LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian regression and Bitcoin

In this paper, we discuss the method of Bayesian regression and its efficacy for predicting price variation of Bitcoin, a recently popularized virtual, cryptographic currency. Bayesian regression refers to utilizing empirical data as proxy to perform Bayesian inference. We utilize Bayesian regression for the so-called “latent source model”. The Bayesian regression for “latent source model” was introduced and discussed by Chen, Nikolov and Shah [1] and Bresler, Chen and Shah [2] for the purpose of binary classification. They established theoretical as well as empirical efficacy of the method for the setting of binary classification. In this paper, instead we utilize it for predicting real-valued quantity, the price of Bitcoin. Based on this price prediction method, we devise a simple strategy for trading Bitcoin. The strategy is able to nearly double the investment in less than 60 day period when run against real data trace.
Exploiting Hierarchical Activations of Neural Network for Image Retrieval

The Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have achieved breakthroughs on several image retrieval benchmarks. Most previous works re-formulate CNNs as global feature extractors used for linear scan. This paper proposes a Multi-layer Orderless Fusion (MOF) approach to integrate the activations of CNN in the Bag-of-Words (BoW) framework. Specifically, through only one forward pass in the network, we extract multi-layer CNN activations of local patches. Activations from each layer are aggregated in one BoW model, and several BoW models are combined with late fusion. Experimental results on two benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Evaluation of a hierarchical reinforcement learning spoken dialogue system

We describe an evaluation of spoken dialogue strategies designed using hierarchical reinforcement learning agents. The dialogue strategies were learnt in a simulated environment and tested in a laboratory setting with 32 users. These dialogues were used to evaluate three types of machine dialogue behaviour: hand-coded, fully-learnt and semi-learnt. These experiments also served to evaluate the realism of simulated dialogues using two proposed metrics contrasted with ‘PrecisionRecall’. The learnt dialogue behaviours used the Semi-Markov Decision Process (SMDP) model, and we report the first evaluation of this model in a realistic conversational environment. Experimental results in the travel planning domain provide evidence to support the following claims: (a) hierarchical semi-learnt dialogue agents are a better alternative (with higher overall performance) than deterministic or fully-learnt behaviour; (b) spoken dialogue strategies learnt with highly coherent user behaviour and conservative recognition error rates (keyword error rate of 20%) can outperform a reasonable hand-coded strategy; and (c) hierarchical reinforcement learning dialogue agents are feasible and promising for the (semi) automatic design of optimized dialogue behaviours in larger-scale systems. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Motivation and barriers to participation in virtual knowledge-sharing communities of practice

Alexander Ardichvili is an assistant professor at the department of Human Resource Education, University of Illinois at Urbana/ Champaign. He received his MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and Ph.D. from the University of Moscow. Dr. Ardichvili has published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the areas of human resource development, entrepreneurship, and knowledge management (ardichvi@uiuc.edu). Vaughn Page is a doctoral student in Human Resource Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research interest centers on knowledge management and communities of practice. Page earned a Bachelor’s degree in Career and Organizational Studies and a Master’s in Training & Development from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois (vpage@uiuc.edu). Tim Wentling is a professor in the Department of Library and Information Science and a Senior Research Scientist in the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Professor Wentling holds a PhD in Education and an MBA from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin. Professor Wentling is the leader of the Knowledge and Learning Systems Group at NCSA where he heads a team of cross-disciplinary faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students (wentling@uiuc.edu). Abstract This paper reports the results of a qualitative study of motivation and barriers to employee participation in virtual knowledge-sharing communities of practice at Caterpillar Inc., a Fortune 100, multinational corporation. The study indicates that, when employees view knowledge as a public good belonging to the whole organization, knowledge ows easily. However, even when individuals give the highest priority to the interests of the organization and of their community, they tend to shy away from contributing knowledge for a variety of reasons. Specically, employees hesitate to contribute out of fear of criticism, or of misleading the community members (not being sure that their contributions are important, or completely accurate, or relevant to a specic discussion). To remove the identied barriers, there is a need for developing various types of trust, ranging from the knowledge-based to the institutionbased trust. Future research directions and implications for KM practitioners are formulated.
Is Corporate Governance Different for Bank Holding Companies ? 1

