Predicting Fintech Innovation Adoption: the Mediator Role of Social Norms and Attitudes.

Digital innovation is challenging the traditional way of offering financial services to companies; the so-called Fintech phenomenon refers to startups that use the latest technologies to offer innovative financial services. Within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), the primary purpose of this paper is to develop a causal-predictive analysis of the relationship between Subjective Norms, Attitudes, and Perceived Behavioral Control with the Intention to Use and Behavioral Use of the Fintech services by companies. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling methodology was used with data collected from a survey of 300 companies. Our findings support the TRA and TPB models and confirm their robustness in predicting companies' intention and use of Fintech services. Financial technology innovators must understand the processes involved in users' adoption to design sound strategies that increase the viability of their services. Studying the antecedents of behavioral intention to adopt Fintech services can greatly help understand the pace of adoption, allowing these players to attract and retain customers better. This study contributes to the literature by formulating and validating TPB to predict Fintech adoption, and its findings provide useful information for banks and Fintech companies and lead to an improvement in organizational performance management in formulating marketing strategies.

Malaria quantitative POC testing using magnetic particles, a paper microfluidic device and a hand-held fluorescence reader.

A point-of-care (POC) device is reported for highly sensitive and selective detection of Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (Pf-LDH), a biomarker of malaria infection, based on a single-step magneto-immunoassay, a single-use microfluidic paper device and a customized hand-held fluorescence reader. The single-step magneto-immunoassay consists in a single 5-min incubation of immuno-modified magnetic particles (c-MAb-MPs), biotinylated detection antibody (bd-MAb), and an enzymatic signal amplifier (Poly-HRP). After on-chip MP concentration and washing, signal generation is achieved by adding a fluorescent enzymatic substrate (QuantaRed). Fluorescence signal is measured using a low-cost customized, portable, and sensible fluorescent detector. The POC affords quantitative Pf-LDH detection in <20 min, with a detection limit of 0.92 ng mL-1 (equivalent to 4.6 parasites µL-1). Furthermore, Pf-LDH quantitation in clinical samples correlates with that provided by the reference ELISA, is more sensitive than a commercial rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and entails little user intervention. These results show that fluorescent paper-based microfluidic devices can be exploited to simplify magneto-immunoassay handling, taking this type of test closer to the requirements of POC testing.

Optical design of InGaN/GaN nanoLED arrays on a chip: toward: highly resolved illumination.

The physical laws of diffraction limit the spatial resolution of optical systems. In contrary to most superresolution microscopy approaches used today, in our novel idea we are aiming to overcome this limit by developing a spatially resolved illumination source based on semiconductor nanoscale light emitting diode (nanoLED) arrays with individual pixel control. We present and discuss the results of optical simulations performed for such nanoLED emitter arrays and analyze the theoretical limits of this approach. As possible designs we study arrays of GaN nanofins and nanorods (obtained by etching nanofin arrays), with InGaN/GaN multi quantum wells embedded as active regions. We find that a suitable choice of the array dimensions leads to a reasonably directed light output and concentration of the optical power in the near field around an activated pixel. As a consequence, the spatial resolution for this type of microscopy should only be limited by the pixel pitch, and no longer by the optical diffraction. Realization of optimized nanoLED arrays has a potential to open new field of chip based superresolution microscopy, making super-high spatial resolution ubiquitously available.

Optimisation of a batch thermal combustion method using a tube furnace oxidation system (pyrolyser) and LSC for carbon-14 determination in environmental matrices.

Accelerator mass spectrometry and benzene synthesis coupled with liquid scintillation spectrometry are often used for accurate measurements of 14C activity in the environmental matrices. Thermal oxidation is one of the methods employed for 14C determination in environmental matrices. In this method, the sample is oxidised at high temperature (600-900 °C) to convert carbon species to CO2 and trapped in an amine-based absorber for determining the activity in a liquid scintillation counting (LSC) system. In this study, the performance of a commercially available tube furnace system (pyrolyser), for batch combustion of samples, was evaluated for the determination of 14C specific activity in terrestrial biota samples. Significant improvements over the manufacturer specified method, which is primarily designed for analysis of samples with activity well above the environmental background level, was implemented to achieve accurate determination of 14C specific activity at ambient background level. In the improved method, the CO2 produced from the combustion of the sample was isolated from the combustion products through cryogenic trapping and then absorbed in the absorber (Carbo-Sorb E) through a simple off-line transfer process. This allowed (i) optimisation of CO2 absorption by the absorber (2.2477 g of CO2/10 mL), (ii) achieving good accuracy and precision in the measurements, and a minimum detectable activity value of 13 Bq kg-1C for a counting time of 300 min (7 Bq kg-1C for 1000 min), (iii) avoiding uncertainty associated with the determination of recovery of 14C in the combustion and trapping process, and (iv) elimination of the need for an independent determination of carbon content (%) for expressing the results in terms of 14C specific activity. The method is capable of yielding accurate results with a deviation of <2.4% from the target value for IAEA C3 quality assurance reference material (with a relative standard deviation of 1.40%, and relative error of 0.34%). The combined uncertainty (1σ) associated with the measurements was computed to be 3.4%. Upon optimisation, the suitability of the method for the determination of 14C specific activity in typical terrestrial biota samples of clean air region (region not affected by local anthropogenic sources) and for the quantification of a small increase in the 14C activity above ambient levels in the vicinity of a nuclear power plant is demonstrated.

An internet of things-based intensity and time-resolved fluorescence reader for point-of-care testing.

A miniature internet of things (IoT)-based point-of-care testing (PoCT) fluorescence reader, able to perform both intensity and time-resolved measurements of different fluorescent tags, is presented. This low cost platform has been conceived for performing tests in low-resource and remote settings, displaying versatile performance and yet simple operation. It consists on an external case of 43 × 30 × 42 mm3 (built in a 3D-printer) where all the elements are fixed, including some basic optics (3 lenses and 2 filters), a laser diode and a custom designed Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) camera. Both, the laser and the camera are controlled by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) with IoT capabilities. The PoCT was validated by detecting Plasmodium antigen in a fluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a fluorescence substrate. The results were compared to those provided in parallel by two commercial fluorescent plate readers. As it will be shown, the PoCT fluorescent readout was more sensitive than its colorimetric counterpart. Furthermore, the PoCT displayed similar signal trends and levels of detection than the bulkier and more expensive commercial fluorescence plate readers. These results demonstrate that the PoCT platform developed could bring the performance of central laboratory assay techniques closer to the end-user level.

A phosphine-stabilized silylene rhodium complex.

The first phosphine-stabilized cationic rhodium silylene complex is reported. A dihydrido-silylene-Rh(iii) compound reacts with water and alcohols forming alkoxysilyl-Rh(iii) complexes and hydrogen gas. Moreover, benzophenone reacts with a cationic silylene rhodium complex leading to the reduction of the carbonyl group and the formation of an alkoxysilyl-Rh(iii) compound which has been identified as a likely intermediate in the mechanism for the hydrosilylation of ketones proposed by Hofmann and Gade.

Effect of the change of the ancillary carboxylate bridging ligand on the SMM and luminescence properties of a series of carboxylate-diphenoxido triply bridged dinuclear ZnLn and tetranuclear Zn2Ln2 complexes (Ln = Dy, Er).

