The purpose of the study reported in this paper is to investigate how local focusing structure, analysed in terms of Centering Theory (Grosz, Joshi & Weinstein, 1995), and global d iscourse structure, analysed in terms of discourse segments and discourse segment purposes (Grosz & Sidner, 1986), interact. Swedish dialogue was analysed according to Centering Theory and Grosz and Sidners (1986) di...

A case study on automotive lane centering control is examined in Hybrid Event-B (an extension of Event-B that includes provision for continuously varying behaviour as well as the usual discrete changes of state). This allows aspects beyond the reach of a discrete Event-B treatment to be more deeply investigated. Lane centering offers particular challenges concerning how the monitoring of contin...

In the last two decades, there has been an increasing interest in structural engineering control methods. Shape memory alloys and seismic isolation systems are examples of passive control systems that use of any one alone, effectively improve the seismic performance of the structure. Characteristics such as large strain range without any residual deformation, high damping capacity, excellent re...

We consider the effect on estimation of simultaneous variable centering and interaction effects in linear regression. We technically define, review, and amplify many of the statistical issues for interaction models with centering in order to create a useful and compact reference for teachers, students, and applied researchers. In addition, we investigate a sequence of models that have an intera...

This paper presents our preliminary work in developing a Natural Language Processing (NLP)-enhanced Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) program for Japanese learners that supports reading comprehension and writing revision process with focus on zero anaphora. We first discuss the pedagogical status of zero anaphora in a Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) learning environment, and argue ...

Many efforts in corpora annotation start with segmenting discourse into units of analysis. In this paper, we present a method for deciding on segmentation units within Centering Theory (Grosz, Joshi, & Weinstein, 1995). We survey the different existing methods to break down discourse into utterances and discuss the results of a comparison study among them. The contribution of our study is that ...

Computational research on reference resolution has mostly focused on pronouns and, to a lesser extent, on definite descriptions. We present a computational treatment of other-anaphora, i.e., noun phrases modified by “other” and “another”. The approach presented here is a lexical method LEX that finds antecedents on the basis of information in WordNet. LEX is compared with the state-of-the-art p...

of verbs in Japanese, given that the number of candidate antecedents exceeds that of the zero anaphors. Their use of functional notions, viz. topicality and empathy, naturally extend the role preferences of the underlying centering model, but unlike our case, no structural ambiguities are involved. In contrast, our approach applies to the representation of both types of ambiguities. We motivate...

This paper illustrates the results of an experimental campaign performed on a scale prototype base dissipator called Mini Tribological ROCKing Seismic Isolation Device. device allows smooth, controlled and damped rocking by means frictional layers viscous elastic springs, which aim at decoupling frequencies superstructure, dissipating energy during motion re-centering system once external actio...