Discourse relation classification is an important component for automatic discourse parsing and natural language understanding. The performance bottleneck of a discourse parser comes from implicit discourse relations, whose discourse connectives are not overtly present. Explicit discourse connectives can potentially be exploited to collect more training data to collect more data and boost the p...

We present an implementation of a discourse parsing system for a lexicalized TreeAjoining Grammar for discourse, specifying the integration of sentence and discourse level processing. Our system is based on the assumption that the compositional aspects of semantics at the discourse-level parallel those at the sentence-level. This coupling is achieved by factoring away inferential semantics and ...

In this paper, we describe how the LIDAS System (Linguistic Discourse Analysis System), a discourse parser built as an implementation of the Unified Linguistic Discourse Model (U-LDM) uses information from sentential syntax and semantics along with lexical semantic information to build the Open Right Discourse Parse Tree (DPT) that serves as a representation of the structure of the discourse (P...

In this paper, we develop a linguistic and conceptual analysis of argument coumpounds, i.e. groups of closely related arguments and their related contexts expressed by means of discourse relations. An implementation in Dislog is presented with an indicative evaluation of the results.

UK Abstract We describe a computational system which parses discourses consisting of sequences of simple sentences. These contain a range of temporal constructions, including time adverbials, progressive aspect and various aspectual classes. In particular, the grammar generates the required readings, according to the theoretical analysis of (Glasbey, forthcoming), for sentence-final 'then'. 1 S...

With its rapid growth and near gender balance, Engineers Without Borders (EWB-USA) represents a model that the engineering field is striving towards. Understanding the motivations for members’ involvement and how it impacts their involvement with engineering can offer insight for how project-based organizations can influence recruitment and retention in the larger field. Using qualitative data,...

Our aim in this paper is to clarify the range of motivations that have inspired the development of computer programs for the composition of music. We consider this to be important since different methodologies are appropriate for different motivations and goals. We argue that a widespread failure to specify the motivations and goals involved has lead to a methodological malaise in music related...

Existing data suggest that the self-enhancement and self-protection motivations (which elevate or protect the positive self -concept) exert a pivotal influence on self -evaluation and behavior. Moreover, these motivations are more potent than the self-assessment motivation (which works to increase the accuracy of the self-concept) or the self-verification motivation (which works to confirm the ...

This research analyzes motivations expressed by young, healthy, sedentary women before and after an exercise intervention. Young women (aged 18-30, n = 39) participated in focus groups or interviews during a 4-month exercise intervention. Afterward, 22 of these women and 20 controls completed physical activity diaries for 6 months and were interviewed. For the majority of women (n = 24), obliga...

This position paper speaks to the interrelationships between the three concepts of motivations, values, and emotion. Motivations prime actions, values serve to choose between motivations, emotions provide a common currency for values, and emotions implement motivations. While conceptually distinct, the three are so pragmatically intertwined as to differ primarily from our taking different point...