Response of the topological surface state to surface disorder in TlBiSe2_2

Through a combination of experimental techniques we show that the topmost layer of the topo- logical insulator TlBiSe$_2$ as prepared by cleavage is formed by irregularly shaped Tl islands at cryogenic temperatures and by mobile Tl atoms at room temperature. No trivial surface states are observed in photoemission at low temperatures, which suggests that these islands can not be re- garded as a clear surface termination. The topological surface state is, however, clearly resolved in photoemission experiments. This is interpreted as a direct evidence of its topological self-protection and shows the robust nature of the Dirac cone like surface state. Our results can also help explain the apparent mass acquisition in S-doped TlBiSe$_2$.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

How could nanobiotechnology improve treatment outcomes of anti-TNF-α therapy in infammatory bowel disease? Current knowledge, future directions

Despite significant advances in therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in recent years, there is still a big room for improvement. In particular, biological treatment can induce not only clinical remission but also mucosal healing of the gastrointestinal tract. Among these therapeutic molecules, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-$\alpha$) antibodies were the first to revolutionize treatment algorithms in IBD. However, due to the parenteral route of administration and systemic mode of action, TNF-$\alpha$ blockers are characterised by high rates of immunogenicity-related loss of response and serious adverse events. Moreover, intravenous or subcutaneous therapy is not considered patient-friendly and requires occasional, direct contact with healthcare centres. To overcome these limitations, several attempts have been made to design oral pharmaceutical formulations of these molecules. It is hypothesized that oral anti-TNF-$\alpha$ antibodies therapy can directly provide a targeted and potent anti-inflammatory effect in the inflamed gastrointestinal tissues without significant systemic exposure, improving long-term treatment outcomes and safety. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge and future perspectives regarding different approaches made towards entering a new era of oral anti-TNF-$\alpha$ therapy, namely, the tailoring of biocompatible nanoparticles with anti-TNF-$\alpha$ antibodies for site-specific targeting to IBD. In particular, we discuss the latest concepts applying the achievements of nanotechnology-based drug design in this area.Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT), European Funds (PRODUCER/COMPETE)—project UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), co-fnanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. The study was also supported by the National Science Centre within the MINIATURA 4 for a single research activity (Grant No. 2020/04/X/ST5/00789) and by the START 2021 Program of the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) granted to Aleksandra Zielińska.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Demostración de resultado económico: percepción del comando da aeronáutica de Brasil

No ano de 2010, uma alteração no quadro normativo brasileiro introduziu a Demonstração do Resultado Econômico (DRE) para o setor público, que busca comparar custos internos de produção com valores de mercado, segundo o conceito de custo de oportunidade. Este estudo procura analisar as possíveis respostas estratégicas dos gestores , buscando perceber se a cultura contábil existente no País permite a aceitação do novo instrumento. Por meio das percepções dos agentes públicos do Comando da Aeronáutica (Comaer), no Brasil, conclui-se que a resposta estratégica dos entrevistados tende para a atitude de aceitação da nova rotina, demonstrando traços de menor conservadorismo e maior interesse pela evidenciação de resultados.In 2010, a change in the Brazilian accounting regulatory framework introduced the Demonstração do Resultado Econômico (DRE) [Economic Income Statement] for the public sector, which seeks to compare the internal costs of production to market values, according to the concept of opportunity cost. This study aims to analyse the possible strategic responses of managers and tries to understand if the existing accounting culture in Brazil facilitates the introduction of the new statement. By means of perceptions of officials of the Aeronautical Command (Comaer), in Brazil, it is possible to conclude that the strategic response of respondents is closer to acceptance of the new routine, showing traces of less conservatism and greater interest for displaying results.En el año 2010, una modificación del cuadro normativo brasileño introdujo la Demostración del Resultado Económico (DRE) para el sector público, que busca comparar los costos internos de producción con los valores del mercado, según el concepto de costo de oportunidad. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las posibles respuestas estratégicas de los gestores, con el fin de percibir si la cultura contable existente en el país permite la aceptación del nuevo instrumento. Por medio de las percepciones de los agentes públicos del Comando da Aeronáutica (Comaer), en Brasil, se concluyó que la respuesta estratégica de los entrevistados tiende a aceptar la nueva rutina, mostrando rasgos de menos conservadurismo y más interés por la manifestación de resultados.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Cancer nanopharmaceuticals: physicochemical characterization and in vitro/in vivo applications

Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and biopharmaceutical characterization tools play a key role in the assessment of nanopharmaceuticals potential imaging analysis and for site-specific delivery of anti-cancers to neoplastic cells/tissues. If diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches are combined in one single nanoparticle, a new platform called nanotheragnostics is generated. Several analytical technologies allow us to characterize nanopharmaceuticals and nanoparticles and their properties so that they can be properly used in cancer therapy. This paper describes the role of multifunctional nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and treatment, describing how nanotheragnostics can be useful in modern chemotherapy, and finally, the challenges associated with the commercialization of nanoparticles for cancer therapy.This research was funded by The National Centre for Research and Development (Grant Number INNOMED/I/11/NCBR/2014) from the Innovative Economy Operational Programme founds, in the framework of the European Regional Development Fund, by the Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences by the internal grant for the implementation of a single scientific activity, and by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT), European Funds (PRODER/COMPETE)-project UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Two- and three-dimensional spectrofluorimetric qualitative analysis of selected vegetable oils for biomedical applications

Vegetable oils obtained from different plants are known for their beneficial effects on prophylaxis and supportive treatment of a great deal of inflammatory-mediated conditions. Their wide range of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and the presence of other ingredients (e.g., tocopherols, chlorophylls), provide them with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties, which are worth being exploited. In this study, we have carried out the spectrofluorometric analysis of selected vegetable oils, namely apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel oil; blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) seed oil; argan (Argania spinosa) nut oil; kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) seed oil; grape (Vitis vinifera) seed oil; evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil and meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seed oil, with the purpose to detect their fluorescent ingredients for further identification and bioactivity comparison. The obtained two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) emission spectra offered a complete description of the fluorescent components of the mixture and revealed different features for studied oils.This work was supported by the projects M-ERA-NET/0004/2015 (PAIRED) and strategic funds, UIDB/04469/2020 (CEB), UIDB/04033/2020 (CITAB) and UIDB/00616/2020 (CQ-VR), from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) from national funds, and cofinanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020. This work was also supported by the Foundation for the Development of Biotechnology and Genetics POLBIOGEN, Jugosłowia ´nska 57, 60–159 Poznan, Poland.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

MANAGERS’ PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ISO 14001 CERTIFICATION PROCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

A necessidade de harmonizar o desenvolvimento econômico com a proteção ambiental fez surgir o que se convencionou chamar de desenvolvimento e sustentabilidade. Este estudo objetiva conhecer a percepção de gestores sobre o processo de certificação ISO 14001 nas práticas de gestão do meio ambiente em uma indústria Sucroalcooleira do estado de Minas Gerais. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa descritiva de abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista e da análise documental. Constatou-se haver integração entre o processo de certificação, o sistema de gestão ambiental (SGA) e as outras áreas, fatos que proporcionam uma eficácia das práticas de gestão do meio ambiente. O processo de certificação ambiental beneficia-se da implementação do SGA, tendo em vista a melhoria do desempenho ambiental e, assim, de outros aspectos como a imagem da empresa e agregação de valor ao produto. Conclui-se que a atuação integrada da equipe gestora, de certificação ambiental e demais áreas conduzem a um melhor desempenho ambiental contribuindo assim para o alinhamento entre a gestão, as metas e as estratégias organizacionais.The need to harmonize economic development with environmental protection gave rise to what is usually called development and sustainability. This study is aimed at getting to know managers’ perception about the ISO 14001 certification process in environmental management practices in a sugar and alcohol industry in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A descriptive research with a qualitative approach was undertaken. Data were collected through interviews and documentary analysis. The certification process is integrated in the environmental management system and the other fact areas enhance the effectiveness of environmental management practices. The environmental certification process benefits from the implementation of an environmental management system, with a view to improving environmental performance and, consequently, other aspects like company image and the value added to the product. In conclusion, the integrated action of the management team, environmental certification and other areas leads to a better environmental performance, thus contributing to the alignment among management, targets and organizational strategies