n the wake of the recent corporate scandals, corporate governance practices have received heightened attention. Shareholders, creditors, regulators, and academics are examining the decision-making process in corporations and other organizations and are proposing changes in governance structures to enhance accountability and efficiency. To the extent that these proposals are based on academic research, they generally draw upon a large body of studies on the governance of firms in unregulated, nonfinancial industries. Financial institutions, however, are very different from firms in unregulated industries, such as manufacturing firms. Thus, the question arises as to whether these proposals and reforms can also be effective at enhancing the governance of financial institutions, and, in particular, banking firms. The question is a difficult one to answer, though, given the little research on the governance of banking firms. Therefore, in order to evaluate reforms to the governance structures of banking firms, it is important to understand current governance practices as well as how governance differs between banking and unregulated firms. Otherwise, governance proposals cannot be fine-tuned. Significantly, uniformly designed proposals that do not take into account industry differences at the very least may be ineffective in improving the governance of financial institutions, and at worst may have unintended negative consequences. Accordingly, this article examines corporate governance in banking firms. In particular, we study corporate governance variables identified as relevant by academics and practitioners and describe their differences and similarities vis-á-vis banking firms and manufacturing firms. Because public information on governance characteristics is generally available only for publicly traded bank holding companies (BHCs), we examine the governance of BHCs and not banks. We also discuss the effect of regulation—such as supervisory and regulatory requirements at the state and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) levels—prior to 2000 on banking firm behavior. Many typical external governance mechanisms, such as the threat of hostile takeovers in the industry, are absent in the case of banking firms; therefore, we focus primarily on internal governance structures and shareholder block ownership. Our goal is to provide useful information and a road map for thinking about the governance of financial institutions, in terms of reform as well as research. We discuss the potential benefits and costs associated with some of the corporate governance variables for an average firm. However, we stress that all of these variables are ultimately part of a simultaneous system that determines the corporation’s value and the allocation of such value among claimants. Also, different governance mechanisms may be substitutes for one another. For example, certain executive pay packages can vary across firms, even in the same business environment, for good reason. Firms with more effective boards may have more
Time series feature extraction for data mining using DWT and DFT

A new method of dimensionality reduction for time series data mining is proposed. Each time series is compressed with wavelet or Fourier decomposition. Instead of using only the first coefficients, a new method of choosing the best coefficients for a set of time series is presented. A criterion function is evaluated using all values of a coefficient position to determine a good set of coefficients. The optimal criterion function with respect to energy preservation is given. For many real life data sets much more energy can be preserved, which is advantageous for data mining tasks. All time series to be mined, or at least a representative subset, need to be available a priori.
Performance of existing risk scores in screening for undiagnosed diabetes: an external validation study.

AIM
To compare the performance of nine published strategies for the selection of individuals prior to screening for undiagnosed diabetes.


METHODS
We conducted a validation study, based on a cross-sectional analysis of 6990 participants of the Whitehall II study, an occupational cohort of civil servants in London. We calculated sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, indicative of the ability of a risk score to correctly identify those with undiagnosed diabetes.


RESULTS
The prevalence of unknown diabetes was 2.0%. At a set level of sensitivity (0.70), the specificity of the different scores ranged between 0.41 and 0.57. A reference model, based solely on age and body mass index had an area under the ROC curve of 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.62, 0.72]. Four scores had a lower area under the ROC curve (lowest ROC AUC: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.67) compared with the reference model, while the other five scores had similar areas (highest ROC AUC: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.72). All ROC curve areas were lower than those reported in the original publications and validation studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Existing risk scores for the detection of undiagnosed diabetes perform less well in a large validation cohort compared with previous validation studies. Our study indicates that non-invasive risk scores require further refinement and testing before they can be used as the first step in a diabetes screening programme.
Fungal bioremediation of copper , chromium and boron treated wood as studied by electron paramagnetic resonance

In future years, problems concerning the disposal of waste copper/chromium-treated wood will increase signi4cantly. One of the environmentally friendly options of dealing with such treated wood is through bioremediation with copper-tolerant wood decay fungi in order to recycle both the wood 4bers and the heavy metals. To study changes during the bioremediation process, Norway spruce (Picea abies) samples were vacuum impregnated with 5% CCB solution. Some samples were also impregnated with copper or chromium solution of the same concentration as in the CCB preservative. Following conditioning of the samples, they were then exposed to two copper-tolerant brown rot fungi, (Antrodia vaillantii, Leucogyrophana pinastri) and two copper-sensitive brown rot fungi, (Gloeophyllum trabeum, Poria monticola) for a period of 4–8 weeks. After exposure, the samples were cleaned of the mycelia and leached with water or 1.25% ammonia solution for 4 days. The concentrations of Cr and Cu in the leachates were determined. After the leaching process, the samples were studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The results obtained showed the important role oxalic acid produced by the decay fungi plays during leaching of the metals from the treated wood. Furthermore, it was also found that though excretion of oxalic acid is necessary for the leaching of metals, it does not fully explain fungal ability to decay copper preserved wood. ? 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Promoting self-regulation through school-based martial arts training

