RE: An argument for bridging information models and ontologies at the syntactic level

[[	 
	[VK] I am not sure whether there is merit in the differentiation
between terminologies and information models as they are essentially the
same thing. Take a look at Snomed, and you would know what I mean.
]]

Okay, for me, the difference is whether or not the underlying language
is backed by a some knowledge reprsentation with a formal semantics.  By
knowledge representation I primarily mean a language that can facilitate
inference [1].  Note in that reference (which serves as my preferred
definition of what a KR is) it states: "A KR is not a data structure."
So, although data modeling systems such as RELAX NG and HL7 RIM might be
used to refer to real entities, they do not facilitate any level of
inference.

[[
	[VK] Given the definition above, I would more view this as an
implementation or data model.
]]

So, applying the above distinction, this is how I tend to think of the
'layers' (perhaps I'm oversimplifying things but this was what kept my
thought process honest during the development of GRDDL):

In XML, the infoset is the information model (since it cannot faciliate
inference), the concrete XML sytnax is the 'data model' (or primary
implementation).

In RDF, the abstract model is a knowledge representation (since it *can*
facilitate inference) that has a particular mapping to the XML infoset
with a corresponding concrete serialization (the RDF/XML syntax).

So, I think of what you call 'implementations or data models' as being
synonymous with a concrete syntax.  

[[
	[VK] The definition of knowledge representation above is closer
in my mind to the notion of an information model, where the focus should
be on describing information as opposed to describing structures
	for messaging, data manipulation, etc. 
]]

Does the distinction of inference change this for you?

[[
	[VK] I think the GRDDL standard has a big role to play in this
regards.
]]

Absolutely!  It would be very beneficial to develop one or more GRDDL
transforms for the various HL7 RIM-based exchange syntaxes.  I think it
would help demonstrate empirical evidence as to how big this role is.

[1] http://groups.csail.mit.edu/medg/ftp/psz/k-rep.html#kr

Chimezie (chee-meh) Ogbuji
Lead Systems Analyst
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
9500 Euclid Avenue/ W26
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Office: (216)444-8593
ogbujic@ccf.org 


===================================

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

Cleveland Clinic is ranked one of the top hospitals
in America by U.S. News & World Report (2007).  
Visit us online at http://www.clevelandclinic.org for
a complete listing of our services, staff and
locations.


Confidentiality Note:  This message is intended for use
only by the individual or entity to which it is addressed
and may contain information that is privileged,
confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable
law.  If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient or the employee or agent responsible for
delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or
copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If
you have received this communication in error,  please
contact the sender immediately and destroy the material in
its entirety, whether electronic or hard copy.  Thank you.

Received on Wednesday, 26 March 2008 21:51:22 UTC