A summary of the work done in the field of analytic differentiation by computer is presented. It is shown that there exists a need for an analytic differentiation routine whose output can be processed by a regular algebraic compiler. An algorithm is presented which will transform a FORTRAN FUNCTION subprogram into a FORTRAN SUBROUTINE subprogram that evaluates both the original function and its first derivative with respect to one independent variable. Implementation of this algorithm and possible extensions to it are discussed. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

A covariance analysis procedure which compares multiple linear regression equations is developed by extending the general linear hypothesis model of full rank to encompass heterogeneous data. A FORTRAN IV computer program tests parallelism and coincidence amongst sets of regression equations. By a practical example both the theory and the computer program are demonstrated. / Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies / Graduate

This thesis examines a mathematical programming model called FORPLAN as a planning tool for strategic analysis of forest management alternatives. This model uses economic efficiency as the objective of forest management planning. The dynamic theory of multiple use forestry is analyzed and expressed as a linear programming analogue in FORPLAN. The main weakness of this theory is that it focuses on single stand analysis. Even so, forest wide constraints applied to certain FORPLAN formulations compensate for this weakness. A strata-based forest management problem is developed to show the economic implications of four forest management alternatives: (1) timber production; (2) timber production subject to a non-declining yield limitation; (3) timber and black-tailed deer (Odocolieus hemionus columbianus) production; and (4) timber and black-tailed deer production, again including a non-declining yield of timber. Demand curves for two analysis areas and a supply curve for deer winter range are developed using parametric analysis. The ability of FORPLAN to address economic implications of current forest management policies is discussed. Economic analysis of forest management alternatives would play a useful role in forest planning in British Columbia. The need for such evaluation is underlined by the ever increasing number of resource conflicts caused by the dominance of the timber industry and the continually growing demand for other forest resources. Three conclusions are drawn from this study. First, FORPLAN has the technical capability to be an effective tool for analyzing strategic multiple use plans under economic efficiency criteria. It does not have the timber bias of earlier models and the capability of FORPLAN to integrate area and strata-based variables makes it a very powerful model. Second, parametric programming of FORPLAN solutions provides marginal analysis for inputs and outputs. Comparative examination of these curves and their elasticities provide information about the relative importance of different analysis areas. Lastly, managing for timber and hunting services for black-tailed deer by preserving old growth winter range is not an economically viable management option. The relative value of the timber is significantly greater than the hunting services for the deer that it is just not worth managing for both. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

Many expert systems have been developed over the past decades. ProGrammar is a modest expert system shell that has been developed recently. It is built on top of the CProlog/UNIX* system running on a VAX† 11/750. ProGrammar is designed for processing and developing grammars. It can also be used as a knowledge base constructor for other fields besides grammars, a learning tool, a Prolog interpreter, and as a consulting system. ProGrammar is an interactive system meaning not only can the user query ProGrammar but ProGrammar also can question the user. The user is allowed to request an explanation from the ProGrammar on how the solution to the query was derived. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

DLOG is a logic-based data model developed to show how logic-programming can combine contributions of Data Base Management (DBM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The DLOG specification includes a language syntax, a proof (or query evaluation) procedure, a description of the language's semantics, and a specification of the relationships between assertions, queries, and application databases. DLOG's data description language is the Horn clause subset of first order logic [Kowalski79, Kowalski81], augmented with descriptive terms and non-Horn integrity constraints. The descriptive terms are motivated by AI representation language ideas, specifically, the descriptive terms of the KRL language [Bobrow77]. A similar facility based on logical descriptions is provided in DLOG. DLOG permits the use of definite and indefinite descriptions of individuals and sets in queries and assertions. The meaning of DLOG's extended language is specified as Horn clauses that describe the relation between the basic language and the extensions. The experimental implementation is a Prolog program derived from that specification. The DLOG implementation relies on an extension to the standard Prolog proof procedure. This includes a "unification" procedure that matches embedded terms by recursively invoking the DLOG proof procedure (cf. LOGLISP [Robinson82]). The experimental system includes Prolog implementations of traditional database facilities (e.g., transactions, integrity constraints, data dictionaries, data manipulation language facilities), and an idea for using logic as the basis for heuristic interpretation of queries. This heuristic uses a notion of partial, match or sub-proof to produce assumptions under which plausible query answers can be derived. The experimental DLOG knowledge base management system is exercised by describing an undergraduate degree program. The example application is a description of the Bachelor of Computer Science degree requirements at The University of British Columbia. This application demonstrates how DLOG's descriptive terms provide a concise description of degree program knowledge, and how that knowledge is used to specify student programs and select program options. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

