Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Towards Learning to Speak and Hear Through Multi-Agent Communication over a Continuous Acoustic Channel

Multi-agent reinforcement learning has been used as an effective means to study emergent communication between agents, yet little focus has been given to continuous acoustic communication. This would be more akin to human language acquisition; human infants acquire language in large part through continuous signalling with their caregivers. We therefore ask: Are we able to observe emergent language between agents with a continuous communication channel? Our goal is to provide a platform to begin bridging the gap between human and agent communication, allowing us to analyse continuous signals, how they emerge, their characteristics, and how they relate to human language acquisition. We propose a messaging environment where a Speaker agent needs to convey a set of attributes to a Listener over a noisy acoustic channel. Using DQN to train our agents, we show that: (1) unlike the discrete case, the acoustic Speaker learns redundancy to improve Listener coherency, (2) the acoustic Speaker develops more compositional communication protocols which implicitly compensates for transmission errors over a noisy channel, and (3) DQN has significant performance gains and increased compositionality when compared to previous methods optimised using REINFORCE.
Finding the Optimal Dynamic Treatment Regime Using Smooth Fisher Consistent Surrogate Loss

Large health care data repositories such as electronic health records (EHR) open new opportunities to derive individualized treatment strategies for complicated diseases such as sepsis. In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating sequential treatment rules tailored to a patient's individual characteristics, often referred to as dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs). Our main objective is to find the optimal DTR that maximizes a discontinuous value function through direct maximization of Fisher consistent surrogate loss functions. In this regard, we demonstrate that a large class of concave surrogates fails to be Fisher consistent -- a behavior that differs from the classical binary classification problems. We further characterize a non-concave family of Fisher consistent smooth surrogate functions, which is amenable to gradient-descent type optimization algorithms. Compared to the existing direct search approach under the support vector machine framework (Zhao et al., 2015), our proposed DTR estimation via surrogate loss optimization (DTRESLO) method is more computationally scalable to large sample sizes and allows for broader functional classes for treatment policies. We establish theoretical properties for our proposed DTR estimator and obtain a sharp upper bound on the regret corresponding to our DTRESLO method. The finite sample performance of our proposed estimator is evaluated through extensive simulations. Finally, we illustrate the working principles and benefits of our method for estimating an optimal DTR for treating sepsis using EHR data from sepsis patients admitted to intensive care units.
Flood forecasting with machine learning models in an operational framework

Abstract. Google’s operational flood forecasting system was developed to provide accurate real-time flood warnings to agencies and the public, with a focus on riverine floods in large, gauged rivers. It became operational in 2018 and has since expanded geographically. This forecasting system consists of four subsystems: data validation, stage forecasting, inundation modeling, and alert distribution. Machine learning is used for two of the subsystems. Stage forecasting is modeled with the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and the Linear models. Flood inundation is computed with the Thresholding and the Manifold models, where the former computes inundation extent and the latter computes both inundation extent and depth. The Manifold model, presented here for the first time, provides a machine-learning alternative to hydraulic modeling of flood inundation. When evaluated on historical data, all models achieve sufficiently high-performance metrics for operational use. The LSTM showed higher skills than the Linear model, while the Thresholding and Manifold models achieved similar performance metrics for modeling inundation extent. During the 2021 monsoon season, the flood warning system was operational in India and Bangladesh, covering flood-prone regions around rivers with a total area of 287,000 km2, home to more than 350M people. More than 100M flood alerts were sent to affected populations, to relevant authorities, and to emergency organizations. Current and future work on the system includes extending coverage to additional flood-prone locations, as well as improving modeling capabilities and accuracy.
Unsupervised Learning of Compositional Energy Concepts

Humans are able to rapidly understand scenes by utilizing concepts extracted from prior experience. Such concepts are diverse, and include global scene descriptors, such as the weather or lighting, as well as local scene descriptors, such as the color or size of a particular object. So far, unsupervised discovery of concepts has focused on either modeling the global scene-level or the local object-level factors of variation, but not both. In this work, we propose COMET, which discovers and represents concepts as separate energy functions, enabling us to represent both global concepts as well as objects under a unified framework. COMET discovers energy functions through recomposing the input image, which we find captures independent factors without additional supervision. Sample generation in COMET is formulated as an optimization process on underlying energy functions, enabling us to generate images with permuted and composed concepts. Finally, discovered visual concepts in COMET generalize well, enabling us to compose concepts between separate modalities of images as well as with other concepts discovered by a separate instance of COMET trained on a different dataset. Code and data available at https://energy-based-model.github. io/comet/.
Parametrized post-Newtonian limit of generalized scalar-nonmetricity theories of gravity

