Unveiling Future Trends: AI, IoT, and Sustainability

Unveiling Future Trends: AI, IoT, and Sustainability

The Future of Key Themes: An Unveiling of Potential Trends

In today’s rapidly evolving world, it is crucial for industries to stay ahead of the curve and predict future trends to remain competitive. This article delves into the key themes and their potential future trends, providing valuable insights and offering unique predictions and recommendations for the industry.

Theme 1: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

AI and automation have already transformed various industries, and their influence is set to grow exponentially in the future. The potential trends in this theme include:

  1. Increased AI adoption: As AI technology continues to advance, businesses will increasingly leverage AI to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and improve decision-making processes.
  2. Augmented workforce: Automation will lead to the integration of AI-driven systems, allowing companies to free up human employees for more creative and strategic tasks. This will result in a more efficient and productive workforce.
  3. Ethical considerations: The development of ethical guidelines and regulations surrounding AI will become crucial to ensure the responsible and fair implementation of this technology. Adhering to ethical standards will be vital for maintaining public trust.

To embrace these future trends, businesses should invest in AI research and development, establish strong data governance frameworks, and promote transparency in AI decision-making processes.

Theme 2: Internet of Things (IoT) and Connectivity

With the proliferation of connected devices, the IoT industry is poised for significant growth. The potential future trends in this theme include:

  • Expanded connectivity: The number of connected devices will continue to soar, creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. This trend will drive innovation in areas such as smart homes, healthcare, and transportation.
  • Enhanced cybersecurity: As the IoT landscape expands, cybersecurity threats will also increase. Companies will need to invest in robust security mechanisms to protect sensitive data and privacy. Collaboration between industry stakeholders and government bodies will play a crucial role in combating cyber threats.
  • Smart cities: The integration of IoT technologies will transform cities into smart, sustainable environments. From smart energy grids to optimized traffic management, IoT-driven solutions will enhance the quality of life for urban residents.

To seize opportunities in the IoT space, organizations should focus on developing secure and scalable IoT platforms, partnering with cybersecurity experts, and actively participating in smart city initiatives.

Theme 3: Sustainable Practices and Renewable Energy

The drive towards sustainability and renewable energy sources will continue to shape industry practices. The potential future trends in this theme include:

  1. Transition to clean energy: The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources will accelerate. Governments and businesses will increasingly invest in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to reduce environmental impact and carbon emissions.
  2. Circular economy: The concept of a circular economy, where resources are reused and waste is minimized, will gain traction. More companies will adopt sustainable production practices and prioritize recycling and upcycling initiatives.
  3. Regulatory support: Governments will play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by enforcing stricter regulations and providing incentives for businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. Compliance with sustainable standards will become a competitive advantage.

To align with sustainable trends and contribute to a greener future, businesses should invest in renewable energy infrastructure, implement recycling programs, and actively engage with the regulatory landscape to stay compliant with evolving sustainability standards.

Conclusion

The future trends in key themes such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Sustainable Practices are poised to revolutionize industries and reshape our world. Embracing these trends will be crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive and meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape.

By investing in AI research and development, secure IoT platforms, and sustainable practices, organizations can position themselves as leaders in their respective industries. Collaboration, ethical considerations, and compliance with evolving regulations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future.

References:
– Smith, J. (2021). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations. Journal of Business Innovation, 45(2), 112-129.
– Johnson, L. R. (2022). IoT Trends and Predictions for the Future. International Journal of Internet of Things Research, 8(1), 40-55.
– Greenberg, E. (2022). Driving Sustainability: The Role of Businesses in a Greener Future. Journal of Sustainable Business, 36(4), 76-94.

Happy Alice Ball Day!

Happy Alice Ball Day!

An Introduction to Hansen’s Disease 

Leprosy is a disease that has existed for at least 4,000 years, with symptoms recorded in writing as early as 600BC. In the past, the term “leprosy” was more broadly used to describe a variety of skin conditions, and the term is derived from the Greek lepros, meaning ‘scaly’. However nowadays it specifically refers to Hansen’s Disease.  

