title: Interactive visualisation techniques for dynamic speech transcription, correction and training

authors: Luz, Saturnino

subjects: computer science

abstract: As performance gains in automatic speech recognition systems plateau, improvements to existing applications of speech recognition technology seem more likely to come from better user interface design than from further progress in core recognition components. Among all applications of speech recognition, the usability of systems for transcription of spontaneous speech is particularly sensitive to high word error rates. This paper presents a series of approaches to improving the usability of such applications. We propose new mechanisms for error correction, use of contextual information, and use of 3D visualisation techniques to improve user interaction with a recogniser and maximise the impact of user feedback. These proposals are illustrated through several prototypes which target tasks such as: off-line transcript editing, dynamic transcript editing, and real-time visualisation of recognition paths. An evaluation of our dynamic transcript editing system demonstrates the gains that can be made by adding the corrected words to the recogniser's dictionary and then propagating the user's corrections.

text: Interactive visualisation techniques for dynamic speech transcription, correction and training As performance gains in automatic speech recognition systems plateau, improvements to existing applications of speech recognition technology seem more likely to come from better user interface design than from further progress in core recognition components. Among all applications of speech recognition, the usability of systems for transcription of spontaneous speech is particularly sensitive to high word error rates. This paper presents a series of approaches to improving the usability of such applications. We propose new mechanisms for error correction, use of contextual information, and use of 3D visualisation techniques to improve user interaction with a recogniser and maximise the impact of user feedback. These proposals are illustrated through several prototypes which target tasks such as: off-line transcript editing, dynamic transcript editing, and real-time visualisation of recognition paths. An evaluation of our dynamic transcript editing system demonstrates the gains that can be made by adding the corrected words to the recogniser's dictionary and then propagating the user's corrections.

year: 2008

title: The charm of time: Generational comparison, memorable tourism experiences, and quality of life in visits to a world heritage site, Kulangsu

authors: Li, Yanhan

abstract: In recent years, heritage tourism has seen a shift toward younger visitors, challenging the earlier view that it attracts primarily older visitors. How this emerging group of younger tourists differ from older tourists, and the reasons for such differences from a Chinese generational perspective, remain unclear. Whilst a significant literature exists on differences of personal histories the speed of technological change in China has been so rapid that many older people now use their smartphones for making payments, keeping in touch with extended family and for leisure pursuits, and one wonders if even recent past research has kept up with these changes of senior behaviour. Moreover, previous heritage research has focused mainly on pre-visit and on-site perceptions, with limited attention to post-visit outcomes, such as memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and quality of life (QoL), and little consideration of the temporal changes in these variables. MTEs look at tourists’ experiences that could be recalled or remembered after tourism activities occurred (Kim et al., 2012). Subjective QoL refers to how individuals perceive or evaluate their own lives (Woo et al., 2016). Therefore, this study aims to examine generational differences in heritage tourism experiences and outcomes among Chinese tourists, with particular attention to the temporal dynamics of MTEs and QoL.
To address these gaps, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, three rounds of interviews with 65 participants compared pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit perceptions between Chinese Generation Zs and the Lost Generation regarding visits to Kulangsu, a World Heritage Site. Interview data suggested that both MTEs and QoL improvements changed within seven to fifteen days after the visit. In the quantitative phase, a closed-ended questionnaire validated generational differences identified qualitatively. In brief, the three-stage interview approach not only minimized post hoc rationalization but also facilitated the exploration of time intervals’ influence on MTEs and QoL. The Jaccard index was further applied to support a reasonable transition from qualitative findings and the correlation hypotheses development to the quantitative significance test. This design enabled the study to capture temporal dynamics of tourism experiences that are often overlooked in cross-sectional tourism research.
The quantitative phase then within a broader and more representative sample (889 respondents, including a middle-aged group), tested relationships among pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit perceptions, as well as the effects of time variables on MTEs and QoL. The unique mixed methods design effectively addressed the research questions and offers new directions for future tourism studies. 
This study also makes multiple contributions in terms of theoretical extension and application. First, it provides a generationally informed account of why, how, and for what purposes younger and older Chinese heritage tourists visit Kulangsu, showing the profound influence of generational background and presenting a coherent narrative of the two cohorts’ heritage visitations. Second, it offers an in-depth discussion of MTEs and QoL in the heritage tourism context, which were linked with pre-and during visit perception variables, confirming that heritage experiences must first be memorable in order to affect QoL. Third, it demonstrates that the time interval after a visit directly leads to a decline in the memorability of heritage experiences, which in turn results in a reduction of QoL improvements gained from the trip. This finding helps explain the decline in tourists’ temporal wellbeing improvement reported in previous studies. 
In addition, the results also have practical implications for heritage site management, particularly for Kulangsu, and highlight the need for other heritage destinations to tailor services to generational characteristics, especially for the emerging younger market, while focusing on visitor-cantered outcomes such as memorable experiences that can enhance people’s quality of life, even if for only a short period of time. The temporal elements of such enhancements of life quality are also discussed in the thesis.

text: The charm of time: Generational comparison, memorable tourism experiences, and quality of life in visits to a world heritage site, Kulangsu In recent years, heritage tourism has seen a shift toward younger visitors, challenging the earlier view that it attracts primarily older visitors. How this emerging group of younger tourists differ from older tourists, and the reasons for such differences from a Chinese generational perspective, remain unclear. Whilst a significant literature exists on differences of personal histories the speed of technological change in China has been so rapid that many older people now use their smartphones for making payments, keeping in touch with extended family and for leisure pursuits, and one wonders if even recent past research has kept up with these changes of senior behaviour. Moreover, previous heritage research has focused mainly on pre-visit and on-site perceptions, with limited attention to post-visit outcomes, such as memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) and quality of life (QoL), and little consideration of the temporal changes in these variables. MTEs look at tourists’ experiences that could be recalled or remembered after tourism activities occurred (Kim et al., 2012). Subjective QoL refers to how individuals perceive or evaluate their own lives (Woo et al., 2016). Therefore, this study aims to examine generational differences in heritage tourism experiences and outcomes among Chinese tourists, with particular attention to the temporal dynamics of MTEs and QoL.
To address these gaps, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, three rounds of interviews with 65 participants compared pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit perceptions between Chinese Generation Zs and the Lost Generation regarding visits to Kulangsu, a World Heritage Site. Interview data suggested that both MTEs and QoL improvements changed within seven to fifteen days after the visit. In the quantitative phase, a closed-ended questionnaire validated generational differences identified qualitatively. In brief, the three-stage interview approach not only minimized post hoc rationalization but also facilitated the exploration of time intervals’ influence on MTEs and QoL. The Jaccard index was further applied to support a reasonable transition from qualitative findings and the correlation hypotheses development to the quantitative significance test. This design enabled the study to capture temporal dynamics of tourism experiences that are often overlooked in cross-sectional tourism research.
The quantitative phase then within a broader and more representative sample (889 respondents, including a middle-aged group), tested relationships among pre-visit, on-site, and post-visit perceptions, as well as the effects of time variables on MTEs and QoL. The unique mixed methods design effectively addressed the research questions and offers new directions for future tourism studies. 
This study also makes multiple contributions in terms of theoretical extension and application. First, it provides a generationally informed account of why, how, and for what purposes younger and older Chinese heritage tourists visit Kulangsu, showing the profound influence of generational background and presenting a coherent narrative of the two cohorts’ heritage visitations. Second, it offers an in-depth discussion of MTEs and QoL in the heritage tourism context, which were linked with pre-and during visit perception variables, confirming that heritage experiences must first be memorable in order to affect QoL. Third, it demonstrates that the time interval after a visit directly leads to a decline in the memorability of heritage experiences, which in turn results in a reduction of QoL improvements gained from the trip. This finding helps explain the decline in tourists’ temporal wellbeing improvement reported in previous studies. 
In addition, the results also have practical implications for heritage site management, particularly for Kulangsu, and highlight the need for other heritage destinations to tailor services to generational characteristics, especially for the emerging younger market, while focusing on visitor-cantered outcomes such as memorable experiences that can enhance people’s quality of life, even if for only a short period of time. The temporal elements of such enhancements of life quality are also discussed in the thesis.

year: 2025

title: Claiming collective space: Kaupapa Maori in psychology

authors: Levy, Michelle Patricia

subjects: Maori

abstract: From its inception, the Psychology Department at the University of Waikato has had a focus on issues of culture, particularly those of relevance for Maori, with these early foundations laid by Emeritus Professor James Ritchie, who in 1965 took up the founding chair of the Department. These foundations have continued to be built on, utilising a variety of different strategies. Drawing on a research base which has emerged primarily from within the Maori and Psychology Research Unit at Waikato University, this paper explores strategies which have served to carve out and claim space for Maori, both within the department, and within the wider discipline of psychology.

text: Claiming collective space: Kaupapa Maori in psychology From its inception, the Psychology Department at the University of Waikato has had a focus on issues of culture, particularly those of relevance for Maori, with these early foundations laid by Emeritus Professor James Ritchie, who in 1965 took up the founding chair of the Department. These foundations have continued to be built on, utilising a variety of different strategies. Drawing on a research base which has emerged primarily from within the Maori and Psychology Research Unit at Waikato University, this paper explores strategies which have served to carve out and claim space for Maori, both within the department, and within the wider discipline of psychology.

year: 2008