An Evaluation of Online Database Selection by a Gateway System With Artificial Intelligence Techniques

277 p.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1987.The tremendous growth of computer-readable databases makes automated database selection very desirable in online services. Gateway systems as components in online networks convert information among online systems and aid the users in various ways including database selection. An evaluation of online database selection by an existing gateway system (InfoMaster, a version of EasyNet) was performed, comparing database selections made by experienced reference librarians with those made by inexperienced searchers aided by InfoMaster for the same set of queries. The results show that automated database selection by InfoMaster still heavily depends on a human decision concerning the broad subject area into which a query falls. When the gateway user properly selects the subject area for a particular query, InfoMaster can do automated database selection as well as the human intermediaries. Artificial intelligence techniques (AI) for automated database selection by gateway systems were studied and a framework of AI techniques for this particular function was outlined based on the analysis of the evaluation results.U of I OnlyRestricted to the U of I community idenfinitely during batch ingest of legacy ETD

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of graphene-like WS2

Graphene-like and platelike WS2 were obtained by solid-state reactions. High-resolution (HR) TEM, BET, and Raman scattering studies show that the graphene-like WS2 is a few-layer-structured material. It exhibits better electrochemical performances than the platelike WS2. Structural characterization indicates that metallic W and Li2S are the end products of discharge (0.01V versus Li+/Li), whereas metallic W and S are the recharge (3.00V) products. In addition, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) characterization shows that the d electrons of W deviate towards the Li (or S) atom during the discharge/charge process, thus forming a weak bond between W and Li2S (or S). Smashing the plate: Graphene-like WS2 exhibits better electrochemical performance than platelike WS2. XRD and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses show that metallic W and Li2S are the products of discharge, whereas metallic W and S are the products of recharge (see figure). The d electrons of W deviate towards the Li (or S) atom during the discharge/charge process to form a weak bond between W and Li2S (or S). 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim