bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Children's speech act comprehension strategies and early literacy experiences
Authors: Reeder Kenneth , Wakefield Jane , Shapiro Jon 
Published: March 2007

Our previous research showed a developmental shift in young children's speech act processing, from more context-dependent to more lan guage-dependent strategies. To what extent is this shift related to early literacy experiences and knowledge? The first study examined the speech act comprehension of 64 three- and four-year-old subjects from a university preschool. Subjects were required to choose one of two paraphrases which most closely matched the pragmatic intention of a stimulus utterance. These stimulus forms were presented with puppets in a simulated preschool context previ ously shown to predispose children's interpretations of stimulus items toward request uptakes. Subjects were exposed to both grammatical and ungrammatical examples of a range of these request types. Dif ferences in literacy experience were identified by means of a parental questionnaire. All subjects discriminated pragmatic intention significantly more reliably on grammatical items than on ungrammatical ones, but children with more extensive experiences of literacy performed poorly on the ungrammatical input, regardless of age. A second study of 41 children investigated the links between their early concepts about literacy and speech act comprehension strategies. Performance on the speech act comprehension task was analysed by grouping subjects according to their performance on two separate measures of early concepts of literacy, Clay's Concepts About Print, and Downing's Linguistic Awareness in Reading Readiness, with age group confounded. Children on the higher ends of both literacy measures again experienced difficulty when confronted with ungrammatical input in the speech act comprehension task. Results of both studies are interpreted in the context of the develop ment of linguistic awareness, and within the larger framework of the development of metacognitive representational ability.
Culture and Network Institutions in Hong Kong: A Hierarchy of Perspectives. A Response to Wilkinson: 'Culture, Institutions and Business in East Asia'
Authors: Lowe Sid 
Published: March 2007

In response to Barry Wilkinson's (1996) criticisms of the culturalist and institutionalist explanations of the structure of business in East Asia, this paper examines the influence of culture at the macro- and meso-level of business activity in Hong Kong. Aspects of Wilkinson's critique are criticized as unhelpful, whereas other aspects of it are taken as valid and are addressed. A theoretical framework is outlined which synthesises culturalist and institutionalist explanations constituted by combinations of models from formal market and hierarchy perspectives and informal network perspectives. This enables sufficient complexity to identify cultural influences, and reflects a general submission that only complex models contain the multiple social, political, economic and other influences inherent in cultural investigation. Simple organizational models, based upon assumptions of the market, are shown to be culture-bound in Anglo-Saxon ethnocentrism and of little validity in the Hong Kong context. The considerable methodological problems and research issues associated with this desirable synthesis of the culturalist and institutionalist explanations are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed upon the relevance of a 'network' approach, along with implications for 'strategy'. In addition, the implications for the promotion of 'intercultural' and interdisciplinary approaches amongst social scientists interested in Hong Kong and other 'Confucian Dynamic' economies are outlined.
Betwixt and between: Temporary Employees as Liminal Subjects in Flexible Organizations
Authors: Garsten Christina 
Published: March 2007

As organizations change to become more flexible and transient, the use of a flexible workforce becomes an attractive solution. Temporary employees are here tentatively viewed as being `betwixt and between' organizational structures, in transit between the relatively fixed positions of full-time, regular employment. Building on previous fieldwork and recent interviews among temporary employees in Sweden and the US, the notion of liminality is employed to explore aspects of temporary work. The liminal position of `temporaries', it is suggested, is an ambiguous position involving both risks and opportunities for individuals, temporary staffing agencies, and client organizations alike. It may be seen as a seedbed of cultural creativity, where old perspectives on work and subjectivity are contested and new ones created. Related to the transient, mobile character of temporary employment, is an enhanced awareness of substitutability and a continuous reflexive monitoring of manners and competencies. Furthermore, the mobile and temporary character of assignments lead to the development of transient and episodic imagined communities of the workplace. Through the lens of liminality then, temporal and contractual flexibilization of work is seen to challenge the old boundaries of industrial society and to suggest new ways of organizing and experiencing work, as well as new ways of constructing organizational subjectivity.
Family Financial Security Education
Authors: Wilhelms Fred T. 
Published: March 2007

