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El capítulo se centra en el análisis de cómo la televisión evolucionó desde su creación hasta convertirse en el medio heterogéneo que es hoy en día. La introducción de la Realidad Virtual en este medio, resultado de los avances tecnológicos en la industria de los contenidos, transformaron no sólo la forma de consumir entretenimiento e información, sino la forma de producirlo. A su vez, estos avances, unidos a la versatilidad de tecnologías de computación en la nube, permitieron transitar desde el medio televisivo al educativo, donde cuenta con la posibilidad de convertirse en una modalidad específica de formación. Hoy, la transferencia es posible gracias a la universalización y abaratamiento de costes en un sector que, como el educativo, exige tecnologías accesibles en cuanto al uso e implementación del hardware y el software. En el capítulo se describen las distintas modalidades que resultan de combinar realidad virtual y física, para posteriormente focalizar en el paso del estudio de producción tradicional al set virtual en el medio televisivo, así como su traslado al ámbito educativo. Palabras clave: televisión, realidad, virtual, producción, digital, nube, docencia, educación.

Objectives: Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) have an established role in treating anemia in hematological malignancies. However, their role, particularly biosimilar ESA (B-ESA), in myelofibrosis (MF) is not well established.Methods: This study retrospectively collected data on 96 MF patients treated with B-ESA (alpha/zeta) for the management of anemia to assess safety, efficacy (anemia response [AR]), and survival.Results: Seventy-seven patients (80%) obtained AR. The median time to AR was 2.5 months. In multivariate analysis, significant predictive factors of AR were transfusion independency (p = .006) and ferritin levels < 200 ng/ml (p = .009) at baseline. After a median follow-up of 43.8 months from diagnosis, 38 patients (39%) died, 11 (28.9%) from leukemic evolution. Only two patients (2.5%) stopped B-ESA for toxicity. The 24-month survival was significantly affected by response to B-ESA (70.8% in AR vs. 55.3% in non-responder patients, p = .016). In multivariate analysis, age & LE; 70 years (p = .029) and Hb > 8.5 g/dl (p = .047) at baseline were significantly associated with improved survival, with a trend for longer survival in AR patients (p = .06).Conclusions: B-ESA seems to be an effective and well-tolerated option for anemia treatment in the MF setting. This strategy deserves further clinical investigation.

—5GMediaHUB aims at building a platform for development, testing and validation of advanced media applications over 5G by providing novel tools for applications developers in the media industry. To validate the platform, different Use Cases have been proposed. In this paper, the first use case “Immersive AR, VR and XR Applications” and its scenarios are described. The Use Case focuses on the transmission of novel multimedia services and content and how this can be optimized to be transmitted over 5G network infrastructures in a way to enhance relevant immersive features. The focus of the Use Case is on 360 immersive video represented at highest available 8K resolution and interactive immersive media using multiple portable devices.

Veno-venous extracorporeal life support (V-V ECLS or V-V ECMO) has been adopted as a rescue support in severe cases of COVID-19 ARDS. Initial reports on the use of V-V ECLS in COVID-19 patients reported very high mortality rates (57%-94%), but subsequent studies showed much lower rates (30%-40%). The aim of this study is to analyze demographic features, clinical course and outcomes of COVID-19 treated with V-V ECLS during the Italian 'third wave', in which the alpha variant was prevalent in the country.Single-center, retrospective observational study conducted at the ECLS referral center of a teaching hospital in Italy from January 1st, 2021 and October 31st, 2021.Between January and October 2021, 18 consecutive adult patients who underwent V-V ECLS for severe ARDS due to COVID-19 were enrolled. Thirteen patients (72.2%) were male, and their median age was 50 years; the median P/F ratio before V-V ECLS initiation was 43 mm Hg (IQR, 40; 56), and the median RESP score was 0.5 (IQR, -2.25; 1.0). The mortality rate at 90 days was 55.6, compared to 55.7% in non-COVID patients in our center (p 0.05); the median duration of ECLS was 29 days (IQR, 11; 32), compared to 10 days (IQR, 8; 15), in non-COVID patients (p = 0.004). Incidence of complications was high.In patients with COVID-19 ARDS receiving V-V ECLS, unadjusted mortality was similar to pre-pandemic V-V ECLS cases, while the duration of ECLS was almost three times longer and with frequent complications. This could be partly explained by the selection of very sick patients at the baseline that evolved to multiorgan failure during the course of ECLS.

