The challenge of integrating information from multiple data sources automatically, via computers, has long been of great interest in the area of Databases and Information Systems. It has become more important with the growth of the Internet and proliferation of Semi-Structured information sources. The major obstacle to integrating information from multiple sources lies in reconciling the meaning of data, which is known as Semantic Reconciliation or Semantic Integration. In the design of databases and information systems, the meaning of data that can be stored is usually described by a conceptual model. Thus, one needs to express data or transform data into a comprehensive and uniform conceptual model before approaching the issue of automatic (computerbased) integration. This thesis proposes a conceptual model - the property-based model - as the basis for semantic data integration. The main premise underlying the model is that to identify the meaning of data requires identifying what the data represents in the world. The branch of philosophy dealing with what exists in the world is Ontology; hence, the proposed model is based on ontological foundations. Specifically, it is based on Bunge's ontology as adapted to information systems by Wand and Weber, and on a method for semantic reconciliation proposed by Parsons and Wand. The thesis begins with an overview of research in the field of Information Integration. It discusses the most common type of conceptual models - the Class-Based Model, which includes the Entity- Relationship Model and Object-Oriented Models, and mentions some problems with this type of models. Then the thesis presents the property-based model. Based on the Property-Based model, the thesis proposes and develops a Property-Based Approach to integrating information from multiple sources. The approach uses two main tools, the Property-Precedence Schema (PPS) and the Instance Function (IF). After discussing briefly some practical issues, the thesis introduces a general integration procedure and demonstrates it on a case study to illustrate the usability of the approach. / Business, Sauder School of / Graduate

Any design of an access path level of a database management system must make allowance for physical reorganization requirements. The facilities provided for such requirements at the access path level have so far been primitive in nature (almost always, in fact, requiring complicated human intervention)This thesis begins to explore the notion of increasing the degree of automation of such requirements at the access path level; to consider the practical basis for self-adapting or self-organizing data management systems. Consideration is first given to the motivation (justification) of such a notion. Then, based on a review of the relevant aspects of a number of existing data management systems, we present a complete design specification and outline for a proposed access path level. Regarding this system we consider in detail the automation of two major aspects of physical organization: the clustering of records on mass storage media and the selection of secondary indices. The results of our analysis of these problems provides a basis for the ultimate demonstration of feasibility of such automation. / Science, Faculty of / Computer Science, Department of / Graduate

Purpose. This study of automated information retrieval systems was undertaken to attempt to ascertain the extent and development of a total legal information system. Overview. Historically, lawyers have searched the statutes and case law in the traditionally manual method. Given consistent high standards of editing, not too complex materials, and a collection of manageable size, this manual method will work to reasonable satisfaction, so long as a document never changes in meaning or significance. Lawyers point out that the present manual system is inadequate because with 30,000 new judicial decisions and 15,000 new statutes being promulgated each year it is becoming increasingly difficult to search the law. Methodology. The writer surveyed a selected sample of legal firms to determine the methods or aids used in the area of major management concern: (1) word processing, (2) bookkeeping, (3) timekeeping, (4) library, (5) filing, and (6) legal research. Correspondence and interviews revealed that only five firms are using a mechanical search system, while only one firm was on-line with a computer legal research system. Because law firms began addressing themselves to administrative problems only since 1960 it was necessary to make an investigation of the literature to develop an information base for this study. The proceedings of national law office management seminars were studied. Interviews were held with law firm managers, interested lawyers, the Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court of Oregon, the Administrator for the Oregon Justice Department, and computer and accounting system salesmen. Discussion. The use of the computer as the tool to use in a system for automated information retrieval for legal research was first demonstrated in 1960 at the American Bar Association's Annual Meeting in Washington, D. C. Several experiments and studies conducted since that time are discussed in this study. Two new systems seem to offer significant promise for automated legal searches, (1) the OBAR System, and (2) the Aspen System. Each is computer-oriented and offers full text ("word for word") searches. Resistance by lawyers to use an automated legal research system is expected due to professional conservatism. Recommendations and Conclusion. Law firms must continue upgrading their administrative functions in order to be ready for a sophisticated automated information retrieval system. A national organization such as the American Bar Association will have to organize a joint effort for implementation of a full information system. Law school curriculum will have to include a study of system analysis and computer technology. Law firms will have to develop a new concept of organization and work habits will need to be changed. The use of automated information retrieval systems for legal research will make lawyers more efficient and more profitable, without the need to increase client fees.

No description available.

The purpose of this project has been twofold. First, a thorough literature survey has been conducted in the field of information storage and retrieval with primary attention given to computer oriented techniques. The systems used and the theory behind them have been of more concern to the author than the actual equipment used because it is felt that equipment will change very rapidly as it has in the past whereas the basic system, in most cases, will prevail. The second part of this project has been the design of an overall automated trial information system with the needs of the designer being of prime importance. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.