Information Retrieval List Digest 179 (September 7, 1993) URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/irld/irld-179 IRLIST Digest ISSN 1064-6965 September 7, 1993 Volume X, Number 35 Issue 179 ********************************************************** I. NOTICES A. Meeting Announcements/Calls for Papers 1. Hypertext '93: Advanced Program Announcement 2. IEEE Dual-Use Technologies & Application Conference II. QUERIES A. Questions and Answers 1. Tipster Data Collection B. Requests for Information 1.Full-Text Databases IV. PROJECT WORK C. Abstracts 1. IR-Related Dissertation Abstracts ********************************************************** I. NOTICES I.A.1. Fr: Muru Palaniappan Re: Call for Papers Hi all! I'm chairing a session on database technology at the below listed conference and I'm looking for papers. Any ideas, case studies, application areas, technical challenges would be welcome. Email mccabep@lonex.rl.af.mil if you have any ideas. Thanks, Patrick McCabe 32 Hanger Road Griffiss AFB, NY 13441-4114 (315)330-3222 ============================================================ 1994 IEEE DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGIES & APPLICATION CONFERENCE 23-26 MAY 1994, SUNY Institute of Technology of Utica/Rome NY DEADLINES: [] Abstract and Summary Due. . . . . . . . . . . .21 November 1993 [] Author Notification of Acceptance. . . . . . . 21 December 1993 [] Camera-Ready Paper Due. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 February 1994 Theme Emerging Technologies - Transitioning Challenge to Commercial Applications The Dual-Use Conference was established by the Mohawk Valley Section of the IEEE in 1991 to provide an active forum for DoD and Universities to showcase their leading edge technologies, and for commercial industry to brief successful applications of technology which have improved productivity or competitiveness. A special session this year will provide commercial companies with a forum to discuss problems of opportunities to a highly qualified audience of scientists, engineers and technology managers. Papers submitted should specifically identify the potential commercial applications for the technology discussed. SUGGESTED TOPICS: [] Agile Flexible Manufacturing [] Systems Engineering [] Fault Tolerant Systems [] Spacecraft Electronics [] Superconducting Electronics [] Neural Network Applications [] Digital GaAs Insertion [] Cellular Communications Systems [] Lessons Learned from CRDAs [] Technology for Education [] Speech Processing [] Natural Language Processing [] Commercial Problems [] On-Chip Testing [] Artificial Intelligence [] Technology Transfer [] Integrated Sensors [] Wafer Scale Integration [] Integrated Opto-electronics [] Parallel Processing [] Emerging Technologies [] Quality & Reliability [] Environmental Technology [] Dual Use Technology Need [] Manufacturing Technology [] Application specific ICs [] Commercial Opportunities [] Computer Systems [] Photonics [] Avionics [] Virtual Reality [] Testability [] Database Technology [] Concurrent Engineering [] Advanced Packaging [] Integrated Diagnostics [] Information Sciences [] Software Engineering [] Distributed Computing [] MMIC Technology [] Bio Engineering [] Antennas [] CAD/CAM/CAE/CASE [] Display Technology [] Signal Processing [] Electromagnetics [] Rapid Prototyping [] Micromechanics [] Defense Conversion Lessons Learned [] Multichip Modules [] Remote Sensing [] Managing Technology DETAILS: Sponsors: Mohawk Valley Section of IEEE Hosted By: SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome For Further Information Contact: SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome College Relations Office, (315)792-7113/email:smls1@SUNYIT.edu Charles G. Messenger, General Conference Chair Rome Laboratory John Cleary, Technical Program Chair Rome Laboratory The title of your proposed paper and a 35-word abstract suitable for publication in the Advanced Program should be typed on a separate page and include author's name, affiliation, address and telephone number. Summaries expanding on the abstract's topic should be typed in double spaced format and should not exceed two (2) pages. The heading shall include title, author's name, affiliation, address and telephone number. One (1) copy of the summary and abstract should be... Mailed to (PREFERRED METHOD): John C Cleary c/o SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome PO Box 3050 College Relations Office Utica NY 13504-3050 or E-Mailed to: mccabep@lonex.rl.af.mil ********************************************************** II. QUERIES II.A.1. Fr: Uwe Krohn Re: Tipster Data Collection How I can get the Tipster data collection ? U.Krohn Leibnizstr. 