Borohydride electro-oxidation on Pt single crystal electrodes

The borohydride oxidation reaction on platinum single-crystal electrodes has been studied in sodium hydroxide solution using static and rotating conditions. The results show that borohydride electro-oxidation is a structure sensitive process on Pt surfaces. Significant changes in the measured currents are observed at low potentials. In this region, the Pt(111) electrode exhibits the lowest activity, whereas the highest currents are measured for the Pt(110) electrode. The behavior of the different electrodes is discussed taking as reference the observed behavior on the blank electrolyte and the possible formation of weakly adsorbed intermediates.This work has been financially supported by the MICINN (Spain) (project 2013-44083-P) and Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEOII/2014/013)

Adsorbed Formate is the Last Common Intermediate in the Dual-Path Mechanism of the Electrooxidation of Formic Acid

ACKNOWLEDGMENT This work has been financially supported by MINECO-FEDER (Spain) through project CTQ2016-76221-P. A.B. and A.C. gratefully acknowledge the support of the University of aberdeen.Peer reviewedPostprin

Insight into the role of adsorbed formate in the oxidation of formic acid from pH-dependent experiments with Pt single-crystal electrodes

Acknowledgments This research was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain) (grant number PID2019-105653GB-I00), Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) grant number PROMETEO/2020/063. M.S. and A.C. gratefully acknowledge the support of the University of Aberdeen.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

NanoFS: a hardware-oriented file system

NanoFS is a novel file system for embedded systems and storage-class memories (like flash) and is specially designed to be directly implemented in hardware. NanoFS is based on an original internal layout intended to achieve an optimal hardware implementation of the file system’s file lookup and data fetch operations. File system spe-cification on a sample reader module completely implemented in a pro-grammable device is introduced

Minimalistic SDHC-SPI hardware reader module for boot loader applications

This paper introduces a low-footprint full hardware boot loading solution for FPGA-based Programmable Systems on Chip. The proposed module allows loading the system code and data from a standard SD card without having to re-program the whole embedded system. The hardware boot loader is processor independent and removes the need of a software boot loader and the related memory resources. The hardware overhead introduced is manageable, even in low-range FPGA chips, and negligible in mid- and high-range devices. The implementation of the SD card reader module is explained in detail and an example of a multi-boot loader is offered as well. The multi-boot loader is implemented and tested with the Xilinx's Picoblaze microcontroller

A trans‐omics comparison reveals common gene expression strategies in four model organisms and exposes similarities and differences between them

The ultimate goal of gene expression regulation is on the protein level. However, because the amounts of mRNAs and proteins are controlled by their synthesis and degradation rates, the cellular amount of a given protein can be attained by following different strategies. By studying omics data for six expression variables (mRNA and protein amounts, plus their synthesis and decay rates), we previously demonstrated the existence of common expression strategies (CESs) for functionally related genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we extend that study to two other eukaryotes: the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and cultured human HeLa cells. We also use genomic data from the model prokaryote Escherichia coli as an external reference. We show that six-variable profiles (6VPs) can be constructed for every gene and that these 6VPs are similar for genes with similar functions in all the studied organisms. The differences in 6VPs between organisms can be used to establish their phylogenetic relationships. The analysis of the correlations among the six variables supports the hypothesis that most gene expression control occurs in actively growing organisms at the transcription rate level, and that translation plays a minor role. We propose that living organisms use CESs for the genes acting on the same physi-ological pathways, especially for those belonging to stable macromolecular complexes, but CESs have been modeled by evolution to adapt to the specific life circumstances of each organism

Automated performance evaluation of skew-tolerant clocking schemes

In this paper the authors evaluate the timing and power performance of three skew-tolerant clocking schemes. These schemes are the well known master–slave clocking scheme (MS) and two schemes developed by the authors: Parallel alternating latches clocking scheme (PALACS) and four-phase parallel alternating latches clocking scheme (four-phase PALACS). In order to evaluate the timing performance, the authors introduce algorithms to obtain the clock waveforms required by a synchronous sequential circuit. Separated algorithms were developed for every clocking scheme. From these waveforms it is possible to get parameters such as the non-overlapping time and the clock period. They have been implemented in a tool and have been used to compare the timing performance of the clocking schemes applied to a simple circuit. To analyse the power consumption the authors have electrically simulated a simple circuit for several operation frequencies. The most remarkable conclusion is that it is possible to save about 50% of the power consumption of the clock distribution network by using PALACS.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología TEC 2004-00840/MI

An extensive search algorithm to find feasible healthy menus for humans.

