pwc-archive/papers-with-abstracts huggingface dataset:
Do we need entire training data for adversarial training?
Authors: Vipul Gupta, Apurva Narayan
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Adversarial Attack, Self-Driving Cars

Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are being used to solve a wide range of problems in many domains including safety-critical domains like self-driving cars and medical imagery. DNNs suffer from vulnerability against adversarial attacks. In the past few years, numerous approaches have been proposed to tackle this problem by training networks using adversarial training. Almost all the approaches generate adversarial examples for the entire training dataset, thus increasing the training time drastically. We show that we can decrease the training time for any adversarial training algorithm by using only a subset of training data for adversarial training. To select the subset, we filter the adversarially-prone samples from the training data. We perform a simple adversarial attack on all training examples to filter this subset. In this attack, we add a small perturbation to each pixel and a few grid lines to the input image. We perform adversarial training on the adversarially-prone subset and mix it with vanilla training performed on the entire dataset. Our results show that when our method-agnostic approach is plugged into FGSM, we achieve a speedup of 3.52x on MNIST and 1.98x on the CIFAR-10 dataset with comparable robust accuracy. We also test our approach on state-of-the-art Free adversarial training and achieve a speedup of 1.2x in training time with a marginal drop in robust accuracy on the ImageNet dataset.
Complement Sparsification: Low-Overhead Model Pruning for Federated Learning
Authors: Xiaopeng Jiang, Cristian Borcea
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Federated Learning, Privacy Preserving

Federated Learning (FL) is a privacy-preserving distributed deep learning paradigm that involves substantial communication and computation effort, which is a problem for resource-constrained mobile and IoT devices. Model pruning/sparsification develops sparse models that could solve this problem, but existing sparsification solutions cannot satisfy at the same time the requirements for low bidirectional communication overhead between the server and the clients, low computation overhead at the clients, and good model accuracy, under the FL assumption that the server does not have access to raw data to fine-tune the pruned models. We propose Complement Sparsification (CS), a pruning mechanism that satisfies all these requirements through a complementary and collaborative pruning done at the server and the clients. At each round, CS creates a global sparse model that contains the weights that capture the general data distribution of all clients, while the clients create local sparse models with the weights pruned from the global model to capture the local trends. For improved model performance, these two types of complementary sparse models are aggregated into a dense model in each round, which is subsequently pruned in an iterative process. CS requires little computation overhead on the top of vanilla FL for both the server and the clients. We demonstrate that CS is an approximation of vanilla FL and, thus, its models perform well. We evaluate CS experimentally with two popular FL benchmark datasets. CS achieves substantial reduction in bidirectional communication, while achieving performance comparable with vanilla FL. In addition, CS outperforms baseline pruning mechanisms for FL.
Who's Thinking? A Push for Human-Centered Evaluation of LLMs using the XAI Playbook
Authors: Teresa Datta, John P. Dickerson
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)

Deployed artificial intelligence (AI) often impacts humans, and there is no one-size-fits-all metric to evaluate these tools. Human-centered evaluation of AI-based systems combines quantitative and qualitative analysis and human input. It has been explored to some depth in the explainable AI (XAI) and human-computer interaction (HCI) communities. Gaps remain, but the basic understanding that humans interact with AI and accompanying explanations, and that humans' needs -- complete with their cognitive biases and quirks -- should be held front and center, is accepted by the community. In this paper, we draw parallels between the relatively mature field of XAI and the rapidly evolving research boom around large language models (LLMs). Accepted evaluative metrics for LLMs are not human-centered. We argue that many of the same paths tread by the XAI community over the past decade will be retread when discussing LLMs. Specifically, we argue that humans' tendencies -- again, complete with their cognitive biases and quirks -- should rest front and center when evaluating deployed LLMs. We outline three developed focus areas of human-centered evaluation of XAI: mental models, use case utility, and cognitive engagement, and we highlight the importance of exploring each of these concepts for LLMs. Our goal is to jumpstart human-centered LLM evaluation.
CHGNN: A Semi-Supervised Contrastive Hypergraph Learning Network
Authors: Yumeng Song, Yu Gu, Tianyi Li, Jianzhong Qi, Zhenghao Liu, Christian S. Jensen, Ge Yu
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Contrastive Learning, Node Classification

