different applications instead of being disposed of. Further research referring to the implementation of these solutions for the development of the final applications is needed.

Son escasos los antecedentes de estudios sobre cooperativismo agrario en Patagonia, y más aún en la región sur. Es por ello que el presente trabajo se propone analizar la conformación y trayectoria de la cooperativa “Chacay Mamil” –ubicada en el departamento Tehuelches en la provincia de Chubut, Argentina–, como una estrategia de acción colectiva de un grupo de pequeños ganaderos. La cooperativa inició sus actividades en el año 2007 y en la actualidad participan activamente 35 asociados. La metodología utilizada en el análisis y desarrollo de este trabajo es de carácter cualitativo, y el instrumento para la recolección de datos fue la entrevista en profundidad, realizada a diferentes socios, a quienes ocuparon y ocupan cargos directivos y a técnicos que fueron parte de la gestión inicial. Asimismo, se analizaron fuentes documentales –libro de actas, memorias e informes de proyectos–. Del análisis de la trayectoria de la Cooperativa se desprende la importancia de los saberes previos y la experiencia acumulada de sus asociados a lo largo del proceso, como así también el grado de independencia y autogestión alcanzada. También queda en evidencia que la puesta en práctica de los valores cooperativos les permitió dar respuesta a necesidades históricas. El trabajo posibilita además, reflexionar acerca del rol de las políticas públicas en el apoyo a iniciativas socio-organizativas en el ámbito rural. There are few studies on the history of agricultural cooperatives in Patagonia, and even more in the southern region. That is why the present work aims to analyze the conformation and trajectory of the cooperative “Chacay Mamil” –located in the department of Tehuelches in the province of Chubut, Argentina–, as a strategy of collective action of a group of small farmers. The cooperative began its activities in 2007 and currently 35 associates actively participate. The methodology used in the analysis and development of this work is of a qualitative nature, and the instrument for data collection was the in-depth interview, carried out with different partners, those who held and hold management positions and technicians who were part of the management initial. Likewise, documentary sources - minute book, memoirs and project reports - were analyzed. From the analysis of the trajectory of the Cooperative, the importance of previous knowledge and the accumulated experience of its associates throughout the process, as well as the degree of independence and self-management achieved, can be seen. It is also clear that the implementation of cooperative values allowed them to respond to historical needs. The work also makes it possible to reflect on the role of public policies in supporting socio-organizational initiatives in rural areas EEA Esquel Fil: Luque, Natalia Romina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agroforestal Esquel; Argentina Fil: Bottaro, Hugo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agroforestal Esquel; Argentina Fil: Preda, Graciela Maria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Centro Regional Patagonia Norte. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Agricultura Familiar; Argentina

La expansión del capitalismo, a fines del siglo pasado, ha provocado profundas transformaciones en las estructuras sociales y en las relaciones de producción en el agro. En el norte de Córdoba, Argentina, lugar donde se realizó este estudio de caso, la ampliación de la frontera agraria con centralidad en la soja propició la inclusión de nuevos agentes productivos y la exclusión de otros. Así, coexistían diferentes formas de ocupación y modalidades de apropiación y puesta en producción de la tierra. Asimismo, la selección de lugares aptos para que el capital desplegara sus estrategias de reproducción generó la fragmentación del espacio geográfico. Este artículo se propone identificar a los productores que configuran la estructura social agraria y comprender cómo estos agentes –definidos por el volumen y la estructura de capital que poseen– generan el campo productivo y las relaciones de fuerza que lo caracterizan. La estrategia metodológica combina el análisis de datos secundarios y primarios provenientes de entrevistas en profundidad realizadas a productores, referentes técnicos y agentes institucionales de la región. Abstract The expansion of capitalism at the end of the last century has led to profound changes in social structures and in the relations of production in agriculture. In the north of Córdoba, Argentina, where this case study was carried out, the expansion of the agricultural frontier with centrality in soy allowed the inclusion of new productive agents and the exclusion of others. Thus, different forms of occupation and modalities of appropriation and putting into production of the land coexisted. Likewise, the selection of suitable places for capital to display its reproduction strategies generated the fragmentation of the geographical space. This article aims to identify the producers that shape the agrarian social structure, and understand how these agents, defined by the volume and structure of capital they possess, generate the productive field and the relations of force that characterize it. The methodological strategy combines the analysis of secondary and primary data from in-depth interviews with producers, technical referents and institutional agents in the region.