Promoting healthy lifestyles is nowadays a public priority among most public entities. The ability to design an array of nutritious and appealing diets is very valuable. Menu Planning still presents a challenge which complexity derives from the problems’ many dimensions and the idiosyncrasies of human behavior towards eating. Among the difculties encountered by researchers when facing the Menu Planning Problem, being able of fnding a rich feasible region stands out. We consider it as a system of inequalities to which we try to fnd solutions. We have developed and implemented a two-phase algorithm -that mainly stems from the Randomized Search and the Genetic- that is capable of rapidly fnding an pool of solutions to the system with the aim of properly identifying the feasible region of the underlying problem and proceed to its densifcation. It consists of a hybrid algorithm inspired on a GRASP metaheuristic and a later recombination. First, it generates initial seeds, identifying best candidates and guiding the search to create solutions to the system, thus attempting to verify every inequality. Afterwards, the recombination of diferent promising candidates helps in the densifcation of the feasible region with new solutions. This methodology is an adaptation of other previously used in literature, and that we apply to the MPP. For this, we generated a database of a 227 recipes and 272 ingredients. Applying this methodology to the database, we are able to obtain a pool of feasible (healthy and nutritious) complete menus for a given D number of days.Open Access granted by Universidad de Málaga / CBUA. This work has been partially supported by the Spanish *Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades *(MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) with grant ref PID2019-104263RBC42; and Junta de Andalucía with grant refs. P18-RT-1566, (contract ref CI-21-228) UMA18-FEDERJA- 065. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

Orientação motivacional e intenção de ser fisicamente ativo em estudantes de educação física: O papel da auto-eficácia motora

