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The Profound Impact of "al" Meaning in Technology: A Narrative Exploration
Author: Dr. Anya Sharma, PhD in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing. Senior Researcher at the Institute for Advanced Technology.
Publisher: TechForward Publications, a leading publisher of peer-reviewed articles and industry reports focusing on advancements in technology and their societal impact.
Editor: Mr. David Chen, MSc in Journalism, with 15 years of experience editing technology publications.
Keywords: al meaning in technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, algorithmic bias, natural language processing, deep learning, technological advancement, ethical considerations, future of technology, AI ethics.
Abstract: This article delves into the multifaceted meaning of "-al" in the context of technology, exploring its implications across various domains like Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). Through personal anecdotes, case studies, and a critical analysis, we uncover the transformative power of "-al" suffix technologies, alongside their ethical considerations and future possibilities.
1. Understanding the "al" in Technological Advancements
The seemingly simple suffix "-al" holds immense weight within the technological landscape. It often signifies a process, property, or relational attribute. When affixed to technological terms, it signals a shift from a noun to an adjective or adverb, highlighting a crucial aspect or functionality. Consider "artificial," a key component of "artificial intelligence" (AI). The "-al" here indicates a process or characteristic – the creation of intelligence mimicking human capabilities. Similarly, "digital," crucial to "digital signal processing," signifies the representation of information using discrete values. Understanding the nuances of "-al" is vital to grasping the core functionalities and implications of many technologies.
2. Case Study: The Rise of Algorithmic Bias and its "al" Implications
One powerful example showcasing the impact of "al" meaning in technology is the phenomenon of algorithmic bias. Algorithms, the procedural steps underpinning many AI systems, are often trained on datasets containing human biases. This can lead to discriminatory outcomes in areas like loan applications, criminal justice, and even facial recognition. The "-al" in "algorithmic" points towards the procedural nature of the bias – the inherent bias embedded within the very process of the algorithm. My own research has focused on mitigating this, particularly in the development of fairer algorithms for loan applications. In one particular case, we discovered that an algorithm trained on historical lending data inadvertently discriminated against individuals from certain zip codes, purely based on past patterns of lending (which themselves may have reflected discriminatory practices). This highlighted the urgent need for rigorous scrutiny of data and algorithm design. The "algorithmic-al" nature of the problem necessitated a shift toward transparent, explainable, and fair AI systems.
3. Personal Anecdote: Navigating the "Natural" in Natural Language Processing (NLP)
During my doctoral studies, I worked on a project involving Natural Language Processing (NLP). We aimed to develop an AI that could understand and generate human-like text. The "natural" in "natural language processing" underscores the ambition to mimic the complexity and nuance of human communication. This involved a deep dive into linguistics, computational modelling, and statistical analysis. We encountered many challenges, particularly in handling sarcasm, ambiguity, and cultural nuances within language. The "natural-al" aspect required us to move beyond simple pattern recognition to incorporate contextual understanding and implicit meaning. This experience profoundly shaped my understanding of the complexities involved in replicating human-like intelligence.
4. The "Digital-al" Transformation: A Societal Shift
The pervasive impact of "-al" is evident in the "digital" revolution. The "-al" in "digital" denotes a qualitative shift in how information is stored, processed, and transmitted. This transformation has impacted every aspect of our lives, from communication and entertainment to healthcare and finance. However, the digital-al world also presents challenges, including digital divides, cybersecurity threats, and the ethical considerations of data privacy.
5. Ethical Considerations: The Responsibility of "al"-Driven Technology
The rapid advancements in technologies containing the "-al" suffix require a critical examination of their ethical implications. AI, particularly, raises crucial questions about accountability, transparency, and bias. The "artificial-al" nature of intelligence necessitates careful consideration of its potential impact on human autonomy, employment, and societal structures. Responsible innovation demands a multidisciplinary approach, involving technologists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public.
6. The Future of "al" Meaning in Technology
The future holds immense potential for technologies signified by "-al." Advancements in areas like quantum computing, bio-inspired AI, and brain-computer interfaces promise to revolutionize various industries and aspects of our lives. However, these advancements will also bring new ethical and societal challenges that need to be proactively addressed. The responsible development and deployment of these "al" technologies will be crucial to harnessing their benefits while mitigating their risks.
7. Conclusion
The "-al" suffix, seemingly insignificant, unlocks a profound understanding of the technological landscape. From the algorithmic biases embedded in AI systems to the transformative power of digital technologies, "-al" signifies crucial aspects, functionalities, and implications. As we move forward, a thoughtful and ethical approach to the development and deployment of "-al"-driven technologies is crucial to ensure a future where technology serves humanity's best interests.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the "-al" suffix in technology terms? The "-al" suffix often denotes a process, property, or relational attribute, highlighting a key aspect or functionality of a technology.
2. How does algorithmic bias relate to the "al" meaning in technology? Algorithmic bias illustrates how the procedural nature ("algorithmic-al") of algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing societal biases.
3. What are the ethical considerations of "al"-driven technologies? Ethical considerations encompass accountability, transparency, bias, impact on human autonomy, and responsible innovation.
4. How can we mitigate algorithmic bias? Mitigating algorithmic bias requires careful data curation, transparent algorithm design, rigorous testing, and ongoing monitoring.
5. What is the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing ethical concerns? Interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public is crucial for responsible technological development.
6. What are some examples of emerging "al"-driven technologies? Emerging technologies include quantum computing, bio-inspired AI, and brain-computer interfaces.
7. What are the potential societal impacts of "al"-driven technologies? Potential impacts range from increased efficiency and productivity to job displacement, social inequality, and privacy concerns.
8. How can we ensure responsible innovation in "al"-driven technologies? Responsible innovation requires ethical guidelines, regulations, and public discourse to guide the development and deployment of these technologies.
9. What is the future of "al" meaning in technology? The future holds immense potential, but also significant challenges requiring proactive ethical considerations and responsible development.
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al meaning in technology: Artificial Intelligence Stuart Russell, Peter Norvig, 2016-09-10 Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach offers the most comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the theory and practice of artificial intelligence. Number one in its field, this textbook is ideal for one or two-semester, undergraduate or graduate-level courses in Artificial Intelligence. |
al meaning in technology: Artificial Intelligence in Behavioral and Mental Health Care David D. Luxton, 2015-09-10 Artificial Intelligence in Behavioral and Mental Health Care summarizes recent advances in artificial intelligence as it applies to mental health clinical practice. Each chapter provides a technical description of the advance, review of application in clinical practice, and empirical data on clinical efficacy. In addition, each chapter includes a discussion of practical issues in clinical settings, ethical considerations, and limitations of use. The book encompasses AI based advances in decision-making, in assessment and treatment, in providing education to clients, robot assisted task completion, and the use of AI for research and data gathering. This book will be of use to mental health practitioners interested in learning about, or incorporating AI advances into their practice and for researchers interested in a comprehensive review of these advances in one source. - Summarizes AI advances for use in mental health practice - Includes advances in AI based decision-making and consultation - Describes AI applications for assessment and treatment - Details AI advances in robots for clinical settings - Provides empirical data on clinical efficacy - Explores practical issues of use in clinical settings |
al meaning in technology: WIPO Technology Trends 2019 - Artificial Intelligence World Intellectual Property Organization, 2019-01-21 The first report in a new flagship series, WIPO Technology Trends, aims to shed light on the trends in innovation in artificial intelligence since the field first developed in the 1950s. |
al meaning in technology: The Economics of Artificial Intelligence Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb, Catherine Tucker, 2024-03-05 A timely investigation of the potential economic effects, both realized and unrealized, of artificial intelligence within the United States healthcare system. In sweeping conversations about the impact of artificial intelligence on many sectors of the economy, healthcare has received relatively little attention. Yet it seems unlikely that an industry that represents nearly one-fifth of the economy could escape the efficiency and cost-driven disruptions of AI. The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: Health Care Challenges brings together contributions from health economists, physicians, philosophers, and scholars in law, public health, and machine learning to identify the primary barriers to entry of AI in the healthcare sector. Across original papers and in wide-ranging responses, the contributors analyze barriers of four types: incentives, management, data availability, and regulation. They also suggest that AI has the potential to improve outcomes and lower costs. Understanding both the benefits of and barriers to AI adoption is essential for designing policies that will affect the evolution of the healthcare system. |
al meaning in technology: Information Technology and Systems Álvaro Rocha, Carlos Ferrás, Manolo Paredes, 2019-01-28 This book features a selection of articles from The 2019 International Conference on Information Technology & Systems (ICITS’19), held at the Universidad de Las Fuerzas Armadas, in Quito, Ecuador, on 6th to 8th February 2019. ICIST is a global forum for researchers and practitioners to present and discuss recent findings and innovations, current trends, professional experiences and challenges of modern information technology and systems research, together with their technological development and applications. The main topics covered are: information and knowledge management; organizational models and information systems; software and systems modeling; software systems, architectures, applications and tools; multimedia systems and applications; computer networks, mobility and pervasive systems; intelligent and decision support systems; big data analytics and applications; human–computer interaction; ethics, computers & security; health informatics; information technologies in education; cybersecurity and cyber-defense; electromagnetics, sensors and antennas for security. |
