On‐line data base coverage of the on‐line information‐retrieval literature

Online Review ◽  
1977 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald T. Hawkins ◽  
Betty Miller

1982 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 1268-1270
Author(s):  
George A Brindza ◽  
Adriana Mccann

Abstract The Bureau of Foods has developed the Scientific Information Retrieval and Exchange Network (SIREN) to provide a modern method of records management and an automated cross-referenced subject index for accurate and comprehensive information retrieval. Authorized Bureau personnel may access SIREN's 200 000 references directly on distributed, interactive on-line terminals or indirectly through searches conducted by the SIREN Document Control Center.



1983 ◽  
Vol 22 (03) ◽  
pp. 135-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Kitaguchi ◽  
T. Nojiri ◽  
S. Suzuki ◽  
T. Fukita ◽  
T. Kawana

In order to meet the multifarious needs for drug information and to cope with the post-marketing surveillance of drugs adequately, an on-line drug information network, which is composed of two data bases, clinical case record data base and literature data base, has been developed. Primary considerations in designing these systems were input of clean data, accurate input, insuring that no ADRs are overlooked, accumulation of the latest data, saving manpower required for processing, and processing large quantities of data. This system is also designed to input and to output in Japanese character.







1984 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.P.R. Dubois

The controlled vocabulary versus the free text approach to information retrieval is reviewed from the mid 1960s to the early 1980s. The dominance of the free text approach following the Cranfield tests is increasingly coming into question as a result of tests on existing online data bases and case studies. This is supported by two case studies on the Coffeeline data base. The differences and values of the two approaches are explored considering thesauri as semantic maps. It is suggested that the most appropriate evaluatory technique for indexing languages is to study the actual use made of various techniques in a wide variety of search environments. Such research is becoming more urgent. Economic and other reasons for the scarcity of online thesauri are reviewed and suggestions are made for methods to secure revenue from thesaurus display facilities. Finally, the promising outlook for renewed develop ment of controlled vocabularies with more effective online display techniques is mentioned, although such development must be based on firm research of user behaviour and needs.



Author(s):  
Michael F. Mohageg

Hypertext systems parse documents into components connected by machine-supported links. This study investigated several usability issues relating to linking configurations in an information retrieval application. A HyperCardTM-based geography data base was used as the information domain. Linear, hierarchical, network, and combination hierarchical/network linking were of particular interest. In addition, the number of required links (two, four, or six links to reach the answer) and task type were the task variables studied. Task type refers to expert programmers' judgments as to whether a task is best suited to a hierarchical or network linking configuration. The intention was to identify the task situations under which each linking structure excels. Results indicated that users of the hierarchical linking structure performed significantly better than those using network linking (on average requiring 49 s less per task). Subjects using the combination condition performed no worse than those using the hierarchical condition, yet the combination condition provided no consistent advantages. Hence, for novice users of a system, no performance gain results from the inclusion of network links (in isolation or in combination with hierarchical).



2011 ◽  
pp. 226-232
Author(s):  
Ki Jung Lee

With the increased use of Internet, a large number of consumers first consult on line resources for their healthcare decisions. The problem of the existing information structure primarily lies in the fact that the vocabulary used in consumer queries is intrinsically different from the vocabulary represented in medical literature. Consequently, the medical information retrieval often provides poor search results. Since consumers make medical decisions based on the search results, building an effective information retrieval system becomes an essential issue. By reviewing the foundational concepts and application components of medical information retrieval, this paper will contribute to a body of research that seeks appropriate answers to a question like “How can we design a medical information retrieval system that can satisfy consumer’s information needs?”



Author(s):  
Agnes Kukulska-Hulme

When asked about the purpose of human language, most people would instinctively reply that its main purpose is communication. Most of us take for granted our ability to communicate easily through language. It would be natural for us, as computer users, to expect the same degree of ease when we interact with systems and user manuals. But even computer professionals and other experienced users are often baffled by the explanations that appear in so-called “help” facilities; perplexed by the meanings of words in menu options, on toolbars, and buttons; and hampered in information retrieval by having to use terms that do not readily express their needs. Words on the computer screen can create a barrier to communication, yet users who turn to help files or documentation are frequently disappointed. Times columnist Lynne Truss speaks for many when, at the end of yet another unrewarding session on her computer, she declared: “I have even stopped looking at those files titled ‘Read This,’ because it’s sad but true; I have never yet opened one whose contents I could understand” (1996). Often, a frustrated cry of “I don’t understand the options on the screen” leads many users to just “try it and see what happens,” with potentially disastrous or time-wasting consequences. “I don’t understand the manuals” is another typical refrain, which provides an excellent reason for not reading them. It has been said so often (e.g., Smith 1992), that alternative ways of informing or teaching users are now being promoted; for instance, video training. This mode of delivery can make information more palatable, but it does not eliminate the problems created by confusing use of language in the user interface. The difficulties experienced by both professional and casual or new users are not inevitable; they are not something to be accepted as a feature of computer systems, manuals, and on-line documentation. Something can be done to improve the way that language is presented and used in these contexts. This book provides the necessary communicative framework as well as practical recommendations to make it possible to significantly improve user interface and documentation design.



1982 ◽  
Vol 64 ◽  
pp. 233-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopoldo Benacchio

This paper shortly describes a software procedure for the on line information retrieval from astronomical plates archives. The procedure is active in Padova Asiago Observatory and will be improved linking them with other retrieval and graphic procedures acting on astronomical catalogues.



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