bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolated sling suspension during resection of the Spiegel lobe of the liver: a safe alternative technique for difficult cases
Authors: Shindoh Junichi , Imamura Hiroshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: March 2010

Background/purpose

The Spiegel lobe is located deep in the dorsal portion of the liver, and isolated resections of this region are technically demanding, especially in bulky and/or invasive lesions or in hypertrophied cirrhotic livers.

Methods

Anterior approach using the isolated hanging maneuver of the Spiegel lobe was attempted in patients in whom the conventional method of mobilizing the Spiegel lobe prior to liver transection would have been difficult. Clinical outcomes were compared with the conventional approach performed during the same period.

Results

Of 42 consecutive isolated resections of the Spiegel lobe, the presently reported technique was required in 12 patients (28.6%). The median diameter of the tumors was 33 mm, and tumor invasion to the retrohepatic inferior vena cava was observed in four patients. Although minor vascular injury was observed in one patient during retrohepatic dissection, the isolated sling suspension of the Spiegel lobe was successfully conducted in all cases. No remarkable inferiority of the present technique compared with the conventional approach was noted either in operation data or clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

Anterior approach using the isolated sling‐suspension technique may be a safe alternative surgical option for bulky and/or invasive lesions located in the Spiegel lobe of the liver.
Synthesis and Characterization of Canola Oil Alkyd Resins Based on Novel Acrylic Monomer (ATBS)
Authors: Nimbalkar Ramakant V. , Athawale Vilas D.
Published: March 2010

A water‐reducible alkyd resin was synthesized using the renewable resource canola oil and then chemically modified with styrene and the novel monomer acrylamido tertiary butane sulfonic acid (ATBS). Infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques were used for structural elucidation of newly synthesized resins. Analyses of their physico‐chemical and thermal properties revealed that styrene and ATBS‐grafted water‐reducible polymers have better thermal, chemical and coating properties than canola oil alkyd resins.
Pediatric Rehabilitation: 5. Transitioning Teens With Disabilities Into Adulthood
Authors: Kim Heakyung , Murphy Nancy , Kim Chong Tae , Moberg‐Wolff Elizabeth , Trovato Melissa
Published: March 2010

Objective

This self‐directed learning module focuses on preparing adolescent patients with special health care needs for adulthood by promoting their independence in their own self‐care; helping them to navigate issues of sexuality, marriage, and parenting; preparing the patient and family to make guardianship decisions during the transition between childhood and adulthood; and planning for higher education or vocation. Emphasis will be on the role of the physiatrist in providing this guidance and its importance in improving the patient's quality of life. It is part of the study guide on pediatric rehabilitation in the Self‐Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pediatric medicine. The goal of this article is to refine the learner's knowledge of preparing adolescent patients with special health care needs for adulthood to improve their quality of life.
Pediatric Rehabilitation: 4. Prescribing Assistive Technology to Promote Community Integration
Authors: Trovato Melissa , Kim Heakyung , Moberg‐Wolff Elizabeth , Murphy Nancy , Kim Chong Tae
Published: March 2010

Objective

This self‐directed learning module highlights the equipment and assistive technology needs of children and youth with disabilities. This article specifically focuses on preparing families and patients for equipment transitions that occur over the course of childhood and adolescence including progressing from stroller to wheelchair to powerchair, as well as job training and use of augmentative communication. It is part of the study guide on pediatric rehabilitation in the Self‐Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pediatric medicine. The goal of this article is to modify the learner's current practice techniques to ensure that assistive technology is used to promote community integration from early childhood through transition and into adulthood.
A Descriptive Study on Vitamin D Levels in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury in an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting
Authors: Nemunaitis Gregory A. , Mejia Melvin , Nagy Jennifer A. , Johnson Tova , Chae John , Roach Mary Joan
Published: March 2010

Objective

To determine the prevalence of inadequate or severely deficient levels of vitamin D in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation service and to describe any associations between patient demographics and injury characteristics and vitamin D levels.

Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Academic inpatient SCI rehabilitation program.

Subjects

One hundred patients with SCI who were consecutively admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation from January to December 2007.

Methods

Data were retrospectively abstracted from the patient's medical chart.

Outcome Measure

VitD‐25(OH)

Results

The prevalence of VitD‐25(OH) inadequacy or severe deficiency was 93% in this sample of patients with SCI. The mean VitD‐25(OH) level was 16.29 ± 7.73 ng/mL, with a range from 7.00 to 36.80 ng/mL. Twenty‐one percent of the sample had VitD‐25(OH) levels that were considered as severely deficient (≤10 ng/mL). African‐American subjects had statistically significant lower mean VitD‐25(OH) levels compared with Caucasian subjects (12.96 versus 17.79 ng/mL; P = .003). Persons with an incomplete injury had significant lower mean VitD‐25(OH) levels compared with complete injuries (14.64 versus 18.15 ng/mL; P = .023).

Conclusions

Inadequate or severely deficient levels of VitD‐25(OH) were highly prevalent in patients with SCI admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation service. Evaluation of serum VitD‐25(OH) levels are recommended in patients with SCI because low levels may contribute to osteoporosis.
Changes in Transversus Abdominis Thickness With Use of the Abdominal Drawing‐In Maneuver During a Functional Task
Authors: McGalliard Michael K. , Dedrick Gregory S. , Brismée Jean Michel , Cook Chad E. , Apte Gail G. , Sizer Phillip S.
Published: March 2010

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine an individual's ability to produce an increase in transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness during the performance of a functional task with the use of the abdominal drawing‐in maneuver (ADIM).

Design

Within‐subject repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of the ADIM and a loaded forward‐reaching activity on the dependent variable of TrA thickness.

Setting

Laboratory

Participants

Convenience sample of 8 women and 8 men, asymptomatic, with a mean age of 27.6 ± 7.1 years.

Interventions

Ultrasound imaging measurements were recorded during 4 conditions: (1) while the patient was standing without the ADIM; (2) while the patient was standing with the ADIM; (3) during a loaded forward‐reaching activity without the ADIM; and (4) during a loaded forward‐reaching activity with the ADIM.

Main Outcome Measures

Thickness of the TrA muscle.

Results

The measurement obtained by an investigator blinded to the condition revealed statistically significant differences in the thickness of the TrA between all uncontracted conditions as compared with all contracted conditions. No statistically significant difference in the thickness of the TrA in the contracted states during quiet standing versus loaded forward reach was observed.

Conclusion

Subjects in this study demonstrated the ability to voluntarily activate the TrA during upright static and functional tasks. Additionally, the TrA thickness may change in a direction‐specific manner. These findings support a protective role of the ADIM during functional activity and may add information to ways for promoting low back pain prevention. Future studies should include the effectiveness in the use of ADIM during functional tasks for the prevention of low back pain.
Sports and Disability
Authors: Wilson Pamela E. , Clayton Gerald H.
Published: March 2010

Participation in recreational and competitive sports at an early age has long been touted as a positive influence on growth and development, and for fostering lifelong healthy lifestyles. The benefits of an active lifestyle include not only fitness, but the promotion of a sense of inclusion and improved self‐esteem. These benefits are well documented in all populations, and their importance has been summarized in the recent Healthy People 2010 guidelines. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently produced a summary statement on the benefits of activity for disabled children. They note that children with disabilities tend to have an overall lower level of fitness and an increased level of obesity. For this population, developing a lifelong desire to be active can be a simple means for limiting illness and much of the morbidity associated with sedentary lifestyles often associated with disability. For disabled youth, participation in disabled sports programs available nationally and internationally can be an effective means to promote such precepts. The goal of this focused review is to improve the learner's knowledge of the positive impact that active lifestyles can have on overall health in the disabled youth population and, as a result, modify their practice by incorporating recreational and competitive sport activities as part of improving overall patient care.
Further mapping of quantitative trait loci for female sterility in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.)
Authors: DOU BINGDE , HOU BEIWEI , WANG FANG , YANG JINBIN , NI ZHONGFU , SUN QIXIN , ZHANG YUAN-MING
Published: March 2010

Epistasis underlying fertility plays an important role in crop breeding. Although a new female sterile mutant in wheat, XND126, has been identified and a major quantitative trait locus (QTL),taf1, for the female sterility has been mapped, the genetic architecture of the female sterility needs to be further addressed. To identify the interaction involving the gene(s) controlling the female sterility, an investigation was carried out for the seed setting ratio in an F2population derived from the cross between XND126 and Gaocheng 8901. Among 1250 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs in the whole genome, a total of 21 markers, obtained by recessive class approach, along with other ten tightly linked markers on reference maps in wheat, were used to survey 243 F2individuals. As a result, 28 markers were mapped into five genetic linkage groups. The performance for female sterility for each F2individual was evaluated simultaneously at the Urumqi and Huai'an experimental stations in 2006–2007. The two phenotypic datasets along with marker information were jointly analysed in the detection of QTL using penalized maximum likelihood approach. A total of six QTLs, including two main-effect QTLs, three epistatic QTLs and one environmental interaction and accounting for 0·67–24·55% of the total phenotypic variance, were identified. All estimated effects accounted for 53·26% of the total phenotypic variation. Thetaf1detected in previous study was also located on the same marker interval on chromosome 2DS. These results enrich our understanding of the genetic basis of the female sterility.
Predicting Global Stock Returns
Authors: Hjalmarsson Erik
Published: March 2010

