Scattering of surface plasmons by one-dimensional periodic nanoindented surfaces

In this work, the scattering of surface plasmons by a finite periodic array of one-dimensional grooves is theoretically analyzed by means of a modal expansion technique. We have found that the geometrical parameters of the array can be properly tuned to achieve optimal performance of the structure either as a Bragg reflector or as a converter of surface plasmons into light. In this last case, the emitted light is collimated within a few degrees cone. Importantly, we also show that a small number of indentations in the array are sufficient to fully achieve its functional capabilities.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures; changed sign convention in some definition

Meloe (Taphromeloe) foveolatus Guérin de Méneville, 1842

Peer reviewe

Nota sobre la taxonomía de Microtus (Iberomys) (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) del Pleistoceno superior de la Gruta do Caldeirão (Tomar, Portugal) e interpretación paleoclimática de la asociación de roedores

Gruta do Caldeirão is an archaeological cave site located in Tomar (Portugal, western Iberian Peninsula), which contains an important Late Pleistocene sequence from Middle Paleolithic (Mousterian) to Upper Paleolithic (Solutrean-Magdalenian), including lithic tools, human remains, and other large- and small-vertebrate remains. Our revision and interpretation of the rodent assemblage previously published in the 1990s leads to three important conclusions: 1) the only species of the subgenus Iberomys present in the sequence is the current endemic Iberian vole species Microtus (Iberomys) cabrerae (Cabrera’s vole); 2) the rodent assemblage is dominated through­out by open-forest species, such as the long-tailed field mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), and species associated with open-humid areas such as the Mediterranean and Lusitanian pine voles (Microtus (Terricola) spp.), with the notable presence of an extinct hamster (Allocricetus bursae) in layer K, and three vole species not currently found in the vicinity of the cave (Microtus arvalis [the common vole], M. Agrestis [the field vole], and Chionomys nivalis [the European snow vole]) also in the assemblage; 3) the bioclimatic model, which is used to reconstruct climatic parameters on the basis of the rodent association, corroborates the proposal that the Solutrean occupation from layers H to Fa took place during a cold period equated to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), as indicated by the available radiocarbon dates and supported by the magnetic susceptibility data.Gruta do Caldeirão es un yacimiento arqueológico en cueva situado en Tomar (Portugal, oeste de la península Ibérica), que contiene una importante secuencia perteneciente al Pleistoceno superior, adscrita culturalmente al Paleolítico medio (Musteriense) y Paleolítico superior (Solutrense-Magdaleniense), que incluye industria lítica, restos humanos y restos de grandes y pequeños vertebrados. La revisión e interpretación de la asociación de roedores de la secuencia, previamente publicada en los años 90 del siglo pasado, nos ha permitido remarcar tres importantes conclusiones: 1) la única especie del subgénero Iberomys presente en la secuencia es la espe­cie endémica actual de topillo Microtus (Iberomys) cabrerae (topillo de Cabrera); 2) la asociación de roedores está dominada en toda la secuencia por especies relacionadas con bosques abiertos, como el ratón de campo (Apodemus sylvaticus) y especies relacionadas con espacios abiertos-húmedos como los topillos mediterráneo y lusitánico (Microtus (Terricola) spp.), remarcando la presencia de un hámster extinto (Allocricetus bursae) en el nivel K y tres especies de topillos que no tienen representación actual en la zona circundante a la cavidad (Microtus arvalis - topillo campesino, Microtus agrestis – topillo agreste y Chionomys nivalis - topillo nival); 3) Finalmente, el método del Modelo Bioclimático, aplicado a la asociación de roedores, otorga resultados acordes con que la ocupaciones solutrenses situadas entre los niveles H y Fa están relacionadas con un periodo frío equi­parado con el Último Máximo Glacial (LGM), indicado por las dataciones de radiocarbono y anteriores estudios de susceptibilidad magnética de la secuencia

Design and validation of the soccer tactical knowledge test (STKT)

El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la validez de un test de evaluación del conocimiento táctico en fútbol. Siete expertos revisaron el instrumento y 465 niños/as de entre 8-14 años fueron encuestados. El 100% de acuerdo entre los expertos, la consistencia interna (α=.87), la correlación Testretest (r=.75) y la correlación entre el conocimiento táctico y el criterio externo de entrenadores de fútbol (p<.01), sugirieron que el instrumento era fiable. El contexto deportivo se mostró determinante sobre el nivel de conocimiento táctico (p<.01) apoyando la validez de constructo y concurrente. Estos resultados confirmaron la validez del instrumento para evaluar el conocimiento táctico en fútbol de jóvenes que se inician a los deportes de equipoThe purpose of the present study was to determine the validity of a tactical knowledge assessment test in soccer. Seven experts reviewed the instrument and 465 children aged 8 to 14 years completed the test. The experts’ opinion (100% agreement), internal consistency (α=.87), Test-retest correlation (r=.75), and the correlations between the soccer tactical knowledge and the external criterion of soccer coaches (r=.46, p<.01), showed reasonable evidence for assessing the test reliability. The sport context was determinant on the tactical knowledge (p<.01), supporting construct and concurrent validity. These results verify the validity of this instrument for assessing soccer tactical knowledge in young beginners who are starting to practice team sport

Unveiling the structure of the planetary nebula M 2-48: Kinematics and physical conditions

The kinematics and physical conditions of the bipolar planetary nebula M 2-48 are analysed from high and low dispersion long-slit spectra. Previous CCD narrow-band optical observations have suggested that this nebula is mainly formed by a pair of symmetric bow-shocks, an off-center semi-circular shell, and an internal bipolar structure. The bipolar outflow has a complex structure, characterised by a series of shocked regions located between the bright core and the polar tips. There is an apparent kinematic discontinuity between the bright bipolar core and the outer regions. The fragmented ring around the bright bipolar region presents a low expansion velocity and could be associated to ejection in the AGB-PN transition phase, although its nature remains unclear. The chemical abundances of the central region are derived, showing that M 2-48 is a Type I planetary nebula (PN)

Determination of the Kobayashi-Maskawa-Cabibbo matrix element V_{us} under various flavor-symmetry-breaking models in hyperon semileptonic decays

We study the success to describe hyperon semileptonic decays of four models that incorporate second-order SU(3) symmetry breaking corrections. The criteria to assess their success is by determining V_{us} in each of the three relevant hyperon semileptonic decays and comparing the values obtained with one another and also with the one that comes from K_{l3} decays. A strong dependence on the particular symmetry breaking model is observed. Values of V_{us} which do not agree with the one of K_{l3} are generally obtained. However, in the context of chiral perturbation theory, only the model whose corrections are O(m_s) and O(m_s^{3/2}) is successful. Using its predictions for the f_1 form factors one can quote a value of V_{us} from this model, namely, V_{us}=0.2176\pm 0.0026, which is in excellent agreement with the K_{l3} one.Comment: Final versio