Desire Intention Research Articles

An agent architecture for expressive spatial knowledge and reasoning in land use modeling and simulations

This paper presents a new cognitive agent design approach integrating spatial knowledge representation and reasoning in agent-based modeling dedicated to land use simulations. A deep motivation for our agent-centric contribution is the ever-increasing development of spatially explicit agent simulation platforms. We build on this technological evolution and topology theory to endow the agent with human’s spatial representation and reasoning following a Belief–Desire–Intention architecture. A pilot implementation of the methodology with simulation experiments on a hunting model was carried out in GAMA platform to assess agent performances. Simulations display a consistent trend of animal population dynamics and also confirm a high model sensitivity to the integration of spatial knowledge and reasoning in agent-based models of human actor. These results demonstrate a successful implementation and the importance of spatial dimension in the expressive power and the validity of agent-based models. Future research efforts should therefore emphasize on designing human knowledge representation and incorporating learning abilities to improve models efficiency.

Agents preserving privacy on intelligent transportation systems according to EU law

AbstractIntelligent Transportation Systems are expected to automate how parking slots are booked by trucks. The intrinsic dynamic nature of this problem, the need of explanations and the inclusion of private data justify an agent-based solution. Agents solving this problem act with a Believe Desire Intentions reasoning, and are implemented with JASON. Privacy of trucks becomes protected sharing a list of parkings ordered by preference. Furthermore, the process of assigning parking slots takes into account legal requirements on breaks and driving time limits. Finally, the agent simulations use the distances, the number of trucks and parkings corresponding to the proportions of the current European Union data. The performance of the proposed solution is tested in these simulations with three different distances against an alternative with complete knowledge. The difference in efficiency, the number of illegal breaks and the traveled distances are measured in them. Comparing the results, we can conclude that the nonprivate alternative is slightly better in performance while both alternatives do not produce illegal breaks. In this way the simulations show that the proposed privacy protection does not impose a relevant handicap in efficiency.

인지전의 일환으로서 북한 유튜브 프로파간다 활용의 사례분석

In recent years, North Korea has increasingly utilized YouTube as a platform for conducting cyber propaganda, specifically as a form of cognitive warfare. The objective of cognitive warfare is to influence and manipulate human minds and thoughts by employing weaponized narratives as a strategic tool. Weaponized narratives play a pivotal role in shaping the audience's perception and attitude, effectively aligning them with the desired intentions of the communicator. The threat posed by North Korea has significant implications for South Korea's national security. However, there remains a scarcity of studies examining the utilization of North Korea's YouTube propaganda within the context of cognitive warfare, which represents a dimension of hybrid warfare. To address this gap, this study aims to analyze the risks and impacts of North Korean YouTube propaganda narratives on the audience. Through the application of a qualitative analysis method known as narrative analysis, this study thoroughly examines various narrative elements present in the videos uploaded on “Songah's Vlog”, including videos, images, audio, and textual narratives. The research findings, contributions, and policy suggestions derived from this study are thoroughly discussed

A model for automatic selection of IoT services in ambient assisted living for the elderly

Context:Engineering Ambient Assisted Living applications for the elderly is challenging due to the diversity and rapid changes of both end users’ needs and technological environment equipment. Objective:Assistive applications can be provided as combinations of functionalities provided by IoT devices. With the pervasive availability of functionally equivalent IoT devices, they should be selected according to the specific deployment context in terms of user needs and conditions, device availability, and regulations when the operative context dynamic conditions can be set. Such selection is the objective of this work. Methods:We rely on a conceptual framework for self-adaptation as the enabler for a run-time decision-making process. It allows for representing relations among IoT devices, the functionalities they deliver, and the different modalities these functionalities are provided with in terms of goals, devices, and norms. The framework is based on three fundamental principles: (1) high-level abstractions separating the expected functionality, how it can be delivered, and who is responsible for its delivery; (2) AAL applications as the run-time composition of atomic functionalities; (3) centrality of the user in the system. Result:The Device-Goal-Norm framework is proposed to specify diagrams for different AAL applications, together with the semantics to transform these diagrams into run-time models. We also provide a running implementation of a run-time model based on the belief–desire–intention paradigm.

