Paolo Naggar

IBIS: semantic data integration at work

In this paper we present IBIS (Internet-Based Information System), a system for the semantic integration of heterogeneous data sources, which adopts innovative and state-of-the-art solutions to deal with all aspects of a complex data-integration environment, including query answering under integrity constraints and limitations on source access. IBIS is based on the global-as-view approach, using a relational mediated schema to query the data at the sources. Sources are wrapped so as to provide a relational view on them. A key issue is that the system allows the specification of integrity constraints (modeling constraints in the domain of interest) in the global schema. Since sources are autonomous, the extracted data in general do not satisfy the constraints. IBIS adapts and integrates the data extracted from the sources making use of the constraints in the global schema, so as to answer queries at best with the information available. IBIS deals with limitations in accessing data sources, and exploits techniques developed for querying sources with access limitations in order to retrieve the maximum set of answers. In particular, it may use integrity constraints available on the sources to improve the efficiency of the extraction process.

Conceptual data model with structured objects for statistical databases

We present a conceptual data model, called SDM, which is able to represent the relationships between elementary and statistical data at a conceptual level. SDM borrows elements from research both in object oriented databases and in knowledge representation. In addition it has suitable mechanisms to form classes of individuals by classifying the instances of a target class according to some specified criteria. Notably, the class resulting from such a statistical aggregation can then be treated exactly as a class of elementary data. This ability fulfils the often perceived necessity, in modeling real domains, of treating statistical aggregates and elementary data in an homogeneous way.

Data integration for research and innovation policy: an Ontology-Based Data Management approach

This paper proposes an Ontology-Based Data Management (OBDM) approach to coordinate, integrate and maintain the data needed for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy development. The OBDM approach is a form of integration of information in which the global schema of data is substituted by the conceptual model of the domain, formally specified through an ontology. Implemented in Sapientia, the ontology of multi-dimensional research assessment, it offers a transparent platform as the base for the assessment process; it enables one to define and specify in an unambiguous way the indicators on which the evaluation is based, and to track their evolution over time; also it allows to the analysis of the effects of the actual use of the indicators on the behavior of scholars, and spot opportunistic behaviors; and it provides a monitoring system to track over time the changes in the established evaluation criteria and their consequences for the research system. It is argued that easier access to and a more transparent view of scientific-scholarly outcomes help to improve the understanding of basic science and the communication of research outcomes to the wider public. An OBDM approach could successfully contribute to solve some of the key issues in the integration of heterogeneous data for STI policies.

A repository of services for the government to businesses relationship

We describe an experience of design of a repository of services, performed in an Italian project called Government for Businesses (G4B). The repository G4B represents several properties and characteristics of a wide number of services provided by public administrations to businesses in Italy. An ontology has been built on top of the repository, enriching it with several unifying classifications and metadata. The different usefulness of the repository for service providers, public administrations, businesses are discussed, and several examples are presented.

A High Precision Procedure for Carbon Dioxide Determinations with the Carbon Dioxide Sensing Probe

Abstract A new general procedure for carbon dioxide determinations in gaseous and liquid samples has been developed. This procedure is based on the use of a commercial carbon dioxide sensing probe, incorporated into a thermostated glass cell protecting the probe from the environment and conveying gaseous grab subsamples (0.5-1 cm3, by means of a humidified carrier gas stream, against the membrane of the probe in a very reproducible manner. A peak-shaped curve (e.m.f. developed by the probe vs. time) is obtained. The peak height is the analytical information. Response and recovery times, sampling and calibration procedures, precision and accuracy have been investigated using synthetic gaseous and liquid samples. In case of liquid samples, gaseous subsamples are obtained from the head space above the sample. Outstanding features of the method are: the use of the carbon dioxide probe extended to gaseous samples; the improved performance in case of liquid samples; the long lasting validity of calibration curves.

Knowledge-Oriented Technologies for the Integration of Networked Enterprises

TOCAI.IT is an on-going Italian 3-year project, funded by the Ministry of Universities and Scientific Research under the FIRB program for the basic research, aimed at developing an integrated group of methodologies, techniques and software systems based on the most advanced knowledge technologies for the on-the-field analysis, specification, implementation and evaluation of new enterprise organization models in the “internetworked enterprise” perspective. This paper describes the goals and activities of the project and its progress after 1 year from the start.