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A Marr-Inspired Framework for Raising “Good” Robots.-
Get PDFOur current computer and AI systems are built on Neuroscience principles from almost a century ago. Recent advances in our understanding of biological computation have not crossed into computer science to catalyse advancements. We outline a multidimensional blueprint for a form of bio-inspired agent leveraging modern Neuroscience principles (including the co-localisation of memory and compute, plasticity, embodiment, active inference, and neurodevelopmental principles). We discuss how combining these core features could theoretically lead to cognitive agents that are aligned to our prosocial values, transparent, explainable, and energy efficient (i.e., “good” robots). In particular, we leverage Marr’s tri-level framework and advocate for an “Implementation Level” consisting of embodied neuromorphic hardware, an “Algorithmic Level” consisting of Active Inference, and a “Computational Level” consisting of prosocial goals (supported by evidence of prosociality catalysing the development of our own complex cognitive abilities). A developmental process scaffolds different prosocial computations over time. Supporting our perspective, we include simulation data demonstrating the transfer of priors between two different prosocial behaviours (Computational Level) via Active Inference (Algorithmic Level), supported by an embodied process (Implementation Level). Agent behaviour is transparent and explainable throughout. We advocate for this blueprint as a guide in creating capable, ethical, and sustainable machine intelligence
Making an original contribution to the leisure literature: what does this look like? (Editorial)
Get PDF“A fear of the unknown”: Understanding the perceptions of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES)
Get PDFTranscranial electrical stimulation (tES) are popular techniques for modulating behaviour within research and clinical settings. However, individuals are apprehensive around undergoing transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), with clear misconceptions around safety and efficacy. This work aimed to capture perceptions of tES and identify drivers and barriers to undergoing stimulation through a mixed-methods approach. Participants completed an online survey (n = 145) and follow-up semi-structured interviews (n = 7) to explore knowledge of tES, perceptions of safety, expectations of effects, and willingness to undergo stimulation. Change in safety and comfort scores were measured following increasing levels of information (basic overview, safety standards, ethical practice, photos of tES testing). Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and quantitative data through descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Participants were uncomfortable with the idea of “messing” with the brain and therefore reluctant to undergo procedures. Apprehension and fear around tES were evident, particularly wherewere deemed to have low efficacy. tES was viewed as safer (χ2 (3) = 40.842, p < 0.001, W = 0.094) and individuals were more comfortable with the prospect of receiving stimulation (χ2 (3) = 49.587, p < 0.001, W = 0.114) as they were provided with more information. Participant misconceptions around tES must be addressed to support larger-scale and appropriate recruitment. Provision of clear, explicit and independent information is important for building trust and demonstrating need of the techniques
Assessing the proposed changes to fan engagement in the 2023 UK Government White Paper on English football
Get PDFIn February 2023, a football governance White Paper, titled ‘A Sustainable Future – Reforming Club Governance’ was published by the UK Government. The White Paper acknowledged that it would act on a recommendation from a 2021 Fan Led Review to create an independent regulator to control the professional football pyramid in the UK. It has been broadly acknowledged that fans were central to the Review, and that their views should be listened to by football club owners and directors. This commentary focuses specifically on the issue of fan engagement outlined in the 2023 White Paper, analysing Section 8 titled ‘Fan Engagement and Club Heritage’, to ascertain the extent to which the planned reforms and the formation of an Independent Regulator for English Football (IREF) will change the nature of the relationship between fans and the governance of their clubs
Professional learning in the ‘grey zone’: a Network approach to professional development.
