bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sickness and control in the office—the sick building syndrome
Authors: Bain Peter , Baldry Chris
Published: May 2007

Here the authors examine the unions' experience of building‐related sickness among their members and argue that we can no longer treat the built working environment as a neutral factor when analysing the labour process.
The odd couple?: re‐engineering business processes; managing human relations
Authors: Willmott Hugh
Published: May 2007

Here the author examines continuities and tensions between the discourses of Business Process Re‐engineering and Human Resource Management. Addressing their respective assumptions and claims, especially with regard to the organization of ‘human resources', critical attention is focused upon their shared advocacy of employee empowerment and strong leadership from senior managers.
Epochs and institutions: contextualizing business process re‐engineering
Authors: Francis Arthur , Southern Geoff
Published: May 2007

Capitalism is currently undergoing an epochal change. The associated corporate change is sticky for reasons of institutional inertia. Business process re‐engineering is a corporate response which should be understood in technical, social and political terms. Core elements of BPR are identified, illustrated, and critiqued, partly through a BPR case researched by the authors.
BPR—overcoming impediments to change in the public sector
Authors: Hutton Graham
Published: May 2007

Here the author examines the extent of BPR practice across UK government, reaching conclusions about overcoming impediments which arise in organizational change processes.
The best laid schemes o'TQM: strategy, politics and power
Authors: McCabe Darren
Published: May 2007

This article explores management's strategic decision making in relation to Total Quality Management (TQM). It demonstrates that management's strategies are fraught with politics and power relations, which influence the ‘choice’ of strategy and the way in which such strategies are ‘implemented’. Hence, management's strategic decision making may not be planned and rational, and their behaviour is often contradictory which may undermine TQM or render its outcomes uncertain and contestable.
Experience and entrepreneurship: technology‐based owner‐managers in the UK
Authors: Jones‐Evans Dylan
Published: May 2007

Utilising a typology based on the previous occupational background of owner‐managers within technology‐based organizations, this article analyses the previous management and technical experiences of a sample of technical entrepreneurs in the UK. Overall, the study concludes that management and technical experience will differ according to occupational background, which may have implications for support provided to small technology‐based firms.
Clerical workers, clerical skills: case studies from credit management
Authors: Fearfull Anne
Published: May 2007

This article examines job knowledge and skill in clerical work drawing on five case studies from the area of credit management. The cognitive, social and ‘tacit’ skills necessary for clerical effectiveness in this sector are identified and examined. Feminist approaches to skills analysis are used to examine how and why this type of work is under‐valued.
Multinational firms and qualification inflation in a hi‐tech labour market
Authors: McGovern Patrick
Published: May 2007

This article examines the role which elite MNC employers play in the process of qualification inflation within the Irish Republic. While these employers do not contribute towards inflation across technical occupations the tendency to select the most qualified within individual occupations has led to the emergence of a ‘graduate barrier’ between technicians and engineers/scientists.
The development and implementation of National Vocational Qualifications: an engineering case study
Authors: Senker Peter
Published: May 2007

The advent of National Vocational Qualifications represents an important change in British Government policy from attempting to secure appropriate training inputs to a system driven by the aim of stimulating the attainment of learning outcomes assessed against national standards. This article presents a case study of the implications of this policy for intermediate skills in engineering, a major industry subject to rapid technological change.
Technology, entrepreneurship and company performance in textile and clothing SMEs
Authors: Hardill Irene , Wynarczyk Pooran
Published: May 2007

This article examines the relationship between technology, entrepreneurial human capital and company performance in a sample of textile and clothing SMEs in Great Britain. General conclusions suggest that firms with a computer network are more likely to have a formal management team. Networked firms appear to be larger: smaller companies are making increasing use of computer networks.
An expert system for federal tax planning
Authors: Michaelsen Robert H.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Recent developments in a subarea of computer science called artificial intelligence have included the creation of expert systems that are capable of solving difficult applications problems which require expert knowledge for their solution. Such expert systems have been found to be useful in a number of applications (e.g. medicine, biochemistry and mineral exploration). In this paper the author presents an expert system for solving problems concerning income and transfer tax planning for individuals In developing this system, a theoretical structure and a set of decision rules were specified and then programmed into a rule‐based system that had previously been used for medical diagnosis (Mycin [1]) Once the system was developed, its problem‐solving capabilities were refined and verified by a panel of tax experts using a blind verification procedure. This verification step demonstrated that an expert system could be developed in that domain.
The role of induction in knowledge elilcitation
Authors: HART ANNA
Published: May 2007

