Computer-based spelling remediation for dyslexic children

Abstract The SelfSpell programs provide a multi-media environment for dyslexic children which uses synthesised speech to augment the written text. In earlier research we established that by encouraging users to enter a rule to help them remember how to spell each word, SelfSpell was very effective in improving spelling ability. The evaluation study reported here confirmed the efficacy of the rule-based approach using a group of 11-year-old dyslexic children with severe impairments in spelling. Of particular theoretical significance, however, was the finding that use of a mastery learning technique for learning spellings was just as effective as the rule-based approach. These findings are interpreted in the light of Frith's influential framework for the development of reading and spelling ability. It is suggested that the multimedia presentation approach may provide a uniquely effective method for helping dyslexic children to acquire the 'alphabetic' stage of linguistic processing.     

Aurivillius phase formation in Nb2O5 − and Bi2O3 − doped BaTiO3

The reaction sequence in the BaTiO₃–Nb₂O₅–Bi₂O₃ system leading to the core-shell microstructure that causes the temperature-stable dielectric response has been examined using X-ray diffraction. The starting oxides react to form bismuth oxide layer Aurivillius phases at low temperatures which, in turn, react with remnant oxides to form the tetragonal tungsten bronze phase, Ba₄Bi₂Ti₄Nb₆O₃₀, which acts as the source of dopants responsible for core-shell formation.     

Energy relaxation in GaInAs/AlInAs heterojunctions and GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells

We have studied electron energy relaxation in GaInAs/AlInAs heterojunctions and GaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum wells using mobility measurements as a function of electric field and temperature, in the range 3K to 300K. The results in the range 3 to 20K show a power loss rate which is dependent on (T_e − T_l), suggesting that the energy relaxation occurs through acoustic phonon scattering. At electron temperatures greater than 20K, the experimental results are modelled using a standard expression for polar optical phonons. This modelling yields 30meV and 31meV for the polar optical phonon energy in GaAs and InGaAs respectively.     

THE EFFECT OF CATHODIC PROTECTION POTENTIAL ON CORROSION FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH RATE OF AN OFFSHORE STRUCTURAL STEEL

Abstract— Duplicate tests have been performed to determine the effect of cathodic protection potential on corrosion fatigue crack growth rate of a modern offshore structural steel, produced by thermo-mechanically controlled processes. The experiments were carried out using compact tension specimens exposed to artificial seawater at 10°C and subjected to constant amplitude loading at 0.35 Hz. Reproducible results showed that the merits of cathodic protection potentials are strongly dependent on stress intensity ratio R and stress intensity range Δ K . It appears that a specific value of cathodic potential may not give comprehensive protection against corrosion fatigue within the spectrum of variable amplitude loading experienced in service. Fractography showed the initiation of secondary cracks on the fracture surface to be associated with the dissolution of calcium sulphide inclusions, regardless of imposed cathodic potential.     

A study into the effects of personality type and methodology on cohesion in software engineering teams

The aim of the research described in this paper is to gain a qualitative understanding of how cohesiveness relates to personality type, performance and adherence to a particular software engineering methodology (XP). A variety of research methods were employed including ethnographic methods, questionnaires and interviews. An online personality test based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was used to ascertain the personality types, and questionnaires were used throughout the project to measure levels of cohesiveness. Examples of how the teams worked together throughout the project are described, and whether and how this relates to the personality types of the individual members. The results indicate that certain teams were found to work consistently well over the project due to homogeneity in personality type and others were found to be very cohesive due to a mixture of types.     

Steel protection capacity of polymeric based cement mortars against chloride and carbonation attacks studied using electrochemical polarization resistance

This work analyzes the protection capacity of modified Portland cement mortar with polymers: styrene butadiene, acrylic latex with reinforced plastic fibres and acrylic latex with silica fume, using the electrochemical polarization resistance (R_p) technique to monitor the behaviour of steel bars embedded in the specimens, when placed in environments with CO₂ and chloride. Results indicate that only chemical, physical and mechanical characterizations are not sufficient to classify these materials from the point of view of protection against aggressive agents. There is evidence that material performance depends on workability, chemical composition of squeezed pore solution in addition to the porosity and resistivity which have an important role in the protection against the corrosion of steel bars.     

A photoelastic study of an angle crack specimen subject to mixed mode I–III displacements

A methodology, incorporating the use of an automated polariscope together with three-dimensional photoelasticity, is described and employed to determine mode III stress intensity factors. A series of angled cracks in a modified compact tension specimen were examined. The cracks were at an angle to the face of the specimen so that mode I and III displacements were produced. The results of the experiments were compared with the standard expressions for K_I and K_III, and some recent modifications to the expressions. The results support the findings of recent finite element analyses and fracture work by others that the expressions are not accurate and that the stress intensity factors vary along the crack front.