Quantitative modelling and analysis of BDI agents

Belief–desire–intention (BDI) agents are a popular agent architecture. We extend conceptual agent notation (Can)—a BDI programming language with advanced features such as failure recovery and declarative goals—to include probabilistic action outcomes, e.g. to reflect failed actuators, and probabilistic policies, e.g. for probabilistic plan and intention selection. The extension is encoded in Milner’s bigraphs. Through application of our BigraphER tool and the PRISM model checker, the probability of success (intention completion) under different probabilistic outcomes and plan/event/intention selection strategies can be investigated and compared. We present a smart manufacturing use case. A significant result is that plan selection has limited effect compared with intention selection. We also see that the impact of action failures can be marginal—even when failure probabilities are large—due to the agent making smarter choices.

Timing and effectiveness of media frames reporting the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

This article analyses media frames employed by the Nigerian media in reporting events of the COVID-19 pandemic. It determines the linguistic choices that shaped the intentions of the media and how they aligned with the timing and effectiveness that impacted the thoughts and actions expressed by Nigerians. Agenda setting theory, framing theory and speech act theory elucidated the media practice of consciously selecting words or expressions for creating frames of news reports to achieve their desired intentions of controlling public perceptions of events regardless of the authenticity. This study adopted a mixed-method research methodology. Data were obtained from Nigerian online media reports on COVID-19, and also from a questionnaire to collect quantifiable data from 500 respondents in Nsukka metropolis in Nigeria using cluster and purposive random sampling techniques. We adopted Austin’s speech act (1962) and Bateson’s (1972) framing theories as theoretical frameworks to analyse our data. We observed the domination of frames involving assertive, declarative and directive speech acts in the Nigerian media reports to create a ‘death-sentence’ image about COVID-19 and to evoke greater belief in their stories, and fear among the public. However, with unfolding events not matching the media frames, Nigerians began to doubt the media and the government. This development showed that such media frames had outlived their effectiveness and needed to change to retain the public’s attention after their ‘optimum effectiveness duration’ had expired. The failure to change them made the public develop their counter-frames. The study, therefore, advocates a constant change of news frames to retain public attention and a review of Bateson’s framing theory to reflect societal and environmental impacts on frame effectiveness.

Rational software agents with the BDI reasoning model for Cyber–Physical Systems

Cyber–Physical Systems (CPSs) are complex and heterogeneous systems. Interacting with the physical world makes CPS unpredictable because of unanticipated events. Therefore, a CPS needs to reason these events autonomously. Henceforward, suitable reasoning mechanisms, such as rational agents with deliberative capabilities, should be selected and integrated into the CPSs. In this way, the integrated multi-agents can reason on environmental changes to find a plan that sustains the system’s operation for CPS. In addition, a layered architecture can pave the way to integrate the rational agents on embedded hardware and control the CPS. To this end, this paper presents an architecture, discusses a reference implementation and elaborates on the high-level integration of agents and CPS. Moreover, a complex and heterogeneous case study is provided to validate the effectiveness of rational agents in conducted experiments. Firstly, the rational agents utilising the belief–desire–intention (BDI) model required approximately three times less development time than simple-reflex agents. Secondly, the proposed approach resulted in up to 3 times less description complexity in language expressiveness. Lastly, the product quality is improved up to 66% by the rational agents and BDI model. As a result, our approach is beneficial to designing multi-agent CPS where it is aimed to use low-level control and high-level reasoning in a single platform.

Using Virtual Reality in E-Cigarette and Secondhand Aerosol Prevention Messages: Implications for Emotional Campaign Design

