Physogs: a game with consequences

Social media and big data uses form part of a broader shift from ‘reactive’ to ‘proactive’ forms of governance in which state bodies engage in analysis to predict, pre-empt and respond in real time to a range of social problems. Drawing on research with British police, we contextualize these algorithmic processes within actual police practices, focusing on protest policing. Although aspects of algorithmic decision-making have become prominent in police practice, our research shows that they are embedded within a continuous human–computer negotiation that incorporates a rooted claim to ‘professional judgement’, an integrated intelligence context and a significant level of discretion. This context, we argue, transforms conceptions of threats. We focus particularly on three challenges: the inclusion of pre-existing biases and agendas, the prominence of marketing-driven software, and the interpretation of unpredictability. Such a contextualized analysis of data uses provides important insights for the shifting terrain of possibilities for dissent.

Reviewed by: After August: Blues, August Wilson, and American Drama by Patrick Maley Jonathan Shandell After August: Blues, August Wilson, and American Drama. By Patrick Maley. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2019; pp. 250. That August Wilson's "Century Cycle" transformed American drama is hardly news. But what is the exact shape of the impression his writing leaves? How differently does the surrounding landscape of American drama (past and present) appear, with that indelible mark at the forefront of our view? These are questions that animate Patrick Maley's monograph After August: Blues, August Wilson, and American Drama. Starting from the proposition "that Wilson's work is an especially evocative interlocutor with modern and contemporary American plays" (2–3), Maley examines this interlocution between Wilson and some of his American counterparts of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. The result is a study that offers valuable insights about a genealogy of American drama that (in terms of chronology) stretches before, during, and after August Wilson. The book's interpretive lens is the blues. Wilson famously credits the blues as a primary influence on his own writing (the first of his oft-cited "four B's"), and Maley foregrounds what he terms Wilson's "blues dramaturgy" (5) in the first half of After August. Chapter 1 revisits the blues as a cultural tradition of self-affirmation, shared suffering, social protest and resistance, dark humor, and communal interdependence deeply woven within the fabric of African American experience. Maley positions Wilson as a writer "deeply committed to a blues ethos as both a man and an artist" (41) by finding expressions of this ethos in speeches, interviews, non-dramatic and autobiographical writings (in chapter 2), and throughout the ten plays that comprise the Century Cycle (in chapter 3). The analysis highlights how—as an individual, an essayist, an autobiographer, and a social thinker—Wilson was a "bluesman who produced direct blues expression" (43). As playwright, Wilson uses "blues [as] the organizing metaphysics of the American Century Cycle" (65). Maley's analysis ranges across the entirety of Wilson's dramatic oeuvre, and gives extended focus to Joe Turner's Come and Gone as an illustrative case study into "the nature and import of the Cycle's blues methodology" (67–68). The book highlights three distinct Wilsonian character types. One is the "blues griot," a social muse "whose chief function is to guide and support others finding and singing their songs" (74). Another is the "warrior": who is, in Maley's formulation, a loner who "exists in discord with the community" and whose individualistic impulses lead "without exception to trouble" (98–99). There is also a revealing discussion of the Cycle's "blueswomen" (98); there, Maley echoes other critics in situating a rigorous reading of Wilson's female characters against the backdrop of the writer's clearly patriarchal worldview that mostly deprives those women of agency and consigns them to supporting roles as sex objects and suffering matriarchs. The focus on character types is illuminating, although it sits in some tension with the playwright's own words. As Wilson framed it in a 1988 interview, he sees the "warrior spirit" as an historic drive "since the first Africans set foot on the continent" to reject white supremacy and stand courageously against oppression, despite the fatal consequences for doing so.1 The warrior spirit is for Wilson a compulsion to resist dehumanization on behalf of (not in discord with) the dignity and integrity of a community. Such a spirit animates Sterling's righteous theft of the ham at the end of Two Trains Running, and Harmond Wilks's joining the fight against urban demolition to conclude Radio Golf. By attaching the "warrior" label to the most antisocial and self-destructive thrashings of Levee in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom or the titular King Hedley II, Maley adds some confusion to the Wilsonian lexicon. [End Page 221] The second part of After August looks to reinterpret American drama in light of Wilson's blues dramaturgy. In stark and revealing contrast to the preceding discussion of Wilson's blues aesthetic, chapter 4 explores the writings of Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams as works bound up in...

As with other pillars of the Scottish criminal justice system, the distinctiveness of the Scottish police model from its English counterpart has been widely acknowledged. Its historical development, institutional structure, and level of community support have been portrayed as unique in the United Kingdom. Although rarely heralded as a symbol of national identity in the same way as the Church of Scotland or the legal system, the Scottish police's distinctive customs, traits, and practices have been held up in some studies as a badge of national pride. Often this is for no significant reason other than the fact that police reform in Scotland predated similar developments in England. Municipal police administration has also been depicted as an important symbol of the self-governing nature of Scottish civil society, conferring upon local authorities a wide range of autonomous powers and strengthening their bargaining position with central government in Westminster in London.

Hostage and crisis negotiators are specialist police officers utilised internationally by police forces to resolve hostage and crisis incidents. Whilst the role has been heavily documented in some parts of the world (namely the United States of America), there is a lack of literature relating to the organisational and operational processes and procedures in place for police negotiators in the United Kingdom. Equally, there is limited research that has explored the experiences of negotiators who perform an essential function within a variety of life-or-death situations with a view to understanding how officers transition from trainee to qualified negotiators. This paper outlines the development of a grounded theoretical model that depicts the “hostage and crisis negotiator journey,” as represented by English negotiators. Interviews were conducted with 15 negotiators from nine police forces in England and a conceptual model was developed including five primary, 12 secondary, and 32 tertiary categories. The negotiator journey is chronologically recounted by means of the five main primary categories identified: (1) ‘Why? Reasons for entering (and remaining within) the negotiator world’, (2) ‘Who and how? The negotiator profile and selection’, (3) ‘Negotiator training’, (4) ‘Operational negotiator roles’, and (5) ‘Negotiator welfare and support’. This paper demonstrates one of the first attempts to empirically map the processes and procedures in place for negotiators in England and the findings are discussed in line with their potential implications for police policy and practice.

A modern society requires a dynamic police institution and workforce who are knowledgeable, skilled and experienced in contemporary policing principles, practice and policies. These attributes are gained through learning, and they often vary from one person to the next. Some student police officers might be neurodiverse, which refers to specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, hyperactive disorder, dyscalculia, autism and Tourette syndrome. Therefore, it is important to develop an understanding of the most effective learning style that is applicable to student police officers who are neurodiverse. This study used a qualitative approach consisting of 20 open-ended interviews with neurodiverse participants. The results suggested that there was a need for pedagogical change because learners have different learning styles. The results further suggested that universities that provided police education used a “one size fits all” approach, which was counterproductive for individual learning needs. It was highlighted that police educational providers needed to incorporate kinesthetic activities and social media learning activities alongside the other learning methods to accommodate the learning needs of neurodiverse student police officers.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0702/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Visual word recognition involves mappings among orthographic, phonological, and semantic codes. In alphabetic languages, it is hard to disentangle the effects of these codes, because orthographically well-formed words are typically pronounceable, confounding orthographic and phonological processes, and orthographic cues to meaning are rare, and where they occur are morphological, confounding orthographic and semantic processes. In Chinese character recognition, it is possible to explore orthography to phonology (O-P) and orthography to semantics (O-S) processes independently by taking advantage of the distinct phonetic and semantic components in Chinese phonograms. We analyzed data from an fMRI experiment using lexical decision for Chinese characters to explore the sensitivity of areas associated with character recognition to orthographic, phonological, and semantic processing. First, a correlation approach was used to identify regions associated with reaction time, frequency, consistency and visual complexity. Then, these ROIs were examined for their responses to stimuli with different types of information available. These results revealed two neural pathways, one for O-S processing relying on left middle temporal gyrus and angular gyrus, and the other for O-P processing relying on inferior frontal gyrus and insula. The two neural routes form a shared neural network both for real and pseudo-characters, and their cooperative division of labor reflects the neural basis for processing different types of characters. Results are broadly consistent with findings from alphabetic languages, as predicted by reading models that assume the same general architecture for logographic and alphabetic scripts.

