Technical Information Management Research Articles

Estado del arte sobre el pago por servicios ambientales en Paraguay: Dieciséis años de gestión

Due to the increasing academic interest in Payment for Environmental Services (PES) globally and the scattered state of PES in Paraguay, this paper presents a review of Paraguay to provide an overview of the current state of the subject at the national level and develop new theoretical and methodological approaches. The main objectives of this article are to compile the history of management and systematization of technical, academic, and scientific information on PES in Paraguay and contribute to defining economic valuation methods to enhance PES at the local and regional levels. This will serve as a strategy for designing environmental management models that guarantee the provision of long-term environmental services (16 years of analysis).The study design was qualitative, documentary, bibliographic and descriptive, based on the preparation and analysis of a database with 41 technical documents that facilitated the systematization and mapping of the information. Results show that 46% of the documents analyzed correspond to peer-reviewed literature, with five identified management periods. The most worked aspect was the economic valuation of environmental goods and services, especially those derived from the forest, where market-based valuation techniques based have been applied to a greater extent. As for the valuation of environmental damage, no publications or works were found during the studied period. Economic valuation studies were important for the current PES regulation process in Paraguay. that the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) mechanism in Paraguay has made significant progress over the past 16 years. However, both the market and policies related to PES are still not fully established due to critical issues identified, primarily the lack of regulation of other certification modalities that contribute to both sustainable production and conservation strategies. Hence, there is a need to address these challenges to ensure the effective implementation of PES in Paraguay. * The photo corresponds to Tuyuyús cuarteleros (Jabiru mycteria) in the flooding savannah of the Chaco. Photo: Karim Musalem

NDT spatial data integration for monumental buildings: technical information management for the Royal Alcazar of Seville

ABSTRACT Non-destructive testing (NDT) for the diagnosis of heritage buildings has proved to be one of the most sustainable approaches in the field of preventive conservation. Nevertheless, the comprehensive management of NDT information is complex, often resulting in a poorly optimized use of the data. This contribution aims to propose a method for integrating NDT data in a standardized way into simplified digital information models, produced using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This method is applied to the plasterwork located in the Courtyard of the Maidens, which are elements with an enormous historic-artistic value in the Royal Alcazar of Seville (Spain), a significant UNESCO monument. For this purpose, a multi-scale web GIS-based model has integrated the NDT information from the plasterworks, such as ambient conditions, damage mapping, C-Shore Hardness, Superficial Humidity, Infrared thermography (IRT), Digital Image Processing (DIP) and Ground Penetration Radar (GPR). The combined georeferencing of the data from the various measurements and their simultaneous visualization has enabled the detection of vulnerable areas in the complex. The results are easily accessible for managers, and additionally show the analytical potential of the research approach, thereby allowing a quick diagnosis and hierarchization of tasks.

A Microservice-based Infrastructure for the Academic Research on Semantic Knowledge Graphs and Derived Applications

For some time past, conceptual and technological approaches in the field of semantic knowledge graphs (ontologies) have been finding their way into the domain of technical writing, technical information management and knowledge management, with the aim of enhancing the classical classification-based methods and thereby, solving problems that either cannot or can only be solved with difficulty in form of previous approaches. As these concepts are quite new in this field, they are still subject to current research in the academic field. This paper aims at providing a microservice-based software platform to support further studies in this area. In the sense of exploratory prototyping, the platform should make it possible to research various technological and conceptual questions and to demonstrate applications derived from them, regardless of the development status of existing, proprietary productive software applications.

Spanish State Policy on the Management of Science and Scientific and Technical Information

The article is devoted to the analysis of the Spanish state policy in the field of science and scientific and technical information management. The paper examines the institutional characteristics of scientific policy in the country, in particular, the main bodies of its coordination, financing and implementation, including their functional powers, regulatory framework, and international cooperation. The article concludes that the Spanish authorities are taking active steps to improve the legislation in the field of science in order to increase the overall competitiveness of the country in the international arena. Important conclusions were also made by the proposed recommendations in various aspects that can contribute to achieving better results.