Anthropogenic organophosphorus compounds (AOPCs), such as phosphotriesters, are used extensively as plasticizers, flame retardants, nerve agents, and pesticides. To date, only a handful of soil bacteria bearing a phosphotriesterase (PTE), the key enzyme in the AOPC degradation pathway, have been identified. Therefore, the extent to which bacteria are capable of utilizing AOPCs as a phosphorus source, and how widespread this adaptation may be, remains unclear. Marine environments with phosphorus limitation and increasing levels of pollution by AOPCs may drive the emergence of PTE activity. Here, we report the utilization of diverse AOPCs by four model marine bacteria and 17 bacterial isolates from the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. To unravel the details of AOPC utilization, two PTEs from marine bacteria were isolated and characterized, with one of the enzymes belonging to a protein family that, to our knowledge, has never before been associated with PTE activity. When expressed in Escherichia coli with a phosphodiesterase, a PTE isolated from a marine bacterium enabled growth on a pesticide analog as the sole phosphorus source. Utilization of AOPCs may provide bacteria a source of phosphorus in depleted environments and offers a prospect for the bioremediation of a pervasive class of anthropogenic pollutants.

Lead-based halide perovskite nanocrystals are highly luminescent materials, but their sensitivity to humid environments and their biotoxicity are still important challenges to solve. Here, we develop a stepwise approach to encapsulate representative CsPbBr

Summary Background In the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and unprecedented global demand, clinicians are struggling to source adequate access to personal protective equipment. Respirators can be in short supply, though are necessary to protect workers from SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Rapid decontamination and reuse of respirators may provide relief for the strained procurement situation. Method In this study, we investigated the suitability of 70°C dry heat and microwave-generated steam (MGS) for reprocessing of FFP2/N95-type respirators, and Type-II surgical face masks. Staphylococcus aureus was used as a surrogate as it is less susceptible than enveloped viruses to chemical and physical processes. Results We observed >4 log10 reductions in the viability of dry S. aureus treated by dry heat for 90 min at 70°C and >6 log10 reductions by MGS for 90 s. After 3 reprocessing cycles, neither process was found to negatively impact the bacterial or NaCl filtration efficiency of the respirators that were tested. However, MGS was incompatible with Type-II surgical masks tested, as we confirmed that bacterial filtration capacity was completely lost following reprocessing. MGS was observed to be incompatible with some respirator types due to arcing observed around some types of metal nose clips and by loss of adhesion of clips to the mask. Conclusion Considering the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, we propose a reprocessing personal protective equipment/face mask workflow for use in medical areas.

Background\ud Decontamination of non-critical objects shared by patients is key in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), but it is a complex process that needs precise guidance from UK National Health Service (NHS) acute care organizations (ACOs).\ud \ud Aim\ud To review the indications given by NHS ACOs' policies regarding the decontamination of shared non-critical devices.\ud \ud Methods\ud Detailed lists of decontamination protocols for shared non-critical objects were retrieved from cleaning, disinfection and decontamination policies of 35 NHS ACOs. Three parameters were considered for each object: decontamination method, decontamination frequency, and person responsible for decontamination.\ud \ud Findings\ud In total, 1279 decontamination protocols regarding 283 different shared non-critical objects were retrieved. Of these, 689 (54%) did not indicate the person responsible for decontamination, and only 425 (33%) were complete, giving indications for all three parameters analysed. Only 2.5% (32/1279) of decontamination protocols were complete and identical in two policies. In policies where cleaning represented the major decontamination method, chemical disinfection was rarely mentioned and vice versa. General agreement among policies was found for four main decontamination methods (detergent and water, detergent wipes, disinfectant wipes, and use of disposable items), two decontamination frequencies (between events and daily) and two responsible person designations (nurses and domestic staff).\ud \ud Conclusions\ud Decontamination protocol policies for shared non-critical objects had some similarities but did not concur on how each individual object should be decontaminated. The lack of clear indications regarding the person responsible for the decontamination process put at risk the ability of policies to serve as guidance.

