Europe
Entrywise Error Bounds for Spectral Ranking with Semi-Random Adversaries
Lee, Dongmin, Makur, Anuran, Singh, Japneet
Bradley-Terry-Luce (BTL) model estimation is a well-established strategy to rank a collection of items given a dataset of pairwise comparisons. Although the theoretical performance of BTL estimation methods, such as spectral and maximum likelihood estimation, is well studied in the regime of uniformly sampled graphs, generalizing such results to a wider class of random graphs has proved challenging. In this work, we investigate the entry-wise error of spectral algorithms against a semi-random adversary that can arbitrarily boost the sampling probabilities of certain edges. We find that the performance of the unweighted spectral method is heavily dependent on the spectral properties of the generated graph. Furthermore, we show that asymptotic performance approaching that of uniformly sampled graphs can be recovered by appropriately reweighting the observed edges to counteract the adversary and restore the spectral gap. Finally, we provide numerical simulations that support our theoretical findings.
Scotland's 'green datacentres' policy ignores emissions impact of AI, analysis shows
Facilities can be branded as aligned with Scotland's climate goals despite significant emissions, said APRS. Facilities can be branded as aligned with Scotland's climate goals despite significant emissions, said APRS. Scotland's'green datacentres' policy ignores emissions impact of AI, analysis shows A Scottish government policy designed to encourage datacentres to build in Scotland could lead to a massive volume of carbon emissions being ignored, according to an analysis by a Scottish charity. "Green datacentres" are at the heart of Scotland's ambitions to develop economically. Enshrined in national policy, they are part of a larger, UK-wide effort to attract big AI investment to Scotland.
'AI washing': firms are scrambling to rebrand themselves as tech-focused
'AI washing': firms are scrambling to rebrand themselves as tech-focused UK companies are performing "yoga-level" stretches to describe themselves as AI specialists in an attempt to capitalise on the buzz around the technology, public relations firms have said. Weary communications executives tasked with securing media coverage for brands have complained that bosses in low-tech industries or running businesses that use automation but not generative AI, are increasingly demanding they are pitched to journalists as artificial intelligence companies. "You can almost hear the eyes roll when you mention the word AI to a reporter," said a publicist in south London who represents a portfolio of tech and design firms. "I've watched a steady stream of companies try to bolt the label AI on to whatever they do, no matter how tenuous the link." Imran Ariff, a media strategist for Fight or Flight, a London-based communications agency, said: "It can be easy for brands to'drink their own Kool-Aid' when they're so proud of what they're doing and consequently, go too far in their efforts to promote their AI capabilities."
'We're expanding the cinematic toolbox': AI fault lines on show at Cannes
From beachside summits to yacht parties, leading figures at Cannes debated whether AI was cinema's next creative revolution or an existential threat. From beachside summits to yacht parties, leading figures at Cannes debated whether AI was cinema's next creative revolution or an existential threat. Darren Aronofsky among proponents of using technology, while Guillermo del Toro says he would'rather die' U nder a white marquee on Cannes' Croisette beach, with the Mediterranean glistening behind him and superyachts drifting across the horizon, the director Darren Aronofsky addressed an audience of executives and tech evangelists gathered for an "AI for Talent" summit. "There's so much pushback against AI," said Aronofsky, who has faced criticism over his embrace of generative AI projects though his new studio, Primordial Soup, at a time when artificial intelligence has become one of the film industry's most divisive fault lines. Darren Aronofsky: 'AI is not impersonating a person, it's actually a tool.' "AI is a terrible word, because it's a catchphrase for so many different things," continued the director of Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler, and Black Swan.
New James Bond game shows more vulnerable side to iconic British spy
A new James Bond is about to make his debut - not on the big screen, but in a video game. It presents Bond before he's earned his 00 status, offering a fresh take on a character that's seen continual reinvention for more than six decades. The new game arrives at a moment of transition for the franchise, with no actor yet confirmed as the next cinematic Bond following Daniel Craig's final appearance in No Time to Die in 2021. The casting process for the live action film has only just officially started, about 15 months since Amazon MGM Studios took control of the Bond franchise. Gibson's portrayal focuses on a more vulnerable, less experienced version of the character.
Rosenberg: Luhansk strike sparks Russian accusations and vow to retaliate
On Russian state TV a news bulletin shows images of a five-storey building reduced to rubble. Teams of rescuers are sifting through debris. On a severely damaged façade there's a sign: What happened here early on Friday has sparked Russian accusations, Ukrainian denials, an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council and vows of retribution by the Kremlin. The town of Starobilsk is in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine: in the Luhansk region which Moscow claims to have annexed. Russian officials accuse Ukraine of a carrying out a drone attack on the college dormitory.
Memorial Day Dyson Vacuum Deals: V15 Detect, Gen5Detect, PencilVac On Sale
Don't miss these vacuum deals happening over the holiday weekend. Shopping for a Dyson vacuum is an experience. There are many models to navigate and serious price tags on most of them. As someone who tests vacuums for a living, I have to admit that a Dyson blows most other vacuums away. There are a few cheaper models I'll still grab (check out my full guide to cordless and robot vacuums for more recommendations), but if you're dreaming of a Dyson, this weekend is a great time to buy.
10 images of Iceland's changing landscape
A new documentary uses archival photos to tell the story of the land of fire and ice. More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. Strong winds lift snow off a glacial cap on a sunny day in Iceland. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. What happens when your homeland begins to melt?