Knowledge-based systems: an exploratory study of new developers

Dutch research on knowledge-based instructional systems: Introduction to the special issue

The objective of this study was to statistically analyze differences in the allocation of projects and financial resources by the North American Development Bank in the US-Mexico border region. The method uses a quantitative approach, based on the bank's databases from 1995 to 2024. It was found that there is generally balance in both project approvals and financial resources allocated at the country level; however, at the sector and state levels, some significant differences were found. The originality lies essentially in the absence of specific literature on the topic. The main conclusion was to show a reasonable balance in the allocation of financial resources in countries and states with notoriously distant economies. The greatest limitation may stem from the accuracy of the information published by the bank. Its implication is essentially to provide visibility to the bank's actions.

Financial industry is a core industry in Hong Kong. The business systems in financial institutes are widely applied throughout their front, mid, and back office. The system specialist who supports these systems must have finance and information-systems knowledge. This multi-disciplinary requirement leads to difficulties in finding capable candidates. It is reasonably assumed that a knowledge-based system (KBS) with the intelligence of a system specialist can assist a helpdesk to support the business systems. However, KBS development involves many known issues. In particular, the uncertainties of collected knowledge should be discussed and remodelled iteratively until the final knowledge set is close to the actual knowledge. Although the literature states that it is theoretically feasible to use Unified Modelling Language (UML) on knowledge acquisition, case studies on this area to date have been insufficient, hence this research experiment UML on developing a KBS for supporting business systems in a financial institute. The method of using UML diagrams is documented throughout the study. The results show that the UML was useful in different stages of KBS development. The case study articulates how the KBS helps to solve business system problems in the company. In summary, this paper can shed light on future research in using UML for KBS development.

This paper presents a framework called logical knowledge object (LKO), which is taken as a basis of the dependable development of knowledge based systems(KBSs). LKO combines logic programming and object-oriented programming paradigms, where objects are viewed as abstractions with states, constraints, behaviors and inheritance. The operational semantics defined in the style of natural semantics is simple and clear. A hybrid knowledge representation amalgamating rule, frame, semantic network and blackboard is available for both most structured and flat knowledge. The management of knowledge bases has been formally specified. Accordingly, LKO is well suited for the formal representation of knowledge and requirements of KBSs. Based on the framework, verification techniques are also explored to enhance the analysis of requirement specifications and the validation of KBSs. In addition, LKO provides a methodology for the development of KBSs, applying the concepts of rapid prototyping and top-down design to deal with changing and incomplete requirements, and to provide multiple abstract models of the domain, where formal methods might be used at each abstract level.

Research in verification and validation (V&V) of knowledge based systems (KBS) has emerged as a distinct field in the last decade and is intended to address issues associated with KBS quality aspects and to credit such applications to the same degree as conventional applications. Part of the knowledge and techniques developed are now ready to be transferred to industry for the implementation of software certification. Certification is probably the most advanced use of the V&V methods, techniques and knowledge that have been developed so far. The paper approaches the challenging issues of certifying the knowledge base (KB) component of a KBS. KB certification uses a number of different certification methods such as static analysis, testing, inspection, and modeling to assess the quality of the KB component. Although these methods are currently used in KBS development, it is not yet clear how they would be applied by an independent certification organization to arrive at a pass/fail decision. The article discusses the components of KB certification and identifies application areas directly connected with industrial needs.

Knowledge Based System (KBS) is a problem solving approach that makes use of human knowledge in decision strategies. Modeling and representing imperfect human knowledge associated with uncertainty is an important task in KBS development. There are various types of uncertainty, and randomness and fuzziness are among the most important. Handling hybrid uncertainty in one KBS is critical to support real world applications. Knowware System (KWS) is an intelligent tool designed to support application developers in constructing customized hybrid KBS without requiring developers being familiar with relevant intelligent techniques. It is essential for KWS to construct corresponding inference structure in resulting KBS and process the inference with hybrid uncertainty. To fulfill this requirement the extended Truth Value Flow Inference (TVFI) and Interval-Valued Confidence (IVC) have been defined and developed as ambedded mechanisms of KWS, and the hybrid logic has been adopted for the framework of handling hybrid uncertainty.This chapter discusses the IVC for the inference in hybrid KBS constructed by KWS with hierarchical knowledge representation. The knowledge content (precise or imprecise) represented in multiple units of knowledge hierarchy and the confidence obtained during inference process are treated as at two levels separately but simultaneously based on the extended TVFI. With the basic form of IVC, a fuzzy truth value is represented as a fuzzy number defined as a three-parametric triangular type-1 fuzzy set on the unit interval [0, 1]. The inference with both fuzzy truth and probability results an Extended Interval-Valued Confidence (EIVC) which is an interval type-2 fuzzy set on [0, 1] having the probability as an uncertainty measure on the fuzzy truth. The main focus of discussion will be put on interval-valued confidence. To provide the background of discussion, the KWS scheme, the extended TVFI and the concepts of hybrid logic will be briefly introduced.KeywordsUncertaintyRandomnessFuzzinessKnowwareSystemHybridLogicInterval-Valued Confidence

