Rule-following robots? Transitional legal disruption through regulatee design and engineering

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already part of our everyday life. Nowadays, facial recognition and autonomous driving are common applications of AI. It has now gone on to invade the field of medicine, and many studies showed promising applications of AI in radiology, pathology, endoscopy, and so on. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a disruptive innovation in all areas of medicine including surgery. Not only has it been applied for research purpose but also AI can already provide significant solutions in clinical settings. Attention is now turning to the potential of AI in the field of endoscopic surgery. It is essential to understand how machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) work, understand current applications in surgery, and prepare for the future of surgery in the era of AI.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gradually changing medical practice. With recent progress in digitized data acquisition, machine learning and computing infrastructure, AI applications are expanding into areas that were previously thought to be the exclusive domain of human experts. One such area is biobanking, which forms a natural extension for AI-driven activities, both because biobanking is a foundational activity for downstream precision medical research, as well as because biobanking can increasingly accommodate high-throughput sample-, image- and data-handling operational models. The increasing AI-driven appetite for higher volumes of data and images often necessitates the cross-border collaboration of biobanks; likely to develop to one of the major forces dictating the international biobanking collaboration in the near future. However there are significant challenges ahead at the same time: firstly key practical issues surrounding the implementation of AI into existing research and clinical workflows, including data standardization, data sharing and interoperability across multiple platforms. Secondly governance concerns such as privacy, transparency of algorithms, data interpretation and how the latter might impact patient safety. Here a high-level summary of these opportunities and challenges will be presented from the perspective of AI driving more and stronger international collaborations in biobanking.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing many aspects of education and is gradually being introduced to language education. This article reviews the literature to examine main trends and common findings in relation to AI technologies and applications for second and foreign language learning and teaching. With special reference to computer-assisted language learning (CALL), the article explores natural language processing (NLP), data-driven learning (DDL), automated writing evaluation (AWE), computerized dynamic assessment (CDA), intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs), automatic speech recognition (ASR), and chatbots. It contributes to discussions on understanding and using AI-supported language learning and teaching. It suggests that AI will be continuously integrated into language education, and AI technologies and applications will have a profound impact on language learning and teaching. Language educators need to ensure that AI is effectively used to support language learning and teaching in AI-powered contexts. More rigorous research on AI-supported language learning and teaching is recommended to maximise second and foreign language learning and teaching with AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly developing and being implemented in every area of society, including higher education (HE). Evidence shows that AI has become an important subject among the academia representing about 2.2% of all scientific publications in 2018 and counting. Higher education institutions (HEIs), especially in developed countries, have already started to use AI technology in various areas such as teaching and learning and management. At the same time, AI has been increasingly appearing in curricula, in an attempt to prepare current students with the skills required by the changing job market. HEIs need to gather the infrastructure, digital and human capacity, and frameworks to properly and safely use such technology while putting students at the center. As such, this chapter provides an initial overview of the practical applications of AI in HEIs, particularly in the areas of teaching, learning, and administration.

Theoretical analysis of many Ukrainian scientists-psychologists’ basic scientific points, which represented substantial filling of terms “the personality’s development” and “personal development”, is committed. To some degree, these terms are meaningfully intercrossed. But each of them has its own different substantial accents. A generalization of ideas and scientists’ points of view showed that the term “the personality’s development” is substantially wide. The personality’s development may be spontaneous, free, or purposeful, regulated, with a progressive or regressive tendency, in different forms (physical, social, spiritual, etc.). The term “personal development” is narrower. At the same time, it is rather deep in meaning and it deals with actualization of the human personal component and its self-development and self realization in human life. In classic psychological science, the personality’s development is taken in interconnection with the influence of activity and consciousness on it. However, leading scientists in the process of development accented the personality and its activity. The personality appeared simultaneously both as a pre-condition and as a result of activity, self-motion, and self-development. It was a dominant idea that the personality’s development is determined by external circumstances, but nothing in the personality’s development is caused by external influences. The laws of the personality’s developmental are internal laws. Correlation of “external” and “internal” in the personality’s development is interconnected with correlation, interrelation, interinfluence, external conditions, and internal human potentials. The scientists who preferred internal conditions, narrow down the origins of the personality’s development to spontaneity, self-motion, self-development, and self-activity. The main way of the personality’s being is development. In contemporary Ukrainian psychological science, the conception of the personality’s development in interaction, interrelation by means of influence of subject and object, which suppose simultaneity of change and back reaction against each other, is also important. A wide palette in interpretations of origins, the bases of the personality’s development is analyzed. It is proved that a basic phenomenon which activates the personality’s development is the will. “Will” and arbitrariness are the basic reasons of the personality’s self-determination, self-making, and self-development. It is emphasized that personal life crises and possibilities in their resolving cause self-creating of new self-attitudes and attitudes towards other people. Solving of life crises by the personality are the factors that lead to the personality’s self-regulation, self-creation, and self-development. The point of view about subjectivity as the base of the personality’s development is confirmed. This is internal activity, exactly, it is a self-determined activity in the personality’s self-analyzing and self-realization in the life space. Subjective tools of self-analyzing, self-estimating, self-determination, and self-actualization motivate the personality’s development. The point of view is founded that self-regulation as the most important personal quality, which causes quality of management of different personal and changeable human systems, activate self-movement, self-renovation, and restructuring of the human personal world. Self-regulation is a base, the main device of the personality’s development.

