Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
About learning models with multiple query-dependent features

Several questions remain unanswered by the existing literature concerning the deployment of query-dependent features within learning to rank. In this work, we investigate three research questions in order to empirically ascertain best practices for learning-to-rank deployments. (i) Previous work in data fusion that pre-dates learning to rank showed that while different retrieval systems could be effectively combined, the combination of multiple models within the same system was not as effective. In contrast, the existing learning-to-rank datasets (e.g., LETOR), often deploy multiple weighting models as query-dependent features within a single system, raising the question as to whether such a combination is needed. (ii) Next, we investigate whether the training of weighting model parameters, traditionally required for effective retrieval, is necessary within a learning-to-rank context. (iii) Finally, we note that existing learning-to-rank datasets use weighting model features calculated on different fields (e.g., title, content, or anchor text), even though such weighting models have been criticized in the literature. Experiments addressing these three questions are conducted on Web search datasets, using various weighting models as query-dependent and typical query-independent features, which are combined using three learning-to-rank techniques. In particular, we show and explain why multiple weighting models should be deployed as features. Moreover, we unexpectedly find that training the weighting model's parameters degrades learned model's effectiveness. Finally, we show that computing a weighting model separately for each field is less effective than more theoretically-sound field-based weighting models.
Greenwashed sports and environmental activism: Formula 1 and FIFA†

ABSTRACT Formula 1 motor sport and the Men's World Cup of association football, two major sporting events on our calendars, are indirectly and directly responsible for environmental despoliation. They serve as advertisements for heavy industry, are designed for elite as much as mass consumption, and provide sponsors with dubious social licenses to operate. This occurs through the very mechanisms of the events themselves (engines in Formula 1, tourism in the World Cup) as well as their promotional externalities. I look at greenwashing claims made about these two sporting events and examine counter-discourses, then investigate economic and ecological citizenship. I suggest that a progressive agenda can be forwarded if Greenpeace, which runs campaigns related to these sports, works with its fellow elites, in the case of Formula 1, and with fans in the case of football. Doing so may be more effective than business-as-usual direct action.
Detecting Hedge Cues and their Scopes with Average Perceptron

In this paper, we proposed a hedge detection method with average perceptron, which was used in the closed challenge in CoNLL-2010 Shared Task. There are two subtasks: (1) detecting uncertain sentences and (2) identifying the in-sentence scopes of hedge cues. We use the unified learning algorithm for both subtasks since that the hedge score of sentence can be decomposed into scores of the words, especially the hedge words. On the biomedical corpus, our methods achieved F-measure with 77.86% in detecting in-domain uncertain sentences, 77.44% in recognizing hedge cues, and 19.27% in identifying the scopes.
Weevil: a Tool to Automate Experimentation With Distributed Systems

Engineering distributed systems is a challenging activity. This is partly due to the intrinsic complexity of distributed systems, and partly due to the practical obstacles that developers face when evaluating and tuning their design and implementation decisions. This paper addresses the latter aspect, providing techniques for software engineers to automate two key elements of the experimentation activity: (1) workload generation and (2) experiment deployment and execution. Our approach is founded on a suite of models that characterize the client behaviors that drive the experiments, the distributed system under experimentation, and the testbeds upon which the experiments are to be carried out. The models are used by simulation-based and generative techniques to automate the construction of the workloads, as well as construction of the scripts for deploying and executing the experiments on distributed testbeds. The framework is not targeted at a specific system or application model, but rather is a generic, programmable tool. We have validated our approach on a variety of distributed systems. Our experience shows that this framework can be readily applied to different kinds of distributed system architectures, and that using it for meaningful experimentation is advantageous.
Appearance-based traversability classification in monocular images using iterative ground plane estimation