This study examines resource allocation and utilization in Nigeria as the missing link in the nation’s quest for sustainable development. The main objective of the research is to examine how inefficient allocation and utilization of material, human and financial resources has made the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) elusive in Nigeria. Given the abundant resources at the disposal of successive regimes in the country, it is difficult to explain why the citizens remain desperately poor with 70 percent living below poverty line. The excruciating poverty faced by the rural majority and the urban poor has led some people into indulging in unwholesome practices such as armed robbery, pipeline vandalism, prostitution, risky migrations, advanced fee fraud and other forms of social vices. The paper utilizes a qualitative design based on the interpretivist philosophy while the ontological orientation is subjectivism. Findings from the study indicate that there has been gross inefficiency in resource allocation and utilization in Nigeria due to corruption, ethnic prejudices, bad governance practices, absence of accountability, lack of transparency and wasteful spending on frivolous activities. Conclusion drawn from the study indicates that if proper project planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation are carried out in a transparent manner, and resources are efficiently allocated and utilized, Nigeria would be on the path to sustainable development. The paper therefore recommends that economic and technical efficiencies should be embraced in resource allocation and utilization for Nigeria to attain sustainable development goals.

Age, “Life-Cycles,” and the Allocation of Scarce Medical Resources

This paper presents a low cost knowledge based system (KBS) framework for design of bending die. Considerations for development of KBS are discussed at some length. The proposed framework divides the task of development of expert system into different modules for major activities of bending die design. The procedure of development of KBS modules is also described at length. Production rules for each module are recommended to be coded in the AutoLISP language and designed to be loaded into the prompt area of AutoCAD or through user interface created using Visual Basic. Each module of the proposed framework is user interactive. Development of one module of the proposed framework is also described at length. This module is capable to assess manufacturability of bending sheet metal parts. An illustrative example is also included to demonstrate the usefulness of this module. The proposed system framework is flexible enough to accommodate new acquired knowledge. As the proposed system is implementable on a PC having AutoCAD software, therefore its low cost of implementation makes it affordable even by small scale sheet metal industries.

Progress in software engineering has led to system development following models of the system life cycle. These models incorporate the use of prototyping and formal methods of program verification. They are becoming supported by integrated project support environments and permit the planning and monitoring of software development projects.In contrast, knowledge based systems (KBS) are developed using informal views of the system life cycle. Tools have been developed to support some stages of the life cycle in an undisciplined manner. The commercial use of KBS needs development projects to be planned and monitored. This requires methods and tools based on systematic life cycle models to be established for KBS.This paper reviews the current state of life cycle approaches to software engineering and KBS development projects in order to provide a direction for the development of methodical KBS life cycle models.

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major public health challenge worldwide; they account for 28 million deaths per year in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Like many other LMICs, India is struggling...

Research Context: Efficient management of Brazil’s Primary Healthcare (PHC) is essential to ensure universal access and quality of care, yet challenges in resource allocation and workforce distribution demand innovative solutions for equitable and sustainable delivery. Practical Problem: A key challenge in PHC management is the lack of integrated efficiency metrics across financial, human, and service dimensions, as current static evaluations limit comparative analysis and hinder effective resource allocation. Proposed Solution: By combining financial, human resource, and service delivery data from official sources, we present a set of operational efficiency indicators designed for PHC in Brazil, that enable comparative and dynamic evaluations across units, supporting equitable and evidence-based healthcare management. Related IS Theory: The solution integrates heterogeneous health data into an information system that supports decision-making, aligning automated tools with managerial workflows to improve efficiency in PHC. Research Method: Following an analytic approach, the study evaluates the proposed indicators through a detailed comparison between the Brazilian cities. A quantitative analysis assesses their practical applicability, ensuring the indicators’ effectiveness in supporting decision-making in PHC. Summary of Results: Experiments demonstrate that the proposed solution provides reliable efficiency indicators for PHC units and municipalities. The results highlight disparities in performance and illustrate how these indicators can support data-driven decisions to optimize financial and human resource allocation. Contributions and Impact to IS area: The study contributes to the IS field by proposing efficiency indicators tailored to Brazil’s Primary Health Care and integrating them into a decision-support system, enhancing transparency, comparability, and equity in public sector governance.