In this article we calculate the post-Newtonian limit of a general class of scalar-nonmetricity theories of gravity. The action is assumed to be a free function of the nonmetricity scalar, the kinetic term of the scalar field, two derivative couplings and the scalar field itself. We use the parametrized post-Newtonian formalism to solve the arising field equations for the case of a massless scalar field in order to compare several subclasses of this theory to solar system observations. In particular, we find several classes of theories which are indistinguishable from general relativity on the post-Newtonian level and therefore, should be studied further. Most remarkably, we find that this is the generic case, while a post-Newtonian limit that deviates from general relativity occurs only for a particular coupling between the scalar field and nonmetricity.
Quasi-Newton Methods for Saddle Point Problems and Beyond

This paper studies quasi-Newton methods for solving strongly-convex-strongly-concave saddle point problems (SPP). We propose greedy and random Broyden family updates for SPP, which have explicit local superlinear convergence rate of ${\mathcal O}\big(\big(1-\frac{1}{n\kappa^2}\big)^{k(k-1)/2}\big)$, where $n$ is dimensions of the problem, $\kappa$ is the condition number and $k$ is the number of iterations. The design and analysis of proposed algorithm are based on estimating the square of indefinite Hessian matrix, which is different from classical quasi-Newton methods in convex optimization. We also present two specific Broyden family algorithms with BFGS-type and SR1-type updates, which enjoy the faster local convergence rate of $\mathcal O\big(\big(1-\frac{1}{n}\big)^{k(k-1)/2}\big)$. Additionally, we extend our algorithms to solve general nonlinear equations and prove it enjoys the similar convergence rate.
Analytical modelling of the impact of tennis balls on court surface

An analytical model was created to stimulate the bounce of a tennis ball normal to a playing surface, based on a spring and a damper in parallel. Experimental data was used to find stiffness and damping coefficients, and to verify the normal model. Balls were projected between 6.7 and 20 ms-1 onto a rigid surface and compared to model predictions. The model was then extended to oblique impacts by introducing a horizontal frictional force. On an acrylic court where the surface is rigid in comparison to the ball, there was a good comparison with experimental data for the outgoing speed, angle and spin. A plot of predicted centre of mass displacement during an oblique impact was an excellent match to experimental co-ordinates.
K2-79b and K2-222b: Mass Measurements of Two Small Exoplanets with Periods beyond 10 days that Overlap with Periodic Magnetic Activity Signals

We present mass and radius measurements of K2-79b and K2-222b, two transiting exoplanets orbiting active G-type stars observed with HARPS-N and K2. Their respective 10.99 day and 15.39 day orbital periods fall near periods of signals induced by stellar magnetic activity. The two signals might therefore interfere and lead to an inaccurate estimate of exoplanet mass. We present a method to mitigate these effects when radial velocity (RV) and activity-indicator observations are available over multiple observing seasons and the orbital period of the exoplanet is known. We perform correlation and periodogram analyses on subsets composed of each target's two observing seasons, in addition to the full data sets. For both targets, these analyses reveal an optimal season with little to no interference at the orbital period of the known exoplanet. We make a confident mass detection of each exoplanet by confirming agreement between fits to the full RV set and the optimal season. For K2-79b, we measure a mass of 11.8 ± 3.6 M ⊕ and a radius of 4.09 ± 0.17 R ⊕. For K2-222b, we measure a mass of 8.0 ± 1.8 M ⊕ and a radius of 2.35 ± 0.08 R ⊕. According to model predictions, K2-79b is a highly irradiated Uranus analog and K2-222b hosts significant amounts of water ice. We also present a RV solution for a candidate second companion orbiting K2-222 at 147.5 days.
The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron

Lunch on a silver platter "Please keep making us millions" "We were the Apostles" the first prima donna guys with spikes the Empress of Energy the 15 percent solution a recipe for disaster the Klieg-Light Syndrome the Hotel Kenneth-Lay-a Andy Fastow's secrets the big enchilada "An unnatural act" the beating heart of Enron everybody loves Enron when pigs could fly gaming California bandwidth hog "Ask why, asshole" "I want to resign" the $45 million question "We have no cash! " epilogue - isn't anybody sorry?
A Comparative Analysis of Relevant Crop Carbon Footprint Calculators, with Reference to Cotton Production in Australia

An increasing concern over the sustainability credentials of food and fiber crops require that farmers and their supply chain partners have access to appropriate and industry-friendly tools to be able to measure and improve the outcomes. This article focuses on one of the sustainability indicators, namely, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and nine internationally accredited carbon footprint calculators were identified and compared on an outcomes basis against the same cropping data from a case study cotton farm. The purpose of this article is to identify the most “appropriate” methodology to be applied by cotton suppliers in this regard. From the analysis of the results, we subsequently propose a new integrated model as the basis for an internationally accredited carbon footprint tool for cotton and show how the model can be applied to evaluate the emission outcomes of different farming practices.
Insulator surface breakdown in a simulated low Earth orbit environment

Surface flashover on insulators are investigated under UV irradiation or with a plasma background. A DC voltage up to 50 kV or a voltage pulse (up to 70 kV with 200 ns duration) is applied to the test gap, and the breakdown current, breakdown voltage, and soft X-ray emission are recorded by highly sensitive sensors with risetimes in the order of one nanosecond. Preliminary results with a plasma background have shown a more rapid development in the breakdown initiation compared to measurements in vacuum with no plasma. With a magnetic shielding technique using permanent magnets, the duration of an applied voltage pulse can be increased by a factor of 2 to 3 without causing flashover. UV illumination on the electrodes decreased the flashover voltage (for the DC case) or the voltage pulse duration without breakdown (for the pulsed case), whereas UV illumination on the dielectric surface enhanced the flashover potential.
The effect of an individualized soccer match simulation on movement

This research examined time-related changes in movement mechanics of the lower extremity and performance during a soccer match simulation individualized to the subject's fitness level. Twenty-four elite amateur soccer players (12 males and 12 females) participated in two testing sessions. The first test session consisted of subjects performing the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1(YYIR1) that was used to prescribe the five sub-maximal running intensities for the soccer match simulation performed during test session two. The average distance run during the YYIR1 test was 1780 ±619.23 meters resulting in a match simulation running distance of 10165.52 ±1001.69 meters. Analysis of the progressive change during the soccer match simulation revealed time-related increases and changes in the rate of increase in RPE, and performance decrements across halves in sprinting, and dominant and non-dominant limb cutting with soccer match simulation duration. In contrast, a lack of significant time-related change was observed for squat jump, modified counter movement jump height, and lower extremity vertical stiffness and impedance in both the dominant and non-dominant limbs during a complex jumping task. The primary findings are that an individualized soccer match simulation prescribed using YYIR1 performance successfully replicates the demands of a soccer match, and resulted in time-related increases in RPE accompanied by decrements in sprinting and cutting speed with increasing match simulation duration. The lack of time-related change in jump performance and movement mechanics demonstrates the need for further analyses of the execution of complex tasks and the modulation of lower extremity coordination that allowed for maintenance of performance and movement mechanics during soccer match simulated exercise.
Technological change and employer-provided training: Evidence from German establishments

There is a wide range of theoretical and empirical analyses suggesting that technological change has increased the demand for skills. Since training is a mechanism to upgrade workers’ skills, it would be expected that technical progress strengthens the importance of training on account of the requirement for skills to complement new technology. However, the relationship between technical progress and firms’ (employer-funded) continuous training has been little investigated. In our research we address the theoretical gap by building upon existing models from the skillbiased technological change and training literatures. This theoretical platform supports a maintained hypothesis of a positive relationship between training and technological change, which we investigate empirically for Germany using data from the IAB establishment panel. Our empirical findings indicate that in Germany a greater share of workers undergo further/continuing training in establishments subject to technological change. An important issue we raise in our empirical analysis is the possibility of endogeneity/simultaneity between training and technological change.
Unusual Emission Variations Near the Eclipse of Black Widow Pulsar PSR J1720−0533

We report on an unusually bright observation of PSR J1720−0533 using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). The pulsar is in a black widow system that was discovered by the Commensal Radio Astronomy FAST Survey (CRAFTS). By coincidence, a bright scintillation maximum was simultaneous with the eclipse in our observation, which allowed for precise measurements of flux density variations, as well as dispersion measure (DM) and polarization. We found that there are quasi-periodic pulse emission variations with a modulation period of ∼22 s during the ingress of the eclipse, which could be caused by plasma lensing. No such periodic modulation was found during the egress of the eclipse. The linear polarization of the pulsar disappears before the eclipse, even before there is a visually obvious change in DM. We also found that the pulse scattering may play an important role in the eclipse of PSR J1720−0533.
Inference of the cosmic rest-frame from supernovae Ia