Eleven new dinuclear and tetranuclear compounds of general formulae [Zn(µ-L)(µ-X)Ln(NO3)2]·nS, [Zn2Dy2(µ3-L')2(µ-sal)2(NO3)(CH3OH)](NO3)·5CH3OH and [Zn2Er2(µ3-L')2(µ-sal)2(CH3OH)2](NO3)2·4CH3OH (X = benzoate, anthracenate, diclofenac, salicylate, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate; Ln = Dy, Er; S = water, acetonitrile, methanol) were prepared from the N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-3-formyl-5-bromobenzyl)ethylenediamine compartmental ligand (H2L). Complexes 1-6 and 9-11 consist of diphenoxido-carboxylate triply bridged compounds, which differ mainly in the carboxylate bridging ligand. It should be noted that the acidic character of the salicylic acid promotes, in the presence of methanol, the methoxylation of the H2L ligand thereby yielding a hemiacetal H3L', which is able to connect the Ln(iii) ions of two ZnLn dinuclear units forming the Zn2Ln2 tetranuclear complexes 7 and 8. All compounds display SMM behaviour in the presence of an external field with effective energy barriers (Ueff) as high as 61 K. Magneto-structural data for these complexes reveal that their SMM behaviour is not only significantly affected by the type of Ln(iii) ion but also by the carboxylate bridging ligand connecting the Zn(ii) and Ln(iii) ions. Photoluminescence properties have also been accomplished, showing that the ligands are able to sensitize lanthanide centred emissions in the visible and near-infrared regions with variable capacity. Moreover, the analysis of the luminescence decay curves reveals emission lifetimes in the range of few microsecond or hundreds of nanoseconds for Dy(iii)-based or Er(iii)-based luminophores, respectively.

Versatile organoaluminium catalysts based on heteroscorpionate ligands for the preparation of polyesters.

A series of alkyl aluminium complexes based on heteroscorpionate ligands were designed as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters and ring-opening copolymerisation of epoxides and anhydrides. Treatment of AlX3 (X = Me, Et) with ligands bpzbeH [bpzbe = 1,1-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-2-butoxide], bpzteH [bpzte = 2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-1-para-tolylethoxide], and (R,R)-bpzmmH [(R,R)-bpzmm = (1R)-1-{(1R)-6,6-dimethyl-bicyclo[3.1.1]-2-hepten-2-yl}-2,2-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)ethoxide] for 2 hours at 0 °C afforded the mononuclear dialkyl aluminium complexes [AlMe2{κ2-bpzbe}] (1), [AlEt2{κ2-bpzbe}] (2), [AlMe2{κ2-(R,R)-bpzmm}] (3) and [AlEt2{κ2-(R,R)-bpzmm}] (4), and the dinuclear dialkyl complexes [AlMe2{κ2-bpzte}]2 (5) and [AlEt2{κ2-bpzte}]2 (6). The molecular structures of the new complexes were determined by spectroscopic methods and confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The alkyl-containing aluminium complexes can act as highly efficient single-component initiators for the ring-opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide and for the ring-opening copolymerisation of cyclohexene oxide and phthalic anhydride to give a range of biodegradable polyesters.

Alkene-alkyl interconversion: an experimental and computational study of the olefin insertion and ß-hydride elimination processes.

The preparation and characterization of various alkyl, allyl or alkene Rh(iii) and Ir(iii) complexes as well as studies on the intramolecular reactions leading to transformation of one into another are reported. The silyl-hydrido-Rh(iii) complex {Rh(H)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2](PPh3)}[BArF4], with a vacant coordination site, reacts with 1,5-cyclooctadiene (cod) leading to olefin insertion into the Rh-H bond and rearrangement to yield the 16e cyclooctenyl-Rh(iii) complex {Rh(η3-cyclooctenyl)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2]}[BArF4] (1). This compound can be also synthesized by reaction of the 18e chloride precursor {Rh(η3-cyclooctenyl)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2]Cl} with NaBArF4. The reaction of the thioether-silane SiMeH(o-C6H4SMe)2 with [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 (nbd = norbornadiene) leads to {Rh(σ-ntyl)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2]Cl} (ntyl = nortricyclyl) (2). The abstraction of chloride from this neutral 16e ntyl-Rh(iii) complex with NaBArF4 results in the unusual isomerization of σ-nortricyclyl into σ,π-norbornenyl forming the 16e and cationic {Rh(σ,π-nbyl)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2][BArF4] (nbyl = norbornenyl)} compound 3. Coordinatively saturated {Ir(η3-cyclooctenyl)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2]Cl} (4) has been synthesized by the reaction of [Ir(cod)Cl]2 with SiMeH(o-C6H4SMe)2. The reaction of 4 with NaBArF4 led to the formation of the unsaturated and cationic Ir(iii) compound {Ir(η3-cyclooctenyl)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2]}[BArF4] (5). Compound 5 shows low stability in solution and undergoes successive ß-hydride elimination and olefin insertion steps, which were elucidated by DFT calculations, to form 18e {Ir(H)[SiMe(o-C6H4SMe)2](η4-cod)}[BArF4] (6).

