Automatic Classification of Text Databases through Query Probing

Many text databases on the web are "hidden" behind search interfaces, and their documents are only accessible through querying. Search engines typically ignore the contents of such search-only databases. Recently, Yahoo-like directories have started to manually organize these databases into categories that users can browse to find these valuable resources. We propose a novel strategy to automate the classification of search-only text databases. Our technique starts by training a rule-based document classifier, and then uses the classifier's rules to generate probing queries. The queries are sent to the text databases, which are then classified based on the number of matches that they produce for each query. We report some initial exploratory experiments that show that our approach is promising to automatically characterize the contents of text databases accessible on the web.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figur

Structure of Higher Spin Gauge Interactions

In a previous paper, higher spin gauge field theory was formulated in an abstract way, essentially only keeping enough machinery to discuss "gauge invariance" of an "action". The approach could be thought of as providing an interface (or syntax) towards an implementation (or semantics) yet to be constructed. The structure then revealed turns out to be that of a strongly homotopy Lie algebra. In the present paper, the framework will be connected to more conventional field theoretic concepts. The Fock complex vertex operator implementation of the interactions in the BRST-BV formulation of the theory will be elaborated. The relation between the vertex order expansion and homological perturbation theory will be clarified. A formal non-obstruction argument is reviewed. The syntactically derived sh-Lie algebra structure is semantically mapped to the Fock complex implementation and it is shown that the recursive equations governing the higher order vertices are reproduced. Global symmetries and subsidiary conditions are discussed and as a result the tracelessness constraints are discarded. Thus all equations needed to compute the vertices to any order are collected. The framework is general enough to encompass all possible interaction terms. Finally, the abstract framework itself will be strengthened by showing that it can be naturally phrased in terms of the theory of categories.Comment: A few changes and additions made in the Introduction. Three references added. Typos corrected. Text agrees with published version in J. Math. Phys. except for minor journal specific proof-reading changes. 61 page

Microscale distribution patterns of terrestrial bryophytes in a subalpine forest: the use of logistic regression as an interpretive tool

This study investigated microhabitat relationships of terrestrial bryophytes in a subalpine forest of coastal British Columbia. Substratum affinities were characterized for dominant bryophytes. Logistic regression analysis was used to gain insight into the ecological determinants of fine scale (0.1 m2) bryophyte distribution by examining the predictive relationship between bryophyte species occurrence and localized environmental conditions, as well as the coverage of other bryophytes. The predictive relationships were compared to evaluate the relative importance of environmental factors versus interspecific interactions in structuring bryophyte communities. The results indicate that bryophytes show unique responses in their relationships to environmental conditions and other bryophytes. Positive feedback appears to be an important process among terrestrial bryophytes in subalpine forests