Reconciling Information in DBpedia through a Question Answering System

Results obtained querying language-specific DBpedia chapters SPARQL endpoints for the same query can be related by several heterogenous relations, or contain an inconsistent set of information about the same topic. To overcome this issue in question answering systems over language-specific DBpedia chapters, we propose the RADAR framework for information reconciliation. Starting from a categorization of the possible relations among the resulting instances, such framework: (i) classifies such relations, (ii) reconciles the obtained information using argumentation theory, (iii) ranks the alternative results depending on the confidence of the source in case of inconsistencies, and (iv) explains the reasons underlying the proposed ranking

Understanding the dilemmas of integrating post-disaster and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives: Evidence from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Indonesia

This paper investigates the extent of links between the processes of post-disaster reconstruction and post-conflict reconstruction in three places – Nepal, Sri Lanka and Indonesia – which have all experienced both processeswithin a relatively short period of time. Drawing on extensive interviews with policy makers and practitioners it explores the dilemmas of attempting to link post-disaster and post-conflict reconstruction activities (PDR and PCR), and the key factors in decision making by those stakeholders who support this approach, and those who oppose it. The paper finds that whilst there is an appetite among many practitioners and stakeholders to link the two processes, there is also a concern that this will be difficult to achieve in a context that is already highlychallenging. It demonstrates that in practice the two processes have largely been understood and practiced as separate, though there are some important instances of overlap between the two. Where this overlap has occurred,it has produced very different effects in the different cases. Finally, the paper identifies a number offactors that appear to either prevent or enable links being made between post-conflict and post-disaster programming.These factors include politics and coordination, the nature of the conflict settlement, the difficulty ofmaintaining institutional memory, and the importance of sustaining the pace of the processes

A Syndemic Perspective of the Canadian Residential School Experience

This thesis explores the extent to which syndemic theory can apply to the residential school experience and inform the ongoing archaeological work to locate the missing children and unmarked burials of former schools. Utilizing a theory-based approach that is primarily situated within the critical-interpretive theoretical foundation and the syndemic paradigm in medical anthropology, this thesis aims to shed light on the complex interacting biosocial conditions that contributed to high rates of infectivity and death within the Canadian residential school system. Factors such as overcrowding, malnutrition, unsanitary living conditions, humiliation, and physical and sexual abuse compounded to create the ideal conditions for infectious disease spread and exacerbated the ongoing Indigenous health crisis in Canada. The high student death rate and poor administrative record keeping meant that a number of former students were buried in unmarked and neglected cemeteries on former school grounds. Efforts to locate the missing children and unmarked burials of residential schools, spearheaded by a number of Indigenous communities and Canadian archaeologists, is an important aspect of reconciliation and healing. This work illustrates the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to addressing reconciliation efforts, drawing on public survivor testimonies to identify evidence of syndemics to then begin to move archaeological research past concepts of comorbidity and emphasize the inherent connection, and consequences, of multiple adverse biosocial interactions

Data for Good: How Big and Open Data Can Be Used for the Common Good

New ways of capturing, sharing and analysing data have the potential to transform how community and voluntary sector organisations work and how social action happens. However, while analysing and using data is core to how some of the world's fastest growing businesses understand their customers and develop new products and services, civil society organisations are still some way off from making the most of this potential. This report explores how capturing, sharing and analysing data in new ways can transform how charities work and how social action happens

A cross-functional value chain approach to geospatial information: a guide to practice for the minerals industry

A research dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, of the University of the Witwatersrand, in the fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering. Swellendam, 2018Reproducing a mining project life-cycle in the form of a value chain, from exploration to mine closure, provides a graphical representation of the interdependencies between functions or activities, both upstream and downstream of a particular process. This can be used to develop the concept of geospatial context, i.e. high-level situational awareness. By understanding and responding to geospatial context, geospatial information can be enhanced in direct support of investment decisions and/or operational control. The risk of deficient geospatial information requires effective mitigation and management throughout the full life-cycle of a project, starting with exploration where the geospatial foundation is laid for all work which follows. Therefore, geospatial information is a primary, not secondary consideration at the commencement of a project. The role of mine surveying in protecting the surface and workings of a mine, through the provision of accurate maps, plans and associated geospatial records, protects people and the asset, spanning mine and public safety. Additionally, measuring, monitoring, reconciling and reporting key performance indicators which drive value, enables value creation through improved foresight, efficiency and effectiveness. This dissertation discusses the critical role of geospatial information in risk mitigation and business performance monitoring, with specific reference to the interdependencies between functions such as exploration, mining, processing, environmental protection and mine closure. The value potential is significant.MT 201

