Selective dissemination of XML documents based on genetically learned user model and Support Vector Machines

Extensible Markup Language ( XML) has emerged as a medium for interoperability over the Internet. As the number of documents published in the form of XML is increasing, there is a need for selective dissemination of XML documents based on user interests. In the proposed technique, a combination of Adaptive Genetic Algorithms and multi class Support Vector Machine ( SVM) is used to learn a user model. Based on the feedback from the users, the system automatically adapts to the user's preference and interests. The user model and a similarity metric are used for selective dissemination of a continuous stream of XML documents. Experimental evaluations performed over a wide range of XML documents, indicate that the proposed approach significantly improves the performance of the selective dissemination task, with respect to accuracy and efficiency.

Selective dissemination of XML documents using GAs and SVM

XML has emerged as a medium for interoperability over the Internet. As the number of documents published in the form of XML is increasing there is a need for selective dissemination of XML documents based on user interests. In the proposed technique, a combination of Self Adaptive Migration Model Genetic Algorithm (SAMCA)[5] and multi class Support Vector Machine (SVM) are used to learn a user model. Based on the feedback from the users the system automatically adapts to the user's preference and interests. The user model and a similarity metric are used for selective dissemination of a continuous stream of XML documents. Experimental evaluations performed over a wide range of XML documents indicate that the proposed approach significantly improves the performance of the selective dissemination task, with respect to accuracy and efficiency.

Information dissemination in socially aware networks under the linear threshold model

We provide new analytical results concerning the spread of information or influence under the linear threshold social network model introduced by Kempe et al. in, in the information dissemination context. The seeder starts by providing the message to a set of initial nodes and is interested in maximizing the number of nodes that will receive the message ultimately. A node's decision to forward the message depends on the set of nodes from which it has received the message. Under the linear threshold model, the decision to forward the information depends on the comparison of the total influence of the nodes from which a node has received the packet with its own threshold of influence. We derive analytical expressions for the expected number of nodes that receive the message ultimately, as a function of the initial set of nodes, for a generic network. We show that the problem can be recast in the framework of Markov chains. We then use the analytical expression to gain insights into information dissemination in some simple network topologies such as the star, ring, mesh and on acyclic graphs. We also derive the optimal initial set in the above networks, and also hint at general heuristics for picking a good initial set.

A systems approach to characterise the dissemination process of household water treatment systems in developing countries

Abstract: Starting in the 1980s, household-level water treatment and safe storage systems (HWTS) have been developed as simple, local, user-friendly, and low cost options to improve drinking water quality at the point of use. However, despite conclusive evidence of the health and economic benefits of HWTS, and promotion efforts in over 50 countries in the past 20 years, implementation outcomes have been slow, reaching only 5-10 million regular users. This study attempts to understand the barriers and drivers affecting HWTS implementation. Although existing literature related to HWTS and innovation diffusion theories proposed ample critical factors and recommendations, there is a lack of holistic and systemic approach to integrate these findings. It is proposed that system dynamics modelling can be a promising tool to map the inter-relationships of different critical factors and to understand the structure of HWTS dissemination process, which may lead to identifying high impact, leveraged mitigation strategies to scale-up HWTS adoption and sustained use.

Genetic improvement and effective dissemination: keys to prosperous and sustainable aquaculture industries

There is an increasing demand for fish in the world due to a growing population, better economic situation in some sectors, and greater awareness of health issues in relation to food. Since capture fisheries have stagnated, fish farming has become a very fast growing food production system. In this presentation, the author gives an overview of the technologies that are available for genetic improvement of fish, and briefly discuss their merit in the context of a sustainable development. He also discusses the essential prerequisites for effective dissemination of improved stock to farmers. It is concluded that genetic improvement programs based on selective breeding can substantially contribute to sustainable fish production systems. Furthermore, if such genetic improvement programs are followed up with effective dissemination strategies, they can result in a positive impact on farmers' incomes.

Maintaining the "public good" nature of improved fish strains: dissemination of knowledge and materials

Many sources of information that discuss currents problems of food security point to the importance of farmed fish as an ideal food source that can be grown by poor farmers, (Asian Development Bank 2004). Furthermore, the development of improved strains of fish suitable for low-input aquaculture such as Tilapia, has demonstrated the feasibility of an approach that combines “cutting edge science” with accessible technology, as a means for improving the nutrition and livelihoods of both the urban poor and poor farmers in developing countries (Mair et al. 2002). However, the use of improved strains of fish as a means of reducing hunger and improving livelihoods has proved to be difficult to sustain, especially as a public good, when external (development) funding sources devoted to this area are minimal1. In addition, the more complicated problem of delivery of an aquaculture system, not just improved fish strains and the technology, can present difficulties and may go explicitly unrecognized (from Sissel Rogne, as cited by Silje Rem 2002). Thus, the involvement of private partners has featured prominently in the strategy for transferring to the public technology related to improved Tilapia strains. Partnering with the private sector in delivery schemes to the poor should take into account both the public goods aspect and the requirement that the traits selected for breeding “improved” strains meet the actual needs of the resource poor farmer. Other dissemination approaches involving the public sector may require a large investment in capacity building. However, the use of public sector institutions as delivery agents encourages the maintaining of the “public good” nature of the products.

