Common Ownership, Competition, and Top Management Incentives

When one firm’s strategy affects other firms’ value, optimal executive incentives depend on whether shareholders have interests in only one or in multiple firms. Performance-sensitive contracts induce managerial effort to reduce costs, and lower costs induce higher output. Hence, greater managerial effort can lead to lower product prices and industry profits. Therefore, steep managerial incentives can be optimal for a single firm and at the same time violate the interests of common owners of several firms in the same industry. Empirically, managerial wealth is more sensitive to performance when a firm’s largest shareholders do not own large stakes in competitors

Effect of the Complexing Agent on the Synthesis of WO3 Nanostructures for Energy Storage Applications

[EN] Nowadays, energy problems have become one of our society¿s biggest challenges and have drawn worldwide attention. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a good option to solve these problems thanks to their high energy density and good cycle stability. However, much effort has recently been devoted to find alternative anode materials and replace graphite in LIBs, like tungsten oxide (WO3) which has attracted much interest as an anode due to its excellent properties. In this work, a simple method is used to synthesize crystalline WO3 nanostructures, with well-defined morphology using an electrochemical procedure known as electrochemical anodization. This method presents several advantages such as being a simple procedure and easy to control its parameters. During the anodization, two different complexing agents (oxygen peroxide and citric acid) were used. The effect of each complexing agent on the anode behaviour of nanostructures in lithium-ion batteries has been evaluated. On the one hand, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) has been used to study the morphology of the samples, Raman Spectroscopy technique has been employed to verify the composition and crystallinity of the nanostructures and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was performed to study their electrochemical properties. Finally, the different samples were applied as an anode for energy storage in Li-ion batteries and their specific capacity was evaluated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Charge-Discharge curves. The nanostructures that presented better electrochemical properties and superior behaviour as anode in lithium-ion batteries were those synthesized with H2O2 as a complexing agent. This sample presents lower resistance to charge transfer and better behaviour during the cycling process, their specific capacity values during discharge and charge 318 mAh·g-1 and 310 mAh·g-1, respectively.Authors would like to express their gratitude to AEI (PID2019-105844RB-I00/ AEI/10.13039/501100011033) for the financial support. M. Cifre-Herrando thank Ministerio de Universidades for the concession of the pre-doctoral grant (FPU19/02466). G. Roselló-Márquez also thanks the UPV for the concession of a post-doctoral grant (PAID-10-21) and for the grant to promote postdoctoral research at the UPV (PAID.-PD-22). Finally, project cofunded by FEDER operational programme 2014-2020 of Comunitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/18/044) is acknowledged.Roselló-Márquez, G.; García-García, D.; Cifre-Herrando, M.; Garcia-Anton, J. (2023). Effect of the Complexing Agent on the Synthesis of WO3 Nanostructures for Energy Storage Applications. Chemical Engineering Transactions (Online). 100:625-630. https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2310010562563010

Química recreativa i eines 2.0 per a la didàctica i divulgació de la química

Que la societat sovint té una visió negativa de la química i que la recerca científica que té lloc a les universitats es percep com a llunyana per part de la població són fets coneguts. En aquest article, fruit de la presentació feta per l'autor principal a la VII Trobada de Joves Investigadors dels Països Catalans, organitzada el febrer de 2012 per la Societat Catalana de Química (SCQ), es presenten diversos projectes duts a terme des de la Càtedra de Cultura Científica i Comunicació Digital de la Universitat de Girona (C4D, UdG) per tal d'apropar la recerca científica i la química en particular a la societat i, especialment, als estudiants preuniversitaris. La química recreativa, així com les eines TIC i 2.0, són l'eix vertebrador i innovador d'aquests projectes.It is known that society often takes a negative view of chemistry and perceives the scientific research conducted in universities as something distant. This paper presents different projects carried out by the Càtedra de Cultura Científica i Comunicació Digital of Universitat de Girona (C4D, UdG) to draw scientific research — and chemistry in particular — closer to society and, particularly, to pre-university students. Recreational chemistry as well as ICT and 2.0 tools form the backbone of these innovative projects. This paper is based on the presentation made by the principal author at the VII Trobada de Joves Investigadors dels Països Catalans, held by Catalan Society of Chemistry (SCQ) in February 2012

The courtship choreography of homologous chromosomes : timing and mechanisms of DSB-independent pairing

Meiosis involves deep changes in the spatial organisation and interactions of chromosomes enabling the two primary functions of this process: increasing genetic diversity and reducing ploidy level. These two functions are ensured by crucial events such as homologous chromosomal pairing, synapsis, recombination and segregation. In most sexually reproducing eukaryotes, homologous chromosome pairing depends on a set of mechanisms, some of them associated with the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced at the onset of prophase I, and others that operate before DSBs formation. In this article, we will review various strategies utilised by model organisms for DSB-independent pairing. Specifically, we will focus on mechanisms such as chromosome clustering, nuclear and chromosome movements, as well as the involvement of specific proteins, non-coding RNA, and DNA sequences

Facile preparation of electrodes based on WO3 nanostructures modified with C and S used as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

