Three-dimensional face recognition: An Eigensurface approach

We evaluate a new approach to face recognition using a variety of surface representations of three-dimensional facial structure. Applying principal component analysis (PCA), we show that high levels of recognition accuracy can be achieved on a large database of 3D face models, captured under conditions that present typical difficulties to more conventional two-dimensional approaches. Applying a ran-c of image processing, techniques we identify the most effective surface representation for use in such application areas as security surveillance, data compression and archive searching

The case for new academic workspaces

Executive summary: This report draws upon the combined efforts of a number of estates professionals, architects, academics, designers, and senior managers involved in the planning of new university buildings for the 21st century. Across these perspectives, all would agree – although perhaps for different reasons - that this planning is difficult and that a number of particular considerations apply in the design of academic workspaces. Despite these difficulties, they will also agree that when this planning goes well, ‘good’ buildings are truly transformational – for both the university as a whole and the people who work and study in them. The value of well-designed buildings goes far beyond their material costs, and endures long after those costs have been forgotten ..

Self-referenced characterization of space-time couplings in near single-cycle laser pulses

We report on the characterization of space-time couplings in high energy sub-2-cycle 770nm laser pulses using a self-referencing single-shot method. Using spatially-encoded arrangement filter-based spectral phase interferometry for direct electric field reconstruction (SEA-F-SPIDER) we characterize few-cycle pulses with a wave-front rotation of 2.8x?10^11 rev/sec (1.38 mrad per half-cycle) and pulses with pulse front tilts ranging from to -0.33 fs/um to -3.03 fs/um.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

The space shuttle launch vehicle aerodynamic verification challenges

The Space Shuttle aerodynamics and performance communities were challenged to verify the Space Shuttle vehicle (SSV) aerodynamics and system performance by flight measurements. Historically, launch vehicle flight test programs which faced these same challenges were unmanned instrumented flights of simple aerodynamically shaped vehicles. However, the manned SSV flight test program made these challenges more complex because of the unique aerodynamic configuration powered by the first man-rated solid rocket boosters (SRB). The analyses of flight data did not verify the aerodynamics or performance preflight predictions of the first flight of the Space Transportation System (STS-1). However, these analyses have defined the SSV aerodynamics and verified system performance. The aerodynamics community also was challenged to understand the discrepancy between the wind tunnel and flight defined aerodynamics. The preflight analysis challenges, the aerodynamic extraction challenges, and the postflight analyses challenges which led to the SSV system performance verification and which will lead to the verification of the operational ascent aerodynamics data base are presented

Triple-point shear layers in gaseous detonation waves

Recent experiments have shown intriguing regions of intense luminescence or ‘hotspots’ in the vicinity of triple-point shear layers in propagating gaseous detonation waves. Localized explosions have also been observed to develop in these fronts. These features were observed in higher effective activation energy mixtures, but not in lower effective activation energy mixtures. The increased lead shock oscillation through a cell cycle in higher activation energy mixtures may result in a significantly increased disparity in the induction time on either side of the triple-point shear layer, and thus an enhanced mixing between reacted and non-reacted streams supported by Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. The relation between the shear-layer instability and the mixture effective activation energy is analysed by carrying out a spatial linear stability study for three mixtures with different activation energies and injection conditions that correspond to the experimental conditions. The role of vortical structures associated with Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in the formation of localized ignition is investigated by performing two-dimensional Navier–Stokes simulations with detailed chemical kinetics and transport. In the low activation energy mixture, large-scale vortical structures are observed to occur downstream of the induction distance; these structures do not have a noticeable effect on the reaction. In higher effective activation energy mixtures, a thin transverse ignition front develops near the interface between the two gas streams and results in a combustion structure decoupled from the entrainment region. The decoupling leads to attenuation of the instability growth rate when compared to frozen calculations, and a reduced heat release in the high vorticity region. The analysis indicates the instability plays a modest role in ignition events for high activation energy mixtures. The formation of localized explosions observed in high activation energy systems is instead linked to the impossibility of a one-dimensional reactive combustion wave supported by the injection conditions. In the absence of curvature effects and stream-tube divergence, a system of shock waves is formed which spreads the ignition to the cold gas stream

The Immigration Selection System: A Proposal for Reform

This Article reviews the historical background of our present immigration law and analyzes the policy goals of immigration law in light of the major contemporary issues that bear directly on the immigration act: population growth, the requirements of the labor force, family reunion, illegal immigration, and refugee admission. The authors contend that the immigration act in its present form does not adequately deal with the expanding nature of these problems, and offer recommendations to reconcile present deficiencies with recent and foreseeable world developments. The authors suggest reforms that would balance humanitarian goals with domestic, political, socioeconomic, demographic, and foreign policy impacts