Search

Structured analytic techniques (SATs) help the intelligence community reduce flaws in cognition that lead to faulty reasoning. To ascertain whether SATs provide benefits to reasoning we conducted an experiment within a web-based application, comparing three conditions: 1) unaided reasoning, 2) a prototypical order-based SAT and 3) a flexible, process-based SAT that we call TRACE. Our findings suggest that the more flexible SAT generated higher quality reasoning compared to the other conditions. Consequently, techniques and training that support flexible analytical processes rather than those that require a set sequence of steps may be more beneficial to intelligence analysis and complex reasoning. Keywords: structured analytical techniques, Analysis of Competing Hypotheses, tradecraft, cognitive biases, experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoinduced Rydberg ionization (PIRI) spectra of the second excited electronic state of benzonitrile cation were recorded via the origin and 6a1 and 6b1 vibrational levels of the cation ground electronic state. This B←X transition was verified to be a forbidden 2B2←2B1 transition with an origin at 17 225 cm-1 above the ground ionic state. By the use of vibronic coupling calculations, as well as symmetry analysis and comparison of the PIRI spectra via different ground vibrational levels, a nearly complete assignment of the vibrational structure was made, and the vibrational frequencies of the B 2B2 state of benzonitrile cation were obtained based on the assignments. Comparisons of the experimental spectra with simulations from the vibronic structure calculations are also used to validate the theoretical procedures used in the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines a case of collaborative policy transfer from Australia to Sweden involving a three-year project of structured analysis, piloting and system modification. The influential role of agency and the manner in which formal mechanisms established to manage engagement impact upon policy analysis and transfer are explored. The analysis finds that agency mobilised with the supplementation of institutional resources becomes a highly motivating and powerful force underpinning collaborative policy transfer processes. The nuances and challenges of policy transfer from a predominantly neoliberal administrative domain into a characteristically corporatist environment are analysed demonstrating that domestic policy processes are critical for defining avenues for actor participation and the manner through which policy adjustments are progressed. A key finding of the work is that policy transfer is more than the one-way transmission of ideas, systems and practices from one jurisdiction to another but can also act as an iterative process, more evidently linked into each jurisdictions' domestic policy cycles of problem analysis, action and review. Under collaborative policy transfer the resources and interest from two distinct locations are mobilised around a policy concern and this effectively enhances the level of critical thinking and reflective practice that contributes to problem solving and solution development. The findings of this study confirm that cross-country collaboration and transfer is an increasingly important pathway in the ongoing development of policy reform and innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the need for two methods of system analysis. The first method is the Structured Analysis Design Technique (SADT) method used in designing computer integrated manufacturing systems. The second method is the Structured Analysis for Real Time (SA/RT) method that consists in putting in evidence inside data flow diagrams elements dedicated to the control view. Then, we present a review on the two methods SADT and SA/RT and their applicability in the industrial and pedagogical fields. Thus, some applications of the SADT and SA/RT methods that have been presented in various researches are presented. Previous researches showed that any kind of system can be modeled using structured methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was suggested for modeling the chemical process systems using the business process models based on SADT, which takes into account the fixed technological structure of chemical process objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors argue that use of the IDEFO methodology to improve the functioning of educational systems is highly expedient. As proof it cites the results of IDEFO methodology employment in the system of military education at the Kaliningrad-based branch of the Naval Academy's Research and Training Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to notice important events in a teaching situation and make decisions about these events is a key component of teaching well. Prospective teachers tend to notice more superficial aspects of classroom practice, such as class management. This article examines a video club in which four student teachers utilized the Mathematical Quality of Instruction (MQI) analysis framework to code each other's lessons and to discuss their coding in facilitated group sessions. We found that participants became better able to notice important aspect of mathematics more generally and MQI components more specifically. They also adopted a less evaluative stance toward what they noticed. Finally, their self-reported beliefs and practices altered; they credited their participation in the video club for their attempts to incorporate more opportunities for students to engage with mathematical content and ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a technique of standardising and coding textual birthplace and occupation strings in the censuses of England and Wales and Scotland, 1851–1911. While the approaches for the two text strings are different, they are both based upon the integration of computer technologies, mathematical methods, and expert knowledge. Both processes are described formally using Structured Analysis and Design Technique methodology. The classification of occupations is defined by two algorithms based on statistical decision theory in order to allocate codes from the original occupation strings. The method of standardising parishes is based on the comparison of original birthplace strings and reference data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigated and analyzed the University of Khartoum Library System in terms of the operations and functions carried out in the three core sections of the library i.e. the Acquisitions, the Cataloguing and classification, and the Reader Services (Circulation) Sections. The purpose of the study was that the analysis would be used later as the basis for determining the specific functional requirements of a computer-based Integrated Library Management System (ILMS). The author employed a number of techniques for the purpose of gathering information about the existing library system, including interviews, document analysis, and literature review. The study used the Structured Systems Analysis Methodology (SSA) in analyzing the existing library system. This method necessitated the decomposition of the system into smaller