HiQA: A Hierarchical Contextual Augmentation RAG for Multi-Documents QA (2402.01767v2)

Abstract: Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) has rapidly advanced the LLM field, particularly in question-answering (QA) systems. By integrating external documents during the response generation phase, RAG significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of LLMs. This method elevates the quality of responses and reduces the frequency of hallucinations, where the model generates incorrect or misleading information. However, these methods exhibit limited retrieval accuracy when faced with numerous indistinguishable documents, presenting notable challenges in their practical application. In response to these emerging challenges, we present HiQA, an advanced multi-document question-answering (MDQA) framework that integrates cascading metadata into content and a multi-route retrieval mechanism. We also release a benchmark called MasQA to evaluate and research in MDQA. Finally, HiQA demonstrates the state-of-the-art performance in multi-document environments.

Enhancing the Quality of Academic Submissions through Streamlined Formatting Guidelines

Introduction to IJCAI-24 Format Instructions

The International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI–24) has established a set of detailed formatting instructions aimed at streamlining the process of manuscript preparation for its proceedings. The guidelines cover various aspects of manuscript formatting, including the appropriate use of PDF files, the utilization of LATEX macros, and Microsoft Word templates. This post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these instructions, emphasizing the critical elements that contribute to the uniformity and readability of conference proceedings.

Manuscript Preparation and Submission

The instructions delineate clear expectations for the length of papers, emphasizing a maximum of seven pages for the main content, with an allowance for two additional pages dedicated exclusively to references and acknowledgements. Moreover, it discusses the nuances related to the final camera-ready versions and the variability across different tracks regarding additional content and purchase of extra pages.

Word Processing Software

A crucial part of the guidelines is the detail on word processing software, offering tools for both LATEX and Microsoft Word users. For those utilizing other software, a detailed format guide ensures that the final paper closely mirrors the provided sample.

Stylistic Details

Layout Specifics

The guidelines specify precise measurements for margins, column width, and the spacing between text elements, ensuring a consistent and professional look across all submissions.

Electronic Manuscript Formatting

For electronic submissions, the use of Adobe’s Portable Document Format (PDF) is mandated, with a strong suggestion for the Adobe’s Times Roman font to maintain uniformity. This section is particularly detailed, providing specific commands for LATEX users to achieve the desired formatting.

Submissions vs. Camera-ready Papers

An important distinction is made between papers submitted for review and the final camera-ready versions. The instructions elaborate on the anonymity required for submissions, the inclusion of line numbers for review, and the strict adherence to content page limits.

Structuring the Manuscript

The guidelines provide a thorough explanation on structuring the manuscript, including the proper formatting of titles and author information, the handling of affiliations, and the inclusion of emails. For tracks requiring anonymous submissions, specific modifications are outlined to ensure blind reviewing.

Content Formatting

Sections detailing the formatting of the abstract, main text, and headings are particularly beneficial for preserving the readability and structural consistency of submissions.

Special Sections and References

The instructions elucidate the formatting and positioning of appendices, ethical statements, acknowledgements, and contribution statements. This segment is crucial for authors to correctly attribute contributions and comply with ethical guidelines.

Citations, Footnotes, and Illustrations

Inclusion criteria and formatting for citations, footnotes, illustrations (including figures and tables), and mathematical formulas are clarified. These sections are vital for the appropriate presentation of data and supporting information within the manuscript.

Environments for Theorems and Proofs

For research that includes theoretical contributions, specific formatting instructions for examples, definitions, theorems, and proofs are provided. This ensures that such information is clearly distinguishable from the main text.

Conclusion and Practical Implications

The IJCAI–24 formatting instructions serve a dual purpose of improving the readability of conference proceedings and simplifying the paper preparation process for authors. By adhering to these guidelines, authors can focus more on the content of their research while ensuring their submissions meet the professional standards required by the conference. Looking forward, it is anticipated that these instructions will not only facilitate a more streamlined review process but also enhance the overall quality of the academic discourse presented at IJCAI–24.

The significant emphasis on uniform formatting and the detailed guidance provided underscores the conference's commitment to academic excellence. As future developments in AI continue to evolve, the importance of clear, accessible, and uniformly presented research cannot be overstated. The provided formatting guidelines will undoubtedly play a role in sustaining high standards of scholarly communication within the AI research community.