Conventional Schema Research Articles

Intimate Selves: A Poetic Inquiry into Self-Knowledge

This article uses poetic inquiry to explore the author’s experiences of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which brought about a State of Disaster in South Africa from 26 March 2020 to 5 April 2022. The author had, before the pandemic, been used to going to an office and interacting with colleagues every day, and was not used to spending long periods of time alone. The poetry presented in this article was written during, and about, time the author spent alone during the pandemic and afterwards. The methodology of poetic inquiry, which was introduced as a scholarly approach in the 1970s (Davis, 2023), is used to reflect on the poems. Poetic inquiry typically fashions a poem from research data, instead of presenting the data according to the conventional schema for reporting (for example, with separate sections for ‘Findings’, ‘Data Analysis’, and ‘Conclusions’). Advocates of poetic inquiry find it an apt method for reducing data to a much more manageable corpus. In addition, it enables researchers to include affect, and to use evocative figurative language. The article uses the author’s subjective experiences as research data, presents the poems crafted from them, and comments on the poetry.

Comparison of the effectiveness of special schema therapy package with conventional schema therapy on sexual schemas and marital adjustment of women with vaginismus disorder

Comparison of the effectiveness of special schema therapy package with conventional schema therapy on sexual schemas and marital adjustment of women with vaginismus disorder

A radial histogenetic model of the mouse pallial amygdala

Conventional anatomic models of the rodent (mammalian) amygdala are based on section planes oblique to its intrinsic radial glial organization. As a result, we still lack a model of amygdalar histogenesis in terms of radial units (progenitor domains and related radial migration and layering patterns). A radial model of the mouse pallial amygdala is first offered here, based on three logical steps: (1) analysis of amygdalar radial structure in variously discriminative genoarchitectonic material, using an optimal ad hoc section plane; (2) testing preliminary models with experiments labelling at the brain surface single packets of radial glia processes, to be followed into the ventricular surface across intervening predicted elements; (3) selection of 81 differential amygdalar gene markers and checking planar and radial aspects of their distribution across the model elements. This approach shows that subtle changes to the conventional schema of the amygdala allow a radial histogenetic model to be recognized, which is consistent with molecularly coded differential identities of its units and strata. It is expected that this model will help both causal studies of amygdalar developmental patterning and comparative evolutionary studies. It also may have potential impact on hodological and functional studies.

Managing changes to XML schema design styles in a temporal and multi-version XML environment

In temporal and multi-version XML environments, several research works have focused on changes to traditional aspects of XML schemas like element/attribute declarations and simple/complex type definitions. However, advanced aspects of XML schemas have been either considered only to a limited extent, like XML namespaces or not studied at all, like XML schema design styles. In this paper, we deal with this last aspect and propose, in the temporal and multi-version τXSchema (temporal XML schema) framework, an approach for: 1) easily specifying changes to the design styles of an XML schema through the use of a high-level schema change operation based on our previously proposed StyleVolution approach; 2) correctly propagating the possible effects to the underlying XML document instances through the transparent management of the schema and document versions; 3) dealing with the interaction between design styles and conventional schema changes, by means of a semi-automated conflict resolution.

Temporal schema versioning in τOWL: a systematic approach for the management of time-varying knowledge

In this work, we consider the adoption of an OWL 2 ontology for the representation and management of time-varying knowledge. The W3C OWL 2 recommendation lacks explicit support for time-varying OWL ontologies. In previous work, we introduced τOWL which is an infrastructure and suite of tools to support the creation and validation of OWL ontologies with time-varying instances. In this paper, we extend τOWL to also support temporal versioning of the ontology schema. Schema versioning in the τOWL framework means that all the three components of a τOWL schema (i.e. conventional schema, logical and physical annotations) are versioned. In particular, we propose two complete sets of primitives, one for updating the conventional ontology schema and the other for managing the temporal ontology schema, and define their operational semantics. We also illustrate their use, through an example.

$$\uptau $$ τ OWL: A Systematic Approach to Temporal Versioning of Semantic Web Ontologies

