Multiple Libraries on a Single Platform:Success Story of University of Mysore

Library automation, though old topic needs an elaborative study, analysis and discussion. Majority of Indian Libraries create OPAC records and start automated circulation and do not go beyond by automating other housekeeping activities like acquisition, serials control and other modules. Few libraries take up this activity, however face many problems especially in choosing suitable Integrated Library Management System, following various standard protocols effectively, maintaining servers, getting funds for annual maintenance for getting third party service, etc. The success of library automation mainly depends upon the seriousness of librarians, support of managements, selection of suitable software, steps taken in maintenance, etc. There have been some attempts in developing 154 union catalogues such as that of INFLIBNET’s initiative covering Indian University Libraries. However such initiatives have not gone beyond discover services at the most ILL. This paper describes various aspects of library automation taking example of the successful automation of Library of University of Mysore, a model to follow by like minded libraries, especially the group of libraries under the same administrative umbrella to join their hands to use a single server using same ILMS for automating housekeeping activities beyond union catalogue

DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MALAYSIAN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT’S STUDY LOANS

Decision Support System (DSS) has been extremely studied in the both individual and group decision making. Until today, there is no DSS that assists individual in selecting suitable study loan. This report presents the research and techniques used in developing DSS that assists Malaysia undergraduate students in selecting study loan. The results of the feasibility study had revealed that DSS is applicable for individuals that are actively searching for study loan. The objectives of this study is to develop a DSS that guides students in choosing the most equitable study loan as well as the shortest payback time for their study loan. The DSS was developed based on waterfall model with 4 phases which are (1) Requirement Definitions, (2) System and Software Design, (3) Implementation and Unit Testing, and (4) Integration and System Testing. The system can provide its users updated information about the amount needed in a particular program offered by a college in order to make effective decision in choosing the amount of study loan. In addition, users will also know about the amount to be reimbursed to its loan provider upon their completion of study

A model of case implementation and an experience of unsuccessful case adoption

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) is a revolutionary technology that seeks to automate the software development process. Current literature reports on many successes of CASE adoption Despite of such successes, many organisations are experiencing difficulties in implementing CASE technology . Even many powerful CASE tools have become 'shelfware'. It is argued that the benefits of CASE are unlikely to be realised, unless it is introduced based on a sound implementation plan This article presents a conceptual model to introduce CASE technology within a MIS department Such a plan faciliiaus change in software culture and management practice and enables management to deal with confusion and skepticism prior to its occurrence. Furthermore, a case study is described that focuses on a CASE implementation that failed to achieve its purpose The reasons for the failure are critically examined and explained in the light of the model

Decision support system for choosing a model for a software development life cycle

The aim of this paper is to present selected models of a Software Development Life Cycle as a set of possible alternatives. The article also includes the characteristics of IT projects which are used as the basis for selection criteria, according to which an appropriate model should be chosen. These characteristics are divided into two groups; one of them deals with the product, the other one deals with the project. Based on both a literature study and statistical surveys, a list of criteria is derived, to be later applied in the process of developing a knowledge-based system. The rules and search algorithms for selecting the best models are described by a flowchart. Finally, the method of presentation and the interpretation of the results are discussed.algorithm, knowledge base, sequential model, evolutionary model, IT project, selection criteria, risk, project complexity

Principles and Concepts of Agent-Based Modelling for Developing Geospatial Simulations

