Innovative concepts of Integrated Solar Combined Cycles (ISCC) using a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is one of the most promising ways for electricity production of the upcoming years with high penetration of intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar-photovoltaics. This is due to the fact that CSP when coupled to Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system enables large, inexpensive and flexible energy dispatch, which contributes to energy grid stabilization. At the same time, TES allows for steady operation of the power block by reducing undesirable fluctuations due to weather transient conditions and increasing the number of hours that the power block operates at design conditions 1. Despite the abovementioned advantages of CSP systems, a step further is needed for increase overall system efficiency and decrease CO2 emissions. Several studies have been performed considering high efficiency plant layouts such as combined cycle. For the latter, several works have been investigated about solar integration of combined cycle using parabolic trough and solar tower technologies. In both cases, solar energy was used for water/steam preheating and evaporation steps of the Rankine cycle in combination with the exhaust gases of fossil-fuel gas turbine engine. However, no research has been performed considering ISCC coupled with a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). In this research, two innovative layouts of ISCC power plants will be analyzed. First considers a ISCC based on solar tower and second a ISCC with a parabolic trough collector field coupled to the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). The objective of this research is analyze the energy behavior of both layouts, selecting the best ISCC scheme to be coupled with a SOFC. The simulations will be performed using Thermoflex software. In both layouts, a SOFC is introduced before the combustion chamber at the topping cycle, and a Rankine cycle (bottoming cycle) with 2 pressures is considered.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Experiences in teaching Hydrogen Technologies in the framework of the International Campus of Excellence Andalucia TECH

The increasing importance of hydrogen technologies is demanding prepared professionals in the numerous topics related to this energy vector. Apart from some basic and advanced courses given by actual experts in these topics, universities must play an important role in the general formation of future professionals. In this way, the International Campus of Excellence (ICE) Andalucía TECH has created several degrees taught jointly by its participating universities of Seville (US) and Málaga (UMA). Among those degrees, Energy Engineering is the best suited to the field of this conference because this degree provide future engineers with specialized training in energy generation, transformation and management. In relation to hydrogen technologies this degree includes a cross sectional optional unit named Hydrogen Based Systems (4.5 ECTS/112.5 h), which is placed in the last term of the fourth year and sharing space with work placement and mobility courses. This paper will present some author’s experiences as teachers of that unit during its short history of only three years. In spite of being a joint degree, which is coordinated between both universities (US and UMA) trying to give similar contents, it is interesting to highlight the differential experiences coming from the teachers of both universities in relation to the teaching methodologies and academic results.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Synthesis and catalytic activity of well-defined Co(i) complexes based on NHC–phosphane pincer ligands

A new methodology for the preparation of Co(I)–NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes, namely, [Co(PCNHCP)(CO)2][Co(CO)4] (1) and [Co(PCNHCP)(CO)2]BF4 (2), has been developed (PCNHCP = 1,3-bis(2-(diphenylphosphanyl)ethyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene). Both complexes can be straightforwardly prepared by direct reaction of their parent imidazolium salts with the Co(0) complex Co2(CO)8. Complex 1 efficiently catalyses the reductive amination of furfural and levulinic acid employing silanes as reducing agents under mild conditions. Furfural has been converted into a variety of secondary and tertiary amines employing dimethyl carbonate as the solvent, while levulinic acid has been converted into pyrrolidines under solventless conditions. Dehydrocoupling of the silane to give polysilanes has been observed to occur as a side reaction of the hydrosilylation process

Benefits of Pilates in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

[ES] Pilates may be a beneficial method of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, no studies have critically reviewed the scientific evidence in this regard. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of Pilates as a rehabilitation strategy for PD. A systematic search of the electronic databases PubMed, PEDro, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus was conducted to identify studies related to the effect of Pilates on PD. The search timeframe ranged from the inception of each database to March 2019. The search resulted in the identification of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-RCT studies. The methodological quality of the investigations ranged from poor to fair. The descriptive analysis of the eight investigations showed that Pilates resulted in beneficial effects on fitness, balance and functional autonomy. A subsequent meta-analysis on the four RCTs indicated that Pilates was more effective than traditional training programmes in improving lower limb function. Pilates can be safely prescribed for people with mild-to-moderate PD. Preliminary evidence indicates that its practice could have a positive impact on fitness, balance and physical function. Its benefits on lower-body function appear to be superior to those of other conventional exercises. Future randomized studies with greater samples are needed to confirm these observations

Annexin A8 identifies a subpopulation of transiently quiescent c-kit positive luminal progenitor cells of the ductal mammary epithelium