Hypergraphs can model higher-order relationships among data objects that are found in applications such as social networks and bioinformatics. However, recent studies on hypergraph learning that extend graph convolutional networks to hypergraphs cannot learn effectively from features of unlabeled data. To such learning, we propose a contrastive hypergraph neural network, CHGNN, that exploits self-supervised contrastive learning techniques to learn from labeled and unlabeled data. First, CHGNN includes an adaptive hypergraph view generator that adopts an auto-augmentation strategy and learns a perturbed probability distribution of minimal sufficient views. Second, CHGNN encompasses an improved hypergraph encoder that considers hyperedge homogeneity to fuse information effectively. Third, CHGNN is equipped with a joint loss function that combines a similarity loss for the view generator, a node classification loss, and a hyperedge homogeneity loss to inject supervision signals. It also includes basic and cross-validation contrastive losses, associated with an enhanced contrastive loss training process. Experimental results on nine real datasets offer insight into the effectiveness of CHGNN, showing that it outperforms 13 competitors in terms of classification accuracy consistently.
Weighted Notions of Fairness with Binary Supermodular Chores
Authors: Vignesh Viswanathan, Yair Zick
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Fairness

We study the problem of allocating indivisible chores among agents with binary supermodular cost functions. In other words, each chore has a marginal cost of $0$ or $1$ and chores exhibit increasing marginal costs (or decreasing marginal utilities). In this note, we combine the techniques of Viswanathan and Zick (2022) and Barman et al. (2023) to present a general framework for fair allocation with this class of valuation functions. Our framework allows us to generalize the results of Barman et al. (2023) and efficiently compute allocations which satisfy weighted notions of fairness like weighted leximin or min weighted $p$-mean malfare for any $p \ge 1$.
A POV-based Highway Vehicle Trajectory Dataset and Prediction Architecture
Authors: Vinit Katariya, Ghazal Alinezhad Noghre, Armin Danesh Pazho, Hamed Tabkhi
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Trajectory Prediction

Vehicle Trajectory datasets that provide multiple point-of-views (POVs) can be valuable for various traffic safety and management applications. Despite the abundance of trajectory datasets, few offer a comprehensive and diverse range of driving scenes, capturing multiple viewpoints of various highway layouts, merging lanes, and configurations. This limits their ability to capture the nuanced interactions between drivers, vehicles, and the roadway infrastructure. We introduce the \emph{Carolinas Highway Dataset (CHD\footnote{\emph{CHD} available at: \url{https://github.com/TeCSAR-UNCC/Carolinas\_Dataset}})}, a vehicle trajectory, detection, and tracking dataset. \emph{CHD} is a collection of 1.6 million frames captured in highway-based videos from eye-level and high-angle POVs at eight locations across Carolinas with 338,000 vehicle trajectories. The locations, timing of recordings, and camera angles were carefully selected to capture various road geometries, traffic patterns, lighting conditions, and driving behaviors. We also present \emph{PishguVe}\footnote{\emph{PishguVe} code available at: \url{https://github.com/TeCSAR-UNCC/PishguVe}}, a novel vehicle trajectory prediction architecture that uses attention-based graph isomorphism and convolutional neural networks. The results demonstrate that \emph{PishguVe} outperforms existing algorithms to become the new state-of-the-art (SotA) in bird's-eye, eye-level, and high-angle POV trajectory datasets. Specifically, it achieves a 12.50\% and 10.20\% improvement in ADE and FDE, respectively, over the current SotA on NGSIM dataset. Compared to best-performing models on CHD, \emph{PishguVe} achieves lower ADE and FDE on eye-level data by 14.58\% and 27.38\%, respectively, and improves ADE and FDE on high-angle data by 8.3\% and 6.9\%, respectively.
Optimizing Federated Learning for Medical Image Classification on Distributed Non-iid Datasets with Partial Labels
Authors: Pranav Kulkarni, Adway Kanhere, Paul H. Yi, Vishwa S. Parekh
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Federated Learning, image-classification, Image Classification, Medical Image Classification, Transfer Learning

