An information system for retrieving and reasoning about XML-based mathematical knowledge

Abstract

Xml has become a key language for information interchange and integration over the World Wide Web. Representing and storing mathematical achievements and knowledge in a self-describing, extensible and open manner facilitates Web information systems which simplify co-operation among mathematicians world wide. In this paper, we describe a knowledge base management system for Xmlbased mathematical knowledge. Our information system provides different types of information retrieval techniques. Digitally stored and edited mathematical knowledge can be accessed by applying a well-defined and structured access to the types and elements of Xml-documents. The information system transforms Xml-based mathematical knowledge into a complex Prolog-structure called field notation, which serves as the basis for building a digital library of fine-grained mathematical objects. Based on the field notation we provide a powerful and flexible declarative query language in a logic programming environment.