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In this paper, we initiate the study of asymptotic and oscillatory properties of solutions to second-order functional differential equations with noncanonical operators and unbounded neutral coefficients, using a recent method of iteratively improved monotonicity properties of nonoscillatory solutions. Our results rely on ideas that essentially improve standard techniques for the investigation of differential equations with unbounded neutral terms with delay or advanced argument. The core of the method is presented in a form that suggests further generalizations for higher-order differential equations with unbounded neutral coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the oscillatory behavior of the second-order quasi-linear retarded difference equation Δ(p(n)(Δy(n))α) + η(n)yβ (n -- k) = 0 under the condition ∑n=n0∞ p-1/α(n) < ∞ (i.e., the noncanonical form). Unlike most existing results, the oscillatory behavior of this equation is attained by transforming it into an equation in the canonical form. Examples are provided to show the importance of our main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any attempt to upgrade the status of a profession will focus on the qualification required and acquired by those who practice it. The technical teacher profession is no exception. This paper provides an analysis of trends and concerns associated with the initial training of technical teachers in Greece. The tone for the discussion is set by pointing out the role of higher education in the field and the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the two models in use. The curricular pathways the models aspire to offer are examined with reference to the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), the sole higher institution in Greece for the education and training of teachers of technical and vocational subjects. Central to this is how the teaching practice system employed at ASPETE offers a powerful "tool" for the preparation of prospective technical teachers and of the "learning" professionals of the future.

We study the oscillatory properties of the solutions of the third-order nonlinear semi-noncanonical delay difference equation D3y(n) + f(n)yβ(-(n)) = 0, where D3y(n) = Δ(b(n)Δ(a(n)(Δy(n))α)) is studied. The main idea is to transform the semi-noncanonical operator into canonical form. Then we obtain new oscillation theorems for the studied equation. Examples are provided to illustrate the importance of the main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new pedagogical method for nodal analysis optimization based on the use of virtual current sources, applicable to any linear electric circuit (LEC), regardless of its complexity. The proposed method leads to straightforward solutions, mostly arrived at by inspection. Furthermore, the method is easily adapted to computer implementation. Index Terms--Inspection, linear electric circuit (LEC), nodal analysis, nodal analysis with virtual current sources (NA-VCS) method, nonconvertible voltage source, virtual current source.