Abstract: The invention provides an optical mask (1) for use in blending overlapping tiled images, the optical mask comprising a base (2); an array of elongate sliding elements (10) arranged side by side on the support, each sliding element being independently slidable along an axis and being constrained against lateral translational movement; the mask having a transmission-modifying edge (22) for positioning in a beam of light to modify transmission of the light, the transmission-modifying edge (22) having a profile which is adjustable by moving one or more of the sliding elements (10) along their axes.

Abstract: A system and method for investment fund management are provided. The method includes: determining a set of investment strategies based on a predetermined criterion; determining a performance predictor for each investment strategy in the set, wherein the performance predictor is normalized to take into account market conditions; and selecting at least one investment strategy for the investment fund from the set of investment strategies based on the performance predictor. The system includes: a data subsystem configured to receive and store data related to investment strategies; a connection module configured to provide the data subsystem access to external systems; and at least one analyzer, having at least one processor and at least one computational subsystem.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical mask (1) for use in blending overlapping tiled images, the optical mask comprising a base (2); an array of elongate sliding elements (10) arranged side by side on the support, each sliding element being independently slidable along an axis and being constrained against lateral translational movement; the mask having a transmission-modifying edge (22) for positioning in a beam of light to modify transmission of the light, the transmission-modifying edge (22) having a profile which is adjustable by moving one or more of the sliding elements (10) along their axes.