The W3C OWL 2 recommendation is an ontology language for the Semantic Web. It allows defining both schema (i.e., entities, axioms, and expressions) and instances (i.e., individuals) of ontologies. However, OWL 2 lacks explicit support for time-varying schema or for time-varying instances. Hence, knowledge engineers or maintainers of semantics-based Web resources have to use ad hoc techniques to specify OWL 2 time-varying ontologies. In this paper, for a disciplined and systematic approach to the temporal management of Semantic Web ontologies, we propose the adoption of a framework called temporal OWL 2 (\(\uptau \)OWL), which is inspired by the \(\uptau \)XSchema framework defined for XML data. In a way similar to what happens in \(\uptau \)XSchema, \(\uptau \)OWL allows creating a temporal OWL 2 ontology from a conventional (i.e., non-temporal) OWL 2 ontology and a set of logical and physical annotations. Logical annotations identify which elements of the ontology can vary over time; physical annotations specify how the time-varying aspects are represented in the OWL 2 document. Using annotations to integrate temporal aspects in the traditional Semantic Web, our framework (1) guarantees logical and physical data independence for temporal schemas and (2) provides a low-impact solution, since it requires neither modifications of existing Semantic Web ontologies, nor extensions to the OWL 2 recommendation and Semantic Web standards. Moreover, since the conventional schema and annotation documents could evolve over time to respond to new applications’ requirements, \(\uptau \)OWL supports temporal schema versioning by allowing changing these components and by keeping track of their evolution through the conventional schema versions and annotation document versions, respectively. Two complete sets of operations are proposed for changing the conventional schema and annotation documents; to complete the figure, a set of operations is also introduced for updating temporal schema which must be changed consequently each time one of the mentioned components evolves over time. To show the feasibility of our approach, a prototype tool, named \(\uptau \)OWL-Manager, is presented.

Schema Change Operations for Full Support of Schema Versioning in the τXSchema Framework

tXSchema (Currim et al., 2004) is a framework (a language and a suite of tools) for the creation and validation of time-varying XML documents. A tXSchema schema is composed of a conventional XML Schema annotated with physical and logical annotations. All components of a tXSchema schema can evolve over time to reflect changes in the real-world. Since many applications need to keep track of both data and schema evolution, schema versioning has been long advocated to be the best solution to do this. In this paper, we complete the tXSchema framework, which is predisposed from the origin to support schema versioning, with the definition of the operations which are necessary to exploit such feature and make schema versioning functionalities available to final users. Moreover, we propose a new technique for schema versioning in tXSchema, allowing a complete and safe management of schema changes. It supports both versioning of conventional schema and versioning of annotations, in an integrated manner. For each component of a tXSchema schema, our approach provides a complete and sound set of change primitives and a set of high-level change operations, for the maintenance of such a component and defines their operational semantics.

A Mosaic of Fragments as Narrative Practice: Maqiao Dictionary

In his very ambitious mapping of Chinese postmodernism or postmodernity, Wang Ning compiled a long list of postmodernist writers in China, but Han Shaogong’s Maqiao Dictionary appeared too late for Han’s name to be included on the list (Wang 29). Now that the avant-garde has become a historical phenomenon, I find, in rereading Han’s novel carefully, that it is his experimental “dictionary” more than any of his other writings that earns him a place on this list. Among the many remarkable features of this work is its generic deviance from the conventional schema, its mosaic of fragments organically interwoven into a systematic reference book on a fictional yet realistic local dialect, which nevertheless produces a coherent narrative discourse, in the sense of “a perceived sequence of nonrandomly connected events” (Toolan 8). This fictional dictionary explores the enormous possibilities of linguistics-oriented writing and enriches the definitions of “narrativity” and “narrativeness” (Prince 44) in postmodernist fiction.

A schema matching system for on-the-fly autonomous data integration

Conventional schema matching systems usually choose a randomly ordered set of simple matchers and subsequently combine their individual scores with the help of a composite function ignoring the properties of the individual matchers and disregarding the context of the application of the matchers and therefore, culminate counterintuitive scores, improper matches, wasteful and counterproductive computations. Moreover, as users can hardly validate the processing accuracy until the computation is complete, matching efficiency and quality assurance play a crucial role in autonomous systems. In this paper, we propose a new method, OntoMatch, for schema matching that can avoid wasteful computation by a prudent and objective selection of the ordering of a subset of useful matchers and consequently improves the matching efficiency and accuracy. Experimental results corroborate that successive applications of the simple matchers in OntoMatch monotonically improve the matching score.

