Automated test generation and evaluation for real-time expert systems

This paper describes a method for automated test generation and evaluation for real-time expert systems. This method supports dynamic testing, where test inputs are generated randomly within the constraints specified by a Test Specification Language. This allows the discovery of “unintended functionalities,” which may not be possible either through static testing or expert-supplied test cases. Automated test generation also allows rapid regeneration of test suites as the system evolves through various prototypes and versions. the Test Specification Language provides constructs for dealing with real-time constraints. Sample specifications and results implemented within the Activation Framework software development tool are also described. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

A comparison of posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans with and without spinal cord injury.

The authors assessed effects of paraplegic and quadriplegic spinal cord injuries (SCls) on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by comparing severity and prevalence of PTSD in these groups to a sample of controls who experienced traumatic injuries other than SCI. The authors found that veterans with quadriplegia reported significantly less severe current PTSD symptoms than controls who were not significantly different from veterans with paraplegia. These results suggest that sustaining a quadriplegic SCI decreases risk of current PTSD, whereas sustaining a paraplegic SCI is associated with greater risk of PTSD, although the risk is no greater than that incurred from experiencing the trauma itself. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conceptions and misconceptions about transmission of HIV/AIDS among the Scottish general public, 1988-1992

Knowledge levels among the Scottish general public about so called 'casual' transmission of the AIDS virus were analysed using data collected by our Unit's survey using computer-assisted telephone interviewing methods. Five cross-sections of data from the period March to May of each year were analysed and compared to provide overall estimates of knowledge on four items relating to casual transmission between respondent groups and to provide an estimate of changes over time in knowledge levels from 1988 to 1992. The data show that significant differences in knowledge exist, with the lowest levels of knowledge found among the older and among the less educated respondents. There is evidence for a continuing increase in knowledge for all items studied and for most respondent groups, but little evidence that disparities in knowledge between respondent groups are lessening over time. Misconceptions about potential risks from donating blood and kissing persist at quite high levels.     

The surface morphology of the omasum of the African goat

Comparison of Sindbis virus strains isolated in different regions of the world (in Africa, Australia, and Europe, including Russia and its nearest neighbors) in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by the primary gene structure of proteins NSP1 and E1 and in the neutralization test showed the greatest similarity between geographically close strains isolated in Northern Europe (KFL, Karelia, 1381 and 1388, Estonia). Sindbis strains AR339 and Babanki isolated in Africa were similar to each other and to strains from Northern Europe by the examined gene sites but different from the Northern variants in the neutralization test. Geographically remote strains F-720 (Armenia and Southern Europe) and Whataroa (New Zealand) were close to Sindbis virus from Africa and Northern Europe by only one of the genes examined (F-720 by NSP1 and Whataroa by E1). PCR was carried out using oligonucleotide primers containing nucleotide sequences identical to genes NSP1 and E1 sites of Sindbis strains HRSP, Okelbo, and KFL, but different from gene sites of other known representatives of alphaviruses by at least 5 positions. PCR analysis showed that the appurtenance of the geographic variants to Sindbis group can be ascertained only after investigating the homology of at least two genes coding for the replicative and structural proteins. Such a procedure of PCR permits the detection of Sindbis viruses of different geographic origin with changes in their primary structure and allows the differentiation between Sindbis viruses and Western equine encephalomyelitis viruses within the serological complex.     

Precambrian Lunar Volcanic Protolife

Five representative terrestrial analogs of lunar craters are detailed relevant to Precambrian fumarolic activity. Fumarolic fluids contain the ingredients for protolife. Energy sources to derive formaldehyde, amino acids and related compounds could be by flow charging, charge separation and volcanic shock. With no photodecomposition in shadow, most fumarolic fluids at 40 K would persist over geologically long time periods. Relatively abundant tungsten would permit creation of critical enzymes, Fischer-Tropsch reactions could form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and soluble volcanic polyphosphates would enable assembly of nucleic acids. Fumarolic stimuli factors are described. Orbital and lander sensors specific to protolife exploration including combined Raman/laser-induced breakdown spectrocsopy are evaluated.     

Determination of the Mechanical Response of Sintering Compacts by Cyclic Loading Dilatometry

Determination of the mechanical response of a powder compact during densification is critical in analyzing defect formation and macroscopic dimensional changes, particularly in systems where constrained sintering is involved. Cyclic loading dilatometry is proposed as a novel approach in evaluating the mechanical response of the sintering compact, including sintering pressure, elastic modulus, and viscosity. The advantage of this technique is that only one experiment is needed to determine the equilibrium elastic and viscous properties of a sintering material at any temperatures for any given heating schedule, and no interrupted tests are necessary. This methodology is demonstrated for sintering compacts of Al₂O₃, Ce-TZP, and their composite mixture. The loading dilatometric data showed that the compact behaved elastically prior to the onset of sintering and during the very initial stages of sintering, which was followed by a transition leading to a viscous behavior for the latter part of the densification. Application of different load levels, ranging from 0.25 to 1 MPa, showed that the compact viscosity is essentially linear within the applied stress range at temperatures greater than 1100°C.