Showing papers by "Giancarlo Guizzardi published in 2016"

Relationships and Events: Towards a General Theory of Reification and Truthmaking

Abstract: We propose a novel ontological analysis of relations and relationships based on a re-visitation of a classic problem in the practice of knowledge representation and conceptual modeling, namely relationship reification. Our idea is that a relation holds in virtue of a relationship's existence. Relationships are therefore truthmakers of relations. In this paper we present a general theory or reification and truthmaking, and discuss the interplay between events and relationships, suggesting that relationships are the focus of events, which emerge from the context the scene they occur in.

Ontological Considerations About the Representation of Events and Endurants in Business Models

Abstract: Different disciplines have been established to deal with the representation of entities of different ontological natures: the business process modeling discipline focuses mostly on event-like entities, and, in contrast, the (structural) conceptual modeling discipline focuses mostly on object-like entities (known as endurants in the ontology literature). In this paper, we discuss the impact of the event vs. endurant divide for conceptual models, showing that a rich ontological account is required to bridge this divide. Accounting for the ontological differences in events and endurants as well as their relations can lead to a more comprehensive representation of business reality.

SEON: A Software Engineering Ontology Network

Abstract: Software Engineering SE is a wide domain, where ontologies are useful instruments for dealing with Knowledge Management KM related problems When SE ontologies are built and used in isolation, some problems remain, in particular those related to knowledge integration The goal of this paper is to provide an integrated solution for better dealing with KM-related problems in SE by means of a Software Engineering Ontology Network SEON SEON is designed with mechanisms for easing the development and integration of SE domain ontologies The current version of SEON includes core ontologies for software and software processes, as well as domain ontologies for the main technical software engineering subdomains, namely requirements, design, coding and testing We discuss the development of SEON and some of its envisioned applications related to KM

Applying a Multi-Level Modeling Theory to Assess Taxonomic Hierarchies in Wikidata

Abstract: Wikidata captures structured data on a number of subject domains, managing, among others, the information underlying Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. Wikidata serves as a repository of structured data, whose purpose is to support the consistent sharing and linking of data on the Web. To support these purposes, it is key that Wikidata is built on consistent data models and representation schemas, which are constructed and managed in a collaborative platform. In this paper, we address the quality of taxonomic hierarchies in Wikidata. We focus on taxonomic hierarchies with entities at different classification levels (particular individuals, types of individuals, types of types of individuals, etc.). We use an axiomatic theory for multi-level modeling to analyze current Wikidata content, and identify a significant number of problematic classification and taxonomic statements. The problems seem to arise from an inadequate use of instantiation and subclassing in certain Wikidata hierarchies.

An ontology pattern language for service modeling

Abstract: The notion of service spans several domains, such as healthcare, education, and information and communication technology (ICT). In this context, service ontologies are very useful for establishing a common understanding of the main concepts and relations involved, as well as for serving as basis for modeling services in different domains. In this paper, we present an Ontology Pattern Language, called S-OPL, providing a network of interconnected ontology modeling patterns covering the core conceptualization of services. S-OPL builds on UFO-S, a commitment-based core ontology for services. S-OPL patterns support modeling types of customers and providers, as well as the main service life-cycle phases, namely: service offering, service negotiation/agreement, and service delivery. The use of S-OPL is demonstrated in a real case in the ICT service domain.

Using a Well-Founded Multi-level Theory to Support the Analysis and Representation of the Powertype Pattern in Conceptual Modeling

Abstract: Multi-level conceptual modeling addresses the representation of subject domains dealing with multiple classification levels. In such domains, the occurrence of situations in which instances of a type are specializations of another type is recurrent. This recurrent phenomenon is known in the conceptual modeling community as the powertype pattern. The relevance of the powertype pattern has led to its adoption in many important modeling initiatives, including the UML. To address the challenge of multi-level modeling, we have proposed an axiomatic well-founded theory called MLT. In this paper, we demonstrate how MLT can be used as a reference theory for capturing a number of nuances related to the modeling of the powertype pattern in conceptual modeling. Moreover, we show how this theory can be used to analyze, expose limitations and redesign the UML support for modeling this pattern.

A Pattern for the Representation of Legal Relations in a Legal Core Ontology.

Abstract: This paper extends UFO-L, a Legal Core Ontology (LCO) based on Robert Alexy’s Theory of Constitutional Rights and grounded on the Unified Foundational Ontology (UFO). We present the first pattern of UFO-L’s patterns catalogue and its application. The general idea is to use these ontological patterns to support the modeling of legal concepts in conceptual models of the legal domain. Moreover, our approach has the specific purpose of emphasizing the use of a relational perspective rather than a normative perspective of the Law.

