Orthogonal Polynomial Approximation in Higher Dimensions: Applications in Astrodynamics

We propose novel methods to utilize orthogonal polynomial approximation in higher dimension spaces, which enable us to modify classical differential equation solvers to perform high precision, long-term orbit propagation. These methods have immediate application to efficient propagation of catalogs of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) and improved accounting for the uncertainty in the ephemeris of these objects. More fundamentally, the methodology promises to be of broad utility in solving initial and two point boundary value problems from a wide class of mathematical representations of problems arising in engineering, optimal control, physical sciences and applied mathematics. We unify and extend classical results from function approximation theory and consider their utility in astrodynamics. Least square approximation, using the classical Chebyshev polynomials as basis functions, is reviewed for discrete samples of the to-be-approximated function. We extend the orthogonal approximation ideas to n-dimensions in a novel way, through the use of array algebra and Kronecker operations. Approximation of test functions illustrates the resulting algorithms and provides insight into the errors of approximation, as well as the associated errors arising when the approximations are differentiated or integrated. Two sets of applications are considered that are challenges in astrodynamics. The first application addresses local approximation of high degree and order geopotential models, replacing the global spherical harmonic series by a family of locally precise orthogonal polynomial approximations for efficient computation. A method is introduced which adapts the approximation degree radially, compatible with the truth that the highest degree approximations (to ensure maximum acceleration error < 10^−9ms^−2, globally) are required near the Earths surface, whereas lower degree approximations are required as radius increases. We show that a four order of magnitude speedup is feasible, with both speed and storage efficiency op- timized using radial adaptation. The second class of problems addressed includes orbit propagation and solution of associated boundary value problems. The successive Chebyshev-Picard path approximation method is shown well-suited to solving these problems with over an order of magnitude speedup relative to known methods. Furthermore, the approach is parallel-structured so that it is suited for parallel implementation and further speedups. Used in conjunction with orthogonal Finite Element Model (FEM) gravity approximations, the Chebyshev-Picard path approximation enables truly revolutionary speedups in orbit propagation without accuracy loss

Computerized Pedagogical Management among School Teachers

Online pedagogical management is a mandatory element in the national program for embedding computerization in Israeli schools. In this study, the smart-school online system was used as an example of an online pedagogical management system among teachers in schools. The study examined the factors that influence the level of use of the Smart School system among teachers according to Davis (1989) technology acceptance model (TAM).The study involved 60 teachers aged 23-63. Subjects were asked to fill out an online questionnaire. The questionnaire included statements that examined the perceived ease of use of the Smart School system by teachers, statements that examined the perceived benefit of the system, statements that examined the teachers’ emotional attitude towards the system, statements that examined the level of digital literacy of teachers, and he level of use of the system by the teachers

Technology Integration in Teaching: A Study that Examines How Technology Integration Affects Student Achievement

The study examines technology integration in instructional classes and their impact on student achievement, because integrating technology into teaching allows the teacher to take control of all students and draws their attention, greatly reducing classroom discipline issues.In addition, it boosts teacher self-confidence because he speaks to students in their technological language, facilitates teachers’ assessment of their students - if the teacher used an appropriate assessment tool, and allows students who are having difficulty in class to actively participate in lessons, helping teachers share all their lessons, and share the lessons they have prepared with the whole world.And all of this results in effective student performance, and teaching achievement

Inflation and Inflation Tax in Iran: A Threshold Regression ‘Laffer Curve’ Model

The purpose of this paper is examining the Laffer curve for inflation tax. To do so we have used Hansen (1996, 2000), threshold regression model to study whether a non-linear relationship between inflation Tax and inflation based on two regimes of inflation (low and high inflation regimes). Our findings support a standard Laffer curve shape in Iran with a threshold inflation rate of 15.24 percentage points. In other words, only at inflation below this rate inflation tax will increase as a result of higher inflation

A study of asymptomatic bacteriuria in Egyptian school-going children

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common and important clinical problem in childhood. Upper urinary tract infections (i.e., acute pyelonephritis) may lead to renal scarring, hypertension, and end-stage renal disease. Despite the presence of simple and reliable methods of preliminary screening of children's urine, urinary tract infection continues to be under diagnosed.Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish prevalence rates of significant bacteriuria in asymptomatic school children by simple urine tests in comparison to standard urine culture techniques in Giza, Egypt.Patients and methods: A total of 1000 apparently healthy school going children (6-12) years, 552 boys (55.2%) and 448 girls (44.8%), were enrolled in this cross-sectional prevalence survey.Results: Overall prevalence of significant bacteriuria was 6%. Higher prevalence occurred in girls (11.4%) than boys (1.6%). Escherichia coli was isolated in 35(58%) cases (3 boys and 32 girls), Staph. aureus in 13 (22%) cases (3 boys and 10 girls), Enterobacter in 6 girls (10%), Kelbsiella pneumoniae in 3 boys (5%) and Proteus vulgaris in 3 girls (5%)Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriurea could be detected by urine screening program at school age. Overall prevalence of significant bacteriuria was 6%, with predominance in girls than boys.Keywords: Bacteriuria, asymptomatic, prevalence, children, school, male, female, simple urine test

The Effects of a Cognitive Acceleration Training Program on Developing the Emotional Intelligence among a Jordanian Sample of Sixth Graders

