Ionic liqids for the control of the morphology in poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) membranes

The development of polymer membranes with tailored micro-morphology and wettability is a demand in the areas of filtration, sensors, and tissue engineering, among others. The thermoplastic copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), is one of the most widely used polymers for these applications due to its good mechanical and thermal properties, biocompatibility and low density. Although the control of the PVDF-HFP morphology is a complicated task, the introduction of ionic liquids (ILs) in the PVDF-HFP matrix opens news perspectives in this area. This work consists on a systematic study of three different protic ionic liquids ([dema][TfO], [MIm][NTf2] and [MIm][Cl]) in the control of PVDF-HFP membranes properties. Different preparation conditions are also analysed. These results demonstrate how several parameters such as morphology, water absorption capacity and mechanical properties vary depending on the production methodology employed and on the choice of incorporated IL. Pores of different sizes, spherulites, and compact structures have been obtained, as well hydrophilic and highly hydrophobic structures. These results show that ILs play a key role in the optimization of polymer properties, and given the huge number of ILs available, they open up new possibilities for the development of polymer membranes suitable for applications where specific morphologies are desirable.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, MAT2016-76739R Gobierno Vasco, IT-630-13 European Union's Horizon 2020 Programme, MSCA-IF-2015, grant agreement 70185

Fístula vésico-apendicular em adenocarcinoma mucinoso do apêndice

BACKGOUND: A rare case of vesicoappendiceal fistula secondary to mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix is presented. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old man with a one year history of recurrent urinary tract infections. After two months he developed pneumaturia and fecaluria. An abdominal and pelvic computed tomography demonstrated a trans-mural mass in the posterior wall of the bladder with a vesicoenteric fistula leading to the terminal ileum. Laparotomy revealed a tumor arising from the appendix contiguous with the bladder posterior wall. The bladder was opened and a large fistula and tumor on the posterior bladder wall near the trigone was identified. Frozen pathological analysis showed a mucinous adenocarcinoma. En-bloc right hemicolectomy and partial cystectomy, preserving bladder trigone was performed. After manipulating the tumor, grossly leakage of mucinous materials occurred into the pelvic cavity. A peritoneal washing with a mytomicin solution at 42º C was then performed, to prevent peritoneal seeding. The patient had a prolonged postoperative ileus and was discharged at the 15th day. Five months after the procedure the patient was recieving chemotherapy with 5-fluoracil and leucovorin and there was no signs of recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: The presentation with vesico-appendiceal fistula is extremely rare with only a few cases reported in the literature. Knowledge of different types of neoplasm and appropriate treatment allows the surgeon to provide patients optimal care referring to specialized centers whenever appropriate.INTRODUÇÃO: Apresenta-se raro caso de fístula vésico-apendicular secundária a adenocarcinoma mucinoso do apêndice. RELATO DE CASO: Paciente masculino de 62 anos com história de um ano de infecções urinárias de repetição. Após dois meses desenvolveu pneumatúria e fecalúria, sendo indicada tomografia computadorizada de abdômen que mostrou massa trans-mural na parede da bexiga, com fistula vésico-entérica para região do íleo terminal. A laparotomia revelou tumoração surgindo do apêndice cecal, em continuidade com a parede posterior da bexiga. A mesma foi aberta, sendo identificada grande fistula e material tumoral até próximo ao trígono vesical. A biópsia de congelação identificou adenocarcinoma mucinoso. Realizada hemicolectomia associada à cistectomia parcial em bloco, com preservação do trígono vesical. Houve extravasamento de mucina para a cavidade pélvica pela manipulação. Optado por lavagem peritoneal com solução de mitomicina a 42º C para prevenir disseminação peritoneal. O paciente evoluiu com íleo prolongado pós-operatório, tendo alta hospitalar no15º dia. Cinco meses após o procedimento encontrava-se em quimioterapia com 5-fluouracil e leucovorin, sem sinais de doença recidivante. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de fístula vésico-apendicecal é extremamente rara, tendo poucos casos relatados na literatura. O conhecimento dos diferentes tipos de neoplasias e seus tratamentos adequados permite ao cirurgião oferecer melhor cuidado ao paciente

