An orthonormalization procedure for multivariable function approximation

Where a function of several variables is given numerically in tabular form, an orthonormalization technique allows an approximation of the numerical data to be determined in a convenient functional form. In this technique, the speed and accuracy of coefficient computation are much improved

Ethical Development and Diversity Training for Educational Leaders

In the 21st century schools must meet the challenges of current and anticipated increases in racial and ethnic student populations. In turn, school principals must be prepared to lead diverse student populations to high levels of achievement. To facilitate adequate leadership preparation, therefore, the diversity training of educational leaders in given settings must be reworked so that the achievement gap between non-white and white students can be closed. Furthermore, restructuring of principal training is best accomplished through consensus within the profession, based on the tenets of the democratic values of respect, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity. The purpose of this paper is to add to the body of knowledge in educational leadership degree and certification programs in regard to diversity standards and social justice relevance. This paper provides an overview of a social justice agenda that includes five key elements. The first is a discussion of the term diversity and American demography. The second element is a summary of the sociopolitical context of social justice. The third element is an examination of multicultural education. The fourth element is an overview of educational administration programs. The last element is a review of the moral and ethical leadership standards for educational administrators

Ultradian, circadian and seasonal rhythms in cortisol secretion and adrenal responsiveness to ACTH and yarding in unrestrained red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags

Seasonal changes in the activity and responsiveness of the adrenal gland in red deer (Cervus elaphus) stags were quantified by measuring 24 h endogenous cortisol secretory profiles and plasma cortisol responses to either administration of exogenous ACTH or a standardised stressor during November (period of velvet growth), February (pre-rut), April (mid-rut) and July (post-rut) (southern hemisphere) using a remote blood sampling device (DracPac). Ultradian rhythms in the concentration of plasma cortisol were observed resulting from the episodic secretion of cortisol from the adrenal cortex at a mean rate of 0.8 pulses/h. Circadian rhythms in plasma cortisol concentrations were also found in 11 out of the 20 complete 24 h profiles (mean amplitude, 3.8+/-1.4 ng/ml). Seasonal rhythms in mean 24 h plasma cortisol concentrations and cortisol pulse parameters were also observed. Mean 24 h plasma cortisol concentrations were higher in November (12.5+/-1.0 ng/ml) than in February (6.3+/-1.0 ng/ml), April (4.0+/-1.0 ng/ml) or July (4.2+/-1. 0 ng/ml). Cortisol pulse height, nadir and amplitude were all significantly higher in November than at other times of the year (P<0.01). Peak cortisol concentrations following infusion of ACTH(1-24) (0.04 IU kg(-1)) were higher (P<0.05) in November (55.8+/-2.7 ng/ml) and lower (P<0.001) in April (33.7+/-1.8 ng/ml) than those in February and July (48.7+/-2.0 ng/ml and 45.4+/-2.0 ng/ml respectively). The area under the cortisol response curve was significantly smaller (P<0.05) in April (266.6+/-15.3 ng/ml/190 min) than at other times of the year (February, 366.1+/-15.3 ng/ml/190 min; July, 340.7+/-15.3 ng/ml/190 min and November, 387.8+/-21.2 ng/ml/190 min). These data demonstrate that the adrenal gland of the red deer stag exhibits ultradian, circadian and seasonal rhythms in activity, and that its responsiveness to ACTH varies with season. November, a period of reproductive quiescence in the southern hemisphere, with new antler growth and rapid weight gain, is associated with higher mean plasma cortisol concentrations and a greater responsiveness to exogenous ACTH. In contrast, the breeding season is associated with lower adrenal activity and responsiveness

PATENT PROTECTION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CROP VARIETIES: CASE STUDY OF THE HIGH PECTIN TOMATO

Intellectual property is only one element of successful R&D. Our case study tracks a GM crop variety from R&D to processing and retailing. One finding that emerged was the importance of factors besides patent protection for developing a new technology, such as effective partnering and supply chain management.Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

