An experiment for showing some kind of artificial understanding

In this paper we design an experiment which can be depicted as a simple scenario, a very limited 'world'. In this world, there are an actor that can pursue a project and an observer that is keeping its eyes on the actor. We try to show in the experiment that the observer can to some degree understand the actor based on its knowledge and some metaphors, i.e. understand what the actor is doing and why. As the conclusion of this experiment, we try to show some features of 'understanding'. These are (1) that 'understanding' has to be based on some preliminary knowledge; (2) that 'understanding' is a process of incremental learning; (3) that, as for symbolic systems, some metaphors are necessary for mapping real entities into concepts in mind.     

A Modified Variational-Gradient Method for Quasilinear Equations

A modified variational-gradient method is proposed and substantiated for quasilinear operator equations in a Hilbert space.     

Modelization of the whispering gallery mode in microgear resonators using the Floquet-Bloch formalism

In this paper, a two-dimensional (2-D) method describing the whispering gallery mode in a microgear resonator is presented. The microgear is a microdisk surrounded by a circular grating. The method, which is based on the Floquet-Bloch formalism, analytically describes the field within the disk and outside the grating. On the other hand, the field within the grating is calculated using a finite-difference scheme in polar coordinates. Matching the boundary conditions, it is possible to work in a forced oscillation regime or in a free oscillation regime (laser mode). The resonant wavelength and quality factor can then be deduced. Compared to the coupled mode theory and to 2-D finite-difference time-domain computations, the method is faster and more accurate. Moreover, a polarization effect of the microgear is demonstrated. The TE polarization experiences a Q-factor improvement contrary to TM polarization. Finally, microgear structures prove to be more efficient than micro flowers.     

The architecture of the Sure System 2000 communications processor

Sure System 2000, a fault-tolerant computer that couples multiprocessors to offer low-priced, high-performance systems that deal effectively with faults and failures, is presented. The architecture is based on the local redundancy technique, ensuring that no hardware or software fault can cause a system crash. Software errors can be fixed, and hardware can be replaced, upgraded, or added dynamically. Existing fault-tolerant computers are briefly reviewed, and the logic hardware system configuration of the Sure System 2000 is described. The multiprocessor and I/O architecture are examined. The SXO Sure System 2000 expandable operating system is described     

Biochemical oxidation of caprolactam-containing wastewater from the production of synthetic fibres

Conclusions The chemical mutagenesis method is recommended for use in local purification installations for cleaning up of caprolactam-containing wastewater.Use of this method permits one to carry out a biochemical clean-up of wastewater having a caprolactam content up to 600 mg/liter while increasing the oxidative power of the aeration tank by a factor of two.Translated from Khimicheskie Volokna, No. 6, p. 46, November–December, 1985.     

Coupled-mode theory of overmoded cylindrical metal bragg-reflectors

A coupled-mode theory of overmoded, cylindrical metal Bragg-reflectors is presented. The first-order Bragg coupling constants are derived for TE → TE, TM → TM, TE → TM, and TM → TE mode conversions. Reflectivities and transverse modeQ-factors are computed for a Bragg-reflector resonator. The results illustrate important competition effects between nearly-degenerate-transverse-modes occurring within both the Bragg-reflectors and the resonator.     

Convective transfer processes in chemically stable and reacting liquids with an internal structure

Dynamic processes are studied in media with softly and hardly internal destroyable configurations. A method is examined for the measurement of properties of media with spatial separation of the chemical transformation stages and thermal hydrodynamic measurements.Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 53, No. 5, pp. 781–789, November, 1987.     

Differential gastric ulceration in rats receiving shocks on either fixed-time or variable-time schedules.

Research suggests that predictable electric shocks produce less stress than unpredictable shocks. In this experiment, predictability was manipulated by using fixed-time (FT, predictable) and variable-time (VT, unpredictable) schedules of shock delivery. Rats receiving 3-mA, 1-s electric shocks on a FT 45-s schedule developed less gastric pathology than another group that was administered identical shocks on a VT 45-s schedule. It is argued that this finding represents a more subtle effect of predictability than has been obtained heretofore. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)