Identificação das Perdas do Processo Produtivo na Fabricação de Massas Alimentícias: Um Estudo Baseado em Sistemas de Custos

The competition incited among the companies comes debtor themto improve it its productive systems of permanent form, fighting all andany occured loss. This work has as main objective the identification of thelosses in the production of nourishing pasta of a company, based on systems of costs. The principle of used expenditure was of ideal absorption. For thedetermination of the losses, a treatment differentiated how much to theused resources was necessary. A separation between the changeable costsand the fixed costs was made. The use of standards of consumption ofchangeable resources and efficient taxes of consumption of fixed resources,in function of an installed capacity had constituted the base of the systemfor the determination of the cost of the losses. A time identified the maincauses of these losses, had been suggested some actions of improvement,so that the main problems could be cured and/or be minimized. After thatsome pointers had been suggested to follow the effectiveness of theimplemented actions. Finally, it was concluded that the considered systemallows to take action fast and to work with financial and operationalmeasures, simultaneously, facilitating the accompaniment of the process.A concorrência acirrada entre as empresas vem obrigado-as a melhorarseus sistemas produtivos de forma permanente, combatendo toda equalquer perda ocorrida. Este trabalho tem como objetivo a identificaçãodas perdas na produção de massas alimentícias de uma empresa, baseadoem sistemas de custos e o princípio de custeio utilizado foi o de absorçãoideal. Para a determinação das perdas fez-se um tratamento diferenciadoquanto aos recursos utilizados e uma separação entre os custos variáveis eos custos fixos. A utilização de padrões de consumo de recursos variáveis etaxas eficientes de consumo de recursos fixos, em função de uma capacidadeinstalada constituíram a base do sistema para a determinação do custodas perdas. Uma vez identificadas as principais causas destas perdas, foramsugeridas algumas ações de melhoria, para que os principais problemas pudessemser sanados e/ou minimizados e, em seguida foram recomendadosalguns indicadores para acompanhar a efetividade das ações implementadas.Por fim, concluiu-se que o sistema proposto permite tomar ações rápidas etrabalhar com medidas financeiras e operacionais, simultaneamente, facilitandoo acompanhamento do processo

Ionic liquids in the control of the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co- hexafluoropropylene) membranes morphology [Poster]

Poster presentado en: New Materials for a Better life! 2017 Workshop, 27/10/2017, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País VascoThe development of polymer membranes with tailored micro-morphology and wettability are a demand in the areas of filtration, sensors or tissue engineering, among others. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is a thermoplastic copolymer and one of the most interesting polymers to be used in these areas due to its good mechanical and thermal properties, biocompatibility and low density. The control of the morphology on this material is crucial for its performance. However, for the moment this is a complicated task and is mostly restricted to the use of solvent evaporation (SE) and non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) techniques. In this way, this work consists in a systematic study of the use of ionic liquids in the control of these membranes properties. Ionic liquids are molten salts with melting points lower than 100 °C, which stand out for their good properties, such as high good thermal stability, low vapor pressure, nonflammability and their ability to act as solvents of various materials and they have already been studied for the control of morphology in certain materials. In this work, the production and the characterization of PVDF-HFP@ionic liquid composite membranes using different ionic liquids (Diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1-Methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and 1-Methylimidazolium chloride) and methodologies (solvent evaporation temperature) are described in detail. The results demonstrate how aspects such as morphology, wettability or mechanical properties change depending on the production methodology employed and on the type of used ionic liquid. In view of the results, it is concluded that the morphology of a polymer composite can be tuned by use ILs and this control of the morphology could open up new possibilities for their use in different applications.“Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad” (MAT2016-76739-R(AEI/FEDER, UE)). “Gobierno Vasco” ( KK-2016/00095-LISOL, program Elkartek)

The role of counter-ions in crystal morphology, surface structure and photocatalytic activity of ZnO crystals grown onto a substrate

