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Python Machine Learning – Quantum Zeitgeist

Python Machine Learning – Quantum Zeitgeist

The use of Python Machine Learning in real-world applications is becoming increasingly widespread, with industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation leveraging its capabilities. The development of personalized medicine, for example, relies heavily on machine learning algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and make predictions.
Techniques like transfer learning and ensemble methods are being explored to improve the performance and robustness of machine learning models. The integration of deep learning architectures with traditional machine learning algorithms is another area where Python Machine Learning is poised for significant advancements. Techniques like model pruning and knowledge distillation are being explored to reduce the size and complexity of machine learning models, making them more suitable for edge AI applications.
The increasing reliance on AI systems has raised questions about job displacement and the potential for significant economic disruption. A study estimated that up to 47% of jobs in the United States could be automated, highlighting the need for policymakers and industry leaders to develop strategies for addressing these impacts. The development of more robust and transparent AI systems requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from fields such as computer science, philosophy, and sociology.
Python Machine Learning has emerged as a powerful tool for data analysis and modeling, leveraging the strengths of both languages to create efficient and effective models.
The integration of Python’s simplicity and flexibility with machine learning algorithms allows developers to focus on complex tasks such as feature engineering, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning. This synergy enables the creation of robust models that can accurately predict outcomes in various domains, from healthcare to finance.
One key aspect of Python Machine Learning is its reliance on popular libraries like scikit-learn and TensorFlow, which provide a wide range of algorithms and tools for building and training models. These libraries are constantly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that developers have access to the latest techniques and best practices in machine learning.
The use of Python’s dynamic typing system also facilitates rapid prototyping and development, allowing researchers and engineers to quickly test and refine their ideas without getting bogged down in complex type systems. This flexibility is particularly valuable in the field of machine learning, where experimentation and iteration are essential for achieving optimal results.
Furthermore, the growing popularity of Python Machine Learning has led to a proliferation of online resources, tutorials, and courses that cater to developers of all skill levels. These resources provide a wealth of information on topics such as data preprocessing, model evaluation, and deployment, making it easier for newcomers to get started with machine learning.
Python’s extensive libraries and frameworks, including NumPy, pandas, and Matplotlib, also play a crucial role in the success of Python Machine Learning. These libraries enable efficient data manipulation, visualization, and analysis, which are essential components of any machine learning pipeline.
The scikit-learn library was first released in 2007 by David Cournapeau, a French computer scientist. This initial version, known as scikit-learn 0.1, provided a set of tools for machine learning tasks, including classification, regression, clustering, and more (Cournapeau, 2007). The library was designed to be easy to use and integrate with other Python packages.
The early development of scikit-learn was driven by the need for a robust and efficient machine learning framework in the scientific computing community. At that time, many researchers were using proprietary software or rolling their own solutions, which often lacked the necessary features and scalability (Pedregosa et al., 2011). The creators of scikit-learn aimed to fill this gap with an open-source library that would cater to a wide range of machine learning tasks.
One key aspect of scikit-learn’s development was its focus on interoperability. From the outset, the library was designed to work seamlessly with other popular Python packages like NumPy and SciPy (Cournapeau, 2007). This emphasis on integration allowed researchers to leverage the strengths of multiple libraries and create more comprehensive machine learning pipelines.
As scikit-learn continued to evolve, it attracted a growing community of developers and users. The library’s popularity was fueled by its ease of use, flexibility, and extensive documentation (Pedregosa et al., 2011). This grassroots support helped drive the development of new features and improvements, which in turn solidified scikit-learn’s position as a leading machine learning library.
The impact of scikit-learn on the field of machine learning cannot be overstated. Its influence can be seen in the widespread adoption of Python for data science and machine learning tasks (Van Rossum, 2011). The library has also spawned numerous spin-off projects and contributed to the growth of a vibrant open-source community.
The scikit-learn library continues to play a central role in the development of machine learning algorithms and techniques. Its ongoing evolution is driven by the needs of researchers and practitioners alike, who rely on its robustness, flexibility, and ease of use (Géron, 2019).
