Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence accumulation with competition in information retrieval

A basic component of a retrieval system is the process of comparing a representation of a document and that of an information need. In this paper, we take the view that information retrieval can be modeled as an inference process and propose a scheme that associatively retrieves potentially relevant documents accumulating evidence from various sources. This scheme that can serve as a precision-improving technique proceeds as follows. It selects an initial subset of promising documents, constructs a network of those selected documents based on their similarities so that they can compete with each other, and accumulate pieces of evidence that a document is relevant, based on multiple criteria so that the documents are ranked. The criteria, by which individual documents are evaluated are currently pragmatic (e.g. importance of terms for the user), semantic (e.g. relationship of terms in query and document), and salience (e.g., term importance in documents). This scheme models the phenomenon of competition among documents for their relevance to a given query. Our experimental results show that this scheme is promising in improving retrieval effectiveness.
The Impact of Adaptive, Web-Based, Scaffolded Silent Reading Instruction on the Reading Achievement of Students in Grades 4 and 5

This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of adaptive, web-based, scaffolded silent reading instruction on 426 fourth- and fifth-grade students in an urban US school district. Reading proficiency was evaluated in the fall and spring using the Group Reading Assessment Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE) and an eye movement recording system (Visagraph). Fall GRADE scores and demographic factors were used to pair students. One member of each pair was then randomly assigned to the treatment or control condition and their pair to the alternate condition. During scheduled 25-minute supplemental literacy blocks, students in the control group received “business-as-usual” reading instruction, whereas the treatment group engaged in scaffolded silent reading instruction. Structural equation modeling indicated that scaffolded silent reading instruction produced significantly larger gains on measures of reading efficiency in grade 4 and significantly larger gains on the GRADE reading achievement measures in grade 5. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Improving the accuracy of touch screens: an experimental evaluation of three strategies

A study comparing the speed, accuracy, and user satisfaction of three different touch screen strategies was performed. The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the merits of the more intricate touch strategies that are possible on touch screens that return a continuous stream of touch data. The results showed that a touch strategy providing continuous feedback until a selection was confirmed had fewer errors than other touch strategies. The implications of the results for touch screens containing small, densely-packed targets were discussed.
The controlled formation of ordered, sinusoidal structures by plasma oxidation of an elastomeric polymer

This letter describes a technique for generating waves on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) patterned in bas-relief. The PDMS is heated, and its surface oxidized in an oxygen plasma; this oxidation forms a thin, stiff silicate layer on the surface. When the PDMS cools, it contracts and places the silicate layer under compressive stress. This stress is relieved by buckling to form patterns of waves with wavelengths from 0.5 to 10 μm. The waves are locally ordered near a step or edge in the PDMS. The wavelength, amplitude, and pattern of the waves can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the PDMS and the duration of the oxidation. The mechanism for the formation and order of the waves is described.
The Value of Managerial Learning

°Department of Management, Luiss Guido Carli University V.le Pola, 12 00198 Rome (Italy) Tel: +39.06. 85225326 Fax: +39.06. 8413998; pboccardelli@luiss.it * CIEG Department of Management University of Bologna Via Saragozza, 8 40123 Bologna (Italy) Tel: +39.051. 2093950 Fax: +39.051. 2093949; agrandi@mail.ing. unibo.it Department of Innovation Engineering and Management, Chalmers University of Technology 412 96 Göteborg (Sweden) Tel: +46.31. 7721204 Fax: +46.31. 7721917; matmag@mot.chalmers. se CIEG Department of Management, University of Bologna Via Saragozza, 8 40123 Bologna, and Department of Management, Luiss Guido Carli University Tel: +39 051 2093956; oriani@economia.unibo.it
X-Rays from NGC 3256: High-Energy Emission in Starburst Galaxies and Their Contribution to the Cosmic X-Ray Background