A practical classification schema incorporating consideration of possible asphyxia in cases of sudden unexpected infant death

Although the rate of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has decreased over the last two decades, medical examiners and coroners are increasingly unwilling to use the SIDS diagnosis, particularly when there is an unsafe sleeping environment that might pose a risk for asphyxia. In order to reliably classify the infant deaths studied in a research setting in the mixed ancestory population in Cape Town, South Africa, we tested a classification system devised by us that incorporates the uncertainty of asphyxial risks at an infant death scene. We classified sudden infant deaths as: A) SIDS (where only a trivial potential for an overt asphyxial event existed); B) Unclassified-Possibly Asphyxial-Related (when any potential for an asphyxial death existed); C) Unclassified-Non-Asphyxial-Related (e.g., hyperthermia); D) Unclassified-No autopsy and/or death scene investigation; and E) Known Cause of Death. Ten infant deaths were classified according to the proposed schema as: SIDS, n = 2; Unclassified-Possibly Asphyxial-Related, n = 4; and Known Cause, n = 4. A conventional schema categorized the deaths as 6 cases, SIDS, and 4 cases, Known Cause, indicating that 4/6 (67%) of deaths previously classified as SIDS are considered related importantly to asphyxia and warrant their own subgroup. This new classification schema applies a simpler, more qualitative approach to asphyxial risk in infant deaths. It also allows us to test hypotheses about the role of asphyxia in sudden infant deaths, such as in brainstem defects in a range of asphyxial challenges.

Gene therapy and biologic therapy with interleukin-4.

For more than two decades, there has been a concerted effort to define the biology of, and develop the clinical applications for, cytokines that influence the immune system. However, intrinsic potency and toxicity have complicated application of cytokines as therapeutic agents when applied systemically. Indeed, one of the major characteristics of most cytokines is that they regulate immunity at a local or regional level, and systemic levels provided by most conventional schema fail to mimic the induction of an effective immune response. IL-4 has pleiotropic effects on immune cells of multiple lineages, endothelial cells and tumor cells. Accumulating data in pre-clinical studies demonstrate that sustained expression of IL-4 at the targeted organs or tissues may provide an effective means for therapy of variety of diseases including cancers and immunologic disorders. This review discusses biological properties and therapeutic applications of IL-4, particularly when it is delivered as a transgene in the settings of gene therapy.

Constructing federated databases in coordinated supply chains

Supply chain partnering is one approach in decreasing the risk of maintaining high inventories and improving due date requirements. Whether or not such partnerships run smoothly depends on the sharing of information, and successful information sharing is determined by the manner in which previously independent databases are coordinated. This study proposes the construction of attribute correspondence matrices (ACMs) for databases by extending the conventional schema coordination from peer-to-peer relationships into vertical relationships, i.e. supply chain relationships. Using ACMs, companies in the supply chain can share data with both upstream and downstream partners without leaking information to competitors.

Product schema integration for electronic commerce-a synonym comparison approach

In any electronic commerce system, the heterogeneity of product descriptions is a critical impediment to efficient business information exchange. In the ABECOS electronic commerce system, buyer agents, seller agents, and directory agents liaise with one another in e-commerce activities. Only when agents have a common ontology of product descriptions (also called product schemas) are they able to interact seamlessly in e-commerce activities. This gives rise to the product schema integration problem (PSI); the problem of integrating heterogeneous schemas of a certain product into one globally compatible schema. We adopt an integration approach based on product attribute synonyms. We give a formal definition of the problem and show that it is NP-complete. We contrast our approach of study to conventional schema integration in federated databases. We also propose a set of approximate algorithms for PSI and evaluate their performance.

New techniques for commercial bread dough mixing

Bread dough mixing is a complex and uncertain process that involves both biological and mechanical polymerization. Although a human expert can control the mixing of dough, it is difficult to model mathematically for use in a conventional control schema. Using the results of the well-known mixograph test for gluten development, expert bakers have observed that the instantaneous mechanical power needed to mix dough has a significant relationship with the dough's gluten development and hydraulic absorption. A logical conclusion based on this observation is to measure the input electrical power for automatic control of large dough mixers. Such a control system must sense the instantaneous, three-phase input power; this signal is very noisy, nonlinear, nonstationary, and time varying. Hence, fuzzy logic is a good tool for developing an automatic control system. Such a system is described.

