An integrated remote sensing approach for identifying ecological range sites

A model approach for identifying ecological range sites was applied to high elevation sagebrush-dominated rangelands on Parker Mountain, in south-central Utah. The approach utilizes map information derived from both high altitude color infrared photography and LANDSAT digital data, integrated with soils, geological, and precipitation maps. Identification of the ecological range site for a given area requires an evaluation of all relevant environmental factors which combine to give that site the potential to produce characteristic types and amounts of vegetation. A table is presented which allows the user to determine ecological range site based upon an integrated use of the maps which were prepared. The advantages of identifying ecological range sites through an integrated photo interpretation/LANDSAT analysis are discussed

Issues for Evaluating Reliability in Software Architectures

Currently, the requirements of Business sector promote more and more complex Information Systems. Reliability is one of the quality characteristics widely expected by users and developers. This characteristic is architectural by nature since it can be directly promoted by software architecture. This relation determines the importance of designing architectures that guarantee reliable systems. This article presents a research in progress whose objective is developing an architectural evaluation method based on Reliability. The first step considered for designing the method included: the construction of a Conceptual Model, a model to specify the architectural quality based on Reliability (Utility Tree), a set of scenarios associated to this characteristic. The first model allows identifying the concepts inherent to Reliability and their relationships; the second one covers all quality features related to Reliability in order to specify it; and the scenarios guide the software architect for anticipating context stimulus and evaluating the architectural responses

A Connectionist Model for Classification Learning - The lAK Model

The connectionist model lAK (Information evaluation using configurations) for classification learning is presented here. The model can be placed between feature based (e.g. Gluck & Bower, 1988) and exemplar based models (e.g. ALCOVE , Kruschke, 1992). Specific to this model is that during learning, sets of input features are probabilistically sampled. These sets are represented, in a hidden layer, by configuration nodes. These configuration nodes are connected to output nodes that represent category labels. A further characteristic of the lAK model is a mechanism which enhances retrieval of information. Simulations with the lAK model can explain different phenomena of classification learning which have been found in experimental studies: A Type 2 advantage without dimensional attention learning observed by Shepard et al. (1961); a generalisation of prototypes; a generalization based on similarity to learned exemplars; a differential forgetting of prototypes and exemplars; a moderate interference (fan effect) caused by stimulus similarity; and the missing of catastrophic interference even in A-B/A-Brdesigns

On the binormal predictive receiver operating characteristic curve for the joint assessment of positive and negative predictive values

The predictive receiver operating characteristic (PROC) curve is a diagrammatic format with application in the statistical evaluation of probabilistic disease forecasts. The PROC curve differs from the more well-known receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in that it provides a basis for evaluation using metrics defined conditionally on the outcome of the forecast rather than metrics defined conditionally on the actual disease status. Starting from the binormal ROC curve formulation, an overview of some previously published binormal PROC curves is presented in order to place the PROC curve in the context of other methods used in statistical evaluation of probabilistic disease forecasts based on the analysis of predictive values; in particular, the index of separation (PSEP) and the leaf plot. An information theoretic perspective on evaluation is also outlined. Five straightforward recommendations are made with a view to aiding understanding and interpretation of the sometimes-complex patterns generated by PROC curve analysis. The PROC curve and related analyses augment the perspective provided by traditional ROC curve analysis. Here, the binormal ROC model provides the exemplar for investigation of the PROC curve, but potential application extends to analysis based on other distributional models as well as to empirical analysis

High value information in engineering organizations

The management of information in engineering organizations is facing a particular challenge in the ever-increasing volume of information. It has been recognized that an effective methodology is required to evaluate information in order to avoid information overload and to retain the right information for reuse. By using, as a starting point, a number of the current tools and techniques which attempt to obtain ‘the value’ of information, it is proposed that an assessment or filter mechanism for information is needed to be developed. This paper addresses this issue firstly by briefly reviewing the information overload problem, the definition of value, and related research work on the value of information in various areas. Then a “characteristic” based framework of information evaluation is introduced using the key characteristics identified from related work as an example. A Bayesian Network diagram method is introduced to the framework to build the linkage between the characteristics and information value in order to quantitatively calculate the quality and value of information. The training and verification process for the model is then described using 60 real engineering documents as a sample. The model gives a reasonable accurate result and the differences between the model calculation and training judgments are summarized as the potential causes are discussed. Finally several further the issues including the challenge of the framework and the implementations of this evaluation assessment method are raised

A Method Based on AHP to Define the Quality Model of QuEF

QuEF is a framework to analyze and evaluate the quality of ap proaches based on Model-Driven Web Engineering (MDWE). In this frame work, the evaluation of an approach is calculated in terms of a set of informa tion needs and a set of quality characteristics. The information needs are requirements demanded by users of approaches. On the other hand, the quality characteristics are specific aspects that the approaches provide to their users. In these lines, there is a gap in the importance of each quality characteristic in the QuEF and the degree of coverage of each information need regarding the quali ty characteristics. In this contribution, we propose a method to define the Quali ty Model within QuEF. This method is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process in order to establish the importance of the quality characteristics and the degree of coverage of each requirement of the information needs regarding the set of quality characteristics. Furthermore, a software application that develops the proposed method is presented.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN2009-08286Junta de Andalucía P08-TIC-3548Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología TIN2010-20057-C03-02Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TIN2010-12312-EJunta de Andalucía TIC-578

Evaluating Students Information System Success Using DeLone and McLean’s Model: Student’s Perspective

System success is considered to be an important element in accomplishing the goals of the organization; therefore evaluation of system success needs to be done in order to ensure that investment in Information System is successful. Most of Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Tanzania have adopted the use of IS in providing service to their customers. Nevertheless, there is less evidence that system success evaluation has been done in order to identify the desired characteristics which could make IS more effective. Due to that, this study evaluates the effectiveness of Student Information System (SIS) used at the Institute of Finance Management using DeLone and McLean’s Model. Convenience sampling technique was employed to select respondents from the Institute of Finance Management. A total of 391 complete and valid questionnaires were employed in data analysis. IBM SPSS software was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships between the variables. The findings show that system quality, information quality, service quality, system use and user satisfaction were the key desired characteristics in making SIS success. The study has provided implications to researchers and practitioners on how to improve the effectiveness of the IS used in Higher Learning Institutions based on the desired characteristic

CONSTRUCTING MOODLE-BASED ONLINE LEARNING FOR VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

During the Covid-19 pandemic, every level of educational institutions is demanded to employ online learning based on their condition and capability. Many efforts have been done to sustain the teaching and learning process without a face-to-face system. The characteristic of the learning model in vocational school is identical to education specified in the technical field which encompasses several fields of expertise and is passed down to expertise program and expertise competency which require an integrated system. One of the ways to meet the demand is constructing online learning with a learning management system based on Moodle (Modulator Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment). The aim of this model is to create an effective and integrated learning environment in order to create ease in observation and evaluation. This research used Zachman Framework which was started by determining scope system encompassing data, process and computer network configuration; designing business model by using Use Case Diagram; designing the model of the information system by using Class Diagram, Activity Diagram and  Sequences Diagram; designing technology model by creating users’ interface program; and proceed to the implementation by customizing the Moodle software to create Moodle-based online learning which can be used in vocational schools