2,196 research outputs found
PKCAM: Previous Knowledge Channel Attention Module
Recently, attention mechanisms have been explored with ConvNets, both across
the spatial and channel dimensions. However, from our knowledge, all the
existing methods devote the attention modules to capture local interactions
from a uni-scale. In this paper, we propose a Previous Knowledge Channel
Attention Module(PKCAM), that captures channel-wise relations across different
layers to model the global context. Our proposed module PKCAM is easily
integrated into any feed-forward CNN architectures and trained in an end-to-end
fashion with a negligible footprint due to its lightweight property. We
validate our novel architecture through extensive experiments on image
classification and object detection tasks with different backbones. Our
experiments show consistent improvements in performances against their
counterparts. Our code is published at https://github.com/eslambakr/EMCA
BRAHMS: Novel middleware for integrated systems computation
Biological computational modellers are becoming increasingly interested in building large, eclectic models, including components on many different computational substrates, both biological and non-biological. At the same time, the rise of the philosophy of embodied modelling is generating a need to deploy biological models as controllers for robots in real-world environments. Finally, robotics engineers are beginning to find value in seconding biomimetic control strategies for use on practical robots. Together with the ubiquitous desire to make good on past software development effort, these trends are throwing up new challenges of intellectual and technological integration (for example across scales, across disciplines, and even across time) - challenges that are unmet by existing software frameworks. Here, we outline these challenges in detail, and go on to describe a newly developed software framework, BRAHMS. that meets them. BRAHMS is a tool for integrating computational process modules into a viable, computable system: its generality and flexibility facilitate integration across barriers, such as those described above, in a coherent and effective way. We go on to describe several cases where BRAHMS has been successfully deployed in practical situations. We also show excellent performance in comparison with a monolithic development approach. Additional benefits of developing in the framework include source code self-documentation, automatic coarse-grained parallelisation, cross-language integration, data logging, performance monitoring, and will include dynamic load-balancing and 'pause and continue' execution. BRAHMS is built on the nascent, and similarly general purpose, model markup language, SystemML. This will, in future, also facilitate repeatability and accountability (same answers ten years from now), transparent automatic software distribution, and interfacing with other SystemML tools. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Red Teaming Generative AI/NLP, the BB84 quantum cryptography protocol and the NIST-approved Quantum-Resistant Cryptographic Algorithms: Red Teaming Generative AI and Quantum Cryptography
In the contemporary digital age, Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) convergence is reshaping the cyber landscape, introducing both unprecedented opportunities and potential vulnerabilities.
This research, conducted over five years, delves into the cybersecurity implications of this convergence, with a particular focus on AI/Natural Language Processing (NLP) models and quantum cryptographic protocols, notably the BB84 method and specific NIST-approved algorithms. Utilising Python and C++ as primary computational tools, the study employs a "red teaming" approach, simulating potential cyber-attacks to assess the robustness of quantum security measures. Preliminary research over 12 months laid the groundwork, which this study seeks to expand upon, aiming to translate theoretical insights into actionable, real-world cybersecurity solutions. Located at the University of Oxford's technology precinct, the research benefits from state-of-the-art infrastructure and a rich collaborative environment. The study's overarching goal is to ensure that as the digital world transitions to quantum-enhanced operations, it remains resilient against AI-driven cyber threats. The research aims to foster a safer, quantum-ready digital future through iterative testing, feedback integration, and continuous improvement. The findings are intended for broad dissemination, ensuring that the knowledge benefits academia and the global community, emphasising the responsible and secure harnessing of quantum technology
Edge-Cloud Polarization and Collaboration: A Comprehensive Survey for AI
Influenced by the great success of deep learning via cloud computing and the
rapid development of edge chips, research in artificial intelligence (AI) has
shifted to both of the computing paradigms, i.e., cloud computing and edge
computing. In recent years, we have witnessed significant progress in
developing more advanced AI models on cloud servers that surpass traditional
deep learning models owing to model innovations (e.g., Transformers, Pretrained
families), explosion of training data and soaring computing capabilities.
