Abstract: A portable, manually-operated, self-massaging apparatus for use on a human back anatomy includes a cylindrical head having a first vertical semi-cylindrical section continuously formed with a second vertical semi-cylindrical section, and a handle connected to the cylindrical head for forming a unitary construction. The handle includes a smooth rounded tip for providing a localized massage directly at a pain trigger point. The first vertical semi-cylindrical section includes a stationary smooth outer surface for providing a less intensive massage. The second vertical semi-cylindrical section includes rows of stationary wedge-shaped protuberances with each protuberance having a flat top for providing a deep tissue massage when applied to a human back anatomy. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface of the cylindrical head exhibits a smooth upper surface to facilitate neck and upper back massage.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing deficiencies and assessing knowledge in test responses comprises a computerized testing station for presenting questions to a responder. An initial response analyzer communicates with the testing station for determining the correctness of each literal response by the responder to each question. A necessary knowledge determiner is disposed to analyze each literal incorrect response to each question from the initial response analyzer for detecting responder's specific deficiencies in past cumulative knowledge and in new subject matter knowledge. A cumulative knowledge analyzer and a production rule analyzer are each provided for analyzing each of responder's literal incorrect responses to each question for identifying each specific deficiency in past cumulative knowledge and in new subject matter knowledge, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing deficiencies and assessing knowledge in test responses comprises a computerized testing station for presenting a question to a responder. An initial response analyzer communicates with the testing station for determining the correctness of an initial response by the responder to the question. A necessary knowledge determiner is disposed to analyze an incorrect initial response from the initial response analyzer for detecting responder's deficiencies in past cumulative knowledge and in new subject matter knowledge. A cumulative knowledge analyzer is provided for analyzing the incorrect initial response for identifying specific deficiencies in past cumulative knowledge. A production rule analyzer is provided for analyzing the incorrect initial response for identifying specific deficiencies in new subject matter knowledge. Finally, a report generator communicates with the cumulative knowledge analyzer and the production rule analyzer for generating a written deficiency report.