New ultracool subdwarfs identified in large-scale surveys using Virtual Observatory tools: Part I: UKIDSS LAS DR5 vs SDSS DR7

The aim of the project is to improve our knowledge on the low-mass and low-metallicity population to investigate the influence of metallicity of the stellar (and substellar) mass function. We present the results of a photometric and proper motion search aimed at unearthing ultracool subdwarfs in large-scale surveys. We employed and combined the UKIDSS LAS DR5 and the SDSS DR7 complemented with ancillary data from 2MASS, DENIS and SuperCOSMOS. The SDSS DR7 vs UKIDSS LAS DR5 search returned a total of 32 ultracool subdwarf candidates, only two being recognised as a subdwarf in the literature. Twenty-seven candidates were followed-up spectroscopically in the optical between 600 and 1000 nm. We confirmed 20 candidates as subdwarfs, extreme subdwarfs or ultra-subdwarfs with spectral types later than M5; this represents a success rate of ~60%. Among those 20 new subdwarfs, we identified 2 early-L subdwarfs very likely located within 100 pc that we propose as templates for future searches because they are the first examples of their subclass. Another 7 sources are solar-metallicity M dwarfs with spectral types between M4 and M7 without Halpha emission, suggesting that they are old M dwarfs. The remaining 5 candidates do not have spectroscopic follow-up yet; only 1 remains as a bona-fide ultracool subdwarf after revision of their proper motions. We assigned spectral types based on the current classification schemes and, when possible, we measured their radial velocities. Using the limited number of subdwarfs with trigonometric parallaxes, we estimated distances between 90 and 600 for the new subdwarfs. We provide mid-infrared photometry from WISE for two subdwarfs and discuss their colours. Finally, we estimate a lower limit of the surface density of ultracool subdwarfs of the order of 5000-5700 times lower than that of solar-metallicity late-M dwarfs (Shortened).Comment: Accepted by A&A, 18 pages, 11 figures, 2 figures in Appendix, 7 tables. Paper not yet corrected by A&A language edito

The Solar Neighborhood XXIII CCD Photometric Distance Estimates of SCR Targets -- 77 M Dwarf Systems within 25 Parsecs

We present CCD photometric distance estimates of 100 SCR (SuperCOSMOS RECONS) systems with $\mu$ $\geq$ 0\farcs18/yr, 28 of which are new discoveries previously unpublished in this series of papers. These distances are estimated using a combination of new $VRI$ photometry acquired at CTIO and $JHK$ magnitudes extracted from 2MASS. The estimates are improvements over those determined using photographic plate $BRI$ magnitudes from SuperCOSMOS plus $JHK$, as presented in the original discovery papers. In total, 77 of the 100 systems investigated are predicted to be within 25 pc. If all 77 systems are confirmed to have $\pi$$_{trig}$ $\ge$ 40 milliarcseconds, this sample would represent a 23% increase in M dwarf systems nearer than 25 pc in the southern sky.Comment: 34 pages, 8 figure

Intérêt des balados dans la formation continue en pharmacie hospitalière : revue narrative, balisage et phase pilote

Objectif : L’objectif principal du projet est de recenser les données sur les balados. Les objectifs secondaires sont de vérifier l’utilisation des balados par les chefs des départements de pharmacie et de tester la faisabilité de produire quatre balados. Méthode : Revue de littérature. Sondage auprès des chef de département de pharmacie du Québec. Faisabilité et réalisation de quatre balados auprès de quatre pharmaciens exerçant au Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine. Résultats : Dix-neuf articles portant sur les balados dans le domaine de la santé ont été recensés, notamment des initiatives hétérogènes, particulièrement en médecine et en pharmacie. Seulement 21 % (5/24) des chefs des départements de pharmacie des établissements de santé du Québec avaient écouté plus de six balados. Vingt pour cent (4/20) des hôpitaux sondés au Québec en avaient produit un, mais aucun département de pharmacie de ces mêmes établissements de santé. Notre équipe a produit quatre balados entre juin et août 2022. Quinze des 16 membres ciblés (94 %) du département ont répondu au sondage d’appréciation après l’écoute des balados pilotes. Près de la moitié (40 %) considéraient que leur durée était trop longue et tous les répondants considéraient que les balados étaient utiles aux étudiants en réflexion de carrière. Conclusion : Il existe peu de données entourant l’utilisation des balados dans le domaine de la santé. Cette étude descriptive met en évidence le peu de données publiées dans la littérature. Un balisage auprès des chefs de département de pharmacie du Québec confirme un recours limité aux balados en pratique, mais un intérêt pour ce mode de diffusion pour la formation continue des pharmaciens hospitaliers. Abstract Objective: The primary objective of the project was to compile data on podcasts. The secondary objectives were to assess the use of podcasts by chief pharmacists and to examine the feasibility of producing four podcasts. Method: Literature review. Survey distributed to chief pharmacists in Quebec health-care centres. Feasibility and development of four podcasts with four Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine pharmacists. Results: Nineteen articles on podcasts in health-care were identified, notably pertaining to a wide variety of initiatives specifically in medicine and pharmacy. Only 21% (5/24) of chief pharmacists in Quebec’s health-care centres had listened to more than six podcasts. Twenty percent (4/20) of the hospitals surveyed in Quebec had produced one podcast, but none of the pharmacy departments in these centres had produced any. Our team created four podcasts between June and August 2022. Fifteen of the sixteen department members who were approached (94%) responded to the satisfaction survey after listening to the pilot podcasts. Nearly half (40%) of respondents felt that the podcasts were too long, and all of them felt that they were useful for students planning their career. Conclusion: There are few data on the use of podcasts in the health-care field. This descriptive study highlights the paucity of published data. A survey among chief pharmacists in Quebec health-care centres confirmed the limited use of podcasts in practice, but also revealed an interest in using podcasts for hospital pharmacists’ continuing education

