Explaining Recurrent Neural Network Predictions in Sentiment Analysis

Recently, a technique called Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) was shown to deliver insightful explanations in the form of input space relevances for understanding feed-forward neural network classification decisions. In the present work, we extend the usage of LRP to recurrent neural networks. We propose a specific propagation rule applicable to multiplicative connections as they arise in recurrent network architectures such as LSTMs and GRUs. We apply our technique to a word-based bi-directional LSTM model on a five-class sentiment prediction task, and evaluate the resulting LRP relevances both qualitatively and quantitatively, obtaining better results than a gradient-based related method which was used in previous work.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, accepted for EMNLP'17 Workshop on Computational Approaches to Subjectivity, Sentiment & Social Media Analysis (WASSA

Shrines and prayers: two missing elements of comprehensive mass fatality

As a Licensed Funeral Service Provider, I am aware of the special issues which surround mass fatalities. A study of numerous mass fatality plans yielded identification of two missing elements from most plans which are critical to mass fatality management. The first missing element is ritual used in the respectful treatment of the dead. The second missing element is religious precepts regarding caring for and final disposition of the dead based upon the particular belief system of the deceased, their family, surrounding community, and culture. Specific qualitative methods of research used were a review of the professional literature, identification of a benchmarking model, comparative analysis using the model, and reporting my own professional observations. The results yielded no. inclusion of ritual or religious precepts in the plans studied; therefore, recommendation is made to include ritual and religion in mass fatality plans

Using internet simulation games to train prehospital providers for mass casualty response

During a disaster emergency medical services (EMS) plays a critical role in supporting mass casualty response. However, the processes and procedures used in a disaster are different than those which the prehospital providers encounter during routine emergency response. With limited time and resources, new approaches to training should be considered. This thesis presents research on EMS training, disaster response, distance learning, and instructional technology. Survey and interview results are analyzed providing a foundation for the development of a proposed software model using Internet simulation games to train prehospital providers for mass casualty response

Are we heading for disaster? The problem with resilience in disaster management and recovery

Resilience is often construed as armour that protects individuals from stressors and harm, or a trait that allows people to ‘bounce back’ despite adversities and stressors. Although not fundamentally incorrect, these notions do not capture the true purpose, scope or power of resilience, particularly in the disaster context

Incorporación de la gestión del riesgo de desastres a las finanzas: aplicación del método de opciones reales para un proyecto sensible al riesgo de desastres

This paper discusses the application of real options analysis for a project that is in the process of construction and was affected by a natural disaster. The use of the analytical method has become a way of thinking in making decisions that should be taught to business school students. The case in this paper is based on an MBA thesis at the University of Gadjah Mada that was intended as a showcase for application of real options to address real business problems. It shows one of the strategies in mainstreaming disaster risk management in the business school that also answers the needs of businesses in the disaster-prone country.Este artículo discute la aplicación del análisis de opciones reales a un proyecto en proceso de construcción que se vio afectado por un desastre natural. El uso del método analítico se ha convertido en una manera de pensar cómo la toma de decisiones yiiiu8udebe ser enseñada a los estudiantes de escuelas de negocios. El caso de este artículo está basado en una tesis de la Maestría en Administración (MBA) de University of Gadjah Mada, que fue concebida como una plataforma para la aplicación de opciones reales para abordar los problemas de las empresas reales. Este caso muestra una de las estrategias de incorporación de la gestión de riesgo de desastres en las escuelas de negocios que, de igual manera, responde a las necesidades de las empresas en países propensos a desastres

IMSA360: Summer 2008

Often when I speak to parents, students and educators, I share one of my core beliefs: there is no ceiling on human potential. Though perhaps a bit overstated, as I fully realize my limited singing ability elicits monumental groans and sends animals scurrying for cover, it is true that often when we think an individual has reached his or her “potential,” we are astounded by a new accomplishment. As I look back on my first year as IMSA’s second president, I am humbled and amazed by IMSA’s truly unlimited potential for advancing the human condition and living into our aspiration to be the world’s leading teaching and learning laboratory for imagination and inquiry. In this issue of IMSA360, there are many examples of IMSA’s truly unlimited potential. For the third consecutive year, IMSA made Newsweek magazine’s annual list of the top “Public Elites” in the country. Only 17 high schools in the nation were named to this list. Our cover story highlights IMSA’s new One-to-One Tablet Program and shows how technology is expanding the already extraordinary learning opportunities for our students. A companion story highlights how IMSA is taking the “bold path again” as the first secondary institution in the world to form a chapter for the One Laptop Per Child initiative (OLPC). You will learn how OLPC and our students are bringing the gift of education to children in the developing world through emerging technologies. Excerpt: From the Presiden

Are we all together? : a study of evacuation and sheltering of public safety special needs populations in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Events thousands of miles away from Virginia have led to enhancements of the existing evacuation and emergency sheltering planning, highlighting the need to consider more than traditional special needs populations. Updated state-level plans specifically address the medical needs of evacuation populations. Pets were taken into consideration and inclusion of dogs, cats, and birds in traditional sheltering planning has begun. Planning began to address those with social needs such as low-income families who may not be able to evacuate until the final hours of an active evacuation. It became clear that there were specific populations that had not been included in planning- jail populations, parolees in the community, and registered sex offenders. Each of these populations requires specific logistical planning and coordination to move, and needs to ensure that the populations themselves, as well as the general population in the receiving communities, are safe. This paper, reviewing information gathered from peer surveys, assesses shelter planning initiatives across the Commonwealth, for two specific populations - sex offenders and paroled offenders - and local emergency management preparedness planning for evacuation in times of crisis

Attorney Advertising in \u27The Litigators\u27 and Modern-Day America: the Continued Importance of the Public\u27s Need for Legal Information

This Essay addresses the phenomenon of attorney advertising from several vantage points. Part II of the Essay addresses how best-selling author John Grisham depicts attorney advertising in his great book The Litigators. Part III discusses the legal framework of how the U.S. Supreme Court protected attorney advertising as a form of protected commercial speech. Part IV addresses how the states and bar regulators have treated attorney advertising. Finally, Part V addresses the recent Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers Report and the American Bar Association’s proposed changes to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct regarding attorney advertising. Part V briefly concludes