Translating expert system rules into Ada code with validation and verification

The purpose of this ongoing research and development program is to develop software tools which enable the rapid development, upgrading, and maintenance of embedded real-time artificial intelligence systems. The goals of this phase of the research were to investigate the feasibility of developing software tools which automatically translate expert system rules into Ada code and develop methods for performing validation and verification testing of the resultant expert system. A prototype system was demonstrated which automatically translated rules from an Air Force expert system was demonstrated which detected errors in the execution of the resultant system. The method and prototype tools for converting AI representations into Ada code by converting the rules into Ada code modules and then linking them with an Activation Framework based run-time environment to form an executable load module are discussed. This method is based upon the use of Evidence Flow Graphs which are a data flow representation for intelligent systems. The development of prototype test generation and evaluation software which was used to test the resultant code is discussed. This testing was performed automatically using Monte-Carlo techniques based upon a constraint based description of the required performance for the system

Evaluating Library Services Quality Using GDSS-AHP, LibQual and IPA

Library services quality is one of the most vital parts in library management. Evaluation of the library services based on the perspective of users is important. In this paper, we propose a collaboration of GDSS-AHP (Group Decision Support System-Analytical Hierarchy Process), LibQual, and IPA (Importance-Performance Analysis) methods to evaluate library services quality. The collaboration of GDSS-AHP and LibQual is used to calculate the weight of each evaluation statement and the level of library services quality based on users’ perception and expectation. IPA is then used to determine the position of the value of each evaluation statement in IPA’s four quadrants to obtain the recommended level for the library services improvement. This study is conducted at the Library of the Ministry of Trade of Indonesia, involving four decision makers: a head librarian, a library academic expert, and two library practitioners. Fifty library visitors become respondents to assess the quality services questionnaires. Based on their responses, we obtain that users’ satisfaction level is at least satisfied by 76.49 %. Meanwhile, usability testing is also conducted on the developed system by using three observation elements: effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. The usability testing is performed on five respondents, one admin, and two decision makers, and results in an average usability level of 90.03%

Systematic Correlation Matrix Evaluation (SCoMaE) – a bottom–up, science-led approach to identifying indicators

This study introduces the Systematic Correlation Matrix Evaluation (SCoMaE) method, a bottom–up approach which combines expert judgment and statistical information to systematically select transparent, nonredundant indicators for a comprehensive assessment of the state of the Earth system. The methods consists of two basic steps: (1) the calculation of a correlation matrix among variables relevant for a given research question and (2) the systematic evaluation of the matrix, to identify clusters of variables with similar behavior and respective mutually independent indicators. Optional further analysis steps include (3) the interpretation of the identified clusters, enabling a learning effect from the selection of indicators, (4) testing the robustness of identified clusters with respect to changes in forcing or boundary conditions, (5) enabling a comparative assessment of varying scenarios by constructing and evaluating a common correlation matrix, and (6) the inclusion of expert judgment, for example, to prescribe indicators, to allow for considerations other than statistical consistency. The example application of the SCoMaE method to Earth system model output forced by different CO2 emission scenarios reveals the necessity of reevaluating indicators identified in a historical scenario simulation for an accurate assessment of an intermediate–high, as well as a business-as-usual, climate change scenario simulation. This necessity arises from changes in prevailing correlations in the Earth system under varying climate forcing. For a comparative assessment of the three climate change scenarios, we construct and evaluate a common correlation matrix, in which we identify robust correlations between variables across the three considered scenarios

Intelligence student advising system - an implementation using object-oriented C++

This paper present an approach for developing a consistent student course-advising system for undergraduate students using knowledge-based technology. A prototype system has been implemented in object-oriented technique using C++. The prototype system was designed for undergraduate Computing students. The prototype is able to give consultation and advice on some important aspect of student advising problems. Knowledgeable behaviour was produced where the ‘expert’ and ‘knowledge’ is stored separately from the inference engine. Object-oriented programming technique was found to enhance the development of the system

Investigating heuristic evaluation as a methodology for evaluating pedagogical software: An analysis employing three case studies

This paper looks specifically at how to develop light weight methods of evaluating pedagogically motivated software. Whilst we value traditional usability testing methods this paper will look at how Heuristic Evaluation can be used as both a driving force of Software Engineering Iterative Refinement and end of project Evaluation. We present three case studies in the area of Pedagogical Software and show how we have used this technique in a variety of ways. The paper presents results and reflections on what we have learned. We conclude with a discussion on how this technique might inform on the latest developments on delivery of distance learning. © 2014 Springer International Publishing