Tailoring colors by O-annulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The synthesis of O-doped polyaromatic hydrocarbons, in which two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon subunits are bridged through one or two O atoms, has been achieved. This includes high-yielding ring-closure key steps that, depending on the reaction conditions, yield the formation of either furanyl or pyranopyranyl linkages through intramolecular C-O bond formation. Comprehensive photophysical measurements in solution showed that these molecules feature exceptionally high emission yields and tunable absorption properties throughout the UV-vis spectral region. Electrochemical investigations showed that in all cases the O-annulation increases the electron donor capabilities by raising the HOMO energy level with the LUMO energy level being less affected. Moreover, third-order NLO measurements of solutions or thin films containing the dyes displayed very good second hyperpolarizibility values. Importantly, PMMA films containing the pyranopyranyl derivatives displayed weak linear absorption and NLO absorption compared to the nonlinearity and NLO refraction, respectively, revealing to be exceptional organic materials for photonic devices

Genetic characterization of Greek chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) germplasm collections in Parnon mountain

The European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a unique species located in Europe and the Mediterranean countries. In Greece, chestnuts are widely spread among 28 districts of the country due to their diverse usages by humans (wood production, chestnuts, mushrooms, honey), while they can be geographically placed, based on the nuts’ morphological diversity in 6 main populations located in Kozani, Pilio, Karpenisi, Parnon, Lesvos and Crete. In this study, 56 trees from 3 different areas (Vamvakou, Varvitsa, Karyes) located in the west Parnon mountain region, were collected and subjected to genetic characterization with seven specific SSR molecular markers, in order to assess their genetic structure. The studied chestnuts exhibited a generally low level of genetic differentiation, with most of the genetic diversity residing within individual trees rather than being partitioned among different collection sites. Also, Karyes was not strongly genetically distinguished from Vamvakou and Varvitsa but the regions of Vamvakou and Varvitsa appeared to be genetically closely related compared to Karyes. The identified polymorphic microsatellite loci (especially CsCAT16 and CsCAT3) could be valuable tools for further, more detailed genetic studies of these chestnut populations

Bank procyclicality and output: Issues and policies

The recent global financial crisis has highlighted the importance of the procyclicality of the financial sector. The procyclicality has transformed banks from mitigation mechanisms to amplifiers of changes in economic activity, potentially affecting financial stability and economic growth. The causes of procyclicality can be attributed to market imperfections and deviations from the efficient market hypothesis, while other factors including the Basel-type regulations, accounting standards and leverage have exacerbated it. Several suggestions have been forwarded to attenuate procyclicality, in the form of rules and discretion. They are presented here according to the factors they aim to alleviate. Some of the suggestions have been adopted under the Basel III framework, which explicitly addresses the procyclicality issue

Pomological and phenological characteristics of the main pistachio cultivars in Greece

The present study aimed to evaluate the pomological and phenological traits, as well as kernel antioxidant potential of the dominant Greek pistachio cultivars, ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ (Pistacia vera L.). Blooming of ‘Aegina’ cultivar occurred from early to mid of April, and nut maturation at middle to late of August. Production started at 6 to 7 years from grafting and full production observed at year 13. Blooming and nut maturation of ‘Pontikis’ occurred about 1 to 2 days later than ‘Aegina’ and production started 6 to 7 years from grafting, with full production observed in the 14th year. Mean tree yields reached 18.0 ± 1.0 kg and 17.4 ± 1.1 kg of dry nuts, in ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ cultivar, respectively. ‘Aegina’ cultivar presented intermediate tree vigour and spreading growth habit, whereas ‘Pontikis’ high tree vigour and semi-erect growth habit. ‘Aegina’ nut had a narrowly cordate shape and the percentage of split nut was found at 78.5 ± 6.5. ‘Pontikis’ nut had ovoid shape and the percentage of split nut was 84.1 ± 6.2. In ‘Aegina’ cultivar 100 nuts weighted 101.0 g and in ‘Pontikis’ 114.4 g. Color of kernel was green externally and green to green-white internally, greener in ‘Pontikis’. The antioxidant potential of pistachio kernel measured by FRAP assay, total polyphenolic substances, flavonoids, flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids content, did not differ (P > 0.05) between cultivars. Evaluation of ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ pistachio cultivars revealed that both are high yielding, with large nut sizes of acceptable appearance and high quality