Aims The diagnosis of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is based on biochemical markers along with clinical and/or instrumental findings. However, there is not a clear cut-off value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) to identify PMI. We hypothesized that isolated hs-cTn concentrations in the first 24 h following CABG could predict cardiac adverse events (in-hospital death and PMI) and/or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease. Methods and results We retrospectively enrolled all consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG at our Institution over 1 year. Hs-cTnI concentrations (Access assay, Beckman-Coulter) were serially measured in the post-operative period and correlated with post-operative outcomes. 300 patients were enrolled; 71.3% of them underwent CABG alone, mainly on-pump (96.7%), 33.7% in the setting of an acute coronary syndrome. Most patients showed hs-cTnI values superior to the limit required by the latest guidelines for the diagnosis of PMI. Five patients (1.7%) died, 8% developed a PMI, and 10.6% showed a LVEF decrease ≥10%. Hs-cTnI concentrations did not correlate with death or PMI whereas they did correlate with LVEF decrease ≥ 10% (P-value < 0.05 at any time interval). Indeed, higher hs-cTnI values at 9–12 h post-operatively, along with previous cardiac surgery, number of surgical procedures, longer cardiopulmonary bypass time, and PMI diagnosis were predictors of LVEF decrease. Conclusions After CABG surgery, hs-cTnI at 9–12 h post-operatively may be a useful method to early identify patients at risk for LVEF decrease and to guide early investigation and management of possible post-operative complications.

Anthropogenic organophosphates (AOPs), such as phosphotriesters, are used extensively as plasticizers, flame retardants, nerve agents and pesticides. Soil bacteria bearing a phosphotriesterase (PTE) can degrade AOPs, but whether bacteria are capable of utilizing AOPs as a phosphorus source, and how widespread PTEs are in nature, remains unclear. Here, we report the utilization of diverse AOPs by four model marine bacteria and seventeen bacterial isolates from seawater samples. To unravel the details of AOP utilization, two novel PTEs from marine bacteria were isolated and characterized. When expressed in E. coli, these PTEs enabled growth on a pesticide analog as the sole phosphorus source. Utilization of AOPs provides bacteria with a source of phosphorus in depleted environments and offers a new prospect for the bioremediation of a pervasive class of anthropogenic pollutants.One sentence summaryWidespread utilization of diverse organophosphate pollutants by over 20 marine bacterial strains represents a new hope for ocean bioremediation.

The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 polymorphs has been frequently debated in literature. Numerous studies reported that rutile TiO2 exhibits low photocatalytic activity, and it is generally accepted that rutile has lower photoactivity than the anatase phase. Herein, we studied the photocatalytic activity of phase-pure rutile TiO2 nanoparticles prepared via microwave-assisted hydrothermal method (MW-R NPs). The syntheses were performed with relatively short reaction time (1−3h) at 180 °C using a microwave digestion system. The samples were characterized in detail and then tested in the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). We demonstrate that the photodegradation of MO with MW-R NPs is highly efficient in the presence of H2O2. By employing 4.4 mM H2O2, ~90% of total decolorization was achieved after 2 min of UV-A irradiation. At the same experimental conditions, MO degradation with Degussa P25 TiO2 was only ~7%. The superior photoactivity of MW-R NPs was related to the effective photogeneration of O2•− radicals as revealed by EPR investigation. These rutile nanoparticles are excellent photocatalysts in the presence of H2O2, signifying that this oxygen source react easily with the photogenerated holes on the MW-R NPs, and thus the interfacial charge transfer lead to the formation of a large amount of O2•− radicals.

The synergy between the organic component of two-dimensional (2D) metal halide layered perovskites and flexible polymers offers an unexplored window to tune their optical properties at low mechanical stress. Thus, there is a significant interest in exploiting their PL anisotropy by controlling their orientation and elucidating their interactions. Here, we apply this principle to platelet structures of micrometre lateral size that are synthesized in situ into free-standing polymer films. We study the photoluminescence of the resulting films under cyclic mechanical stress and observe an enhancement in the emission intensity up to ∼2.5 times along with a switch in the emission profile when stretching the films from 0% to 70% elongation. All the films recovered their initial emission intensity when releasing the stress throughout ca. 15 mechanical cycles. We hypothesize a combined contribution from reduced reabsorption, changes on in-plane and out-of-plane dipole moments that stem from different orientation of the platelets inside the film, and relative sliding of platelets within oriented stacks while stretching the films. Our results reveal how low-mechanical stress affects 2D layered perovskite aggregation and orientation, an open pathway toward the design of strain-controlled emission.

