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IRList Digest Volume 3 Number 26
IRList Digest Tuesday, 11 August 1987 Volume 3 : Issue 26
Today's Topics:
Abstracts - Dissertation abstracts relating to inf. retrieval (pt 3 of 4)
News addresses are ARPANET: fox@vtopus.cs.vt.edu BITNET: foxea@vtvax3.bitnet
CSNET: fox@vt UUCPNET: seismo!vtisr1!irlistrq
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Date: Thu, 6 Aug 87 16:45:32 EDT
From: Susanne Humphrey <humphrey@mcs.nlm.nih.gov>
Subject: new edition of abstracts for IRList and SIGIR Forum
Selected IR-Related Dissertation Abstracts (continued - part 3 of 4)
AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG87-11620.
AU SACHAR, HARVINDER JIT SINGH.
IN The University of Texas at Arlington Ph.D. 1986, 125 pages.
TI Theoretical aspects of design of and retrieval from similarity-based
relational database systems.
SO DAI v48(02), SecB, pp498.
DE Computer Science.
AB The similarity-based relational data model originated by
Buckles/Petry permits the representation of inexact information in
the form of a relational database. In this dissertation, a
theoretically sound definition of fuzzy functional dependency was
developed. Inference rules for fuzzy functional dependencies were
presented and proved to be sound and complete. The concept of a
fuzzy key for similarity-based data model was developed and normal
forms were defined for this data model. These developments provide
the capability to incorporate the fuzzy information about the real
world in the design process.
To provide a higher-level query language for this data model, a
complete fuzzy domain relational calculus was designed which is an
extension of domain calculus for ordinary relational databases. It
was proven also that for any fuzzy relational algebra expression,
there is an equivalent safe formula in fuzzy domain calculus. As a
first step towards more advanced query methods for the
similarity-based data model, the concept of dual measure of
possibility/necessity as applied to simple non-fuzzy queries for
this data model was developed.
AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG87-08507.
AU TYLER, SHERMAN WILLIAM.
IN University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. 1986, 189 pages.
TI SAUCI: self-adaptive user-computer interface.
SO DAI v47(12), SecB, pp4964.
DE Computer Science.
AB Different approaches to the design of the human-computer
interface have been taken in the past. These can be organized into
four broad categories: tack-on; intuitive/empirical; formal; and
conversational. There are several important interface design
criteria that have never been adequately attained in any of these
approaches. One is modularity, that is, maintaining a clear
separation between the interface and its target system. A second
criterion is self-adaptation, or the ability of the interface to
modify its own behavior to suit a given individual user. Two
further criteria relate to the interface's potential to guide users
in performing typical high-level tasks on the target system and to
provide intelligent advice on the use of that system.
This research was focused on developing an integrated technique
for achieving these four design criteria. To that end, an abstract
architecture called SAUCI, or the Self-Adaptive User-Computer
Interface, was proposed, embodying a knowledge-based,
object-oriented approach to interface design. The foundation of
this approach rests upon information encoded within sets of objects.
This information includes separate knowledge bases describing the
individual users, the commands of the target system, and the
high-level tasks appropriate for that system. The behavior of the
interface is controlled by various methods which call upon the
knowledge bases in a rule-governed manner to decide what interface
features should be present at each phase of the user's dialogue with
the target system.
To test the feasibility of the proposed architecture, a working
interface was implemented on a Xerox 1108 computer in the LOOPS
language, with a UNIX operating system running on a separate
minicomputer as the target system. An empirical evaluation of this
prototype revealed clear advantages over the standard interface.
Closer examination pointed to each of the factors of modularity,
task guidance, and user-tailored assistance as playing a significant
role in these effects.
A discussion of additional applications of this architecture and
of areas for future development is offered as further evidence of
the value of this approach as a general framework for human-computer
interface design.
AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG87-08805.
AU MORRIS, JOHN HENRY.
IN Iowa State University Ph.D. 1986, 127 pages.
TI An experimental interface of a microcomputer with a Vega universal
testing machine to retrieve data on test specimens.
SO DAI v48(01), SecA, pp111.
DE Education, Technology.
AB The purpose of this study was to develop an inexpensive
interface between the Vega universal testing machine and a
Commodore-64 microcomputer. Also, to develop a computer program that
will store and retrieve pertinent information about the
metallurgical properties of tensile specimens (i.e., modulus of
elasticity, Brinell Hardness number, yield point, reduction of area,
tempering temperature, etc.). Also, compare the interfacing with
the conventional method.
It is theorized that by interfacing the Vega universal testing
machine with the Commodore-64 microcomputer, the metallurgical data
calculated by the computer will be equal to the metallurgical data
calculated by the conventional method.
Out of eleven hypotheses, there were nine hypotheses with
significant difference at the ninety-five percent confidence level.
Two hypotheses had no differences. These were the percent
elongation and unit deformation. The percent elongation is a
multiple of the unit deformation by 100 times.
The computer was faster overall than the conventional method.
However, the regression predictive equation used in the computer
program to calculate the metallurgical data produced on the average
higher values than the conventional method. The predictive equation
can be adjusted to calculate values that are equivalent to the
correct values for any given specimen.
AN This item is not available from University Microfilms International
ADG03-74461.
AU BOETTCHER, KEVIN LLOYD.
IN Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ph.D. 1986.
TI A methodology for the analysis and design of human
information-processing organizations.
SO ADD X1986.
DE Engineering, Electronics and Electrical.
AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG87-12104.
AU DURANCE, PAUL WILLIAM.
IN The University of Michigan Ph.D. 1987, 373 pages.
TI Application to logical design to incomplete medical record
processing.