Transnational discovery—the process of obtaining evidence in one country for use in legal proceedings in another—is increasingly important in contemporary international civil and commercial litigation. It is particularly challenging because different national rules exist both as to what information can be obtained and how, and by whom, it can be acquired. This chapter reviews a range of practical and legal challenges that practitioners may face when taking evidence in one national jurisdiction for use in another. It surveys existing multilateral instruments on the subject, in particular the Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters, the Inter-American Convention on Taking Evidence Abroad and its Additional Protocol, and EU Regulation No. 1206/2001. It also describes in some detail relevant U.S. rules and concludes by summarizing some of the growing challenges presented by the taking of electronic or digital evidence located within one country for use in another.

Kevan A. C. Martin, a neurobiologist and director of the Institute of Neuroinformatics—a joint institute of the University of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology—has a moral dilemma. For the past four years, he has not hired any postdoctoral fellows or PhD students. He feels he cannot take them on in good conscience because he cannot guarantee they will be able to do research. It was another moral debate that put him in this position; his work on rhesus macaques has been put on hold and he is uncertain when, or if, it will resume in Switzerland. > …the real impact on primate labs might come from pending revisions to legislation in Europe and the USA that could potentially end research on apes and monkeys altogether In 2004, the Swiss Constitution was changed to acknowledge “the dignity of living beings,” which, according to Martin, was intended to address concerns about transgenic experimentation, rather than animal research in general. Nevertheless, the change resulted in some members of a local external advisory committee on animal experimentation legally challenging the 2006 renewal of Martin's license to use the monkeys for neurobiological research. Similar legal action was taken against Daniel Kiper at the same institute, whose research on brain plasticity in monkeys has relevance for stroke patients. A third researcher, whose work on motor systems has implications for patients with spinal cord damage, has decided to leave Switzerland (Staub, 2007). All three of these projects were approved by the Zurich Canton's Veterinary Office, which controls experiments on animals. Martin's case has been working its way through the Swiss courts and is finally before Switzerland's Federal Supreme Court. In the meantime, Martin, who established the Institute in Zurich with Rodney Douglas 13 years ago, has been limited to using post‐mortem monkey brains. These are …

This paper gives the reader a chance to experience, or revisit, PHOS16: a conference on the History and Philosophy of Open Science. In the winter of 2016, we invited a varied international group to engage with these topics at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Our aim was a critical assessment of the defining features, underlying narratives, and overall objectives of the contemporary open science movement. The event brought together contemporary open science scholars, publishers, and advocates to discuss the philosophical foundations and historical roots of openness in academic research. The eight sessions combined historical views with more contemporary perspectives on topics such as transparency, reproducibility, collaboration, publishing, peer review, research ethics, as well as societal impact and engagement. We gathered together expert panelists and 15 invited speakers who have published extensively on these topics, which allowed us to engage in a thorough and multifaceted discussion. Together with our involved audience we charted the role and foundations of openness of research in our time, considered the accumulation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and debated the various technical, legal, and ethical challenges of the past and present. In this article, we provide an overview of the topics covered at the conference as well as individual video interviews with each speaker. In addition to this, all the talks were recorded and they are offered here as an openly licensed community resource in both video and audio form.

One of the main reasons there is so much junk in education is that there are so few people who know enough about education and about the sciences that support education, i.e. philosophy, cognitive and neuroscience to put the thing together. Educators have been reliant upon others’ expertise for the interpretations from contemporary science hence have not been able to discern whether the claims made are valid or invalid representations of the research. Without a direct access to the primary research educators may be at risk of misusing results from this advanced research. The need for so called ‘mediator’ in the translation of research to practice has led to a situation where the application of cognitive neuroscience research findings is running ahead of the research itself.

