44 research outputs found
Language variation, automatic speech recognition and algorithmic bias
In this thesis, I situate the impacts of automatic speech recognition systems in relation to sociolinguistic theory (in particular drawing on concepts of language variation, language ideology
and language policy) and contemporary debates in AI ethics (especially regarding algorithmic
bias and fairness). In recent years, automatic speech recognition systems, alongside other
language technologies, have been adopted by a growing number of users and have been embedded in an increasing number of algorithmic systems. This expansion into new application
domains and language varieties can be understood as an expansion into new sociolinguistic
contexts. In this thesis, I am interested in how automatic speech recognition tools interact
with this sociolinguistic context, and how they affect speakers, speech communities and their
language varieties.
Focussing on commercial automatic speech recognition systems for British Englishes, I first
explore the extent and consequences of performance differences of these systems for different user groups depending on their linguistic background. When situating this predictive bias
within the wider sociolinguistic context, it becomes apparent that these systems reproduce and
potentially entrench existing linguistic discrimination and could therefore cause direct and indirect harms to already marginalised speaker groups. To understand the benefits and potentials
of automatic transcription tools, I highlight two case studies: transcribing sociolinguistic data
in English and transcribing personal voice messages in isiXhosa. The central role of the sociolinguistic context in developing these tools is emphasised in this comparison. Design choices,
such as the choice of training data, are particularly consequential because they interact with existing processes of language standardisation. To understand the impacts of these choices, and
the role of the developers making them better, I draw on theory from language policy research
and critical data studies. These conceptual frameworks are intended to help practitioners and
researchers in anticipating and mitigating predictive bias and other potential harms of speech
technologies. Beyond looking at individual choices, I also investigate the discourses about language variation and linguistic diversity deployed in the context of language technologies. These
discourses put forward by researchers, developers and commercial providers not only have a
direct effect on the wider sociolinguistic context, but they also highlight how this context (e.g.,
existing beliefs about language(s)) affects technology development. Finally, I explore ways of
building better automatic speech recognition tools, focussing in particular on well-documented,
naturalistic and diverse benchmark datasets. However, inclusive datasets are not necessarily
a panacea, as they still raise important questions about the nature of linguistic data and language variation (especially in relation to identity), and may not mitigate or prevent all potential
harms of automatic speech recognition systems as embedded in larger algorithmic systems
and sociolinguistic contexts
2006-2007 Ursinus College Course Catalog
A digitized copy of the 2006-2007 Ursinus College Catalog. It contains details of the curriculum, departmental requirements and courses of instruction as well as lists of faculty, students and administrators. Student life, terms of admission, expenses and financial aid are also included as well as descriptions of the buildings and equipment available to students.https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/uccatalog/1059/thumbnail.jp
RFID Technology in Intelligent Tracking Systems in Construction Waste Logistics Using Optimisation Techniques
Construction waste disposal is an urgent issue
for protecting our environment. This paper proposes a
waste management system and illustrates the work
process using plasterboard waste as an example, which
creates a hazardous gas when land filled with household
waste, and for which the recycling rate is less than 10%
in the UK. The proposed system integrates RFID
technology, Rule-Based Reasoning, Ant Colony
optimization and knowledge technology for auditing
and tracking plasterboard waste, guiding the operation
staff, arranging vehicles, schedule planning, and also
provides evidence to verify its disposal. It h relies on
RFID equipment for collecting logistical data and uses
digital imaging equipment to give further evidence; the
reasoning core in the third layer is responsible for
generating schedules and route plans and guidance, and
the last layer delivers the result to inform users. The
paper firstly introduces the current plasterboard
disposal situation and addresses the logistical problem
that is now the main barrier to a higher recycling rate,
followed by discussion of the proposed system in terms
of both system level structure and process structure.
And finally, an example scenario will be given to
illustrate the system’s utilization
The drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility in the supply chain. A case study.
Purpose: The paper studies the way in which a SME integrates CSR into its corporate strategy, the practices it puts in place and
how its CSR strategies reflect on its suppliers and customers relations.
Methodology/Research limitations: A qualitative case study methodology is used. The use of a single case study limits the
generalizing capacity of these findings.
Findings: The entrepreneur’s ethical beliefs and value system play a fundamental role in shaping sustainable corporate strategy.
Furthermore, the type of competitive strategy selected based on innovation, quality and responsibility clearly emerges both in
terms of well defined management procedures and supply chain relations as a whole aimed at involving partners in the process of
sustainable innovation.
Originality/value: The paper presents a SME that has devised an original innovative business model. The study pivots on the
issues of innovation and eco-sustainability in a context of drivers for CRS and business ethics. These values are considered
fundamental at International level; the United Nations has declared 2011 the “International Year of Forestry”
2004-2005 Catalog
This catalog lists available courses for the 2004-2005 term. The College Catalog is a document of record issued in September 2004. The Catalog contains current information regarding the College calendar, admissions, degree requirements, fees, regulations and course offerings.https://crossworks.holycross.edu/course_catalog/1119/thumbnail.jp
Trinity College Bulletin, 2009-2010
Annual catalog of courses, departments, staff listing.https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/bulletin/1000/thumbnail.jp