Heuristic Voting as Ordinal Dominance Strategies

Decision making under uncertainty is a key component of many AI settings, and in particular of voting scenarios where strategic agents are trying to reach a joint decision. The common approach to handle uncertainty is by maximizing expected utility, which requires a cardinal utility function as well as detailed probabilistic information. However, often such probabilities are not easy to estimate or apply. To this end, we present a framework that allows "shades of gray" of likelihood without probabilities. Specifically, we create a hierarchy of sets of world states based on a prospective poll, with inner sets contain more likely outcomes. This hierarchy of likelihoods allows us to define what we term ordinally-dominated strategies. We use this approach to justify various known voting heuristics as bounded-rational strategies.Comment: This is the full version of paper #6080 accepted to AAAI'1

Hypergraph Neural Networks through the Lens of Message Passing: A Common Perspective to Homophily and Architecture Design

Most of the current hypergraph learning methodologies and benchmarking datasets in the hypergraph realm are obtained by lifting procedures from their graph analogs, leading to overshadowing specific characteristics of hypergraphs. This paper attempts to confront some pending questions in that regard: Q1 Can the concept of homophily play a crucial role in Hypergraph Neural Networks (HNNs)? Q2 Is there room for improving current HNN architectures by carefully addressing specific characteristics of higher-order networks? Q3 Do existing datasets provide a meaningful benchmark for HNNs? To address them, we first introduce a novel conceptualization of homophily in higher-order networks based on a Message Passing (MP) scheme, unifying both the analytical examination and the modeling of higher-order networks. Further, we investigate some natural, yet mostly unexplored, strategies for processing higher-order structures within HNNs such as keeping hyperedge-dependent node representations, or performing node/hyperedge stochastic samplings, leading us to the most general MP formulation up to date -MultiSet-, as well as to an original architecture design, MultiSetMixer. Finally, we conduct an extensive set of experiments that contextualize our proposals and successfully provide insights about our inquiries

Training improves visual processing speed and generalizes to untrained functions

Studies show that manipulating certain training features in perceptual learning determines the specificity of the improvement. The improvement in abnormal visual processing following training and its generalization to visual acuity, as measured on static clinical charts, can be explained by improved sensitivity or processing speed. Crowding, the inability to recognize objects in a clutter, fundamentally limits conscious visual perception. Although it was largely considered absent in the fovea, earlier studies report foveal crowding upon very brief exposures or following spatial manipulations. Here we used GlassesOff's application for iDevices to train foveal vision of young participants. The training was performed at reading distance based on contrast detection tasks under different spatial and temporal constraints using Gabor patches aimed at testing improvement of processing speed. We found several significant improvements in spatio-temporal visual functions including near and also non-trained far distances. A remarkable transfer to visual acuity measured under crowded conditions resulted in reduced processing time of 81 ms, in order to achieve 6/6 acuity. Despite a subtle change in contrast sensitivity, a robust increase in processing speed was found. Thus, enhanced processing speed may lead to overcoming foveal crowding and might be the enabling factor for generalization to other visual functions

Modelling facilitated transport in Polyvinyl amine membranes for CO2 capture: insights from Molecular Dynamics and PC-SAFT EoS.

In the context of CO2 removal from gas streams, the project NANOMEMC2 (www.nanomemc2.eu) focuses on Facilitated Transport (FT) membranes based on Polyvinyl mine (PVAm). Such materials bear amine groups that, in presence of humidity, promote reactions that boost the transport of CO2 while not affecting the other gases. A possible reaction route is shown in Figure 1. Very few modelling studies are present in the literature concerning these fixed sites FT membranes despite their selectivity comparable to the most common absorption processes. Aim of the present work is to provide a detailad deep investigation on the transport properties of PVAm, to partially fill this lack, for the ternary system of CO2/H2O/PVAm. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and PC-SAFT1 Equation of State (EoS) were used to achieve a reliable interpretation of the physical sorption process of CO2 in such a complex, strongly polar environment

Modelling facilitated transport in Polyvinyl amine membranes for CO2 capture: insights from Molecular Dynamics and PC-SAFT EoS.

The removal of CO2 from flue gas in power plants or energy-intensive industries is one of the main ways to reduce the increasing CO2 atmospheric levels, that cause global warming. Among the various technologies identified for this aim, such as solvent absorption and adsorption, membrane separation is considered as the most flexible and environmentally friendly option. For this reason the project NANOMEMC2 (www.nanomemc2.eu) aims at developing innovative membranes with improved CO2 capture ability, which can make the capture less costly. The project focuses on Facilitated Transport (FT) membranes, that are endowed with higher selectivity values with respect to conventional ones. Such materials bear amine groups that, in presence of humidity, promote reactions that boost the transport of CO2 while not affecting the other gases

Modelling facilitated transport in Polyvinyl amine membranes for CO2 capture: insights from Molecular Dynamics and PC-SAFT EoS.

In the context of CO2 removal from gas streams, the project NANOMEMC2 (www.nanomemc2.eu) focuses on Facilitated Transport (FT) membranes based on Polyvinyl mine (PVAm). Such materials bear amine groups that, in presence of humidity, promote reactions that boost the transport of CO2 while not affecting the other gases. A possible reaction route is shown in Figure 1. Very few modelling studies are present in the literature concerning these fixed sites FT membranes despite their selectivity comparable to the most common absorption processes. Aim of the present work is to provide a detailad deep investigation on the transport properties of PVAm, to partially fill this lack, for the ternary system of CO2/H2O/PVAm. Molecular Dynamics (MD) and PC-SAFT1 Equation of State (EoS) were used to achieve a reliable interpretation of the physical sorption process of CO2 in such a complex, strongly polar environment