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment is often reported among COVID-19 ICU survivors, and little is known about their long-term outcomes. We evaluated the HRQoL trajectories between 3 months and 1 year after ICU discharge, the factors influencing these trajectories and the presence of clusters of HRQoL profiles in a population of COVID-19 patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Moreover, pathophysiological correlations of residual dyspnea were tested. Methods We followed up 178 survivors from 16 Italian ICUs up to one year after ICU discharge. HRQoL was investigated through the 15D instrument. Available pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and chest CT scans at 1 year were also collected. A linear mixed-effects model was adopted to identify factors associated with different HRQoL trajectories and a two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify HRQoL clusters. Results We found that HRQoL increased during the study period, especially for the significant increase of the physical dimensions, while the mental dimensions and dyspnea remained substantially unchanged. Four main 15D profiles were identified: full recovery (47.2%), bad recovery (5.1%) and two partial recovery clusters with mostly physical (9.6%) or mental (38.2%) dimensions affected. Gender, duration of IMV and number of comorbidities significantly influenced HRQoL trajectories. Persistent dyspnea was reported in 58.4% of patients, and weakly, but significantly, correlated with both DLCO and length of IMV. Conclusions HRQoL impairment is frequent 1 year after ICU discharge, and the lowest recovery is found in the mental dimensions. Persistent dyspnea is often reported and weakly correlated with PFTs alterations. Trial registration NCT04411459.

Purpose The onset of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic in Italy induced a dramatic increase in the need for intensive care unit (ICU) beds for a large proportion of patients affected by COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of the present study was to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 90 days after ICU discharge in a cohort of COVID-19 patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation and to compare it with an age and sex-matched sample from the general Italian and Finnish populations. Moreover, the possible associations between clinical, demographic, social factors, and HRQoL were investigated. Methods COVID-19 ARDS survivors from 16 participating ICUs were followed up until 90 days after ICU discharge and the HRQoL was evaluated with the 15D instrument. A parallel cohort of age and sex-matched Italian population from the same geographic areas was interviewed and a third group of matched Finnish population was extracted from the Finnish 2011 National Health survey. A linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential associations between the evaluated factors and HRQoL. Results 205 patients answered to the questionnaire. HRQoL of the COVID-19 ARDS patients was significantly lower than the matched populations in both physical and mental dimensions. Age, sex, number of comorbidities, ARDS class, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, and occupational status were found to be significant determinants of the 90 days HRQoL. Clinical severity at ICU admission was poorly correlated to HRQoL. Conclusion COVID-19-related ARDS survivors at 90 days after ICU discharge present a significant reduction both on physical and psychological dimensions of HRQoL measured with the 15D instrument. Trial Registration: NCT04411459. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-021-02865-7.

BACKGROUND Azacitidine (AZA) is the standard treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); however, many patients prematurely stop therapy and have a dismal outcome. METHODS The authors analyzed outcomes after AZA treatment for 402 MDS patients consecutively enrolled in the Italian MDS Registry of the Fondazione Italiana Sindromi Mielodisplastiche, and they evaluated the North American MDS Consortium scoring system in a clinical practice setting. RESULTS At treatment discontinuation, 20.3% of the patients were still responding to AZA, 35.4% of the cases had primary resistance, and 44.3% developed adaptive resistance. Overall survival (OS) was better for patients who discontinued treatment while in response because of planned allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT; median OS, not reached) in comparison with patients with primary resistance (median OS, 4 months) or adaptive resistance (median OS, 5 months) or patients responsive but noncompliant/intolerant to AZA (median OS, 4 months; P = .004). After AZA discontinuation, 309 patients (77%) received best supportive care (BSC), 60 (15%) received active treatments, and 33 (8%) received HSCT. HSCT was associated with a significant survival advantage, regardless of the response to AZA. The North American MDS Consortium scoring system was evaluable in 278 of the 402 cases: patients at high risk had worse OS than patients at low risk (3 and 7 months, respectively; P < .001). The score was predictive of survival both in patients receiving BSC (median OS, 2 months for high-risk patients vs 5 months for low-risk patients) and in patients being actively treated (median OS, 8 months for high-risk patients vs 16 months for low-risk patients; P < .001), including transplant patients. CONCLUSIONS Real-life data confirm that this prognostic scoring system for MDS patients failing a hypomethylating agent seems to be a useful tool for optimal prognostic stratification and for choosing a second-line treatment after AZA discontinuation.

