Abstract:A major, but too-little-considered problem for Software Engineering (SE) is a lack of consensus concerning Computer Science (CS) and how this relates to developing unpredictable computing technology. We consider some implications for SE of computer systems differing scientific basis, exemplified with the International Standard Organisations Open Systems Interconnection (ISO-OSI) layered architectural model. An architectural view allows comparison of computing technology components facilitating a view of computing as a continuum. For example, at one layer of computer architecture, components written in Turing-complete machine language can be seen as deterministic and consistent with a theoretical paradigm of CS. At another layer, components (applications) closer to the human sphere have been seen as non-deterministic and inconsistent with theoretical CS. We compare unpredictable development of computing technology against the cyclic legacy of technological advance and scientific discovery, and suggest that SE indicates an enabling cycle, discernible in previous scientific revolution(s), is stalled or possibly hidden. The CS consequence of divorcing technological advance from scientific consensus is particularly concerning. For example human/computing events could be seen as unpredictable virtual phenomena that somehow extend the ontology of CS. Our approach challenges practical and philosophical boundaries by investigating if applying scientific method (SM) resolves any SE/Science dichotomy.
OPEN ACCESSPhilosophies 2016, 1 29
In response to disparate advances in delivering spatial information to support agricultural extension activities, the Extension Activity Support System (EASY) project was established to develop a vision statement and conceptual design for such a system based on a national needs assessment. Personnel from across Australia were consulted and a review of existing farm information/management software undertaken to ensure that any system that is eventually produced from the EASY vision will build on the strengths of existing efforts. This paper reports on the collaborative consultative process undertaken to create the EASY vision as well as the conceptual technical design and business models that could support a fully functional spatially enabled online system
The Logicon Electronic Warfare Consultant (LEWC) is a Logicon Independent Research and Development proof-ofconceptprogram to develop an expert system for thepurposes of providing deckion support of emitter identification and providing rapid reprogramming support of EW systems. LEWC is designed to assist US Air Force Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) analysts and EW engineers by interpreting ELINT intercept message data in relation to a historical database of ELINTmessages and the USAir Force baselined Electronic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming (EWIR) database. LEWC was developed to validate that an emitter has been correctly identifed in an ELINT intercept message and to detemzine the most probable emitter identification for an unknown emitter from data provided in an ELINTintercept message.Thkpaper reports thegoals, approach, and results of this effort.
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