Information theory and representation in associative word learning

A significant portion of early language learning can be viewed as an associative learning problem. We investigate the use of associative language learning based on the principle that words convey Shannon information about the environment. We discuss the shortcomings in representation used by previous associative word learners and propose a functional representation that not only denotes environmental categories, but serves as the basis for activities and interaction with the environment. We present experimental results with an autonomous agent acquiring language

The strategic approach to studying, and the value of assessment

In this paper I seek to reflexively theorise the following pedagogical problem: why do so many students adopt a strategic approach to studying and value assessment for the grade awarded rather than as a learning opportunity? Firstly, I differentiate my sociological perspective from the phenomenographic perspective, and argue that the strategic approach is worthy of serious analysis. Secondly, I deploy the concepts social character and the social individual to argue that the strategic approach is a product of extrinsic rather than intrinsic forces: it emanates from within the social relations of contemporary capitalism. Thirdly, I frame the strategic approach as academic labour using concepts from Marx’s labour theory of value: use and exchange value, concrete and abstract labour. This enables me to explain how assessment has become commodified and why students have a limiting quasi-market concept of value that privileges grades over learning. Finally, I argue that Marx’s dialectical method of enquiry enables practitioners to not only deconstruct the strategic approach to studying but also to challenge it

Building capacity for policy analysis

This paper attempts to examine the concept and scope of policy analysis and to distill the lessons of experience in building the capacity for policy analysis in a number of developing countries over the past three decades. It concludes that strategies for developing indigenous capabilities for policy analysis will vary from country to country. In countries where non-government clientele and sources of support are limited but government is interested, the initial focus should be on strengthening government capability. Countries where there is demand for policy analysis in both the government and private sector may be ripe for arm's length centers for policy analysis. If such centers are not appropriate, private sector associations could help set up policy analysis units. In countries where the private sector is weak, academic institutions with close links to government may help create some local capability.Poverty Assessment,ICT Policy and Strategies,Geographical Information Systems,Inequality,Achieving Shared Growth

THE QUANTITATIVE ISOLATION OF 'INSOLUBLE ORGANIC MATTER' (IOM) FROM SEDIMENTS AND BACTERIA, AND ITS ATTEMPTED DISSOLUTION USING THE IONIC LIQUID l-ETHYL-3- METHYLIMIDAZOLIUM CHLORIDE-ALUMINIUM (HI) CHLORIDE

Organic matter which is insoluble in common solvents and non-oxidising acids often comprises the quantitatively most important fraction of organic matter in sediments. This operationally defined material is usually simply termed 'insoluble organic matter' (IOM) or 'kerogen' when it is isolated from ancient sediments. Indeed, kerogen is regarded as the most abundant form of carbon on the planet. The molecular character of this generic material has not been fully elucidated, principally because of its insolubility which limits instrumental methods of analysis to those applicable to solid substrates. This thesis describes the quantitative isolation of IOM from lacustrine and marine sediments and two species of methanogenic bacteria using a sequential isolation procedure. A range of synthetic IOMs (melanoidins) was also prepared. The dissolution of IOM and melanoidins obtained in this manner was then attempted using the acidic ionic liquid l-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride-aluminium (III) chloride. Two synthetic dendrimers containing similar functional groups to those observed in sedimentary IOM were used to try and assess the mode of action of the ionic liquid. Ionic liquid treatment of the DCM soluble dendrimers resulted in the formation of 7 - 62 % of material that was no longer soluble in DCM, whilst the soluble components had been substantially altered. The ionic liquid was found to non-quantitatively promote ether cleavage, protonation and rearrangement reactions. IOM was isolated from lacustrine Rostherne Mere, UK, sediments (7 - 3 0 % dry weight), Kimmeridge Clay, Dorset (11 - 12 %) and methanogenic bacteria (Methanococcus jannaschii, 3 %; Methanobacterium thermoaiitotrophicum, 0.1 %) using a time-consuming isolation procedure involving over forty separate chemical manipulations. Monitoring of the sequential isolation of IOM and characterisation of the final isolates was carried out using solid-state NMR, IR, elemental analysis, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), scanning electron microscopy, and the newer surface sensitive technique of time of flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Less than 1 % of sedimentary IOM and 5 % of Kimmeridge Clay IOM was soluble in DCM following ionic liquid treatment, whilst alkyl chains were lost from the insoluble portion which also increased in aromaticity. The poor yield recovered following ionic liquid treatment of M. jannaschii IOM (5 %) was attributed to loss of volatile material during hydrolysis. Following ionic liquid treatment 93 - 96 % of the melanoidins remained insoluble in DCM although their character had been altered, becoming more condensed. This ionic liquid dissolution procedure has not provided the substantial progress in elucidating the molecular character of IOM promised by earlier reports

The influence of loess on the formation and morphology of Mountview and Dickson soils in Robertson County, Tennessee

The upland soils in the northwestern region of the Highland Rim are quite similar in properties and behavior to those soils of the eastern Rim, yet the Mountview and Dickson soils as observed in Robert-son County are generally more productive than their counterparts on the eastern section of the Rim. Also, the productivity varies considerably within Robertson County. Can the increased productivity be attributed to differences in the silty mantle, geologic substrata, or a combination of these components? Wascher et al. (29) traced loess deposits from the bluffs to the western side of the Highland Rim, so there is evidence that these soils formed in a thin loess blanket. Gass (6) concluded from his studies of Mountview and Holston series that the sola of these upland soils on the eastern side of the Rim were formed in parent materials of aeolian origin, i.e., loess. However, this evidence needs further substantiation for the northern portion of the Highland Rim. The nature of the material below the solum is questionable in certain areas. Is the substratum of residual, alluvial, or aeolian origin, and what is its effect on the solum? It is generally known that the substrata vary according to geologic formation, amount of erosion. and past stream influence. An attempt will be made in this study to ascertain some of the properties of the substrata and relate them to the sola. It is generally apparent that the Montview and Dickson soils developed in silty parent materials over fine textured residual substrata in the southern part of the county, where the soils are isolated on narrow ridge crests. However, this distinction becomes obscure toward the northern part of the county, where the silty layer thickens over purer limestone formation on more level topography. The Crider soil is more common than Mountview in this section of the county. The situation is complicated in northern areas by previous stream influence on the landscape. There is speculation that parent materials of the substrata in Crider, and possibly some Mountview soils, may have been transported by water, just as it is believed that parent materials of the solum were transported by wind before these soils developed in situ. However, there is some evidence that the substrata were developed in advance of loess deposition, as may be surmised from this investiga-tion of the Mountview, Crider, and Dickson soils

Supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health issues: service users’ experiences

Aim The aim of this research project was to enable the active involvement of adults with learning disabilities, who live in community settings, in producing knowledge about their perspectives of the care and support they had experienced in relation to their mental ill-health. Background The viewpoints of service users with learning disabilities and mental health issues about their care and support have been paid minimal attention in the research literature. Methodology Hollway and Jefferson’s (2000, 2013) psychosocial research approach was employed to facilitate the involvement of seven service users, who reside in community settings, in data production relating to their mental health care. Data was also obtained from consultations with key carers and records kept by service providers. Results Information gained from participants highlighted the diverse painful experiences and events in their life histories, and the increase in awareness of the mental health and emotional issues experienced by individuals with learning disabilities. Conclusions Some findings resonate with those of other studies, and recommendations concerning service users are indicated, which have relevance for those engaged in policy making, service provision and practice