I test for stock return predictability in the largest and most comprehensive data set analyzed so far, using four common forecasting variables: the dividend-price (DP) and earnings-price (EP) ratios, the short interest rate, and the term spread. The data contain over 20,000 monthly observations from 40 international markets, including 24 developed and 16 emerging economies. In addition, I develop new methods for predictive regressions with panel data. Inference based on the standard fixed effects estimator is shown to suffer from severe size distortions in the typical stock return regression, and an alternative robust estimator is proposed. The empirical results indicate that the short interest rate and the term spread are fairly robust predictors of stock returns in developed markets. In contrast, no strong or consistent evidence of predictability is found when considering the EP and DP ratios as predictors.
Predicting Hedge Fund Failure: A Comparison of Risk Measures
Authors: Liang Bing , Park Hyuna
Published: March 2010

This paper compares downside risk measures that incorporate higher return moments with traditional risk measures such as standard deviation in predicting hedge fund failure. When controlling for investment strategies, performance, fund age, size, lockup, high-water mark, and leverage, we find that funds with larger downside risk have a higher hazard rate. However, standard deviation loses the explanatory power once the other explanatory variables are included in the hazard model. Further, we find that liquidation does not necessarily mean failure in the hedge fund industry. By reexamining the attrition rate, we show that the real failure rate of 3.1% is lower than the attrition rate of 8.7% on an annual basis during the period of 1995–2004.
How Does Liquidity Affect Government Bond Yields?
Authors: Favero Carlo , Pagano Marco , von Thadden Ernst-Ludwig
Published: March 2010

The paper explores the determinants of yield differentials between sovereign bonds, using euro-area data. There is a common trend in yield differentials, which is correlated with a measure of aggregate risk. In contrast, liquidity differentials display sizeable heterogeneity and no common factor. We propose a simple model with endogenous liquidity demand, where a bond’s liquidity premium depends both on its transaction cost and on investment opportunities. The model predicts that yield differentials should increase in both liquidity and risk, with an interaction term of the opposite sign. Testing these predictions on daily data, we find that the aggregate risk factor is consistently priced, liquidity differentials are priced for a subset of countries, and their interaction with the risk factor is in line with the model’s prediction and crucial to detect their effect.
Investor Protection, Equity Returns, and Financial Globalization
Authors: Giannetti Mariassunta , Koskinen Yrjö
Published: March 2010

We study the effects of investor protection on stock returns and portfolio allocation decisions. In our theoretical model, if investor protection is weak, wealthy investors have an incentive to become controlling shareholders. In equilibrium, the stock price reflects the demand from both controlling shareholders and portfolio investors. Due to the high demand from controlling shareholders, the price of weak corporate governance stocks is not low enough to fully discount the extraction of private benefits. Thus, stocks have lower expected returns when investor protection is weak. This has implications for domestic and foreign investors’ stockholdings. In particular, we show that portfolio investors’ participation in the domestic stock market and home equity bias are positively related to investor protection and provide original evidence in their support.
What Does the Individual Option Volatility Smirk Tell Us About Future Equity Returns?
Authors: Xing Yuhang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhao Rui
Published: March 2010

The shape of the volatility smirk has significant cross-sectional predictive power for future equity returns. Stocks exhibiting the steepest smirks in their traded options underperform stocks with the least pronounced volatility smirks in their options by 10.9% per year on a risk-adjusted basis. This predictability persists for at least 6 months, and firms with the steepest volatility smirks are those experiencing the worst earnings shocks in the following quarter. The results are consistent with the notion that informed traders with negative news prefer to trade out-of-the-money put options, and that the equity market is slow in incorporating the information embedded in volatility smirks.
The truth of metaphorical God-talk
Authors: Muis J.
Published: March 2010

This article tries to show that metaphorical God-talk can be descriptive and true. First, it is established that true metaphorical descriptions of reality are possible. No special theory of ‘metaphorical truth’ is required for metaphorical descriptions. Next, it is argued that a realistic metaphorical description of God is possible because we can know the transcendent creator in the experience of being addressed by him in Jesus Christ. God-talk is an extension of our response to God's address. The truth-condition of metaphorical God-talk is God's self-revelation; its truth-criterion is biblical God-talk.
Changing our corporate mind: reflections on paradigm shift in ethical thinking
Authors: Goldring Richard
Published: March 2010

