Comparing Rank and Score Combination Methods for Data Fusion in Information Retrieval

Combination of multiple evidences (multiple query formulations, multiple retrieval schemes or systems) has been shown (mostly experimentally) to be effective in data fusion in information retrieval. However, the question of why and how combination should be done still remains largely unanswered. In this paper, we provide a model for simulation and a framework for analysis in the study of data fusion in the information retrieval domain. A rank/score function is defined and the concept of a Cayley graph is used in the design and analysis of our framework. The model and framework have led us to better understanding of the data fusion phenomena in information retrieval. In particular, by exploiting the graphical properties of the rank/score function, we have shown analytically and by simulation that combination using rank performs better than combination using score under certain conditions. Moreover, we demonstrated that the rank/score function might be used as a predictive variable for the effectiveness of combination of multiple evidences.Authors wish to dedicate this paper to the memory of our friend and colleague Professor Jacob Shapiro, who passed away September 2003.Supported in part by the DIMACS NSF grant STC-91-19999 and by NJ Commission.Supported in part by a grant from The City University of New York PSC-CUNY Research Award.     

DINI机构仓储库认证

目的——旨在概述机构仓储库的认证技术以支持德国开放存取活动,同时还描述了德国网络信息初始化计划(DINI)开展的"DINI认证2006"活动。设计方法——DINI对文献和出版物仓库的认证向潜在用户表明,该仓储的运行质量是有所保证的,同时使其区别于一般机构的网络服务。本认证也能够被用作支持开放获取的一个工具。结果——仓储库认证技术虽然不会成为全球性学术信息实现开放获取的主要影响因素,但它能够促进机构仓储库的推广,并提高机构仓储库服务的知名度。研究局限性/意义——DINI认证作为一种"软性"认证,关注的是数字仓储库的互操作性,这是一种正在流行的有指导意义的观点。但是它并不能为可信赖的数字资源长期保存系统提供详尽的审计工具。实践意义——依据特定的组织及技术标准,"DINI针对文档及出版物仓储的认证"推进了德国机构仓储库的发展,同时也为世界范围内数字仓储库的互操作性做出了贡献。原创性/价值——本文描述了德国采用的一个独特方法,同时也适用于其他国家及组织。     

您的梦想有多大？中国，亚太，还是全球？

今天,你们中的大多数人正集中于满足中国数码印刷领域的一些细分市场。中国市场非常大．只要你集中力量,以全新的解决方案逐步深入到关键市场领域,就可以获得巨大成功,尤其是拥有数码印刷解决方案。     

写给中国读者

新年新气象,作为2008年国际化发展战略的重要举措之一,从本期开始,《数码印刷》杂志将从世界范围内遴选印刷行业知名专家,为本刊撰写卷首语（Professional＇s Letter）,请其就数码印刷市场的变化,数码印刷技术的发展,发表自己独到的观点。本期我们邀请到了素有“按需印刷之父”美誉的Frank D.Steenburgh先生,以其《如果创业,我选数码印刷》作为开篇之作,今后,我们将继续邀请其他知名专家,希望他们的言论能给读者耳目一新的感受,并能从中受到启迪。     

Full-text and bibliographic database searching in the health sciences: an exploratory study comparing CCML and MEDLINE

An exploratory study to investigate perceived differences between searching full-text databases and bibliographic databases was undertaken. BRS's full-text database, Comprehensive Core Medical Library (CCML), and BRS's current MEDLINE file (MESH) were compared. Identical literature search topics were run in the two databases and the results evaluated regarding currency of search results, success in answering specific questions, uniqueness of information retrieved, and relevancy of retrieval. Additionally, connect time and costs were noted to aid in determining the feasibility of offering full-text database searching as a service for which the authors' institution would charge.     

Creating prop boxes to stimulate dramatic play and literacy development

The sign says OPEN and five excited preschoolers are at play in a thematically based dramatic center. Their teacher has transformed a corner of the room into a shoe store, complete with materials designed to support the children's early literacy development.Cathleen S. Soundy is with the College of Education, Temple University, and Phyllis Wolf Gallagher is with the Education Department, Holy Name College, Philadelphia, PA.     

Conservation aspects of the concept of time in primary school children

Sixty-two second-, fourth-, and sixth-graders were asked to judge the temporal duration of objects and events when the objects were changed in height or subjected to decay, when an event was reversed, and when an event was given an affective dimension. Nonconservers of time were those who judged that these irrelevant transformations affected the temporal aspects of the objects or events. The shift from nonconservation to conservation of time occurred between the second and fourth grades for most problems. The results indicated that young (under eight or nine years) children's concept of time is surprisingly defective. The relation of these findings to other conservation concepts was discussed.     

博洛尼亚宣言与德国职业技术教育师资培训新模式(一)

博洛尼亚宣言(1999)的执行使德国学位结构发生了重大的变化。博洛尼亚宣言所建议的在给定时间内采用的两级学位授予制度(学士和硕士)对     

ETAS: an instrument for measuring attitudes towards learning English with technology

ABSTRACT

Information and communication technology (ICT) increasingly is utilised in second-level English education, aiming to engage students, yet quantitative instruments for evaluating the impact of technology-mediated learning experiences are lacking. This article presents the rationale, development and psychometric analysis of the English and Technology Attitudes Scale (ETAS): a 19-item instrument designed to evaluate students’ attitudes towards English and technology and monitor changes. Five constructs are measured: behavioural engagement; technology confidence; English confidence; emotional engagement; and learning with technology. Using the ETAS, this study revealed insights to Irish students’ (n = 419) attitudes that can inform approaches to teaching and learning with ICT. Despite strong technology confidence, a high proportion of students report poor attitudes towards learning English with technology. Moreover, males have significantly more positive attitudes towards learning English with technology, yet females have significantly higher engagement in English. These findings demonstrate both the need for and the usefulness of this instrument.     

Phonological difficulties in high-functioning dyslexics

Well compensated, high-functioning dyslexics, aged 18 years, whose reading ability had improved so that it was now within one standard deviation of the normal population mean were assessed on a range of phonological tasks. The dyslexics were compared with controls matched for age and academic attainment. A sizeable subgroup performed as well as controls on a word recognition test. However, they performed worse, in terms of accuracy, on nonword reading and spelling, and worse, in terms of speed, on spoonerisms, digit naming and speech rate. These results indicate that, even when word recognition ability has reached normal levels, a specific problem in subsyllabic phonology persists, and is demonstrable both in written and spoken language processing. Despite this specific difficulty, all the dyslexic participants were studying for university entrance exams and were expected to enter tertiary education.