María López-Huertas

Thesaurus Structure Design: A Conceptual Approach for Improved Interaction.

The need for thesauri to help users in their search for information in online information systems has been discussed for several decades. Many wide‐ranging contributions have been made to solve this problem. Nevertheless, investigation is needed to design a thesaurus structure based on what is relevant for users and generators of information within a specific subject domain. This paper explores the possibility of creating a thesaurus from the cognitive viewpoint. This approach is based on a system (in this case represented by a thesaurus) that organises its representation of knowledge or its classification as closely as possible to the authors‘ and users’ images of the subject domain with the objective of increasing the interaction between users and texts, and thus the communication in a given information retrieval system. From this point of view, the thesaurus structure is considered as the essential foundation on which to base such an interactive thesaurus. Furthermore, this structure is conceived as representing the merging point for both the generators‘ and the users’ models of the subject domain and for their information needs. This paper is dedicated mainly to the generators‘ side involved in this process. It demonstrates how an author’s writings can be used to identify the generators‘ model and perception of the subject domain, and how these can later be inserted in the thesaurus structure. Discourse analysis is used as a main method to identify the categories and its relevance for building such a structure is discussed. It also outlines a general approach for the user side to set up different methods of getting the users’ information needs into the thesaurus structure.

Saaty's analytic hierarchies method for knowledge organization in decision making

This research studied the role of knowledge organization in the process of decision making in the field of energy efficiency and rational use of energy (EERUE). Theoretical contributions to knowledge organization and decision making are stressed. We chose to work with a type of methodology known as multiple criteria decision making—Saatys analytical hierarchies process (AHP). This made it possible to develop a detailed analysis of the decision‐making process and arrive at a hierarchical model. The model provided a structure representing the studied field, where an order of priority could be given to the decision‐making process. The knowledge derived may be used in other fields of study such as information retrieval and knowledge representation.

Los sitios Web de legislación en el Mercosur: un análisis comparativo

El derecho a la informacion, que tiene implicito el derecho de acceso a la informacion, es un pilar fundamental del moderno Estado de Derecho. En el acceso a la informacion intervienen hoy procesos calificados de organizacion del conocimiento y de tecnicas de recuperacion de informacion, asociadas a las nuevas tecnologias. Las fuentes de informacion juridica, en especial en lo que hace a las normas constitucionales y legislativas, deben ser de acceso libre, indiscriminado, gratuito y no restringido, garantizando los derechos fundamentales de los ciudadanos. Es responsabilidad de los Estados facilitar el acceso a esa informacion, a traves de la publicidad de las normas. Internet es un vehiculo adecuado para permitir la realizacion de los principios arriba mencionados del modo mas amplio y democratico. En este trabajo se identifican y analizan los sitios oficiales de legislacion de cada pais integrante del Mercosur. Se caracterizan los sitios en funcion de parametros que permitiran cuantificar y calificar el nivel de cumplimiento del principio de publicidad: normas disponibles, periodo abarcado, formas de acceso, costo, actualizacion, enlaces, modalidades de recuperacion tematica, etc. Se realiza un analisis comparativo, se muestran y comentan los resultados y se lleva a cabo una evaluacion general.

The Needs of Interdisciplinary Research

We begin this chapter by outlining a set of interdisciplinary information needs derived from our discussion in Chap. 1. We then discuss each of these in turn. We close the chapter by discussing how disciplinary scholars would be affected by the adoption of KOSs that met interdisciplinary needs.

Indicator system for managing science, technology and innovation in universities

The formulation of standardized measurement indicators of science, technology and innovation at the international, regional and institutional level remains a continuing need. Although there are various schools of thought and different ways of obtaining information for measurement, one of the most favorable proposals today in the development of measuring instruments is the use of the researcher’s Curriculum Vitae. The objective of this research is to design a system of indicators to measure the performance of science, technology and innovation in universities. The proposal includes specific analysis for the definition of each indicator, the mathematical procedure for its calculation, aggregation levels and time periods, as well as its meaning and usefulness. The study compiles documentary analysis of the theoretical and conceptual references that support the proposal in the Latin American context. Furthermore, an empirical survey method is proposed to assess specific contexts in the institution under study. As a result, the design of a system of indicators adjusted to the characteristics of university institutions and current trends in the Latin American region is achieved. The use and analysis of these indicators allow us to establish patterns, trends and regularities in the organization that favour institutional knowledge management on science, technology and innovation processes; and deliver adequate information management and institutional knowledge for decision-making.

Benefits of a Comprehensive Phenomenon-Based Classification

With the broad outlines of a novel classification sketched in previous chapters, it is useful to note in this chapter that—while this approach to classification has its challenges—such a classification would have many advantages for classificationist, classifier, and user. We review first the advantages for scholarly users, and then for general users. We close the chapter with a brief discussion of the practical challenges of achieving adoption of the recommended approach to classification. It is argued that certain of the myriad advantages of the new approach should facilitate adoption.

Concluding Remarks and the Next Steps

We open this chapter by summarizing the conclusions reached in the preceding nine chapters. We then discuss avenues for further research, and also for public policy. We close with some reflections on the place of knowledge organization in the world.

Domain Oriented Interdisciplinarity

We have often in preceding chapters stressed the complementarity of domain analysis with the sort of comprehensive classification advocated in this book. A classification such as we have proposed will work for scholars from different domains only if the terminology of those domains has been accurately translated into the terminology employed within the comprehensive classification.

Responding to Potential Theoretical Critiques

We have already in preceding chapters addressed some of the critiques that might be lodged against the project of a comprehensive classification grounded in phenomena rather than disciplines. The purpose of this chapter is to bring together in one place our responses to these critiques.

How to Develop a KOS to Serve Interdisciplinarity

This chapter begins with several strategies for developing the sort of general classification urged in preceding chapters. It first discusses strategies for reducing ambiguity. It then addresses how to structure a phenomenon-based KOS. Integrative levels, dependence relationships, and general systems theory are explored. The chapter then looks in some detail at the practical classification of phenomena and relationships.