Data Mining is the process of posing queries and extracting useful information, patterns and trends previously unknown from large quantities of data [Thu, 00]. It is the process where intelligent tools are applied in order to extract data patterns [JM, 01]. This encompasses a number of different technical approaches, such as cluster analysis, learning classification and association rules, and finding dependencies. Agents are defined as software entities that perform some set of tasks on behalf of users with some degree of autonomy. This research work deals about developing a automated data mining system which encompasses the familiar data mining algorithms using intelligent agents in object oriented databases and proposing a framework. Because the data mining system uses the intelligent agents, a new user will be able to interact with the data mining system without much data mining technical knowledge. This system will automatically select the appropriate data mining technique and select the necessary field needed from the database at the appropriate time without expecting the users to specify the specific technique and the parameters. Also a new framework is proposed for incorporating intelligent agents with automated data mining. One of the major goals in developing this system is to give the control to the computer for learning automatically by using intelligent agents.

Data Mining is the process of posing queries and extracting useful information, patterns and trends previously unknown from large quantities of data [Thu, 00]. It is the process where intelligent tools are applied in order to extract data patterns [JM, 01]. This encompasses a number of different technical approaches, such as cluster analysis, learning classification and association rules, and finding dependencies. Agents are defined as software entities that perform some set of tasks on behalf of users with some degree of autonomy. This research work deals about developing a automated data mining system which encompasses the familiar data mining algorithms using intelligent agents in object oriented databases and proposing a framework. Because the data mining system uses the intelligent agents, a new user will be able to interact with the data mining system without much data mining technical knowledge. This system will automatically select the appropriate data mining technique and select the necessary field needed from the database at the appropriate time without expecting the users to specify the specific technique and the parameters. Also a new framework is proposed for incorporating intelligent agents with automated data mining. One of the major goals in developing this system is to give the control to the computer for learning automatically by using intelligent agents.

This book undertakes a general review on the major infectious diseases in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Secondly, it will set out the future directions for better preparedness in the fight against infectious diseases particularly the emerging new infections in the 21st Century. It also discusses the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), also called infectious atypical pneumonia in China, is an emerging infectious disease caused by a novel variant of coronavirus (SARS-associated coronavirus, SARS-CoV). It is mainly characterised by pulmonary infection with high infectivity and fatality. SARS swept across almost every continent of the globe, and has currently involved 32 countries and regions, including the mainland of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America and Europe. The condition is hard especially in China. Chinese scientists and healthcare workers co-operated closely with scientists around the world to fight with the disease. On April 16, 2003, World Health Organization (WHO) formally declared that SARS-CoV was an etiological agent of SARS. Currently, there is no specific and effective therapy and prevention method for SARS. However, this disease can be prevented, and it is also curable and controllable. The main treatments include corticosteroid therapy, anti-viral agents, anti-infection, mechanical ventilation and medical isolation. With the endeavour of the Chinese Government, medical staffs and other related professionals, SARS has been controlled in China. Scientists around the world, including Chinese scientists have made a great progress in SARS research from that time on. A review is presented of the history of SARS and the progress in SARS research, especially in China.