In this contribution, we present an experimental and theoretical investigation of the role of counter-ions in the crystal morphology, surface structure, and photocatalytic activity of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures. The effect of zinc precursor (nitrate, acetate and, sulfate) along the synthesis of ZnO nanostructures grown directly onto a substrate by means of a simple hydrothermal method was analyzed in detail. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a preferential growth of ZnO nanostructures along the c-axis, with a slight reduction in the orientation depending on the choice of the Zn source. Theoretical calculations based on the Wulff theory allowed us to better understand the morphological changes and directly relate the photocatalytic performance at the different exposed surfaces of the as-observed crystal shapes. Our results showed that photocatalytic activities in the discoloration of organic dyes became superior for hierarchical ZnO nanostructures obtained from zinc nitrate. This finding was explained by X-ray photoelectron and photoluminescence spectroscopies, which revealed that in addition to, the attached counter-ions and the abundance of carboxylate groups and organic residuals on ZnO surfaces, the presence of surface defects are determinant to enhance the photocatalytic performance of the material

Ionic liquids in the control of the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) membranes morphology

Presentada en NALS 2017 Conference on Nanomaterials applied to Lifesciences in Gijón, Spain, 13-15 December 2017The development of polymer membranes with tailored micro-morphology and wettability are a demand in the areas of filtration, sensors or tissue engineering, among others. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is a thermoplastic copolymer and one of the most interesting polymers to be used in these areas due to its good mechanical and thermal properties, biocompatibility and low density. The control of the morphology on this material is crucial for its performance [1]. However, for the moment this is a complicated task and is mostly restricted to the use of solvent evaporation (SE) and non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) techniques. In this way, this work consists in a systematic study of the use of ionic liquids in the control of these membranes properties. Ionic liquids are molten salts with melting points lower than 100 °C, which stand out for their good properties, such as high good thermal stability, low vapor pressure, nonflammability and their ability to act as solvents of various materials and they have already been studied for the control of morphology in certain materials [2-3]. In this work, the production and the characterization of PVDF-HFP@ionic liquid composite membranes using different ionic liquids (Diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1-Methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and 1-Methylimidazolium chloride) and methodologies (solvent evaporation temperature) are described in detail. The results demonstrate how aspects such as morphology, wettability or mechanical properties change depending on the production methodology employed and on the type of used ionic liquid. In view of the results, it is concluded that the morphology of a polymer composite can be tuned by use ILs and this control of the morphology could open up new possibilities for their use in different applications

Ionic liquids in the control of the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co- hexafluoropropylene) membranes morphology [Poster]

Poster presentado en: New Materials for a Better life! 2017 Workshop, 27/10/2017, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País VascoThe development of polymer membranes with tailored micro-morphology and wettability are a demand in the areas of filtration, sensors or tissue engineering, among others. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is a thermoplastic copolymer and one of the most interesting polymers to be used in these areas due to its good mechanical and thermal properties, biocompatibility and low density. The control of the morphology on this material is crucial for its performance. However, for the moment this is a complicated task and is mostly restricted to the use of solvent evaporation (SE) and non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) techniques. In this way, this work consists in a systematic study of the use of ionic liquids in the control of these membranes properties. Ionic liquids are molten salts with melting points lower than 100 °C, which stand out for their good properties, such as high good thermal stability, low vapor pressure, nonflammability and their ability to act as solvents of various materials and they have already been studied for the control of morphology in certain materials. In this work, the production and the characterization of PVDF-HFP@ionic liquid composite membranes using different ionic liquids (Diethylmethylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1-Methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and 1-Methylimidazolium chloride) and methodologies (solvent evaporation temperature) are described in detail. The results demonstrate how aspects such as morphology, wettability or mechanical properties change depending on the production methodology employed and on the type of used ionic liquid. In view of the results, it is concluded that the morphology of a polymer composite can be tuned by use ILs and this control of the morphology could open up new possibilities for their use in different applications.“Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad” (MAT2016-76739-R(AEI/FEDER, UE)). “Gobierno Vasco” ( KK-2016/00095-LISOL, program Elkartek)

