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Using cognitive models to understand and counteract the effect of self-induced bias on recommendation algorithms

Pawłowska Justyna, Rydzewska Klara, Wierzbicki Adam

Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing Research

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2023

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Vol. 13, No. 2

73--94

EN

Recommendation algorithms trained on a training set containing sub-optimal decisions may increase the likelihood of making more bad decisions in the future. We call this harmful effect self-induced bias, to emphasize that the bias is driven directly by the user’s past choices. In order to better understand the nature of self-induced bias of recommendation algorithms that are used by older adults with cognitive limitations, we have used agent-based simulation. Based on state-of-the-art results in psychology of aging and cognitive science, as well as our own empirical results, we have developed a cognitive model of an e-commerce client that incorporates cognitive decision-making abilities. We have evaluated the magnitude of self-induced bias by comparing results achieved by simulated agents with and without cognitive limitations due to age. We have also proposed new recommendation algorithms designed to counteract self-induced bias. The algorithms take into account user preferences and cognitive abilities relevant to decision making. To evaluate the algorithms, we have introduced 3 benchmarks: a simple product filtering method and two types of widely used recommendation algorithms: Content-Based and Collaborative filtering. Results indicate that the new algorithms outperform benchmarks both in terms of increasing the utility of simulated agents (both old and young), and in reducing self-induced bias.

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Bioleaching using Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans – an option for element recovery from highly alkaline waste incineration ash?

Kasina Monika, Jarosz Kinga, Salamon Klaudiusz, Wierzbicki Adam, Mikoda Bartosz, Michalik Marek

Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi

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2022

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T. 38, z. 3

105--120

EN

Bioleaching research considers both the bio- and anthroposphere in the search for novel ways to recover resources and elements, which is important to the concept of sustainable development. Since the efficient, cost-effective and simple recovery of resources is of increasing importance in the circular economy model, the bioleaching of metals is a method currently gaining interest. The process is also of importance considering the need for the neutralization of waste materials/resources that allow for their safe storage and use. In this study, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans bacteria, which is commonly found and widely utilized in the bioleaching process due to its high tolerance to heavy metals, was used in a twenty-eight-day experiment. The manner in which bacteria inhabit incineration residues was observed using fluorescence optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The concentration of elements in incineration residues and in the post-reaction solutions was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and the efficiency of element recovery was calculated based on the results. Municipal waste incineration bottom ash and sewage sludge incineration fly ash were considered in the experiment. The extraction rates were far from satisfactory, with the average 20 and 50% for bottom ash and sewage sludge ash, respectively. The obtained results were consistent with microscopic observations where the relative number of bacteria increased only slightly over time in the sewage-sludge fly ash and was barely observed in the bottom ash of municipal-waste incineration.

PL

Badania procesów bioługowania to analiza przenikania się bio- i antroposfery, w poszukiwaniu nowych sposobów na odzyskiwanie zasobów i pierwiastków. Granica tych sfer ma duży potencjał dla wdrażania modelu zrównoważonego rozwoju. Ze względu na fakt, że efektywne, tanie oraz proste metody odzyskiwania surowców mają rosnące znaczenie w gospodarce o obiegu zamkniętym, bioługowanie metali jest metodą, która obecnie cieszy się coraz większym zainteresowaniem. Jest to również proces istotny w kontekście neutralizacji surowców odpadowych umożliwiającej ich bezpieczne magazynowania i zastosowanie. W przeprowadzonym badaniu powszechnie występujące bakterie Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, które są często używane w procesach bioługowania ze względu na fakt ich wysokiej tolerancji na metale ciężkie, zostały wykorzystane w 28-dniowym eksperymencie. Sposób i zmienność w czasie, w jaki bakterie zasiedlają osad po spalaniu, został zaobserwowany przy pomocy fluorescencyjnej mikroskopii optycznej i skaningowej mikroskopii elektronowej. Stężenie pierwiastków w osadach po spalaniu i w poreakcyjnych roztworach zostało zmierzone przy użyciu indukcyjnie sparowanej plazmowej spektrometrii mas, a efektywność odzyskiwania pierwiastków została obliczona na podstawie uzyskanych wyników. Popioły po spalaniu odpadów komunalnych oraz popioły lotne ze spalania osadów ściekowych zostały ujęte w eksperymencie. Stosunki ekstrakcji pierwiastków były dalekie od zadowalających ze średnią 20 oraz 50% dla popiołów po spalaniu odpadów komunalnych oraz popiołu z osadów ściekowych. Pozyskane wyniki są w zgodzie z obserwacjami dokonanymi przy pomocy mikroskopii, gdzie relatywna liczba bakterii wzrosła niewiele we wspomnianym czasie w przypadku popiołów ściekowych i była w zasadzie niedostrzegalna w przypadku popiołów dennych.

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Maastrichtian climate changes : the calcareous nannofossil record from flysch deposits of the Outer Carpathians

Wierzbicki Adam, Kędzierski Mariusz

Annales Societatis Geologorum Poloniae

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2020

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Vol. 90, No. 4

447--462

EN

The Outer Carpathians are known for a few sections, where transitions from the Upper Cretaceous to the Palaeogene, including the K-Pg boundary interval, were described. One of them, the Bąkowiec section in the Skole Nappe, was examined with reference to the record of biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental changes, mainly based on the analysis of calcareous nannofossil assemblages. This study shows no evidence for the K-Pg boundary; however, the presence of the nannofossil species Micula prinsii, marking the topmost Maastrichtian UC20dTP Zone, was noted. The appearance of this low-latitude taxon and relevant changes in the composition of nannofossil assemblages indicate an influx of Tethyan warm water into the northern Carpathian basins during the latest Maastrichtian, shortly before the K-Pg boundary event. Therefore, the authors infer that the upper part of the Bąkowiec section recorded the latest Maastrichtian warming of climate, probably triggered by Deccan volcanic activity.