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A Review of Theory of Mind and Robotics: Mind Reading in Human-Robot Interaction for Proactive Social Robots.
Full text linkSocial robots are becoming more prevalent in our daily life and will soon become part of our society. To answer this challenge, several studies focused on how we could integrate those technologies into the current world to help humans in their daily tasks. Many areas are involved in those challenging issues, and there is a particular focus on taking inspiration from psychology studies to develop autonomous machines. One of them is interested in using Theory of Mind(ToM), a human ability that enables us to infer our own mental states and other people’s mental states. However, it is a challenging task to integrate this ability in robotics. Through an analysis of the literature, we aim to provide some examples and guidelines on applying ToM in robotics to improve their behaviours. This review gives researchers a general view of the domain and insights on how they can contribute to its development
How do TQM’s critical success factors affect organisational performance? A configurational approach
Full text linkPurpose – This paper aims to illustrate a possible combination of critical success factors (CSFs) that best enhance firm performance and compare configurations of CSFs in ISO-9001-2015 certified and non-ISO firms in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach – The study sample comprises individuals from the service and manufacturing sectors and ISO-9001-2015 certified and non-ISO firms. We have collected data from 229 respondents from 134 firms, including 64.5% from ISO-certified and the remaining 35.5% from non-ISO-certified categories. In this exploratory study, we performed a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify the combinations of success factors that enhance performance.
Findings - The Results of this study capture the causal complexity surrounding the CSFs and firm performance. We found six configurations for ISO firms and five for non-ISO firms that enhance firm performance. Besides, the necessary conditions for firm performance of ISO firms slightly differ from those of non-ISO firms. Thus, the empirical results highlight the importance of equifinality and complementary relationships between conditions relating to quality management systems to increase firm performance. A significant difference was found between ISO-9001:2015 certified firms and non-ISO firms.
Research limitations/implications – A significant limitation arises from the sample’s inclusion of only Bangladeshi firms; a cross-cultural study could add new dimensions to the configurations. Understanding how these CSFs vary and need a longitudinal approach is essential.
Originality/value – Our configurational approach provides new insights into the complex dynamics of eight CSFs with a holistic approach. Instead of focusing on the additive linear net effects of CSFs on firm performance, we explain how the CSFs of TQM implementation combine into multiple combinations. By doing so, we show multiple equifinal pathways to firm performance
Examining the Mechanism of Disavowal and its Two Forms: Cynical Disavowal and Fetishistic Disavowal
Full text linkThis essay posits the existence of two forms of disavowal: cynical and fetishistic. It explores how cynical disavowal involves maintaining a manipulative distance by obscuring the gap between belief and action, allowing the cynic to disavow their investment in an unattainable object and their knowledge of the Other’s lack. In contrast, fetishistic disavowal acknowledges both the objective reality of things and their subjective appearance to the fetishist. Unlike cynicism, fetishism does not rely on obscuring the gap between belief and action; instead, it recognizes and embraces both aspects. In doing so, the essay highlights significant differences between the manipulative distance of the cynic and the self-awareness of the fetishist. It acknowledges the role of cynicism in maintaining the limits and prohibitions within ideology and authority, through examples of banality, while also emphasizing the unique qualities of fetishistic disavowal
Reimagining Transformative Educational SpacesTechnological Synergy for Future Education
No full textThis book explores the symbiotic relationship between human learning and machine learning, examining how emerging technologies and human-machine interfaces are reshaping the educational landscape
Gait temporal parameters estimation in toddlers using inertial measurement units: A comparison of 15 algorithms.
Full text linkBackground
Children’s motor development can be evaluated through the analysis of gait temporal parameters and their variability. This requires the detection of gait events in a real-world environment, which can be achieved using inertial measurement units. Algorithms have been previously developed for healthy adults; however, the performance of these algorithms in the detection of gait events in toddlers has not been analysed.
Research question
Can inertial measurement units be used to analyse gait temporal parameters in toddlers?
Methods
Fifteen previously published algorithms using sensors attached on the lower-back or the ankles were used to identify gait events and calculate gait temporal parameters. A total of 1388 initial and 1388 final foot contacts collected from 15 toddlers were included in the analysis. The performance of the algorithms was compared against a GAITRite mat in terms of accuracy and precision. Accuracy in the measurement of gait temporal parameters was evaluated using Bland Altman limits of agreement for repeated measurements, and precision was assessed through the evaluation of correctly identified, falsely identified and missed events.
Results
From our results, no algorithm emerged as a best option from all those analysed. Algorithms using the ankle sensors provide higher accuracy and perfect precision when using only angular velocity about the medio-lateral axis. The best algorithms using the sensor attached at the lower-back use the resultant or global acceleration that reduces the effect of the sensor’s alignment. These lower-back-based algorithms compared to the best ankle-based ones have similar accuracy for the calculation of stride time and higher accuracy for step time; however, they do not have perfect precision.
Significance
Inertial measurement units can support research analysing the temporal parameters of toddlers’ gait in controlled environments, and may allow future studies in natural, free-living environments that can improve the monitoring of gait in young children
How do you solve a problem like Pitcairn?
