Aye, Robot: What Happens When Robots Speak Like Real People?

In daily life, we interact with each other using the social, regional, and ethnic communication styles typical of our local communities. Successful communication further rests on our ability to seamlessly adjust to our interlocutors following the norms and expectations of our local social setting as well as conversational context and goals. However, despite significant advances in speech technology, most artificial speech systems—particularly, most social robots—still use a single, “standard”, non-local communication style for all users, social settings and interaction goals. Recent research has shown that when they interact with digital agents, humans transfer and adapt their sociolinguistic behaviours, including communication bias. Despite this, the barriers set up by this inherent communication bias have never been systematically studied for HRI; and the potential benefits to user engagement from socially inclusive, diverse communication styles have not been explored. We argue that social robotics researchers should also consider sociolinguistic factors constraining human interaction. To explore the implications, we describe two hypothetical robots designed to support the local communication style of two regions of the United Kingdom, and we consider the potential sociolinguistic impact each robot might have on its conversational partners and the wider society

A generalized theory for physics-augmented neural networks in finite strain thermo-electro-mechanics

This manuscript introduces a novel neural network-based computational framework for constistutive modelling of thermo-electro-mechanically coupled materials at finite strains, with four key innovations: (i) It supports calibration of neural network models with various input forms, such as Ψnn(F, E0, θ), enn(F, D0, η), Υnn(F, E0, η), or Γnn(F, D0, θ), with F representing the deformation gradient tensor, E0 and D0 the electric field and electric displacement field, respectively and finally, θ and η, the temperature and entropy fields. These models comply with physical laws and material symmetries by utilizing isotropic or anisotropic invariants corresponding to the material’s symmetry group. (ii) A calibration approach is developed for the case of experimental data, where entropy η is typically unmeasurable. (iii) The framework accommodates models like enn(F, D0, η), specially convenient for the imposition of polyconvexity across the three physics involved. A detailed calibration study is conducted evaluating various neural network architectures and considering a large variety of ground truth thermo-electro-mechanical constitutive models. The results demonstrate excellent predictive performance on larger datasets, validated through complex finite element simulations using both ground truth and neural network-based models. Crucially, the framework can be straightforwardly extended to scenarios involving other physics

From attributes to natural language: A survey and foresight on text-based person re-identification

Text-based person re-identification (Re-ID) is a challenging topic in the field of complex multimodalanalysis, its ultimate aim is to recognize specific pedestrians by scrutinizing attributes/natural language descriptions. Despite the wide range of applicable areas such as security surveillance, video retrieval, person tracking, and social media analytics, there is a notable absence of comprehensive reviews dedicated to summarizing the text-based person Re-ID from a technical perspective. To address this gap, we propose to introduce a taxonomy spanning Evaluation, Strategy, Architecture, and Optimization dimensions, providing a comprehensive survey of the text-based person Re-ID task. We start by laying the groundwork for text-based person Re-ID, elucidating fundamental concepts related to attribute/natural language-based identification. Then a thorough examination of existing benchmark datasets and metrics is presented. Subsequently, we further delve into prevalent feature extraction strategies employed in text-based person Re-ID research, followed by a concise summary of common network architectures within the domain. Prevalent loss functions utilized for model optimization and modality alignment in text-based person Re-ID are also scrutinized. To conclude, we offer a concise summary of our findings, pinpointing challenges in text-based person Re-ID. In response to these challenges, we outline potential avenues for future open-set text-based person Re-ID and present a baseline architecture for text-based pedestrian image generation guided re-identification (TBPGR)

Acute impairments in glucose tolerance following one night of partial sleep restriction are not rescued by moderate-intensity walking in young men

