scholarly journals How Can Autonomous Vehicles Convey Emotions to Pedestrians? A Review of Emotionally Expressive Non-Humanoid Robots

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Yiyuan Wang ◽  
Luke Hespanhol ◽  
Martin Tomitsch

In recent years, researchers and manufacturers have started to investigate ways to enable autonomous vehicles (AVs) to interact with nearby pedestrians in compensation for the absence of human drivers. The majority of these efforts focuses on external human–machine interfaces (eHMIs), using different modalities, such as light patterns or on-road projections, to communicate the AV’s intent and awareness. In this paper, we investigate the potential role of affective interfaces to convey emotions via eHMIs. To date, little is known about the role that affective interfaces can play in supporting AV–pedestrian interaction. However, emotions have been employed in many smaller social robots, from domestic companions to outdoor aerial robots in the form of drones. To develop a foundation for affective AV–pedestrian interfaces, we reviewed the emotional expressions of non-humanoid robots in 25 articles published between 2011 and 2021. Based on findings from the review, we present a set of considerations for designing affective AV–pedestrian interfaces and highlight avenues for investigating these opportunities in future studies.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Imada ◽  
Nobuhiro Mifune

Disease-causing parasites and pathogens play a pivotal role in intergroup behavior. Previous studies have suggested that the selection pressure posed by pathogen threat has resulted in in-group assortative sociality, including xenophobia and in-group favoritism. While the current literature has collated numerous studies on the former, strikingly, there has not been much research on the relationship between pathogen threat and in-group cooperation. Drawing upon prior studies on the function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), we argued that the BIS might facilitate cooperation with in-group members as a reactive behavioral immune response to pathogen threat. More specifically, we held that individuals might utilize cooperative behavior to ensure that they can receive social support when they have contracted an infectious disease. We reviewed existing findings pertaining to the potential role of the BIS in in-group cooperation and discussed directions for future studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin-Zhu Yan ◽  
Laijun Lai ◽  
Qiang Ao ◽  
Xiao-hong Tian ◽  
Yan-hui Zhang

: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which mainly affects older adults. Although the global burden of AD is increasing year by year, the causes of AD remain largely unknown. Numerous basic and clinical studies have shown that interleukin-17A (IL-17A) may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. A comprehensive assessment ofthe role of IL-17A in AD would benefit the diagnosis, understanding of etiology and treatment. However, over the past decade controversies remain regarding the expression level and role of IL-17A in AD. We have incorporated newly published researches and point out that IL-17A expression levels may vary along with the development of AD, exercising different roles at different stages of AD, although much more work remains to be done to support the potential role of IL-17A in AD-related pathology.Here, it is our intention to review the underlying mechanisms of IL-17A in AD and address the current controversies, in an effort to clarify the results of existing research and suggest future studies.


Author(s):  
Ming Guan Ng ◽  
Khuen Yen Ng ◽  
Rhun Yian Koh ◽  
Soi Moi Chye

Abstract Leukaemia is a haematological malignancy originated from the bone marrow. Studies have shown that shift work could disrupt the melatonin secretion and eventually increase leukaemia incidence risk. Melatonin, a pineal hormone, has shown promising oncostatic properties on a wide range of cancers, including leukaemia. We first reviewed the relationship between shift work and the incidence rate of leukaemia and then discussed the role of melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and their functions in leukaemia. Moreover, the connection between inflammation and leukaemia, and melatonin-induced anti-leukaemia mechanisms including anti-proliferation, apoptosis induction and immunomodulation are comprehensively discussed. Apart from that, the synergistic effects of melatonin with other anticancer compounds are also included. In short, this review article has compiled the evidence of anti-leukaemia properties displayed by melatonin and discuss its potential to act as adjunct for anti-leukaemia treatment. This review may serve as a reference for future studies or experimental research to explore the possibility of melatonin serving as a novel therapeutic agent for leukaemia.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 250 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Gómez-Guzmán ◽  
Alba Rodríguez-Nogales ◽  
Francesca Algieri ◽  
Julio Gálvez

The beneficial effects of various polyphenols with plant origins on different cardiovascular-associated disorders, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2 and metabolic syndrome are well known. Recently, marine crude-drugs are emerging as potential treatments in many noncommunicable conditions, including those involving the cardiovascular system. Among the active compounds responsible for these activities, seaweed polyphenols seem to play a key role. The aim of the present review is to summarise the current knowledge about the beneficial effects reported for edible seaweed polyphenols in the amelioration of these prevalent conditions, focusing on both preclinical and clinical studies. This review will help to establish the basis for future studies in this promising field.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Li ◽  
Yongqian Shu ◽  
Yanhong Gu

Abstract Pancreatic cancer is a lethal and devastating disease in the worldwide. Recognized risk factors for pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking, obesity, type II diabetes and chronic pancreatitis. Other factors such as variant ABO blood type and Helicobacter pylori may also play an important role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Recently, growing evidence suggests that the association between bacteria and pancreatic cancer is positive and related immune/inflammation activation and increased nitrosamine exposure may be its potential mechanism. Interestingly, it is debatable whether the relationship of bacteria and pancreatic cancer is causative, reactive or parallel and future studies are in progress. Here we review recent progress in pancreatic cancer and its related bacteria.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 382
Author(s):  
Hila Z. Gvirts Probolovski ◽  
Anat Dahan

