it for diierent application domains (it is enough to have a formal description of the conceptual ... more it for diierent application domains (it is enough to have a formal description of the conceptual model of the domain), and that it is highly modular, allowing for the easy substitution , for example, of some reasoning services in the model reasoner (e.g., with more eecient versions), or even of the whole KBMS. 5 Conclusions The main contribution of QueloDB is due to the use of a knowledge based paradigm in a system that helps the user in the task of building complex queries through an iterative process of successive reenement/generalizations, that allow her to progressively discover interesting meanings and consequences hidden in complex conceptual model descriptions, being, at the same time, prevented from submitting inconsistent queries to the DB. In last years we have worked on several case studies and on the expressiveness in formal semantics. QueloDB is the result of this work. It is a prototype, and has to be considered as a rst step towards the solution of the database access...
We present a prototype system to be used for visually accessing heterogeneous databases. The basi... more We present a prototype system to be used for visually accessing heterogeneous databases. The basic idea is to provide the user with several visual representations of data as well as multiple interaction mechanisms for both querying databases and visualizing the query results. Since some visual representations better fit certain user classes, the system adapts to the user’s needs by switching to the most appropriate visual representation and interaction mechanism, according to a suitable user model. The data and query representations are consistent in every paradigm. Such a notion of consistency stems from formal basis, i.e. a twofold data/representation model, namely the Graph Model, and a set of basic Graphical Primitives. This formal approach allows the user to switch from one interaction paradigm to another, always saving the query state.
Heuristic evaluation has proven popular for desktop and web interfaces, both in practical design ... more Heuristic evaluation has proven popular for desktop and web interfaces, both in practical design and as a research topic. Compared to full user studies, heuristic evaluation can be highly cost-effective, allowing a large proportion of usability flaws to be detected ahead of full development with limited resource investment. Mobile computing shares many usability issues with more conventional interfaces. However, it also poses particular problems for usability evaluation related to aspects such as limited screen real estate, intermittent user attention, and contextual factors. This article describes a modified collection of usability heuristics that are designed to be appropriate for evaluation in mobile computing. They have been systematically derived from extensive literature and empirically validated. They therefore offer a sound basis for heuristic-based evaluation in mobile computing. Besides introducing the reader to the practical use of heuristic evaluation, the article also closes with a description of potential future research in the area.
In this paper we present a novel approach to accessing the Web, that enables for automatically ac... more In this paper we present a novel approach to accessing the Web, that enables for automatically acquiring data from Web sites and making them accessible to the user through a database query paradigm. The basic idea is to build, once the user has specified a generic domain of interest, the domain conceptual representation, to instantiate it with data extracted from Web sites (so to build a materialized view over the Web), and to query such a conceptual representation through an easy-to-use visual interface. Knowledge representation techniques are used for both the internal modeling of the conceptual representation and for supporting the automatic extraction of data from Web sites to feed the materialized view. We describe a protopype implementation, focusing on the internal representation of information and on the process for analysing Web sites and acquiring data from them. Our preliminary results support our intuition that, at least for certain kinds of queries, the proposed approach can effectively provide the desired information.
The need for better human-computer interaction (HCI) has been widely recognized and discussed, ev... more The need for better human-computer interaction (HCI) has been widely recognized and discussed, even in the database area. It is generally accepted that the quality of the interaction mainly depends on the interface characteristics. How does one recognize "good" interfaces? The use of a suitable metaphor is crucial. Unfortunately, to put it as a metaphor, speaking about metaphors in HCI is like walking on a slippery floor.We would like to come up with a definition of metaphor that is specific to the particular needs of the database area, and, of course, of the database users. Thus, we will highlight some peculiarities of the database interaction. The following considerations should constitute a basis towards a formal approach for the construction of effective metaphors for interacting with databases.
their own perspectives on a ground of shared topics and issues, such as how to envision models an... more their own perspectives on a ground of shared topics and issues, such as how to envision models and design systems around user needs, how to consider the user interaction and context, how to conduct evaluation, an so on. 17 high quality lecturers from academia and industry were invited to speak on a large variety of topics from introduction talks to hot topics such as crowd sourcing and social media. 62 participants from 25 countries and all continents but Australia and four organizers followed the courses and helped to create many lively discussions and an open atmosphere with many questions. Also most of the speakers stayed for the entire week and enriched the discussions as well. Being in a remote place has the inconvenience to complicate organization but has the advantage that people stay together beyond the courses, so in the free time during the day and the evenings. This included many lively discussions accompanied sometimes by a beer. On the other hand, over 20 participants had to be rejected due to a lack of hotel room and several of the participants had to share rooms to optimize the number of participants. A total of 17 lecturers presented each time 90 minutes on a specific topic. The goal was to have every day aspects of information retrieval (IR) and information visualization (IV), so as to mix the topics and interests of the participants as much as possible.
