COLE'S COMBINED SYSTEM Drainage and Irrigation. A NEW SYSTEM OF AGRICULTURE by A. N. COLE, First published in 1889.Preface: Biographical Sketch of A. N. Cole Water a Necessity for Vegetation Drainage The New System CONTENTS. PAGE: Stone Storage Trenches 33 Tile 36 Square 36 Cement For Sand Lands 37 Depth and Distance of Storage Trenches 38 Family and Market Gardens 39 Lawns 40 Orchards . 5 7-8 23 29 33 40 Grass Lands 41 Arable Lands 42 Artesian Wells 42 Swamp Lands 43 Workings of the System Effects on Soil. 46 Crops 48 Builds up Soils 50 Use of Hot Water 56 Five Crops a Year 57 Irrigation in Florida 65 Mr. Coles Model Plot 68 Reports 69 French Methods 86 Ridits of Application Obituary...PREFACE, CONSTANT and increasing demand from every part of the world, especially from all sections of our own country, for a cheap Manual descriptive of Mr. Coles system of Drainage and Irrigation, has at last induced him to intrust to me the work of arranging this book, he being too ill at this time to do so. In its .preparation I shall endeavor to treat the subject in a most practi- cal manner, and in the fewest possible words necessary to the end in view, and yet complete enough that all may fully understand, and for themselves see its numberless advantages and possibilities. In the facts stated we have been conservative, feeling to under, rather than overdraw them. it better Speaking for Mr. Cole, we extend to every reader of this Man- ual an invitation to visit the 1 Home on the Hillside, and make personal examination of his work and its results. The grounds are open to public inspection at all times. A. P. COLE. Biographical sketch of the life and services of the Hon. A. N. Cole, of the Home on theHillside, Wellsville, Allegany County, N. Y. CHAPTER I. As a frontispiece to this volume, we open its pages by introduction of the likeness of the originator of what has been denominated aquaculture, the new agriculture, or sub-irrigation. The relations of father and son existing between the author of this sketch and the originator of the New Agriculture, makes it a matter of delicacy to undertake this biography, and yet, feeling as we do that none know the man on whose life we discourse better than his firstborn, we waive considerations of delicacy and proceed to our work cheerfully. It would be impossible to write out in anything like detail even the more striking features of the life of a man ofwhom it may be aptly said he knew no youth, but entered upon the work of the full-grown man at the age of fourteen, knowing little of rest or respite for the full period of three score years, having wrought almost incessantly in one way and another for the good of his fellow-men. Inclined to leave to the pens of others, as far as may be, that manner of mention most commendatory of his work, we introduce at opening an editorial appearing a few months since in the columns ofColmans Rural World, as follows Mr. Cole was born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., in 1821, and is no longer a young man in the matter of years. He comes from grand old stock, and inherits an amount of vitality which renews its youth with passing years, hence never gets old. The Plymouth or Roger Williams Colony at Freedom, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., embraced rep- resentatives of the blue blood of nearly or quite all of the early Pilgrim families. The first great swarm that went out from Plymouth and Provi- dence settled in theGenessee Valley and along the Cattaraugus Creek in the beginning of the present century. Others followed until nearly all the counties of Western New York, North-western Pennsylvania, and the

This book is devoted to reporting innovative and significant progress in fuzzy system engineering. Given the maturation of fuzzy logic, this book is dedicated to exploring the recent breakthroughs in fuzziness and soft computing in favour of intelligent system engineering. This monograph presents novel developments of the fuzzy theory as well as interesting applications of the fuzzy logic exploiting the theory to engineer intelligent systems.

Science and technology has been used more and more in the last few decades to gain advantage over competitors. Quite often, however, the actual science involved is not published because a suitable journal cannot be found. The Engineering of Sport brings together work from a very diverse range of subjects including Engineering, Physics, Materials and Biomechanics.

The Engineering of Sport represent work which was represented at the 1st International Conference on the Engineering of Sport held in Sheffield, UK in July 1996. Many sports were represented and the material covered split into nine topics covering aerodynamics, biomechanics, design, dynamics, instrumentation, materials, mechanics, modelling, motion analysis, and vibrations. It should be of interest to specialists in all areas of sports research.