The aim of this paper is to outline fundamental concepts and principles of the Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) paradigm, with particular reference to the development of geospatial simulations. The paper begins with a brief definition of modelling, followed by a classification of model types, and a comment regarding a shift (in certain circumstances) towards modelling systems at the individual-level. In particular, automata approaches (e.g. Cellular Automata, CA, and ABM) have been particularly popular, with ABM moving to the fore. A definition of agents and agent-based models is given; identifying their advantages and disadvantages, especially in relation to geospatial modelling. The potential use of agent-based models is discussed, and how-to instructions for developing an agent-based model are provided. Types of simulation / modelling systems available for ABM are defined, supplemented with criteria to consider before choosing a particular system for a modelling endeavour. Information pertaining to a selection of simulation / modelling systems (Swarm, MASON, Repast, StarLogo, NetLogo, OBEUS, AgentSheets and AnyLogic) is provided, categorised by their licensing policy (open source, shareware / freeware and proprietary systems). The evaluation (i.e. verification, calibration, validation and analysis) of agent-based models and their output is examined, and noteworthy applications are discussed.Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are a particularly useful medium for representing model input and output of a geospatial nature. However, GIS are not well suited to dynamic modelling (e.g. ABM). In particular, problems of representing time and change within GIS are highlighted. Consequently, this paper explores the opportunity of linking (through coupling or integration / embedding) a GIS with a simulation / modelling system purposely built, and therefore better suited to supporting the requirements of ABM. This paper concludes with a synthesis of the discussion that has proceeded. The aim of this paper is to outline fundamental concepts and principles of the Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) paradigm, with particular reference to the development of geospatial simulations. The paper begins with a brief definition of modelling, followed by a classification of model types, and a comment regarding a shift (in certain circumstances) towards modelling systems at the individual-level. In particular, automata approaches (e.g. Cellular Automata, CA, and ABM) have been particularly popular, with ABM moving to the fore. A definition of agents and agent-based models is given; identifying their advantages and disadvantages, especially in relation to geospatial modelling. The potential use of agent-based models is discussed, and how-to instructions for developing an agent-based model are provided. Types of simulation / modelling systems available for ABM are defined, supplemented with criteria to consider before choosing a particular system for a modelling endeavour. Information pertaining to a selection of simulation / modelling systems (Swarm, MASON, Repast, StarLogo, NetLogo, OBEUS, AgentSheets and AnyLogic) is provided, categorised by their licensing policy (open source, shareware / freeware and proprietary systems). The evaluation (i.e. verification, calibration, validation and analysis) of agent-based models and their output is examined, and noteworthy applications are discussed.Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are a particularly useful medium for representing model input and output of a geospatial nature. However, GIS are not well suited to dynamic modelling (e.g. ABM). In particular, problems of representing time and change within GIS are highlighted. Consequently, this paper explores the opportunity of linking (through coupling or integration / embedding) a GIS with a simulation / modelling system purposely built, and therefore better suited to supporting the requirements of ABM. This paper concludes with a synthesis of the discussion that has proceeded

Analyse the risks of ad hoc programming in web development and develop a metrics of appropriate tools

Today the World Wide Web has become one of the most powerful tools for business promotion and social networking. As the use of websites and web applications to promote the businesses has increased drastically over the past few years, the complexity of managing them and protecting them from security threats has become a complicated task for the organizations. On the other hand, most of the web projects are at risk and less secure due to lack of quality programming. Although there are plenty of frameworks available for free in the market to improve the quality of programming, most of the programmers use ad hoc programming rather than using frameworks which could save their time and repeated work. The research identifies the different frameworks in PHP and .NET programming, and evaluates their benefits and drawbacks in the web application development. The research aims to help web development companies to minimize the risks involved in developing large web projects and develop a metrics of appropriate frameworks to be used for the specific projects. The study examined the way web applications were developed in different software companies and the advantages of using frameworks while developing them. The findings of the results show that it was not only the experience of developers that motivated them to use frameworks. The major conclusions and recommendations drawn from this research were that the main reasons behind web developers avoiding frameworks are that they are difficult to learn and implement. Also, the motivations factors for programmers towards using frameworks were self-efficiency, habit of learning new things and awareness about the benefits of frameworks. The research recommended companies to use appropriate frameworks to protect their projects against security threats like SQL injection and RSS injectio

Development of compact circular polarized antenna for WLAN application

Matching the polarization in both the transmitter and receiver antennas is important in terms of decreasing transmission losses. The use of circularly polarized antennas presents an attractive solution to achieve this polarization match which allows for more flexibility in the angle between transmitting and receiving antennas, reduces the effect of multipath reflections, enhances weather penetration and allows for the mobility of both the transmitter and the receiver. Compact circularly polarized microstrip antenna with Circular Polarization (CP) property for wireless communication system at 2.45 GHz is presented. Microstrip patch antennas being popular because of light weight, low volume, thin profile configuration which can be made conformal. Wireless communication systems applications circular polarization antenna is placing vital role. In this study it was applied DGS to produce circular polarization. The single fed circular polarized microstrip antenna is etched on a FR4 with dielectric substrate of 4.3 with the height of 1.6 mm. The axial ratio of approximate 2.1 dB and the radiation pattern results prove that the designed antenna meets the CP criteria. The simulated and measured results show a good agreement and the proposed antenna is suitable for WLAN applications

Guidelines for assessing pedestrian evacuation software applications

This paper serves to clearly identify and explain criteria to consider when evaluating the suitability of a pedestrian evacuation software application to assess the evacuation process of a building. Guidelines in the form of nine topic areas identify different modelling approaches adopted, as well as features / functionality provided by applications designed specifically for simulating the egress of pedestrians from inside a building. The paper concludes with a synopsis of these guidelines, identifying key questions (by topic area) to found an evaluation

Run-time Energy Management for Mobiles

Due to limited energy resources, mobile computing requires an energy-efficient a rchitecture. The dynamic nature of a mobile environment demands an architecture that allows adapting to (quickly) changing conditions. The mobile has to adapt d ynamically to new circumstances in the best suitable manner. The hardware and so ftware architecture should be able to support such adaptability and minimize the energy consumption by making resource allocation decisions at run-time. To make these decisions effective, a tradeoff has to be made between computation , communication and initialization costs (both time and energy). This paper describes our approach to construct a model that supports taking such decisions