On the efficient representation and execution of deep acoustic models

In this paper we present a simple and computationally efficient quantization scheme that enables us to reduce the resolution of the parameters of a neural network from 32-bit floating point values to 8-bit integer values. The proposed quantization scheme leads to significant memory savings and enables the use of optimized hardware instructions for integer arithmetic, thus significantly reducing the cost of inference. Finally, we propose a "quantization aware" training process that applies the proposed scheme during network training and find that it allows us to recover most of the loss in accuracy introduced by quantization. We validate the proposed techniques by applying them to a long short-term memory-based acoustic model on an open-ended large vocabulary speech recognition task.Comment: Accepted conference paper: "The Annual Conference of the International Speech Communication Association (Interspeech), 2016

Smart Technology Adoption’s Impact on the Value of Logistics Service Providers’ Firms

Although it took a pandemic to raise awareness about supply chain issues in the minds of the public at large, industry players have long understood supply chain complexities—particularly in the face of continually evolving technologies and ever-more interconnected global enterprises. With Logistics 4.0 and the rapid developments in smart technologies, these complexities make the ongoing need for technology adoption even more complicated for logistics providers. While the literature regularly reports on the adoption of specific technologies, there is little research on the adoption process and even less that might guide providers in prioritizing their technology targets. This research examined the literature for drivers and consequences of technology adoption among providers, then tested those concepts through in-depth interviews with 40 senior-level executives at global logistics provider firms. Among the study’s findings are that the drivers and consequences of smart technology adoption are similar among logistics providers. However, firm size, business tenure, and client relationships moderate the adoption of these innovations. The study identifies incumbent people, processes, and systems as “excess baggage” that slows adoption because of adjustments needed to accommodate new technologies and creates bottlenecks for these firms. However, when combined with new competencies, streamlined processes, and proper change management, this baggage may improve firm performance because of the legacy processes integrated with customers’ supply chains. The study also developed a framework to inform practitioners’ adoption efforts. The framework addresses the research questions. It also recommends that to realize quicker revenue gains when adopting smart technology. Providers focus on two key drivers: customer relationships and market demands. This research also suggests that providers adopting smart technology leverage their incumbent human resources, processes, and technologies to deliver customer value and improve firm performance

Unravelling the Role of Long Noncoding RNAs in the Context of Cell-growth and Regeneration

[eng] Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have proven biological roles in plethora cellular contexts. Nonetheless, only a handful have been clearly characterized, leaving thousands of newly discovered lncRNAs without an associated function, and sometimes considered as transcriptional by-products. To this end, this thesis work had focused on exploring lncRNA functionality in two scenarios. First, in order to discern between lncRNAs affecting cell-growth rate (lncRNA-hits) and lncRNA-not-hits, we built a tree-based classifier based on high-throughput CRISPRi functional screen data in seven human cell lines, as well as, cell-specific ENCODE transcription factor ChIP-seq data; finding that the genomic features used in our study showed small effects and tend to be transcript-specific. Our classifier outperformed previ- ous algorithms, displayed balanced sensitivity and specificity values, and uncovered a lncRNA (LINC00879) involved in cell-growth. Additionally, we unveiled a list of 40 lncRNAs as candidates for experimental validation. Second, we characterized the lncRNA profile during regeneration, using Drosophila wing imaginal disc as a regeneration-model. We selected a candidate lncRNA (CR40469) and evaluated its role in regeneration at the early stage of cell-damage. Subsequently, using RNA- seq data, we observed significant transcriptomic alterations in consequence of the CR40469 genetic deletion, suggesting its role in regeneration. In this study we have generated a list of lncRNAs whose possible biological role in cell-growth and in re- generation can be further studied

