The Cult of Racism and the ideology of inclusion/equity/diversity as spread by the Trump Administration, i.e. the U.S. Department of Energy!
President Trump it is high time to intervene! Mr. President you still have not drained the swamp!
The preferential treatment of individuals based on skin color is gross racism and unconstitutional!
Boosting the representation of Black students | symmetry magazine
Friday, July 31, 2020
Chinese, North Korean and Russian hackers were just sanctioned by Europe for the first time | MIT Technology Review
Finally, the EU is getting more serious too about Russian, North Korean, and Chinese spying and hacking! The West has been way too lenient for way too long!
"Retaliation for Russian attacks: The most prominent target of EU action is unit 74455 of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, a group known as Sandworm. It is linked to the NotPetya ransomware attacks, which experts say began as a political attack against Ukraine but then quickly spread across the world and caused over $10 billion in damage. ... China’s corporate espionage: In China, two citizens and a company, Haitai Technology Development, were sanctioned in connection with a hacking campaign known as Cloudhopper. ... The North Korean firm Chosun Expo was sanctioned because of its role supporting WannaCry , the 2017 ransomware outbreak that ripped through IT systems across the globe"
Chinese and Russian hackers were just sanctioned by Europe for the first time | MIT Technology Review The European Union imposed its first-ever sanctions for cyberattacks on Thursday, targeting Russian, Chinese, and North Korean groups connected to several major hacking incidents.
"Retaliation for Russian attacks: The most prominent target of EU action is unit 74455 of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service, a group known as Sandworm. It is linked to the NotPetya ransomware attacks, which experts say began as a political attack against Ukraine but then quickly spread across the world and caused over $10 billion in damage. ... China’s corporate espionage: In China, two citizens and a company, Haitai Technology Development, were sanctioned in connection with a hacking campaign known as Cloudhopper. ... The North Korean firm Chosun Expo was sanctioned because of its role supporting WannaCry , the 2017 ransomware outbreak that ripped through IT systems across the globe"
Chinese and Russian hackers were just sanctioned by Europe for the first time | MIT Technology Review The European Union imposed its first-ever sanctions for cyberattacks on Thursday, targeting Russian, Chinese, and North Korean groups connected to several major hacking incidents.
‘Effectiveness Unproven’: Dutch Government Won’t Use Mask Mandate; ‘No Proven Effectiveness’
Is the Dutch government insane or the rest of the Western world? Wearing a a face mask should be left to individuals to decide as Covid-19 is not that dangerous!
"... Instead the official advice is for better adherence to social distancing rules after a surge in coronavirus cases ..."
‘Effectiveness Unproven’: Dutch Government Won’t Use Mask Mandate; ‘No Proven Effectiveness’ The Dutch government on Wednesday advised the public that there will be no mask mandate to slow the spread of coronavirus, stating that their effectiveness remains unproven.
"... Instead the official advice is for better adherence to social distancing rules after a surge in coronavirus cases ..."
‘Effectiveness Unproven’: Dutch Government Won’t Use Mask Mandate; ‘No Proven Effectiveness’ The Dutch government on Wednesday advised the public that there will be no mask mandate to slow the spread of coronavirus, stating that their effectiveness remains unproven.
Science and Islam with Jim Al-Khalili
Very recommendable this three part series! It is very impressive, but fairly under appreciated what early Islamic scientists contributed to our understanding of the world and cosmos!
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Uncle Tom: In honor of Herman Cain
Recommendable! Funny and witty! Beats dour and fairly unaccomplished John Lewis anytime!
Sushi chain turns to AI app to judge tuna, aims to cut half human staff
One of the latest applications of computer vision! Grading the quality of tuna catch for e.g. sushi!
Sushi chain turns to AI app to judge tuna, aims to cut half human staff : The Asahi Shimbun A leading Japanese sushi-go-around restaurant chain operator has debuted an artificial intelligence (AI)-based smartphone app to stand in for its buyers who judge tuna quality.
Sushi chain turns to AI app to judge tuna, aims to cut half human staff : The Asahi Shimbun A leading Japanese sushi-go-around restaurant chain operator has debuted an artificial intelligence (AI)-based smartphone app to stand in for its buyers who judge tuna quality.
Iter: World's largest nuclear fusion project begins assembly
Why is this critical mega project taking so long! Total construction time 12 years (2013-2025)!!!
Safe, economical, and abundant nuclear fusion power would solve many problems!
Iter: World's largest nuclear fusion project begins assembly - BBC News
Safe, economical, and abundant nuclear fusion power would solve many problems!
Iter: World's largest nuclear fusion project begins assembly - BBC News
Klimaschutz-Ziele: Die Windkraft kommt nicht voran
Gute Nachrichten! Stoppt die massive Umweltverschandlung und Umweltverschmutzung durch Windmühlen! Windkraft ist nicht umweltfreundlich und macht ökonomisch wenig Sinn!
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Welcome anyons! Physicists find best evidence yet for long-sought 2D structures
Amazing stuff!
"Physicists have reported what could be the first incontrovertible evidence for the existence of unusual particle-like objects called anyons, which were first proposed more than 40 years ago. Anyons are the latest addition to a growing family of phenomena called quasiparticles, which are not elementary particles, but are instead collective excitations of many electrons in solid devices. ... Known quasiparticles display a range of exotic behaviours. For example, magnetic monopole quasiparticles have only one magnetic pole — unlike all ordinary magnets, which always have a north and a south. Another example is Majorana quasiparticles, which are their own antiparticles.
Anyons are even more strange. ..."
Welcome anyons! Physicists find best evidence yet for long-sought 2D structures The ‘quasiparticles’ defy the categories of ordinary particles and herald a potential way to build quantum computers.
"Physicists have reported what could be the first incontrovertible evidence for the existence of unusual particle-like objects called anyons, which were first proposed more than 40 years ago. Anyons are the latest addition to a growing family of phenomena called quasiparticles, which are not elementary particles, but are instead collective excitations of many electrons in solid devices. ... Known quasiparticles display a range of exotic behaviours. For example, magnetic monopole quasiparticles have only one magnetic pole — unlike all ordinary magnets, which always have a north and a south. Another example is Majorana quasiparticles, which are their own antiparticles.
Anyons are even more strange. ..."
