TATuP – Zeitschrift für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Theorie und Praxis
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Lab-grown materials for architecture
Full text linkThe idea of architecture using bio-based materials that are produced on an industrial scale under laboratory conditions and can be customized at the molecular level still belongs to the realm of science fiction. However, with the publication of their findings on plant-based, lab-grown materials, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have recently shown that such a future is well and truly possible. Their long-term goal: customizable timber, grown in a lab. Based on current research results and discourse, this article examines the potential of lab-grown materials for tomorrow’s architecture and how they could influence the design process. It also identifies possible positive and negative environmental impacts and discusses the role that lab-grown materials could play in the context of a material transition toward bio-based, sustainable materials in the construction sector.The idea of architecture using bio-based materials that are produced on an industrial scale under laboratory conditions and can be customized at the molecular level still belongs to the realm of science fiction. However, with the publication of their findings on plant-based, lab-grown materials, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have recently shown that such a future is well and truly possible. Their long-term goal: customizable timber, grown in a lab. Based on current research results and discourse, this article examines the potential of lab-grown materials for tomorrow’s architecture and how they could influence the design process. It also identifies possible positive and negative environmental impacts and discusses the role that lab-grown materials could play in the context of a material transition toward bio-based, sustainable materials in the construction sector
Materials libraries as knowledge tools on the path toward a circular construction industry
Full text linkExtensive factual and target knowledge about the need for a turnaround in the construction industry and a circular building sector must be effectively communicated to stakeholders and translated into practical knowledge. Materials libraries that are geared toward circularity and embedded in supra-regional networks have the potential to positively influence teaching, science, and practice: through the direct haptic experience of a real sample collection of building materials and associated research-based information databases in digital, location-independent form.Extensive factual and target knowledge about the need for a turnaround in the construction industry and a circular building sector must be effectively communicated to stakeholders and translated into practical knowledge. Materials libraries that are geared toward circularity and embedded in supra-regional networks have the potential to positively influence teaching, science, and practice: through the direct haptic experience of a real sample collection of building materials and associated research-based information databases in digital, location-independent form
Building the future: Toward a sustainable material transition in architecture and construction
Full text linkIn the introduction, we discuss the need for a material transition in architecture and construction and the challenges it poses. Drawing on innovation research, the multi-level perspective (MLP), and thousands of years of building history, we identify the potential for change, the obstacles that need to be overcome, and the importance of standards, in particular of established industry standards. The introduction also includes a brief description of each article.In the introduction, we discuss the need for a material transition in architecture and construction and the challenges it poses. Drawing on innovation research, the multi-level perspective (MLP), and thousands of years of building history, we identify the potential for change, the obstacles that need to be overcome, and the importance of standards, in particular of established industry standards. The introduction also includes a brief description of each article
Malevolent creativity and civil security: The ambivalence of emergent technologies
Full text linkThe characteristics of new technologies can cause significant harm to society. This does not only apply to unintended consequences, but even more so when the technologies are used for malicious purposes. The latter can be observed in the domain of civil security. Here, negative developments such as social polarization, increasing radicalization, and democratic regression alongside a deteriorating security situation are increasingly associated with technological innovation and malevolent creativity. As society becomes more and more aware of such correlations, technology assessment is called upon to provide orientation knowledge. This requires appropriate approaches and knowledge tools to assess the potential role of technology in relation to radicalization and political extremism.The characteristics of new technologies can cause significant harm to society. This does not only apply to unintended consequences, but even more so when the technologies are used for malicious purposes. The latter can be observed in the domain of civil security. Here, negative developments such as social polarization, increasing radicalization, and democratic regression alongside a deteriorating security situation are increasingly associated with technological innovation and malevolent creativity. As society becomes more and more aware of such correlations, technology assessment is called upon to provide orientation knowledge. This requires appropriate approaches and knowledge tools to assess the potential role of technology in relation to radicalization and political extremism
