November 1987 - Vol. 30 No. 11
Features
ARIADNE: pattern-directed inference and hierarchical abstraction in protein structure recognition
The macro-molecular structural conformations of proteins exhibit higher order regularities whose recognition is complicated by many factors. ARIADNE searches for similarities between structural descriptors and hypothesized protein structure at levels more abstract than the primary sequence.
A plausibility-driven approach to computer architecture design
A dilemma skirting the discipline of computer architecture concerns the plausibility of architectural designs. To counter the widely held perception that architecture is a nebulous entity is a proposal to view such designs as specifications of constraints to be satisfied.
Markup systems and the future of scholarly text processing
Markup practices can affect the move toward systems that support scholars in the process of thinking and writing. Whereas procedural and presentational markup systems retard that movement, descriptive markup systems accelerate the pace by simplifying mechanical tasks and allowing the authors to focus their attention on the content.
A proposed solution to the problem of levels in error-message generation
A simple "lets talk about it" strategy is developed that enables users to explore lower level error messages through dialogue.
The partial metrics system: modeling the stepwise refinement process using partial metrics
The Partial Metrics System design is explained, with an emphasis on the refinement process. A model, with its three phases, shows that the pseudocode refinement process can be monitored in partial metric terms.
The vocabulary problem in human-system communication
In almost all computer applications, users must enter correct words for the desired objects or actions. For success without extensive training, or in first-tries for new targets, the system must recognize terms that will be chosen spontaneously. We studied spontaneous word choice for objects in five application-related domains, and found the variability to be surprisingly large. In every case two people favored the same term with probability
The relationship of MIS steering committees to size of firm and formalization of MIS planning
Top-level management and directors of management information systems (MIS) have been urged to oversee information systems (IS) development efforts using MIS steering committees. Although such committees have been shown to assist with planning problems facing the MIS director, little is known about just how such committees relate to the planning process. Drawing on organizational theory literature, a conceptual model is presented that relates firm size and MIS steering committees to four IS planning practices. The results of this survey of 456 MIS directors suggest that use of an MIS steering committee is associated with more formalized and systematic MIS planning. However, some of these relationships are stronger in large firms.
