visibility
Stochastic Expectation Maximization for Robust State-Space Radio Interferometric Imaging
Arab, Nawel, Korso, Mohammed Nabil El, Vin, Isabelle, Larzabal, Pascal
State-space models provide a powerful framework for describing the evolution of hidden states in dynamical systems [3], [4], [1]. Conventionally, state-space models assume Gaussian measurement and state noise, owing to their tractability and well-characterized statistical properties. However, many real-world phenomena are subject to perturbations that deviate from the conventional Gaussian noise assumption. In radio interferometry, for instance, observational data are frequently corrupted by non-Gaussian noise sources such as radio-frequency interference (RFI) [5], [2], which originates from man-made signals and introduces significant distortions into astronomical measurements [6], [30]. Such interference produces sporadic high-power spikes in the measured visibilities, leading to heavy-tailed statistics. Many radio-interferometric reconstruction methods assume Gaussian additive noise [7], [31], [33], [35], an approximation that can lead to inaccurate reconstructions when the heavy-tailed nature of real-world measurement noise is not properly accounted for. In the realm of state-space modeling, addressing non-Gaussian noise has led to the development of various methodological approaches, notably particle filtering and non-conventional Kalman filters. Particle filters [8], or Sequential Monte Carlo methods, are designed to handle non-linear and non-Gaussian state-space models by representing the posterior distribution with a set of weighted samples [9], [10], [32].
Scaling creativity in the age of AI
Building customer trust with on-brand content production has become a strategic imperative. Storytelling is core to humanity's DNA, stemming from our impulse to express ideals, warnings, hopes, and experiences. Technology has always been woven through the medium and the distribution: from early humans' innovation of natural pigments and charcoals for cave paintings to literal representation by the camera. The landscape of storytelling continues to shift under our feet. Social and streaming platforms have multiplied, audiences have fragmented, and our demand for fresh, unique media is insatiable. A recent McKinsey podcast cites that we are watching upwards of 12 hours of video content daily, often on multiple devices and multiple platforms.
Ultralightweight sonar plus AI lets tiny drones navigate like bats
To help small aerial robots navigate in the dark and other low-visibility environments, my colleagues and I developed an ultrasound-based perception system inspired by bat echolocation. Current robots rely heavily on cameras or light detection and ranging, known as lidar, or both. But these sensors fail in visually challenging conditions, such as smoke, fog, dust, snow or complete darkness. I'm a scientific engineer who develops bio-inspired microrobots. To solve this challenge, my research team looked at nature's experts at navigating in poor visibility: bats.
Google boosts visibility of links in AI search results after backlash
Google is updating its AI search results to display links more prominently after facing criticism from publishers about reduced website traffic. PCWorld reports that the changes include clearer link icons on mobile and desktop, plus new pop-up windows showing source lists with article descriptions and images. These improvements aim to help users better discover web content while addressing concerns about AI Overviews potentially harming publisher visibility. Google is updating how links are displayed in Search's AI results, making them clearer and more prominent, reports The Verge . According to a social media post by Robby Stein, Vice President of Google Search, internal testing shows that the new AI results interface makes it easier for users to find content on the web. New on Search: In AI Overviews and AI Mode, groups of links will automatically appear in a pop-up as you hover over them on desktop, so you can jump right into a website to learn more.