[EN] An appropriate morphological and structure matrix configuration where lithium ions could insert and de-insert is essential for lithium-ion batteries (LiB). Tungsten oxides (WO3) are especially attractive materials for this aim. In this research, the effects of the morphology and composition of WO3 nanostructures on the charge/discharge behavior for Li-ion batteries are methodically examined. On the one hand, nanostructured WO3 thin film was effectively synthesized by an electrochemical procedure. Then, an annealing treatment at 600°C in air environment for 4 h was carried out. In the second electrode synthesized, a carbon layer was uniformly deposited on WO3 nanostructures to obtain a WO3/C electrode. Finally, WO3/WS2 electrodes were prepared by means of in situ sulfurization of WO3 one-step solid-state synthesis using tungsten trioxide (WO3) and thiourea as precursor material. By using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, the three electrodes have been morphologically characterized. Electrochemical properties were analyzed by cyclic voltammogram, galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Among all the synthesized samples, WO3/C nanostructures reveal the best performance as they exhibit the greatest discharge capacity and cycle performance (820 mA h g¿1).UPV for the concession of a postdoctoral, Grant/Award Number: PAID-10-21; Ministerio de Universidades for the concession of the predoctoral, Grant/Award Number: FPU19/02466; Comunitat Valenciana, Grant/Award Number: IDIFEDER/18/044Roselló-Márquez, G.; García-García, D.; Cifre-Herrando, M.; Blasco-Tamarit, E.; Garcia-Anton, J. (2023). Facile preparation of electrodes based on WO3 nanostructures modified with C and S used as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Journal of the American Ceramic Society. 106(4):2550-2566. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.1891025502566106

Degradation of Diazinon based on photoelectrocatalytic technique using enhanced WO3 nanostructures: Mechanism and pathway

[EN] In this work, a resistant and toxic pesticide called diazinon was degraded through the photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) technique using tungsten oxide (WO3) nanostructures, applying an external bias of 1VAg/AgCl and simulated solar illumination. For this, WO3 nanostructures have been synthesized using electrochemical anodization in 0.05 M hydrogen peroxide and 1.5 M of different acidic electrolytes: H2SO4, CH4O3S or HNO3. Morphology, composition and crystallinity of the samples were evaluated through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Raman Spectroscopy. Then, the photoelectrochemical properties of the samples were analyzed by Photo-Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (PEIS). The conclusion obtained with these studies was that the nanostructures obtained in the CH4O3S-H2O2 electrolyte presented better photoelectrochemical behavior than the others. The degradation process was checked by UV-Visible, and through Ultra High-Performanc liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) the courses of the experiments have been controlled and five possible degradation intermediates have been identified. Finally, after 24 h of experiment, 90% degradation efficiency has been achieved, since it has been possible to decrease from 20 ppm to 2 ppm.Authors would like to show their gratitude for the financial support to the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (Project code: PID2019105844RB-I00) in the acquisition of Laser Raman Microscope (UPOV083E-012) and for the co-finance by the European Social Fund. Authors would also want to express thanks the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (Project Code: CTQ2017-90659-REDT) and the Generalitat Valenciana for its support in the Atomic Force Microscope and UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS purchase (IDIFEDER/2018/044). Ramon M. Fernandez Domene also express gratitude to the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) for the post-doctoral granting (PAID-10-17) and Gemma Rosello Marquez also thanks the Generalitat Valenciana for the pre-doctoral granting (ACIF/2018/159).Roselló-Márquez, G.; Fernández-Domene, RM.; Sánchez-Tovar, R.; Cifre-Herrando, M.; Garcia-Anton, J. (2021). Degradation of Diazinon based on photoelectrocatalytic technique using enhanced WO3 nanostructures: Mechanism and pathway. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 9(4):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105371S1129

Real-World Health Care Outcomes and Costs Among Patients With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Spain

Direct cost; Family impact; Juvenile arthritisCost directe; Impacte familiar; Artritis juvenilCoste directo; Impacto familiar; Artritis juvenilBackground: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most frequent chronic rheumatic disease in children. If inflammation is not adequately treated, joint damage, long-term disability, and active disease during adulthood can occur. Identifying and implementing early and adequate therapy are critical for improving clinical outcomes. The burden of JIA on affected children, their families, and the healthcare system in Spain has not been adequately assessed. The greatest contribution to direct costs is medication, but other expenses contribute to the consumption of resources, negatively impacting healthcare cost and the economic conditions of affected families. Objective: To assess the direct healthcare, indirect resource utilization, and associated cost of moderate-to-severe JIA in children in routine clinical practice in Spain. Methods: Children were enrolled in this 24-month observational, multicentric, cross-sectional, retrospective study (N = 107) if they had been treated with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), had participated in a previous study (ITACA), and continued to be followed up at pediatric rheumatology units at 3 tertiary Spanish hospitals. Direct costs included medication, specialist and primary care visits, hospitalizations, emergency visits or consultations, surgeries, physiotherapy, and tests. Indirect costs included hospital travel expenses and loss of caregiver working hours. Unitary costs were obtained from official sources (€, 2020). Results: Overall, children had inactive disease/low disease activity according to JADAS-71 score and very low functional disability as measured by Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire score. Up to 94.4% of children received treatment, mainly with bDMARDs as monotherapy (84.5%). Among anti-TNFα treatments, adalimumab (47.4%) and etanercept (40.2%) were used in similar proportions. Annual mean (SD) total JIA cost was €7516.40 (€5627.30). Average cost of pharmacological treatment was €3021.80 (€3956.20), mainly due to biologic therapy €2789.00 (€3399.80). Direct annual cost (excluding treatments) was €3654.60 (€3899.00). Indirect JIA cost per family was €747.20 (€1452.80). Conclusion: JIA causes significant costs to the Spanish healthcare system and affected families. Public costs are partly due to the high cost of biologic treatments, which nevertheless remain an effective long-term treatment, maintaining inactive disease/low disease activity state; a very low functional disability score; and a good quality of life

