Retrieval subsystem

We begin this section with discussions of the roles that workstations, instrument clusters, and workceHs have in laboratory automation, followed by discussions of specimen transportation, automated specimen processing, automated specimen sorting, and automated specimen storage and retrieval subsystems. 

Chemistry Retrieval Subsystem. The chemistry retrieval subsystem file design and organization is being described in detail for publication elsewhere [ ]. Briefly the system consists of two numeric index cross reference files, a screen index file, and a master structure file. It contains about 270,000 unique structures and occupies 8 disk packs of 37 million characters each. 

Biology Retrieval Subsystem. The biology retrieval subsystem consists of two indexed sequential files containing biological test data relating to the structures of the chemistry subsystem. There are over three million records occupying 6 disk packs of 37 million characters each. Both files are sequenced by sample number (BN) and laboratory identification number (Lab I.D.). The data fields are dependent on the type of experimentation done by a specified laboratory and are predefined in a data neune dictionary. From a user s point of view the two files... 

Inventory Retrieval Subsystem. The inventory retrieval subsystem is an indexed sequential file containing information pertinent to the physical samples. It currently contains 433 thousand records and occupies 5 disk packs of 37 million characters each. The file is maintained in sample number sequence. When a sample is received it is assigned the next availaible sample number and all available data (i.e., date of receipt, source, amount, condition of receipt, shelf location, chemical and physical properties, etc.) are entered into the record. All transactions involving that sample (shipments to testing Icib-oratories, removal from inventory, etc.) and the date of the transactions are also entered into record. The data fields for this file are also predefined in a data name dictionary for searching. 

Chemical Subsystem. The heart of the chemical retrieval subsystem is the sub-structure search capability. The general purpose of sub-structure searching is to retrieve compounds having specified structural similiirities. In our system, the similarities are specified in the form of an incon ilete structure, which must be included in any file structure that is to be retrieved. While the file structure may contain atoms and interconnections not shown in the query, those in the query must be matched. 

The retrieval of cases can be done in several steps. The first step is the evaluation of the process with the stored cases. This way can be seen, if the process is safer or unsafer than the alternative processes. The second step is the safety evaluation of specific process systems, subsystems or pieces of equipment. The database contains improvement recommendations to avoid the same accidents happening again. The evaluation of processes can be extended to detailed level. Also the equipment details or safety valves etc. can be checked on this level. 

Other variations of Memory subsystem functioning occur in various d ASCs. The ease with which desired information can be retrieved from memory varies so that in some d-ASCs it seems hard to remember what you want, in others it seems easier than usual. The richness of the information retrieved varies in different d-ASCs, so that sometimes you remember only sketchily, and at other times in great detail. The search pattern for retrieving memories also varies. If you have to go through a fairly complex research procedure to find a particular memory, you may end up with the wrong memories or associated memories rather than what you were looking for. if you want to remember an old friend s name, for example, you may fail to recall the name but remember his bi rthday. 

Accordingly with the institutional data refreshment policies based on the needs of individual institution, the content management subsystem will access the predefined datasets at selected public data banks and retrieve additional or updated reference data sets. The reference data refreshment policy is configurable by the researchers and maintained in a human-readable as well as machine-readable format by the content management subsystem. The data in the local reference data repository is maintained in a form that is optimal for the researchers chosen research applications. 

This hybrid model solves the problems associated with federated data access across the public network, and with internally maintained local database, by combining the two approaches and automating the processes to maintain data currency and accuracy through the content management subsystem and a new software module for dynamic retrieval of additional datasets and automatic updates for revised datasets. 

Memory One of two major subsystem types of the human information-processing system that performs the function of storage of information for possible later retrieval and use. 

Products on the market to date tend to be a repackaging of existing products, for example ISPs Index Chemicus subsets and the BIOSIS Information Transfer Subsystems (B-I-T-S). They are aimed at the end user, not the information specialist, and are priced at a level that the end-user can afford. They are packaged with retrieval software and the vendors are aiming for high volume production. 

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