Evaluation of a Generic Approach for Designing Domain Ontologies Based on XML Schemas

The process designing domain ontologies from scratch is very time-consuming and is associated with a lot of effort. In the most cases, domain experts have defined XML Schemas, describing domain data models, before ontologies have been created. Our idea is to generate ontologies out of XML Schemas automatically using XSLT transformations in a first step, and to derive domain ontologies semi-automatically using SWRL rules in a second step. We apply our approach in order to reuse the information located in the XML Schemas for the design of domain ontologies. In this paper, we aim to verify the hypothesis, that the effort and the time delivering high quality domain ontologies using the developed semi-automatic approach is much less than creating domain ontologies in a completely manual way. We have applied the individual stages of the suggested approach to multiple different data models in the academic and the industry domain. In addition to that, we show one complete use case for which the traditional approach designing domain ontologies manually and the proposed approach have been applied – the DDI-RDF Discovery Vocabulary, which is an ontology of the social science metadata standard Data Documentation Initiative

Using RDF to Describe and Link Social Science Data to Related Resources on the Web

Kramer S, Leahey A, Southall H, Vompras J, Wackerow J. Using RDF to Describe and Link Social Science Data to Related Resources on the Web. DDI Working Paper Series. Dagstuhl, Germany: DDI Alliance; 2012.This document focuses on how best to relate Resource Description Framework (RDF)-described datasets to other related resources and objects (publications, geographies, organizations, people, etc.) in the Semantic Web. This includes a description of what would be needed to make these types of relationships most useful, including which RDF vocabularies should be used, potential link predicates, and possible data sources. RDF provides a good model for describing social science data because it supports formal semantics that provide a dependable basis for reasoning about the meaning of an RDF expression. In particular, it supports defined notions of entailment which provide a basis for defining reliable rules of inference in RDF data. Our findings are discussed in the context of social science data and more specifically, how to leverage existing metadata models to use alongside linked data. We provide a case for leveraging the Data Documentation Initiative (DDI) to enable semantic linking of social science data to other data and related resources on the Web. This document is organized into five use cases, which we consider in turn. Use cases include: linking related publications to data, linking data about people and organizations to research data, linking geography, linking to related studies, and linking data to licenses. We briefly discuss emerging or known issues surrounding the potential use of linked data within each of the defined use cases. Following these, we list more topics that could develop into additional use cases. Appendix A lists elements from the DDI-Codebook and DDI-Lifecycle specifications that are relevant to each use case

An Infrastructure for Spatial Linking of Survey Data

Research on environmental justice comprises health and well-being aspects, as well as topics related to general social participation. In this research field, among others, there is a need for an integrated use of social science survey data and spatial science data, e.g. for combining demographic information from survey data with data on pollution from spatial data. However, for researchers it is challenging to link both data sources, because (1) the interdisciplinary nature of both data sources is different, (2) both underlie different legal restrictions, in particular regarding data privacy, and (3) methodological challenges arise regarding the use of geo-information systems (GIS) for the processing and analysis of spatial data. In this article, we present an infrastructure of distributed web services which supports researchers in the process of spatial linking. The infrastructure addresses the challenges researchers have to face during that process. We present an example case study on the investigation of environmental inequalities with regards to income and land use hazards in Germany by using georeferenced survey data of the GESIS Panel and the German Socio-economic Panel (SOEP), and by using spatial data from the Monitor of Settlement and Open Space Development (IOER Monitor). The results show that increasing income of survey respondents is associated with less exposure to land-use-related environmental hazards in Germany

Evidence-based stragegies to inform urban design decision-making: the case of pedestrian movement behaviour.

