Paul S. Fisher

Long-term memory modules

One particular kind of structure offers possible explanations for long-term memory, efficient consolidation of stored information from the environment, clustering of data strings and multimodal functioning. It is a possible model for pieces of neural structure and its use offers a uniform method for both studying and constructing an extensive class of mechanisms.

Considerations for determining the degrees of centralization or decentralization in the computing environment

Abstract The advent of distributed data base systems has introduced a bewildering assortment of terms, measurements, and descriptions for managers and users. The complexity which a distributed system introduces in hardware, software, and data allocation provides the major source of misunderstanding and confusion that is reflected in current jargon. This paper proposes a method of definition and measurement which alleviates the terminology and measurement problem. The methodology provides a standardized view of distributed systems and promotes an objective, quantified approach to the classification and selection of such a system.

Mediator: An integrated approach to Information Retrieval

Mediator: An Integrated Approach to Information Retrieval The Mediator is a pseudo intelligent software controller which accomplishes two ends. First, it -&-ldquo;mediates-&-rdquo; between an Information Retrieval System and its end-user. On the assumption that the user of such a system will have at best a minimal knowledge of the operations of computers, it hides from him the internal complexities of the system, and presents to him a simplified -&-ldquo;abstract-&-rdquo; of the operations of the system. The Mediator allows the end-user to communicate with any application program in his own terms and to carry out operations of any degree of complexity which can be defined within those terms. Secondly, the controller enables a single system to extract unified information from data-banks of both data base management and textual environments. The Mediator is driven by a combination of hierarchically structured internal and external tables. The external tables contain a vocabulary selected by the user for his personal communication with the system; the internal tables contain directives which determine the appropriate path to be followed by the retrieval system in accomplishing the users request.

A survey of mini-data base management systems in 1977

A survey of minicomputer data base management systems was conducted to determine the current state of the industry. The results of the survey are highlighted in this paper to provide a broad view of the features of commercially available mini-data base systems. Among the topics presented are hardware requirements, software implementation, data independence, binding, integrity, privacy controls, installation base, availability, and user considerations. In addition, the relationship between the growth of the minicomputer market and mini-DBMS market in the second half of the 70s is emphasized.

Data access in distributed data base management systems

Abstract A software organization which provides for data definition and manipulation in a distributed data base system is presented by describing the functions and interrelations of the component processes; with its methodology for access, the physical location of the data is transparent to the user program. The concepts of distributed data bases are discussed and current research is summarized as a means of establishing a method for the data placement and location mechanism. Procedures for the movement of data in a distributed data base system are presented, along with the data manipulation procedures, in terms of their performance and integrity effects. Enhancements to the mechanisms are suggested.

Database machines

There is much to be said on the limitations of the conventional Von Neumann processors and the available hardware organizations for database applications. Through research and development, several recent efforts have been in the investigation and development of new architectures and special prupose machines for supporting database applications. This panel aims to familiarize the attendants with 1) the motivations for works on data machines, 2) the objectives and characteristics of several categories of database machines, 3) the accomplishments made in this area of research and development, 4) the problems and current issues confronting the area, and 5) the impact of the current and future technologies on database management.

Evolving to distributed database environments

As the computer industry begins to experience a transition from centralized processors to distributed environments of networked processors, a methodology for conversion must be considered. Various considerations are identified in this paper that affect the development of this new technology. The impact of data models for distributed databases is considered. The concept of a dictory, a dictionary/directory facility, is developed as the focal point for extension into the distributed environment.

Software engineering: An example of misuse

Managers of programmers and designers are sometimes wont to adopt the new and shiny. This paper describes a situation in which managers at several levels grasped for the ‘new and shiny’ in the form of software engineering. This approach was not without its hidden dangers, especially when established guidelines were ignored or violated.

The language problem for small systems (Panel Session)

A survey of minicomputer data base management systems was conducted to determine the current state of the industry. The results of the survey are highlighted in this paper to provide a broad view of the features of commercially available mini-data base systems. Among the topics presented are hardware requirements, software implementation, data independence, binding, integrity, privacy controls, installation base, availability, and user considerations. In addition, the relationship between the growth of the minicomputer market and mini-DBMS market in the second half of the 70s is emphasized.