Biodiversity information retrieval across networked data sets

摘要

Purpose - Biodiversity resources are inevitably digital and stored in a wide variety of formats byrnresearchers or stakeholders. In Malaysia, although digitizing biodiversity data has long been stressed,rnthe interoperability of the biodiversity data is still an issue that requires attention. This is because,rnwhen data are shared, the question of copyright occurs, creating a setback among researchers wantingrnto promote or share data through online presentations. To solve this, the aim is to present an approachrnto integrate data through wrapping of datasets stored in relational databases located on networkedrnplatforms.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The approach uses tools such as XML, PHP, ASP and HTML tornintegrate distributed databases in heterogeneous formats. Five current database integration systemsrnwere reviewed and all of them have common attributes such as query-oriented, using a mediator-basedrnapproach and integrating a structured data model. These common attributes were also adopted in thernproposed solution. Distributed Generic Information Retrieval (DiGIR) was used as a model inrndesigning the proposed solution.rnFindings - A new database integration system was developed, which is user-friendly and simplernwith common attributes found in current integration systems.rnOriginality/value - The proposed system is unique in that it allows biodiversity data sharing,rnthrough the integration of biodiversity databases, hence enabling scientists to share information andrngenerate knowledge. It also solves copyright problems by suggesting distributed warehouses, givingrndata owners the benefit of having their database under their own jurisdiction. It meets thernrequirements of querying heterogeneous and remote biodiversity databases.