Walking is an essential mode of transportation, and pedestrian movement is a major influencing parameter in city design. Due to the complexity of pedestrian behaviour, new insights concerning the significance of factors affecting walking are challenging to obtain without the use of technology. Furthermore, despite the impact of decision-making in the design of buildings and places, there is currently a limited understanding concerning how urban design decisions are best made. This research aims to “assess the adoption of, and opportunities deriving from, data-driven innovation techniques in the design of urban spaces, by the analysis of pedestrian movement patterns in urban environments, and to evaluate how the integration of evidence-based strategies can be established in supporting decision-making in relation to future urban designs”. The research focuses on two groups of stakeholders: Decision-makers in designing buildings and places and End-users undertaking walking activities within urban space. In addressing the aim, a range of research methodologies has been developed and trialled. The work centres on an extended case study concerning a retail high-street locale in London, UK. This study makes several contributions to the immediate field of urban design research. Firstly, the findings advance the research methods applied to study pedestrian movement in urban environments. Secondly, the results offer real impact in practice by demonstrating the value and importance of adopting data-driven innovation techniques in decision-making processes in urban design via the adoption of a quantitative data- driven, evidence-based methodological framework. Thirdly, the findings support decision-making by presenting a novel methodological framework to assess pedestrian routing in urban environments utilising the classification of pedestrian behaviours and spatial visibility interactions. Finally, this study raises awareness of the critical challenges and opportunities, priorities, and potential development areas for applying evidence- based strategies in informing building and urban design decisions. The research presents a series of recommendations for enhancing data-driven innovation techniques in urban design decision-making processes.Natural Environmental Research (NERC)PhD in Environment and Agrifoo

Methods for Matching of Linked Open Social Science Data

In recent years, the concept of Linked Open Data (LOD), has gained popularity and acceptance across various communities and domains. Science politics and organizations claim that the potential of semantic technologies and data exposed in this manner may support and enhance research processes and infrastructures providing research information and services. In this thesis, we investigate whether these expectations can be met in the domain of the social sciences. In particular, we analyse and develop methods for matching social scientific data that is published as Linked Data, which we introduce as Linked Open Social Science Data. Based on expert interviews and a prototype application, we investigate the current consumption of LOD in the social sciences and its requirements. Following these insights, we first focus on the complete publication of Linked Open Social Science Data by extending and developing domain-specific ontologies for representing research communities, research data and thesauri. In the second part, methods for matching Linked Open Social Science Data are developed that address particular patterns and characteristics of the data typically used in social research. The results of this work contribute towards enabling a meaningful application of Linked Data in a scientific domain

The Elements of Big Data Value

This open access book presents the foundations of the Big Data research and innovation ecosystem and the associated enablers that facilitate delivering value from data for business and society. It provides insights into the key elements for research and innovation, technical architectures, business models, skills, and best practices to support the creation of data-driven solutions and organizations. The book is a compilation of selected high-quality chapters covering best practices, technologies, experiences, and practical recommendations on research and innovation for big data. The contributions are grouped into four parts: · Part I: Ecosystem Elements of Big Data Value focuses on establishing the big data value ecosystem using a holistic approach to make it attractive and valuable to all stakeholders. · Part II: Research and Innovation Elements of Big Data Value details the key technical and capability challenges to be addressed for delivering big data value. · Part III: Business, Policy, and Societal Elements of Big Data Value investigates the need to make more efficient use of big data and understanding that data is an asset that has significant potential for the economy and society. · Part IV: Emerging Elements of Big Data Value explores the critical elements to maximizing the future potential of big data value. Overall, readers are provided with insights which can support them in creating data-driven solutions, organizations, and productive data ecosystems. The material represents the results of a collective effort undertaken by the European data community as part of the Big Data Value Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the European Commission and the Big Data Value Association (BDVA) to boost data-driven digital transformation

Network analysis of sea turtle movements and connectivity: A tool for conservation prioritization