In vitro leishmanicidal and trypanocidal evaluation and magnetic properties of 7-amino-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Cu(II) complexes.

Two triazolopyrimidine complexes have been obtained from reaction between 7-amino-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (7atp) and Cu (II) salts. Crystal structures of [Cu2(µ-7atp)4Cl2]Cl2·4H2O (1) and [Cu2(µ-7atp)4(H2O)2](NO3)4·H2O (2) have been studied by X-ray diffraction methods and characterized by spectroscopic and thermal analysis. Magnetic studies of these dinuclear complexes have revealed the existence of moderate antiferromagnetic interactions between the copper ions, with J values of -91.2 and -96.1cm-1 respectively. It must be highlighted that the antiparasitic activity of these new complexes has been studied in vitro against three different strains of leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi, showing a higher efficacy than the 7atp ligand and the reference commercial drugs.

Patterns of a Rectal Microbicide Placebo Gel Use in a Preparatory Stage for a Phase I Trial Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men.

We examined young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men's (YGBMSM) usage patterns of a pre-coital, applicator-administered rectal placebo gel. An ethnically diverse sample of 94 YGBMSM (aged 18-30 years) were asked to insert hydroxyethylcellulose placebo gel rectally before receptive anal intercourse (RAI) and report their gel use through an interactive voice response system (IVRS) across 12 weeks. We used trajectory analyses to characterize participants' use of the rectal gel over the 12 weeks, and examine whether these trajectories varied based on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, application and insertion behaviors, and experiences using the placebo gel. A cubic model was the best fit for these longitudinal data, with two distinct trajectories of gel use observed. The first trajectory ('High with Varying Gel Use per Week') represented YGBMSM (N = 38; 40.3%) who reported using the rectal gel on several occasions per week. The second trajectory ('Low and Consistent Gel Use per Week') represented participants (N = 56; 59.7%) who reported a consistent average use of one gel per week. Participants in the High with Varying Gel Use Trajectory reported trying out a greater number of positions when inserting the gel across the 12-weeks than peers in the Low and Consistent Gel Use Trajectory. YGBMSM reporting more RAI occasions during the trial were more likely be present in the High with Varying Gel Use Trajectory than peers in the Low and Consistent Gel Use Trajectory. Future research examining how to facilitate gel application and adherence among YGBMSM is merited.

Antiparasitic activity against trypanosomatid diseases and novel metal complexes derived from the first time characterized 5-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidi-7(4H)-one.

A serie of isostructural complexes with general formula [M(ftpO)2(H2O)4] have been obtained from reaction between the first time characterized triazolopyrimidine derivative 5-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidi-7(4H)-one (HftpO) (1) and first row transition nitrates (M=Cu (2), Co (3), Ni (4) and Zn (5)). A copper complex with formula [Cu(HftpO)2(NO3)2(H2O)2]·H2O (6) was also isolated. HftpO and their metal complexes have been characterized by spectroscopic and thermal analysis and their crystal structures have been solved by X-ray diffraction methods. The isostructural compounds are mononuclear complexes where the triazolopyrimidine ligand acts as monodentate ligand through N3 nitrogen position. The crystal structure of these novel bis-5-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7(4H)-one-tetraaquo metal complexes offers an excellent opportunity at these complexes to acts as potential building blocks. Also, the antiparasitic activity of HftpO ligand against different leishmania and trypanosome strains has been studied.