Semantic Correlation Rules as a Logic Layer between Content Management and Content Delivery

Semantic technologies have recently gained considerable influence and attention in the field of technical communication and information management. While metadata management is already a well-known field of content management technologies, its semantic extension addresses more recently, for example, problems of model-based product development and related content engineering processes. On the other hand, dynamic search technology and content delivery can benefit from semantic modelling by enhancing search functionalities or by integrating various data sources utilizing semantic mapping. In this evolving environment, we propose a logical layer of content correlations as so-called semantic correlation rules (SCR). This layer can be understood as an interface between content management systems, semantic modelling systems and content delivery portals. Semantic correlation rules serve as a light-weight ontology consisting primarily of untyped semantic relations between metadata classes. In doing so, class-to-class linking mechanisms can be implemented in content delivery and search environments while serving as a basis for the previously introduced microDoc concept

Preface

Ensuring the high quality and reliability of complex technical systems in the modern world remains the sharpest and most relevant topic. High dynamics of changes in technical products, such as automobiles, military equipment, marine vessels, electronic industry products, machine tools and equipment, dictates the conditions for revising methods and approaches to ensure quality, reliability and competitiveness. Serious changes in production technologies require a review of the fundamentals of statistical process control, since the effectiveness and efficiency of quality control methods aimed at directly influencing a technological operation remain in doubt.In this regard, fundamental research is becoming particularly relevant. The international scientific-practical conference “Quality Management and Reliability of Technical Systems” is held with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of scientific research, developing regional and international scientific cooperation, creating conditions for scientists to exchange research results, systematizing current problems and identifying trends in scientific research in the field of quality management and reliability of technical systems. Fundamental scientific research aimed at addressing the issues of machines and energy complexes safety, reliability, survivability is of particular relevance; control systems optimization methods and intellectualization and processes; adaptive management; control systems modeling and identification; information interaction in complex systems; modeling of promising structures, materials and technologies; new methods and approaches to ensure the quality and reliability of modern industries study; modern standardization problems; complex technical systems and information management systems; control in deterministic, stochastic systems and in conditions of uncertainty; ergonomics and biomechanics of systems “man - machine - environment”.The issue was prepared with organizing, informational and technical support of the National Technology Initiative Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies based on the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies of Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University.The issue was prepared with financial support of the grant from the Program Competitiveness Enhancement of Leading Russian Universities among Global Research and Education Centers, supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation of Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University, Project 5-100-2020.All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.”

Towards Next Generation Technical Documentation in Augmented Reality Using a Context-Aware Information Manager

Technical documentation is evolving from static contents presented on paper or via digital publishing to real-time on-demand contents displayed via virtual and augmented reality (AR) devices. However, how best to provide personalized and context-relevant presentation of technical information is still an open field of research. In particular, the systems described in the literature can manage a limited number of modalities to convey technical information, and do not consider the ‘people’ factor. Then, in this work, we present a Context-Aware Technical Information Management (CATIM) system, that dynamically manages (1) what information as well as (2) how information is presented in an augmented reality interface. The system was successfully implemented, and we made a first evaluation in the real industrial scenario of the maintenance of a hydraulic valve. We also measured the time performance of the system, and results revealed that CATIM performs fast enough to support interactive AR.