Vaping has dramatically increased in recent years among young adults. To increase risk perceptions and promote preventive behaviors against vaping and secondhand e-cigarette aerosol (SHA), this study designed and tested virtual reality (VR) messages based on the theory of psychological distance. We randomly assigned 137 participants to see one of three messages: a VR message presenting SHAs impact on the self (VR-Self), a VR message showing SHAs impact on others (VR-Other), and a print advertisement. Risk perceptions and preventive intentions/behaviors were assessed at three different times: before, immediately after, and 1 week after the experimental treatment. All three messages increased desired intentions and risk perceptions immediately, reduced vaping interest both immediately and 1 week after message exposure, and increased behavior to persuade others to quit vaping after a week. Compared with the print advertisement, VR-Other generated less vaping interest immediately following message exposure (β = 1.40, p = 0.05). After 1 week, VR-Self (β = 1.62, p = 0.05) and VR-Other (β = 2.37, p = 0.01) generated less vaping interest than the print advertisement. VR-Other also generated a higher level of perceived harm of SHA (β = 1.27, p = 0.01) than the print advertisement. VRs advantage over print in reducing vaping interest was increased after 1 week. Although VR-Other generated less emotions, such as fear, than VR-Self (z = 2.48, p = 0.02) and print (z = -2.82, p = 0.02), its persuasiveness was not hindered. Disgust increased the intentions to persuade others to quit vaping immediately after the experimental treatment (β = 0.85, p = 0.02), and anger aroused by recalling the messages decreased vaping interest 1 week later (β = -2.07, p = 0.02).

Boosting stakeholders' intention to participate in socially responsible collective action in megaprojects: perspectives of mega water transfer projects in China

PurposeMegaprojects have large impact on the environment and stakeholders should take collective action to ensure that these projects are developed in a socially responsible manner. Hitherto, it is not known whether group and subjective norms and social identity could compel stakeholders to take socially responsible collective actions in megaprojects. The aim of this study is to design and test a model to boost stakeholders' intention to take socially responsible collective action in the context of mega water transfer projects in China.Design/methodology/approachA quasi-experimental causal research design was adopted to establish cause–effect relationships among the dependent variable (we-intention) and independent variables (subjective norms, group norms, social identity and desire). This study adopts the belief–desire–intention model and social influence theory to empirically investigate how to boost the stakeholders' intention to participate in socially responsible collective action. An online questionnaire survey was conducted and data was collected from 365 respondents who were involved in mega water transfer projects in China. The partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was employed to analyze the data.FindingsThe results from partial least squares analyses indicate that the presence of subjective norms, group norms and social identity (collectively known as social influence process) could increase stakeholders' intention to take socially responsible collective action. In addition, the desire to be socially responsible also boosts stakeholders' intention to take collective action. Desire partially mediates the relationship between social influence process and intention to take socially responsible collective action.Originality/valueThis study adds to existing knowledge by discovering social influence process as an antecedent to taking socially responsible collective action in megaprojects. Strong group norms and subjective norms could propel stakeholders to be more socially responsible. The study also adds to knowledge by discovering that stakeholders' desire to fulfill social responsibility also leads them to take concrete actions. Implications and recommendations are provided on how to manipulate different types of social influence processes to facilitate stakeholders to adopt socially responsible collective action in the process of managing megaprojects.

Enhancing BDI Agents Using Fuzzy Logic for CPS and IoT Interoperability Using the JaCa Platform

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) are complex systems interacting with the physical world where instant external changes and uncertain events exist. The Internet of Things is a paradigm that can interoperate with a CPS to increase the CPS’s network and communication capabilities. In the literature, software agents, particularly belief–desire–intention (BDI) agents, are considered options to program these heterogeneous and complex systems in various domains. Moreover, fuzzy logic is a method for handling uncertainties. Therefore, the enhancement of BDI with fuzzy logic can also be employed to improve the abilities, such that autonomy, pro-activity, and reasoning, which are essentials for intelligent systems. These features can be applied in CPSs and IoT interoperable systems. This study extends the CPSs and IoT interoperable systems using fuzzy logic and intelligent agents as symmetric paradigms that equally leverage these domains as well as benefit the agent & artifact approach. In this regard, the main contribution of this study is the integration approach, used to combine the CPS and IoT augmented with fuzzy logic using BDI agents. The study begins with constructing the design primitives from scratch and shows how Jason BDI agents can control the distributed CPS. The study then performs the artifact approach by encapsulating a fuzzy inference system, utilizing time-based reasoning, and benefiting from symmetric fuzzy functions. Lastly, the study applies the self-adaptiveness method and flexibility plan selection, considering the run-time MAPE-K model to tackle run-time uncertainty.

