Glossary of Registry Terms

The Glossary is an alphabetical list of terms used in the registries. These terms and definitions provide information for understanding and using the registries. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A Top of Page Abstract - The text that describes and defines an information resource. Access Constraint - Text describing any restrictions on the use of information contained in the information resource. Access Method - Text describing how to access as information resource. Acronym - A word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a phase or series of words. Address - The place or the name of a place where a person, organization, or the like is located or may be reached. An address is comprised of the following parts: Street, City, State/Province, Zip/Postal Code, Country, and Mail Code. Administration - The module with the functions necessary for managing of Registry information. Accessible only by password. Administration Menu Item - A password protected link for use by SoR support staff to review and respond to public comments and maintain other administrative information. Administration Note - A description of the data item issues still outstanding. Administration Status - You can specify data elements within a registration status for all or any of the following positions in the administrative life cycle: All - includes all status types. Awaiting Information - the data element is not described by the minimum required attributes. Final - the data element is a standard. In Quality Review - the data element attributes are under review for quality. Inactive - the data element is not currently active. Interim - the data element is designated for use as a standard during final review. No Further Action - the data element will not receive further review for standardization. Review For Standard - the data standard is under review to become a standard. Adobe Acrobat - A software product from Adobe (http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/) that lets you convert any document - including entire Web sites - into an Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) file, with its original appearance preserved, and then distribute it for viewing and printing. Alphabet Wheel - A list of alphabet letters that can be used to query data items beginning with a specific letter. Alternative ID - One or more other ways to identify something. Alternative ID Search - A query of alternative ways to identify a substance. Alternative ID Type - The definition of the type of alternative identifier to be used in an alternative ID query. Application Inventory Search - A query of data systems by an EPA organization. Application Software - A query of software used by an information resource, e.g., Oracle, ADABAS, DB2, and other. Application Type and Status - A category that includes keywords describing characteristics of an information resource, e.g., Major Agency Information System, Database, etc. Architecture Category - The enterprise architecture area where the resource is utilized. B Top of Page Begin Date - The date a value is first valid. Begin Download - The button used to start an information download to a local computer. Begin Search - The button used to start a searching activity. Beginning - A query option that will return all occurrences that match the characters entered with first characters in a word or phrase. (See Search Options) Both Name and Definition - (Performs Only Containing Search Option) - searches both the name and definition fields to only return occurrences where characters queried exist in both name and definition. (See Selection Options) Browse Registry Name Search - Select a letter from the alphabetic list to retrieve a list of all registry names beginning with that letter. Browse the EDR - A page that presents some of the metadata products and services supported by the EDR and describes how to use some of the features of the EDR to conduct metadata management activities. BRS - Biennial Reporting System. C Top of Page CAS Number - Chemical Abstracts Service Number. Character Quantity - The minimum or maximum number of characters stored in a data element. Change Notification (Notification of Change) - A selection indicating a user wants to be notified of any changes to a data item. Chemical Abstracts Registry Number (CAS Number) - An identification number assigned to a substance by the Chemical Abstracts Service. Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number Search - An exact match search for the Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN) entered. The CASRN can be entered with or without hyphens or leading zeros. Classification - Classification restricts the search to biological organisms, chemicals, miscellaneous objects, or physical properties. It can be used only in combination with keyword. Clear (and Start Over) - The button that removes all selections from a screen and allows the user to restart. Code Set - Code Sets contain the permissible values, value meaning names, and value meaning definitions associated to the data elements for the desired code set. Comment(s) - Text providing remarks, observations, or criticisms. Compare? - Select the Compare? box to prepare a matrix that permits comparison of the selected items. The first item selected will generate the matrix in a new window. When addition Compare? boxes are checked, subsequent items will be added to the matrix in the order selected. (The matrix window will redraw with each selection. If the matrix does not appear on the screen, it may have been redrawn behind the browser window so either move the browser or reduce its size to view the matrix.) To clear the matrix, select Clear All in the matrix window. Compare Tool - A fully integrated feature within the EDR that enables users to search for and compare data elements from various sources. Computer Type - The computer platform that can be utilized to run the resource software. Component - A constituent, an essential part, or an element. Conceptual Domain - A set of possible valid values of a data element concept expressed without representation. Contact - A resource through which additional information may be obtained. Contact Address - The location where a person or organization may be reached. Contact ID - The identifier assigned to a contact by the Registry. Contact Name - A person who can provide additional information about a resource. Contact Search - Querying for a list of contact persons with information in READ. Contact the EPA - A page that provides links