functional subsystems. The study finally documented the results of the University of Khartoum Library System analysis by Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Thermal hazard of CYHPO and its solutions were measured by DSC. [•] Differential isoconversional approach was adopted to evaluate kinetic parameters. [•] TMR ad and SADT were calculated based on kinetic parameters and heat balance. [•] Finite element analysis was used to evaluate thermal explosion simulation of CYHPO in real conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Often analysts will observe that they do not have enough time to use Structured Analytic Techniques. When presented with this challenge by analysts in the UK Cabinet Office, the author came up with the following response: Develop these five habits when you have time so that when time is short you have developed a capacity to use them instinctively. This article describes the Five Habits of the Master Thinker in detail, reviews how they were selected, and explores how they can most easily be inculcated into how an analyst processes information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to present firstly the issues involved in the upgrading process of industrial systems and secondly the difficulty of the transition into an automated system. Two interesting methods of analysis have been applied on an example of a grain silo process: SADT (Structured Analysis and Design Technique) and OOPP (Objective Oriented Project Planning). These methods can be applied on a systemic analysis of industrial processes. The paper briefly discusses the design of automated systems and shows some advantages of the application of systemic analysis on the upgrading of industrial systems. Afterwards, the basic principles of the two methods applied on the grain silo are presented. Finally, the different results obtained from the two methods are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Classifier ensembles are systems composed of a set of individual classifiers structured in a parallel way and a combination module, which is responsible for providing the final output of the system. In the design of these systems, diversity is considered as one of the main aspects to be taken into account, since there is no gain in combining identical classification methods. One way of increasing diversity is to provide different datasets (patterns and/or attributes) for the individual classifiers. In this context, it is envisaged to use, for instance, feature selection methods in order to select subsets of attributes for the individual classifiers. In this paper, it is investigated the ReinSel method, which is a class-based feature selection method for ensemble systems. This method is inserted into the filter approach of feature selection methods and it chooses only the attributes that are important only for a specific class through the use of a reinforcement procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: With increasing liberalization in the electricity market and the expansion of distributed and renewable power generation in Europe, transmission and distribution, as well as market processes related to the allocation of energy, are undergoing an evolutionary development to accomplish effciency and reliability in the presence of fluctuating energy availability and new technical and regulatory requirements. The paper at hand investigates from a business point of view the introduction of smart charging electric vehicles to enhance the reliability of the future electricity grid. A structured analysis of respective parameters is performed for business cases in existing short term energy markets. Market-based and regulatory concerns are considered to outline a scenario where an aggregator controls charging and/or discharging of electric vehicles and provides ancillary grid services. To extend the analysis further, a simulation based evaluation is implemented by means of an agent-based traffc simulation framework. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The demand for energy and resource efficiency in production engineering requires the implementation of suitable strategies and methods. A method for energy and resource balancing has been developed, based on a systematic detection and characterisation of energy and material flows within a manufacturing chain. This procedure for energy and material balancing (PEMB) is based on the Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT) model, which is connected with a techno-economic classification of production process elements. The methodology is demonstrated in detail as an example for the trimming process. Calculations have shown that energy savings of up to 40% are possible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we propose an approach towards adaptive long-term motivating and physically demanding exergames for indoor training. Various previous approaches have been using ergometers (especially ergometer bikes) in interactive applications (mostly virtual cycling simulations) since decades. Nevertheless exertainment applications for indoor training are not applied in a broad range. In this paper we present a structured analysis of existing commercial and scientific approaches towards interactive indoor training. On this basis a concept and model for adaptive exergames was developed. Exergames based on this concept are usable with different devices and provide adaptation possibilities for the psychological as well as the physiological needs and properties of different end users. In this way the proposed concept integrates the diverse dimensions of Sport, Game and Technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper provides a review of most recent cycle of studies of NLDMOS-based power arrays, their operation in ESD regimes, self-protection capability as well as the methods and measures to improve the array robustness on the device structure, layout architecture and array composition levels. Effective practices of improving ESD robustness at the cell level and backend level are presented followed by topology optimization. Discussion is based upon ESD characterization supported both by device-circuit mixed-mode and 2.5D array level simulations data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The restructuring of enterprises constitutes a complex process allying various points of view that the conventional approaches don't manage to satisfy. Indeed, the restructuring of enterprises cannot be achieved only according to a global approach of analysis. In order to contribute to the restructuring of an enterprise, we present a proposal of the integration of tow systemic methods: SADT and GRAI. In fact, we interest in this paper to the use of the global approach that allows us to act not only on the organization and the management system of the enterprise but also on its information system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an overview of the methods of modeling and analyzing used for the medical framework. The use these method is an important step within the medical framework which is concerned with the quality assurance of medical guidelines and protocols. It's about four methods