Simulator-mediated acquisition of a dynamic control skill

Uses of stored skill-models to accelerate simulator-based real-time training in a control skill are discussed. A real-time coach must deliver advice at three levels: (1) what to do next, (2) what to watch for, and (3) what went wrong. Human learning and machine learning results are presented using different screen representations of a pole-and-cart balancing task.     

Regional Process Modeling for Design for Environment

This research is an effort towards providing higher level Design for Environment (DFE) tools for a broad industrial region. Issues ranging from the levels immediately above existing design tools, to the envisioned highest level for a broad geographical region are discussed. A tool for the regional planning of the DFE activities is proposed, considering a model construction based on material flows across the industry. The Multi-Lifecycle approach is supported by organizing the input/output flows for industries, potentially utilizing waste material, side products and recycling. Capitalizing on the conceptual integration of the design and process activities, an Abstract Design Environment is used for the design of the basically process oriented material flow tool. Within the context, the relations among design, process and flow-modeling concepts are discussed.     

Using Nondeterminism to Design Efficient Deterministic Algorithms

In this paper we illustrate how nondeterminism can be used conveniently and effectively in designing efficient deterministic algorithms. In particular, our method gives a parameterized algorithm of running time O((5.7 k)^k n) for the 3-D matching problem, which significantly improves the previous algorithm by Downey et al. The algorithm can be generalized to yield an improved algorithm for the r-D matching problem for any positive integer r. The method can also be employed in designing deterministic algorithms for other optimization problems as well.     

Maximum and Minimum Likelihood Hebbian Learning for Exploratory Projection Pursuit

In this paper, we review an extension of the learning rules in a Principal Component Analysis network which has been derived to be optimal for a specific probability density function. We note that this probability density function is one of a family of pdfs and investigate the learning rules formed in order to be optimal for several members of this family. We show that, whereas we have previously (Lai et al., 2000; Fyfe and MacDonald, 2002) viewed the single member of the family as an extension of PCA, it is more appropriate to view the whole family of learning rules as methods of performing Exploratory Projection Pursuit. We illustrate this on both artificial and real data sets.     

Foundational Aspects of Student‐Controlled Learning: A Paradigm for Design,Development, and Assessment Appropriate for Web‐Based Instruction

This paper presents a strategy for the design and organization of materials for Web‐based instruction (WBI) founded upon cognitive modeling for the identification and organization of the major concepts in the domain of interest, based upon the Pathfinder paradigm. The original purpose of the Pathfinder paradigm was to model aspects of human semantic (associative) memory. A brief introduction to the Pathfinder paradigm is presented, and the rationale for its use in WBI is discussed. The development of this paradigm for WBI, in the context of eliciting and representing knowledge from domain experts, and its use in a pilot study is described. The domain used for the pilot study was the A* search algorithm, embedded within an introductory course in artificial intelligence. Assessment of the paradigm is also discussed, and preliminary methods are applied to the pilot study.     

A theory of pad conditioning for chemical-mechanical polishing

Statistical models are presented to describe the evolution of the surface roughness of polishing pads during the pad-conditioning process in chemical-mechanical polishing. The models describe the evolution of the surface-height probability-density function of solid pads during fixed height or fixed cut-rate conditioning. An integral equation is derived for the effect of conditioning on a foamed pad in terms of a model for a solid pad. The models that combine wear and conditioning are then discussed for both solid and foamed pads. Models include the dependence of the surface roughness on the shape and density of the cutting tips used in the conditioner and on other operating parameters. Good agreement is found between the model, Monte Carlo simulations and with experimental data.     

Tricalcium aluminate hydration: Microstructural observations by in-situ electron microscopy

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used to study the microstructural changes that take place during the hydration of tricalcium aluminate (C₃A) in the absence and presence of gypsum (CS¯H₂; where A = Al₂O₃, C = CaO, H = H₂O, S¯ = SO₃). The ESEM proves to be a valuable tool in the observation of cement hydration and no specialised equipment other than the ESEM is required. The hydration process can be observed at any time without the need to halt the hydration process prior to specimen preparation. Subsequently, artefacts associated with specimen preparation, such as water loss and desiccation, are now avoided. In the absence of sulphate, amorphous gel, poorly crystalline hexagonal calcium aluminate hydrate (? C₄AH₁₉) and cubic calcium aluminate hydrate (C₃AH₆) are observed on the surface of C₃A grains. When small amounts of sulphate (2% gypsum) are present the same phases are observed. If larger amounts of sulphate (25% gypsum) are added to the system amorphous gel products, crystalline ettringite (C₆AS¯₃H₃₂) and monosulphate (C₄AS¯H₁₂) are observed. The crystalline products grow both within the amorphous gel and, where space allows, in interstices suggesting a through solution mechanism of transport.     

Donald Redfield Griffin (1915-2003).

Presents an obituary for Donald Redfield Griffin, who passed away on November 7, 2003. Dr. Griffin was noted for rigorous research in animal behavior, founding the field of cognitive ethology and suggesting that animals have subjective feelings and conscious thoughts that are amenable to scientific study. Dr. Griffin demonstrated that bats emit high-frequency sounds with which they can locate objects as small as flying insects and coined the term echolocation, and he conducted extensive studies of the manner in which birds orient toward home. Many scientists were influenced by him and showed great respect for this remarkable scientist. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Effectiveness of Telephone-Based Continuing Care in the Clinical Management of Alcohol and Cocaine Use Disorders: 12-Month Outcomes.

This study of continuing care for substance dependent patients compared a telephone-based monitoring and brief counseling intervention (TEL) with 2 face-to-face interventions, relapse prevention (RP) and standard 12-step group counseling (STND). The participants were graduates of intensive outpatient programs who had current dependence on alcohol and/or cocaine. Self-report, collateral, and biological measures of alcohol and cocaine use were obtained over a 12-month follow-up. The treatment groups did not differ on abstinence-related outcomes in the complete sample (N = 359) or on cocaine use outcomes in participants with cocaine dependence (n = 268). However, in participants with alcohol dependence only (n = 91), TEL produced better alcohol use outcomes than STND on all measures examined and better outcomes than RP on some of the measures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Agents in object‐oriented software engineering

Software engineers of multi‐agent systems (MASs) are faced with different concerns such as autonomy, adaptation, interaction, collaboration, learning, and mobility, which are essentially different from classical concerns addressed in object‐oriented software engineering. MAS developers, however, have relied mostly on object‐oriented design techniques and programming languages, such as Java. This often leads to a poor separation of MAS concerns and in turn to the production of MASs that are difficult to maintain and reuse. This paper discusses software engineering approaches for MASs, and presents a new method for integrating agents into object‐oriented software engineering from an early stage of design. The proposed approach encourages the separate handling of MAS concerns, and provides a disciplined scheme for their composition. Our proposal explores the benefits of aspect‐oriented software development for the incorporation of agents into object‐oriented systems. We also illustrate our aspect‐oriented approach through the Portalware multi‐agent system, a Web‐based environment for the development of e‐commerce portals. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.