In the future systems of ambient intelligence will include decision support systems that will automate the process of discrimination among people that seek entry into environments and to engage in search of the opportunities that are available there. This article argues that these systems must be subject to active and continuous assessment and regulation because of the ways in which they are likely to contribute to economic and social inequality. This regulatory constraint must involve limitations on the collection and use (...) of information about individuals and groups. The article explores a variety of rationales or justifications for establishing these limits. It emphasizes the unintended consequences that flow from the use of these systems as the most compelling rationale. (shrink)

This article develops a more comprehensive understanding of data mining by examining the application of this technology in the marketplace. In addition to exploring the technological issues that arise from the use of these applications, we address some of the social concerns that are too often ignored.As more firms shift more of their business activities to the Web, increasingly more information about consumers and potential customers is being captured in Web server logs. Sophisticated analytic and data mining software tools enable (...) firms to use the data contained in these logs to develop and implement a complex relationship management strategy. Although this new trend in marketing strategy is based on the old idea of relating to customers as individuals, customer relationship management actually rests on segmenting consumers into groups based on profiles developed through a firm's data mining activities. Individuals whose profiles suggest that they are likely to provide a high lifetime value to the firm are served content that will vary from that which is served to consumers with less attractive profiles. (shrink)

We claim that scientists working with deep learning (DL) models exhibit a form of pragmatic understanding that is not reducible to or dependent on explanation. This pragmatic understanding comprises a set of learned methodological principles that underlie DL model design-choices and secure their reliability. We illustrate this action-oriented pragmatic understanding with a case study of AlphaFold2, highlighting the interplay between background knowledge of a problem and methodological choices involving techniques for constraining how a model learns from data. Building successful models (...) requires pragmatic understanding to apply modelling strategies that encourage the model to learn data patterns that will facilitate reliable generalisation. (shrink)

The object of this t e xt is to present human rights as subjec t i ve rights, and therefore, as an appropriate fo r m of discourse in mode r n socie t y . Subject i v e rights are a discourse strat e gy through w hich ind i viduals h a ve lost contact with their companions in c i vil socie t y , and th e y f ind themsel v es isolate d , (...) in a relationship that e xists on l y with a f iction that the l a w calls "state". Citizens h a ve been stripped of the possibilities of addressing the other members of c i vil socie t y , and forced in the conflicts with them to go through special c i vil ser v ants w h o are in cha r ge of suppressing the conflict b y the use of force a g ainst some of the liti g ants. This discourse strat e gy ma k es the ind i vidual a citizen, and it tu r ns into a linguistic manner of being in the mode r n or bou r geois w orld. The strat e gy of subject i v e rights is w hat ma k es mode r n l a w modern. Human rights, for their pa r t, are all the e xpectations and aspirations of ind i viduals of a capitalist socie t y , that can on l y be mentioned in te r ms of "rights , " since it is this discourse that ma k es them into citizens. In this w a y , all human aspirations are co n v er ted - or can be co n v e r ted- into "rights", w hich is the peculiar linguistic manner that modernity o f fers to ind i viduals to talk about their aspirations. (shrink)

Este ensayo busca examinar en qué medida el modelo de interpretación constructiva, sustentado por Ronald Dworkin en el ámbito de su teoría del derecho como integridad, se ajusta y permite explicar las experiencias jurídicas que se desarrollan bajo los sistemas de derecho de la tradición jurídica romano-canónica. Lo que se intenta demostrar es que no obstante el modelo de Dworkin no se ajuste bien a nuestras experiencias jurídicas, algunos de los argumentos centrales de su crítica al modelo positivista constituyen una (...) importante contribución a la teoría del enjuiciamiento y, con algunos ajustes, efectivamente ayudan a comprender y explicar nuestras prácticas jurídicas. Con todo, el modelo de interpretación constructiva no parece constituir una alternativa, sino más bien un complemento necesario a una teoría positivista moderada como la de H. L. A. Hart. (shrink)

Researchers are required to seek consent from Indigenous communities prior to conducting research but there is inadequate information about how Indigenous people understand and become fully engaged with this consent process. Few studies evaluate the preference or understanding of the consent process for research with Indigenous populations. Lack of informed consent can impact on research findings. The Picture Talk Project was initiated with senior Aboriginal leaders of the Fitzroy Valley community situated in the far north of Western Australia. Aboriginal people (...) were interviewed about their understanding and experiences of research and consent processes. Transcripts were analysed using NVivo10 software with an integrated method of inductive and deductive coding and based in grounded theory. Local Aboriginal interpreters validated coding. Major themes were defined and supporting quotes sourced. Interviews with Aboriginal leaders were facilitated by a local Aboriginal Community Navigator who could interpret if necessary and provide cultural guidance. Participants were from all four major local language groups of the Fitzroy Valley; aged 31 years and above; and half were male. Themes emerging from these discussions included Research—finding knowledge; Being respectful of Aboriginal people, Working on country, and Being flexible with time; Working together with good communication; Reciprocity—two-way learning; and Reaching consent. The project revealed how much more there is to be learned about how research with remote Aboriginal communities should be conducted such that it is both culturally respectful and, importantly, meaningful for participants. We identify important elements in community consultation about research and seeking consent. (shrink)

In Re-Thinking Science. Knowledge and the Public in an Age of Uncertainty H. Nowotny, P. Scott, e M. Gibbons vindicate a “socially robust” scientific knowledge in accordance with the social needs of our time. Such a knowledge would not be just epistemically reliable; in addition, it would also fit the situations to which will be put to use, and take into account the consequences of its utilization. In the authors’ view, this new kind of science, which they call “Mode 2 (...) knowledge” in another book, would do justice to a society that is not restrained to receive or ask for scientific information, but also requires sharing in its production. Nowotny and her colleagues mention several epistemological changes which a “robust” knowledge would involve. In this paper I analyze some of those alleged changes. (shrink)

Aim: The presence of noise in urban environments is rarely considered a factor that causes damage to the environment. The primary generating source is transportation means, with vehicles being the ones that affect cities the most. Traffic noise has a particular influence on the quality of life of those who are exposed to it and can cause health alterations ranging from annoyance to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to describe the relationship between the traffic noise level and the perceived annoyance (...) in the inhabitants of a city on the Northern Border of Mexico. The work carried out in a city represents the vulnerability characteristics: economic, social, and migratory of its sizable portion of the inhabitants. Due to that, it is impossible to identify precisely the number of residents as the number of vehicles in circulation.Methods: The streets and avenues with an annual average daily traffic of more than 1,000 vehicles were considered for the measurement of traffic noise. The equipment used was a vehicle gauge with non-invasive speed radar; type I integrating sound level meters, with their respective gauges and tripods. A questionnaire was applied to people living within 250 m of the streets and avenues in which the noise was measured.Results: The noise measurement found a parameter of LAeq estimated for 12 h during the day, exceeding 70 dBA. The data received from the questionnaire were statistically tested by using Pearson's correlation tests. A total number of 2,350 people were participated, of whom 1,378 were women and 972 were men. The age of participants is ranged from 18 to 75 years. The overall perception of traffic noise annoyance identified that 1,131 participants responded “Yes” as they considered the noise annoying. Participants who responded “No” as well as those who responded “Do not know” resulted in a total of 1,219 people.Conclusion: The results show that the population is desensitized to traffic noise and does not perceive it as an annoyance. The flow of vehicles and the type of vehicles are the significant factors for the propagation and increase in the traffic noise levels. Women present a considerable appreciation of traffic noise perception instead of younger people who demonstrate a higher tolerance to high-level exposure. This reflects the lack of information of the population around the noise problem and its effects. (shrink)

Much has been written by many distinguished persons about the philosophical, religious and ethical considerations of doctors and their involvement with torture. What follows will not have the erudition or authority of the likes of St Augustine, Mahatma Gandi, Schopenhauer or Thomas Paine. It represents the views of a very ordinary person; a presumption defended by the submission that many very ordinary persons have been, and will be, instruments for effecting, assisting or condoning the physical or mental anguish of others. (...) As practitioners of medicine, we are particularly vulnerable, since our particular knowledge and our privileged position may be so easily abused--to the detriment of others. Those of us who practice clinical forensic medicine have even greater responsibility by virtue of our daily contact with the enforcement of law, criminal procedure, and the machinations of the judiciary. We are thus particularly well placed to monitor, encourage or discourage the occurrence of evil practices within the community. It is imperative, therefore, that the ordinary doctor should be cognisant of, and be party to, a code of conduct formulated by his peers and having reference to his obligations as a citizen, and doctor, and to his ability to manipulate human activity. Forensic physicians have further discretionary powers as arbiters in the marriage of the art and ethics of healing with the principles and practice of justice. (shrink)