A vigilância e a redefinição dos indivíduos e realidade

This essay provides an overview of the relationship between surveillance, individuals, and reality. To do this, I use a multilevel perspective that connects power (from agency to structure) to social systems theory. This novel approach means taking a holistic view on how individuals are managed beyond ideas of resistance and technology. At the agency level, individuals are constrained by continuous interactions through digital and behavioral exploitation. In the second meso-level, individuals attach to an informational system that renders, sorts, and distorts data fragments that resemble their ontology. Finally, at the structural level, more than being fragmented subjects, I argue that individuals and data constitute a new hermeneutic cycle in which reality itself is redefined in an autopoietic reading of things distanced from subjects and knowledge.Este ensayo hace un repaso de la relación entre la vigilancia, los individuos y la realidad. Para ello utilizo una perspectiva multinivel que conecta el poder (desde la agencia hasta la estructura) con la teoría de los sistemas sociales. Este planteamiento novedoso propone una visión holística sobre cómo se gestionan los individuos más allá de las ideas de resistencia y tecnología. En el primer nivel de agencia, los individuos se ven limitados por interacciones continuas a través de la explotación digital y del comportamiento. En el segundo nivel (o mesonivel), los individuos se adhieren a un sistema de información que presenta, clasifica y distorsiona fragmentos de datos que simula su realidad. Por último, en el tercer nivel estructural, más que sujetos fragmentados, sostengo que los individuos y los datos constituyen un nuevo ciclo hermenéutico en el que la propia realidad se redefine en una lectura autopoiética de las cosas alejada de los sujetos y del conocimiento.Este ensaio faz uma visão geral da relação entre vigilância, indivíduos e realidade. Para fazer isso, lanço mão de uma perspectiva multinível que conecta poder (da agência à estrutura) à teoria de sistemas sociais. Esta nova conexão pretende apresentar uma visão holística sobre como os indivíduos são gerenciados além de idéias sobre resistência e tecnologia. No primeiro nível de agência, os indivíduos são limitados pela interação contínua por meio da exploração digital e da manipulação comportamental. No segundo meso nível, os indivíduos se fundem num sistema de informações que renderiza, classifica e distorce fragmentos de dados que emulam a ontologia deles. Por fim, no terceiro nível estrutural, mais do que sujeitos fragmentados, argumento que indivíduos e seus dados constituem um novo ciclo hermenêutico no qual a própria realidade é redefinida em uma leitura autopoiética das coisas que se afasta dos sujeitos e dos saberes

Comparison of Eight Remnant Tamaulipan Biotic Province Plant Communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley Using Multivariate Analyses [Comparación de Ocho Comunidades Vegetales Remanentes de la Provincia Biótica Tamaulipeca el Valle del Río Grande Usando Análisis Multivariada]

The Tamaulipan Biotic Province falls within a biogeographic ecotone between temperate North America, the neotropics and the Chihuahuan Desert, and has consequently been defined as “Tamaulipan brushlands.” No quantitative, comparative study has ever been undertaken on the many and varied plant communities that occur in the region. This study compares eight remnant, primary plant communities to test the null hypothesis that the province comprises a single definable vegetation type. Four 50 x 10 m belt-transects were established at each site and woody plants taller than 1 m were recorded to determine species frequency, density, stratification and dominance. Community diversity was calculated using Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indexes. Permutational multiple analysis of variance (PerMANOVA) and Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMS) examined the relationship between plant community composition and compared their degrees of similarity. Results indicate all eight sites maintain distinct plant communities. Alternate abstract: La Provincia Biótica Tamaulipeca se posiciona en un ecotono biogeográfico entre Norte America templado, los neotrópicos y el Desierto Chihuahuense, y consequentemente se a definido como “matorral Tamaulipeco.” Ningún estudio cuantitativo se a desarollado para enfrentarse a las diversas comunidades vegetatles que ocurren el la región. Éste studio compara ocho communidades remanentes de vegetación primaria para probar la hipótesis nula que la provincia consiste de un solo tipo de vegetación definable. Cuatro transectos de 50 x 10 m fueron establecidos en cada sitio y plantas leñosas arriba de 1 m fueron documentadas para determiner la frequencia, densidad, estratificación y dominancia de especies. La diversitdad de comunidades fue calculada usando los índices de Shannon-Weiner y Simpson. Técnicas de Análisis de Permutaciones y Multiple ANOVA y Escalamiento Multidimensional No Métrico (NMS) examinaron la relación entre la composición de comunidades vegetales y compararon su grado de similitud. Resultados indican que cada de los ocho sitios mantienen comunidades vegetales distintas

The Role of the Media and Civil Society in Intelligence Accountability: The Cases of Spain and Brazil

This article analyses the accountability of intelligence agencies in Spain and Brazil. Drawing from critical intelligence studies, this article will argue that the goal of accountability is to expand legitimacy by incorporating the civil society. This requires redeveloping the scope of intelligence and its audience beyond legal norms and traditional decision-makers. To do so, the article will consider the following actors: 1) the media; 2) whistleblowers and leaks; 3) scholars; and 4) fiction writers. These actors may complement intelligence by gathering information or acting as knowledge advisory groups. Moreover, they can also challenge intelligence by promoting deeper scrutiny and transparency, while constructing archetypes that represent secret agencies. The conclusion will summarize the strengths and limitations deriving from these actors to promote accountability. It will also claim that, through a critical approach, exploring new accountability forms are necessary to expand the social legitimacy of intelligence policies. Received: 2022-10-07Revised: 2022-01-0