We determine the proper motion of the Solar system from the Pantheon sample of supernovae (SNe) of type Ia. The posterior distribution of the Solar system proper velocity, its direction and relevant cosmological parameters are obtained based on the observed distance moduli, heliocentric redshifts, and positions of SNe by means of a Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. We account for the unknown peculiar motion of SNe by including their expected covariance from linear theory. We find that the Solar system moves with $v_o = 249 \pm 51$ km/s towards $RA = 166 \pm 16$ deg, $Dec = 10 \pm 19$ deg (J2000) (all at 68\% C.L.). The direction of motion agrees with the direction of the dipole observed in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) ($RA = 166$ deg, $Dec = -7$ deg). The inferred velocity is $2.4 \sigma$ smaller than the value inferred from a purely kinematic interpretation of the CMB dipole ($370$ km/s). Assuming a flat $\Lambda$ cold dark matter model, we find no degeneracy of Solar proper motion with other cosmological parameters. The dimensionless matter density is $\Omega_M = 0.305 \pm 0.022$, in excellent agreement with CMB measurements. We also find no degeneracy of the Solar proper motion with the SN calibration nuisance parameter. We conclude that a larger sample of SNe will allow an independent and robust test of the kinematic nature of the CMB dipole.
Binary Formation in the Orion Nebula Cluster: Exploring the Substellar Limit

We present results constraining the multiplicity of the very low mass stars and substellar objects in the Orion Nebula Cluster (ONC). Our sample covers primary masses 0.012–0.1 M ⊙ using archival Hubble Space Telescope data obtained with the Advanced Camera for Surveys using multiple filters. Studying the binary populations of clusters provides valuable constraints of how the birth environment affects binary formation and evolution. Prior surveys have shown that the binary populations of high-mass, high-density star clusters like the ONC may substantially differ from those in low-mass associations. Very low mass stellar and substellar binaries at wide separations, >20 au, are statistically rare in the Galactic field and have been identified in stellar associations like Taurus-Auriga and Ophiuchus. They also may be susceptible to dynamical interactions, and their formation may be suppressed by feedback from ongoing star formation. We implement a double point-spread function (PSF) fitting algorithm using empirical, position-dependent PSF models to search for binary companions at projected separations >10 au (0.″025). With this technique, we identify seven very low mass binaries, five of which are new detections, resulting in a binary frequency of 12−3.2+6% over mass ratios of 0.5–1.0 and projected separations of 20–200 au. We find an excess of very low mass binaries in the ONC compared to the Galactic field, with a probability of 10−6 that the populations are statistically consistent. The substellar population of the ONC may require further dynamical processing of the lowest binding energy binaries to resemble the field population.
Very Large Array Radio Study of a Sample of Nearby X-Ray and Optically Bright Early-type Galaxies

Many massive early-type galaxies host central radio sources and hot X-ray atmospheres indicating the presence of radio-mechanical active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. The duty cycle and detailed physics of the radio-mode AGN feedback is still a matter of debate. To address these questions, we present 1–2 GHz Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array radio observations of a sample of the 42 nearest optically and X-ray brightest early-type galaxies. We detect radio emission in 41/42 galaxies. However, the galaxy without a radio source, NGC 499, has recently been detected at lower frequencies by the Low-Frequency Array. Furthermore, 27/42 galaxies in our sample host extended radio structures and 34/42 sources show environmental interactions in the form of X-ray cavities. We find a significant correlation between the radio flux density and the largest linear size of the radio emission and between the radio power and the luminosity of the central X-ray point source. The central radio spectral indices of the galaxies span a wide range of values, with the majority of the systems having steep spectra and the rest flat spectra. These results are consistent with AGN activity, where the central radio sources are mostly switched on, thus the duty cycle is very high. Seven out of 14 galaxies with pointlike radio emission (Fanaroff–Riley Class 0; FR 0) also show X-ray cavities indicating that, despite the lack of extended radio structures at 1–2 GHz, these AGNs do launch jets capable of inflating lobes and cavities.
John Bull's Other Homes: State Housing and British Policy in Ireland, 1883-1922

This book argues that housing policy formed a significant and volatile element in colonial relations between Ireland and Great Britain from the 1880s to the early-1920s and that, as a result, early state housing in Ireland was a profoundly Anglo-Irish creation. Using research from both Irish and Westminster sources, it shows that there was a recurrent pressure for the state to intervene in housing in Ireland in a period when the 'Irish Question' was the major domestic political issue. What emerges is that the basis for subsequent state housing policy in Britain (direct financial subsidy from a central exchequer linked with the use of officially-recommended house-plan types) was first introduced in Ireland. The pioneering subsidy programme in Ireland, the result of nationalist agitation by the Irish Parliamentary Party after the 'Land War' of the early-1880s, had by 1914 built nearly 50,000 rural cottages for agricultural labourers. Widespread concern about the housing problems of Irish towns and cities also saw the issue become enmeshed with violent urban upheavals such as the 1913/14 Dublin Strike and the 1916 Easter Rising. in parallel with policy developments, there was a continued attempt to introduce British garden suburb principles through initiative like the 1914 Dublin Town Plan Competition. Post-war Irish housing legislation finally codified garden suburb design as the new orthodoxy, but opposition from Sinn Fein and a disadvantageous subsidy system meant that little could be built in the run up to independence and partition in 1922.