In this paper we describe a new language for statistical data modelling, which offers a general f... more In this paper we describe a new language for statistical data modelling, which offers a general framework for the representation of elementary and summary data. Three are the main characteristics of the language: 1) the types of modeling primitives of the language are particularly suited for representing objects from a statistical point of view; 2) the language includes a rich set of structuring mechanisms for both elementary and summary data, which are given a formal semantics by means of logic; 3) the language is equipped with specialized inference procedures, allowing for performing different kinds of checks on the representation.
The Sapienza Digital Library (SDL) was released in December 2013 as result of a research project ... more The Sapienza Digital Library (SDL) was released in December 2013 as result of a research project undertaken by Sapienza University of Rome and the Cineca consortium, since 2011. The digital library has been collecting materials coming from different kind of organizations including departments, libraries, and archives, belonging or donated to Sapienza University. The main result of the project was the development of an information framework supporting multidisciplinary organizations in managing digital materials, maintaining scientific, organizational and operational responsibilities. The technical solution adopted has found a tradeoff between the standardization of the digital processes and products, and the preservation of the scientific materials' peculiarities. The automatic standard translation, and the enrichment of the digital resource's metadata have reached the main goal of providing digital resources with the essential information necessary to their management in different technological contexts. The reuse of the digital information and contents, in different application contexts, has converted the holistic vision of a digital library in the implementation of an information infrastructure, setting the foundation for the long-term access and usability of its digital assets.
In this paper, we introduce a methodology to be employed for collaborative projects. This methodo... more In this paper, we introduce a methodology to be employed for collaborative projects. This methodology, called HORIZON, has been successfully employed in the past for FP6 and FP7 EU projects, but we strongly believe it can be fruitfully employed for H2020 projects as well, guaranteeing quality requirements to be met.
International Conference on Data Engineering, 2010
Object Matching (OM) is the problem of identifying pairs of data-objects coming from different so... more Object Matching (OM) is the problem of identifying pairs of data-objects coming from different sources and representing the same real world object. Several methods have been proposed to solve OM problems, but none of them seems to be at the same time fully automated and very effective. In this paper we present a fundamentally new suite of methods that instead
In cooperative information systems, the quality of data exchanged and provided by different data ... more In cooperative information systems, the quality of data exchanged and provided by different data sources is extremely important. A lack of attention to data quality can imply data of low quality to spread all over the cooperative system. At the same time, improvement can be based on comparing data, correcting them and disseminating high quality data. In this paper, a framework and a related architecture for managing data quality in cooperative information systems is proposed, as developed in the context of the DaQuinCIS research project. Then the focus concentrates (i) on an XML-based model for data and quality data, and (ii) on the design of a broker, which selects the best available data from different sources; such a broker also supports the improvement of data based on feedbacks to data sources. The broker is the basic component of the DaQuinCIS architecture.
Abstract. The brain computer interface (BCI) technology allows a direct connection between brain ... more Abstract. The brain computer interface (BCI) technology allows a direct connection between brain and computer without any muscular activity required, and thus it offers a unique opportunity to enhance and/or to restore communication and actions into external word in people with severe motor disability. The P300 potentials recorded from the scalp represent a suitable BCI signal control for applications like environmental control. Here we present a set of findings that confirm the feasibility of a real domotic environmental control operated via ...
