Ground Level Enhancement in the 2014 January 6 Solar Energetic Particle Event

We present a study of the 2014 January 6 solar energetic particle (SEP) event, which produced a small ground level enhancement (GLE), making it the second GLE of this unusual solar cycle 24. This event was primarily observed by the South Pole neutron monitors (increase of ~2.5%) whereas a few other neutron monitors recorded smaller increases. The associated coronal mass ejection (CME) originated behind the western limb and had the speed of 1960 km/s. The height of the CME at the start of the associated metric type II radio burst, which indicates the formation of a strong shock, was measured to be 1.61 Rs using a direct image from STEREO-A/EUVI. The CME height at the time of GLE particle release (determined using the South Pole neutron monitor data) was directly measured as 2.96 Rs, from the STEREO-A/COR1 white-light observations. These CME heights are consistent with those obtained for the GLE71, the only other GLE of the current cycle as well as cycle-23 GLEs derived using back-extrapolation. GLE72 is of special interest because it is one of the only two GLEs of cycle 24, one of the two behind-the-limb GLEs and one of the two smallest GLEs of cycles 23 and 24

The First Ground Level Enhancement Event of Solar Cycle 24: Direct Observation of Shock Formation and Particle Release Heights

We report on the 2012 May 17 Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) event, which is the first of its kind in Solar Cycle 24. This is the first GLE event to be fully observed close to the surface by the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission. We determine the coronal mass ejection (CME) height at the start of the associated metric type II radio burst (i.e., shock formation height) as 1.38 Rs (from the Sun center). The CME height at the time of GLE particle release was directly measured from a STEREO image as 2.32 Rs, which agrees well with the estimation from CME kinematics. These heights are consistent with those obtained for cycle-23 GLEs using back-extrapolation. By contrasting the 2012 May 17 GLE with six other non-GLE eruptions from well-connected regions with similar or larger flare size and CME speed, we find that the latitudinal distance from the ecliptic is rather large for the non-GLE events due to a combination of non-radial CME motion and unfavorable solar B0 angle, making the connectivity to Earth poorer. We also find that the coronal environment may play a role in deciding the shock strength.Comment: 16 pages, 4 figures, 1 tabl

AIM for change: Supporting first year learning of best practice in scientific writing with a flipped, embedded academic integrity module

Scientific writing is a fundamental professional skill but remains a daunting task for the trainee scientist. Understanding, synthesising and integrating research are essential scientific writing skills; however, appropriate use of the literature continues to be problematic with many students accidentally plagiarising because they lack paraphrasing and citation skills [1]. Materials to support students in developing these skills tend to be decontextualised, generic, and even ignored if they simply inform students about what plagiarism is without providing opportunities for hands-on training [2]. Furthermore, appropriate use of literature varies within professional disciplines, causing potential confusion if learned outside a given course of study. As writing scientific reports accounts for a substantial proportion of most undergraduate science assessments, discipline specific academic literacy resources must be embedded early in the science curriculum. Such resources enhance student learning, build confidence and support the development of competent, employable science graduates. Integrating discipline-specific resources requires disciplinary experts to re-evaluate curriculum design and teaching practice. At our university, this re-evaluation is encouraged through both institutionally driven and grassroots level initiatives. For example, the university promotes the embedding of First Year curriculum principles [3] into subject design for a scaffolded transition to university learning and has implemented the First Year Experience project, in which small interdisciplinary teams embark on curriculum change and share their findings at faculty-developed Communities of Practice. These initiatives supported our project on embedding an interactive online Academic Integrity Module (AIM) on academic literacy and professional skills in scientific writing in a first year core subject. By blending out-of-classroom exercises (flipped learning approach) with workshops incorporating peer-to-peer interaction, students engaged in independent learning that was strengthened in a supportive, ‘learning by doing’ environment. In the pilot program, engagement in the project was strong, as 60% of students completed the bespoke AIM even though no marks were associated with it. Evaluation surveys revealed that students identified the importance of academic integrity to a science career (Likert score 4.19, n=245) and had a better understanding of why the correct use of the scientific literature was important for a scientific career (Likert score 4.17, n=247). On average, students who completed the online AIM performed better for the referencing criterion in their assessment than those who did not attempt the AIM. Following the principles of good practice of SoTL [4] we disseminated our findings locally via university forums, showcasing our working example of embedding institutional initiatives in the discipline of science. This has lead to collaboration with other disciplines to further develop and reframe our online AIM for different contexts. Our project clearly demonstrates how institutional initiatives can be successfully implemented and embedded into a large, first year science subject with positive outcomes for students’ learning and changing practice within the University. 1.Devlin, Gray (2007) Higher Education Research & Development, 26:181-198. 2.Bretag et al. (2014) Studies in Higher Education, 39:1150-1169. 3.Kift et al. (2010) The International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education, 1:1-20. 4.Felten (2013) Teaching & Learning Inquiry: The ISSOTL Journal, 1:121-125