P-489 The ABC of fertility intentions: a mixed-methods study exploring the spectrum of attitudes towards family building

Abstract Study question What are the intentions of men and women of reproductive age in the UK regarding fertility and family building? Summary answer We identified six main categories of people; Avoiders, Betweeners, Completers, Desirers, Expectants and Flexers, for whom fertility-education strategies should be tailored differently to suit intentions. What is known already Several studies have highlighted poor fertility awareness across men and women of reproductive age. As the average age of first-time parents continues to rise, there has been a concerted effort from educators, healthcare professionals, charities, reproductive health groups and government policy makers, to improve fertility awareness. In order to ensure that these messages are effective and to deploy the best strategies, it is important to understand people’s reproductive health needs. This study therefore aimed to explore the different family building intentions in order to aid tailoring of information to help individuals and couples achieve their family building intentions. Study design, size, duration Mixed method research was conducted via a UK-wide cross-sectional survey and semi-structed interviews. Results were obtained from 1,082 survey respondents and in-depth interviews with 15 men and 20 women. Interviewees were purposively sampled to include men and women from the reproductive age range (18-45 years) and of varying ethnic and educational backgrounds. Participants/materials, setting, methods Survey participants were recruited nationwide via online newspaper and social media adverts and of those who agreed to a follow-up interview, 35 were included this study. Interviews lasted an hour on average. Data was transcribed and analysed via thematic framework analysis. Favourable ethical opinion was given by University College London Research Ethics Committee. Main results and the role of chance From the survey and interviews, we identified six key categories of people, grouped alphabetically, in a user-friendly manner to highlight a spectrum of fertility intentions: Avoiders describe respondents who have no children and do not want to have children in the future; Betweeners describe those who already have child(ren) and want more in the future but are not actively trying to conceive; Completers describe those who have child(ren) but do not want more; Desirers describe those who are actively trying to conceive; Expectants describe those who were pregnant at the time of the study and Flexers describe those who may or may not already have and are unsure but open to having child(ren) in the future. A majority of the survey population were trying to get pregnant; were pregnant; or planning to have a child in the future - whether actively, passively or simply open to the idea, with interviews providing deep insights into their family building decision-making. Limitations, reasons for caution Due to the online recruitment method, there may be a bias toward more educated respondents. Wider implications of the findings We developed a user-friendly, alphabetical categorisation of fertility intentions, which can be used by individuals, healthcare professionals, educators, special interest groups, charities, and policymakers to support and enable individuals and couples in making informed choices to achieve their desired intentions, if and when they choose to start a family. Trial registration number not applicable

A novel Distributed AI framework with ML for D2D communication in 5G/6G networks

Inspired by the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) approaches in 5G and 6G networks, in this paper we propose a novel ML based Distributed AI (DAI) framework able to attain the ambitious goals set for emerging 5G/6G networks. The novelty of the DAI framework is that it is implemented in an autonomous, dynamic and flexible fashion, utilising Belief Desire Intention (BDI) agents, extended with ML capabilities, which reside on the mobile devices (User Equipment). We refer to these as BDIx agents. This provides a component-based framework (likened to LEGO-based building blocks), which can build on and utilise execution plans, by composing and arranging ML techniques in flexible ways within the framework, in order to achieve the desired goals. More specifically, we form a modular BDIx agent at a multi-agent system (MAS), integrated with Fuzzy Logic for the perception/cognitive part of the agents. By exploiting the capabilities of the BDIx agents in our DAI framework, we allow mobile devices to intercommunicate and cooperate in an autonomous manner, thus offering a number of attractive features, including improved performance in terms of network control execution time and message exchange, fast response in handling dynamic aspects in the network, self-organising network functionalities, and a framework that can act as the glue platform in employing one or more intelligent approaches to tackle the diverse 5G/6G technical requirements. To demonstrate the potential of the DAI framework we focus on Device to Device (D2D) communication and illustrate its flexibility in addressing diverse D2D challenges. Through example Plan Libraries and enhanced metrics, we outline DAI implementation specifics to achieve a number of identified 5G/6G D2D requirements. To embed the concept further, the specific problem of D2D transmission mode selection is expanded upon, from problem description to solution approach (DAIS) and implementation specifics, and hence comparatively evaluate over other approaches (i.e., Unsupervised learning ML techniques, centralised control techniques, random techniques). The results demonstrated that DAIS provides, among other performance metrics, improved mobile network Spectral Efficiency (SE) and Power Consumption (PC), better and more efficient cluster formation and reduced control decision delay.

