Showing papers on "Service (systems architecture) published in 1972"

Designing urban transit systems : an approach to the route-technology selection problem

Abstract: The service specification model is a tool for generating and screening public transportation systems during the initial planning stages. It is based on the concept of a service specification or supply function that integrates hardware system attributes and operating policy. A service specification is an integrated set of statements that defines which hardware-headway combination is to be used for any level of flow across a link. Walk mode may be included in the specification. The model defines a transit system within a network which includes all potential and existing transit links. The current model assumes that transit demand is known. The mechanism of the model is an iterative assignment procedure that is similar to the capacity restraint model. The template network is started at the "best" hardware-headway service level. Link service levels are iteratively adjusted to correspond to link flow level as specified by the service specification. The iterative process ends when no further changes in link service level are required. Empirical tests show that the model is sensitive to the policy decisions and hardware mix incorporated in the service specification and to the size and orientation of the transit demand. The attainment of an equilibrium flow distribution appears to be influenced by the form of the service specification, the percentage of nonplanar links, and the presence of fixed transit-time links in the template network. The model appears to be a useful tool for generating alternative transport system configurations based on different technology mixes and operating policies in any transportation context for which a service specification can be formulated.

Towards automatic profile construction

Abstract: This paper describes part of the Chemical Abstracts Condensate Evaluation (CAC Evaluation) carried out by the United Kingdom Chemical Information Service (UKCIS).

Accounting control of data processing

Abstract: An objective of a corporate-wide data processing service is to distribute its costs equitably among its users. Aimed toward more realistically meeting this objective is an accounting system - general ledger, budget, and data processing resource utilization system - based on a cost-center configuration. Discussed are techniques for accurately measuring data processing resource utilization in a multiprogramming environment and coordinating cost center expenses with the general ledger and the budget.

A utility theoretic approach to evaluation of a time-sharing system

Abstract: Publisher Summary One of the problems faced by the manager of a computer center in trying to provide a better time-sharing service is the determination of the relative worth to users of taking one action versus another. Therefore, this chapter presents a possible procedure for the formalization of management decision-making in this area. The procedure draws heavily on the methods of statistical decision theory, particularly as they relate to assessment of preferences and multi-attributed utility functions. To determine the system characteristics relevant to the decision-making process, the chapter presents the construction of a hierarchical structure that contains a collectively exhaustive set of time-sharing system characteristics, S = {si}, which can be used to evaluate possible outcomes of any action. The chapter presents an experiment that was performed to show the feasibility of the determination of a general utility function for one group of users of a general-purpose time-sharing system. The experiment consisted of a series of interviews with users to determine their overall utility function for the following time-sharing characteristics: availability, response time to trivial requests, and response time to compute-bound requests.

Metals and Ceramics Information Center

Abstract: : The Department of Defense, in 1955, established the Titanium Metallurgical Laboratory at Battelle-Columbus, expanding the scope and changing the name to Defense Metals Information Center in 1958. The Defense Ceramic Information Center was assigned to Battelle in 1967. The two Centers were combined in 1971, forming the current Metals and Ceramics Information Center (MCIC). This is the first annual report on the new MCIC program, but its historical data are derived from the 17 continuous years of these DoD information service activities. During the contract year reported, 3247 references were added to the approximately 100,000 items in the MCIC files. 580 technical inquires were processed (more than 80% of these before the introduction of inquiry charges). 61 issues of the Reviews of Metals and Ceramics Technology were published; the Reviews now are sold under subscription through NTIS. 9 formal state-of-the-art reports were published; and three new Handbook programs were initiated. Several special studies were conducted and the operations of MCIC were converted totally to the computerized system which was initiated in 1970. Arrangements were implemented for use of National Technical Information Service for marketing MCIC output.

Design Procedures and their Implementation

Abstract: The requirements of a rational structural design procedure are given in the context of ship classification. The procedure centres on the simulation of the ship’s structural response in an ocean environment by means of mathematical models whose implementation depends on the use of high speed digital computers. The ship motions and loads are treated in a statistical manner, while the structural response is treated in a deterministic manner by using numerical methods of structural analysis. A statistical approach to safety is introduced based upon probability theory. The prediction method is related to actual experience in service by monitoring the ship throughout its life. Implementation represents a large-scale data processing operation. The financial and economic problems arising from the implementation of such a procedure are likely to be at least as critical as the technical problems.

Parallel Operations of Sequential Service Lines with Interline Transfer.

Abstract: : Scientific analysis of servicing processes has resulted in the development of sequential servicing where in a unit requiring service is processed through a fixed number of stages sequentially. A detailed study of such a system has been presented by Boling. In this paper a large servicing system consisting of a finite number of identical sequential service lines is considered. These lines are operated in parallel but interline transfers of units are made whenever advantageous. Using time homogeneous Markov Chain, a model is developed for analyzing the operation of such a system. It is shown that interline transfers of units result in improved performance of the system. Practical considerations in the implementation of this mode of operation are discussed besides illustrating the model. (Author)

The State's Role in Gas Safety Program

Abstract: In order to comply with the requirements of the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, and federal standards for gas safety, state regulatory agencies must perform the following functions with respect to intrastate gas transmission pipelines; investigate and determine the cause of pipeline accidents; cause the filing of inspection and maintenance plans by the pipeline operators; verify the operator's compliance with the plans; enforce minimum federal safety standards; require record keeping by pipeline operators to inform operators of degree of safety of the pipelines; and report state agency's saftey activities to the Office of Pipeline Safety, Department of Transportation Accidents occurring on intrastate facilities may also be reviewed by the National Transportation Safety Board, Department of Transportation; the Federal Power Commission assumes limited jurisdiction with respect to loss of service State agencies have a responsibilty to develop new safety standards which are reasonable and proper under correct current circumstances

Technical information centers: Specialized services to science and technology. An overview

Abstract: The term “technical information center” can be used to describe any service which retrieves any type of data or information, but is generally used to refer to science information and its retrieval. For the purposes of this study, a “technical information center” will describe any service or library which makes information available to the scientific and technological community. This short study will attempt to describe the purposes, establishment, practices, and problems of such an information center, and to focus attention on the unique relationships that do or could exist between the “traditional” special or company library and the “modern” technical information center.