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a training program based on Adey and Shayer Model of Cognitive Acceleration on developing the Emotional Intelligence (EI) among a Jordanian sample of sixth graders in UNRWA schools. To achieve this aim, the sample of the study consisted of (121) female and male students selected purposively from Al-Amir Hasan Preparatory School (males) and Al-Amir Hasan Preparatory School (females) in Zarqa Area. This sample of male and female students is divided into experimental and control groups. The training program was applied to the experimental group. In order to measure the impact of the training program, the Emotional Intelligence Test (EIT) was administered to both groups as a pre- and post-test at the beginning and at the end of the implementation of the program. Results of the study demonstrated that there were statistically significant differences at (µ£ 0.05) in favor of the experimental group in the performance of the students on the EIT attributed to the group. However, the study showed that there were no statistically significant differences at (µ£ 0.05) in their performance on the EIT attributed to gender. Finally, the results indicated that there were statistically significant differences at (µ£ 0.05) in the interaction between the training program and gender. The study concluded with recommendations related to applying the idea of the training program used in this study in developing the Emotional Intelligence and conducting further studies to develop other types of intelligences. Keywords: cognitive acceleration, Adey and Shayer, emotional intelligence, UNRWA schools

New organic π-conjugated system using dithiafulvenes and tetrathiafulvalenes and building blocks

This thesis describes a systematic study of new functional π-conjugated organic materials. The detailed investigations can be summarized in two research themes. The first theme deals with the design and synthesis of redox-active conjugated co-polymers using tetrathiafulvalene vinylogue (TTFV) and pyrene as repeat units. TTFV has been known to be an excellent π-electron donor and shows intriguing conformational switching properties associated with its redox reactions. Pyrene is a widely used organic chromophore with rich photophysical and supramolecular properties. The newly designed TTFV-pyrene co-polymers have been found to show redox-activity and stimuli-responsive aggregation behaviour in organic solvents. Their electronic and supramolecular properties have been elucidated by various spectroscopic and microscopic analyses (e.g., CV, UV-Vis, GPC, and DLS). In addition, the conformational properties of the co-polymers were modeled by molecular mechanics (MM) simulations to provide theoretical explanations for the obtained experimental data. In the second research theme, efforts have been dedicated to the development of new π-extended analogues based on pentacene-5,7,12,14-tetraone. By introducing redox-active 1,3-dithiole groups via Wittig-type olefination, a highly π-extended TTF analogue was created, and its structural, electronic, and redox properties were investigated by NMR, UV-Vis absorption and electrochemical analyses in conjunction with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Pentacene-5,7,12,14-tetraone was also subjected to selective olefination and cross-coupling reactions to yield a new class of pentacene-based π-conjugated systems functionalized with geminal enediyne and 1,3-dithiole groups. The electron-donating and accepting effects exerted by the enediyne and dithiole units deliver intriguing structural and electronic properties, as well as redox activities which were systematically investigated by experimental and theoretical analyses. The bis(enediyne) substituents also provided synthetic access to novel carbon-rich cross-linked polymers and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling and cyclization reactions

Comparison of Auditory Evoked Potentials between Younger and Older- Adults.

Abstract:Aging is a very important issue in our modern life. Auditory processing problems are common in older adults. There are different ways to study these problems.The aim of this cross sectional study was to evaluate the pure processing effect of aging on auditory evoked potentials. Materials and methods:The auditory brain stem response (ABR) and the auditory middle latency response (AMLR) weremeasuredin 32 younger adults (mean age, 20.41±2.13 years) and compared with those of 32 older adults (mean age, 68.16±6.20 years). Both groups had normal peripheral hearing sensitivity and normal cognitive status, according to pure tone audiometry and Mini Mental State Examination results.The group of older adults was selected from subjectswith problemsunderstanding speech in noisy places. Multivariate tests wereused for the statistical analysis.RESULTS:Most ABR wave latencies increased and their amplitudes decreased in older adults. (P&lt; 0.05). The latency of AMLR waves was significantly prolonged only for the Nb componentin the right and left ears and for the Pa component during binaural stimulation (p &lt; 0.05).Theamplitude of all AMLR waves increased significantly, except for Na in both ears (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion:Aging had a pure central effect on the processing ability of the entire neural auditory system.Aging reduced the central inhibition process at the cortical level

Assessment of Smog Pattern and its Effects on Visibility in Lahore Using Remote Sensing and GIS

In recent times, many parts of the world are experiencing drastic levels of air pollution, which includessmog, the mixture of fog and smoke, polluted air formed by human activities like burning of coal, excessive use ofvehicles and many others. During November 2016, Lahore city also experienced the smog due to increased level of airpollutants. In earlier studies, very limited research work has been done related to smog, therefore, this research is aimedto study the pattern of smog in Lahore and its impact on visibility through remote sensing and GIS. Satellite images ofMODIS and Landsat OLI, of November, 2016 is used to study the pattern of smog, whereas the visibility data wasacquired from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). For the processing and analysis of data ERDAS IMAGINE14 and ArcGIS 10.1 software were used. The findings of this research reveal that the dense smog cover on 2nd, 3rd,and 4th November 2016 leads to the considerable reduction in visibility. As on 2nd November’16, it was only 111.6meters (m) while during bright days it was recorded more than 300 m or 400 m