Quality Management and Reliability of Technical Systems

Ensuring the high quality and reliability of complex technical systems in the modern world remains the sharpest and most relevant topic. High dynamics of changes in technical products, such as automobiles, military equipment, marine vessels, electronic industry products, machine tools and equipment, dictates the conditions for revising methods and approaches to ensure quality, reliability and competitiveness. Serious changes in production technologies require a review of the fundamentals of statistical process control, since the effectiveness and efficiency of quality control methods aimed at directly influencing a technological operation remain in doubt.In this regard, fundamental research is becoming particularly relevant. The international scientific-practical conference “Quality Management and Reliability of Technical Systems” is held with the aim of increasing the effectiveness of scientific research, developing regional and international scientific cooperation, creating conditions for scientists to exchange research results, systematizing current problems and identifying trends in scientific research in the field of quality management and reliability of technical systems. Fundamental scientific research aimed at addressing the issues of machines and energy complexes safety, reliability, survivability is of particular relevance; control systems optimization methods and intellectualization and processes; adaptive management; control systems modeling and identification; information interaction in complex systems; modeling of promising structures, materials and technologies; new methods and approaches to ensure the quality and reliability of modern industries study; modern standardization problems; complex technical systems and information management systems; control in deterministic, stochastic systems and in conditions of uncertainty; ergonomics and biomechanics of systems “man - machine - environment”.The issue was prepared with the financial support of the grant from the Program Competitiveness Enhancement of Leading Russian Universities among Global Research and Education Centers, supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation of Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University, Project 5-100-2020.All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.”

Risk factors of a viral nervous necrosis disease in grouper (Epinephelus spp.) cultured in Bintan district, Indonesia.

Aim:The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) disease in tiger grouper cultured in the floating net cage in Bintan district, Indonesia.Materials and Methods:Sampling used multiple stages with ponds as interest units. The selection conducted by systematic random sampling from the entire net cage in Bintan district. The fish samples were selected based on the appearance of clinical signs of infected fish. The risk factors investigated in this study included net cage, technical, and sample fish information, culture, water quality, and feed management. A total of 195 fishes pooled to the 39 net cages and tested using the nested polymerase chain reaction technique to determine the VNN status. The brain and eye processed for histopathology.Results:The prevalence rate of VNN on the net cage was 38% (15/39). The risk factors affecting VNN using bivariate analysis was cleaning the net (χ2=9.80; p=0.002), replacement of net cage (χ2=5.20; p=0.0226), and floating net cage technicians knowledge (χ2=4.13; p=0.042). The variables of positive risk factors affecting VNN by multivariate analysis were the juvenile source and the level of mid-weather changes (technician experience and dissolved oxygen [DO]). Seven variables associated to the VNN outbreak have detected. The positive multiplier factors were the source of juveniles, mid weather changes, technician experience, and the DO, while the negative factors were salinity, mixed feed, and the low weather changes. Histopathologically, the grouper fish showed the brain, eye, and muscle vacuolization and kidney necrosis.Conclusion:It proves that the Bintan waters contaminated by VNN had a prevalence rate of 38% from the total sample based on bivariate method, net cleaning, net replacement, and knowledge on the VNN outbreak. Natural infection of VNN in grouper leads to vacuolization of the brain, the eye, and muscles nearby the eye as well the kidney necrosis.

Organizational competency in urban water infrastructure asset management

This paper presents an organizational performance measurement framework for guiding the development of organizational competencies to manage water infrastructure assets. The framework was validated through interviews and surveys with professionals. The framework includes three major dimensions for competency: technical activities, organizational management, and information and knowledge management. Across these levels, it presents 11 core critical success factors. It also provides a set of quantitative performance measures for municipal asset management teams and organizations. The framework serves as means to guide public policy makers in establishing policies and guidelines for enhancing municipal capacity in project management in the context of infrastructure assets. It also can help municipalities in defining gaps and areas of improvement. The framework is not intended to be universal. No model can make this claim given the drastic differences in legal and political setting in different jurisdictions. The proposed framework, however, can serve as a benchmark for other work in related contexts.