Aims Conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia has been increasingly adopted in many centers for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Improvement of materials and operators' experience and reduction of periprocedural complications allowed procedural simplification and adoption of a minimalist approach. With this study, we sought to assess the feasibility and safety of transfemoral TAVR routinely performed under local anesthesia without on-site anesthesiology support. Methods The routine transfemoral TAVR protocol adopted at our center includes a minimalist approach, local anesthesia alone with fully awake patient, anesthesiologist available on call but not in the room, and direct transfer to the cardiology ward after the procedure. All consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR between January 2015 and July 2018 were included. We assessed the rates of actual local anesthesia-only procedures, conversion to conscious sedation or general anesthesia and 30-day clinical outcomes. Results Among 321 patients, 6 received general anesthesia upfront and 315 (98.1%) local anesthesia only. Mean age of the local anesthesia group was 83.2 ± 6.9 years, Society of Thoracic Surgery score 5.8 ± 4.8%. A balloon-expandable valve was used in 65.7%. Four patients (1.3%) shifted to conscious sedation because of pain or anxiety; 6 patients (1.9%) shifted to general anesthesia because of procedural complications. Hence, local anesthesia alone was possible in 305 patients (96.8% of the intended cohort, 95% of all transfemoral procedures). At 30 days, in the intended local anesthesia group, mortality was 1.6%, stroke 0.6%, major vascular complications 2.6%. Median hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-7). Conclusion Transfemoral TAVR can be safely performed with local anesthesia alone and without an on-site anesthesiologist in the vast majority of patients.

Two-dimensional colloidal halide perovskite nanocrystals are promising materials for light emitting applications. In addition, they can be used as components to create a variety of materials through physical and chemical transformations. Recent studies focused on nanoplatelets that are able to self-assemble and transform on solid substrates. Yet, the mechanism behind the process and the atomic arrangement of their assemblies remain unclear. Here, we present the transformation of self-assembled stacks of CsPbBr$_3$ nanoplatelets in solution, capturing the different stages of the process by keeping the solutions at room temperature and monitoring the nanocrystal morphology over a period of a few months. Using ex-situ transmission electron microscopy and surface analysis, we demonstrate that the transformation mechanism can be understood as oriented attachment, proceeding through the following steps: i) desorption of the ligands from the particles surfaces, causing the merging of nanoplatelet stacks, which first form nanobelts; ii) merging of neighboring nanobelts that form more extended nanoplates; and iii) attachment of nanobelts and nanoplates, which create objects with an atomic structure that resemble a mosaic made of broken nanotiles. We reveal that the starting nanoplatelets merge seamlessly and defect-free on an atomic scale in small and thin nanobelts. However, aged nanobelts and nanoplates, which are mainly stabilized by amine/ammonium ions, link through a bilayer of CsBr. In this case, the atomic columns of neighboring perovskite lattices shift by a half-unit-cell, forming Ruddlesden-Popper planar faults., 28 pages, 5 Figures