to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) communication information. Contact Us Form - A feedback form where remarks, observations, or criticisms may be entered and transmitted to the EDR Administrator or Webmaster. Containing - A query option that will return all occurrences of the characters entered. (See Search Options) Contract - A legal vehicle under which work is performed. Context - The name of a stated or implied category or scope in which a data item has meaning. Examples of context include: Legacy - used in the past. Long Abbreviation - long contracted form of the item name. Medium Abbreviation - medium contracted form of the item name. Registry - official name of an item in a registry. Short Abbreviation - short contracted form of the item name. Standard - the name assigned to an item by a data standard. XML Tag (Draft) - an XML tag that is under review. XML Tag - an XML tag approved for use. D Top of Page Data Concept - A data concept is an idea that is described independently of any particular representation and can be represented in the form of a data element. Data Element - A data element is a single unit of data that is considered indivisible. It cannot be divided into more fundamental segments of data and still have useful meaning, although it can be derived from smaller units of data. Data Element Search - The Data Element Search allows a search for a specific word or phrase, specification of a resource type, or listing of all the data elements in specific information resources. These queries can be combined to limit searches. Data Element Advanced Search - The Data Element Advanced Search allows a search for a specific word or phrase, specification of a resource type, listing of all the data elements in specific information resources, queries based of registration or administration status, datatype, or formats. These queries can be combined to limit searches. Data File - A collection of related data records organized in a specific manner. Data Format - A description of the format in which the data is input or exported. Data Group - A collection of values that identify the comparisons in a chart. Data Harmonization - A process that identifies duplicate data storage or representations of the same information and provides the information needed to integrate data systems, or improve the consistency of data meaning and format across related systems. Data Identifier - The identifier is the unique number assigned to a data item by the Registration Authority. Data Model - A logical view of the organization of data in a database. Data Set - The major unit of data storage and retrieval, consisting of a collection of data in one of several prescribed arrangements and described by control information to which the system has access. Data Source - Text describing the source of information contained in an information resource. Data Source Explanation - Text providing a detailed description of the source of information contained in an information resource. Data Submission Templates - Excel 97 spreadsheets that can be used for preparing metadata for batch entry into a registry. Data Standards - An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program for employing common terminology and common data element definitions to facilitate the integration of databases and to promote public access to commonly defined data from disparate sources. By using data standards, Agency managers and the public can more quickly and accurately assess environmental performance, maximize use of resources, and improve data integrity. Data standards can be recorded as Final (fully approved for use as a standard), Interim (designated for use as a standard during the final review process), or Under Development (the content of the data standard is currently being developed). Data Standards Discussion Forum - A password accessible section of the WISER Web site that is used by EDSC members as a forum for discussion of candidate data standards. Data Steward - A person and/or organization responsible for a data standard, registry metadata, or information resource. Database Table - A collection of information organized so a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data. Datatype - The format used for the collection of data that represents what operation may be performed on the data element. Definition - The text that explains the essential nature of, describes the features of, specifies relationships of, or establishes the context of a data item. Derivation Rule - The prescribed method for creation of a data element that specifies the source data elements and how they act together. The logical, mathematical and/or other operations specifying the derivation for a data element. Derivation Rule Type Description - Text that describes a derivation type. Description - The words or phrases that express the essential nature of a person or thing or class of persons or things. Designation/Definition - The designation is the name of a metadata item and the definition is a formal statement of the meaning or significance of the item. Both designation and definition are provide with a context for usage. Detailed Report - A view of additional information about the current metadata item. Select view to see the full report. Development Method - Text describing the software development method used to produce an information resource. Develop Systems - A page designed to assist computer programmers and systems analysts in the representation, format, definition, and valid values of a standard to develop or reengineer application systems. Dimensionality - A property that defines the measure, magnitude, or size of the information that is being recorded in the metadata element. Disclaimer - A statement, document, or assertion that renounces or limits responsibility. Discussion Forum - The Website for Ideas and Solutions on Environmental Information and Regulatory Innovations (WISER) has been selected as the forum for EDSC Action Teams' discussions on candidate data standards. Action Team members can post and respond to messages, post and download documents, and find out about planned team activities. WISER is accessible, by password, to all team members and will enable them to disseminate information and discuss issues related to standards development. Download - To transfer from a computer system to a connected device such as a workstation or microcomputer. Download allows a user to select data elements, standard data values (code sets), or other information to download for use in application system design and reengineering. On the EPA Data