Two methods for improving the quality of Computer Assisted Instruction are examined. They are: using Intelligent Computer Assisted Instruction techniques to make the CAI system more flexible, and using graphics to increase the efficacy of teaching. Two computer systems for teaching the Logic Programming language Prolog were developed. The first is an ICAI system which uses the prerequisite relationships of the course material to plan a course of study. It distinguishes between methods of instruction and topics of instruction, giving students a great deal of freedom in choosing either one. The second is an animated trace which graphically illustrates the execution of Prolog programs. Information is displayed in three windows — one for Prolog goals, one for the database, and one for output from the program being traced. Results indicate that ICAI and graphics can both be used effectively in the teaching of programming languages, particularly in combination. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

More and more computer applications are using three-dimensional models for a variety of uses (e.g. CAD, graphics, recognition). A major bottleneck is the acquisition of these models. The easiest method for designing the models is to build them directly from images of the object being modelled. This paper describes the design of a system, MOLASYS (for MOdeL Acquisition SYStem), that allows the user to build object models interactively from underlying images. This would not only be easier for the user, but also more accurate as the models will be built directly satisfying the dimensions, shape, and other constraints present in the images. The object models are constructed by constraining model points and edges to match points in the image objects. The constraints are defined by the user and expressed using a Jacobian matrix of partial derivatives of the errors with respect to a set of camera and model parameters. MOLASYS then uses Newton's method to solve for corrections to the parameters that will reduce the errors specified in the constraints to zero. Thus the user describes how the system will change, and the program determines the best way to accomplish the desired changes. The above techniques, implemented in MOLASYS, have resulted in an intuitive and flexible tool for the interactive creation of three-dimensional models. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

This thesis describes two distinct, but mutually supportive, research projects. The first is the design and implementation of a high level language intended to be suitable for writing operating systems among other large software products. It provides facilities for the creation and control of asynchronous processes along with powerful data and "sequential" control structures. The second project is the design and implementation of a machine architecture which is a congenial host for modern block structured languages. This machine has several advantages compared to most of today's computers; code generation is simple, the object code is very compact and the machine is reasonably fast. Effective software systems are well designed, reliable, have "low" space-time products and are developed, maintained and used with a minimum amount of human effort. The work presented here is intended to be a viable first step towards the production of an environment for the production of effective software systems. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

Recent developments in interactive Computer-Aided -Instruction and in Artificial Intelligence have enabled teaching machines and programs to deal reasonably effectively with the subject matter to be taught. Presented herein is a proposal and design for an intelligent LISP teaching machine. It is expected that such a system would be used in conjunction with other conventional methods to teach students, with some prior programming knowledge, the LISP programming language and "correct" programming style. With the belief that procedural knowledge is best learned by 'doing', this CAI system will integrate instruction in concepts, LISP syntax and semantics; instruction in the design of LISP functions and code; and analysis of students' solutions and consequent error correction. The goal of this LISP tutor is simply to act like a human tutor - cognizant of what the student is doing all the time, and able to provide advice and give direction where necessary. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

<p>Today's real estate market provides excellent opportunities for the low-level investor to obtain sound properties at below-market values. Through this vehicle, investors can increase their net worth and thereby gain financial freedom. In order to make informed decisions on which properties to buy and how to buy them, the inexperienced investor needs the appropriate knowledge and tools. FREEDOM, the Flexible Real Estate investor's Evaluation and Decision support system with Optimal Methodology, will fill this need.</p> <p> FREEDOM will perform various financial analysis' of properties and will provide numerical evaluations to aid in decision making. From the information produced by these different evaluation options, FREEDOM will output a variety of reports and graphics. Inputs, in the form of current and historical, sale and rental, property listings will be placed into FREEDOM via input panels. FREEDOM will also keep track of the investor's portfolio and will perform various current and prediction net worth analysis.</p> <p> FREEDOM will be a relatively unstructured decision support system designed using conventional system engineering concepts, to include the seven step system development life cycle, modular design. logical subsystems and data flow diagrams. It will be designed for future expandability and flexibility. FREEDOM will encompass all aspects of a traditional system: the human, hardware, software and data. The results of this system will be to provide the low-level investor with a set of tools to increase his knowledge and aid in his decision making.</p> <p> / Master of Science