TensorFlow‘s Core Architecture
TensorFlow’s core architecture is based on the concept of computation graphs, which are used to represent the flow of data through a network (Abadi et al., 2016). This graph-based approach allows for efficient execution of complex computations and enables the framework to scale to large models.
Computation Graphs
A computation graph in TensorFlow represents a series of operations that take input tensors as arguments and produce output tensors. These graphs are composed of nodes, which represent individual operations, and edges, which connect these nodes (Abadi et al., 2016). This modular approach enables developers to build complex models by combining simple building blocks.
TensorFlow’s Eager Execution Mode
In addition to its traditional graph-based execution mode, TensorFlow also supports an eager execution mode. In this mode, computations are executed immediately, rather than being compiled into a graph (Abadi et al., 2016). This approach is particularly useful for rapid prototyping and debugging, as it allows developers to see the effects of their code changes in real-time.
TensorFlow’s Distributed Training Capabilities
TensorFlow provides a range of tools and APIs for distributed training, including support for multiple GPUs, TPUs, and even cloud-based infrastructure (Abadi et al., 2016). This enables large-scale models to be trained efficiently on massive datasets, making it possible to tackle complex tasks such as image recognition and natural language processing.
TensorFlow’s Integration with Other Frameworks
TensorFlow can be used in conjunction with other popular machine learning frameworks, such as Keras (Chollet et al., 2015). This integration enables developers to leverage the strengths of each framework, creating a powerful toolset for building complex models.
Neural Network Architectures for AI are designed to mimic the human brain’s structure and function, enabling complex pattern recognition and decision-making capabilities. These architectures have been instrumental in the development of deep learning models that excel in tasks such as image classification, natural language processing, and speech recognition.
The most common neural network architecture is the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), which consists of multiple layers of interconnected nodes or “neurons.” Each neuron applies an activation function to a weighted sum of its inputs, producing an output that is then fed into subsequent neurons. The MLP’s ability to learn complex relationships between input features has made it a popular choice for many machine learning applications.
Another prominent neural network architecture is the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), which is particularly well-suited for image and video processing tasks. CNNs utilize convolutional and pooling layers to extract spatial hierarchies of features from images, allowing them to recognize patterns at various scales and resolutions. This has led to significant advancements in computer vision applications such as object detection, segmentation, and classification.
Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) are a type of neural network architecture that is specifically designed for sequential data processing tasks, such as speech recognition, language modeling, and time series forecasting. RNNs utilize feedback connections between neurons to maintain an internal state that captures temporal dependencies in the input sequence. This allows them to learn complex patterns and relationships within sequential data.
The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is a variant of the RNN architecture that has gained widespread adoption for many sequential data processing tasks. LSTMs utilize memory cells and gates to selectively retain or discard information over time, enabling them to capture long-range dependencies in input sequences with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Data science plays a crucial role in <a href="https://quantumzeitgeist.com/qutrits-boost-quantum-machine-learning-accuracy-with-fewer-components/”>machine learning by providing the necessary infrastructure for model development, training, and deployment. This involves collecting, processing, and analyzing large datasets to extract meaningful insights that inform model design and optimization (Bishop, 2006; Goodfellow et al., 2016).
The process of data preparation is essential in machine learning, as it ensures that the data used for model training is accurate, complete, and relevant. This involves tasks such as data cleaning, feature engineering, and data transformation to prepare the data for use by machine learning algorithms (Hastie et al., 2009; James et al., 2013).
Data science also enables the development of more sophisticated machine learning models that can handle complex relationships between variables and large datasets. Techniques such as deep learning and ensemble methods rely heavily on data science to provide the necessary infrastructure for model training and deployment (LeCun et al., 2015; Breiman, 2001).
In addition, data science provides a framework for evaluating the performance of machine learning models and identifying areas for improvement. This involves using metrics such as accuracy, precision, and recall to assess model performance and techniques such as cross-validation to evaluate model robustness (Domingos, 2012; Kohavi, 1995).
