Model checking agent programming languages

In this paper we describe a verification system for multi-agent programs. This is the first comprehensive approach to the verification of programs developed using programming languages based on the BDI (belief-desire-intention) model of agency. In particular, we have developed a specific layer of abstraction, sitting between the underlying verification system and the agent programming language, that maps the semantics of agent programs into the relevant model-checking framework. Crucially, this abstraction layer is both flexible and extensible; not only can a variety of different agent programming languages be implemented and verified, but even heterogeneous multi-agent programs can be captured semantically. In addition to describing this layer, and the semantic mapping inherent within it, we describe how the underlying model-checker is driven and how agent properties are checked. We also present several examples showing how the system can be used. As this is the first system of its kind, it is relatively slow, so we also indicate further work that needs to be tackled to improve performance.     

A microcomputer system for processing natural languages

This correspondence describes a microcomputer system, called ?BE (for microprocessor-based English), for processing natural languages. Its techniques and facilities, however, should be extendible to other languages. By using the microprocessor as special purpose hardware for several functions of a natural language processor (in particular, hashing and parsing), the system aids computational linguists by increasing the computational power available for natural language investigations. An overview of ?BE is given followed by a more detailed discussion of the hasher and parser. The paper concludes with specific applications of the microprocessor system to computational linguistics. ?BE is not based on a particular theory of language so that the system's user may define his own theory and investigate its consequences. ?BE contains facilities and capabilities to assist such investigations.     

A national survey of the weight loss in pig carcasses between slaughter and 24 hours post mortem

A national survey was carried out in Great Britain in 1978/79 to determine the weight loss occurring in pig carcasses between slaughter and 24 hours post mortem. A total of 20,600 carcasses were measured over a 12-month period, the sample covering forty-eight slaughtering plants and the main market weights of pig. At 24 hours post mortem, the overall mean weight loss was estimated to be 2·27% of the hot weight. The figure differed little between market weights or between times of the year, but there were important differences between slaughtering plants.     

A dual method for maximum entropy restoration

A simple iterative dual algorithm for maximum entropy image restoration is presented. The dual algorithm involves fewer parameters than conventional minimization in the image space. Mini-computer test results for Fourier synthesis with inadequate phantom data are given.     

Portable Device for Detection of Petit Mal Epilepsy

We have developed and tested a portable device that analyzes the electroencephalogram (EEG) to determine if petit mal epilepsy waveforms are present. Clinicians should rimd it useful in diagnosing seizure activity of their patients. The micropower, battery-operated, portable device indicates a seizure has occurred if three criteria are satisfied: 1) frequencies of 2.5-7 Hz, 2) large amplitude waves, and 3) minimum number of waves per second. Levels and counts are adjustable, thus insuring high reliability against noise artifacts and permitting each subject to be individually fitted. The device has shown promise in giving the patient a possible mechanism of seizure control or suppression.     

A thin film electrochromic display based on the tungsten bronzes

The main features of a passive thin film display cell based on the electrochemically reversible formation of a tungsten bronze according to the reaction

$\text{(colourless) WO}{}_3\text{+ x}\text{M}{}^{\mathrm{+}}\text{+ x}\text{e}{}^{\mathrm{?}}\text{?}\text{M}{}_{\mathrm{x}}\text{WO}{}_3\text{(blue)}$

where 0 < x < 1 are considered. Chemical analysis of an electrochemically coloured WO₃ film has confirmed the presence of M. It is shown that a critical requirement of these cells is that D_τ(qC_m/Q)² ≈ 1, where the symbols are, in order, the M⁺ diffusion coefficient, the required device response time, the electronic charge, the maximum practical volume concentration of M in the WO₃ film and lastly the area colouring charge. Typical energy requirements might be about 10 mJ cm^?2 per complete cycle in a favourable case.Ionic injection overpotentials and ionic diffusion both appear to play a significant role in determining cell currents. Preliminary diffusion coefficient results for Li⁺ in r.f. sputtered WO₃ films are reported, and their predicted dependence of film structure is discussed. The optical absorption of coloured WO₃ films is presented, and it is interpreted as being predominantly due to free-electron intraband transitions.     

Eutectic solidification of the pseudo binary system of polyethylene and 1, 2, 4, 5-tetrachlorobenzene

This paper describes a study on the solidification of the pseudo binary eutectic system, consisting of unfractionated linear polyethylene and the faceted growing diluent 1, 2, 4, 5-tetrachlorobenzene. Crystallization under eutectic conditions resulted in very fine-grained structures, which were found to depend on the growth rate. This rate of solidification was varied by pulling the polymer solutions through a fixed temperature gradient of 3° C mm^–1 at different speeds ranging from 1 to 216 mm h^–1. Fibrillar polymer crystals with lateral dimensions of about 0.5 m remained after removal of the solid diluent. At rates of solidification in the region of 2 to 20 mm h^–1, the fibrils appeared to be aggregated in domains of well oriented structures, closely resembling the complex regular structures of the eutectic Sn-Bi system. At higher speeds the fibrillar crystals formed an irregular three-dimensional network. The polymeric structures grown from more dilute mixtures were characterized by rectangular holes originating from the growth of faceted primary diluent crystals. Despite the complexity of the crystallization of the highly entangled polymer solutions there appears to be quite some similarities between the eutectic polymeric system investigated and faceted/non-faceted atomic or small molecular eutectics.     

Relationship between a behavioral and several psychometric measures of test anxiety

Behavioral time-sampling was compared with various paper-and-pencil, self-report measures of test anxiety in an examination of the utility of the behavioral measure as an in situo index of test anxiety. The behavioral measure was significantly and positively correlated 0.45 with a paper-and pencil, self-report measure of "facilitative" test anxiety but not with measures of "debilitative" test anxiety (r = -0.15) or general anxiety (r = -0.33) for 12 males and 21 female undergraduates.