Legalisation of marriages with a deceased wife's sister (MDWS) was once controversial among Christians. The pattern of Presbyterian pronouncement on MDWS – initial dogmatic assertion (accompanied by debatable claims about their long-standing traditions), strong initial claims about the teaching of scripture, apocalyptic fears about possibly drastic social consequences of liberalisation, and later muted acceptance – is also reflected in the English Reformed Churches' discussions of divorce and remarriage. The author notes both the inexperience and ill-preparedness of church bodies for the debates, accompanied by initial dogmatism disproportionate to their experience of the subject, and the diversity of opinion on divorce and remarriage held by people who shared a common approach to scripture.

The tone of discussion and the manner in which dialogue takes place is in itself part of the church's witness just as much as what is said. Truth and unity must be seen as equally important: faithfulness to God requires both orthodoxy and orthopraxis. Unity is founded on relationships rather than holding the same opinion on all matters. This is based on the relational unity of God the Trinity. In seeking scriptural guidance, the Christian community must read scripture together rather than individualistically.

Acts 11–15 provide guidance when re-evaluating deeply held convictions, but purported analogies between the acceptance of Gentiles in the church without requiring them first to conform to the Jewish requirement of circumcision and the acceptance of other conduct require close examination.
Election and the Trinity: Theses in response to George Hunsinger
Authors: McCormack Bruce
Published: March 2010

The theses offered here for discussion constitute a response to theses published by my Princeton Theological Seminary colleague, George Hunsinger. The debate carried out between us has to do not only with the question of how Karl Barth's theology is to be understood, but also with how his theology is to be taken up today in order address pressing issues of concern. As the debate has unfolded, it has centred upon three areas of questioning: 1) the genetic-historical question of how Karl Barth's theology developed, whether his mind changed on important issues and in what way; 2) the question of whether Barth's later christology (in volume IV of theChurch Dogmatics) would require modifications to be made in his earlier treatment of the doctrine of the Trinity (inCDI/1), his christology (inCDI/2) and of the being and perfections of God (inCDII/1); and 3) the question of the logical relationship between God's eternal act of election (as treated by Barth inCDII/2) and God's triunity. The last question does indeed take me beyond Barth, but it does so in a way that does full justice to the christological commitments found in his doctrine of reconciliation. The position I set forth here is one I have held to with a high degree of consistency since 1994 – which means that it antedates the publication of my book on Barth's theological development in 1995. Since that time, I have been engaged in a process of further elaboration and clarification.
The Edinburgh Designer System as a framework for robotics: the design of behavior
Authors: Popplestone R. J.
Published: March 2010

I discuss how the capabilities of the Edinburgh Designer System can be extended and used to support symbolic computation for robotics. I conclude that the Algebra Engine requires to handle temporal constructs, groups and tolerances, that the taxonomy can support activity modules and that automatic plan formation would require the creation of a specialist.
Issues in the design and implementation of expert systems
Authors: Dym Clive L.
Published: March 2010

This article discusses the issues that arise in the design and implementation of expert systems. These issues include: task selection; the stages of development of expert system projects; knowledge acquisition; languages and tools; development and run-time environments; and organizational and institutional issues. The article closes with some speculation about the future development of expert systems.
Exploratory design using constraints
Authors: Chan Weng Tat , Paulson Boyd C.
Published: March 2010

Engineering design involves the evaluation and satisfaction of a wide variety of constraints. The ability to represent and process these constraints in a computer is important for the verification of the output produced by computer-aided design programs. Constraints need not only check designs but can also be used to derive design solution s that satisfy constraints. The paper discusses how to represent the dual nature of constraints so that design consistency is maintained as the design evolves.

Assumptions and rules of thumb are used frequently in design to propose initial solutions. We represent the logic behind the derivation of these assumptions as heuristic procedures and maintain the dependencies between these assumptions and their consequents as an aid to the management of design consistency. We also propose a simple scheme, involving the partitioning of the design modules, to effect design changes when constraint violations occur. An example from structural design illustrates the methodology.
Spreadsheets based on interval constraint satisfaction
Authors: Hyvönen Eero
Published: March 2010