al meaning in technology: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Adam Bohr, Kaveh Memarzadeh, 2020-06-21 Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare is more than a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence as a tool in the generation and analysis of healthcare data. The book is split into two sections where the first section describes the current healthcare challenges and the rise of AI in this arena. The ten following chapters are written by specialists in each area, covering the whole healthcare ecosystem. First, the AI applications in drug design and drug development are presented followed by its applications in the field of cancer diagnostics, treatment and medical imaging. Subsequently, the application of AI in medical devices and surgery are covered as well as remote patient monitoring. Finally, the book dives into the topics of security, privacy, information sharing, health insurances and legal aspects of AI in healthcare. - Highlights different data techniques in healthcare data analysis, including machine learning and data mining - Illustrates different applications and challenges across the design, implementation and management of intelligent systems and healthcare data networks - Includes applications and case studies across all areas of AI in healthcare data |
al meaning in technology: Adoption of LMS in Higher Educational Institutions of the Middle East Rashid A. Khan, Hassan Qudrat-Ullah, 2020-07-28 This book discusses the adoption of learning management systems (LMS) in higher education institutions. It presents influential predictors that may impact instructors’ behavioral intention to adopt learning management systems in the context of Arab culture, as well as a unique model of technology acceptance that draws on and combines previous technology adoption models (i.e., a modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model – UTAUT2). Moreover, this study extends the UTAUT2 model by including Hofstede’s (1980) cultural dimensions, and technology awareness as the moderators of the model. It also describes the explanatory technique approach used to collect quantitative data from the instructors at higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia and were analyzed with structural equation modeling using SPSS/Amos software. The findings revealed that facilitating conditions were the strongest predictor of behavioral intention to adopt an LMS, followed by performance expectancy and hedonic motivation, technology awareness, and cultural dimensions exerted a moderating influence on instructors’ behavioral intention to use LMS in their teaching. By including new constructs, this becomes the first study of its kind exploring instructors’ use of LMS in Higher Educational Institutions of Saudi Arabia and other countries of the Middle East. It offers practical insights for a broad range of researchers and professionals at higher education institutions and serves as a reference guide for designers of learning management systems (e.g., blackboard systems), policymakers, and the Ministry of Education staff. |
al meaning in technology: New Technologies and Environmental Innovation Joseph Huber, 2004-01-01 'Joseph Huber's book contains a wealth of information on technological environmental innovations. The scrutiny of this material leads to powerful conclusions, with which scholars should concern themselves. Highly recommended.' - René Kemp, Maastricht University, The Netherlands 'This timely and impressive volume brings technology back into the centre of discussions and debates on environmental reform. In articulating an ecological modernisation perspective, Joseph Huber presents an inspiring, optimistic and at times provocative assessment of the potential and future role of radical technological innovations in greening production-consumption cycles.' - Arthur P.J. Mol, Wageningen University, The Netherlands In this insightful book, Joseph Huber investigates the life cycle analysis of technological and environmental innovations (TEIs). TEIs are new technologies, products and practices which have benign environmental effects and which can increase eco-efficiency. More importantly, they can also improve 'metabolic consistency', thus laying the foundations for a sustainable industrial ecology. |
al meaning in technology: Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future Bernd Carsten Stahl, 2021-03-17 This open access book proposes a novel approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics. AI offers many advantages: better and faster medical diagnoses, improved business processes and efficiency, and the automation of boring work. But undesirable and ethically problematic consequences are possible too: biases and discrimination, breaches of privacy and security, and societal distortions such as unemployment, economic exploitation and weakened democratic processes. There is even a prospect, ultimately, of super-intelligent machines replacing humans. The key question, then, is: how can we benefit from AI while addressing its ethical problems? This book presents an innovative answer to the question by presenting a different perspective on AI and its ethical consequences. Instead of looking at individual AI techniques, applications or ethical issues, we can understand AI as a system of ecosystems, consisting of numerous interdependent technologies, applications and stakeholders. Developing this idea, the book explores how AI ecosystems can be shaped to foster human flourishing. Drawing on rich empirical insights and detailed conceptual analysis, it suggests practical measures to ensure that AI is used to make the world a better place. |
