Academic literature on the topic 'Inverse square law'

The objective of ISLES (Inverse-Square Law Experiment in Space) is to perform a null test of Newton's law in space with a resolution of 10 ppm or better at a 100 μm distance. ISLES will be sensitive enough to detect the axion, a dark matter candidate, with the strongest allowed coupling and probe large extra dimensions of string theory down to a few micrometers. The experiment will be cooled to < 2 K , which permits superconducting magnetic levitation of the test masses. This soft, low-loss suspension, combined with a low-noise SQUID, leads to extremely low intrinsic noise in the detector. To minimize Newtonian errors, ISLES employs a near-null source, a circular disk of large diameter-to-thickness ratio. Two test masses, also disk-shaped, are suspended on the two sides of the source mass at a nominal distance of 100 μm. The signal is detected by a superconducting differential accelerometer.

Abstract We question Newton’s inverse square law of universal gravitation in the light of recent, alternative formulations. In addition, we present numerical simulations of galaxy interactions which were used in an attempt to distinguish between an inverse square law and an inverse linear law. We conclude that an inverse linear relation is as compatible with the observational data on interacting galaxy systems as the inverse square law.

Thesis (Ph. D.) -- University of Maryland, College Park, 2007.
Thesis research directed by: Dept. of Physics. Title from t.p. of PDF. Includes bibliographical references. Published by UMI Dissertation Services, Ann Arbor, Mich. Also available in paper.

碩士
元智大學
光電工程研究所
98
Recently, there are several methods used on three-dimensional sensing. Our system to construct a stereopicture is composed of a co-axial point light source associated with a video camera. Different images of a scene could be taken by the camera when the light source was moving away relative to the scene from a point to another one. Based on the inverse square law for light intensity, the depth information of a scene can be obtained by using the pixel ratio from two consecutive frames. Because the gray-level of each pixel in an image taken by the camera is related to an angle made by the line of sight of the pixel with the optical axis, the image plane is bent. Comparison the distance measured from the camera to the object with theoretical data obtained by the inverse square law, we found that their error corresponding to different pixels located at the margin of the image plane is higher than that at the center of the image plane. However, this problem can be improved by making an angular correction. Consequently, a low-pass filter was used to smooth the raw range to reduce the distance error.

Having developed a framework for subsuming gravity into relativity, we examine how gravity behaves as a function of the source mass (Earth, Sun, etc.) and distance from that sourcemass.We develop Newton’s inverse‐square law of gravity, and we examine the consequences in terms of acceleration fields, potentials, escape velocities, and surface gravity. Chapter 17 will build on these ideas to show how orbits are used to probe gravity throughout the universe.We also develop a tool for exposing variations in the acceleration field: the tidal acceleration field in any region is defined as the acceleration field in that region minus the average acceleration. This enables us to restate Newton’s lawof gravity as: the acceleration arrows surrounding any point show a net convergence that is proportional to the density of mass at that point. Chapter 18 will use this to develop a frame‐independent law of gravity.

Previously, we saw that variations in the time part of the spacetime metric cause free particles to accelerate, thus unifying gravity and relativity; and that orbits trace those accelerations, which follow the inverse‐square law around spherical source masses. But a metric that empirically models orbits is not enough; we want to understand how any arrangement of mass determines the metric in the surrounding spacetime. This chapter describes thinking tools, especially the frame‐independent idea of spacetime curvature, that helped Einstein develop general relativity. We describe the Einstein equation, which determines the metric given a source or set of sources. Solving that equation for the case of a static spherical mass (such as the Sun) yields the Schwarzschild metric. We compare Schwarzschild and Newtonian predictions for precession, the deflection of light, and time delay of light; and we contrast the effects of variations in the time and space parts of the metric.

