Christy M. Borders, Marcus Daczewitz and Kristi M. Probst
Transition is an important and ongoing aspect of life that everyone experiences. For students who are deaf/hard of hearing (d/DHH) and their families, transitions related to…
Abstract
Transition is an important and ongoing aspect of life that everyone experiences. For students who are deaf/hard of hearing (d/DHH) and their families, transitions related to education can be daunting and, at times, confusing. This chapter will focus on three important educational transitions: early intervention, school age, and adulthood. For each transitional period, recommendations for best practices are made. Additionally, this chapter will discuss the importance of transition planning and supports over time. Overall, communication between service providers, families, and the student is a key element to making these transitions smooth and successful.
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F. Mac Giolla Bhríde, T.M. McGinnity and L.J. McDaid
This paper addresses issues dealing with genetic algorithm (GA) convergence and the implications of the No Free Lunch Theorem which states that no single algorithm outperforms all…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper addresses issues dealing with genetic algorithm (GA) convergence and the implications of the No Free Lunch Theorem which states that no single algorithm outperforms all others for all possible problem landscapes. In view of this, the authors propose that it is necessary for a GA to have the ability to classify the problem landscape before effective parameter adaptation may occur.
Design/methodology/approach
The new hybrid intelligent system for landscape classification is proposed. This system facilitates intelligent operator selection and parameter tuning during run time in order to achieve maximum convergence. This work introduces two adaptive crossover techniques, the runtime adaptation of crossover probability and the participation level of multiple crossover operators in order to refine the quality of the search and to regulate the trade‐off between local and global search respectively. In addition, a Rule‐Based reasoning system (RS) is presented which can be utilised to analyse the problem landscape and provide a supervisory element to a GA. This RS is capable of instigating change by utilising the analysis in order to counteract premature convergence, for various classes of problems.
Findings
Results are presented which show that the application of this Rule‐Based system and the adaptive crossover techniques proposed in this paper significantly improve performance for a suite of relatively complex test problems.
Originality/value
This work demonstrates the effectiveness of landscape classification and consequent rule‐based reasoning for GAs, particularly for problems with a difficult path to the optimal. Moreover, both adaptive crossover techniques proposed present improved performance over the traditional static parameter GA.
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Teresa A. Mehring and Mirah J. Dow
A great deal has been learned about autism and childhood developmental disorders since the 1960s. No longer is the teaching of children with developmental disorders nebulous or a…
Abstract
A great deal has been learned about autism and childhood developmental disorders since the 1960s. No longer is the teaching of children with developmental disorders nebulous or a matter of guesswork,. The special education field has become better delineated, and its goals have been clarified. Teaching materials and techniques are constantly improving and expanding.In the 1960s, teachers had to teach children with autism with intuition and often with handmade materials (Cohen & Volkmar, 1997). Teachers now have textbooks and workbooks especially geared for students with developmental disabilities and autism, as well as other teaching aids such as computers, cassettes, television, videocassette recorders, and copying machines. A generation of teachers has developed and refined teaching approaches such as behavior modification, signing, inclusion, prevocational and vocational training, special physical education and special techniques for music, art, and recreation. Special educators have been joined by occupational therapists, physical therapists, music and dance therapists, and specialists in other disciplines. They all work together in addressing the difficult task of communicating with, enhancing the general learning potential of, and otherwise solving or alleviating developmental problems of children and youth with autism.The college student who today contemplates teaching children with autism has a good chance of making a realistic decision. A variety of classes and programs for individuals with developmental disabilities can be observed in private schools, public school general and special education programs, state sponsored service centers, and early intervention programs. From these observations, the aspiring future teacher can decide whether she or he has the capabilities and personality traits needed to be a successful teacher of individuals with autism.All the progress made in the past 25 years has still not made teaching an easy job. Anyone starting off on a career of teaching individuals with autism or other disabilities often feels lost, not knowing which way to turn, where to go, or what to do. Physical endurance, emotional stability, flexibility, ability and willingness to improvise, and respect for the value of one's own intuition are all needed to work with children who have developmental disabilities. Various methods of research, new interventions and treatments are becoming available. These methods will ultimately have an impact on teachers and teaching methods. Even now, they are raising questions and beginning to bring about change. The basic necessary approach to teaching, however, has not changed: each child's strengths must be analyzed and used.Children with autism present unique and challenging qualities for instruction. Hardman et al. (2000) summarized it well when they stated: “These students need creative and innovative teachers with positive attitudes” (p. 269). Preparing an increasing supply of well trained professionals to serve the needs of students with autism is, by any standard, a daunting challenge.
S. Convery, T. Lunney, A. Hashim and M. McGinnity
Presents an overview of automated fabric flaw detection immediately after the knitting process. Considers the classification of fabric flaws and how image processing techniques…
Abstract
Presents an overview of automated fabric flaw detection immediately after the knitting process. Considers the classification of fabric flaws and how image processing techniques can be applied to their classification, via an introductory example. Outlines problems associated with automating this inspection process and discusses possible flaw sensing systems and techniques.
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This chapter explores the role of language in constructing spaces of belonging in the relational lives of young migrant children in Ireland. In particular, it investigates how…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter explores the role of language in constructing spaces of belonging in the relational lives of young migrant children in Ireland. In particular, it investigates how friendship is negotiated in linguistically normative school spaces.
Methodology/approach
The chapter draws on the findings and analysis of a larger study of Irish childhoods, race and belonging. The research involved qualitative work with 42 children, from migrant and non-migrant backgrounds. Research was undertaken with classroom groups in two primary schools in a large town in the west of Ireland, and with a small sample of migrant children and their parents in family homes. Arts-based and visual methods were incorporated throughout the data collection process.
Findings
Findings from the research indicate intersections between constructions of belonging in linguistic spaces such as the school and possibilities/constraints for children’s peer friendships. While ‘home’ languages and bilingual ability were valued in home contexts, even these spaces were inflected by the ‘English-only’ exigencies of school and broader societal spaces. Regarding peer friendship, the findings show that proficiency in speaking English was central, both in terms of accessing friendship rituals through ‘talk’, and, importantly, in terms of narrativizing self as viable school pupil and peer.
Originality/value
The significance of this work lies in its examination of the complexity of language as it functions in children’s relational lives. As well as being a pragmatic skill in negotiating and maintaining friendship, it identifies language as a marker of belonging that is shaped by and shapes school spaces, and which has implications for children’s peer friendships in this context. As such, the study points to a role for schools in engaging with and promoting recognition of children’s multilingual resources.
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Elspeth Bradley and Thomas Cheetham
The paper provides a Canadian perspective on the use of psychotropic medication in the management of problem behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities in Canada…
Abstract
The paper provides a Canadian perspective on the use of psychotropic medication in the management of problem behaviours in adults with intellectual disabilities in Canada. Psychotropic medication and intellectual disabilities were explored in the context of Canadian health and social services, clinical practices, medical training and factors that have shaped these over the past few decades. Informal physician intellectual disabilities networks and the newly formed Canadian Network of the National Coalition on Dual Diagnosis provided the opportunity to survey the use of psychotropic medication for problem behaviours across the country. Geographic, political, cultural and other influences on the development of health and social services are described, as well as training requirements for physicians. Survey responses were received from all provinces and represented clinicians in mental health multidisciplinary teams, health and social services ministry representatives, agency staff (up to executive director level) and family members of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Psychiatry and family medicine perspectives of the authors from working in Canada and the UK with people with intellectual disabilities presenting with problem behaviours are described. In Canada there are no national, provincial or territorial policies or guidelines on use of psychotropic medication for the management of such behaviours. There are no requirements for physicians prescribing these medications to have training in the care of people with intellectual disabilities. Services for people with intellectual disabilities and behaviour problems in Canada appear to be more crisis‐reactive than those in the UK.
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Algorithmic trading has evolved beyond traditional methods by incorporating machine learning techniques to analyse extensive datasets. The integration of machine learning and ATS…
Abstract
Algorithmic trading has evolved beyond traditional methods by incorporating machine learning techniques to analyse extensive datasets. The integration of machine learning and ATS has helped in enhancing the decision-making process, leading to more accurate predictions of market trends, risk assessments, and optimal execution strategies. The opaque nature of artificial trading models can create challenges in understanding the decision-making process of these systems. This lack of clear understanding raises questions about accountability, and market participants lack transparency on whether movements are economic-driven or algorithmic trading strategies. The chapter explores the development of I-driven trading and Key Characteristics of Algorithmic Trading Systems. In conclusion, the integration of machine learning into capital markets represents a major shift in how investment decisions are made, risks are managed, and how markets operate independent artificial intelligence trading systems. Its increasing use highlights the need for careful ethical consideration, regulatory flexibility and ongoing monitoring.
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Nick Gould and Joanna Richardson
This article reports on the first health technology appraisal conducted jointly between the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Social Care Institute…
Abstract
This article reports on the first health technology appraisal conducted jointly between the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). The appraisal systematically reviewed evidence for the clinical effectiveness of parent‐training/education programmes in the management of children with conduct disorders. This appraisal is highly topical in the light of cross‐cutting policy agendas concerned with increasing parenting capacity. It is also methodologically innovative in its approach to synthesising the meta‐analysis of trial evidence on outcomes of programmes with qualitative evidence on process and implementation. The appraisal found parent‐training/education programmes to be effective in the management of children with conduct disorders, and it identifies the generic characteristics of effective programmes. It is concluded that this approach offers an exemplar for the development of systematic reviewing of complex psychosocial interventions that are relevant to integrated children's services.
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Yaohao Peng and João Gabriel de Moraes Souza
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models to yield profitability over the market benchmark, notably in periods of systemic instability, such as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models to yield profitability over the market benchmark, notably in periods of systemic instability, such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Design/methodology/approach
This study made computational experiments using support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to predict stock price movements for three financial markets and construct profitable trading strategies to subsidize investors’ decision-making.
Findings
On average, machine learning models outperformed the market benchmarks during the more volatile period of the Russia–Ukraine war, but not during the period before the conflict. Moreover, the hyperparameter combinations for which the profitability is superior were found to be highly sensitive to small variations during the model training process.
Practical implications
Investors should proceed with caution when applying machine learning models for stock price forecasting and trading recommendations, as their superior performance for volatile periods – in terms of generating abnormal gains over the market – was not observed for a period of relative stability in the economy.
Originality/value
This paper’s approach to search for financial strategies that succeed in outperforming the market provides empirical evidence about the effectiveness of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques before and after the conflict deflagration, which is of potential value for researchers in quantitative finance and market professionals who operate in the financial segment.
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Ravi S. Reosekar and Sanjay D. Pohekar
The main aim of the present study is to explore field of Six Sigma and discover the limitation of the present research work. The study also tries to find emerging aspects, trends…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of the present study is to explore field of Six Sigma and discover the limitation of the present research work. The study also tries to find emerging aspects, trends and future directions and explore unfocused areas of Six Sigma. The present study involves an analysis of 179 research articles published from 1995 to 2011 in 52 selected reputable journals.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of critical assessment involves selection and classification of 179 research articles on Six Sigma. The selected articles are classified by: time distribution of articles, research methodology, research stream, authorship patterns, sector-wise focus of articles, integration with other manufacturing philosophies, implementation status and performance measurement of the models or framework. Then, the suggestions for the future scope of research possibilities and development are identified.
Findings
The study provides a taxonomical and integrated review of articles. Further, this study provides perspectives on conceptualization and various critical parameters for research. Through this literature review, many issues are addressed which have not previously been adequately covered. The findings include: increase in empirical nature of research articles, need for spreading research in the field of Six Sigma implementation, need for more interregional research collaborations, need for integration of Six Sigma philosophy with other philosophies and lack of implementation, i.e. testing and validation of the proposed models or frameworks by researchers.
Practical implications
The present study has explored an unfocused area of Six Sigma which will help future researchers to concentrate on the grey areas of Six Sigma. The study will help professionals to get a comprehensive database of Six Sigma articles and their use in practical situation. The results obtained from the study are expected to help researchers, academics and professionals to focus on the growth, pertinence and research developments to implement Six Sigma principles.
Originality/value
This paper will be of great help for those carrying out research in Six Sigma field including academics and practitioners in terms of Six Sigma growth describing the trends, sources and findings. The unique feature of this research is the large sample size and a time span of 16 years (1995-2011). The unique feature of this research is the large sample size and a time span of 16 years (1995-2011).