A semantics based interactive query formulation technique

We present an interactive query formulation technique which enables exploitation not only of structural properties of data but also of semantic constraints as posed by the contents of data. The technique aims at the formulation of a semantically consistent or meaningful query by the end-user without any previous knowledge of syntax formalisms and data model semantics. This has been achieved by end-user guidance in that an inference engine suggests semantically rich query terms for further consideration by the end-user. The set of suggested terms at each interaction stage comply with the already considered query terms with respect to structure and contents based semantics. Assignment or selection of operational terms are also allowed, if operational semantics comply with the semantics of data. The interactive query formulation component has been implemented in Java and runs on the client side of a client/server based query answering system architecture

Reusable modelling and simulation of flexible manufacturing for next generation semiconductor manufacturing facilities

Automated material handling systems (AMHS) in 300 mm semiconductor manufacturing facilities may need to evolve faster than expected considering the high performance demands on these facilities. Reusable simulation models are needed to cope with the demands of this dynamic environment and to deliver answers to the industry much faster. One vision for intrabay AMHS is to link a small group of intrabay AMHS systems, within a full manufacturing facility, together using what is called a Merge/Diverge link. This promises better operational performance of the AMHS when compared to operating two dedicated AMHS systems, one for interbay transport and the other for intrabay handling. A generic tool for modelling and simulation of an intrabay AMHS (GTIA-M&S) is built, which utilises a library of different blocks representing the different components of any intrabay material handling system. GTIA-M&S provides a means for rapid building and analysis of an intrabay AMHS under different operating conditions. The ease of use of the tool means that inexpert users have the ability to generate good models. Models developed by the tool can be executed with the merge/diverge capability enabled or disabled to provide comparable solutions to production demands and to compare these two different configurations of intrabay AMHS using a single simulation model. Finally, results from simulation experiments on a model developed using the tool were very informative in that they include useful decision making data, which can now be used to further enhance and update the design and operational characteristics of the intrabay AMHS

Dicionário de Biblioteconomia e Arquivologia

O objetivo deste dicionário é definir, de forma clara, sucinta e simples, os termos utilizados por bibliotecários, arquivistas e demais profissionais da ampla e multifacetada área de ciência da informação, facilitando a expansão de seus conhecimentos. O critério básico para inclusão de um termo foi seu uso potencial ao longo do exercício profissional desses especialistas. Em muitos verbetes foram incluídas abonações extraídas da literatura técnico-científica e de léxicos gerais e especializados. A tarefa de compilação sistemática de terminologia é vital para o desenvolvimento de qualquer ramo técnico-científico, pois é impossível atingir clareza e precisão sem uniformidade na linguagem pelos praticantes da área. Amplo em seu escopo, com mais de quatro mil verbetes, o dicionário inclui não somente a terminologia das várias especializações dentro da biblioteconomia, arquivologia, documentação e estudos de informação, mas também os principais termos de direito autoral, editoração, comércio livreiro, artes gráficas, história do livro, bibliografia, comunicação científica, telecomunicações e informática. Servirá, portanto, a bibliotecários, arquivistas, editores, livreiros, estudantes, pesquisadores e demais profissionais que trabalham na coleta, armazenamento, processamento, recuperação e difusão da informação, em seu formato tradicional impresso ou em meio eletrônico. Colaborará também para atender às necessidades daqueles estudiosos que necessitam da terminologia técnica em inglês

Joining the dots

SEED Foundation (Social Environmental Enterprise + Design), established by Brass in 2007, was invited to present a paper to the House of Lords Science and Technology sub-committee following a response to a call for evidence. At the time, the design approach to sustainability still focused predominantly on products and different ways of reducing their environmental impact. Jonathan Chapman had recently published Emotionally Durable Design, presenting a means to extend the life of products, and Cradle-to-Cradle explored the design of products for infinite cycles. SEED, in contrast, spearheaded a drive to address the underlying issue of consumption and hypothesised that designers should address systems rather than products to effect positive social and environmental change. The paper set out a new agenda for design in light of the government’s waste plans. Reflecting SEED’s manifesto, it highlighted the need for cross-disciplinary working, and opportunities to develop design-led entrepreneurial solutions to existing waste problems. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of embedding these principles in design education through schools, universities and continuous professional development programmes. It explored the relevance of various design approaches to waste, suggesting that reducing the amount of waste being generated, e.g. through a service approach, could be more effective than designing better systems for waste management. It built on leading service design thinking (Engine/Live|Work) highlighting the value and relevance of service design methodologies (e.g. co-creation, mapping) to the sustainability agenda, and cited relevant case studies (Ford, Electrolux, Interface Flor) where focusing on service rather than product led to the implementation of new business models. Design methods such as visualisation, prototyping and the staging of real-world scenarios were suggested as vital in the waste agenda to achieve the critical engagement described by the Sustainable Development Commission’s paper, I Will if You Will: Towards Sustainable Consumption, between business, government and people