We have previously shown that Annexin A8 (ANXA8) is strongly associated with the basal-like subgroup of breast cancers, including BRCA1-associated breast cancers, and poor prognosis; while in the mouse mammary gland AnxA8 mRNA is expressed in low-proliferative isolated pubertal mouse mammary ductal epithelium and after enforced involution, but not in isolated highly proliferative terminal end buds (TEB) or during pregnancy. To better understand ANXA8’s association with this breast cancer subgroup we established ANXA8’s cellular distribution in the mammary gland and ANXA8’s effect on cell proliferation. We show that ANXA8 expression in the mouse mammary gland was strong during pre-puberty before the expansion of the rudimentary ductal network and was limited to a distinct subpopulation of ductal luminal epithelial cells but was not detected in TEB or in alveoli during pregnancy. Similarly, during late involution its expression was found in the surviving ductal epithelium, but not in the apoptotic alveoli. Double-immunofluorescence (IF) showed that ANXA8 positive (+ve) cells were ER-alpha negative (−ve) and mostly quiescent, as defined by lack of Ki67 expression during puberty and mid-pregnancy, but not terminally differentiated with ~15% of ANXA8 +ve cells re-entering the cell cycle at the start of pregnancy (day 4.5). RT-PCR on RNA from FACS-sorted cells and double-IF showed that ANXA8+ve cells were a subpopulation of c-kit +ve luminal progenitor cells, which have recently been identified as the cells of origin of basal-like breast cancers. Over expression of ANXA8 in the mammary epithelial cell line Kim-2 led to a G0/G1 arrest and suppressed Ki67 expression, indicating cell cycle exit. Our data therefore identify ANXA8 as a potential mediator of quiescence in the normal mouse mammary ductal epithelium, while its expression in basal-like breast cancers may be linked to ANXA8’s association with their specific cells of origin

In-flow photocatalytic oxidation of NO on glasses coated with nanocolumnar porous TiO2 thin films prepared by reactive sputtering

The magnetron sputtering technique has been successfully employed for the preparation of porous TiO2 thin films on soda-lime glasses by means of an oblique angle deposition strategy. The morphology of the thin layers is affected by the deposition parameters, such as, the angle with respect to the target, applied power, total pressure, oxygen pressure and deposition time. It has been shown that 60–65° angles, lead to a compromise between the porosity, the level of oxidation and the thickness of the film. High total pressures of the deposition process result in less dense coatings of greater porosity. Moreover, the oxygen flow during the deposition process must be carefully adjusted for each set of deposition conditions, in order to achieve an optimum degree of oxidation. The evaluation of coated-glasses in the in-flow photocatalytic oxidation of nitrogen oxide has shown that the presence of a porous film is essential to achieve photocatalytic activity. The best performing coated-glass was able to reduce the NO concentration ca. 20% for 5 h. SEM and TEM images of this film show a microstructure composed of nanometric grains and a tilted columnar structure. Nanocrystal electron diffraction, XRD and Raman spectroscopy have confirmed the deposition of TiO2 anatase

Tuning PCP-Ir complexes: the impact of an N-heterocyclic olefin

A new PCP-type ligand based on an N-heterocyclic olefin (NHO) scaffold has been prepared. The flexibility of this ligand, which is able to adopt facial coordination modes in Ir(I) or meridional in Ir(III) complexes, can be attributed to the dual nature (ylide–olefin) of the NHO scaffold. This results in a rare case of olefin “slippage” that is supported by X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO/FEDER) (CONSOLIDER INGENIO CSD2009-0050, CTQ2011-27593 and CTQ2012-35665 projects) and the DGA/FSE-E07. The support from KFUPM-University of Zaragoza research agreement and the Centre of Research Excellence in Petroleum Refining & KFUPM is gratefully acknowledged.Peer Reviewe

Características de la canal de terneros de la Denominación de Origen Protegida Mirandesa