In this paper, we present an approach to traversability classification solely based on monocular images and odometry estimates. We iteratively estimate the ground plane by detecting and matching features. Since the features are only sparse in the images and do not lead to dense information about traversability, we present a technique to train appearance-based floor detectors. In this way, we achieve a dense classification of the image data. Our approach trains the classifiers online in a self-supervised fashion from the ground plane estimation. During robot navigation, the classifiers are automatically updated and applied to the image stream to decide which areas are traversable. From this information, the robot can compute a two-dimensional occupancy grid map of the environment and use it for planning collision-free paths. As we illustrate in thorough experiments with a real humanoid, the classification results of our approach are highly accurate and the resulting occupancy map enables the robot to reliably avoid obstacles during navigation. Our appearance-based classifiers can also be used to augment stereo or RGBD-data in close ranges where these sensors cannot provide any depth information.
A goal-related distance function on fuzzy partitions and its use in nearest neighbour classification

Fuzzy similarity measures have been widely studied but their relationship with classification tasks have hardly been emphasized. Besides, what they just consider is the superficial difference between the objects to be compared without a deeper understanding of the domain. Intuition suggests that the similarity of objects needs to be modified in accordance to the manner in which they are classified. From the cognitive point of view it is clear that human beings modify their general knowledge as they achieve new experiences. This paper proposes a new distance measure based in the concept of fuzzy association between a predictive (fuzzy) value and the class value in a given memory of instances. This type of goal related similarity measure is new in the fuzzy context.
Book Review: III. Historical-Theological: Finding Them, Keeping Them: Effective Strategies for Evangelism and Assimilation in the Local Church

Threatened Us With Resurrection. " Palmer's conversational style— filled with lively questions, quota­ tions, and anecdotes—makes for engaging reading. His personal story is frequently used as the "glue" which holds together the diverse themes of the book. At times this personal scrutiny may seem banal (e.g., his account of his experience of writing on pages 22 and 52), but other personal narratives may become a revealing parable (e.g., the Outward Bound walk down a cliff, pp. 32-33). The uneasy insight and studied unevenness of this book will attract some Christians who wish to deepen their spiritual journey and will distance others. Perhaps that is what one should expect of a writer who seeks to mirror the paradoxical variety of the active life.
Bit-Width Aware High-Level Synthesis for Digital Signal Processing Systems

In this paper we propose a methodology that takes into account bit-width to optimize area and power consumption of hardware architectures provided by high-level synthesis tools. The methodology is based on a bit-width analysis using information that comes from the designer. This bit-width information is propagated through a graph which models the application. The resulting annotated graph enables datapaph structure optimizations for high-level synthesis without increasing dramatically its processing time (complexity: O(n)). The methodology results in an area reduction from 17% to 43% for on a Sum of Absolute Difference (SAD) computation used in block matching algorithms. The proposed approach can also be applied in a more general design context for sizing the data of an application knowing the input data formats.
Gesture based persuasive interfaces for public ambient displays

This Master thesis studies how Public Ambient Displays (PAD) can be used as a tool to achieve behaviour change, through persuasive technology. In order to reach the goals of the thesis, an interactive public ambient display system called Motion-based Ambient Interactive Display (MAID) was developed. MAID is driven to motivate behaviour changes regarding domestic energy consumption, through a persuasive game interface based on gesture recognition technology. The developed prototype guides players through the different rooms of a house, where they have to find out what is wrong and practice the correct actions to save energy, using similar gestures to the ones they would use in real life to achieve the same goals. The system provides feedback regarding the consequences of each action, in order to make users aware of the consequences of their actions. The implementation of MAID is based on a purpose built, highly configurable and modular framework. It allows the administrator to fine tune and tweak the application to the necessities of the setup location constraints, by adjusting basic display properties, change image content or even modify the scripted gameplay itself. The scripted game system is flexible enough to allow the repurposing of the framework, beyond the previously defined theme, for future studies. The MAID was subjected to user testing, in order to show that it is possible to create a persuasive PAD interface, using seamless interaction methods, with the currently available technology, and use it to spread awareness of a cause, leading to behaviour change.
Religion as Prosocial: Agent or Double Agent?*