Aim: Understanding the spatial ecology of animal movements is a critical element in conserving long-lived, highly mobile marine species. Analyzing networks developed from movements of six sea turtle species reveals marine connectivity and can help prioritize conservation efforts. Location: Global. Methods: We collated telemetry data from 1235 individuals and reviewed the literature to determine our dataset's representativeness. We used the telemetry data to develop spatial networks at different scales to examine areas, connections, and their geographic arrangement. We used graph theory metrics to compare networks across regions and species and to identify the role of important areas and connections. Results: Relevant literature and citations for data used in this study had very little overlap. Network analysis showed that sampling effort influenced network structure, and the arrangement of areas and connections for most networks was complex. However, important areas and connections identified by graph theory metrics can be different than areas of high data density. For the global network, marine regions in the Mediterranean had high closeness, while links with high betweenness among marine regions in the South Atlantic were critical for maintaining connectivity. Comparisons among species-specific networks showed that functional connectivity was related to movement ecology, resulting in networks composed of different areas and links. Main conclusions: Network analysis identified the structure and functional connectivity of the sea turtles in our sample at multiple scales. These network characteristics could help guide the coordination of management strategies for wide-ranging animals throughout their geographic extent. Most networks had complex structures that can contribute to greater robustness but may be more difficult to manage changes when compared to simpler forms. Area-based conservation measures would benefit sea turtle populations when directed toward areas with high closeness dominating network function. Promoting seascape connectivity of links with high betweenness would decrease network vulnerability.Fil: Kot, Connie Y.. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Åkesson, Susanne. Lund University; SueciaFil: Alfaro Shigueto, Joanna. Universidad Cientifica del Sur; Perú. University of Exeter; Reino Unido. Pro Delphinus; PerúFil: Amorocho Llanos, Diego Fernando. Research Center for Environmental Management and Development; ColombiaFil: Antonopoulou, Marina. Emirates Wildlife Society-world Wide Fund For Nature; Emiratos Arabes UnidosFil: Balazs, George H.. Noaa Fisheries Service; Estados UnidosFil: Baverstock, Warren R.. The Aquarium and Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project; Emiratos Arabes UnidosFil: Blumenthal, Janice M.. Cayman Islands Government; Islas CaimánFil: Broderick, Annette C.. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: Bruno, Ignacio. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Canbolat, Ali Fuat. Hacettepe Üniversitesi; Turquía. Ecological Research Society; TurquíaFil: Casale, Paolo. Università degli Studi di Pisa; ItaliaFil: Cejudo, Daniel. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; EspañaFil: Coyne, Michael S.. Seaturtle.org; Estados UnidosFil: Curtice, Corrie. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: DeLand, Sarah. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: DiMatteo, Andrew. CheloniData; Estados UnidosFil: Dodge, Kara. New England Aquarium; Estados UnidosFil: Dunn, Daniel C.. University of Queensland; Australia. The University of Queensland; Australia. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Esteban, Nicole. Swansea University; Reino UnidoFil: Formia, Angela. Wildlife Conservation Society; Estados UnidosFil: Fuentes, Mariana M. P. B.. Florida State University; Estados UnidosFil: Fujioka, Ei. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Garnier, Julie. The Zoological Society of London; Reino UnidoFil: Godfrey, Matthew H.. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Estados UnidosFil: Godley, Brendan J.. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: González Carman, Victoria. Instituto National de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Harrison, Autumn Lynn. Smithsonian Institution; Estados UnidosFil: Hart, Catherine E.. Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias A.C; México. Investigacion, Capacitacion y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C; MéxicoFil: Hawkes, Lucy A.. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: Hays, Graeme C.. Deakin University; AustraliaFil: Hill, Nicholas. The Zoological Society of London; Reino UnidoFil: Hochscheid, Sandra. Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn; ItaliaFil: Kaska, Yakup. Dekamer—Sea Turtle Rescue Center; Turquía. Pamukkale Üniversitesi; TurquíaFil: Levy, Yaniv. University Of Haifa; Israel. Israel Nature And Parks Authority; IsraelFil: Ley Quiñónez, César P.. Instituto Politécnico Nacional; MéxicoFil: Lockhart, Gwen G.. Virginia Aquarium Marine Science Foundation; Estados Unidos. Naval Facilities Engineering Command; Estados UnidosFil: López-Mendilaharsu, Milagros. Projeto TAMAR; BrasilFil: Luschi, Paolo. Università degli Studi di Pisa; ItaliaFil: Mangel, Jeffrey C.. University of Exeter; Reino Unido. Pro Delphinus; PerúFil: Margaritoulis, Dimitris. Archelon; GreciaFil: Maxwell, Sara M.. University of Washington; Estados UnidosFil: McClellan, Catherine M.. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Metcalfe, Kristian. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: Mingozzi, Antonio. Università Della Calabria; ItaliaFil: Moncada, Felix G.. Centro de Investigaciones Pesqueras; CubaFil: Nichols, Wallace J.. California Academy Of Sciences; Estados Unidos. Center For The Blue Economy And International Environmental Policy Program; Estados UnidosFil: Parker, Denise M.. Noaa Fisheries Service; Estados UnidosFil: Patel, Samir H.. Coonamessett Farm Foundation; Estados Unidos. Drexel University; Estados UnidosFil: Pilcher, Nicolas J.. Marine Research Foundation; MalasiaFil: Poulin, Sarah. University of Duke; Estados UnidosFil: Read, Andrew J.. Duke University Marine Laboratory; Estados UnidosFil: Rees, ALan F.. University of Exeter; Reino Unido. Archelon; GreciaFil: Robinson, David P.. The Aquarium and Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project; Emiratos Arabes UnidosFil: Robinson, Nathan J.. Fundación Oceanogràfic; EspañaFil: Sandoval-Lugo, Alejandra G.. Instituto Politécnico Nacional; MéxicoFil: Schofield, Gail. Queen Mary University of London; Reino UnidoFil: Seminoff, Jeffrey A.. Noaa National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Regional Office; Estados UnidosFil: Seney, Erin E.. University Of Central Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Snape, Robin T. E.. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: Sözbilen, Dogan. Dekamer—sea Turtle Rescue Center; Turquía. Pamukkale University; TurquíaFil: Tomás, Jesús. Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat I Biologia Evolutiva; EspañaFil: Varo Cruz, Nuria. Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; España. Ads Biodiversidad; España. Instituto Canario de Ciencias Marinas; EspañaFil: Wallace, Bryan P.. University of Duke; Estados Unidos. Ecolibrium, Inc.; Estados UnidosFil: Wildermann, Natalie E.. Texas A&M University; Estados UnidosFil: Witt, Matthew J.. University of Exeter; Reino UnidoFil: Zavala Norzagaray, Alan A.. Instituto politecnico nacional; MéxicoFil: Halpin, Patrick N.. University of Duke; Estados Unido

