Edinburgh Napier University

About: Edinburgh Napier University is a education organization based out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

Multimodal Sentiment Analysis: Addressing Key Issues and Setting Up the Baselines

Abstract: We compile baselines, along with dataset split, for multimodal sentiment analysis. In this paper, we explore three different deep-learning-based architectures for multimodal sentiment classification, each improving upon the previous. Further, we evaluate these architectures with multiple datasets with fixed train/test partition. We also discuss some major issues, frequently ignored in multimodal sentiment analysis research, e.g., the role of speaker-exclusive models, the importance of different modalities, and generalizability. This framework illustrates the different facets of analysis to be considered while performing multimodal sentiment analysis and, hence, serves as a new benchmark for future research in this emerging field.

An effective hybrid algorithm for university course timetabling

Abstract: The university course timetabling problem is an optimisation problem in which a set of events has to be scheduled in timeslots and located in suitable rooms. Recently, a set of benchmark instances was introduced and used for an `International Timetabling Competition' to which 24 algorithms were submitted by various research groups active in the field of timetabling. We describe and analyse a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm which was developed under the very same rules and deadlines imposed by the competition and outperformed the official winner. It combines various construction heuristics, tabu search, variable neighbourhood descent and simulated annealing. Due to the complexity of developing hybrid metaheuristics, we strongly relied on an experimental methodology for configuring the algorithms as well as for choosing proper parameter settings. In particular, we used racing procedures that allow an automatic or semi-automatic configuration of algorithms with a good save in time. Our successful example shows that the systematic design of hybrid algorithms through an experimental methodology leads to high performing algorithms for hard combinatorial optimisation problems.

New approaches to employability in the UK: Combining 'human capital development' and 'Work First' strategies?

Abstract: This article analyses recent developments in policies to promote the employability of unemployed and economically inactive people in the UK. It discusses the extent to which these policies reflect the dominant approaches of 'Work First', where programmes focus mainly on compulsory job search and short-term interventions to facilitate a quick return to work, or human capital development (HCD), where programmes tailor services to promote longer- term skills and personal development. Specifically, the article reports on case-study research into two recent pilot initiatives: Working Neighbourhoods (which targeted a range of intensive services in neighbourhoods characterised by high levels of inactivity) and Pathways to Work (which combines employability services and cognitive behaviour therapy-type approaches to help clients to manage health problems). While both pilots have retained strong Work First features, they potentially represent a shift towards a more HCD-oriented approach, through the delivery of more holistic 'coping and enabling' services. However, there remain concerns that, as with previous progressive policy initiatives, the positive lessons of these pilots will not be fully mainstreamed. We conclude that, if the UK is to balance Work First compulsion with high-quality services delivering progress in the labour market and HCD, a strengthening of 'coping and enabling' interventions is required, alongside a renewed commitment to training.

Benchmarking Audit Committee Effectiveness in Financial Reporting

Abstract: This paper examines the effectiveness of UK audit committees in their primary responsibility of overseeing financial reporting. A logit regression approach is used to benchmark corporate financial reporting quality against financial reporting standards in the period from 1991 to 2000. Using a sample of companies that have been subject to adverse rulings by the Financial Reporting Review Panel (FRRP), we test the impact of board and audit committee characteristics on the probability of compliance with financial reporting standards. Our results show that independent boards promote audit committee effectiveness in financial reporting and suggest that director share ownership and multiple directorships could undermine audit committee effectiveness in financial reporting. We also suggest that director financial literacy and an ‘active’ audit committee may contribute to audit committee effectiveness.