Abstract:Knowledge elicitation from experts is a major problem in the development of expert system. This paper sunmarises some of the difficulties inherent in the process and suggests that in certain situations induction can help. The algorithm considered Quinlan's ID3, because this is used in abailable software.
Expert systems for engineering design
Authors: RYCHENER MICHAEL D.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: An expert system embodies a humun expert's domain‐specific knowledge and skill, acquired and refined over years of experience. A number of problems in diagnosis and engineering design can be solved by Using current expert‐system techniques. This paper enumerates the main components of such problems and the steps that are taken in solving them. A few prototypical articificial intellegence systems embody techniques that can be applied to engineering problems. These are surveyed, and their relevance to components of design problems is discussed. Some expert systems in design domains are summarized, with emphasis on aspects that can illustrate wider applicability of the techniques. A number of avenues of further research are evident, and the area of engineering design offers rich opportunities for advancing the state‐of‐the‐art in expert systems. An annotated selective bibliography is included
EDAAS: an expert system at the US Environmental Protection Agency for avoiding disclosure of confidential business information
Authors: FEINSTEIN FREDERICK SIEMS JERALD L.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper describes the design and operation of an expert system used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help screen Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. The system is called the Expert Disclosure Analysis and Avoidance System (EDAAS). It assists public information specialists to determine which information concerning the manufacture and distribution of toxic chemicals may be released to the public without compromising other sensitive company data which EPA is legally obligated to protect from public disclosure.
Microcomputer‐based expert systems: where we are, where we are headed
Authors: SHAFER DANIEL G.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: While the idea of developing ‘true’ expert systems in the current microcomputer environment continues to be a subject of derision among serious AI researchers, undaunted developers and designers of microcomputer‐based systems continue to make progress on the personal computer front. This article presents an overview of the current state of expert systems in a microcomputer environment and then offers some prognostications about the near‐term future of expert systems on desktop and personal computers. It is suggested that the history of software developments on the small computers indicates that a pattern of growth exists. If this same pattern is applied to expert systems, the author contends, the near‐term future of micro‐based knowledge‐based systems is at least forecastable if not predictable.
Expert systems on microcomputers*
Authors: LEHNER PAUL E. , BARTH STEPHEN W.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The increasing popularity of expert systems has led to a demand to apply expert systems technology in a wide variety of computing environments. As a result, various efforts have been made to implement expert systems on microcomputers. This article reviews some of the ongoing work on tools for the development of microcomputer‐based expert systems. Some specific application areas are noted, and a brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of implementing expert systems on microcomputers is presented.
Expert systems for legal decision making
Authors: WATERMAN DONALD A. , PAUL JODY , PETERSON MARK
Published: May 2007

Abstract: AI technology is being used to develop expert systems that solve complex problems in the legal area. Most of these systems employ rules to describe the strategies and procedures used by litigators to analyze legal issues. The tasks performed by these systems include interpreting the law, anticipating the legal consequences of proposed actions, predicting the effects of changes in legislation, as well as analyzing and managing cases. The special characteristics of the legal domain cause certain problems for expert system builders. We discuss some of these problems and describe LDS and SAL, two expert systems we have developed for case evaluation and settlement in the product liability area. SAL (System for Asbestos Litigation) evolved from the earlier and more general expert system, LDS (Legal Decisionmaking System). We also describe XPL, an explanation facility we developed for use by SAL and other expert system applications.
A graphical inference mechanism
Authors: MOTT PETER , BROOKE SIMON
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper describes an inference system which lends itself to graphical representation. An implementation of the system is described, and its application in a legislation based domain is illustrated. The methodology for knowledge elicitation which the system is intended to support is briefly indicated. The algorithm is described, and semantics for the system are given.
On making expert systems more like experts
Authors: SWARTOUT WILLIAM R. , SMOLIAR STEPHEN W.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Expert systems still lack the skill of an expert when it comes to providing explanations of the results of expert reasoning. This is because while such systems may implement knowledge which is sufficient to mimic the performance of an expert, they do not necessarily model the expertise upon which that performance is based. Such a model must include knowledge of that domain's terminology, knowledge of domain facts, and knowledge of problem‐solving methods. The Explainable Expert Systems project has been exploring a new paradigm for expert system development that is intended to capture such missing knowledge and make it available for explanation. This paper will discuss the principles behind this paradigm and consider two systems that employ it.
Expert systems and the man‐machine interface. Part Two: The user interface.
Authors: BERRY DIANNE C. , BROADBENT DONALD E.
Published: May 2007

Abstract
This is the second part of a report which looks at expert systems and the man‐machine interface (mmi). The term ‘mmi’ is interpreted in a fairly broad sense to include knowledge acquisition and cognitive aspects of the user interface. Part One of the report (published in the previous issue of Expert Systems) examines what is currently happening in the area of knowledge acquisition in Britain and asks whether it really is the major bottleneck in the production of expert systems.