PoN-S: A Systematic Approach for Applying the Physics of Notation (PoN)

Abstract: Visual Modeling Languages (VMLs) are important instruments of communication between modelers and stakeholders. Thus, it is important to provide guidelines for designing VMLs. The most widespread approach for analyzing and designing concrete syntaxes for VMLs is the so-called Physics of Notation (PoN). PoN has been successfully applied in the analysis of several VMLs. However, despite its popularity, the application of PoN principles for designing VMLs has been limited. This paper presents a systematic approach for applying PoN in the design of the concrete syntax of VMLs. We propose here a design process establishing activities to be performed, their connection to PoN principles, as well as criteria for grouping PoN principles that guide this process. Moreover, we present a case study in which a visual notation for representing Ontology Pattern Languages is designed.

Ontology Pattern Languages

Abstract: Ricardo Falbo Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil Monalessa Barcellos Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil Fabiano Ruy Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória; Informatics Department, Federal Institute of Esṕırito Santo, Campus Serra, Serra, Brazil Giancarlo Guizzardi Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil Renata Guizzardi Ontology and Conceptual Modeling Research Group (NEMO), Computer Science Department, Federal University of Esṕırito Santo, Vitória, Brazil

Expressive Multi-level Modeling for the Semantic Web

Abstract: In several subject domains, classes themselves may be subject to categorization, resulting in classes of classes (or “metaclasses”). When representing these domains, one needs to capture not only entities of different classification levels, but also their (intricate) relations. We observe that this is challenging in current Semantic Web languages, as there is little support to guide the modeler in producing correct multi-level ontologies, especially because of the nuances in the constraints that apply to entities of different classification levels and their relations. In order to address these representation challenges, we propose a vocabulary that can be used as a basis for multi-level ontologies in OWL along with a number of integrity constraints to prevent the construction of inconsistent models. In this process we employ an axiomatic theory called MLT (a Multi-Level Modeling Theory).

Towards an Ontology of Requirements at Runtime.

Abstract: The use of Requirements at Runtime (RRT) is an emerging research area. Many methodologies and frameworks that make use of requirements models during the execution of software can be found in the literature, but very few of them use ontologies to ground the models that are used at runtime. In this paper, we introduce the Runtime Requirements Ontology (RRO), a domain ontology that intends to represent the nature and context of RRT. Following a well-known Ontology Engineering method, we evaluate RRO using verification and validation techniques.

An Ontological Analysis of Capability Modeling in Defense Enterprise Architecture Frameworks.

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of capability-related concepts in three enterprise architecture (EA) frameworks for the defense domain (DoDAF, MODAF and NAF). In this analysis, we adopt an ontological account for capabilities based on the notion of dispositions as endurants; a key aspect of this account is that it includes both disposition universals and individuals, in line with Aristotle’s four-category ontology. We show how these foundations – which differ from the perdurantist foundations underlying the three defense frameworks – can serve to clarify semantic issues in the frameworks’ support for capabilities.

The design of a core value ontology using ontology patterns

Abstract: The creation of value is an important concern in organizations. However, current Enterprise Modeling languages all interprete value differently, which has a negative impact on the semantic quality of the model instantiations. This issue need to be solved to increase the relevance of these instantiations for business stakeholders. Therefore, the goal of this paper is the development of a sound Core Value Ontology. In order to do that, we employ a pattern-based ontology engineering approach, which employs the Unified Foundational Ontology.

Estudo de alternativas de mapeamento de ontologias da linguagem OntoUML para OWL : abordagens para representação de informação temporal

Abstract: The application of ontologies for domain knowledge representation has gained much interest in the later years, specially in the context of Semantic Web. However, it is been observed a strong tendency a strong tendency to prioritize the computational efficiency over quality of representation, leaving out important features of the domain, such as temporal aspects. Indeed, the OWL, standard adopted for the Semantic Web, does not allow, in principle, the representation of temporal information. The main strategies proposed in the literature to solve this problem, namely, the Perdurantistic and Temporal Reification approaches, do not provide support for the modeling support the decisions, leaving the responsibility for the user. In this context, this research aims, through the application of results from the philosophical discipline of Formal Ontology, to provide for such approaches a base structure ontologically founded and guidelines to guide its use, evaluating and comparing the proposed alternatives. Moreover, since not a trivial task the direct application of the ontological notions, it is observed that using a modeling language that incorporates them, it is possible to define systematic mappings from this language to OWL so that it allows automatic generation of models in an Ontology Engineering process. Thus, another goal is to propose alternative mappings between the ontological level language OntoUML and epistemological level language OWL. Moreover, one of these alternatives have been applied in a case study in the Electrocardiography domain for automatically codifying an ECG reference ontology following an Ontology Engineering process, allowing to represent the temporal information. Finally, the results of this research are relevant in the context of Ontology Engineering for providing systematic mappings which, once implemented, allows the reference ontology codification to be conducted in an automated and efficient way, while preserving the quality of the reference model and avoiding errors arising from manual coding process and, moreover, allowing to circumvent the limitation of OWL on the representation of temporal information.

