33,386 research outputs found
Mirrored Light Field Video Camera Adapter
This paper proposes the design of a custom mirror-based light field camera
adapter that is cheap, simple in construction, and accessible. Mirrors of
different shape and orientation reflect the scene into an upwards-facing camera
to create an array of virtual cameras with overlapping field of view at
specified depths, and deliver video frame rate light fields. We describe the
design, construction, decoding and calibration processes of our mirror-based
light field camera adapter in preparation for an open-source release to benefit
the robotic vision community.Comment: tech report, v0.5, 15 pages, 6 figure
CP violation in semileptonic tau lepton decays
The leading order contribution to the direct CP asymmetry in tau^{+/-} ->
K^{+/-} pi^0 nu_{tau} decay rates is evaluated within the Standard Model. The
weak phase required for CP violation is introduced through an interesting
mechanism involving second order weak interactions, which is also responsible
for tiny violations of the Delta S= Delta Q rule in K_{l3} decays. The
calculated CP asymmetry turns out to be of order 10^{-12}, leaving a large
window for studying effects of non-standard sources of CP violation in this
observable.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, version published in Phys.Rev.
Eigenstructure Assignment Based Controllers Applied to Flexible Spacecraft
The objective of this paper is to evaluate the behaviour of a controller designed using a parametric Eigenstructure Assignment method and to evaluate its suitability for use in flexible spacecraft. The challenge of this objective lies in obtaining a suitable controller that is specifically designated to alleviate the deflections and vibrations suffered by external appendages in flexible spacecraft while performing attitude manoeuvres. One of the main problems in these vehicles is the mechanical cross-coupling that exists between the rigid and flexible parts of the spacecraft. Spacecraft with fine attitude pointing requirements need precise control of the mechanical coupling to avoid undesired attitude misalignment. In designing an attitude controller, it is necessary to consider the possible vibration of the solar panels and how it may influence the performance of the rest of the vehicle. The nonlinear mathematical model of a flexible spacecraft is considered a close approximation to the real system. During the process of controller evaluation, the design process has also been taken into account as a factor in assessing the robustness of the system
Numerical analysis of the Iosipescu specimen for composite materials
A finite element analysis of the Iosipescu shear tests for unidirectional and cross-ply composites is presented. It is shown that an iterative analysis procedure must be used to model the fixture-specimen kinematics. The correction factors which are needed to compensate for the nonuniformity of stress distribution in calculating shear modulus are shown to be dependent on the material orthotropic ratio and the finite element loading models. Test section strain distributions representative of typical graphite-epoxy specimens are also presented
An experimental procedure for the Iosipescu composite specimen tested in the modified Wyoming fixture
A detailed description is given of the experimental procedure for testing composite Iosipescu specimens in the modified Wyoming fixture. Specimen preparation and strain gage instrumentation are addressed. Interpretation of the experimental results is discussed. With the proper experimental procedure and setup, consistent and repeatable shear properties are obtained
Techniques for the Synthesis of Reversible Toffoli Networks
This paper presents novel techniques for the synthesis of reversible networks
of Toffoli gates, as well as improvements to previous methods. Gate count and
technology oriented cost metrics are used. Our synthesis techniques are
independent of the cost metrics. Two new iterative synthesis procedure
employing Reed-Muller spectra are introduced and shown to complement earlier
synthesis approaches. The template simplification suggested in earlier work is
enhanced through introduction of a faster and more efficient template
application algorithm, updated (shorter) classification of the templates, and
presentation of the new templates of sizes 7 and 9. A novel ``resynthesis''
approach is introduced wherein a sequence of gates is chosen from a network,
and the reversible specification it realizes is resynthesized as an independent
problem in hopes of reducing the network cost. Empirical results are presented
to show that the methods are effective both in terms of the realization of all
3x3 reversible functions and larger reversible benchmark specifications.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure
Using social networks to understand and overcome implementation barriers in the global HIV response
Background: Despite the development of several efficacious HIV prevention and treatment methods in the past 2 decades, HIV continues
to spread globally. Uptake of interventions is nonrandomly distributed
across populations. Such inequality is socially patterned and reinforced
by homophily arising from both social selection (becoming friends with
similar people) and influence (becoming similar to friends).
Methods: We conducted a narrative review to describe how social
network analysis methods—including egocentric, sociocentric, and
respondent-driven sampling designs—provide tools to measure key
populations, to understand how epidemics spread, and to evaluate
intervention take-up.
Results: Social network analysis–informed designs can improve
intervention effectiveness by reaching otherwise inaccessible populations. They can also improve intervention efficiency by maximizing
spillovers, through social ties, to at-risk but susceptible individuals.
Social network analysis–informed designs thus have the potential to be
both more effective and less unequal in their effects, compared with
social network analysis–naïve approaches. Although social network
analysis-informed designs are often resource-intensive, we believe
they provide unique insights that can help reach those most in need of
HIV prevention and treatment interventions.
Conclusion: Increased collection of social network data during
both research and implementation work would provide important
information to improve the roll-out of existing studies in the present
and to inform the design of more data-efficient, social network
analysis–informed interventions in the future. Doing so will improve
the reach of interventions, especially to key populations, and to
maximize intervention impact once delivered
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