al meaning in technology: Emerging Library Technologies Ida Arlene Joiner, 2018-08-09 Emerging Library Technologies, is written for librarians/information professionals, teachers, administrators, researchers, undergraduate/graduate students, and others who are interested in learning about some of the most popular emerging technologies in the media today such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, driverless vehicles, big data, virtual/augmented reality, 3D printing, and wearable technologies. This valuable resource shows how they can be used in libraries and resource centers, and how to get stakeholder buy in for implementing these technologies. - Covers innovative insights on how these emerging technologies can be used in all types libraries and resource centers. - Discusses how to get key stakeholders on board before implementing emerging technologies including a checklist to complete before presenting your technology proposal to senior management. - Brings unique perspective for assisting people who will be displaced by these emerging technologies. - Includes resources at the end of every chapter on keeping abreast and building expertise on the emerging technology topic. - Contains tips on how professionals can forge strategic relationships to collaborate on emerging technology projects such as preparing students for STEM and STEAM careers. - Poses engaging questions for further discussion after each chapter. - Includes comprehensive glossary at the end of each chapter. |
al meaning in technology: New Directions in Third Wave Human-Computer Interaction: Volume 1 - Technologies Michael Filimowicz, Veronika Tzankova, 2018-07-02 As the first extensive exploration of contemporary third wave HCI, this handbook covers key developments at the leading edge of human-computer interactions. Now in its second decade as a major current of HCI research, the third wave integrates insights from the humanities and social sciences to emphasize human dimensions beyond workplace efficiency or cognitive capacities. The earliest HCI work was strongly based on the concept of human-machine coupling, which expanded to workplace collaboration as computers came into mainstream professional use. Today HCI can connect to almost any human experience because there are new applications for every aspect of daily life. Volume 1 - Technologies covers technical application areas related to artificial intelligence, metacreation, machine learning, perceptual computing, 3D printing, critical making, physical computing, the internet of things, accessibility, sonification, natural language processing, multimodal display, and virtual reality. |
al meaning in technology: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence Brian Cantwell Smith, 2019-10-08 An argument that—despite dramatic advances in the field—artificial intelligence is nowhere near developing systems that are genuinely intelligent. In this provocative book, Brian Cantwell Smith argues that artificial intelligence is nowhere near developing systems that are genuinely intelligent. Second wave AI, machine learning, even visions of third-wave AI: none will lead to human-level intelligence and judgment, which have been honed over millennia. Recent advances in AI may be of epochal significance, but human intelligence is of a different order than even the most powerful calculative ability enabled by new computational capacities. Smith calls this AI ability “reckoning,” and argues that it does not lead to full human judgment—dispassionate, deliberative thought grounded in ethical commitment and responsible action. Taking judgment as the ultimate goal of intelligence, Smith examines the history of AI from its first-wave origins (“good old-fashioned AI,” or GOFAI) to such celebrated second-wave approaches as machine learning, paying particular attention to recent advances that have led to excitement, anxiety, and debate. He considers each AI technology's underlying assumptions, the conceptions of intelligence targeted at each stage, and the successes achieved so far. Smith unpacks the notion of intelligence itself—what sort humans have, and what sort AI aims at. Smith worries that, impressed by AI's reckoning prowess, we will shift our expectations of human intelligence. What we should do, he argues, is learn to use AI for the reckoning tasks at which it excels while we strengthen our commitment to judgment, ethics, and the world. |
al meaning in technology: Assessing the Role of Mobile Technologies and Distance Learning in Higher Education Ordóñez de Pablos, Patricia, 2014-11-30 In recent years, the use of information technologies, mobile devices, and social media, along with the evolving needs of students, professionals, and academics, has grown rapidly. New ways of bringing learning content to students, new learning environments, and new teaching practices are necessary to keep up with these changes. Assessing the Role of Mobile Technologies and Distance Learning in Higher Education provides a comprehensive understanding of m-learning processes by discussing challenges in higher education and the role of information technologies for effective learning. This reference book offers both real experiences and theoretical input for academicians, professionals, students, practitioners, policymakers, and managers. |
al meaning in technology: Pharmaceutical Inhalation Aerosol Technology, Third Edition Anthony J. Hickey, Sandro R. da Rocha, 2019-03-26 This fully revised and updated third edition of Pharmaceutical Inhalation Aerosol Technology encompasses the scientific and technical foundation for the rationale, design, componentry, assembly and quality performance metrics of therapeutic inhalers in their delivery of pharmaceutical aerosols to treat symptoms or the underlying causes of disease. It focuses on the importance of pharmaceutical engineering as a foundational element of all inhaler products and their application to pulmonary drug delivery. The expanded scope considers previously unaddressed aspects of pharmaceutical inhalation aerosol technology and the patient interface by including aerosol delivery, lung deposition and clearance that are used as measures of effective dose delivery. Key Features: Provides a thoroughly revised and expanded reference with authoritative discussions on the physiologic,pharmacologic, metabolic, molecular, cellular and physicochemical factors, influencing the efficacy and utilization of pharmaceutical aerosols Emphasizes the importance of pharmaceutical engineering as a foundational element of all inhaler products and their application to pulmonary drug delivery Addresses the physics, chemistry and engineering principles while establishing disease relevance Expands the ‘technology’ focus of the original volumes to address the title more directly Offers an impressive breadth of coverage as well as an international flavour from outstanding editors and contributors |
