The aliens conceal themselves saying their appearance isn’t important. But they’re demons.

The novel’s great revelation is that the appearance of demons described by Christians is a Jungian racial memory projected back in time by humans fearful of the alien’s power and determination to change human nature.

The novel—and thereby Clarke—is in favor of the mutilation and dehumanization of children to “advance” the human race.

This same idea was treated less favorably in “The Midwich Cuckoos” published a few years later.

For a few years, I’ve been curious about the current generation of LLMs, and back in the 1980s, I dabbled in AI expert systems and neural nets. Nevertheless, I’m a rank amateur in the field. For a long time, I’ve said that the first practical applications of LLMs will be those that answer questions based on databases that are more reliable and more narrowly defined than the general, free, open internet. I guess we’ll soon see.

Also, while it’s accurate to say that AI LLMs are nothing more than matrix mathematics, that misses the point. It’s analagous to saying that the brain is nothing more than electrochemical reactions among synapses and neurons.

Anyway, today I asked Perplexity this question: Has Elsevier developed an AI system that can be applied to its citation and abstract databases, as well as its journals? (Elsevier is a major publisher of journals in science and engineering.)

Below, I’ve copied Perplexity’s answer:

Elsevier has indeed developed an AI system that is being integrated into its journals and databases, specifically through a product called **Scopus AI**. This system leverages generative AI technology to enhance the functionality of Scopus, which is a leading abstract and citation database of peer-reviewed literature.

### Overview of Scopus AI
1. **Launch and Purpose**: Scopus AI was first introduced in August 2023 as an alpha version for testing by researchers. It aims to provide deeper insights and facilitate collaboration among researchers by summarizing complex topics quickly and effectively[1][3].
2. **Functionality**: The AI tool allows users to pose natural language queries, making it easier to navigate the extensive database without needing to use complex search operators. It combines curated content from over 27,000 academic journals and utilizes advanced AI techniques to generate summaries and insights from this vast repository of information[1][6].
3. **User Engagement**: Approximately 15,000 researchers participated in the initial testing phase, providing feedback that has shaped the development of the tool. The full launch is expected in early 2024[1][4].
### Key Features
– **Generative AI Integration**: Scopus AI employs a custom retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architecture, which enhances its ability to deliver relevant research insights based on user queries[3].
– **Content Vetting**: The content used by Scopus AI is rigorously vetted by an independent review board comprising renowned scientists and librarians, ensuring high-quality information is provided[4].
– **User-Centric Development**: Elsevier emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI use, incorporating user feedback throughout the development process to refine the tool’s capabilities and ensure it meets researchers’ needs[6].
### Future Directions
Elsevier plans to expand the capabilities of Scopus AI, including potential support for multiple languages and features like saved chat histories for users to revisit previous interactions with the AI[6]. This reflects a broader trend in academic publishing where AI tools are increasingly utilized to streamline research processes and enhance accessibility to scholarly information.
In summary, Elsevier’s development of Scopus AI marks a significant step towards integrating advanced AI technologies into academic research tools, facilitating easier access to knowledge and fostering collaboration within the research community.

Citations:
[1] https://www.elsevier.com/about/press-releases/elsevier-takes-scopus-to-the-next-level-with-generative-ai
[2] https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/artificial-intelligence/databases
[3] https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2024/07/25/interview-with-maxim-khan-about-scopus-ai/
[4] https://publishingperspectives.com/2024/02/elseviers-scopus-ai-tool-rolls-out-for-database-customers/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/artificial-intelligence/vol/318/suppl/C
[6] https://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/jun24/Keiser–From-A&I-to-AI-Elsevier-Integrates-AI-Into-Scopus.shtml
[7] https://shop.elsevier.com/journals/subjects/physical-sciences-and-engineering/computer-science/artificial-intelligence/artificial-intelligence-expert-systems-and-knowledge-based-systems
[8] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazing-ways-elsevier-uses-artificial-intelligence-improving-marr
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/expert-systems-with-applications
[10] https://shop.elsevier.com/journals/subjects/physical-sciences-and-engineering/computer-science/artificial-intelligence/artificial-intelligence-general
[11] https://shop.elsevier.com/journals/subjects/physical-sciences-and-engineering/computer-science/artificial-intelligence

Longshoremen have caused problems – at least since WW2. Maybe we should also ban cars and go back to the horse ‘n buggy…

Thanks. I forgot that part, and I’ve read the book twice, though not recently. And I obviously don’t recall the “macrobes” as essential to the plot.

I never got over his breakthrough performance as Harry Palmer (yuk, yuk) playing the anti-James Bond in spy thriller, “The Ipcress File.”

–“The Ipcress File (1965) Original Trailer [HD]”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbvZ1FBqjI

Based on true CIA MKULTRA rumors!

Hot stuff. Really, great dialog, brilliantly shot. What are you waiting for? 🙂

She asked, why is everyone calling you my cocaine?

LOL

Michael Caine is so great.

Snow on Pine:

No. I am not interested in homework. If you’ve got an argument, make it on the merits as you see them.

And don’t conclude with a question mark.