This comprehensive work deals with the applications of artificial intelligence in engineering, addressing both the theoretical and practical aspects of developing intelligent systems. Particular emphasis is placed on knowledge-based expert systems and on neural networks, with sections on knowledge representation, searching and solving strategies, blackboard systems, analogical, case-based and qualitative reasoning, and project management. Knowledge-based system building tools are discussed, along with practical tips on building large intelligent systems for solving engineering problems. Clearly explaining the key concepts with relevant examples, and with additional contributions from leading researchers in the field, this is a book written by an engineer for an engineering audience. Prepared with the graduate student in mind, it will also be of value as a general reference work in this highly topical area.

The main goal of this book is to elucidate what kind of experiment must be performed in order to determine the full set of independent parameters which can be extracted and calculated from theory, where electrons, photons, atoms, ions, molecules, or molecular ions may serve as the interacting constituents of matter. The feasibility of such perfect' and-or `complete' experiments, providing the complete quantum mechanical knowledge of the process, is associated with the enormous potential of modern research techniques, both, in experiment and theory. It is even difficult to overestimate the role of theory in setting of the complete experiment, starting with the fact that an experiment can be complete only within a certain theoretical framework, and ending with the direct prescription of what, and in what conditions should be measured to make the experiment `complete'. The language of the related theory is the language of quantum mechanical amplitudes and their relative phases. This book captures the spirit of research in the direction of the complete experiment in atomic and molecular physics, considering some of the basic quantum processes: scattering, Auger decay and photo-ionization. It includes a description of the experimental methods used to realize, step by step, the complete experiment up to the level of the amplitudes and phases. The corresponding arsenal includes, beyond determining the total cross section, the observation of angle and spin resolved quantities, photon polarization and correlation parameters, measurements applying coincidence techniques, preparing initially polarized targets, and even more sophisticated methods. The `complete' experiment is, until today, hardly to perform. Therefore, much attention is paid to the results of state-of-the-art experiments providing detailed information on the process, and their comparison to the related theoretical approaches, just to mention relativistic multi-configurational Dirac-Fock, convergent close-coupling, Breit-Pauli R-matrix, or relativistic distorted wave approaches, as well as Green's operator methods. This book has been written in honor of Herbert Walther and his major contribution to the field but even to stimulate advanced Bachelor and Master students by demonstrating that obviously nowadays atomic and molecular scattering physics yields and gives a much exciting appreciation for further advancing the field.

This collection of expert articles explores the development drivers of new technology-based firms and projects. It provides perspectives for an in-depth understanding of how technological inventions lead to the creation of new and sustainable companies or business units. The authors address methods and concepts that help technology-based start-ups and entrepreneurial projects successfully develop innovative products and services.

This book presents the foundation and validation of the Cosserat Plate Theory, numerical experiments of deformation and vibration, and the unique properties of the Cosserat plates. Our approach incorporates the high accuracy assumptions of the Cosserat plate deformation consistent with the Cosserat Elasticity equilibrium equations, constitutive formulas, strain-displacement and torsion-microrotation relations. The Cosserat Plate Theory is parametric, where the "splitting parameter" minimizes the Cosserat plate energy. The validation of the theory is based on the comparison with the three-dimensional Cosserat Elastostatics and Elastodynamics. The numerical results are obtained using the Finite Element Method (FEM) specifically developed to solve the parametric system of equations. The analysis of deformation of a variety of Cosserat plates shows the stress concentration reduction, higher stiffness of Cosserat plates, and the size-effect related to the microstructure. The analysis of vibration of Cosserat plates predicts size-related properties of the plate vibration, the existence of the additional so-called Cosserat plate resonances, and the dynamic anisotropy, related to the dependency of the resonances on the microelement's shapes and orientations.

This book gathers selected peer-reviewed papers from the 15th World Congress on Engineering Asset Management (WCEAM), which was hosted by The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul Campo Grande, Brazil, from 15--18 August 2021 This book covers a wide range of topics in engineering asset management, including: strategy and standards; sustainability and resiliency; servitisation and Industry 4.0 business models; asset information systems; and asset management decision-making. The breadth and depth of these state-of-the-art, comprehensive proceedings make them an excellent resource for asset management practitioners, researchers, and academics, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Learn from these authors' experiences tailoring TPM to the disctinctive needs of North American plants, and how TPM fits into an overall manufacturing improvement strategy. A real-world view on what works and what doesn't, Robinson and Ginder provide and excellent resource for strategic planning and an educatioinal tool for middle and upper management. Includes the seven levels of autonomous maintenance, a discussion of unions and TPM, and a TPM master plan.