that have already been applied for the medical framework: SADT (Structured Analysis Design Technique), OOPP (Objective Oriented Project Planning), GRAI (Graph with Results and Actions Interrelated) and UML (Unified Modeling Language). Our objective is to show how to improve protocols and implement them in medical guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of tacit knowledge is quite important in the field of software development. So, the experience gained from one software development project can be used in other similar projects. The current paper discusses the use of techniques from Software Engineering to design and analyze a software system developed for a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise. The Structured Analysis and Design Technique (SADT) has been first used to construct a model of the problem. Then the design has been presented using Use Case Diagram, Entity Relationship Diagram and Dataflow Diagram. An interface multiplexing technique has been used to replace a number of similar interfaces to communicate with the users by a few generic ones which are dynamic in nature. The use of this technique has reduced the size of the source code by more than 40%. After developing the software, a proper analysis has been carried out in terms of software metrics. The size metrics analysis has identified the components that needed the maximum effort to develop. Alternatively, the information flow metric analysis has highlighted that the degree of cohesion and coupling of the components of the software. This analysis verified that the design of the software is cohesive and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tries to identify one of the more important aspects to consider in the development of Real Time Systems which is the use of adequate notations and tools. Thus, our effort is addressed towards the proposal of an approach of analysis for identifying these notations and tools which must be easy to use and must to generate documentation easy to review. Limitations of certain design methods are indicated and additional tools are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a quantifying and reordering method for new product development (NPD) based on concurrent engineering (CE). Herein, we propose to establish a fuzzy design structure matrix (FDSM) which combines fuzzy set theory (FST) and a design structure matrix (DSM). The FDSM can quantify the dependency strength between design activities and reschedule the design process. Utilizing the improved partitioning and tearing algorithms to reorder a FDSM, we can recognize clearly the interdependent relationship within the design activities in the NPD process. The objective of this article is to develop a systematic scheduling method which is efficient and yet flexible for NPD from an informational structure perspective. The FDSM can provide managers with a powerful tool for presenting the structure for the design process. This proposed method can enhance the performance of NPD management including decreasing the activity iterations and reducing the product development time through re-engineering the design process. Eventually, one case study is employed to illustrate the method and the result shows that it can shorten the time and can guarantee the quality and function of the design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primarily, policies are intended to address economic, social and environmental problems. When implementing a policy, any government will be faced with the decision as to what strategy to adopt in order to meet the objectives set out by the policy in the most cost effective way. Several such Policy Implementation Strategies (PIS) may be available, making such a decision not so straightforward. With limited funds available, such a decision has particular importance for budgeting. This paper proposes forecasting PIS effectiveness as a decision support tool. The nature of Structured Analogies (SA) is considered suitable for generating such forecasts. A simpler version of SA, semi-structured analogies (S-SA), where experts do not need to recollect the exact outcome of analogies, is tested. Empirical findings suggest that in the hands of non-experts, the S-SA approach improves forecast accuracy when compared to unaided judgment. Accuracy improves further when forecasts are produced in groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The critical importance of the use of new technologies in the design of information systems for the synthesis of new designs is emphasized. A method of synthesis of transducers based on the theory of power information chain models, the apparatus of parametric structure charts, SADT technologies, and the object-oriented paradigm is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the simulation of mixed agile and plan-based (PB) requirements prioritization methods in order to prevent practical implications of software development. It examines the performances of the strategies in real projects under a variety of conditions of requirements dynamism, project size and duration. It outlines the results of the findings and mentions the structured analysis of the benefits and assumption of agile and PB requirements prioritization methods.

In this paper, we define the boundaries of a port cluster system and make an attempt to analyse how port cluster companies engage in the port logistics process. In order to visually present the intra-port clusters, we have used the 'Structured Analysis and Design Technique' (SADT). SADT was chosen, as it provides a robust structured method to model hierarchical systems and for this research it provides an opportunity to define and analyse the cluster in terms of the port logistics process, port activities and the actors. Applying SADT to the case of Busan Port in Korea, the constituent activities of a port cluster are defined in terms of inputs, control, mechanism and outputs. The port cluster system is broken down into six sub-level SADT diagrams: voyage supporting system, port entry system, stevedoring system, transit system, storage system and inland transport connecting system. These six phases plus the port information system were considered as the seven phases of a port logistics process. This categorization was established by carrying out a number of interviews in Busan Port and by analysing eight cases of ships calling in the port. Each sub-level diagram is connected to others according to the cargo flow in the port logistics process. This research demonstrates that the visualization facilitating SADT not only helps in understanding the interrelationships between associated companies in the port cluster, but also, to some extent, explains how port users and port cluster companies engage in the port logistics process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on POINT L-BULGARIA Ltd., a Bulgarian company that develop and deploy industrial process control systems. Features of the Structured Analysis and Design Technique of the company; Description of the most substantial differences between the existing and the new system; Advantages of the advance distributed decentralized, modular process control system.