Spreadsheets are difficult to use in applications, where only incomplete or inexact data (e.g., intervals) are available-a typical situation in various design and planning tasks. It can be argued that this is due to two fundamental shortcomings of the computational paradigm underlying spreadsheets. First, the distinction between input and output cells has to be fixed before computations. Second, cells may have only exact values. As a result, spread-sheets support the user only with primitive iterative problem solving schemes based on trial-and-error methods. A constraint-based computational paradigm for next generation interval spreadsheets is presented. The scheme makes it possible to exploit incomplete/inexact data (intervals), and it can support problem solving in a top-down fashion. Current spreadsheets constitute a special case of the more general interval constraint spreadsheets proposed.
Use of decision-tree induction for process optimization and knowledge refinement of an industrial process
Authors: Famili A.
Published: March 2010

Development of expert systems involves knowledge acquisition that can be supported by applying machine learning techniques. The basic idea of using decision-tree induction in process optimization and development of the domain model of electrochemical machining (ECM) is presented. How decision-tree induction is used to build and refine the knowledge base of the process is also discussed.

The idea of developing an intelligent supervisory system with a learning component [Intelligent MAnufacturing FOreman (IMAFO)] that is already implemented is briefly introduced. The results of applying IMAFO for analyzing data from the ECM process are presented. How the domain model of the process (electrochemical machining) is built from the initial known information, and how the results of decision-tree induction can be used to optimize the model of the process and further refine the knowledge base are shown. Two examples are given to demonstrate how new rules (to be included in the knowledge base of an expert system) are generated from the rules induced by IMAFO. The procedure to refine these types of rules is also explained.
A network based expert system for intelligent design of mechanisms
Authors: Kota Sridhar , Erdman Arthur G. , Riley Donald R. , Esterline Albert , Slagle James R.
Published: March 2010

Linkage-type mechanisms have numerous applications in industry especially for automation Unfortunately, they are less popular due to lack of proper design tools. This paper describes our efforts to remove the technological barrier in mechanisms design automation. Although the ideas presented apply to automation of mechanisms design in general, the paper discusses the development of an expert system for a particular sub-set of mechanisms called Dwell mechanisms.

Many essential and desirable motion characteristics of mechanisms are so implicit that they are difficult to control by analytical methods. By systematically and extensively studying the entire motion characteristics of hundreds of linkages, a comprehensive classification system and heuristics were developed. This qualitative classification scheme led to a finite set of linkage models that cover the entire design space in the sense that any possible design falls under one or more of the models. Our system, called Dwell-Expert, incorporates this design expertise to select the best linkage model for a given set of design specifications and to compare that model against alternatives. The new design methodology and its implementation in AGNESS (A Generalized Network-based Expert System Shell) are explained. A design example is also presented. Our system can reduce even an experienced designer’s initial-design time from a day or more to a minute or less, assuming specifications have already been formulated. Such results motivate extension of this design methodology to other areas of mechanical design and engineering design in general.
Application of design compatibility analysis to simultaneous engineering
Authors: Ishii Kosuke , Adler Richard , Barkan Philip
Published: March 2010

This paper develops a general framework for knowledge-based computer tools that promote simultaneous engineering in mechanical design. Design compatibility analysis (DCA) serves as the underlying concept for these knowledge-based systems. DCA focuses on the compatibility between the design requirements (specification) and the proposed design, evaluates the design based on the compatibility knowledge of experts, gives justifications for the evaluation, and suggest improvements. DCA accommodates a product's various life-cycle issues (e.g. functionality, manufacturability, reliability) with a unified focus, i.e. compatibility, and thus helps designers to incorporate these issues at the early stages of design (simultaneous engineering). The resulting framework not only serve as the basis for various design expert systems but will also enhance our understanding of the life-cycle design issues. We illustrate the proposed method with two examples: system design of power generation plants and design for assembly (DFA) of mechanical products.
A cognitive strategy for structuring space
Authors: Goel Vinod
Published: March 2010

A spatial reasoning system must be able to represent and manipulate the location of objects in its world model. There are two general schemes for doing this—absolute symbolic schemes based on an independent coordinate system, and relative schemes which reference objects in relation to other objects of known location. This paper is concerned strictly with the latter.

Given a relative scheme, there are several possible strategies for segmenting space. Two such strategies are identified and discussed. The first, called the situation-specific strategy is the one currently being explored and employed in most spatial reasoning systems. The second, here referred to as the general-purpose or cognitive strategy is the one used by the human cognitive system. It is suggested that while both strategies have outstanding strengths and weakness, the latter holds greater potential for achieving maximal coverage with minimal resources. The paper then proceeds to describe the structure of cognitive models of locative space and to specify how such models can be built from 3-D geometric models.