Part Two of the report looks at cognitive aspects of the user interface, including dialogue control, explanation facilities, user models, natural language processing and the effects of new technology. It also considers the very important question of evaluation. Again the report is concerned with what is actually happening in these areas in Britain today.
Statistical expert systems
Authors: Gottinger Hans. W.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Two types of expert system which involve statistical expertise are statistical consulting programs and programs which find patterns in databases. Consulting programs can now be built quickly using programming tools. Most expert systems include mechanisms for reasoning under uncertainty. Methods under investigation include fuzzy logic, Dempster‐Shafer theory, Bayesian analysis and various ad hoc methods. Learning systems use statistics to infer inductive rules, and statistical reasoning can also be used to evaluate the performance of expert systems. The use of a prototype statistical expert system, XSAMPLE, is demonstrated, as a system to handle a consulting session with a statistically moderately advanced user.
The Knowledge Acquisition Bottleneck: Time for Reassessment?
Authors: Cullen J. , Bryman A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Knowledge acquisition has long been considered to be the major constraint in the development of expert systems. Conventional wisdom also maintains that the major problem encountered in knowledge acquisition is in identifying the varying structures and characteristics of domain knowledge and matching these to suitable acquisition techniques. With the aid of the first substantial systematic analysis of a sample of expert systems applications developed in the real world, the authors describe what is actually going on in terms of knowledge acquisition. In the light of the evidence, it is argued that a reappraisal of the conventional approach to knowledge acquisition is necessary.
Control models in computer‐assisted learning
Authors: Martin F.A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper is concerned with structural models of what have come to be called Intelligent CAL systems. It proposes and examines such models in the light of the needs of different types of CAL systems, particularly those systems which offer learner control. Based on the five‐circle model proposed by Tim O’ Shea and others, a more general ‘figure of eight’ model is put forward which accords with certain of the ideas suggested by Gordon Pask concerning the architecture of learning systems.
Induction and ID/3: more powerful than we think
Authors: Gross Daniel
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Most existing expert systems store rules which guide programme behaviour. Inductive expert systems generate rules from properly formatted descriptions of historical data. The ID/3 algorithm, based on Earl Hunt's Concept Learning System, is among the more popular induction algorithms for this application. A general description of ID/3 is given along with suggestions for further possible refinements of the algorithm. Because ID/3 uses decision trees to store knowledge and does not inherently exclude the application of weights to paths through the tree, the algorithm bears a remarkable conceptual resemblance to neural networks. From this analogy some new applications for the algorithm are derived.
PC‐based expert system shells: some desirable and less desirable characteristics
Authors: Vedder Richard G.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Today's marketplace offers a great variety of PC‐based expert system shells. More than ever ES developers need a clear idea of what characteristics they require in an ES toolkit. This paper discusses a recent project which used different shells to build versions of a common application. Evaluating this work illuminates some of the important attributes one should look for.
PEOPL: A knowledge‐based system for the evaluation of personnel
Authors: Humpert B. , Teel B. , Najar E.S. , Medsker L.R. , Cader M.Z.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: A project is underway to increase the effective use of personnel by creating a knowledge‐based assistant for supervisors. The Programmed Evaluation of Personnel (PEOPL) is designed to permit the combination of quantitative and qualitative data to standardize supervisory ratings. The full scope of the project will combine subjective experience with data from psychological research which assesses employee performance. Peopl combines heuristic, subjective experience with experimental data to establish performance standards for use in a comprehensive system for personnel use. In this way, organizations can assess corporate needs, evaluate the current pool of employees, place them where they may be used more efficiently, and determine what jobs remain undone.
Intelligent Stock Portfolio Management System
Authors: Lee Jae Kyu , Kim Hyun Soo , Chu Seok Chin
Published: May 2007

Abstract: For the selection of stock portfolios, the optimiastion models or expert systems are used separately. To take advantage of both approaches, the integration of optimisation model and expert system is attempted. The proposed architecture—ISPMS (Intelligent Stock Portfolio Management System)—accomplishes the integration by interpreting the knowledge as a part of the formulation of optimisation model. The other generic issues in ISPMS are the integration of personal preference with the expert knowledge and knowledge acquisition by machine learning. This paper thus describes the representation and the inference of an expert knowledge, the representation of personal preference and its integration with the expert knowledge, the interpretation of the knowledge and preference to associate with optimisation model, and the solution algorithm of the modified optimisation model accordingly.
Knowledge engineering in the computer‐aided design of control systems
Authors: Pang Grantham
Published: May 2007

