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Unheard voices: addressing AI bias towards accented English in educational technologies.
Get PDFArtificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly been integrated into educational technologies. From automated assessments, virtual tutoring, and adaptive learning platforms to conversational tutors and voice assistants, these tools provide personalised learning experiences, 24/7 support, and tailored access to education. However, some critical challenges emerge; these include the persistent bias towards accented English (Azizov, 2023). Native accent, according to linguistic scholars Jenkins (2020), refers to the pronunciation patterns that are associated with regions considered linguistically dominant for a certain language. English is spoken globally in a multitude of accents, shaped by geography, culture, and identity; native English accent refers to American English or Received Pronunciation of the United Kingdom which are considered the "standard" accents. This bias disproportionately affects learners with diverse linguistic backgrounds, leading to misinterpretations, reduced accessibility, and inequitable learning experiences. Learners who speak English with regional or non-native accents often encounter misinterpretations, inaccuracies, and diminished interactions when engaging with speech-based educational technologies. These errors are not merely technical flaws; they reveal deeper issues of linguistic exclusion and inequity embedded within the design and deployment of AI systems
Enhancing the construction of attacker personas in cybersecurity software designs using case law-based facts: a study on the intersection between jurisprudence and technology.
No full textThwarting potential attackers is always at the heart of cybersecurity software designs. This study in computing science and law investigates the possibility of building attacker personas through reliance on case law-based facts. To combat the threat of cybercrime, software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and law enforcement agencies across the globe are turning to attacker profiling. A persona is a model created from archetypal user behaviour, and it identifies patterns and common traits of users using data. By creating personas for both attackers and victims of cybercrime, software engineers can identify the types of people or organisations likely to be cybercriminals and those likely to be targeted for abuse. Similarly, in law, attacker and victim profiles provide specific characteristics of an attacker or victim. Facts compiled by trial courts in case law, on which judges apply legal principles to make decisions, might also serve as data for building personas. Accordingly, the study aims to assess whether and to what extent case–law–based facts can support the creation of an attacker persona. To illustrate the reliability of case law-based facts for offender profiling, motivations are inferred from the considered case laws: McKinnon v Government of the United States of America (2008), Love v United States (2018), and Regina v Steffan Needham (2019). It then revisits the central question of the suitability of case law for building attacker personas that engineers can use in designing software to thwart future attacks
Refashioning Bill Gibb for the 21st century.
No full textDiscover the life and work of one of the most innovative designers of 20th-century British fashion, Bill Gibb, in this richly illustrated reappraisal of his work. Scottish-born Bill Gibb (1943–1988) was a fashion pioneer whose fantastical designs encapsulate the vibrancy of the 1970s. British Vogueawarded him the title Designer of the Year in 1970, but despite his contemporary relevance and associations with fashion icons like Bianca Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor and Twiggy, his legacy remains largely unexplored. With a foreword by Dame Zandra Rhodes, this groundbreaking book redefines Gibb's contribution to fashion design, with insights from experts including Iain R. Webb, N. J. Stevenson, Jeena Sharma, Marie McLoughlin, and Christine Rew. There are also interviews with Gibb's sisters, fashion designer Giles Deacon and Gibb's long-time collaborator Kaffe Fassett to present a more personal perspective on his creative journey and attitudes to contemporary concerns like sustainability and cultural appropriation. Featuring over 100 colour illustrations including previously unpublished fashion drawings, patterns, and garments, this edited collection offers a unique perspective on Gibb's artistic vision and shows how 21st century designers can learn from his unique body of work. Scottish born Bill Gibb (1943–1988) was one of the most innovative designers of twentieth century British fashion. Acclaimed as Designer of the Year by British Vogue in 1970, Gibb's unique designs captured the essence of the 70s with his love of mixing patterns, colour and textures that brought a new vibrancy and excitement onto the British design scene. However, due to his short career and untimely death, his contribution and legacy to contemporary culture, fashion and design history is relatively unknown to younger generations of artists and designers. This ground-breaking book redefines Gibb's outstanding contribution to twentieth-century fashion design in relation to contemporary issues and themes such as sustainability, digital legacies, interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural appropriation, alongside many previously unpublished illustrations including reproductions of his fashion drawings and garments. These new perspectives on Gibb's legacy are given by academics and experts including fashion writer Iain R Webb, curator NJ Stevenson, NYC-based fashion journalist Jeena Sharma, fashion historian Marie McLoughlin, and Christine Rew, former manager of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums which holds the largest collection of Gibb's work. These are punctuated by a series of poems inspired by Gibb's collections by Scottish poet Shane Strachan, as well as interviews with Gibb's sisters, his long-term collaborator Kaffe Fasset, and contemporary British designer Giles Deacon. The book provides a unique insight into personal reflections and collections of Gibb's work, assessing the impact and contemporary relevance of one of the UK's most influential fashion designers of the twentieth century
Advancements in SQL query optimization: a review of join order and index selection.
Get PDFEfficient SQL Query Optimization (QO) is a fundamental aspect of database management systems, aimed at enhancing query performance and reducing resource consumption typically involves selecting the most efficient execution plan for a given query, considering factors such as join order, access methods, and the use of indexes. This review paper focuses on two key agents in SQL QO: the Join Order Agent (JOA) and the Index Selection Agent (ISA). The JOA seeks to determine the optimal sequence for joining multiple tables, minimizing intermediate results and improving query execution time. The ISA identifies the most effective indexes to speed up data retrieval, considering various database schema configurations and query patterns. We review existing approaches for both agents, including heuristic-based methods, cost-based models, and machine learning (ML) techniques. The paper also highlights the challenges faced in these areas, such as the scalability of existing methods, the need for dynamic adaptation to changing workloads, and the integration of multiple optimization strategies. Finally, the paper discusses how multi-agent systems (MAS), and hybrid optimization techniques can address these challenges, offering significant improvements in QO for modern relational DBMS
The adoption of a circular economy approach to pedagogical learning in architectural technology.
Get PDFThe construction industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainability, with circular economy emerging as a key strategy to address resource depletion, waste management, and carbon emissions. This paper explores the integration of circular economy principles into pedagogical teaching within the discipline of architectural technology. By embedding circularity concepts—such as material reuse, life-cycle thinking, and sustainable design—into the curriculum, architectural technology programs can better prepare students for the evolving demands of the construction industry. This study investigates how the incorporation of these principles not only enhances students' technical knowledge but also fosters innovation in design thinking and problem-solving. Through case studies, curriculum development frameworks, and industry collaborations, this paper outlines how adopting a circular economy perspective can bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application in construction. The paper also highlights how these skills increase the employability of graduates, making them valuable assets in a rapidly changing industry that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. The findings suggest that architectural technology students equipped with circular economy knowledge are better positioned to contribute to sustainable practices, drive innovation, and address future industry challenges. As the construction sector continues to evolve, integrating circular economy principles into education will be essential in developing professionals who can lead the way in creating a more sustainable built environment
Circular economy in construction: a systematic literature review of existing policies.
Get PDFThe built environment (that includes all the constructed artificial structures like buildings and infrastructure) is essential for the economic development of a country. The demolition of assets at the end of their useful life cycle generates large volumes of construction and demolition (C&D) wastes that negatively impacts the environment. The traditional approach in construction follows a "take-make-use-dispose" approach wherein these generated C&D wastes are disposed into landfills. The circular economy (CE) approach on the other hand follows a “make-use-collect-transform-reuse” approach wherein the generated C&D wastes are reused and recycled for future construction projects. The increase in human population has resulted in an increased demand for construction projects. Furthermore, extracting virgin raw materials and manufacturing them into building materials for construction projects leads to environmental degradation. The utilisation of C&D wastes for these projects not only reduces the consumption of virgin raw materials but also reduces the carbon emissions associated with their manufacturing. Though these generated C&D wastes have high potential for reuse and recycle, only 40% of these are utilised again through the incorporation of CE principles. Policies, strategies and standards play a very crucial role for ensuring that CE principles are adopted in a building throughout their entire life cycle. This paper contributes to literature by reviewing the CE policies, strategies and standards in Scotland and Europe to aid in identifying their similarities, differences, and lessons that can be learnt to increase circularity integration in the construction sector. The analysis reveals that while the policies in Scotland focus on reuse of wastes, the policies in Europe focus on recycling. While reuse and recycling are integral to promote CE, a truly CE will not be achieved by only these two practices, and other practices like recover and redesign also need to be considered
The individual perceptions of BIM practice in Algeria between practitioners and academics: implementation barriers and strategic solutions.