Get PDFProfessional development for the further education sector (FE) in England, whether commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), or the Department for Education (DfE), is typically formal learning. There are usually measurable outcomes, and practitioners are asked to identify changes to their practice. The focus on outcomes means informal learning is rarely directly funded. This paper analyses a professional development programme funded by the DfE and cut short. This programme was based on a network model that is neither fully formal nor informal. We argue the model sits in a ‘grey zone’ between formal and informal professional development, and that the specific benefits of this kind of ‘grey zone’ model should be considered for future commissioned professional development. We find that informal learning in the semi-structured setting created by the Network had the potential to empower and recognise frontline teaching staff, by providing opportunities to present good practices and learn from other Network members. The Network structure enabled responsiveness to practitioners’ needs, by being flexible and adapting to circumstances. However, these adaptations made the Network vulnerable to challenge, and this, alongside concerns about the quality of presentations, and a lack of centralised control, ultimately contributed to its downfall. In conclusion, whilst there are undoubtedly risks from a funder perspective of operating in the ‘grey zone’ these should be balanced against the potential significant benefits to participants of a network approach to professional development
A mathematical formulation for assessing disassembly plans based on energy consumption, disassembly time and recyclability for a sustainable design
No full textCarbon footprint in industry represents a major challenge toward limiting global warming and staying in line with governments’ policies regarding CO2 emissions. Therefore, urgent actions are required to comply with such requirements, consequently depleting carbon emissions. Reducing the overall energy consumption throughout a product's lifecycle is a promising strategy. However, the eco-design of disassembly process remains a research gap, necessitating the establishment of a decision metrics-based design guideline. To address this gap, this paper is implementing a new approach for evaluating the system’s design based on a set of metrics i.e. energy consumption, disassembly time, design efficiency, disassembly quality, and recyclability. These metrics are assessed in assembly lines for mechatronic equipment to gauge energy waste. The objective is to balance the disassembly lines through depleting the energy consumption. The trade-off between recovery and destruction of parts to be recycled is discussed. The proposed methodology starts with the extraction of necessary Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) data used to generate the feasible and optimal disassembly sequence. It is then converted to a workstation planning which will be optimized using power consumption criterion. The proposed approach is validated using a case study from the literature. The advantages and limitations of the proposed approach are thus identified
A time-series of evolving glacial geomorphology for Esjufjallajökull (Breiðamerkurjökull), southeast Iceland
Get PDFThis paper presents four glacial geomorphology maps depicting glacier retreat and landscape evolution between September 2021 and May 2023 at Esjufjallajökull, the central flow unit of Breiðamerkurjökull, southeast Iceland. The foreland, which deglaciated between 2010 and 2023, was mapped from repeat uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) survey data. A total of 16 landform types were identified, and their spatial distribution and morphological evolution provide valuable insights into ice and meltwater dynamics during deglaciation. The time-series reveals spatiotemporal variations in landform assemblages: a buried ice environment characterising the western study area, proglacial lakes, hummocky meltwater tracts and eskers dominating the central zone, and meltwater eroded spillways further east. The maps cover an area ranging from 2 to 5.4 km2, at a scale ranging between 1:4000 and 1:5000
The Effects of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Depression and Anxiety: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Get PDFExercise can reduce physiological and psychological symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. However, it is unknown which mode of exercise, if any, is more beneficial. To determine whether aerobic, resistance, or aerobic and resistance exercise improves depressive and/or anxiety symptoms in individuals diagnosed with depression or anxiety. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Five electronic databases were searched, until February 24, 2024. Studies were included for analysis based on satisfying quality appraisal standards and the established inclusion criteria associated with aerobic or resistance exercise in adults with a diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Random effects meta-analysis was performed where possible. Thirty-two randomised controlled trial studies (n = 3243 participants) met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review, and 26 studies (n = 2681 participants) were included in the meta-analyses. For the 25 studies assessing the effect of exercise on depressive symptoms, the pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) favoured exercise as a beneficial treatment of depression (−0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.28 to −0.66), with a large magnitude of effect. For the 11 studies reporting the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms, the pooled SMD results revealed that exercise had a significant, moderate magnitude of effect favouring exercise treatment (−0.66, 95% CI −1.09 to −0.23). No studies excessively influenced the outcomes of depression and anxiety. Aerobic, resistance, or a mixture of aerobic and resistance exercise is beneficial for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety