Computer-based spelling remediation for dyslexic children

Abstract The SelfSpell programs provide a multi-media environment for dyslexic children which uses synthesised speech to augment the written text. In earlier research we established that by encouraging users to enter a rule to help them remember how to spell each word, SelfSpell was very effective in improving spelling ability. The evaluation study reported here confirmed the efficacy of the rule-based approach using a group of 11-year-old dyslexic children with severe impairments in spelling. Of particular theoretical significance, however, was the finding that use of a mastery learning technique for learning spellings was just as effective as the rule-based approach. These findings are interpreted in the light of Frith's influential framework for the development of reading and spelling ability. It is suggested that the multimedia presentation approach may provide a uniquely effective method for helping dyslexic children to acquire the 'alphabetic' stage of linguistic processing.     

KNOWLEDGE-BASED FEATURE DISCOVERY FOR EVALUATION FUNCTIONS

Since Samuel's work on checkers over thirty years ago, much effort has been devoted to learning evaluation functions. However, all such methods are sensitive to the feature set chosen to represent the examples. If the features do not capture aspects of the examples significant for problem solving, the learned evaluation function may be inaccurate or inconsistent. Typically, good feature sets are carefully handcrafted and a great deal of time and effort goes into refining and tuning them. This paper presents an automatic knowledge-based method for generating features for evaluation functions. The feature set is developed iteratively: features are generated, then evaluated, and this information is used to develop new features in turn. Both the contribution of a feature and its computational expense are considered in determining whether and how to develop it further.
This method has been applied to two problem-solving domains: the Othello board game and the domain of telecommunications network management. Empirical results show that the method is able to generate many known features and several novel features and to improve concept accuracy in both domains.     

Robust Classification for Imprecise Environments

In real-world environments it usually is difficult to specify target operating conditions precisely, for example, target misclassification costs. This uncertainty makes building robust classification systems problematic. We show that it is possible to build a hybrid classifier that will perform at least as well as the best available classifier for any target conditions. In some cases, the performance of the hybrid actually can surpass that of the best known classifier. This robust performance extends across a wide variety of comparison frameworks, including the optimization of metrics such as accuracy, expected cost, lift, precision, recall, and workforce utilization. The hybrid also is efficient to build, to store, and to update. The hybrid is based on a method for the comparison of classifier performance that is robust to imprecise class distributions and misclassification costs. The ROC convex hull (ROCCH) method combines techniques from ROC analysis, decision analysis and computational geometry, and adapts them to the particulars of analyzing learned classifiers. The method is efficient and incremental, minimizes the management of classifier performance data, and allows for clear visual comparisons and sensitivity analyses. Finally, we point to empirical evidence that a robust hybrid classifier indeed is needed for many real-world problems.     

An appraisal of mathematical models to predict water inflows into underground coal workings

The paper describes various analytical and numerical models which have been used to predict the quantities of water flowing into underground mines. Analytical models of flow into wells are discussed briefly and their limitations when applied to mine water flow are listed. Numerical models designed specifically for underground mines are examined in detail under the three categories of water resource models, mine water models and methane and water models. The extent to which the available numerical models are applicable to British longwall coal mining operations is considered and the need for further work is identified.     

Effects of carbon nanofibers on cell morphology, thermal conductivity and crush strength of carbon foam

The effects of low volume fractions of carbon nanofibers on the structure, thermal conductivity and crush strength of carbon foam were examined. Bulk density of the foam increased linearly with the fiber fraction reflecting the morphological changes in the cells. Thermal conductivity increased at low fiber fractions, but dropped at higher fiber fractions. Crush strength increased linearly with fiber fraction for short length fibers, but decreased for the longer length fibers. Scanning electron microscopy, petrography, and X-ray diffraction illustrated the complex effects of the carbon nanofibers on the foam. Available models for thermal conductivity and crush strength have been extended to accommodate these effects incorporating cell structure and morphology (macroeffect), presence of fibers (microeffect), and graphite crystal d-spacing (nanoeffect). This research has shown that the nanofibers have a complex role in the macro, micro, and nanoproperties of the composite foam.     

Fabrication and AFM investigation of the temperature-dependent surface morphology of Au (100) single crystal ultramicroelectrodes

A previously reported method for preparation of gold (111) single-crystal utramicroelectrodes (scumes) has been used to fabricate gold (100) scumes with effective diameters from 20 to 50 microm. Cyclic voltammograms for these ultramicroelectrodes obtained in perchloric acid show similar features to gold (100) single-crystal electrodes of more conventional sizes, but with differences that are a result of different surface preparation methods used before the measurement. The gold crystals used to prepare Au (100) scumes were grown at room temperature so that the cyclic voltammetric characteristics reflect the unique properties of a room temperature-ordered surface. The AFM images of the (100) facets of these crystals are also presented. The effects of annealing Au (100) at 800 degrees C for a short time were studied both electrochemically and using AFM and are discussed with respect to the data obtained for crystals grown at room temperature.     

Learning from Le Corbusier and Lubetkin: the work of Ryder and Yates

In 1953, two young committed modernists, Gordon Ryder and Peter Yates, set up in architectural practice in Newcastle upon Tyne. The time was not propitious; provincial architecture was still dominated by an outworn pre-war classical model, and the North East region was no exception. But Ryder and Yates' modernist credentials were impeccable; Yates had been a pupil of Peter Moro and had worked in Paris for Clive Entwhistle, who introduced him to Le Corbusier. Ryder, fresh from a studio assistantship at Durham University, met Yates at Peterlee New Town in 1948. From 1953, when their practice was launched, until the late 1970s, Ryder and Yates produced a series of buildings of astonishing maturity within the Corbusian idiom, their zenith being major commissions in the 1960s for Northern Gas at Killingworth New Town, Northumberland. A diverse output of buildings for social housing, health and welfare, commerce, industry and entertainment, ensured their position as the region's premier architects, and brought them national acclaim; this study assesses the prevailing influence of their mentors, Le Corbusier and Berthold Lubetkin, throughout a quarter of a century of exemplary architectural practice.     

A lard trade mark disputed

Summary The chemical and physical characteristics of a sample of expressed pecan oil have been determined. The composition of a pecan oil, which had an iodine number of 100 and a saponification value of 190, has been determined with the following results: Glycerides of Per cent Oleic acid 77.8 Linolic acid 15.8 Myristic acid trace Palmitic acid 3.3 Stearic acid 1.9 Archidic acid 1 Unsaponifiable matter 35