Numerous large-scale chest x-ray datasets have spearheaded expert-level detection of abnormalities using deep learning. However, these datasets focus on detecting a subset of disease labels that could be present, thus making them distributed and non-iid with partial labels. Recent literature has indicated the impact of batch normalization layers on the convergence of federated learning due to domain shift associated with non-iid data with partial labels. To that end, we propose FedFBN, a federated learning framework that draws inspiration from transfer learning by using pretrained networks as the model backend and freezing the batch normalization layers throughout the training process. We evaluate FedFBN with current FL strategies using synthetic iid toy datasets and large-scale non-iid datasets across scenarios with partial and complete labels. Our results demonstrate that FedFBN outperforms current aggregation strategies for training global models using distributed and non-iid data with partial labels.
Software Vulnerability Prediction Knowledge Transferring Between Programming Languages
Authors: Khadija Hanifi, Ramin F Fouladi, Basak Gencer Unsalver, Goksu Karadag
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Prediction, Transfer Learning, Vulnerability Detection

Developing automated and smart software vulnerability detection models has been receiving great attention from both research and development communities. One of the biggest challenges in this area is the lack of code samples for all different programming languages. In this study, we address this issue by proposing a transfer learning technique to leverage available datasets and generate a model to detect common vulnerabilities in different programming languages. We use C source code samples to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, then, we use Java source code samples to adopt and evaluate the learned model. We use code samples from two benchmark datasets: NIST Software Assurance Reference Dataset (SARD) and Draper VDISC dataset. The results show that proposed model detects vulnerabilities in both C and Java codes with average recall of 72\%. Additionally, we employ explainable AI to investigate how much each feature contributes to the knowledge transfer mechanisms between C and Java in the proposed model.
Unifying Grokking and Double Descent
Authors: Xander Davies, Lauro Langosco, David Krueger
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00

A principled understanding of generalization in deep learning may require unifying disparate observations under a single conceptual framework. Previous work has studied \emph{grokking}, a training dynamic in which a sustained period of near-perfect training performance and near-chance test performance is eventually followed by generalization, as well as the superficially similar \emph{double descent}. These topics have so far been studied in isolation. We hypothesize that grokking and double descent can be understood as instances of the same learning dynamics within a framework of pattern learning speeds. We propose that this framework also applies when varying model capacity instead of optimization steps, and provide the first demonstration of model-wise grokking.
Understanding the Synergies between Quality-Diversity and Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Bryan Lim, Manon Flageat, Antoine Cully
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Deep Reinforcement Learning, Diversity, reinforcement-learning, Reinforcement Learning, Reinforcement Learning (RL)

The synergies between Quality-Diversity (QD) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) have led to powerful hybrid QD-RL algorithms that have shown tremendous potential, and brings the best of both fields. However, only a single deep RL algorithm (TD3) has been used in prior hybrid methods despite notable progress made by other RL algorithms. Additionally, there are fundamental differences in the optimization procedures between QD and RL which would benefit from a more principled approach. We propose Generalized Actor-Critic QD-RL, a unified modular framework for actor-critic deep RL methods in the QD-RL setting. This framework provides a path to study insights from Deep RL in the QD-RL setting, which is an important and efficient way to make progress in QD-RL. We introduce two new algorithms, PGA-ME (SAC) and PGA-ME (DroQ) which apply recent advancements in Deep RL to the QD-RL setting, and solves the humanoid environment which was not possible using existing QD-RL algorithms. However, we also find that not all insights from Deep RL can be effectively translated to QD-RL. Critically, this work also demonstrates that the actor-critic models in QD-RL are generally insufficiently trained and performance gains can be achieved without any additional environment evaluations.
Supervised Feature Selection with Neuron Evolution in Sparse Neural Networks
Authors: Zahra Atashgahi, Xuhao Zhang, Neil Kichler, Shiwei Liu, Lu Yin, Mykola Pechenizkiy, Raymond Veldhuis, Decebal Constantin Mocanu
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: feature selection

