Optimization of the Observing Cadence for the Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time: A Pioneering Process of Community-focused Experimental Design

Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a ground-based astronomical facility under construction, a joint project of the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, designed to conduct a multipurpose 10 yr optical survey of the Southern Hemisphere sky: the Legacy Survey of Space and Time. Significant flexibility in survey strategy remains within the constraints imposed by the core science goals of probing dark energy and dark matter, cataloging the solar system, exploring the transient optical sky, and mapping the Milky Way. The survey's massive data throughput will be transformational for many other astrophysics domains and Rubin's data access policy sets the stage for a huge community of potential users. To ensure that the survey science potential is maximized while serving as broad a community as possible, Rubin Observatory has involved the scientific community at large in the process of setting and refining the details of the observing strategy. The motivation, history, and decision-making process of this strategy optimization are detailed in this paper, giving context to the science-driven proposals and recommendations for the survey strategy included in this Focus Issue

In-service teachers’ perceptions of project-based learning

The study analyses teachers’ perceptions of methods, teacher roles, success and evaluation in PBL and traditional classroom instruction. The analysis is based on empirical data collected in primary schools and vocational secondary schools. An analysis of 109 questionnaires revealed numerous differences based on degree of experience and type of school. In general, project-based methods were preferred among teachers, who mostly perceived themselves as facilitators and considered motivation and transmission of values central to their work. Teachers appeared not to capitalize on the use of ICT tools or emotions. Students actively participated in the evaluation process via oral evaluation

Graphene synthesis and antibody immobilization techniques for iImmunosensors

The principle of antigen–antibody interaction is exploited for immunosensor development. Over the years, immunosensors have been fabricated for different applications, and the fabrication process has benefited from the use of nanomaterials. Graphene, a single-atom-thick layer of carbon, has been used to coat the sensing electrodes of immunosensors; antibodies are then immobilized onto the graphene-modified electrodes to produce graphene-based immunosensors. Here, we describe several techniques for producing graphene and its derivatives. We also focus on approaches for antibody immobilization on these graphene-modified electrodes

Recent advances in Surface Plasmon Resonance for biosensing applications and future prospects

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