Motor functions in general and motor planning in particular are crucial for our ability to synchronize our movements with those of others. To date, these co-occurring functions have been studied separately, and as yet it is unclear whether they share a common biological mechanism. Here, we synthesize disparate recent findings on motor functioning and interpersonal synchrony and propose that these two functions share a common neurobiological mechanism and adhere to the same principles of predictive coding. Critically, we describe the pivotal role of the dopaminergic system in modulating these two distinct functions. We present attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an example of a disorder that involves the dopaminergic system and describe deficits in motor and interpersonal synchrony. Finally, we suggest possible directions for future studies emphasizing the role of dopamine modulation as a link between social and motor functioning.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirotaka Imada ◽  
Nobuhiro Mifune

Disease-causing parasites and pathogens play a pivotal role in intergroup behavior. Previous studies have suggested that the selection pressure posed by pathogen threat has resulted in in-group assortative sociality, including xenophobia and in-group favoritism. While the current literature has collated numerous studies on the former, strikingly, there has not been much research on the relationship between pathogen threat and in-group cooperation. Drawing upon prior studies on the function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), we argued that the BIS might facilitate cooperation with in-group members as a reactive behavioral immune response to pathogen threat. More specifically, we held that individuals might utilize cooperative behavior to ensure that they can receive social support when they have contracted an infectious disease. We reviewed existing findings pertaining to the potential role of the BIS in in-group cooperation and discussed directions for future studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 655-655
Author(s):  
Walter Boot

Abstract The Gerontological Society of America is celebrating its75th anniversary and in those75 years the world has undergone an amazing technological revolution. During this period, computers transformed from systems that once filled entire rooms to much more powerful devices that fit in our pockets. We have seen the introduction of wireless technologies, augmented and virtual reality, smart home devices, autonomous vehicles, and much more. This session focuses on a new technological advance that has the potential to support the health, wellbeing, and independence of older adults and caregivers: artificial intelligence (AI). This session will present applications of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and other novel analytic methods and how they have the potential to impact the lives of older adults in a variety of context. As AI is increasingly being involved in workplace hiring, the first talk focuses on older adults’ attitudes toward the role of AI in this decision making process. Next, novel ML approaches applied to social media are discussed in terms of understanding the needs of Alzheimer’s caregivers. Next, ML techniques are discussed in terms of developing biomarkers that can be applied in diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic responses by detecting mood, which may have important implications for older adults living with dementia. Then, the potential role of AI is discussed in terms of developing reminder systems to promote older adults’ adherence to technology-based health activities. Finally, novel analytic approaches are discussed in terms of harnessing digital metrics to detect the risk of cognitive decline.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Markus Casper ◽  
Maximilian Linxweiler ◽  
Johannes Linxweiler ◽  
Richard Zimmermann ◽  
Matthias Glanemann ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane proteins Sec61, Sec62, and Sec63 are responsible for the intracellular trafficking of precursor proteins and affect intracellular signaling. <i>SEC62</i> overexpression has been linked to various human cancers. Our aim was to investigate <i>SEC62</i> and <i>SEC63</i> expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and surrounding liver tissue. <b><i>Patients and Methods:</i></b> Primary liver tissue was collected from 11 consecutive patients (70 ± 9 years; 10 men) who underwent HCC resection. In the HCC and the tumor-surrounding liver tissue we investigated <i>SEC62</i> und <i>SEC63</i> mRNA expression using quantitative real-time PCR. For Sec62, immunohistochemistry was performed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> <i>SEC62</i>and<i> SEC63</i> total mRNA contents were significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.001) higher in HCCs (C<sub>T</sub> 22.5 ± 0.4 and 22.6 ± 0.3) when compared to the surrounding tissue (C<sub>T</sub> 24.6 ± 0.6 and 25.1 ± 0.9). Using the comparative C<sub>T</sub>method, <i>SEC62</i> and <i>SEC63</i> expression in HCC was increased 5- and 8.1-fold, respectively, in comparison to surrounding tissue. For Sec62 immunohistochemistry, the mean immunoreactive scores (IRS) were 7.9 ± 2.9 for HCC and 4.8 ± 1.2 for non-tumorous liver (<i>p</i> = 0.027). The mean IRS in HCC were 5.7 ± 3.5 and 8.9 ± 2.3 for patients without (<i>n</i> = 3) and with tumor recurrence (<i>n</i> = 8), respectively. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Overexpression of <i>SEC62</i> and <i>SEC63</i> is a common feature of HCC. The role of Sec62 as a prognostic marker for tumor recurrence after surgery and its potential role in treatment stratification must be addressed in future studies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 5615
Author(s):  
Nebojsa Duric ◽  
Mark Sak ◽  
Peter J. Littrup

This study explored the relationship between the extent of the fat–glandular interface (FGI) and the presence of malignant vs. benign lesions. Two hundred and eight patients were scanned with ultrasound tomography (UST) as part of a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant study. Segmentation of the sound speed images, employing the k-means clustering method, was used to help define the extent of the FGI for each patient. The metric, α, was defined as the surface area to volume ratio of the segmented fibroglandular volume and its mean value across patients was determined for cancers, fibroadenomas and cysts. ANOVA tests were used to assess significance. The means and standard deviations of α for cancers, fibroadenomas and cysts were found to be 4.0 ± 2.0 cm−1, 3.1 ± 1.7 cm−1 and 2.3 ± 0.9 cm−1, respectively. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The separation between the groups increased when α was measured on only the image slice where the finding was most prominent, with values for cancers, fibroadenomas and cysts of 5.4 ± 3.6 cm−1, 3.6 ± 2.3 cm−1 and 2.4 ± 1.5 cm−1, respectively. Of the three types of masses studied, cancer was associated with the most extensive FGIs, suggesting a potential role for the FGI in carcinogenesis, a subject for future studies.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document