Design-for-test structure to facilitate test vector application with low performance loss in non-test mode.

A switching based circuit is described which allows application of voltage test vectors to internal nodes of a chip without the problem of backdriving. The new circuit has low impact on the performance of an analogue circuit in terms of loss of bandwidth and allows simple application of analogue test voltages into internal nodes. The circuit described facilitates implementation of the forthcoming IEEE 1149.4 DfT philosophy [1]

Religion, place and space: a framework for investigating historical geographies of religious identities and communities

This is the author's post-print version. The definitive version is available at http://phg.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/30/1/28Despite a well-established interest in the relationship between space and identity, geographers still know little about how communal identities in specific places are built around a sense of religious belonging. This paper explores both the theoretical and practical terrain around which such an investigation can proceed. The paper makes space for the exploration of a specific set of religious groups and practices, which reflected the activities of Methodists in Cornwall during the period 1830-1930. The paper is concerned to move analysis beyond the `officially sacred' and to explore the everyday, informal, and often banal, practices of Methodists, thereby providing a blueprint for how work in the geography of religion may move forward

L'impact de la correction systématique des questions à choix multiples ayant une faible discrimination sur la fiabilité de l'évaluation : une analyse via des séries chronologiques interrompues

At our centre, we introduced a continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiative during academic year 2018-19 targeting for repair multiple choice question (MCQ) items with discrimination index (D) < 0.1. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of this initiative on reliability/internal consistency of our assessments. Our participants were medical students during academic years 2015-16 to 2020-21 and our data were summative MCQ assessments during this time. Since the goal was to systematically review and improve summative assessments in our undergraduate program on an ongoing basis, we used interrupted time series analysis to assess the impact on reliability. Between 2015-16 and 2017-18 there was a significant negative trend in the mean alpha coefficient for MCQ exams (regression coefficient -0.027 [-0.008, -0.047], p = 0.024). In the academic year following the introduction of our initiative (2018-19) there was a significant increase in the mean alpha coefficient (regression coefficient 0.113 [0.063, 0.163], p = 0.010) which was then followed by a significant positive post-intervention trend (regression coefficient 0.056 [0.037, 0.075], p = 0.006). In conclusion, our CQI intervention resulted in an immediate and progressive improvement reliability of our MCQ assessments.Dans notre centre, nous avons introduit une initiative d'amélioration continue de la qualité (ACQ) au cours de l'année académique 2018-19 ciblant la correction des questions à choix multiples (QCM) dont l'indice de discrimination (D) est < 0,1. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer l'impact de cette initiative sur la fiabilité/cohérence interne de nos évaluations. Nos participants étaient des étudiants en médecine au cours des années académiques 2015-16 à 2020-21 et nos données provenaient d’évaluations sommatives par QCM au cours de cette période. Comme l'objectif était de revoir et d'améliorer systématiquement les évaluations sommatives dans notre programme prégradué sur une base continue, nous avons utilisé une analyse basée sur des séries chronologies interrompues pour évaluer l'impact sur la fiabilité. Entre 2015-16 et 2017-18, il y a eu une tendance négative significative dans le coefficient alpha moyen pour les examens utilisant des QCM (coefficient de régression -0,027 [-0,008, -0,047], p = 0,024). Au cours de l'année académique suivant l'introduction de notre initiative (2018-19), il y a eu une augmentation significative du coefficient alpha moyen (coefficient de régression 0,113 [0,063, 0,163], p = 0,010) qui a été suivie d'une tendance positive significative après l'intervention (coefficient de régression 0,056 [0,037, 0,075], p = 0,006). En conclusion, notre intervention d'ACQ a entraîné une amélioration immédiate et progressive de la fiabilité de nos évaluations par QCM

175 GHz, 400-fs-pulse harmonically mode-locked surface emitting semiconductor laser

We report a harmonically mode-locked vertical external cavity surface emitting laser (VECSEL) producing 400 fs pulses at a repetition frequency of 175 GHz with an average output power of 300 mW. Harmonic mode-locking was established using a 300 µm thick intracavity single crystal diamond heat spreader in thermal contact with the front surface of the gain sample using liquid capillary bonding. The repetition frequency was set by the diamond microcavity and stable harmonic mode locking was achieved when the laser cavity length was tuned so that the laser operated on the 117th harmonic of the fundamental cavity. When an etalon placed intracavity next to the gain sample, but not in thermal contact was used pulse groups were observed. These contained 300 fs pulses with a spacing of 5.9 ps. We conclude that to achieve stable harmonic mode locking at repetition frequencies in the 100s of GHz range in a VECSEL there is a threshold pulse energy above which harmonic mode locking is achieved and below which groups of pulses are observed

Exploring the Experiences of Gay Men with Regards to Eating, Exercise, and Mindfulness-Based Concepts

Existing research investigating gay men’s eating behavior has focused on stereotypes and body image, rather than to understand why disordered eating is prevalent in gay men. The current study adopted a qualitative approach and employed interview methodology to explore gay men’s attitudes, feelings and experiences of their eating behavior, and the potential link to mindfulness and self-compassion. Twenty gay men aged from 21 to 51 years were interviewed using an interview schedule with open-ended questions. Three main themes emerged from the transcript data sets: “Lean to be Seen,” “Sod it ‘I’ll Have a Pizza,” and “You Can’t Sit with Us.” The first theme was developed following responses that participant’s eating behavior and exercise engagement were influenced by their perceived attractiveness by the gay community. All participants spoke of achieving or maintaining a slim or muscular body type and adopted their eating behavior or exercise regime to reach corresponding goals. The second theme relates to the lack of acceptance felt from the gay community upon not conforming to the bodily expectations set out by the community. The third theme relates to the conflicts in participants’ attitudes around how exercising and eating healthily would improve their mental well-being; but that they also would give preference to calorie dense foods to reduce stress. These reflections are observed through a context of self-kindness and self-compassion and are seen to be related to increased feelings of self-criticism and body dissatisfaction. The limitations and implication for this research and suggestions for future research are discussed