CIEGEN: A system for testing knowledge base compilation heuristics on a microcomputer

The expert system has proven itself to be a valuable aid in diagnosing and treating problems in domains requiring expertise. The commercial world has been alerted to this fact and the thrust is to make the expert system portable and available on small computers. The goal of this research has been to lay the groundwork for a domain independent expert system builder on a microcomputer. The result of this effort was CIEGEN, a system consisting of a rule compiler, inference engine, and rule generator developed on the IBM PC. It is domain independent, responsible for transforming a knowledge base of rules into heuristic based decision trees, and capable of performing backward chaining consultations. The system is also heuristic independent, allowing a knowledge base to be compiled by different heuristics and compared using the log created by the inference engine. A subgoal of the development of CIEGEN has been to study the heuristics used to compile a knowledge base because the efficiency of the expert system is based on the intelligence of the heuristic. The heuristic used by EMYCIN was implemented and compared with a heuristic developed by the author. For the six types of knowledge based generated by CIEGEN\u27s rule generator, EMYCIN\u27s heuristic, on the average, executed more quickly --Abstract, page ii

Providing adhesion for a miniture mobile intra-abdominal device based on biomimetic principles

This paper investigates the surface adhesion characteristics required for a miniature mobile device to move around the abdominal cavity. Such a device must be capable of adhering to the tissue lining and move freely across the upper surface of the insufflated abdomen. Accordingly, the potential of utilising bioinspired solutions to facilitate wet adhesion is assessed

Innate immune response to intramammary infection with Serratia marcescens and Streptococcus uberis

Streptococcus uberis and Serratia marcescens are Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, that induce clinical mastitis. Once initial host barrier systems have been breached by these pathogens, the innate immune system provides the next level of defense against these infectious agents. The innate immune response is characterized by the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as increases in other accessory proteins that facilitate host recognition and elimination of the pathogens. The objective of the current study was to characterize the innate immune response during clinical mastitis elicited by these two important, yet less well-studied, Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The pro-inflammatory cytokine response and changes in the levels of the innate immune accessory recognition proteins, soluble CD14 (sCD14) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP), were studied. Decreased milk output, induction of a febrile response, and increased acute phase synthesis of LBP were all characteristic of the systemic response to intramammary infection with either organism. Infection with either bacteria similarly resulted in increased milk levels of IL-1$\beta$, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$, sCD14, LBP, and the complement component, C5a. However, the duration of and/or maximal changes in the increased levels of these inflammatory markers were significantly different for several of the inflammatory parameters assayed. In particular, S. uberis infection was characterized by the sustained elevation of higher milk levels of IL-1$\beta$, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-$\gamma$, and C5a, relative to S. marcescens infection. Together, these data demonstrate the variability of the innate immune response to two distinct mastitis pathogens

Designing Strategies to Support a Transformation of Agriculture in Ethiopia

The paper consists of three parts. The first part of the paper is a review of agricultural performance in Ethiopia over the past forty years. The second part diagnoses agricultural system performance and food security problems in Ethiopia and discusses some tentative practical strategies for promoting an agricultural transformation, and with it, increased productivity, income growth, and food security over the long run. The third part describes the general approach to promoting an agricultural transformation and food security for Ethiopia. It is conceptual and procedural. It draws from the lessons of economic history and theory applied to the current situation in Ethiopia.food security, food policy, Ethiopia, Farm Management, Food Security and Poverty, Q18,

Markets Need Predictable Government Actions to Function Effectively: The Case of Importing Maize in Times of Deficit

Food relief for vulnerable groups is important in times of deficit. For the remainder of the population, well functioning grain markets can save lives during times of food shortfalls. This note illustrates how predictable Government behavior in the market can improve markets’ ability to meet the needs of consumers.food security, food policy, Zambia, maize, Agricultural and Food Policy, Marketing, Q18,

Improving the Impact of Market Reform on Agricultural Productivity in Africa: How Institutional Design Makes a Difference

Improving the Impact of Market Reform on Agricultural Productivity in Africa: How Institutional Design Makes a Difference Abstract: This paper reviews the emerging empirical record of agricultural marketing policy reform and agricultural productivity, drawing from research on food access and agricultural productivity supported by USAID’s Africa Bureau on seven countries in West, Eastern, and Southern Africa. We also examine key factors constraining past and future performance of the food systems in these countries. The paper concludes by identifying a set of policy issues for further consideration that would help provide the investment incentives to promote productivity growth for the millions of low-input semi-subsistence rural households in the region.food security, food policy, market reform, Agricultural and Food Policy, Marketing, Productivity Analysis, Downloads June 2008 - July 2009: 40, Q13,

Environmental liabilities for landlords and tenants and the impact on the valuation of industrial buildings: implications for property management

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to review the response of professionals involved in the letting and management of industrial buildings to the implementation of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act, 1990 which, has imposed a regime of “strict liability”, in terms of contamination, has implications for the owners, occupiers and managers of such properties and may be affecting rental and capital values of industrial premises. This research explores the current awareness of all parties to these changes. Design/methodology/approach – The study reported in this paper examines current practices in the UK and identifies areas where changes may be required, or be desirable, in order to arrive at recommendations as to “best practice”. The work was undertaken in three phases, a questionnaire survey involving leasing and managing agents, real estate owners, lawyers and bankers; a consultation stage with representative organisations including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Environment Agency, British Property Federation, British Bankers Association, British Insurance Association, the Law Society and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and interviews with a representative sample of persons from the survey. This paper reports on the questionnaire survey phase

Alpha/beta and gamma interferons are induced by infection with noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus in vivo

In contrast to the results of previous in vitro studies, experimental infection of calves with noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncpBVDV) was found to induce strong alpha/beta and gamma interferon responses in gnotobiotic animals. These responses were associated with depressed levels of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in serum. The results of this study indicate that the immunosuppression caused by ncpBVDV is not associated with low interferon responses or elevated levels of TGF-β

The Role of Mugaiwa in Promoting Household Food Security: Why It Matters Who Gets Access to Government Maize Imports

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of mugaiwa, and the small-scale trading and milling sector that provides it, in ensuring poor consumers’ access to food in the context of this marketing season’s maize deficit. The paper then identifies opportunities for Government and the private sector to increase access to affordable food among consumers.food security, food policy, Zambia, mugaiwa, Agribusiness, Q18,