Get PDFNumerous studies have highlighted the importance of BIM as a concept and technology in the construction industry. Several developed and developing countries have already initiated the implementation of BIM, which has been possible thanks to significant support by their governments. However, few efforts have been conducted to compare the opinions of academics and practitioners regarding the BIM perceptions. This research was conducted to fill this gap and to explore the different understanding of the BIM implementation between academic people and practitioners in terms of BIM critical barriers, and strategic solutions in Algeria. This paper extends previous research on the BIM implementation in Algeria (Tehami & Seddiki, 2023) by focusing on the individual perceptions of the BIM practice between practitioners and academics
Place-based strategy evaluation framework (PlaSE).
Get PDFThe Place-based Strategy Evaluation Framework (PlaSE) has been developed to help tourism planners, managers and decision-makers to understand the context of their destination before deciding on strategic tourism planning and development. The framework provides practical steps for understanding the people-place relationship in the destination, residents' perceptions of benefits and impacts of tourism, and the power dynamics within the tourism stakeholders – all elements that have a profound impact on the success of tourism strategies and sustainability of tourism development. It is used as a process tool to evaluate existing tourism development strategies to understand if they address the needs of the destination and its community. The tool can also be used to develop new tourism strategies. This framework was originally disseminated via the author's doctoral thesis ( https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2344221 ); the version here has been renamed and revised
Ground floor right (end of part II). [Oil and encaustic on steel]
Get PDFIn this work I attempt to explore a dialogue between drawing and painting, through the consideration of the home as a compression chamber for inhabitants' individual and shared dynamic. The work builds on ideas of psychological transitioning, through the flattening of form and figurative representation. "End of Part II" is the second version of a painting that I made in 2018. It was a first attempt to push beyond the rectangular frame by inviting the wall to hold a more active and visual role within the composition, as opposed to the wall having the sole function of hanging and displaying the work. This work was produced for the exhibition "Flat Volume", held 23 October - 9 November 2025 at the APT Gallery, London, curated by Sarah Longworth-West
International cooperation and extradition scoping review.
Get PDFThe Criminal Law Reform Now Network (CLRNN) has had a long-standing relationship with the Law Commission. In June 2023, CLRNN and the Law Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The purpose of the MoU was to further develop the relationship between the two parties. Periodic meetings were to be held to discuss law reform projects, and the Law Commission would formally request scoping reviews addressing the feasibility, value and scope of a potential law reform project with the aim of informing the Law Commission's consideration of potential projects as part of the statutory Law Reform Programme which is agreed with the Lord Chancellor on behalf of the Government. The MoU runs for two years in the first instance. During the Law Commission's consultation on its 14th programme of work the Commission received several suggestions that a law reform project was needed to address issues that were described as relating to 'extraterritoriality and international cooperation in criminal law.' Issues under this umbrella were wide ranging. The Commission largely coalesced around 3 key topics: extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and criminal jurisdiction. This was the first project that the CLRNN was invited to undertake under the terms of the MoU. The agreement was to produce a scoping paper that 'examined the extent to which a project is needed in this area' and whether there is scope to create a more comprehensive legal framework that would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of law enforcement and prosecution in cross border cases. The exact issues to be addressed in the scoping paper were to be informed by stakeholders' views
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