A Semantic Web Platform for Automating the Interpretation of Finite Element Bio-simulations

Finite Element (FE) models provide a rich framework to simulate dynamic biological systems, with applications ranging from hearing to cardiovascular research. With the growing complexity and sophistication of FE bio-simulation models (e.g. multi-scale and multi-domain models), the effort associated with the creation and analysis of a FE model can grow unmanageable. This work investigates the role of semantic technologies to improve the automation, interpretation of FE biosimulations. In particular, the paper focuses on the discussion of strategies to bridge the gap between numerical-level and conceptual-level representations, facilitating the interpretation of bio-simulation data. The discussion is grounded on the SIFEM platform, a semantic infrastructure for FE simulations for cochlear mechanics.