Full text linkThis paper examines the historical, administrative, and socio-political history of Pitcairn Island, a British Overseas Territory in the Pacific, which was compounded by the external threat of French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Despite its negligible economic and strategic value, Pitcairn exemplifies the complexities of Britain’s smaller territories in the post-decolonisation era, because the UK remains responsible for its administration and people. The island's isolation, dependency on external aid, and declining population have posed unique challenges for British policymakers, who have grappled with balancing local autonomy and cultural identity with the logistical and financial demands of maintaining such a remote territory. The study contextualises Pitcairn’s position as a “problematic remnant” of empire, exploring its symbolic importance, the implications of nuclear testing in its vicinity, and the broader legacy of imperial governance. Highlighting Pitcairn’s social, economic, and administrative history, the paper situates the island within the broader narratives of decolonisation and the “smaller territories problem,” ultimately reflecting on its status as a microcosm of Britain's imperial legacies and the limits of post-imperial responsibility
Sequence Analysis to Phenotype Healthcare Patterns in Adults with Musculoskeletal Conditions Using Primary Care Electronic Health Records.
Full text linkObjectiveThe aim of this study was to apply sequence analysis (SA) to phenotype healthcare patterns of adult patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions using primary care electronic health records and to investigate the association between these healthcare patterns and post-consultation patient's self-reported outcome.MethodsData from the Multi-level Integrated Data for musculoskeletal health intelligence and ActionS (MIDAS) programme conducted in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, UK was utilised. The study included patients aged ≥18 years who consulted primary care for MSK conditions between September 2021 and July 2022. SA was employed to categorise patients with similar healthcare patterns in primary care in the five years prior to their index consultation in respect to consultations, analgesic prescriptions, imaging, physiotherapy, and secondary care referrals. Association of socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported outcome with clusters were determined.ResultsIn total, 1,875 patients consulting primary care for MSK conditions were available for analysis. SA identified five clusters of prior healthcare patterns among patients with MSK conditions, including "increasing consultation and analgesia" (5.60%), "low consultation and healthcare use" (57.39%), "high consultation and healthcare use" (8.32%), "low consultation but high analgesia" (13.01%), and "low consultation but moderate healthcare use" (15.68%). Patients in the "high consultation and healthcare use" group were predominantly female, older, obese, had more comorbidities and lived in the most deprived areas compared to those in the "low consultation and healthcare use" group. Additionally, self-reported outcome varied significantly between clusters, with patients in the "high consultation and healthcare use" group reporting worse self- reported outcome.ConclusionThis analysis identified five distinct clusters of healthcare patterns for patients with MSK conditions in primary care and observed substantial variations in patient's self-reported outcome and socio-demographic profiles across these different groups of patients
Aerodynamics of Corrugated Wings: Past, Present, and Future.
Full text linkThis paper provides a detailed review of the evolution and development of corrugated wings, a biomimetic concept that is very effective under low Reynolds number flights. We will highlight, through reviewing experimental and numerical studies, the emphasis on its aerodynamic performance for lift enhancement, flow separation delay, and drag reduction in the aerodynamics of corrugated wings. Furthermore, we focus on topics such as fluid–structure interaction and aeroacoustics, presenting the possibility of morphing wing technologies in tandem and its effects on an angle of attack at various flight modes. This review outlines durability issues, materials selection, and experimental testing complemented by numerical models while determining the importance of interdisciplinary developments within corrugated wing aerodynamics using potential AI-assisted design. Our review envisions the application of aerodynamics of corrugated wings in the development of UAVs, MAVs, and future advanced aviation systems by integrating the principles from biology to engineering
Creativity, clarity, and compassion: the essential components of inclusive academic practice.
Full text linkThe neurodivergent student experience can be a negative one with a focus on deficits and support needs rather than strengths and unique and valuable contributions. Viewing inclusive practices, including creative pedagogies, through the lens of neurodivergency and the differences experienced by neurodivergent individuals gives us an opportunity to examine how we create learning environments that enable and value diversity of thought, skill and behaviour. By creating learning spaces that set the conditions for belonging, students of all neurotypes will benefit. Creative pedagogies can provide a more inclusive and equitable basis for which students with differences and disabilities can connect with the learning experience more effectively.
It is my opinion that creative and compassionate approaches to learning are an essential approach in an inclusive classroom. Ensuring a learning space that encourages curiosity, expresses compassion, and is demonstrably clear in how diversity is valued is a key responsibility of educators in today’s higher education. It is also my opinion that creative pedagogies are heutagogical (self-determined learning) in nature which strongly aligns to neurodivergent cognitive strengths, while not disadvantaging neurotypical individuals.
This opinion piece clarifies the characteristics of creative pedagogies, provides examples of cognitive skills and strengths in neurodivergent individuals, and suggests key examples of creative heutagogies. A set of recommendations is provided for practitioners which have been developed through the lens of neurodivergency and with an inclusive approach that benefits all students by encouraging engagement in learning through creativity, clarity, and compassion