This description is based on a cognitively motivated implementation called SEE-TELL. SEE-TELL takes as its input a 3-D geometric model and outputs a proposition of the form locative (referent, relatum). The function which maps the input to the output is a two part heuristic procedure. The first part determines the referent and relatum and the second part assigns the locative predicate. The system can assign the predicates on, right-of/left-of, and front-of/back-of. On and right-of/left-of are, respectively, illustrative of invariant and variant locatives. Front-of/back-of allows for a conflict between an ego/observer and a canonical object. These three situations are thought to cover the different classes of problems that can arise in assigning any locative.

The paper concludes by summarizing the findings, identifying the shortcomings and limitations, and making suggestions for future work.
An intelligent design machine: architecture and search strategies
Authors: Gray Michael A.
Published: March 2010

In this report the architecture of an intelligent design machine capable of performing routine design in different design domains is described. This machine is crafted to operate as a part of a larger system driven by a human designer. Notable features are its use of best-first search strategies for problem-solving control and its ability to adjust problem-solving control strategies, perform automated redesign following specification changes, and resolve constraint violations using domain knowledge. The claims made for this machine are analyzed and it is argued that these claims are founded on established principles of design for intelligent systems. An implementation of this architecture in a rule-based system named Proteus is discussed and its operation is examined using as an example the domain of register-transfer-level computer design.
Special Issue: Machine Learning in Design
Authors: Maher Mary Lou , Brown David C. , Duffy Alex
Published: March 2010

The linking of research in machine learning with research in knowledge-based design is such that each of the two areas benefit from the consideration of the other. The use of machine learning in design addresses the perceived need to support the capture and representation of design knowledge, because handcrafting a representation is a difficult and time-consuming task. In addition, design provides a task with which to investigate the usefulness of existing machine learning techniques, and, perhaps, to discover new ones.
Discovery of physical principles from design experiences
Authors: Bhatta Sambasiva R. , Goel Ashok K.
Published: March 2010

One method for making analogies is to access and instantiate abstract domain principles, and one method for acquiring knowledge of abstract principles is to discover them from experience. We view generalization over experiences in the absence of any prior knowledge of the target principle as the task of hypothesis formation, a subtask of discovery. Also, we view the use of the hypothesized principles for analogical design as the task of hypothesis testing, another subtask of discovery. In this paper, we focus on discovery of physical principles by generalization over design experiences in the domain of physical devices. Some important issues in generalization from experiences are what to generalize from an experience, how far to generalize, and what methods to use. We represent a reasoner's comprehension of specific designs in the form of structure-behavior-function (SBF) models. An SBF model provides a functional and causal explanation of the working of a device. We represent domain principles as device-independent behavior-function (BF) models. We show that (1) the function of a device determines what to generalize from its SBF model, (2) the SBF model itself suggests how far to generalize, and (3) the typology of functions indicates what method to use.
CADSYN: A case-based design process model
Authors: Maher Mary Lou , Zhang Dong Mei
Published: March 2010

In solving a new design problem, the case-based reasoning paradigm provides a process model where previous experience in the form of multiple, individual design situations can be used in a new design context. Design synthesis presents challenges to current methodologies of CBR in the application of the various approaches to case memory organization, indexing, selection and transformation. The focus of this paper is on the transformation process. Multiple types of design knowledge are essential to derive a new design solution. A hybrid case-based design process model, CADSYN, is proposed to integrate specific design situations and generalized domain knowledge, where specific cases are represented as attribute-value pairs and domain knowledge is represented by generalized design concepts and constraints. Case transformation is treated as a constraint satisfaction problem, where a specific design case provides a starting point for a new design problem and constraints are used to revise the case for consistency with the new context.
Exploring case-Based building design—CADRE
Authors: Hua Kefeng , Faltings Boi
Published: March 2010

Case-based design promises important advantages over rule-based design systems. However, the actual implementation of the paradigm poses many problems which put the advantages into question. In our work on CADRE, a case-based building design system, we have encountered seven fundamental problems which we think are common to most case-based design systems. We describe the problems and the ways we either solved or worked around them in the CADRE system. This leads us to conclusions about the general applicability of case-based reasoning to building design.
AGENTS for cooperating expert systems in concurrent engineering design
Authors: Huang Guo Q. , Brandon John A.
Published: March 2010

A main theme of concurrent engineering is the effective communication between relevant disciplines. Any computer tools for concurrent engineering must provide sufficient constructs and strategies for this purpose. This paper describes the AGENTS system, a domain-independent general-purpose Object-Oriented Prolog language for cooperating expert systems in concurrent engineering design. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating the use of the AGENTS constructs for distributed knowledge representation and the cooperation strategies for communication, collaboration, conflict resolution, and control. A simple case study is presented to illustrate the balance between simplicity and flexibility.
Constraint mechanisms for knowledge acquisition from computer-aided design data
Authors: Myler Harley R. , Gonzalez Avelino J. , Towhidnejad Massood
Published: March 2010