Feature selection that selects an informative subset of variables from data not only enhances the model interpretability and performance but also alleviates the resource demands. Recently, there has been growing attention on feature selection using neural networks. However, existing methods usually suffer from high computational costs when applied to high-dimensional datasets. In this paper, inspired by evolution processes, we propose a novel resource-efficient supervised feature selection method using sparse neural networks, named \enquote{NeuroFS}. By gradually pruning the uninformative features from the input layer of a sparse neural network trained from scratch, NeuroFS derives an informative subset of features efficiently. By performing several experiments on $11$ low and high-dimensional real-world benchmarks of different types, we demonstrate that NeuroFS achieves the highest ranking-based score among the considered state-of-the-art supervised feature selection models. The code is available on GitHub.
Digital Twin-Assisted Knowledge Distillation Framework for Heterogeneous Federated Learning
Authors: Xiucheng Wang, Nan Cheng, Longfei Ma, Ruijin Sun, Rong Chai, Ning Lu
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00
Tasks: Federated Learning, Knowledge Distillation, Model Selection, Q-Learning

In this paper, to deal with the heterogeneity in federated learning (FL) systems, a knowledge distillation (KD) driven training framework for FL is proposed, where each user can select its neural network model on demand and distill knowledge from a big teacher model using its own private dataset. To overcome the challenge of train the big teacher model in resource limited user devices, the digital twin (DT) is exploit in the way that the teacher model can be trained at DT located in the server with enough computing resources. Then, during model distillation, each user can update the parameters of its model at either the physical entity or the digital agent. The joint problem of model selection and training offloading and resource allocation for users is formulated as a mixed integer programming (MIP) problem. To solve the problem, Q-learning and optimization are jointly used, where Q-learning selects models for users and determines whether to train locally or on the server, and optimization is used to allocate resources for users based on the output of Q-learning. Simulation results show the proposed DT-assisted KD framework and joint optimization method can significantly improve the average accuracy of users while reducing the total delay.
Why is That a Good or Not a Good Frying Pan? -- Knowledge Representation for Functions of Objects and Tools for Design Understanding, Improvement, and Generation
Authors: Seng-Beng Ho
Date: 2023-03-10 00:00:00

The understanding of the functional aspects of objects and tools is of paramount importance in supporting an intelligent system in navigating around in the environment and interacting with various objects, structures, and systems, to help fulfil its goals. A detailed understanding of functionalities can also lead to design improvements and novel designs that would enhance the operations of AI and robotic systems on the one hand, and human lives on the other. This paper demonstrates how a particular object - in this case, a frying pan - and its participation in the processes it is designed to support - in this case, the frying process - can be represented in a general function representational language and framework, that can be used to flesh out the processes and functionalities involved, leading to a deep conceptual understanding with explainability of functionalities that allows the system to answer "why" questions - why is something a good frying pan, say, or why a certain part on the frying pan is designed in a certain way? Or, why is something not a good frying pan? This supports the re-design and improvement on design of objects, artifacts, and tools, as well as the potential for generating novel designs that are functionally accurate, usable, and satisfactory.
NoiseCAM: Explainable AI for the Boundary Between Noise and Adversarial Attacks
Authors: Wenkai Tan, Justus Renkhoff, Alvaro Velasquez, Ziyu Wang, Lusi Li, Jian Wang, Shuteng Niu, Fan Yang, Yongxin Liu, Houbing Song
Date: 2023-03-09 00:00:00

