Optimization of perturbative similarity renormalization group for Hamiltonians with asymptotic freedom and bound states

A model Hamiltonian that exhibits asymptotic freedom and a bound state, is used to show on example that similarity renormalization group procedure can be tuned to improve convergence of perturbative derivation of effective Hamiltonians, through adjustment of the generator of the similarity transformation. The improvement is measured by comparing the eigenvalues of perturbatively calculated renormalized Hamiltonians that couple only a relatively small number of effective basis states, with the exact bound state energy in the model. The improved perturbative calculus leads to a few-percent accuracy in a systematic expansion.Comment: 6 pages of latex, 4 eps figure

Fermion mass and mixing patterns from a rotating mass matrix

It is shown that all existing data on mixing between up and down fermion states (i.e. CKM matrix and neutrino oscillations) and on the hierarchical quark and lepton mass ratios between generations are consistent with the two phenomena being both consequences of a mass matrix rotating in generation space with changing energy scale. As a result, the rotation of the mass matrix can be traced over some 14 orders of magnitude in energy from the mass scale of the $t$-quark at 175 GeV to below that of the atmospheric neutrino at 0.05 eV. This is a summary of recent work done in collaboration with Chan Hong-Mo and Jose Bordes.Comment: 12 pages latex, 6 figures, talk given at the International Symposium on Frontiers of Science - In Celebration of the 80th Birthday of C N Yang, June 2002, Beijin

Oceanography Professional Development in Virginia Via Collaboration, Field Integration, and Inquiry

Seventy-nine in-service teachers completed one of six sections of a grant-funded, graduate-level, summer course entitled, Oceanography, that was offered at four different locations in Virginia between 2005 and 2007. The majority of the teachers enrolled with the objective of obtaining their add-on earth science endorsement through the Virginia Earth Science Collaborative (VESC). Oceanography was designed to integrate the following: 1) the ocean science disciplines of geology, chemistry, physics, and biology; 2) inquiry-based learning strategies, quantitative activities, and technology; and, 3) Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) field experience with classroom experiences. These design themes were informed by ocean science content standards and science education best practices, and supported the goal that, upon completion of the course, teachers would be confident and competent in their abilities to teach oceanography concepts to grades 6-12 [1-3]. Learning outcomes, instructor feedback, and participant feedback suggest that the VESC’s Oceanography can serve as an instructional model for teacher professional development in oceanography. A collaborative instructional framework (marine educators, master teacher, and university faculty), small class size, and end-of-course field synthesis projects are additional elements that contributed to positive learning outcomes in course sections. The primary challenge in the course was the compressed, two-week time frame of face-to-face instruction

Review of The Endless Battle: The Fall of Hong Kong and Canadian POWs in Imperial Japan by Andy Flanagan

Review of The Endless Battle: The Fall of Hong Kong and Canadian POWs in Imperial Japan by Andy Flanagan

Should A Program Of Sex Education Be Mandatory in Public Schools From 4th-12th Grade?

For a position paper and presentation in her Changing Family course last fall, Tara explored the debate surrounding sexual education in the public school system. After completing extensive research regarding the policies which are already in place and evaluating their success, Tara formed the position that a program of sexual education should be mandatory in public schools form 4th to 12th grade. During an era where popular reality television shows include “Sixteen and Pregnant” as well as “Teen Mom” depict what a large issue teenage pregnancy is and how mainstream it has become in society. Tara does an excellent job of giving a well rounded view of the issue and supporting her claims with research and statistics

Review of The British Commonwealth and Victory in the Second World War by Iain E. Johnston-White

Review of The British Commonwealth and Victory in the Second World War by Iain E. Johnston-White