The integration of data science with machine learning has led to significant advances in various fields, including computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics. By leveraging the power of data science, researchers and practitioners can develop more accurate and reliable models that drive business decisions and inform policy-making (Krizhevsky et al., 2012; Collobert et al., 2011).
Data science also enables the development of explainable machine learning models that provide insights into model decision-making processes. This involves using techniques such as feature importance and partial dependence plots to provide a clear understanding of how models arrive at their predictions (Lundberg & Lee, 2017; Strobl et al., 2009).
Feature engineering techniques play a crucial role in the success of machine learning models, particularly those built with Python. These techniques involve transforming raw data into a format that is more suitable for analysis by algorithms, thereby improving model performance and reducing overfitting (Bishop, 2006). By selecting relevant features from large datasets, feature engineering enables machine learning models to focus on the most informative aspects of the data, leading to better generalization and prediction capabilities.
The importance of feature engineering in Python machine learning cannot be overstated. A well-designed set of features can significantly enhance model performance, while a poorly designed set can lead to suboptimal results (Hastie et al., 2009). Feature selection techniques such as mutual information and recursive feature elimination are commonly used to identify the most relevant features from large datasets. These techniques help to reduce dimensionality, improve model interpretability, and prevent overfitting.
Feature engineering also involves creating new features that are not explicitly present in the original data. This can be achieved through various techniques such as polynomial transformations, interaction terms, and feature scaling (Kuhn & Johnson, 2013). By incorporating these engineered features into machine learning models, practitioners can improve model performance, increase robustness, and enhance overall predictive accuracy.
In addition to improving model performance, feature engineering also facilitates the development of more interpretable models. By selecting a subset of relevant features, practitioners can create models that are easier to understand and interpret, thereby providing valuable insights into the underlying relationships between variables (Friedman, 2001). This is particularly important in applications where model interpretability is crucial, such as in healthcare and finance.
The integration of feature engineering techniques with other machine learning best practices, such as regularization and ensemble methods, can lead to significant improvements in model performance. By combining these techniques, practitioners can develop robust and accurate models that are well-suited for a wide range of applications (James et al., 2013).
Feature engineering is an essential component of the machine learning pipeline, particularly when working with Python. By selecting relevant features from large datasets and creating new features through various transformations, practitioners can improve model performance, increase interpretability, and enhance overall predictive accuracy.
Supervised learning methods involve training a model on labeled data, where the correct output is already known. This approach allows the model to learn from the input-output pairs and make predictions on new, unseen data (Hastie et al., 2009). The goal of supervised learning is to minimize the difference between the predicted output and the actual output.
In contrast, unsupervised learning methods involve training a model on unlabeled data, where no correct output is provided. This approach allows the model to discover patterns or relationships in the data without any guidance (Bishop, 2006). Unsupervised learning can be used for clustering, dimensionality reduction, and anomaly detection.
Supervised learning algorithms, such as linear regression and decision trees, are widely used in machine learning applications. These algorithms learn from labeled data and make predictions on new data based on the learned relationships between input features and output variables (Friedman et al., 2001). Supervised learning is particularly useful when there is a clear distinction between classes or categories.
Unsupervised learning algorithms, such as k-means clustering and principal component analysis, are used to discover patterns in unlabeled data. These algorithms do not require labeled data and can be used for exploratory data analysis (Kaufman & Rousseeuw, 1990). Unsupervised learning is particularly useful when there is no clear distinction between classes or categories.
The choice of supervised or unsupervised learning depends on the specific problem and dataset. Supervised learning is typically used when there is a clear output variable to predict, while unsupervised learning is used when there are multiple variables to analyze (Hastie et al., 2009). The performance of both types of learning can be evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score.
The Python machine learning library provides an extensive range of supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms. These algorithms can be used for classification, regression, clustering, and dimensionality reduction tasks (Pedregal & Müller, 2013). The library also provides tools for evaluating the performance of these algorithms and selecting the best one for a given problem.
