Shape-preserving approximation inL p

We prove a direct theorem for shape preservingL _p -approximation, 0p, in terms of the classical modulus of smoothnessw ₂(f, t _p ¹ ). This theorem may be regarded as an extension toL _p of the well-known pointwise estimates of the Timan type and their shape-preserving variants of R. DeVore, D. Leviatan, and X. M. Yu. It leads to a characterization of monotone and convex functions in Lipschitz classes (and more general Besov spaces) in terms of their approximation by algebraic polynomials.Communicated by Ron DeVore.     

Convex polynomial and spline approximation in C[−1, 1]

We prove that a convex functionf C[–1, 1] can be approximated by convex polynomialsp _n of degreen at the rate of ₃(f, 1/n). We show this by proving that the error in approximatingf by C² convex cubic splines withn knots is bounded by ₃(f, 1/n) and that such a spline approximant has anL third derivative which is bounded by n³₃(f, 1/n). Also we prove that iff C²[–1, 1], then it is approximable at the rate ofn ^–2 (f, 1/n) and the two estimates yield the desired result.Communicated by Ronald A. DeVore.     

Polynomial approximation inL p (0<p<1)

We prove that forf∈L _p , 0<p<1, andk a positive integer, there exists an algebraic polynomialP _n of degree ≤n such that $$\left\| {f - P_n } \right\|_p \leqslant C\omega _k^\varphi \left( {f,\frac{1}{n}} \right)_p $$ whereω _k ^? (f,t)p is the Ditzian-Totik modulus of smoothness off inL _p , andC is a constant depending only onk andp. Moreover, iff is nondecreasing andk≤2, then the polynomialP _n can also be taken to be nondecreasing.     

Organogelators based on the norbornane scaffold

Using the rigid norbornane scaffold, a series of low-molecular-weight organogelators has been synthesised and evaluated. Three separate compounds (16, 19 and 20) were identified as organogelators in three aromatic organic solvents (PhMe, anisole and o-xylene). The formation of fibrillar assemblies at nanometre level was confirmed using atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.     

Cis,anti, cis-Tricyclo[5.3.0.02,6]deca-4,9-dione

The chemical behavior and some physical properties (dipole moment, IR. vs. Raman spectra) of the titled compound are not fully consistent with a strictly centrosymmetric structure which might be expected for the anti configuration. The carbonyl groups are less reactive toward nucleophilic reagents and sp² → sp³ transformations as compared to cyclopentanone systems.     

Consistent values and the core in continuum market games with two types of players

The consistent value is an extension of the Shapley value to the class of games with non-transferable utility.? In this paper, the consistent value will be characterized for market games with a continuum of players of two types. We will show that for such games the consistent value need not belong to the core, and provide conditions under which there is equivalence between the two concepts. Received: October 1998 RID="*" ID="*"  This thesis was completed under the supervision of Professor Sergiu Hart, The Center for Rationality and Interactive Decision Theory, Department of Mathematics, Department of Economics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I would like to thank Professor Hart for introducing me to this area of research, for his help and guidance, and, especially, for all his patience.? I would also like to thank Michael Borns for improving the style, and an anonymous referee for helpful comments.