This research report describes a methodology whereby multi-spectral and hyperspectral imagery from remote sensing, is used for deriving predicted field maps of selected plant growth attributes which are required for precision cropping. A major task in precision cropping is to establish areas of the field that differ from the rest of the field and share a common characteristic. Yield distribution f maps can be prepared by yield monitors, which are available for some harvester types. Other field attributes of interest in precision cropping, e.g. soil properties, leaf Nitrate, biomass etc. are obtained by manual sampling of the filed in a grid pattern. Maps of various field attributes are then prepared from these samples by the "Inverse Distance" interpolation method or by Kriging. An improved interpolation method was developed which is based on minimizing the overall curvature of the resulting map. Such maps are the ground truth reference, used for training the algorithm that generates the predicted field maps from remote sensing imagery. Both the reference and the predicted maps are stratified into "Prototype Plots", e.g. 15xl5 blocks of 2m pixels whereby the block size is 30x30m. This averaging reduces the datasets to manageable size and significantly improves the typically poor repeatability of remote sensing imaging systems. In the first two years of the project we used the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), for generating predicted yield maps of sugar beets and com. The NDVI was computed from image cubes of three spectral bands, generated by an optically filtered three camera video imaging system. A two dimensional FFT based regression model Y=f(X), was used wherein Y was the reference map and X=NDVI was the predictor. The FFT regression method applies the "Wavelet Based", "Pixel Block" and "Image Rotation" transforms to the reference and remote images, prior to the Fast - Fourier Transform (FFT) Regression method with the "Phase Lock" option. A complex domain based map Yfft is derived by least squares minimization between the amplitude matrices of X and Y, via the 2D FFT. For one time predictions, the phase matrix of Y is combined with the amplitude matrix ofYfft, whereby an improved predicted map Yplock is formed. Usually, the residuals of Y plock versus Y are about half of the values of Yfft versus Y. For long term predictions, the phase matrix of a "field mask" is combined with the amplitude matrices of the reference image Y and the predicted image Yfft. The field mask is a binary image of a pre-selected region of interest in X and Y. The resultant maps Ypref and Ypred aremodified versions of Y and Yfft respectively. The residuals of Ypred versus Ypref are even lower than the residuals of Yplock versus Y. The maps, Ypref and Ypred represent a close consensus of two independent imaging methods which "view" the same target. In the last two years of the project our remote sensing capability was expanded by addition of a CASI II airborne hyperspectral imaging system and an ASD hyperspectral radiometer. Unfortunately, the cross-noice and poor repeatability problem we had in multi-spectral imaging was exasperated in hyperspectral imaging. We have been able to overcome this problem by over-flying each field twice in rapid succession and developing the Repeatability Index (RI). The RI quantifies the repeatability of each spectral band in the hyperspectral image cube. Thereby, it is possible to select the bands of higher repeatability for inclusion in the prediction model while bands of low repeatability are excluded. Further segregation of high and low repeatability bands takes place in the prediction model algorithm, which is based on a combination of a "Genetic Algorithm" and Partial Least Squares", (PLS-GA). In summary, modus operandi was developed, for deriving important plant growth attribute maps (yield, leaf nitrate, biomass and sugar percent in beets), from remote sensing imagery, with sufficient accuracy for precision cropping applications. This achievement is remarkable, given the inherently high cross-noice between the reference and remote imagery as well as the highly non-repeatable nature of remote sensing systems. The above methodologies may be readily adopted by commercial companies, which specialize in proving remotely sensed data to farmers.