The current state and influential factors in the development of digital literacy in Thailand’s higher education

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the current state and influential factors in the development of digital literacy of the students in Thailand’s higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative research method was applied with a survey conducted to collect information from the target group that consisted of administrators, lecturers and students of 116 Thai universities. Respondents included 81 administrators, 500 lecturers and 1,000 students.FindingsThe findings revealed that 61.73 per cent of the universities set digital literacy as an undergraduate program policy, 30.86 per cent set it as a student development policy, while 12.35 per cent do not have any policy in this regard. In total, 40.74 per cent of the universities establish digital literacy as the required graduates’ trait, and 22.22 per cent establish it as a graduate’s identity. The study of factors related to digital literacy development showed that the respondents see that all of the factors affect students’ digital literacy development at a high level, including infrastructures, human resources, students’ awareness, external environments, development process, university’s policy and academic management.Originality/valueIn Thailand, universities have seen the importance of information literacy development for students at a certain level. However, the concepts of information literacy and digital literacy differ. While information literacy mainly comprises technical skill and information management skill, digital literacy is composed of technical skill, cognitive skill and emotional-social skills. This paper presents the first research on digital literacy development in Thai higher education.

Review of "Rhetorical memory: A study of technical communication and information management by S. Whittemore", University of Chicago Press 2015

Review of "Rhetorical memory: A study of technical communication and information management by S. Whittemore", University of Chicago Press 2015

An autonomic ontology-based approach to manage information in home-based scenarios: From theory to practice

Data integration is a key challenge in scenarios where different sources of information form part of a common service, as is the case in home-based scenarios. Moreover, an integrated management procedure is deemed necessary in order to unify the ways of accessing, controlling, evaluating and transferring information remotely. In this paper, a combination of the autonomic computing paradigm with ontologies is proposed to meet this challenge. The potential solution has been studied from both theoretical and practical points of view. First, an ontology model driven approach based on the autonomic computing paradigm (MAPE: monitor, analyze, plan and execute) has been proposed as a reference knowledge framework to unify both managed data and management procedures. Secondly, the proposed knowledge model has been applied to the management of technical information in home-based telemonitoring scenarios. An agent to perform the management tasks described in the ontology has been implemented and has been successfully evaluated in terms of its application to the definition of different actions within a telemonitoring scenario. The solution presented in this work offers a generic solution for the integration of data and its management procedure in home-based scenarios.

Design of Technical Information Management System for Machine Tool Workbench

Machine workbench is a key parts of CNC machine tool. Taking into account the demand of machine tool factory for machine workbench technical information management, the management database system of machine workbench technical information is developed by Microsoft Access software. This system can save the type and specification information of the machine workbenches and the technical drawings, record the experience of the workbenches, produce the summary table of the major technical parameters and form the application information automatically, and provide the information and data support for the design and manufacture of CNC machine tools. As a result, the information database is integrated efficiently for the CNC machine tool manufactory.

Pioneers in Uncharted Territory: VINITI and the communist influence on the U.S. scientific and technical information system

Given that the rise of the Internet has greatly intensified information management problems in contemporary society, the historical perspective, or looking at the roots, is viewed by many as an indispensable component of the quest for practical solutions to information overload. This historical comparative study intends to narrow the gap in the existing knowledge about the impact of the Soviet military-industrial complex on the rise of the scientific and technical information management system in the mid-20th century United States, particularly in such agencies as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Along with a chronological analysis of primary and secondary documents, data are being collected via a series of interviews with prominent experts in the field whose research has revolved around both VINITI and the formative years of the U.S. scientific and technical information domain. Conclusions regarding the NSF and NTIS reactions to the Soviet developments are being made based on such indicators as organizational changes, budget allocations, and manpower changes.