al meaning in technology: Green Engineering Riadh Habash, 2017-11-07 This is a primary text project that combines sustainability development with engineering entrepreneurship and design to present a transdisciplinary approach to modern engineering education. The book is distinguished by extensive descriptions of concepts in sustainability, its principles, and its relevance to environment, economy, and society. It can be read by all engineers regardless of their disciplines as well as by engineering students as they would be future designers of products and systems. This book presents a flexible organization of knowledge in various fields, which allows to be used as a text in a number of courses including for example, engineering entrepreneurship and design, engineering innovation and leadership, and sustainability in engineering design |
al meaning in technology: Agile Coping in the Digital Workplace Nadia Ferreira, Ingrid L. Potgieter, Melinde Coetzee, 2021-05-17 This volume outlines emerging issues for research and practice related to agile coping dynamics in the digital era. Chapters in this book report on current research on the key constructs and processes underlying coping dynamics in multi-disciplinary domains and across the life-span. Chapters compare current research trends in terms of future potential directions for research on coping dynamics in the digital era. The book also critically evaluates the relevance, applicability and utility of the research findings and theoretical premises in various classical, current and potential emerging issues for research and practice in the smart digital technological world of work for employee across their careers. Among the topics discussed: The digital era: contextual issues and coping Issues for organizational practice Issues for individuals Coping within the employability context Agile Coping in the Digital Era provides theoretical premises and research perspectives, while also evaluating the practical utility of theory and research ideas for management and employee practices in Industry 4.0 organizational contexts. |
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al meaning in technology: Emotions, Technology, and Health , 2016-01-04 Emotions, Technology, and Health examines how healthcare consumers interact with health technology, how this technology mediates interpersonal interactions, and the effectiveness of technology in gathering health-related information in various situations. The first section discusses the use of technology to monitor patients' emotional responses to illness and its treatment, as well as the role of technology in meeting the fundamental human need for information. Section Two describes the use of technology in mediating emotions within and between individuals, and addresses the implications for the design and use of devices that gather behavioral health data and contribute to healthcare interventions. The final section assesses different situations in which technology is a key component of the health intervention—such as tablet use in educating elementary school students with social skills difficulty, physical activity monitoring for children at risk for obesity, and teleconferencing for older adults at risk of social isolation. - Shows how information on the internet significantly affects the medical decision-making process for many consumers - Describes current applications of social computing and quick access to mental health information on portable electronic devices - Discusses how cyber-communication may both impair and enhance one's sense of humanity - Details the role of visual media in mediating emotion and memory of time |
al meaning in technology: Competing in the Age of AI Marco Iansiti, Karim R. Lakhani, 2020-01-07 a provocative new book — The New York Times AI-centric organizations exhibit a new operating architecture, redefining how they create, capture, share, and deliver value. Now with a new preface that explores how the coronavirus crisis compelled organizations such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Verizon, and IKEA to transform themselves with remarkable speed, Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani show how reinventing the firm around data, analytics, and AI removes traditional constraints on scale, scope, and learning that have restricted business growth for hundreds of years. From Airbnb to Ant Financial, Microsoft to Amazon, research shows how AI-driven processes are vastly more scalable than traditional processes, allow massive scope increase, enabling companies to straddle industry boundaries, and create powerful opportunities for learning—to drive ever more accurate, complex, and sophisticated predictions. When traditional operating constraints are removed, strategy becomes a whole new game, one whose rules and likely outcomes this book will make clear. Iansiti and Lakhani: Present a framework for rethinking business and operating models Explain how collisions between AI-driven/digital and traditional/analog firms are reshaping competition, altering the structure of our economy, and forcing traditional companies to rearchitect their operating models Explain the opportunities and risks created by digital firms Describe the new challenges and responsibilities for the leaders of both digital and traditional firms Packed with examples—including many from the most powerful and innovative global, AI-driven competitors—and based on research in hundreds of firms across many sectors, this is your essential guide for rethinking how your firm competes and operates in the era of AI. |