Value positions in the implementation of automated decision-making in social assistance

ABSTRACT Automated decision-making (ADM) has been introduced into the public sector in many countries, including for decisions made regarding the provision of economic support to people in need. This article analyses the value positions (the ‘desired intentions’) for using ADM to determine such decisions in four Swedish municipalities. The value positions related to efficiency of the application process, its result and the improved service that ensues, including more time for helping people to become self-supporting. The core issue of helping people in need and the mundanisation of activities when discussed as ‘services’ is of paramount importance. Meanwhile, the value position of professionalism relates to providing well-designed technology to preserve the quality of decisions. The results also showed differences between municipalities regarding aspects of professionalism that influence the (digital and otherwise) discretion of caseworkers: user participation in design, length of experiences and so on. Divergences between instances of value positions were detected, such as the need to increase the use of information and communications technology as a part of service values, whereas a lack of trust in citizens may exist among caseworkers. Through the framework of value positions, this article contributes to the discourse on the use of theory in social work research.

The ABC of reproductive intentions: a mixed-methods study exploring the spectrum of attitudes towards family building.

STUDY QUESTIONWhat are the intentions of men and women of reproductive age in the UK regarding reproduction and family building?SUMMARY ANSWERWe identified six main categories of people; Avoiders, Betweeners, Completers, Desirers, Expectants and Flexers, for whom reproduction education strategies should be tailored differently to suit intentions.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYSeveral studies have highlighted poor fertility awareness across men and women of reproductive age. As the average age of first-time parents continues to rise, there has been a concerted effort from educators, healthcare professionals, charities, reproductive health groups and government policymakers, to improve fertility awareness. In order to ensure that these messages are effective and to deploy the best strategies, it is important to understand people’s reproductive health needs. This study therefore aimed to explore different reproductive intentions to aid tailoring of information to help individuals and couples achieve their family building desires.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONWe conducted a mixed-method study via a UK-wide cross-sectional survey with 1082 participants and semi-structured interviews of 20 women and 15 men who agreed to follow-up interviews. Interviews lasted an hour on average. Ethics approval from UCL Research Ethics Committee.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSSurvey participants were recruited nationwide via online newspaper and social media adverts. Interviewees were purposely sampled to include men and women from the reproductive age range (18–45 years), varying ethnicity and education background. Survey data were analysed using the Minitab statistical software package. Interview data were transcribed and analysed using the framework method.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEFrom the survey and interviews, we identified six key categories of people, grouped alphabetically, in a user-friendly manner to highlight a spectrum of reproductive intentions: Avoiders describes respondents who have no children and do not want to have children in the future; Betweeners describes those who already have child(ren) and want more in the future but are not actively trying to conceive; Completers describes those who have child(ren) but do not want more; Desirers describes those who are actively trying to conceive or plan to have child(ren) in the future; Expectants describes those who were pregnant at the time of the study; and Flexers describes those who may or may not already have and are unsure but or open to having child(ren) in the future. Analysis of survey data identified the following proportions in our study: Avoiders, 4.7%; Betweeners, 11.3%; Completers, 13.6%; Desirers, 36.9%; Expectants, 4.1%; and Flexers 28.4% and 2.4% preferring not to answer. There was one ‘other’ group from qualitative analysis, who would like to have children in the future but were unsure whether they could or had changing views. We recommend classifying as ‘Desirers’ or ‘Flexers’ for the purposes of fertility education. A majority of the survey population were trying to get pregnant; were pregnant; or planning to have a child in the future—whether actively, passively or simply open to the idea, with interviews providing deep insights into their family building decision-making.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONDue to the online recruitment method, there may be a bias towards more educated respondents.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSWe developed a user-friendly, alphabetical categorization of reproductive intentions, which may be used by individuals, healthcare professionals, educators, special interest groups, charities and policymakers to support and enable individuals and couples in making informed choices to achieve their desired intentions, if and when they choose to start a family.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)There was no external funding for this study. The authors report no competing interests.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.