Abstract: MAID is an expert system for the computer‐aided design of control systems. It is developed in conjunction with the successful application of a systematic control system design technique. The design problem has been decomposed into sub‐problems, resulting in good modularity of design knowledge. Interactive design and the designer's intuition are emphasized. MAID, which acts as a designer's assistant, was developed using the expert systems development facility provided within a control system design package. The coupling of symbolic and numerical processing was carried out in a natural way.
Nestor: Network Engineering System for TOpology and Requirements
Authors: Harris James B. , Humes Michael W. , Mellichamp Joseph M. , Kwon O‐Joung
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Many large organizations today have an interest in communications networks either as users of public networks or as operators of their own private networks. The environment in which networks operate is extremely complex and very dynamic. Users are becoming more sophisticated, hence, their demands for network services are increasing in complexity. The network technology is changing at an incredible rate, and there is a very large number of hardware and software vendors selling network products and services. In such an environment, network management is of vital importance, yet it is exceedingly difficult to accomplish effectively. Most organizations are finding that there is little available in the market in the way of comprehensive systems which address the complex problems encountered in planning and engineering communications networks. The purpose of this paper is to describe a development effort which treats one important aspect of network design—that of engineering changes in a network subsequent to the initial design. The result of this research is an expert system called Nestor (Network Engineering System for TOpology and Requirements) which is being used by AT&T network engineers to respond to user change requests for a large packet switching network—thirty network switches, fifty mainframe computers, and one hundred and forty thousand terminals and printers. Estimates based on initial experience with the system are that throughput of the engineering group will increase by 500% for network change requests assigned to Nestor.
Evolution of a knowledge‐based system for determining structural components of proteins
Authors: Brugge John A. , Buchanan Bruce G.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: In new scientific domains, the interpretation of incomplete experimental data sets can be aided by effective modelling tools to assist scientists in understanding both the data and the interpretation process. A knowledge‐based system is presented which was developed to assist with both of these tasks in the domain of protein biochemistry. The system uses a blackboard framework to interpret incomplete experimental data to build a descriptive model of the structural components of a protein. The evolution of the system from a procedural representation of knowledge to a declarative form is discussed for its role in increasing both the system's effectiveness at performing data analysis, and its flexibility in modelling the reasoning processes. Results of the system's performance, which compare favorably with reports of protein structures found in the literature, are presented, along with a discussion of the suitability of the blackboard framework and directions for future work.
An expert system for sorting
Authors: Stanfel L. E. , Ko Li‐Jen
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Sorting an internal list is an indispensable requirement in numerous data processing applications, and many algorithms have been devised for accomplishing those tasks. Furthermore, it is fairly simple to derive order of magnitude of effort measures for particular sorting strategies, and within classes of equivalent theoretical power, practice has shown which algorithms prevail in which circumstances. Thus there is a useful background for testing a system's ability to learn which problem solving technique should be applied in a given instance, for the expert knowledge is rather concise and structured and facilitates comparison to machine decisions. The paper describes the construction of such a system and analyzes the results.
Prometheus—a new name in expert system tools
Authors: Dodd Tony
Published: May 2007

Expert Systems has invited Tony Dodd of Chemical Design to introduce Prometheus, a new Prolog‐based expert system tool. A review of the tool will appear in the November issue of the journal. The standard PC version of the tool costs £2995; the 386 version costs £3495.
Prolog‐2 Professional
Authors: Krause Paul
Published: May 2007

Prolog‐2 Professional is a comprehensive implementation of Prolog which will run on IBM PC, XT, AT and close compatible computers. Prolog‐2 Professional costs £995.00. A stripped down version, minus compiler and with limited support for packaging stand alone applications, is available for £495.00. Prolog‐2 is also available for 80386 machines, running in protected mode with access to full available memory. Price for the 80386 version is £1495.00. Academic discounts are available. Contact Expert Systems Ltd, Unit 12,7 West Way, Oxford, OX2 0JB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)865 794474

The documentation for Prolog‐2 is available separately as the two volume ‘Advanced Logic Programming Language’, edited by Tony Dodd and published by Intellect Books. Price £29.95 per volume.
Multi‐domain expert systems
Authors: Poo Chiang‐Choon Danny , Lu Hongjun
Published: May 2007

Abstract: The current trend in expert system building is domain‐specific, i.e. there is one expert system for each problem domain. The increased involvement of computers in the decision‐making process will inevitably lead to increased demand for expert systems. Based on the current approach to expert systems building, there will be a further proliferation of domain‐specific expert systems. This is because each application area produces an expert system tailored to its requirements. This manner of producing expert systems is inadequate and an increased expectation in the performance of expert systems will eventually call for a new approach to constructing them. This paper examines the growth in the use of expert systems, looks into the limitations and problems associated with present‐day domain‐specific expert systems and suggests a multi‐domain expert system architecture as a solution to the problem of increasingly disjointed domain‐specific expert systems resulting from uncontrolled proliferation.
Evaluation of ProKappa
Authors: Joseph A. T.
Published: May 2007

ProKappa is an expert system tool kit developed by IntelliCorp in C using X‐Windows for graphical interface. The SUN 3 or 4 version costs $9995/£7000 and $2595/£1800 for the interactive C environment.

