Benjamin Mittman

A Comparison of the Relational and CODASYL Approaches to Data-Base Management

Data definition, manipulation, protection, and independence, and System performance are important factors when studying and evaluating data-base management systems to be used in shared data-base environments. The relational and CODASYL Data Base Task Group approaches, which have been widely discussed and debated, are compared and contrasted from these points of view. The paper concludes with the observation that since data-base management systems are to serve the needs of widely diverse communities of users, no single approach to data-base management seems either desirable or likely to emerge as dominant in the near future.

Developing Monitoring Techniques for an On-Line Information Retrieval System.

Abstract One of the least understood and most ignored aspects of implementing on-line software is the problem of effective monitoring. This problem takes on many facets: gathering data on user interactions and errors, storing and processing these data, and generating summary reports which can be used to pinpoint deficiencies and to suggest modifications and improvements. Northwestern University has developed techniques to monitor an on-line information retrieval system, by using that system both to monitor itself and to process the data collected. RIQS (Remote Information Query System) is both a batch and on-line generalized, information retrieval system which operates on the CDC 6400. It is used by faculty and students for developing and searching data bases in medicine, political science, computer science, anthropology, astronomy, university administration and planning, etc. An on-line monitor program was developed to produce a RIQS-compatible data base of user interactions with RIQS-ONLINE. Using RIQS, this data base can then be interrogated and searched to generate reports, to create plots, or to produce input for a statistical package. Typical parameters which are studied include total real-time per user access to RIQS, real time and central processor time per query, number of records searched, number of records retrieved, number of search terms used, type and size of reports generated, number and type of language or syntax errors made by user, etc. This paper illustrates the use of these techniques by providing summary reports and plots from use of RIQS-ONLINE during the current academic year. System improvements are suggested from analysis of these reports.

Interactive Search of Bibliographic Data Bases in an Academic Environment.

A surprising difference is found in the acceptance of on-line bibliographic search between university research workers and students in the classroom. The typical research worker, even after careful preparation and individual help, abandons the on-line system in favor of more traditional searching techniques. The student and the seminar participant, on the other hand, take to this new tool with enthusiasm and profit. Bibliographic data bases in physics, astronomy and urban systems are available to users through on-line access to the Remote Information Query System (RIQS). Examples of introductory on-line sessions are presented and a report of one of the professors participating is included.

Information retrieval, statistical analysis and graphics: An integrated approach

Abstract The social sciences require multiple methods of analysis of information from complex data bases. Data bases have been constructed which contain hierarchical, spatial, and temporal associations among information elements. To provide effective processing capability for dealing with these types of data, an integrated approach has been taken to facilitate storage and retrieval, statistical analysis and graphical display. Two existing systems have been combined: RIQS, Remote Information Query System and SPSS, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. A sample data base, taken from a study of social stratification and mobility in Puerto Rico, is used to illustrate on-line retrieval, statistical analysis and interactive graphics.

Mixed data structures in a multi‐purpose retrieval system

Remote Information Query System, (RIQS), is an information storage and retrieval system designed to handle both textual and quantitative information. It operates in an on‐line and batch mode for searching, and has been used extensively at Northwestern for both bibliographic and data management applications. The batch version also provides for file creation and update, data verification, and indexing. Acceptable data types include alphanumeric, numeric, and dates. Numeric items can be expressed in any consistent set of units. The internal record format of RIQS employs a variety of data structures to accommodate rapid on‐line search and effective update capability. These structures include a record scatter table for all data, with associated item pointers and scatter table pointers, and with chaining for record updates. On‐line search and the record structure are illustrated. Performance statistics show costs for several file creation and file search runs.

A brief history of the computer chess tournaments: 1970–1975

At the time of writing this chapter (March 1976), ten major computer chess tournaments have been held, six in the United States (1970–1975) sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), one in Sweden (1974) sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), two in Canada (1974 and 1975) and one in Germany (1975). These unique events have attracted worldwide attention (and sometimes amused interest) from the chess-playing public and from specialists in computer science and artificial intelligence. These tournaments have also been an arena for many formal and informal discussions among the leading chess programmers in the world and therefore have been a vital stimulus for research and development. Several of the authors in this volume (Harris, Newborn, and Slate and Atkin) have been regular participants in these events.

Interactive graphics enhancements for information retrieval systems

Comprehensive graphics enhancements are proposed for information retrieval systems to facilitate interactive plot generation, 1 modification, manipulation and analysis. Capabilities include dynamic axis scaling, text insertion/deletion, display of plot description, relations, selected data point values and saving/re-calling plots. Controlled by “self-adjusting” graphics software, the package will provide various interactive options dependent upon user-accessing device. Graphics terminal access will enable menu displays of light pen options whereas teletype or non-graphics CRT access will imply standard keyboard entry commands. This generalized approach should provide maximum utility for the user community, with the graphics package adjusting itself according to the hardware capabilities of the online terminal used for accessing the system.