More on the Reference-Grounding-Based Search in Noise-Based Logic

We point out that the exponentially fast, grounding-based search scheme in noise-based logic works mostly on core superpositions. When the superposition contains elements that are outputs of logic gate operations, the search result can be erroneous, because grounding of a reference bit can change a logic function too. Adding superpositions with a search bit of inverted signal amplitude sign (sign inversion instead of grounding) can fix the problem in special cases, but a general solution is yet to be found. Note that because phonebooks are core superpositions, the original search algorithm remains valid for phonebook lookups, for both name and number search, including fractions of names or numbers.

Parallel implementation of the primer search algorithm for loop-mediated isothermal amplification

In the paper, the implementation of an algorithm of search for primers in a DNA sequence with a size varying between one nucleotide and multiple million nucleotides was discussed. This analysis was done within the objective of finding a set of six specific primers that are used for a conduction of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). For the fastest search result possible, a parallel search for the primer with the use of the Rabin-Karp Algorithm which enables the search for a primer’s entry in DNA sequence in each thread was proposed. A new software for search for primers was developed using Python with BioPython library which implements the algorithm.

Improving Search Engine Efficiency through Contextual Factor Selection

Learning to rank (LTR) is an important artificial intelligence (AI) approach supporting the operation of many search engines. In large-scale search systems, the ranking results are continually improved with the introduction of more factors to be considered by LTR. However, the more factors being considered, the more computation resources required, which in turn, results in increased system response latency. Therefore, removing redundant factors can significantly improve search engine efficiency. In this paper, we report on our experience incorporating our Contextual Factor Selection (CFS) deep reinforcement learning approach into the Taobao e-commerce platform to optimize the selection of factors based on the context of each search query to simultaneously maintaining search result quality while significantly reducing latency. Online deployment on Taobao.com demonstrated that CFS is able to reduce average search latency under everyday use scenarios by more than 40% compared to the previous approach with comparable search result quality. Under peak usage during the Single’s Day Shopping Festival (November 11th) in 2017, CFS reduced the average search latency by 20% compared to the previous approach.

Usefulness of convalescent plasma transfusion for the treatment of severely ill COVID-19 patients in Pakistan

Background Convalescent plasma(CP) was utilized as potential therapy during COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The study aimed at appraisal of CP transfusion safety and usefulness in COVID pneumonia. Methods Single arm, MEURI study design of non-randomized open label trial was conducted in five centers. Patients werecategorized as moderately severe, severe, and critical. The primary endpoint was a) improvement in clinical status and change in category of disease severity; secondary endpoint was b) CP ability to halt disease progression to invasive ventilation. CP transfused to hospitalized patients. Statistical tests including median (interquartile ranges), Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test using SPSS ver. 23, ANOVA and Chi-square test were applied for the analysis of results parameters before and after CP treatment. SOFA score was applied for multiorgan failure in severe and critical cases. Results A total of 50 adult patients; median age 58.5 years (range: 29–92 years) received CP with infusion titers; median 1:320 U/mL (Interquartile range 1:80–1:320) between April 4 to May 5, 2020. The median time from onset of symptoms to enrollment in trial was 3 to 7 days with shortness of breath and lung infiltration as severity criterion. In 35 (70%) recipients, oxygen saturation improved from 80 to 95% within 72h, with resolution of lung infiltrates. Primary endpoint was achieved in 44 (88%) recipients whereas secondary endpoint was achieved in 42 (84%). No patient experienced severe adverse events. A high SOFA score (> 7) correlated with deaths in severe and critical patients. Eight (16%) patients expired due to comorbidities; cardiac arrest in 2 (4%), multiorgan failure secondary to cytokine storm in 5 (10%) and ventilator associated complications in 1 (2%). Conclusion CP transfusion can be used as a safe and useful treatment in moderately severe and severe patients. Trial registration The trial registration number is NCT04352751 (https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20200414047072N1). Trial Registration date is 28th April 2020.