This report maps the African landscape of Open Science – with a focus on Open Data as a sub-set of Open Science. Data to inform the landscape study were collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, desk research, engagement with a community of practice, networking with stakeholders, participation in conferences, case study presentations, and workshops hosted. Although the majority of African countries (35 of 54) demonstrates commitment to science through its investment in research and development (R&D), academies of science, ministries of science and technology, policies, recognition of research, and participation in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI), the following countries demonstrate the highest commitment and political willingness to invest in science: Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to existing policies in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the following countries have made progress towards Open Data policies: Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, South Africa and Uganda. Only two African countries (Kenya and South Africa) at this stage contribute 0.8% of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to R&D (Research and Development), which is the closest to the AU’s (African Union’s) suggested 1%. Countries such as Lesotho and Madagascar ranked as 0%, while the R&D expenditure for 24 African countries is unknown. In addition to this, science globally has become fully dependent on stable ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) infrastructure, which includes connectivity/bandwidth, high performance computing facilities and data services. This is especially applicable since countries globally are finding themselves in the midst of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is not only “about” data, but which “is” data. According to an article1 by Alan Marcus (2015) (Senior Director, Head of Information Technology and Telecommunications Industries, World Economic Forum), “At its core, data represents a post-industrial opportunity. Its uses have unprecedented complexity, velocity and global reach. As digital communications become ubiquitous, data will rule in a world where nearly everyone and everything is connected in real time. That will require a highly reliable, secure and available infrastructure at its core, and innovation at the edge.” Every industry is affected as part of this revolution – also science. An important component of the digital transformation is “trust” – people must be able to trust that governments and all other industries (including the science sector), adequately handle and protect their data. This requires accountability on a global level, and digital industries must embrace the change and go for a higher standard of protection. “This will reassure consumers and citizens, benefitting the whole digital economy”, says Marcus. A stable and secure information and communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure – currently provided by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) – is key to advance collaboration in science. The AfricaConnect2 project (AfricaConnect (2012–2014) and AfricaConnect2 (2016–2018)) through establishing connectivity between National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), is planning to roll out AfricaConnect3 by the end of 2019. The concern however is that selected African governments (with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Ethiopia and others) have low awareness of the impact the Internet has today on all societal levels, how much ICT (and the 4th Industrial Revolution) have affected research, and the added value an NREN can bring to higher education and research in addressing the respective needs, which is far more complex than simply providing connectivity. Apart from more commitment and investment in R&D, African governments – to become and remain part of the 4th Industrial Revolution – have no option other than to acknowledge and commit to the role NRENs play in advancing science towards addressing the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). For successful collaboration and direction, it is fundamental that policies within one country are aligned with one another. Alignment on continental level is crucial for the future Pan-African African Open Science Platform to be successful. Both the HIPSSA ((Harmonization of ICT Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa)3 project and WATRA (the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly)4, have made progress towards the regulation of the telecom sector, and in particular of bottlenecks which curb the development of competition among ISPs. A study under HIPSSA identified potential bottlenecks in access at an affordable price to the international capacity of submarine cables and suggested means and tools used by regulators to remedy them. Work on the recommended measures and making them operational continues in collaboration with WATRA. In addition to sufficient bandwidth and connectivity, high-performance computing facilities and services in support of data sharing are also required. The South African National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System5 (NICIS) has made great progress in planning and setting up a cyberinfrastructure ecosystem in support of collaborative science and data sharing. The regional Southern African Development Community6 (SADC) Cyber-infrastructure Framework provides a valuable roadmap towards high-speed Internet, developing human capacity and skills in ICT technologies, high- performance computing and more. The following countries have been identified as having high-performance computing facilities, some as a result of the Square Kilometre Array7 (SKA) partnership: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia. More and more NRENs – especially the Level 6 NRENs 8 (Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and recently Zambia) – are exploring offering additional services; also in support of data sharing and transfer. The following NRENs already allow for running data-intensive applications and sharing of high-end computing assets, bio-modelling and computation on high-performance/ supercomputers: KENET (Kenya), TENET (South Africa), RENU (Uganda), ZAMREN (Zambia), EUN (Egypt) and ARN (Algeria). Fifteen higher education training institutions from eight African countries (Botswana, Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania) have been identified as offering formal courses on data science. In addition to formal degrees, a number of international short courses have been developed and free international online courses are also available as an option to build capacity and integrate as part of curricula. The small number of higher education or research intensive institutions offering data science is however insufficient, and there is a desperate need for more training in data science. The CODATA-RDA Schools of Research Data Science aim at addressing the continental need for foundational data skills across all disciplines, along with training conducted by The Carpentries 9 programme (specifically Data Carpentry 10 ). Thus far, CODATA-RDA schools in collaboration with AOSP, integrating content from Data Carpentry, were presented in Rwanda (in 2018), and during17-29 June 2019, in Ethiopia. Awareness regarding Open Science (including Open Data) is evident through the 12 Open Science-related Open Access/Open Data/Open Science declarations and agreements endorsed or signed by African governments; 200 Open Access journals from Africa registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ); 174 Open Access institutional research repositories registered on openDOAR (Directory of Open Access Repositories); 33 Open Access/Open Science policies registered on ROARMAP (Registry of Open Access Repository Mandates and Policies); 24 data repositories registered with the Registry of Data Repositories (re3data.org) (although the pilot project identified 66 research data repositories); and one data repository assigned the CoreTrustSeal. Although this is a start, far more needs to be done to align African data curation and research practices with global standards. Funding to conduct research remains a challenge. African researchers mostly fund their own research, and there are little incentives for them to make their research and accompanying data sets openly accessible. Funding and peer recognition, along with an enabling research environment conducive for research, are regarded as major incentives. The landscape report concludes with a number of concerns towards sharing research data openly, as well as challenges in terms of Open Data policy, ICT infrastructure supportive of data sharing, capacity building, lack of skills, and the need for incentives. Although great progress has been made in terms of Open Science and Open Data practices, more awareness needs to be created and further advocacy efforts are required for buy-in from African governments. A federated African Open Science Platform (AOSP) will not only encourage more collaboration among researchers in addressing the SDGs, but it will also benefit the many stakeholders identified as part of the pilot phase. The time is now, for governments in Africa, to acknowledge the important role of science in general, but specifically Open Science and Open Data, through developing and aligning the relevant policies, investing in an ICT infrastructure conducive for data sharing through committing funding to making NRENs financially sustainable, incentivising open research practices by scientists, and creating opportunities for more scientists and stakeholders across all disciplines to be trained in data management.