A disambiguation initiative

Dear colleagues
 I would like to contribute to addressing the following agenda related to
the W3C publications, standards, 'vocabularies', and other documents:

There is a need to reduce the issues such as;

i)

Misalignment in nomenclature (so-called ‘terminology’ and
‘vocabulary’ e.g., synonymy and homonymy).

ii)

Excessive use of jargon, acronyms, and abbreviations.

iii)

Either overly concise explanations (lacking important detail) or too
narrowly specialized explanations and definitions.

iv)

Failure to use audiovisual supporting explanatory aids (e.g. pictures,
animations, etc).

v)

Discrepancies between the intentions of the information producer and the
needs or expectations of the information recipient (such as the general
public).

I propose to launch a project ‘Nomenclature standardisation’. In the first
stage, a list of critical terms (names, words) that need to be addressed
due to one or more of the above-listed symptoms (i - v) will be published.
In the next step, improved formulations for names and definitions will be
proposed.

*Examples:*

I. *Definition*

(a) According to the International Organisation for Standardization [1], a
'definition' is "a representation of a concept by a descriptive statement
which serves to differentiate it from related concepts." The selection of
'representation' as a superordinate concept, or hypernym, introduces a
level of circularity that is further aggravated by the inclusion of the
explanatory concept 'descriptive statement.'

The aforementioned standard fails to sufficiently differentiate between the
terms 'concept' and 'definition'. Moreover, it omits important
characteristics: definitions should act as probability intensifiers for
anticipated or observed actualisations, they should be infinitely
shareable, and they should be terminable. Hypernyms: statement, record.

[1] *** (2011) “ISO/DIS 1087-1. 2011. Terminology work – Vocabulary”.
International Organisation for Standardization.

(b) In computer engineering, the term 'definition' is used to denote the
resolution of a TV screen. In computer science, it refers to the number of
pixels per square inch on a monitor display. Publishers such as Elsevier
Inc. distribute scientific works that employ terms such as
'high-definition' and 'standard definition' to enrich this concept.
However, this can be misleading as it might imply that a 'high-definition'
screen provides more knowledge than a 'standard definition' screen.

Hypernym: characteristic.


II. *Kernel*

(a) In botany, kernel refers to the seed of a fruit or vegetables,
especially a hard-shelled one like a nut or pit. Hypernyms: fruits,
vegetables.

(b-1) In computer science, *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(operating_system)>* refers to the
central component of most operating systems, responsible for managing the
system's resources and the communication between hardware and software.
Hypernyms: machine, computer.

(b-2) In image processing, a *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(image_processing)>*, (convolution
matrix, or mask) is a small matrix used for blurring, sharpening,
embossing, edge detection, and more. (from Turkish). Hypernym: computer
science.

(c -1) Mathematics: in linear algebra *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(linear_algebra)>* denotes null
space, a set of vectors mapped to the zero vector. Recommendation: use the
term ‘kern’ (from German). Hypernyms: mathematics, algebra.

(c-2) Mathematics: in category theory, *kernels
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(category_theory)>* are a
generalization of the kernels of group homomorphisms, the kernels of module
homomorphisms and certain other kernels from algebra.

Hypernyms: mathematics, algebra.

(c-3) Mathematics: in set theory, *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(set_theory)>* refers to an
equivalence relation on a function’s domain.

Hypernyms: mathematics, algebra.

(c-4) Mathematics: in set theory, *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(set_theory)>* of a function refers
to the corresponding partition of the domain. Hypernyms: mathematics,
algebra.

(c-5) Mathematics: in geometry, *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star-shaped_polygon>* refers to the set of
points within a polygon from which the whole polygon boundary is visible.
Hypernym: mathematics.

(c-6) Mathematics: in statistics, *kernel
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(statistics)>* refers to a weighting
function used in kernel density estimation to estimate the probability
density function of a random variable. Hypernym: mathematics.


III. *Ontology*

(a) In philosophy, ontology is a branch of metaphysics dealing with the
nature of being, existence, or reality. It explores various categories of
being and their relationships, such as the distinction between actual and
potential existence or the nature of objects, properties, space, and time.

Hypernyms: philosophy, science

(b) In computer and information sciences, an ontology is a formal
representation of a set of concepts within a domain and the relationships
between those concepts. It is used to reason about the objects within that
domain and can be applied to artificial intelligence, semantic web,
software engineering, and information architecture to facilitate knowledge
sharing and reuse.

The W3C glossary provides the following definition for ‘ontology’:

Ontology (is):

(b-1) collection of information, generally including information about
classes and properties

(b-2) the information contained in an ontology document.


IV. *Tag*

(a) In information systems, a tag is a keyword or term assigned to a piece
of information (such as an Internet bookmark, multimedia, database record,
or computer file). This kind of metadata helps describe an item and allows
it to be found again by browsing or searching. Tags are generally chosen
informally and personally by the item's creator or by its viewer, depending
on the system, although they may also be chosen from a controlled
vocabulary.

Hypernyms: word, linguistics.

(b) In economy (retail and inventory management), a tag is a physical label
or sticker on a product that provides information about the product, such
as price, size, or barcode for scanning purposes.

Hypernym: identifier.

(c) In programming, e.g. in markup languages like HTML (HyperText Markup
Language), a "tag" refers to a specific piece of syntax used to denote the
beginning and end of an element within the document. Tags are surrounded by
angle brackets (< and >). They tell the web browser how to display the
content or how to behave in the case of interactive elements.