The applicability and effectiveness of cluster analysis

An insight into the characteristics which determine the performance of a clustering algorithm is presented. In order for the techniques which are examined to accurately cluster data, two conditions must be simultaneously satisfied. First the data must have a particular structure, and second the parameters chosen for the clustering algorithm must be correct. By examining the structure of the data from the Cl flight line, it is clear that no single set of parameters can be used to accurately cluster all the different crops. The effectiveness of either a noniterative or iterative clustering algorithm to accurately cluster data representative of the Cl flight line is questionable. Thus extensive a prior knowledge is required in order to use cluster analysis in its present form for applications like assisting in the definition of field boundaries and evaluating the homogeneity of a field. New or modified techniques are necessary for clustering to be a reliable tool

Definition of smolder experiments for Spacelab

The feasibility of conducting experiments in space on smoldering combustion was studied to conceptually design specific smoldering experiments to be conducted in the Shuttle/Spacelab System. Design information for identified experiment critical components is provided. The analytical and experimental basis for conducting research on smoldering phenomena in space was established. Physical descriptions of the various competing processes pertaining to smoldering combustion were identified. The need for space research was defined based on limitations of existing knowledge and limitations of ground-based reduced-gravity experimental facilities

Relational-Interdependent Self-Construal and Relationship Quality: Same-Sex Friendships and Opposite-Sex Romantic Relationships

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the connection between relational-interdependent self-construal and relationship quality, with the cognitive mindset mediating the demonstration of autonomous efforts to maintain a relationship. For this study, I used a 22-question survey for relationship quality, measured separately for friendships and romantic relationships (using the Friendship Quality Scale and the Romance Quality Scale), and the 11-question Relational-Interdependent Self-Construal Scale for the measurement of self-construal. The surveys were distributed by means of an online survey accessible to the student population at a religiously affiliated private university in the South-Atlantic region of the United States. For both friendships and romantic relationships, scores on the Relational-Interdependent Scale were correlated with relationship quality. The relationship quality means for friendships and romantic relationships were significantly different from each other, as measured by an independent measures t-test. My results showed that no significant correlations were found between the variables of relational-interdependent self-construal and relationship quality. Interestingly, no substantial gender differences were found between the means of either type of relationship quality. Gender differences also were marginal between the means of relational-interdependent self-construal. Although the study did not procure statistical significance, it succeeded in presenting a theoretical comparison between friendships and romantic relationships, and illustrated the complexity of perception of relationship quality for emerging adults

Updating Turbomachinery Aerodynamics Teaching On an Undergraduate Course Using 3D Design Tools

This paper outlines the update of a turbomachinery course to cover 3D aerodynamics using a Reynolds Averaged-Navier Stokes solver. Prior to the activities outlined in this paper the course was taught in a conventional way with a series of lectures and a timed, written, open book examination in a formal exam setting. Students were equipped with a calculator and set of notes including correlations from Howell and Soderberg. This limited the depth of any aerodynamic problem they could get through and so they were restricted to simple design or analysis exercises.The genesis of the course update was the release in 2017 of “MULTALL OPEN” [1] a freely available turbomachinery design system and this was adopted as the course software - although other software choices were considered.Students now produce two turbomachinery designs during the course. These are both based on the J85 turbojet - largely to keep cycle calculations to a minimum but it was also important to ensure that students recognise that they were completing a real engineering task. The first task was a 3D aerodynamic design of multi-stage turbine which includes compressible flow, tip clearance and stacking techniques such as lean or sweep. The second task was a midspan (2D) compressor design. Assessment was by means of a short report where the best students report on their design choices, provide critical analysis of the design using appropriate post-processing techniques and compare their designs to the state of the art in the wider literature.As well as describing the successes and challenges of the update to 3D design methods the paper provides some guidance for educators thinking about adopting a similar approach

An application of the requirement vs capability analysis to estimating design reliability of solid rocket motors

Design reliability parameters for solid propellant rocket engine