Sparse 3D convolutional neural networks

We have implemented a convolutional neural network designed for processing sparse three-dimensional input data. The world we live in is three dimensional so there are a large number of potential applications including 3D object recognition and analysis of space-time objects. In the quest for efficiency, we experiment with CNNs on the 2D triangular-lattice and 3D tetrahedral-lattice.Comment: BMVC 201

Safety in Numbers: Developing a Shared Analytics Services for Academic Libraries

Purpose It is clear that libraries consider the use of data to inform decision making a top priority in the next five years. Jisc’s considerable work on activity data has highlighted the lack of tools and services for libraries to exploit this data. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of a shared analytics service for UK academic libraries and introduce the Jisc Library Analytics and Metrics Project (LAMP). The project aims to help libraries effectively management collections and services as well as delivering pre-emptive indicators and ‘actionable insights’ to help identify new trends, personalise services and improve efficiencies, economies and effectiveness (student attainment and satisfaction and institutional reputation, for example) . The project builds on the Library Impact Data Project at the University of Huddersfield and the work of the Copac Activity Data and Collections Management tools. The paper will deliver a case study of the project, its progress to date, the challenges of such an approach and the implications the service has for academic libraries. Design, methodology or approach The paper will be a case study of the project and its institutional partners and early adopters work to date and explore both the technical and cultural challenges of the work as well as its implications for the role of the library within the institution and the services it provides. Specifically the case study will comprise of the following aspects: 1. A brief history of the work and the context of library analytics services in the UK (and internationally). A description of the approach adopted by the project, and the vision and goals of the project 2. Exploration of the challenges associated with the project. In particular the challenges around accessing and sharing the data, ‘warehousing’ and data infrastructure considerations and the design challenge of visualising the data sources in a useful and coherent way 3. Outline of the implications of the project and the resultant service. In particular the implications for benchmarking (within the UK and beyond), standards development for library statistics and impact (in particular the development of ISO 16439), service development, the role of the library within the wider institution and skills and expertise of librarians. Findings This paper will report on the initial findings of the project, which will run from January 2013 to October 2013. In particular it will consider the issues surfaced through the close engagement with the academic library community (through the projects community advisory and planning group) and the institutional early-adopters around data gathering and analysis. Practical implications Data accumulated in one context has the potential to inform decisions and interventions elsewhere. While there are a number of recognised and well understood use-cases for library analytics these tend to revolve around usage and collection management. Yet, the potential of a shared analytics service is in uncovering those links and indicators across diverse data sets. The paper will consider a number of practical impacts: Performance: benchmarking, student attainment, research productivity Design: fine tuning services, personalised support Trends: research landscape, student marketplace, utilisation of resources. The case study will explore these practical implications for libraries and what they mean for the future of the library within the academy. Originality and value of the proposal The paper will present a case study of a unique service that currently fills an important gap within the library analytics space. The paper will focus on the services potential to transform both the way the library works and how it is erceived by its users, as well as its role and relationship within the broader institution

Safety in Numbers: Developing a Shared Analytics Service for Academic Libraries

Purpose It is clear that libraries consider the use of data to inform decision making a top priority in the next five years. Jisc’s considerable work on activity data has highlighted the lack of tools and services for libraries to exploit this data. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of a shared analytics service for UK academic libraries and introduce the Jisc Library Analytics and Metrics Project (LAMP). The project aims to help libraries effectively management collections and services as well as delivering pre-emptive indicators and ‘actionable insights’ to help identify new trends, personalise services and improve efficiencies, economies and effectiveness (student attainment and satisfaction and institutional reputation, for example) . The project builds on the Library Impact Data Project at the University of Huddersfield and the work of the Copac Activity Data and Collections Management tools. The paper will deliver a case study of the project, its progress to date, the challenges of such an approach and the implications the service has for academic libraries. Design, methodology or approach The paper will be a case study of the project and its institutional partners and early adopters work to date and explore both the technical and cultural challenges of the work as well as its implications for the role of the library within the institution and the services it provides. Specifically the case study will comprise of the following aspects: 1. A brief history of the work and the context of library analytics services in the UK (and internationally). A description of the approach adopted by the project, and the vision and goals of the project 2. Exploration of the challenges associated with the project. In particular the challenges around accessing and sharing the data, ‘warehousing’ and data infrastructure considerations and the design challenge of visualising the data sources in a useful and coherent way 3. Outline of the implications of the project and the resultant service. In particular the implications for benchmarking (within the UK and beyond), standards development for library statistics and impact (in particular the development of ISO 16439), service development, the role of the library within the wider institution and skills and expertise of librarians. Findings This paper will report on the initial findings of the project, which will run from January 2013 to October 2013. In particular it will consider the issues surfaced through the close engagement with the academic library community (through the projects community advisory and planning group) and the institutional early-adopters around data gathering and analysis. Practical implications Data accumulated in one context has the potential to inform decisions and interventions elsewhere. While there are a number of recognised and well understood use-cases for library analytics these tend to revolve around usage and collection management. Yet, the potential of a shared analytics service is in uncovering those links and indicators across diverse data sets. The paper will consider a number of practical impacts: Performance: benchmarking, student attainment, research productivity Design: fine tuning services, personalised support Trends: research landscape, student marketplace, utilisation of resources. The case study will explore these practical implications for libraries and what they mean for the future of the library within the academy. Originality and value of the proposal The paper will present a case study of a unique service that currently fills an important gap within the library analytics space. The paper will focus on the services potential to transform both the way the library works and how it is erceived by its users, as well as its role and relationship within the broader institution

