Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling Term Associations for Probabilistic Information Retrieval

Traditionally, in many probabilistic retrieval models, query terms are assumed to be independent. Although such models can achieve reasonably good performance, associations can exist among terms from a human being’s point of view. There are some recent studies that investigate how to model term associations/dependencies by proximity measures. However, the modeling of term associations theoretically under the probabilistic retrieval framework is still largely unexplored. In this article, we introduce a new concept cross term, to model term proximity, with the aim of boosting retrieval performance. With cross terms, the association of multiple query terms can be modeled in the same way as a simple unigram term. In particular, an occurrence of a query term is assumed to have an impact on its neighboring text. The degree of the query-term impact gradually weakens with increasing distance from the place of occurrence. We use shape functions to characterize such impacts. Based on this assumption, we first propose a bigram CRoss TErm Retrieval (CRTER2) model as the basis model, and then recursively propose a generalized n-gram CRoss TErm Retrieval (CRTERn) model for n query terms, where n > 2. Specifically, a bigram cross term occurs when the corresponding query terms appear close to each other, and its impact can be modeled by the intersection of the respective shape functions of the query terms. For an n-gram cross term, we develop several distance metrics with different properties and employ them in the proposed models for ranking. We also show how to extend the language model using the newly proposed cross terms. Extensive experiments on a number of TREC collections demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed models.
Iterative Orientation Tuning of Simple Cells in V1: A Comparative Study of Two Computational Models for Contrast Detection in Images.

The orientation selectivity of simple cells in visual cortex gives a striking example of the biological system perfectly adapted to the perception pf oriented stimuli. Several models have employed major principles of orientation selectivity for the processing of contrast variations in images. We have recently suggested a model for iterative orientation tuning, in which the astonishingly regular layout of simple cells is explicitly involved in the processing of oriented stimuli. In this work we extended the iterative model by incorporation a mechanism of cross-oriented inhibition. We then investigated the two models using synthetic, noisy and natural images. We found that the two models account for a large fraction of the contrast invariance of orientation selectivity – another striking aspect of the behaviour of simple cells. Our results indicate that the iterative processing of visual stimuli combined with local amplification of proximate simple cells is responsible for ~75% of the contrast invariance. Contrary to some earlier studies, the cross-oriented inhibition did not have any significant contribution to the contrast invariance but accelerated the convergence of the iterative processing on a stable solution. When probed with different images, the new model with crossoriented inhibition generated a clear pattern of object contours.
Empirical Risk Minimization versus Maximum-Likelihood Estimation: A Case Study

We study the interaction between input distributions, learning algorithms, and finite sample sizes in the case of learning classification tasks. Focusing on the case of normal input distributions, we use statistical mechanics techniques to calculate the empirical and expected (or generalization) errors for several well-known algorithms learning the weights of a single-layer perceptron. In the case of spherically symmetric distributions within each class we find that the simple Hebb rule, corresponding to maximum-likelihood parameter estimation, outperforms the other more complex algorithms, based on error minimization. Moreover, we show that in the regime where the overlap between the classes is large, algorithms with low empirical error do worse in terms of generalization, a phenomenon known as overtraining.
PREDICTIONS OF QUASAR CLUSTERING: REDSHIFT, LUMINOSITY, AND SELECTION DEPENDENCE

We show that current clustering observations of quasars and luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs) can be explained by a merger model augmented by feedback from outflows. Using numerical simulations large enough to study clustering out to 25 comoving h−1 Mpc, we calculate correlation functions, biases, and correlation lengths as a function of AGN redshift and optical and X-ray luminosity. At optical wavelengths, our results match a wide range of current observations and generate predictions for future data sets. We reproduce the weak luminosity dependence of clustering over the currently well-measured range and predict a much stronger dependence at higher luminosities. The increase in the amplitude of binary quasar clustering observed in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) is also reproduced and is predicted to occur at higher redshift, an effect that is due to the one-halo term in the correlation function. On the other hand, our results do not match the rapid evolution of the correlation length observed in the SDSS at z ≃ 3, a discrepancy that is at least partially due to differences in the scales probed by our simulation versus this survey. In fact, we show that changing the distances sampled from our simulations can produce changes as large as 40% in the fitted correlation lengths. Finally, in the X-ray, our simulations produce correlation lengths similar to that observed in the Chandra Deep Field (CDF) North, but not the significantly larger correlation length observed in the CDF-South.
It’s wages, it’s hours, it’s the Italian wage curve