al meaning in technology: Financial Determinants of SME Activity in Developing Countries Piotr Łasak, 2022-01-01 PURPOSE: The traditional sources of financing (bank loans) cannot be treated as an essential source of financing for SMEs in developing countries. For this reason, this group of entities uses many alternative sources, from bootstrapping to microfinance and crowdfunding. During the last decade, a significant contribution in this area has been done by financial technology. The purpose of this study is threefold: 1) to present the role of financial technologies in financing SMEs, 2) to examine the role of entities based on financial technology in financing SMEs in developing countries, and 3) to consider other non-bank aspects of financing SMEs, leading to the improvement of the financial situation of these entities. The in-depth analysis of these entrepreneurial finance practices will be developed in the following papers presented in this Issue. METHODOLOGY: This study employs a theoretical approach based on a narrative literature review. The primary attention is focused on applying financial technology as a stimulant for the finance of SMEs in developing countries. FINDINGS: As a consequence of the financing gap for SMEs within the traditional financial system, these entities use non-bank financing based on financial technology. The research confirms that financial technology plays a crucial role in fostering the financial situation of SMEs in developing countries and providing greater financial inclusion for these entities. Both, financial technology and enterprises based on this technology contribute significantly to the improvement of efficiency of financing SMEs in emerging markets. They also provide a broader range of services, than were offered by the traditional financial sector. Regarding the other aspects of SME finance, it is essential to implement such ways of financing like microfinance services and crowdfunding. Such funding mechanisms, together with the budget process and the compliance under the conditions of e-tax systems, are important determinants of current entrepreneurial finance. IMPLICATIONS: The paper describes the financing of SMEs in developing countries. The in-depth picture of the SME’s financial situation, focusing on the technological development in this area, provides essential insight into this still poorly explored area. It also offers important premises for shaping the post-pandemic policy to support their further growth. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Despite growing theoretical and empirical literature about entrepreneurial finance, this study aims to contribute to the role of financial technology in this area. The impact of financial technologies and the role of fintech-based entities on SME activity in developing countries are still poorly researched. Moreover, the research provides a brief overview of other SME funding sources and their determinants in this group of countries. |
al meaning in technology: Proceedings of 20th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Ershi Qi, Jiang Shen, Runliang Dou, 2013-12-16 The International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management is sponsored by the Chinese Industrial Engineering Institution, CMES, which is the only national-level academic society for Industrial Engineering. The conference is held annually as the major event in this arena. Being the largest and the most authoritative international academic conference held in China, it provides an academic platform for experts and entrepreneurs in the areas of international industrial engineering and management to exchange their research findings. Many experts in various fields from China and around the world gather together at the conference to review, exchange, summarize and promote their achievements in the fields of industrial engineering and engineering management. For example, some experts pay special attention to the current state of the application of related techniques in China as well as their future prospects, such as green product design, quality control and management, supply chain and logistics management to address the need for, amongst other things low-carbon, energy-saving and emission-reduction. They also offer opinions on the outlook for the development of related techniques. The proceedings offers impressive methods and concrete applications for experts from colleges and universities, research institutions and enterprises who are engaged in theoretical research into industrial engineering and engineering management and its applications. As all the papers are of great value from both an academic and a practical point of view, they also provide research data for international scholars who are investigating Chinese style enterprises and engineering management. |
al meaning in technology: Trends in Parsing Technology Harry Bunt, Paola Merlo, Joakim Nivre, 2010-10-06 Computer parsing technology, which breaks down complex linguistic structures into their constituent parts, is a key research area in the automatic processing of human language. This volume is a collection of contributions from leading researchers in the field of natural language processing technology, each of whom detail their recent work which includes new techniques as well as results. The book presents an overview of the state of the art in current research into parsing technologies, focusing on three important themes: dependency parsing, domain adaptation, and deep parsing. The technology, which has a variety of practical uses, is especially concerned with the methods, tools and software that can be used to parse automatically. Applications include extracting information from free text or speech, question answering, speech recognition and comprehension, recommender systems, machine translation, and automatic summarization. New developments in the area of parsing technology are thus widely applicable, and researchers and professionals from a number of fields will find the material here required reading. As well as the other four volumes on parsing technology in this series this book has a breadth of coverage that makes it suitable both as an overview of the field for graduate students, and as a reference for established researchers in computational linguistics, artificial intelligence, computer science, language engineering, information science, and cognitive science. It will also be of interest to designers, developers, and advanced users of natural language processing systems, including applications such as spoken dialogue, text mining, multimodal human-computer interaction, and semantic web technology. |
al meaning in technology: Interdisciplinary and Social Nature of Engineering Practices Antonio Carlos Zambroni de Souza, Maarten J. Verkerk, Paulo Fernando Ribeiro, 2022-01-15 This book covers practical and philosophical aspects of Engineering, paying special attention to the social impacts of emerging technologies. Some fundamentals of philosophy of technology are introduced followed by social, economic, and environmental discussion and implications in different disciplines. Each chapter provides insights on the responsibilities involved in the design of engineering projects. The examples presented combine concepts about the impacts of Engineering in society at the same time that incorporates new technological models, yielding an innovative approach about the topics. |
