Introduction to the Dictionary
Standardised collection, processing and dissemination of pollinator related data, the establishment of a central knowledge base that is accessible to all relevant stakeholders and a creation of a database of technical terms, especially in beekeeping and pollination are high priority targets of the EU Pollinator Hub.
Why do we need the Dictionary?
The definition of terms is a core task of science and scientist usually speak a common language, currently English. In contrast, in niche areas such as beekeeping, but especially at the specific application level, terms are often not sufficiently well defined, operators rarely speak a common language, there may be regional differences within a language and translations into other languages are often difficult due to the lack of subject-specific dictionaries. Besides, terms in different languages may refer to different subsets of the same term, which can lead to difficulties in translation from one language to another. Even if an accurate definition exists for a given class it is still possible that, due to a lack of domain expertise or an inadequate knowledge of the language, a translation is incorrectly used. The Dictionary application of the EU Pollinator Hub* should help to overcome this difficulty and is therefore an important tool to achieve the objectives defined above.
What is a "Class"?
We define a class as something – a group of objects, organisms, abstract concepts or processes – that comprises elements that are sufficiently similar to be considered different from any other class. Elements of a class therefore have characteristics that may differ from one element to another. We define these characteristics as variables. Specific variables may be observed or measured with analytical devices and subsequently described using quantitative or qualitative attributes, which we call data.
Why do we have to define a class?
When linking data from different sources, it is important that the variable to which the data relates is really the same. This may seem to be a trivial requirement. However, when data from different unrelated sources is integrated on a common platform, this may become a major source of error. For a data platform that should be accessible to as many people as possible in a language they can communicate in, this challenge becomes even greater.
The data model of the EU Pollinator Hub Dictionary provides a stable and flexible backbone for standardised terms. Briefly, for each class, which is identified by an expression in English language and embedded in a hierarchical structure, one or more definitions in English language (including images) may be added to provide an accurate description of the class. The data model also takes into consideration that (national as well as international) standardising bodies may use their own set of definitions for a given class. In such cases, the class of a given dataset can be linked to one or more classes of the EU Pollinator Hub, which eventually creates a group of synonymous terms across datasets.
Why do we need additional translations?
For each set of (one or more) classes a potentially unlimited number of expressions in human language, referred to as Translations, including specifications for their use (grammatical form, geographic region), are be provided. This ensures that the data on the EU Pollinator Hub is interpreted correctly by all users, even if they use different languages.
How do we ensure the quality and accessability of definitions and translations?
References to external sources may be provided for definitions of both classes and expressions in human language to ensure traceability. Images may be added to definitions, which is an excellent way to increase the accessibility of this system to people who are excluded due to insufficient language skills.
Why don't the guys from the EU Pollinator Hub take care of it?
The process of standardisation and translation is a continuous one and exceeds the available resources of the EU Pollinator Hub by far. A collaborative approach has therefore been adopted, which allows domain experts to engage in the process. A software module, which will be an integral part of the EU Pollinator Hub software, is supposed to map the discussion process.
The result of this process will not only provide the basis for data standardisation on the platform but will be publicly available. Citizens may access this information to gain knowledge. Organisations and companies may use this information to improve the marketing of their products and services. Scientists may refer to this information to improve study designs. Overall it will facilitate communication and knowledge transfer across language and domain borders.