Validation of a Framework for Bias Identification and Mitigation in Algorithmic Systems

Bias in algorithmic systems is a major cause of unfair and discriminatory decisions in the use of such systems. Cognitive bias is very likely to be reflected in algorithmic systems as humankind aims to map Human Intelligence (HI) to Artificial Intelligence (AI). We conducted an extensive literature review on the identification and mitigation of bias, leading to precise measures for project teams building AI systems. Moreover, we developed an awareness-raising framework for use as a guideline for project teams, addressing AI responsibility, AI fairness, and AI safety. The framework proposes measures in the form of checklists to identify and mitigate bias in algorithmic systems considering all steps during system design, implementation, and application. We validated the framework successfully in the context of industrial AI projects

On singular limits arising in the scale analysis of stratified fluid flows

We study the low Mach low Freude numbers limit in the compressible Navier-Stokes equations and the transport equation for evolution of an entropy variable -- the potential temperature $\Theta$. We consider the case of well-prepared initial data on "flat" tours and Reynolds number tending to infinity, and the case of ill-prepared data on an infinite slab. In both cases, we show that the weak solutions to the primitive system converge to the solution to the anelastic Navier-Stokes system and the transport equation for the second order variation of $\Theta$Comment: 25 page

Bias – A Lurking Danger that Can Convert Algorithmic Systems into Discriminatory Entities

Bias in algorithmic systems is a major cause of unfair and discriminatory decisions in the use of such systems. Cognitive bias is very likely to be reflected in algorithmic systems as humankind aims to map Human Intelligence (HI) to Artificial Intelligence (AI). An extensive literature review on the identification and mitigation of bias leads to precise measures for project teams building AI-systems. Aspects like AI-responsibility, AI-fairness and AI-safety are addressed by developing a framework that can be used as a guideline for project teams. It proposes measures in the form of checklists to identify and mitigate bias in algorithmic systems considering all steps during system design, implementation and application

Korruption im russischen Bildungswesen

Seit dem Zusammenbruch des Staatssozialismus hat Korruption in Russland stark zugenommen. Zahlreiche Studien belegen, dass Korruption vor allem auf der Alltagsebene, also zwischen Bürgern und rangniederen Beamten, weit verbreitet ist. Besonders häufig tritt Alltagskorruption im Bildungswesen auf. Während ursprünglich überwiegend Hochschulen von Korruption betroffen waren, weitet sich die Problematik inzwischen auf den primären und sekundären Bildungssektor aus. Dieser Artikel liefert einen Überblick über aktuelle Tendenzen der Korruption in der russischen Bildungslandschaft

Der innere Kampf: Korruption und Korruptionsbekämpfung als Hürde und Gradmesser für den EU-Beitritt der Ukraine

Korruption wird in der Ukraine von vielen als der größte »innere Feind« angesehen, den es ebenso wie den aktuellen äußeren Feind zu besiegen gilt. In den letzten Jahren wurden zahlreiche Antikorruptionsreformen durchgeführt. Aktuell werfen mehrere Korruptionsskandale jedoch die Frage nach der Wirksamkeit dieser Reformen auf. Vor allem im Hinblick auf den anvisierten EU-Beitritt und den Wiederaufbau nach Kriegsende, der mit enormen internationalen Geldern finanziert werden muss, muss die Ukraine den nach dem Maidan eingeschlagenen Reformkurs konsequent fortsetzen und vor allem die Justiz umfassend reformieren. Andernfalls droht nicht nur ein Vertrauensverlust der eigenen Bevölkerung, sondern auch der internationalen Gemeinschaft, auf die die Ukraine derzeit stärker denn je angewiesen ist

The value-added tax implications of the temporary change in use adjustments by residential property developers : an international comparative study

Residential property developers sometimes struggle to dispose of newly built residential premises, because of an oversupply of residential property in the market and decreased sales in recent years. Many developers have switched from speculation (when residential properties are built to be sold) to investment (when properties are retained to generate rental income). Some developers only lease out newly constructed dwellings temporarily in anticipation of selling them later at a more favourable price. Units may be held with the ultimate goal of selling them, creating taxable supplies. In South Africa, these changes in the use of residential property have value-added tax (VAT) consequences that result in a negative cash flow. In the 2010 Budget Speech, amendments to the harsh VAT legislation were proposed. This study examined the South African VAT legislation applicable to property developers during the period when residential properties are let out. The findings suggest that the current South African VAT legislation relevant to changes in the use of residential properties is harsher than that in New Zealand or Australia, but that the proposed amendments offer some degree of relief. However, even with these amendments, there is insufficient relief, and another possible solution is proposedhttp://www.unisa.ac.za/sabusinessreviewtm201

Sustainable Linked Open Data Creation: An Experience Report

A flexible platform supporting the linked data life-cycle has been developed and applied in various use cases in the context of the large scale linked open data project Fusepool P3. Besides the description of the aims and achievements, experiences from publishing and reusing linked data in public sector and business are summarized. It is highlighted that without further help it is difficult for domain experts to estimate the time, effort and necessary skills when trying to transfer the platform to other use cases. Applying a new publishing methodology turned out to be useful in these cases

Multi-scale analysis of compressible viscous and rotating fluids

We study a singular limit for the compressible Navier-Stokes system when the Mach and Rossby numbers are proportional to certain powers of a small parameter \ep. If the Rossby number dominates the Mach number, the limit problem is represented by the 2-D incompressible Navier-Stokes system describing the horizontal motion of vertical averages of the velocity field. If they are of the same order then the limit problem turns out to be a linear, 2-D equation with a unique radially symmetric solution. The effect of the centrifugal force is taken into account