Network analysis of sea turtle movements and connectivity: A tool for conservation prioritization

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordData availability statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available in the Supplementary Material of this article and Zenodo (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5898578). Details for all animals included in this study are provided in Appendices S1 and S2. Data used to create the spatial networks are listed in the Appendices S3 and S4. The geospatial files for all networks are available on the Migratory Connectivity in the Ocean Project website (https://mico.eco) and Dryad (https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.j3tx95xg9). Additional data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.Aim Understanding the spatial ecology of animal movements is a critical element in conserving long-lived, highly mobile marine species. Analyzing networks developed from movements of six sea turtle species reveals marine connectivity and can help prioritize conservation efforts. Location Global. Methods We collated telemetry data from 1235 individuals and reviewed the literature to determine our dataset's representativeness. We used the telemetry data to develop spatial networks at different scales to examine areas, connections, and their geographic arrangement. We used graph theory metrics to compare networks across regions and species and to identify the role of important areas and connections. Results Relevant literature and citations for data used in this study had very little overlap. Network analysis showed that sampling effort influenced network structure, and the arrangement of areas and connections for most networks was complex. However, important areas and connections identified by graph theory metrics can be different than areas of high data density. For the global network, marine regions in the Mediterranean had high closeness, while links with high betweenness among marine regions in the South Atlantic were critical for maintaining connectivity. Comparisons among species-specific networks showed that functional connectivity was related to movement ecology, resulting in networks composed of different areas and links. Main conclusions Network analysis identified the structure and functional connectivity of the sea turtles in our sample at multiple scales. These network characteristics could help guide the coordination of management strategies for wide-ranging animals throughout their geographic extent. Most networks had complex structures that can contribute to greater robustness but may be more difficult to manage changes when compared to simpler forms. Area-based conservation measures would benefit sea turtle populations when directed toward areas with high closeness dominating network function. Promoting seascape connectivity of links with high betweenness would decrease network vulnerability.International Climate Initiative (IKI)German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU

Overrepresentation and disparity of Black children reported under the child protection system : the need for effective cross-system collaborations

Élaborée à partir de trois articles, cette thèse vise à développer une compréhension plus approfondie de la surreprésentation des enfants Noirs suivis par le système de protection de l’enfance au Canada. Le premier et le deuxième article examinent les taux de disparité des enfants faisant l’objet d’un signalement au Centre Jeunesse pour un échantillon d’enfants Noirs, Blancs et d’autres minorités racisées résidant à Montréal, Québec. Les résultats du premier article indiquent que comparativement aux enfants Blancs, les enfants Noirs étaient cinq fois plus susceptibles d’avoir leur signalement retenu et que le motif de celui-ci se révèle fondé. Le taux de placement était également cinq fois plus élevé que celui des enfants Blancs. Les résultats du deuxième article révèlent des différences dans la durée de placement et la probabilité d’une réunification familiale. Lorsqu’on compare la durée de placement des enfants Noirs, Blancs et d’autres minorités racisées, les enfants Noirs avaient une durée de placement plus longue. De plus ces enfants étaient moins susceptibles de réintégrer leur famille une fois le placement terminé. Cette probabilité réduite de réunification familiale s’explique statistiquement par l’impact de trois variables : l’instabilité du placement, l’âge de l’enfant et le type de maltraitance subie. Il est suggéré que l’accessibilité des services de soutien social au sein de la communauté de l’enfant est un facteur qui permet de protéger contre la pauvreté et diminuer la surreprésentation des enfants Noirs. Le troisième article dans cette thèse s’appuie sur une enquête qualitative conçue à partir d’une approche thématique afin d’identifier certains défis engendrés par la collaboration entre un Centre Jeunesse et un organisme communautaire. La création d’un partenariat a été proposée comme solution visant la réduction de la surreprésentation des enfants Noirs pris en charge par le Centre Jeunesse. Il s’agit d’une collaboration ayant pour but de rehausser les conditions socioéconomiques des ménages tout en permettant d’offrir un éventail de services plus adaptés aux particularités culturelles des parents noirs. Des entrevues semi-structurées ont été menées auprès des gestionnaires responsables de l’implantation du partenariat. Les résultats obtenus révèlent que le contexte organisationnel, le niveau de soutien sociopolitique et la culture organisationnelle des agences de la protection de la jeunesse influencent considérablement l’efficacité du partenariat. Cette étude dresse un portrait des facteurs contribuant à la surreprésentation des enfants Noirs suivis par le système de protection de l’enfance au Canada. Elle suggère que la précarité socioéconomique des familles Noires s'explique partiellement par le traitement différentiel accordé aux dossiers impliquant des enfants Noirs. Elle met également en lumière certains obstacles potentiels à la mise en œuvre des solutions proposées.This three-paper dissertation examines the overrepresentation of Black children reported to child protection services in Canada. The first and second papers examine rates of service disparities using clinical-administrative data provided by a child protection agency for a sample of Black, White, and other visible minority children residing in Montreal, Quebec. Findings from the first paper reveal that compared to White children, Black children’s protection reports were five times more likely to be screened in, substantiated, and brought to court. Black children were also five times more likely than White children to enter out-of-home placement. Findings from the second paper demonstrate disparity in exits from the child protection system through comparison of Black, White and other visible minority children on time spent in out of home placement and likelihood of family reunification. Of these three groups, Black children spent the longest time in out-of-home placement and had a lower proportion of children experiencing family reunification. This decreased likelihood of reunification was statistically associated with three variables: placement instability, age of the child and type of maltreatment. The accessibility of support services within a child’s community to help moderate exposure to risk conditions has been offered as a possible solution in addressing the overrepresentation of Black children. The third paper in this dissertation uses qualitative inquiry employing a thematic approach to highlight some of the challenges faced by a collaboration between a child protection agency and community organization. The creation of the partnership sought to reduce overrepresentation of Black children receiving services from the child protection system. It aimed to improve socioeconomic conditions faced by Black families by providing access to support services to address their needs in a culturally adapted manner. In depth-interviews from members of the stakeholder committee composed of management staff from both the child protection agency and community organization cited challenges pertaining to the child protection agency’s organizational context, level of socio-political support and organizational culture as obstacles to an effective partnership. Together, these three papers document the nature and potential causes of overrepresentation and disparity faced by Black Canadian children. It suggests that the disproportionate need faced by Black families is an important factor explaining their differential treatment within child protection systems. This study also highlights some of the potential barriers in implementing solutions