Motivations and Future Perspectives of Startups Entrepreneurs

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo investigar as motivações e as perspectivas futuras dos empreendedores de Startups. O modelo do estudo considera: história anterior e expectativas iniciais para motivações na idealização de um projeto de Startup; aspectos que podem facilitar e/ou dificultar os negócios, bem como a transformação pessoal no desenvolvimento desses negócios; e os aspectos que podem levar os empreendedores à persistência ou desistência da prática empreendedora, junto às perspectivas futuras. Esta pesquisa guia-se por sua natureza descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa, realizada mediante entrevistas com 12 empreendedores de Startups, com o uso da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram que a motivação dos empreendedores de Startups partiu da observação de oportunidades, influência de grupos sociais e iniciativas da faculdade. Verificou-se influência da inovação e da independência como facilitadores desses empreendimentos; e a aceitação do produto, a escassez de recursos, a formação de uma equipe de trabalho, a alta carga tributária e a imaturidade como aspectos que dificultam o desenvolvimento das Startups. O insucesso financeiro também influenciou as mudanças nos objetivos desses empreendedores. Espera-se, portanto, que esta pesquisa contribua para a ampliação do conhecimento científico sobre as motivações e as perspectivas futuras dos empreendedores de Startups, grupo ainda pouco estudado nas Ciências Sociais Aplicadas.This research aims to investigate the motivations and future perspectives of Startups entrepreneurs. The study model considers: previous history and initial expectations for motivations in the idealization of a Startup project; aspects that may facilitate and/or hinder business, as well as personal transformation in the development of these businesses; and the aspects that can lead the entrepreneurs to the persistence or withdrawal of the entrepreneurial practice, next to the future perspectives. This research is guided by its descriptive, qualitative approach, conducted through interviews with 12 Startups entrepreneurs, using content analysis. The results pointed out that the motivation of Startups entrepreneurs started from the observation of opportunities, influence of social groups and initiatives of the college. There was an influence of innovation and independence as facilitators of these enterprises; and the acceptance of the product, the scarcity of resources, the formation of a work team, the high tax burden and immaturity as aspects that hinder the development of Startups. Financial failure also influenced changes in the goals of these entrepreneurs. It is hoped, therefore, that this research contributes to the expansion of scientific knowledge about the motivations and future perspectives of the entrepreneurs of Startups, a group still little studied in the Applied Social Sciences

Stability study of MOF@IL composite materials

Abstract enviado al congresos 5th International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials (6-10 March 2017 | Lisbon, Portugal) y poster presentado en dicho congreso.Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) offer unique advantages for many applications due to their ordered structures, high thermal stability, tunable chemical functionality, ultra-high porosity and the availability of hundreds of well characterized structures.[1] On the other hand, Ionic Liquids (IL), which are ionic salts liquid at ambient conditions, have suitable properties for many applications, such as negligible volatility, non-flammability, high thermal and chemical stability, and high ionic conductivity. However, their liquid nature hinders their handling, making it necessary the use solid supports. [2] The insertion of ILs into MOFs has resulted in a new generation of materials with properties of both MOF and IL. [3] The studies of potential applications of MOF@IL composite materials are still very incipient, but they point out that the properties of MOFs could be improved by the insertion of ILs.[4] In order to know whether MOF@IL could be used as new materials it is necessary to study their stability, both thermal and chemical. In this work, three MOFs were selected, CuBTC, ZIF-8 and MOF-74,[5] to produce MOF@IL with two ILs, [BMIM][BF4] and [EMIM][BF4]. Themogravimetry was used to determine the thermal stability of the composites, as well as, to quantify the IL content before and after the leakeage tests both in water and toluene. Other characterization techniques, such as, IR spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction were used. The insertion of ILs was successful for CuBTC and ZIF-8, but not for MOF-74. The thermal stability of the MOF@IL is related to the interactions established between thet MOF and the IL. However, the chemical stability of the composites in water and toluene depend on that of the MOFs and, consequently, a poor stability is observed for CuBTC@IL in water. The use of these new materials is, therefore, determined by the stability of the MOFs acting as host structures.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad: MAT2013-42092-R Gobierno Vasco: IT-630-13 Dpto. desarrollo economico y competitividad (GV), programa ELKARTEK: ACTIMAT KK-2015/00094 y LISOL KK-2016/0009