From insight to action; from words to brass tacks. Always the gap is a big one, where our curriculum is concerned. And always to fill the gap, must come the hard engineering phase— tooling up for the new assignment. Behind terms like "the imperative needs of youth" and "life adjustment education" stand insights that open up a radically new approach to building a school. Yet, until years of hard spade- work is done, they are only words. To make an intelligent choice, principals and other curriculum workers need a crisp prospectus of alternative possibilities, a clean-cut picture of desired objec tives and working content. Busy teachers need teaching tools, well-tried guides to ways of doing the job, instructional resources for their students. This is the story of what one group, in one area of the cur riculum, is doing to change "education for economic competence" from a group of words into sound, workable practice. They are hammering out the stuff that teachers need. If you wish to help your students better to meet the realities of life with wisdom and organized common sense, get the materials listed at the end of this article. They are not the final word—not by a long shot— but they will provide a running start.— Editor.
1 The Secret of the Open Society
Authors: Bieri Ernst 
Published: March 2007

DESPITE the great diversity of the Atlantic Community and the whole West, there is a constant core of principles and values on which a large majority of educated men of good will can agree. These principles are rooted in a fundamental belief in the dignity of man and the worth of the individual. These beliefs are shared by a large number of nations and peoples all over the world, not only in the Atlantic area. The fact that they were orig inally Western conceptions does not detract from their universal nature and application. These are the values enshrined in the United Nations Charter of Human Rights and, to a large extent, reflected in the constitutions of nearly every new state, as well as those of the older ones.
The Revolutionary Movement in Secondary Education Throughout the World
Authors: Read Gerald 
Published: March 2007

The main goal of the worldwide revolution in secondary education is to bring all of the chil dren of all the people into secondary schools. It started in the U.S. and has spread to every technologically advanced nation. It brought as- yet unresolved problems here; it is bringing similar problems elsewhere. Here is a penetrating, wide-ranging analysis of this world revolution, based on a five-year cross-national, interdisciplinary study.
Multiple Ways to a More Humane School
Authors: Wilhelms Fred T. 
Published: March 2007

Defining terms is difficult. In this article and the two which follow, well-known spokesmen for humanizing education tackle the job of defining a very broad concept. Wilhelms warns readers not to limit their own definitions of the concept of humanization to kindliness and affection alone. He asks school administrators to pursue its "tougher dimen sions."
Print
Authors: Tagg Lawrence 
Published: March 2007

The 1988 Investors Companion to the Top 100 UK Companies, published by Financial Times Business Information Limited, 7th Floor, 50-64 Broadway, London SW1H 0DB. Tel. 01-799 2002. £15.95, ISBN 185334 012X. Keyguide to Information Sources in Business Ethics by Francis P. McHugh, published by Mansell Publishing Limited, Artillery House, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT. Tel. 01-222 7676. £28.00, ISBN 0 720118492. The Counties and Regions of the UK: Economic, Industrial and Social Trends in Local Authority Areas, compiled by David Mort, University of Warwick Business Information Service, published by Gower Publishing Company Limited, Gower House, Croft Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3HR. Tel. 0252 331551. £27.50, ISBN 0 566 02755 0.
A High-Resolution Imaging Touch Sensor
Authors: Hillis W. Daniel 
Published: March 2007

A dexterous robot manipulator must be able to feel what it is doing. The mechanical hand of the future will be able to roll a screw between its fingers and sense, by touch, which end is which. This paper describes a step toward such a manipulator, an imaging tactile sensor with hundreds of pressure sensors in a space the size of a fingertip. The sensor was designed as part of a tendon-actuated mechan ical finger, similar in size and range of motion to a human index finger (Hillis 1981). As a demonstration, the device was programmed to distinguish among several commonly used fastening devices—nuts, bolts, flat washers, lock washers, dowel pins, cotter pins, and set screws—by touching them with the finger and analyzing the tactile image. This paper describes how the tactile sensor array was constructed and how it works. The simple pattern- recognition techniques used in the demonstration program are also outlined. The final section notes some promising directions for future research.
Inverse Dynamics and Kinematics of Multi- Link Elastic Robots: An Iterative Frequency Domain Approach
Authors: Bayo Eduardo , Papadopoulos Philip , Stubbe James , Serna Miguel Angel 
Published: March 2007

A technique is presented and experimentally validated for solving the inverse dynamics and kinematics of multi-link flexible robots. The proposed method finds the joint torques necessary to produce a specified end-effector motion. Since the inverse dynamic problem in elastic manipulators is closely coupled to the inverse kinematic problem, the solution of the first also renders the displacements and rotations at any point of the manipulator, including the joints. Further more the formulation is complete in the sense that it includes all the nonlinear terms due to the large rotation of the links. The Timoshenko beam theory is used to model the elastic characteristics, and the resulting equations of motion are discretized using the finite element method. An iterative solu tion scheme is proposed that relies on local linearization of the problem. The solution of each linearization is carried out in the frequency domain. The performance and capabilities of this technique are tested, first through simulation analysis, and second through experimental validation using feed-forward control. Results show the potential use of this method not only for open-loop control, but also for incorporation in feedback control strate gies. 1. This section contains a revised and corrected formulation of open-chain case. A previous method reported by the first author in: Computed Torque for the Fosition Control of Open-Chain Flexible Robots. Proc. 1988 IEEE International Conference in Robotics and Automation contained an error.
The Tethered Robot Problem
Authors: Sinden F.W. 
Published: March 2007