European perspectives on a new fiscal framework for transport

This chapter presents an overview of changes in transport taxation in European countries to promote more sustainable transport. A number of changes in the framework of car taxation have resulted in some useful environmental gains. However, these changes are limited because the transport tax system has been designed to produce a substantial income from internal-combustion-engine vehicles in an easily administered form. A major restructuring of transport taxation is required to fully address a different goal – that of stimulating improvements to environmental performance. A generalised road user charging-based system could be the way forward. Such a system is now seen by several European countries and some USA states as the transport taxation regime for the 21st century. Tax regime change is emerging onto the transport policy agenda as a vital long-term strategy. Largely by default, transport policy-makers are coming to realise that road taxation regime change is inevitable if traffic and congestion management is to be a reality. The way we taxed vehicles and fuel in the 20th century is simply not appropriate for the transport challenges we face today

Can magnetar spin-down power extended emission in some short GRBs?

Extended emission gamma-ray bursts are a subset of the `short' class of burst which exhibit an early time rebrightening of gamma emission in their light curves. This extended emission arises just after the initial emission spike, and can persist for up to hundreds of seconds after trigger. When their light curves are overlaid, our sample of 14 extended emission bursts show a remarkable uniformity in their evolution, strongly suggesting a common central engine powering the emission. One potential central engine capable of this is a highly magnetized, rapidly rotating neutron star, known as a magnetar. Magnetars can be formed by two compact objects coallescing, a scenario which is one of the leading progenitor models for short bursts in general. Assuming a magnetar is formed, we gain a value for the magnetic field and late time spin period for 9 of the extended emission bursts by fitting the magnetic dipole spin-down model of Zhang & Meszaros (2001). Assuming the magnetic field is constant, and the observed energy release during extended emission is entirely due to the spin-down of this magnetar, we then derive the spin period at birth for the sample. We find all birth spin periods are in good agreement with those predicted for a newly born magnetar.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, 3 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRA

Using Low Density, Small Footprint LIDAR in Forest Inventory Applications in the Southeastern U.S.

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is becoming a widely used tool in forestry and natural resource fields. The availability of free and low cost datasets gives LIDAR the ability to save time and money over traditional forest inventory practices. In this study, the effectiveness of low density, small footprint LIDAR compared to forest field inventory measurements from the Clemson Experimental Forest was determined. LIDAR based estimates were analyzed to determine if LIDAR is a viable tool for estimating particular forest inventory features in the Southeastern U.S. and whether a transition could be made to a more GIS based analysis. Standard field inventory methods were used to assess forest stand measurements throughout the Clemson Experimental Forest. Processed LIDAR data was used in conjunction with Treevaw, a LIDAR software application, to extract forest inventory features at the individual tree level. Statistical correlation and regression comparisons were made between the data at the plot level. Comparisons were also made between stand types to determine the type of effects that leaf-off conditions could have on the LIDAR data analysis. Overall, results of the entire sample comparing tree heights, diameter at breast height, and above ground biomass were varied. Correlations between inventory and LIDAR measurements were high, with a minimum value of 0.70. Dividing the plots by stand cover type showed variations in the dataset. Pine plantation plots achieved the best overall results, followed by pine-hardwood plots. Natural pine, upland hardwood, and cove hardwood plots each produced similar results, but were not as accurate as the stands mentioned previously. Results show that low density, small footprint LIDAR can be used to accurately estimate certain features of individual trees in particular forest stand types. The use of higher density LIDAR would most likely provide a more accurate analysis across a broader range of forest types