A number of automated reasoning systems find their basis in process control engineering. These programs are often model-based and use individual frames to represent component functionality. This representation scheme allows the process system to be dynamically monitored and controlled as the reasoning system need only simulate the behavior of the modeled system while comparing its behavior to real-time data. The knowledge acquisition task required for the construction of knowledge bases for these systems is formidable because of the necessity of accurately modeling hundreds of physical devices. We discuss a novel approach to the capture of this component knowledge entitled automated knowledge generation (AKG) that utilizes constraint mechanisms predicated on physical behavior of devices for the propagation of truth through the component model base. A basic objective has been to construct a complete knowledge base for a model-based reasoning system from information that resides in computer-aided design (CAD) databases. If CAD has been used in the design of a process control system, then structural information relating the components will be available and can be utilized for the knowledge acquisition function. Relaxation labeling is the constraint-satisfaction method used to resolve the functionality of the network of components. It is shown that the relaxation algorithm used is superior to simple translation schemes.
An approach for qualitative structural analysis
Authors: Fruchter Renate , Law Kincho H. , Iwasaki Yumi
Published: March 2010

In preliminary design, the details of a structure are insufficient to warrant the use of numeric tools traditionally used in structural analysis. However, an accurate prediction of the behavior of a structure and its components in the preliminary design phase can have a significant effect on the final design process in reducing the number of alternative solutions, avoiding the costly design revisions, and improving the quality of design. Presently, there are few tools available for preliminary analysis of structures. This study represents an initial effort towards the development of a tool that can be used in the conceptual design stage to qualitatively evaluate the behavior of a structure.

This paper describes a prototype system, QStruc, for qualitative structural analysis, which combines first principles in structural engineering and experiential knowledge of structural behavior. The purposes of QStruc are: (1) to generate qualitative models from the schematics of a structure; and (2) to infer the qualitative response of the structure in terms of deflected shape, moments, and reactions. The qualitative analysis strategy employs: (1) a greedy depth-first approach that tries to expand the derived response as much as possible from known parameter values; (2) a causal ordering mechanism, which enables the system to identify the solution path for the qualitative analysis; (3) qualitative calculus, which enables the qualitative evaluation of the physical quantities of the causal model that describes the behavior of the structure; and (4) Quantity Lattice (Simmons, 1986) which enables the system to reason about partial ordering among physical quantities and to reduce some of the ambiguous conclusions caused by the impreciseness of the information. Examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and limitations of the prototype system.
Special Issue: Research Methodology
Authors: Reich Yoram
Published: March 2010

Studies on the application of AI techniques to engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing (AI EDAM) problems have been expanding steadily over the past decade. These studies have led to the founding of many new journals and the initiation of series of conferences. If all these research efforts were successful, some of us might have been unemployed but living happily off the royalties from our successful research products that were deployed in practice.
Layered models of research methodologies
Authors: Reich Yoram
Published: March 2010

The status of research methodology employed by studies on the application of AI techniques to solving problems in engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing is poor. There may be many reasons for this status, including: unfortunate heritage from AI, poor educational system, and researchers’ sloppiness. Understanding this status is a prerequisite for improvement. The study of research methodology can promote such understanding, but, most importantly, it can assist in improving the situation. Concepts from the philosophy of science are introduced, and models of world views of science are built on them. These world views are combined with research heuristics or research perspectives and criteria for evaluating research to create a layered model of research methodology. This layered model can serve to organize and facilitate a better understanding of future studies of research methodologies. Many of the issues involved in the study of AI and AIEDAM research methodology using this layered model are discussed.
From general design theory to knowledge-intensive engineering
Authors: Tomiyama Tetsuo
Published: March 2010

Contributions of general design theory (GDT) proposed by Yoshikawa for the development of advanced CAD (computer-aided design) and for innovative design from the research results of a group at the University of Tokyo are illustrated. First, the GDT that formalizes design knowledge based on axiomatic set theory is reviewed. Second, this theoretical result is tested against experimental work on design processes. Although in principle the theoretical results agree with the experimental findings, some problems can be pointed out. From these problems a new design process model, called the refinement model, is established, which has better agreement with the experimental findings. This model implies three guiding principles in developing a future CAD system. One is that future CAD requires a mechanism for physics-centered modeling and multiple model management. Second, a mechanism for function modeling is also required, and the FBS (function-behavior-state) modeling is proposed. Third, intention modeling is also proposed for recording decision-making processes in design. These advanced modeling techniques enable creative, innovative designs. As an example, the design of self-maintenance machines is illustrated. This design example utilizes design knowledge intensively on a knowledge-intensive CAD. This is a new way of engineering and can be called knowledge-intensive engineering. The design of self-maintenance machines is, therefore, an example of knowledge-intensive design of knowledge-intensive products, which demonstrates the power of the design methodology derived from the GDT.
A case study of software testers
Authors: Lampert Robin , Hamilton David , Soloway Elliot
Published: March 2010

