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During the Fall of 2008 a web survey, designed to collect information about pedagogical knowledge and practices, was completed by a representative sample of 722 physics faculty across the United States (a 50.3% response rate). This paper presents results of one part of the survey where faculty were asked to rate their level of knowledge and use of 24 Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS) that are applicable to an introductory quantitative physics course. Almost all faculty (87.1%) indicated familiarity with one or more RBIS and approximately half of faculty (48.1%) say that they currently use at least one RBIS. Results also indicate that faculty rarely use RBIS as recommended by the developer, but instead commonly make significant modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present result of processing of data of ground-space VLBI experiment titled W068. Particularly, one part of data of that observational session is successfully processed. These data were obtained on 2000 March 17 between 9:00 UT and 10:30 UT. 10 antennas of American interferometer VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array) and Japan satellite VSOP (VLBI Space Observatory Programme ([4])) were involved into this experiment. Moreover, 27 antennae of VLA (Very Large Array) were used as an additional ground antenna. Data were transferred from archive of the NRAO (National Radio Astronomy Observatory, USA) and processed with the software titled ’Astro Space Locator’ (ASL for Windows) (see [1]). The main result of this processing is the image of the quasar titled 3C273 with high resolution and high accuracy. Using this image, we make some conclusions about the radio structure of jet of this object. Our result is not in conflict with other results of processing of the Space VLBI data for 3C273 published earlier with many authors ([5], [6]). We could add some new aspects into that results. The reconstructed images of 3C273 for 6 centimeter wavelength range and values of some parameters of this source are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to make the simulation software system for the evaluation of the level of road service is more accurately, combining the concept of intelligent transportation evaluation model to it. To modify the traditional T- intersection delay model that is used to calculate the road service level(LOS). The fixed cycle model is changed to dynamic cycle in real time, also the formation of other indicators used to calculate the delay of the new model. The analysis of typical T-intersection in Elizabeth, the area of the United States, CO, is applied to the new model. Compared the data with the original model made in simulation software system and the data in new model. The results show that the new model is more practical than using in traditional software which both comparing evaluating indicators with the current situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the U.S. ITER contribution to the vacuum systems for the ITER fusion project, a cryogenic viscous compressor (CVC) is being designed and fabricated to cryopump hydrogenic gases in the torus and neutral beam exhaust streams and to regenerate the collected gases to controlled pressures such that they can be mechanically pumped with controlled flows to the tritium reprocessing facility. One critical element of the CVC design that required additional investigation was the determination of flow rates of the low pressure (up to 1000 Pa) exhaust stream that would allow for complete pumping of hydrogenic gases while permitting trace levels of helium to pass through the CVC to be pumped by conventional vacuum pumps. A sub-scale prototype test facility was utilized to determine the effectiveness of a static mixer pump tube concept, which consisted of a series of rotated twisted elements brazed into a 2-mm thick, 5-cm diameter stainless steel tube. Cold helium gas flow provided by a dewar and helium transfer line was used to cool the exterior of the static mixer pump tube. Deuterium gas was mixed with helium gas through flow controllers at different concentrations while the composition of the exhaust gas was monitored with a Penning gauge and optical spectrometer to determine the effectiveness of the static mixer. It was found that with tube wall temperatures between 6 K and 9 K, the deuterium gas was completely cryopumped and only helium passed through the tube. These results have been used to design the cooling geometry and the static mixer pump tubes in the full-scale CVC prototype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the primary data and information sources in the maintenance of USAF Aging Military Fleet, NDE plays a major role in the definition and operation of maintenance processes on these aircraft. To focus new NDE developmental efforts, the AFRL NDE R&D group has the charter to research, develop and transition new capabilities to the field and depot users. This multi-faceted task is achieved through a balanced NDE and on-board sensor development program with the ultimate goal to transition technology to the Air Force user Commands. Technology requirements for NDE and Material State Awareness emerge from Air Force Initiatives to realize Condition Based Maintenance and to develop the “Depot of the Future”. This evening session will present an overview of Air Force Initiatives, emerging R&D issues for Structural Health Monitoring and NDE methodologies as well as basic research initiatives within the Air Force Research Laboratory. It is intended that the session provide an open forum to pursue paths for new technology development and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

© 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this shrinking world, what happens in an industry in one country can significantly affect the same industry elsewhere around the globe. In April 1986, a nuclear accident destroyed Unit 4 of Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear power plant, focusing worldwide attention on the dozens of Soviet-designed reactors still in operation. The Chemobyl accident led to public concerns about all operating nuclear power plants and, in some countries (e.g., Italy and Sweden), to proposals for nationwide plant closures or moratoriums on new construction. However, for most former Soviet Union countries, plant shutdown was and still is not a viable option—the plants produce a significant percentage of each nation’s total electricity, and those countries do not have sufficient economic resources to develop alternative power sources. In cooperation with similar programs initiated in Canada, Japan, and western European countries, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is conducting a comprehensive effort to reduce risks at Soviet-designed nuclear power plants until they can be shut down or brought into compliance with international standards. This paper describes DOE-supported initiatives with participating host countries to: • improve reliability and accuracy of nondestructive evaluation equipment used for in-service inspection • transfer technologies and infrastructure to improve in-service inspections • enhance management systems for training and certifying host-country in-service inspection personnel The goal of these initiatives to enhance the use of international standards (ASME, ASNT, European Standards EN, and ISO) in operating and regulatory practices at Soviet-designed nuclear power plants. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]