Welcome anyons! Physicists find best evidence yet for long-sought 2D structures The ‘quasiparticles’ defy the categories of ordinary particles and herald a potential way to build quantum computers.
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's
Good news! Every September since about 2003, I get my flu shot! It may also help against Covid-19!
"People who had gotten at least one flu shot after age 60 were 17 percent less likely to receive a subsequent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and those who got a flu shot each year saw their risk drop by a further 13 percent. The sooner after 60 that someone received a flu shot, the stronger the benefit."
Well, I started my regular flew shots in my early 50s!
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's | The Scientist Magazine® The authors propose that the shots might keep the immune system primed to battle diseases that would otherwise contribute to cognitive decline.
"People who had gotten at least one flu shot after age 60 were 17 percent less likely to receive a subsequent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and those who got a flu shot each year saw their risk drop by a further 13 percent. The sooner after 60 that someone received a flu shot, the stronger the benefit."
Well, I started my regular flew shots in my early 50s!
Flu and Pneumonia Vaccines Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer's | The Scientist Magazine® The authors propose that the shots might keep the immune system primed to battle diseases that would otherwise contribute to cognitive decline.
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Kinder verwüsten Schule in Niedersachsen: 150.000 Euro Schaden
Welch lausiger Journalismus! Man erfährt absolut nichts über den Hintergrund der Jugendlichen (das waren nicht Kinder!) oder der Eltern bzw. der erziehungsberechtigten Erwachsenen!
"Drei polizeibekannte Kinder im Alter von elf bis zwölf Jahren haben in Bissendorf in Niedersachsen eine komplette Schule verwüstet. ... Die Kinder wurden seit Mai demnach bereits mehr als 20-mal auffällig. Hauptsächlich ging es um Sachbeschädigungen, aber auch um Körperverletzung und Diebstahl. Sie sind noch nicht strafmündig. Polizei und Jugendamt stünden jedoch in einem „engem Austausch“, hieß es. ..."
Kinder verwüsten Schule in Niedersachsen: 150.000 Euro Schaden Drei Kinder haben in Niedersachsen eine Schule verwüstet. Sie brachen ein, rissen Waschbecken heraus, zerschlugen Glasscheiben, beschmierten Wände – und überschwemmten das Gebäude auf allen Stockwerken.
"Drei polizeibekannte Kinder im Alter von elf bis zwölf Jahren haben in Bissendorf in Niedersachsen eine komplette Schule verwüstet. ... Die Kinder wurden seit Mai demnach bereits mehr als 20-mal auffällig. Hauptsächlich ging es um Sachbeschädigungen, aber auch um Körperverletzung und Diebstahl. Sie sind noch nicht strafmündig. Polizei und Jugendamt stünden jedoch in einem „engem Austausch“, hieß es. ..."
Kinder verwüsten Schule in Niedersachsen: 150.000 Euro Schaden Drei Kinder haben in Niedersachsen eine Schule verwüstet. Sie brachen ein, rissen Waschbecken heraus, zerschlugen Glasscheiben, beschmierten Wände – und überschwemmten das Gebäude auf allen Stockwerken.
Hong Kong University Fires Democracy Advocate as China Clamps Down
There are still way too many dictatorships around the world!
Hong Kong University Fires Democracy Advocate as China Clamps Down - WSJ
Hong Kong University Fires Democracy Advocate as China Clamps Down - WSJ
Getting under the skin of psoriasis
Good news! Amazing stuff! This study combines two of the latest technologies!
"... an ionic liquid (IL) combination to successfully deliver a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based treatment directly to the skin in a mouse model of psoriasis, significantly reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines and symptoms of psoriasis without systemic side effects. ..."
"... However, effective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the skin is a substantial hurdle due to skin’s barrier function and poor stability of siRNA. Using ionic liquids as an enabling technology, we report on the effective delivery of NFKBIZ siRNA into the skin and its therapeutic efficacy in a psoriasis model. Treatment with IL-siRNA suppressed aberrant gene expression and resulted in down-regulation of psoriasis-related signals including TNF-α and IL-17A. These results provide a framework for a topical delivery platform for siRNA."
Getting under the skin of psoriasis Ionic-liquid-based technology delivers RNA therapeutic to locally block psoriasis-associated genes in mice
Here is the link to the research paper: Treatment of psoriasis with NFKBIZ siRNA using topical ionic liquid formulations
"... an ionic liquid (IL) combination to successfully deliver a small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based treatment directly to the skin in a mouse model of psoriasis, significantly reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines and symptoms of psoriasis without systemic side effects. ..."
"... However, effective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into the skin is a substantial hurdle due to skin’s barrier function and poor stability of siRNA. Using ionic liquids as an enabling technology, we report on the effective delivery of NFKBIZ siRNA into the skin and its therapeutic efficacy in a psoriasis model. Treatment with IL-siRNA suppressed aberrant gene expression and resulted in down-regulation of psoriasis-related signals including TNF-α and IL-17A. These results provide a framework for a topical delivery platform for siRNA."
Getting under the skin of psoriasis Ionic-liquid-based technology delivers RNA therapeutic to locally block psoriasis-associated genes in mice
Here is the link to the research paper: Treatment of psoriasis with NFKBIZ siRNA using topical ionic liquid formulations
Letter from MIT President Reif: Tackling the grand challenges of climate change
What a fool is the president of MIT? It is beyond pale!
As blogged here and here previously, he is e.g. a adherent of the Cult of Racism. On top of that, he is also a purveyor of or even a fanatic possessed with the Global Warming hoax!
This president of MIT totally lacks any vision! In his letter, he does not bother to point in any direction where to look for solutions! How about to generate power from nuclear fusion, hydrogen power, photosynthesis as an energy source, superconductivity at room temperature ...
"I am delighted to share an important step in MIT’s ongoing efforts to take action against climate change. ... Since then, the escalating climate crisis and lagging global response have only intensified the need for action. ... The threat of climate change demands a host of interlocking solutions ... Equally important will be to advance the humanistic and scientific understanding of how best to inspire 9 billion humans to adopt the technologies and behaviors the crisis demands. ... To meet this great rolling emergency for the species, we are seeking and expecting big ideas for sharpening our understanding, combatting climate change itself and adapting constructively to its impacts. ... This invitation is geared specifically for MIT PIs [principal investigators] – but the climate problem deserves wholehearted attention from every one of us."