The rapid formation of social judgments based on facial appearance is well-established, yet the role of specific facial features across cultural contexts remains underexplored. This study investigated how specific facial features-the eyes, nose, and mouth influence trait attributions across two culturally distinct populations: Bahrain and the United Kingdom. Employing digitally illustrated "faceless portraits" that omit key facial features at differing stages, the study assessed participant ratings on five social traits: dominance, friendliness, attractiveness, loyalty, and trustworthiness. A total of 270 participants evaluated portraits in which only selected features were visible. In the UK sample, the presence of the mouth accounted for over 50% of the variance in judgments of friendliness and dominance, although the mouth images often conveyed emotional cues. In contrast, Bahraini participants weighted the eyes more heavily, particularly in judgments of trustworthiness and attractiveness. Regression analyses confirmed that the mouth was a primary predictor of dominance and friendliness in both samples, whereas the eyes played a more prominent role in trait judgments among Bahraini participants. Reaction time analyses revealed significant interactions between location, trait, and feature presence, with UK participants demonstrating faster responses overall. These findings underscore the salience of individual facial features in impression formation and highlight meaningful cross-cultural variation in feature prioritization. By isolating facial components, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of face perception mechanisms and offers a methodological foundation for future research on cultural, cognitive, and affective dimensions of social judgment.

Event Abstract Back to Event What is so uncertain about uncertainty? Investigating decision making with different forms of uncertainties Marianna Blackburn1* and W El-Deredy1 1 The University of Manchester, United Kingdom Future outcomes are devalued as a function of delay, a phenomenon known as temporal discounting; however the mechanisms underlying this discounting remain unclear. One perspective is that that future reward devaluation is tied closely to an increase in uncertainty . However, future outcomes may be uncertain in several ways: when they will be delivered, what will be delivered, and the value they will hold in the future. The present study examined choice preference for probabilistic rewards which varied in terms of uncertainty. An opportunistic sample of undergraduate students (n = 38) undertook a computerized forced choice decision making card game, and completed the Eysenck's Impulsiveness Questionnaire, and Carver and White’s BIS/BAS scale of reward sensitivity. Participants were required to maximise points by choosing between three shapes presented on cards, which would then be converted to monetary rewards. The three shapes represented three different uncertainties: low certain value, certain outcome, high certain value, uncertain outcome and uncertain value, certain outcome. One way ANOVA analysis revealed measures of impulsivity were related to card shape preference. Participants who preferred the uncertainty of value option scored significantly higher on measures of impulsivity than those who preferred the uncertainty of outcome option. This suggests a more impulsive nature is associated with a drive for certain outcomes over value, and holds significance for understanding why future rewards are devalued. A preference for immediate over delayed rewards has been suggested as a function of impulsive behaviour, a common trait in a number of clinical and pathological conditions. However, impulsivity as a construct is not clearly defined. These initial findings are discussed in relation to reward discounting, and suggest increased reward devaluation may be the result of a preference for rewarding outcomes rather than value. Future research should investigate whether uncertainty preferences are upheld in clinical populations. Conference: 10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience, Bodrum, Turkey, 1 Sep - 5 Sep, 2008. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Decision Making and Response Selection Citation: Blackburn M and El-Deredy W (2008). What is so uncertain about uncertainty? Investigating decision making with different forms of uncertainties. Conference Abstract: 10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience. doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.09.2009.01.191 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 08 Dec 2008; Published Online: 08 Dec 2008. * Correspondence: Marianna Blackburn, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, marianna.blackburn@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Marianna Blackburn W El-Deredy Google Marianna Blackburn W El-Deredy Google Scholar Marianna Blackburn W El-Deredy PubMed Marianna Blackburn W El-Deredy Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

The objects of this research are: first, to explain some of the issues surrounding police accountability in the United Kingdom. Second, to make attempts in reconciling two opposing views as to whom police in the UK are accountable for? Third, to clarify the vagueness and ambiguous definitional concepts of the police constable, constabulary independence, and the use of police discretionary powers. The author investigated the following problems: lack of police proper accountability, vague and ambiguous meaning of constabulary independence constable oath of office, and the use of police discretionary powers. The main results of the research are: first, more clarity is needed as to whom is the British police accountable to? Second, a review of the current oath of office for police constable, the implementation of finding by previous committees set up by government: Lord Scarman, Rt Hon Christopher Patten, and Lord Nolan reports. Third, the monitoring of police officers' use of discretionary powers. The area of practical use of the research: is for all citizens, directly or indirectly affected by police and safer communities. Criminal justice students in higher institutions and criminal justice practitioners, government officials, and policymakers.