First operation of an ACHINOS-equipped spherical proportional counter with individual anode read-out

The multi-anode sensor ACHINOS revolutionised the capabilities of the spherical proportional counter by enabling large-size, high-pressure, operation and TPC-like reconstruction capabilities through individual anode read-out. First measurements with an individually read out ACHINOS are performed, which enables improved calibration and response homogenisation. Experimental results demonstrating the improvement in energy resolution brought by the individual anode calibration are presented. These are complemented by detailed simulation studies on the effect of sensor design and manufacturing imperfections, and how they may be corrected both in hardware and analysis.</p

Bank procyclicality and output: Issues and policies

The recent global financial crisis has highlighted the importance of the procyclicality of the financial sector. The procyclicality has transformed banks from mitigation mechanisms to amplifiers of changes in economic activity, potentially affecting financial stability and economic growth. The causes of procyclicality can be attributed to market imperfections and deviations from the efficient market hypothesis, while other factors including the Basel-type regulations, accounting standards and leverage have exacerbated it. Several suggestions have been forwarded to attenuate procyclicality, in the form of rules and discretion. They are presented here according to the factors they aim to alleviate. Some of the suggestions have been adopted under the Basel III framework, which explicitly addresses the procyclicality issue

Effect of organic calcium uptake and biostimulants during integrated nutrient management (INM) cultivation of kiwifruit cv. ‘Hayward’

Foliar application with calcium (Ca) fertilizers improves quality and flesh firmness of kiwifruit and affects the mineral composition of leaves and fruits. The impact of preharvest foliar sprays, using a commercial fertilizer with organic Ca content in combination with an integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers and biostimulants was assessed for the quality properties and nutritional status of the kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ over a 2-year period. Fruit flesh firmness increased under all organic Ca applications. In addition, all treatments resulted in elevated dry mass content, which is a common quality index. In leaves, the concentrations of N, P, K and B were higher compared to control. In fruits, the concentrations of N, B, K and Ca increased, in contrast to Mg, which was reduced. The content of Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu was not affected either in leaves or fruits. Application of organic Ca-fertilizers led to increased flesh firmness, total soluble solids, total acidity, and dry mass percentage. Foliar application with the addition of the biostimulant THEOFAST resulted in the elongation of stigmas area in kiwi cv. ‘Hayward’ fruits

Enhancement of bud dormancy release and development, leaf nutrition, flower and fruit quality of kiwifruit cv. ‘Hayward’ induced by BUD 14 biostimulant

The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of a foliar fertilization program, consisted of the BUD 14 nitrogen-calcium commercial formulation (N: 14% w/w, CaO: 5.5% w/w) as a biostimulant, on bud development percentage, flowering rate, classification of flowers into open, closed and triple, flower and pollen quality traits, fruit quality attributes, and leaf nutritional status of the ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit cultivar. The study was realized during a two-year experimental period in Naoussa, Central Macedonia, Greece. The results showed that BUD 14 induced synchronization in bud development relative to different vegetative stages including initiation of bud expansion, appearance of leaf apices covered by hair and deployment of 2-8 leaves and increased the flowering rate of open flowers. Pedicel length, ovary fresh weight, and dry weight, dry matter and length in female flowers as well as maximum pollen grain diameter and area in polar view in male flowers were significantly enhanced in the BUD 14 treatment. Fruit quality characteristics like average weight and dry mass were significantly augmented, and a 1.5-fold and 2-fold increase was recorded in canes length and number of kiwifruits per cane. In addition, leaf nutrient Ca and Mg concentrations were significantly enhanced, compared to the control. The efficacy of BUD 14 as a more target-oriented and environmentally friendly alternative method of supplying plants with smaller and controlled amounts of nutrients for breaking bud dormancy and improving their development was demonstrated, enhancing flower and fruit quality, leaf nutrition, kiwifruit developmental characteristics, and finally the total production per fruit per tree