Standards page, files containing Access, Oracle Designer Archive, and Data Definition Language (DDL) data files with associated text documents (such as business rules) for the EPA final data standards are pre-formatted in ZIP format. Data download files are available in the following three formats: Text Report - a dynamically generated report in text format. Oracle (SQL*Loader) - contains the DDL to create a temporary table and an SQL*Loader control file with data that will autoload into the temp table. Note: the file may contain multiple DDLs and control files. Comma Separated (Microsoft Access, Excel) - this file contains Microsoft Access "comments" which describe the data in the comma separated information. Note: the file may contain multiple pieces of information. E Top of Page EDR - Environmental Data Registry. Environmental Metadata Gateway - An Environmental Metadata Gateway Search has been developed so system developers can build URLs that automatically query various substance data and display the appropriate detail information from the Substance Registry System (SRS). EDSC - The Environmental Data Standards Council (EDSC) is a partnership among EPA, States, and Tribal Nations to develop and agree upon data standards for environmental information collection and exchange. Effective Date - The date when regulation of a substance started. EIMS - Environmental Information Management System - stores, manages, and delivers descriptive information (metadata) for data sets, databases, documents, models, multimedia, projects, and spatial information. More information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/eims/. E-mail Address - A locator for the sending or receiving of messages via telecommunication links between computer systems. E-mail Announcements - Interested parties can sign-up for e-mail notification of new versions of the registries or changes in metadata. EMPACT - Environmental Monitoring for Public Access and Community Tracking - a new approach to working with communities to collect, manage, and present environmental information. The program aims to work with communities to make timely, accurate, and understandable environmental information available to millions of people in the largest metropolitan areas across the country. For more information go to http://www.epa.gov/realtime/index.htm. End Date - The date a data item is no longer valid. ENVIROFACTS - A data warehouse that integrates data extracted from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) major program systems. Environmental Data Registry (EDR) - A comprehensive, authoritative reference for information about the definition, source, and uses of environmental data. EPA Data Standards Process - A collaborative approach to setting Agency data standards that is designed to improve data quality, reuse, and compatibility. EPA Data Standards Publications and Guidances - A list of links to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data standards publications, information about national/international standards documents, and EPA guidance documents. EPA Home Page - The home page for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides access to Agency information and programs. It can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov. EPA ID - A unique identifier assigned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to documents, publications, and other information items that are managed by the Agency. EPA Information Resources - A page that contains a list of links to informative resources. EPA Organization Search - A query for an EPA group that has responsibility for information recorded in the registry. Includes Program, Office, Division, or Branch. EPA's PDF page - A page that explains the PDF format and provides a link to obtain the Adobe Acrobat reader needed to view PDF documents. EPA Registry Name - The name that the Environmental Protection Agency has selected as its preferred name for a chemical substance. Exact Match - A query option that will return all occurrences of specific characters and spaces entered and exclude any additional characters or spaces. (See Search Options) Excel 97 - Microsoft Excel 97 - a spreadsheet program. Explanatory Comment - Text that provides additional information about an information resource or metadata item. eXtensible Markup Language (XML) - A specification developed by the W3C. XML is a pared-down version of SGML, designed especially for Web documents. It allows designers to create their own customized tags, enabling the definition, transmission, validation, and interpretation of data between applications and between organizations. F Top of Page Facility Identification Template for States (FITS) - A set of working guidelines based on the collective experience of participant states to be used as guidance to states in the development of facility identification information. Facility Information - A page that provides information about the Facility Registry System (FRS). FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions - Commonly asked questions with answers. Feedback - A Registry function that lets a user send comments or questions to the Registry administrator. File Name - The text assigned as an identifier for electronic information. File Type - The text that describes a characteristic of an information resource. First Name - The given name of a person. Format - The size and character set of data element values. Fragment Search - A search by up to three fragments linked by either 'And' or 'Or'. Frequency - Text describing how often an information resource or its content is updated. FRS - Facility Registry System. G Top of Page Glossary - An alphabetical list of terms and definitions used in the registries. Government (Global) Information Locator Service (GILS) - A decentralized collection of Agency - based information locators and associated information services. Group - A data element group contains data elements logically related by subject matter. For example, the Postal Address group contains data elements used to store data about mailing addresses. The names, definitions, and other specifications for each data element of the group provide a system developer with the information necessary to design a system that implements the standard data elements for that group. Group/Component - When creating regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often specifies generic sets of substances with common characteristics (groups) as the regulated entities. Sometimes a regulation will include specific examples to be included or