This article introduces an innovative interactive visualization tool designed to demystify quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms. Our work is inspired by the success of classical machine learning visualization tools, such as TensorFlow Playground, and aims to bridge the gap in visualization resources specifically for the field of QML. The article includes a comprehensive overview of relevant visualization metaphors from both quantum computing and classical machine learning, the development of an algorithm visualization concept, and the design of a concrete implementation as an interactive web application. By combining common visualization metaphors for the so-called data re-uploading universal quantum classifier as a representative QML model, this article aims to lower the entry barrier to quantum computing and encourage further innovation in the field. The accompanying interactive application is a proposal for the first version of a quantum machine learning playground for learning and exploring QML models.

The problem of relocating a set of objects to designated areas amidst movable obstacles can be framed as a Geometric Task and Motion Planning (G-TAMP) problem, a subclass of task and motion planning (TAMP). Traditional approaches to G-TAMP have relied either on domain-independent heuristics or on learning from planning experience to guide the search, both of which typically demand significant computational resources or data. In contrast, humans often use common sense to intuitively decide which objects to manipulate in G-TAMP problems. Inspired by this, we propose leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs), which have common sense knowledge acquired from internet-scale data, to guide task planning in G-TAMP problems. To enable LLMs to perform geometric reasoning, we design a predicate-based prompt that encodes geometric information derived from a motion planning algorithm. We then query the LLM to generate a task plan, which is then used to search for a feasible set of continuous parameters. Since LLMs are prone to mistakes, instead of committing to LLM's outputs, we extend Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) to a hybrid action space and use the LLM to guide the search. Unlike the previous approach that calls an LLM at every node and incurs high computational costs, we use it to warm-start the MCTS with the nodes explored in completing the LLM's task plan. On six different G-TAMP problems, we show our method outperforms previous LLM planners and pure search algorithms. Code can be found at: https://github.com/iMSquared/prime-the-search

The rapid growth of scholarly literature makes it increasingly difficult for researchers to keep up with new knowledge. Automated tools are now more essential than ever to help navigate and interpret this vast body of information. Scientific papers pose unique difficulties, with their complex language, specialized terminology, and diverse formats, requiring advanced methods to extract reliable and actionable insights. Large language models (LLMs) offer new opportunities, enabling tasks such as literature reviews, writing assistance, and interactive exploration of research. This special issue of the TAL journal highlights research addressing these challenges and, more broadly, research on natural language processing and information retrieval for scholarly and scientific documents.

Data science has been described as the fourth paradigm for scientific discovery. The latest wave of data science research, pertaining to machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), is growing exponentially and garnering millions of annual citations. However, this growth has been accompanied by a diminishing emphasis on social good challenges - our analysis reveals that the proportion of data science research focusing on social good is less than it has ever been. At the same time, the proliferation of machine learning and generative AI have sparked debates about the socio-technical prospects and challenges associated with data science for human flourishing, organizations, and society. Against this backdrop, we present a framework for "data science for social good" (DSSG) research that considers the interplay between relevant data science research genres, social good challenges, and different levels of socio-technical abstraction. We perform an analysis of the literature to empirically demonstrate the paucity of work on DSSG in information systems (and other related disciplines) and highlight current impediments. We then use our proposed framework to introduce the articles appearing in the special issue. We hope that this article and the special issue will spur future DSSG research and help reverse the alarming trend across data science research over the past 30-plus years in which social good challenges are garnering proportionately less attention with each passing day.

This Special Issue focuses on recent developments in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for stroke imaging in acute and chronic phases. The use of AI has attracted widespread attention as it relates to the detection of steno-occlusive lesions in the cerebral circulation, tissue level markers of injury in ischemia and hemorrhage and perfusion imaging techniques. Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline.

If human societies are so complex, then how can we hope to understand them? Artificial Life gives us one answer. The field of Artificial Life comprises a diverse set of introspective studies that largely ask the same questions, albeit from many different perspectives: Why are we here? Who are we? Why do we behave as we do? Starting with the origins of life provides us with fascinating answers to some of these questions. However, some researchers choose to bring their studies closer to the present day. We are after all, human. It has been a few billion years since our ancestors were self-replicating molecules. Thus, more direct studies of ourselves and our human societies can reveal truths that may lead to practical knowledge. The papers in this special issue bring together scientists who choose to perform this kind of research.

We invite submissions to a special issue on "Machine Learning and Big Data Applications in Applied Economics", in the journal Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy (AEPP). With this special issue, we aim to extend the evidence based on big data and machine learning (ML) methods across a wide range of academic disciplines and industry sectors, including the agricultural sector, food value chains, and nutrition applications. The editors encourage the use of a diverse range of big data and ML methods for addressing issues like product pricing, trade, food security, forecasting approaches, crop production, and environmental and resource evaluations. We will also consider theoretical studies that provide empirically testable and/or policy-relevant insights. Studies using data from various sources, including household surveys, simulation models, and systematic reviews are welcome.

For many years, photogrammetry has been the leading methodology to derive 3D metric and accurate information from imagery, at different scales (from satellite to aerial, terrestrial and under water) and from different sensors (linear, frame, panoramic). The inclusion of computer vision and robotics solutions has increased the level of automation in image processing and 3D data generation, leading to mainstream automatic solutions and massive 3D digitization processes. The recent advent of artificial intelligence methods based on machine and deep learning approaches is again changing the photogrammetric processes leading to unexpected automated solutions that can truly revolutionize the mapping and 3D documentation sector. This Special Issue wants to focus on this recent change for 3D geometric tasks, and is seeking high-quality papers that explore all the potentialities offered by AI in photogrammetric problems. Papers should report progresses in supporting, integrating and boosting key areas of photogrammetry with AI-based methods.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a major impact on healthcare. While advances in the sharing and analysis of medical data result in better and earlier diagnoses and more patient-tailored treatments, data management is also affected by trends such as increased patient-centricity (with shared decision making), self-care (e.g., using wearables), and integrated care delivery. The way in which health services are delivered is being revolutionized through the sharing and integration of health data across organizational boundaries. Via AI, researchers can provide new approaches to merge, analyze, and process complex data and gain more actionable insights, understanding, and knowledge at an individual and population level. This Special Issue focuses on how AI is used in healthcare, and on related topics such as data management, data integration, data sharing, patient privacy and bioethical issues.

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