Browsing by Author "Alemu, Dejen"

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    Application of Knowledge Based System for Woody Plant Species Identification
    (Addis Ababa University, 2009-04) Alemu, Dejen; Meshesha, Million (PhD)
    Finding the correct identity of trees is the beginning o f any inventory and management activities as well as any sallies regarding the tree s pieces. Identification o f plant species in Ethiopia is conducted only in the National Her barium . At present, t he cent re is no t supported by inform action systems, which makes the identification process and dissemination o f inform action inefficient and difficult. The need o f KB S for technical information transfer and efficacy in demonology ca n be identified by recognizing the problem s in using the current system for technical in formation transfer and by proving that KB S ca n help to overcome the problems addressed, and a re feasible to be developed . This study attempts to design proto type KB S for woody plan t species identify fiction. As compared to existing w ay of identification on we co me lip with new knowledge/rules with minimum features theater is torso parable performance. By Inglis is system , users cant access to ex pert knowledge an dwell beagle to identify woody plant species like taxonomists d o/judge. Using taxonomy c KB S in different forest try research centers, high-pa id taxonomy sets will reduce the costs o scientific research and w ill al low man y researchers to conduce t the research more in depend intently ( thought going to the National Her barium for identify cat ion) . This research h is conducted in a step-wise man ne r. Aft e r pro b le m se lection , know ledge acquisition n process is conducted. In this process, a key inform ant interview is he ld with experts ( two taxonomy sits and one reseal richer). I n addition to the key informant interview, manual s and books lased in woody plant spec resident fiction are al so consulted. The knowledge ex traced for m the ex pert s' and relevant documents that use s to solve a problem is modeled in hi e archival or laddering tech unique. Based on the final knowledge mode led in decks ion lade ring, domain knowledge is represented using p reduction rules in prolong to construct the know ledge base. The system is developed to load the know ledge base and starts to infer from the knowledge base based on the users input! facts. The prolog built in backward in fringe chains is used for the identification of the species. The user interface is redesign in vb. net. Fin ally, the system is tested and evaluated by the users. The res cults host at, the system identifies the woody plant species correctly and ca n be applicable in woody plant species e notification . Key words: knowledge bossed system, prolong , tree species identikit rebellion, knowledge acquisition, knowledge modeling, and KBS evaluation.
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    Application of Knowledge Based System for Woody Plant Species Identification
    (Addis Ababa University, 2009-04) Alemu, Dejen; Meshesha, Million (PhD)
    Finding the correct identity of trees is the beginning of any inventory and management activities as well as any studies regarding the tree species. Identification of plant species in Ethiopia is conducted only in the National Herbarium. At present, the centre is not supported by information systems, which makes the identification process and dissemination of information inefficient and difficult. The need of KBS for technical information transfer and efficacy in dendrology can be identified by recognizing the problems in using the current system for technical information transfer and by proving that KBS can help to overcome the problems addressed, and are feasible to be developed. This study attempts to design prototype KBS for woody plant species identification. As compared to existing way of identification we come up with new knowledge/rules with minimum features that registers comparable performance. By using this system, users can get access to expert knowledge and will be able to identify woody plant species like taxonomists do/judge. Using taxonomic KBS in different forestry research centers, high-paid taxonomists will reduce the costs of scientific research and will allow many researchers to conduct their research more independently (without going to the National Herbarium for identification). This research is conducted in a step-wise manner. After problem selection, knowledge acquisition process is conducted. In this process, a key informant interview is held with experts (two taxonomists and one researcher). In addition to the key informant interview,x manuals and books used in woody plant species identification are also consulted. The knowledge extracted from the experts’ and relevant documents that uses to solve a problem is modeled in hierarchical or laddering technique. Based on the final knowledge modeled in decision laddering, domain knowledge is represented using production rules in prolog to construct the knowledge base. The system is developed to load the knowledge base and starts to infer from the knowledge base based on the users input/ facts. The prolog built in backward inferring mechanism is used for the identification of the species. The user interface is designed in vb.net. Finally, the system is tested and evaluated by the users. The result shows that, the system identifies the woody plant species correctly and can be applicable in woody plant species identification. Key words: knowledge based system, prolog, tree species identification, knowledge acquisition, knowledge modeling, and KBS evaluation.
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    Constructing Process Conceptual Framework of Agricultural Knowledge Management System Development for Knowledge Sharing and Integration: the Case Of Ethiopian Soil Information Systems
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-08-02) Alemu, Dejen; Jennex, Murray E. (Professor)
    The notion of creating, capturing, and sharing of knowledge has been repetitively raised by many research, development and international donor agencies to transform the agricultural sector in Ethiopia. However, most of the current approaches to knowledge dissemination focus on knowledge that originates from the western view of scientific rationality, while overlooking the role of indigenous knowledge contained by local communities. This study aims at contributing to the discourse on how to develop and use agricultural Knowledge management system (KMS) for supporting the sharing of indigenous knowledge and seamlessly flow of it with scientific knowledge. The conceptual framework of the research is anchored in concepts drawn from the theory of situated learning in communities of practice, namely boundary object and knowledge brokering. Nevertheless, understanding concepts merely are not enough in KMS research, but system must also be implemented to test and measure the underlying concepts, thereby to ensure its sustainability. The research was further investigated to understand the design, use, and consequence of the technological artifact for enhancing knowledge sharing and integration. In building this research, the multi-methodological approach to KMS research in action research perspective was employed. Using the KMS development practice of Ethiopian agricultural transformation agency as a case study, an interpretive analysis using primary and secondary qualitative data acquired through in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and document analysis was carried out. The research result yields concepts on the roles and practices of extension agent as a knowledge broker so as to exchange knowledge among participants. The study has also identified a number of boundary objects possessed by relevant social groups. It further implicated the need of developing a shared KMS boundary object relying on concepts investigated in the roles and practices of knowledge brokers and boundary objects. The study further addresses the understanding of the KMS success dimensions including KMS quality, knowledge quality, and service quality which affect the KMS use and user satisfaction. Ultimately, the interplay of the KMS use and knowledge brokering roles has brought shared understanding among participants so as to share and integrate multiplicity of agricultural knowledge. Moreover, the interplay improved the performance of individuals and the agricultural extension system as a whole in making decision through quality knowledge. The research shall have theoretical contribution in addressing agricultural KMS development and use for the incorporation of variety of knowledge through extending the theory of situated learning in communities of practice and structuration model of technology. The research also contributes methodologically for the application of system development action research for understanding of the process conceptual framework in KMS development and use. Moreover, the research has practical implications for management and KMS developers understanding in developing strategies for the potential of a shared KMS boundary object and the roles and practices of extension agents as knowledge brokers for knowledge sharing and integration, thereby, empowering the marginalized smallholder farmers and to contribute to the overall socio-economic development.