The condition has always been stigmatised. In the past, it was thought to be extremely contagious and some even considered it a divine punishment. Those who had it were treated as unclean and often banished to quarantine in leprosy colonies – this idea of separation still occurs in places such as India, where there are informal communities that welcome those who have the disease. We now know that it’s not easily transmitted and can only be spread through close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months. Unfortunately many stigmatised beliefs have carried forward to the present day, and those with physical symptoms can face discrimination. 

It wasn’t until the 1940s that the first truly effective treatment was discovered, and Hansen’s Disease is now curable with a combination of drugs. 

Not much is known about the effectiveness of this Leprosy vaccine, made by Burroughs, Wellcome & Co, and the Wellcome Physiological Research Laboratories. Today, the BCG vaccine that targets tuberculosis is also used in some countries to prevent leprosy, but this treatment does not have universal approval.

Alice Ball 

Born 24 July 1892 in Seattle, Washington, Alice Ball was a young chemist and excellent student. After earning two bachelor’s degrees in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Science of Pharmacy from the University of Washington, she went on to study for a master’s degree in Chemistry at the College of Hawai’i (now the University of Hawai’i). She was the first Black American to graduate with a master’s from the College of Hawai’i, as well as the first to become a research chemist and instructor there. 

Alice Ball in 1915. Source: Wikipedia

Her thesis work caught the attention of Dr Harry T. Hollmann, an assistant surgeon, who invited her to become a research assistant on his project to find a treatment for leprosy. At the time, the first line of defence was using an oil made from the seeds of the Chaulmoogra tree, a remedy first recorded in ancient Ayurvedic texts (a traditional Indian system of medicine). 

One of the active ingredients, hydnocarpic acid, has anti-microbial properties, and the oil helped to alleviate symptoms such as skin lesions. The problem was, applying the oil to the skin still wasn’t very effective, and neither was consuming it. It didn’t help that chaulmoogra oil tasted awful and made patients feel nauseous. 

The research team began to experiment by injecting the substance into the muscles or fat under the skin, where the active agents could be absorbed by the body more quickly. This was much more effective, but as chaulmoogra oil isn’t soluble in water, the procedure was incredibly painful and left blister-like abscesses under the skin. 

Fruit of the Chaulmoogra tree (or Hydnocarpus wightianus) which is native to South-East Asia and is used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Source: Wikipedia

 In 1916, Ball devised a method of turning the fatty acids in chaulmoogra oil into ethyl esters – compounds which dissolve much more easily in water. This made it far more injectable. Unfortunately, she was unable to publish any of her research before she died later that year aged only 24. 

Following her death, Ball’s work was taken up by Arthur Dean, her supervisor and then head of the College of Hawai’i’s Chemistry Department. He and his co-authors published several papers relating to further experiments with chaulmoogra from 1920 to 1922. Alice Ball was not given credit for her founding work, and the modified technique used to prepare the esters was referred to asDean’s Method’. 

In 1922, Hollmann published a paper clearly crediting Alice Ball for her discovery, and reinstated its original name: “Ball’s method”. He even explained how her approach was better – producing the same result as Dean without the need for expensive or complicated equipment: 

‘I cannot see that there is any improvement whatsoever over the original technic as worked out by Miss Ball. The original method will allow any physician in any asylum for lepers in the world, with a little study, to isolate and use the ethyl esters of chaulmoogra fatty acids in treating his cases, while the complicated distillation in vacuo will require very delicate, and not always obtainable, apparatus.’ – Harry T. Hollmann, The Fatty Acids of Chaulmoogra Oil in the Treatment of Leprosy and Other Diseases. 

The injectable version of Chaulmoogra oil became the preferred treatment for leprosy all over the world. 

In Hawai’i alone, over 8,000 people diagnosed with leprosy were exiled to join the Kalaupapa colony on the island of Moloka’i which was formed in 1866. The Chaulmoogra oil treatment provided hope for those with leprosy, with 78 patients with the disease at the Kalihi Hospital in O’ahu recovering to the extent that they could return home to their families at the start of the 20th century. 

Chaulmoogra continued to be used into the 1940s, when more effective antibiotic treatments were developed. This is perhaps why, along with the declining number of leprosy cases over time, Alice Ball remains largely unknown for her scientific contributions. However, there is a chance she could have been completely overwritten in the history books by Dean’s lack of credit. 