Over the past decades, nanotechnology has received great attention and brought revolutionary solutions for a number of challenges in scientific fields. Industrial, agricultural and medical applications of engineered nanomaterials have increased intensively. The ability of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), when excited by ultra-violet (UV) light, makes them useful for effectively inactivate various pathogens. It is known that ROS also have signalling role in living organisms, therefore, TiO2 NPs-induced ROS can influence both enzymatic and non-enzymatic defence systems, and could play a role in the resistance of plants to pathogens. Herein, we studied the photocatalytic stress responses of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) as model plant, when exposed to a well-known photocatalyst, Degussa P25 TiO2 NPs. The photocatalytically produced ROS such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen were confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Foliar exposure of five red cultivars (Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Kekfrankos and Kadarka) was carried out in blooming phenophase under field condition where plants are exposed to natural sunlight with relatively high UV radiation (with a maximum of ~ 45 W m−2). After two weeks of exposure, the effects of photogenerated ROS on the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, flavonol profile and the main macro-, microelements of the leaves were studied in detail. We found that foliar application of TiO2 NPs boosted the total phenolic content and biosynthesis of the leaf flavonols depending on the grapevine variety. Photocatalytically active TiO2 NPs also increased K, Mg, Ca, B and Mn levels in the leaves as shown by ICP-AES measurements.

Colloidal core/shell nanocrystals are key materials for optoelectronics, enabling control over essential properties via precise engineering of the shape, thickness, and crystal lattice structure of their shell. Here, we apply the growth protocol for CdS branched nanocrystals on CdSe nanoplatelet seeds and obtain bone-shaped heterostructures with a highly anisotropic shell. Surprisingly, the nanoplatelets withstand the high growth temperature of 350 {\deg}C and we obtain structures with a CdSe nanoplatelet core that is overcoated by a shell of cubic CdS, on top of which tetrahedral CdS structures with hexagonal lattice are formed. These complex core/shell nanocrystals show a bandedge emission around 657 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield of ca. 42 % in solution, which is also retained in thin films. Interestingly, the nanocrystals manifest simultaneous red and green emission, and the relatively long wavelength of the green emission indicates charge recombination at the cubic/hexagonal interface of the CdS shell. The nanocrystal films show amplified spontaneous emission, random lasing, and distributed feedback lasing when the material is deposited on suitable gratings. Our work stimulates the design and fabrication of more exotic core/shell heterostructures where charge carrier delocalization, dipole moment, and other optical and electrical properties can be engineered., Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures, 1 table

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp) is one of the most important opportunistic pathogens strongly associated with nosocomial infections. The capsule of CP-Kp not only contributes to its pathogenic potential but also ensures survival for bacteria in different environments and surfaces. Development of novel reactive nanomaterials can help to inhibit the survival of such microorganism and thereby their spreading in the hospital environment. In this work, the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of PF-co-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were studied in details and related to the evolution of their structure and surface composition upon hydrothermal treatment at 250 °C for periods up to 12 h. Structural and morphological evolution were followed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy while the surface composition was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electron paramagnetic resonance measurements were carried out to reveal the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both OH and O2 − radicals as well as 1O2 were confirmed and quantitatively compared in different photoirradiated PF-TiO2 NPs dispersions. It was found that hydrothermal treatment increased the photocatalytic and antibacterial activity while PF-co-doping promoted the formation of OH radicals. By the application of PF-co-doping, the elevated level of OH led to rapid inactivation of CP-Kp.

Two-dimensional colloidal halide perovskite nanocrystals are promising materials for light-emitting applications. Recent studies have focused on nanoplatelets that are able to self-assemble and transform on solid substrates. However, the mechanism behind the process and the atomic arrangement of their assemblies remain unclear. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the transformation of self-assembled stacks of CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets in solution over a period of a few months by using ex situ transmission electron microscopy and surface analysis. We demonstrate that the transformation mechanism can be understood as oriented attachment, proceeding through the following steps: (i) desorption of the ligands from the surfaces of the particles, causing the seamless atomic merging of nanoplatelet stacks into nanobelts; (ii) merging of neighboring nanobelts that form more extended nanoplates; and (iii) attachment of nanobelts and nanoplates, forming objects with an atomic structure that resembles a mosaic made of broken nanotiles. We reveal that aged nanobelts and nanoplates, which are mainly stabilized by amine/ammonium ions, link through a bilayer of CsBr, with the atomic columns of neighboring perovskite lattices shifted by a half-unit-cell, forming Ruddlesden–Popper planar faults. We also show, via in situ monitoring of the nanocrystal photoluminescence combined with transmission electron microscopy analysis, that the transformation is temperature driven and that it can take place within tens of minutes in solution and in spin-coated films. Understanding this process gives crucial information for the design and fabrication of perovskite materials, where control over the type and density of defects is desired, stimulating the development of perovskite nanocrystal structures with tailored electronic properties.

The controlled assembly of colloidal magnetic nanocrystals is key to many applications such as nanoelectronics, storage memory devices, and nanomedicine. Here, the motion and ordering of ferrimagnetic nanocubes in water via liquid‐cell transmission electron microscopy is directly imaged in situ. Through the experimental analysis, combined with molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical considerations, it is shown that the presence of highly competitive interactions leads to the formation of stable monomers and dimers, acting as nuclei, followed by a dynamic growth of zig‐zag chain‐like assemblies. It is demonstrated that such arrays can be explained by first, a maximization of short‐range electrostatic interactions, which at a later stage become surpassed by magnetic forces acting through the easy magnetic axes of the nanocubes, causing their tilted orientation within the arrays. Moreover, in the confined volume of liquid in the experiments, interactions of the nanocube surfaces with the cell membranes, when irradiated at relatively low electron dose, slow down the kinetics of their self‐assembly, facilitating the identification of different stages in the process. The study provides crucial insights for the formation of unconventional linear arrays made of ferrimagnetic nanocubes that are essential for their further exploitation in, for example, magnetic hyperthermia, magneto‐transport devices, and nanotheranostic tools T.P. acknowledges financial support from European Union through the Horizon 2020 Starting European Research Council (ERC) grant ICARO (Contract Number 678109). M.P.A. and T.P. acknowledge financial support by the European Union's Horizon 2020 through the Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) programme under the Marie Skłodowska‐Curie actions (MSCA) (Grant agreement 691185–COMPASS). D.S. acknowledges Xunta de Galicia for financial support under the I2C Plan and the Strategic Grouping in Materials (AeMAT; Grant No. ED431E2018/08). Financial support of the Royal Society through International Exchanges scheme IE160535 is gratefully acknowledged. This work made use of computational facilities funded by the Small items of research equipment at the University of York ENERGY (Grant No. EP/K031589/1) SI

The aim of this study is the application of a protocol for the objective evaluation of knee joint dysfunction using a stereo photogrammetric marker-based motion capture system. Use this technology allows to obtain quantitative articular kinematics estimates that translate the movement itself as input for subsequent processing. The study involved five subjects: two without lower limb impairments and three with sequelae of knee injuries. The use of a methodology that provides objective and quantitative results allows a more accurate and correct assessment of permanent disability percentage and allows to obtain then a more adequate and fair economic compensation for the suffered damage.

Ao se analisar a cadeia de valor do segmento de saúde, nota-se a existência de inúmeros atores, cuja atuação nem sempre acontece de forma sinérgica, tornando complexa a gestão e a geração de valor ao usuário. Pode-se considerar que a somatória das interações do usuário com o sistema, dispostas em uma linha do tempo, resulta em uma jornada do seu relacionamento com o sistema de saúde. Atendendo a premissa de vincular a experiência do pesquisador à um projeto de pesquisa com foco em inovação e empreendedorismo, por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa em uma pesquisa-ação, esse trabalho se propõe a responder a seguinte questão de pesquisa: como melhorar os processos operacionais de atendimento ao usuário em uma prestadora de serviços de saúde? Foram revisadas atividades, pessoas e estrutura da central de atendimento telefônico, e o resultado após a implementação do projeto demonstrou um aumento do registro de atendimentos no sistema de informação de 100,1% e uma diminuição de 47,5% no tempo médio de atendimento ao usuário. Através das ações empreendidas, foi possível concluir que este estudo contribuiu para uma melhoria na eficiência do atendimento ao usuário, gerando uma contribuição efetiva para a empresa estudada. When analyzing the value chain of the health segment, one notices the existence of numerous actors, whose performance does not always happen synergistically, making management and the generation of value to the user complex. It can be considered that the sum of user interactions with the system, arranged in a timeline, results in a journey of their relationship with the health system. Given the premise of linking the researcher\'s experience to a research project focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, through a descriptive research, qualitative approach in an action research, this paper aims to answer the following research question: how to improve Operational processes for user care at a healthcare provider? Activities, people and structure of the call center were reviewed, and the result after project implementation showed a 100.1% increase in information system enrollment and a 47.5% decrease in average customer service time. It is concluded that this study contributed to an improvement in the efficiency of user service, generating an effective contribution to the studied company