BackgroundPrimary healthcare (PHC) is essential for health systems worldwide, and resource allocation is vital for sustainability. However, various challenges hinder the allocation process, negatively affecting health outcomes. Therefore, this study explored the current challenges related to financial resource allocation within the PHC system in Iran. Materials and methodsThis study is a qualitative descriptive study conducted on the basis of the guide provided by Villamin et al. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Accordingly, 20 interviewees were selected via a purposive and snowball sampling approach. The interviewees were experts in budgeting, primary healthcare, and health policies. This study was conducted in 2024. Data were collected between May 2024 and October 2024. The interviews continued until the saturation point was reached. The interview data were analysed via an inductive thematic analysis approach. MAXQDA version 2020 and Microsoft Excel were used for data extraction.ResultsThe challenges associated with financial resource allocation were categorized into five main themes, eight subthemes, and 25 codes. Themes (subthemes) included the population base (demographic and geographical), health needs (epidemiological), governance (policymaking and political), implementation (process-related and management) and impact (financial).ConclusionsThe findings provide a comprehensive set of challenges for allocating financial resources to PHC. Addressing these challenges is essential for health system managers, policymakers and political leaders. Additionally, awareness of PHC financial resource allocation challenges and how to address them clearly demands a multifaceted approach. Successful outcomes depend on collaboration amongst managers at the health system’s macro, meso, and micro levels. Such cooperation will be instrumental in creating an effective allocation of financial resources that supports the ongoing development and sustainability of PHC initiatives.

It has been argued by Bell (1979) and others that knowledge is the key resource of the post-industrial era and that telecommunications is the key technology. Employment categories have been reclassified to accommodate knowledge-working (Porat 1977) and some analysts have argued that knowledge workers already form the dominant sector of western work forces (OECD 1981). Computer scientists are prone to suggesting that knowledge-based systems can yield abnormal returns. For example, Hayes-Roth et al. (1983) claim that knowledge is a scarce resource whose refinement and reproduction create wealth and, further, that knowledge-based information technology is the enabler that turns knowledge into a valuable industrial commodity. It could be argued whether knowledge is scarce, particularly as it can be created, reproduced, and shared with as much chance of multiplying value as depleting it. Indeed, economists who are concerned with allocation and distribution of scarce resources—and also who make assumptions about availability of perfect or costless information—do recognize these unusual qualities, classifying knowledge as a public good (Silberston 1967).

Mountain catchments are highly sensitive to the impacts of global warming, which affects seasonal weather patterns, glacier retreat, permafrost thawing, and snow cover duration. These changes drive rapid transformations in their ecosystems and alter their hydrological and sedimentological regime, exacerbating their susceptibility to various hazards, including floods, shallow landslides, and debris flows, all closely tied to sediment dynamics. Consequently, sediment management plays a key role in developing watershed management strategies that lead to programme interventions for mitigating potential losses for the mountain communities.In this context, an integrated approach combining field surveys and aerial imagery analysis is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of existing countermeasures (mainly torrent control structures) and for finding innovative solutions, especially in absence of sediment transport monitoring systems. This approach enables the collection of observations on lithology, geology, channel cross-section shape, longitudinal profiles, land use, active soil movements, and grain size distribution within sediment source areas and along the channel network. The field inspections of torrent control structures further provide a detailed assessment of their condition and functionality.All these observations are essential for geomorphological approaches, statistical formulae, and hybrid methods to estimate potential debris flow volumes at both reach and catchment scales. Additionally, simplified rainfall-runoff modelling, such as the SCS-CN method, is employed to assess critical runoff thresholds that could trigger water-sediment flows. The outputs include the spatially distributed assessments of in-channel and hillslope sediment storage volumes, and the delineation of sediment source areas. Aerial imagery complements this process by verifying the spatial distribution and extent of sediment source areas and tracking land cover changes over time.The proposed methodology was developed and applied to the Rovina Torrent basin, located in the Central Alps (Lombardy, North Italy). The basin is characterized by coniferous forest cover (37.2%) and extensive debris accumulations and lithoid outcrops (36.7%). In the study case, the results provide the typologies in terms of driving the triggering event mode within the catchment, the minimum critical rainfall for designing an early warning system, and the potential debris flow volume for adjusting the sediment trapping basin.The outcome significantly enhances the accuracy of hazard mitigation strategies and supports the adaptation or redesign of the torrent control structures to better address evolving sediment dynamics. The combination of the scientific experience in similar mountain context and the additional field observations can quantitatively provide a robust diagnosis of the current scenario for planning maintenance operations, for proposing and designing alternative solutions to reduce the natural hazard and for effectively supporting the decision-making process including the strategic allocation of human and financial resources.