The design of novel multifunctional materials based on nanoparticles requires tuning of their magnetic properties, which are strongly dependent on the surface structure. The organic coating represents a unique tool to significantly modify the surface structure trough the bonds between the ligands of the organic molecule and the surface metal atoms. This work presents a critical overview of the effects of the organic coating on the magnetic properties of nanoparticles trough a selection of papers focused on different approaches to control the surface structure and the morphology of nanoparticles’ assemblies.

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We use a multiple-regime panel smooth transition regression to examine the economic and climatic sources of the nonuniform relationship between ElNiño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and maize yields around the globe. While the yield effect is predominantly observed in strongly teleconnected countries, it is amplified in lower income countries, which we attribute to possible lack of resilience to ENSO-induced weather shocks. Both ElNiño-like and LaNiña-like conditions result in maize yield reduction, but it is during ElNiño events when maize yields drop by up to 20% in most affected countries. Because in many of these countries maize is an important agricultural crop, the presented results are of interest to researchers and policy makers in the areas of world nutrition and international aid. Moreover, because larger share of maize is produced by high income weakly teleconnected countries, the observed geographic heterogeneity of the ElNiño impact offers possible benefits from global risk sharing. These findings also offer insights to climate change economics, as possible increased frequency of the ENSO cycle may negatively impact maize production in strongly teleconnected low income countries.

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