A prolog based expert system for the allocation of quality assurance program resources

The worldwide proliferation of fraudulent materials has brought about the need for a new approach to the control of purchased material quality. Nuclear power, defense, aerospace and many other industries are affected by the supply of poor quality clones that presume to be original replacement parts. Safety considerations abound as these highly defective materials are used in systems that are critical to the preservation of human lives. Commonly utilized quality assurance programs have not effectively stopped the influx of fraudulent materials. These programs fail to concentrate inspection efforts on materials and inspection attributes that would effectively prevent the acceptance of fraudulent materials. herein a solution is presented to this problem in the form of an expert system application. Information commonly available in industry is formulated into a knowledge based system wherein advisories are given to the user regarding key purchased material receipt inspection strategies.     

Application of Support Vector Machines in Assessing Conceptual Cost Estimates

Total conceptual cost estimates and the assessment of the quality of these estimates are critical in the early stages of a building construction project. In this study, the support vector machine (SVM) model for assessing the quality of conceptual cost estimates is proposed, and the application of SVM in construction areas is investigated. The results show that the SVM model assessed the quality of conceptual cost estimates slightly more accurately than the discriminant analysis model. This shows that using the SVM has potential in construction areas. In addition, the SVM model can assist clients in their evaluation of the quality of the estimated cost and the probability of exceeding the target cost, and in their decision on whether or not it is necessary to seek a more accurate estimate in the early stages of a project.     

基于奇异值分解和神经网络的个性化信息模式识别

随着信息资源的持续增长，信息获取系统为特定用户提供特定信息服务的需求越来越重要。该文提出了基于奇异值分解和神经网络的个性化信息模式识别的方法，可以方便地获取用户信息需求的特征，并且利用这些特征信息完成个性化的信息识别和匹配，即实现个性化信息的模式识别，进而实现信息的个性化获取和管理。该文中的算法实现简单，可以方便地应用到目前的一些信息管理、服务系统中。     

Distributed memory systems for simulating artificial neural networks

In executing tasks involving intelligent information processing, the human brain performs better than the digital computer. The human brain derives its power from a large number [O(10¹¹)] of neurons which are interconnected by a dense interconnection network [O(10⁵) connections per neuron]. Artificial neural network (ANN) paradigms adopt the structure of the brain to try to emulate the intelligent information processing methods of the brain. ANN techniques are being employed to solve problems in areas such as pattern recognition, and robotic processing. Simulation of ANNs involves implementation of large number of neurons and a massive interconnection network. In this paper, we discuss various simulation models of ANNs and their implementation on distributed memory systems. Our investigations reveal that communication-efficient networks of distributed memory systems perform better than other topologies in implementing ANNs.     

Neural networks for contract bridge bidding

The objective of this study is to explore the possibility of capturing the reasoning process used in bidding a hand in a bridge game by an artificial neural network. We show that a multilayer feedforward neural network can be trained to learn to make an opening bid with a new hand. The game of bridge, like many other games used in artificial intelligence, can easily be represented in a machine. But, unlike most games used in artificial intelligence, bridge uses subtle reasoning over and above the agreed conventional system, to make a bid from the pattern of a given hand. Although it is difficult for a player to spell out the precise reasoning process he uses, we find that a neural network can indeed capture it. We demonstrate the results for the case of one-level opening bids, and discuss the need for a hierarchical architecture to deal with bids at all levels.     

Validation of a Method of Determination of Apparent Diffusivity Versus Composition in Solids

A method is presented for computing the values of apparent diffusivity in solids with respect to the concentration of the diffusing substance (water or sodium chloride). This method does not require any assumption upon the mathematical relationship between diffusivity and concentration. It can be applied to experimental measurements of local concentration versus position within the solid (profiles) with relatively few measurements (circa 10) and a mathematical smoothing of the experimental data by using an artificial neural network model. The method was first validated on simulated data obtained by using a constant diffusivity value and on experimental profiles when the relation between diffusivity and concentration was given. It was then applied to original experimental moisture profiles obtained by putting gelatin gels with different initial moisture contents into contact for up to 14 days. The method was also successfully applied to five sets of experimental moisture and sodium chloride profiles taken from the literature and obtained from different food products. Apparent diffusivities calculated by our method were found in agreement with those obtained by authors using different numerical methods to compute the diffusivity values.     

Determination of instantaneous corrosion rates and runoff rates of copper from naturally patinated copper during continuous rain events

Instantaneous corrosion rates of naturally patinated copper of varying age (16 months, 138 and 145 years) have been determined during continuous rain events in the laboratory with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a two-electrode cell. The two-electrode cell was found to yield the same information in bulk rainwater as a conventional three-electrode cell.Relatively constant corrosion rates, between 0.2 and 0.6 μm/y, were determined for samples having a two-layer structure with an inner brownish layer of cuprous oxide and an outer greenish layer of basic copper salts (138, 145 years). Samples with cuprous oxide as the dominating phase of the patina (16 months) showed higher and somewhat increasing corrosion rates during a rain event (from 0.6 to 1.2 μm/y). During a continuous rain event, corrosion rates were found to be approximately 10 (brownish patina) and 25 times (greenish patina) lower than corresponding instantaneous runoff rates. The first flush phenomena of the runoff process, with an increased concentration during first flush and a relatively constant concentration during steady state, was indirectly seen as an increase in solution conductivity during the first rain volume followed by relative constant value. The contribution of the concentration in the first flush to the total annual runoff rate was significant for panels having a greenish layer (138, 145 years) whereas it was negligible for panels having a brownish layer (16 months).     

Law,liability and expert systems

This paper examines some of the possible legal implications of the production, marketing and use of expert systems. The relevance of a legally useful definition of expert systems, comprising systems designed for use both by laymen and professionals, is related to the distinctions inherent in the legal doctrine underlying provision of goods and provision of services. The liability of the sellers and users of, and contributors to, expert systems are examined in terms of professional malpractice as well as product liability. A recurring theme indicates that legislators may be inclined to restrict possibilities of liability suits in order to avoid disincentives to the creation of expert systems.     

Forecasting of Turkey's net electricity energy consumption on sectoral bases

In this study forecast of Turkey's net electricity energy consumption on sectoral basis until 2020 is explored. Artificial neural networks (ANN) is preferred as forecasting tool. The reasons behind choosing ANN are the ability of ANN to forecast future values of more than one variable at the same time and to model the nonlinear relation in the data structure. Founded forecast results by ANN are compared with official forecasts.     

Expert Systems for Construction Project Monitoring

Potential applications of knowledge based expert systems in the area of construction project monitoring and control are described. Originally developed from research in artificial intelligence, these systems are computer programs that can undertake intelligent tasks currently performed by highly skilled people. While some project monitoring can be accomplished by algorithmic procedures, the capability of knowledge based expert systems to deal with illstructured problems and to be extensively modified over time make them desirable for application in this area. Sample applications and heuristic rules in scheduling and inventory control are provided.