This paper presents a 2-D convolutional neural network (CNN) approach for damage detection in steel frame structures, using raw acceleration signals as input. The method employs a network of lightweight CNNs, each optimized for a specific element, to enhance accuracy and speed. The proposed framework is validated using the Qatar University Grandstand Simulator (QUGS) benchmark data. Why it matters: The research offers a promising AI-driven solution for real-time structural health monitoring, with potential applications for infrastructure maintenance and safety in the GCC region.
This paper introduces a convolutional transformer model for classifying tomato maturity, along with a new UAE-sourced dataset, KUTomaData, for training segmentation and classification models. The model combines CNNs and transformers and was tested against two public datasets. Results showed state-of-the-art performance, outperforming existing methods by significant margins in mAP scores across all three datasets.
Pascal Fua from EPFL presented an approach to implementing convolutional neural nets that output complex 3D surface meshes. The method overcomes limitations in converting implicit representations to explicit surface representations. Applications include single view reconstruction, physically-driven shape optimization, and bio-medical image segmentation. Why it matters: This research advances geometric deep learning by enabling end-to-end trainable models for 3D surface mesh generation, with potential impact on various applications in computer vision and biomedical imaging in the region.
This paper introduces a method for automatically designing convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures tailored for diabetic retinopathy (DR) diagnosis using fundus images. The approach uses k-medoid clustering, PCA, and inter/intra-class variations to optimize CNN depth and width. Validated on datasets including a local Saudi dataset and Kaggle benchmarks, the custom-designed models outperform pre-trained CNNs with fewer parameters.
The paper introduces MedNNS, a neural network search framework designed for medical imaging, addressing challenges in architecture selection and weight initialization. MedNNS constructs a meta-space encoding datasets and models based on their performance using a Supernetwork-based approach, expanding the model zoo size by 51x. The framework incorporates rank loss and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) loss to capture inter-model and inter-dataset relationships, improving alignment in the meta-space and outperforming ImageNet pre-trained DL models and SOTA NAS methods.
A new neural network architecture called Orchid was introduced that uses adaptive convolutions to achieve quasilinear computational complexity O(N logN) for sequence modeling. Orchid adapts its convolution kernel dynamically based on the input sequence. Evaluations across language modeling and image classification show that Orchid outperforms attention-based architectures like BERT and Vision Transformers, often with smaller model sizes. Why it matters: Orchid extends the feasible sequence length beyond the practical limits of dense attention layers, representing progress toward more efficient and scalable deep learning models.
Axel Sauer from the University of Tübingen presented research on scaling Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) using pretrained representations. The work explores shaping GANs into causal structures, training them up to 40 times faster, and achieving state-of-the-art image synthesis. The presentation mentions "Counterfactual Generative Networks", "Projected GANs", "StyleGAN-XL”, and “StyleGAN-T". Why it matters: Scaling GANs and improving their training efficiency is crucial for advancing image and video synthesis, with implications for various applications in computer vision, graphics, and robotics.
A recent talk at MBZUAI discussed "Green Learning" and Operational Neural Networks (ONNs) as efficient alternatives to CNNs. ONNs use "nodal" and "pool" operators and "generative neurons" to expand neuron learning capacity. Moncef Gabbouj from Tampere University presented Self-Organized ONNs (Self-ONNs) and their signal processing applications. Why it matters: Exploring more efficient AI models is crucial for sustainable development of AI in the region, as it addresses computational resource constraints and promotes broader accessibility.