A School Leadership Pipeline Model : a systemic and holistic model for school leadership development

Today’s schools require their leaders to deal with atypical challenges and confidently navigate problems involving a diverse range of stakeholders. The predominant leader-centric school leadership theories and models developed in the last century, which focused mainly on principalship, no longer meet the needs of current and future school leaders (Frost, 2011; Leithwood & Sun, 2012; Neidhart & Carlin, 2011, Waterson, 2015). Following a critical review of existing leadership literature and field investigation, this thesis posits a School Leadership Pipeline Model to initiate a paradigm shift in school leadership development, which focuses on the three tiers of leadership in a school system: teacher leaders, mid-level leaders and senior leaders. The model is based on migrating and adapting the theoretical principles of the Leadership Pipeline Model (Charan, Drotter, & Noel, 2001, 2011), to an educational leadership context, providing a structure to help New South Wales and Australian school organisations identify and nurture future leaders via a holistic approach to talent management and succession planning. The study used a mixed method approach that included a two-phase sequence. The first phase involved the creation of the School Leadership Pipeline Model (SLPM) and its measurement tool, the School Leadership Capability Scale (SLCS), which was used as a survey tool to capture quantitative data from an online survey. Stringent steps were taken to substantiate the validity and reliability of this scale using robust statistical assessments and analyses. Input from an expert panel versed in capability framework development, and evaluation by a focus group comprising school leaders from different levels of leadership, have established the face and content validity of the survey instrument. Two pilot tests of the survey instrument and the use of factor analysis proved its construct validity. Reliability was also established using convergent and divergent validity tests. The second phase of the study involved a series of semi-structured interviews about school leadership with school leaders from different leadership levels and demographic areas in NSW, Australia. The thirty-five participants included teacher leaders (classroom teachers and team leaders); mid-level leaders (assistant principals in primary schools and head teachers in high schools); and senior leaders (deputy principals and principals). They were selected from more affluent areas (North Sydney area), less affluent areas (Sydney west and Sydney south west), regional New South Wales (NSW), and two Schools for Specific Purposes (SSPs) to capture insights into how demographic factors affect school leadership. The participants identified themselves as having strengths in a number of the qualities they regarded as essential for school leaders today: inclusive education, communication, adaptability and flexibility, and relational and people skills. They also identified skills deficits and development needs in organisational capacities: self-leading capabilities such as strong resilience and emotional intelligence, time management to attain a work-life balance, conflict management and handling difficult situations, talent management and succession planning, collaboration, and the application of systems thinking to effect collective leadership. The data captured reflected only minor demographic differences in participants’ perceptions of their leadership strengths and development needs. The findings of this study confirm the applicability of the School Leadership Pipeline Model to school-led or self-led professional development for school leaders at all levels of leadership. This model supports both horizontal and vertical leadership development and illustrates how teachers might function at each increasing level of leadership. This thesis is significant because it redefines leadership development via a new model that is holistic and systemic in the context of school leadership in Australian schools. The study broadens the concept of leadership development to include talent management and succession planning as a holistic lens for school leadership development. It provides a School Leadership Pipeline Model as a theoretical concept to define a systemic approach to leadership development. Finally, it has created the SLCS to provide a line of sight for individual school leaders to plan their professional development and career advancement, and for schools to plan essential talent management strategies and processes to optimise human capital planning and implementation