Background: High-intensity interval exercise ameliorates the impairment of postprandial metabolic health (glucose control) that is observed after a night of inadequate sleep. It is unknown whether moderate-intensity walking can elicit similar effects. Methods: Eleven healthy active males (age: 26±2 yr; BMI: 22.8±2.6 kg/m2) took part in a randomised and repeated measures cross-over study with: 1) normal sleep (NS; 8 h sleep opportunity); 2) sleep restriction (SR; 3 h sleep opportunity); and 3) sleep restriction + exercise (SRE; 3 h sleep opportunity followed by 30 min brisk walking at 50%V̇O2max). This was followed by a 2-h 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), with plasma samples collected at baseline, immediately post-exercise (or sedentary), and at regular intervals during OGTT. Results: Total glucose area under the curve (tAUC) was lower in NS trial (924 [95%CI = 865, 982] mmol/L) compared to both SR (1012 [95%CI = 945, 1080] mmol/L, p=0.018) and SRE trials (1006 [933, 1080] mmol/L, p=0.002) and there was no difference between SR and SRE (p=1.00). Insulin tAUC did not differ between trials (p=0.472). There were no differences in fasting cortisol, c-reative protein, and non-esterified fatty acids, and fasting and postprandial triacylglycerols, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase concentrations between trials (all, p>0.05). Conclusion: In healthy physically active young males, a single night of partial sleep restriction results in a decrease in glucose tolerance during a 2-h OGTT performed the following morning and this impaired response is not rescued by 30 min of brisk walking immediately prior to the OGTT

Artificial Intelligence & Trusts and Trustees: A new dawn of investment opportunities and risks?

This article examines the opportunities and risks that can be created for trusts by generative artificial intelligence. In particular, the work is concerned with how AI investment tools may affect trusts, given their growing use in investment management. It is argued that trusts can be exposed to the risks and opportunities that this technology may create through the trustees’ general investment power. However, currently, trustees can undertake appropriate risk management by exercising their section 4 and 5 duties relating to investment. The work ends by suggesting that targeted statutory reform and guidance is needed to deal with AI risks

Deciphering the seagrass microbiome for advanced ecosystem restoration

Seagrasses are important stores of blue carbon and provide important ecosystem services such supporting commercially important fish populations and reducing effects of pollution and erosion; however, seagrasses are in decline because of anthropogenic activities and climate change. Like terrestrial plants, seagrasses depend on mutualistic relationships with bacteria that are central to their health.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bacteria on seagrass germination with the overall prospect of utilizing them as probiotics for seagrass restoration.Seagrass seeds and sediment samples were collected from a restoration nursery in Carmarthenshire, UK. Bacterial strains were isolated from the seeds and sediment using a combination of marine broth and F/2-based growth media to capture diverse taxa. Representative colonies were restreaked, and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, then preserved as cryostocks for subsequent experiments.A laboratory-based germination assay was established to test the effects of different substrates (sediment, agar, and sterile seawater) on germination success.Of the three media, agar yielded the highest germination at 36.1% (p = 0.3402).Co-cultivation experiments demonstrated that some bacterial isolates reduced seed mortality, accelerated germination, and promoted seedling growth. For example, Variovorax paradoxus treatments resulted in higher cotyledon length (15 mm ± 7 mm) compared to the control (14.3 mm ± 8.7 mm). However, the results of statistical analysis did not yield a significance in these effects.Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses were utilized to identify relevant pathways in the bacterial genomes including secondary metabolites to further understand the relationship they may have with seagrass.The four analyzed bacteria genomes were found to encode for enzymes that break down cell wall components, which are vital for cycling nutrients that are important for seagrass growth. Biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites were identified in the genomes that have functions in antifouling, and communication (terpenes) that positively influence seagrass health and growth.This study shows the importance of seagrass associated bacteria to health and growth of seedlings and adult plants. Furthermore, it provides evidence that strains such as V. paradoxus can be used in biofertilizers to enhance conservation of the seagrass ecosystem

In vitro skin permeation and rheological evaluation of a transethosomal formulation containing curcumin-tocotrienol combinations for enhanced topical applications

Curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa has shown anticancer activities against many types of cancers including melanoma. Tocotrienol is a chemosensitizer, and combining curcumin with tocotrienol may potentiate the anti-cancer activity with less harm to healthy cells. However, due to low aqueous solubility and poor skin permeation, topical delivery of these drug combinations is challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a transethosomal formulation containing curcumin and tocotrienol for enhanced topical applications. Zetasizer analysis of the transethosomal formulation (Cu-TRF Ets) showed an average particle size of 129.3 ± 3.0 nm and a zeta potential (ZP) of − 87.5 ± 3.0 mV. The scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analysis revealed spherical shapes, with sizes corroborating with Zetasizer results. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis ensured the compatibility of the drugs within the formulations, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the solid-state nature of curcumin in the formulation. The drug release from the formulations followed a release pattern closely fitting the Korsmeyer-Peppas release model. Permeation studies across synthetic Strat-M® membrane and full-thickness human skin demonstrated an enhanced transdermal flux of curcumin and tocotrienol from the Cu-TRF Ets compared to their pure drug solutions (p < .05). The rheological evaluation of the transethosome-loaded hydrogel demonstrated a pseudoplastic behavior, and the data approximated the Hershel-Buckley model. The study concludes that co-delivering curcumin and tocotrienol in transethosomal formulations can address the formulation issues associated with both curcumin and tocotrienol, while also enhancing skin permeation

