bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expert system shells: very‐high‐level languages for Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Boley Harold
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Expert system shells are discussed as very‐high‐level programming languages for knowledge engineering. Based on a category/domain distinction for expert systems the concept of expert system shells is explained using seven classifications. A proposal for a shell‐development policy is sketched. The conclusions express concern about current over‐emphasis on graphical interfaces.
Uncertain reasoning using the Dempster‐Shafer method: an application in forecasting and marketing management
Authors: Cortes‐Rello E. , Golshani F.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The intended purpose of this article is twofold: to study techniques for uncertainty management in expert systems, particularly the Dempster‐Shafer theory of belief; and to use this method in the construction of an expert system for the field of forecasting and marketing management. Compared with the probabilistic approach, which can only deal with singleton possibilities, the Dempster‐Shafer approach proves to be superior because it provides the ability to deal with sets of possibilities. Since market analysis and forecasting always have a strong element of uncertainty associated with them, and since, in general, we consider a combination of several different forecasting techniques for planning our marketing strategies, the Dempster‐Shafer approach is particularly suitable. Here we present a short introduction to this theory, briefly discuss the domain of application (selection of forecasting techniques for marketing planning), discuss the interesting components of our expert system, and analyze our experiences in applying the theory to this domain.
NEXPERT OBJECT
Authors: Aiken Milam W. , Sheng Olivia R. Liu
Published: May 2007

NEXPERT OBJECT is an expert system shell developed by Neuron Data Inc. NEXPERT costs $5,000/£4,500 for the microcomputer version, and a VAX version is available for $8,000/£7,500. Neuron Data can be contacted in the USA at 444 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301 (+1 (415) 321‐4488) or in the UK at 34 S. Molton St., London, W1Y 1BP (+44 (0)1‐408 2333). The version reviewed in this article was release 1.02 with Microsoft Windows. It was run on an AT&T 6386 microcomputer with 3 megabytes of RAM, an 80 megabyte hard disk, and a colour monitor.
PC/BEAGLE
Authors: Rowley D.T.
Published: May 2007

PC/BEAGLE is available from Warm Boot Ltd., 8 Grosvenor Avenue, Nottingham, NG3 5DX, England, price £69/$120/100écus. It runs on IBM PC/XT/ATs and true compatibles. It requires 256 Kb RAM and DOS 2.1 or later. A hard disk is recommended but not essential.
Troubleshooting expert systems for industrial maintenance: pre‐development guidelines
Authors: Bouche Michel , Plauchu Vincent , Retour Didier
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The sophisticated nature of new production facilities means more complex maintenance units and costly breakdowns. For users of high tech machinery, the efficiency of their maintenance services is becoming an increasingly important factor, and for manufacturers, the maintainability of their equipment they sell is an element that has to be taken into account in their battle for market share. Troubleshooting Expert Systems (TES) are one possible means of improving maintenance capability and maintenance units. Surveying cases of success or failure that the authors have witnessed themselves or come across in the literature, they propose a checklist of seven questions to be considered at the outset of TES development, which deal with the human, managerial and organisational aspects of TES.
Acquiring and representing strategic knowledge in the diagnosis domain
Authors: Mussi Silvano , Morpurgo Rosamaria
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Techniques for acquiring and representing strategic knowledge for guiding diagnostic processes are presented. In a diagnostic expert system, strategic knowledge can be represented either by a specific knowledge base or it can be ‘embedded’ into the inference engine. We decided for the former; so that knowledge can be acquired or modified without affecting the problem solving paradigm. Strategic knowledge is acquired by expert interview in a straightforward way: on the basis of simple information provided by the expert, an internal sophisticated representation is automatically generated. The techniques are not restricted to a particular problem‐solving paradigm or application. However, in order to prove the effectiveness of our approach, a problem solving paradigm is also presented. The paradigms adopted in diagnosis must face two problems: the selection of the ‘right’ hypothesis (fault) to pursue and the selection of the ‘right’ observation (measurement) to be executed. We present some criteria for selecting hypotheses and observations. Our proposal is suitable for domains where the measurements to localise the fault do not always provide certainty but only a ‘degree of belief’ about the presence of the fault. As a consequence, the problem of selecting the right measurement is solved by appropriate criteria and heuristic reasoning. Moreover, we do not consider ‘right’ as a predefined concept: actually, it is based on the information provided by the expert. So he can define this concept on the basis of his own judgment.
Development of the knowledge base of an expert system for civil rights investigation
Authors: Botten Nancy , Raz Tzvi
Published: May 2007

