In−situ monitoring Poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanowire formation and shape evolution in solution via small angle neutron scattering

The crystallization of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) to form nanowires has attracted considerable interest because this process significantly increases the hole mobility when compared to amorphous P3HT, leading to improved performance in photovoltaic and other organic electronic devices. However, full characterization of the crystallization self-assembly of the polymer chains in solution has not been achieved yet, due to limited use of not destructive techniques. Here, we investigate the ageing-driven formation and evolution of regioregular (rr) P3HT nanostructures in chlorobenzene solution using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. We have monitored how the shape of the rr-P3HT aggregates evolves. The initial states for rr-P3HT chains are the random coils, which straighten to form rods. These subsequently π - π stack to form 2D lamellae, which further stack to create nanowires. The formation of nanowires is promoted both by the length of ageing and by low temperatures (). Temperatures above reverse the formation of nanowires. Additionally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and grazing incidence wide angle x-ray scattering (GIWAXS) reveal that the nanowires can be successfully aligned during deposition by off-axis spin coating. Finally, the anisotropic conductivity of the aligned rr-P3HT nanowire films is reported. This is significant for applications such as gas sensing or organic thin film transistors, where increased conductivity and controlled nanostructure are desirable

Diseño y desarrollo de experiencias lúdicas pervasivas geolocalizadas

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal ofrecer una visión específica sobre los retos de diseño de juegos pervasivos potenciando tres pilares básicos en ellos: uso de distintas fuentes de información, diversidad del área de juego e interconexión de distintos perfiles de jugadores. Esencialmente, en este trabajo presentamos cómo llevar a cabo el diseño de un juego pervasivo geolocalizado, poniendo como ejemplo el uso de una Yincana. Este campo ofrece nuevos retos y desafíos para conseguir el éxito a nivel de interacción en base a unir elementos lúdicos basado en sistemas de juegos y nuevos paradigmas como son la computación móvil, la realidad aumentada y mecanismos de geoposicionamiento interior y exterior. Finalmente se presenta las conclusiones del diseño y su puesta en práctica con un grupo de usuarios/as

Análisis de satisfacción en estrategias metodológicas en relación a los ambientes de aprendizaje

El presente trabajo se centra en el análisis de la satisfacción de los estudiantes con relación a los ambientes de aprendizaje generados a través de una propuesta de metodología activa en la cual utilizamos diferentes estrategias como la narrativa transmedia y la diversificación enfocada a los estilos de aprendizaje a través del uso de TICs. El estudio se ha llevado a cabo con alumnado de la asignatura Enseñanza de la Educación Física en Primaria de los Grados en Educación Primaria y Doble Grado de Educación Primaria y Actividad Física y Deporte. Como instrumento de valoración se ha empleado el cuestionario de Evaluación al Desempeño Docente. Como principales resultados y conclusiones, se encuentran diferencias significativas (p=0.010) en relación a la resolución de dudas, mejorándose la percepción del ambiente de trabajo a lo largo de los cursos analizados. Asimismo, los alumnos consideran que el uso de nuevas tecnologías y estrategias como diversificación de entornos de aprendizaje, les ayuda en la mejora de los mismos

The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs Photospheric parameters of target stars from high-resolution spectroscopy. II. Simultaneous multiwavelength range modeling of activity insensitive lines

We present precise photospheric parameters of 282 M dwarfs determined from fitting the most recent version of PHOENIX models to high-resolution CARMENES spectra in the visible (0.52–0.96 µm) and NIR wavelength range (0.96–1.71 µm). With its aim to search for habitable planets around M dwarfs, several planets of different masses have been detected. The characterization of the target sample is important for the ability to derive and constrain the physical properties of any planetary systems that are detected. As a continuation of previous work in this context, we derived the fundamental stellar parameters effective temperature, surface gravity, and metallicity of the CARMENES M-dwarf targets from PHOENIX model fits using a χ^(2) method. We calculated updated PHOENIX stellar atmosphere models that include a new equation of state to especially account for spectral features of low-temperature stellar atmospheres as well as new atomic and molecular line lists. We show the importance of selecting magnetically insensitive lines for fitting to avoid effects of stellar activity in the line profiles. For the first time, we directly compare stellar parameters derived from multiwavelength range spectra, simultaneously observed for the same star. In comparison with literature values we show that fundamental parameters derived from visible spectra and visible and NIR spectra combined are in better agreement than those derived from the same spectra in the NIR alone

Flipped Classroom educational innovation experience in a Master in Energy Engineering subject

