5,045 research outputs found
Pilot-optimal multivariable control synthesis by output feedback
A control system design approach for optimal stability augmentation, systems, using limited state feedback theory with the specific inclusion of the human pilot in the loop is presented. The methodology is especially suitable for application to flight vehicles exhibiting nonconventional dynamic characteristics and for which quantitative handling qualities specifications are not available. The design is based on a correlation between pilot ratings and objective function of the optimal control model of the human pilot. Simultaneous optimization for augmentation and pilot gains are required
Optimal cooperative control synthesis applied to a control-configured aircraft
A multivariable control augmentation synthesis method is presented that is intended to enable the designer to directly optimize pilot opinion rating of the augmented system. The approach involves the simultaneous solution for the augmentation and predicted pilot's compensation via optimal control techniques. The methodology is applied to the control law synthesis for a vehicle similar to the AFTI F16 control-configured aircraft. The resulting dynamics, expressed in terms of eigenstructure and time/frequency responses, are presented with analytical predictions of closed loop tracking performance, pilot compensation, and other predictors of pilot acceptance
Gynecomastia and Chest Masculinization: An Updated Comprehensive Reconstructive Algorithm
Background: Gynecomastia is a common finding in males. Clinical aspect varies widely in world populations showing peculiar hallmarks according to different body shapes reflecting personal expectations; therefore, a surgical plan must be tailored on individual basis to all type of patients. Materials and Method: A total of 522 patients, treated for bilateral gynecomastia from January 2007 to January 2019, were included and reviewed in this retrospective study. Considering physical status BMI, muscular trophism, hypertrophy of the mammary region, nipple–areola disorder, gland and skin cover consistency, a four-tier classification system has been used to classify the deformity and to assess a surgical plan. In all cases, a subcutaneous mastectomy was performed under direct vision. Results: No recurrence of the deformity was observed as well as major complications such as necrosis, and high level of satisfaction was observed in all groups. No breast cancer was found at the histological examinations Operative time ranged from 25 minutes up to 120 minutes and hospitalization time ranged from 1 to 3 days. Conclusion: Since the physical status is strictly related to the clinical features of the disorder, a comprehensive classification system and a reconstructive algorithm are proposed. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/0026
Stellar footprints of a variable G
Theories with varying gravitational constant have been studied since long
time ago. Among them, the most promising candidates as alternatives of the
standard General Relativity are known as scalar-tensor theories. They provide
consistent descriptions of the observed universe and arise as the low energy
limit of several pictures of unified interactions. Therefore, an increasing
interest on the astrophysical consequences of such theories has been sparked
over the last few years. In this essay we comment on two methodological
approaches to study evolution of astrophysical objects within a varying-
theory, and the particular results we have obtained for boson and white dwarf
stars.Comment: This essay received Honorable Mention in the 1999 Essay Competition
of the Gravity Research Foundatio
Raman spectroscopy study of the interface structure in (CaCuO2)n/(SrTiO3)m superlattices
Raman spectra of CaCuO2/SrTiO3 superlattices show clear spectroscopic marker
of two structures formed in CaCuO2 at the interface with SrTiO3. For
non-superconducting superlattices, grown in low oxidizing atmosphere, the 425
cm-1 frequency of oxygen vibration in CuO2 planes is the same as for CCO films
with infinite layer structure (planar Cu-O coordination). For superconducting
superlattices grown in highly oxidizing atmosphere, a 60 cm-1 frequency shift
to lower energy occurs. This is ascribed to a change from planar to pyramidal
Cu-O coordination because of oxygen incorporation at the interface. Raman
spectroscopy proves to be a powerful tool for interface structure
investigation
A model for liquid-striped liquid phase separation in liquids of anisotropic polarons
The phase separation between a striped polaron liquid at the particular
density and a high density polaron liquid is described by a modified Van der
Waals scheme. The striped polaron liquid represents the pseudo gap matter or
Wigner-like polaron phase at 1/8 doping in cuprate superconductors. The model
includes the tendency of pseudo- Jahn-Teller polarons to form anisotropic
directional bonds at a preferential volume with the formation of different
liquid phases. The model gives the coexistence of a first low density polaron
striped liquid and a second high density liquid that appears in cuprate
superconductors for doping larger than 1/8. We discuss how the strength of
anisotropic bonds controls the variation the phase separation scenarios for
complex systems in the presence of a quantum critical point where the phase
separation vanishes.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figure
Pennatulacea described by Sebastiano Richiardi present in the Cnidaria collection of the Zoological Museum “La Specola” in Florence (Italy).
A ten-year follow-up of the Reflection cementless acetabular component
We reviewed the long-term results at ten to 12 years of 118 total hip replacements in 109 patients using a second-generation hemispherical cementless acetabular component (Reflection) designed to address the problem of backside wear. Five patients (five hips) died and six patients (seven hips) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 98 patients (106 hips) had a mean age of 62.9 years (34.0 to 86.2) A rate of revision for aseptic loosening of 0.9%, and predictable results were found with respect to radiological evidence of fixation, lack of pain, walking ability, range of movement and function. One component was revised for aseptic loosening, and of the 101 hips (95.2%) that did not have a revision, minor osteolytic lesions of the pelvis were seen in six (5.9%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for the total cohort of 118 hips revealed a 96.4% survival at both ten (95% confidence interval 90 to 98) and 12 years (95% confidence interval 86 to 98)
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