< Semantic Technology 101 >

Thane KernerSilverchair

What is…

The Semantic Web?

A Semantic Data Layer?

Semantic Tagging?

Why add semantics to my content?

How can I get semantic tagging into my

workflows?

The Semantic WebThe Semantic Web provides a common framework that allows data to be shared and reused across application, enterprise, and community boundaries.

The Larger ContextWeb 1.0: The web of documents

Web 2.0: The web of people

Web 3.0: The web of data (Semantic Web)

Not Documents. Data.The Semantic Web requires us to go beyond documents and think of our content as data.

<title>

<author>

<abstract>

<reference>

<section>

Doesn’t My XML Do This Already?Only in limited ways.

Most XML is basic structural XML—which only captures syntax and physical content divisions (paragraphs, sections, tables, author names, references, etc.).

<title>

<author>

<abstract>

<reference>

<section>

Semantic XMLIn contrast, enhanced semantic XML also contains a layer of meaning that can be interpreted by computers.

<title>

<author>

<abstract>

<reference>

<section>

<topic=panic disorder>

<topic=therapy>

<topic=evidence quality>

The Semantic LayerThe semantic layer is an evolution of traditional web <meta> data.

It is a consistent, rules-based information layer placed into your XML for computer logic parsing.

It is a method for exposing the meaning of your data.

Parallel DataChapter 23: Numbness, Tingling, and Sensory LossNormal somatic sensation reflects a continuous monitoring process, little of which reaches consciousness under ordinary conditions. By contrast, disordered sensation, particularly when experienced as painful, is alarming and…

For Humans: The Narrative Layer

<semantics controlvocab=“UMLS”> <tag> <root-term termID="28648">sensation disorders</root-term> <sub-term termID="180">classification</sub-term> <sub-term termID="6138">terminology</sub-term> </tag> <tag> <root-term termID="39923">sensory testing</root-term> </tag></semantics>

For Computers: The Semantic Layer

Semantic TaggingTagging is the insertion of semantic information in the XML, whose smallest unit is called a tag.

For example:<root-term termID="28648">sensation disorders</root-term>

Tagging can also be placed in database tables and header files if the content is inaccessible (such as videos).

Semantic tagging is effectively done using a combination of programmatic and human (expert) indexing.

Why add semantics to content?The meaning of content is currently written for human understanding, not computers.

The semantic web requires a normalized descriptive data layer that can be understood by other computer applications (intelligent agents).

Therefore, a new semantic layer is needed for your data to truly join the semantic web.

PrecisionPrecision retrieval is a key component of an application’s usability and user satisfaction rating.

The semantic layer provides your application with a concise guide to the content in a language it can understand.

It can now provide more accurate responses to retrieval requests (searching, related content, granular integrations, etc.) via a rich matrix of contextual linking for your users.

These dynamic links are updated programmatically—when new content becomes available it is automatically retrieved.

NormalizationAuthors use different terminology in different books, journal articles, and even in the same book.

A semantic layer with a controlled vocabulary will normalize these differences and make your user-data connections smarter.

Chapter 23: Numbness, Tingling, and Sensory LossNormal somatic sensation reflects a continuous monitoring process, little of which reaches consciousness under ordinary conditions. By contrast, disordered sensation, particularly when experienced as painful, is alarming and…

For Humans

<semantics controlvocab=“UMLS”> <tag> <root-term termID="28648">sensation disorders</root-term>…

For Computers

“disordered sensation” = 215 PubMed results“sensation disorders”

= 112,577 PubMed results

Normalization

Synonyms (newborn = neonate)

Acronyms (GHB = gamma hydroxybutyrate)

Shorthand (c diff = clostridium difficile)

You can use a semantic normalization web service in your search without tagging your content.

Normalization

Contextual IntegrationBy using a domain taxonomy, you can more easily integrate your varied content (journals, books, videos, images, training, datasets).

Current taxonomies in health care include: MeSH, SNOMED, ICD-10, Read Codes, (and about 100 more).

The Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) is a place to start for health care integrations.

Other ApplicationsAdvertising Precision and Inventory Enhancement

User Profiling

Micro-target Marketing

Business Intelligence

Content Inventory Analysis

SEO

Semantic TaggingHow?

Semantic TaggingSemantics are XML

Like you’d describe <author> and <head>, semantics can easily be included in your content XML:<chapter id=“3002”> <semantics controlvocab=“UMLS”> <tag> <root-term termID="28648">sensation disorders</root-term> <sub-term termID="180">classification</sub-term> <sub-term termID="6138">terminology</sub-term> </tag> </semantics> <chapnum>23</chapnum> <chaptitle>Numbness, Tingling, and Sensory Loss</chaptitle> <para>This somatic sensation reflects a continuous monitoring process...

Semantic TaggingChoose a Taxonomy

Do not start the tagging process without a taxonomy or controlled vocabulary of choice. This may lead to inconsistent data which will severely curtail the effectiveness of your applications.

Semantic TaggingAdd Semantics to Workflows

Put the creation of the semantic layer in your current production workflows--make semantic tagging part of the editorial/production process for all content.

Semantic tagging is a parallel process that can occur during other content finishing steps so it need not add any time to production schedules.

Remember: You’ve done this before with structural XML!

Semantic ApplicationsTagging is embedded in the XML content, so it is available for use by any application that receives your content feed.

Semantic features are lightweight and quick and easy to program—allowing you to rapidly evolve and add features.

< Semantic Technology 101 >

Thane Kernerthanek@silverchair.com

Silverchair