The dispersion type Bi···π arene interaction is one of the important structural features in the assembly process of arylbismuth compounds. Several triarylbismuth compounds and polymorphs are discussed and compared based on the analysis of single crystal X-ray diffraction data and computational studies. First, the crystal structures of polymorphs of Ph3Bi (1) are described emphasizing on the description of London dispersion type bismuth···π arene interactions and other van der Waals interactions in the solid state and the effect of it on polymorphism. For comparison we have chosen the substituted arylbismuth compounds (C6H4-CH═CH2-4)3Bi (2), (C6H4-OMe-4)3Bi (3), (C6H3-t-Bu2-3,5)3Bi (4) and (C6H3-t-Bu2-3,5)2BiCl (5). The structural analyses revealed that only two of them show London dispersion type bismuth···π arene interactions. One of them is the styryl derivative 2, for which two polymorphs were isolated. Polymorph 2a crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121, while polymorph 2b exhibits the monoclinic space group P21/c. The general structure of 2a is similar to the monoclinic C2/c modification of Ph3Bi (1a), which leads to the formation of zig-zag Bi–arenecentroid ribbons formed as a result of bismuth···π arene interactions and π···π intermolecular contacts. In the crystal structures of the polymorph 2b as well as for 4 bismuth···π arene interactions are not observed, but both compounds revealed C–HPh···π intermolecular contacts, as likewise observed in all of the three described polymorphs of Ph3Bi. For compound 3 intermolecular contacts as a result of coordination of the methoxy group to neighboring bismuth atoms are observed overruling Bi···π arene contacts. Compound 5 shows a combination of donor acceptor Bi···Cl and Bi···π arene interactions, resulting in an intermolecular pincer-type coordination at the bismuth atom. A detailed analysis of three polymorphs of Ph3Bi (1), which were chosen as model systems, at the DFT-D level of theory supported by DLPNO-CCSD(T) calculations reveals how van der Waals interactions between different structural features balance in order to stabilize molecular arrangements present in the crystal structure. Furthermore, the computational results allow to group this class of compounds into the range of heavy main group element compounds which have been characterized as dispersion energy donors in previous work.

In this work it was studying evolution of the reactions that occur at the formation of La1-xSrxCoO3-� from mixtures of La2O3, Co3O4 and SrCoO3, prepared by mechanical activation. It was found that distributions of the particles sizes after mechanical activation are unimodal and narrow. Thermal analysis shows that the reactions that occur under the temperature of 1000oC are dissociation reactions of the raw materials or of intermediate compounds formed in the process of mechanical activation. The first compound found, starting from 1000oC was LaCoO3, whereas Co3O4 and CoO were observed as secondary phases. By measuring the apparent density of the thermally treated samples, a good tendency to sintering was noticed. SEM images and EDX analyses allowed to highlight the high sinterability of the samples.

Two polymorphs of tris(thienyl)bismuthine Bi(2-C4H3S)3 (1) were isolated upon crystallization from n-hexane at different temperatures. The high temperature form 1-HT crystallized at 269 K in the trigonal space group R3[combining macron], whereas the low temperature form 1-LT crystallized at 245 K in the triclinic space group P1[combining macron]. An enantiotropic phase transition was observed at 250 K showing a transition energy of 1.4 kJ mol-1. Both polymorphs reveal the formation of centrosymmetric dimers that are based on London dispersion type bismuthπ heteroarene interactions. These primary building units show additional dispersion type interactions between neighbouring dimers and as a result 2D networks are formed. DFT calculations on the model systems BiX3π thiophene (X = Cl, Me) verify the hypothesis of a soft and shallow binding potential of the London dispersion type bismuthπ heteroarene interaction, providing an explanation for the reversibility of the phase transition.