Using data from the Bank of Italy’s Household Survey we find that a wage curve exists in Italy after the 1992-93 wage reforms for annual and monthly wages but not for hourly wages. Consistently, after the reforms we find a negative elasticity of annual hours and months worked with respect to the unemployment rate.
Athletic department practices that relate to the academic performance and persistence of student-athletes

Richard L. Unruh Athletic Departm ent Practices that Relate to the Academic Performance and Persistence o f Student-Athletes Committee Chair: Dr. Donald Robson, Ph.D. In light o f student-involvement and student-retention theories, and other research findings relating to the academic lives of college students, this study examines athletic department characteristics o f Division 1 athletic departments and their relationships to student-athlete academic performance and persistence. Thirty-two Division 1 institutions returned football and mens’ basketball team data, which led to the creation o f an institutional typology used to group institutions according to academic performance and persistence scores. O f the 32 institutions in the typology, 14 were chosen as sites for survey research. Eleven of the 14 sites returned a total of 178 responses from studentathletes, administrators, coaches, and faculty athletic representatives. Surveys provided ordinal level data in the form o f responses to discrete categories in 66 variables. The Chi Square and descriptive analyses o f this data found relationships between a significant number o f independent variables and student-athlete academic performance and persistence. Statistically significant relationships were found to exist between TYPE 1 (high academic performance and high persistence) institutions and variables in the following categories: 1. Athletic department policies, processes, and practices 2. Athletic department relationships with academe 3. Athletic student-service characteristics, activities, and practice 4. Student-athlete preparation, development, involvement, and relationships 5. Coaches’ actions, attitudes, and responsibilities The inquiry found 17 independent variables strongly related to student-athlete academic performance and persistence.
Pronounced hysteresis and high charge storage stability of single-walled carbon nanotube-based field-effect transistors

In this letter, pronounced hysteresis loops were observed in single-walled carbon nanotube-based field-effect transistors (CNTFETs). The shift in threshold voltage was found to increase with increasing gate voltage sweep ranges. A significant enhancement in the charge storage stability over 14 days was obtained at room temperature after a two-stage hydrogen and air annealing process was applied to the CNTFETs. The passivation of interface traps by annealing in hydrogen and the removal of physisorption solvent molecules by annealing in air are suggested to be responsible for the improvement of the charge storage stability.
The quality and independence of British journalism

There is no shortage of comment about the state of British journalism. Critics point to the increasing role of public relations in shaping news output and financial constraints on the freedom of journalists to report accurately and independently. What is invariably lacking, however, is any serious empirical research on the subject. Our report aims to fill this gap. Our study is based on a number of parallel investigations. We looked at the number of journalists employed in the national press over the last two decades and the volume of work they are required to do. We studied the domestic news content at the ‘top end’ of British press and broadcast news in order to establish the extent to which journalists depend on public relations and other media (especially wire services), as well as the presence of information indicating robust journalistic practices. We carried out case studies to paint a picture of the role played by PR, other media and the wire services in shaping news content. We tested the ‘news value’ of PR inspired stories with a panel of experts, and we asked a number of journalists and PR professionals to tell us how their working environment has changed.
Principal component analysis for Riemannian manifolds, with an application to triangular shape spaces

Classical principal component analysis on manifolds, for example on Kendall's shape spaces, is carried out in the tangent space of a Euclidean mean equipped with a Euclidean metric. We propose a method of principal component analysis for Riemannian manifolds based on geodesics of the intrinsic metric, and provide a numerical implementation in the case of spheres. This method allows us, for example, to compare principal component geodesics of different data samples. In order to determine principal component geodesics, we show that in general, owing to curvature, the principal component geodesics do not pass through the intrinsic mean. As a consequence, means other than the intrinsic mean are considered, allowing for several choices of definition of geodesic variance. In conclusion we apply our method to the space of planar triangular shapes and compare our findings with those of standard Euclidean principal component analysis.
Revisiting the Relationship between Ethnic Diversity and Preferences for Redistribution: Comment

In this paper, we return to the question raised in Dahlberg et al. (2012) concerning a causal relationship between ethnic diversity and preferences for redistribution. A re-analysis of their study indicates that results are based on an endogenous instrument and severe sample attrition bias. Correcting for either of these two problems reveals that there is no relationship between ethnic diversity and preferences for redistribution. More generally, we provide results that put into question the conventional description of the Swedish refugee placement policy.
Contrasting partnerships within the low income and traditional markets