Abstract: A methodology that was successfully applied to the development of the knowledge base of a legal expert system is presented. The methodology consists of five distinct phases: model building, knowledge acquisition, knowledge integration, partitioning and external design. The phases are described in detail and illustrated with examples from the application area, which is civil rights complaint investigation.
A shell for cooperating expert systems
Authors: Oliveira E. , Camacho R.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper describes a shell for cooperating expert systems that has been developed at the University of Porto. The main goal of this shell is two‐fold: to generate a community of cooperative knowledge‐based systems and to develop several special reasoning techniques which can be used under a distributed and cooperative paradigm. UPShell is able to convert a set of generated intelligent systems (ISs) into a community of cooperative ISs. In this first version it is already possible to generate different intelligent systems which are able to run ‘simultaneously’ as separate Unix processes and, using a message‐passing mechanism, to communicate among themselves. They can be set to pursue an overall goal in a cooperative way. Moreover, several tasks can be given to each IS to be solved simultaneously, and the IS can switch from task to task according to dynamic priorities reflecting the urgency attached to the specific sub‐tasks that emerge. The shell described here may also be used to test, within a distributed environment, some time‐bounded reasoning techniques that are presently being developed. The paper has three main parts: a general overview of the UPShell (Section 1); a tutorial explaining, by means of examples, how to use the package (Section 2); and, finally, some considerations on the reasoning techniques used and future improvements (Sections 3–5).
The evolution of PAMELA
Authors: Barachini Franz
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper describes the results of a five‐year research program on production systems carried out in Vienna by a large engineering group at the Alcatel‐Elin research laboratory. In the course of our investigations, a real‐time expert system shell, PAMELA, was developed. We describe features of PAMELA and discuss ways in which the matching algorithm can be speeded up. It was found that the single processor version is one of the most efficient forward chainers available worldwide. Since single processor enhancements have been widely explored, we concentrated our efforts on multiple processor architectures to provide further performance gain. Efficient exploitation of parallelism in production systems requires suitable algorithms for load‐balancing, without simultaneously increasing organisational or communication overheads. With this in mind, we developed a transputer‐based architecture which serves as a testbedfor our new parallel matching algorithm. The execution speeds of various expert systems based on PAMELA are presented.
Artificial intelligence and economic modelling
Authors: Gottinger Hans W.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Artificial intelligence has emerged from the toy problem world and is being applied to real domains in a more general way, the existence of several large application systems supporting the belief that a generation of smarter and more general systems will be developed. However, a new problem, sometimes referred to as the fusion problem, has been identified, which acts to restrict the development of such systems. This paper explains the nature of the problem, and by examining a proposed expert system in economics (ESE), discussing three approaches to a prototype ESE and the problems associated with them, draws some conclusions with regard to data fusion and expert co‐operation.
Temporal reasoning in blood gas diagnosis
Authors: Leng Yap Wai , Pau L.F.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe a system whereby an intensive care unit patient's condition can be monitored and assessed over time using mostly blood gas analysis data. The first six sections analyse some major temporal reasoning approaches (with limited examples from other related areas) with the aim of selecting one for the task at hand. The last sections describe the PONJIP temporal blood gas analysis expert system with its main components, including user interfaces customised to the doctor's requirements. Since the overall aim of this paper is to describe an expert system used for the evaluation of the possible contribution of temporal medical reasoning from blood gas data, research specific to other application areas or data will not be covered here.
Logic aids for interviewing experts
Authors: di Piazza Joseph S.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The excessive time devoted to the development, testing and maintenance of expert systems (ESs) needs to be reduced radically. What is needed is general‐purpose software that can interlace the extracting, structuring, testing, and encoding of knowledge gained from debriefing the expert in any field. LAPS (Logic Aids for Problem Solving) is just such a program and has been successfully used to produce an ES in the domain of submarine diving officers. This automatically‐encoded ES was produced by each expert entering his responses to the LAPS series of strategic‐induction, AI‐jargon‐free queries. Currently, the LAPS prototype has four core sessions or functions: (1) the initial or sample‐solution session; (2) the dechunking or hidden‐knowledge session; (3) the alternatives or completeness‐testing session; and (4) the automatic rule‐production session. After any session the interviewee can use the fourth function of LAPS to produce frame‐laden rules (in M.I, for now; later, in CLIPS). These rules can of course be used to carry out consultation sessions, though fewer of these are needed. LAPS has itself been translated from M.I to C to provide a very fast program on an almost universally available platform — the microcomputer. In accord with the overall technical approach to this project, other successful offline rigorous interviewing functions are being added to LAPS. Other code additions pertain to (a) graphical and other user‐friendly reasoning‐aid enhancements; (b) a series of simpler follow‐up queries; and (c) the fleshing out of many stubs, or functions having intermediate results but as yet no processing.
Integrating knowledge‐based systems with mainframe data processing via terminal operator emulation
Authors: Slatter Philip , Nomura Toshio
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The need to integrate knowledge‐based systems (KBS) with mainstream data processing (DP) systems is increasingly recognised. It is also recognised that there is no ideal mode of KBS integration: different types of problem call for different modes of integration. Many large organisations are now facing a serious problem in the operation of their existing DP systems. This paper focuses on the problem of providing intelligent support to the (often inexperienced) terminal users of complex mainframe systems—but without initiating any significant changes to the existing DP environment. Over the past few years we have been attempting to evolve a solution to this type of problem that is satisfactory from both a human and a software engineering perspective. This paper outlines the previous work and considerations underlying our current approach. Starting from a purely mainframe‐based mode of integration, this has entailed locating an increasing number of an integrated KBS‐DP system's components onto a front‐end workstation. In our current solution, both user interface and KBS modules reside on a workstation linked to the (unchanged) mainframe environment. The key element of this approach is terminal operator emulation: a KBS‐controlled 'script’ facility on a workstation which emulates the flexible keyboard behaviour of an experienced mainframe terminal user interacting with an existing DP system. The software tools and techniques employed in implementing this solution are discussed and details of a large operational system are presented as an example application.
PCAAD—an object‐oriented expert system for assembly of printed circuit boards
Authors: Padhy Sisir K. , Dwivedi Suren N.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Electronics manufacturing is the fastest growing segment of the manufacturing domain today. The rapid change in printed circuit board manufacturing has been possible with the induction of surface‐mounted components and robotic assembly. The high density packaging capability of surface‐mounted technology has contributed enormously to the development of new trends in printed circuit board manufacturing.