This review covers ProKappa version 1.1, installed on a colour SUN SPARC Station 1 with the minimum recommended values of 12 Mb of memory and 30 Mb of swap space.

IntelliCorp can be contacted in the USA at 1975 El Camino Real West, Mountain View, CA 94040‐2216 (+1 (415) 965‐5500) and in the UK at 10 Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8RZ (+44 (0)962 735348).
An IKB defect classification system for automated industrial radiographic inspection
Authors: Kehoe A. , Parker G.A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper presents work undertaken as part of a project concerned with the development of a fully automated industrial radiographic inspection system, based on both conventional image‐processing techniques for the detection and analysis of defects in the radiographic image, and intelligent knowledge‐based (1KB) techniques for the classification and evaluation of defect data against the quality assurance requirements of the inspection process. In this paper the 1KB defect classification system is presented. This system is based on a hierarchical frame‐based knowledge representation and a backward‐chaining production rule system. Examples of the frame structures, frame taxonomies and the data‐driven procedures, which maintain the knowledge base are given, along with an outline of the defect classification rules and the inference mechanism for dealing with uncertainty by means of confidence factors.
Evaluating expert systems: the socio‐technical dimensions of quality
Authors: Sharma Ravi S. , Conrath David W.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: In this paper we present a new approach to evaluating expert systems. Our conceptual framework is based on a socio‐technical model that spawned some 39 technical and contextual evaluation criteria. These socio‐technical dimensions of quality are identified, defined and supported. We suggest that the approach presented here is an alternative to the restrictive verification and validation techniques that seem to be prevalent.
The uses of ‘contrived’ knowledge elicitation techniques
Authors: McGeorge P. , Rugg G.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Despite a reappraisal of the view that knowledge acquisition (KA) forms a major bottleneck in the development of knowledge‐based systems, there is still room for considerable improvement both in the efficiency of the development process and the quality of the final product. A set of techniques which is at present under‐used in KA is the group of so‐called ‘contrived’ techniques, namely repertory grids, sorting and laddering. These techniques have proved useful in their areas of origin, where they have been used to elicit knowledge that is not readily apparent using more traditional techniques, such as self reports and interviews. The advantages both of the individual contrived knowledge elicitation techniques and of the synergies between them ensure that they can make a substantial contribution to knowledge engineering practice.
Object/rule integration in CLIPS
Authors: Donnell Brian L.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: This paper gives a brief overview of the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) with a focus on the object‐oriented features. The advantages of an object data representation over the traditional working memory element (WME), i.e. facts, are discussed and the implementation of the Rete inference algorithm in CLIPS is presented in detail. A few methods for achieving pattern‐matching on objects with the current inference engine are given and, finally, the paper examines the modifications necessary to the Rete algorithm to allow direct object pattern‐matching.
Negotiation in a knowledge‐based concurrent engineering design environment
Authors: Harrington John V. , Soltan Hossein , Forskitt Mark
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Computational support for concurrent engineering design presents a number of issues in the design of knowledge‐based systems. A fundamental concern is the need to provide the life‐cycle perspective in recommending design alternatives. It is argued that such a complex knowledge‐based system should be distributed, due to the inherent problems with large knowledge bases and the maintenance of consistency. Inconsistent local views of a problem and different priorities on design issues are expected between different knowledge‐based design perspectives. These inconsistencies and different priorities will lead inherently to conflict which has to be resolved. This paper addresses the issues and key variables in conflict resolution and presents a strategy that can be applied for managing the conflict resolution process. We propose negotiation as the method of analysing a conflict situation, applying an appropriate conflict resolution strategy and monitoring its performance. We present an overview of the nature of conflict and some conflict resolution strategies, and see in what situations certain strategies are appropriate.
An expert system approach to fault diagnosis in hydraulic systems
Authors: Angeli Chr. , Chatzinikolaou A.
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Increased interest in problem‐solving decisions in the area of engineering leads to an increased demand for expert system applications. This paper presents an expert system that detects faults in hydraulic systems by simulating the reasoning of the expert, using as guide the hydraulic circuit of the system on the screen and extensive graphical information. A graphical user interface, appropriate explanations by using hypertext and user modelling have been implemented in order to produce a system that overcomes the usual interface problems of expert systems in engineering.

This system has been developed in close collaboration with the company Automation Systems SA (Mannesmann Rexroth — Greece) and is currently used to detect faults in hydraulic presses, a fact that presents evidence of its usefulness.
ISTAR — a tool for creative design of knowledge bases
Authors: Basden Andrew , Brown Alex J.
Published: May 2007

This paper gives a comprehensive explanation of the Istar knowledge representation software tool. Not only does it describe the features and facilities found in Istar, but it discusses why they are as they are.

