X-ray variability of the quasar 3C273

Observations of the quasar 3C273 made during 1975-77 have shown that the X-ray flux varied on a time scale of several months. No similar variation was present in radio and optical data taken at similar times. If this variation results from luminosity variations of a central compact object, then an upper limit of ≤4 x 1017cm can be set on its dimensions

Acoustic positioning and orientation prediction

A method is described for use with an acoustic positioner, which enables a determination of the equilibrium position and orientation which an object assumes in a zero gravity environment, as well as restoring forces and torques of an object in an acoustic standing wave field. An acoustic standing wave field is established in the chamber, and the object is held at several different positions near the expected equilibrium position. While the object is held at each position, the center resonant frequency of the chamber is determined, by noting which frequency results in the greatest pressure of the acoustic field. The object position which results in the lowest center resonant frequency is the equilibrium position. The orientation of a nonspherical object is similarly determined, by holding the object in a plurality of different orientations at its equilibrium position, and noting the center resonant frequency for each orientation. The orientation which results in the lowest center resonant frequency is the equilibrium orientation. Where the acoustic frequency is constant, but the chamber length is variable, the equilibrium position or orientation is that which results in the greatest chamber length at the center resonant frequency

Virtual Environment Technology Laboratory Research Testbed: Project Report #8 Year Two Final

Report discusses the status of software installation at the University of Houston Virtual Environment Technology Laboratory, including prototype demonstrations, status of serving as a node within a shared virtual environment testbed, exploration of the integration of virtual environments at UH, and the initiation of a study of the representation of human figures in virtual environments via high level architecture

College students and the rhetorical dissent goal: Associations between dissent goal, dissent target, and perceptions of instructor power

Some college students who experience discontent with the instructional experience engage in a complaining and problem-solving behavior called instructional dissent. Three types of dissent have been identified: rhetorical, expressive, and vengeful. Student perceptions of instructor power influence if and how students dissent. This study explored the relationship between instructor power and rhetorical dissent. Previous studies measured rhetorical dissent as a single variable incorporating the goal for dissenting and the target for dissent expression, using the instructor in the class as the only target. This study measured dissent goal and dissent target as separate variables and included the instructor in the class and other targets for dissent expression. University undergraduates (N = 713) completing an online survey were asked to recall a very disappointing instructional experience and then asked questions that measured their perceptions of instructor power, their goal(s) for pursuing dissent, and the individuals they targeted with their expressions of dissent. French and Raven’s (1959) five bases of social power were used to measure instructor power. Reward and legitimate power were negatively associated with the rhetorical dissent goal while coercive power was positively associated with this goal. The rhetorical dissent goal was positively associated with the dissent targets this professor, administration, and another professor

Army Research Institute Virtual Environment Research Testbed : Final Report

Report on the Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences study on factors that affect the acquisition of skills in a virtual environment and the transfer of those skills to the real world. This report consisted of the development of models and databases, the development of control, data capture and reduction software, the provision and special configuration of physical facilities, and the general operation of the research facility