This research compares partners required to be competitive in the low income market to the partner network of the more traditional upper income market in South Africa. The research examines the non-traditional partnerships engaged by firms which include local communities, government and NGO’s. It further looks at the broader alliances formed by firms competing in the low income market compared to the traditional market and lastly investigates institutional voids and their effect in the respective markets. The research is exploratory in nature and considers the perceptions of managers in eight companies through the use of semi-structured interviews. 14 managers were interviewed across the 6 industries selected. Insights were gained through the use of a semi structured interview guide. The research indicates that non-traditional partnerships do take place in both the low income and traditional markets but for different reasons, with the low income market focusing on these partnerships to access the consumer. It was further apparent from the interviews that those competing in the low income market tend to partner more with other firms operating in the market but in different industries, whilst the traditional market managers tend to partner more with smaller business set up to fulfil the needs of the larger firm. The research further indicates that institutional voids may present an area to develop first mover advantage by locking down successful partnerships before competitors do. © 2014 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria.
The Moral Ties That Bind . . . Even to Out-Groups: The Interactive Effect of Moral Identity and the Binding Moral Foundations

Throughout history, principles such as obedience, loyalty, and purity have been instrumental in binding people together and helping them thrive as groups, tribes, and nations. However, these same principles have also led to in-group favoritism, war, and even genocide. Does adhering to the binding moral foundations that underlie such principles unavoidably lead to the derogation of out-group members? We demonstrated that for people with a strong moral identity, the answer is “no,” because they are more likely than those with a weak moral identity to extend moral concern to people belonging to a perceived out-group. Across three studies, strongly endorsing the binding moral foundations indeed predicted support for the torture of out-group members (Studies 1a and 1b) and withholding of necessary help from out-group members (Study 2), but this relationship was attenuated among participants who also had a strong moral identity.
Microbiome–Gut–Brain Axis: A Pathway for Improving Brainstem Serotonin Homeostasis and Successful Autoresuscitation in SIDS—A Novel Hypothesis

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) continues to be a major public health issue. Following its major decline since the “Back to Sleep” campaign, the incidence of SIDS has plateaued, with an annual incidence of about 1,500 SIDS-related deaths in the United States and thousands more throughout the world. The etiology of SIDS, the major cause of postneonatal mortality in the western world, is still poorly understood. Although sleeping in prone position is a major risk factor, SIDS continues to occur even in the supine sleeping position. The triple-risk model of Filiano and Kinney emphasizes the interaction between a susceptible infant during a critical developmental period and stressor/s in the pathogenesis of SIDS. Recent evidence ranges from dysregulated autonomic control to findings of altered neurochemistry, especially the serotonergic system that plays an important role in brainstem cardiorespiratory/thermoregulatory centers. Brainstem serotonin (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH-2) levels have been shown to be lower in SIDS, supporting the evidence that defects in the medullary serotonergic system play a significant role in SIDS. Pathogenic bacteria and their enterotoxins have been associated with SIDS, although no direct evidence has been established. We present a new hypothesis that the infant’s gut microbiome, and/or its metabolites, by its direct effects on the gut enterochromaffin cells, stimulates the afferent gut vagal endings by releasing serotonin (paracrine effect), optimizing autoresuscitation by modulating brainstem 5-HT levels through the microbiome–gut–brain axis, thus playing a significant role in SIDS during the critical period of gut flora development and vulnerability to SIDS. The shared similarities between various risk factors for SIDS and their relationship with the infant gut microbiome support our hypothesis. Comprehensive gut-microbiome studies are required to test our hypothesis.
Antidepressant Sales and the Risk for Alcohol-Related and Non-Alcohol-Related Suicide in Finland—An Individual-Level Population Study