Letter from President Reif: Tackling the grand challenges of climate change | MIT News
As blogged here and here previously, he is e.g. a adherent of the Cult of Racism. On top of that, he is also a purveyor of or even a fanatic possessed with the Global Warming hoax!
This president of MIT totally lacks any vision! In his letter, he does not bother to point in any direction where to look for solutions! How about to generate power from nuclear fusion, hydrogen power, photosynthesis as an energy source, superconductivity at room temperature ...
"I am delighted to share an important step in MIT’s ongoing efforts to take action against climate change. ... Since then, the escalating climate crisis and lagging global response have only intensified the need for action. ... The threat of climate change demands a host of interlocking solutions ... Equally important will be to advance the humanistic and scientific understanding of how best to inspire 9 billion humans to adopt the technologies and behaviors the crisis demands. ... To meet this great rolling emergency for the species, we are seeking and expecting big ideas for sharpening our understanding, combatting climate change itself and adapting constructively to its impacts. ... This invitation is geared specifically for MIT PIs [principal investigators] – but the climate problem deserves wholehearted attention from every one of us."
Letter from President Reif: Tackling the grand challenges of climate change | MIT News
Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell
Amazing stuff! Took only 200 years to confirm a theory first proposed by Simon Laplace!
The article only hints at what this could mean for global climate models.
"The team’s examination of surface pressure values from the new data set revealed dozens of the predicted normal wave modes, typically with periods between two and thirty-three hours that travel horizontally around the globe at speeds in excess of 1100 km/h."
Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell, say researchers – Physics World
The article only hints at what this could mean for global climate models.
"The team’s examination of surface pressure values from the new data set revealed dozens of the predicted normal wave modes, typically with periods between two and thirty-three hours that travel horizontally around the globe at speeds in excess of 1100 km/h."
Earth’s atmosphere rings like a giant bell, say researchers – Physics World
NIST study finds that masks defeat most facial recognition algorithms
What a waste of taxpayers money on such a study! Of course, facial recognition software will fail when individuals wear masks! Obviously, such algorithms were not trained to handle this case!
"Algorithms created before the pandemic generally perform less accurately with digitally masked faces."
NIST study finds that masks defeat most facial recognition algorithms | VentureBeat
"Algorithms created before the pandemic generally perform less accurately with digitally masked faces."
NIST study finds that masks defeat most facial recognition algorithms | VentureBeat
Here is the link to the NIST report:
Monday, July 27, 2020
Hamas head Haniyeh: We refused $15 billion in aid conditioned on disarming
If confirmed and true, then why do the people of Gaza not finally throw out these Iranian backed criminals and bums!
This fool and coward is hiding in Qatar!
Hamas head: We refused $15 billion in aid conditioned on disarming | The Times of Israel In interview with Qatari newspaper, Gaza-ruling terror group leader Ismail Haniyeh says offer came from ‘parties paid off by major powers’ as part of controversial US peace plan
Hamas head: We refused $15 billion in aid conditioned on disarming | The Times of Israel In interview with Qatari newspaper, Gaza-ruling terror group leader Ismail Haniyeh says offer came from ‘parties paid off by major powers’ as part of controversial US peace plan
Executive Order on Increasing Drug Importation to Lower Prices for American Patients
This is certainly a controversial executive order among free traders and free market proponents!
I don't think pharmaceutical companies are doing enough to fight any government price controls or barriers to entry! They also do to little to inform the public about such ill conceived big government policies!
More importantly, there is also an urgent need to reduce excessive intellectual property rights to increase competition and drive drug prices down!
A pertinent excerpt from the executive order:
"... For example, in the European Union, a market characterized by price controls and significant barriers to entry, the parallel trade of drugs has existed for decades and has been estimated to reduce the price of certain drugs by up to 20 percent. ..."
Not only the European Union, but also e.g. Canada imposes government price controls on drugs!
Executive Order on Increasing Drug Importation to Lower Prices for American Patients | The White House
I don't think pharmaceutical companies are doing enough to fight any government price controls or barriers to entry! They also do to little to inform the public about such ill conceived big government policies!
Big pharma companies are much more willing to show their support for the cult of racism or the inclusion/diversity ideology than getting cheaper drugs to patients!!
"Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Dr. Giovanni Caforio, in a video posted to the pharma’s diversity & inclusion and LinkedIn pages, reflected on recent events, including Floyd’s death and that of other African Americans. “I am deeply saddened, upset and angry to see violence, inequality and discrimination of any kind,” Caforio said, “and even more when it is rooted in racism.” The CEO concluded his 1-minute video by stating, “These recent acts are focused on the African-American community, but inequalities impact all of society. As a company focused on transforming lives and improving the world we live in, our values are clear, particularly when it comes to integrity and inclusion.”" (source, see also here)
More importantly, there is also an urgent need to reduce excessive intellectual property rights to increase competition and drive drug prices down!
A pertinent excerpt from the executive order:
"... For example, in the European Union, a market characterized by price controls and significant barriers to entry, the parallel trade of drugs has existed for decades and has been estimated to reduce the price of certain drugs by up to 20 percent. ..."
Not only the European Union, but also e.g. Canada imposes government price controls on drugs!
Executive Order on Increasing Drug Importation to Lower Prices for American Patients | The White House
On Implicit Neural Representations with Periodic Activation Functions
Recommendable! Impressive research and the authors cover a lot of ground!
[2006.09661] Implicit Neural Representations with Periodic Activation Functions
[2006.09661] Implicit Neural Representations with Periodic Activation Functions
Disturbing video catches the moment irate woman pepper sprays family having a picnic — allegedly because they weren't wearing masks
Women do it too! Women can be violent! Welcome to the age of gender equality! Debunking the feminist ideology of the better gender!
Unless this was a premeditated video for fame and money!
"O'Brien says that the masked woman called the couple "idiots" and stuck up her middle finger at the two dining before deploying pepper spray at them and their food."
Disturbing video catches the moment irate woman pepper sprays family having a picnic — allegedly because they weren't wearing masks - TheBlaze
"O'Brien says that the masked woman called the couple "idiots" and stuck up her middle finger at the two dining before deploying pepper spray at them and their food."
