C&C 53, 1-2 (2020)

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Phonemes, the use and abuse of speech-recognition systems

On a Fractal Topology of Memes in a Fractal World

Wilfried Allaerts

Abstract

The recognition of phonemes using speech-technology was both found useful as well as contested in the case of detecting the provenance of asylum seekers and in matters of migration surveillance. In this paper, we present an heuristic link between the recognition of phonemes and the fractal landscape of memes, as formulated by Liane Gabora and others. Both landscapes apparently appeal to the human endeavor to control the surrounding world. Moreover, the problem of communication monitoring, suggested as a necessity of the contemporary internet usage, forwards a global topographical infrastructure, as well as an interlanguage conversion hierarchy. These global mindset changers in turn raise the inevitable questions of worldview coherence and human motivation in a changing world. Apparently, the global threat of a new pandemic not only has disturbed nearly every aspect of public life, it may also open a new window of commonality and understanding.

MAKING BIG PROGRESS WITH SMALL STEPS: USING LEAN METHODS TO CREATE A CULTURE OF LEARNING

Bart Crombez

Abstract

During the past two decades more and more organizations and companies have tried to implement “lean” in their own way of working. Evolved from the Toyota Production System, lean thinking has already shown to be able to bring great benefits. However, it has also become clear that many efforts to implement lean fail. We recommend that extra attention should be paid to building a strong foundation that we consider necessary for any lean transformation to stand a chance of success. Firstly choose learning by doing from your own reality instead of going for ‘quick wins’ by merely copying from others. Additionally, create a culture where using a fixed method for solving problems becomes a standard and where taking continuous small steps on the way to improvement are valued, instead of only focusing on big improvement projects. Finally, pay attention to the right type of leadership that is required throughout the organization as a whole. A lean transformation requires lean leadership. Developing lean leaders on all levels is crucial in order for your lean transformation to succeed.

THE “CYTOKINE-STORM” METAPHOR CONCERNING THE COMMUNICATIVE AND COGNITIVE CHALLENGES FOR SOCIAL, POLITICAL, CULTURAL, RELIGIOUS,
ECONOMIC AND CLIMATE EVOLUTION,
REVOLUTION AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT INCLUDING THE DE-COMMUNICATION AND DE-COGNITION ASPECTS
Fernand Vandamme, Lin Wang, Fern Muylle

Abstract

In some young, healthy people, a very reactive immune system can lead to a massive inflammatory storm: cytokine storms. In those cases, it is not an aged or weakened immune system that is the problem -- it is one that works too well. The positive feedback loop of cytokine creation leads here to a “cytokine storm”, a situation in which excessive cytokine production causes an immune response that can damage organs, especially the lungs and kidneys, and even lead to death.

Cytokines are “cell to cell communication” cells that activate and stimulate movement of cells toward sites of inflammation, infection, trauma.

In the case of cytokine storms, these cells start to behave autonomously, towards a positive feedback. They are not anymore taking into account the real need in the localization. The “observation”, “description”, “interpretation” tasks: cognitive aspects of the messenger cells, as well as the communicative aspects (the transmission of the situational actual needs) are becoming void. This means that the cytokine cells are becoming “de-cognitive” and “de-communicative”, that is blind messengers, which keep on triggering. The inertia is taking over the cognitive and communicative tasks. These are put in a kind of sleep modus and taken over by autonomous continuous preexistent action. Therefore the necessary change in action is stopped. That leads to killing the organism, if the inertia: the de-communication and de-cognition is not stopped and reactivated to trigger the necessary changed actions.

We see these processes of de-communication and de-cognition of the messengers not only in the immunological system of the body. We see these also in social systems, in economic systems, in political systems, in cultural, religious, economic systems moreover in the climate management systems. It is very crucial to detect these “cytokine storms”, and to be able to reverse the de-communication and de-cognition developments of messengers: experts in these systems.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDIZATION OF CHINESE ENCYCLOPEDIA TERMINOLOGY DATABASE

Wang Yuli, Tian Ye, Zhang Xinzhi

Abstract

Encyclopedia of China Publishing House of has developed encyclopedias online, question-and-answer encyclopedias, knowledge metadata and other items for the full development of "Chinese encyclopedia terminology database", and formulated corresponding standards, Publishing numerous digital products.