A systematic review of familiarisation methods used in human-robot interactions for autistic participants

There is a growing need for standardised familiarisation techniques within the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) community. This is particularly the case when considering autistic participants, who may have difficulties with the novelty and sensory stimulation associated with meeting a robot. Familiarisation techniques should be considered critical to research, both from an ethical perspective and to achieve research best practice, and are also important in applied settings. In the absence of standardised familiarisation protocols, we conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to better understand the range of familiarisation methods used in studies of HRIs with autistic participants. We searched for papers from four different databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct. We identified 387 articles that involved HRIs with autistic participants. The majority did not mention a familiarisation phase (n = 285). A further 52 mentioned including familiarisation but without any description. 50 studies described their familiarisation. Based on a synthesis of these papers, we identified six familiarisation techniques that are commonly used. Using co-production techniques with the autistic community and other participant groups, future studies should validate and critically evaluate the approaches identified in this review. In order to help facilitate improved reporting and critical evaluation of familiarisation approaches across studies we have setup a familiarisation repository

Analysis of lesion localisation at colonoscopy: outcomes from a multi-centre U.K. study

Background: Colonoscopy is currently the gold standard for detection of colorectal lesions, but may be limited in anatomically localising lesions. This audit aimed to determine the accuracy of colonoscopy lesion localisation, any subsequent changes in surgical management and any potentially influencing factors. Methods: Patients undergoing colonoscopy prior to elective curative surgery for colorectal lesion/s were included from 8 registered U.K. sites (2012–2014). Three sets of data were recorded: patient factors (age, sex, BMI, screener vs. symptomatic, previous abdominal surgery); colonoscopy factors (caecal intubation, scope guide used, colonoscopist accreditation) and imaging modality. Lesion localisation was standardised with intra-operative location taken as the gold standard. Changes to surgical management were recorded. Results: 364 cases were included; majority of lesions were colonic, solitary, malignant and in symptomatic referrals. 82% patients had their lesion/s correctly located at colonoscopy. Pre-operative CT visualised lesion/s in only 73% of cases with a reduction in screening patients (64 vs. 77%; p = 0.008). 5.2% incorrectly located cases at colonoscopy underwent altered surgical management, including conversion to open. Univariate analysis found colonoscopy accreditation, scope guide use, incomplete colonoscopy and previous abdominal surgery significantly influenced lesion localisation. On multi-variate analysis, caecal intubation and scope guide use remained significant (HR 0.35, 0.20–0.60 95% CI and 0.47; 0.25–0.88, respectively). Conclusion: Lesion localisation at colonoscopy is incorrect in 18% of cases leading to potentially significant surgical management alterations. As part of accreditation, colonoscopists need lesion localisation training and awareness of when inaccuracies can occur

Harnessing the potential for pollinator conservation in agriculture : semi-natural habitat enhancements in Delta, British Columbia

Wild insect communities are key contributors to agriculture through crop pollination. However, many conventional practices in crop production harm insect populations; pesticides have toxic health effects for pollinators, herbicide applications diminish their access to foraging resources, and the frequent disturbance or removal of natural areas destroys habitat. There is growing evidence suggesting that the establishment of functional plant species within semi-natural agricultural areas supports pollinators, either by providing foraging or habitat resources. Planted hedgerows of native shrub and tree species within crop margins, as well as set-aside lands sowed with either grasses or a mix of grasses and flowering herbaceous plants, are examples of such semi-natural habitat enhancements. However, planted hedgerows have shown varying support of pollinating insect communities, and grassland set-asides have not been assessed for their pollinator conservation potential across management types. I conducted a three-phase research study to investigate the conservation potential of enhanced semi-natural areas in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia. First, I assessed pollinator community diversity in three agricultural margins (planted hedgerows, remnant hedgerows, unplanted margins) to evaluate the success of enhanced margins to support pollinators compared to unplanted weedy margins. I found that pollinators visited flowers in hedgerows more often than in weedy margins, but beyond floral visits, I did not observe overall community differences among margin types, suggesting that weedy crop margins are also valuable for pollinators. Second, I evaluated pollinator diversity in three agricultural field types (traditional grassland set-asides, grassland set-asides with added flowers, and active crop control fields) and concluded that both set-asides practices supported pollinators better than crop fields did. Finally, I explored management considerations for enhancement practices, focusing on plant species selection used in seeding set-aside fields or floral strips for pollinators, through a series of literature reviews and expert interviews. Results indicated that floral identity and floral diversity are both important management considerations for floral establishments. These findings provide evidence that semi-natural habitat enhancements supply key resources for insect pollinators in agricultural matrices. The adoption of these practices can promote both the ecological and productive sustainability of agriculture.Science, Faculty ofResources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute forGraduat

