Brief Introduce of Planetary K-index: An Indicator of Geomagnetic Storms

The planetary K-index (Kp index) was a geomagnetic index in the H-component field. This index was calculated from data collected by a network of 13 ground-based magnetometer stations at mid-latitude locations from the International Real-time Magnetic Observatory Network (INTERMAGNET). The magnitudes of Kp index could indicate geomagnetic activity using the integer K-scale from 0 to 9 without dimension because the K-scale was estimated using the quasi-logarithms algorithm. The Kp index indicated geomagnetic storms under the condition of K-scale＞4. The three-hourly Kp index has been commonly used. The three-hourly Kp index was relatively stable for low‐variability geomagnetic activity. The hourly Kp index represented the level of auroral absorption with a more accurate characterization. For future research, the Kp index with a high sampling rate (e.g., ＜1 hour) could be considered, so that a very accurate characterization was characterized the more detailed geomagnetic activity of global region.

Translation and Validation of the Korean Version of the Revised Health Care System Distrust Scale (HCSD-K) in Korean American Women

Background: Trust in the healthcare system is a major contributor for racial disparities in health and health care. We aimed to formally translate and cross-culturally adapt the Korean version of the Revised Health Care System Distrust (HCSD-K) scale with a sample of Korean American women and examine the psychometric properties of the HCSD-K scale. Methods: Ten Korean American women participated in the cognitive interview. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 196 Korean American women aged 50–74 years. Instrument adaptation was performed using committee-based translation and cognitive interviewing. Construct validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency were examined to evaluate the psychometric properties of the HCSD-K scale. Results: The translated instrument was found to be semantically sound. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure with an excellent fit. Convergent validity was supported by correlations between the HCSD-K scale and both the Perceived Discrimination in Health Care and Trust in Physician scales. Cronbach’s alpha for the total HCSD-K was 0.83. Conclusion: The nine-item HCSD-K scale demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity. It is an appropriate instrument for measuring healthcare system distrust in Korean American women. Further study is needed to confirm the study results in a gender-mixed Korean population.

THE INITIAL STEPS FOR DEVELOPING THE SOUTH AMERICAN K INDEX FROM THE EMBRACE MAGNETOMETER NETWORK

ABSTRACT. In this paper we present the first steps given towards the development of the South American K index (Ksa) based on the measurements made by the Embrace Magnetometer Network. We present: (a) a description of the magnetometer and of the network; (b) the procedure used to calibrate the network equipments; (c) the procedure to obtain each station K scale and its corresponding upper limits of ranges for the three-hour-range station K index (thereafter referred as K9 threshold); and (d) some particularities regarding the Quiet Day Curve (QDC) deviation and its long term variation.Keywords: space weather, magnetic index, magnetometer network, aeronomy.RESUMO. No presente artigo, apresentamos os primeiros passos realizados para desenvolvermos o índice K sul-americano (Ksa) baseado nas medidas feitas pela rede Embrace de magnetômetros. Apresentamos (a) uma descrição do equipamento utilizado, bem como da rede de magnetômetros; (b) o procedimento adotado para calibrar todos os equipamentos individuais da rede; (c) o procedimento para se obter a escala K de cada estação magnética e o seu correspondente limite superior para o índice K de três horas (doravante denominado limiar K9); e (d) algumas particularidades com respeito à obtenção da curva do Dia Quieto (QDC) e suas variações de longos períodos.Palavras-chave: clima espacial, índice magn´etico, rede de magnetômetros, aeronomia.