Inside an agent

When we discuss agent-based system construction with software developers or ask students to implement common agent architectures using object-oriented techniques, we find that it is not trivial for them to create an elegant system design from the standard presentation of these architectures in textbooks or research papers. To better communicate our interpretation of popular agent architectures, we draw UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams to guide an implementer's design. However, before we describe these diagrams, we need to review some basic features of agents. The paper considers an architecture showing a simple agent interacting with an environment. The agent senses its environment, uses what it senses to choose an action, and then performs the action through its effectors. Sensory input can include received messages, and action can be the sending of messages. To construct an agent, we need a more detailed understanding of how it functions. In particular, if we are to build one using conventional object-oriented analysis and design techniques, we should know in what ways an agent is more than just a simple object     

Basic theoretical concepts of humanistic psychology.

Presents aspects of the new science of humanistic psychology and distinguishes it from its ideological origins in humanistic philosophy. The following elements of humanistic psychology are identified and briefly discussed: (a) the study and understanding of the person as a whole, (b) the need to understand the full life history of the human being, (c) the role of intentionality in human existence, and (d) the importance of the end goal of life for the healthy person. The individual is seen as attempting to integrate the various motives that drive the person to seek self-realization and fulfillment. The relationship of humanistic psychology to psychotherapy and to the field of education is also discussed. (44 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Design of Dynamically Wind-Loaded Helical Piers for Small Wind Turbines

The expansion of alternative energy has created a demand for sustainable alternatives for wind turbine foundation design. This study investigates the proposed application of helical piers as foundations for guyed cables of small (1–10-kW) wind towers. Before the foundation system can be implemented, pier response to typical working loads and extreme environmental conditions must be determined. Field conditions were determined by equipping an existing wind tower with accelerometers and load cells while monitoring wind speed to determine tower response. A full-scale testing program was conducted, which simulated dynamic loading conditions based on the tower response. The testing program varied between typical working conditions and extreme load events to determine the critical loading case and creep potential from long-term loading. This paper discusses the effects of dynamic loading on helical pier performance and compares the results to that of uplift prediction methods typically used in helical pier design.     

Conductive Ceramic Foams from Preceramic Polymers

Ceramic foams in the system Si-O-C, possessing different bulk densities and morphologies, were obtained from preceramic polymers using two different direct foaming approaches. The electric properties of the foams were varied by adding suitable fillers to the precursor mixtures in amounts up to 80 wt%. The electrical conductivity of the foams was varied by several orders of magnitude. The effects of the type of filler and preceramic polymer (methylsiloxane or methylphenylsiloxane resins), as well as the used filler precursor, on the properties of the ceramic foams were investigated.     

SOLIDIS: a tool for microactuator simulation in 3-D

SOLIDIS is an engineering software tool tailored for the coupled three-dimensional (3-D) analysis of microactuators. Surface electrostatic forces, thermomechanics, and piezoelectric effects are correctly treated. The solution algorithms implemented enable efficient and accurate static analysis and optimization of MEMS actuators. Adaptive mesh refinement results in near-optimal meshes in the sense of achieving maximum accuracy for a given number of mesh nodes. A zone partitioning scheme permits efficient simulation of complex actuator structures. Additional key issues are mesh updating using a Monte Carlo algorithm to account for the actuator's movement and the application of smoothing algorithms for the extraction of accurate electrostatic forces     

Integrated operation of diagnostic and control systems

In fusion research the ability to generate and sustain high performance fusion plasmas gains more and more importance. Optimal combinations of magnetic shape, temperature and density profiles as well as the confinement time are identified as advanced regimes. Safe operation in such regimes will be crucial for the success of ITER and later fusion reactors. The operational space, on the other hand, is characterized by nonlinear dependencies between plasma parameters. Various MHD limits must be avoided in order to minimize the risk of a disruption.Sophisticated feedback control schemes help to tackle this challenge. But these in turn require detailed information on plasma state in time to allow proper reaction. Control system and diagnostic systems therefore must establish a symbiotic relationship to carry out such schemes. Today, all major fusion devices implement such a concept.An implementation of such a concept with sustained integration is presented using the example of ASDEX Upgrade. It covers data communication via a real-time network, synchronization mechanisms for data-driven algorithm execution as well as operational aspects and exception handling for failure detection and recovery. A modular distributed software framework offers standardized user algorithm interfaces, automated workflow procedures and the application of various computer and network hardware components. Designed with a special focus on reliability, robustness and flexibility, it is a sound base for exploring ITER-relevant plasma regimes and control strategies.     

Biosequence Similarity Search on the Mercury System

Biosequence similarity search is an important application in modern molecular biology. Search algorithms aim to identify sets of sequences whose extensional similarity suggests a common evolutionary origin or function. The most widely used similarity search tool for biosequences is BLAST, a program designed to compare query sequences to a database. Here, we present the design of BLASTN, the version of BLAST that searches DNA sequences, on the Mercury system, an architecture that supports high-volume, high-throughput data movement off a data store and into reconfigurable hardware. An important component of application deployment on the Mercury system is the functional decomposition of the application onto both the reconfigurable hardware and the traditional processor. Both the Mercury BLASTN application design and its performance analysis are described.

A thermodynamic assessment of the Al-Cu-Mg ternary system

A thermodynamic assessment of the Al-Cu-Mg ternary system is presented. The Gibbs energies for the liquid and solid solution phases were modeled using the Redlich-Kister polynomial and the Wagner-Schottky model represented by the compound-energy formalism. The model parameters were obtained after fitting to previously critically assessed experimental phase diagram and thermodynamic data available in the literature. The thermodynamic functions and phase diagram calculated using the model parameters describe quite well the known experimental information. The complete set of Gibbs energies for all phases appearing in this system enables the calculation of thermodynamic values as a function of composition and temperature even for those ranges where no experimental information is available.     

EFFECTS OF SURFACE HYDRATION AND APPLICATION METHOD ON THE BOND STRENGTH OF SELF-ETCHING ADHESIVES TO DENTIN

The effect of application methods and dentin hydration on the bond strength of three self-etching adhesives (SEA) were evaluated; 195 extracted bovine incisors were used. The buccal surface was ground in order to expose the dentin, which remained 2-mm minimum thickness, measured by a thickness meter through an opening on the lingual surface. Adper Single Bond 2? was used for the control group. The SEA were applied following two modes of application: passive or active and two hydration states of the dentin surface—dry and wet. After light-curing, composite buildups were made using Grandio? composite. The specimens were sectioned and tested with a microtensile bond strength test. The application method and the hydration state resulted in statistical differences (p = 0.000) making the values of active application for μTBS to dentin higher than passive application. The wet surfaces showed higher μTBS to dentin ratios than dry surfaces. There were no statistical differences in μTBS among the SEA tested but there were differences regarding to control group.     

Observations of the outer radiation belt with REM and comparisonswith models

Radiation environment monitors (REMs) on-board the STRV-1b spacecraft in geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and externally on Mir have returned valuable results over the last few years. STRV data show the great variability of the electron radiation belt and a stable proton belt feature. In this paper, a detailed assessment is made of the flux values derived from the REM on STRV and particularly how they compare with the AE-8 and CRRESELE electron radiation-belt models. To compare with CRRESELE, the activity index Ap₁₅ is used and the behavior of this index as a parameter is assessed. GOES data are used to aid this assessment