Chebyshev interpolation for functions with endpoint singularities via exponential and double-exponential transforms

We present five theorems concerning the asymptotic convergence rates of Chebyshev interpolation applied to functions transplanted to either a semi-infinite or an infinite interval under exponential or double-exponential transformations. This strategy is useful for approximating and computing with functions that are analytic apart from endpoint singularities. The use of Chebyshev polynomials instead of the more commonly used cardinal sinc or Fourier interpolants is important because it enables one to apply maps to semi-infinite intervals for functions which have only a single endpoint singularity. In such cases, this leads to significantly improved convergence rates

Identifying the task variables that predict object assembly difficulty.

We investigated the physical attributes of an object that influence the difficulty of its assembly. Identifying attributes that contribute to assembly difficulty will provide a method for predicting assembly complexity

Academic Plate Spinning: the Difficulties of Balancing Full Time Degree Study With a Part-Time Job

The study examined full-time students engaged in part-time work during term time. A qualitative approach was used to examine how students cope with simultaneously managing the two activities, and how part-time working affects their academic study. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain data from a sample of 30 undergraduate business students. The findings confirm that students merely satisfice many aspects of their lives, with reading time and assignment preparation being key areas that suffer in order to allow students to engage with part-time work. Possible options available to HEIs to adapt to, and remedy, the situation are explored

Relationship between frontal dust storms and transient eddy activity in the northern hemisphere of Mars as observed by Mars Global Surveyor

We have compiled a catalog of frontal dust storms in the northern hemisphere using Mars Orbiter Camera daily global maps spanning ~2.3 Martian years of Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) observations (from 1999 to 2003). The most vigorous frontal storms that flush dust to the low latitudes occur in early-mid fall and mid-late winter, away from the northern winter solstice. While many streaks are observed in the polar hood during the winter solstice period, no frontal dust storms are observed in the vicinity of the north polar region. We have also analyzed simultaneous MGS Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) temperature data and found statistically significant negative temperature anomalies associated with frontal storms. In the lowest scale height of the atmosphere, the geographical and seasonal distributions of temperature standard deviations associated with transient variations agree well with the distributions of frontal storms. The correlation deteriorates with increasing altitude, suggesting that lower-level temperature waves are associated with the frontal dust storms. Specifically, eastward traveling m = 3 waves with periods of 2–3 sols appear to be closely related to the development of flushing frontal storms

Time management situation assessment (TMSA)

TMSA is a concept prototype developed to support NASA Test Directors (NTDs) in schedule execution monitoring during the later stages of a Shuttle countdown. The program detects qualitative and quantitative constraint violations in near real-time. The next version will support incremental rescheduling and reason over a substantially larger number of scheduled events

Stepping Up: Applying Situational Leadership Concepts to Public Library Work With Teens

Working with teens is fun, nerve-wracking, and never dull. After building and growing a thriving teen council at our library for nearly ten years, I’ve spent some time thinking about what I want teens to get out of their experience at the library. One of the big things that they need and want is to develop leadership skills. Every application for college or scholarships seems to ask how they are demonstrating leadership, so I decided several years ago that I would build in opportunities for them to develop these skills on the council. This has taken the form of them leading meetings, splitting up into smaller groups lead by a teen leader, and taking on other, more advanced responsibilities. After learning a bit more about the Situational Leadership model at the Leadership Institute of the Oregon Library Association (LIOLA) conference, I am able to see the times when council members have demonstrated or responded to leadership behaviors described in the model. This article will look at some of these instances and discuss how teaching teens about this model might strengthen their own leadership abilities

Automatic splint to prevent self-harm in autistic and brain injured people

This dissertation is aimed at providing a less restrictive alternative to applying restrictive splints to people who display self-injurious behaviour often seen in people with severe autism or brain injuries. An electronic method of controlling an elbow jointed splint is explored, designed, built and tested. The final product, the Dynamic Splint Device (DSD) is a self-contained electronic joint that utilises an electromagnetic brake controlled by an Arduino microcontroller electronics board. Sensors measuring elbow joint rotational velocity, total fist acceleration and bending moments are used to predict potential impact forces. The device will reduce injury by applying a braking force to the joint when the predicted impact is greater than an adjustable set-point. The electronic ratchet developed as part of the braking system has allowed a sense of not being restrained, as the arm is not restricted from moving to a more open position. The ratchet has also increased the battery life of the DSD. Legally, restraints are required to be the least restrictive available. The DSD has the potential to revolutionise the care of people displaying Self Injurious Behaviour (SIB) by reducing the need for full restraint. It allows movement in a safe manner, restores civil liberties, and allows better therapy when compared to full restraint devices currently available on the market. Allowing health professionals and carers to build this device is integral to the design. Open source coding, 3D printable parts and off the shelf components allows anyone with a computer and a 3D printer to make the DSD, with the only limitation being that profit is not made