Probing new physics in electroweak penguins through B_d and B_s decays

An enhanced electroweak penguin amplitude due to the presence of unknown new physics can explain the discrepancies found between theory and experiment in the B -> pi K decays, in particular in A_CP(B^- -> pi^0 K^-) - A_CP(\bar{B}^0 -> pi^+ K^-), but the current precision of the theoretical and experimental results does not allow to draw a firm conclusion. We argue that the \bar{B}_s -> phi rho^0 and \bar{B}_s -> phi pi^0 decays offer an additional tool to investigate this possibility. These purely isospin-violating decays are dominated by electroweak penguins and we show that in presence of a new physics contribution their branching ratio can be enhanced by about an order of magnitude, without violating any constraints from other hadronic B decays. This makes them very interesting modes for LHCb and future B factories. In arXiv:1011.6319 we have performed both a model-independent analysis and a study within realistic New Physics models such as a modified-Z^0-penguin scenario, a model with an additional Z' boson and the MSSM. In this article we summarise the most important results of our study.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, LaTeX. Talk given at Discrete2010, Rome, 6-11 December 2010; References adde

Fatigue testing of low-cost fiberglass composite wind turbine blade materials

The static and fatigue behavior of transverse filament tape (TFT) fiberglass/epoxy and TFT/polyester composites was established by the testing of specimens cut from panels fabricated by a filament winding process used for the construction of large experimental wind turbine blades

New obstructions to symplectic embeddings

In this paper we establish new restrictions on symplectic embeddings of certain convex domains into symplectic vector spaces. These restrictions are stronger than those implied by the Ekeland-Hofer capacities. By refining an embedding technique due to Guth, we also show that they are sharp.Comment: 80 pages, 3 figures, v2: improved exposition and minor corrections, v3: Final version, expanded and improved exposition and minor corrections. The final publication is available at link.springer.co

Reliability Study of a Revision of the Modified Los Angeles Rattler Test Using Class C Graded Aggregates

Both the producer and the user are concerned with a characteristic of an aggregate that may be best described as durability. In a broad sense, durability means the ability of the aggregate to remain unchanged over a fairly long period of time in spite of adverse natural processes or forces to which it is subjected. Durability, as it applies to mineral aggregates, means the ability to resist degradation. Erickson has defined degradation as A breaking down and/or disintegration of particles of sand, gravel, or stone, primarily due to alteration and subsequent decomposition of their mineral components, accelerated by the action of mixers, mechanical equipment, traffic or the elements. Mechanical degradation is the result of stockpiling, placing, and compacting the aggregate during construction. Such traffic conditions as impact and abrasion may also cause mechanical degradation. Pauls and Carpenter observed that the principal cause of aggregate degradation results from compaction or the rolling operation during construction. Shelburn found as a result of his research that a bituminous coating gives only slight protection against degradation of the aggregates. McNaughton discovered that under traffic loads aggregate shift about and rearrange themselves so that they occupy the least possible space. Because of this particle movement, a grinding effect occurs which tends to wear angular aggregate smooth. This wearing of the aggregate produces fines which fill the voids of the structure. Usually there is an increase in strength of the structure as the amount of fines produced increases; however, there is a loss in structural strength if more fines are produced than are needed to fill the voids

The Impact Of Classroom Observations And Collaborative Feedback On Evaluation Of Teacher Performance, Based On The Danielson Framework For Teaching

ABSTRACT THE IMPACT OF CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS AND COLLABORATIVE FEEDBACK ON EVALUATION OF TEACHER PERFORMANCE, BASED ON THE DANIELSON FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING by CHRISTINE L. HOFER December 2016 Advisor: Dr. Thomas Edwards Major: Education Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Teacher evaluation systems in Michigan are undergoing major reforms driven by recent legislation at both the federal and state levels. Multiple teacher observations, as well as student achievement data, are now required to be a major indicator of teacher effectiveness for evaluative purposes. The reformed system is high-stakes, as employment decisions such as layoffs and termination rest squarely on evaluation results. Implementation has been fast, and school districts throughout the state are working to understand the new requirements, and to implement them fairly and with fidelity. Many districts are utilizing Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching (2007) as a rubric to measure teacher quality against components of effective teaching. This study begins by contrasting the ideals and beliefs behind the push for teacher accountability to the viewpoints of educational leaders and current research on best practices in education. Analysis of a school district that has implemented Danielson’s Framework for Teaching for four years will be will be used to determine the impact it has had on teacher performance. A vital component of the process involves feedback conversations. The elements of collaboration that are linked to improvement in teacher performance are examined, and some of the barriers to implementing a successful system are identified. Keywords: evaluation, teacher, Michigan, union, reform, education, best practices, effective teaching, coaching, classroom observations, Framework for Teachin

Thermal fatigue and oxidation data of oxide dispersion-strengthened alloys

Thermal fatigue and oxidation data were obtained 24 specimens representing 9 discrete oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy compositions or fabricating techniques. Double edge wedge specimens, both bare metal and coated for each systems, were cycled between fluidized beds maintained at 1130 C with a three minute immersion in each bed. The systems included alloys identified as 262 in hardness of HRC 38; 264 in hardness of HRC 38, 40 and 43; 265 HRC 39, 266 of HRC 37 and 40; 754; and 956. Specimens in the bare condition of 265 HRC 39 and 266 HRC 37 survived 6000 cycles without cracking on the small radius of the double edge wedge specimen. A coated specimen of 262 HRC 38, 266 HRC 37 and 266 HRC40 also survived 6000 cycles without cracking. A duplicate coated specimen of 262 HRC 38 alloy survived 5250 cycles before cracks appeared. All the alloys showed little weight change compared compared to alloys tested in prior programs