Book review: Timon, McPhearson; Nadja, Kabisch; Niki, Frantzeskaki (eds.) (2023): Nature-based solutions for cities
Full text linkUse case generation, variation, and anticipation in innovation projects: Analysis of current industry practices based on interviews with international innovation experts
Full text linkUse case scenarios play an essential role in innovation projects and influence the design of technologies. In this research article, I examine how use cases are generated, varied, and anticipated. To do so, I analyze interviews with international innovation experts (N = 14), e.g., Chief Technology Officer, Innovation Director, or User Experience Researcher. A heterogeneity of practices for the design of use cases, the creation of use case variants, and the anticipation of a possible extension of use cases can be identified. Anti-personas and worst-case scenarios are tools specifically aimed at identifying malicious use cases. A surprising result is the absence of special AI‑based procedures for use case generation, variation, and anticipation, indicating untapped potential for innovation projects.Use case scenarios play an essential role in innovation projects and influence the design of technologies. In this research article, I examine how use cases are generated, varied, and anticipated. To do so, I analyze interviews with international innovation experts (N = 14), e.g., Chief Technology Officer, Innovation Director, or User Experience Researcher. A heterogeneity of practices for the design of use cases, the creation of use case variants, and the anticipation of a possible extension of use cases can be identified. Anti-personas and worst-case scenarios are tools specifically aimed at identifying malicious use cases. A surprising result is the absence of special AI‑based procedures for use case generation, variation, and anticipation, indicating untapped potential for innovation projects
Artificial intelligence in melanoma diagnosis: Three scenarios, shifts in competencies, need for regulation, and reconciling dissent between humans and AI
Full text linkTools based on machine learning (so-called artificial intelligence, AI) are increasingly being developed to diagnose malignant melanoma in dermatology. This contribution discusses (1) three scenarios for the use of AI in different medical settings, (2) shifts in competencies from dermatologists to non-specialists and empowered patients, (3) regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and effectiveness and their consequences for AI tools, and (4) cognitive dissonance and potential delegation of human decision-making to AI. We conclude that AI systems should not replace human medical expertise but play a supporting role. We identify needs for regulation and provide recommendations for action to help all (human) actors navigate safely through the choppy waters of this emerging market. Potential dilemmas arise when AI tools provide diagnoses that conflict with human medical expertise. Reconciling these conflicts will be a major challenge.Tools based on machine learning (so-called artificial intelligence, AI) are increasingly being developed to diagnose malignant melanoma in dermatology. This contribution discusses (1) three scenarios for the use of AI in different medical settings, (2) shifts in competencies from dermatologists to non-specialists and empowered patients, (3) regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and effectiveness and their consequences for AI tools, and (4) cognitive dissonance and potential delegation of human decision-making to AI. We conclude that AI systems should not replace human medical expertise but play a supporting role. We identify needs for regulation and provide recommendations for action to help all (human) actors navigate safely through the choppy waters of this emerging market. Potential dilemmas arise when AI tools provide diagnoses that conflict with human medical expertise. Reconciling these conflicts will be a major challenge
Misuse of large language models: Exploiting weaknesses for target-specific outputs
Full text linkPrompt engineering in large language models (LLMs) in combination with external context can be misused for jailbreaks in order to generate malicious outputs. In the process, jailbreak prompts are apparently amplified in such a way that LLMs can generate malicious outputs on a large scale despite their initial training. As social bots, these can contribute to the dissemination of misinformation, hate speech, and discriminatory content. Using GPT4-x-Vicuna-13b-4bit from NousResearch, we demonstrate in this article the effectiveness of jailbreak prompts and external contexts via Jupyter Notebook based on the Python programming language. In addition, we highlight the methodological foundations of prompt engineering and its potential to create malicious content in order to sensitize researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to the importance of responsible development and deployment of LLMs.Prompt engineering in large language models (LLMs) in combination with external context can be misused for jailbreaks in order to generate malicious outputs. In the process, jailbreak prompts are apparently amplified in such a way that LLMs can generate malicious outputs on a large scale despite their initial training. As social bots, these can contribute to the dissemination of misinformation, hate speech, and discriminatory content. Using GPT4-x-Vicuna-13b-4bit from NousResearch, we demonstrate in this article the effectiveness of jailbreak prompts and external contexts via Jupyter Notebook based on the Python programming language. In addition, we highlight the methodological foundations of prompt engineering and its potential to create malicious content in order to sensitize researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to the importance of responsible development and deployment of LLMs