The new space and Earth science information systems at NASA's archive

The on-line interactive systems of the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) are examined. The worldwide computer network connections that allow access to NSSDC users are outlined. The services offered by the NSSDC new technology on-line systems are presented, including the IUE request system, Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) data, and data sets on astrophysics, atmospheric science, land sciences, and space plasma physics. Plans for future increases in the NSSDC data holdings are considered

PSROUTE: AN INTERACTIVE DESIGN TOOL FOR SELECTING ROUTES IN DATA COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

This paper describes a prototype interactive design tool, PSROUTE, that can be used by designers of data communication networks for selecting primary and secondary routes for every pair of communicating nodes in a network. The objective in selecting routes is to minimize the mean delay faced by messages. The problem was previously modeled as a mathematical programming problem (Pirkul and Narasimhan 1987). PSROUTE allows the user to interactively specify various network and traffic parameters and observe the effects on the solution. The solution can be examined in detail so that the designer can modify the parameters based on his judgment and then use PSROUTE to repeatedly execute the solution procedure until a satisfactory solution is reached

A land mobile satellite data system

The Telesat Mobile Incorporated (TMI) Mobile Data System (MDS) was developed to apply satellite technology to the transportation industry's requirement for a fleet management system. It will provide two-way messaging and automatic position reporting capabilities between dispatch centers and customers' fleets of trucks. The design was based on the Inmarsat L-Band space segment with system link parameters and margins adjusted to meet the land mobile satellite channel characteristics. The system interfaces with the Teleglobe Des Laurentides earth station at Weir, Quebec. The signaling protocols were derived from the Inmarsat Standard C packet signalling system with unique trucking requirements incorporated where necessary

MINISIS newsletter, vol. 3, no. 2, May 1983

Some text in Frenc

A Proposal for the Development of Computer Networking Facilities at IIASA and the IIASA Network Project

As a result of meetings with Computer Institutions in Hungary and Czechoslovakia, it has become clear that there exists a concrete opportunity to establish the basis of a Computer Network available as a direct communication resource to IIASA Scientists. That there is a need for Data Communication facilities has become increasingly obvious, as a direct result of the difficulties experienced in exchanging information between IIASA and the NMOs, and between the NMOs themselves. In accordance with the aims of the project to improve and facilitate cooperation between IIASA and Home Institutions a proposal for a preliminary computer network has been drawn~ up, which will enable IIASA projects to make pilot studies in cooperation with remote centres. It will also provide the necessary experience to expand and improve such communication. The latter is important to the decentralization of IIASA research and to the widening of its sphere of influence. The proposal is one for joint participation with the Computer and Automation Institute in Budapest, and the United Nations Computing Research Centre in Bratislava. The costs would be shared equally between all three participants, and each would supply computer time and the necessary man power

An innovative approach to space education

At present, Canada does not have enough scientists to be competitive in the global economy, which is rapidly changing from a reliance on natural resources and industry to information and technology. Space is the final frontier and it is a multidisciplinary endeavor. It requires a knowledge of science and math, as well as non-science areas such as architecture and law. Thus, it can attract a large number of students with a diverse range of interests and career goals. An overview is presented of the space education program designed by Canadian Alumni of the International Space University (CAISU) to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in science and technology and to improve science literacy in Canada

Congestion control in interconnected computer networks

Ankara : The Department of Computer Engineering and Information Sciences and the Institute of Engineering and Sciences of Bilkent Univ. , 1988.Thesis (Master's) -- Bilkent University, 1988.Includes bibliographical references leaves 62-65.A computer network has a collection of resources shared by multiple users. The capacity of the resources is limited, and if the user demands exceed the capacity, the network becomes ’congested’. The congestion causes a degradation in system performance. In interconnected networks there are two classes of traffic within a network. One class is the local traffic that is generated and transmitted within the network. The other class is the internetwork traffic transmitted to or from other networks. In this thesis, the effect of internetwork traffic on the performance of a network is investigated. Computer simulation of an interconnected network model is provided in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a window-based congestion control mechanism on preventing congestion in gateways and in attached networks caused by the overload of internetwork traffic. Also two dynamic window congestion control algorithms are provided and studied. These algorithms provide further control to window mechanism by adjusting the window size in accordance with the availability of the network resources at the destination. Dynamic algorithms are evaluated comparing them with static window control.Ulusoy, ÖzgürM.S

Cost-effective safe motherhood interventions in low-income countries: a review

This paper reviews studies providing evidence of the cost-effectiveness of safe motherhood interventions in low-income countries. The economic case for investing in safe motherhood interventions is also examined. It is estimated that 1,600 women die globally each day as a result of problems during pregnancy or childbirth. A large proportion of these deaths is preventable. According to the World Bank, antenatal and maternal services comprise two of the six most cost-effective sets of health nterventions in low-income countries. Due to the problem of linking programme interventions with outcomes however, few cost-effectiveness studies currently exist. Despite this certain interventions are more cost-effective than others, such as substituting manual vacuum aspiration for dilatation and curettage when dealing with incomplete abortion. It is estimated that 26% of maternal deaths are avoidable through antenatal/community-based interventions, costing around 30% of the World Health Organisation’s Mother Baby Package. Ensuring access to high quality essential obstetric care can prevent a further 58% of maternal deaths, consuming 24% of total Mother Baby Package costs. Current evidence suggests that targeting investments on essential obstetric services would reap the greatest efficiency gains.safe motherhood; maternal mortality; cost-effectiveness

Organizational implications of how BANYAN has impacted on IDRC (notes for remarks)

Presented at BANYAN Users of Canada's Fall Conferenc

Earth and environmental science in the 1980's: Part 1: Environmental data systems, supercomputer facilities and networks

Overview descriptions of on-line environmental data systems, supercomputer facilities, and networks are presented. Each description addresses the concepts of content, capability, and user access relevant to the point of view of potential utilization by the Earth and environmental science community. The information on similar systems or facilities is presented in parallel fashion to encourage and facilitate intercomparison. In addition, summary sheets are given for each description, and a summary table precedes each section