Disturbing video catches the moment irate woman pepper sprays family having a picnic — allegedly because they weren't wearing masks - TheBlaze
Harvard University: ‘Antiracist Baby’ helps kids and adults learn
How the elite Harvard University wants to indoctrinate our children with the Cult of Racism! Incredible! So absurd!
Boycott Harvard University! When will donors to Harvard University finally come to their senses and take action!
"Antiracism scholar Ibram X. Kendi doesn’t believe it’s possible to be “not racist.” The award-winning author, director of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, and the 2020/2021 Frances B. Cashin Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study said during a recent TED interview that “the heartbeat of racism itself has always been denial, and the sound of that heartbeat has always been ‘I’m not racist.’"
‘Antiracist Baby’ helps kids and adults learn – Harvard Gazette Award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi discusses his latest book, ‘Antiracist Baby’
"Antiracism scholar Ibram X. Kendi doesn’t believe it’s possible to be “not racist.” The award-winning author, director of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, and the 2020/2021 Frances B. Cashin Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study said during a recent TED interview that “the heartbeat of racism itself has always been denial, and the sound of that heartbeat has always been ‘I’m not racist.’"
‘Antiracist Baby’ helps kids and adults learn – Harvard Gazette Award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi discusses his latest book, ‘Antiracist Baby’
Qualcomm's Quick Charge 5 refuels phones 50% in 5 minutes, 100% in 15
Good news!
Qualcomm's Quick Charge 5 refuels phones 50% in 5 minutes, 100% in 15 | VentureBeat: Starting in the third quarter, some Android phones will recharge using standard USB-C cables at extremely high speeds, challenging Qi wireless chargers.
Qualcomm's Quick Charge 5 refuels phones 50% in 5 minutes, 100% in 15 | VentureBeat: Starting in the third quarter, some Android phones will recharge using standard USB-C cables at extremely high speeds, challenging Qi wireless chargers.
Houston may be rude, but it has a drive-thru strip club
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention! The show must go on!
"When faced with state pandemic rules that limit indoor operations of sexually oriented businesses, a Houston strip club set up a sensual, social distancing drive-thru."
Thumbs: Houston may be rude, but it has a drive-thru strip club - HoustonChronicle.com
"When faced with state pandemic rules that limit indoor operations of sexually oriented businesses, a Houston strip club set up a sensual, social distancing drive-thru."
Thumbs: Houston may be rude, but it has a drive-thru strip club - HoustonChronicle.com
Remote Navajo Nation homes in Utah have running water for first time thanks to nonprofit DigDeep
Very recommendable! Dig Deep!
"Over 2 million Americans lack running water, according to an analysis prepared by DigDeep last year, and Native American households are 19 times more likely to lack indoor plumbing than white households. DigDeep’s goal is to bring water to every American, and its Navajo Water Project has been expanding rapidly in recent years. It now has 13 staffers who work on projects in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico."
Remote Navajo Nation homes in Utah have running water for first time thanks to nonprofit DigDeep - The Salt Lake Tribune
"Over 2 million Americans lack running water, according to an analysis prepared by DigDeep last year, and Native American households are 19 times more likely to lack indoor plumbing than white households. DigDeep’s goal is to bring water to every American, and its Navajo Water Project has been expanding rapidly in recent years. It now has 13 staffers who work on projects in Utah, Arizona and New Mexico."
Remote Navajo Nation homes in Utah have running water for first time thanks to nonprofit DigDeep - The Salt Lake Tribune
Boris Johnson says ‘I was too fat’ as he launches anti-obesity campaign
More evidence that Boris Johnson is just another mediocre British prime minister! Too bad! In these time after Brexit, the UK urgently needs a better PM!
Big government paternalism!
"... he launched a new government anti-obesity program on Monday that will see junk food advertising limited and restaurants and pubs required to post calories for food and drink."
Boris Johnson says ‘I was too fat’ as he launches anti-obesity campaign - The Washington Post
Big government paternalism!
"... he launched a new government anti-obesity program on Monday that will see junk food advertising limited and restaurants and pubs required to post calories for food and drink."
Boris Johnson says ‘I was too fat’ as he launches anti-obesity campaign - The Washington Post
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds Live in Las Vegas
Enjoy! The King of Rock'n Roll! Shaking! Smiling! Sparkling! Improvising!
Why Did the Fiercest Tribe in Scotland Vanish?
Way too short this video! But these painted people (Picts) beat the heck out of the Romans! Spoiler, this extremely short video does not answer the question!
This is a rather disappointing and short video produced by the Smithsonian Channel!
The GENIUSES' Hedge Fund: The COLLAPSE of LTCM
Recommendable! Unfortunately, not very much in depth!
Scientists stumbled across the first known manganese-fueled bacteria
Amazing stuff! Still so many things we don't know about!
"... scientists had long suspected that bacteria could use manganese to fuel growth. Over a century ago, researchers discovered that bacteria could borrow electrons from chemical elements like nitrogen, sulfur, iron — and manganese. In some cases, bacteria could even use these electrons to fuel growth in much the same way that humans use electrons from carbohydrates in the diet for energy. But no one had identified bacteria that could turn electrons from manganese into energy. ... When bacteria do borrow electrons from manganese, they convert the metal to a dark material called manganese oxide. Manganese oxide is found all over the planet — from deposits in Earth’s crust to the seafloor to drinking water."
Scientists stumbled across the first known manganese-fueled bacteria | Science News Two species of bacteria left telltale manganese metal pebbles in a dirty lab jar left to soak
"... scientists had long suspected that bacteria could use manganese to fuel growth. Over a century ago, researchers discovered that bacteria could borrow electrons from chemical elements like nitrogen, sulfur, iron — and manganese. In some cases, bacteria could even use these electrons to fuel growth in much the same way that humans use electrons from carbohydrates in the diet for energy. But no one had identified bacteria that could turn electrons from manganese into energy. ... When bacteria do borrow electrons from manganese, they convert the metal to a dark material called manganese oxide. Manganese oxide is found all over the planet — from deposits in Earth’s crust to the seafloor to drinking water."
Scientists stumbled across the first known manganese-fueled bacteria | Science News Two species of bacteria left telltale manganese metal pebbles in a dirty lab jar left to soak
New 3D-printed artery can monitor blockages from the inside
Amazing stuff! When artificial becomes better than natural!
"When surgeons replace part of a blood vessel — something they do in 450,000 patients per year in the United States to treat blood clots, coronary disease, stroke damage and more — the grafted vessel is monitored by CT scans, ultrasounds and other expensive imaging techniques. Despite all that effort, between 40% and 50% of those grafts fail."
That is a shockingly high failure rate!
"The implantable vessel, made of a flexible composite and capable of real-time monitoring, is described in a new study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials ... The team combined sodium potassium niobite piezoceramic nanoparticles with a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer which is ferroelectric, or able to flip polarity when an electric field is applied. They then printed a tubular artery using the material and an off-the-shelf 3D printer. ... The self-powered material was able to correctly detect changes in force and pressure within the artery. ... Additionally, they hope to use the new material to print artificial heart valves."
New 3D-printed artery can monitor blockages from the inside
"When surgeons replace part of a blood vessel — something they do in 450,000 patients per year in the United States to treat blood clots, coronary disease, stroke damage and more — the grafted vessel is monitored by CT scans, ultrasounds and other expensive imaging techniques. Despite all that effort, between 40% and 50% of those grafts fail."
That is a shockingly high failure rate!
"The implantable vessel, made of a flexible composite and capable of real-time monitoring, is described in a new study published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials ... The team combined sodium potassium niobite piezoceramic nanoparticles with a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer which is ferroelectric, or able to flip polarity when an electric field is applied. They then printed a tubular artery using the material and an off-the-shelf 3D printer. ... The self-powered material was able to correctly detect changes in force and pressure within the artery. ... Additionally, they hope to use the new material to print artificial heart valves."
New 3D-printed artery can monitor blockages from the inside
5G switching gets a 2D boost
Good news! Take a peek at forthcoming 6G technology!
"The device is configured in a metal-insulator-metal sandwich on a diamond substrate, and the UT team demonstrated that it can transmit multiple HDTV streams at a frequency of 100 GHz – something unheard-of in broadband switch technology ... It can also switch between states in nanoseconds, remain in the “off” state when not operating (so saving battery life), and transmit data well above the baseline for 5G-level speeds. ..."
"... Furthermore, the switches are 50 times more efficient than other non-volatile switches in terms of a d.c. energy-consumption metric, which is an important consideration for ubiquitous mobile systems. We also illustrate the potential of the hBN switches in a communication system with an 8.5 Gbit s–1 data transmission rate at 100 GHz with a low bit error rate under 10−10. ..."
5G switching gets a 2D boost – Physics World Two-dimensional sheets of [hexagonal] boron nitride can be used to create an analogue switch that gives communication devices more efficient access to radio, 5G and terahertz frequencies while increasing their battery life.
Here is the link to the Nature paper: Analogue switches made from boron nitride monolayers for application in 5G and terahertz communication systems
Here is the corresponding blog post: Atomic RF and 5G Switches A single atomically-thin layer of hexagonal boron nitride shows that thinner is better with regards to radio-frequency switching applications
"The device is configured in a metal-insulator-metal sandwich on a diamond substrate, and the UT team demonstrated that it can transmit multiple HDTV streams at a frequency of 100 GHz – something unheard-of in broadband switch technology ... It can also switch between states in nanoseconds, remain in the “off” state when not operating (so saving battery life), and transmit data well above the baseline for 5G-level speeds. ..."
"... Furthermore, the switches are 50 times more efficient than other non-volatile switches in terms of a d.c. energy-consumption metric, which is an important consideration for ubiquitous mobile systems. We also illustrate the potential of the hBN switches in a communication system with an 8.5 Gbit s–1 data transmission rate at 100 GHz with a low bit error rate under 10−10. ..."
5G switching gets a 2D boost – Physics World Two-dimensional sheets of [hexagonal] boron nitride can be used to create an analogue switch that gives communication devices more efficient access to radio, 5G and terahertz frequencies while increasing their battery life.
Here is the link to the Nature paper: Analogue switches made from boron nitride monolayers for application in 5G and terahertz communication systems
Here is the corresponding blog post: Atomic RF and 5G Switches A single atomically-thin layer of hexagonal boron nitride shows that thinner is better with regards to radio-frequency switching applications
Intelligent sensing abilities for robots to carry out complex tasks | NUS Research News
Amazing stuff! Perhaps, the first robot to read Braille (with 92% accuracy).
"They developed a sensory integrated artificial brain system that mimics biological neural networks, which can run on a power-efficient neuromorphic processor, such as Intel’s Loihi chip. This novel system integrates artificial skin and vision sensors, equipping robots with the ability to draw accurate conclusions about the objects they are grasping based on the data captured by the vision and touch sensors in real-time. ... In the new robotic system, the NUS team applied an advanced artificial skin known as Asynchronous Coded Electronic Skin (ACES) developed by Asst Prof Tee and his team in 2019. This novel sensor detects touches more than 1,000 times faster than the human sensory nervous system. It can also identify the shape, texture and hardness of objects 10 times faster than the blink of an eye. ... In their initial experiments, the researchers fitted a robotic hand with the artificial skin, and used it to read braille, passing the tactile data to Loihi via the cloud to convert the micro bumps felt by the hand into a semantic meaning. Loihi achieved over 92 per cent accuracy in classifying the Braille letters, while using 20 times less power than a normal microprocessor. "
Intelligent sensing abilities for robots to carry out complex tasks | NUS Research News
"They developed a sensory integrated artificial brain system that mimics biological neural networks, which can run on a power-efficient neuromorphic processor, such as Intel’s Loihi chip. This novel system integrates artificial skin and vision sensors, equipping robots with the ability to draw accurate conclusions about the objects they are grasping based on the data captured by the vision and touch sensors in real-time. ... In the new robotic system, the NUS team applied an advanced artificial skin known as Asynchronous Coded Electronic Skin (ACES) developed by Asst Prof Tee and his team in 2019. This novel sensor detects touches more than 1,000 times faster than the human sensory nervous system. It can also identify the shape, texture and hardness of objects 10 times faster than the blink of an eye. ... In their initial experiments, the researchers fitted a robotic hand with the artificial skin, and used it to read braille, passing the tactile data to Loihi via the cloud to convert the micro bumps felt by the hand into a semantic meaning. Loihi achieved over 92 per cent accuracy in classifying the Braille letters, while using 20 times less power than a normal microprocessor. "
Intelligent sensing abilities for robots to carry out complex tasks | NUS Research News
Saturday, July 25, 2020
BBC Howard Goodall's Story of Music 4of6 The Age of Tragedy
Very recommendable!
