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Figure 2: Carneades reasoning map for Tour operator insurance
4.2 Inferring equivalences from the document type taxonomy
In case it is possible to gather information on the taxonomy of document types, inference mechanisms can be used to define hypothesis on the equivalence of documents. We represented a set of document types in the Document Type ontology( taxonomy represented in OWL language). A semantic rule( Jena Rule language) transforms the hierarchy into an equivalence as represented in the Document ontology.
4.3 The collection of data from administrative agents
In the third case, data should be collected from administrative agents. It is necessary to develop a mechanism that supports the collection of data on document type equivalences, either new equivalences, or equivalences created through inferences( cases 1 and 2) which have to be validated. An initial mechanism was implemented to demonstrate the possible value of a data collection service that analyses the dataset to identify the needs for validation or new information. It implements a basic set of inferences based on the OWL structure( e. g., symmetric properties) and a set of rules. These aim to generate hypothesis of equivalences which will have to be validated by administrative agents.
The system generates questions from the semantic model and uses the answers to annotate the original model, add data, and remove or replace other data. The system loads the OWL file, implements inferences, and generates questions, i. e., forms to request either the addition of equivalences or the validation of proposed equivalences. The evolution of the OWL file uses an annotation mechanism( Foulonneau et al., 2012) inspired by the Open Annotation specification of the Open Annotation Community 8. It allows annotating the equivalences, by defining a status(‘ valid’ or‘ to confirm’), as well as the author of the equivalence, either an automatic inference process( rule) or a human agent. Forms are generated from semantic constructs, e. g., an equivalence with a status“ to confirm” or to support the creation of a new equivalence.
Figure 3 presents the form generated for the creation of a new equivalence. It provides mechanisms to select either the procedure in which the equivalence is valid, or all procedures in case it is valid in the context of all procedures. A user can access detailed information on each equivalence with a dedicated link.
5. The automatic validation of a document
The data source on document equivalences of the previous section can then be used for verifying the validity of a document in the context of a particular procedure.
A semantic pilot was set up to support the application process of a Lithuanian Service Provider willing to provide Travel Agent services in Portugal. During the application process, the Lithuanian service provider has to send a filled application form with supporting documents to the Portuguese competent authority. The 8
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