PCAAD—Printed Circuit Board Assembly Advisor—is an expert system developed to capture this new technology and its interaction with the existing through‐hole‐mounting technology. In building the system, rules and guidelines pertaining to assembly are formulated and incorporated into the knowledge‐base. The system is built on an object‐oriented paradigm. The object‐oriented approach, Smalltalk‐80, the object‐oriented language and the hierarchical rule structure paradigm are briefly discussed. A rating system is also introduced to rank various assembly designs. PCAAD can advise whether or not to proceed with assembly with a particular assembly design, and suggests assembly modification at the early stage of design to eliminate the assembly problems in the later phase of board production.
FDAS: architecture and implementation
Authors: Srinivasan K. , Dastoor Phiroze H. , Jayaraman Sundaresan
Published: May 2007

Abstract: FDAS (Fabric Defects Analysis System) is a knowledge‐based system (KBS) for diagnosing defects in woven textile structures. The following major issues were considered in the design of FDAS: (1) range of applications; (2) user profiles; (3) response time requirements; (4) modularity and (5) ease of system modification and enhancements. Knowledge about defects is represented in FDAS using a hierarchy of classes, with the slots representing defect attributes, and forward chaining rules. The inferencing process is controlled by slots of another distinct class hierarchy. Inference is made more efficient by hierarchical classification of the defects with pruning. The agenda (i.e. ordered set of hypotheses) is dynamically reset using actions attached to rules. The diagnosis information—information about the causes of the defects and remedial actions to be taken—is kept separate from the rules in the knowledge base. The user interface part of the system is also independent of the knowledge base, which facilitates easier tailoring of the system to meet the needs of different users. The user interaction with FDAS is menu‐based and has been designed to minimize cognitive load on the user. FDAS has been extensively evaluated by in‐house individuals who are experts in the task of fabric defects analysis. It has also been demonstrated to experts from the industry and is ready for field tests.
An object‐oriented tool for function point analysis
Authors: Matson Jack E. , Mellichamp Joseph M.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Function points have become an accepted measure of software size and are becoming an industry standard. However, the application of function point analysis is fairly complex and requires experience and a good understanding to apply it in a consistent manner. This paper describes the development of a knowledge‐based, object‐oriented system to assist an analyst in performing function point analysis. The objective of the function point analysis (FPA) tool is to allow an analyst to estimate system size in function points without having extensive training or experience using the function point method. The FPA tool uses information available in a functional specification that is a product of the requirements analysis phase of the software development life cycle. An object‐oriented model was used to represent the functional requirements of a software system.
An expert system for the selection and application of image processing subroutines
Authors: Grimm Felix , Bunke Horst
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Expert systems are useful tools for the efficient application of image processing software packages. This paper describes an image processing expert system based on the SPIDER package (Tamura et al. 1983). The system supports inexperienced users who wish to solve image processing problems by means of SPIDER subroutines. We give a detailed description of the concepts underlying the construction of the system and present the main components of the knowledge base. The modular structure of the knowledge base can be considered as a generalised approach to software configuration expert systems which can easily be adapted to other image processing software packages and other problem domains.
Towards a comprehensive methodology for KBS development
Authors: Hilal D.K. , Soltan H.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The vitality of effective methods and processes for developing knowledge‐based systems (KBS) is examined. The paper discusses what should be expected from a methodology. Have their advocates been getting it all wrong all the way? That is certainly a suggested view put forward. The criticism includes an articulation of the major schools of thought in developing KBS; their implicit assumptions and philosophies, especially the prototyping options, are presented in the light of this paper. After the criticism, the philosophical basis of a new comprehensive KBS development methodology is presented. This breeds the line model of development, which in turn creates what is suspected to be an essential concept of thought in the developer's mind.
A fuzzy, knowledge‐based decision support tool for production operations management
Authors: Schründer C.P. , Galletly J.E. , Bicheno J.R.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Production operations managers frequently have to make decisions based on vague, imprecise knowledge. Any software tool developed to aid their decision making needs to take into account the approximate nature of the information available to them and the inexact knowledge to which individual facts are applied. Much of this knowledge is expressed as vague, linguistic articulations. A convenient framework for dealing with such approximate knowledge is fuzzy logic and fuzzy set theory. As a specific example, a system was developed for providing decision support in the Just‐in‐Time area of production operations management.
Experiences with an expert systems prototyping methodology
Authors: Jojo Linda P. , O'Keefe Robert M.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Although the benefits of knowledge‐based expert systems (ES) and experiences with the methods, techniques and tools employed in knowledge engineering have been extensively reported, less is known about experiences with development and development methodologies. Although ES development is frequently associated with prototyping, a growing number of specific development methodologies have been proposed and are in use. Using information on four development projects at General Electric Industrial and Power Systems, this paper reports on the use of a variation of a prototyping methodology. It identifies some of the advantages, disadvantages and effects of using this approach to development. It raises a number of issues that future ES development methodologies will have to address.
Application of artificial neural networks for filtering, smoothing and prediction for a biochemical process