Critical Review of Research on Families and Family Policies in Europe Conference Report

This report was produced by FAMILYPLATFORM. FAMILYPLATFORM (SSH-2009-3.2.2 Social platform on research for families and family policies) is funded by the EU’s 7th Framework Programme (€1,400,000) and has a duration of 18 months (October 2009 – March 2011). The consortium consists of the following 12 organisations: 1) Technical University Dortmund (Coordinators); 2) State Institute for Family Research, University of Bamberg; 3) Family Research Centre, University of Jyväskylä; 4) Austrian Institute for Family Studies, University of Vienna; 5) Demographic Research Institute, Budapest; 6) Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon; 7) Department of Sociology and Social research, University of Milan-Bicocca; 8) Institute of International and Social Studies, Tallinn University; 9) London School of Economics; 10) Confederation of Family Organisations in the European Union (COFACE), Brussels; 11) Forum delle Associazioni Familiari, Italy; 12) Mouvement Mondial des Mères, Brussels; Contact [email protected] or visit http://www.familyplatform.eu for more information.The aim of this Critical Review Report is to describe and report on the international conference "Families and Family Policies in Europe - A Critical Review", wich took place in Lisbon, at the Institute for Social Sciences (University of Lisbon), in May 2010. Organized by FAMILYPLATFORM consortium, the main objective of this 3 day conference was to carry out a critical review of existing research on families and family policies in Europe. Drawing on expert reviews of the state of the art, critical statements by stakeholders and policy makers, and debate on the major challenges for research and policies, the conference was organized with a view to providing a major forum for discussing and identifying the design of future family policies and research.FAMILYPLATFORM (SSH 2009.2.2 Social platform on research for families and family  policies):  funded  by  the  European  Unions 7th Framework Programme for 18 months (October 2009 – March 2011)

The Revolving Door: A Report on U.S. Hospital Readmissions

The U.S. health care system suffers from a chronic malady -- the revolving door syndrome at its hospitals. It is so bad that the federal government says one in five elderly patients is back in the hospital within 30 days of leaving.Some return trips are predictable elements of a treatment plan. Others are unplanned but difficult to prevent: patients go home, new and unexpected problems arise, and they require an immediate trip back to the hospital.But many of these readmissions can and should be prevented. They are the result of a fragmented system of care that too often leaves discharged patients to their own devices, unable to follow instructions they didn't understand, and not taking medications or getting the necessary follow-up care.The federal government has pegged the cost of readmissions for Medicare patients alone at $26 billion annually, and says more than$17 billion of it pays for return trips that need not happen if patients get the right care. This is one reason the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has identified avoidable readmissions as one of the leading problems facing the U.S. health care system and now penalizes hospitals with high rates of readmissions for their heart failure, heart attack, and pneumonia patients. This report is being released in conjunction with the Robert Wood John Foundation's Care About Your Care initiative, which is devoted to improving care transitions when people leave the hospital. It looks at the issue of readmissions in two ways: by the numbers and through the eyes of the people who live them

Insights from Indigenous Students on High School Completion

In Canada, 25% fewer Indigenous students complete high school compared to non-Indigenous students. Given the rich culture and tradition of education within Indigenous communities and families, why is the discrepancy between graduation rates for Indigenous students compared to non-Indigenous students so significant? How do educators support Indigenous students complete high school? A review of previous literature suggested that, in order to improve Indigenous student success in completing high school, schools should consider addressing learning environments, improving culturally-infused pedagogical practices, and addressing the barriers in place for Indigenous people. This study’s method was a case study design with data collected and findings triangulated through focus groups, observations, and document review. The intention of this qualitative study was to provide insights from the perspective, perceptions, feelings, and lived experiences of Grade 12 Indigenous students on how educators can better support high school completion for Indigenous students. The findings suggested that if educators improve relationships, build on awareness, and focus on supporting students to build resiliency, rates of high school completion could improve for Indigenous students. On this basis, it is recommended that school districts provide targeted professional development opportunities, engage with increased community involvement, target early childhood education programs, and focus on cultural awareness and privilege within schools and the larger community