al meaning in technology: Signal Processing and Information Technology Vinu V. Das, Passent M. El-Kafrawy, 2014-11-06 This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-conference proceedings of the Second International Joint Conference in Signal Processing and Information Technology, SPIT 2012, held in Dubai, UAE, in September 2012. The 32 papers included in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected from 330 submissions. The papers cover research and development activities in computer science, information technology, computational engineering, image and signal processing, and communication. |
al meaning in technology: Emerging and Traditional Technologies for Safe, Healthy and Quality Food Viktor Nedović, Peter Raspor, Jovanka Lević, Vesna Tumbas Šaponjac, Gustavo V. Barbosa-Cánovas, 2015-12-16 Since its inception in 2002, the Central European Food Congress (CEFood) has been a biannual meeting intended for food producers and distributors as well as researchers and educators to promote research, development, innovation and education within food science and technology in the Middle European region with a tight connection to global trends. The 6th CEFood, held in Novi Sad, Serbia, May 23-26, 2012, highlighted the novel technologies and traditional foods aimed at both the European and global markets. Specifically, CEFood 2012 focused on the latest progress in fundamental and applied food science, research and development, innovative technology, food ingredients, novel trends in nutrition and health, functional and bioactive food, food engineering, food safety and quality and the food and feed market. This book will consist of contributions from various presenters at CEFood 2012, covering the major themes of this Congress. Chapters contributed by expert presenters from the 6th CEFood Congress of 2012 Highlights the novel technologies of food science Discusses the future of the food industry and food research |
al meaning in technology: Innovation in a High Technology B2B Context Monika Maria Möhring, 2014-04-18 Investment goods and services require the particular acceptance of buying, technical and strategic departments in customer organisations. The empirical evidence of large scale consumer (B2C) studies therefore bear no validity for B2B decision scenarios in large corporations. Monika Maria Möhring draws on deep insight in an industry-leading multinational corporation's automation, IT, MRO, warehousing and process innovation projects. She scrutinises the build-up and optimisation of sustainable supply relationships. This book depicts the idea, testing, and use of a comprehensive research agenda and methodology for value networks and dyads therein. It introduces a diagnostic industry-proven scorecard and highlights its application for managerial governance of strategic supply chains. |
al meaning in technology: Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2015-01-26 This latest Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) will again form the standard reference for all those concerned with climate change and its consequences, including students, researchers and policy makers in environmental science, meteorology, climatology, biology, ecology, atmospheric chemistry and environmental policy. |
al meaning in technology: Gerontechnology Jan A. M. Graafmans, Vappu Taipale, Neil Charness, 1998 This publication is concerned with gerontechnology - the study of technology and ageing with the aim of improving the functioning of older people in daily life. The first part of the book is a compilation of the key-note addresses describing the background for and the conditions under which the emerging field of gerontechnology can be developed further. The chapters deal with political, socio-economic, ethical, demographic issues related to gerontechnology. Furthermore, methodological approaches in human factors, ergonomics and industrial design are described. Trends in technological developments and innovations conclude the first volume. The second part presents some 80 case studies, divided over 9 sections (1) perception and cognition, (2) communication technology, (3) mobility and transport, (4) health and home care technology, (5) housing, (6) training and education, (7) safety and security, (8) product design and (9) culture and attitudes. |
al meaning in technology: The Simulation of Human Intelligence Donald Eric Broadbent, 1993-01 In this series of lectures, a distinguished group of international contributors from a variety of disciplines debate the current position of the recent achievements in engineering and computer science. (Technology & Industrial) |
al meaning in technology: Mobile Technologies and Augmented Reality in Open Education Kurubacak, Gulsun, Altinpulluk, Hakan, 2017-02-22 Novel trends and innovations have enhanced contemporary educational environments. When applied properly, these computing advances can create enriched learning opportunities for students. Mobile Technologies and Augmented Reality in Open Education is a pivotal reference source for the latest academic research on the integration of interactive technology and mobile applications in online and distance learning environments. Highlighting scholarly perspectives across numerous topics such as wearable technology, instructional design, and flipped learning, this book is ideal for educators, professionals, practitioners, academics, and graduate students interested in the role of augmented reality in modern educational contexts. |