Dissertation Writing for Engineers and Scientists is the must-have book for preparing students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels for the dissertation writing process.

Maintaining good business leadership in a world of rapidly changing expectations levied by customers, investors, society, governments and employees is a challenge. These stakeholders are increasingly making choices about if or how they support businesses - through the purchase of their products and services, shareholdings and financing, regulatory approvals, and even experiences working for them - based on not just what a business does, but how it does it. We are seeing shifts in stakeholder sentiments that manifest in a greater expectation that businesses work with society in addressing society's contemporary concerns. This greater good that businesses bring is rewarded by a greater brand awareness, connection and loyalty, which in turn provides businesses with an underlying strategic advantage over the competition with its customers, investors and other stakeholders. But this greater good cannot be faked with PR and bought media; in an increasingly connected world populated by an increasingly savvy millennial stakeholder base, authentic leadership and its ability to effect cultural shifts in the DNA of businesses is essential. Failure to do so will likely result in shorter and less successful tenures of Board members and C-suite leaders as this business trend spreads. This book looks at how the emerging generation of leaders must change paradigms and transform their employees to do more than just operate a business. It examines how to effect culture shifts that are necessary to innovate businesses so that they simultaneously meet market needs while meeting stakeholder expectations on concerns as varied as ethical business conduct, labor practices, climate change, responsible use of diminishing natural resources and contribution to socio-economic challenges in their market catchments. These are perspectives and skills that are still glossed over, by academic and professional institutions, as they develop the leaders of the future. Essentially, this book: * Articulates the strategic business case for doing good in a good business; the why, and where this trajectory is leading * Provides strategies to lead authentically on the array of issues that provide key stakeholders - customers, investors, governments and employees - with a greater reason to engage with and build loyalty to the business * Provides strategies to energize and spark innovation among his/her employees in an organization on these issues so that transformative power is harnessed.

This is the first book on lock-in thermography, an analytical method applied to the diagnosis of microelectronic devices. This useful introduction and guide reviews various experimental approaches to lock-in thermography, with special emphasis on the lock-in IR thermography developed by the authors themselves.

Align IT projects strategically to achieve business goals and objectives Project management and leadership to seize opportunities and manage threats Build and follow a roadmap to implement strategic governance Assess and improve project management capabilities Includes templates and case studies

Human error is here to stay. This perhaps obvious statement has a profound implication for society when faced with the types of hazardous system accidents that have occurred over the past three decades. Such accidents have been strongly influenced by human error, yet many system designs in existence or being planned and built do not take human error into consideration.; "A Guide to Practical Human Reliability Assessment" is a practical and pragmatic guide to the techniques and approaches of human reliability assessment HRA. lt offers the reader explanatory and practical methods which have been applied and have worked in high technology and high risk assessments - particularly but not exclusively to potentially hazardous industries such as exist in process control, nuclear power, chemical and petrochemical industries.
A Guide to Practical Human Reliability Assessment offers the practitioner a comprehensive tool-kit of different approaches along with guidance on selecting different methods for different applications. It covers the risk assessment and the HRA process, as well as methods of task analysis, error identification, quantification, representation of errors in the risk analysis, followed by error reduction analysis, quality assurance and documentation. There are also a number of detailed case studies from nuclear, chemical, offshore, and marine HRA'S, exemplfying the image of techniques and the impact of HRA in existing and design-stage systems.

'Microprocessor Technology' provides a complete introduction to the subject of microprocessor technology using the Z80 and 6502 processors. An emphasis on fault-finding and repair makes this an ideal text for servicing courses including City & Guilds 2240 in the UK, microelectronics units on BTEC National/Advanced GNVQ and City & Guilds 7261 Microprocessor Technology. It will also provide a refresher course for those on 'bridging' and micro appreciation courses where a measure of comparative studies is required. Clear and concise explanations are supported by worked examples, tutorials, long answer questions and assignments giving students the opportunity to test their knowledge as they progress through the course as well as providing an essential revision tool in the run-up to exams.

