Intelligent tutoring systems: An overview

Abstract: In this paper we look at the evolutionary development of Computer Assisted Instruction from the early days of ‘linear programs’ up to the use of ‘expert systems’ in education and training. We present the basic principles of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) which are capable of rich interaction with the student, which know how to teach, and who and what they are teaching. We point out the need for knowledge representation formalisms which can support ITS and present one such formalism (production systems). In the framework presented we describe systems developed for the teaching of modern languages, electronic trouble shooting and computer programming. Finally we point out the shortcomings of ITS and identify areas where a consensus of opinion does not exist.     

Temperature distribution and efficiency assessment of different PVT water collector designs

The aim of this work was to study different hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors. Numerical simulation of the collectors was carried out using a 3-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model. A set of experiments was conducted using a box-type PVT collector to validate the obtained computed data. Simulation results for water outlet temperature, especially at the lower flow rates, were closer to the measured data compared with average module surface temperature. Based on the simulation results, the spiral flow designs of heat exchanger provided the most uniform temperature distribution for module surface and the highest temperature gradient was observed with the direct flow designs. A hot zone was generated on the module surface of the direct flow box-type collector and the results indicated that the hot zone was considerably declined using cross-fins inside the box-type heat exchanger. The highest heat transfer to the ambient occurred with the spiral flow design and the box type heat exchanger presented a relatively low heat losses. The cross-fined box type and the spiral flow designs of the PVT collector had the highest electrical efficiencies at the different test conditions.     

A SIMULATION MODEL OF PARTICLE DEPOSITION ON SINGLE COLLECTORS

A simulation model based on the concepts developed previously (Tien el. al. 1977, Wang el. al. 1977) for the deposition of particles from suspensions flowing past single spherical and cylindrical collectors is presented. The model is capable of providing detailed information about the formation and growth of particle deposits at the surface of the collector. Reasonably good agreement with experimental data was observed.     

The biodiversity and evolution of lactic flora during ripening of the Iranian semisoft Lighvan cheese

Ninety‐five isolated strains of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were identified from Lighvan cheese. The LAB evolution showed the dominance of lactococci and lactobacilli in the first stage and substitution of these genera by enterococci at the end of ripening. The most predominant strains were Enterococcus faecium (22.44%), Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (20.4%), Lactobacillus plantarum (18.36%) and E. faecalis (14.28%), respectively. Eleven and 51 different carbohydrate fermentation profiles were observed according to API 20 STREP and API 50 CH, respectively. API 20 STREP dendogram showed identical fermentation profiles of some E. faecalis and E. faecium strains, indicating that these strains might be well adapted to the whole cheese manufacture.     

Presentation of regression analysis,GP and GMDH models to predict the pedestrian density in various urban facilities

In this study, the relationship between space mean speed (SMS), flow rate and density of pedestrians was investigated in different pedestrian facilities, including 1 walkway, 2 sidewalks, 2 signalized crosswalks and 2 mid-block crosswalks. First, statistical analysis was performed to investigate the normality of data and correlation of variables. Regression analysis was then applied to determine the relationship between SMS, flow rate, and density of pedestrians. Finally, two prediction models of density were obtained using genetic programming (GP) and group method of data handling (GMDH) models, and k-fold and holdout cross-validation methods were used to evaluate the models. By the use of regression analysis, the mathematical relationships between variables in all facilities were calculated and plotted, and the best relationships were observed in flow rate-density diagrams. Results also indicated that GP had a higher R² than GMDH in the prediction of pedestrian density in terms of flow rate and SMS, suggesting that GP was better able to model SMS and pedestrian density. Moreover, the application of k-fold cross-validation method in the models led to better performances compared to the holdout cross-validation method, which shows that the prediction models using k-fold were more reliable. Finally, density relationships in all facilities were obtained in terms of SMS and flow rate.     

一种多准则综合的电压脆弱性评估方法

在现有的电力系统电压脆弱性评估方法中,存在单一指标难以反映全貌、基于权重的综合指标又过于主观的问题。文中根据已有的具有代表性的电压稳定指标,并结合节点重要性的信息,提出了基于超效率数据包络分析的多准则综合电压脆弱性评估方法以及相应的综合指标——相对电压脆弱性指标,用于辨识电网中的薄弱节点。在此基础上,还考虑了离群点的检验,以完善所提出的方法。最后,以江西电网作为算例进行了仿真分析,结果证明了所提出方法和指标的全面性、有效性和客观性。     

Wireless implantable microsystems: high-density electronic interfaces to the nervous system

This paper describes the development of a high-density electronic interface to the central nervous system. Silicon micromachined electrode arrays now permit the long-term monitoring of neural activity in vivo as well as the insertion of electronic signals into neural networks at the cellular level. Efforts to understand and engineer the biology of the implant/tissue interface are also underway. These electrode arrays are facilitating significant advances in our understanding of the nervous system, and merged with on-chip circuitry, signal processing, microfluidics, and wireless interfaces, they are forming the basis for a family of neural prostheses for the possible treatment of disorders such as blindness, deafness, paralysis, severe epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease.     

The effect of adding enzyme‐modified cheese on sensory and texture properties of low‐ and high‐fat cream cheeses

The influence of enzyme‐modified cheese (EMC) and fat content on sensory and texture properties of cream cheese was investigated. Enzyme‐modified cheese and fat content were set at three levels each, and organoleptic and texture properties for all experimental cheeses were then determined. Data were analysed using response surface methodology. Both design parameters had significant influence on sensory and texture properties. The EMC did not alter hardness significantly, whereas the higher fat formula had the higher hardness. The results indicated that the optimum level of EMC was less than 1% for high‐fat cream cheeses and at least 5% for low‐fat cream cheeses.