Authors: Bulsari A. B. , Saxén H.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The applicability of feed‐forward neural networks for filtering, smoothing and prediction for processes is illustrated in this paper, exemplified by a simulated biochemical process. Filtering, smoothing and prediction are valuable for noisy processes and most of the standard techniques need some knowledge about the process or a model of the process. Artificial neural networks provide a good alternative to the conventional filters and do not need a model of the process. The inputs to the networks were one or more state variables with delayed measurements; the networks calculate the noise‐free estimates of the variables. The Levenberg‐Marquardt method was used to train the neural networks by minimising the sum of squares of the residuals. The results of filtering, smoothing and prediction were reasonably accurate. Linear activation functions were found to be adequate for most purposes. This is due to the fact that the non‐linearity of the process is not very strong in the region of state space considered.
Neural computing for software reliability*
Authors: Partridge Derek , Sharkey Noel E.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: We present the results of a feasibility study for the application of neural computing to the traditional problem of how to generate cost‐effective, reliable implementations of complex problems—i.e. the central problem of software engineering. We treat neural computing as an innovative technology for conventional software engineering. We explore the reliability of neural networks (multilayer perceptrons trained with the backpropagation algorithm) as alternative versions in a multiversion software system. The basic idea is that versions trained differently will not exhibit common faults as independently developed, conventional versions (programmed in, for example, Modula‐2) have been shown to do. The common design faults that run through independently developed versions appear to be the result of ‘difficult’ inputs which all programmers tend to misconstrue similarly. Network implementations, which are not directly designed in the conventional manner, should permit easy introduction of ‘diversity’ to combat this weakness. The initial results give credence to this possibility and have shown the way to generate substantial forced diversity within the neural computing paradigm.
A hybrid expert system for investment advising
Authors: Nikolopoulos Chris , Fellrath Paul
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Investor is an investment advising hybrid expert system which incorporates two of the most powerful techniques developed in artificial intelligence, the connectionist and the logic programming paradigms, in a unified model. Investor employs a neural network model to detect the interest rate trends and a rule‐based component to classify the user into the appropriate investor model. The investor model and the interest rate information are then used by the knowledge base to infer the appropriate investment strategy. Genetic algorithms and classifier systems were employed to train and configure the architecture of Investor's neural network component.
Applying KADS to KADS: knowledge‐based guidance for knowledge engineering
Authors: Kingston John
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The KADS methodology (Schreiber et al. 1993; Tansley & Hayball 1993) and its successor, CommonKADS (Wielinga et al. 1992) have proved to be very useful approaches for modelling the various transformations involved between eliciting knowledge from an expert and encoding this knowledge in a computer program. These transformations are represented in a series of models. While it is widely agreed that these methods are excellent approaches from a theoretical viewpoint, the documentation provided concentrates on defining what models should be produced, with only general guidance on how the models should be produced. This has the advantage of making KADS and CommonKADS widely applicable, but it also means that considerable training and experience is required to become proficient in them. This paper reviews three projects that investigated the feasibility of producing specific guidance for certain decisions which are required when using KADS or CommonKADS to develop a knowledge‐based system. Guidance was produced for the identification of the generic task addressed by a knowledge‐based system; for the selection of appropriate AI techniques for implementing the analysed knowledge; and for selecting a suitable tool for implementing the system. Each set of guidance was encoded in its own knowledge‐based system, which was itself developed with the assistance of KADS or CommonKADS. These projects therefore both studied and applied KADS and CommonKADS in order to produce knowledge‐based guidance for knowledge engineers. The projects showed that it was feasible to produce heuristic guidance which could be understood, applied and occasionally overridden by knowledge engineers. The guidance provides reasonably experienced knowledge engineers with a framework for making the key decisions required by CommonKADS, in the same way that CommonKADS provides knowledge engineers with a framework for representing knowledge. The projects also produced some new insights about CommonKADS domain modelling and about the process of task identification.
Parallel implementation of the fuzzy ARTMAP neural network paradigm on a hypercube
Authors: Malkani Anil , Vassiliadis Constantine A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The recent surge of interest in connectionist models arose through the availability of high speed parallel supercomputers and the advent of new learning algorithms. The computations performed on concurrent architectures are less costly than similar ones performed on sequential machines. In this paper, the design and implementation of a parallel version of fuzzy ARTMAP (Carpenter et al. 1992), which encompasses both neural and fuzzy logic, is discussed. Fuzzy ARTMAP is a supervised learning algorithm utilising two fuzzy ART modules and an associated mapping network. A simplified version of fuzzy ARTMAP (SFAM) was designed by incorporating a simplification of the match tracking concept on unsupervised fuzzy ART paradigms. The proposed simplified version consists of only one fuzzy ART module and an associated mapping network. A parallel fuzzy ARTMAP (PFAM) algorithm is then designed and implemented on a hypercube simulator (iPSC). The algorithm is parallelised for any architecture and, with the exception of issues related to communications, the implementation remains the same on any type of parallel machine. PFAM enjoys the advantage of reduced training time that makes the algorithm a successful candidate for applications that require both online testing and training. Such applications can range from underwater sonar detection and chemical plant processing control to nuclear reactor process control, flexible manufacturing and systems analysis.
Computers learn to smell and taste
Authors: Ryman‐Tubb Nick
Published: May 2007