Improved fisheries technologies and approaches for their dissemination: a case study of Niger State

Technology generation and dissemination are important components of rural transformation programmes. Nigerian fisheries sub-sector is still hampered by low productivity (especially in aquaculture) and low output (capture fisheries and post-harvest technologies). Research institutions and the Universities have made efforts in developing improved technologies to find solution to these problems, yet the level of adoption of the technologies remain low. This is due to a combination of various factors among which are faulty agricultural policies; institutional framework and unfavourable socio-economic environment. Niger State plays an important role in production in Nigeria and host the only research institute with the mandate in inland fisheries. It is important therefore to know the effectiveness of various extension approaches used in disseminating the technologies developed and their impact on adopters. Forty fishers were randomly selected in Shiroro L.G.A. of the Niger State and interviewed. The study probed into their socio-economic characteristics, traditional practices, extent of awareness and adoption for fisheries technologies and the effectiveness and impact of various approaches used by the extension organizations to disseminate the technologies. The results show that the economically active age group of the fishers was in the range of 20-50 years (87.5%). Males (95%) dominate the fisher population. 47.5% of the respondents have average household size of 6-10 and 57.5% were below primary school in educational attainment. Only 57.5% belonged to cooperative societies, while 90.0% of the fishers have no access to credit other than personal finance. Majority of fish-farmers (60%) operate at homestead level with pond size less than 50 square meter, stock under polyculture fishing methods are at subsistence level, while 67.5% of processors use mud-oven to cure, by smoking, freshly caught fish. Disseminated aquaculture technologies have low level of awareness (5-20%) and adoption (2.5-22.5%). For capture fisheries and post-harvest technologies awareness levels of 47.5-72.5% and adoption levels of 27.5-50.0% were recorded. Method demonstration (87.5%), result demonstration (75.0%) and field days (47.5%) are the major approaches used by the ADP. Respondents were of the opinion that method demonstration (65%), result demonstration (57.5%) and field day (30.0%) are effective. 62.5% of respondents had enhanced income due impact of extension activities

Impact of development and dissemination of Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture (IAA) Technologies in Malawi

Malawi is a small but densely populated country in Southern Africa. Fish is an important part of the nutrition of Malawians, providing essential protein and micronutrients. However, per capita fish consumption has halved over the ten-year period between 1988 to 1998 due to over-fishing in the lakes and doubling of the population since the 1970s, accompanied by an increase in the price of fish. This has worsened access to food insecurity, especially in rural areas, in a country where an estimated 66 per cent of the population consume less than the minimum daily calorie requirement. This paper presents an ex-post impact assessment of the development and dissemination of smallscale integrated aquaculture-agriculture technologies by The WorldFish Center and its national and international partners over more than 15 years in Malawi. The impact study measures the effects of these outputs on the degree of integrated aquaculture-agriculture (IAA) technology adoption and diffusion, the effects on farm income and health of household members, and the welfare effects of increased fish supply on the Malawian economy.

Considerations about effective dissemination of improved fish strains

Aquaculture production systems in developing countries are largely based on the use of unimproved species and strains. As knowledge and experience are accumulated in relation to the management, feeding and animal health issues of such production systems, the availability of genetically more productive stock becomes imperative in order to more effectively use resources. For instance, there is little point in providing ideal water conditions and optimum feed quality to fish that do not have the potential to grow faster and to be harvested on time, providing a product of the desired quality. Refinements in the production system and improvement of the stock used must progress hand in hand. In this paper we deal separately with genetic and non-genetic issues pertaining to the multiplication and dissemination of improved strains. The separation is somewhat arbitrary, and as will be evident from our discussion, there is frequent interaction between the two.

Report of the socio-economic baseline assessment dissemination meeting, Yangon, Myanmar, 28 January, 2015

The Data Dissemination Stakeholder Meeting was was a means of disseminating data from a socio-economic baseline study undertaken in 2014 (Schneider at al 2014). Implications included: the importance of heterogeneity of communities; population structure and migration trends; livelihoods diversity and vulnerability; and stakeholder mobilisation.