This research examines the novel No Time Like the Present (NTLP) by Nadine Gordimer as a material object. This novel outlines the conditions and situation of the post-apartheid South African country with various post-colonial problems. Centered on the life of a mixed family, black and white, with the characters of former independence fighter Umkhonto, the novel shows how the tortured and fragmented essence of a country struggles to define itself as a post-apartheid nation. In this regard, as an implication of (...) this problem, this research formulates two problems, (1) How do the colonial memory and trauma contructed in NTLP novel? And (2) How are the subject efforts to accept and recover from the trauma? To solve those problems, this research uses Postcolonial Trauma perpective of Step Craps and combined with reconciliation theory from Dominick LaCapra as a formal object. The aims of this research to (1) describe the construction of memory and colonial trauma through narrative witnessing that has an impact on the existence of the traumatic subject in the novel, and (2) explain the traumatized subjects efforts to survive through recovery and acceptance of the trauma experienced. This research is qualitative-descriptive by analyzing data using phenomenological method. The method used to analyze the events as well as traumatic experiences constructed in literary texts. The research resulted, (1) the construction of traumatic memories originating from apartheid events is narrated in various forms of torture carried out by the white regime, both directly against Umkhonto and South African society in general, including arrests and killings, segregation and cladestine life, invasions home, and cultural racism. This experience in turn causes collective trauma, which is narrated in symptoms such as the inability of the subject, feelings of inferiority, self-loathing, to Xenophobia. Furthermore, (2) in the efforts of reconciliation, social, political, economic, and other transformations and reforms, it encourages traumatic subjects to persist in the present and in the future, even though the past is still haunted. As an entity that represents the collectivism of the South African people, Umkhonto demonstrates persistence, reconnecting experiences, knowledge and feelings between them through acceptance of reality, selecting the right listeners or mates, and working towards voting rights in elections. (shrink)

The story of “Kutukan Dapur” by Eka Kurniawan presents a colonial setting: Dutch colonialism and postcolonialism in the image of two characters, Diah Ayu and Maharani. Maharani is in patriarchal shackles, which is ingrained in her family life and social structure. Meanwhile, Diah Ayu is in the bonds of Dutch colonialism, which is brought back by the author. Both are in a subaltern position but in different conditions. Based on this description, this research asks two questions which are analyzed using (...) Gayatri Spivak's subaltern theory, (1) what the position of Diah Ayu and Maharani in "Kutukan Dapur" short story, and (2) how the subaltern is constructed through the efforts of the two characters to get out of that position is. The method used is qualitative. The narratives are classified and analyzed to understand the subaltern's position and construction and its resistance efforts. This research indicates that Maharani and Diah Ayu are subalterns of Maharani dominated by patriarchy, while Diah Ayu is dominated by Dutch colonialism. Maharani fought back, but only with an idea or ideas. Unlike Diah Ayu, she is able to fight in a real form. However, as the author, Eka is trapped in a biased construction in addition to gender bias and representation. In subaltern studies, representation is only a tool towards more real domination. The two figures seem to be fighting against the power structure (colonial and patriarchal) but are still trapped in the dominance of the other. (shrink)

This study aims to reveal the impact and response to the apartheid system in shaping the collective trauma of African society through symbolic representations of suffering and social performativity through political action in “Amnesty” short story by Nadine Gordimer. This study used the cultural trauma theory by Jeffrey Alexander with descriptive qualitative method. The results of this research found that social suffering is symbolically represented with a humanist and theocentric images. Even so, the two seemingly different treatments are essentially the (...) same suffering, disguised by social and cultural symbols. Then, as a response to this suffering, there was social performativy through the political actions of social agents carried out by the Labor Union. These actions occur after going through of socio-cultural processes such as gathering, organizing, rioting, speeches, demonstrations, and accommodating or representing pain as well as distributing social awareness to arrive at the point where the apartheid system is the cause of all forms of suffering they experience. (shrink)

This study aims to uncover the praxis of singularity and self-identity (kedirian) as presented in a short story titled Aroma Tanah Moncongloe (ATM). This research uses a descriptive-qualitative method by applying the post-marxist perspective by Antonio Negri and Jean-Luc Nancy. The results signified that there is a labeling of identity constructed by the state as a form of uniformity that is in line with the empire or external power. This uniformity can be seen from the identity of former political prisoners (...) who are isolated and find it difficult to find work. Through the concept of singularity and identity, the existence of political prisoner (ex-tapol) in turn is seen as bad, evil, and can pollute a clean society. On the other hand, this stigma forms a community of ex-tapol who were marginalized politically, socially, and economically. Furthermore, in the subject’s effort to grasp the singularity, there are two indications, shown by Nanni and the Moncongloe Tapol Community (KTM). Nanni is not tied to a single identity as a child (genealogical-biological), but tend to be an open-minded, rational, and trusting teacher (sociological). Meanwhile, KTM stands outside the global political order or empire which minimizes them being entangled in the global capitalist system. (shrink)

Women in patriarchal culture are treated unfairly and seen as second-class beings. Their presence is considered as something incidental and not essential. For this reason, this paper examines one of the short stories by Muna Masyari, a female writer from Pamekasan, Madura Sortana. Matchmaking and the myth of the Madurese have put Madurese women in a state of oppression and unfavorable conditions because of the binding culture that dominates women. Muna, using the Sortana short story as a means to advocate (...) for the value of feminism which in the context of Madurese culture is taboo to fight against. This study aims to explore the existence of women who are represented by female characters called Embu. This research method uses qualitative-descriptive research by analyzing the content of the story, looking at sentences and paragraphs related to the issue of the existence of women in Sortana short story. The theoretical concept used is existentialist feminism. From the results of the analysis, it is known that the gender injustice experienced by the Embu character in the short story is in the form of marginalization, subordination, and stereotypes. Meanwhile, through his actions, the Embu figure has the awareness to become the Self in order to be free from the Other. (shrink)

Tulisan ini bertujuan mengurai makna dan retorika penciptaan mantra Cenning Rara sebagai salah satu perwujudan sastra lisan suku Bugis di Sulawesi Selatan. Mantra Cenning Rara adalah sejenis ilmu pengasihan, berisi doa-doa pemikat, dipercaya masyarakat Bugis dapat memikat hati lawan jenisnya. Saat ini, mantra tersebut mulai tergerus dan jarang digunakan dengan sejumlah alasan, satu di antaranya terkoptasi oleh nilai-nilai religi yang berkembang belakangan. Berdasarkan latar belakang tersebut, penelitian ini dilakukan untuk (1) mengetahui makna mantra Cenning Rara, serta (2) retorika penciptaan yang (...) mendasarinya berfungsi sebagai mantra pemikat lawan jenis. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif, memperoleh data dalam bentuk narasi bukan angka. Objek penelitian ini terdiri dari dua; objek material dalam hal ini hasil transkripsi dan terjemahan mantra Cenning Rara, dan teori semiotika Riffaterre dan formula Albert B. Lord sebagai objek formal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mantra Cenning Rara secara heuristik mengandung makna keterpesonaan terhadap seseorang. Sementara secara hermeneutik, keterpesonaan tersebut diekspresikan tidak berdiri sendiri, tetapi dibarengi unsur-unsur seperti keyakinan, paksaan, dan ancaman; bahwa mantra adalah media yang dapat mengobati sekaligus melukai. Selain itu, retorika penciptaan mantra Cenning Rara melalui formula sebagai sarana penyampaian gagasan, selain dilandasi oleh keyakinan dan kepercayaan—juga didorong oleh kepandaian penutur dalam menciptakan wacana estetik yang ritmis dan puitis. (shrink)

Tulisan ini menggunakan teks cerpen Jangan Tanyakan Tentang Mereka yang Memotong Lidahku (JT2M2L) karya Faisal Oddang sebagai objek material dan konsep biopolitis modern Giorgio Agamben sebagai objek formal. Karya tersebut bercerita tentang seorang Bissu bernama Upe yang mengabdikan diri kepada Dewata. Bersama tokoh lainnya, mereka mengenang peristiwa berdarah yang pernah menimpa di tahun 1965. Didasarkan pada latar belakang tersebut, kajian ini bertujuan mengungkap state of exception yang dialami komunitas Bissu, serta menyingkap gambaran mereka selaku subjek usai dieksepsi dan menjadi bare (...) life (telanjang) dalam cerpen JT2M2L. Metode yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan menganalisis data menggunakan teknik baca simbolik dan semantik, teknik catat kuotasi, dan teknik parafrase. Hasilnya ditemukan hadirnya eksepsi yang disengaja oleh negara melalui jalan operasi militer dan normalisasi dengan dalih keadaan darurat. Kedaruratan memungkinkan negara mengabaikan hukum dan prosedur demokratis yang pada akhirnya turut andil menciptakan homo sacer. Dari eksepsi tersebut, objektivikasi komunitas Bissu menyebabkan ditangguhkannya hak hukum, politik, dan asasinya seiring pemegang kedaulatan berhasil memproduksi bare life. Ketelanjangan tersebut berakibat komunitas Bissu dapat menjadi objek apapun bagi entitas manapun. (shrink)

GENERALIZED RECUBION THEORY II © North-Holland Publishing Company (1978) MONOTONE QUANTIFIERS AND ADMISSIBLE SETS Ion Barwise University of Wisconsin ...