Abstract: They all stink: food and drink, perfumery, household products, soaps, shampoos, paints, manufacturing processes, printing processes, waste products, contaminated air, and automotive emissions and environmental testing. In every case, small is a criterion of quality.

Automated techniques to ‘smell’ or ‘taste’ liquids using mass spectrometry and gas chromatography are time consuming, require skilled personnel and often do not give the information required for qualitative ‘testing’. A new technique is now available due to the advances in neural computing technology and multi‐sensor array technology. The combination of these two approaches tries to simulate the human olfactory system in a simplified form. This paper shows that the recognition ability of an odour sensor array will be significantly improved using a neural computing approach in order to discriminate between similar odours.
Uncertainty in telecommunication network design
Authors: Reynolds P.L. , Sanders P.W. , Stockel C.T.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The design of telecommunication networks is a complex activity involving a vast amount of input data and numerous design rules. Much of the data is estimated and many of the rules are based upon experiential knowledge. The use of existing uncertainty techniques in expert systems is not really suited to the complexity of telecommunication network design. Having investigated the uncertainty problem, it is believed that a more rational method has been found for use in this application area. The paper presents the ‘Uncertainty Window’technique and its testing on one aspect of network design, namely that of network synchronisation.

The essence of this uncertainty process is one of associating individual uncertainty windows with the relevant rules, data and facts of a design problem, which results in providing the network designer with an insight into the possible uncertainties within a design at each stage of the process. It indicates which information sources provide the dominant uncertainty and which assumptions are critical, needing further investigation, in order to improve the level of confidence in the overall design. The windowing technique works by virtue of its ability to retain the composition of the uncertainties within the problem and their associated values, assumptions, and so forth and allows for better solutions to be obtained.
The MD Shell and its use to develop Dust‐Expert
Authors: Vadera Sunil , Nechab Said
Published: May 2007

Abstract: In this paper we describe TheMD (The Methods Designer) shell and its use in the development of an expert system, known as Dust‐Expert, for the relief of dust explosions. We begin by providing the motivation for the development of TheMD Shell by evaluating a prototype implementation of Dust‐Expert using a conventional shell. This evaluation is carried out in terms of the transparency, reliability and extensibility of the system.

The lessons learned from this evaluation have led to the development of TheMD Shell. We describe the main features of the shell which include more appropriate schemas, more complete explanation capabilities, a ranking scheme and equation‐solving capabilities. We illustrate the use of the schemas and the importance of the equation‐solving capabilities by examples from the domain of dust explosions. We also provide a formal specification of the ranking scheme that we adopt. We conclude by highlighting the benefits of our approach in comparison to the usual process of developing knowledge‐based systems.
A bibliography of neural network business applications research: 1988–September 1994
Authors: Wong Bo K. , Bodnovich Thomas A. , Selvi Yakup
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to present a comprehensive bibliography of neural network application research in business. One hundred and twenty‐seven neural network application papers and reports are identified through exhaustive literature searches. A classification of these articles by application area reveals that neural networks are being used for a diverse range of corporate functional activities, particularly in the areas of production/operations and finance. Information on the neural network development language/tool, the learning paradigm and the computer operating environment as reported in each article is included. Those journals which have published the most neural network business applications are also presented.
The design and implementation of an intelligent query tool for relational databases
Authors: Kok André J.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Retrieving ad hoc data from information systems is difficult for non‐expert users. Despite the efforts made in improving query tools (e.g. visual query construction, Query By Example, query templates), empirical research shows that constructing a request is still difficult (Reisner 1988). The core of the problem seems to be in the difference between the way the user perceives the application domain and the way the system requires the user to see it (Carroll & Olsen 1988).

In this paper we describe the design and implementation of an ad hoc query tool developed by RCC for a personnel information system, and how AI techniques contributed to this module. The main novel idea incorporated in the query tool is to present the user with a means to question the conceptual model of the system instead of the technical model. To support this, a blackboard architecture has been designed and implemented with knowledge sources that translate the user's questions to database queries. The query tool is used in daily practice by over 100 users.
An interactive fault diagnosis expert system for a helpdesk application
Authors: Zhao Ming , Leckie Chris , Rowles Chris
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper presents work on an interactive fault diagnosis expert system for a helpdesk application. A knowledge representation and inference algorithm is proposed to satisfy three design specifications: (1) no parallel event exists in human fault reporting; (2) the diagnostic sequence is unpredictable, and (3) the inference engine is passive in an event‐driven environment. A lattice data structure is designed for knowledge representation, which is generated automatically from a script of decision rules. The inference engine works in a transaction‐like style by prompting and responding to the user according to the knowledge in the lattice. It can explicitly guide the inference sequence, as well as respond to ad hoc input from the user.
Knowledge types: a practical approach to guide knowledge engineering in domains of building design
Authors: Andersen Tom
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper presents experiences and findings achieved through several expert system projects in domains of technical buiding design. The main focus is on knowledge acquisition and knowledge decomposition. Different approaches are presented and discussed. Four types of knowledge are presented: object knowledge, performance knowledge, event knowledge and metaknowledge, and the applicability of this classification to building design is justified. The paper includes a listing of experiences gained by real world testing of an expert system, and finally we outline guidelines to knowledge engineering in the domain of technical building
Expert system technology in organisational process domain modelling
Authors: Sugumaran Vijayan , Bose Ranjit
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Organisational processes are repetitive, time‐consuming and interdependent, requiring several members to interact for successful completion. Moreover, when organisations change their operating procedures it becomes difficult to carry out even routine tasks because of the confusion and lack of communication. By studying the organisational processes and the knowledge required to execute them, we can create generic process models that could be stored persistently in a repository. This process repository can serve as a corporate knowledge base, which could be accessed by intelligent computer assistants for automating organisational processes. This paper presents a framework of intelligent assistants that can emulate the behaviour of human agents in organisational problem‐solving. The generic process models can also be customised to meet the changing needs of the organisation. We present a domain modelling approach to organisational process modelling and an expert system for customising process models. The paper also describes the architecture and design of the proof‐of‐concept prototype that supports organisational process modelling, as well as process execution through intelligent computer assistants.
An expert system for unit commitment and power demand prediction using fuzzy logic and neural networks
Authors: Bataineh Sameer , Al‐Anbuky Adnan , Al‐Aqtash Salem
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The paper discusses the implementation of a fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks approach to providing a structural framework for the representation, manipulation and utilisation of data and information concerning prediction of power demand and generation commitments. An algorithm has been implemented and trained to predict the power demand at each load point on an hourly basis. The neural network is then implemented to supply the brute force necessary to accommodate the large amount of sensory data to provide the initial evaluation of the generation units to be committed. Results of the fuzzy model show a reasonable correspondence with the actual power demand. A standard deviation error for an hourly based prediction is limited to 4.4. Further refinement of the fuzzy model may produce further improvements.