The alkoxide Bi[OCMe2(2-C4H3S)]3 (1) is formed by the reaction of three equiv. of the alcohol HOCMe2(2-C4H3S) with Bi(OtBu)3 and subsequent hydrolysis provides the bismuth oxido cluster [Bi4O2{OCMe2(2-C4H3S)}8] (2). In contrast, the reaction of Bi(OtBu)3 and Bi[N(SiMe3)2]3 with the silanols HOSiMe2(2-C4H3X) (X = O, S, Se, and NMe), HOSiMe2(2-C4H2S-5-SiMe3) and HOSiMe2(3-C4H3S) leads to the formation of tris(heteroaryl)bismuthines Bi(2-C4H2X-5-R)3 [where X = O, R = H (3); X = S, R = H (4); X = S, R = SiMe3 (5); X = NMe, R = H (6); X = Se, R = H (7)] and Bi(3-C4H3S)3 (8). For the silanols, bismuth-carbon bond formation is observed rather than silanol-alcoholate or silanol-amide exchange. The structures of compounds 1, 2, and 4-7a in the solid state were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction and all compounds except 5 show London dispersion type bismuthπ heteroarene interactions. For the bismuthine Bi(2-C4H3Se)3 (7), two polymorphs were isolated depending on the conditions of crystallization. At 8 °C, polymorph I (7a) crystallizes from an n-hexane solution in the triclinic space group P1[combining macron], whereas polymorph II (7b) crystallizes at 20 °C from a CH2Cl2/n-pentane solution in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The heteroaryl bismuthines 3 and 4 exhibit 2D network structures as a result of bismuthπ heteroarene interactions, whereas for the pyrrole derivative 6 the dispersion type interactions provide separated dimers.

The reaction of germanium(II)-bis(2-methoxyphenyl)methoxide with methanesulfonic acid provides the germanium(II) sulfonate Ge(CH3SO3)2 (1), which was characterized by X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy. The decomposition process of 1 was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and both are consistent with the formation of GeO2 as major final product. Single crystal X-ray diffraction at 110 K revealed the chiral tetragonal space group P41212 and formation of a three-dimensional (3D) coordination network solid. The 3D network is composed of interconnected twenty four-membered rings comprising bridging methanesulfonate groups, which link the germanium atoms.

Hematopoietic bone marrow toxicity is most often the limiting factor for chemotherapy doses. Increasing the intensity of chemotherapy doses (higher doses or more frequent administration) would improve antitumor effects, but the hematological toxicity does not allow these dose increases. This study evaluated the impact of chemotherapies on the parameters belonging to the red blood cell series in the hemogram and aimed to identify some particular evolution profiles. We selected 855 evaluations performed before the administration of chemotherapy belonging to the treatments initiated during the period December 2018-February 2020, containing 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, docetaxel, epirubicin or pemetrexed. The data of the 644 evaluations related to the cycles 1-4 of chemotherapy were subject to this processing. The average relative loss of hemoglobin is -11% after the first three cycles of treatment, with statistically significant differences in hemoglobin levels in favor of men. There are risk factors associated with higher average losses, such as age 65 years (statistically significant), body mass index (BMI) >25, cisplatin treatment (insufficient number of cases to reach statistical significance).

The spirocyclic tin salicyl alcoholate, 4H,4'H-2,2'-spirobi[benzo[d][1,3,2]dioxastannine] (1), and its 6,6'-dimethoxy (2) and 8,8'-di-tert-butyl-6,6'-dimethyl derivative (3) were synthesized and thermally induced twin polymerization of precursor 2 was performed to give a SnO2-containing hybrid material. Studies on the molecular structures of 1-3 were carried out using 119Sn{1H} CP MAS NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. Crystallization of compound 3 from dimethyl sulfoxide solution provided the Lewis acid-base adduct 3(dmso)2 exhibiting a hexacoordinated tin atom in the solid state, in agreement with the results of the spectroscopic and DFT calculation data. 119Sn NMR spectroscopy of the compounds 1-3 and 3(dmso)2 revealed equilibria among the diverse oligomers in solution phase pointing at hexacoordinated tin atoms.

