Microsusceptometría SQUID aplicada a nanodiscos superconductores

Trabajo Fin de Máster: Máster en Física y Tecnologías Físicas. Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada.Peer Reviewe

Driving mechanisms and streamwise homogeneity in molecular dynamics simulations of nanochannel flows

In molecular dynamics simulations, nanochannel flows are usually driven by a constant force, that aims to represent a pressure difference between inlet and outlet, and periodic boundary conditions are applied in the streamwise direction resulting in an homogeneous flow. The homogeneity hypothesis can be eliminated adding reservoirs at the inlet and outlet of the channel which permits us to predict streamwise variation of flow properties. It also opens the door to drive the flow by applying a pressure gradient instead of a constant force. We analyze the impact of these modeling modifications in the prediction of the flow properties, and we show when they make a difference with respect to the standard approach. It turns out that both assumptions are irrelevant when low pressure differences are considered, but important differences are observed at high pressure differences. They include the density and velocity variation along the channel (the mass flow rate is constant) but, more importantly, the temperature increase and slip length decrease. Because viscous heating is important at high shear rates, these modeling issues are also linked to the use of thermostating procedures. Specifically, selecting the region where the thermostat is applied has a critical influence on the results. Whereas in the traditional homogeneous model the choices are limited to the fluid and/or the wall, in the inhomogeneous cases the reservoirs are also available, which permits us to leave the region of interest, the channel, unperturbed

Making finance fun: the gamification of personal financial management apps

Although gamification is a trending topic, few studies have explored its use in the finance industry. Drawing on SDT and the TAM, this study extends previous research and adds new insights into the effects of gamification in this context. This study integrates self-determination theory (SDT) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explore how gamification increases users' motivation and intention to use personal financial management (PFM) apps, and how it facilitates their adoption. Data from 208 users of the Mint app were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results showed that gamifying PFM apps satisfies users' needs for competence and autonomy and enhances their autonomous motivation to use them. Users' motivation increases their perceptions of ease of use and usefulness of the apps and causes them to develop more favorable attitudes toward them. The findings also confirmed a relationship between users' attitudes toward PFM apps and the behavioral intention to use them. To investigate the generalizability of results, studies using other PFM apps would be useful. The cross-sectional nature of the research also limits its causal inference. This research provides support for the use of gamification in PFM apps and offers suggestions that may help fintech companies and banks to persuade users to engage with their apps

Flow and business simulation games: A typology of students

In the context of management training business simulation games are increasingly emerging as pedagogical tools for motivating and engaging players actively in the learning experience. Business simulation games provide opportunities for students to enter the flow state. However, few studies have applied flow theory in this specific context. Using data from a two-wave longitudinal study with a sample of 430 students who played a business simulation game, this research draws on the four-channel model of flow to identify subgroups of students based on their levels of skill and challenge and to analyse the evolution of their optimal experience of flow. In addition, it explores whether students in flow achieve higher learning outcomes; in particular, students’ perceived learning, satisfaction and skills development

Gamification in sport apps: the determinants of users'' motivation

Purpose: Gamification is a tool with great potential to motivate individuals to increase their physical activity. That is why sport apps for mobile devices, such as Nike+ or Strava, have integrated game elements. There is, however, little evidence of gamification''s effectiveness in this field. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to analyze the impact of game elements included in gamified sports'' apps on the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (i.e. competence, autonomy and relatedness). Similarly, the research analyzes the impact of these needs on autonomous motivation. Design/methodology/approach: To achieve these goals, data were collected from users of gamified sport apps, using an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings: The results showed that interaction in the app with achievement-related game elements satisfied the needs for competence, autonomy and relatedness; social-related elements satisfied the need for relatedness; and immersion-related elements satisfied the needs for competence and autonomy. Similarly, satisfaction of the needs for autonomy and relatedness while using the app is crucial to experience autonomous motivation. Practical implications: The findings of this study provide guidelines for practitioners and app developers. Originality/value: Based on self-determination theory, the paper provides new insights into the relationship between game elements included in sport apps and individuals'' basic psychological needs and motivation

A polarizable ion model for the structure of molten AgI

The results are reported of the molecular dynamics simulations of the coherent static structure factor of molten AgI at 923 K using a polarizable ion model. This model is based on a rigid ion potential, to which the many body interactions due to the anions induced polarization are added. The calculated structure factor is in better agreement with recent neutron diffraction data than that obtained by using simple rigid ion pair potentials. The Voronoi-Delaunay method has been applied to study the relationship between voids in the spatial distribution of cations and the prepeak of the structure factor.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figure