Human error is here to stay. This perhaps obvious statement has a profound implication for society when faced with the types of hazardous system accidents that have occurred over the past three decades. Such accidents have been strongly influenced by human error, yet many system designs in existence or being planned and built do not take human error into consideration.; "A Guide to Practical Human Reliability Assessment" is a practical and pragmatic guide to the techniques and approaches of human reliability assessment HRA. lt offers the reader explanatory and practical methods which have been applied and have worked in high technology and high risk assessments - particularly but not exclusively to potentially hazardous industries such as exist in process control, nuclear power, chemical and petrochemical industries.; "A Guide to Practical Human Reliability Assessment" offers the practitioner a comprehensive tool-kit of different approaches along with guidance on selecting different methods for different applications. It covers the risk assessment and the HRA process, as well as methods of task analysis, error identification, quantification, representation of errors in the risk analysis, followed by error reduction analysis, quality assurance and documentation. There are also a number of detailed case studies from nuclear, chemical, offshore, and marine HRA'S, exemplfying the image of techniques and the impact of HRA in existing and design-stage systems.

This book is an authoritative collection of contributions in the field of soft-computing. Based on selected works presented at the 6th World Conference on Soft Computing, held on May 22-25, 2016, in Berkeley, USA, it describes new theoretical advances, as well as cutting-edge methods and applications. Theories cover a wealth of topics, such as fuzzy logic, cognitive modeling, Bayesian and probabilistic methods, multi-criteria decision making, utility theory, approximate reasoning, human-centric computing and many others. Applications concerns a number of fields, such as internet and semantic web, social networks and trust, control and robotics, computer vision, medicine and bioinformatics, as well as finance, security and e-Commerce, among others. Dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of Fuzzy Logic and to the 95th Birthday Anniversary of Lotfi A. Zadeh, the book not only offers a timely view on the field, yet it also discusses thought-provoking developments and challenges, thus fostering new research directions in the diverse areas of soft computing.

