Relevance Assessments for Web Search Evaluation: Should We Randomise or Prioritise the Pooled Documents?

In the context of depth- k pooling for constructing web search test collections, we compare two approaches to ordering pooled documents for relevance assessors: The prioritisation strategy (PRI) used widely at NTCIR, and the simple randomisation strategy (RND). In order to address research questions regarding PRI and RND, we have constructed and released the WWW3E8 dataset, which contains eight independent relevance labels for 32,375 topic-document pairs, i.e., a total of 259,000 labels. Four of the eight relevance labels were obtained from PRI-based pools; the other four were obtained from RND-based pools. Using WWW3E8, we compare PRI and RND in terms of inter-assessor agreement, system ranking agreement, and robustness to new systems that did not contribute to the pools. We also utilise an assessor activity log we obtained as a byproduct of WWW3E8 to compare the two strategies in terms of assessment efficiency. Our main findings are: (a) The presentation order has no substantial impact on assessment efficiency; (b) While the presentation order substantially affects which documents are judged (highly) relevant, the difference between the inter-assessor agreement under the PRI condition and that under the RND condition is of no practical significance; (c) Different system rankings under the PRI condition are substantially more similar to one another than those under the RND condition; and (d) PRI-based relevance assessment files (qrels) are substantially and statistically significantly more robust to new systems than RND-based ones. Finding (d) suggests that PRI helps the assessors identify relevant documents that affect the evaluation of many existing systems, including those that did not contribute to the pools. Hence, if researchers need to evaluate their current IR systems using legacy IR test collections, we recommend the use of those constructed using the PRI approach unless they have a good reason to believe that their systems retrieve relevant documents that are vastly different from the pooled documents. While this robustness of PRI may also mean that the PRI-based pools are biased against future systems that retrieve highly novel relevant documents, one should note that there is no evidence that RND is any better in this respect.

Single Image Super-Resolution with Arbitrary Magnification Based on High-Frequency Attention Network

Among various developments in the field of computer vision, single image super-resolution of images is one of the most essential tasks. However, compared to the integer magnification model for super-resolution, research on arbitrary magnification has been overlooked. In addition, the importance of single image super-resolution at arbitrary magnification is emphasized for tasks such as object recognition and satellite image magnification. In this study, we propose a model that performs arbitrary magnification while retaining the advantages of integer magnification. The proposed model extends the integer magnification image to the target magnification in the discrete cosine transform (DCT) spectral domain. The broadening of the DCT spectral domain results in a lack of high-frequency components. To solve this problem, we propose a high-frequency attention network for arbitrary magnification so that high-frequency information can be restored. In addition, only high-frequency components are extracted from the image with a mask generated by a hyperparameter in the DCT domain. Therefore, the high-frequency components that have a substantial impact on image quality are recovered by this procedure. The proposed framework achieves the performance of an integer magnification and correctly retrieves the high-frequency components lost between the arbitrary magnifications. We experimentally validated our model’s superiority over state-of-the-art models.

Innovative nanomaterials for bone remains consolidation: performance evaluation and impact on 14C dating and on palaeogenetic analysis

An innovative protocol for the consolidation of ancient bone remains based on the use of nanometric hydroxyapatite (HAP) was set up and tested through a multidisciplinary approach. A new protocol for the synthesis of HAP nanoparticles was developed, and the composition of the obtained nanomaterial were investigated through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD); sizes, shape and morphology of the synthesized particles were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The consolidation performance was evaluated by testing the new nanomaterial on degraded ancient bone findings. An increase of the mineral density and of the micro-hardness of the bone were observed. The new consolidation method was also tested to assess possible effects on the palaeogenetic analysis and radiocarbon dating on the treated bones. The consolidation treatment has no substantial impact on the genetic characterisation of the skeletal remains and does not introduce any contaminations that could affect radiocarbon dating. This consolidation procedure represents a more compatible conservation tool with respect to traditional procedures: it has been shown that the treatment is effective, easily-applicable and not detrimental for 14C dating and palaeogenetic analysis.

The Rapid Shift from Onsite to Online Teaching – Students’ Perceptions

Recent developments in response to the Covid-19 pandemic have had a substantial impact on students, teachers and content delivery modes around the globe. This paper reports the efforts of the University of Tetovo (UT) in North Macedonia (NM) and Banat’s USAMVB University “King Michael I of Romania” to find rapid and efficient means of switching from direct to remote course delivery while maintaining effective communication. Acknowledging that little space was available for training teachers and learners to prepare for such rapid changes, this study examines how students responded. Applying exploratory research methods, the paper offers a preliminary analysis of the difficulties that learners faced in shifting to online presentation. Qualitative data was collected using student interviews and content analysis (Silverman, 2005) was applied to identify themes, biases and meaning. Convenience sampling among enrolled students in the academic year 2020/2021 at both universities identified a non-random sample of 16 students. The findings of the study revealed that participants faced many difficulties in their venture; however, using various strategies, effective planning and organization, they managed to a certain extent to overcome this situation.