Draft Genome Sequences of Neptuniibacter sp. Strains LFT 1.8 and ATR 1.1.

We present the draft genomes of two strains previously identified as Neptuniibacter sp. LFT 1.8 (= CECT 8936 = DSM 100781) and ATR 1.1 (= CECT 8938 = DSM 100783) isolated from larvae of great scallops (Pecten maximus) and seawater, respectively. Both strains surely constitute two novel species in this genus, with putative applications for aromatic compound degradation.

Complete Genome Sequence of Arcobacter sp. Strain LFT 1.7 Isolated from Great Scallop (Pecten maximus) Larvae.

Arcobacter sp. strain LFT 1.7 was isolated from great scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain LFT 1.7 formed an independent lineage in the genus Arcobacter The draft genome of LFT 1.7 was sequenced to determine the taxonomic position and ecological function of this strain.

A pentacoordinated norbornenyl-acyl-rhodium(iii) complex as a likely intermediate in the catalytic hydroacylation of norbornadiene.

[RhCl(NCO)(nbyl)(PR3)] (nbyl = σ-norbornenyl; NCO = quinoline-8-acyl; R = p-F-C6H4) (1) has been synthesized by the reaction of [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 (nbd = norbornadiene) with 2 equivalents of NCHO (quinoline-8-carbaldehyde) and 2 equivalents of PR3. Compound 1 has been fully characterized in solution and also in the solid state by X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 shows low stability in solution and undergoes slow ring closure isomerization to [RhCl(NCO)(ntyl)(PR3)] (ntyl = σ-nortricyclyl) (2) after 12 hours. Reaction of 1 with an extra equivalent of aldehyde (NCHO) and PR3 led to the formation of [RhCl(H)(NCO)(PR3)2] (3) and an equivalent of ketone, which is a hydroacylation product. The catalytic activity of 3 in the hydroacylation of nbd with NCHO is reported as well as the catalytic activity of compound 1. Compounds 1 and 3 are proposed as intermediate species in the catalytic hydroacylation of norbornadiene with NCHO.

To Use a Rectal Microbicide, First Insert the Applicator: Gel and Applicator Satisfaction Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men.

We examined how experiences with a rectal placebo gel and applicator used with receptive anal intercourse (RAI) related to young men who have sex with men's (YMSM) likelihood of using a rectal microbicide gel and applicator in the future. An ethnically diverse sample of 95 YMSM (aged 18 to 30 years) were asked to insert hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) placebo gel rectally before RAI during 12 weeks and report the product's acceptability (i.e., satisfaction with applicator and gel, respectively; perceived gel side effects; and sexual satisfaction when gel was used) and likelihood of future microbicide use. Main and interaction effects predicting future use intentions were tested using linear regression. We found a positive association between future use intentions and applicator satisfaction (b = .33, p < .001). In a subsequent interaction effects model, we found that greater gel satisfaction was associated with increased future use intentions; however, the strength of this relationship was magnified when YMSM reported greatest satisfaction with the rectal applicator. Applicator satisfaction may be a salient factor in YMSM's decision-making to use a rectal microbicide in the future. Although the importance of developing a satisfactory rectal microbicide gel for YMSM is undeniable for its future use, our results also emphasize the importance of developing strategies that increase YMSM's comfort and skill when using a rectal applicator. Future research examining how to optimize the design, properties, and characteristics of a rectal applicator as a strategy to promote greater satisfaction and use among YMSM is merited.

Mehran contrast nephropathy risk score: Is it still useful 10 years later?