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar las características de la canal de la raza Mirandesa. Para llevar a cabo este estudio, un total de 20 animales de la raza Mirandesa fueron sacrificados a los 315 días. 24 horas tras el sacrificio, se determinó el peso canal y rendimiento canal, se realizaron las medidas morfométricas (longitud de la canal, longitud de la pierna, espesor de la pierna, profundidad interna del pecho y perímetro máximo de la pierna), se calcularon los siguientes índices: índice de compacidad de la canal e índice longitudinal transversal de la pierna y se realizó el despiece de los principales cortes comerciales. Los animales de la raza Mirandesa presentaron un peso vivo de 293,7 kg, un peso canal de 152 kg y un rendimiento canal de 60,5 %. En relación a las medidas morfométricas, la raza Mirandesa mostró una longitud de canal de 110 cm, una longitud de pierna de 69 cm y un perímetro de pierna de 89,8 cm. Los valores para el índice de compacidad de la canal y el índice longitudinal transversal de la pierna fueron de 1,4 y 3,7, respectivamente. Con respecto al quinto cuarto, la piel presentó los mayores porcentajes seguida de la cabeza y pies. Finalmente, la composición de las canales de la raza Mirandesa fue: 74,9 % de carne, 18,1 % de hueso y 7,0 % de grasa.The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass characteristics of Mirandesa breed. To carry out this study, a total of 20 animals of Mirandesa breed were slaughter at 315 days. After 24 hours of slaughter, carcass weight and dressing percentage were determined, and morphometric measurements (carcass length, leg length, leg width, leg perimeter, chest external depth, chest internal depth and leg maximum perimeter) were performed and the following indexes were calculated: carcass compactness index and hindlimb compactness index and the main commercial cuts were obtained. Animals from Mirandesa breed presented a 293.7 kg live weight, a 152 kg carcass weight and a dressing percentage of 60.5 %. Regarding morphometric measurements, animals from Mirandesa breed showed a carcass length of 110 cm, leg length of 69 cm and leg perimeter of 89.8 cm. The values for the carcass compactness index and hindlimb compactness index were 1.4 and 3.7, respectively. Respecting fifth quarter, skin showed the highest percentages following by head and feet. Finally, the percentages of Mirandesa breed’s carcass quartering were 74.9 % for meat, 18.1 % for bone and 7.0 % for fat.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

On the behavior of CO oxidation on shape-controlled Pt nanoparticles in alkaline medium

In this work, the behavior of the CO electro-oxidation reaction on shape-controlled Pt nanoparticles in alkaline medium was examined in order to understand the effect of the surface structure on this reaction. A series of experiments using Pt nanoparticles of different surface structures/shapes was used and the results obtained were compared with the previous knowledge gained from stepped platinum single crystal electrodes. Independently of the preferential orientation of the nanoparticles, the CO oxidation voltammetry exhibits two main peaks: one at ca. 0.56–0.59 V and the second one at 0.66–0.67 V, being the intensity of the peaks dependent on the shape of the nanoparticle. These two peaks have been assigned to the oxidation of CO on the (1 1 1) terraces and on the rest of the sites, respectively. The appearance of two differentiated peaks reveals that these (1 1 1) terraces and the rest of the sites on the nanoparticle surface behave independently of the presence of the other type of sites, that is, they are not connected. The results are discussed considering the effects of the surface mobility of CO and of the OH adsorption properties on the different sites in the oxidation peaks.Farias, M.J.S. would like to thanks CNPq, Brazil, for financial support for his postdoctoral stay at Universidad de Alicante. This work has been financially supported by the MICINN (Spain) (project CTQ2010-16271) and Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEO/2009/045, FEDER)

An alternative mechanistic paradigm for the β-Z hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes: The role of acetone as a silane shuttle

The β-Z selectivity in the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes has been hitherto explained by introduction of isomerisation steps in classical mechanisms. DFT calculations and experimental observations on the system [M(I)2{κ-C,C,O,O-(bis-NHC)}]BF4 (M=Ir (3 a), Rh (3 b); bis-NHC=methylenebis(N-2-methoxyethyl)imidazole-2-ylidene) support a new mechanism, alternative to classical postulations, based on an outer-sphere model. Heterolytic splitting of the silane molecule by the metal centre and acetone (solvent) affords a metal hydride and the oxocarbenium ion [R 3Si - O(CH3)2]+, which reacts with the corresponding alkyne in solution to give the silylation product [R 3Si - CHï£C - R]+. Thus, acetone acts as a silane shuttle by transferring the silyl moiety from the silane to the alkyne. Finally, nucleophilic attack of the hydrido ligand over [R3Si - CHï£C - R]+ affords selectively the β-(Z)- vinylsilane. The β-Z selectivity is explained on the grounds of the steric interaction between the silyl moiety and the ligand system resulting from the geometry of the approach that leads to β-(E)-vinylsilanes. Silanes catch the shuttle: An outer-sphere mechanism that explains the β-Z hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes based on the role of acetone as a silane shuttle is disclosed. Heterolytic splitting of the silane molecule by the metal centre and acetone affords a metal hydride and the oxocarbenium ion [R 3Si - O(CH3)2]+, which reacts with the alkyne in solution to give the silylation product [R3Si - CHï£C - R]+ (see figure). © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO/FEDER) (CONSOLIDER INGENIO-2010, CTQ2011-27593 projects, and “Ramón y Cajal” (P.J.S.M.) and “Juan de la Cierva” (M.I.) programmes) and the DGA/FSE (E07).Peer Reviewe