Bird-Friendly Art : A Social-Ecological Evaluation of the Prevention of Bird Collisions with Campus Windows

Collisions with windows are one of the main causes of human-induced bird deaths (Klem et al. 2014). Indeed, University of British Columbia (UBC) Sustainability estimates that more than 10,000 birds are killed on the UBC campus annually. These collisions occur as a result of birds attempting to fly through transparent glass, or mistaking reflections in windows as a part of their environment (Martin 2011). UBC shares its campus with various species of wildlife, including birds. The campus is situated on the Pacific Flyway, the route that migratory birds use during their bi-annual migrations from Alaska to Central and South America (City of Vancouver 2015). Birds provide important ecosystem services, such as pest management, nutrient cycling, and promotion of feelings of well-being in nearby humans. UBC Sustainability has therefore identified the need to promote a campus that is inclusive to non-human organisms. With this in mind, various buildings on UBC’s campus have added art to their windows to prevent bird collisions. However, launching such an initiative requires several significant considerations. The purpose of this project is to identify successful strategies for creating community-engaged window art that reduces bird collisions, and to provide recommendations for how other buildings on campus can similarly be retrofitted. Hummingbird Daycare, a childcare centre located on the south-west side of UBC campus, has been identified by UBC’s SEEDS (Social Ecological Economic Development Studies) Sustainability Program as a hotspot for bird collisions. Therefore, we have tailored recommendations for this particular case. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS Sustainability Program provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student research project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore, readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Sustainability Program representative about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report”Science, Faculty ofResources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute forUnreviewedGraduat

Disordered eating and considerations for the transgender community: a review of the literature and clinical guidance for assessment and treatment

Abstract Background It has been well established that individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer are at increased risk for mental health pathology, including eating disorders/disordered eating behaviors (ED/DEB). However, less is understood about the unique experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people who struggle with ED/DEB. Aims The purpose of this literature review is to examine the literature regarding the unique risk factors for TGD individuals who experience ED/DEB through a lens informed by the minority stress model. Additionally, guidance around the assessment and clinical management of eating disorders for TGD individuals will be presented. Results TGD people are at increased risk for developing ED/DEB due to a number of factors including: gender dysphoria, minority stress, the desire to pass, and barriers to gender affirming care. Conclusion While guidance around assessment and treatment of ED/DEB for TGD individuals is still limited, adhering to a gender affirmative care model is essential

Biological responses to the press and pulse of climate trends and extreme events

The interaction of gradual climate trends and extreme weather events since the turn of the century has triggered complex and, in some cases, catastrophic ecological responses around the world. We illustrate this using Australian examples within a press-pulse framework. Despite the Australian biota being adapted to high natural climate variability, recent combinations of climatic presses and pulses have led to population collapses, loss of relictual communities and shifts into novel ecosystems. These changes have been sudden and unpredictable, and may represent permanent transitions to new ecosystem states without adaptive management interventions. The press-pulse framework helps illuminate biological responses to climate change, grounds debate about suitable management interventions and highlights possible consequences of (non-) intervention.This paper is the result of a workshop on climate variability and biodiversity (past, present, future), funded by The National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) and organized by N. Roslyn. D. Rosauer participated in the workshop

Author Correction: Biological responses to the press and pulse of climate trends and extreme events

In the version of this Perspective originally published, affiliations 1 and 4 ware incorrect, and should have read: “1Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems CRC, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia” and “4Centre for Water, Climate and Land (CWCL), University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia”. These have been corrected in the online versions of this Perspective

Pollution swapping in arable agricultural systems.

Pollution swapping occurs when a mitigation option introduced to reduce one pollutant results in an increase in a different pollutant. Although the concept of pollution swapping is widely understood, it has received little attention in research and policy design. This study investigated diffuse pollution mitigation options applied in combinable crop systems. They are cover crops, residue management, no-tillage, riparian buffer zones, contour grass strips, and constructed wetlands. A wide range of water and atmospheric pollutants were considered, including nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, and sulfur. It is clear from this investigation that there is no single mitigation option that will reduce all pollutants

Results of SEI Line-Funded Exploratory New Starts Projects

development center. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Defense. This report was prepared for th