In an effort to learn more about how testers test code, we observed several testers while they designed tests to check a change which had been made to code. Using a case study methodology, we gathered empirical data from the ‘real world’—professional testers, and actual software products. We found that testers do share some common work patterns. These patterns can be seen in their information gathering, their use of heuristics and their construction of mental models. This work is extremely knowledge intensive, experience appears to have a useful effect. In this paper we will discuss how we collected and analysed our data. Then we will present some of our observations about how the testers gathered information, used heuristics, formed mental models and were affected by their previous experience in the course of designing their test scenarios. Based on these observations we comment on training and tools for testers.
An integrated system for design of mechanisms by an expert system—DOMES
Authors: Yang B. , Datta U. , Datseris P. , Wu Y.
Published: March 2010

Methodologies have been developed and implemented in LISP and OPS-S languages which address type synthesis of mechanisms. Graph theory and separation of structure from function concepts have been integrated into an expert system called DOMES (Design Of Mechanism by an Expert System) to effectively implement the following three activities: 1. enumeration of all non-isomorphic labelled graphs; 2. identification of those graphs which satisfy structural constraints; 3. sketching of mechanisms corresponding to a given graph.

Developed theories and algorithms are applied to a robot gripper design and a variable-stroke piston engine design. The results from these two applications indicate that the automated techniques effectively identify all previously obtained solutions via manual techniques. Additional solutions are also identified and several errors of the manual process are detected. The developed methodologies and software appear to perform a complete and unbiased search of all possible candidate designs and are not prone to the errors of the manual process. Other important features of DOMES are: 1. it can learn and reason, by analogy, about a new design problem based on its experience of the problems previously solved by the system: 2. it has the capability to incrementally expand its knowledge base of rejection criteria by converting into LISP code information obtained through a query-based interactive session with a human designer; 3. it can select the set of rejection criteria relevant to a design problem from its knowledge base of rejection criteria. These procedures could become a powerful tool for design engineers, especially at the conceptual stage of design.
Qualitative process automation: self-directed manufacture of composite materials
Authors: LeClair Steven R. , Abrams Frances L. , Matejka Richard F.
Published: March 2010

This paper addresses manufacturing research involving contributions in computer science, control theory and material processing science. The research objective has been to develop intelligent, †self-directed‡ control systems which enable in situ control path generation based on †product-processing‡ feedback. A †product-directed‡ control philosophy which emphasizes product quality is described together with a generic architecture for representing process knowledge. Specific details are presented involving the development and application of a self-directed material processing system for autoclave curing of composites together with recent research results, production challenges and future research in †self-improving‡ material processing systems.
Constraint logic programming for the analysis and partial synthesis of truss structures
Authors: Lakmazaheri Sivand , Rasdorf William J.
Published: March 2010

A general constraint-based formulation for the analysis and partial synthesis of two-dimensional truss structures is presented. This formulation is general in that it handles statically determinate and statically indeterminate trusses with pin and roller supports, and concentrated joint loads. The formulation is constraint-based in that the physical behavior of truss components is declaratively represented using constraints.

The analysis and partial synthesis of a truss structure manifest themselves in proving the satisfiability of the constraints associated with the structural components. An artificial intelligence approach called constraint logic programming is used for representing and satisfying constraints. A constraint logic programming language, called CLP(R), is used for implementing the formulation. The implemented program consists of sixteen rules. These rules are used for both the analysis and partial synthesis of truss structures. Several truss analysis and synthesis examples using the formulation are presented.
Knowledge representation for reasoning: Tables, frames, and rules in a cutting fluids application
Authors: Moseley Laurence , Dobson Owain
Published: March 2010

This paper describes decisions made during the development of an expert system for advising on problems that arise in the use of cutting fluids in engineering. It covers the problems of knowledge acquisition and of knowledge representation and of the relationship between them. The need for iterative prototyping is noted, and the choice between a database and a rule-based approach is discussed. The paper model and the machine model may not be isomorphic, although both are useful, albeit for different purposes.