A data quality approach to the identification of discrimination risk in automated decision making systems

Automated decision-making (ADM) systems may affect multiple aspects of our lives. In particular, they can result in systematic discrimination of specific population groups, in violation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. One of the potential causes of discriminative behavior, i.e., unfairness, lies in the quality of the data used to train such ADM systems.Using a data quality measurement approach combined with risk management, both defined in ISO standards, we focus on balance characteristics and we aim to understand how balance indexes (Gini, Simpson, Shannon, Imbalance Ratio) identify discrimination risk in six large datasets containing the classification output of ADM systems.The best result is achieved using the Imbalance Ratio index. Gini and Shannon indexes tend to assume high values and for this reason they have modest results in both aspects: further experimentation with different thresholds is needed.In terms of policies, the risk-based approach is a core element of the EU approach to regulate algorithmic systems: in this context, balance measures can be easily assumed as risk indicators of propagation – or even amplification – of bias in the input data of ADM systems.     

一种引入遗传算法的最大类间距离法在脑部图像分割中的运用

最大类间距离法已经被证明是一种较好的阈值化方法[1],但在用于双阈值或多阈值分割时存在实现效率较低等问题,而遗传算法高效的随机搜索能力正好能弥补其不足.根据脑部图像分为灰质、白质等三类的特点,通过把遗传算法引入最大类间距离法来实行对脑部图像的分割,实验验证取得了较好的分割效果.     

瓶颈旅行售货员问题算法

旅行售货员问题是一个著名的组合优化问题,已经被证明是NP-完备问题。提出一个新问题:瓶颈旅行售货员问题,并给出两个多项式时间算法。     

Drama to Enhance the Speaking Skills of EFL/ESL Learners

The paper starts with introducing the definition of drama. Then, many drama techniques are introduced. Next, Advantages of using drama techniques are discussed. Nonetheless, some problems in using drama in ESL/EFL are pointed out. The paper concludes that drama offers a useful educational tool to support communicative language teaching for EFL/ESL learners.     

A Probe into the Influence of English Language Teaching on Chinese Students’Language Development

A problem has been arising among many English learners who would have frequent contact with English culture and the language. That is: they are inefficient in both English and Chinese. It is extremely obvious as far as Chinese students' language development is concerned. In my paper, I want to explore how English language teaching(ELT) influences Chinese students' language development.     

The Cultivation of Intercultural Communication Competence in College English Teaching

During the long history of foreign language teaching and learning,educators focus just on the same question:how they could have the learners learn and use the target language effectively.In traditional college English teaching,much attention is paid to language knowledge,whereas the cultural background of the language is ignored.In recent years,many people begin to realize the importance of intercultural communication competence(ICC).The thesis first gives a general introduction to the thesis,states the definition of intercultural communication(IC)and ICC.Then the thesis analyzes the factors affecting ICC cultivation.At last,the thesis presents the significance of ICC cultivation and puts forward some suggestions.     

Washback of Task-based Communicative Language Test (II)

The essay aims at revealing the washback effect of task-based communicative language test (TBCLT) in a vocational college, with the further purpose to work out some ways to promote positive washback ef...     

Test-Run of the Live Global Classroom

How can we make it possible for instructors and students from different countries and regions to meet"face-to-face"and experience live teaching and learning?The most economic and efficient solution is the"live global classroom".This paper provides an example of the live global classroom approach conducted cooperatively by the American Alliance for International Education and the University of Science and Technology Beijing,which was aimed at educating undergraduate engineering students over the Internet.In this paper,we introduce the background for the live global classroom,the demands of the"Plan for Educating and Training Outstanding Engineers"in China,the operational model,the technical requirements for the project and its current organizational challenges.Internationalized e-learning is expected to lead the trend of remote teaching,not only in language learning but also in engineer educating in China.     

智慧教育转型与变革

智慧教育不仅是智能技术在教育中的应用,更是智能时代教育的全面转型与变革。文章结合智能时代的三大发展趋势:即人机物三元融合、主动智能服务与人机结合的分布式认知,从基础环境、智能形态、培养模式、教育生态、育人目标五个维度提出了智慧教育转型与变革的关键所在,包括拥有主动智能的教育环境、人机协同的教育智能、大规模个性化的人才培养模式、虚实融合的教育新生态和智能时代的创新人才培养。在此基础上,面向智慧教育转型与变革的实践落地,提出了三点关键建议,包括建立数据无缝流转的生态体系、推进教育公共服务模式创新、高度重视专业性的教育服务,期望为智能时代智慧教育的转型与变革提供一定的参考与应用启示。