Neighborhood and associative query answering

Cooperative query answering extends the classical notion of query answering to provide neighborhood and associated information. Neighborhood query answering relaxes the query and its answer via abstract representations. To integrate the abstraction view with the subsumption (is-a) and composition (part-of) views of type hierarchy, the notion of type abstraction hierarchy is introduced. To evaluate and control query relaxation, a nearness measure mechanism is provided. Associative query answering provides information conceptually related to, but not explicitly asked by the query. As object association is context sensitive, a DB-Pattern-KB framework is developed that couples domain-specific knowledge and participating objects in localized problem domains via virtual database patterns. Associative query answering can then be accomplished through tracing the behavior dependencies among cooperating objects in those problem domains. Such a framework allows related databases and knowledge bases to be linked dynamically in various contexts yet be maintained relatively independent of each other. The proposed approach has been implemented in the cooperative database system tested, CoBase, at UCLA. Our experience reveals that the proposed techniques are effective for cooperative query answering.This research is supported by DARPA contract N00174-91-C-0107.     

LACO: A location-aware cooperative query system for securely personalized services

Location-aware computing technology becomes promising for pervasive personalization services which run anytime, anywhere, and on any device. These services should be based on contextual queries that are provided in a fast and flexible manner. To do so, cooperative query answering may be useful to support query relaxation and to provide both approximate matches as well as exact matches. To facilitate query relaxation, a knowledge representation framework has been widely adopted which accommodates semantic relationships or distance metrics to represent similarities among data values. However, research shows few legacy cooperative query mechanisms that consider location-awareness. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to propose a securely personalized location-aware cooperative query that supports conceptual distance metric among data values, while considering privacy concerns around user context awareness. To show the feasibility of the methodology proposed in this paper, we have implemented a prototype system, LACO, in the area of site search in an actual large-scale shopping mall.     

A fuzzy expert database system

Fuzzy concepts always exist in much of human reasoning as well as decision making. This paper presents a fuzzy expert database system which is an integration of a fuzzy expert system building tool called SYSTEM Z-II and a database management system called Rdb/VMS. This system is able to extract fuzzy data and terms stored in a database and used in the fuzzy reasoning in an expert system. It can also retrieve information by fuzzy database-queries which are generated by the expert system automatically. Many expert systems in different domain areas such as decision making can be constructed. Sample applications are described to demonstrate the flexibility and power of this system. The fuzzy query language defined and used in the system can also be used independently as a fuzzy enquiry tool in database applications.     

MERISE: An information system design and development methodology

MERISE is an Information System Design and Development methodology widely used in France. The framework of MERISE has three cycles: abstraction cycle, approval cycle and life cycle. The abstraction cycle uses the three database levels (conceptual, logical and physical). The approval cycle recognizes the necessity of identifying decision points during the development of the information system. The life cycle consists of (long range) planning, initial study, detailed study, implementation, launching and maintenance. A system of tools has been defined to support these cycles.     

Virtual Tree: A robust architecture for interval valid queries in dynamic distributed systems

This paper studies the problem of answering aggregation queries, satisfying the interval validity semantics, in a distributed system prone to continuous arrival and departure of participants. The interval validity semantics states that the query answer must be calculated considering contributions of at least all processes that remained in the distributed system for the whole query duration. Satisfying this semantics in systems experiencing unbounded churn is impossible due to the lack of connectivity and path stability between processes. This paper presents a novel architecture, namely Virtual Tree, for building and maintaining a structured overlay network with guaranteed connectivity and path stability in settings characterized by bounded churn rate. The architecture includes a simple query answering algorithm that provides interval valid answers. The overlay network generated by the Virtual Tree architecture is a tree-shaped topology with virtual nodes constituted by clusters of processes and virtual links constituted by multiple communication links connecting processes located in adjacent virtual nodes. We formally prove a bound on the churn rate for interval valid queries in a distributed system where communication latencies are bounded by a constant unknown by processes. Finally, we carry out an extensive experimental evaluation that shows the degree of robustness of the overlay network generated by the virtual tree architecture under different churn rates.     

A socio-technical analysis of functional properties in a joint cognitive system: a case study in an aircraft cockpit

Abstract

In a socio-technical work domain, humans, device interfaces and artefacts all affect transformations of information flow. Such transformations, which may involve a change of auditory to visual information & vice versa or alter semantic approximations into spatial proximities from instruments readings, are generally not restricted to solely human cognition. This paper applies a joint cognitive system approach to explore a socio-technical system. A systems ergonomics perspective is achieved by applying a multi-layered division to transformations of information between, and within, human and technical agents. The approach uses the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM), but abandons the traditional boundary between medium and agent in favour of accepting aircraft systems and artefacts as agents, with their own functional properties and relationships. The joint cognitive system perspective in developing the FRAM model allows an understanding of the effects of task and information propagation, and eventual distributed criticalities, taking advantage of the functional properties of the system, as described in a case study related to the cockpit environment of a DC-9 aircraft.

Practitioner Summary: This research presents the application of one systemic method to understand work systems and performance variability in relation to the transformation of information within a flight deck for a specific phase of flight. By using a joint cognitive systems approach both retrospective and prospective investigation of cockpit challenges will be better understood.

Abbreviations: ATC: air traffic control; ATCO: air traffic controller; ATM: air traffic management; CSE: cognitive systems engineering; DSA: distributed situation awareness; FMS: flight management system; FMV: FRAM model visualize; FRAM: functional resonance analysis method; GF: generalised function; GW: gross weight; HFACS: human factors analysis and classification system; JCS: joint cognitive systems; PF: pilot flying; PNF: pilot not flying; SA: situation awareness; SME: subject matter expert; STAMP: systems theoretic accident model and processes; VBA: visual basic for applications; WAD: work-as-done; WAI: work-as-imagined; ZFW: zero fuel weight     

Dominance-based rough set approach and knowledge reductions in incomplete ordered information system

Many methods based on the rough set to deal with incomplete information systems have been proposed in recent years. However, they are only suitable for the incomplete systems with regular attributes whose domains are not preference-ordered. This paper thus attempts to present research focusing on a complex incomplete information system—the incomplete ordered information system. In such incomplete information systems, all attributes are considered as criterions. A criterion indicates an attribute with preference-ordered domain. To conduct classification analysis in the incomplete ordered information system, the concept of similarity dominance relation is first proposed. Two types of knowledge reductions are then formed for preserving two different notions of similarity dominance relations. With introduction of the approximate distribution reduct into the incomplete ordered decision system, the judgment theorems and discernibility matrixes associated with four novel approximate distribution reducts are obtained. A numerical example is employed to substantiate the conceptual arguments.     

A fuzzy system modeling algorithm for data analysis and approximate reasoning

In this paper a new fuzzy system modeling (FSM) algorithm is introduced as a data analysis and approximate reasoning tool. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested in two different data sets and compared with some well-known algorithms from the literature. In the comparison two benchmark data sets from the literature, namely the automobile mpg (miles per gallon) prediction and Box and Jenkins gas-furnace data are used. The comparisons demonstrated that the proposed algorithm can be successfully applied in system modeling.     

分布式信息系统中数据交换平台设计与实现

为了提高分布式信息系统的性能,加快系统间的数据流通实现信息的共享和集成,需要为分布式信息系统建立数据交换平台.通过对数据交换平台现有的一些解决方案分析,在研究JMS (Java message service)等技术基础上,设计并实现了新的数据交换平台.利用JMS消息模式实现消息持久化,以开源消息中间件为交换中心,在SOA (service-oriented architecture)平台技术上完成了分布式信息系统的数据变换平台.详细介绍了平台设计架构、信息交换过程、数据封装格式,重点描述了发送接口、轮循器以及发送接收功能等关键技术的实现工作,完成了大型分布信息系统中消息持久化、零配置以及快速、稳定消息传送的数据交换平台.     

高校实验室信息管理系统的分析与构架设计

随着我国高校发展和改革的步伐日趋加快,办学规模不断扩大,实验室基本建设及设备的投入逐年增加.面对规模庞大、事务繁杂的实验室工作,许多管理上的弊端逐渐暴露出来.目前高校实验室管理软件系统功能单一、可维护性差,无法满足高校实验管理工作流程,无法做到全面管理实验室事务.从这一点出发,对实验管理相关工作的业务流程进行化整合,设计高校实验室信息管理系统势在必行.     

医院信息系统安全防范体系的设计与实现

如何建立一套科学有效的信息系统安全体系,保障医院信息系统可以安全、可靠、高效地运行已成为当前医院信息化建设中急待解决的问题.以某一三甲医院为例,从网络安全体系、服务器群安全体系、存储安全体系、数据安全策略等方面详细阐述了如何构架一个全面的数字化医院安全防范体系.     

Search for the Blind : A schema independent query method using concept hierarchy and keywords

Some database schema is very complex and it changes more frequently than the past. On the other hands, in such application database as scientific database and decision-support database, the importance of ad-hoc queries is expected to increase. Therefore the ability of a system to support ad-hoc queries without knowing the database schema information is needed. In this paper, we will describe a method to create candidate structured queries with concept hierarchy using user-input keywords. We will create structured queries in the following step; first, we extract the schema items related to keywords, and second, we compose possible paths between schema items, thus formulate candidate SQL queries.     