Abstract: We propose a system that learns from the STARE (STructured Analysis of REtina) database and exploits the experience of ophthalmologists to assist in decision-making regarding the presence or absence of retinal diseases. The developed system automatically detects diseases given a description (a set of manifestations) of a retinal image. The manifestations in the retinal image are usually fed sequentially into the system where the manifestation dependences and order must be learned by the system. We apply naive Bayes classifier which is a simple case of Bayesian network to learn the conditional probabilities and to establish an approximate lookup table for sequential manifestation input. The system interacts with the ophthalmologist in determining the sequence of manifestations for inferring the correct disease. The overall performance of the system is found to be satisfactory and useful by ophthalmologists. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using data on 570 Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese American college students from 3 previous studies (1 published [B. S. K. Kim, D. R. Atkinson, & P. H. Yang, 1999] and 2 unpublished [B. S. K. Kim, 1999; E. C. Wong, B. S. K. Kim, N. W. S. Zane, I. J. Kim, & J. S. Huang, 1999]), the authors subjected 22 items constituting 6 value dimensions of the Asian Values Scale (AVS; B. S. K. Kim et al., 1999) to the following structural equation modeling procedures: confirmatory factor analysis, factorial invariance analysis, and structured means analysis. The results of confirmatory factor analysis provided support for a hierarchical factor model when this model was compared with 2 competing models. The results of factorial invariance analysis indicated that the meanings of the factors within the hierarchical model were conceived similarly among the 4 Asian American ethnic groups. On the basis of these results, a structured means analysis was conducted, revealing similarities and differences between the ethnic groups' adherence to 6 cultural value dimensions. Implications regarding psychological services for these Asian Americans are discussed, and suggestions for future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most common way to identify success or failure of a job running in a batch-processing mode is by examining a completion code sent by the job to the host operating system. Yet, for a variety of reasons the completion code may inaccurately indicate a successful termination of the job. This article describes a different approach to monitoring the quality of batch processing jobs while in operation. A pattern of behavior is suggested for a program. The pattern reflects ratios of consumption of various hardware resources. The ratios are determined by collecting historical performance variables of the job and analyzing the data by means of statistical methods. Once a pattern is set, the performance variables of every individual run of the program are compared with the precalculated pattern of behavior and if the deviation is beyond certain limits an alarm is triggered.
The proposed quality control technique has been tested on real applications, as well as on some artificial programs. The findings suggest that the technique is reliable in that it successfully distinguishes between proper and malfunctioning runs of a program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a possible solution to the problem of identification of factors influencing long-term survival patients, using regression trees. The separation of the two classes of long-term survivors (cured patients) and of failed-to-cure patients is generalized to classes of survivors and is carried out via a latent variable, whose determinations are provided by the regressione-tree classification. Two sets of factors are thus identified within the set of covariates: the factors influencing the prognosis and those influencing the survival classification (diagnostic factors). The relationship between the two sets is then explored, both theoretically and using an application to a data set of multiple myeloma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research explained in this paper is about the mechanical principle applications on regulated form and function, forces, motion of teeth and dental implant -- influencing the implant length and bone quality -- in biomechanics engineering modeling in dentistry. The non-linear finite element method was employed as an advanced computer technique of structural stress analysis tool for biomechanics modeling using mechanical, mathematical, and biological definitions and concepts. A finite element model of dental implant with accurate geometry and material properties was developed to make realistic investigations on the implant biomaterial properties and mechanical behavior of new dental implant. The finite element models with non-linear contact elements were used to simulate an interface fixation within the implant system and the sliding function of the non-rigid connector. This research showed that implant design influences force transmission characteristics in peri-implant bone and mechanical signals affect bone tissue differentiation. Hence, it is important to control biomechanical loads on dental implants to maintain osseointegration and to promote early bone-implant interface healing. The results of this analysis are helpful for implant biomaterial selection and design for clinical interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Requirements for a conceptual model of a data bank for physicomechanical effects and methods for achieving them are studied. On the basis of presenting converters as an information system, a method for modelling them is suggested based on the theory of an energy-information model, parametric structural schemes, SADT-technology, and an objectively orientated paradigm. Advantages of the conceptual model developed are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]