Berliot, Liszt, Verdi, Dvorak, Wagner ...
Berliot, Liszt, Verdi, Dvorak, Wagner ...
New documents affirm charges of illicit FBI probe of Trump campaign
Yes, when will we finally see indictments! This is much bigger and much more sophisticated than Watergate!
Why Hundreds of Mathematicians Are Boycotting Predictive Policing
Even hundreds of mathematicians at dozens of universities in the U.S. are beholden to dumb ideology, fads of the time, brainwashing, and the cult of racism! Incredible! Such abundance of human folly in academia including mathematics! What a nonsense!
As if medieval superstition is having a renaissance!
Predictive policing is a very valuable tool to prevent or analyze crime!
Mathematicians Boycott Police Work Some academics are calling the controversial practice a "scientific veneer for racism."
As if medieval superstition is having a renaissance!
Predictive policing is a very valuable tool to prevent or analyze crime!
Mathematicians Boycott Police Work Some academics are calling the controversial practice a "scientific veneer for racism."
Jet aircraft exhaust linked to preterm births
Probably an example of sensational junk science coming out of University of California Los Angeles! It is e.g. unclear what other factors and how they were considered! This study is also limited to a single airport, i.e. LAX!
Jet aircraft exhaust linked to preterm births | UCLA A study from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health has found that pregnant women exposed to high levels of ultrafine particles from jet airplane exhaust are 14% more likely to have a preterm birth than those exposed to lower levels.
Jet aircraft exhaust linked to preterm births | UCLA A study from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health has found that pregnant women exposed to high levels of ultrafine particles from jet airplane exhaust are 14% more likely to have a preterm birth than those exposed to lower levels.
Bodycam captures woman opening fire on cops. They fire back and take her down and then into custody
Welcome to the age of gender equality! Women do it too! Women can be violent! Debunking the feminist ideology of the better gender!
"Around this time, responding officers discovered that McCreary has an outstanding warrant for her arrest, and attempted to begin the process of taking her into custody."
Bodycam captures woman opening fire on cops. They fire back and take her down — and then into custody. - TheBlaze Bodycam footage captured the moment a nonchalant female suspect whipped out a handgun and began firing at police during a July 8 incident in Arizona.
"Around this time, responding officers discovered that McCreary has an outstanding warrant for her arrest, and attempted to begin the process of taking her into custody."
Bodycam captures woman opening fire on cops. They fire back and take her down — and then into custody. - TheBlaze Bodycam footage captured the moment a nonchalant female suspect whipped out a handgun and began firing at police during a July 8 incident in Arizona.
Violence Rages in Chicago. Marine Sues for Right to Bear Arms
About time! The Illinois harassment of gun owners called FOID (Firearms Owners Identification card) is void and unconstitutional!
"This week, a former Marine named D’Andre Bradley teamed up with the Goldwater Institute to take a stand. On Monday, he and three other Chicago-area citizens filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in response to the government’s failure to issue the licenses it requires to buy or possess a firearm. "
Violence Rages in Chicago. Marine Sues for Right to Bear Arms. – In Defense of Liberty
"This week, a former Marine named D’Andre Bradley teamed up with the Goldwater Institute to take a stand. On Monday, he and three other Chicago-area citizens filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in response to the government’s failure to issue the licenses it requires to buy or possess a firearm. "
Violence Rages in Chicago. Marine Sues for Right to Bear Arms. – In Defense of Liberty
Army M1 Abrams tanks rocking Trophy active protection system in Europe
What happened to the slingshot of David? New combat proven weapons systems developed by Israel.
"Photos released on July 10 ahead of the second phase of the Army's Defense Europe exercise show an M1 Abrams main battle tank rocking an Israeli-made Trophy Active Protection System (APS) ... The Trophy APS is designed to intercept and destroy incoming anti-armor missiles and other guided rockets "with a shotgun-like blast, In 2018, the Army awarded Leonardo DRS a $193 million contract to equip the service’s M1A2 SEP v2 main battle tanks with the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems-developed Trophy APS to provide ... The Trophy system "works by using radar to provide continuous 360-degree protection of the vehicle," according to The National Interest. "Once a threat is detected, the system launches a 'tight pattern of explosively formed penetrators' that destroys the incoming round before impact." ... The Trophy system can also trace the origin of hostile fire to locate a potential adversary, allowing a tank crew to almost immediately return fire. ... First deployed on Israel's Merkava tanks in 2011, Rafael says that the Trophy APS is the only combat-proven system of its kind currently in service around the world"
Army M1 Abrams tanks rocking Trophy active protection system in Europe - Task & Purpose
"Photos released on July 10 ahead of the second phase of the Army's Defense Europe exercise show an M1 Abrams main battle tank rocking an Israeli-made Trophy Active Protection System (APS) ... The Trophy APS is designed to intercept and destroy incoming anti-armor missiles and other guided rockets "with a shotgun-like blast, In 2018, the Army awarded Leonardo DRS a $193 million contract to equip the service’s M1A2 SEP v2 main battle tanks with the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems-developed Trophy APS to provide ... The Trophy system "works by using radar to provide continuous 360-degree protection of the vehicle," according to The National Interest. "Once a threat is detected, the system launches a 'tight pattern of explosively formed penetrators' that destroys the incoming round before impact." ... The Trophy system can also trace the origin of hostile fire to locate a potential adversary, allowing a tank crew to almost immediately return fire. ... First deployed on Israel's Merkava tanks in 2011, Rafael says that the Trophy APS is the only combat-proven system of its kind currently in service around the world"
Army M1 Abrams tanks rocking Trophy active protection system in Europe - Task & Purpose
Neanderthal gene linked to increased pain sensitivity
Amazing stuff! What else did we inherit? Let's get rid e.g. of the sneeze gene! :-)
"... Despite their rough and tumble existence, Neanderthals had a biological predisposition to a heightened sense of pain, finds a first-of-its kind genome study published in Current Biology on 23 July ... Researchers have access to only a few Neanderthal genomes, and most of those have been sequenced at a low resolution. This has made it hard to identify mutations that evolved after their lineage split from that of humans some 500,000–750,000 years ago. But in the past few years, [researchers] have generated three high-quality Neanderthal genomes from DNA found in caves in Croatia and Russia. ... To investigate how mutations might have altered Neanderthals’ nerves, [researchers] expressed their version of NaV1.7 in frog eggs and human kidney cells — model systems useful for characterizing proteins that control neural impulses. "
Neanderthal gene linked to increased pain sensitivity People who have inherited nerve-altering mutations from the ancient hominins tend to experience more pain.
"... Despite their rough and tumble existence, Neanderthals had a biological predisposition to a heightened sense of pain, finds a first-of-its kind genome study published in Current Biology on 23 July ... Researchers have access to only a few Neanderthal genomes, and most of those have been sequenced at a low resolution. This has made it hard to identify mutations that evolved after their lineage split from that of humans some 500,000–750,000 years ago. But in the past few years, [researchers] have generated three high-quality Neanderthal genomes from DNA found in caves in Croatia and Russia. ... To investigate how mutations might have altered Neanderthals’ nerves, [researchers] expressed their version of NaV1.7 in frog eggs and human kidney cells — model systems useful for characterizing proteins that control neural impulses. "
Neanderthal gene linked to increased pain sensitivity People who have inherited nerve-altering mutations from the ancient hominins tend to experience more pain.
BBC Howard Goodall's Story of Music 3 of 6 The Age of Elegance and Sensibi...
Very recommendable!
Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Stamitz, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schubert ...
Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Stamitz, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Schubert ...
Friday, July 24, 2020
Commodores: Jesus Is Love
Enjoy! Maybe you did not know the Commodores and Lionel Richie that well ... Deep down in my soul ... He is mine forever ... Help me ... Who will pick up ... Call him in the morning ...
When I heard this album for the first time soon after it came out around 1980 I could not believe it ...
When I heard this album for the first time soon after it came out around 1980 I could not believe it ...
Wie durch Merkel die EU nicht neu geeint, sondern noch tiefer gespalten ...
Sehr empfehlenswert! Wann werden wir endlich die SED Kanzlerin Merkel los!
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Four Months of Unprecedented Government Malfeasance
Recommendable!
" ... This panic was occasioned by epidemiological models predicting wildly unlikely fatalities from the coronavirus. ... Instead, governors and mayors started rolling out one emergency decree after another to terminate economic activity, seemingly heedless of the consequences. ... It was already clear when these crushing mandates started pouring forth that shutting down every corner of the country was a reckless overreaction. By mid-March, two weeks before the Imperial College model was published, Italian health data showed that the coronavirus was terribly lethal to a very small subset of the population—the elderly infirm—and a minor health problem to nearly everyone else who was not already severely ill. ... The public health establishment has been equally complicitous in creating this widespread ignorance. It has failed to stress at every opportunity that for the vast majority of the public, the coronavirus is at most an inconvenience. ... While the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has been demographically circumscribed and lower than the previous flu pandemics of 1968, 1956, and 1918 when adjusted for population, the economic toll has cut across every sector of the country and every population group. Whole industries have seen their capital wiped out overnight. ..."
Four Months of Unprecedented Government Malfeasance - Imprimis
" ... This panic was occasioned by epidemiological models predicting wildly unlikely fatalities from the coronavirus. ... Instead, governors and mayors started rolling out one emergency decree after another to terminate economic activity, seemingly heedless of the consequences. ... It was already clear when these crushing mandates started pouring forth that shutting down every corner of the country was a reckless overreaction. By mid-March, two weeks before the Imperial College model was published, Italian health data showed that the coronavirus was terribly lethal to a very small subset of the population—the elderly infirm—and a minor health problem to nearly everyone else who was not already severely ill. ... The public health establishment has been equally complicitous in creating this widespread ignorance. It has failed to stress at every opportunity that for the vast majority of the public, the coronavirus is at most an inconvenience. ... While the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has been demographically circumscribed and lower than the previous flu pandemics of 1968, 1956, and 1918 when adjusted for population, the economic toll has cut across every sector of the country and every population group. Whole industries have seen their capital wiped out overnight. ..."
Four Months of Unprecedented Government Malfeasance - Imprimis
Tucker Carlson: Coronavirus response is being driven by politics
Very recommendable! Tucker nailed it! Yes, the Dimocrats want to inflict as much pain on the voters as they can to move the election results in their favor!
Black Patriots Lives Matter
Just discovered that there were a significant number of black people who supported the founding of the United States and fought against the British!
As Orson Welles is quoted: The truth is rarely pure and never simple!
"Cato was a vital [spy] associate in Mulligan's activities, often acting as a courier, in part through British-held territory." What slaveholder would name a slave Cato? Since Mulligan was an advocate of abolition and manumission, there is a good chance that he freed Cato at some point.
"A Black Patriot was an African American who sided with the colonists who opposed British rule during the American Revolutionary War. The term Black Patriots includes, but is not limited to, the 5000 or more African Americans who fought in the Continental Army during the war."
"Among other patriots mentioned are Crispus Attucks, the first person killed in the Boston Massacre; Peter Salem, who was instrumental in the victory at Bunker Hill; and Prince Whipple, who participated in George Washington's noted crossing of the Delaware."
Some sources:
- Hercules Mulligan (A member of the Sons of Liberty and one of his slaves Cato served as spies to George Washington)
- Black Patriots
- The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution (a book with an introduction of Harriet Beecher Stove)
Understanding The Global Unease After WW1
Recommendable! Unfortunately, this documentary changes to often and too quickly between countries/topics/events etc. Therefore, it is sometimes hard to follow
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Navy vet raises over $3M in bid to take Maxine Waters' seat
That should be a slam dunk to beat this nutty Maxine Waters. She is one fine example why we urgently need term limits for all members of the U.S. Congress (She has been a Representative since 1991)!
Joseph Hiden Says He Will Take Questions From Reporters ‘At Another Time’
Let the presidential debates begin ... This will be most interesting and presumably very entertaining! I don't think Biden has a chance unless the format of these debates are considerably stacked in Biden's favor!
Joe Biden Says Will Take Questions From Reporters ‘At Another Time’ – Nearly a Month After Last Press Conference
Joe Biden Says Will Take Questions From Reporters ‘At Another Time’ – Nearly a Month After Last Press Conference
A mobile robotic chemist
Are we entering the age of the alchemist? How much will this robot or similar robots accelerate medical and chemical research and advances?
How much can such robots accelerate evolution from millions of years down to months, weeks, days ...?
"A mechanical lab assistant could accelerate chemistry research.
What’s new: Researchers at the University of Liverpool trained a mobile robot arm to navigate a lab, operate equipment, handle samples, and obtain results far faster than a human scientist. The authors believe their system is the first mobile robot capable of running lab experiments. ... The study discovered chemical formulae that made it easier to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water. More important, it proved that a robot can do such work effectively, speedily, and without interruption. The authors estimate that a human scientist would have taken 1,000 times longer to produce similar results."
A mobile robotic chemist | Nature
Deeplearning.ai The Batch by Andrew Ng
How much can such robots accelerate evolution from millions of years down to months, weeks, days ...?
"A mechanical lab assistant could accelerate chemistry research.
What’s new: Researchers at the University of Liverpool trained a mobile robot arm to navigate a lab, operate equipment, handle samples, and obtain results far faster than a human scientist. The authors believe their system is the first mobile robot capable of running lab experiments. ... The study discovered chemical formulae that made it easier to separate hydrogen from oxygen in water. More important, it proved that a robot can do such work effectively, speedily, and without interruption. The authors estimate that a human scientist would have taken 1,000 times longer to produce similar results."
A mobile robotic chemist | Nature
Deeplearning.ai The Batch by Andrew Ng
Vergleichsplattform für Girokonten soll im Juli kommen
Vor drei Jahrzehnten ist die DDR untergegangen, lang lebe die DDR mit SED Kanzlerin Merkel!
"staatlich zertifizierte Girokontenvergleich" das muss man sich mal auf der Zunge zergehen lassen! Was für ein Unsinn! Als ob Bürger unfähig zu solchen Vergleichen wären! Trieft nach staatlichem Paternalismus!
Vergleichsplattform für Girokonten soll im Juli kommen Eigentlich sollte der staatlich zertifizierte Girokontenvergleich schon vor fast zwei Jahren fertig sein. Jetzt scheint die Zertifizierung endlich bevorzustehen.
"staatlich zertifizierte Girokontenvergleich" das muss man sich mal auf der Zunge zergehen lassen! Was für ein Unsinn! Als ob Bürger unfähig zu solchen Vergleichen wären! Trieft nach staatlichem Paternalismus!
Vergleichsplattform für Girokonten soll im Juli kommen Eigentlich sollte der staatlich zertifizierte Girokontenvergleich schon vor fast zwei Jahren fertig sein. Jetzt scheint die Zertifizierung endlich bevorzustehen.
What’s Wrong with Reparations for Slavery
Recommendable! If we are talking about any reparations for slavery what about Arab/Muslims slave traders/slaveholders or African tribes who captured and delivered slaves to the slave traders and so on ... What about African slaveholders or slave traders in Africa and elsewhere ... What about slaves of different skin colors, slavery was multi ethnic and geographically widespread?
"... It turns out that if black Americans constituted their own country, they would have the 11th largest economy in the world. In addition to being a wealthy demographic group (richer than 90 percent of the people in the world), blacks in America have a longer life expectancy than African and Caribbean blacks, as well as whites in many parts of Eastern Europe and Latin America. Black Americans have higher rates of literacy and achieve more postsecondary degrees as a percentage of the population than blacks in Africa. Black Americans’ upward mobility from Reconstruction to the present is a testament to their creativity and ability to adapt. ..."
What’s Wrong with Reparations for Slavery - Foundation for Economic Education
"... It turns out that if black Americans constituted their own country, they would have the 11th largest economy in the world. In addition to being a wealthy demographic group (richer than 90 percent of the people in the world), blacks in America have a longer life expectancy than African and Caribbean blacks, as well as whites in many parts of Eastern Europe and Latin America. Black Americans have higher rates of literacy and achieve more postsecondary degrees as a percentage of the population than blacks in Africa. Black Americans’ upward mobility from Reconstruction to the present is a testament to their creativity and ability to adapt. ..."
What’s Wrong with Reparations for Slavery - Foundation for Economic Education
The Conspiracy Of Mary Magdalene
Recommendable! Unfortunately, too little is mentioned e.g. about the Gospel of Mary Magdalene!
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Wie mit Täuschungen und Tricks die bürgerlichen Freiheiten eingeschränkt werden
Sehr empfehlenswert! Die Politisierung des Koronavirus!
#Opernplatz: „Wir brauchen Null-Toleranz statt Deeskalation“
Sehr empfehlenswert! JF-TV Interview mit AfD-Innenexperte und ehemaligen Polizeihauptkommissar Martin Hess. Randalierer wieder auf freien fuss! Weg mit Kuscheljustiz und Kuschelstrafen!
Notes on CURL: Contrastive Unsupervised Representations for Reinforcement Learning
Very interesting state of the art research in reinforcement learning (RL) by University of California Berkeley with Pieter Abbeel.
However, when you look at table 2 on page 8 (or see below) of this paper you will be astonished to find out that of the 26 Atari games (How old is Atari? 1984-2013) that were benchmarked against some of the best state of the art RL models, human performance still wins 22 games. At least, super human performance is achieved in every of those 4 games where RL wins. However, human performance still beats the best RL by a wide margin in 18 of the 26 games. This is almost a bit shocking!
[2004.04136] CURL: Contrastive Unsupervised Representations for Reinforcement Learning
However, when you look at table 2 on page 8 (or see below) of this paper you will be astonished to find out that of the 26 Atari games (How old is Atari? 1984-2013) that were benchmarked against some of the best state of the art RL models, human performance still wins 22 games. At least, super human performance is achieved in every of those 4 games where RL wins. However, human performance still beats the best RL by a wide margin in 18 of the 26 games. This is almost a bit shocking!
[2004.04136] CURL: Contrastive Unsupervised Representations for Reinforcement Learning
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)