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Modern unified programming models (such as CUDA and SYCL) that combine host (CPU) code and GPU code into the same programming language, same file, and same lexical scope lack adequate support for GPU code specialization, which is a key optimization in real-time graphics. Furthermore, current methods used to implement specialization do not translate to a unified environment. In this paper, we create a unified shader programming environment in C++ that provides first-class support for specialization by co-opting C++'s attribute and virtual function features and reimplementing them with alternate semantics to express the services required. By co-opting existing features, we enable programmers to use familiar C++ programming techniques to write host and GPU code together, while still achieving efficient generated C++ and HLSL code via our source-to-source translator.

ABSTRACT Reformulated gasoline (RFG) contains oxygen additives such as methyl tertiary butyl ether or ethanol. The additives enable vehicles to burn fuel with a higher air/fuel ratio, thereby lowering the [...]

The international space station is not expected to be one of the seven engineering wonders of the world. NASA engineers admit that no new structural technology is being used for the ambitious project. The design of the station has undergone numerous changes due to budget cuts. The scientific community considers the station primarily as an engineering project. Some prospective users have even criticized the project's usefulness for experimenters.

The US Space Command along with the Air Force Phillips Laboratory play an active role in theater warfare with the help of satellites. Products, such as the survivor-evader-locator device, assist the US forces to rescue the stranded personnel. Three of the major priorities of Space Command include completing the Space-Based Infrared System, an advanced missile warning satellite spot and track short range missiles and maintaining uninterrupted communications. Encouragement of technology transfer and industry involvement in lab programs relieves the tight budget constraints.

The ten field centers of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are undergoing restructuring which will terminate secondary activities and eliminate jobs. The expected budget of $13 billion by 1999, will cut the workforce to 17,500 civil servants. In addition, 25,000 contractor jobs will be cut. All the ten centers are being changed to specific excellence centers to work in specialized areas. By the year 2000, NASA centers will carry out programs at reduced cost to the taxpayer, with a network of institutes to carry out scientific research.

NASA is trying to survive on a limited budget by drafting a space science policy which emphasizes smaller satellites that cost less but have the ability to perform the tasks of their big counterparts. A strategic plan for space science made up of small missions emphasizes how NASA can help answer questions about Earth's place in the universe. NASA officials agree that space science programs were the ones most affected by budget cuts and the future outlook for the programs is not rosy.

Communication satellite experts predict that a global communication revolution with the potential to radically alter existing communication networks is in the offing in the coming 25 years as a consequence of progress in the development of mobile communication satellites. These systems, which are known as the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will offer low-cost, two-way data messaging services. While the present investment mainly focuses on little LEOs meant for common consumer needs, the real competition will start with the launch of big LEOs featuring multiple use.

The future for small launch services looks brighter for the coming years as shown by the projections and trends in the industry. Orbital Sciences Corp (OSC) with its Pegasus and Taurus rockets holds nearly 70 to 80% of the market share of small launch services. OSC is planning six to eight launches for the rest of FY 1995 and 1996. Lockheed's launch vehicle, the LLV, is the latest small launcher and expects to share the market with OSC with three to four launches in 1996. Martin Marietta is converting Minuteman II ICBMs into launchers and calling them the Multi-Service Launch System. A launch is expected in 1996. A Russian-German joint venture expects its first launch in 1997.

NASA is emphasizing research into the effects of space flight on the health of the astronauts. Although it has not found any harmful effect of space flight, statistics show that astronauts are more prone to fatal accidents than other individuals. According to some astronauts the life science program of NASA is not able to discover the effects of space on health. To overcome this shortcoming NASA is equipping the Spacelab station with a centrifuge to study the effect of gravity on plants and animals, a gravitational biology facility and human research facility.

Job opportunities in the field of aerospace has been declining in the past few years, but lately new fields have created new placements prospective. The new areas of work are in satellite network, direct broadcasting satellite services and personal communication systems.

The end of the Cold War, the advances in technology competition from abroad and the Congressional legislation to bring the private sector into the field of remote sensing have caused a shift in US policy restricting the sales of satellite photos. Five private companies who claim that they can create more job opportunities in the US have already obtained licenses for remote satellite systems. The new US policy on remote sensors will bolster the US economy, but the sale of high-resolution satellite photos can also create problems for its national security.

The Pentagon's Defense Counterproliferation Initiative will invest several million dollars in acquisition programs and policy studies over the next few years to neutralize global nuclear weapon proliferation. The initiative aims to institutionalize proliferation, make acquisitions, include counterproliferation aspects, stress intelligence data collections to assist counterproliferation measures, prepare for exigencies caused by nuclear weapons and utilize the technological base for counterproliferation intelligence collection.

The US aerospace industry is geared to overcoming the threat posed by the growth of nuclear weapons worldwide to national security. The Multispectral Thermal Imaging (MTI) satellite, developed by Los Alamos and Sandia, will be launched in 1996-97, and will aid the monitoring of the growth of nuclear weapons in all parts of the world.

The collision of Jupiter with comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 was detected on Mar 25, 1993. Twenty-two comet 'chunks' in the form of beads will erupt to collide with the planet, and result in a spectacular display in the sky. Millions of shooting stars will be plunged into the planet's atmosphere, prior to the arrival of the first comet 'chunk.' The results of the collision are predicted as new weather schedules and atmospheric fire balls of the planet.