Mixing and merging for spoken document retrieval

This paper describes a number of experiments that explo- red the issues surrounding the retrieval of spoken documents. Two such issues were examined. First, attempting to find the best use of speech recogniser output to produce the highest retrieval effectiveness. Second, investigating the potential problems of retrieving from a so-called "mi- xed collection", i.e. one that contains documents from both a speech recognition system (producing many errors) and from hand transcription (producing presumably near perfect documents). The result of the first part of the work found that merging the transcripts of multiple recognisers showed most promise. The investigation in the second part showed how the term weighting scheme used in a retrieval system was important in determining whether the system was affected detrimentally when retrieving from a mixed collection

Revitalization of the International Judicial Assistance Procedures of the United States: Service of Documents and Takings of Testimony

This comment will examine two aspects of such judicial assistance-service. of documents and taking of testimony-and it will analyze each from the viewpoint of assistance obtained abroad in aid of American litigation as well as assistance rendered within the United States in aid of foreign litigation. It will attempt to survey some of the problems involved in securing performance of these acts, indicate the changes in current practice which are likely to result from the revisions of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the proposed amendments to the Judicial Code, and, last, suggest some additional measures which might promote greater cooperation in this area between the United States and other countries

Constraint Effective Potential of the Staggered Magnetization in an Antiferromagnet

We employ an improved estimator to calculate the constraint effective potential of the staggered magnetization in the spin $\tfrac{1}{2}$ quantum Heisenberg model using a loop-cluster algorithm. The first and second moment of the probability distribution of the staggered magnetization are in excellent agreement with the predictions of the systematic low-energy magnon effective field theory. We also compare the Monte Carlo data with the universal shape of the constraint effective potential of the staggered magnetization and study its approach to the convex effective potential in the infinite volume limit. In this way the higher-order low-energy parameter $k_0$ is determined from a fit to the numerical data

The Drosophila Larva as a Model for Studying Chemosensation and Chemosensory Learning: A Review

Understanding the relationship between brain and behavior is the fundamental challenge in neuroscience. We focus on chemosensation and chemosensory learning in larval Drosophila and review what is known about its molecular and cellular bases. Detailed analyses suggest that the larval olfactory system, albeit much reduced in cell number, shares the basic architecture, both in terms of receptor gene expression and neuronal circuitry, of its adult counterpart as well as of mammals. With respect to the gustatory system, less is known in particular with respect to processing of gustatory information in the central nervous system, leaving generalizations premature. On the behavioral level, a learning paradigm for the association of odors with food reinforcement has been introduced. Capitalizing on the knowledge of the chemosensory pathways, we review the first steps to reveal the genetic and cellular bases of olfactory learning in larval Drosophila. We argue that the simplicity of the larval chemosensory system, combined with the experimental accessibility of Drosophila on the genetic, electrophysiological, cellular, and behavioral level, makes this system suitable for an integrated understanding of chemosensation and chemosensory learnin

State of the art on Timber Concrete Composite floor

Interest in timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors has increased over the last 20-30 years. Since the 1990âs, TCC solution is seen as a viable and effective alternative to conventional reinforced concrete and/or traditional timber floors in multistorey buildings. In TCC technology, a timber beam, either solid wood, glued laminated or laminated veneer lumber (LVL), is connected to a concrete slab using a connection system that resists shear forces and impedes slip between the members of the composite section. The strength, stiffness, location and number of connectors play a crucial role for the composite action and determine the structural and serviceability performance of the floor system. This paper discusses the state of the art of TCC structures. It presents a comprehensive review of the literature about the development and structural behaviour of TCC structures. The review addresses construction aspects and shear connection concepts. It evaluates experimental tests, finite element and numerical models. It discusses the influence of concrete elements. As recommendations, the best types of shear connection for cast in-situ and prefabricated TCC floors are put forward and assessed for criteria such as strength, stiffness, ductility and ease of manufacturing. Furthermore the most relevant numerical models are introduced. These models can be used to further the experimental results in parameters such as connections, configurations, geometrical and material properties

Perceived etiology of foodborne illness among public health personnel.

Few data exist about perceptions regarding the etiology of foodborne illness. Among public health staff throughout Tennessee, the three pathogens most commonly believed to cause foodborne illness in the United States actually account for only 12% of disease. Fewer than 3% of respondents correctly identified the leading cause of foodborne illness