The paper reports the effect of mechanical activation of La2O3 and Co3O4, the precursors for obtaining LaCoO3. The precursors were mechanically activated in a Fritsch Pulverisette 5 planetary mill for different durations (150 rpm). The optimal mechanical activation duration of the precursor powder is 10 h. The grain size distribution of the precursor powder at different grinding times was determined. The morphology of the powder was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Analysis by X-ray diffraction revealed that, for the synthesis of LaCoO3 to take place, grinding alone is not enough, subsequent thermal treatment being crucial. The transformation of the mix in terms of its physical and chemical characteristics was carried out by thermal analysis. At the 10 h mechanical activation, the formation of LaCoO3 was found to be fully completed at 1200 °C. However, at longer grinding times the reaction is fully completed only at 1250 °C.

Novel diorganoantimony(III) fluorides containing ligands with pendant arms, R2SbF (5), (R)PhSbF (6) [R = 2-(2′,6′-iPr2C6H3NCH)C6H4], R′′2SbF (7) and (R′′)PhSbF (8) [R′′ = 2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4], were prepared via the ionic derivatives [R2Sb]+[PF6]− (1), [(R)PhSb]+[PF6]− (2), [R′′2Sb]+[SbF6]− (4) and [(R′′)PhSb]+[SbF6]− (obtained in situ) by treatment with [Bu4N]F·3H2O. The ionic species used as starting materials as well as [R′2Sb]+[PF6]− (3) [R′ = 2-(2′,4′,6′-Me3C6H2NCH)C6H4] were obtained from the corresponding bromides or chlorides and Tl[PF6] or Ag[SbF6]. The compounds were investigated by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution, MS and IR spectroscopy in the solid state. The molecular structures of the ionic species 1·2CH2Cl2 and 3·2CHCl3 as well as of the fluorides 5–8 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

The reaction of [FeCp*(CO)2]2 in CH2Cl2 with BiBr3 in a 1:1 molar ratio gave the novel bismuth compound [Bi6Cp*6Br9][Bi7Br24] (1), which is composed of a cationic and an anionic bismuth bromido cluster: the cation is based on a hexanuclear bismuth {Bi6}-octahedron and the anion showing the first heptanuclear bismuth-bromido cluster within the class of bromido bismuthates.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the innovation performance of the European Union (EU) countries. We have used two composite indicators to measure the Innovation performance and the ICT performance of each of the EU-28 countries: the Summary Innovation Index (SII) – created on the initiative of the European Commission and computed yearly since 2001 – and the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) – created by the World Economic Forum, in collaboration with INSEAD, and published yearly since 2002. Using unifactorial linear regressions, we have modeled the relationship between SII and NRI at country level, respectively, between SII and each of the four subindexes of NRI. We’ve deepened our analysis for the case of Romania, in order to find effective ways to foster innovation through ICT.