Compton-like scattering of a scalar particle with N photons and one graviton

Tree-level scattering amplitudes for a scalar particle coupled to an arbitrary number N of photons and a single graviton are computed. We employ the worldline formalism as the main tool to compute the irreducible part of the amplitude, where all the photons and the graviton are directly attached to the scalar line, then derive a \u201ctree replacement\u201d rule to construct the reducible parts of the amplitude which involve irreducible pure N-photon two-scalar amplitudes where one photon line emits the graviton. We test our construction by verifying the on-shell gauge and diffeomorphism Ward identities, at arbitrary N

STEREO SECCHI COR1-A/B Intercalibration at 180 deg Separation

The twin Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) spacecraft reached a separation angle of 180 degrees on 6 February 2011. This provided a unique opportunity to test the intercalibration between the Sun-Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation (SECCHI) telescopes on both spacecraft for areas above the limb. So long as the corona is optically thin, at 180 degree separation each spacecraft sees the same corona from opposite directions. Thus, the data should appear as mirror images of each other. We report here on the results of the comparison of the images taken by the inner coronagraph (COR1) on the STEREO Ahead and Behind spacecraft in the hours when the separation was close to 180 degrees. We find that the intensity values seen by the two telescopes agree with each other to a high degree of accuracy. This validates both the radiometric intercalibration between the COR1 telescopes, and the method used to remove instrumental background from the images. The relative error between COR1-A and COR1-B is found to be less than 10(exp -9) B/B solar over most of the field-of-view, growing to a few x 10(exp -9) B/B solar for the brighter pixels near the edge of the occulter. The primary source of error is the background determination. We also report on the analysis of star observations which show that the absolute radiometric calibration of either COR1 telescope has not changed significantly since launch

Management of structural monitoring data of bridges using BIM

In addition to the traditional benefits that are associated with the installation of structural health monitoring systems, reductions in construction, operational, and maintenance costs and improved performance and quality can be achieved by effectively using the acquired data. However, considered in isolation, the raw data is of little use and value. It needs to be processed and put into a geometric context within the infrastructure asset, which facilitates the interpretation and analysis of the data. This supports informed decision making that leads to effective actions. This study outlines a new approach that enables to model structural performance monitoring systems in a BIM environment and hence permits visualising sensor data directly on BIM models. The paper addresses aspects related to (i) interoperability and standard data models, (ii) management and visualisation of monitoring data, and (iii) data interpretation and analysis. A prestressed concrete bridge, with a comprehensive built-in structural performance monitoring system, has been used as a case study. The case study demonstrates that by including and visualising monitoring data directly on BIM models, the acquired data gains geometrical context within the built asset, which facilitates better interpretation, analysis, and all the data-sharing benefits associated with the BIM approach.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Innovate UK (CSIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre (Grant ID: EP/L010917/1)

A Smartphone-Based Tool for Rapid, Portable, and Automated Wide-Field Retinal Imaging.

Purpose:High-quality, wide-field retinal imaging is a valuable method for screening preventable, vision-threatening diseases of the retina. Smartphone-based retinal cameras hold promise for increasing access to retinal imaging, but variable image quality and restricted field of view can limit their utility. We developed and clinically tested a smartphone-based system that addresses these challenges with automation-assisted imaging. Methods:The system was designed to improve smartphone retinal imaging by combining automated fixation guidance, photomontage, and multicolored illumination with optimized optics, user-tested ergonomics, and touch-screen interface. System performance was evaluated from images of ophthalmic patients taken by nonophthalmic personnel. Two masked ophthalmologists evaluated images for abnormalities and disease severity. Results:The system automatically generated 100° retinal photomontages from five overlapping images in under 1 minute at full resolution (52.3 pixels per retinal degree) fully on-phone, revealing numerous retinal abnormalities. Feasibility of the system for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening using the retinal photomontages was performed in 71 diabetics by masked graders. DR grade matched perfectly with dilated clinical examination in 55.1% of eyes and within 1 severity level for 85.2% of eyes. For referral-warranted DR, average sensitivity was 93.3% and specificity 56.8%. Conclusions:Automation-assisted imaging produced high-quality, wide-field retinal images that demonstrate the potential of smartphone-based retinal cameras to be used for retinal disease screening. Translational Relevance:Enhancement of smartphone-based retinal imaging through automation and software intelligence holds great promise for increasing the accessibility of retinal screening

Experimental Evaluation of Fatigue Damage Progression in Postbuckled Single Stringer Composite Specimens

The durability and damage tolerance of postbuckled composite structures are not yet completely understood, and remain difficult to predict due to the nonlinearity of the geometric response and its interaction with local damage modes. A research effort was conducted to investigate experimentally the quasi-static and fatigue damage progression in a single-stringer compression (SSC) specimen. Three specimens were manufactured with a hat-stiffener, and an initial defect was introduced with a Teflon film embedded between one flange of the stringer and the skin. One of the specimens was tested under quasi-static compressive loading, while the remaining two specimens were tested by cycling in postbuckling. The tests were performed at the NASA Langley Research Center under controlled conditions and with instrumentation that allows a precise evaluation of the postbuckling response and of the damage modes. Three-dimensional digital image correlation VIC-3D systems were used to provide full field displacements and strains on the skin and the stringer. Passive thermal monitoring was conducted during the fatigue tests using an infrared camera that showed the location of the delamination front while the specimen was being cycled. The live information from the thermography was used to stop the fatigue tests at critical stages of the damage evolution to allow detailed ultrasonic scans

Thresholds of Detection and Identification of Halite Nodule Habitats in the Atacama Desert Using Remote Imaging

The guiding theme of Mars exploration is shifting from global and regional habitability assessment to biosignature detection. To locate features likely to contain biosignatures, it is useful to focus on the reliable identification of specific habitats with high biosignature preservation potential. Proposed chloride deposits on Mars may represent evaporitic environments conducive to the preservation of biosignatures. Analogous chloride- bearing, salt-encrusted playas (salars) are a habitat for life in the driest parts of the Atacama Desert, and are also environments with a taphonomic window. The specific geologic features that harbor and preserve microorganisms in Atacama salars are sub- meter to meter scale salt protuberances, or halite nodules. This study focuses on the ability to recognize and map halite nodules using images acquired from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at spatial resolutions ranging from mm/pixel to that of the highest resolution orbital images available for Mars

Developing analytical and academic writing practices through a sustainable blended learning program

Students entering postgraduate coursework degrees transition into content-rich and challenging learning environments, and many are unprepared for the analytical and evaluative skills expected. In the subject ‘Proteomics’, these skills are key for designing an authentic experimental plan, the major assessment. To support our students in developing these critical skills and literacies, we designed, created and embedded three interactive, self-paced H5P online tutorials and two face-to-face writing workshops targeting assignment structure, academic and scientific language, and critical evaluation. Embedding these materials means they are core curriculum and sustainable, supporting a student enhancement rather than a student deficit model (McWilliams & Allen, 2014). In 2020, we adapted our blended design for online delivery by converting the face-to-face workshops into online workshops. Our evaluation showed many students completed the non-assessible online tutorials more than once, suggesting that students used the tutorials to reinforce their understanding of the writing practices presented. Surveys (HREC approved) revealed some students self-reporting increases in confidence in their writing practices, while others remained neutral. Overall, the assignments were better in 2020 than previous years. Our implementation will continue as core content. Ideally, future iterations of the writing workshops will be face-to-face to enable more focussed writing and feedback opportunities. REFERENCES McWilliams, R. & Allen, Q. (2014). Embedding Academic Literacy Skills: Towards a better practice model. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 11(3), 8