Polymorphic phase boundary in piezoelectric oxides

The design of phase boundaries has now become a consolidated strategy to improve the functional properties of piezoelectric oxides because of the unique properties that may be obtained in their vicinity. In particular, polymorphic phase boundaries (PPBs) have attracted significant interest in recent years because they represent a significant breakthrough in terms of enhanced piezoelectric activity of lead-free piezoelectric oxides. PPBs are temperature-driven phase transitions where both intrinsic and extrinsic contributions maximize, thereby enhancing the macroscopic properties of piezoelectric materials. This tutorial discusses potassium–sodium–niobate-based systems as model materials to reveal some of the most relevant advances in the design of PPBs through compositional modifications. We focus on how PPBs can be modulated by engineered doping and also discuss the direct relation between PPBs and the enhancement of piezoelectric activity. Finally, we briefly describe the main experimental techniques for detecting PPBs.Postprint (author's final draft

A Multicultural Experience Boosted by Specialized European Master: A Real Approach to Internatioanl Project Management

When the Specialized Master in International Project Management started in Madrid in 2009, ESCP Europe, a high-level school of management with international scope, decided to reinforce the European institution and also to foster innovation sustaining a wide international partnership network. Students and executives came from around the world and the school offered them a model of Project Management which prepared them for the multicultural future where geographically dispersed projects teams must collaborate with a common goal. Created in 1988, this Master keeps evolving and is a truly international program with international students and a real methodological revolution in Project Management education including international seminaries and destinations in emerging countries: Either, India and China, or Brazil and Argentina. This Specialized Master makes significant use of inductive teaching methods and interactive activities (project simulations, case studies, business plan development, etc.). This guarantees the skills acquisition needed to work in multidisciplinary, international and multicultural teams. The teaching methods emphasize experimentation and simulation exercises including International Consultancy Projects which requests an intensive use of Information and Communications Technologies in order to enable the international experience

The role of macroeconomic variables in sovereign risk

We use a dynamic term structure model with default and observable factors to study the interaction between macro variables and the Brazilian sovereign yield curve. We also calculate the default probabilities implied from the estimated model and the impact of macro shocks on those probabilities. Our results indicate that the VIX is the most important macro factor affecting short-term bonds and default probabilities, while the American short-term rate is the most important factor affecting the long-term default probabilities. Regarding the domestic variables, only the slope of the local yield curve presents significant explanatory power for the sovereign rates and default probabilities.

Bioethics and health law: the living will. Proposal to create a living will record in Europe

In this piece of work, we present a proposal to create a living will record in Europe that will allow people to have the same rights wherever they are. Therefore, this article will be studied from the bioethics and health law theory