Peter Nichols and Jeremy Sergeant
This paper describes the development of an on‐line bibliographic retrieval service, InfoLine, during a period of rapid growth of availability of data transmission networks…
In the last two issues of Online Review we gave a report on the European Space Agency — Information Retrieval Service (IRS) and on the British Library — BLAISE service. In this…
Abstract
In the last two issues of Online Review we gave a report on the European Space Agency — Information Retrieval Service (IRS) and on the British Library — BLAISE service. In this issue, we continue our series on ‘European Hosts’ by describing InfoLine a new European online service. The creation of both IRS and, to a lesser extent, BLAISE predates the current European network developments and the significant growth of online usage in Europe. The principal reason for starting IRS was the need to meet the information requirements of the European Space Agency. BLAISE is an understandable extension of the British Library's significant involvement in cataloguing services, database creation and document delivery. InfoLine is a commercial corporation set up to develop profitably services in the online marketplace.
Several online host services in both the USA and Europe offer companies the opportunity of being able to load and access private files of information. The benefits associated with…
Abstract
Several online host services in both the USA and Europe offer companies the opportunity of being able to load and access private files of information. The benefits associated with private file services are outlined, and some of the factors which need to be considered when contemplating the use of such a service are discussed, including file design, charges and security. The use of videotex for private files is also discussed.
Ericsson Information Systems. L. M. Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications giant, has just formed a new company — Ericsson Information Systems (EIS) — which will compete in the…
Abstract
Ericsson Information Systems. L. M. Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications giant, has just formed a new company — Ericsson Information Systems (EIS) — which will compete in the information technology market. The new company has been created out of two Ericsson divisions and Datasaab, a Swedish computer firm, which Ericsson bought a year ago. EIS is expected to continue marketing Datasaab's successful terminal and minicomputer, but in addition will develop and sell products for the private and business markets, particularly integrated information systems, office automation systems and PABXs.
UMI goes online. The information industry is going through some dramatic changes and this is well illustrated by the unveiling of a new service from UMI. It is to launch an online…
Abstract
UMI goes online. The information industry is going through some dramatic changes and this is well illustrated by the unveiling of a new service from UMI. It is to launch an online service which combines images of newspaper and magazine articles with ASCII text, and intends selling it directly to users from early next year. It has also offered gateway access to its existing third‐party vendors, Data‐Star Dialog and Mead Data Central, as well as other hosts.
To make it easier for searchers to determine which databases contain citations on a specific question, BRS has developed an automatic cross‐database search capability named CROSS…
Abstract
To make it easier for searchers to determine which databases contain citations on a specific question, BRS has developed an automatic cross‐database search capability named CROSS. This new feature enables users to ‘browse’ various files and identify which of them contain records of potential interest. Using CROSS the searcher can specify which databases he wishes the system to search. As a convenience, the system has grouped certain files, such as life sciences databases or business databases, so that, if desired, the user may simply enter a single digit to specify which files should be searched. Once the specified files have been identified, a ‘postings’ list appears, telling the user how many appropriate citations are present in each of the files. Once the user determines which databases will yield the desired results, however, it is still necessary to change over to the individual databases to enter the strategy and retrieve the actual items. Nevertheless, this facility should prove very valuable to searchers with cross‐disciplinary queries.
NETWORKS Nordic packet switched network. The Nordic PTTs have established a packet‐switching service with nodes in Stockholm (Databas 300/1200) and Oslo (Norpak). Multiplexors in…
Abstract
NETWORKS Nordic packet switched network. The Nordic PTTs have established a packet‐switching service with nodes in Stockholm (Databas 300/1200) and Oslo (Norpak). Multiplexors in Copenhagen and Helsinki are connected to Databas 300/1200 and connections are also possible to North America using the Swedish node. The previous SCANNET node computers now function as front‐end processors. Authorization to use SCANNET is given by the various Scandinavian PTTs and a new logon procedure is employed. The tariffs are composed of four parts — an initial charge for new users; a quarterly charge; a connection per minute charge; and a charge for the transmission of 10 segments.
Jeremy Linskell and Jenny Hill
This paper describes the role that smart home technology can play in enhancing the provision of supported living for people with complex needs and challenging behaviour…
Abstract
This paper describes the role that smart home technology can play in enhancing the provision of supported living for people with complex needs and challenging behaviour. Intelligent building systems, or smart house technologies, offer a flexible environment that can be readily adapted and mapped onto the needs of service users and their carers. The effective management and presentation of information on the activity of service users can assist in planning care and facilitating responses to their needs in ways that promote individual dignity and independence. This paper describes how an approach was developed, using smart home technology, based on local experiences with previous technological solutions. Recommendations are offered towards the specification of a system within a design brief. The application of these recommendations is illustrated in the use of smart house technology within three contrasting local projects and the advantages of applying this approach are discussed.
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AFTER the most severe winter in living memory we can look at the position of libraries with some satisfaction. The almost impossible weather energized some libraries as never…
Abstract
AFTER the most severe winter in living memory we can look at the position of libraries with some satisfaction. The almost impossible weather energized some libraries as never before and many report a circulation surpassing that of any previous winter. Many circumstances go to such a result. The failure of other types of circulating library, owing to the continuing scarcity of books, to meet demands formerly made upon them is one. The earlier closing than was the case of most places of amusement should also be borne in mind. The disappointing thing about the situation is that we are unable ourselves to supply the best fiction, for example, in editions of which we can be satisfied. We have not been able to take advantage of our opportunities.
Chocolate and cocoa are made from the “beans” or seeds of several small trees, natives of tropical America, of which Theobroma cacao (L.) is by far the most important. Cocoa beans…
Abstract
Chocolate and cocoa are made from the “beans” or seeds of several small trees, natives of tropical America, of which Theobroma cacao (L.) is by far the most important. Cocoa beans were highly esteemed by the aborigines, especially the Aztecs of Mexico and Peru, who prepared from them beverages and foods. They were brought to the notice of Europeans by Cortez and other explorers, but were not extensively imported into Europe until the seventeenth century, about the time tea and coffee were introduced from the East. At present the world's supply comes chiefly from Venezuela, Guiana, Ecuador, Brazil, Trinidad, Cuba, Mexico, and other regions bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, being gathered in these regions from trees both wild and cultivated; and also to some extent from Java, Ceylon, Africa, and other parts of the Old World, where the tree has been successfully cultivated.