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third cause of acquired acute renal impairment in hospital. CIN is related to increased in-hospital morbidity, mortality, costs of medical care, and long admissions. Because of this, we hypothesized it would be useful to determine the risk of CIN with scores such as the Mehran score. The aim of this study was to validate the Mehran score in a contemporary cohort of Spanish patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We assessed the calibration and discriminatory capacity of Mehran score to predict CIN in a cohort of 1520 patients with a definitive diagnosis of ACS and who underwent coronary angiography between March 2008 and June 2012. We excluded patients on chronic dialysis and those without data of contrast volume. The calibration of the model was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and discriminatory capacity was assessed by C-statistic, which is equivalent to the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: From the total group, 118 patients (7.8%) developed CIN. They were older, with higher rates of diabetes (DM) and hypertension and worse renal function and anemia (p<0.001). The odds ratios for different score components in Mehran's population versus our study were similar except for DM, hypotension, and intra-aortic balloon pump (1.6%, 2.68%, 2.55% vs 0.9%, 1.89%, and 2.86%, respectively). Calibration and discriminatory capacity of Mehran score were excellent with a Hosmer-Lemeshow p=0.7, C-statistic value >0.8. CONCLUSIONS: Mehran risk score has been validated in our study as a good score for predicting CIN in patients with ACS who underwent coronary angiography. According to this, we support its use in patients hospitalized for ACS in order to identify the ones at risk, and to optimize CIN prophylactic therapy prior to and after catheterization.

EURECCA consensus conference highlights about colon & rectal cancer multidisciplinary management: the radiology experts review.

Some interesting shifts have taken place in the diagnostic approach for detection of colorectal lesions over the past decade. This article accompanies the recent EURECCA consensus group reccomendations for optimal management of colon and rectal cancers. In summary, imaging has a crucial role to play in the diagnosis, staging assessment and follow up of patients with colon and rectal cancer. Recent advances include the use of CT colonography instead of Barium Enema in the diagnosis of colonoic cancer and as an alternative to colonoscopy. Modern mutlidetector CT scanning techniques have also shown improvements in prognostic stratification of patients with colonic cancer and clinical trials are underway testing the selective use of neoadjuvant therapy for imaging identified high risk colon cancers. In rectal cancer, high resolution MRI with a voxel size less or equal to 3 × 1 × 1 mm3 on T2-weighted images has a proven ability to accurately stage patients with rectal cancer. Moreover, preoperative identification of prognostic features allows stratification of patients into different prognostic groups based on assessment of depth of extramural spread, relationship of the tumour edge to the mesorectal fascia (MRF) and extramural venous invasion (EMVI). These poor prognostic features predict an increased risk of local recurrence and/or metastatic disease and should form the basis for preoperative local staging and multidisciplinary preoperative discussion of patient treatment options.

Actualización de la estadificación del cáncer de próstata

En nuestro país el cáncer de próstata es la neoplasia más frecuente en hombres de edad avanzada. Por ello, resulta indispensable una adecuada estadificación al momento de establecer la estrategia terapéutica. En este artículo se presenta la 7.a edición del sistema TNM de estadifi cación para el cáncer de próstata, vigente desde el 1.º de enero de 2010. El mismo ha tenido modifi caciones mayores con respecto a la 6.a edición.

In our country prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in older men. An accurate staging is very important to establish treatment strategies.This article presents the 7th edition TNM staging system for prostate cancer, effective January 1, 2010. This has undergone major changes over the 6th edition.

First examples of metal-organic frameworks with the novel 3,3'-(1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-diyl)dibenzoic spacer. Luminescence and adsorption properties.

We report the synthesis of a novel ligand, 3,3'-(1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid (1). In this fragment, we have introduced two carboxylate groups with the aim of using this ligand as a linker to construct three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). We have been successful in the formation of zinc (2) and lanthanum (3) MOFs. The zinc compound is a two-dimensional structure, while the lanthanum material is a three-dimensional MOF with interesting channels. We include the luminescence and adsorption studies of these materials. Moreover, we have evaluated the in vitro toxicity of this novel ligand, concluding that it can be considered negligible.