Incremental Interpretation: Applications, Theory, and Relationship to Dynamic Semantics

Why should computers interpret language incrementally? In recent years psycholinguistic evidence for incremental interpretation has become more and more compelling, suggesting that humans perform semantic interpretation before constituent boundaries, possibly word by word. However, possible computational applications have received less attention. In this paper we consider various potential applications, in particular graphical interaction and dialogue. We then review the theoretical and computational tools available for mapping from fragments of sentences to fully scoped semantic representations. Finally, we tease apart the relationship between dynamic semantics and incremental interpretation.Comment: Procs. of COLING 94, LaTeX (2.09 preferred), 8 page

Geometry and dynamics of vortex sheets in 3 dimensions

We consider the properties and dynamics of vortex sheets from a geometrical, coordinate-free, perspective. Distribution-valued forms (de Rham currents) are used to represent the fluid velocity and vorticity due to the vortex sheets. The smooth velocities on either side of the sheets are solved in terms of the sheet strengths using the language of double forms. The classical results regarding the continuity of the sheet normal component of the velocity and the conservation of vorticity are exposed in this setting. The formalism is then applied to the case of the self-induced velocity of an isolated vortex sheet. We develop a simplified expression for the sheet velocity in terms of representative curves. Its relevance to the classical Localized Induction Approximation (LIA) to vortex filament dynamics is discusse

If, At First, The Idea is Not Absurd, Then There is No Hope For It: Towards 15 MtC in the UK Transport Sector.

This paper examines the possibilities of reducing transport carbon dioxide emissions in the UK by 60 per cent by 2030 using a modified scenario building and backcasting approach. It examines a range of policy measures (behavioural and technological), assessing how they can be effectively combined to achieve the required level of emissions reduction. The intention is to evaluate whether such an ambitious target is feasible, identify the main problems (including the transition costs), and the main decision points over the 30-year time horizon. This paper outlines the first stages of the research, providing: An introduction to futures studies, including a review of forecasting, scenario building and backcasting approaches; An assessment of the UK transport sector's contribution to climate change and global warming, and; Setting targets for 2030, forecasting the business as usual situation for all forms of transport in the UK, and assessing the scale of change in terms of achieving the emissions reductions. The benefits of scenario building and backcasting are that innovative packages of policy measures can be developed to address emissions reduction targets. It allows trend-breaking analysis, by highlighting the policy and planning choices to be made by identifying those key stakeholders that should be included in the process, and by making an assessment of the main decision points that have to be made (the step changes). It also provides a longer-term background against which more detailed analysis can take place.