Computer Programs

A pharmacokinetic program that allows individualization of drug dosage regimens through the Bayesian method is described. The program, which is designed for the Hewlett-Packard HP-41 CV calculator, is based upon the one-compartment open model with either instantaneous or zero-order absorption. Individualized estimation of the patient's kinetic parameters (clearance and volume of distribution) is performed by analyzing the plasma levels measured in the patient as well as considering the population data of the drug. After estimating the individual kinetic parameters by the Bayesian method, the program predicts the dosage regimen that will elicit the desired peak and trough plasma levels at' steady state. For comparison purposes, the least-squares estimates for clearance and volume of distribution are calculated, and dosage prediction can also be made on the basis of the least-squares estimates. The least-squares estimates can be used to calculate population pharmacokinetic parameters according to the Standard Two-Stage method.

Advances in technology and decreasing costs are enabling microcomputers to displace more traditional devices in the scientific laboratory. The availability of various approaches to software-system development for the use of microcomputers in the on-line control of experiments has contributed to the trend. This report describes a software system developed to control conditioned behavior during schedules of reinforcement while simultaneously accumulating behavioral data and physiological (analog) data using a hardware system base on the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I microcomputer. The software utilizes a high-level interpretive language (Microsoft BASIC), assembly language and compiled BASIC to attain an acceptable execution speed and ease of programming.

This study researched the effect of interactive computer programs and visual materials on the success and retention of physics lesson. Inclined projectile motion was selected as the subject. While the lessons were taught with interactive physics, various visual computer programs and the support of computer in the experimental group, they were taught according to the conventional teaching method in the control group. As a consequence, it was aimed to compare the effect of these two applications upon the academic success and retention of learning. The sample of the study was consisted of 84 students receiving education at a secondary school in Ankara. Pretest-posttest experimental design with control group was used in the study. According to the t-test results of independent groups that were performed on experimental and control groups after teaching, it was concluded that the teaching, which was performed on the experimental group with interactive computer programs and visual materials, were more successful compared to the teaching, which was performed on the control group with conventional methods. At the end of the study, the required suggestions were presented according to the data obtained from applications, which were performed with interactive computer programs and visual materials.