Computer analysis of a polymer coating exposed to field weather conditions

A heat and moisture transfer model was used to study weathering of polymeric materials, such as paint, asphalt, sealants, plastics, textiles, and polymeric composites. Three damage indices, related to temperature changes, humidity changes, and time of wetness, respectively, were introduced to quantify adverse effects of climate. The variation of these indices was investigated for a hot and humid climate (Miami, FL) and a hot and dry climate (Phoenix, AZ). In addition, the relative effects of solar radiation, surface wetting by rain and dew condensation, and variations in outdoor temperature and relative humidity on the three damage indices were investigated. 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 8621, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8621.     

Database management and analysis tools of machine induction

This paper surveys machine induction techniques for database management and analysis. Our premise is that machine induction facilitates an evolution from relatively unstructured data stores to efficient and correct database implementations.     

A support vectors classifier approach to predicting the risk of progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

A support vector classifier (SVC) approach was employed in predicting the risk of progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), a condition that causes visible trunk asymmetries. As the aetiology of AIS is unknown, its risk of progression can only be predicted from measured indicators. Previous studies suggest that individual indicators of AIS do not reliably predict its risk of progression. Complex indicators with better predictive values have been developed but are unsuitable for clinical use as obtaining their values is often onerous, involving much skill and repeated measurements taken over time. Based on the hypothesis that combining common indicators of AIS using an SVC approach would produce better prediction results more quickly, we conducted a study using three datasets comprising a total of 44 moderate AIS patients (30 observed, 14 treated with brace). Of the 44 patients, 13 progressed less than 5 degrees and 31 progressed more than 5 degrees. One dataset comprised all the patients. A second dataset comprised all the observed patients and a third comprised all the brace-treated patients. Twenty-one radiographic and clinical indicators were obtained for each patient. The result of testing on the three datasets showed that the system achieved 100% accuracy in training and 65%-80% accuracy in testing. It outperformed a "statistically equivalent" logistic regression model and a stepwise linear regression model on the said datasets. It took less than 20 min per patient to measure the indicators, input their values into the system, and produce the needed results, making the system viable for use in a clinical environment.     

Towards a Formal and Implemented Model of Argumentation Schemes in Agent Communication

Argumentation schemes are patterns of non-deductive reasoning that have been the focus of extended study in argumentation theory. They have also been identified in computational domains including multi-agent systems as holding the potential for significant improvements in reasoning and communication abilities. By focusing on models of natural language argumentation schemes, and then building formal systems from them, direct implementation in multi-agent environments becomes a possibility. The formal, representational and implementational details are presented here, along with results that demonstrate not only advantages of flexibility, scope, and knowledge sharing, but also of computational efficiency.     

A gateway development system

There are an increasing number of local area networks being developed and built for use in a wide range of environments. The underlying communication architecture in the majority of cases is either a broadcasting or ring system. This paper describes a gateway development system which is specifically designed to deal with the interconnection of broadcast and ring systems. The gateway makes use of recently developed microprocessor chips to handle the different requirements of the two networks being connected. In particular, the gateway will be used to link an Ethernet-like system and a Cambridge Ring.     

"聪明的药丸"智能、可连网的药物分配机

本文介绍俄"聪明的药丸"可帮助解决许多错误用药的问题。它是一个具备数据库构件、网页连接、计时功能以及I/O设备控制等功能的小型嵌入式计算机。     

Development of a pressure control system for brace treatment of scoliosis

Bracing is a common nonsurgical treatment for scoliosis, but its effectiveness has been debated. Some clinical studies have shown efficacy of brace treatment is correlated to how the brace has been worn. The more often the patients wear their braces to the prescribed tightness as well as the prescribed length of wear each day, the better the treatment outcome. A system of four wireless pressure control devices was developed to understand brace wear-time and regulate a target pressure range at the brace-body interface. Each pressure control device could function independently and be embedded in the brace at key pressure areas. Such a system could improve the quality of brace wear-making the treatment more effective and refining our understanding of the three-pressure-point brace treatment concept during daily activities. This paper reports the system development and validation. The system was tested on four healthy subjects for 2 h without pressure regulation and 2 h with regulation. The results show that the pressure regulation doubled the time spent in a desired pressure range on average (from 31% to 62%). Brace-wear time was logged correctly. The system was also validated through a seven-day continuous test, and a fully charged battery could run for 30 days without requiring recharge.