Interactive modeling system for bridges

The modeling system described in this paper was developed in conjunction with the computer program called STACRB that was developed in the CURT research project at the University of Pennsylvania. In essence, the STACRB program utilized the method of finite elements to analyze the static behavior of horizontally curved and straight aligned bridge structures.

The modeling system communicates with the user through a problem oriented language. The commands in this language allow the user to define the parameters that characterize the structure, modify an already existing structure, or inquire about the results of analysis already completed for a structure. The commands are entered in free format and are executed interpretively, thus allowing the user to communicate with the system in a conversational mode. The user may also enter the command on punched cards and execute the routine as a non-conversational batch job. The modeling system can be used to either control the analysis or operate independently from it. In the former case, the modeling system synthesizes the structure, then calls on the STACRB program to analyze it. When the analysis is completed, the control is returned to the modeling system to interpret the results of the analysis according to the commands supplied by the user. In the latter case, the results from the modeling procedure alone are punched onto cards which may subsequently be inputed to the analysis routine.

The modeling system also includes facilities for graphical displays of components of the designed structure such as structure geometry and element discretization or results of analysis such as nodal deflections, reactions and element stresses. The displays may be produced either on the line printer for conversational purposes or on a CALCOMP plotter.

The overall increased efficiency introduced by the modeling system in the analysis/design cycle of a bridge structure is quite significant.     

A disservice to both professions.

C. A. Kiesler's (1977) editorial on the training of psychologists and psychiatrists does a disservice to both professions by presenting a biased and prejudicial viewpoint. The invidious comparisons between psychology and psychiatry are meant to show that psychology is superior, but this kind of inaccurate reporting may boomerang to the disadvantage of psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Feature enhancement techniques for the detection of spinal cord injury

Evoked potentials (EPs) produced by median nerve stimulation and recorded from the somatosensory receiving area of cat cortex were obtained from anaesthetized cats and averaged before and after one of two treatments. Seven data transformations were applied to the average EPs with the idea of emphasizing features of the EP pertinent for classification. The transformations applied involved both time and frequency domain representation of the original average EPs. Statistical multivariate classification techniques were then used to obtain canonical plots of the original and transformed EPs. In every case, frequency domain analysis resulted in better separation between treatment categories. It was also found that the power spectrum which was normalized by its average power proved the best for classification purposes.     

The user interface to computer-based information systems: a survey of current software design practice

From a survey of 201 people concerned with information-system design, estimates for 83 systems indicate that on average 30—35, per cent of operational software is devoted to the user-system interface (USI). In the design of USI software, survey responses indicate that improvements are needed in requirements definition, design documentation and design guidelines.     

Responses to evaluation as a function of initial self-perceptions.

Reviews literature on the relationship between favorability of one's initial attitudes toward himself and his reactions to evaluative feedback. In accord with consistency theories, evaluations consistent with one's initial expectancies were more accurately retained, given more credence, and assumed to result more from one's own abilities than were those which were inconsistent. Affective reactions were more in line with self-enhancement views: they were more favorable to positive than to negative evaluations, and this was as much, if not more, the case for people with negative expectancies as for those with positive expectancies. Other theoretical implications are discussed as well as ambiguities and limitations in the available evidence. (21/2 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of training in creative problem solving.

"The experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of a creative problem-solving course on creative abilities and selected personality variables." There were 3 matched groups of 54 Ss each. 1 group was enrolled in courses in creative problem solving; the other 2 were enrolled in other courses. 11 prepost test measures were used. "Results are interpreted to indicate that the creative problem-solving course produces a significant increment on certain ability measures associated with practical creativity and on the personality variable dominance." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of two Danish flyashes on alkali contents of pore solutions of cement-flyash pastes

The influence of two Danish flyashes on alkali contents and other characteristics of cement paste pore solutions was investigated by preparing pastes with 30 percent replacement of cement with flyash, hydrating for up to six months, and expressing and analyzing the resulting pore solutions. Reference cement pastes (without flyash) were found to retain about 80 percent of the total potassium and about 60 percent of the total sodium of the cement in solution indefinitely, leading to solution concentrations of about 0.6M in combined alkalies. The alkali contents of the flyashes used were substantial (2.4 and 3.3 percent Na₂O equivalent), and some of this is “available” as measured by standard tests. Despite this, neither flyash was found to contribute to the alkali content of the pore solutions. One was essentially inert to alkalies, the other extracted a small proportion of alkalies from the pore solutions.