Comparison of Manual Wheelchair and Pushrim-Activated Power-Assisted Wheelchair Propulsion Characteristics during Common Over-Ground Maneuvers.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that use force sensor data to provide on-demand propulsion assistance to manual wheelchair users. However, available data about kinetic and kinematic of PAPAW use are mainly limited to experiments performed on a treadmill or using a dynamometer. In this work, we performed experiments to gather kinetics of wheelchair propulsion and kinematics of wheelchair motion for a variety of over-ground wheelchair maneuvers with a manual wheelchair with and without PAPAWs. Our findings revealed that using PAPAWs can significantly reduce the propulsion effort and push frequency. Both linear and angular velocities of the wheelchair were significantly increased when using PAPAWs. Less force and push frequency could potentially reduce risk of chronic upper limb injury. Higher linear velocity could be desirable for various daily life activities; however; the increase in the angular velocity could lead to unintended deviations from a desired path. Future research could investigate PAPAW controllers that amplify the desired intentions of users while mitigating any unwanted behaviours.

Simulation of Policy Tools’ Effects on Farmers’ Adoption of Conservation Tillage Technology: An Empirical Analysis in China

Conservation tillage technology (CTT) provides a new solution to the problem of cultivated land protection. Using effective policy tools to ensure that farmers adopt conservation tillage technology is crucial to the sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources and the development of agricultural modernization. This study aims to explore the decision-making and the dynamic influence mechanism involved in using policy tools to influence farmers’ technology adoption behaviors by constructing a theoretical framework. Based on survey data of farmers in Liaoning Province, China, the Agent Belief–Desire–Intention (BDI) model is applied. The results show that the implementation of policy tools promotes farmers’ adoption of CTT, but different types of policy tools have different impacts on the decision-making behavior of farmers; a change in the intensity of the policy tools will also cause differences in farmers’ behavioral responses. In addition, policy tools must be implemented in a timely manner, as the number of farmers adopting CTT reaches the maximum within 2–3 years. Based on the above research results, in order to effectively promote farmers’ adoption of CTT, the government should pay attention to the role of information-inducing policy and set flexible policy subsidies and punishment standards.

Formal Model of IDS Based on BDI Logic

Computer network security is an important aspect of computer science. Many researchers are trying to increase security using different methods, technologies, or tools. One of the most common practices is the deployment of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS). The current state of IDS brings only passive protection from network intrusions, i.e., IDS can only detect possible intrusions. Due to that, the manual intervention of an administrator is needed. In our paper, we present a logical model of an active IDS based on category theory, coalgebras, linear logic, and Belief–Desire–Intention (BDI) logic. Such an IDS can not only detect intrusions but also autonomously react to them according to a defined security policy. We demonstrate our approach on a motivating example with real network intrusions.

P–483 “It’s a bigger deal for her”: Understanding differences in partner involvement in reproductive health decision-making

Abstract Study question What is the level of partners involvement in family-building and reproductive health decisions? Summary answer Level of Involvement ranges from active decision-makers and equal-partnerships to indifferent or no partners. Fertility education needs to be tailored according to level of involvement. What is known already Partner involvement is very important in alleviating stress associated with fertility and reproductive health decisions. Recent global health policies have recognised the importance of improving knowledge and awareness of fertility and reproductive health among couples, additionally there has been a concerted effort among reproductive health groups, to improve fertility awareness. Understanding the role partners play in decision-making is therefore important in order to ensure that men and women achieve their family building intentions. In this study, we interviewed men and women, to understand partners involvement in decision-making. Study design, size, duration The study was a qualitative component of a wider mixed methods study. We carried out 35 in-depth interviews with 15 men and 20 women. Interviewees were purposively sampled to include men and women from the reproductive age range (18–45 years) and of varying ethnic and educational backgrounds. Participants/materials, setting, methods Interviewees were sampled from a UK cross-sectional survey on Fertility Awareness. Survey participants were recruited nationwide via online newspaper and social media adverts and of those who agreed to a follow-up interview, 35 were included this study. Interviews lasted an hour on average. Data was transcribed and analysed via framework analysis. Favourable ethical opinion was given by University College London Research Ethics Committee. Main results and the role of chance We identified four kinds of partner involvement and impact, as follows: Drivers: These are active decision-makers who play a bigger role. The decision is usually clear and directive and are typically women. Quotes describing drives include: “Her body her rights”, “I just went with her [views]”, MP5 - Male, Age 38. “She carries the pregnancy, and it’s a bigger deal for her so it’s important for her to choose.” MP1 - Male, Age 45. Sharers: In these equal partnerships, joint decisions are important. Being similarly minded and aligned is key to achieving desired family building decisions. . “It was very mutual because he’d actually been talking about it for a long time… so we were both completely ready.” Female, Age 31. Neutrals: general indifference to family-building decision-making and are not as proactive as the drivers. Solo: includes individuals with no partners or those who haven’t met a suitable partner at the right time or until later in life, or those for whom singleness by choice is key to their decision-making. “If I did meet the right person yeah, I would love one more child, because I’ve always wanted two” Female, Age 36. Limitations, reasons for caution One of the main methodological limitations of this study is that the interviewees were self-selected, which has implications for generalisability. The results necessarily reflect the views of those who were willing to participate. Online recruitment method could result in potential bias towards respondents of higher socioeconomic status. Wider implications of the findings: To improve fertility awareness, current initiatives need to further explore the impact of partners in family-building decision-making in order to have effective campaigns which can help men and women achieve their desired fertility intentions. Trial registration number Not applicable