excluded from regulation (components). In the SRS, this information has been recorded in the Group/Component section of the detail page. H Top of Page Harmonize Data - A tool design to assist in the comparison of two or more systems, with the goal of reducing data redundancy and inconsistencies, and improving the quality and format of data. Hazardous Waste Cleanup - A set of data elements that can be used in developing information systems for hazardous waste cleanup data. Hazardous Waste Code - A code assigned to waste streams regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Help - The terms or text that is used to assist in understanding or using the Registry. How to... - Information on using the registry based on the type of task. How to includes Browse the EDR for first time users, Implement Standards for users who are responsible for development of systems that conform to data standards, Harmonize for users who must compare information across information systems, and Develop Systems for users who are interest in datatype, field size, and permissible value lists for developing information systems. HTML - Hypertext Markup Language - a series of codes that are used to define the structure and presentation of a text page when displayed by HTML enabled viewer. I Top of Page Identifier - A number used to represent a substance. Identifier Number Search - An Identifier Number Search in the Substance Registry will query substance information by various types of identifiers, (e.g., Chemical Abstracts Registry Number, EPA ID, TSN, ICTVdB). Identifier Type - A context in which an identifier is valid, (e.g., Chemical Abstracts Registry Number, EPA ID, TSN, ICTVdB). Implement Standards - A page designed to assist program managers, systems managers, and systems developers who are responsible for implementing data standards in their application systems to ensure use of consistently defined and formatted data elements and data values. Information Registration - Interested parties can submit data elements (along with related application metadata), substance information (chemical and biological organism identification information, physical property, and other regulated substances), and terms with definitions to be registered in the integrated metadata registry using templates available in the Registration section of the EDR. Information Resource - References, citations, reports, systems, or other published materials that are sources of data items that are stored in the Registry. Information Resource Search - A query of information resources available in the Registry. Information Resource Type - The text that describes a characteristic of an information resource. The brief descriptions of the information resource types available are listed below. An information resource type will be available only in a pull-down list if that type of information resource is related to the application being queried. In the EDR, the 'All' search cannot be used without entering a keyword because of the large number of information resources related to the Registry. In other systems, the 'All' search can be done without entering a keyword. All - Provides a list of all information resources in an application. Alphabetical Term List - In the TRS, a resource type that lists terms in alphabetical order. CFR Citation - A section of a title from the Code of Federal Regulations, e.g., 40 CFR 261. CFR Citation Section - A subpart of a citation, e.g., 40 CFR 261.24. CFR Citation Subsection - A division of a citation. Data File - In the EDR, a structured information file related to a data system. Data Group - In the EDR, a collection of metadata items related in some way. Data System - A computer information system. Database Table - A relational database table. EPA Data Standard - An information data standard developed by the Environmental Protection Agency; may be in any stage of the standardization process as noted by Registration and Administration statuses. EPA Data Standard Document - Documents related to data standards developed by the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA Guidance Document - Environmental Protection Agency documents that provide direction for Agency policy. EPA Program - Projects supported by the Environmental Protection Agency to collect, analyze, and/or report environmental information. EPA State Partner - States who have agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency to share environmental information. Federal Law - A title/chapter from the United States Code, e.g, UCS Title 15. Federal Law Section - A section of a title from the United States Code, e.g., 42 USC 7521. Federal Register Notice - A reference to the official daily publication for Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices of Federal agencies and organizations (the Federal Register), e.g., 50 FR 31695. Glossary - A list of terms in a special subject, field, or usage. Information Reference - Documents that can provide background or framework for Registry information. National/International Standard Document - National/International information standards that have been used to create Registry information. Public Law - Public (or Slip) Law is a printing, in pamphlet form, of the full text of a law after it has been enacted by Congress and signed by the President. After Public Laws are published in pamphlet form, they are collected and compiled annually in a volume of The United States Statutes at Large. The Statutes at Large, which is prepared by the Office of the Federal Register, is a chronological compilation of all Public Laws of one session of Congress. Copies of laws that have not yet been published in the Statutes at Large are available through the Clerk of the House of Representatives. After publication in Statutes at Large, Public Laws are codified in the U.S. Code, along with all other Federal Laws. When a Public Law is "codified," sections of that Public Law are given different section numbers in the Code. This is an important distinction between Public Laws and the Code (Federal Law). The U.S. Code is published in full every six years, with cumulative updates issued annually. Regulation - A law, rule, or other order prescribed by an authority to control conduct. Term Definitions - The formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word. Thesaurus - A book or listing of terms containing a selection of the words in a single or multiple languages. It may include information about the meanings of the terms and their relationship to other terms as synonyms or antonyms. Thesaurus: Group - A thesaurus