Effect of light polarization on plasma distribution and filament formation

We show that, for 200 fs light pulses at 790 nm, the formation of filaments is strongly affected by the laser light polarization . Filamentation does not exist for a pure circularly polarized light, propagating in vacuum before focusing in air, while there is no difference for focusing the light in air or vacuum for linearly polarized light.Comment: 4pages 2 figure

The Scientific Foundations of Forecasting Magnetospheric Space Weather

The magnetosphere is the lens through which solar space weather phenomena are focused and directed towards the Earth. In particular, the non-linear interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetic field leads to the formation of highly inhomogenous electrical currents in the ionosphere which can ultimately result in damage to and problems with the operation of power distribution networks. Since electric power is the fundamental cornerstone of modern life, the interruption of power is the primary pathway by which space weather has impact on human activity and technology. Consequently, in the context of space weather, it is the ability to predict geomagnetic activity that is of key importance. This is usually stated in terms of geomagnetic storms, but we argue that in fact it is the substorm phenomenon which contains the crucial physics, and therefore prediction of substorm occurrence, severity and duration, either within the context of a longer-lasting geomagnetic storm, but potentially also as an isolated event, is of critical importance. Here we review the physics of the magnetosphere in the frame of space weather forecasting, focusing on recent results, current understanding, and an assessment of probable future developments.Peer reviewe

University Students’ Views on the Application of Gamification in Distance Education

Abstract—The COVID-19 affecting the whole world has also affected education. Education has changed from face-to-face education to distance education. In distance education, it is the most basic duty of teachers to increase students’ participation in the lesson, motivate their learning and increase their motivation. Gamification, which is one of the new learning approaches that has come to the fore in the education process, can be used for active learning activities in this model. This study was aimed to determine university students’ views on gamified gamification activities were used in the teaching process. In this study, the qualitative research method was used. The study group of the research consists of 30 second-grade students studying at North Cyprus and some Russian Universities, in the Faculty of Education, Department of Preschool Education. The application was carried out within the scope of the computer I course in the 2020–2021 fall semester. The interview form developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool within the scope of the research. In preparing the interview questions, the final form of the questions was given by taking the opinions of four experts. Content analysis was used in the study of the findings and results section