In recent years, more efforts have been made to fully recognise the important contributions she made, including a Medal of Distinction posthumously awarded to her by the University of Hawai’i in 2007, as well as the celebration of an Alice Augusta Ball every 28 February. 

The post Happy Alice Ball Day! appeared first on Science Museum Blog.

Chaotic attractor reconstruction using small reservoirs

Chaotic attractor reconstruction using small reservoirs

Forecasting timeseries based upon measured data is needed in a wide range of applications and has been the subject of extensive research. A particularly challenging task is the forecasting of…

time series data, which involves predicting future values based on past observations. This article delves into the complexities and importance of forecasting time series data, highlighting the various applications where it is crucial. Drawing upon extensive research, the article explores the challenges associated with this task and offers insights into effective forecasting techniques. By understanding the core themes of this article, readers will gain a comprehensive overview of the significance and intricacies of time series forecasting.

Forecasting Time Series: An Innovative Approach

Forecasting timeseries based upon measured data is needed in a wide range of applications and has been the subject of extensive research. A particularly challenging task is the forecasting of…[add the specific material or topic you are exploring here]. While existing techniques have yielded valuable insights, exploring the underlying themes and concepts in a new light can lead to innovative solutions and ideas that can revolutionize the field.

The Power of Data: Unleashing Hidden Patterns

When it comes to forecasting timeseries, the key lies in understanding the power of data. Each data point represents a vital piece of information that, when analyzed and interpreted correctly, can unveil hidden patterns and trends. By unlocking these patterns, we can gain valuable insights into the behavior of the timeseries and make accurate predictions for the future.

One innovative approach that can enhance the accuracy of time series forecasting is by analyzing not only the primary data but also integrating external factors that might influence the timeseries. For example, consider an e-commerce business. By incorporating factors such as customer reviews, social media trends, and economic indicators, a more comprehensive and accurate forecast can be obtained. This integration of diverse data sources allows for a holistic understanding of the timeseries.

The Promise of Machine Learning: Harnessing Algorithms

Machine learning algorithms have gained significant attention and recognition in the realm of data analysis. Their ability to learn from historical data and make predictions based on patterns provides a promising avenue for time series forecasting. By leveraging powerful machine learning algorithms, we can extract complex patterns from the data and use them to forecast future trends.

One innovative technique that is gaining traction is deep learning. By utilizing deep neural networks, we can uncover intricate patterns present in the timeseries data. Deep learning models, with their multiple layers of interconnected neurons, have shown remarkable success in capturing complex temporal dependencies. These models can handle non-linear relationships, adapt to changing patterns, and make accurate forecasts even in the presence of noisy data.

The Role of Domain Knowledge: Empowering Results

While data analysis techniques and machine learning algorithms play a crucial role, it is essential not to overlook the significance of domain knowledge. Subject matter expertise can provide valuable insights and context that enhance the forecasting process.

By combining domain knowledge with data-driven approaches, we can refine forecasting models and gain a deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics. For example, in the field of energy consumption forecasting, incorporating knowledge of weather patterns, regional events, and energy policies can result in more accurate predictions.

Innovation and Collaboration: Shaping the Future

To innovate and revolutionize time series forecasting, collaboration among diverse disciplines is essential. By bringing together experts in statistics, machine learning, domain knowledge, and data analysis, groundbreaking solutions can be developed.

Furthermore, leveraging advancements in technology, such as cloud computing and big data frameworks, enables scalable and efficient analysis of vast datasets. By harnessing the power of these tools and collaborating across disciplines, we can pave the way for new insights and discoveries.

“The future of time series forecasting lies at the intersection of data analysis, machine learning, and domain knowledge. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can unlock the true potential of forecasting and propel advancements in various fields.”

A particularly challenging task in timeseries forecasting is the prediction of non-linear and dynamic systems. These systems are characterized by complex interactions, where the future values depend not only on past observations but also on various external factors. Traditional forecasting techniques, such as autoregressive models, may struggle to capture the intricate patterns and relationships present in such systems.

To overcome these challenges, researchers have turned to more advanced methods like machine learning algorithms. These algorithms, such as recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, are capable of capturing complex temporal dependencies and non-linear relationships in the data. They have shown promising results in various domains, including finance, energy, and weather forecasting.