28 UNI Clausthal D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld Voice: 5325 72 3670 FAX: 5325 72 3592 Email: souk@helios.rz.tu-clausthal.de ********** II.B.1. Fr: J.J. Paijmans Re: Full-Text Databases For my research I need a database of full-text documents, preferably with some form of mark-up, but in any case with relevance assessments for a number of typical IR-queries. Now I have been directed by several collegues to the TREC-collection, but in the first place this collection is too big for any individual researcher to handle and secondly obtaining the TREC-stuff seems to be fraught with all kinds of administrational hurdles. Is there a collection out there that would meet my needs and that is easier to obtain? Important features are the full-text nature of the documents (preferably scientific or scholarly) and secondly the relevance assessments. If there is not, wouldn't it be a good idea if a part of TREC would be made freely available, so that researchers who do *not* belong to established groups may have a chance to test and develop their theories? Hans Paijmans paai@kub.nl PS.: This is not meant as a flame. ********************************************************** IV. PROJECT WORK IV.C.1. Fr: Susanne M. Humphrey Re: Selected IR-Related Dissertation Abstracts The following are citations selected by title and abstract as being related to Information Retrieval (IR), resulting from a computer search, using BRS Information Technologies, of the Dissertation Abstracts Online database produced by University Microfilms International (UMI). Included are UMI order number, title, author, degree, year, institution; number of pages, one or more Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI) subject descriptors chosen by the author, and abstract. Unless otherwise specified, paper or microform copies of dissertations may be ordered from University Microfilms International, Dissertation Copies, Post Office Box 1764, Ann Arbor, MI 48106; telephone for U.S. (except Michigan, Hawaii, Alaska): 1-800-521-3042, for Canada: 1-800-268-6090. Price lists and other ordering and shipping information are in the introduction to the published DAI. An alternate source for copies is sometimes provided. Dissertation titles and abstracts contained here are published with permission of University Microfilms International, publishers of Dissertation Abstracts International (copyright by University Microfilms International), and may not be reproduced without their prior permission. AN University Microfilms Order Number ADGD--97215. AU MORGAN, RICHARD. TI COMPONENT LIBRARY RETRIEVAL USING PROPERTY MODELS. IN University of Durham (United Kingdom) Ph.D. 1991, 310 pages. SO DAI V53(07), SecB, pp3603. DE Computer Science. AB Available from UMI in association with The British Library. Requires signed TDF. The re-use of products such as code, specifications, design decisions and documentation has been proposed as a method for increasing software productivity and reliability. A major problem that has still to be adequately solved is the storage and retrieval of re-usable 'components'. Current methods, such as keyword retrieval and catalogues, rely on the use of names to describe components or categories. This is inadequate for all but a few well established components and categories; in the majority of cases names do not convey sufficient information on which to base a decision to retrieve. One approach to this problem is to describe components using a formal specification. However this is impractical for two reasons; firstly, the limitations of theorem proving would severely restrict the complexity of components that could be retrieved and secondly the retrieval mechanism would need to have a method of retrieving components with 'similar' specifications. This thesis proposes the use of formal 'property' models to represent the key functionality of components. Retrieval of components can then take place on the basis of a property model produced by the library's users. These models only describe the key properties of a component, thereby making the task of comparing properties feasible. Views are introduced as a method of relating similar, non identical property models, and the use of these views facilitates the re-use of components with similar properties. The language Miramod has been developed for the purpose of describing components, and a Miramod compiler and property prover which allow Miramod models to be compared for similarity, have been designed and implemented. These tools have indicated that model based component library retrieval is feasible at relatively low levels of the programming process, and future work is suggested to extend the method to encompass earlier stages in the development of large systems. AN University Microfilms Order Number ADG92-34793. AU BROWN, MARTHA MARIA. TI DEVELOPING A USER-CORDIAL ONLINE RETRIEVAL MODEL STRATEGY TO ACCESS EXTENSION EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS FROM