SO DAI v48(02), SecB, PP532.
DE Engineering, Industrial. Health Sciences, Hospital Management.
AB Current hospital-based information systems are not adequate to
meet the rapidly expanding information needs generated by additional
economic competition and payment system changes. Hospitals face
both increasingly aggressive competition from other institutions and
substitution of treatment modalities which reduces demand for
inpatient services. Simultaneously, cost minimization incentives
have been established by the change from cost-based reimbursement to
prospective fixed price and capitation payment systems. Hospital
managements need cost effective information processing as well as
more information to manage their institution effectively.
Since Medical Record Departments (MRDs) currently provide most
medical information within hospitals, interest is strong in
expanding information processing capabilities, while also increasing
processing efficiency. In particular, completing the inpatient
medical record is a slow and costly process that does not
satisfactorily meet post-discharge information demands. An
automated information processing system (IPS) that uses the latest
in document image storage and retrieval technology is proposed.
This IPS for aiding in inpatient medical record processing is
referred to as the Record Completion System (RCS).
Software Engineering principles are applied to the determination
and specification of some RCS requirements. In particular, a
Logical Design methodology (LDM) is developed for the creation,
capture, and analysis of logical functional requirements. The LDM
combines Structured Systems Analysis and Petri Net theory. The
Entity Relationship Attribute (ERA) model that defines a logical
design language within the LDM is automated at the Program for
Research in Information Systems Engineering (PRISE) and applied in
the hospital-based requirements specification project. A database
that represents the Logical Design Specification (LDS) for the RCS
application is populated and reviewed.
The discussion of the proposed RCS reveals that a number of
current problems, which result in slow and inadequate incomplete
medical record processing, can be alleviated or eliminated. It is
concluded that: (1) an IPS based on document image storage and
retrieval should improve both medical information availability and
completion processing; (2) further work on the development of such
an RCS is warranted; and (3) continued development and application
of the LDM should be pursued.
AN This item is not available from University Microfilms International
ADG03-75232.
AU LOSEE, ROBERT MACLEAN, JR.
IN The University of Chicago Ph.D. 1985.
TI The performance of probabilistic models of document retrieval
systems.
SO ADD X1986.
DE Information Science.
AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG87-11733.
AU MONTGOMERY, JACQUELINE DELORES.
IN The Florida State University Ph.D. 1987, 256 pages.
TI End user searchers of online bibliographic databases in an
industrial setting: training, use and perceived benefits.
SO DAI v48(02), SecA, pp238.
DE Information Science.
AB A study of potential end users of online bibliographic searches
was conducted in three parts at a product development location of a
consumer products company. Part one was a survey of the population.
Part two included collection and analysis of search data from a
sample trained to conduct online bibliographic searches in either a
one-day course or a two-hour seminar. Part three consisted of
interviews with the sample at the close of the data collection phase.
The survey data showed that interest in learning to search was
associated with highest degree earned and type of previous exposure
to online searching principles. The search data could not be
analyzed for statistical significance of differences between the two
types of training due to uneven search activity by subjects.
Approximately half of the subjects trained did not conduct searches
during the nine-month study, and of the searches obtained, more than
half were conducted by only two subjects. Interview data revealed
that availability of intermediaries and alternative resources, the
perception that needed materials would not be available online, and
difficulties in using computers and telecommunications software
contributed to information users' decision not to conduct online
bibliographic searches. Searchers considered convenience, time
saved, and convincing others to support a decision as positive
attributes of online searches. Concerns about frustration in use
and missed information were viewed as negative attributes.
Nonsearchers considered online searches conducted for them to have
the positive attribute of convenience, and the negative attributes
of time used and cost. Searchers and nonsearchers considered
non-online sources to have positive attributes of convenience, time
saved, relevance, and expertise, and negative attributes of
information overload, time used, concerns about correctness and
frustration in use. This research may be used in management
decision-making regarding feasible approaches to training end users
to conduct their own searches, or to communicate with intermediary
searchers.
AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG87-06331.
AU QUARLES, PATRICIA O'HARA.
IN New York University Ph.D. 1986, 211 pages.
TI Videotex and conceptions of knowledge: an historically-based model
for identifying epistemological consequences of videotex.
SO DAI v47(12), SecA, pp4217.
DE Information Science.
AB The purpose of this study was to develop a model for evaluating
the potential epistemological consequences of the videotex medium.
It was theorized that an analysis of critical attributes of the
medium would yield a series of possible consequences. In order to
develop the list of critical attributes and potential consequences,
the work of five prominent media historians and theorists was
examined. Eric Havelock, Walter Ong, Elizabeth Eisenstein, William
Ivins and Harold Innis were the core group from whose work the model
was constructed.
Four primary attributes of communications media that have
epistemological consequences were abstracted from these works:
efficiency, fixity, accessibility and transparency. The degree to
which a medium exhibited high or low levels of these attributes
suggested certain consequences for methods, contents, sources and
validity of knowledge.
This model was then applied to videotex, broadly defined as the
electronic transmission of text and graphics between computer
databases and remote terminals. Taken as a whole, the model
indicated that videotex will tend to favor new, integrated and
interdisciplinary contents, relational and heuristic methods,
homeostatic storage, greater graphic notation, and a tendency to
focus on contemporary, comparative data. The results of the
analysis indicated that often two contrasting epistemological
consequences may result from the same attribute of a medium--for
example, high specialization and high interdisciplinarity of
contents; high accessibility of information and high control of
access. The complex nature of media change and the unformed
features of the medium hindered clear projection of videotex
consequences in those areas.
[Note: rest will be in next issue - Ed]
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END OF IRList Digest
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