A new subject-based retrieval and search result visualization approach for scientific digital libraries

Purpose Many search engines in digital libraries are restricted to the terms presented in users’ queries. When users cannot represent their information needs in terms of keywords in a query, the search engine fails to provide appropriate results. In addition, most search engines do not have the ability to visualize search results for users to help them in their information journey. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new approach for search result visualization in digital libraries. The visualization approach enables subject-based visualization of search results and search queries. Design/methodology/approach To enable subject-based visualization of search results in digital libraries, new subject-based document retrieval is proposed in which each document is represented as a vector of subjects as well. Then, using a vector space model for information retrieval, along with the subject-based vector, related documents to the user’s query are retrieved, whilst each document is visualized through a ring chart, showing the inherent subjects within each document and the query. Findings The proposed subject-based retrieval and visualization approach is evaluated from various perspectives to amplify the impact of the visualization approach from users’ opinions. Users have evaluated the performance of the proposed subject-based retrieval and search result visualization, whilst 67% of users prefer subject-based document retrieval and 80% of them believe that the proposed visualization approach is practical. Research limitations/implications This research has provided a subject-based representation scheme for search result visualization in a digital library. The implication of this research can be viewed from two perspectives. First, the subject-based retrieval approach provides an opportunity for the users to understand their information needs, beyond the explicit terms in the query, leading to results, which are semantically relevant to the query. Second, the simple subject-based visualization scheme, helps users to explore the results easily, whilst allowing them to build their knowledge experience. Originality/value A new vectorized subject-based representation of documents and queries is proposed. This representation determines the semantic and subject-based relationship between a given query and documents within a digital scientific library. In addition, it also provides a subject-based representation of the retrieved documents through which users can track the semantic relationship between the query and retrieve documents, visually.

The enigmatic journal index: when a negative search result is positive

Journal editors’ use of cumulative journal indexes is quite different to that of the traditional readership. Journal editors use such indexes as either a source of inspiration or a tool for verifying if and when a topic has (or has not) been covered in their journal. In many cases, finding few or no search results is a positive outcome, as this provides editors with the scope and impetus to commission articles on topics that have either not been covered in their journal for several years or not covered at all. Three examples are provided.

Application of the corporate cataloguing technology for the retroconversion of card catalogues

The corporate cataloguing technology has been widely used in Russian libraries to make bibliographic records (BR) of the electronic catalogue (EC). When selecting the proper sources of BR borrowings, many libraries have managed to reduce time and labor expenditures involved in making EC records. The paper provides examples of the most successful Russian corporate library information systems of the federal and regional level.At the same time, most libraries have not solved the problem of reflecting information about the entire library stock in EC, which negatively affects the quality of EC services for users. The experience of federal libraries in solving it is considered. The main described methods of retrospective conversion of card catalogues are: manual keyboard entry, scanning of catalogue cards, recognition of scanned cards, BR making, and records borrowing from authoritative sources.The purpose of this article is to study the effectiveness of using corporate cataloguing technology to perform retrospective conversion of card catalogues. To achieve this goal, the search for bibliographic records of documents published before 1991, and reflected in ECs of the Russian State Library (RSL) and the Russian National Library (RNL), in the LIBNET Corporate Cataloguing System (CCS), in the ARBICON resources and in the IRBIS-corporation was conducted in SPSTL SB RAS EC.Based on the search result, it has been determined that the most acceptable sources of records borrowing are the electronic catalogues of RSL, RSL and the LIBNET CCS. The advantages and disadvantages of using ready-to-use BRs from the aforementioned sources have been defined. It has been fixed that when choosing the source for borrowing while conducting catalogues retro-conversion, it is necessary to take into account the collection specifics, records compliance with the requirements of a concrete library, compatibility of automated library-information systems, readiness to pay for borrowing services, EC availability, and convenience of search.