A formal context for closures of acyclic hypergraphs

Database constraints in the relational database model (RDBM) can be viewed as a set of rules that apply to a dataset, or as a set of axioms that can generate a (closed) set of those constraints. In this paper, we use Formal Concept Analysis to characterize the axioms of Acyclic Hypergraphs (in the RDBM they are called Acyclic Join Dependencies). This present paper complements and generalizes previous work on FCA and databases constraints.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

A formal context for acyclic join dependencies

Acyclic Join Dependencies (AJD) play a crucial role in database design and normalization. In this paper, we use Formal Concept Analysis (FCA) to characterize a set of AJDs that hold in a given dataset. This present work simplifies and generalizes the characterization of Multivalued Dependencies with FCA.Postprint (author's final draft

On the Interaction of Inclusion Dependencies with Independence Atoms

Proceeding volume: 46Inclusion dependencies are one of the most important database constraints. In isolation their finite and unrestricted implication problems coincide, are finitely axiomatizable, PSPACE-complete, and fixed-parameter tractable in their arity. In contrast, finite and unrestricted implication problems for the combined class of functional and inclusion de- pendencies deviate from one another and are each undecidable. The same holds true for the class of embedded multivalued dependencies. An important embedded tractable fragment of embedded multivalued dependencies are independence atoms. These stipulate independence between two attribute sets in the sense that for every two tuples there is a third tuple that agrees with the first tuple on the first attribute set and with the second tuple on the second attribute set. For independence atoms, their finite and unrestricted implication problems coincide, are finitely axiomatizable, and decidable in cubic time. In this article, we study the implication problems of the combined class of independence atoms and inclusion dependencies. We show that their finite and unrestricted implication problems coincide, are finitely axiomatizable, PSPACE-complete, and fixed-parameter tractable in their arity. Hence, significant expressivity is gained without sacrificing any of the desirable properties that inclusion dependencies have in isolation. Finally, we establish an efficient condition that is sufficient for independence atoms and inclusion dependencies not to inter- act. The condition ensures that we can apply known algorithms for deciding implication of the individual classes of independence atoms and inclusion dependencies, respectively, to decide implication for an input that combines both individual classes.Peer reviewe

Realms: A Structure for Consolidating Knowledge about Mathematical Theories

Since there are different ways of axiomatizing and developing a mathematical theory, knowledge about a such a theory may reside in many places and in many forms within a library of formalized mathematics. We introduce the notion of a realm as a structure for consolidating knowledge about a mathematical theory. A realm contains several axiomatizations of a theory that are separately developed. Views interconnect these developments and establish that the axiomatizations are equivalent in the sense of being mutually interpretable. A realm also contains an external interface that is convenient for users of the library who want to apply the concepts and facts of the theory without delving into the details of how the concepts and facts were developed. We illustrate the utility of realms through a series of examples. We also give an outline of the mechanisms that are needed to create and maintain realms.Comment: As accepted for CICM 201

Обобщение правил вывода для зависимостей соединения в базах данных

In this paper a generalisation of the inference rules of the join dependencies that are used in the design of database schemas that meets the requirements of the fifth normal form is considered. In the previous works devoted to this problem, attempts to construct systems of the axioms of such dependencies based on inference rules are made. However, while the justification for the consistency (soundness) of the obtained axioms does not cause difficulties, the proof of completeness in general has not been satisfactorily resolved. First of all, this is due to the limitations of the inference rules themselves. This work focuses on two original axiom systems presented in the works of Sciore and Malvestuto. For the inclusion dependencies a system of rules that generalises existing systems and has fewer restrictions has been obtained. The paper presents a proof of the derivability of known systems of axioms from the presented inference rules. In addition, evidence of the consistency (soundness) of these rules is provided. The question of the completeness of the formal system based on the presented rules did not find a positive solution. In conclusion, the theoretical and practical significance of the inference rules for the join dependencies is noted.В работе рассматривается обобщение правил вывода зависимостей соединения, которые используются при проектировании схемы базы данных, удовлетворяющей требованиям пятой нормальной формы. В предшествующих работах, посвященных данной проблематике, делаются попытки построить системы аксиом таких зависимостей, основанных на правилах вывода. Однако, если обоснование непротиворечивости (надежности) полученных аксиом не вызывает затруднений, то доказательство полноты в общем случае не получило удовлетворительного решения. Прежде всего, это связано с ограниченностью самих правил вывода. В данной работе акцентировано внимание на двух оригинальных системах аксиом, представленных в работах Sciore и Malvestuto. Для зависимостей включения получена система правил, которая обобщает существующие системы и при этом имеет меньше ограничений. В работе представлено доказательство выводимости известных систем аксиом из представленных правил вывода. Кроме того, приводится доказательство непротиворечивости (надежности) этих правил. Вопрос о полноте формальной системы, основанной на представленных правилах, не нашел положительного решения. В заключение отмечена теоретическая и практическая значимость правил вывода для зависимостей соединения

A PC Chase

PC stands for path-conjunctive, the name of a class of queries and dependencies that we define over complex values with dictionaries. This class includes the relational conjunctive queries and embedded dependencies, as well as many interesting examples of complex value and oodb queries and integrity constraints. We show that some important classical results on containment, dependency implication, and chasing extend and generalize to this class

Agreement graphs and data dependencies

The problem of deciding whether a join dependency [R] and a set F of functional dependencies logically imply an embedded join dependency [S] is known to be NP-complete. It is shown that if the set F of functional dependencies is required to be embedded in R, the problem can be decided in polynomial time. The problem is approached by introducing agreement graphs, a type of graph structure which helps expose the combinatorial structure of dependency implication problems. Agreement graphs provide an alternative formalism to tableaus and extend the application of graph and hypergraph theory in relational database research;Agreement graphs are also given a more abstract definition and are used to define agreement graph dependencies (AGDs). It is shown that AGDs are equivalent to Fagin\u27s (unirelational) embedded implicational dependencies. A decision method is given for the AGD implication problem. Although the implication problem for AGDs is undecidable, the decision method works in many cases and lends insight into dependency implication. A number of properties of agreement graph dependencies are given and directions for future research are suggested

Canonical queries as a query answering device (Information Science)

Issued as Annual reports [nos. 1-2], and Final report, Project no. G-36-60