En este trabajo se describe la experiencia de innovación llevada a cabo en la asignatura de Exergía, Termoeconomía y Cogeneración del Máster Universitario en Ingeniería Energética de la Universidad de Oviedo durante el curso 2019/2020. Los resultados de aprendizaje mostraban que parte del potencial del estudiantado se encontraba desaprovechado, por lo que se detectó la necesidad de conseguir un mejor aprovechamiento de las clases presenciales. Con este objetivo, se desarrolló un Proyecto de Innovación Docente basado en una metodología de aula invertida y de aprendizaje colaborativo, en el que los alumnos preparaban una serie de contenidos antes de acudir al aula para luego trabajar de forma colaborativa en la misma. Con dicho Proyecto, se ha conseguido mejorar sustancialmente los resultados de aprendizaje, así como lograr un mayor grado de satisfacción del estudiantado respecto a la asignatura y la metodología docente empleada. Las interacciones en el aula han mejorado notablemente y la confianza de los estudiantes en sí mismos y su conocimiento se ha reforzado. Finalmente, se recoge una autoevaluación de la mejora implementada, así como posibles propuestas para el futuro. La principal es la continuación de la mejora en el curso siguiente para poder evaluar su consolidación.This work describes the innovation experience performed in the subject Exergy, Thermoeconomy and Cogeneration of the Master in Energy Engineering of the University of Oviedo during the year 2019/2020. After reviewing the learning results of the students and realizing that part of their potential was being lost, the necessity of improving the time management in the classroom was identified. With this aim, a Teaching Innovation Project based on a flipped classroom and collaborative learning methodology was developed, in which the students prepared a series of contents at home, before coming to class, to work collaboratively afterwards in the classroom. With this Project, the learning results have been substantially improved. Additionally, the students feel more satisfied about the subject and the teaching methodology employed. The classroom interactions have noticeably improved and the self-confidence of students on themselves and their knowledge has been reinforced. Finally, a self-assessment of the implemented improvement has been performed and future proposals have been outlined. The main proposal is to continue the implemented improvement next term to evaluate its consolidation

Rate-equation calculations of the current flow through two-site molecular device and DNA-based junction

Here we present the calculations of incoherent current flowing through the two-site molecular device as well as the DNA-based junction within the rate-equation approach. Few interesting phenomena are discussed in detail. Structural asymmetry of two-site molecule results in rectification effect, which can be neutralized by asymmetric voltage drop at the molecule-metal contacts due to coupling asymmetry. The results received for poly(dG)-poly(dC) DNA molecule reveal the coupling- and temperature-independent saturation effect of the current at high voltages, where for short chains we establish the inverse square distance dependence. Besides, we document the shift of the conductance peak in the direction to higher voltages due to the temperature decrease.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure

Genomic Deletion Marking an Emerging Subclone of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica in France and the Iberian Peninsula

P. 7465-7470Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica is widely disseminated in North America and the boreal and temperate regions of the Eurasian continent. Comparative genomic analyses identified a 1.59-kb genomic deletion specific to F. tularensis subsp. holarctica isolates from Spain and France. Phylogenetic analysis of strains carrying this deletion by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis showed that the strains comprise a highly related set of genotypes, implying that these strains were recently introduced or recently emerged by clonal expansion in France and the Iberian PeninsulaS

Quantum transport through STM-lifted single PTCDA molecules

Using a scanning tunneling microscope we have measured the quantum conductance through a PTCDA molecule for different configurations of the tip-molecule-surface junction. A peculiar conductance resonance arises at the Fermi level for certain tip to surface distances. We have relaxed the molecular junction coordinates and calculated transport by means of the Landauer/Keldysh approach. The zero bias transmission calculated for fixed tip positions in lateral dimensions but different tip substrate distances show a clear shift and sharpening of the molecular chemisorption level on increasing the STM-surface distance, in agreement with experiment.Comment: accepted for publication in Applied Physics

The <i>Castalia</i> mission to Main Belt Comet 133P/Elst-Pizarro

We describe Castalia, a proposed mission to rendezvous with a Main Belt Comet (MBC), 133P/Elst-Pizarro. MBCs are a recently discovered population of apparently icy bodies within the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, which may represent the remnants of the population which supplied the early Earth with water. Castalia will perform the first exploration of this population by characterising 133P in detail, solving the puzzle of the MBC’s activity, and making the first in situ measurements of water in the asteroid belt. In many ways a successor to ESA’s highly successful Rosetta mission, Castalia will allow direct comparison between very different classes of comet, including measuring critical isotope ratios, plasma and dust properties. It will also feature the first radar system to visit a minor body, mapping the ice in the interior. Castalia was proposed, in slightly different versions, to the ESA M4 and M5 calls within the Cosmic Vision programme. We describe the science motivation for the mission, the measurements required to achieve the scientific goals, and the proposed instrument payload and spacecraft to achieve these