La motivación orientada a la tarea se vincula con la tendencia de los estudiantes de Educación Física a asociarse con una mayor probabilidad de ser físicamente activos en el futuro y fuera de las clases de Educación Física, mientras que la motivación orientada al ego estaría vinculada a una menor probabilidad de desarrollar estilos de vida activos. Además, la literatura existente ha mostrado que la percepción de autoeficacia también sería una variable que determina la intención de ser activo. Así, el objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar las relaciones entre la orientación motivacional y la intención de ser activo, analizando el papel de la autoeficacia motriz en estas relaciones. Para ello, se desarrolló un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales en el que se evaluaron los efectos directos e indirectos entre las variables. Participaron en esta investigación 478 adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 18 años (M=14.57; DT=1.15). Para la recogida de información se utilizaron elCuestionario Orientación al Ego y a la Tarea en el Deporte (TEOSQ), la Escala de Autoeficacia Motriz (MSES) y la Escala de Intención de Ser Físicamente Activo (MIFA). Los datos mostraron una relación positiva y directa entre la orientación a la tarea con la autoeficacia motriz y la intención de ser activo. Asimismo, los datos mostraron una relación positiva y directa entre la orientaciónal ego con la autoeficacia motora, pero no con la intención de ser activo. Asimismo, se observaron efectos indirectos y positivos entre la orientación a la tarea y al ego con la intención de ser activo. Por lo tanto, los resultados de este estudio muestran que podría ser necesario tener en cuenta la autoeficacia para comprender mejor las relaciones entre las orientaciones motivacionales y la intención de ser activo.Task-oriented is linked to the tendency of Physical Education students to be associated with a higher likelihoodof being physically active in the future and outside of Physical Education classes, while ego-oriented motivation is linked to a lower likelihood of developing active lifestyles. However, existing literature has shown that self-efficacy perception is also a variable that determines the intention to be active. Thus, this research aimed to analyze the relationships between motivational orientationand the intention to be active, examining the role of motor self-efficacy in these relationships. To this end, astructural equation model was developed in which direct and indirect effects between the variables were evaluated. A total of 478 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years old (M=14.57; SD=1.15) participated in this research. The Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), the Motor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), and the Intention of Being Physically Active Scale (MIFA) were used to collect information. The data showed a positive and direct relationship between task orientation with motor self-efficacy and intention to be active. Likewise, the data showed a positive and direct relationship between ego orientation and motor self-efficacy, but not to be active. Additionally, indirect and positive effects were observed between task and ego orientation to be active. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that it might be necessary to consider self-efficacy to better understand the relationships between motivational orientations and intention to be activeA orientação para a tarefa está ligada à tendência dos estudantes de Educação Física para serem fisicamente activos no futuro bem como fora das aulas de Educação Física. Por outro lado, a orientação para o ego está mais relacionada com uma menor probabilidade de desenvolverem estilos de vida activos. No entanto, a literatura existente tem demonstrado que a perceção de auto-eficácia seria também uma variável que determina a intenção de ser ativo. Assim, o objetivodo presente estudo foi analisar as relações entre a orientação motivacional e a intenção de ser ativo, analisando o papel da auto-eficácia motora nestas relações. Para isso, foi desenvolvido um modelo de equações estruturais no qual foram avaliados os efeitos diretos e indiretos. Participaram nesta investigação 478 adolescentes com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e os 18 anos (M=14,57; DP=1,15). Para a recolha de informação foram utilizados o Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ), aMotor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) e a Intention ofBeing Physically Active Scale (MIFA). Os dados revelaram uma relação positiva e direta entre a orientação para a tarefa, a auto-eficácia motora e a intenção de ser ativo. Além disso, os dados revelaram uma relação positiva e direta entre a orientação para o ego e a auto-eficácia motora, mas não com a intenção de ser ativo. Da mesma forma, foram observados efeitos indirectos positivos entre a orientação para a tarefa e a orientação para o ego com a intenção de ser ativo. Portanto, os resultados deste estudo sugerem que pode ser necessário considerar a autoeficácia para entender as relações entre as orientações motivacionais e a intenção de ser ativo

Effect of pH and Water Structure on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on platinum electrodes

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at different pH values has been studied at platinum single crystal electrodes using the hanging meniscus rotating disk electrode (HMRDE) configuration. The use of NaF/HClO4 mixtures allows investigating the reaction up to pH = 6 in solutions with enough buffering capacity and in the absence of anion specific adsorption. The analysis of the currents shows that the kinetic current density measured at 0.85 V for the Pt(111) electrode follows a volcano curve with the maximum located around pH = 9. This maximum activity for pH = 9 can be related to the effects of the electrode charge and/or water structure in the ORR. On the other hand, the catalytic activity for the other basal planes shows a monotonic behavior with a small dependence of the activity with pH. For stepped surfaces with (111) terraces, the behavior with pH changes gets closer to that of the Pt(111) surface as the terrace length increases. Additionally, the ORR curves show a dependence of the limiting diffusion current with pH. It is observed that the limiting current density diminishes as the pH increases in a potential region where hydrogen peroxide is readily reduced. These results suggest the existence of a bifurcation point in the mechanism previous to peroxide formation, in which OOH• is proposed as the bifurcation intermediate. The reduction of OOH• requires proton addition and would be more difficult at neutral pH values, justifying the diminution of the limiting currents.This work has been financially supported by the MCINN-FEDER (Spain) and Generalitat Valenciana (Feder) through projects CTQ2016-76221-P and PROMETEOII/2014/013, respectively. VBM thankfully acknowledges to MINECO the award of a pre-doctoral grant (BES-2014-068176, project CTQ2013-44803-P)