Istar is one of a new generation of knowledge representation tools, aimed at ill‐structured domains of knowledge. While it can be used in traditional KBS projects, in which pieces of knowledge from a domain expert are assembled to form a working knowledge base, it is designed for situations in which there is a large element of creative design: knowledge refinement and generation resulting from the knowledge representation process.

The knowledge representation ‘language’ is purely graphical; the knowledge engineer ‘draws’ knowledge on an easel as a box and arrows diagram. Behind this diagram is the knowledge base itself, in the form of integrated inference nets, Bayesian nets and semantic nets. This paper discusses the reasons for these design choices and, briefly, some of the issues faced in development of Istar.
INVEX: Investment Advisory Expert System
Authors: Vraneš Sanja , Stanojević Mladen , Stevanović Violeta , Lučin Mario
Published: May 2007

Abstract: Capital investment is a very important business decision, because it is largely irreversible and usually long‐term. We believe that the use of expert systems as a decision aid for interactive investment decision‐making offers several advantages to an unassisted human decision‐maker, or even to the human/conventional‐DSS combination. For example, the expert system could capture valuable information about so called ‘hard data’, and about the attitude towards some drastic changes in the environment, that are not easy to include in any quantitative method. However, if one expert can play a very important role in the decision‐making process, perhaps different experts can be even more valuable, bringing different approaches and somewhat different sets of information to a decision‐making situation. Our multiparadigm blackboard framework, called BEST (Blackboard‐based Expert Systems Toolkit), allows its user to combine knowledge coming from different experts, and to use different methods/paradigms to capture that knowledge, according to the type of partial problem at hand where each knowledge source is a single paradigm program. In investment decision‐making, judgmental investment ranking and selection from expert economists, embedded in a rule‐based knowledge source, might be combined with decisions from operational research methods (embedded in a knowledge source that fully respects multicriteria optimization paradigm) and from risk analysis method (embedded in a conventional, procedural knowledge source). When the decisions being combined come from different types of knowledge sources, redundancy is likely to be reduced and the combined decision is likely to be more objective.
A framework for the generation of project‐specific quality control for knowledge‐based system development
Authors: Clarke Russell , Soltan Hassein
Published: May 2007

: This paper describes a framework for the generation of quality control procedures for knowledge‐based system (KBS) projects. KBS projects have their own brand of technical difficulties. These are discussed, and the mismatch between KBS projects and traditional software quality assurance (SQA) approaches is described.

An iterative approach to quality is suggested based upon Boehm's Spiral Model of project management. The principles of this approach are described followed by a description of the elements of the framework under development, including inputs, outputs and internal functionality. The operation of the framework is then demonstrated in relation to the Spiral Model. Application of the framework to KBS development project issues is then discussed in relation to current guidelines for KBS quality assurance.
NOTES AND COMMENTS: DID WITTGENSTEIN REALLY DEFINE‘MEANING’?
Authors: Hallett Garth
Published: May 2007

43. Man kann für eine grosse Klasse von Fallen der Benützung des Wortes ‘Bedeutung’—wenn auch nicht für alle Fälle seiner Benützung—dieses Wort so erklären: Die Bedeutung eines Wortes ist sein Gebrauch in der Sprache.

43. For a large class of cases—though not for all—in which we employ the word ‘meaning’ it can be defined thus: the meaning of a word is its use in the language.1
SOMNIUM BOSWELLI
Authors: SCARRE GEOFFREY
Published: May 2007

I had a strong curiosity to be satisfied if he persisted in disbeleiving a future state even when he had death before his eyes. I was persuaded from what he now said, and from his manner of saying it, that he did persist. … and he added that it was a most unreasonable fancy that he should exist for ever. …‘Well’, said I, 'Mr Hume, I hope to triumph over you when I meet you in a future state; and remember you are not to pretend that you was joking with all this Infidelity.

—from James Boswell's last interview with David Hume1
Calvin's Christ: A Dogmatic Matrix for Discussion of Christ's Human Nature
Authors: ALLEN R. MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

Abstract:  Discussion regarding the type of human nature assumed by the second person of the Trinity has intensified recently. Judgements regarding dogmatic coherence have not been as forthcoming. John Calvin's Christology is presented here as a helpful context within which the fallenness position may be advanced. Calvin's doctrine of original sin allows for fallen nature to be considered distinct from guilt. Calvin's doctrine of the communicatio idiomatum also allows for the predication of fallenness to Christ's human nature without necessitating the contamination of the divine nature.
Learning in the process of industrial work – a comparative study of Finland, Sweden and Germany
Authors: Kira Mari
Published: May 2007

By combining a positivistic and an interpretive approach, this research investigates the learning opportunities that contemporary industrial work processes and workplaces offer for employees individually and collectively. The research explores how employees can become trained through their work and how individual development may expand to collective development. Finnish and Swedish package‐supplier companies have served as case‐study organizations, and the findings from them have been benchmarked to the available corresponding German data. The results show that although employees may have opportunities for individual learning in enriched, enlarged and autonomous manufacturing work, the prevailing bureaucratic power relations prevent employees from fully engaging in collective learning. It is concluded that a positivistic research approach and a sociotechnical theoretical framework make visible the training through work taking place at the individual level, while an interpretive research approach and concepts from complexity thinking reveal the obstacles to collective learning.
International briefing 18: training and development in Vietnam
Authors: Thang Nguyen Ngoc , Quang Truong
Published: May 2007

Vietnam provides a typical case of an emerging economy, which has attempted to develop the country and join the world economic mainstream with a highly agricultural base, large and young labour force, and a dynamically growing private sector. After a long period of quantitative growth, it is now focusing on achieving quality of development, with a view to balance economic growth and quality of life improvement for its population. Education has been chosen to be the key plank in the successful implementation of this strategy. This article reviews the general socio‐economic background of the country, the high need for skilled labour, the structure of its educational system, the pitfalls at the high education level, and its strategy to overhaul the whole system in order to ensure quality from the input phase of the development process.
Sub‐cellular localization of insulin‐regulated membrane aminopeptidase, IRAP to vesicles in neurons
Authors: Fernando Ruani N. , Luff Susan E. , Albiston Anthony L. , Chai Siew Yeen
Published: May 2007

Angiotensin IV and LVV‐hemorphin 7 promote robust enhancing effects on learning and memory. These peptides are also competitive inhibitors of the insulin‐regulated membrane aminopeptidase, suggesting that the biological actions of these peptides may result from inhibition of IRAP activity. However, the normal function of IRAP in the brain is yet to be determined. The present study investigated the sub‐cellular distribution of IRAP in four neuronal cell lines and in the mouse brain. Using sub‐cellular fractionation, IRAP was found to be enriched in low density microsomes, while lower levels of IRAP were also present in high density microsomes, plasma membrane and mitochondrial fractions. Dual‐label immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of IRAP in vesicles co‐localized with the vesicular maker VAMP2, in the trans Golgi network co‐localized with TGN 38 and in endosomes co‐localized with EEA1. Finally using electron microscopy, IRAP specific immunoreactivity was predominantly associated with large 100–200 nm vesicles in hippocampal neurons. The location, appearance and size of these vesicles are consistent with neurosecretory vesicles. IRAP precipitate was also detected in intracellular structures including the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi stack and mitochondrial membranes. The sub‐cellular localization of IRAP in neurons demonstrated in the present study bears striking parallels with distribution of IRAP in insulin responsive cells, where the enzyme plays a role in insulin‐regulated glucose uptake. Therefore, we propose that the function of IRAP in neurons may be similar to that in insulin responsive cells.
The role of the fluid phase during regional metamorphism and deformation
Authors: ETHERIDGE M. A. , WALL V. J. , VERNON R. H.
Published: May 2007

Evidence from rock microstructures, mass transfer and isotopic exchange indicates that substantial quantities of aqueous fluids are involved in low‐ and medium‐grade regional metamorphism. Similar conclusions are drawn from many retrograde environments, whereas high‐grade metamorphic fluids may be melt dominated. The mobile fluids play essential roles in metamorphic reactions, mass transport and deformation processes. These processes are linked by the mechanical consequences of metamorphic fluid pressures (Pf) generally being greater than or equal to the minimum principal compressive stress. Under such conditions metamorphic porosity comprises grain boundary tubules and bubbles together with continuously generated (and healed) microfractures. Deformation results in significant interconnected porosity and hence enhanced permeability. Lithologically and structurally controlled permeability variations may cause effective fluid channelling.

Simple Rayleigh‐Darcy modelling of a uniformly permeable, crustal slab shows that convective instability of metamorphic fluid is expected at the permeabilities suggested for the high Pf metamorphic conditions. Complex, large‐scale convective cells operating in overpressured, but capped systems may provide a satisfactory explanation for the large fluid/rock ratios and extensive mass transport demonstrated for many low‐ and medium‐grade metamorphic environments. Such large‐scale fluid circulation may have important consequences for heat transfer in and the thermal evolution of metamorphic belts.
Fluid inclusions in rocks from the amphibolite‐facies gneiss to charnockite progression in southern Karnataka, India: direct evidence concerning the fluids of granulite metamorphism
Authors: HANSEN E. C. , NEWTON R. C. , JANARDHAN A. S.
Published: May 2007

