Introduction
- Lesson title: Introduction
- Keywords: Semantic Web, Life Sciences
- Objective/Description: In this lesson we will introduce the subject of semantics and show how it plays an important role in life sciences, all illustrated with practical examples.
- Learning outcomes:
- Understanding what semantics is about
- Understanding why semantics is needed to use data in the life sciences
- Understanding the difference between analyzing data with statistics and using semantics in addition
- Listing some examples, where semantics is applied to deal with data in the life science domain, e.g. in medicine
Resources
Questions and answers
These Q&A aim to validate a basic understanding of concepts discussed during the lecture. The use of such concepts is beyond the scope of this Q&Astudy set as it is addressed via projects and hands-on for those enrolled in the corresponding university course.
Why is semantics important?
Semantics helps give things a label and define them. However, different people can have different understanding on what a thing is about. Semantics help us formally define what a thing is about given a particular context so we all have a common and agreed understanding.
Which sort of tasks/technologies can be improved with semantics? How does semantics help
Classification, semantic categories enable better search and analysis of data. Semantic search, using concepts rather than free-text keywords makes retrieval more accurate. Data- and text-mining, semantics helps find meaningful associations. Natural language processing NLP, semantics helps transform unstructured text to structured content. Artificial intelligence, semantics enables inference/reasoning so we can find answers to more complex questions.
What is Linked Open Data?
Linked Open Data corresponds to structured, i.e., semantic, data interlink with other data.
What is a biological process?
Any process specifically pertinent to the functioning of integrated living units:cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. A process is a collection of molecular events with a defined beginning and end (Gene Ontology). An ordered sequence of biological events.
What is a cellular component
The part of a cell or its extracellular environment in which a gene product islocated. A gene product may be located in one or more parts of a cell and its location may be as specific as a particular macromolecular complex, that is, astable, persistent association of macromolecules that function together (GeneOntology). An observable piece of a cell.
What is a molecular function?
Elemental activities, such as catalysis or binding, describing the actions of a geneproduct at the molecular level. A given gene product may exhibit one or moremolecular functions (Gene Ontology). A defined transformation enacted by a molecule.
What is a cell?
The basic structural and functional unit of all organisms. Includes the plasmamembrane and any external encapsulating structures such as the cell wall and cell envelope (Gene Ontology). A bodily structure and small functional unit.
What is growth from a biomedical perspective?
The increase in size or mass of an entire organism, a part of an organism or acell (Wikipedia). Increased size as the result of a process.
What is life from a biomedical perspective?
Organisms are composed of one, or more, cells, undergo metabolism, maintainhomeostasis, can grow, respond to stimuli, reproduce and, through evolution, adapt to their environment in successive generations (by Koshland, Science,2002). Several essential processes contributing to an overall complex process.