Robust semantic analysis for adaptive speech interfaces

The DUMAS project develops speech-based applications that are adaptable to different users and domains. The paper describes the project's robust semantic analysis strategy, used both in the generic framework for the development of multilingual speech-based dialogue systems which is the main project goal, and in the initial test application, a mobile phone-based e-mail interface

Fair Labor Association 2007 Annual Report

Assesses the progress made by companies in the move towards sustainable corporate responsibility in their labor standards. Breaks up data by company

Multi-session group scenarios for speech interface design

When developing adaptive speech-based multilingual interaction systems, we need representative data on the user's behaviour. In this paper we focus on a data collection method pertaining to adaptation in the user's interaction with the system. We describe a multi-session group scenario for Wizard of Oz studies with two novel features: firstly, instead of doing solo sessions with a static mailbox, our test users communicated with each other in a group of six, and secondly, the communication took place over several sessions in a period of five to eight days. The paper discusses our data collection studies using the method, concentrating on the usefulness of the method in terms of naturalness of the interaction and long-term developments

A Millimeter Wave MIMO Testbed for 5G Communications

This paper presents a 2 x 2 millimeter wave (mm-wave) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) testbed that operates at around 30 GHz. The link assessment of the system operating at 26.25 GHz was carried out on a test bench, with a short communication distance between the transmitting and receiving antennas. A user-programmable, reconfigurable and real-time signal processing field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)-based software defined radio (SDR) system was employed as part of the testbed to validate the system-level performance for a downlink time division long-term evolution (TD-LTE) duplex scheme. Constellation diagram for quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) digital modulation were acquired while the testbed was operating at 30 GHz. The testbed could be employed for the development of signal test, communication algorithm and measurement metrology for 5G communications.Comment: 89th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Conference (ARFTG 2017

An Evaluation of Distortion and Interference Sources originating Within a Millimeter-wave MIMO Testbed for 5G Communications

This paper presents an evaluation of distortion and interference sources, namely, the harmonic distortion and antenna crosstalk, originating within a 2 x 2 millimeter-wave (mm-wave) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) testbed. The experience gained through the insight into the built testbed could be fed into the design of future mm-wave massive MIMO testbeds.Comment: 2nd URSI Atlantic Radio Science Meeting (URSI AT-RASC 2018

Future-proofing science students: developing professional identity

Today’s science students face the prospect of beginning careers in a workplace that is being profoundly reshaped by the integration of cognitive technologies, accelerated business cycles and the adoption of the open talent economy. For this next generation of professional scientists, work will become an ambiguous and fluid enterprise, demanding high levels of competence in innately human skills, constant retraining, and capacity for adaptation. For many in the future STEM workforce, the lack of career permanence may strain their capacity to develop and maintain a professional identity by which they derive a sense of agency through their work. The long-term cost of this looming threat is unknown, but parallels can be drawn with contemporary mental health challenges, including impostor syndrome, in undergraduate science programs. Current undergraduate science education is heavily weighted toward developing disciplinary content mastery and focused expertise. Although these outcomes will remain vital as differentiators for work performance, are we doing enough in today’s classrooms and labs to promote the human skills and critically reflective habits of mind that will bolster our students’ autonomy and resilience throughout their careers? This talk will explore the role modern universities play in STEM workforce training, scenarios for the future of science knowledge workers, and the necessity for professional identity development as a foundation for career fulfillment. Examples will be shown of how leader character dimensions, a science competency framework and critical reflection work have been integrated into both curriculum and counseling practice as a first step in shifting the culture of undergraduate liberal education in ways that expand learning outcomes without sacrificing content

Collective bargaining and the LRA

No Abstrac

North Campus Open Space Restoration Project Restoration Plan

This Restoration Plan is the result of a collaborative effort between UCSB’s Cheadle Center for Biological Diversity and Ecological Restoration (CCBER) and a team of consultants lead by Environmental Science Associates (ESA). ESA conducted studies and prepared the design and construction documents for the earthwork to restore the landform of the project site to conditions suitable to support estuarine and transitional habitats, and to restore the South Parcel mesa to topography similar to its historic form. True Nature Design led the design of public access elements and designed the recycled water irrigation system to provide establishment irrigation to the restored native plant communities. Stantec provided civil engineering designs for the structural components of the project public access elements (crossing structures and finished trail surfaces). CCBER designed the plan for the matrix of aquatic, wetland, and upland habitats to be restored to the site, including species selection; planting methods; and habitat features to benefit wildlife. CCBER also lead the development  of the maintenance and monitoring methods and adaptive management strategy.The intent of this Restoration Plan is to describe the methodology for post grading restoration, enhancement, monitoring, and management of native habitats within the North Campus Open Space (NCOS) Restoration Project

Regulated Flexibility and Small Business: Revisiting the LRA and the BCEA

The object of the paper is to identify the conceptual underpinnings of the labour law reforms of the 1990s, particularly the concept of regulated flexibility, and the changes to the labour market since then in order to review the performance of those reforms and to propose changes to more appropriately regulate that market