AbstractFluid inclusion studies of rocks from the late Archaean amphibolite‐facies to granulite‐facies transition zone of southern India provide support for the hypothesis that CO2,‐rich H2O‐poor fluids were a major factor in the origin of the high‐grade terrain. Charnockites, closely associated leucogranites and quartzo‐feldspathic veins contain vast numbers of large CO2‐rich inclusions in planar arrays in quartz and feldspar, whereas amphibole‐bearing gray gneisses of essentially the same compositions as adjacent charnockites in mixed‐facies quarries contain no large fluid inclusions. Inclusions in the northernmost incipient charnockites, as at Kabbal, Karnataka, occasionally contain about 25 mol. % of immiscible H2O lining cavity walls, whereas inclusions from the charnockite massif terrane farther south do not have visibile H2O

Microthermometry of CO2inclusions shows that miscible CH4and N2must be small, probably less than 10mol.%combined. Densities of CO2increase steadily from north to south across the transitional terrane. Entrapment pressures calculated from the CO2equation of state range from 5 kbar in the north to 7.5 kbar in the south at the mineralogically inferred average metamorphic temperature of 750°C, in quantitative agreement with mineralogic geobarometry. This agreement leads to the inference that the fluid inclusions were trapped at or near peak metamorphic conditions.

Calculations on the stability of the charnockite assemblage biotite‐orthopyroxene‐K‐feldspar‐quartz show that an associated fluid phase must have less than 0.35 H2O activity at the inferred P and T conditions, which agrees with the petrographic observations. High TiO2content of biotite stabilizes it to lower H2O activities, and the steady increase of biotite TiO2southward in the area suggests progressive decrease of aH2O with increasing grade. Oxygen fugacities calculated from orthopyroxene‐magnetite‐quartz are considerably higher than the graphite CO2‐O2buffer, which explains the absence of graphite in the charnockites.

The present study quantifies the nature of the vapours in the southern India granulite metamorphism. It remains to be determined whether CO2‐flushing of the crust can, by itself, create large terranes of largeion lithophile‐depleted granulites, or whether removal of H2O‐bearing anatectic melts is essential.
The amphibolite‐granulite facies transition in West Uusimaa, S.W. Finland. A fluid inclusion study
Authors: SCHREURS J.
Published: May 2007

This work presents the results of a fluid inclusion study of an amphibolite‐granulite facies transition in West Uusimaa, S.W. Finland. Early fluid‐inclusions in the granulite facies area are characteristically carbonic (CO2), in contrast to predominantly aqueous early inclusions in the amphibolite facies area. These early inclusions can be related to peak metamorphic conditions (750‐820°C and 3‐5 kbar for peak granulite facies metamorphism). Relatively young CO2 inclusions with low densities (<0.8g/cm3) indicate that the first part of the cooling history of the rocks was characterized by a near isothermal uplift.

N2‐CH4 inclusions, with compositions ranging between pure CH4 and pure N2 (Raman spectral analysis), were found in the whole area. They are probably syn‐ or even pre‐early inclusions. Only nearly critical homogenizing inclusions have been found (low density). Pressure estimates, based on densities of early fluid inclusions, show that the rapid transition of amphibolite towards granulite facies metamorphism is virtually isobaric. Granulite facies metamorphism in West Uusimaa is a thermal event, probably induced by the influx of hot, CO2‐bearing fluids.
Oxygen isotope ratios in magnetite core‐and‐mantle structures
Authors: LINDH ANDERS , HOEFS JOCHEN , MALMSTRÖM LARS
Published: May 2007

In a polymetamorphic, felsic, biotite‐bearing gneiss, biotite has reacted to form magnetite and microcline. The resulting structure is a magnetite core surrounded by a mantle of feldspar and quartz normally not exceeding 20mm in diameter. Measurements of oxygen isotope ratios disclose disequilibrium between mantle microcline and mantle quartz and also between mantle and matrix minerals of the same species. A clustering of temperature estimates from the oxygen isotope distribution between magnetite and quartz and between magnetite and microcline in the interval 550 to 600°C suggests an approach to oxygen isotope equilibrium. No signs of a re‐equilibriation of the reacting biotite can be found.
Occurrence of lawsonite in pelitic schists from the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, central Shikoku, Japan
Authors: WATANABE TERUO , KOBAYASHI HIDEO
Published: May 2007

The occurrence of lawsonite is described from pelitic schists of the lower‐grade part of the pumpellyite‐bearing subzone of the chlorite zone in the Asemi River area of central Shikoku. The lawsonite‐bearing parageneses are consistent with the generally accepted view that the Sanbagawa facies series represents higher pressures than the lawsonite‐bearing facies series in New Zealand.