The Practice of Technology: Exploring Technology, Ecophilosophy, and Spiritual Disciplines for Vital Links by Alan R. Drengson

TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE Book Reviews 811 emphasis on the freedom of the individual from boundaries, a view of freedom as negative, runs counter to the major theme in these essays, one of positive freedom. There the individual is encouraged to participate in community planning. David W. Noble Dr. Noble is professor ofAmerican studies and history at the University of Minne­ sota. His first book was The Paradox of Progressive Thought (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1958). His ninth (forthcoming) is titled The Death ofa National Landscape: Bourgeois Nationalism and the Crisis of Narrative in American Cultural Criti­ cism, 1890-1990. The Practice ofTechnology: Exploring Technology, Ecophilosophy, and Spiri­ tual Disciplinesfor Vital Links. By Alan R. Drengson. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1995. Pp. 195; bibliography, index. $59.50 (hardcover), $19.95 (paperback). Alan Drengson is a professor of philosophy at the University of Victoria (Canada) and founder and now managing editor of an envi­ ronmental philosophy journal, The Trumpeter. He has done a great deal to popularize and advance the cause of “deep ecology,” a spe­ cific branch of environmental philosophy and practice. Deep ecolo­ gists, unlike their materialist siblings, the social ecologists, give seri­ ous regard to spiritual disciplines in realizing their vision of an ecosophic (ecologically wise) world. As Drengson indicates in the opening of the book, his abiding interest in the philosophy of tech­ nology is rooted in the early seventies, when he first taught a univer­ sity course on the social consequences of technology. While technol­ ogy is a theme in a number of his published articles, The Practice of Technology is his first sustained examination of technology. The book has a broad sweep, intending to provide a philosophical account of technology and of its social and ecological consequences over time and then to construct a new view of technology, an eco­ sophic one, that is mindful of planetary, psychological, social limits. The book is divided, correspondingly, into two parts. Part one offers a conventional schema for interpreting technology, a gloss on the history of technology and history of thinking about technology, and treatments of important matters such as technological imperatives and the different ways people regard technology. Part two brings the reader from the “Age of Technology” to the “Age of Ecology” through an exploration of limits to technological development, the role of creativity and imagination, and a redefinition of progress, concluding with a presentation of Drengson’s “ecosophic technol­ ogy practice.” We are reminded (rather too) often of technological misdeeds, but the aim of the book is to figure a way out of the mess: “Their solution requires that we redesign whole practices, but be­ 812 Book Reviews TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE fore we can do this, we must understand the practice of technology as an integrated, comprehensive activity and process—we must con­ sider the ecology of technology” (p. 26). Ultimately, Drengson’s re­ vision of technology takes a spiritual turn toward practices, such as aikido, that reconnect us with our deepest aspirations and humilities and offer a creative context for modest technologies. In the final chapter, he proposes an “integrated studies in technology” curricu­ lum that pushes his philosophizing to a practical level, a challenge that he holds up throughout the book. My greatest concern about the book is its selective treatment of philosophy of technology, the academic discipline that provides a vital inspiration for the book. While I agree with his estimation of the importance of Friedrich Rapp’s work, Drengson ignores crucial work by philosophers of technology, including Albert Borgmann, Andrew Feenberg, Carl Mitcham, Paul Durbin, Larry Hickman, Da­ vid Strong, HansJonas, Lewis Mumford, andJacques Ellul (who re­ ceives only passing mention). A more comprehensive treatment of these scholars in the context of his important project to connect technology studies with ecological awareness would make for a much stronger scholarly presentation. Drengson presents a panoramic and linear view of historical change in technology, which may put off some historians of technology. These difficulties point to a single issue: lack of clarity about who comprises the audience. For a work such as this, published by a ma­ jor university press, one would expect only limited distribution to a general readership...

A query language and optimization techniques for unstructured data

A new kind of data model has recently emerged in which the database is not constrained by a conventional schema. Systems like ACeDB, which has become very popular with biologists, and the recent Tsimmis proposal for data integration organize data in tree-like structures whose components can be used equally well to represent sets and tuples. Such structures allow great flexibility y in data representation.What query language is appropriate for such structures? Here we propose a simple language UnQL for querying data organized as a rooted, edge-labeled graph. In this model, relational data may be represented as fixed-depth trees, and on such trees UnQL is equivalent to the relational algebra. The novelty of UnQL consists in its programming constructs for arbitrarily deep data and for cyclic structures. While strictly more powerful than query languages with path expressions like XSQL, UnQL can still be efficiently evaluated. We describe new optimization techniques for the deep or "vertical" dimension of UnQL queries. Furthermore, we show that known optimization techniques for operators on flat relations apply to the "horizontal" dimension of UnQL.