Mobile computing, coupled with advanced types of input interfaces, such as Brain Computer Interfa... more Mobile computing, coupled with advanced types of input interfaces, such as Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), and smart spaces can improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. In this paper, we describe the architecture and the prototype of an assistive system, which allows users to express themselves and partially preserve their independence in controlling electrical devices at home. Even in absence of muscular functions, the proposed system would still allow the user some communication and control capabilities, by relying on non-invasive BCIs. Experiments show how the fully-software realization of the system guarantees effective use with BCIs.
it for diierent application domains (it is enough to have a formal description of the conceptual ... more it for diierent application domains (it is enough to have a formal description of the conceptual model of the domain), and that it is highly modular, allowing for the easy substitution , for example, of some reasoning services in the model reasoner (e.g., with more eecient versions), or even of the whole KBMS. 5 Conclusions The main contribution of QueloDB is due to the use of a knowledge based paradigm in a system that helps the user in the task of building complex queries through an iterative process of successive reenement/generalizations, that allow her to progressively discover interesting meanings and consequences hidden in complex conceptual model descriptions, being, at the same time, prevented from submitting inconsistent queries to the DB. In last years we have worked on several case studies and on the expressiveness in formal semantics. QueloDB is the result of this work. It is a prototype, and has to be considered as a rst step towards the solution of the database access...
We present a prototype system to be used for visually accessing heterogeneous databases. The basi... more We present a prototype system to be used for visually accessing heterogeneous databases. The basic idea is to provide the user with several visual representations of data as well as multiple interaction mechanisms for both querying databases and visualizing the query results. Since some visual representations better fit certain user classes, the system adapts to the user’s needs by switching to the most appropriate visual representation and interaction mechanism, according to a suitable user model. The data and query representations are consistent in every paradigm. Such a notion of consistency stems from formal basis, i.e. a twofold data/representation model, namely the Graph Model, and a set of basic Graphical Primitives. This formal approach allows the user to switch from one interaction paradigm to another, always saving the query state.
Heuristic evaluation has proven popular for desktop and web interfaces, both in practical design ... more Heuristic evaluation has proven popular for desktop and web interfaces, both in practical design and as a research topic. Compared to full user studies, heuristic evaluation can be highly cost-effective, allowing a large proportion of usability flaws to be detected ahead of full development with limited resource investment. Mobile computing shares many usability issues with more conventional interfaces. However, it also poses particular problems for usability evaluation related to aspects such as limited screen real estate, intermittent user attention, and contextual factors. This article describes a modified collection of usability heuristics that are designed to be appropriate for evaluation in mobile computing. They have been systematically derived from extensive literature and empirically validated. They therefore offer a sound basis for heuristic-based evaluation in mobile computing. Besides introducing the reader to the practical use of heuristic evaluation, the article also closes with a description of potential future research in the area.
In this paper we present a novel approach to accessing the Web, that enables for automatically ac... more In this paper we present a novel approach to accessing the Web, that enables for automatically acquiring data from Web sites and making them accessible to the user through a database query paradigm. The basic idea is to build, once the user has specified a generic domain of interest, the domain conceptual representation, to instantiate it with data extracted from Web sites (so to build a materialized view over the Web), and to query such a conceptual representation through an easy-to-use visual interface. Knowledge representation techniques are used for both the internal modeling of the conceptual representation and for supporting the automatic extraction of data from Web sites to feed the materialized view. We describe a protopype implementation, focusing on the internal representation of information and on the process for analysing Web sites and acquiring data from them. Our preliminary results support our intuition that, at least for certain kinds of queries, the proposed approach can effectively provide the desired information.
The need for better human-computer interaction (HCI) has been widely recognized and discussed, ev... more The need for better human-computer interaction (HCI) has been widely recognized and discussed, even in the database area. It is generally accepted that the quality of the interaction mainly depends on the interface characteristics. How does one recognize "good" interfaces? The use of a suitable metaphor is crucial. Unfortunately, to put it as a metaphor, speaking about metaphors in HCI is like walking on a slippery floor.We would like to come up with a definition of metaphor that is specific to the particular needs of the database area, and, of course, of the database users. Thus, we will highlight some peculiarities of the database interaction. The following considerations should constitute a basis towards a formal approach for the construction of effective metaphors for interacting with databases.
their own perspectives on a ground of shared topics and issues, such as how to envision models an... more their own perspectives on a ground of shared topics and issues, such as how to envision models and design systems around user needs, how to consider the user interaction and context, how to conduct evaluation, an so on. 17 high quality lecturers from academia and industry were invited to speak on a large variety of topics from introduction talks to hot topics such as crowd sourcing and social media. 62 participants from 25 countries and all continents but Australia and four organizers followed the courses and helped to create many lively discussions and an open atmosphere with many questions. Also most of the speakers stayed for the entire week and enriched the discussions as well. Being in a remote place has the inconvenience to complicate organization but has the advantage that people stay together beyond the courses, so in the free time during the day and the evenings. This included many lively discussions accompanied sometimes by a beer. On the other hand, over 20 participants had to be rejected due to a lack of hotel room and several of the participants had to share rooms to optimize the number of participants. A total of 17 lecturers presented each time 90 minutes on a specific topic. The goal was to have every day aspects of information retrieval (IR) and information visualization (IV), so as to mix the topics and interests of the participants as much as possible.