Progress in the integration of nanocrystals with polymers has enabled the creation of materials for applications ranging from photovoltaics to biosensing. However, controlling the nanocrystal segregation and aggregation in the polymer phase remains a challenging task, especially because nanocrystals tend to form amorphous clusters inside the polymer matrix. Here, we present the ability of octapod-shaped particles to overcome their strong entropy-driven tendency to aggregate disorderly and form instead centipede-like linear arrays that are randomly oriented and fully embedded in polystyrene films upon controlled solvent evaporation. This behavior cannot be entirely described by short-range van der Waals interactions between the octapods in the polymer solution. An important role here is played by the increment of the viscosity of the medium during the evaporation of the solvent, which prevents disaggregation of the chains once they are formed. We show that increasing the octapod loading in the blends does not impact the length of the linear arrays beyond a critical length, while it favors instead chain demixing to form self-segregated regions of parallel interlocked chains. Our experiments evidence that softening of the polymer matrix by ex situ heating of the films induces a tail-to-tail coupling of the preformed chains and leads to the formation of longer linear structures of octapods, up to 2 μm long. The presence of 1D arrays of octapods in free-standing polystyrene films improves the creep response by a remarkable 37%, owing to an octapod pinning effect of the polymer matrix.

Background The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) is an effective alternative to the transvenous one. Defibrillation efficacy depends on maximum device output and on the optimal device location at device implantation. Hypothesis We sought to investigate the defibrillation safety margin in real life clinical practice. Methods We sought to understand what is the efficacy of induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) termination at S‐ICD implantation using lower energies than the recommended 65 J. Results Sixty‐four consecutive S‐ICD recipients underwent VF termination attempts at implantation with energies ranging from 20 to 50 J. Overall, VF termination occurred in 84% of patients with ≤40 J, in 88% with 45 J, and in 100% with 60 J. Intermuscular S‐ICD placement was associated with 94% VF termination at ≤40 J. An ejection fraction

Over the past decades, nanotechnology has received great attention and brought revolutionary solutions for a number of challenges in scientific fields. Industrial, agricultural and medical applications of engineered nanomaterials have increased intensively. The ability of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO

Type A acute aortic dissection represents one of the most complex and life-threatening disorders of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac tamponade caused by ascending aorta rupture is the most common cause of death. In light of this, emergent surgery with ascending and partial arch replacement represents, in most of cases, the best and the faster therapeutic option. The natural history of aortic dissection, however, teaches us that in most cases there is a distal progression of the aortic disease that often requires further surgical and/or endovascular treatments. In light of this, it can be hypothesized that, by increasing the extent of aortic replacement during the first operation, it may improve the outcome of these patients by reducing the probability of a second surgery or, in selected cases and for appropriate indications, by treating with a single surgical step, the disease. In this short review of the literature, we focalized on the rationale and outcome of an extensive repair of the thoracic aorta. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.

Perovskite-based optoelectronic devices have shown remarkable performances, especially in the field of photovoltaics. Still, a rapid solution-processing approach able to produce localized stable perovskite crystals remains a general challenge, and is a key step toward the miniaturization of such materials in on-chip components. This study presents the confined growth of methylammonium (MA) lead halide perovskite crystals that is thermally induced through localized laser irradiation. Importantly, such structures remain stable over time; that is, they neither dissolve back into the surrounding liquid nor detach from the substrate. This is attributed to a chemical reaction locally triggered by the induced heat on the substrate surface that is transferred to the perovskite precursors (liquid) layer, thus generating “on-demand” MA ions from the N-methylformamide solvent. By tuning the laser parameters, such as power density or irradiation time, variations in shape and size of the crystals, from microcrystals of ≈50 µm to nanocuboids of ≈500 nm, are observed. This study also demonstrates that with an optimized distance between the irradiated regions and by controlling the relative laser displacement speed, luminescent and photoconductive MAPbBr3 wires and microplates can be generated.