Robot vehicles tethered to fixed bases move about in a com mon region. To perform its task, each vehicle must visit a prespecified set of locations. This paper discusses the problem of controlling the vehicles so that they do not tangle their tethers. The problem arises, for example, in connection with small air-bearing supported vehicles used to fetch parts for mechanical assembly. The tethers in this case are "umbilical cords" carrying compressed air, power, and signals. The tethered robot problem can be seen as a special case of the general problem of scheduling the motions of several cooperating robots. In more conventional cases the robot's manipulator is connected to the base by a series ofjointed members whose movements in 3D space are quite compli cated. The tethered robot problem considered here is much simpler because the manipulators (vehicles) move in only two dimensions, and they are connected to their bases in the geometrically simplest way. Relatively large numbers of teth ered robots may be able to share a common space without undue complication. Such sharing can greatly increase the ef ficiency and flexibility with which an array ofprocessing equipment can be used. The technical problem outlined above leads in particular to the following mathematical problem: identify those rectilin ear drawings ( plane embeddings) of the complete bipartite graph K m,n whose edges can be colored with n colors so that no two edges of the same color have common points (includ ing endpoints). Solutions are presented for useful special cases. The general case of this apparently new problem re mains open.
The Motion of Planar, Compliantly Connected Rigid Bodies in Contact, With Applications to Automatic Fastening
Authors: Donald Bruce R. , Pai Dinesh K. 
Published: March 2007

We consider the problem of planning and predicting the mo tion of a flexible object amid obstacles in the plane. We model the flexible object as a rigid "root" body attached to compli ant members by torsional springs. The root's position may be controlled, but the compliant members move in response to forces from contact with the environment. Such a model en compasses several important and complicated mechanisms in mechanical design and automated assembly: snap-fasteners, latches, ratchet-and-pawl mechanisms, and escapements. The problem is to predict the motion of such a mechanism amid fixed obstacles. For example, our algorithm could be used to determine whether a snap-fastener design can be assembled with a certain plan. In this article we analyze the physics of these flexible de vices and develop combinatorially precise algorithms for predicting their movement under a motion plan. Our algo rithms determine when and where the motion will terminate and also compute the time history of contacts and mating forces. In addition to providing the first known exact algorithm that addresses flexibility in motion planning, we also note that our approach to compliance permits an exact algorithm for predicting motions under rotational compliance, which was not possible in earlier work. We discuss the following issues: the relevance of our ap proach to engineering (which we illustrate through examples we ran using our system), the computational methods em ployed, the algebraic techniques for predicting motions in contact with rotational compliance, and issues of robustness and stability of our geometric and algebraic algorithms. Our computational viewpoint lies in the interface between differen tial theories of mechanics and combinatorial collision detection algorithms. From this viewpoint, subtle mathematical difficul ties arise in predicting motions under rotational compliance, such as the forced nongenericity of the intersection problems encountered in configuration space. We discuss these problems and their solutions. Finally, we extend our work to predict the forces on the manipulated objects as a function of time and show how our algorithm can easily be extended to include uncertainty in control and initial conditions. With these extensions, we hope that our system could be used to analyze and design objects that are easy to assemble, even given control and sensing errors, and that require more force to disassemble than to mate.
Time-Optimal Trajectories for Mobile Robots With Two Independently Driven Wheels
Authors: Reister David B. , Pin François G. 
Published: March 2007

