Polarization-selective branching of stop gaps in three-dimensional photonic crystals

We study the direction- and wavelength-dependent polarization anisotropy in light scattering at the air-photonic crystal interface as a function of angle of incidence for TE and TM polarized light. This is done using optical reflectivity measurements at high-symmetry points in the Brillouin zone of a three-dimensional photonic crystal with fcc symmetry. Polarized reflectivity measurements indicate the presence of stop gap branching for TE polarization, which is absent for TM polarization till the Brewster angle at K point. In contrast, stop gap branching is present for both TE and TM polarizations at W point due to the intricate mixing of crystal planes. This characteristic behavior signifies the inevitable role of energy exchange in the stop gap branching. The measured polarization anisotropy shows a prominent shift in the Brewster angle for on-resonance wavelength as compared to the off-resonance along both K and W points, and that, in accordance with theory. Our results have implications in polarization-induced light scattering in sub-wavelength photonic structures like plasmonic crystals, and meta-materials.Comment: 15 pages, 7 figure

Zika Virus Concern and Preventative Behaviors During Pregnancy: Analysis of 2017 Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Data

INTRODUCTION: Zika virus infection can cause severe health complications in pregnant women that include microcephaly and other congenital anomalies in the developing fetus. There is evidence that Zika virus can be spread through unprotected sex. Prevention is the only defense to protect pregnant women and their infants from Zika virus. What preventative behaviors these pregnant women take is most likely influenced by their concern about Zika virus. Little is known about the level of concern about Zika virus, and about preventative behaviors such as condom use, among pregnant women in Georgia. AIM: The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of concern about Zika virus among women in Georgia with live birth in 2017 and to examine the frequency of condom use among sexually active respondents during their most recent pregnancy. METHODS: This cross- sectional study used secondary data collected by Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System in 2017. Descriptive analyses were performed on variables of interest. Chi squared tests examined associations between level of concern about Zika virus and socio-demographic variables. A multivariable logistic regression model that controlled for age, education, race/ethnicity, marital status was used to examine the behavior of consistent condom use when having sex during pregnancy and Zika virus concern. RESULTS: A total of 955 respondents (age range 18-45) completed the survey. Less than half of the women (n =418,47.4%) were concerned about Zika virus. The distribution of those that were concerned was different by race/ethnicity, level of education, age and marital status of women in Georgia with live birth in 2017. Less than 10% of Georgian women with recent live birth in 2017 consistently used condoms when having sex during pregnancy. Consistent use of condoms was mot associated with the level of concern of Zika virus. Among the women, those of Hispanic race/ethnicity were more likely to consistently use condoms during their most recent pregnancy (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 11.37; 95%CI: 3.95-32.81) when compared to Non-Hispanic white women, and this association was found to be statistically significant (p\u3c0.0001). CONCLUSION: Consistent use of condoms by sexually active women in Georgia during pregnancy appears to vary by race/ethnicity and relationship status and level of education of these women. Findings of this study point to opportunities for engagement on Zika virus awareness and help with refining risk messaging for prevention of Zika virus to pregnant women

Monitoring and forecasting of intensive convective precipitation with the use of the mobile meteorological radar (MMR50)

This paper is focused on current possibilities of the measurement and predictions of intense convective precipitation through the mobile meteorological radar (MMR50). This meteorological radar equipment is part of the Information, Notification and Warning system of the Zlin Region in the Czech Republic, which consists of information and communication infrastructure for dealing with extraordinary events. The first chapter describes basic principles of radar precipitation measurement, e.g. radar estimate of rainfall intensity and radar products. The second chapter presents a methodology of measuring and predicting of intense convective precipitation using the mobile meteorological radar (MMR50), including other possibilities of precipitation forecast as NWP models, aerological, satellite, station measurements, statistics of historical situations, the risk of flash floods on the degree of soils saturation and the possibility of observation of dangerous accompanying phenomena. The last chapter deals with the verification of the principles of radar measurements and forecasts in a case study on 24th July 2015. Torrential rainfall in a combination with hail and strong wind gusts caused heavy flooding in the central part of Zlin region, which caused considerable material damage. Timely and quality information about the current and future formation and development of intense convective precipitation is essential for flood prevention measures. Acquired findings and conclusions can be used for crisis management in case of a possible occurrence of flash floods.Internal Grant Agency of Tomas Bata University [IGA/ FAI/2016/023

Teaching English in India —The Use of Technologically Enhanced Realia in the Classroom

In India acquisition of English language is imperative if one wants to sell oneself in the increasingly competitive job market. With a booming population the nation is filled with educated, technologically literate youth. English is not merely a foreign language in India. As India is separated by a plethora of languages knowledge of English is imperative. As the teachers in India are not native speakers of English the language they teach is not free from errors. The articulation is quite problematic as the mother tongue influence is quite pronounced. Technology helps to reduce these errors. Movies as a tool can enhance the listening and speaking skills of our students. It is quite boring to work with disembodied voices and the recorded conversations available in language labs do not sustain the learner’s interest. However learners are often forced to listen to recorded conversations of people they never see, the conversation is often stilted and contemporary idiom is hardly used. However, a completely new dimension to aural practice can be added in the classroom by using movies

A community-based qualitative study on the experience and understandings of intimate partner violence and HIV vulnerability from the perspectives of female sex workers and male intimate partners in North Karnataka state, India.

