Data integration in microbial genomics ... - Jacobs University
Data integration in microbial genomics ... - Jacobs University
Data integration in microbial genomics ... - Jacobs University
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CHAPTER 1<br />
INTRODUCTION<br />
“We’re drown<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation and starv<strong>in</strong>g for knowledge.”<br />
(Rutherford D. Rogers, NY Times, 1988)<br />
In this <strong>in</strong>troductory chapter, the basic concepts and a theoretical<br />
framework are presented to set the stage. The focus of this doctoral<br />
thesis is put <strong>in</strong>to a broader context. Subsequently, the relevant bio<strong>in</strong>formatic<br />
approaches and problems are presented that are tackled by<br />
the research aims. The chapter f<strong>in</strong>ishes with an overview about the<br />
overall structure of the thesis.<br />
It is the <strong>in</strong>tention to guide a reader not familiar with the subject of<br />
this thesis towards an understand<strong>in</strong>g that helps to fully appreciate the<br />
motivation of the research aims and the studies conducted.<br />
1.1 From data to knowledge<br />
“Of our mundane and technical concepts <strong>in</strong>formation is currently<br />
one of the most important, most widely used and least understood.”<br />
[Floridi, 2003]<br />
Information as well as data and knowledge are central terms <strong>in</strong> this<br />
thesis. They are def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g. This happens without claim<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to offer the only philosophically valid def<strong>in</strong>itions for these terms,<br />
but to establish a consistent vocabulary that will be used throughout<br />
this work.<br />
Information scientists agree that on the lowest level there are signs<br />
that are def<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> alphabets (see figure 1.1). These signs can be com-