Title: The linking of knowledge bases in the context of representation of human knowledge states
First published: 1989
Description: THE LINKING OF KNOWLEDGE BASES IN THE 
                   CONTEXT OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE STATES
                           Faleh H. Alkaisi
    
     The  aim of the investigation described here is to  contribute 
    to  the  development of ideas underlying  interactions  between 
    complex  knowledge bases and interactions between human  beings 
    and complex knowledge bases.

     The  primary  aim is to test the hypothesis  that  interaction 
    between  knowledge bases with similar structural schemas can be 
    managed by simple mechanisms.

     Mathematics and Computer Science knowledge have been  selected 
    as  representative examples of complex  knowledge  systems.  An 
    "Expert  -  Non-Expert"  model  simulating  the  teaching   and 
    learning  of  Mathematics  and  Computer  Science  is  used  to 
    characterise  the  nature  of an  interaction  process  between 
    structures   representing   the   knowledge   of   the   expert 
    (i.e the teacher) and the non-expert (i.e the student).

    The  main  steps  of  the  investigation  were:  Firstly,  the 
    literature  related to  knowledge representation and  knowledge 
    based   systems  using  interaction  mechanisms  was   studied. 
    Secondly,  the  "Expert  -  Non-Expert" model was used  as  the 
    basis  for  specification of a general  interaction  mechanism. 
    Thirdly,  specification  of  knowledge  representation  and  an 
    interaction  mechanism were demonstrated in a prototype system. 
    Finally,  the prototype system was evaluated. This was achieved 
    by,  comparing  and  contrasting the expected  objectives  from 
    using  the system with the actual achievements,  comparing  and 
    contrasting the system with other knowledge based systems,  and 
    elaborating comments and suggestions made by other users of the 
    system.

    The  investigation  has produced a mechanism  for  interaction 
    between  knowledge bases with similar structural schemas in the 
    context of teaching students.  The research has also led to the 
    production   of   a  demonstrator  system  for   managing   the 
    interaction mechanism and the knowledge bases, and has outlined 
    ideas  for the future implemention of a knowledge based  system 
    with geometrical knowledge representation.

    The   overall  study  has  produced  a  suitable   method   of 
    interaction  between knowledge bases.  The study also  suggests  
    possiblities  for structuring knowledge for the development  of 
    intelligent knowledge acquisition and expert systems.