1 Ziele und Gliederung der Arbeitsvorbereitung.- 1.1 Stllung der Arbeitsvorbereitung im Unternehmen.- 1.1.1 Prozesskette Procluktentwicklung.- 1.1.2 Prozesskette Auftragsabwicklung.- 1.2 Aufgaben der Arbeitsplanung.- 1.2.1 Arbeitsablaufplanung.- 1.2.2 Arbeitssystemplanung t1.- 2 Arbeitsablaufplanung.- 2.1 Aufgaben cler Arbeitsablaufplanung.- 2.2 Planungsvorbereitung.- 2.3 Stucklistenverarbeitung.- 2.3.1 Stucklistenarten.- 2.3.2 Stucklistenverarbeitung in der Arbeitsvorbereitung.- 2.4 ProzessplanersteHung.- 2.4.1 Ausgangsteilbestimmung.- 2.4.2 Prozessfolgeermittlung.- 2.4.3 Fertigungsmittelauswahl.- 2.4.4 Vorgabezeitermittlung.- 2.4.5 Informationswesen in cler Prozessplanung.- 2.4.6 Fallbeispiel.- 2.5 Operationsplanung.- 2.6 Montageplanung.- 2.6.1 Auspragungen der Montageablaufplanung.- 2.6.2 Hilfsmittel uncl Methoclen zur Montageablaufplanung.- 2.7 Prufplanung.- 2.7.1 Zielsetzung und Arten cler Prufplanung.- 2.7.2 Durchfuhrung der Prufplanung.- 2.7.3 Dokumente der Prufplanung.- 2.8 Fertigungs- und Prufmittelplanung.- 2.8.1 Werkzeugplanung.- 2.8.2 Vorrichtungsplanung.- 2.8.3 Prufmittelplanung.- 2.9 NC-/ RC-Programmierung.- 2.9.1 Grundlagen.- 2.9.2 NC-Programmerstellung.- 2.9.3 MC/RC-Programmerstellung.- 2.10 Kostenplanung/Kalkulation.- 2.10.1 Ziele, Aufgaben und Einordnung.- 2.10.2 Kalkulationsverfahren fur den wirtschaftlichen Verfahrensvergleicht.- 2.10.3 Make-or-buy Entscheidungen.- 3 Arbeitssystemplanung.- 3.1 Aufgaben der Arbeitssystemplanung.- 3.2 Fertigungsmittelplanung.- 3.2.1 Auswahl der Bearbeitungsmaschinen.- 3.2.2 Planung der Anordnungsstruktur.- 3.3 Lager- und Transportplanung.- 3.4 Personalplanung.- 3.5 Flachenplanung.- 3.6 Investitionsrechnung.- 3.6.1 Statische Verfahren.- 3.6.2 Dynamische Verfahren.- 4 Arbeitssteuerung.- 4.1 Aufgaben der Arbeitssteuerung.- 4.2 Produktionsprogrammplanung.- 4.2.1 Absatzplanung.- 4.2.2 Bestandsplanung.- 4.2.3 Primarbedarfsplanung.- 4.2.4 Ressourcengrobplanung (auftragsanonym).- 4.3 Produktionsbedarfsplanung.- 4.3.1 Bruttosekundarbedarfsermittlung.- 4.3.2 Nettosekundarbedarfsermittlung.- 4.3.3 Beschaffungsartzuordnung.- 4.3.4 Durchlaufterminierung.- 4.3.5 Kapazitatsbedarfsermittlung.- 4.3.6 Kapazitatsabstimmung.- 4.4 Eigenfertigungsplanung und -steuerung.- 4.4.1 Losgroessenrechnung.- 4.4.2 Feinterminierung.- 4.4.3 Ressourcenfeinplanung.- 4.4.4 Reihenfolgeplanung.- 4.4.5 Verfugbarkeitsprufung.- 4.4.6 Auftragsfreigabe.- 4.4.7 Auftragsuberwachung.- 4.4.8 Ressourcenuberwachung.- 4.5 Fremdbezugsplanung und -steuerung.- 4.5.1 Bestellrechnung.- 4.5.2 Angebotseinholung/-bewertung.- 4.5.3 Lieferantenauswahl.- 4.5.4 Bestellfreigabe und Bestelloeberwachung.- 4.6 Auftragskoordination.- 4.6.1 Angebotsbearbeitung.- 4.6.2 Auftragsklarung.- 4.6.3 Auftragsgrobterminierung.- 4.6.4 Ressourcengrobplanung (auftragsbezogen).- 4.6.5 Auftragsfuhrung.- 4.7 Lagerwesen.- 4.7.1 Lagerbewegungsfuhrung.- 4.7.2 Bestandssteuerung.- 4.7.3 Lagerort- und Lagerplatzverwaltung.- 4.7.4 Chargenverwaltung.- 4.7.5 Lagerkontrolle.- 4.7.6 Inventur.- 4.8 PPS-Controlling.- 4.8.1 Informationsautbereitung.- 4.8.2 Informationsbewertung.- 4.8.3 Konfiguration.- 4.9 Auspragungen der Arbeitssteuerung.- 4.9.1 Morphologie.- 4.9.2 Auftragsfertiger.- 4.9.3 Rahmenauftragsfertiger.- 4.9.4 Variantenfertiger.- 4.9.5 Lagerfertiger.- 4.10 Ausgewahlte Strategien und Verfahren im Rahmen der Produktionsplanung und -steuerung.- 4.10.1 UEbersicht.- 4.10.2 Management Resources Planning.- 4.10.3 Kanban.- 4.10.4 Fortschrittszahlenkonzept.- 4.10.5 Belastungsorientierte Auftragsfreigabe.- 4.10.6 Optimized Production Technology.- 4.10.7 Einordnung und Bewertung.- 6 EDV-Systeme in der Arbeitsvorbereitung.- 6.1 Tatigkeitsspezifische EDV-Unterstutzung.- 6.1.1 Rationalisierungsmoeglichkeiten durch EDV-Einsatz in der Arbeitsplanung.- 6.1.2 Vorgehensweise zur Rationalisierung der Arbeitsplanung.- 6.1.3 Vorgehensweise zur Einfuhrung von EDV-Systemen.- 6.2 Feature-Technologie.- 6.2.1 Grundbegriffe der Feature-Technologie.- 6.2.2 Anwen

Although several books and conference proceedings have already appeared dealing with either the mathematical aspects or applications of homogenization theory, there seems to be no comprehensive volume dealing with both aspects. The present volume is meant to fill this gap, at least partially, and deals with recent developments in nonlinear homogenization emphasizing applications of current interest. It contains thirteen key lectures presented at the NATO Advanced Workshop on Nonlinear Homogenization and Its Applications to Composites, Polycrystals and Smart Materials. The list of thirty one contributed papers is also appended.