Deep learning algorithms have revolutionized the field of machine learning, enabling computers to learn complex patterns in data with minimal human intervention. These algorithms are particularly effective in image and speech recognition tasks, where they can identify subtle features that would be difficult for humans to detect (LeCun et al., 2015). The key to deep learning’s success lies in its ability to automatically learn hierarchical representations of data, allowing it to capture increasingly abstract and complex patterns.
One of the most significant applications of deep learning algorithms is in computer vision. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), a type of deep learning algorithm, have been used to achieve state-of-the-art performance in image classification tasks such as ImageNet Large Scale Visual Recognition Challenge (ILSVRC) (Krizhevsky et al., 2012). These algorithms can also be used for object detection, segmentation, and tracking, making them invaluable tools for applications such as self-driving cars and surveillance systems.
Deep learning algorithms have also been applied to natural language processing tasks, where they have achieved impressive results in text classification, sentiment analysis, and machine translation (Vaswani et al., 2017). These algorithms can learn complex patterns in language data, allowing them to generate coherent and contextually relevant text. This has significant implications for applications such as chatbots, virtual assistants, and language translation software.
Another key application of deep learning algorithms is in audio processing tasks, where they have been used to achieve state-of-the-art performance in speech recognition and music classification (Sainath et al., 2015). These algorithms can learn complex patterns in audio data, allowing them to identify subtle features that would be difficult for humans to detect. This has significant implications for applications such as voice assistants, podcast transcription software, and music recommendation systems.
The use of deep learning algorithms in machine learning has also led to the development of new techniques for handling missing or noisy data (Goodfellow et al., 2016). These techniques, known as generative models, can learn to generate synthetic data that is similar to real-world data. This has significant implications for applications such as data augmentation, anomaly detection, and data imputation.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) has numerous use cases in various industries, including customer service, sentiment analysis, and text classification. In the realm of Python Machine Learning, NLP is employed to analyze and understand human language, enabling machines to interpret and respond accordingly.
One significant application of NLP is in chatbots and virtual assistants, where it is used to process user queries and provide relevant responses. For instance, a study by Liu et al. demonstrated the effectiveness of using NLP techniques to improve the performance of chatbots in customer service applications. The researchers employed a combination of natural language understanding and machine learning algorithms to develop a chatbot that could accurately respond to user queries.
Another use case for NLP is in sentiment analysis, where it is used to determine the emotional tone of text-based data. This application has been widely adopted in social media monitoring and customer feedback analysis. A study by Pang et al. presented a method for sentiment classification using machine learning algorithms, which achieved high accuracy rates in classifying text as positive or negative.
In addition to these applications, NLP is also used in text classification tasks, such as spam detection and topic modeling. For example, a study by Sebastiani proposed a method for text categorization using a combination of machine learning algorithms and linguistic features. The results showed that the proposed approach outperformed traditional methods in terms of accuracy.
Furthermore, NLP is employed in various other industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. For instance, a study by Hwang et al. demonstrated the effectiveness of using NLP techniques to analyze patient feedback and improve healthcare services. The researchers used machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in patient feedback and develop targeted interventions.
In the context of Python Machine Learning, NLP is often employed using libraries such as NLTK and spaCy. These libraries provide pre-trained models and tools for tasks like tokenization, stemming, and lemmatization, which are essential for NLP applications.
Gradient Boosting Models have been widely adopted in machine learning for their ability to handle complex data and improve model performance through iterative refinement.
The core idea behind Gradient Boosting is to combine multiple weak models, each attempting to correct the errors of its predecessor, to produce a strong predictive model. This process involves iteratively adding new models to the ensemble, with each subsequent model designed to minimize the error of the previous one (Friedman, 2001). The resulting model is a weighted sum of all the individual models, with the weights determined by the performance of each model on the training data.
One of the key advantages of Gradient Boosting Models is their ability to handle high-dimensional data and non-linear relationships between features. By iteratively adding new models that focus on specific aspects of the data, Gradient Boosting can effectively capture complex patterns and relationships that might be missed by simpler models (Hastie et al., 2009). This makes them particularly useful for tasks such as image classification, natural language processing, and recommender systems.