The impact of school-based Tae Kwon Do training on self-regulatory abilities was examined. A self-regulation framework including three domains (cognitive, affective, and physical) was presented. Children (N = 207) from kindergarten through Grade 5 were randomly assigned by homeroom class to either the intervention (martial arts) group or a comparison (traditional physical education) group. Outcomes were assessed using multidimensional, multimodal assessments. After a 3-month intervention, results indicated that the martial arts group demonstrated greater improvements than the comparison group in areas of cognitive self-regulation, affective self-regulation, prosocial behavior, classroom conduct, and performance on a mental math test. A significant Group Gender interaction was found for cognitive self-regulation and classroom conduct, with boys showing greater improvements than girls. Possible explanations of this interaction as well as implications for components of martial arts training for the development of self-regulation in school-age children are discussed. D 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Differential variational inequalities

This paper introduces and studies the class of differential variational inequalities (DVIs) in a finite-dimensional Euclidean space. The DVI provides a powerful modeling paradigm for many applied problems in which dynamics, inequalities, and discontinuities are present; examples of such problems include constrained time-dependent physical systems with unilateral constraints, differential Nash games, and hybrid engineering systems with variable structures. The DVI unifies several mathematical problem classes that include ordinary differential equations (ODEs) with smooth and discontinuous right-hand sides, differential algebraic equations (DAEs), dynamic complementarity systems, and evolutionary variational inequalities. Conditions are presented under which the DVI can be converted, either locally or globally, to an equivalent ODE with a Lipschitz continuous right-hand function. For DVIs that cannot be so converted, we consider their numerical resolution via an Euler time-stepping procedure, which involves the solution of a sequence of finite-dimensional The work of J.-S. Pang is supported by the National Science Foundation under grants CCR-0098013 CCR-0353074, and DMS-0508986, by a Focused Research Group Grant DMS-0139715 to the Johns Hopkins University and DMS-0353016 to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and by the Office of Naval Research under grant N00014-02-1-0286. The work of D. E. Stewart is supported by the National Science Foundation under a Focused Research Group grant DMS-0138708. J.-S. Pang (B) Department of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Decision Science and Engineering Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA e-mail: pangj@rpi.edu D. E. Stewart Department of Mathematics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA e-mail: dstewart@math.uiowa.edu 346 J.-S. Pang, D. E. Stewart variational inequalities. Borrowing results from differential inclusions (DIs) with upper semicontinuous, closed and convex valued multifunctions, we establish the convergence of such a procedure for solving initial-value DVIs. We also present a class of DVIs for which the theory of DIs is not directly applicable, and yet similar convergence can be established. Finally, we extend the method to a boundary-value DVI and provide conditions for the convergence of the method. The results in this paper pertain exclusively to systems with “index” not exceeding two and which have absolutely continuous solutions.
The adoption of electronic tax filing systems: an empirical study

This paper discusses the factors affecting the adoption of electronic tax-filing systems. Using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, this study introduces “perceived credibility” as a new factor that reflects the user’s intrinsic belief in the electronic tax-filing systems, and examines the effect of computer self-efficacy on the intention to use an electronic tax-filing system. Based on a sample of 260 users from a telephone interview, the results strongly support the extended TAM in predicting the intention of users to adopt electronic tax-filing systems. The results also demonstrate the significant effect that computer self-efficacy has on behavioral intention through perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived credibility. Based on the findings of this study, implications for electronic tax filing in particular and for e-government services in general are discussed. Finally, this paper concludes by discussing limitations that could be addressed in future studies. © 2002 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
The use of processed allograft dermal matrix for intraoral resurfacing: an alternative to split-thickness skin grafts.

BACKGROUND
The standard reconstruction of significant mucosal defects in head and neck surgery has been split-thickness skin grafting (STSG).


