Architecture of a Web-based Predictive Editor for Controlled Natural Language Processing

In this paper, we describe the architecture of a web-based predictive text editor being developed for the controlled natural language PENG^{ASP). This controlled language can be used to write non-monotonic specifications that have the same expressive power as Answer Set Programs. In order to support the writing process of these specifications, the predictive text editor communicates asynchronously with the controlled natural language processor that generates lookahead categories and additional auxiliary information for the author of a specification text. The text editor can display multiple sets of lookahead categories simultaneously for different possible sentence completions, anaphoric expressions, and supports the addition of new content words to the lexicon

Attempto - From Specifications in Controlled Natural Language towards Executable Specifications

Deriving formal specifications from informal requirements is difficult since one has to take into account the disparate conceptual worlds of the application domain and of software development. To bridge the conceptual gap we propose controlled natural language as a textual view on formal specifications in logic. The specification language Attempto Controlled English (ACE) is a subset of natural language that can be accurately and efficiently processed by a computer, but is expressive enough to allow natural usage. The Attempto system translates specifications in ACE into discourse representation structures and into Prolog. The resulting knowledge base can be queried in ACE for verification, and it can be executed for simulation, prototyping and validation of the specification.Comment: 15 pages, compressed, uuencoded Postscript, to be presented at EMISA Workshop 'Naturlichsprachlicher Entwurf von Informationssystemen - Grundlagen, Methoden, Werkzeuge, Anwendungen', May 28-30, 1996, Ev. Akademie Tutzin

Specifying Logic Programs in Controlled Natural Language

Writing specifications for computer programs is not easy since one has to take into account the disparate conceptual worlds of the application domain and of software development. To bridge this conceptual gap we propose controlled natural language as a declarative and application-specific specification language. Controlled natural language is a subset of natural language that can be accurately and efficiently processed by a computer, but is expressive enough to allow natural usage by non-specialists. Specifications in controlled natural language are automatically translated into Prolog clauses, hence become formal and executable. The translation uses a definite clause grammar (DCG) enhanced by feature structures. Inter-text references of the specification, e.g. anaphora, are resolved with the help of discourse representation theory (DRT). The generated Prolog clauses are added to a knowledge base. We have implemented a prototypical specification system that successfully processes the specification of a simple automated teller machine.Comment: 16 pages, compressed, uuencoded Postscript, published in Proceedings CLNLP 95, COMPULOGNET/ELSNET/EAGLES Workshop on Computational Logic for Natural Language Processing, Edinburgh, April 3-5, 199

Attempto Controlled English (ACE)

Attempto Controlled English (ACE) allows domain specialists to interactively formulate requirements specifications in domain concepts. ACE can be accurately and efficiently processed by a computer, but is expressive enough to allow natural usage. The Attempto system translates specification texts in ACE into discourse representation structures and optionally into Prolog. Translated specification texts are incrementally added to a knowledge base. This knowledge base can be queried in ACE for verification, and it can be executed for simulation, prototyping and validation of the specification.Comment: 13 pages, compressed, uuencoded Postscript, to be presented at CLAW 96, The First International Workshop on Controlled Language Applications, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 26-27 March 199

Learning Effect Axioms via Probabilistic Logic Programming

In this paper we showed how we can automatically learn the structure and parameters of probabilistic effect axioms for the Simple Event Calculus (SEC) from positive and negative example interpretations stated as short dialogue sequences in natural language. We used the cplint framework for this task that provides libraries for structure and parameter learning and for answering queries with exact and inexact inference. The example dialogues that are used for learning the structure of the probabilistic logic program are parsed into dependency structures and then further translated into the Event Calculus notation with the help of a simple ontology. The novelty of our approach is that we can not only process uncertainty in event recognition but also learn the structure of effect axioms and combine these two sources of uncertainty to successfully answer queries under this probabilistic setting. Interestingly, our extension of the logic-based version of the SEC is completely elaboration-tolerant in the sense that the probabilistic version fully includes the logic-based version. This makes it possible to use the probabilistic version of the SEC in the traditional way as well as when we have to deal with uncertainty in the observed world. In the future, we would like to extend the probabilistic version of the SEC to deal -- among other things -- with concurrent actions and continuous change

An evaluation of portfolio assessment in an undergraduate Web Technology unit

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of the portfolio assessment task with a particular reference to the effect on student's perception of the feedback they received in the unit. Our primary question is whether portfolio assessment provides better opportunities for feedback to students and whether this improves their learning experience as a result. In evaluating this new assessment method, we are also aware of the potential for generating excessive load on teaching staff; hence a secondary question is whether this mode of assessment can be managed within reasonable workload for the teaching staff

Regional myocardial ischemia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Impact of myectomy

AbstractObjectiveChest pain is a common finding in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and can be observed in 40% to 50% of all patients. However, the pathogenesis of these ischemia-like symptoms is still unclear.MethodsTwenty-two patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 15 controls underwent positron emission tomography for evaluation of regional myocardial perfusion and coronary flow reserve (hyperemic/baseline myocardial blood flow). Myocardial perfusion (mL/min/g) was measured using [13N]ammonia at rest and during hyperemia with dipyridamole (0.56 mg/kg intravenously). Regional coronary flow reserve was assessed in 3 planes (apical, midventricular, basal) in 4 regions (septal, anterior, lateral, inferior). Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 11 patients treated with surgical myectomy (age 56 ± 10 years) and group 2 consisted of 11 patients treated medically (age 53 ± 13 years).ResultsMean global coronary flow reserve was 3.87 ± 0.92 in controls but 2.31 ± 0.40 in operated (P < .001 vs controls) and 1.76 ± 0.58 in medically treated patients (P < .001 vs controls, P < .05 vs operated). Similarly, septal coronary flow reserve was 4.19 ± 1.22 in controls but significantly reduced in operated patients (2.26 ± 0.48, P < .001 vs controls) and in medically treated patients (1.76 ± 0.58; P < .001 vs controls). However, septal flow reserve was significantly higher in operated patients than in patients with medically treated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (+37%, P < .05), mainly due to a reduced resting myocardial perfusion.ConclusionsGlobal and regional myocardial perfusion is reduced in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, myectomy may have a beneficial effect on septal perfusion and flow reserve. Thus, ischemia seems to play an important role in the symptomatology and pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy