Ant colony optimization algorithms simulate ants moving from point to point on a graph and coordinate their actions, similar to ants laying down pheromones to strengthen a path as it is used more frequently. These ACO algorithms can be applied to the classic traveling salesman problem, which aims to determine the lowest-cost path through a given set of points on a graph. In this study, a novel multiple-colony system was developed that uses multiple simulated ant colonies to generate improved solutions to the traveling salesman problem.
Coronary artery bypass grafts are a common technique to treat coronary heart disease. The authors compared the efficacy of suturing and stapling techniques using an artificial heart pump and silicone tubing and found that suturing, while more time and skill intensive, held pressure in the tubing better than stapling.
The authors compare current machine learning algorithms with a new Explainable AI algorithm that produces a human-comprehensible decision tree alongside predictions.
Vibrato, defined as a rapid and subtle oscillation in pitch, is a technique that is commonly used by musicians to add expression and colour to notes. However, on stringed instruments, there are certain notes (open string notes) on which it is impossible to perform the technique. Without vibrato, they can sound angular and unpleasant, especially when juxtaposed against other notes played with vibrato. String players therefore use an alternative to achieve the same vibrato effect on the open string — a technique referred to as “open string vibrato”. While the technique is widely used, it is unknown how much of a physical effect it has on the sound waves produced, if any at all. The purpose of this study is to analyse open string vibrato using a statistical approach to provide evidence to characterize the physical effect of the technique, and then compare it to normal vibrato. We hypothesised that it would have a noticeable and measurable effect on the sound waves produced because of the technique’s widespread usage. To test this, notes, with and without either open string vibrato or normal vibrato, were recorded on the violin. We analyzed the audio recordings using a computational and statistical approach. The results of the study partially agreed with our hypothesis: while the technique has an observable physical effect on the sound waves, the effect is weaker than expected. We concluded that open string vibrato does work, but has quite a subtle effect, and thus should only be used when there is no other option.
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a detergent component, can harm plant growth when it contaminates soil and waterways. Authors explored the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to mitigate SDS-induced stress on plants.
Various methods exist to mitigate bias in AI models, including "Constitutional AI," a technique which guides the AI to behave according to a list of rules and principles. Lo, Poosarla, Singhal, Li, Fu, and Mui investigate whether constitutional AI can reduce bias in AI outputs on political topics.
The authors looked at abundance of bacteria in stool samples from patients with colorectal cancer compared to controls. They found different bacteria that was more prevalent in patients with colorectal cancer as well as bacteria in control patients that may indicate a beneficial gut microbiome.