The working paper aims to detail the structure and practice of European governance in the energy field, by looking at evidence of multi-level governance in Romania’s policy sector. The study case explores to what extent are multi-level governance patterns applied in Romania by looking at the structural elements (vertical and horizontal distribution of the institutional actors’ responsibilities) and the regulatory style (hierarchical versus cooperative procedures). Previous research in Romania’s government patterns show high incidence of hierarchical procedures, rather than cooperative ones. However, after becoming a member of the European Union in 2007, Romania’s national structures acknowledged the advantages of a more governance-centred system of government. The paper deals with this change in focus and whether the European Energy Policy in Romania can be described as multi-level governance. In the end, the author proposes a series of suggestions for solving the most common governance issues in Romania’s Energy Policy by looking at the procedures implemented in other EU member states.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histomorfométricas nas mamas de ratas tratadas com estrogênio e/ou progestagênio por curto período de tempo. MÉTODOS: Foram divididas em quatro grupos 40 ratas ooforectomizadas: GC-recebeu veículo; GE-recebeu benzoato de estradiol (37,6 µg/animal); GP-recebeu acetato de medroxiprogesterona (11,28 mg/animal) e, GEP-recebeu benzoato de estradiol (37,6 µg/animal) e acetato de medroxiprogesterona (11,28 mg/animal). No grupo GE, o estradiol foi administrado durante sete dias, por via subcutânea. Já no grupo EP o estradiol foi administrado nos primeiros sete dias e o progestagênio por mais 23 dias, por via subcutânea. Vinte e quatro horas após a última administração dos hormônios, os animais foram anestesiados e o primeiro par de mamas inguinais removido, imerso em formaldeído a 10% e processado para inclusão em parafina, sendo os cortes corados pela Hematoxilina-Eosina. Foram avaliadas a morfologia e a área ocupada pelo parênquima mamário, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de variância complementado pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: As mamas no grupo-controle apresentaram-se atrofiadas, sendo que, nos animais dos grupos GE e GEP, nota-se a presença de alvéolos típicos contendo secreção no seu interior, já nos animais tratados somente com progestagênio (GP) notam-se alvéolos formados por células volumosas que ocupam praticamente todo o lúmen alveolar. A morfometria mostrou haver maior área de parênquima mamário nos animais tratados com hormônios (GE = GP > GEP > GC; p < 0,05) CONCLUSÃO: O estradiol e o progestagênio apresentaram efeito proliferativo no parênquima mamário. No entanto, a administração prévia de estradiol modifica a ação do progestagênio no tecido mamário da rata.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breast histomorphometric changes in rats treated with estrogen and/or progestogen for a short period of time. METHODS: Forty oophorectomized rats were divided into four groups: GC, vehicle; GE, treated with estradiol benzoate (37.6 mg/animal); GP, treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (11.2 mg/animal) and GEP, treated with estradiol benzoate (37.6 mg/animal) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (11.28 mg/animal). In GE group, estradiol was administered subcutaneously for seven days; in GEP group, estradiol was administered once in a day for the first seven days and the progestogen over the next 23 days both subcutaneously. Twenty-four hours after the last hormone administration, the animals were killed upon deep anesthesia and the first inguinal breasts were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed to be included in paraffin, with the sections being stained by hematoxylin-eosin. Morphology and the area occupied by mammary parenchyma were assessed, with the data undergoing analysis of variance followed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The control group breasts were found atrophic and, in GE and GEP group animals, typical alveoli with secretion inside are present; in progestogen-treated animals (GP), alveoli formed by large cells occupying almost the entire alveolar lumen are noted. Morphometric analysis showed a larger mammary parenchyma area in hormone-treated animals (GE = GP > GEP > GC; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Estradiol and progestogen had a proliferative effect on mammary parenchyma. However, prior estradiol administration changes the progestogen action on rat mammary tissue.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações histomorfométricas nas mamas de ratas tratadas com estrogênio e/ou progestagênio por curto período de tempo. MÉTODOS: Foram divididas em quatro grupos 40 ratas ooforectomizadas: GC-recebeu veículo; GE-recebeu benzoato de estradiol (37,6 µg/animal); GP-recebeu acetato de medroxiprogesterona (11,28 mg/animal) e, GEP-recebeu benzoato de estradiol (37,6 µg/animal) e acetato de medroxiprogesterona (11,28 mg/animal). No grupo GE, o estradiol foi administrado durante sete dias, por via subcutânea. Já no grupo EP o estradiol foi administrado nos primeiros sete dias e o progestagênio por mais 23 dias, por via subcutânea. Vinte e quatro horas após a última administração dos hormônios, os animais foram anestesiados e o primeiro par de mamas inguinais removido, imerso em formaldeído a 10% e processado para inclusão em parafina, sendo os cortes corados pela Hematoxilina-Eosina. Foram avaliadas a morfologia e a área ocupada pelo parênquima mamário, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de variância complementado pelo teste de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: As mamas no grupo-controle apresentaram-se atrofiadas, sendo que, nos animais dos grupos GE e GEP, nota-se a presença de alvéolos típicos contendo secreção no seu interior, já nos animais tratados somente com progestagênio (GP) notam-se alvéolos formados por células volumosas que ocupam praticamente todo o lúmen alveolar. A morfometria mostrou haver maior área de parênquima mamário nos animais tratados com hormônios (GE = GP > GEP > GC; p < 0,05) CONCLUSÃO: O estradiol e o progestagênio apresentaram efeito proliferativo no parênquima mamário. No entanto, a administração prévia de estradiol modifica a ação do progestagênio no tecido mamário da rata. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breast histomorphometric changes in rats treated with estrogen and/or progestogen for a short period of time. METHODS: Forty oophorectomized rats were divided into four groups: GC, vehicle; GE, treated with estradiol benzoate (37.6 mg/animal); GP, treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (11.2 mg/animal) and GEP, treated with estradiol benzoate (37.6 mg/animal) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (11.28 mg/animal). In GE group, estradiol was administered subcutaneously for seven days; in GEP group, estradiol was administered once in a day for the first seven days and the progestogen over the next 23 days both subcutaneously. Twenty-four hours after the last hormone administration, the animals were killed upon deep anesthesia and the first inguinal breasts were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed to be included in paraffin, with the sections being stained by hematoxylin-eosin. Morphology and the area occupied by mammary parenchyma were assessed, with the data undergoing analysis of variance followed by the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The control group breasts were found atrophic and, in GE and GEP group animals, typical alveoli with secretion inside are present; in progestogen-treated animals (GP), alveoli formed by large cells occupying almost the entire alveolar lumen are noted. Morphometric analysis showed a larger mammary parenchyma area in hormone-treated animals (GE = GP > GEP > GC; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Estradiol and progestogen had a proliferative effect on mammary parenchyma. However, prior estradiol administration changes the progestogen action on rat mammary tissue.

Professor James K. McCollum is an outstanding promoter of international educational cooperation. He is author of “Romania. Opening All of the Doors. A travelogue of the Transition” (published by McTara Publishing Company in Association with Trafford Publishing, printed in Canada, 2003), dedicated to his “ life partner,Barbara”. James K. McCollum, Alabama University in Huntsville, USA, and Ana-Maria Preda, Romanian-American University have written a wonderful book of Applied Business Management, inviting students to develop skills by interacting with real-life business applications, by learning to design and implement action plans to address management challenges. The main objective of the book was to help students in identifying the strategic business opportunities, as well as in learning to recognize and capitalize on them, in learning to separate business requirements and analysis and to couple training with new experiences.

Compounds containing the [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4]2Sb moiety were prepared by using R2SbX [X = Cl (1), Br (2)] as starting materials. The reaction of 1 with Me3SiCH2MgCl gave the mixed alkyl–aryl stibine R2SbCH2SiMe3 (3). Reduction of 2 with Mg in thf followed by in situ air oxidation or treatment with S8 resulted in the isolation of (R2Sb)2E [E = O (4), S (5)]. Compound 5 is also formed from R2SbCl and Na2S. The reaction of 4 with [W(CO)5(thf)] gives the unexpected complex [(R2SbOH)W(CO)5] (6). The new compounds were investigated by IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy, as well as by mass spectrometry. The structures of 3–6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. For compounds 3–5, both nitrogen atoms from the pendant arms are involved in intramolecular NSb coordination, which results in distorted square-pyramidal (C,N)2SbC or (C,N)2SbE (E = O, S) cores. By contrast, in 6 only one nitrogen atom is strongly coordinated to the antimony center, whereas the second nitrogen atom is involved in N···H–O bonding. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)

New manganese(II) complexes of type Mn [ ( XPR 2 ) ( YP R 2 ′ ) N ] 2 [X, Y = S, R = Me, R′ = Ph (1), X = S, Y = O, R = Ph, R′ = OEt (2)] and Mn[(OPPh2){OP(OEt)2}N]2(H2O) (3), were obtained by salt metathesis reactions between MnCl2 · 4H2O and the potassium salts of the appropriate tetraorganodichalcogenoimidodiphosphinic acids. The complexes were characterized by EPR and IR spectroscopy, as well as by mass spectrometry. The crystal and molecular structures for 1 and 3 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes as monomeric species, with the manganese(II) atom in a tetrahedral environment, while for compound 3 a dimeric structure was found. Both tetraorganodichalcogenoimidodiphosphinato ligand units behave monometallic biconnective in 1, chelating the metal centre. In the dimeric species 3 the tetraphenylimidodiphosphinato ligand units behave different, two of them chelating the manganese atoms, as monometallic biconnective moieties, while the other two act bimetallic triconnective, bridging the two metal centres. The octahedral coordination geometry in 3 is completed by water molecules. The magnetic behaviour of 3 was investigated.

