H. M. Rauscher(1), D. E. Nute(2), G. Zhu(2)
DSSTOOLS, a decision support system toolkit in PROLOG, was developed to support the rapid and relatively easy implementation of decision-aiding computer programs (Nute et al. 1995, Rauscher et al. 1995). In Volume 9 Number 3 issue of AI Applications we reported on a version of the toolkit that was completed in the fall of 1994. In the meantime, another year of development has taken place.
Two major improvements are available in the current version of DSSTOOLS. First, we have implemented an improved graphical user interface "look and feel" to the toolkit modules to more fully correspond to the latest industry GUI standards. Second, we have added a Knowledge-base Browser to the explanatory features of the toolkit (Ross 1989 p.143-161). The function of the knowledge-base browser is to acquaint the user with the elements and structure of the rules in the knowledge-base. For example, a user can ask for all the items used in any rule or just in any premise or in any rule conclusion. If there is a hypertext explanation for the rule, the rule-browser allows the user to jump to it and obtain a deeper understanding of the origin, intent, usage, and scientific references for that rule. The ultimate goal of the knowledge-based browser is to help the user understand the logic and content of the rules in the knowledge-base.
We have used the new version of DSSTOOLS to update the Forest Management Advisory System (FMAS). In an attempt to make FMAS more universally accessible, we have placed the modules on an FTP site on the INTERNET. The instructions for downloading the files are as follows:
1. ftp ai.uga.edu
2. login as: user > anonymous
3. password > user_id@xxxx where xxx = user's full internet address
4. cd pub/forest/fmas
5. binary
6. mget *.*
Read the file ReadMe and follow the steps in ReadMe to install FMAS and the ASPEN hypertext systems.
Finally, if you have any problems downloading these files or installing and running FMAS, please use the INTERNET to contact: forest@ai.uga.edu
Someone will get back with you as quickly as possible.
DSSTOOLS is currently being used in a number of different projects and we expect to provide an update annually for the foreseeable future.
Nute, D. E., H. M. Rauscher, D. A. Perala, G. Zhu, Y. Chang, and G. M. Host. 1995. A toolkit approach to developing forest management advisory systems in PROLOG. AI Applications 9(3): 39-58.
Rauscher, H. Michael, Donald E. Nute, Donald A. Perala, Guojun Zhu, Yousong Chang, George E. Host, and John W. Benzie. 1995. The forest management advisory system. AI Applications 9(3): page 60, 1 disk, insert, Software Product (electronic).
Ross, Peter. 1989. Advanced PROLOG: techniques and examples. Addison-Wesley, Wokingham, England, 294 p.
1USDA Forest Service, Bent Creek Experimental Forest, 1577 Brevard Road, Asheville, North Carolina 28806
2Artificial Intelligence Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
Title:The Forest Management Advisory System - Update
Author: (contact)USDA Forest Service, H.M.Rauscher
email: forest@ai.uga.edu
Phone: unknown
Publish_date: 11/15/95
Expires: none