Two Small Temperate Planets Transiting Nearby M Dwarfs in K2 Campaigns 0 and 1

The prime Kepler mission revealed that small planets (<4 R_⊕) are common, especially around low-mass M dwarfs. K2, the repurposed Kepler mission, continues this exploration of small planets around small stars. Here we combine K2 photometry with spectroscopy, adaptive optics imaging, and archival survey images to analyze two small planets orbiting the nearby field-age M dwarfs, K2-26 (EPIC 202083828) and K2-9. K2-26 is an M 1.0 ± 0.5 dwarf at 93 ± 7 pc from K2 Campaign 0. We validate its planet with a day period of 14.5665 and estimate a radius of 2.67_(-0.42)^(+0.46)R_⊕. K2-9 is an M2.5 ± 0.5 dwarf at 110 ± 12 pc from K2 Campaign 1. K2-9b was first identified by Montet et al.; here we present spectra and adaptive optics imaging of the host star and independently validate and characterize the planet. Our analyses indicate K2-9b is a 2.25_(-0.96)^(+0.53)R_⊕ planet with a 18.4498 day period. K2-26b exhibits a transit duration that is too long to be consistent with a circular orbit given its measured stellar radius. Thus, the long transits are likely due to the photoeccentric effect and our transit fits hint at an eccentric orbit. Both planets receive low incident flux from their host stars and have estimated equilibrium temperatures <500 K. K2-9b may receive approximately Earth-like insolation. However, its host star exhibits strong GALEX UV emission which could affect any atmosphere it harbors. K2-26b and K2-9b are representatives of a poorly studied class of small planets with cool temperatures that have radii intermediate to Earth and Neptune. Future study of these systems can provide key insight into trends in bulk composition and atmospheric properties at the transition from silicate dominated to volatile rich bodies

Characterization of the Benchmark Binary Nltt 33370

We report the confirmation of the binary nature of the nearby, very low-mass system NLTT 33370 with adaptive optics imaging and present resolved near-infrared photometry and integrated light optical and near-infrared spectroscopy to characterize the system. VLT-NaCo and LBTI-LMIRCam images show significant orbital motion between 2013 February and 2013 April. Optical spectra reveal weak, gravity sensitive alkali lines and strong lithium 6708 ˚A absorption that indicate the system is younger than field age. VLT-SINFONI near-IR spectra also show weak, gravity sensitive features and spectral morphology that is consistent with other young, very low-mass dwarfs. We combine the constraints from all age diagnostics to estimate a system age of ∼30-200 Myr. The 1.2-4.7 µm spectral energy distribution of the components point toward Teff = 3200 ± 500 K and Teff = 3100 ± 500 K for NLTT 33370 A and B, respectively. The observed spectra, derived temperatures, and estimated age combine to constrain the component spectral types to the range M6-M8. Evolutionary models predict masses of 113 ±8 MJup and 106±7 MJup from the estimated luminosities of the components. KPNO-Phoenix spectra allow us to estimate the systemic radial velocity of the binary. The Galactic kinematics of NLTT 33370AB are broadly consistent with other young stars in the Solar neighborhood. However, definitive membership in a young, kinematic group cannot be assigned at this time and further follow-up observations are necessary to fully constrain the system’s kinematics. The proximity, age, and late-spectral type of this binary make it very novel and an ideal target for rapid, complete orbit determination. The system is one of only a few model calibration benchmarks at young ages and very low-masses.Astronom

Pratiques déclarées d’adaptation de l’enseignement en contexte d’inclusion d’élèves de deuxième cycle du secondaire ayant une dyslexie