Taxation Futures for Sustainable Mobility: final report to the ESRC

The existing transport tax and charging regime has stimulated limited behavioural change and has been politically problematic (as demonstrated by the September 2000 fuel duty protests). This project synthesised a range of research that has explored ways in which road user charging could replace the present regime based on taxing fuels and car ownership. In 2002, when this project was proposed, this was a fringe transport policy issue. Throughout 2003 the subject achieved a sudden prominence, with a government working party being established to explore the possibility of long-term area-wide road user charging. A tax regime change towards a car road user charge for cars has occurred, or is being considered, in societies as contrasting as Oregon State in the USA, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK, reflecting a range of policy considerations. For the UK, these include: the ongoing failure of transport policy measures to achieve adequate cuts in congestion and emissions; the success of the London Congestion Charge; the rise in the cost of transport policy interventions; the reduction in Treasury income of eco-reforms to the current tax regime; and the difficulties of, and equity issues relating to, taxing fuel in a future multi-fuel transport sector. The project developed tax change scenarios in conjunction with the project's user group (including policymakers, NGOs and researchers). Five scenarios were modelled using an adaptation of the Dutch Mobility Explorer program. An 'opt-in' transitional policy mechanism involved replacing VED with a small flat-rate kilometre charge for cars of 0.77 p/km. The model suggested it would have little policy impact, but could be used to familiarise car drivers with the concept of a distance charge. A fiscally neutral scenario involved the replacement of VED and Fuel Duty with a banded kilometre charge for cars of between 2.3 and 8.5 p/km (varied by the environmental performance of the vehicle type). This induced little behaviour change, reducing car driver mobility by only 4%. A further scenario, restored the tax revenues lost from post-2000 tax changes, generating an additional £3 billion or £6b per annum. These reduced car driver mobility by 9% - 14%, and total CO2 emissions were predicted to drop by 6% - 9% by 2015, compared to the base scenario. The type of change involved in the revenue-raising scenarios is significant. There would be only a small increase in the use of public transport, with the predominant response being the better utilisation of cars with higher occupancy and more linking of trips to cut distances driven. The project results suggest that road user charging may deliver more revenue stability than fuel taxation. However, clarity is needed over the policy goals – congestion reduction, emission reduction, revenue stability – for a national road user charge, because the goals are not necessarily complementary. It should also be emphasised that a change of tax regime would not remove the need the hard political decisions in this area

A computational and experimental investigation into the aeroacoustics of low speed flows

The noise produced by low Mach number (M ? 0.4) laminar and turbulent flows is studied using computational and experimental techniques. The emphasis is on the development and application of numerical methods to further the understanding of noise generation and far field radiation. Numerical simulations are performed to investigate the tonal noise radiated by two- and three-dimensional cavities submerged in low-speed turbulent and laminar flows. A numerical approach is developed that combines near field flow computations with an integral radiation model to enable the far field signal to be evaluated without the need to directly resolve the propagation of the acoustic waves to the far field. Two basic geometries are employed in these investigations: a plane rectangular cavity and a rectangular cavity with a lip. Results for the two geometries show good agreement with available experimental data, and highlight the sensitivity of the amplitude and directivity of the radiated sound to geometry, flow speed and the properties of the incoming boundary layer. The cavity with a lip is shown to behave as a Helmholtz resonator. The plane cavities are characterized by the more familiar Rossiter modes. Both geometries are characterized by intense near field oscillations and strong noise radiation. To quantify the effects of three-dimensional phenomena on the generation and radiation of sound, a fully three-dimensional simulation is performed. The Navier-Stokes equations are solved directly using an optimized prefactored compact scheme for spatial discretization. Results are compared with those from a two-dimensional simulation and the effects of the three-dimensional phenomena are discussed. Finally, wind tunnel tests are performed to quantify the effects of geometry and flow speed on the velocity and pressure fields within a plane rectangular cavity. Velocity measurements are made using the Laser Doppler Anemometry and Particle Image Velocimetry techniques. Instantaneous and statistical data are employed to probe the flows. Although coherent vortical structures are found to characterize the shear layer, their intermittent nature prevents self-sustaining oscillations developing and consequently the pressure field is broadband in nature

Managerial Overconfidence and Corporate Policies

Miscalibration is a standard measure of overconfidence in both psychology and economics. Although it is often used in lab experiments, there is scarcity of evidence about its effects in practice. We test whether top corporate executives are miscalibrated, and whether their miscalibration impacts investment behavior. Over six years, we collect a unique panel of nearly 7,000 observations of probability distributions provided by top financial executives regarding the stock market. Financial executives are miscalibrated: realized market returns are within the executives' 80% confidence intervals only 38% of the time. We show that companies with overconfident CFOs use lower discount rates to value cash flows, and that they invest more, use more debt, are less likely to pay dividends, are more likely to repurchase shares, and they use proportionally more long-term, as opposed to short-term, debt. The pervasive effect of this miscalibration suggests that the effect of overconfidence should be explicitly modeled when analyzing corporate decision-making.

A Useful Planting-Jig and Plot Design for Experimental Plantings

In experimental plantings intended to demonstrate interactions between plants it is desirable that the distance between plants be uniform. A planting pattern is suggested in which each of 100 plants is equidistant from all of its neighbors; and a simple planting-jig, which is readily adaptable for spacings up to one meter, is described