Cynefin - A Zemiological Examination into Vulnerable Children in Wales and Scotland

Cynefin – is a Welsh word that has no direct translation into English. It is a feeling, being of a place, it describes the elements and experiences of our environment that influence us and how we see the world and shape our identity and our well-being, it is a feeling of belonging. Children who are sequestered in to the care system become a number in the system and measurements on their behaviour, achievements and stability are taken to understand the success or failure, of their corporate parent. Their need for love, security and a sense of belonging appear to be lost in the noise. This study applies a zemiological lens to examine the avoidable social harms experienced by children and young people with care experience in the devolved nations of Wales and Scotland. Zemiology, the study of social harms beyond legal frameworks, reveals how systemic failings in care provision generate multilayered harms including physical, emotional, financial, harms of recognition, and autonomy harms that collectively restrict opportunities, perpetuate inequality, silence the voice of the vulnerable and negatively impact life trajectories. Using a constructivist, embedded single case study design, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, visual timelines, and online surveys with care-experienced children, adults with care experience as children, and professionals. Reflexive thematic analysis identified 4 core themes: The Role of Social Services and Key Workers; The Extremes of Fostering; Harm to Crime; and Belonging. Findings illuminate the emotional and psychological toll of unstable placements, the trauma of edge-of-care experiences, failure of hearing the child’s voice, and the hidden pain of unsupported carers. This research highlights critical gaps in current policies and practices, particularly, rigid working hours, underinvestment in support services, inadequate post-care support and lack of positive role models. Recommendations urge devolved governments to restructure social service working hours, increase financial and human resource investment, enhance post-care transition schemes, and implement mentoring programs to provide consistent, supportive adult relationships. By linking zemiology with the lived experiences of children under corporate parenting, this thesis contributes to the understanding of structural harms in care systems and advocates for radical systemic reform to transform social mobility and outcomes for care experienced young people. Further longitudinal and comparative research is urgently recommended to deepen insights and promote policy change. Ultimately, this study urges policymakers to actively address the preventable harms endured by one of society’s most vulnerable populations; harms which can have long term and significant negative impact

Parasitic Diseases of Crabs in Swansea Bay

The digenean trematode Microphallus similis affects Cancer pagurus populations, influencing the ecological dynamics of this commercially important species. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence prevalence, and intensity is crucial for understanding crustacean disease dynamics. This study investigated the prevalence, intensity, and identification of trematodes in C. pagurus at Mumbles Pier and Oxwich Bay, focusing on temporal variation, host sex, size and environmental conditions. Crabs were sampled from both locations, with analyses of M. similis using PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Microphallus similis was present at both sites, with greater prevalence in April and August, likely due to favourable temperatures and host availability. Although location was not statistically significant, prevalence was greater at Oxwich Bay, potentially due to favourable conditions.Size was associated with the presence of M. similis, but no biometric or environmental variables significantly influenced parasite severity at either site. Additionally, metacercariae size did not differ between locations. The study highlights the potential implications for C.pagurus populations and the broader ecosystem, including possible effects on species dynamics and ecological interactions. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of trematodes and their interactions with crustacean hosts, including how these dynamics may influence host health, population dynamics and ecosystem stability

Widespread use of summative online unsupervised remote (SOUR) examinations in UK higher education: ethical and quality assurance implications

The use of summative online unsupervised remote (SOUR) examinations is associated with high levels of cheating, which increased further during the COVID lockdown. New generative AI chatbots have added further concern, since they can answer exam questions to a very high level. However, it is currently unclear how common these unsupervised examinations are. A Freedom of Information request methodology was used to determine whether universities in the United Kingdom used SOUR examinations in the 23/24 academic year. Extensive use of these examinations was found with minimal plans to reduce them for future years. Policies for the security of SOUR examinations often put students in the paradoxical position of being required to work under ‘examination conditions’ remotely, but with no attempt by the university to administer those conditions. This situation raises questions over the validity of SOUR examinations as an assessment format and the quality assurance of degree awards that include these assessments