Au Québec, dans l’enseignement secondaire, l’inclusion d’élèves de deuxième cycle ayant une dyslexie dans les classes ordinaires est obligatoire. Neuf enseignants de français du deuxième cycle du secondaire ont été interrogés afin de 1) décrire, selon eux, ce qu’est la dyslexie et 2) identifier les pratiques déclarées d’adaptation de l’enseignement en contexte d’inclusion d’élèves de deuxième cycle du secondaire ayant une dyslexie. L’analyse des données obtenues lors d’entretiens semi-dirigés démontre que, chez ces enseignants, la définition de la dyslexie demeure parfois floue et nécessite un approfondissement. Par contre, les gestes d’adaptation sont variés et nombreux. Par ailleurs, certains enseignants perçoivent l’inclusion négativement, entre autres parce qu’ils disent manquer de formation et de soutien pour réussir cette inclusion.In secondary education in Quebec, the inclusion of second-cycle students with dyslexia in regular classes is mandatory. Nine second-cycle secondary school French teachers were interviewed in order to 1) describe how they define dyslexia; 2) identify declared practices of educational adaptation in a context of including second-cycle secondary school students with dyslexia; and 3) summarize the interviewed teachers’ needs pertaining to academic inclusion. Analysis of the data obtained in semi-structured interviews demonstrates that, among these teachers, definitions of dyslexia are sometimes vague and require further development. However, a variety of adaptation measures were mentioned. Some teachers, moreover, perceived inclusion in a negative light, among other things because they said they lacked the training and support to be able to implement it successfully.En enseñanza en la secundaria en Quebec, la inclusión de alumnos de segundo ciclo con dislexia en las clases regulares es obligatoria. Nueve docentes de Francés del segundo ciclo de la secundaria fueron entrevistados con el objetivo de 1) describir, en sus propias palabras, lo que es la dislexia; 2) poner de relieve las prácticas declaradas de adaptación de la enseñanza en contexto de inclusión de alumnos de segundo ciclo de la secundaria con dislexia y 3) resumir las necesidades de los docentes entrevistados en cuanto a la inclusión escolar. El análisis de los datos colectados durante entrevistas semi-dirigidas demuestra que, para estos docentes, la definición de la dislexia a veces sigue siendo confusa y necesita aclaración. En cambio, los gestos de adaptación son variados y numerosos. Por otro lado, algunos docentes perciben la inclusión de manera negativa, entre otros motivos porque consideran que carecen de formación y de apoyo para lograr tal inclusión

Indoor swimming pool environments and self-reported irritative and respiratory symptoms among lifeguards

<p>A web survey was conducted among 870 lifeguards (current and former) to assess the relationship between exposure to indoor swimming pool environments and respiratory health. Associations between respiratory symptoms and asthma with varying lengths of occupational exposure were assessed by multiple logistic regression. Lifeguards exposed more than 500 hours in the previous 12 months experienced more cough (adjustedOR = 2.54, IC95 % = 1.51–4.25), throat (aOR = 2.47, IC95 % = 1.44–4.24) and eye irritation (aOR = 4.34, IC95 % = 2.52–7.50) during this period than non-exposed lifeguards. Upper and lower respiratory symptoms while on duty were related to duration of lifetime exposure (> 500 days vs. ≤ 50 days: Upper aOR = 5.84, IC95 % = 3.60–9.50; Lower aOR = 2.53, IC95 % = 1.58–4.06). Physician-diagnosed asthma was high among lifeguards (23 %). Highly exposed asthmatic lifeguards (> 500 hours) over the previous 12 months had a significantly higher risk (aOR = 3.74, IC95 % = 1.39–10.02) of suffering from asthma attack(s) than non-exposed asthmatic subjects. Exposure to indoor swimming pool environments is related to respiratory symptoms among lifeguards.</p

Auto-étalonnage en microscopie sans lentille couleur.

International audienceLensless color microscopy (also called in-line digital color holography) is a recent quantitative 3D imaging method used in several areas including biomedical imaging and microfluidics. By targetting cost effective and compact designs, the wavelength of the low-end sources used is only imprecisely known, in particular because of their temperature and power supply voltage dependence. This imprecision is the source of biases during the reconstruction step. An additional source of error is the crosstalk phenomenon, i.e., the mixture in color sensors of signals originating from different color channels. We propose to use a parametric inverse problem approach to achieve the self-calibration of a digital color holographic setup. This process provides an estimation of the central wavelengths and of the crosstalk. We show that taking the crosstalk phenomenon into account in the reconstruction step improves its accuracy.La microscopie sans lentille couleur (également appelée holographie numérique couleur en ligne) est une méthode d'imagerie 3D quantitative récente utilisée dans plusieurs domaines, dont l'imagerie biomédicale et la microfluidique. Lorsqu'on s'intéresse à des conceptions bas coût et compactes, les longueurs d'ondes des sources utilisées ne sont pas connues précisemment, notamment en raison de leur dépendance à la température et à la tension d'alimentation. Cette imprécision est la source de biais lors de l'étape de reconstruction. Une source d'erreur supplémentaire qui peut être présente dans ce type de montage, est le phénomène de "cross talk", c'est-à-dire le mélange des signaux des différentes longueurs d'ondes sur les canaux RGB de la matrice de Bayer du capteur. Nous proposons d'utiliser une approche de type problèmes inverses paramétrique pour réaliser un auto-étalonnage de ce type de configuration holographique couleur bas coût. Cette approche fournit une estimation des longueurs d'ondes centrales des sources et du "cross-talk". Nous montrons que la prise en compte du phénomène de "cross-talk" dans la phase de reconstruction améliore sa précision