The pentamethylcyclopentadienyl substituted iron-bismuth halides [Bi{FeCp*(CO)2}X2] [X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3); Cp* = η(5)-C5Me5] were synthesized starting from [FeCp*(CO)2]2 and BiX3 (X = Cl, Br), followed by halogen exchange reaction with KI in case of 3. From a reaction mixture of [FeCp*(CO)2]2 with BiCl3 in CH2Cl2 to which CH3CN had been added, a novel coordination polymer of the formula [FeCp*(CO)2(CH3CN)]2n[Bi4Cl14]n (4) was isolated. The change of the molar ratio from 1:1 to 1:2 in the reaction of [FeCp*(CO)2]2 with BiBr3 afforded the novel ionic complex [{FeCp*(CO)2Br]2[Bi6Br22{FeCp*(CO)2}]·CH2Cl2 (5·CH2Cl2). It is demonstrated that treatment of [FeCp*(CO)2X] (X = Cl, Br) with BiCl3 and BiBr3, respectively, is a more convenient route to synthesize the new halido bismuthates 4 and 5.

et al., Diffusion in semicrystalline polymers is a complex phenomenon because of the existence of specific interactions (nonpolar or polar), dynamic heterogeneities, and crystalline phases. The diffusion of water in two semicrystalline polyamides (PA6,6 and PA6,10) was investigated in order to determine the diffusion mechanisms and the influence of polymer relaxations on this process. Liquid water diffusion follows a Fickian mechanism in PA6,10 and a non-Fickian or anomalous mechanism in PA6,6. Through a quasi-equilibrium experiment in dynamic vapor sorption, it is shown that this difference results from the dependence of the diffusion coefficients on water concentration. Moreover, the influence of the polymer relaxations was assessed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The dielectric characteristic relaxation times of the α relaxation, associated with the glass transition, and of the β relaxation, related to more local dynamics, have been measured. A simple comparison with the time scale of diffusion suggests that diffusion and polyamide α relaxation should not be directly correlated. However, diffusion is correlated to the secondary β relaxation, which encompasses the local chain dynamics of hydrogen-bonded amide groups in the presence of water. A mechanism of diffusion based on the trapping of water molecules between neighboring sorption sites (amide groups) is proposed in these strongly interacting polymers. It is suggested that diffusion is limited by the relaxation time of hydrogen bonds between water molecules and amide groups and the change in conformation of these amide groups present in polyamides., Funded by the European Soft Matter Infrastructure (ESMI) program (grant no. 262348).

Nano-sized, amorphous and monodispersed poly-component powders in the Al2O3–TiO2–MgO and Al2O3–TiO2–SiO2 systems have been obtained by the sol-gel method. These powders have been characterized by XRD, IR spectroscopy, DTA/TGA and EDAX spectrometry. This last method confirmed the composition of the ternary powders, which are formed during the gelation process.

Individual Al2O3, TiO2 and SiO2, as well as binary Al2O3-TiO2 powders have been obtained by sol-gel method, polymeric route. The obtained powders have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR-spectrometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. In the used experimental conditions amorphous, submicronic, monodisperse powders have been obtained. The preparation of Al2TiO5 and of some compositions situated in the Al2TiO5-Al6Si2O13 pseudobinary system has been realized by solid-state reaction starting with the mentioned above powders. The thermal treatment schedule of the pressed powder mixtures has been established according to the results of differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA). The formation of the compound has been followed by XRD, dimensional variation of the samples and apparent density measurements. The results obtained starting with reactive powders have been compared with those obtained starting with commercial powders. The samples have shown a high reactivity and the formation of tialite was enhanced. However the sintering tendency was not essentially increased.