However, edge computing, especially edge and cloud collaborative computing, are
still in its infancy to announce their success due to the resource-constrained
IoT scenarios with very limited algorithms deployed. In this survey, we conduct
a systematic review for both cloud and edge AI. Specifically, we are the first
to set up the collaborative learning mechanism for cloud and edge modeling with
a thorough review of the architectures that enable such mechanism. We also
discuss potentials and practical experiences of some on-going advanced edge AI
topics including pretraining models, graph neural networks and reinforcement
learning. Finally, we discuss the promising directions and challenges in this
field.Comment: 20 pages, Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineerin
Virtual Reality in Mathematics Education (VRiME):An exploration of the integration and design of virtual reality for mathematics education
This thesis explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in mathematics education. Four VR prototypes were designed and developed during the PhD project to teach equations, geometry, and vectors and facilitate collaboration.Paper A investigates asymmetric VR for classroom integration and collaborative learning and presents a new taxonomy of asymmetric interfaces. Paper B proposes how VR could assist students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in learning daily living skills involving basic mathematical concepts. Paper C investigates how VR could enhance social inclusion and mathematics learning for neurodiverse students. Paper D presents a VR prototype for teaching algebra and equation-solving strategies, noting positive student responses and the potential for knowledge transfer. Paper E investigates gesture-based interaction with dynamic geometry in VR for geometry education and presents a new taxonomy of learning environments. Finally, paper F explores the use of VR to visualise and contextualise mathematical concepts to teach software engineering students.The thesis concludes that VR offers promising avenues for transforming mathematics education. It aims to broaden our understanding of VR's educational potential, paving the way for more immersive learning experiences in mathematics education
Design and implementation of extensible middleware for non-repudiable interactions
PhD ThesisNon-repudiation is an aspect of security that is concerned with the creation of irrefutable audits of
an interaction. Ensuring the audit is irrefutable and verifiable by a third party is not a trivial task.
A lot of supporting infrastructure is required which adds large expense to the interaction. This
infrastructure comprises, (i) a non-repudiation aware run-time environment, (ii) several purpose
built trusted services and (iii) an appropriate non-repudiation protocol. This thesis presents design
and implementation of such an infrastructure. The runtime environment makes use of several trusted
services to achieve external verification of the audit trail. Non-repudiation is achieved by executing
fair non-repudiation protocols. The Fairness property of the non-repudiation protocol allows a
participant to protect their own interests by preventing any party from gaining an advantage by
misbehaviour. The infrastructure has two novel aspects; extensibility and support for automated
implementation of protocols.
Extensibility is achieved by implementing the infrastructure in middleware and by presenting a
large variety of non-repudiable business interaction patterns to the application (a non-repudiable
interaction pattern is a higher level protocol composed from one or more non-repudiation protocols).
The middleware is highly configurable allowing new non-repudiation protocols and interaction
patterns to be easily added, without disrupting the application.
This thesis presents a rigorous mechanism for automated implementation of non-repudiation
protocols. This ensures that the protocol being executed is that which was intended and verified
by the protocol designer. A family of non-repudiation protocols are taken and inspected. This
inspection allows a set of generic finite state machines to be produced. These finite state machines
can be used to maintain protocol state and manage the sending and receiving of appropriate protocol
messages.
A concrete implementation of the run-time environment and the protocol generation techniques is
presented. This implementation is based on industry supported Web service standards and services.EPSRC, The Hewlett Packard Arjuna La
Space life sciences: A status report
The scientific research and supporting technology development conducted in the Space Life Sciences Program is described. Accomplishments of the past year are highlighted. Plans for future activities are outlined. Some specific areas of study include the following: Crew health and safety; What happens to humans in space; Gravity, life, and space; Sustenance in space; Life and planet Earth; Life in the Universe; Promoting good science and good will; Building a future for the space life sciences; and Benefits of space life sciences research
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