Projecte CLEAR: Collaborative Learning on ECTS Array Resolution

El Projecte CLEAR s’emmarca en el procés de desenvolupament del mòdul d’aprenentatge interactiu “Array Antennas” en el context de l’assignatura d’Antenes de l’Escola Tècnica Superior Enginyeria de Telecomunicació de Barcelona. Aquest bloc del temari suposa un crèdit ECTS sent els principals objectius en aquest procés d’adaptació: fomentar el treball progressiu de l’estudiant, el seu esperit innovador i creatiu alhora que adquireixi major capacitat de relació entre els models conceptuals explicats i les estructures reals. Per assolir aquestes fites s’ha dut a terme una experiència pilot d’aprenentatge col·laboratiu de forma que es cobreixen els punts esmentats i s’aconsegueixi que l’estudiant tingui un rol més actiu en el seu propi aprenentatge fent que aquest li resulti més atractiu. A més d’aquest pilot realitzat durant el quadrimestre de tardor 2004, s’han introduït presentacions en power point del tema d’arrays i s’ha posat a disposició de tots els alumnes video-based lectures, i una eina de simulació que els permet fer tan síntesi com anàlisi per l’estudi del comportament d’antenes i les seves agrupacions

Characterization and Comparison of WO3/WO3-MoO3 and TiO2/TiO2-ZnO Nanostructures for Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of the Pesticide Imazalil

[EN] Tungsten oxide (WO3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are n-type semiconductors with numerous applications in photocatalysis. The objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize different types of nanostructures (WO3, WO3-Mo, TiO2, and TiO2-ZnO) for a comparison of hybrid and pure nanostructures to use them as a photoanodes for photoelectrocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants. With the aim of comparing the properties of both samples, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and confocal laser-Raman spectroscopy were used to study the morphology, composition, and crystallinity, respectively. Electrochemical impedances, Mott-Schottky, and water splitting measurements were performed to compare the photoelectrochemical properties of photoanodes. Finally, the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of the pesticide Imazalil was carried out with the best optimized nanostructure (TiO2-ZnO).This research was funded by AEI (PID2019-105844RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and the project co-funded by FEDER operational program 2014¿2020 of Comunitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/18/044). M.C.-H. received financial support from Ministerio de Universidades of the predoctoral grant (FPU19/02466). G.R.-M. received financial support from the UPV of a post-doctoral grant (PAID-10-21). P.J.N.-G. received support thanks the grant PEJ2018-003596-A-AR funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. Finally, project co-funded by FEDER operational programme 2014-2020 of Comunitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/18/044) is acknowledged.Cifre-Herrando, M.; Roselló-Márquez, G.; Navarro Gázquez, PJ.; Muñoz-Portero, M.; Blasco-Tamarit, E.; Garcia-Anton, J. (2023). Characterization and Comparison of WO3/WO3-MoO3 and TiO2/TiO2-ZnO Nanostructures for Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of the Pesticide Imazalil. Nanomaterials. 13(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182584131

On the use of direct-coupling analysis with a reduced alphabet of amino acids combined with super-secondary structure motifs for protein fold prediction

Direct-coupling analysis (DCA) for studying the coevolution of residues in proteins has been widely used to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein from its sequence. We present RADI/raDIMod, a variation of the original DCA algorithm that groups chemically equivalent residues combined with super-secondary structure motifs to model protein structures. Interestingly, the simplification produced by grouping amino acids into only two groups (polar and non-polar) is still representative of the physicochemical nature that characterizes the protein structure and it is in line with the role of hydrophobic forces in protein-folding funneling. As a result of a compressed alphabet, the number of sequences required for the multiple sequence alignment is reduced. The number of long-range contacts predicted is limited; therefore, our approach requires the use of neighboring sequence-positions. We use the prediction of secondary structure and motifs of super-secondary structures to predict local contacts. We use RADI and raDIMod, a fragment-based protein structure modelling, achieving near native conformations when the number of super-secondary motifs covers >30–50% of the sequence. Interestingly, although different contacts are predicted with different alphabets, they produce similar structures.Spanish Ministry of Economy MINECO [BIO2014-57518-R, BIO2017-83591-R (FEDER, UE), BIO2017-85329-R (FEDER, UE)]; Generalitat de Catalunya [SGR17-1020].Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version