The infrared-luminous galaxy NGC 3256 is a classic example of a merger-induced nuclear starburst system. We find here that it is the most X-ray-luminous star-forming galaxy yet detected (L0.5-10 keV = 1.6 × 1042 ergs s-1). Long-slit optical spectroscopy and a deep, high-resolution ROSAT X-ray image show that the starburst is driving a "superwind" which accounts for ~20% of the observed soft X-ray emission. Analysis of X-ray spectral data from ASCA indicates this gas has a characteristic temperature of kT ≈ 0.3 keV. Our model for the broadband X-ray emission of NGC 3256 contains two additional components: a warm thermal plasma (kT ≈ 0.8 keV) associated with the central starburst, and a hard power-law component with an energy index of αX ≈ 0.7. We discuss the energy budget for the two thermal plasmas and find that the input of mechanical energy from the starburst is more than sufficient to sustain the observed level of emission. We also examine possible origins for the power-law component, concluding that neither a buried AGN nor the expected population of high-mass X-ray binaries can account for this emission. Inverse Compton scattering, involving the galaxy's copious flux of infrared photons and the relativistic electrons produced by supernovae, is likely to make a substantial contribution to the hard X-ray flux. Such a model is consistent with the observed radio and IR fluxes and the radio and X-ray spectral indices. We explore the role of X-ray-luminous starbursts in the production of the cosmic X-ray background radiation. The number counts and spectral index distribution of the faint radio source population, thought to be dominated by star-forming galaxies, suggest that a significant fraction of the hard X-ray background could arise from starbursts at moderate redshift.
Optimization algorithms for the top-k partners selection problem in dynamic alliance

Establishing efficient partnership in dynamic alliance is a fundamental process in the supply chain management (SCM). In the past, the state-of-the-art researches mainly focused on establishing effective factors selection model to evaluate candidate enterprises. While there are large numbers of candidate enterprises and a lot of concerned factors, it is a challenge for the SCM system in selecting proper cooperative partners accurately and efficiently. In order to speed up the process of selection, an optimization top-k algorithm for partner selection is proposed in this paper. Two optimization methods-OP (Optimization Procedure) and IMOP (IMproved Optimization Procedure) are provided for classifying the factors and sorting the candidate enterprises. The experiment shows that optimization top-k algorithm significantly reduces the time of partner selection and improves the accuracy.
Opinion Analysis Task of Simplified Chinese Monolingual at NTCIR-8

In this paper, we present our work for Simplified Chinese Monolingual opinion analysis task at NTCIR-8 by BUPT. We participated in four of all tasks except opinion target detection and answerness judgment, and submitted two runs for each task. For opinion sentence detection, we propose some features both semantic-level and grammar-level, and also summarizes some syntactic structure templates to achieve a more satisfactory classification results based on TSVM. For opinion holder detection, we firstly use CRF including six corresponding features to detect, then we propose two syntactic rules based on opinionated trigger words from syntax trees taken as additional features for the CRF to train our model. By introducing Statistical Language Models with expansion of topic words we train a relevance judgment model. To judge polarity, we compute the value of the text by our algorithm with a large-scale emotional dictionary, and set a threshold, to classify the sentiment polarity of sentence in each text.
Annotating Indirect Anaphora for Hindi: A Corpus Based Study

Natural language processing requires a lot of analysis and information regarding words and segment of sentence. Almost all NLP applications such as machine translation, information extraction, automatic summarization, question answering system, natural language generation, etc., require successful identification and resolution of anaphora. Information regarding word using POS tagger, parser and other tool can be gathered. Hindi is language of free word order as compare to English. This enforces additional constraints on different NLP task. In this working paper we present an analysis of Hindi genre. We used ten tags from literature. Out of ten tags seven are annotated using Botley's annotation scheme manually. We annotated 1540 demonstrative pronoun from twelve files of EMILEE corpus. Input file is EMILEE file and output is fully annotated unicode file.
MCA-Based Animation of Fracturing Heterogeneous Objects

Existing techniques for animation of object fracture have a basic assumption that the object materials are homogeneous while most materials in real world are heterogeneous. To solve this problem, we introduce a novel method called MCA to simulate the fracture of heterogeneous materials. The method of movable cellular automata (MCA) is based on the discrete concept and provides advantages both of classical cellular automaton and discrete element methods. First, the object is represented as discrete sphere particles, named movable cellular automata, and then the MCA method is used to simulate the material and physical properties as well as to determine when and where the fracture occurs. To meet the real-time requirement, the MCA simulation is performed on GPU with CUDA in order to accelerate the complex calculation of automata's physical properties. After simulation, the results are directly sent to the vertex buffer object (VBO) for rendering to avoid the costly communication between CPU and GPU. The experimental results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Trust Service Discovery by Opinions Classification on Virtual Communities

Internet has become an excellent ecommerce platform for bringing together large numbers of buyers and sellers across wide geographic regions. Trust and reputation systems represent a. significant trend in decision support for Internet mediated service provision. However, most existing work assumes that all users have the same trust metrics, but in real life different users often have different preference of product attributes. This paper proposes trusted query navigation model by analyzing online customer reviews of trustworthiness of websites. The first step analyzes counting history feedback in the system offline and generates dynamic trust model by opinion classification. The second step presents trust evaluation ranking to help the user can easily discovery trust service of matching his needs. The experimental evaluation shows that the trusted query evaluation ranking has high trading efficiency, quick learning ability and satisfactory performance
CD27-Mediated Activation of Murine NK Cells1