The key lectures cover both fundamental, mathematical aspects of homogenization, including nonconvex and stochastic problems, as well as several applications in micromechanics, thin films, smart materials, and structural and topology optimization. One lecture deals with a topic important for nanomaterials: the passage from discrete to continuum problems by using nonlinear homogenization methods. Some papers reveal the role of parameterized or Young measures in description of microstructures and in optimal design. Other papers deal with recently developed methods both analytical and computational for estimating the effective behavior and field fluctuations in composites and polycrystals with nonlinear constitutive behavior.

All in all, the volume offers a cross-section of current activity in nonlinear homogenization including a broad range of physical and engineering applications. The careful reader will be able to identify challenging open problems in this still evolving field. For instance, there is the need to improve bounding techniques for nonconvex problems, as well as for solving geometrically nonlinear optimum shape-design problems, using relaxation and homogenization methods."

Bicycle Engineering and Technology is a primer and technical introduction for anyone interested in bicycles, bicycling and the bicycle industry. With insight into how bicycles are made and operated, the book covers the engineering materials used for their manufacture and the technicalities of riding. It also discusses ways in which the enthusiast may wish to get involved in the business of working with these fantastic machines, which are now being aided with electrical power. The bicycle is a significant factor in transportation around the world and is playing an increasingly crucial role in transport policy as we collectively become more environmentally conscious. To celebrate the importance of the bicycle on the world stage, a brief history is included along with a detailed timeline showing the development of the bicycle with major world events. Previous knowledge of engineering or technology is not required to enjoy this text, as all technical terms are explained and a full glossary and lists of abbreviations are included. Whether you are a bicycling enthusiast, racer, student or bicycle professional, you will surely want to read it and keep it on your shelf as a handy reference.

This book contains selected papers from International Symposium for Production Research 2022, held on October 6-9, 2022, Turkey. The book reports recent advances in production engineering and operations. It explores topics including: production research; production management; operations management; industry 4.0; industrial engineering; mechanical engineering; engineering management; and operational research. Presenting real-life applications, case studies, and mathematical models, this book is of interest to researchers, academics, and practitioners in the field of production and operation engineering. It provides both the results of recent research and practical solutions to real-world problems.

This book is a novel contribution to a field dominated by conventional approaches to project management, it is about narratives in megaprojects. Some of the questions examined in this original new book include: * What are narratives? * Why are they important in megaprojects? * How are they formed and used in megaprojects? * How do promotors of and protestors against megaprojects craft narratives to their advantage? * What strategies can project managers employ to effectively use narratives in megaprojects? Built from longitudinal research studies in combination with internationally recognised teaching materials, this book will provide readers with a theoretical understanding of narratives and projects, as well as practical international case studies, including HS2, the Eden Project, the Sochi Olympics, Hyderabad and Chennai Metros, Westconnex and Tideway, to support their understanding. The authors explain the different types of narrative, how and why they are important in general and in relation to a megaproject and its life-cycle, but also how to craft narratives in different situations, and how they are changed and maintained over a project life-cycle. Narratives in Megaprojects doubles as a text supporting more advanced courses on project management or aspects thereof, and as a reflection of the state of the art in this particular perspective on megaprojects. It is essential reading for all students and professionals in Project Management, Construction, Infrastructure and Executive Leaders involved in megaprojects and infrastructure delivery.

This book presents the potential use and implementation of intelligent techniques in decision making processes involved in organizations and companies. It provides a thorough analysis of decisions, reviewing the classical decision theory, and describing usual methods for modeling the decision process. It describes the chronological evolution of Decision Support Systems (DSS) from early Management Information Systems until the appearance of Intelligent Decision Support Systems (IDSS). It explains the most commonly used intelligent techniques, both data-driven and model-driven, and illustrates the use of knowledge models in Decision Support through case studies. The author pays special attention to the whole Data Science process, which provides intelligent data-driven models in IDSS. The book describes main uncertainty models used in Artificial Intelligence to model inexactness; covers recommender systems; and reviews available development tools for inducing data-driven models, for using model-driven methods and for aiding the development of Intelligent Decision Support Systems