Identifying Student Discussion in Computer-Mediated Problem Solving Chat

The COMPS project employs computer chat for students working in small groups solving classroom problems. This summer’s project aims to build computer classifiers that could effectively “look over the shoulders” of the students while working, to approximately recognize whether the students are engaging in productive discussion. Research questions are: can we write machine classifiers that can recognize reasoning, agreement, and disagreement in student discussions? Can we achieve this using only a common English vocabulary? Several thousand lines of COMPS transcripts were manually annotated. A topic modelling program was used to determine 10 main topics which appeared in the transcripts and the words in those topics. A Linear Classifier and a Support Vector Machine Classifier used the topic model to predict the annotation of each line of dialogue. To address the common English vocabulary research question, an intersection of many transcripts from different sources was combined with Google word lists and modified to accommodate text-chat conventions. In the normal vocabulary, we found f1 scores of 0.7 and above for reasoning. Using only common vocabulary, the scores were slightly lower. The next step is to train our topic model on a combination of transcripts and apply it to other transcripts from different student discussions

IT usage for enhancing trade show performance: evidence from the aviation services

Purpose While trade shows remain an important customer relationship management (CRM) tool, recent advancements in information technology (IT) have raised concerns about the future of trade shows. This study aims to examine the antecedents and consequences of IT integration into trade shows. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a questionnaire-based survey with senior and middle managers in the aviation services, resulting in 135 valid responses from industry professionals. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Findings The findings demonstrate differential but significant impact of perceptions toward website design and firm motivations toward the integration IT in the three stages of trade shows marketing. The results also show significant impact of IT usage on the perceptions toward the accomplishment of trade show objectives. Further, the results vary according to the levels of experience of the professionals. Research limitations/implications This study did not account for the differences in perceptions toward IT implementation across personnel from different departments, such as IT, finance and operations management. In addition, it did not examine situational factors and individual characteristics as additional antecedents of IT usage in trade shows, including pricing, return on investment, convenience and the social media. Practical implications Exhibitors are advised to integrate IT in supporting pre-trade show activities to approach potential customers. Exhibitors should integrate electronic interactions and personal communications during the show to reduce the amount of unanswered customer queries, focusing on timeliness and accuracy of information content, ease of navigation and graphic attractiveness of corporate websites, as effective CRM tools. Originality/value This paper offers novel insights into hitherto unknown aspects of trade show performance. The results have managerial implications for adopting IT as a CRM tool for effective trade show management

Effective Lagrangian with vector mesons : Linear response theory

The soliton breathing mode is investigated in the framework of linear response theory within a Skyrme model vector meson stabilized. The effective Lagrangian considered includes the $\rho$ (introduced following the standard prescription of nonlinear chiral symmetry) and the $\omega$ mesons. The monopole response function is found to have a pronounced peak which is identified to the $P11$ (Roper) resonance. The results are compared to those obtained within the local approximation.Comment: 8 pages of plain Latex and 2 figures (available from the author), preprint LPN 93-12 and IPNO/TH 93-4

On the role of vector mesons in topological soliton stability

Isospin one vector mesons (in particular the $\rho$) are usually described as massive Yang-Mills particles in the chiral Lagrangian. We investigate some aspects of an alternative approach in the soliton sector. It is found that the soliton is stable in very much the same way as with the $\omega$-meson and that spontaneous parity violating classical solutions do not exist. The formulation in terms of antisymmetric tensors is shown to be canonically related to a vector field description provided the Skyrme term is added to the latter.Comment: 10 pages, plain TEX, 1 figure (not included) IPN Orsay report IPNO/TH 92-8

Formulations of spin 1 resonances in the chiral lagrangian

Equivalence of the hidden local symmetry formulation with non-minimal interactions and the anti-symmetric tensor field method of $\rho$ and $a_1$ mesons in the chiral lagrangian is shown by using the auxiliary field method. Violation of the KSRF I relation, which becomes important in the application of chiral lagrangian to {\em non QCD-like} technicolor models can be parametrized by non-minimal coupling in the hidden local symmetry formalism keeping low energy theorem of hidden local symmetry. We also obtain explicit correspondence of parameters in both formulations.Comment: 14 pages, late