A model for Ugandan traders' use of mobile money services

Mobile money services give trade benefits such as bill payment, decreased transaction costs and time, expanded savings possibilities, sales, and convenience. Despite the benefits, traders in Uganda are still slow to adopt and use mobile money services. This article reflects on the findings of a study that looked at the barriers that merchants experience while utilizing and implementing mobile money services in Uganda. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain data from 394 survey respondents. A model for encouraging traders to use mobile money services is offered. The suggested model expands on the Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use. According to regression study, performance expectancy, social factors, and sensitization components all have a substantial impact on the behavioral intention of mobile money service uptake for trade. On the other hand, security and effort expectation had no significant affect on traders' behavioral intention to use mobile money services. Furthermore, the data show that enabling conditions affected the utilization of mobile money services for commercial transactions. The suggested approach is adaptable and generic, and it may be used in other developing nations with comparable circumstances to Uganda.

The impact of lung ultrasound on clinical-decision making across departments: a systematic review

Background Lung ultrasound has established itself as an accurate diagnostic tool in different clinical settings. However, its effects on clinical-decision making are insufficiently described. This systematic review aims to investigate the impact of lung ultrasound, exclusively or as part of an integrated thoracic ultrasound examination, on clinical-decision making in different departments, especially the emergency department (ED), intensive care unit (ICU), and general ward (GW). Methods This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021242977). PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for original studies reporting changes in clinical-decision making (e.g. diagnosis, management, or therapy) after using lung ultrasound. Inclusion criteria were a recorded change of management (in percentage of cases) and with a clinical presentation to the ED, ICU, or GW. Studies were excluded if examinations were beyond the scope of thoracic ultrasound or to guide procedures. Mean changes with range (%) in clinical-decision making were reported. Methodological data on lung ultrasound were also collected. Study quality was scored using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results A total of 13 studies were included: five studies on the ED (546 patients), five studies on the ICU (504 patients), two studies on the GW (1150 patients), and one study across all three wards (41 patients). Lung ultrasound changed the diagnosis in mean 33% (15–44%) and 44% (34–58%) of patients in the ED and ICU, respectively. Lung ultrasound changed the management in mean 48% (20–80%), 42% (30–68%) and 48% (48–48%) of patients in the ED, in the ICU and in the GW, respectively. Changes in management were non-invasive in 92% and 51% of patients in the ED and ICU, respectively. Lung ultrasound methodology was heterogeneous across studies. Risk of bias was moderate to high in all studies. Conclusions Lung ultrasound, exclusively or as a part of thoracic ultrasound, has substantial impact on clinical-decision making by changing diagnosis and management in the EDs, ICUs, and GWs. The current evidence level and methodological heterogeneity underline the necessity for well-designed trials and standardization of methodology.

Substantial Impact of COVID-19 on Self-Reported Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals in the Netherlands

Initially, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a continued pressure on professionals working in hospitals due to the increase of affected patients. At the moment, the pandemic continues but thanks to all kinds of measures (e.g., social distancing) workload seems to decrease at the hospitals. On the contrary, patients with long-lasting symptoms due to COVID-19 infection or the pandemic begin to merge at the mental healthcare institutions in the Netherlands but this also holds true for other countries. Furthermore, healthcare professionals are affected by safety measures such as working from home, which led to an increased feeling of stress and may have led to a misbalance in work and private life. As a result, the question whether healthcare employees in mental healthcare experience impaired mental health remains unclear and chances are fair that mental health problems such as exhaustion and burnout may be prevalent. This study describes an online survey in which mental health amongst mental healthcare professionals is investigated. About 1,300 professionals from a large number of mental healthcare institutions replied the survey. Around 50% of the respondents experienced increased levels of stress. Feelings of anxiety, anger, and sadness were also increasingly experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 4.2% replied that they were considering resigning their jobs which is alarming considering the shortage of healthcare professionals in mental healthcare institutions. The results support the importance of treatment or support of professionals in mental healthcare that experience psychological ailments.

Review: Colon Capsule Endoscopy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruption in healthcare services and has had a substantial impact on the care of patients with chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Endoscopy services were significantly restricted, resulting in long waiting lists. There has been a growing interest in the use of capsule endoscopy in the diagnostic pathway and management of these patients. This review explores the published literature on the role of colon capsule endoscopy in ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease as a method for mucosal assessment of extent, severity, and response to treatment. Colon capsule preparation regimens and scoring systems are reported. The studies indicate that, despite inherent limitations of minimally invasive capsule endoscopy, there is increasing evidence to support the use of the second-generation colon capsule in inflammatory bowel disease evaluation, providing an additional pathway to expedite investigation of appropriate patients especially during and after the pandemic.

Kinetics, SOA yields and chemical composition of secondary organic aerosol from β-caryophyllene ozonolysis with and without nitrogen oxides between 213 and 313 K

β-caryophyllene (BCP) is one of the most important sesquiterpenes (SQTs) in the atmosphere, with a large potential contribution to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation mainly from reactions with ozone (O3) and nitrate radicals (NO3). In this work, we study the temperature dependence of the kinetics of BCP ozonolysis, SOA yields, and SOA chemical composition in the dark and in the absence and presence of nitrogen oxides including nitrate radicals (NO3). We cover a temperature range of 213 K – 313 K, representative of tropospheric conditions. The oxidized components in both gas and particle phases were characterized on a molecular level by a Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometer equipped with a Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols using iodide as the reagent ion (FIGAERO-iodide-CIMS). The batch mode experiments were conducted in the 84.5 m3 aluminium simulation chamber AIDA at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In the absence of nitrogen oxides, the temperature-dependent rate coefficient of the endocyclic double bond in BCP reacting with ozone between 243 – 313 K are negatively correlated with temperature, corresponding to the following Arrhenius equation: k = (1.6 ± 0.4) × 10−15 × exp((559 ± 97)/T). The SOA yields increase from 16 ± 5 % to 37 ± 11% with temperatures decreasing from 313 K to 243 K at a total organic particle mass of 10 µg m−3. The variation of the ozonolysis temperature leads to substantial impact on the abundance of individual organic molecules. In the absence of nitrogen oxides, monomers C14-15H22-24O3-7 (37.4 %), dimers C28-30H44-48O5-9 (53.7 %) and trimers C41-44H62-66O9-11 (8.6 %) are abundant in the particle phase at 213 K. At 313 K, we observed more oxidized monomers (mainly C14-15H22-24O6-9, 67.5 %) and dimers (mainly C27-29H42-44O9-11, 27.6 %), including highly oxidized molecules (HOMs, C14H22O7,9, C15H22O7,9 C15H24O7,9) which can be formed via hydrogen shift mechanisms, but no significant trimers. In presence of nitrogen oxides, the organonitrate fraction increased from 3 % at 213 K to 12 % and 49 % at 243 K and 313 K, respectively. Most of the organonitrates were monomers with C15 skeletons and only one nitrate group. Higher oxygenated organonitrates were observed at higher temperatures, with their signal-weighted O : C atomic ratio increasing from 0.41 to 0.51 from 213 K to 313 K. New dimeric and trimeric organic species without nitrogen atoms (C20, C35) were formed in presence of nitrogen oxides at 298–313 K indicating potential new reaction pathways. Overall, our results show that increasing temperatures lead to a relatively small decrease of the rate coefficient of the endocyclic double bond in BCP reacting with ozone, but to a strong decrease in SOA yields. In contrast, the formation of HOMs and organonitrates increases significantly with temperature.

Evaluating Remote Task Assignment of an Online Engineering Module through Data Mining in a Virtual Communication Platform Environment

E-learning has traditionally emphasised educational resources, web access, student participation, and social interaction. Novel virtual spaces, e-lectures, and digital laboratories have been developed with synchronous or asynchronous practices throughout the migration from face-to-face teaching modes to remote teaching during the pandemic restrictions. This research paper presents a case study concerning the evaluation of the online task assignment of students, using MS Teams as an electronic platform. MS Teams was evaluated to determine whether this communication platform for online lecture delivery and tasks’ assessments could be used to avoid potential problems caused during the teaching process. Students’ data were collected, and after filtering out significant information from the online questionnaires, a statistical analysis, containing a correlation and a reliability analysis, was conducted. The substantial impact of 37 variables was revealed. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient calculation revealed that 89% of the survey questions represented internally consistent and reliable variables, and for the sampling adequacy measure, Bartlett’s test was calculated at 0.816. On the basis of students’ diligence, interaction abilities, and knowledge embedding, two groups of learners were differentiated. The findings of this study shed light on the special features of fully online teaching specifically in terms of improving assessment through digital tools and merit further investigation in virtual and blended teaching spaces, with the goal of extracting outputs that will benefit the educational community.