CD27, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, has been implicated in T cell activation, T cell development, and T cell-dependent Ab production by B cells. In the present study we examined the expression and function of CD27 on murine NK cells. Murine NK cells constitutively expressed CD27 on their surface. Stimulation with immobilized anti-CD27 mAb or murine CD27 ligand (CD70) transfectans solely could induce proliferation and IFN-γ production of freshly isolated NK cells and enhanced the proliferation and IFN-γ production of anti-NK1.1-sutimulated NK cells. Although NK cell cytotoxicity was not triggered by anti-CD27 mAb or against CD70 transfectants, prestimulation via CD27 enhanced the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. These results suggest that CD27-mediated activation may be involved in the NK cell-mediated innate immunity against virus-infected or transformed cells expressing CD70.
N . R .-Rome Growing neural networks

Growing neural networks are networks which are constructed by executing genetic instructions contained in a genotype. These instructions and their products interacts non-linearly to eventually determine the mature structure. We present simulations in which the mapping from genotype to phenotype is instantaneous and simulations in which it develops in time during a segment of an individual's lifetime, i.e. the individual's developmental age, allowing us to study both neural evolution and neural development. The results shed some light on (a) why modular architectures are likely to emerge, (b) why similar successions of stages tend to appear in both evolution and development, and (c) why a developmental age is preserved evolutionarily although the mature state may appear to be more efficient from the point of view of fitness.
On Lewis' simulation method for point processes

A simple and efficient method of simulation is discussed for point processes that are specified by their conditional intensities. The method is based on the thinning algorithm which was introduced recently by Lewis and Shedler for the simulation of nonhomogeneous Poisson processes. Algorithms are given for past dependent point processes containing multivariate processes. The simulations are performed for some parametric conditional intensity functions, and the accuracy of the simulated data is demonstrated by the likelihood ratio test and the minimum Akaike information criterion (AIC) procedure.
Using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay to evaluate chromosomal DNA damage in chronic renal patients undergoing bicarbonate haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration

Summary Introduction. Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) patients are considered to show genomic instability and are associated with a high risk of both cardiovascular diseases and cancer. We explored DNA damage due to two dialysis treatments in 20 patients undergoing bicarbonate haemodialysis (BD), 20 undergoing haemodiafiltration (HDF) and 40 healthy subjects. Methods. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes to evaluate genetic damage. Results. A higher frequency of MN in the dialysis groups compared with controls was found. The results do not show a relationship between genetic instability and the type, frequency and duration of haemodialysis. The average BD and HDF treatment time was respectively 3.8 ± 6.3 and 3.7 ± 3.9 yrs. CAT and scintigraphy was independently correlated with high levels of MN. Conclusions. Overall, the frequency of MN in CRF patients undergoing dialysis therapy was observed to be higher. Further studies need to be performed on a larger number of patients and for a longer period.
Rules Optimization Based Fuzzy Model for Predicting Distance Education Students' Grades

 Abstract—Distance education has been rapidly becoming widespread all around the world. This rapid growth brings along both success and failure. One of the causes of failure in distance education is the lack of student observation, which is a part of traditional education. We can overcome this deficit through an analysis of logs kept in the learning management system. These logs make it possible to estimate academic performance of a student attending to distance education. The instructor having such information can take precautions in order to prevent failure. In this study, a mathematical model has been formed by using Fuzzy Logic. In order to enhance the success of model, fuzzy logic rules have been optimized by using genetic algorithm. Three different variableshave been introduced to the proposed model. These are recency, stating the number of days that pass from the date of registering course contents until the date of student's admission to the system; frequency, stating the frequency of logging on to the system and monetary, stating the period of time spent online on the system. End of term scores of students have been estimated on the basis of the first 6-week data and then the results have been verified by the real scores.
Characterization and optimization of a bipolar ESD-device by measurements and simulations

Using an example of a bipolar transistor for ESD protection, we present new ways to incorporate a simulation tool chain into the design process. After calibration of the simulators, the best layout dimensions and well doping profiles could be evaluated. Differences in the devices' switching behaviour under CDM and HBM stress conditions are demonstrated by transient device simulations. Finally, we outline a method to extract a set of parameters for a compact circuit model.
Trans-activator of Transcription-mediated Delivery of NEP1-40 Protein into Brain Has a Neuroprotective Effect against Focal Cerebral Ischemic Injury via Inhibition of Neuronal Apoptosis