A NORTH CENTRAL REGION DATABASE. IN Iowa State University Ph.D. 1992, 96 pages. SO DAI V53(07), SecA, pp2211. DE Education, Agricultural. Computer Science. Information Science. Education, Technology. AB There is concern that the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is not implementing electronic communication technologies rapidly enough to effectively compete with other information providers. Anxiety regarding electronic information-accessing strategies must be overcome with appropriate orientation and training so their use becomes routine. Extension personnel need an efficient, easy-to-use method of accessing online data-base in order to comply with the CES mission of assisting people in improving their lives. The purpose of this study was to extend the existing North Central Region Educational Materials Project (NCREMP) information search system by developing an online search strategy that is an easily-used tool for Extension personnel seeking information from electronic sources, and to examine characteristics that promote positive adoption of electronic communication systems among Extension workers. QUERRI is intended to serve as a model for future design of online search strategies relevant to CES professionals. A descriptive approach of a qualitative nature was taken in developing the search strategy. The study was concerned with conditions and practices currently existing in CES--the restructuring that is going on, attitudes held by Extension employees toward electronic information technology, expectations in the usage of such technology, and the effects these expectations have induced. Areas investigated prior to development of the search model were: (1) The level of awareness and use of the NCREMP data-base among CES personnel. (2) The use of online searching systems. (3) The degree of familiarity and acceptance of computer use and computer-based information searching strategies among CES staff. A conceptual framework was formulated before development of the search model that attempted to simulate the intuitive reasoning processes used by an individual in need of information for a specific purpose. The chief emphasis in development of the search model was in ease of use. A questionnaire distributed to CES personnel showed evidence of a lack of awareness of the NCREMP search service, and low understanding of how to search online data-bases. Selected responses helped to focus scripting of menus and Help screens on user-cordiality to ensure positive adoption and implementation of the search model. AN University Microfilms Order Number ADGMM-66673. 9212. AU MAXWELL, FAYE. TI EDUCATION GRADUATE STUDENTS AS END USERS: A SURVEY OF USE OF COMPUTER-BASED BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA. IN University of Alberta (Canada) M.Ed. 1991, 167 pages. SO MAI V30(04) pp1016. DE Education, Technology. Library Science. Engineering, Higher. IS ISBN: 0-315-66673-0. AB This study examined the reported use patterns of computer-based bibliographic information systems by graduate students in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. The systems included: an online catalogue, a database on CD-ROM (PsycLIT), a locally mounted database (ERIC on SPIRES) and a remote end user system (BRS After Dark). Findings indicated that use rates varied with the system, and the students' departments and programs. Most students were regular online catalogue users, but the potential for increasing use of the other systems was considerable. Lack of previous computer experience was not related to non-use, but lack of previous library experience was related, when the systems were accessible only in the library. Students reported the use of six methods to learn to use the systems: workshop, library staff, computer screen, print instructions, an instructor, and a student. The most satisfactory methods were library staff and a workshop, while the least satisfactory were print and a computer screen. (Abstract shortened by UMI.). ********************************************************** IRLIST Digest is distributed from the University of California, Division of Library Automation, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA. 94612-3550. Send subscription requests to: LISTSERV@UCCVMA.BITNET Send submissions to IRLIST to: IR-L@UCCVMA.BITNET Editorial Staff: Clifford Lynch calur@uccmvsa.ucop.edu or calur@uccmvsa.bitnet Nancy Gusack ncgur@uccmvsa.bitnet or ncgur@uccmvsa.ucop.edu Mary Engle meeur@uccmvsa.bitnet The IRLIST Archives is now set up for anonymous FTP, as well as via the LISTSERV. Using anonymous FTP via the host dla.ucop.edu, the files will be found in the directory pub/irl, stored in subdirectories by year (e.g., /pub/irl/1993). Using LISTSERV, send the message INDEX IR-L to LISTSERV@UCCVMA.BITNET. 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