Hybrid Verification Technique for Decision-Making of Self-Driving Vehicles

The evolution of driving technology has recently progressed from active safety features and ADAS systems to fully sensor-guided autonomous driving. Bringing such a vehicle to market requires not only simulation and testing but formal verification to account for all possible traffic scenarios. A new verification approach, which combines the use of two well-known model checkers: model checker for multi-agent systems (MCMAS) and probabilistic model checker (PRISM), is presented for this purpose. The overall structure of our autonomous vehicle (AV) system consists of: (1) A perception system of sensors that feeds data into (2) a rational agent (RA) based on a belief–desire–intention (BDI) architecture, which uses a model of the environment and is connected to the RA for verification of decision-making, and (3) a feedback control systems for following a self-planned path. MCMAS is used to check the consistency and stability of the BDI agent logic during design-time. PRISM is used to provide the RA with the probability of success while it decides to take action during run-time operation. This allows the RA to select movements of the highest probability of success from several generated alternatives. This framework has been tested on a new AV software platform built using the robot operating system (ROS) and virtual reality (VR) Gazebo Simulator. It also includes a parking lot scenario to test the feasibility of this approach in a realistic environment. A practical implementation of the AV system was also carried out on the experimental testbed.

Правовое регулирование оборота недвижимого имущества в условиях цифровизации российской экономики

Introduction: the formation and development of the real estate market as a specific sphere of market relations is one of the basic vectors of the creation in the Russian Federation of an economic system based on the prevalence of private property and market mechanisms of self-regulation, functioning and formation of the economy. The rapid development of digital technologies leads to the transformation of the entire system of public relations, including the sphere of real estate transactions. Purpose: to study the peculiarities of concluding transactions, whose object is real estate, in the context of informatization of civil turnover, as well as to develop and justify the theoretical and practical conclusions and proposals for improving the relevant legal regulation. Methods: the methodological framework for the study is based on the methods of scientific cognition, among which the main ones are the methods of consistency, analysis and comparative law. Results: the author analyzes the results of the reform of the current civil legislation and innovations in the field of the legal regulation of real estate transactions in the context of digitalization and informatization of the state and society, considers the main theoretical and practical problems of the legal regulation of the implementation and organization of such transactions using digital technologies, and also formulated specific proposals for improving the current legislation in this area. Conclusions: the innovations in the legal regulation of real estate in the context of the fourth industrial revolution contain a number of positive aspects, but it is advisable to constantly identify and develop the ways to eliminate the gaps, both in the legal regulation and in the theoretical and legal understanding of the transformation of public relations in the field of real estate transactions in the context of Industry 4.0. It is revealed that when making a transaction completely in electronic form, neither the registration authority nor the notary will be able to determine the real, desired intentions of the transaction participant, who may be under duress, or does not understand the meaning of his actions, or is misled, which may later become the basis for invalidating the transaction. In this regard, the additional mechanisms for authenticating applicants when receiving electronic public services are needed.