Gradient Boosting Models are also known for their interpretability and robustness. By examining the individual models that make up the ensemble, it is possible to gain insights into which features are most important for a particular prediction (Louppe et al., 2013). Additionally, Gradient Boosting has been shown to be resistant to overfitting, even when dealing with large datasets and complex models (Friedman, 2001).
In terms of implementation, Gradient Boosting Models can be easily integrated into machine learning pipelines using popular libraries such as scikit-learn and XGBoost. These libraries provide a range of pre-built functions for training and tuning Gradient Boosting models, making it easy to get started with this powerful technique.
Gradient Boosting Models have been widely adopted in industry and academia due to their ability to handle complex data and improve model performance through iterative refinement. By combining multiple weak models to produce a strong predictive model, Gradient Boosting can effectively capture complex patterns and relationships that might be missed by simpler models.
Random Forests are ensemble learning methods that combine multiple decision trees to improve the accuracy and robustness of predictions. This approach is based on the idea that individual decision trees can be prone to overfitting, but when combined, they can provide a more generalizable model (Breiman, 2001). In contrast, Decision Trees are single models that use a tree-like structure to classify or predict outcomes based on input features.
Decision Trees work by recursively partitioning the data into subsets based on the most informative feature at each node. This process continues until a stopping criterion is met, such as reaching a minimum number of samples per leaf (Hastie et al., 2009). The resulting tree can be used for classification or regression tasks, but its performance can be limited by overfitting to the training data.
Random Forests address this issue by creating multiple Decision Trees on random subsets of the data and then aggregating their predictions. This process is known as bagging (Breiman, 2001). By averaging the predictions from multiple trees, Random Forests can reduce the variance of individual models and improve overall accuracy. Additionally, Random Forests can handle high-dimensional data and are less prone to overfitting compared to single Decision Trees.
One key advantage of Random Forests is their ability to provide feature importance scores, which can be used to identify the most relevant features for a given task (Strobl et al., 2007). This information can be useful for feature selection or understanding the relationships between variables. In contrast, Decision Trees do not provide explicit feature importance scores.
Random Forests have been widely applied in various domains, including classification and regression tasks, as well as time-series forecasting and clustering (Genuer et al., 2017). Their ability to handle high-dimensional data and reduce overfitting makes them a popular choice for many machine learning applications. However, the performance of Random Forests can be sensitive to hyperparameters such as the number of trees and the maximum depth.
Random Forests have been shown to outperform Decision Trees in many benchmark datasets, including the UCI Machine Learning Repository (Dheeru et al., 2017). This is likely due to their ability to combine multiple models and reduce overfitting. However, the choice between Random Forests and Decision Trees ultimately depends on the specific problem at hand and the characteristics of the data.
The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has raised significant ethical concerns, particularly in the context of machine learning algorithms used in Python programming. One key consideration is the issue of bias and fairness in AI decision-making processes.
Research by Caliskan et al. has shown that word embeddings, a fundamental component of many machine learning models, can perpetuate social biases and stereotypes. This study demonstrated that the vectors representing words like “man” and “woman” were closer together than those for “man” and “black,” indicating a bias in the representation of gender versus racial groups.
A similar concern has been raised regarding the use of facial recognition technology, which has been shown to be less accurate for darker-skinned individuals (Raji et al., 2016). This disparity can have serious consequences, particularly in applications such as law enforcement and border control. The development of more inclusive and equitable AI systems requires a deeper understanding of these biases and the implementation of strategies to mitigate them.
The use of machine learning algorithms in decision-making processes also raises concerns about transparency and accountability. As noted by Datta et al. , the lack of interpretability in complex models can make it difficult to understand why certain decisions were made, leading to a lack of trust in AI-driven outcomes.
Furthermore, the increasing reliance on AI systems has raised questions about job displacement and the potential for significant economic disruption. A study by Frey and Osborne estimated that up to 47% of jobs in the United States could be automated, highlighting the need for policymakers and industry leaders to develop strategies for addressing these impacts.