Implementation of artificial neural networks for scheduling an hourly unit commitment based on load demands is also discussed The backpropagation technique based on the I/O mapping method has been chosen for structuring the neural network. Geographically related load points and generating units are clustered into groups. Grouping has significantly reduced the number of inputs and outputs to the neural network and, hence, reduced the system complexity. As a result, both training requirements and running real time interaction are significantly improved. The expert system would replace and utilise the requirement for skilled dispatchers in scheduling the generators. It is anticipated that this facility is more accurate, dynamic, adaptive and more efficient than a skilled dispatcher. The overall cost of power generation is expected to be less if the new facility is used. Initial results have reflected a satisfactory correlation between predicted and actual results, with a standard deviation error of 1.71% and 1.96% in the base load units of HTPS and ATPS respectively.
REVELATION, CREATION AND LAW1
Authors: TORRANCE THOMAS F.
Published: May 2007

Through faith we understand that the worlds were made by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3, AV)

By faith we understand that the universe was framed by God's command, so that the visible came forth from the invisible (Hebrews 11:3, NEB)
Barth's Criticisms of Kierkegaard – A Striking out at Phantoms?
Authors: ZIEGLER PHILIP G.
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Towards the end of his life, Karl Barth had occasion to review his and Christian theology's relation to the work of Søren Kierkegaard. Barth's ‘settling of accounts’ with Kierkegaard issued in three searching criticisms: first, that Kierkegaard's work succumbs to a dour legalism, second, that it promotes a pious individualism at the expense of the church as a community with social and political responsibility, and third, that it promotes a new fixation upon subjectivity, enthralled by the idea of the possibility of a self‐founding and groundless gesture of faith. This article explores the extent to which these are in fact warranted criticisms of Kierkegaard's theology. After considering how and by whom Kierkegaard was mediated to Barth, each of the three criticisms is taken up in turn and tested against a reading of texts from Kierkegaard's ‘second authorship’. While it appears that in significant respects Kierkegaard's theology is different to what Barth takes it to be, what does become plain is that Kierkegaard's account of the church is in fact almost as phantasmal as the image of the Danish thinker at which Barth himself tilts for the most part.
Transfer of training: a case‐study of outsourced training for staff from Bhutan
Authors: Sofo Francesco
Published: May 2007

The article examines the perceptions of managers, academics and technical staff in relation to the transfer of training resulting from their participation in out‐country training funded by Bhutan's Ministry of Education. Out‐country training refers to in‐service education, training and professional development programs, especially in relation to technical education, higher education and specialization courses undertaken abroad. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of out‐country training over a five‐year period to gauge the level of training transfer among three different types of participants. The methodology included surveying 149 Bhutanese out‐country training participants between 1999 and 2003. A representative sampling technique was used to select 58 academics, 46 managers and 45 technical support staff for inclusion in the survey. Semistructured in‐depth interviews were also conducted with 19 of these trainees across the three categories. Results of the study indicate high initial levels of motivation in all trainees, but a change in attitude toward their training once it was underway. On return to the workplace, participants reported even less confidence in their ability to transfer their learning compared to their confidence reported before the program began.
Ikaros is expressed in developing striatal neurons and involved in enkephalinergic differentiation
Authors: Agoston Denes V. , Szemes Marianna , Dobi Albert , Palkovits Miklos , Georgopoulos Katia , Gyorgy Andrea , Ring Mary A.
Published: May 2007

The Ikaros (Ik) gene encodes alternatively spliced zinc‐finger proteins originally identified in developing hematopoietic organs and acts as master regulator of lymphoid development. During our search for transcription factors that control the developmental expression of the enkephalin (ENK) gene we found that Ik‐1 and Ik‐2 isoforms are specifically expressed in the embryonic striatum and bind the Ik‐like cis‐regulatory DNA element present on the ENK gene. Ik proteins are expressed by both proliferating (BrdU+/nestin+) and by post‐mitotic differentiating (MAP2+) cells in the developing striatum between embryonic day 12 and post‐natal day 2 and mRNAs encoding for the Ik and ENK genes are co‐expressed by a subset of differentiating striatal neurons. Blocking the DNA binding of Ik proteins in differentiating embryonic striatal neuronal cultures resulted in decreased ENK expression and mutant animals lacking the DNA‐binding domain of Ik had a deficit in the number of ENK but not in dynorphin or substance P mRNA+ cells. Animals lacking the protein interaction domain of Ik showed no deficit. These results demonstrate that Ik‐1 and Ik‐2 proteins through their DNA binding act as positive regulators of ENK gene expression in the developing striatum and participate in regulating enkephalinergic differentiation.
Alanine metabolism, transport, and cycling in the brain
Authors: Bröer Stefan , Bröer Angelika , Hansen Jonas T. , Bubb William A. , Balcar Vladimir J. , Nasrallah Fatima A. , Garner Brett , Rae Caroline
Published: May 2007

