University Daily Kansan / Thursday, April 25, 1991
11
Computer potential growing
KU professor works to improve complex intelligence systems
By Sarah Davis
Kansan staff writer
Artificial intelligence sounds like a concept restricted to high-tech robots, but it actually can be used in simple everyday objects.
Such as in Campbell's soup.
Artificial intelligence is simply a means to simulate human expertise in a certain area by the use of a computer program.
Through an expert system, the Campbell's soup company can control the temperature of huge vats full of soup perfectly.
"Expert systems are already a part of our lives, and we don't know it," said Costas Tsatsoulis, assistant professor of electrical and computer
engineering, who has been researching the area of artificial intelligence. "It can take a human experience and encode his or her knowledge and be able to send a thousand copies to companies."
Artificial intelligence began in the 1960s and the concept became more popular through the '80s. Today, AI is being used in many industries and by the government.
The space shuttle Discovery as well as some telephone companies use expert systems.
But Tatsoulis is trying to make use of a new type of system called a memory-based system.
human experiences that are used in problem-solving
It is different from an expert sys-
em because the program is based on
"Expert systems can't learn, but in memory-based systems, every new experience adds to its knowledge," said Tsatsonlis, who has been working on the theory of memory-based systems for nine years.
"It is the development of intellectual systems that are based on the encoding of human experiences," he said.
He said that these kinds of artificial intelligence would have a place in the future, but only as a means of assistance.
For example, instead of reading the Wall Street Journal, a computer could scan all the news and know
which would be of interest or importance to a particular individual.
Perry Alexander, Platte City, Mo. graduate student who is working with Tsautsou, said improving complex skills would save time, money and mistakes.
But problems can still arise, Tsatsoulis said.
"I see artificial intelligence in general assisting people and making computers more accessible to people. I will help people to do their jobs better."
Even with ethical dilemmas involved in expert systems, Tsatsouls is optimistic.
"I definitely see the technology spreading more," he said.
ROTC: Program lasts despite policy conflicts
By Eric Nelson
Kansan staff writer
As the KU administration continues to work for a change in the Department of Defense policy that discriminates against gays, lesbians and bisexuals, everyday people at the Military Science Building.
Army ROTC Maj Steven Johnson said his students were continuing their activities but were staying aware of the issues.
He said he had heard no complaints or resentment from his students concerning the issue.
Although some people on camp may stereotype some of his students as being prejudiced, Johnson said he thought the vast majority understood that ROTC students just like everyone else.
"There aren't little Rambos running around." he said.
KU ROTC students understand they have no control of the policies. Johnson said.
"It is a congressional issue," he said. "It is a Department of Defense issue. It is not a KU ROTC issue."
Johnson said he thought the
administration was handling the situation properly by going to Washington and lobbying
"We like to think the way to solve a problem is to go to the element that can really solve it," he said.
But Johnson said he thought initiatives such as the one at the University of Nebraska calling for the removal of class credit for ROTC programs if a rapid change not take place a bit about.
Mike Schreiner, student body president, said he had talked to many ROTC students since the conflict about the policy began.
He said that he could understand how some ROTC students might be bothered by being stereotyped as prejudiced because of their involvement in the program. He said they would be overcome by the individual.
The University should not kick the ROTC program off campus, Schreiner said. But he would like the University to display more clearly its displeasure with the policy by posting notices of its position next to any ROTC advertising on campus.
Helping police pays off for crime-hotline callers
Kansan staff report
The KU Crimestoppers line recently paid the first cash award for crime information since the line's inception in December 1990.
KU police Lt. John Mullens said $300 had been awarded to an anonymous caller who gave information about the manufacture and sale of false drivers' licenses. The information led to the arrest of 23 individuals.
Crimestoppers is an information line that anyone can use to report information about someone who has committed or is planning to commit a crime. If the information leads to an arrest, callers may be eligible for
Mullens said all callers were kept anonymous, even in the event of an award, by using a number system to identify him. He said names were never taken.
cash rewards.
"We will set up a drop-off of some sort if there is an award," Mullens said.
At this time, KU police are hoping the hotline can help find the suspect in a sexual battery case that has been reported 7 near 14th and Louisiana streets.
Mullens said anyone with information about this crime should call 964-8888.
Flying ducks create problem for police as they crash into airborne copter
The Associated Press
TOPEKA — A police helicopter search turned into mayhem when flying ducks rammed into the craft, injuring a Topeka police officer.
"It just felt like the helicopter was falling apart, with feathers and wind flying in," officer Mike McKinley said.
Mckinley and pilot Jimmy Moore were searching for a stolen truck
early Tuesday morning when the incident occurred.
"I saw black spots about one second before they impacted the wind—s held," Moore said.
He landed the helicopter on a runway at Forbes Field in Topeka. A dead mallard hen was found in the cockpit.
Rollerblade
Take your friends out for a spin.
"free"
Housing Guide
- CHEAPI CHEAPI CHEAPI *
2 bedrooms available for
Summer Sublease. Completely
Furnished, great location, super pool.
★ Rent NEG! Call 749-0213 ★
Roommate Wanted
Mature person to share new townhouse in quiet area of Great Lawrence. $300 per week / 2/4th vacancy.
C/A, completely furnished, vaulted ceiling, min. ceiling fireplace, patio, garage D/W, microwave, dishwasher.
Call 665-2688
Now leasing for summer & fall 1901
studios -3 pools
1&2 BR apts -tennis courts
2&3 BR townhomes -KU bus route
BR townhomes -KU bus route
-gas heat & water paid
(on apartments)
TRAILRIDGE APTS
(Call for appointment)
2500 W. 6th 843-7333
Leave Message
HUGE 2 bedroom summer sublease. FREE furniture use if you need it. CHEAP rent, water and gas paid.
Close to campus.
865-1387
Need to sublease rent or sell?
Then you need...
The University Daily Kansan Housing Guide!
This will be in the paper on April 29.
Talk to your account executive or come to the classified desk at 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall!
We will negotiate price. Call Mindi, Cail or Nirit at 749-0976.
We Need to beLEASE this summer!
3 bedroom, but 4 people can easily fit!
3 bathrooms, microwave, dishwasher, POOL!
Sunrise Village Apts., on 6th Street
We will negotiate price. Call Mindi, Call or Nirit at 749-0976.
Georgetown Apartments
Summer Special!
June & July - $300.00 with a 12 month lease Valid only with leases beginning June 1st
-KU Bus Route - Holidome
-10 or 12 month leases/Low Security Deposit
-No Pets
-On Site Mgt./Reliable 24 hour maintenance
-Wired for Cable TV/Mini Blinds Throughout
-Microwaves & Dishwashers
- Fenced Pool Area with Tanning Deck & Barbeque
- Washer/Dryers or book suitable
-Microwaves & Dishwashers
Fri, Sat, Sun & eves by appt.
Office Hours;
630 Michigan 749-7279
Washer/Dryers or hook-ups available 10 or 12 month leases, low Security Deposit
...
Spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartments Great location - near campus!!
...furnished or unfurnished ..balcony or patio ..laundry facilities ..on KU bus route ..pool
1012 Emery Rd. 841-3800
With Our NewPrice Reductions, Living Anywhere Else Just Doesn't Make Cents.
The cost of living has gone down! You don't have to be majoring in Economics to see that our prices are more affordable than ever. Come to the residence hall that features great social events, free utilities, our "Dine Anytime" program, a convenient location close to campus and much, much more.
More fun for less funds! Now's the time to make the switch from apartment to the best in college living. Come by today and see the residence hall that makes the others look like small change
Naismith Hall
1800 Naismith Drive 913/843-8559