classification component (hierarchical level) of the General European Multilingual Environmental Thesaurus (GEMET) used to display related terms. The groups reflect a category or discipline-oriented perspective. Thesaurus: Nondescriptor List - A thesaurus classification component of the General European Multilingual Environmental Thesaurus (GEMET) used to display undefined terms. Non-descriptors are synonyms and quasi-synonyms. Thesaurus: Supergroup - A thesaurus classification component (hierarchical level) of the General European Multilingual Environmental Thesaurus (GEMET) used to display related terms. The supergroups have been adopted to reflect an environmental management perspective and are used to help hierarchical structuring of GEMET. Thesaurus: Theme - A thesaurus classification component (hierarchical level) of the General European Multilingual Environmental Thesaurus (GEMET) used to display related terms. The themes reflect practical information areas and are used to provide a matrix structure to GEMET. Interface Type - A description of the collection of software that directs a computer's input and exchange operations. International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses Database (ICTVdb) - The Universal Virus Database is authorized by ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) as a list of approved virus names linked to virus descriptions coded from information in Virus Taxonomy: The Sixth Report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Murphy, et.al., (eds), Springer (1995), and includes updates subsequently approved by ICTV. It also incorporates the plant virus database VIDEdB and is illustrated with EM pictures, diagrams and images of symptoms contributed by virologists around the world. Introduction - The Introduction page serves to acquaint users with the Registry's functions and content. ISO/IEC JTC 1 / SC 32 / WG 02 -Metadata Working Group - A work group dedicated to the development and maintenance of standards that facilitate specification and management of metadata based on the International and National Standards ISO 11179 Information Technology- Specification and Standardization of Data Elements and the ANSI X3.285 Metamodel for the Management of Shareable Data Standards. Issue - The given number of a publication. Item - One of the many separate categories of metadata recorded in the Registry. J Top of Page Jump - Permits movement to a specified location in a list by specifying an item number in the list. The item number specified will be shown as the first item in the new display. K Top of Page Keyword - A Keyword is a significant and descriptive attribute that describes the nature of the data concept. Address, Company, Latitude, and Longitude are good examples of keywords. L Top of Page Last Name - The surname of a person. Lifecycle Stage - The text that describes the stage in a development life cycle for a resource. M Top of Page Material Type Text - Text describing the type of a publication, such as a periodical, book, or web page. Maximum Character Quantity (Maximum Character) - The maximum number of characters permitted for the permissible values of a data element. Maximum Range Quantity - The largest acceptable value in a range of values for a value domain. Media - Text describing the type of material used to distribute the information resource and its contents. Metadata Item Search - A query for one of the many separate categories of metadata recorded in the Registry. MetaPro - Metadata Registry Builder, a tool that enables users to create their own metadata registries. Min Character Quantity (Minimum Character) - The minimum number of characters permitted for the permissible value of a data element. Minimum Range Quantity - The smallest acceptable value in a range of values for a value domain. Modification Date - The last date a metadata item was edited. Molecular Formula - A code that represents the number of atoms of each element in a molecule of a chemical substance. Molecular Weight - The sum of the atomic weights of constituent atoms in a molecule of a chemical substance. N Top of Page Name - The name that represents a data item in the Registry. Name Search - A Name Search in the Substance Registry System, looks for the entered keyword in either name and/or definition information. The search can be restricted by the search and/or selection options entered. In the Substance Registry System, a Root search can be done, where punctuation and spaces are omitted from the query, or a fragment search can be performed, using up to three fragments (entered as text) that are combined using "or" or "and". Fragment searches are always "Containing". Name/Definition - The name and the definition of a metadata item is a formal statement of the meaning or significance of the item. Both name and definition are provided with a context for usage. Next - Select 'Next' to move to the following screen or item. Newsletter - The Registry Update is the Environmental Protection Agency's newsletter about data standards. Issues are available in HTML and PDF formats by selecting Newsletter from the left menu in the EDR. Non-enumerated Value Domain Text - Text describing acceptable values for a value domain that does not have a prescribed or enumerated permissible value list. Notification of Change (see Change Notification) - The information in the Registry is updated on a regular basis. To receive e-mail notification of changes, check the Change Notification box on the user registration page. Notice of Use - The Notice of Use is found on the Disclaimer page. Any information collected within the context of these registry systems is used only for the express purpose of responding to your comment or information request and is not made available for other purposes. O Top of Page Object Class - A set of ideas, abstractions, or things in the real world that can be identified with explicit boundaries, meanings, and whose properties and behavior follow the same rules. Object Class Qualifier - Text that provides additional information about an object class. One Stop - A program of the Environmental Protection Agency and state environmental agencies with a mission to create a national framework for environmental regulatory reporting via standards-based information management practices. Operating System - A description of the collection of software that directs a computer's operations, e.g., Windows 2000 or UNIX. OPPT Submission Number - The number assigned to new product information by the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT). Organization - The name of the organization providing or with responsibility for a data item. Organization/Contact - The group or person responsible for information in the Registry. The role indicates the type of responsibility assigned. Organization Search - A query for a group that has responsibility for information recorded in the Registry. Origin - The text that describes the origin of a data item. Other CAS Numbers - A Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service. A substance is recorded in the Registry with the current CAS Number. In some cases, the substance may have been related to additional CAS Numbers. These numbers will be displayed under the Other CAS Numbers section of the detail page with an indication of the source and status of the number, such as Former, Inaccurate, etc. Other Numbers - Substances in the Substance Registry System (SRS) are identified by a variety of numbers assigned by different authorities, such as a Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number. A substance is recorded in the Registry with the current valid number. In some cases, the substance may have been related historically to several additional numbers. These numbers will be displayed under the Other Numbers section of the detail page with an indication of the source and status of the number, such as Former, Inaccurate, etc. Other Sources - A section of the substance detail page that provides a list of other sources (not regulations or data systems) of synonyms that contain data about the substance, including literature references and databases. Overview - A general outline of a subject. The Overview of the Environmental Data Registry provides text to aid understanding what the Environmental Data Registry is, who uses it, why is it important, and what is in it. P Top of Page Partners - Groups working with the Environmental Protection Agency in the collection and exchange of environmental information. PCS - Permit Compliance System. Permissible ID - The identification number assigned by the Registry to a permissible value. Pesticide Product Code (PC Code) - A 6-character numeric code assigned to a pesticide product when it is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Products. Permissible Value - A representation of a value meaning in a specific value domain. Phone Number - The number associated with a telecommunication device such as a telephone, pager, facsimile machine, or mobile telephone. Physical Location - The place where an information resource is situated, e.g., Research Triangle Park (RTP). PKZIP - A software product for data file compression from PKWare, Inc. Platform Type - A description of the computer hardware used by an information resource. Post Date - The data an information resource was posted in the Registry. Premanufacture Notification (PMN) Number - The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) New Chemicals Program, located in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), was established to help manage the potential risk from chemicals new to the marketplace. The New Chemicals Program functions as a "gatekeeper" that can identify conditions, up to and including a ban on production, to be placed on the use of a new chemical before it is entered into commerce. Anyone who plans to manufacture or import a new chemical substance for a nonexempt commercial purpose is required by Section 5 of TSCA to provide EPA with notice before initiating the activity. This premanufacture notice, or PMN, must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the manufacture or import of the chemical. The PMN Number is the identifier assigned to an application submitted under this program. Previous - A function that permits a return to the preceding page or value. Products and Services - A Registry category containing functions commonly used by visitors. Property - A peculiarity common to all members of an object class. Property Qualifier - Text that provides additional information about a property. Publication Date - The date an information resource was published. Publication Place - The place an information resource was published. Purpose - The text that describes the reason for a data item. PV Item ID - The identification number assigned by the Registry to a permissible value. Q Top of Page R Top of Page Range Quantity - The number range of characters permitted for the permissible values of a data element. READ - Registry of EPA Applications and Databases. Reason for Regulation - For substances registered from regulations, the SRS includes the basis or reason that it was included in the regulation. For example, a chemical may be listed because it is considered a 'toxic pollutant' under the Clean Water Act Priority Pollutant List. Recent Additions - A list of the latest additions and updates to the Environmental Data Registry (EDR). Registry - A software product for the recording of metadata information. Registration - The module that permits users to submit information to the Registry. Registration Authority - The organization that is responsible for information in the Registry. Registration Authority ID - An identifier assigned by the Registry to an organization that is responsible for information in the Registry. Registration Status - You can specify data elements within all or any of the following positions in the registration life cycle: All - includes all status types. Application Data Element - the data element was obtained from a Legacy System and may be missing some metadata. Certified - the data element has all the necessary metadata and has met all quality requirements. Incomplete - the data element does NOT have all the necessary metadata. Recorded - the data element has all the necessary metadata, but has NOT met all the quality requirements. Retired - the data element is no longer used in the EDR System. Standard - the data element has all necessary metadata, has met all quality requirements, and has been approved by the Registration Authority. Registry of EPA Applications and Databases (READ) - A data system that provides information on the information resources (computer application systems, databases, and models) for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). REI - Reinventing Environmental Information. Regulation - A law, rule, or order prescribed by an authority. Related Applications - The Environmental Protection Agency has developed several registry products that are associated by the use of common modules or tools. The left-hand menu in any of the registry applications provides links to the other products. Related Links - Items that are associated with data items in the Registry. Related Programs - Groups within the Environmental Protection Agency that have recorded information in the Registry and have provided links to sources of additional information. Related Value Domain - Value domains related to data items in the registry. Representation Class - The name that describes the type of character or other designation used to represent a data element. Resource Classification - Keyword describing a type of information resource, e.g., as database, model, or spreadsheet. Resource Effective Date - The date an information resource became effective. Resource Level - The ranking of a resource, e.g., Major Agency Information System. Resource Post Date - The date an information resource was posted to the Registry. Resource Size - An estimate of the number of records in a database. Resource Status - The current status of a resource, e.g., Historical, Draft, Under Development, Final, or Interim. Draft - the preliminary version. Final - the adopted version. Historical - the version maintained for historical reference. Under Review - a previously accepted version that is being reviewed for possible change. Interim - the version that is available for review and comment. Under Development - the contents are being formulated. Resource Type - The primary level at which a resource is utilized, e.g., National, International, Regional, or Program. Resource User Type - Text defining whether the user of an information resource is internal or external to EPA. Resource Version - The version number is a value that identifies the sequence of changes in specifications for a resource for audit trail purposes. RMP - Risk Management Plans, also RMP*Info. Role - A description of the function of an organization or person within a Registry. Root Option - A query of name search in which numbers or symbols in the name are removed. The search will query the modified text to retrieve related names. S Top of Page Scientific Source Name - The name of the information resource that was the source of the systematic name assigned to a substance. SDWIS-Enviro Contaminant Code - The SDWIS code used to describe a contaminant. Search - The selection of Search from the left menu will result in the display of a search page that provides access to all the ways to query Registry information. Search EPA - A query page for finding topics of interest on the EPA Web site. Search Options - There are three methods for search query options. Containing - searches will return all occurrences of the characters entered. Beginning With - searches will return all occurrences that match the characters entered with first characters in a word or phrase. Exact Match - searches will return all occurrences of specific characters and spaces entered and exclude any additional characters or spaces. Searches Using Lists - Several searches can combine, intersect, or subtract lists of substances from two or more information resources, using the following functions: Union, Intersection, Difference, or Minus. Union will provide a list of all items in selected sources. Intersection will provide a list of items that are common to the selected sources. Difference will provide a list of items that are not common in the selected sources. Minus allows the combination and subtraction of lists. Additional information is provided in the Help section of the registry. Selection Options - There are different selection query options for the various applications. All - searches the name, definition, and XML Tag field. Name Only - searches only the name field. Definition Only - searches only the definition field. Both Name and Definition (Performs Only Containing Search Option) - searches both the name and definition fields to return all occurrences of the characters queried. Term Only - searches only the term field. Term or Definition (Performs Only Containing Search Option) - searches both the term and definition fields to return all occurrences of the characters queried. XML Tag Only - searches only the XML Tag field. Send - Use the send button to transfer information from a completed form to the Registry. Site Map - A textual overview of a Registry. SMSA - Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSA). SoR - System of Registries. SoR Quick Search - Use the Quick Search to retrieve information from one of the SoR applications (FRS and EIMS not included). Performing a Quick Search navigates you to one of the SoR registries to display search results. Additional searches are available on each of the application Search pages. To perform a quick search: select one of the search options, and enter a word, phrase, or CAS number in the keyword field. SoR Searches - Using the SoR searches, you can query the registries by information resource, by text or text string, alphabetically, or by a specific metadata item. Some searches allow the search options containing, beginning with, and exact match when matching a text query. Sort Options - In the SRS, the user is given the option of viewing lists sorted in different orders. Lists can be displayed in the following orders: CAS Number - in numerical order by CAS Number. Regulation Order - in the order listed in the regulation. Withdrawn Date - in order of the date the substance is withdrawn from that regulation. Substance Name - in alphabetical order by substance name. Sort Order - An indicator of how a list should be sorted for viewing. Source Explanation - The text that provides background information about the source of an information resource. Source Text - The text that provides information about the source of an information resource. Spatial Attributes - Text describing any locational characteristics described in an information resource. Spreadsheet Instructions - Procedures for completing the spreadsheet template. Spreadsheet Template - An Excel spreadsheet use to submit data elements (along with related application metadata), substance information (chemical and biological organism identification information, physical property, and other regulated substances), and terms with definitions to be registered in the integrated metadata registry. SRS - Substance Registry System. Standard and Business Rules Documents - A list of standard data elements and a copy of the data standard business rules is provided in this section of the information detail. The title of the resource indicates whether the status is final (the data standard has been adopted) or interim (the data standard is in the final stages of approval.) Registry Update - The Registry Update is the Environmental Protection Agency's newsletter about data standards. Issues are available in HTML and PDF formats by selecting Newsletter from the left menu in the Environmental Data Registry (EDR). State Cleanup - A partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency, state governments, interest groups, and private businesses enable effective information sharing in the area of hazardous waste and cleanup activities. Status - See Registration Status. Statute Name - The name of a legislative enactment. STORET Internal Sequence Number - A sequence number assigned to substances in the Storage and Retrieval for Water Quality Data (STORET). STORET Parameter Code - A code assigned to a characteristic (includes substances) in the Permit Compliance System (PCS). Subject - An active entity that can access objects, something, or someone about whom data are collected and maintained. Subscription - A Registry subscriber will receive, by e-mail, notifications of updates to the Registry and announcements of new features and enhancements. A user name and e-mail are required to become a subscriber. Substance List - The results returned by a query of the substance registry (SRS). Substance Registry System (SRS) - A data system that provides information on substances and how they are represented in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and information systems. Substance Search - A substance search queries the Substance Registry System (SRS), which contains substance information (e.g., pH, analytes). Synonyms - A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Substances in the Registry have been provided with a systematic name and a list of other names, or synonyms, that have been used in regulations or other information resources to identify the substance. System Characteristics - A search that queries systems on Architecture Category and Lifecycle Stage. System Developer - A system developer is a computer programer that is providing software tools for recording, analyzing, and reporting environmental information for the Environmental Protection Agency. The Environmental Data Registry (EDR) can help information system developers identify and use established data element standards for system interoperability and easier data exchange. The EDR enables systems developers to download data element metadata and code sets to design and document their information systems. System Interface - A search querying system Interface type, Data Format, Source, and Frequency. System Platform -The hardware and software resources utilized for an information resource. System Platform Search - A search that queries hardware and software resources utilized for an information resource. Systems Developers Page - A page designed to assist computer programmers and systems analysts in the representation, format, definition, and valid values of a standard to develop or reengineer application systems. Systematic Source Name - The name of the information resource that was the source of the systematic name assigned to a substance. T Top of Page Task Order Project Officer (TOPO) - A person responsible for activities related to a task order operating under an EPA contract. Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) - An identification number assigned to a biological taxon by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Temporal Attributes - Text describing any time bounded characteristics described in an information resource. Terminology Reference System (TRS) - A system that provides glossaries of terms from international, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and state partner sources. Terminology Search - A query of the Terminology Reference System (TRS) for environmental terms and definitions. Text Search - A query that allows matching of words or phases. Text String - A search using unique characters identifying the desired point. TRS - Terminology Reference System. Type - The text that describes a characteristic of an item. On the SRS index page, Type provides a context for the Keyword/Identifier Search, e.g., Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number. In SRS Name Search on the Search Page, the Type is a term that identifies a substance as a category, a biological taxonomic rank, a waste stream, radionuclide, UVCB or other and a Type can be searched independent of other criteria. U Top of Page Unresolved Issue - A description of the data item issues still outstanding. Unit of Quantity - The name of a unit in which a value is measured. Until Date - The date a data item is no longer valid. URL Name - The name of a resource accessed by a Universal Resource Locator (URL). URL Text - The notation providing the location of a Universal Resource Locator (URL). Use Constraint - Text describing any restraints on the usage of information in an information resource. User Download - A list of files (with descriptions of file content) that have been downloaded by other users. These files can be selected for immediate download without having to do a search or view an information detail page. User's Guide - Instructions that provide support for the Compare Tool query activities. User Subscription - A Registry subscriber will receive, by e-mail, notifications of Registry updates and announcements of new features and enhancements. A user name and e-mail address are required to become a subscriber. Utilities - A collection of informational and maintenance modules for the Registry. V Top of Page Value Domain - A set of permissible values for a data element. Value Meaning - The meaning of a permissible value of a data element. Value Meaning ID - The identification number assigned by the Registry to a value meaning. Version - The version number is a value that identifies the sequence of changes in specifications for a data item for audit trail purposes. W Top of Page WinZip - A software product from WinZip for data file compression. WISER - Website for Ideas and Solutions on Environmental Information and Regulatory Innovations. Word 2000 - Microsoft Word 2000 - a word processing program. Word 97 - Microsoft Word 97 - a word processing program. WordPerfect 8 - Version 8 of WordPerfect - a word processing program. WordPerfect 9 - Version 9 of WordPerfect - a word processing program. X Top of Page XML - eXtensible Markup Language. XML Tag Search - A query for XML tags begun by entering a specific word or phrase. Y Top of Page Z Top of Page

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Last updated on Wednesday, February 1^st, 2006
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