How software changes the world: The role of assumptions

Abstract: The requirements for most software systems — the intended states-of-affairs these systems are supposed to bring about — concern their operational environment, often a socio-physical world. But software systems usually don't have any direct means to change that environment in order to bring about the intended states-of-affairs. In what sense then can we say that such systems fulfill their requirements? The main purpose of this paper is to account for this paradox. We do so by proposing a preliminary Ontology of Assumptions. This ontology aims to characterize and make explicit a number of notions that are used implicitly in software engineering practice to establish that a system specification S fulfills its requirements R given a set of assumptions A. Our proposal is illustrated with an example concerning a meeting scheduler.

Engineering Requirements with Desiree: An Empirical Evaluation

Abstract: The requirements elicited from stakeholders suffer from various afflictions, including informality, vagueness, incompleteness, ambiguity, inconsistencies, and more. It is the task of the requirements engineering process to derive from these a formal specification that truly captures stakeholder needs. The Desiree requirements engineering framework supports a rich collection of refinement operators through which an engineer can iteratively transform stakeholder requirements into a specification. The framework includes an ontology, a formal representation for requirements, as well as a tool and a systematic process for conducting requirements engineering. This paper reports the results of a series of empirical studies intended to evaluate the effectiveness of Desiree. The studies consist of three controlled experiments, where students were invited to conduct requirements analysis using textbook techniques or our framework. The results of the experiments offer strong evidence that with sufficient training, our framework indeed helps users conduct more effective requirements analysis.

4th international workshop on ontologies and conceptual modeling (Onto.Com)

Abstract: The theme of the 4th International Workshop on Ontologies and Conceptual Modeling is foundational ontologies and their meta-ontological choices. Expert representatives of major foundational ontologies have been invited to discuss and compare their meta-ontological choices within the context of a common case study. The workshop is aimed at exploring the ways in which different meta- ontological choices impact conceptual modelling in information systems.

Desiree: a Refinement Calculus for Requirements Problems.

Abstract: The requirements elicited from stakeholders are typically informal, incomplete, ambiguous, and inconsistent. It is the task of Requirements Engineering to transform them into an eligible (formal, sufficiently complete, unambiguous, consistent, modifiable and traceable) requirements specification of functions and qualities that the system-to-be needs to operationalize. To address this requirements problem, we have proposed Desiree, a requirements calculus for systematically transforming stakeholder requirements into an eligible specification. In this paper, we define the semantics of the concepts used to model requirements, and that of the operators used to refine and operationalize requirements. We present a graphical modeling tool that supports the entire framework, including the nine concepts, eight operators and the transformation methodology. We use a Meeting Scheduler example to illustrate the kinds of reasoning tasks that we can perform based on the given semantics.

Extending an Ontology Editor for Domain-related Ontology Patterns Reuse: An Application in the Collaboration Domain

Abstract: Developing ontologies from scratch is a hard task, since an ontology is expected to provide a comprehensive and coherent representation of a specific portion of the world. Thus, reuse is highly recommended in ontology development, allowing ontologies to be build based on pre-existing models, leading to better quality results. In this sense, Ontology Patterns (OP) have been appointed as interesting tools to facilitate reuse, and several authors from the Ontology Engineering community have already proposed OPs and mechanisms to apply them. However, automated systems to support their use in practice are still missing. In this paper, we present an ontology editor extension that fills this gap, supporting Domain-related OPs reuse and management. This extension includes a catalogue of Domain related OPs, exemplified in this paper through a set of OPs for the Collaboration domain. Resumo.O desenvolvimento de ontologias a partir do zero é uma tarefa difícil, uma vez que uma ontologia deve fornecer uma representação global e coerente de uma parte específica do mundo. Assim, a reutilização é altamente recomendada em seu desenvolvimento, permitindo que as ontologias sejam construídas com base em modelos pré-existentes, levando a melhores resultados quanto a sua qualidade. Neste sentido, Padrões de Ontologia (PO) são considerados como ferramentas interessantes para facilitar a reutilização, sendo que vários autores da comunidade de engenharia de ontologias já propuseram PO e mecanismos para aplicá-las. No entanto, sistemas automatizados para apoiar a sua utilização na prática ainda são raros. Neste artigo, apresentamos uma extensão de um editor de ontologias que preenche esta lacuna, apoiando o reuso e gerenciamento de POs específicos de domínio. Esta extensão inclui um catálogo de POs específicos de domínio, exemplificada neste trabalho através de um conjunto de POs para o domínio de Colaboração.