OBJECTIVE
To examine the use of a commercially available acellular dermal matrix as an alternative to STSG to reduce the scarring and contracture inherent to meshed split-thickness autografting and avoid the additional donor site morbidity.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Twenty-nine patients with full-thickness defects of the oral cavity were included in this retrospective chart review. Candidate patients had their operative procedure performed at a tertiary care center during a 24-month period. Allograft dermal matrix, an acellular tissue-processed biomaterial, was applied to these intraoral defects. The defects were reconstructed with an acellular dermal graft matrix in the same technical fashion as with an autologous skin graft. Patients were evaluated for rate of "take," functional return time to reepithelialization, average surface area of graft, associated pain and discomfort, evidence of restrictive graft contracture, patient diagnosis, and graft location within the oral cavity. Any evidence of incomplete graft reepithelialization was considered grounds for graft failure, either complete or incomplete. Epithelialization and contracture were assessed during outpatient clinical examinations. Patient complaints with regard to discomfort at the graft bed were considered evidence of pain.


RESULTS
Graft locations included 9 in the tongue (32%), 5 in the maxillary oral vestibule (17%), 4 in the mandible (14%), 4 in the floor of mouth (14%), 3 in the hard and/or soft palate (10%), 3 in the tonsil (10%), and 1 in the lip (3%). The overall rate of take was 90% with complete epithelialization noted on clinical evaluation within 4 weeks. Patients were followed up for an average of 8.6 months. The average grafted surface area was 25 cm2. Pain or discomfort was noted in 3 patients (12%). One patient (4%) was noted to have clinical evidence of graft contracture.


CONCLUSIONS
Allograft dermal matrix was successful as a substitute to autologous STSG for resurfacing of intraoral defects. Allograft dermal matrix may be considered a useful reconstructive option for patients with oral mucosal defects.
The EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study: rationale, methods and a cross-sectional analysis of visual impairment in a population-based cohort

OBJECTIVES
To summarise the methods of the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk Eye Study, and to present data on the prevalence of visual impairment and associations with visual impairment in the participants.


DESIGN
A population-based cross-sectional study nested within an on-going prospective cohort study (EPIC).


SETTING
East England population (the city of Norwich and its surrounding small towns and rural areas).


PARTICIPANTS
A total of 8623 participants aged 48-92 years attended the Eye Study and underwent assessment of visual acuity, autorefraction, biometry, tonometry, corneal biomechanical measures, scanning laser polarimetry, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, fundal photography and automated perimetry.


OUTCOME MEASURES
Visual impairment was defined according to the WHO classification and the UK driving standard, and was based on presenting visual acuity. Summary measures of other ophthalmic measurements are also presented.


RESULTS
The prevalence (95% CI) of WHO-defined moderate-to-severe visual impairment and blindness was 0.74% (0.55% to 0.92%). The prevalence (95% CI) of presenting visual acuity worse than the UK driving standard was 5.87% (5.38% to 6.37%). Older age was significantly associated with visual impairment or blindness (p<0.001). Presenting visual acuity worse than UK driving standard was associated with older age (p<0.001), female sex (p=0.005) and lower educational level (p=0.022).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in this selected population was low. Visual impairment was more likely in older participants, women and those with a lower educational level.
People on the move in a changing climate : the regional impact of environmental change on migration

1: Regional Perspectives on Migration, the Environment and Climate Change: Frank Laczko, Etienne Piguet.- 2: Migration and Environmental Change in Asia: Graeme Hugo and Douglas K. Bardsley.- 3: Environmental change and Migration between Europe and its Neighbours: Mark Mulligan Sophia Burke and Caitlin Douglas.- 4: Environmental change and human migration in sub-Saharan Africa: James Morrissey.- 5: Climate Change, Extreme Weather Events, and Migration: Review of the Literature for Five Arab Countries: Quentin Wodon, Nicholas Burger, Audra Grant, George Joseph, Andrea Liverani and Olesya Tkacheva.- 6: Migration and Environmental Change in North America (USA and Canada): Susana B. Adamo and Alexander M. de Sherbinin.- 7: Migration and Climate Change in Latin America and the Caribbean: Raoul Kaenzig and Etienne Piguet.- 8: Migration and Climate Change in Oceania Richard Bedford and John Campbell.- 9: The changing Hindu Kush Himalayas: Environmental change and migration: Soumyadeep Banerjee, Richard Black, Dominic Kniveton, Michael Kollmair.-10: Regional Policy Perspectives: Karoline Popp.