BACKGROUND: Research has increasingly documented the important role that violence by clients and the police play in exacerbating HIV vulnerability for women in sex work. However few studies have examined violence in the intimate relationships of women in sex work, or drawn on community partnerships to explore the social dynamics involved. A community-based participatory research study was undertaken by community and academic partners leading intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV prevention programs in Bagalkot district, Karnataka state, India. The purpose was to explore the experience and understandings of intimate partner violence and HIV/AIDS among women in sex work and their intimate partners in Bagalkot that would inform both theory and practice. METHODS: A community-based, interpretive qualitative methodology was used. Data was collected between July and October 2014 through in-depth interviews with 38 participants, including 10 couples, 13 individual female sex workers, and 5 individual male intimate partners. Purposive sampling was done to maximize variation on socio-demographic characteristics. Thematic content analysis was conducted through coding and categorization for each interview question in NVivo 10.0, followed by collaborative analysis to answer the research questions. RESULTS: The results showed that an array of interrelated, multi-level factors underlay the widespread acceptance and perpetuation of violence and lack of condom use in participants' intimate relationships. These included individual expectations that justified violence and reflected societal gender norms, compounded by stigma, legal and economic constraints relating to sex work. The results demonstrate that structural vulnerability to IPV and HIV must be addressed not only on the individual and relationship levels to resolve relevant triggers of violence and lack of condom use, but also the societal-level to address gender norms and socio-economic constraints among women in sex work and their partners. CONCLUSION: The study contributes to a better understanding on the interplay of individual agency and structural forces at a time when researchers and program planners are increasingly pondering how best to address complex and intersecting social and health issues. Ongoing research should assess the generalizability of the results and the effectiveness of structural interventions aiming to reduce IPV and HIV vulnerability in other contexts

Pursuing Authenticity From Process to Outcome in a Community-Based Participatory Research Study of Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Vulnerability in North Karnataka, India.

Community-based participatory research has been seen to hold great promise by researchers aiming to bridge research and action in global health programs and practice. However, there is still much debate around whether achieving authenticity in terms of in-depth collaboration between community and academic partners is possible while pursuing academic expectations for quality. This article describes the community-based methodology for a qualitative study to explore intimate partner violence and HIV/AIDS among women in sex work, or female sex workers, and their male partners in Karnataka, South India. Developed through collaborative processes, the study methodology followed an interpretive approach to qualitative inquiry, with three key components including long-term partnerships, knowledge exchange, and orientation toward action. We then discuss lessons learned on how to pursue authenticity in terms of truly collaborative processes with inherent value that also contribute to, rather than hinder, the instrumental goal of enhancing the quality and relevance of the research outcomes

Ayurvedic Personalized Healthcare: Integrating Genomics, Epigenomics and Traditional Wisdom

In the evolving landscape of personalized medicine, integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern genomic science presents a transformative opportunity for healthcare. This paper explores the concept of Prakriti, the unique constitution of individuals as defined in Ayurveda, and its potential correlation with genetic profiles. By merging Ayurvedic insights with genomic and epigenomic research, we propose a framework for personalized healthcare that considers both genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors. The study outlines practical approaches, including the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis to identify genetic variations linked to specific Prakriti types, and the role of epigenetics in understanding how lifestyle choices influence gene expression. Additionally, we discuss the implementation of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to identify biomarkers that can enhance disease prevention and treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. By fostering collaboration between Ayurvedic practitioners and genomic researchers, we aim to promote a holistic understanding of health that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary science. Ultimately, this integration not only enriches personalized healthcare but also paves the way for innovative treatment solutions that honor both genetic diversity and traditional knowledge

Zika virus Concern and Preventative Behaviors During Pregnancy: Analysis of 2017 Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data

Background: Zika virus infection can cause severe health complications in pregnant women such as microcephaly and other congenital anomalies in the developing fetus but it can be prevented. It is imperative to develop an understanding of concern about Zika virus among pregnant women as this can influence their Zika virus preventative behaviors. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of Zika virus concern among women in Georgia with live births in 2017 and to examine the frequency of condom use among those who were sexually active during their most recent pregnancy. Methods: This cross- sectional study used secondary data collected by Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System in 2017. Descriptive analyses were performed on variables of interest. Chi squared tests examined associations between level of concern about Zika virus and socio-demographic variables. Results: A total of 955 women (age range 18-45) completed the survey. Less than half of the women (n =418,47.4%) reported they were concerned about Zika virus. Consistent use of condoms was not associated with the level of concern of Zika virus. Among the women, those of Hispanic race/ethnicity were more likely to consistently use condoms during their most recent pregnancy (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 11.37; 95%CI: 3.95-32.81) when compared to Non-Hispanic white women, and this association was found to be statistically significant (p\u3c0.0001). Conclusion: Consistent use of condoms by sexually active women in Georgia during pregnancy appears to vary by race/ethnicity for these women. Findings of this study point to opportunities for engagement on Zika virus awareness and help with refining risk messaging for prevention of Zika virus (or other diseases of global concern) to pregnant wome

Weak convergence of balanced stochastic Runge-Kutta methods for stochastic differential equations

In this paper, weak convergence of balanced stochastic one-step methods and especially balanced stochastic Runge–Kutta (SRK) methods for Itô multidimensional stochastic differential equations is analyzed. Generalizing a corresponding result obtained by H. Schurz for the standard Euler method, it is shown that under certain conditions, balanced one-step methods preserve the weak convergence properties of their underlying methods. As an application, this allows to prove the weak convergence order of the balanced SRK methods presented in earlier work by A. Rathinasamy, P. Nair and D. Ahmadian