Does religion promote prosocial behavior? A verdict is not clear. Methodological and theoretical weaknesses in recent studies correlating religious orientation with social values (e.g., prejudice) led to the proposal of a new three dimensional model of religiosity. Religion as a Quest was considered along with the well known Means and End orientations (cf. Allport's extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity). These three dimensions were operationalized by use of complete-estimation factor scores on three factors derived from six religious orientation scales. Convergent and discriminant validity of the scales and factors were examined using both seminarian and undergraduate samples. Finding satisfactory validity, the three dimensional model was employed in three studies concerning the relationship of religious orientation and prosocial behavior. Study 1 suggested that the frequently reported link between intrinsic (End) religion and less prejudicial questionnaire responses could be an artifact of social desirability. Studies 2 and 3 concerned helping behavior. In both, the Quest orientation was found to relate to more tentative, situationally responsive helping. The End orientation related to more persistenthelping that was less attuned to the expressed needs of the person seeking aid. O xford philosopher Basil Mitchell (1955) tells the following parable: In a war torn country occupied by enemy forces a member of the resistance meets a stranger one night. The Stranger deeply impresses him. In the course of a long conversation the Stranger tells the partisan that he too is on the side of the resistance, indeed that he is in command of it, and urges the partisan to have faith in him no matter what happens. The partisan, utterly convinced of the Stranger's sincerity and constancy, trusts him. In the ensuing months the partisan does not speak to the Stranger. But sometimes he sees the Stranger helping members of the resistance, and he is grateful and says, "He is on our side. " At other times he sees the Stranger in the uniform of the police handing patriots over to the occupying forces. In spite of this behavior and the grumbling of his friends, the partisan maintains that the Stranger "is on our side. " At such times the partisan's friends object, asking "what would he have to do for you to admit that you were wrong and that he is not really on our side, that he is a double
[Effect of aurora A on carcinogenesis of human prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether Aurora A is involved in prostate cancer carcinogenesis. METHODS The expressions of Aurora A mRNA and protein in prostate cancer tissue and cell line were measured using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. Meanwhile, A DNAzyme targeting at Aurora A mRNA was performed to detect the inhibition effect of Aurora A in regulating the growth of prostate cancer cell line PC3. RESULTS Aurora A expression was up-regulated in 91% prostate cancer tissue as well as in prostate cancer cell lines such as PC3, LNCaP and Du145. Furthermore, Aurora A expression suppressed by cell transduction of a DNAzyme targeting at Aurora A mRNA made the PC3 cells both arrest the cell cycle in G2/M phase and increase the cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that Aurora A up-regulation may be involved in carcinogenesis of prostate cancer, and that aurora A gene may be a valuable target for treatment of prostate cancer.
Low-power high-speed multiplier for error-tolerant application

In this paper, a new design concept that engaged accuracy as a design parameter is proposed. By introducing accuracy as a design parameter, the bottleneck of conventional digital IC design techniques can be breakthrough to improve on the performances of power consumption and speed. The aim is to fulfill the need for high performance basic sequential elements with low-power dissipation which is steadily growing.
Draft Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Napoli Strain SN310, Cause of a Multischool Outbreak in Milan, Italy, in 2014

ABSTRACT We report the draft genome sequence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Napoli strain SN310, isolated from a stool sample of an affected pupil during a multischool outbreak in 2014 in Milan, Italy. This represents the first reported draft genome sequence of the emerging serovar Napoli.
Cooperative endocytosis of the endosomal SNARE protein syntaxin-8 and the potassium channel TASK-1