V. *Terminology*

(a) "Terminology" refers to the system of terms and expressions specific to
a particular subject, field, profession, or group. It encompasses the
collection of specialised words, phrases, and definitions used in a
particular area of study or practice. Terminology is a system of words used
to name things in a particular discipline, [1].

Terminology denotes the technical words or expressions that are used in a
particular subject, [2].

Hypernyms: word, term.

[1] *** WorldWeb Dictionary and Thesaurus https://www.wordwebonline.com/
<http://www.wordwebonline.com/>(accessed 13 March 2020).

[2] *** Longman LDOC online https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/terminology
<http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/terminology>(accessed 15 March 2020)..

(b) "Terminology" is a discipline in its own right, beyond its meaning as a
collection of terms used in a specific field. In this broader sense,
terminology is the study of terms and their use. This discipline involves
the systematic study of how terms are created, defined, applied, and
managed within different fields of knowledge. It encompasses the analysis
of concepts, the relationships between terms, the rules for term formation,
and the development of terminological databases and glossaries. Terminology
as a discipline also addresses issues related to translation and
standardisation of terms across languages and cultures, aiming to ensure
clarity, consistency, and accuracy in the communication of specialised
knowledge.

In this context, terminology embraces:

- Naming Conventions: The principles and guidelines for naming terms.

- Concept Analysis: The process of defining and clarifying the meaning of
concepts represented by terms.

- Terminology Management: The practice of systematically collecting,
describing, and presenting terms to ensure consistent and accurate use.

- Terminological Databases: Digital repositories that store and manage
terms, their definitions, and related information for easy access and use
in various contexts, including translation and research.

- Nomenclature: set of names used in a particular science, discipline, or
art.

Terminology is the science of nomenclature and taxonomy. It is a discipline
that studies, among other things, the development of terms (names) and
their interrelationships.

Hypernym: ‘science’.


VI. Topology

(a) In mathematics, topology is concerned with the properties of a
geometric object that are preserved under continuous deformations, such as
stretching, twisting, crumpling, and bending; that is, without closing
holes, opening holes, tearing, gluing, or passing through itself.

Hypernyms: mathematics, science.


(b) In computer science, "topology" refers to the arrangement of various
elements (usually physical devices or logical entities) within a network.
It describes how network devices are interconnected and how they
communicate with each other. Understanding network topology is crucial for
designing, implementing, and maintaining robust, efficient, and secure
networks. There are several types of network topologies, each with its
advantages and disadvantages, suited to different scenarios and
requirements. Hypernym: structure.


VII. Vector

a) Vector (epidemiology), is an agent that carries and transmits an
infectious pathogen into another living organism. [1]

“Vector (molecular biology), (is) a DNA molecule used as a vehicle to
artificially carry foreign genetic material into another cell.” [1]

Examples of use:

- Authors in [2] use the concept of ‘vector’ in the following context:

“…sprays that distribute the vector in the nasal cavity.”

- Authors in [3] use the concept of ‘vector’ in the following context:

“…within their vector mosquitoes.”

Hypernyms: ‘transmitter’ or ‘biological agent’.

b) In certain contexts within computing, the term "vector" is employed to
describe what is essentially a tupple, or an array. [4] Hypernyms: form,
structure, mathematical entity.

c) Vector is defined in mathematics and physics as follows:

“Vector is an ordered i-tuple of numbers, where i = a natural number.“ [5]

In mathematics, vectors are basic components in theories such as linear
algebra and calculus.

Hypernyms: mathematical object, mathematical entity.

[1] Wikipedia contributors, "Vector". Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia,

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_(molecular_biology)
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_(molecular_biology)>* accessed 21,
February 2024

[2] Csaba N., Garcia-Fuentes M., Alonso M.J. (2008) “Nanoparticles for
nasal vaccination”. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, In Press, Accepted
Manuscript.

[3] Perera, N. et al. (2008) “Rapid identification of virus-carrying
mosquitoes using reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal
amplification”. Journal of Virological Methods, In Press, Corrected Proof.

[4] Wikipedia contributors, "Array (data structure,)" Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia,

*https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Array_(data_structure)
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Array_(data_structure)>* accessed 21,
February 2024.

[5] K. Rektorys (1969) *Survey of Applicable Mathematics. *The MIT Press.


VIII. *Vocabulary*

(a) Vocabulary typically refers to the set of words that an individual
knows and uses in a particular language. Recommendation: continue using
this term. Hypernym: language.

(b) In linguistics, vocabulary refers to the words in a language. It
includes all the words and phrases of a language, including their forms,
meanings, and functions.

Recommendation: use the term ‘lexicon’. Hypernym: language.

(c) Vocabulary in computer science denotes the specific set of formalised
terms within a programming or markup language, including the defined tags
and elements for structuring data. This can include the collection of
programming elements (and their attributes) such as HTML tags like <p>,
<div>, <a>, etc.

Recommendation: use the term ‘code’. Hypernym: programme.


If you are interested in developing this initiative, please suggest how to
formalize and promote it further to attract more contributors.


Happy Easter

Sead

-- 
Sead Spuzic <https://ep.unisa.edu.au/user/view.php?id=23587>
sead.spuzic@gmail.com
phone: +61 (0)40102 1336
Address: 6 Johnson Rd
Athelstone, SA 5076

Alternate website: https://spuzic.neocities.org/Spuzic