What do information reuse and automated processing require in engineering design? Semantic process

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to characterize, analyze, and demonstrate machine-understandable semantic process for validating, integrating, and processing technical design information. This establishes both a vision and tools for information reuse and semi-automatic processing in engineering design projects, including virtual machine laboratory applications with generated components. Design/methodology/approach: The process model has been developed iteratively in terms of action research, constrained by the existing technical design practices and assumptions (design documents, expert feedback), available technologies (pre-studies and experiments with scripting and pipeline tools), benchmarking with other process models and methods (notably the RUP and DITA), and formal requirements (computability and the critical information paths for the generated applications). In practice, the work includes both quantitative and qualitative components. Findings: Technical design processes may be greatly enhanced in terms of semantic process thinking, by enriching design information, and automating information validation and transformation tasks. Contemporary design information, however, is mainly intended for human consumption, and needs to be explicitly enriched with the currently missing data and interfaces. In practice, this may require acknowledging the role of technical information or knowledge engineer, to lead the development of the semantic design information process in a design organization. There is also a trade-off between machine-readability and system complexity that needs to be studied further, both empirically and in theory. Research limitations/implications: The conceptualization of the semantic process is essentially an abstraction based on the idea of progressive design. While this effectively allows implementing semantic processes with, e.g., pipeline technologies, the abstraction is valid only when technical design is organized into reasonably distinct tasks. Practical implications: Our work points out a best practice for technical information management in progressive design that can be applied on different levels. Social implications: Current design processes may be somewhat impaired by legacy practices that do not promote information reuse and collaboration beyond conventional task domains. Our work provides a reference model to analyze and develop design activities as formalized work-flows. This work should lead into improved industry design process models and novel CAD/CAM/PDM applications, thereby strengthening industry design processes. Originality/value: While extensively studied, semantic modeling in technical design has been largely dominated by the idea of capturing design artifacts without a clear rationale why this is done and what level of detail should be favored in models. In the semantic process presented in this article, the utility and the chief quality criteria of semantic models (of technical information and artifacts) are explicitly established by the semantic processing pipeline(s). This constructively explains the significance of semantic models as communication and information requirement interfaces, with concrete use cases.

A Framework to Assess the Effectiveness of IMF Technical Assistance in National Accounts

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of technical assistance provided by AFRITAC West (AFW) in the area of national accounts using the Fund's Technical Assistance Information Management System (TAIMS). The challenge has been to report on ultimate outcomes (i.e., the production and dissemination of national accounts statistics along best international practices) rather than on inputs (i.e., the number of national accounts missions fielded by AFW), as it has been the case to date. The paper concludes that the ultimate outcome of producing and disseminating robust national accounts is work in progress, with AFW's technical assistance efforts mainly focusing on source data assessments and methodological issues underpinning the compilation of national accounts. The pending challenge is to further support a more timely production and dissemination of national accounts data, as recommended in the Data ROSCs and by the IMF mission teams to AFW member countries.

Exploring the emerging intellectual structure of archival studies using text mining: 2001—2004

Archival science, like other disciplines, is evolving into more specific interdisciplinary subfields. To determine this intellectual structure of archival science, the text mining method was used. The data were 432 articles from 2001 to 2004, and we produced 43 clusters of documents using the within-group average method in SPSS. Then we generated pathfinder networks of 43 clusters and grouped them into seven subject categories: digital libraries and digital archiving technologies, online resources and finding aids, archives and archivists, legal and political issues, electronic records and technical issues, records and information management, and e-mail and information professionals. Finally, these seven subject categories were merged into three sectors: digital library, archives and RIM (Business). This study describes dynamic change in the 2001—4 research themes from traditional single-subject areas to emerging, complex subject areas. These results also show that research areas in archival sciences have much growth potential and will continue to expand.

企業の知的財産マネジメントにおける特許・技術情報の管理と活用

企業の知的財産マネジメントにおける特許・技術情報の管理と活用

Development of internet-based ship technical information management system

In this paper, internet-based ship technical information management system has been developed as a means to accumulate, manage, share and utilize various distributed applications and information used for ship design and building. The information managed in the system is documents from the whole life cycle including concept design, basic design, detailed design, construction, operation and maintenance. In addition, using the developed system, integrated system framework is also proposed to integrate applications and database in concurrent engineering environment.