船载综合信息显示系统半实物仿真设计与实现

针对船载综合信息显示系统在实体船舶内开发不方便的问题,提出了一种半实物仿真系统的设计与实现方法.结合"科学三号"海洋科学考察船的综合信息显示系统的设计和开发过程,从体系结构、信息流程和实现方法3个方面对半实物仿真系统的设计和实现过程进行了探索.实践结果表明,这种半实物仿真系统一方面可以为实际系统的体系结构、信息流程设计提供支持,另一方面可以为实际系统应用软件的开发提供较为真实的环境,有效的缩短开发时间和降低开发风险.     

基于.NET的考古遗址空间信息系统的设计与实现

为实现考古遗址空间信息的开放式管理和可视化查询功能,提出一种基于XML和MapInfo技术的解决方案,并在.NET平台下设计实现了一个考古遗址空间信息系统ASIS.在阐述了该系统的设计思路和实现技术的基础上,提出将页面控件的属性取值映射到XML模板文件的属性位置,再将XML模板文件解析后保存在属性数据表中的方法,实现了开放式的遗址属性信息管理;提出利用图元将遗址空间信息与属性信息关联,在关系数据库上实现了对遗址空间信息的可视化查询.通过原型系统的运行,验证了所提方法的可行性和实用性.     

Soft systems and systems engineering: on the use of conceptual models in information system development

Abstract. Many recent studies have shown that computer-based systems continue to ‘fail’ at a number of different levels (Romtec, 1988; KPMG, 1990) and it is increasingly apparent (Maclaren et al., 1991) that the most serious failures of information technology (IT) lie in the continuing inability to address those concerns which are central to the successful achievement of individual, organizational and social goals. It is the contention of this paper that this failing is precisely because these are the areas which are ignored or inadequately treated by conventional system development methods. There is, of course, a vast body of literature concerned with the understanding of complex human activity systems. This literature often reflects a mass of contradictions at the epistemological and the ontological level about the behaviour of such systems and has also spawned numerous methods (and methodologies) which seek to guide the individual in making successful interventions into organizational situations (Rosenhead, 1989). Despite this multiplicity of viewpoints many writers have posited a dichotomy between so-called 'soft and ‘hard’ approaches to problem situations and use this dichotomy to inform the choice of an appropriate problem-solving methodology (Checkland, 1985). In this paper we characterize these two approaches as being concerned with either the purpose(s) of the human activity system (i.e. ‘doing the right thing’) or with the design of the efficient means of achieving such purpose(s) (i.e. ‘doing the thing right’). It is our belief that much of the literature and work in either area has not concerned itself with the issues of the other. Writers on ‘hard’ engineering methods often assume the question of purpose to be either straightforward (e.g. given in the project brief) or, paradoxically, too difficult (e.g. it is not our concern as mere systems analysts). Writers on ‘soft’ methods on the other hand rarely have anything to say about the design and implementation of well-engineered computer-based systems, giving the impression that this is a somewhat mundane activity better left to technical experts. This paper, therefore, attempts to set out a rationale for the bringing together of principles from both ‘hard’ engineering and ‘soft’ inquiry methods without doing epistemological damage to either. To illustrate our argument we concentrate on JSD (Jackson system development) as an example of system engineering (Cameron, 1983) and SSM (soft systems methodology) as an example of system inquiry (Checkland, 1981; Checkland & Scholes, 1990). Our general thesis, however, does not depend upon either of these two approaches per se but applies to the overall issue of bringing together insights from two apparently opposed epistemological positions in an effort better to harness the power of IT in pursuit of purposeful human activity.     

管理信息系统的实践教学现状及对策

在管理信息系统课程中,好的实践环节的设计有利于学生掌握课程的概念、方法和理论,也有利于培养学生的动手能力和分析能力。但是,目前实践教学的现状大多走入了极端,或变成了系统开发,或实践内容陈旧、无实际内容。为改善此种情况,设计了案例式实验、项目式实验和附加实验三类实验。     

三层结构电力管理信息系统的研究与设计

多层结构是二层客户／服务器结构的发展,代表着应用程序的发展方向。本文在阐述了三层客户／服务器结构应用系统概念和特点的基础上,针对电力行业特点,结合需求分析和项目实际,采用C／S和B／S的混合模式,开发了三层分布式的电力信息管理系统。     

FILIP: A fuzzy intelligent information system with learning capabilities

FILIP (fuzzy intelligent learning information processing) system is designed with the goal to model human information processing. The issues addressed are uncertain knowledge representation and approximate reasoning based on fuzzy set theory, and knowledge acquisition by “being told” or by “learning from examples”. Concepts that can be “learned” by the system can be imprecise (fuzzy), or the knowledge can be incomplete. In the latter case, FILIP uses the concept of similarity to extrapolate the knowledge to cases that were not covered by examples provided by the user. Concepts are stored in the Knowledge Base and employed in intelligent query processing, based on flexible inference that supports approximate matches between the data in the database and the query.

The architecture of FILIP is discussed, the learning algorithm is described, and examples of the system's performance in the knowledge acquisition and querying modes, together with its explanatory capabilities are shown.