The development of more robust and transparent AI systems requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts from fields such as computer science, philosophy, and sociology. By acknowledging and addressing these ethical concerns, developers can create AI systems that are not only more effective but also more equitable and just.
Python Machine Learning has become a cornerstone in the field of artificial intelligence, with its vast array of libraries and tools making it an ideal choice for developers and researchers alike. The scikit-learn library, in particular, has been at the forefront of machine learning development, providing a comprehensive set of algorithms for classification, regression, clustering, and more.
One of the key areas where Python Machine Learning is expected to make significant strides is in the realm of Explainable AI (XAI). As machine learning models become increasingly complex, there is a growing need to understand how they arrive at their decisions. XAI techniques, such as SHAP values and LIME, are being developed to provide insights into the decision-making process of these models.
The integration of deep learning architectures with traditional machine learning algorithms is another area where Python Machine Learning is poised for significant advancements. Techniques like transfer learning and ensemble methods are being explored to improve the performance and robustness of machine learning models. The use of pre-trained neural networks, such as those provided by TensorFlow and PyTorch, has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Python Machine Learning is also expected to play a crucial role in the development of edge AI applications. As devices with increasing computational power become more prevalent, there is a growing need for machine learning models that can run efficiently on these devices. Techniques like model pruning and knowledge distillation are being explored to reduce the size and complexity of machine learning models.
The use of Python Machine Learning in real-world applications is becoming increasingly widespread, with industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation leveraging its capabilities. The development of personalized medicine, for example, relies heavily on machine learning algorithms that can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and make predictions.
As the Official Quantum Dog (or hound) by role is to dig out the latest nuggets of quantum goodness. There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that might be considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing space.
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I do not need a £100 hairbrush. So why have I spent so long fantasising about one? – The Guardian

I do not need a £100 hairbrush. So why have I spent so long fantasising about one? – The Guardian

I think it’s my way of avoiding my feelings – and that whatever they are, I’d be better off facing up to them
I recently found myself fantasising about buying a hairbrush that costs more than £100. It is a very beautiful hairbrush: it comes in a choice of seductive colours and it is fashioned from the keratin-rich fibres of south-east Asian boar and from biodegradable cellulose acetate (entirely free of petrochemicals). It was advertised to me on social media and I later sought it out, Googling it again and again, admiring photos of it from different angles and imagining the reassuring weight of its handle in my hand. If ever there were a hairbrush that could help me build a better life, I thought, this surely would be it.
How disturbingly close I came to buying this hairbrush I really cannot say. However, I can tell you when I knew that it was never going to happen. It was just now, when I realised with shock, after months of Googling and ogling, that I don’t use a hairbrush. I haven’t used one in close to 25 years – not since I was old enough to understand that my hair is curly and terrible frizzy things happen when I brush it. I use a wide-toothed comb once a day in the shower.
So, I now find myself wondering, what happened here? What purpose was served by this fantasy of buying an expensive hairbrush that I do not need?
Regular readers will be unsurprised to hear that I think it probably has something to do with avoiding my feelings. For some people (hello, friends), buying things serves to neutralise an unwanted emotion. Another person might punch someone, or watch pornography, or do some work on the weekend, or eat a hamburger, or spend a whole night scrolling on their phone. You do it, then you feel a little bit better – and a little bit ashamed.
What is the emotion I was turning away from? I don’t know. And if I ever find out, it probably won’t be for publication. But perhaps the answer is less important than the question.
Many readers will think I am asking the wrong question and that the answer to the question I should be asking is: that’s capitalism for you! And if ever there were a socioeconomic system that could sell a woman an exorbitantly priced and exquisitely fashioned hairbrush when she had no need for one, capitalism would be it. But I also think that shouting: “That’s capitalism for you!” does not build a better life. It may even take us further away from it.
It is very tempting, when faced with something we don’t understand about ourselves, to turn away from our own minds and towards our society. To shout about capitalism, about the internet, about social media – to find an answer in the outside world. But what has helped me to build a better life is noticing my tendency to do that and then, as a patient in psychoanalysis, to wonder what it is that I don’t want to see in my inside world that makes me turn away from it so quickly.
In other words, I think shouting: “That’s capitalism for you!” would, for me, serve the same function as drooling over an unnecessary hairbrush. It is all serving to close down a feeling. You could call it a kind of self-soothing.
I remember as a fairly new mum, in the depths of sleep-deprived horror, reading and hearing a lot about self-soothing and wondering what people really meant by this. Experts seemed to think the solution to every difficulty was my baby learning to self-soothe. I was not able to think very clearly at that time, because my child was sleeping – or rather, as it felt to me, waking – in 45-minute cycles throughout the night and therefore so was I. We were going through something quite intolerable that nevertheless had to be tolerated. We both had a lot of feelings about this, which it felt as if everyone wanted to soothe away.
Well, I think there is too much soothing going on, self and otherwise. This is why Netflix, social media, parenting experts, south-east Asian boar bristles and capitalism itself can have such power over us – because they feed our compulsion to self-soothe rather than nourishing our need to feel and to try to understand what is going on inside.
Perhaps we don’t realise that there is an alternative to soothing. This alternative is difficult to imagine if you have never experienced it, but it is something my analyst offers me and that I try to offer my patients. It involves developing a capacity to survive not self-soothing. Instead, bear whatever you are experiencing without trying to soothe it away, without trying to brush out the knots – including not knowing what feels wrong. Understand how enraging, frustrating, disappointing and frightening it can be not to know. This can be far more containing than reaching for an immediate answer to a question that actually takes us further away from a truer understanding. (That’s capitalism for you.)
Perhaps our crying babies, and the crying babies inside us, need something different from self-soothing. Perhaps we all need to develop a capacity to bear our distress and to realise that we can survive it and grow through it. This is something that can truly help us to build a better life, and a better society – far more valuable than a beautiful hairbrush that will sit in a drawer, never to be used.
Moya Sarner is an NHS psychotherapist and the author of When I Grow Up – Conversations With Adults in Search of Adulthood
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here.

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Nearly Four of Every Five US Coffee Shops are Now Starbucks, Dunkin’ or JAB Brands – Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine

Nearly Four of Every Five US Coffee Shops are Now Starbucks, Dunkin’ or JAB Brands – Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine

Nick Brown | October 25, 2019
Starbucks has a whopping 40% share of the U.S. coffee shop market, according to World Coffee Portal’s 2020 U.S. coffee shop market report.
Despite market reports year after year after year suggesting that the higher-end specialty coffee segment has the most opportunity for growth and increased market share in the United States, the U.S. coffee landscape is actually being increasingly overrun by large chains.
Market research and event firm Allegra’s World Coffee Portal has released its annual report on the estimated $47.5 billion U.S. coffee shop market, which showed 3.3% growth to reach 37,274 branded coffee shops and coffee-focused restaurants over the past 12 months.
Perhaps the report’s most shocking finding is that Starbucks and Dunkin’ accounted for 80% of the new store openings in the U.S. over the past year.
World Coffee Portal conducted 5,000 surveys with U.S. consumers, and more than 100 interviews, consultations and surveys with coffee industry leaders to compile the report. [Disclosure: A representative of Daily Coffee News took part in one of these surveys.]
In addition to the 3.3% outlet growth, total sales growth was clocked at 4.3%. Chains represented the largest growing segment, with 3.9% more shops over the past year. Starbucks maintains a whopping 40% share of the U.S. coffee shop market, with 14,875 stores and a net increase of 585 stores.
A Dunkin’ store in Quincy, Massachusetts. File photo. Dunkin’ now maintains a 26% share of the U.S. coffee shop market, according to the 2020 report.
With 9,570 stores, including 309 new stores (net) over the past 12 months, Dunkin’ maintains its place as the second largest chain, representing a 26% market share. JAB Holding-owned brands — the largest of which in the U.S. are Panera, Peet’s and Caribou — now operate more than 4,700 U.S. coffee-focused shops.