This article addresses the problem of time-optimal motions for a mobile platform in a planar environment. The platform has two nonsteerable, independently driven wheels. The overall mission of the robot is expressed in terms of a sequence of via points at which the platform must be at rest in a given configuration (position and orientation). The objective is to plan time-optimal trajectories between these configurations, assuming an unobstructed environment. Using Pontryagin's maximum principle (PMP), we formally demonstrate that all time-optimal motions of the platform for this problem occur for bang-bang controls on the wheels (at each instant, the acceleration on each wheel is at either its upper or its lower limit). The PMP, however, provides only the conditions necessary for time optimality. To find the time- optimal robot trajectories, we first parameterize the bang-bang trajectories using the switch times on the wheels (the times at which the wheel accelerations change sign). With this param eterization, we can fully search the robot trajectory space and find the switch times that will produce particular paths to a desired final configuration of the platform. We show numer ically that robot trajectories with three switch times (two on one wheel and one on the other) can reach any position, while trajectories with four switch times can reach any configuration. By numerical comparison with other trajectories involving sim ilar or greater numbers of switch times, we then identify the sets of time-optimal trajectories. These are uniquely defined using ranges of the parameters and consist of subsets of trajec tories with three switch times (for the problem when the final orientation of the robot is not specified) or four switch times (when a full final configuration is specified). We conclude with a description of the use of the method for trajectory planning for one of our robots and discuss some comparisons of sample time-optimal paths with minimum length paths.
Modeling of Flexible Manipulators Using Virtual Rigid Links and Passive Joints
Authors: Yoshikawa Tsuneo , Hosoda Koh 
Published: March 2007

In this article, to derive a dynamic model of a flexible manip ulator, a modeling scheme using virtual rigid links and passive jnints is proposed. Each link is modeled individually, and by connecting models of links, a model of the whole flexible arm is obtained. Parameters of the model of each link are identified by measuring characteristics of the real flexible link. Using this modeling scheme, it is easy to make a model of a multi-link flexible arm without taking the boundary conditions into ac count, and it is easy to understand the mechanism of the model of the whole flexible arm. First, the modeling scheme is proposed; then the equations of motion of an N-degree-of-freedom flexible manipulator using this modeling scheme are derived to simulate its dynamic behavior The results of simulation and experiment show the validity of this modeling scheme.
The Configuring of Judicial Preliminaries: Judges 1.1-2.5 and Its Dependence On the Book of Joshua
Authors: Younger K. Lawson 
Published: March 2007

The narration in Judges 1 is dependent from a literary standpoint on Joshua 13-19. It utilizes many of Joshua 13-19's macro-structures—with some expansions—to make explicit what Joshua only implies: the general success of Judah and the increasing failure of the other Israelite tnbes, especially Dan. These macro-structures include: 1) the use of a concentric design that parallels the roles of the tribes of Judah and Joseph; and 2) a geographically-arranged narration that delineates the moral degeneration of Israel. The latter employs a four-stage pattern (seen in the use of the terms yrš, yšb and ms) and builds to a literary climax and moral nadir in the Dan episode.
With the background in the foreground - Music among young Danes with immigrant backgrounds
Authors: Fock Eva 
Published: March 2007

'Cry, cry, cry, cry just a little bit...' With a tight rock beat and a backing group including choir and brass, the familiar sound of Shaky Steven comes out of the Copenhagen Channel of the Danish Radio on a warm summer afternoon in 1996. News items and short interviews alternate with music-easy-listening, Anglo-American, mainstream pop music. As Shaky Steven fades out the speaker says: 'Well, that was a pop song like pop songs are mostly. Like we are used to hearing them. Now you will hear an Arab love song'. The sound of a string instrument, probably a lotar, a four-string lure, takes over. In the background, one can hear the sounds of an informal gathering-this is not a real concert. A musician plays a simple melody a couple of times, then vocally joins in unison with the melody instrument. Another singer with a rough but relaxed voice takes over. The two singers alternate for a while, then the music fades out and the speaker re-enters, introducing the subsequent interview. This last piece of music creates a striking contrast in the soundscape. After hours of modern mainstream pop, a 20-year-old recording of traditional Moroccan folk music from the Southern part of the country really sounds strange. Without being rude, two words probably come into mind of the listener; folkloric and exotic. Why did the soundscape change so radically? The subsequent interview was about immigrants or more correctly about youngsters in Copenhagen with immigrant background. What made the speaker choose this kind of music as introduction to an interview about young people? When asked afterwards, she answered that 'she hadn't thought about it that way'.
Review : Excessive infantile crying: a review of the literature
Authors: long Tony 
Published: March 2007

■ Excessive infantile crying is a widespread problem which exerts a serious impact on families' lives. ■ The prevalence, cause, and treatment of the problem have been addressed in the literature for many years but with varying degrees of success. ■ Variation in definition of excessive crying leads to difficulty when comparing results between studies. ■ Flawed method and inadequate sampling characterise many studies in this field, often seriously limiting the usefulness of the findings. ■ Progress has been made in some aspects of excessive crying, and other approaches hold promise of success, but wide gaps remain with regard to cause and treatment.