al meaning in technology: New Directions in Technology for Writing Instruction Gonca Yangın-Ekşi, Sedat Akayoglu, Leonora Anyango, 2023-01-01 This book responds to the changes and needs of English Language Learning by offering insight into online writing pedagogical platforms and atmospheres. Language learning enriched with technology, web tools and applications have become a necessary ingredient in language education internationally. This volume provides an in-depth understanding of writing practices that are responsive to the challenges for teaching and learning writing in local and global contexts of education. It also provides succinct knowledge at the intersection of technology with teaching, learning, and research. The chapters herein creatively take advantage of the affordances of digital platforms and further critiques their limitations. The book also delineates knowledge on concepts, theories, and innovative approaches to digital writing in the field of teaching and learning English. The chapters focus on reviews and provide guidance on the practical use of Web 2.0 and multimedia tools as well as presenting research on technology integration in writing classes. |
al meaning in technology: Social Media Communication Bu Zhong, 2021-08-31 Examines the social media mechanism and how it is transforming communication in an increasingly networked society Social Media Communication: Trends and Theories explores how social media is transforming the way people think and behave. Providing students with an in-depth understanding of the mechanism underlying social media, this comprehensive textbook uses a multidisciplinary approach to examine social media use in a wide range of communication and business contexts. Each chapter is based on original research findings from the author as well as recent work in communication studies, neuroscience, information science, and psychology. Divided into two parts, the text first describes the theoretical foundation of social media use, discussing the impact of social media on information processing, social networking, cognition, interpersonal and group communication, the media industry, and business marketing. The second half of the book focuses on research-based strategies for effectively using social media in communication and business such as the news industry, heath care, and social movements. Offering detailed yet accessible coverage of how digital media technology is changing human communication, this textbook: Helps readers make the best use of social media tools in communication and business practices Introduces more than a dozen theories in the areas of communication, psychology, and sociology to highlight the theoretical frameworks researchers use in social media studies Identifies a variety of trends involving social media usage, including the app economy and patient care Addresses the relation between social media and important contemporary topics such as cultural diversity, privacy, and social change Presents 14 imperative social media topics, each with the power to change the ways you see and use social media Social Media Communication: Trends and Theories is the perfect textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses in communication, business, journalism, business, and information science and technology. It is also an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, journalists, entrepreneurs, and professionals working in media management, advertising, public relations, and business marketing. |
al meaning in technology: Computer Networks and Inventive Communication Technologies S. Smys, Robert Bestak, Ram Palanisamy, Ivan Kotuliak, 2021-09-13 This book is a collection of peer-reviewed best-selected research papers presented at 4th International Conference on Computer Networks and Inventive Communication Technologies (ICCNCT 2021). The book covers new results in theory, methodology, and applications of computer networks and data communications. It includes original papers on computer networks, network protocols and wireless networks, data communication technologies, and network security. The proceedings of this conference are a valuable resource, dealing with both the important core and the specialized issues in the areas of next-generation wireless network design, control, and management, as well as in the areas of protection, assurance, and trust in information security practice. It is a reference for researchers, instructors, students, scientists, engineers, managers, and industry practitioners for advanced work in the area. |
al meaning in technology: Learning and Collaboration Technologies Panayiotis Zaphiris, Andri Ioannou, 2015-07-18 The LNCS volume 9192 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Second International Conference on Learning and Collaboration Technologies, LCT 2015, held as part of the 17th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, HCII 2015, in Los Angeles, CA, USA in August 2015, jointly with 15 other thematically similar conferences. The total of 1462 papers and 246 posters presented at the HCII 2015 conferences were carefully reviewed and selected from 4843 submissions. These papers address addressing the following major topics: technology-enhanced learning, adaptive and personalised learning and assessment, virtual worlds and virtual agents for learning, collaboration and Learning Serious Games and ICT in education. |
al meaning in technology: Hydraulic Fracturing Impacts and Technologies Venki Uddameri, Audra Morse, Kay J. Tindle, 2015-06-22 Hydraulic Fracturing Impacts and Technologies: A Multidisciplinary Perspective serves as an introduction to hydraulic fracturing and provides balanced coverage of its benefits and potential negative effects. Presenting a holistic assessment of hydraulic fracturing and its environmental impacts, this book chronicles the history and development of un |
al meaning in technology: Race, Rhetoric, and Technology Adam J. Banks, 2006-08-15 This book examines the Digital Divide in light of America's larger racial divide, in an attempt to figure out what meaningful access for African American to technologies and the larger American society can or should mean. |
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May 21, 2025 · Patrick Darrington | pdarrington@al.com Severe weather swept north Alabama Tuesday night, downing trees and powerlines and sparking tornado warnings, the National …
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May 14, 2025 · John Sharp | jsharp@al.com Alabama is instituting its first major regulation on e-cigarettes and vaping devices under legislation signed Wednesday by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey …
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