SNARE proteins can have functions unrelated to membrane fusion. The unassembled form of the SNARE protein syntaxin-8 interacts with the K+ channel TASK-1; both proteins are internalized via clathrin-mediated endocytosis in a cooperative manner. This is a novel mechanism for the control of endocytosis by cargo proteins.
Stillbirth and neonatal mortality in monochorionic and dichorionic twins: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND Chorionicity is one of the main predictors of higher perinatal mortality in twins. The aim of this large population-based study was to analyse stillbirth and neonatal mortality by cause of death and chorionicity and to quantify the risk of stillbirth by gestational age in dichorionic (DC) and monochorionic (MC) twins. METHODS We used data on twin maternities delivered in the North of England from 1998 to 2007 and notified to the Northern Survey of Twin and Multiple Pregnancy. Prospective risk of stillbirth by gestational age at death was calculated using number of stillborn fetuses at or beyond a given gestational period per 1000 fetuses in ongoing pregnancies. RESULTS There were 4565 twin maternities (9130 twins) with an overall twinning rate of 14.9 per 1000 maternities. The overall stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates in twins during 1998-2007 were 18.0/1000 births and 23.0/1000 live births, respectively. Stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates were significantly higher in MC than DC twins: 44.4 versus 12.2 per 1000 births [relative risk (RR): 3.6; 95% CI: 2.6-5.1], and 32.4 versus 21.4 per 1000 live births (RR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.04-2.2), respectively. There was no significant improvement over time in either stillbirth or neonatal mortality rates in either group. The prospective risk of antepartum stillbirth was higher for MC than DC twins at all preterm gestations and the highest risk was before 28 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSIONS MC twins have higher rates of stillbirth and neonatal mortality than DC twins, and rates did not improve over 1998-2007. The prospective risk of antepartum stillbirth is much higher for MC twins at all gestational ages.
Active transport of amino acids in Thiobacillus thioparus is a low-affinity process

A method for the isolation of amino acid auxotrophs of Thiobacillus thioparus is described. Characterization of a leucine auxotroph indicated that leucine biosynthesis in T. thioparus was not different from that of heterotrophic bacteria. T. thioparus cells accumulated amino acids via an active mechanism. Kt values of amino acid transport were between 15 and 330 microM, and Vmax values were 200 to 350 pmol min-1 mg of protein-1. Amino acid transport was carried out by a limited number of systems, each responsible for the uptake of several amino acids. Amino acid auxotrophs of T. thioparus exhibited transport and growth properties similar to those of transport-deficient mutants of heterotrophs which lost the high-affinity, but retained the low-affinity, amino acid transport systems.
Signaling of Rat Frizzled-2 Through Phosphodiesterase and Cyclic GMP

The Frizzled-2 receptor (Rfz2) from rat binds Wnt proteins and can signal by activating calcium release from intracellular stores. We show that wild-type Rfz2 and a chimeric receptor consisting of the extracellular and transmembrane portions of the β2-adrenergic receptor with cytoplasmic domains of Rfz2 also signaled through modulation of cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP). Activation of either receptor led to a decline in the intracellular concentration of cGMP, a process that was inhibited in cells treated with pertussis toxin, reduced by suppression of the expression of the heterotrimeric GTP–binding protein (G protein) transducin, and suppressed through inhibition of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. Moreover, PDE inhibitors blocked Rfz2-induced calcium transients in zebrafish embryos. Thus, Frizzled-2 appears to couple to PDEs and calcium transients through G proteins.
Multiparametric Analysis of the Relationship Between Tumor Hypoxia and Perfusion with 18F-Fluoroazomycin Arabinoside and 15O-H2O PET

18F-fluoroazomycin arabinoside (18F-FAZA) is a PET tracer of tumor hypoxia. However, as hypoxia often is associated with decreased perfusion, the delivery of 18F-FAZA may be compromised, potentially disturbing the association between tissue hypoxia and 18F-FAZA uptake. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the relationship between tumor perfusion and 18F-FAZA uptake. Methods: Ten patients diagnosed with advanced non–small cell lung cancer underwent subsequent dynamic 15O-H2O and 18F-FAZA PET scans with arterial sampling. Parametric images of both 15O-H2O–derived perfusion (tumor blood flow [TBF]) and volume of distribution (VT) of 18F-FAZA were generated. Next, multiparametric classification was performed using lesional and global thresholds. Voxels were classified as low or high TBF and 18F-FAZA VT, respectively. Finally, by combining these initial classifications, voxels were allocated to 4 categories: lowTBF–lowVT, lowTBF–highVT, highTBF–lowVT, and highTBF–highVT. Results: A total of 13 malignant lesions were identified in the 10 patients. The TBF and 18F-FAZA VT values (average ± SD) across all lesions were 0.45 ± 0.20 mL·cm−3·min−1 and 0.94 ± 0.31 mL·cm−3, respectively. The averages of all lesional median values for TBF and 18F-FAZA VT were 0.37 ± 0.15 mL·cm−3·min−1 and 0.85 ± 0.18 mL·cm−3, respectively. Multiparametric analysis showed that classified voxels were clustered rather than randomly distributed. Several intralesion areas were identified where 18F-FAZA VT was inversely related to TBF. On the other hand, there were also distinct areas where TBF as well as 18F-FAZA VT were decreased or increased. Conclusion: The present data indicate that spatial variation of 18F-FAZA uptake is not necessarily inversely related to TBF. This suggests that decreased TBF may result in flow-limited delivery of 18F-FAZA. Areas with both high 18F-FAZA uptake and high TBF values suggest that high 18F-FAZA uptake, possibly suggesting hypoxia, may occur despite high TBF values. In conclusion, multiparametric evaluation of the spatial distributions of both TBF and 18F-FAZA uptake may be helpful for understanding the 18F-FAZA signal.
A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse

Introduction - David Finkelhor Prevalence - Stephanie Doyle Peters, Gail Elizabeth Wyatt and David Finkelhor High Risk Children - David Finkelhor and Larry Baron Abusers - Sharon Araji and David Finkelhor A Review of the Research Abusers - David Finkelhor Special Topics Initial and Long Term Effects - Angela Browne and David Finkelhor A Review of the Research Initial and Long Term Effects - David Finkelhor and Angela Browne A Conceptual Framework Designing New Studies - David Finkelhor Prevention - David Finkelhor A Review of Programs and Research
KOPT : Distributed DCOP Algorithm for Arbitrary k-optima with Monotonically Increasing Utility

A distributed constraint optimization problem (DCOP) is a formalism that captures the rewards and costs of local interactions within a team of agents. Because complete algorithms to solve DCOPs are unsuitable for some dynamic or anytime domains, researchers have explored incomplete DCOP algorithms that result in locally optimal solutions. One type of categorization of such algorithms, and the solutions they produce, is k-optimality; a k-optimal solution is one that cannot be improved by any deviation by k or fewer agents. There are no k-optimal algorithms (k>3) so far. In addition, the quality of solution existing algorithm can produce is fixed. We need different algorithms for different optimality. This paper introduces the first DCOP algorithm which can produce arbitrary k-optimal solutions.
There is no correlation between sublineages and drug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing/W lineage clinical isolates in Xinjiang, China

SUMMARY The Beijing/W lineage strains are the major prevalent strains in China. The prevalence, mortality and drug-resistant rates of tuberculosis in Xinjiang, Northwestern China are higher than in other parts of the country. Our previous study results showed that the dominant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) were ‘Beijing/W lineage’ MTB in Xinjiang; those strains had no significant correlation with drug resistance. We investigated whether the prevalence of ‘Beijing/W lineage’ sublineage strains was associated with drug resistance. We collected 478 sputum specimens from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Beijing/W strains and their sublineages were identified by distinguishing five specific large sequence polymorphisms, using polymerase chain reaction. All strains were subjected to a drug susceptibility test using the proportion method on Löwenstein–Jensen culture medium. In total, 379 clinical isolates of MTB were isolated and identified, 57·26% of these isolates were identified as Beijing/W strains, of which 11·06% isolates were in sublineage 105, 14·74% isolates in sublineage 207, 69·59% isolates in sublineage 181, and 4·61% isolates in sublineage 150. None of the isolates was in sublineage 142. Our data showed there were four sublineages of Beijing/W isolates in Xinjiang province, China. However, there were no correlations between drug resistance and the sublineages of Beijing/W strains.