Query Chains: Learning to Rank from Implicit Feedback

This paper presents a novel approach for using clickthrough data to learn ranked retrieval functions for web search results. We observe that users searching the web often perform a sequence, or chain, of queries with a similar information need. Using query chains, we generate new types of preference judgments from search engine logs, thus taking advantage of user intelligence in reformulating queries. To validate our method we perform a controlled user study comparing generated preference judgments to explicit relevance judgments. We also implemented a real-world search engine to test our approach, using a modified ranking SVM to learn an improved ranking function from preference data. Our results demonstrate significant improvements in the ranking given by the search engine. The learned rankings outperform both a static ranking function, as well as one trained without considering query chains.Comment: 10 page

On Interpretation and Measurement of Soft Attributes for Recommendation

We address how to robustly interpret natural language refinements (or critiques) in recommender systems. In particular, in human-human recommendation settings people frequently use soft attributes to express preferences about items, including concepts like the originality of a movie plot, the noisiness of a venue, or the complexity of a recipe. While binary tagging is extensively studied in the context of recommender systems, soft attributes often involve subjective and contextual aspects, which cannot be captured reliably in this way, nor be represented as objective binary truth in a knowledge base. This also adds important considerations when measuring soft attribute ranking. We propose a more natural representation as personalized relative statements, rather than as absolute item properties. We present novel data collection techniques and evaluation approaches, and a new public dataset. We also propose a set of scoring approaches, from unsupervised to weakly supervised to fully supervised, as a step towards interpreting and acting upon soft attribute based critiques.publishedVersio

ORGANIZATIONAL ASPECTS OF E-LEARNING AND DISTANT LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES

В данной статье рассматриваются организационные аспекты применения электронного обучения и дистанционных образовательных технологий в высшем профессиональном образовании. Автор полагает, что функционирование электронной информационно-образовательной среды обеспечивается соответствующими средствами информационно-коммуникационных технологий и квалификацией работников, ее использующих и поддерживающихThe paper deals with organizational aspects of e-learning and distance learning technologies in the framework of higher vocational education. The author believes that the functioning of the electronic information and educational environment is provided by appropriate means of information and communication technologies and qualification of workers who use and support i

Harnessing Interspecies Antagonism to Enhance Antibiotic Efficacy

Beyond genetically encoded mechanisms of resistance, the factors that contribute to antibiotic treatment failure within the host are poorly understood. Traditional susceptibility assays fail to account for extrinsic determinants of antibiotic susceptibility present during infection and are therefore poor predictors of treatment outcome. To maximize the reach of current therapeutics, we must develop a more sophisticated understanding of antibiotic efficacy in the infection environment. Here we demonstrate that interspecies interactions between two important opportunistic pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, alters S. aureus response to antibiotics. We show that the P. aeruginosa-produced endopeptidase LasA potentiates lysis of S. aureus by vancomycin, rhamnolipids facilitate proton-motive force-independent aminoglycoside uptake, and that small molecule 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline-N-oxide (HQNO) induces multidrug tolerance in S. aureus through respiratory inhibition and reduction of cellular ATP. We further demonstrate rhamnolipid-mediated potentiation of aminoglycoside uptake and killing of S. aureus restores susceptibility to otherwise tolerant persister, biofilm, small colony variant, anaerobic, and resistant S. aureus populations. Furthermore, bacterial pathogens that replicate within the intracellular niche are protected from antibiotics that cannot penetrate the eukaryotic membrane. Identifying and disrupting the pathways used by these pathogens to modify the intracellular niche in order to survive is an alternative strategy for limiting bacterial proliferation. Here, we use Francisella tularensis as a model intracellular bacterial pathogen to identify and describe the bacterial metabolic pathways and host-derived nutrients necessary for intracellular and in vivo growth. These findings reveal potential new therapeutic targets for disrupting bacterial nutrient acquisition that may be broadly applicable for treating other important intracellular pathogens. Overall, the findings presented here suggest that antibiotic susceptibility is contingent on a multitude of factors including interspecies interaction and the physiological replicative niche. Further elucidation of key antibiotic susceptibility determinants in vivo, as well as of strategies to overcome barriers to antibiotic efficacy may lead to a more holistic and personalized approach to therapy that will aid in the resolution of persistent infection.Doctor of Philosoph

Multimedia support for learning

Various kinds of multimedia support for learning are viewed in this article. Authors admit that multimedia learning tools the learners can engage in more creative work encouraging innovationsВ данной статье рассматриваются варианты поддержки образовательного процесса посредством мультимедиа технологий. Авторы статьи утверждают, что благодаря мультимедийным средствам обучения студенты имеют больший простор для воплощения творческих проектов, применяя современные инноваци