Objectives A marked decline in suicide rates has co-occurred with increased antidepressant sales in several countries but the causal connection between the trends remains debated. Most previous studies have focused on overall suicide rates and neglected differential effects in population subgroups. Our objective was to investigate whether increasing sales of non-tricyclic antidepressants have reduced alcohol- and non-alcohol-related suicide risk in different population subgroups. Methods We followed a nationally representative sample of 950,158 Finnish adults in 1995–2007 for alcohol-related (n = 2,859) and non-alcohol-related (n = 8,632) suicides. We assessed suicide risk by gender and social group according to regional sales of non-tricyclic antidepressants, measured by sold doses per capita, prevalence of antidepressant users, and proportion of antidepressant users with doses reflecting minimally adequate treatment. Fixed-effects Poisson regression models controlled for regional differences and time trends that may influence suicide risk irrespective of antidepressant sales. Results The number of sold antidepressant doses per capita and the prevalence of antidepressant users were unrelated to male suicide risk. However, one percentage point increase in the proportion of antidepressant users receiving minimally adequate treatment reduced non-alcohol-related male suicide risk by one percent (relative risk 0.987, 95% confidence interval 0.976–0.998). This beneficial effect only emerged among men with high education, high income, and employment, among men without a partner, and men not owning their home. Alcohol-related suicides and female suicides were unrelated to all measures of antidepressant sales. Conclusion We found little evidence that increase in overall sales or in the prevalence of non-tricyclic antidepressant users would have caused the fall in suicide rates in Finland in 1995–2007. However, the rise in the proportion of antidepressant users receiving minimally adequate treatment, possibly due to enhanced treatment compliance, may have prevented non-alcohol-related suicides among men.
Voluntary housing transfer in Scotland a case of policy emergence

This thesis examines the voluntary transfer of housing stock by Scottsh local authorities between 1986 and 1997, under a Conservative Government. The study sought to identify who had transferred what, why and how, employing a multi-theoretical approach and a range of concepts from policy studies to investigate rationaliy and opportunity in policymaking. The study used quantitative methods to define and establish the incidence of transfer, which was found in two forms: as partial transactions, with and without subsidy; and as privately financed disposals of whole stocks. Similar volumes of transactions were found in Scotland as in England, though on different terms and affecting fewer houses. Qualitative methods were used to explore the decisions, actions and capacity of people involved in voluntary sales of tenanted housing to other landlords. Key actors included tenants and community activists, politicians and officials in councils, government departments and agencies. The thesis argues that transfer in Scotland was the product of local responses to two key developments. One was accumulated financial constraints; the other, particularly affecting partial transfer, was the use of financial and organisational incentives, secured with ministerial acquiescence. Although government was ultimately responsible for both developments, it neither planned nor anticipated their consequences; it was often iiprepared to respond to local initiatives, partial and whole; and it failed to understand or monitor the consequences. Most Scottsh councils ignored whole stock transfer in 1996, when it came to be actively promoted by Conservative poliicians. Paradoxically, while organisations representing institutional interests in council housing vocalised opposition to stock disposals, their constituent members took action to transfer ownership, with the conflcting values of local incumbents accommodated by stealth. Transfer was later legally structured, when an afterthought from English legislation accidentally turned power relations upside down, making ministerial consent conditional on demonstrating lack of tenant opposition. Senior officials played a consistently critical role in initiating, brokering, frustrating and nourishing local negotiations. This study demonstrates the particular significance of local action in policy-making, allowing transfer to emerge in response to wider constraints determined at the centre.
Motivations for School Board Membership: Implications for Superintendents and District Accountability.

This paper examines how motivations for school-board membership influence individual board member's agendas. It suggests the implications of individual agendas for board dynamics and superintendents when both must be accountable to state and federal mandates and their own district's desire to collaborate to improve academic achievement for all children. Data for the report were obtained through traditional qualitative methods. Ten school-board members (five males, five females) participated in open-ended interviews. Triangulation through interviews with the superintendents of the participants' districts and with colleagues of the participants was also performed. Interviews were supplemented with the examination of board minutes and voting patterns. Three key findings emerged from the study: (1) board members motivated by personal agendas were more likely to micromanage--an approach that appeared to inhibit collaborative processes and full board participation in decision making; (2) "reformers" were more likely to make decisions in a collaborative manner--sample board members who were placed in the reformer quadrant were more likely to empower others in decision making; and (3) some board members felt they had lost equal input and voice to single-issue board members, expressing concern that the personal-agenda board members pushed too hard for rapid change without considering all factors first. (Contains 24 references.) (RJM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. MOTIVATIONS FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSHIP: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUPERINTENDENTS AND DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 0,/fhis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. Meredith Mountford University of Wisconsin Madison C. Cryss Brunner University of Wisconsin Madison 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY