Datenojn

Datenojn are standardized digital data units that package a dataset together with metadata, provenance, and access information to facilitate reproducible research and long-term preservation. The concept is used in theoretical discussions of data packaging and is not tied to a single official standard.

A datenojn typically comprises four elements: a data payload that contains the actual content; a metadata block that records the schema, fields, creators, dates, licensing, and a persistent identifier; a provenance or lineage record that documents data sources, processing steps, software versions, and parameter settings; and an integrity and access section that includes checksums, encryption status, and access policies. A manifest or index may accompany the object to describe file relationships and versions.

Creation and governance vary by project but generally involve data stewards or researchers who assign a versioned datenojn, validate its structure against a schema, and assign a persistent identifier. Lifecycles include reproduction of analyses using the datenojn, ingestion into repositories, and, for preservation, packaging into archival formats with checksums and migration plans.

Applications include improving reproducibility, interoperability between data systems, and simplifying preservation workflows. Advantages over simple data files include explicit provenance, versioning, and licensing information, while drawbacks include added complexity and potential standard fragmentation.

Related concepts include data packages, research objects, and FAIR data principles. If treated as a real standard, datenojn would require community governance, documentation, and tooling to support creation, validation, and discovery.