A variable partially-polarizing beam splitter

We present designs for variably polarizing beam splitters. These are beam splitters allowing the complete and independent control of the horizontal and vertical polarization splitting ratios. They have quantum optics and quantum information applications, such as quantum logic gates for quantum computing and non-local measurements for quantum state estimation. At the heart of each design is an interferometer. We experimentally demonstrate one particular implementation, a displaced Sagnac interferometer configuration, that provides an inherent instability to air currents and vibrations. Furthermore, this design does not require any custom-made optics but only common components which can be easily found in an optics laboratory.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

Testing and validating the CERES-wheat (Crop Estimation through Resource and Environment Synthesis-wheat) model in diverse environments

CERES-Wheat is a computer simulation model of the growth, development, and yield of spring and winter wheat. It was designed to be used in any location throughout the world where wheat can be grown. The model is written in Fortran 77, operates on a daily time stop, and runs on a range of computer systems from microcomputers to mainframes. Two versions of the model were developed: one, CERES-Wheat, assumes nitrogen to be nonlimiting; in the other, CERES-Wheat-N, the effects of nitrogen deficiency are simulated. The report provides the comparisons of simulations and measurements of about 350 wheat data sets collected from throughout the world

Fishtail effect and vortex dynamics in LiFeAs single crystals

We investigate the fishtail effect, critical current density ($J_c$) and vortex dynamics in LiFeAs single crystals. The sample exhibits a second peak (SP) in the magnetization loop only with the field $||$ c-axis. We calculate a reasonably high $J_c$, however, values are lower than in 'Ba-122' and '1111'-type FeAs-compounds. Magnetic relaxation data imply a strong pinning which appears not to be due to conventional defects. Instead, its behavior is similar to that of the triplet superconductor Sr$_2$RuO$_4$. Our data suggest that the origin of the SP may be related to a vortex lattice phase transition. We have constructed the vortex phase diagram for LiFeAs on the field-temperature plane.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Design improvements for increasing lifetime of single-shot coils applied at rotating workpieces

In the industry, induction hardening of rotationally symmetrical workpieces by a single-shot process is a widespread method. Due to only partial superimposition of the workpiece areas to be heated by the coil, high power densities are often needed there. These lead to local hot spots, amounting to an intensive material stress and often result in a short lifetime of the inductor. In this paper, some numerically investigated models will be presented, revealing approaches, how to reduce mechanical stress in the single-shot coil and thus, enabling an increase of service life

Leveraging icebreaking tasks to facilitate uptake of voice communication in multiplayer games

Voice Communication (VC) is widely employed by developers as an essential component of online games. Typically, it is assumed that communications through this mechanism will be helpful and enjoyable, but existing literature suggests that the entry into VC can be problematic. In this paper, we present a study that attempts to mitigate player discomfort when first engaging with VC with strangers, through the use of traditional icebreaking tasks. We integrate these into the game RET, an online cooperative first person shooter which requires effective communication for players to succeed. An online user study with 18 participants suggests that icebreaking tasks can contribute to a positive VC experience, but their inclusion also creates further issues to be considered for successful integration

Telepresence and the Role of the Senses

The telepresence experience can be evoked in a number of ways. A well-known example is a player of videogames who reports about a telepresence experience, a subjective experience of being in one place or environment, even when physically situated in another place. In this paper we set the phenomenon of telepresence into a theoretical framework. As people react subjectively to stimuli from telepresence, empirical studies can give more evidence about the phenomenon. Thus, our contribution is to bridge the theoretical with the empirical. We discuss theories of perception with an emphasis on Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty and Gibson, the role of the senses and the Spinozian belief procedure. The aim is to contribute to our understanding of this phenomenon. A telepresence-study that included the affordance concept is used to empirically study how players report sense-reactions to virtual sightseeing in two cities. We investigate and explore the interplay of the philosophical and the empirical. The findings indicate that it is not only the visual sense that plays a role in this experience, but all senses

Diving into a decade of games for health research: a systematic review

Recent years have been characterised by a rising interest in using enter tainment computing to monitor, maintain, and improve human health. This is observed in many systems and applications that leverage the benefits of a playful and enjoyable experience to provide a technology-enabled health intervention. This paper reviews one decade of papers (679) published at the intersection of health, entertainment and technology to determine trends, studies’ characteristics, type of solutions, domains of application and study purposes. Results show that there is a growing body of research in the area, with the majority of studies provid ing solutions for rehabilitation and addressing motor conditions related to stroke and/or fitness. Where half of the solutions reported are custom made, the bulk of those studies is performed with the purpose of evaluating the solutions pro posed or validating their efficacy. In 80% of the cases, the studies are performed with subjects from the target population with sample sizes that have been steadily increasing over the years.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio