86,810 research outputs found
Exploring the Encoding Layer and Loss Function in End-to-End Speaker and Language Recognition System
In this paper, we explore the encoding/pooling layer and loss function in the
end-to-end speaker and language recognition system. First, a unified and
interpretable end-to-end system for both speaker and language recognition is
developed. It accepts variable-length input and produces an utterance level
result. In the end-to-end system, the encoding layer plays a role in
aggregating the variable-length input sequence into an utterance level
representation. Besides the basic temporal average pooling, we introduce a
self-attentive pooling layer and a learnable dictionary encoding layer to get
the utterance level representation. In terms of loss function for open-set
speaker verification, to get more discriminative speaker embedding, center loss
and angular softmax loss is introduced in the end-to-end system. Experimental
results on Voxceleb and NIST LRE 07 datasets show that the performance of
end-to-end learning system could be significantly improved by the proposed
encoding layer and loss function.Comment: Accepted for Speaker Odyssey 201
Foreign language learning needs in higher education: Reasons for convergence and accountability
Needs analysis is a relevant issue in language teaching as its final aim is to enhance the language learning process by setting realistic course objectives. This paper briefly reviews past and present approaches to the concept of “needs” and “needs analysis” in foreign language (FL) methodology with particular reference to the higher education context and the post-Bologna reform. It discusses the complex interplay of addressing target and
learning FL needs by gathering data from different stakeholder groups and making use of different data collection instruments. Then, it explores current trends in needs analysis research and explains how “competences” and “profiling” have surpassed “needs” and “needs analysis” in the educational systems under the European Space of Higher Education. Last, this study addresses the implications of adopting a more critical, quality-driven
approach to FL needs analysis with a view to attaining a more participatory and accountable higher education
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