RE: BioPAX-discuss / "processing" RDF

> A problem with RDF-based inference is that it quickly becomes
human-opaque, because the notation is machine-oriented and the inferences
are, well, intricate.
 
Important to note that RDF does not have any native 'notation' - it has a
data model which lends itself to multiple notations (or serializations) -
some of which may be less opaque than others. As noted elsewhere the problem
with RDF notations is not XML or whatever, it is the simple fact that
resources, properties, etc are identified by URIs - which themselves can
easily become non-human-transcribable (contrary to the principles laid out
in RFC2396, sect.1.5).
 
Cheers,
 
Tony

-----Original M  essage-----
From: public-semweb-lifesci-request@w3.org
[mailto:public-semweb-lifesci-request@w3.org] On Behalf Of Internet Business
Logic
Sent: 10 August 2004 03:55
To: Eric.Neumann@aventis.com
Cc: public-semweb-lifesci@w3.org
Subject: BioPAX-discuss / "processing" RDF


Hi Eric --

On Mon, 9 Aug 2004 11:07:55 you wrote...

'For those not comfortable in "processing" RDF (don't base your opinion on
trying reading RDF by eye), I suggest trying out JENA or CWM to see what is
possible in this space.'

Actually, even more is possible in this space.  A problem with RDF-based
inference is that it quickly becomes human-opaque, because the notation is
machine-oriented and the inferences are, well, intricate.

There's a demo called RDFQueryLangComparison1 that shows how to overcome
some of this difficulty.
One can run it by pointing a browser to the site listed below.  (The file
can also be downloaded from the link "Complete Examples")

The basic idea is to specify the inferences in rules that are close to
English (and open vocabulary).  Then, inferences that wind tortuously over
schema and base levels, use reification, etc, become clearer.  A plus is
that the representation shift allows the generation of step-by-step
English-like explanations of inference results.

HTH,    -- Adrian Walker


-- 



Internet Business Logic  --  online at www.reengineeringllc.com
<http://www.reengineeringllc.com> 



Reengineering LLC,  PO Box 1412,  Bristol,  CT 06011-1412,  USA



Phone 860 583 9677     Mobile 860 830 2085     Fax 860 314 1029
















********************************************************************************
DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is confidential and should not be used by anyone who is not the original intended recipient. If you have received this e-mail in error please inform the sender and delete it from your mailbox or any other storage mechanism. Neither Macmillan Publishers Limited nor any of its agents accept liability for any statements made which are clearly the sender's own and not expressly made on behalf of Macmillan Publishers Limited or one of its agents. Please note that neither Macmillan Publishers Limited nor any of its agents accept any responsibility for viruses that may be contained in this e-mail or its attachments and it is your responsibility to scan the e-mail and attachments (if any). No contracts may be concluded on behalf of Macmillan Publishers Limited or its agents by means of e-mail communication. Macmillan Publishers Limited Registered in England and Wales with registered number 785998 Registered Office Brunel Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke RG21 6XS
********************************************************************************