INTRODUCTION On 4 December 2008, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) delivered its Grand Chamber Judgment in the case of S and Marper v. the United Kingdom (2008). The judgment dealt a major blow to the national forensic DNA database (United Kingdom National DNA Database (NDNAD)) in England and Wales, the largest forensic DNA database in Europe. That judgment informs the purpose of this chapter, which is to review key issues of DNA profiling and databasing, many of which contribute to contesting forensic DNA technologies as an infallible means to truth finding in the criminal justice system (e.g. Lynch et al . 2008). The chapter concludes with a discussion of the implications that these issues have for the governance of DNA forensic profiling and databasing. The case of S and Marper v. the United Kingdom (2008) was brought to the ECHR by Michael Marper and another young man known only as ‘S’, whose fingerprints and DNA profiles were stored in the English police database following their arrest in 2001. Charges had been dropped in both the case of Marper (arrested on harassment charges) and of S (at age 11 arrested for attempted robbery). In the absence of convictions, both men demanded their fingerprints and DNA data be removed from the database.

This paper examines the effectiveness of community policing in addressing comprehensive security needs through a human security-oriented lens. While traditional policing emphasizes law enforcement and crime prevention, increasing societal complexity and recurring civil unrest expose significant gaps in how broader security concerns are managed. The study investigates whether community policing genuinely enhances overall security and explores how policing strategies can better promote safety and trust within communities. Using empirical data from a recent study in Nepal and a comparative analysis of community policing models in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Denmark, the research identifies key factors shaping insecurity beyond crime—such as intimidation, lack of justice access, poor income conditions, and inadequate health services. Although community policing has improved police–community relationships and public trust, it often fails to respond effectively to localized, context-specific security challenges. Perceptions of security differ widely depending on environment, gender, age, and ethnicity, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach. The findings argue for a human security-informed model of policing that integrates socioeconomic measures—like employment, education, and access to basic services—with enhanced police practices emphasizing integrity, visibility, investigative capacity, and community partnership. This holistic framework bridges the existing gap between conventional policing and broader human security concerns. By addressing the social and economic dimensions of insecurity, such an approach strengthens both trust and safety. The paper highlights its particular relevance for post-conflict societies like Nepal and other nations prioritizing the security development nexus.

PUF60-related developmental disorder (also referred to as Verheij syndrome), resulting from haploinsufficiency of PUF60, is associated with multiple congenital anomalies affecting a wide range of body systems. These anomalies include ophthalmic coloboma, and congenital anomalies of the heart, kidney, and musculoskeletal system. Behavioral and intellectual difficulties are also observed. While less common than other features associated with PUF60-related developmental disorder, for instance hearing impairment and short stature, identification of specific anomalies such as ophthalmic coloboma can aid with diagnostic identification given the limited spectrum of genes linked with this feature. We describe 10 patients with PUF60 gene variants, bringing the total number reported in the literature, to varying levels of details, to 56 patients. Patients were recruited both via locally based exome sequencing from international sites and from the DDD study in the United Kingdom. Eight of the variants reported were novel PUF60 variants. The addition of a further patient with a reported c449-457del variant to the existing literature highlights this as a recurrent variant. One variant was inherited from an affected parent. This is the first example in the literature of an inherited variant resulting in PUF60-related developmental disorder. Two patients (20%) were reported to have a renal anomaly consistent with 22% of cases in previously reported literature. Two patients received specialist endocrine treatment. More commonly observed were clinical features such as: cardiac anomalies (40%), ocular abnormalities (70%), intellectual disability (60%), and skeletal abnormalities (80%). Facial features did not demonstrate a recognizable gestalt. Of note, but remaining of unclear causality, we describe a single pediatric patient with pineoblastoma. We recommend that stature and pubertal progress should be monitored in PUF60-related developmental disorder with a low threshold for endocrine investigations as hormone therapy may be indicated. Our study reports an inherited case with PUF60-related developmental disorder which has important genetic counseling implications for families.

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Real-time face detection and recognition using hybrid-information extracted from face space and facial features