In this paper we describe a new language for statistical data modelling, which offers a general f... more In this paper we describe a new language for statistical data modelling, which offers a general framework for the representation of elementary and summary data. Three are the main characteristics of the language: 1) the types of modeling primitives of the language are particularly suited for representing objects from a statistical point of view; 2) the language includes a rich set of structuring mechanisms for both elementary and summary data, which are given a formal semantics by means of logic; 3) the language is equipped with specialized inference procedures, allowing for performing different kinds of checks on the representation.
The Sapienza Digital Library (SDL) was released in December 2013 as result of a research project ... more The Sapienza Digital Library (SDL) was released in December 2013 as result of a research project undertaken by Sapienza University of Rome and the Cineca consortium, since 2011. The digital library has been collecting materials coming from different kind of organizations including departments, libraries, and archives, belonging or donated to Sapienza University. The main result of the project was the development of an information framework supporting multidisciplinary organizations in managing digital materials, maintaining scientific, organizational and operational responsibilities. The technical solution adopted has found a tradeoff between the standardization of the digital processes and products, and the preservation of the scientific materials' peculiarities. The automatic standard translation, and the enrichment of the digital resource's metadata have reached the main goal of providing digital resources with the essential information necessary to their management in different technological contexts. The reuse of the digital information and contents, in different application contexts, has converted the holistic vision of a digital library in the implementation of an information infrastructure, setting the foundation for the long-term access and usability of its digital assets.
In this paper, we introduce a methodology to be employed for collaborative projects. This methodo... more In this paper, we introduce a methodology to be employed for collaborative projects. This methodology, called HORIZON, has been successfully employed in the past for FP6 and FP7 EU projects, but we strongly believe it can be fruitfully employed for H2020 projects as well, guaranteeing quality requirements to be met.
International Conference on Data Engineering, 2010
Object Matching (OM) is the problem of identifying pairs of data-objects coming from different so... more Object Matching (OM) is the problem of identifying pairs of data-objects coming from different sources and representing the same real world object. Several methods have been proposed to solve OM problems, but none of them seems to be at the same time fully automated and very effective. In this paper we present a fundamentally new suite of methods that instead
In cooperative information systems, the quality of data exchanged and provided by different data ... more In cooperative information systems, the quality of data exchanged and provided by different data sources is extremely important. A lack of attention to data quality can imply data of low quality to spread all over the cooperative system. At the same time, improvement can be based on comparing data, correcting them and disseminating high quality data. In this paper, a framework and a related architecture for managing data quality in cooperative information systems is proposed, as developed in the context of the DaQuinCIS research project. Then the focus concentrates (i) on an XML-based model for data and quality data, and (ii) on the design of a broker, which selects the best available data from different sources; such a broker also supports the improvement of data based on feedbacks to data sources. The broker is the basic component of the DaQuinCIS architecture.
Abstract. The brain computer interface (BCI) technology allows a direct connection between brain ... more Abstract. The brain computer interface (BCI) technology allows a direct connection between brain and computer without any muscular activity required, and thus it offers a unique opportunity to enhance and/or to restore communication and actions into external word in people with severe motor disability. The P300 potentials recorded from the scalp represent a suitable BCI signal control for applications like environmental control. Here we present a set of findings that confirm the feasibility of a real domotic environmental control operated via ...
Mobile computing, coupled with advanced types of input interfaces, such as Brain Computer Interfa... more Mobile computing, coupled with advanced types of input interfaces, such as Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs), and smart spaces can improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities. In this paper, we describe the architecture and the prototype of an assistive system, which allows users to express themselves and partially preserve their independence in controlling electrical devices at home. Even in absence of muscular functions, the proposed system would still allow the user some communication and control capabilities, by relying on non-invasive BCIs. Experiments show how the fully-software realization of the system guarantees effective use with BCIs.
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Papers by T. Catarci