Describes a clustering algorithm designed for dynamic data bases and presents an update procedure which maintains an effective document classification without reclustering. The effectiveness of the algorithms is demonstrated for a subset of the Cranfield collection. (Author)

Describes a method of iterative searching that uses local metrical clustering in the formulation of additional searches by producing searchonyms, terms which are synonymous to keywords in the context of a single query. The method was applied to a database containing Hebrew and Aramaic text. Seven references are listed. (FM)

Describes ways of using Boolean questions with a clustered information file, and reviews an experiment studying the effect of such a retrieval method. (FM)

Two papers are included as Part Four of this report on Salton's Magical Automatic Retriever of Texts (SMART) project report. The first paper: "A Controlled Single Pass Classification Algorithm with Application to Multilevel Clustering" by D. B. Johnson and J. M. Laferente presents a single pass clustering method which compares favorably…

Discussion of quality control of data in online bibliographic databases focuses on authority files. Describes approximate string matching, introduces the concept of approximate word matching and clustering, and presents a case study using the Astrophysics Data System (ADS) that shows how to reduce human effort involved in authority work. (LRW)

The role of the coauthor relationship in the structure of informal communications networks within disciplines is explored, and the validity of coauthor graphs used to map these relationships is tested for both small and large databases. (CLB)

Proposes a means for determining the similarity between search request formulations in online information retrieval systems, and discusses the use of similarity measures for clustering search formulations and document files in such systems. Experimental results using the proposed methods are presented in three tables. A reference list is provided.…

Defines the notion of serial clustering of words in text, and explores the value of such clustering as an indicator of a word's bearing content. This approach is flexible in the sense that it is context-sensitive; a numerical approach may also be of value in assigning weights to terms in requests. Experimental support is obtained from natural text…

Defines relationship between user profile and user query in terms of relationship between clusters of documents retrieved by each, and explores the expression of cluster similarity and cluster overlap as linear functions of similarity existing between original pairs of profiles and queries, given the desired retrieval threshold. (23 references)…

Describes a study conducted on the cystic fibrosis (CF) database, a subset of MEDLINE, that investigated clustering structure and the effectiveness of cluster-based retrieval as a function of the exhaustivity of the uncontrolled subject descriptions. Results are compared to calculations for controlled descriptions based on Medical Subject Headings…

Applies a method for generating synopses of scientific fields to a co-citation cluster in field of cancer virology and describes the resulting specialty narrative. Implications of procedure for the cognitive processes involved in reviewing a field are discussed. Appended are lists of highly cited and citing papers. (35 references) (EJS)

This study attempts to analyze descriptors taken from subject categories in ERIC thesaurus and used as search terms on CROSS database Bibliographic Retrieval Services. An expectation ratio was computed and cluster analysis was conducted to discover subject relationships among databases. A list of databases retrieved and 12 references are appended.…

Reports research results into a methodology for determining similarity between queries characterized by Boolean search request formulations and discusses similarity measures for Boolean combinations of index terms. Rationale behind these measures is outlined, and conditions ensuring their equivalence are identified. Results of an experiment…

Describes method of automatic document classification in which documents classed as QA by Library of Congress classification system were clustered at six thresholds by keyword using single link technique. Automatically generated clusters were compared to Library of Congress subclasses, and partial classified hierarchy was formed. Twelve references…

The goal of this project was to find ways of enhancing the efficiency of searching machine readable data bases. Ways are sought to transfer to the computer some of the tasks that are normally performed by the user, i.e., to further automate information retrieval. Four experiments were conducted to test the feasibility of a sequential processing…