Background:The Nogo-66 antagonistic peptide (NEP1-40) is a potential candidate for therapeutic intervention of neuronal injury. However, delivery of the proteins across the blood–brain barrier is severely limited by its size and biochemical properties. The current study was designed to evaluate the transducible effects of the trans-activator of transcription (TAT) transduction system for NEP1-40 to cross the blood–brain barrier and to clarify whether intraperitoneal administration of TAT-NEP1-40 could protect cerebral neurons from ischemic injury. Methods:Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were submitted to a 120-min focal ischemia and received an intraperitoneal injection of No-TAT-NEP1-40, TAT-NEP1-40, TAT-&bgr;-galactosidase, or vehicle. The existence of the proteins in the brain was analyzed with immunofluorescence and Western blot techniques at 6 h after injection. Brain ischemic injury was evaluated by neurologic deficit scores, infarction volumes, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end labeling staining, and assay of caspase-3 activity. Results:Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the presence of TAT-NEP1-40 protein in the brains 6 h after injection. Intraperitoneal injection of TAT-NEP1-40 could attenuate the numbers of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end labeling–positive cells and activated caspase-3 positive cells, and increase the viability of the cells in the ischemic bounder zone, compared with that treated with No-TAT-NEP1-40, TAT-&bgr;-Gal, or vehicle. Furthermore, treatment with TAT-NEP1-40 significantly improved the neurologic outcomes and reduced the size of the infarction in rats. Conclusions:The results demonstrate that the TAT-NEP1-40 could be efficiently delivered into the rat brains and improve ischemia-induced neurologic outcomes through attenuating cell apoptosis in ischemic brains.
An Imaging and Spectroscopic Survey of Galaxies within Prominent Nearby Voids. II. Morphologies, Star Formation, and Faint Companions

We analyze the optical properties of ∼300 galaxies within and around three prominent voids of the Center for Astrophysics Redshift Survey. We determine CCD morphologies and Hα equivalent widths from our imaging and spectroscopic survey. We also describe a redshift survey of 250 neighboring galaxies in the imaging survey fields. We assess the morphology-density relation, EW(Hα)-density relation, and the effects of nearby companions for galaxies in low-density environments selected with a smoothed large-scale (5 h-1 Mpc) galaxy number density n. Both the morphological mix and the Hα line width distribution of galaxies at modest underdensities, 0.5 < n/n̄ ≤ 1, are indistinguishable from our control sample at modest overdensities, 1 < n/n̄ ≤ 2. Both density regions contain a similar fraction of galaxies with early-type (E and S0) morphologies and with absorption-line spectra (≈35%). At the lowest densities, n/n̄ ≤ 0.5, there is a 3 σ shift in the distribution of EW(Hα) away from absorption-line systems (only ≈15%) and toward emission-line systems with active star formation—EW(Hα) ∼ 40–100 Å. There is a 2 σ shift in the morphological distribution away from early types and toward irregular and peculiar morphologies. The redshift survey of projected companions, 80% complete to mR = 16.13, demonstrates that the incidence of a close companion in redshift space is insensitive to global density over the range we investigate (0.16 < n/n̄ ≤ 2). However, the typical velocity separation of close pairs drops significantly (>3 σ) from Δcz ≳ 200 km s-1 at 0.5 < n/n̄ ≤ 2 down to Δcz = 103 ± 20 km s-1 at n ≤ 0.5n̄. In the lowest density environments, galaxies with companions clearly (∼4 σ) have stronger star formation than comparable galaxies at larger global density (0.5 < n/n̄ ≤ 2). On the other hand, the distribution of EW(Hα) for galaxies without nearby companions (closer than ≈150 h-1 kpc and 1000 km s-1) varies little over the entire density range. These results, combined with the luminosity- and color-density relations of this sample (Paper I), suggest that the formation and evolution of field galaxies are insensitive to large-scale underdensity down to a threshold of roughly half the mean density. The differences in galaxy properties at the lowest global densities we can explore (n ≤ 0.5n̄) may be explained by (1) a relative scarcity of the small-scale primordial density enhancements needed to form massive early-type/absorption-line galaxies and (2) present-day galaxy encounters that are relatively more effective because of the lower velocity dispersion on small scales (≲200 h-1 kpc) we observe in these regions. In the voids, where the luminous galaxies presumably formed more recently, there should be more gas and dust present for active star formation triggered by nearby companions.