Deep Learning (DL) and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are widely used in various domains. However, adversarial attacks can easily mislead a neural network and lead to wrong decisions. Defense mechanisms are highly preferred in safety-critical applications. In this paper, firstly, we use the gradient class activation map (GradCAM) to analyze the behavior deviation of the VGG-16 network when its inputs are mixed with adversarial perturbation or Gaussian noise. In particular, our method can locate vulnerable layers that are sensitive to adversarial perturbation and Gaussian noise. We also show that the behavior deviation of vulnerable layers can be used to detect adversarial examples. Secondly, we propose a novel NoiseCAM algorithm that integrates information from globally and pixel-level weighted class activation maps. Our algorithm is susceptible to adversarial perturbations and will not respond to Gaussian random noise mixed in the inputs. Third, we compare detecting adversarial examples using both behavior deviation and NoiseCAM, and we show that NoiseCAM outperforms behavior deviation modeling in its overall performance. Our work could provide a useful tool to defend against certain adversarial attacks on deep neural networks.
The Carbon Emissions of Writing and Illustrating Are Lower for AI than for Humans
Authors: Bill Tomlinson, Rebecca W. Black, Donald J. Patterson, Andrew W. Torrance
Date: 2023-03-08 00:00:00

As AI systems proliferate, their greenhouse gas emissions are an increasingly important concern for human societies. We analyze the emissions of several AI systems (ChatGPT, BLOOM, DALL-E2, Midjourney) relative to those of humans completing the same tasks. We find that an AI writing a page of text emits 130 to 1500 times less CO2e than a human doing so. Similarly, an AI creating an image emits 310 to 2900 times less. Emissions analysis do not account for social impacts such as professional displacement, legality, and rebound effects. In addition, AI is not a substitute for all human tasks. Nevertheless, at present, the use of AI holds the potential to carry out several major activities at much lower emission levels than can humans.
FaceChat: An Emotion-Aware Face-to-face Dialogue Framework
Authors: Deema Alnuhait, Qingyang Wu, Zhou Yu
Date: 2023-03-08 00:00:00

While current dialogue systems like ChatGPT have made significant advancements in text-based interactions, they often overlook the potential of other modalities in enhancing the overall user experience. We present FaceChat, a web-based dialogue framework that enables emotionally-sensitive and face-to-face conversations. By seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies in natural language processing, computer vision, and speech processing, FaceChat delivers a highly immersive and engaging user experience. FaceChat framework has a wide range of potential applications, including counseling, emotional support, and personalized customer service. The system is designed to be simple and flexible as a platform for future researchers to advance the field of multimodal dialogue systems. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/qywu/FaceChat.
Bias, diversity, and challenges to fairness in classification and automated text analysis. From libraries to AI and back
Authors: Bettina Berendt, Özgür Karadeniz, Sercan Kiyak, Stefan Mertens, Leen d'Haenens
Date: 2023-03-07 00:00:00
Tasks: Diversity, Fairness

Libraries are increasingly relying on computational methods, including methods from Artificial Intelligence (AI). This increasing usage raises concerns about the risks of AI that are currently broadly discussed in scientific literature, the media and law-making. In this article we investigate the risks surrounding bias and unfairness in AI usage in classification and automated text analysis within the context of library applications. We describe examples that show how the library community has been aware of such risks for a long time, and how it has developed and deployed countermeasures. We take a closer look at the notion of '(un)fairness' in relation to the notion of 'diversity', and we investigate a formalisation of diversity that models both inclusion and distribution. We argue that many of the unfairness problems of automated content analysis can also be regarded through the lens of diversity and the countermeasures taken to enhance diversity.