Brain glutamate/glutamine cycling is incomplete without return of ammonia to glial cells. Previous studies suggest that alanine is an important carrier for ammonia transfer. In this study, we investigated alanine transport and metabolism in Guinea pig brain cortical tissue slices and prisms, in primary cultures of neurons and astrocytes, and in synaptosomes. Alanine uptake into astrocytes was largely mediated by system L isoform LAT2, whereas alanine uptake into neurons was mediated by Na+‐dependent transporters with properties similar to system B0isoform B0AT2. To investigate the role of alanine transport in metabolism, its uptake was inhibited in cortical tissue slices under depolarizing conditions using the system L transport inhibitors 2‐aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane‐2‐carboxylic acid and cycloleucine (1‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid; cLeu). The results indicated that alanine cycling occurs subsequent to glutamate/glutamine cycling and that a significant proportion of cycling occurs via amino acid transport system L. Our results show that system L isoform LAT2 is critical for alanine uptake into astrocytes. However, alanine does not provide any significant carbon for energy or neurotransmitter metabolism under the conditions studied.
Pre‐Alpine eclogites in the Pennine Basement Complex of the Eastern Alps
Authors: DROOP G. T. R.
Published: May 2007

An occurrence of quartz‐eclogite is described from the Inner Schieferhülle unit of the Pennine Basement Complex in the SE Tauern Window, Austria.

Field relations strongly suggest a pre‐Alpine age for the primary eclogitic mineral assemblage (garnet + omphacite + quartz + rutile). This implies that there was no connection between the formation of these eclogites and the late Cretaceous and Tertiary tectonic evolution of the Eastern Alps. The quartz‐eclogite mineral assemblage crystallized under conditions of 620 ± 100°C and at pressures in excess of 12 kbar, and suffered amphibolitic overprinting of Alpine and possibly Hercynian age.

A four‐stage polymetamorphic history is proposed for the Inner Schieferhülle:
A corundum and sapphirine paragenesis from the Limpopo Mobile Belt, southern Africa
Authors: HORROCKS PETER C.
Published: May 2007

An assemblage consisting of corundum, sapphirine, spinel, cordierite, garnet, biotite and bronzite is described from the Messina area of the Limpopo Mobile Belt, and consideration given to its petrogenesis. Various geothermometers and geobarometers have been applied in an attempt to determine the temperatures and pressures of metamorphism.

A former coexistence of garnet and corundum is suggested to have developed during the earliest high pressure phase of the metamorphism, where temperatures exceeded 800°C and pressures as high as 10kbar may have been experienced. Subsequently, continuous retrograding reactions from medium pressure granulite facies at about 800°C and 8kbar towards amphibolite facies generated spinel, cordierite, sapphirine and possibly also bronzite. The most notable reaction was probably of the form: garnet + corundum = cordierite + sapphirine + spinel.
Synthesis of Fe‐pumpellyite and its stability relations with epidote
Authors: SCHIFFMAN PETER , LIOU J. G.
Published: May 2007

Hydrothermal synthesis of Fe‐pum‐pellyites was conducted using high pressure cold‐seal apparatus and solid oxygen buffering techniques at temperatures between 250°C and 550°C and 2.0–9.1 kbar Pfluid. Fe‐pumpellyites were synthesized from partially crystalline gel mixtures of compositions: 4CaO ‐ 2.1Al2O3_1.5FeO ‐ 0.3MgO ‐ 6SiO2 (II) and 3CaO ‐ 1.5 Al2O3 ‐ 2.7FeO ‐ 0.3MgO ‐ 6SiO2 (III) in the presence of excess H2O at Pfluid of 5–9.1 Kbar, temperatures between 275°C and 325°C, and fO2 defined by the QFM and HM buffers; for both of these compositions (II and III), the condensed synthetic run products included minor 7Å chlorite ± garnet ± Fe‐oxide. The cell dimensions and aggregate refractive index (a= 19.13(2)Å, b= 5.940(4)Å, c= 8.847(5)Å, ±= 97.37(6)±, and n= 1.702(2)) of the pum‐pellyite synthesized from the bulk composition II mix are compatible with those of natural pumpellyites containing similar total Fe contents. Attempts at synthesizing Fe‐pumpellyites from a Mg‐free bulk composition were not successful; these results are consistent with the total absence of natural Mg‐free pumpellyites.

The higher temperature, higher oxygen fugacity assemblages of the equivalent bulk compositions (II and III) consist of epidote ± minor amounts of chlorite, garnet, quartz, hematite, and magnetite. The results of these synthesis experiments accord with the mineral parageneses observed in low‐grade metabasites which imply that Fe‐pumpellyites are replaced by epidote with increasing temperature and/or fO2 and that Fe3+ is preferentially partitioned into epidote with respect to coexisting pum‐pellyite. In addition, these synthesis experiments indicate that Fe‐bearing pumpellyites crystallize at and are stable to lower temperatures than more aluminous pumpellyites—a result also consistent with natural systems.