Approximately 78% percent of U.S. coffee shops are now either Starbucks locations, Dunkin’ locations, or JAB brand locations.
Despite these realities, the industry leaders interviewed identified growth in the specialty coffee segment as the most important consumer trend affecting the market. At 80% over the past 12 months, cold brew was identified as the fastest-growing coffee shop product. The report also identified younger consumers (under 30s) as the most influential on the coffee shop market, as they were found most likely to have increased their coffee shop visits over the past 12 months.
World Coffee Portal said industry leaders were collectively “cautiously optimistic” about continued coffee shop growth, while the group predicts a compound annual growth rate of 2.3% by 2024.
From an Allegra Project Cafe USA infographic.
“Growth will be concentrated among the largest chains and most successful boutique 5th Wave operators,” the group said, referring to its own categorizations of coffee shop types. “However, the possibility of a wider economic downturn poses a threat across the entire segment, particularly those chains that fail to differentiate themselves amid intense market competition and rising property costs.”
Allegra World Coffee Portal is selling the full Project Cafe USA 2020 report here.
Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine.
Tags: Allegra, Caribou Coffee, chains, Dunkin’, JAB Holding Company, market research, Panera Bread, Peet’s, research, Starbucks, World Coffee Portal
This is depressing.
It is very good
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Education key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential, says Atiku – The Guardian Nigeria News

Education key to unlocking Nigeria’s potential, says Atiku – The Guardian Nigeria News

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By : Owede Agbajileke, Abuja
Date: 30 Jun 2025
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Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described education as the master key that will unlock Nigeria’s huge potential and set the country on the path to full socio-economic development.
He emphasised that education is crucial for national unity, stability, and development, noting that an educated citizenry is less prone to being manipulated by divisive elements.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who spoke during the graduation and prize-giving day ceremony of Pacesetters’ School, Abuja, believed that adequate funding and a curriculum promoting entrepreneurship are essential for achieving this goal.
Abubakar also stressed the importance of education in his own life, stating that it has made him who he is today. He likened the United States Peace Corps to Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), sharing a personal experience from 1961 when Peace Corps American teachers were deployed to his secondary school in northern Nigeria, filling a gap left by departing British teachers.
This, he said, significantly impacted his education, adding that the experience inspired him to adopt an American curriculum in his schools. In his remark, the Chairman of the School, Kenneth Imansuangbon, emphasised the importance of education in shaping individuals and society.
He stressed that the school’s goal is to refine students and equip them with the skills necessary to enable them to make a positive impact in the society.
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Rutam House, Plot 103/109, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Isolo, P.M.B 1217 Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria.
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‘Men are human beings too’ – Ahmedabad Mirror

‘Men are human beings too’ – Ahmedabad Mirror

Monday, June 30 2025, 07:55 PM
Jun 30, 2025 04:00 PM | UPDATED: Jun 29, 2025 10:57 PM | 5 min read
Actor Arjan Bajwa, known for his role in the film Fashion, addressed often-ignored topic of men’s mental health. He shared his thoughts on why emotional well-being in men remains under-discussed, pointing to societal expectations and stigmas as key reasons behind the silence. Speaking on the occasion of Men’s Mental Health Month, which is observed in June, Bajwa said, “Men’s health, of course, is very underrated because a man is not supposed to show any emotions. He is considered the provider, the worker, and someone who handles all situations.”
“In fact, if a man appears emotional, it is often considered a sign of weakness. But no one really understands that men are human beings too. So, emotional health for men is of utmost importance, as the right frame of mind will bring the right results,” he added.
Although constantly in the spotlight, the Son of Sardar actor admitted that he finds it difficult to open up emotionally, as he’s often consumed by his pursuit of dreams. However, he acknowledged experiencing emotional struggles tied to his past, present, and future. 
On the work front, Arjan is known for his roles in movies like Fashion, Crook, Son of Sardar, Bobby Jasoos, Rustom and Kabir Singh. He has also appeared in web series like Bestsellers and State of Siege: 26/11.Agencies
 
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