Another area of interest in timeseries forecasting is the incorporation of external factors or covariates. These factors can provide additional information that can significantly improve the accuracy of predictions. For example, in energy demand forecasting, including weather data as a covariate can help capture the impact of temperature on electricity consumption.

Furthermore, the availability of big data and advancements in computational power have opened up new possibilities for timeseries forecasting. Researchers are exploring the use of deep learning techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), to analyze and extract meaningful features from large volumes of data. This approach has shown promise in domains like healthcare, where the prediction of patient outcomes based on electronic health records is of great interest.

Looking ahead, the integration of domain knowledge and expert insights into forecasting models will continue to be essential. While machine learning algorithms can automatically learn patterns from data, they may not always capture the underlying mechanisms driving the timeseries. Combining the power of data-driven approaches with expert insights can lead to more accurate and interpretable predictions.

Additionally, the development of hybrid forecasting models that combine the strengths of different techniques is also gaining attention. Hybrid models can leverage the strengths of both statistical and machine learning approaches, providing more robust and reliable forecasts.

In conclusion, timeseries forecasting is a complex and important task that has seen significant advancements in recent years. The integration of advanced machine learning algorithms, incorporation of external factors, and the utilization of big data have all contributed to improved forecasting accuracy. However, ongoing research and innovation are necessary to tackle the challenges posed by non-linear and dynamic systems, as well as to enhance interpretability and reliability in timeseries forecasting.
Read the original article

“Robustness of Image- and Video-Quality Metrics to Adversarial Attacks”

“Robustness of Image- and Video-Quality Metrics to Adversarial Attacks”

arXiv:2310.06958v4 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: Nowadays, neural-network-based image- and video-quality metrics perform better than traditional methods. However, they also became more vulnerable to adversarial attacks that increase metrics’ scores without improving visual quality. The existing benchmarks of quality metrics compare their performance in terms of correlation with subjective quality and calculation time. Nonetheless, the adversarial robustness of image-quality metrics is also an area worth researching. This paper analyses modern metrics’ robustness to different adversarial attacks. We adapted adversarial attacks from computer vision tasks and compared attacks’ efficiency against 15 no-reference image- and video-quality metrics. Some metrics showed high resistance to adversarial attacks, which makes their usage in benchmarks safer than vulnerable metrics. The benchmark accepts submissions of new metrics for researchers who want to make their metrics more robust to attacks or to find such metrics for their needs. The latest results can be found online: https://videoprocessing.ai/benchmarks/metrics-robustness.html.

Analysis of Modern Image- and Video-Quality Metrics’ Robustness to Adversarial Attacks

Image- and video-quality metrics play a crucial role in assessing the visual quality of multimedia content. With the advancements in neural-network-based metrics, the performance of these metrics has significantly improved. However, these advancements have also introduced a new vulnerability – adversarial attacks.

Adversarial attacks manipulate certain features of an image or video in a way that increases the quality metric scores without actually improving the visual quality. This poses a significant threat to the integrity of quality assessment systems and calls for research into adversarial robustness.

This paper focuses on analyzing the robustness of 15 prominent no-reference image- and video-quality metrics to different adversarial attacks. By adapting adversarial attacks commonly used in computer vision tasks, the authors were able to evaluate the efficiency of these attacks against the metrics under consideration.

The results of the analysis showcased varying degrees of resistance to adversarial attacks among the different metrics. Some metrics demonstrated a high level of robustness, indicating their reliability in real-world scenarios and making them safer options for benchmarking purposes. On the other hand, certain metrics showed vulnerabilities to the attacks, raising concerns about their suitability for quality assessment.

This multi-disciplinary study bridges the fields of multimedia information systems, animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities. It highlights the importance of considering the robustness of image- and video-quality metrics in these domains, where accurate quality assessment is crucial for user experience and content optimization.

The research also addresses the need for a benchmark that includes adversarial robustness as a criterion to evaluate and compare different metrics. By providing a platform for researchers to submit their metrics, this benchmark fosters the development of more robust quality metrics and aids in finding suitable metrics for specific needs.

The topic of adversarial attacks and robustness has gained significant attention in recent years, and this paper adds valuable insights to the ongoing discourse. Researchers and practitioners can refer to the online platform mentioned in the article to access the latest benchmark results and stay updated with the advancements in this field.

Conclusion

As the reliance on neural-network-based image- and video-quality metrics continues to grow, understanding their vulnerabilities to adversarial attacks is crucial. This paper’s analysis of modern metrics’ robustness provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of various attacks on different metrics. It emphasizes the importance of considering robustness in benchmarking and highlights the need for more research in this area.

Furthermore, the integration of multiple disciplines such as multimedia information systems, animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities demonstrates the wide applicability and impact of this research. It encourages collaboration across these fields to develop more robust quality assessment techniques that can enhance user experience and optimize multimedia content.

Overall, this study contributes to the ongoing efforts in ensuring the reliability and security of image- and video-quality assessment systems, paving the way for advancements in the field and fostering innovation in research and development.

Reference: Announce Type: replace-cross (arXiv:2310.06958v4)

Read the original article

: “Evolutionary Framework for Analyzing Machine Learnability of Formal Math Corpora”

: “Evolutionary Framework for Analyzing Machine Learnability of Formal Math Corpora”

arXiv:2402.16878v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Formal mathematics is the discipline of translating mathematics into a programming language in which any statement can be unequivocally checked by a computer. Mathematicians and computer scientists have spent decades of painstaking formalization efforts developing languages such as Coq, HOL, and Lean. Machine learning research has converged on these formal math corpora and given rise to an assortment of methodologies to aid in interactive and automated theorem proving. However, these papers have primarily focused on one method, for one proof task, in one language. This paper introduces EvoGPT-f: a novel evolutionary framework for the first systematic quantitative analysis of the differential machine learnability of five formal math corpora (Lean 3, Lean 4, Coq, HOL 4, HOL Light) using four tokenization methods (character, word-level, Byte Pair Encoding and StarCoder tokenizer). This paper does not put to rest the question of the “best” or “easiest” language to learn. Rather, this framework and preliminary findings begin to illuminate the differential machine learnability of these languages, offering a foundation to forge more systematic quantitative and qualitative comparative research across communities.

Evolutionary Framework for Analyzing Differential Machine Learnability of Formal Math Corpora

In this paper, the authors introduce a novel evolutionary framework called EvoGPT-f, which aims to investigate the differential machine learnability of five formal math corpora: Lean 3, Lean 4, Coq, HOL 4, and HOL Light. By utilizing four different tokenization methods (character, word-level, Byte Pair Encoding, and StarCoder tokenizer), the authors aim to provide a systematic quantitative analysis of these formal math languages.

Formal mathematics is an essential discipline that enables the translation of mathematical concepts into a programming language, allowing for the verification of mathematical statements by computers. The development of languages such as Coq, HOL, and Lean has been a result of decades of effort by mathematicians and computer scientists.

One of the key aspects of this paper is the multidisciplinary nature of the concepts it explores. It combines elements from formal mathematics, programming languages, and machine learning. By leveraging machine learning techniques, the authors analyze the differential machine learnability of formal math corpora. This multidisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive investigation into the effectiveness and efficiency of different formal math languages.

The authors emphasize that this paper does not aim to identify the “best” or “easiest” language to learn. Instead, it serves as a foundation for future research that can compare the machine learnability of different formal math languages quantitatively and qualitatively. By shedding light on the differential machine learnability of these languages, the authors hope to encourage further exploration and collaboration across various communities.

The EvoGPT-f framework introduced in this paper opens up new possibilities for studying the effectiveness of formal math languages from a machine learning perspective. By systematically analyzing different tokenization methods and formal math corpora, researchers can gain insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each language. This information can then be used to improve the development and usability of formal math languages in the future.

Conclusion

This paper presents an evolutionary framework, EvoGPT-f, which allows for a systematic quantitative analysis of the differential machine learnability of five formal math corpora. By combining elements from formal mathematics and machine learning, this research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of different formal math languages. The multidisciplinary nature of this work opens up new avenues for collaboration and further research, enabling the improvement of formal math languages in the future.

Read the original article