RETURNN as a Generic Flexible Neural Toolkit with Application to Translation and Speech Recognition

We compare the fast training and decoding speed of RETURNN of attention models for translation, due to fast CUDA LSTM kernels, and a fast pure TensorFlow beam search decoder. We show that a layer-wise pretraining scheme for recurrent attention models gives over 1% BLEU improvement absolute and it allows to train deeper recurrent encoder networks. Promising preliminary results on max. expected BLEU training are presented. We are able to train state-of-the-art models for translation and end-to-end models for speech recognition and show results on WMT 2017 and Switchboard. The flexibility of RETURNN allows a fast research feedback loop to experiment with alternative architectures, and its generality allows to use it on a wide range of applications.Comment: accepted as demo paper on ACL 201

Planar Curves out of Their Curvatures in R2

This research aims to introduce some of the main ideas of differential geometry. The research deals with the main concepts needed to understand this work. In this research properties of curves in 2 R are studied. The research is built on using the curvature of a curve in 2 R to derive a parametric formula for the velocity and acceleration. Also the geometry of focal points has been discussed. Examples are built to support the aim of this research

Hirschman optimal transform least mean square adaptive filters.

Abstract not available

The Setting in the Novel of Al-Tanturiya

This study deals with the setting and its connotations in Al-Tanturiya novel. The setting dominates the novel from beginning to end. It also highlights the effect of the setting on characters, their behaviors, morals, customs, traditions, and reactions. Moreover, this article proves that place remains unforgettable and stored in man’s memory throughout his lifetime. It is always the incidents and events that that rummage in the memory and reveal the memories of settings with its signs, significance, and symbols. The setting in this novel comes in a variety of forms such as the countryside, the city, and the immigration country: (Lebanon, UAE, Egypt, and Canada). This diversity imparts to the text an aesthetic embodiment that involves the patterns of the setting and its implications in the novel. This research is based upon the methodological approach by extracting the spatial artistic structures, analyzing them, showing their aesthetics, meanings, and impacts on the text. The study will cover different elements in the novel such as: 1. An introduction that presents a short overview about the novel and its emergence; 2. The setting with its significations and patterns through different and diverse places in the novel such as the countryside, the immigration countries of Lebanon, Egypt, UAE, Canada; 3. The impact of the setting and its reflection on man and his surroundings; 4. The mechanisms of artistic embodiment of the setting and its aesthetics by shedding light on the aesthetic element of language and its manifestations in the text

Public Relations Practice in Palestinian Universities, 1994-2012

Although Public Relations is one of the oldest phenomena in human communities, as an independent discipline it came into existence only at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then it has developed to encompass the concepts of other disciplines such as economy, administration, psychology and sociology. This thesis examines the development of Public Relations practice in Palestinian universities in Palestine. The concept of Public Relations was not well developed in Palestine before 1994. Through the Oslo Accords signed between the PLO and Israel, in 1993 a new embryonic state structure was put into place. Palestinian Life changed for a while, and many organisations were constructed; Palestinian Universities grew during this time, many Public Relations departments were established, and the concept of Public Relations was introduced. Although Public Relations has since played a significant role, it has thus far been neglected as an area of research. Given the dearth of research on the subject thus far, this thesis aims to provide a baseline of empirical evidence on the structure, practice and role of PR in Palestinian universities, and of the perceptions about these aspects, of those involved in it as leaders and practitioners, as well as of academics and other staff in these universities who are directly or indirectly affected or represented by PR activities. Those roles and perceptions also relate to the potential contributions of Public Relations at these universities to wider Palestinian society

Employment policy for people with disabilities in Saudi Arabia

This thesis examines policy issues associated with the employment of people with disability/disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The context of the thesis is specific to Saudi Arabia but has relevance for other Arab and Muslim countries. In particular, the thesis provides data on disability within a culture within which virtually no social research on the lives of people with disabilities has been conducted, nor has there been any scholarly discussion regarding the social model of disability. Furthermore it has been conducted by a Saudi woman researcher who has had to work within the restrictions imposed by the culture. A mixed research method was used for the research. Quantitative research questionnaires complement the qualitative semi-structured interviews to study participants across the 50 targeted organisations from various sectors in Saudi Arabia. The study sample was examined in 3 phases: in Phase One (1) questionnaires were distributed to include 50 employers from the targeted organisations; in Phase Two (2) 24 questionnaires were distributed to employees with disabilities from 16 different organisations that hire people with disabilities; and Phase Three (3) consisted of 6 interviews with people with disability/disabilities and with 2 employers. The thesis suggests that workplace environments and societal attributes contribute significantly to inefficiency, underemployment, and unemployment among persons with disability/disabilities. Additionally, employers in both private and public sector organisations lack concern for the needs of employees with disability/disabilities. Low expectations of persons with disability/disabilities are reinforced by ineffective policies. Additionally, most organisations do not provide persons with disability/disabilities with suitable tools that can enable them to perform their work as required, as making such tools available is given a lower priority than supplying able-bodied workers with the tools they need. This indicates that the nature of the workplace environment contributes significantly to the disregard, underemployment, and unemployment of persons with disability/disabilities. The high costs associated with employing people with disability/disabilities also leads to their alienation. At the same time, lack of experience in dealing with such individuals also contributes significantly to the low employment and productivity levels of such persons. Employees with disability/disabilities also tend to be engaged in jobs they are not qualified for, meaning that they are underemployed and their abilities not recognised. People with disability/disabilities remain significantly alienated and disadvantaged in terms of the quality and quantity of work participation in both the public and the private sector. Consequently, there are lower employment expectations in relation to this; this perpetuates the perception of such workers as being inferior, high risk, and undesirable. Furthermore, if workplace environments in Saudi Arabia were adapted to better serve the needs of people with disability/disabilities, then the inclusion of such people in the labour force would increase. In conclusion, the thesis makes a contribution to knowledge about people with disability/disabilities in Saudi Arabia as well as presenting methodological insights into social research undertaken by Saudi women researchers in the country