Selective modulation of protein C affinity for EPCR and phospholipids by Gla domain mutation

Uniquely amongst vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteins, protein C interacts via its Gla domain both with a receptor, the endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR), and with phospholipids. We have studied naturally occurring and recombinant protein C Gla domain variants for soluble (s)EPCR binding, cell surface activation to activated protein C (APC) by the thrombin-thrombomodulin complex, and phospholipid dependent factor Va (FVa) inactivation by APC, to establish if these functions are concordant. Wild-type protein C binding to sEPCR was characterized with surface plasmon resonance to have an association rate constant of 5.23 x 10(5) m(-1).s(-1), a dissociation rate constant of 7.61 x 10(-2) s(-1) and equilibrium binding constant (K(D)) of 147 nm. It was activated by thrombin over endothelial cells with a K(m) of 213 nm and once activated to APC, rapidly inactivated FVa. Each of these interactions was dramatically reduced for variants causing gross Gla domain misfolding (R-1L, R-1C, E16D and E26K). Recombinant variants Q32A, V34A and D35A had essentially normal functions. However, R9H and H10Q/S11G/S12N/D23S/Q32E/N33D/H44Y (QGNSEDY) variants had slightly reduced (< twofold) binding to sEPCR, arising from an increased rate of dissociation, and increased K(m) (358 nm for QGNSEDY) for endothelial cell surface activation by thrombin. Interestingly, these variants had greatly reduced (R9H) or greatly enhanced (QGNSEDY) ability to inactivate FVa. Therefore, protein C binding to sEPCR and phospholipids is broadly dependent on correct Gla domain folding, but can be selectively influenced by judicious mutation

The Breathing Mode in Extended Skyrme Model

We study an extended Skyrme model which includes fourth and sixth-order terms. We explore some static properties like the $\Delta$-nucleon mass splitting and investigate the Skyrmion breathing mode in the framework of the linear response theory. We find that the monopole response function has a pronounced peak located at $\sim$ 400 MeV, which we identify to the Roper resonance $N(1440)$. As compared to the standard one, the extended Skyrme model provides a more accurate description of baryon properties.Comment: 12 pages of plain Latex and 3 figures (available from the authors), preprint IPNO/TH 93-0

The marketing of lesser known tropical hardwoods in the U.K

The present study set out to identify and analyse the relative importance of the various factors which affect the acceptance of lesser-known Tropical Hardwood species. Two different groups of factors were analysed, physical/technical factors and marketing factors, emphasis was placed on the second group. To achieve the above stated objective, it was regarded as essential to examine the two main market intermediaries, the merchants/importers and the end-users. Therefore, two main surveys were conducted: (a) Merchants/importers. The effect of the various marketing efforts on the eventual outcome of lesser-known specie introductions were examined. A further, smaller, survey was found to be necessary on the perception and beliefs of the sales-staff of the importing firms. Their perception of well established and lesser-known species was examined. (b) End-users. The perceptions of various end-users/end-use segments was examined. The underlying reasons which dictate the choice of different species and the influence of the various marketing activities on such decisions were established. The research was based on postal questionnaires (different ones for each survey) which were designed following depth interviews and pilot studies. Following a detailed analysis and interpretation of the replies to the surveys, an attempt has been made to apply these findings in order to design a meaningful marketing strategy. A total marketing plan is proposed and particular emphasis is placed on screening the potential of lesser-known species and the communication mix to be used during the stages of introduction. One of the main findings was the degree of uniqueness of each particular introduction of a lesser-known specie. This finding, together with the structure of the customers of each merchant and the finding that what constitutes a lesser-known specie is a matter of perception, presented a very complex matrix of alternative marketing strategies. But one thing which has become clear is that a well designed framework is absolutely necessary if lesser-known specie(s) are to be marketed successfully