Contemporary political science research suggests historically low public faith in judicial institutions. However, modern years have seen a proliferation of “court-watching” groups that harness volunteer observation to increase accountability in the courts. While these trends may seem in conflict, this article suggests that, in the absence of faith in traditional judiciary systems, court watching acts as a decentralized, grassroots method of legal participation, allowing engagement in the American socio-legal system. We address this relatively under-analyzed area of legal activism by establishing an original dataset (n = 59) that tracked court watch groups as of 2024. Our dataset includes the mission, jurisdictional focus, and major accomplishments of each court-watching group, providing a useful starting point for the analysis of court watching as a growing area of legal socialization. We also establish a four-part definition of “court watching,” which builds on existing scholarship. We proceed with descriptive analysis of our database and findings, providing brief vignettes of well-established or unique court-watching groups and preliminary observations. Based on these preliminary findings, we assert that these volunteer organizations are well positioned to increase civic engagement and democratic faith in US legal proceedings among broad populations and thus deserve further attention from socio-legal scholars.

This study examines the challenges and implications of communication barriers in cross-cultural legal contexts. With the increasing diversity in demographics and language in many jurisdictions, legal professionals face unique challenges in effectively interacting with clients from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, erosion of trust, and unjust legal outcomes. The paper examines the impact of cultural differences in communication styles, the role of interpreters in bridging language gaps, and the potential for mistranslations in legal proceedings. Furthermore, it presents strategies for overcoming these barriers, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, active listening, and the use of trained interpreters. The study underscores the need for systemic reforms and increased cultural competency training to ensure equitable access to justice for all. Keywords: Cross-cultural communication, Legal interpretation, Language barriers, Cultural sensitivity, Legal miscommunication, Multilingual legal contexts.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of court cases related to parental child abduction addressed by Polish and Lithuanian courts, with a particular focus on those involving the UK. It aims to shed light on the legal complexities and challenges inherent in resolving such cases, particularly in relation to the interpretation and application of the 1980 Hague Convention on International Child Abduction in national legal systems. For this purpose, the article analyses court judgements rendered by Polish and Lithuanian courts over a 5-year period, from 2019 to 2023. By doing so, it seeks to uncover recurring patterns and trends in judicial decision-making processes and highlight any noticeable discrepancies and inconsistencies in legal proceedings. The article not only contributes to the academic discourse in this field but also offers practical insights for legal professionals dealing with cross-border child abduction cases.

This study comprehensively examines the position of female witnesses in Islamic law, focusing on the scholarly debates regarding the acceptance or rejection of female testimony, particularly in cases related to criminal law (hudud). Using a qualitative approach, this study analyzes the theoretical and legal foundations that underpin the role of female witnesses and evaluates their application in Indonesia's modern judicial system. The main sources of this research include classical texts of Islamic law, the views of scholars, and applicable positive legal regulations. This research is conducted as a library study, drawing from classical texts of Islamic law, scholarly views, and relevant positive legal regulations. The findings reveal differing interpretations regarding women's testimony, with some classical scholars placing less weight on it compared to men, while contemporary perspectives tend to be more inclusive, aligning with principles of justice and equality.The results show that, although challenges remain in implementation, the role of female witnesses is increasingly recognised and accepted in the Indonesian judiciary, especially in cases that require a female perspective. The main contribution of this research is to provide insights that strengthen the discussion on gender justice in Islamic law, while offering recommendations to optimise women's participation in the legal process. These recommendations include strengthening policies that ensure witness equality based on the principles of maqasid al-shariah (the objectives of sharia) and applying norms that are more contextualised to social realities in Indonesia. As such, this research contributes to the development of a more just and inclusive justice system, capable of addressing contemporary legal and social challenges.

Computational modelling has a rich history of successful use in researching cognitive phenomena. Its discoveries and applications do not seem to be stopping, yet with the rise of contemporary cognitive science paradigms, its scope and limits have been consistently put into the spotlight. The article reveals the scope of computational modelling by revealing its important role in progressing cognitive science research and helping cause important paradigm shifts as well as being useful at many levels of analysis. The limits are revealed to be some that are not easily solvable, if at all, mostly as they are not dependant on technological advancements. There are two main obstacles for computational modelling of cognitive phenomena: research bias, which manifests through the necessary presence of the designer's epistemological position as well as ideas on the mind and thus unavoidably being included in the model; and autonomy, the impenetrable basic element of living nature, which seems to make living organisms self-determine and thus create their own meaning in the world, something that seems to be unmodellable due to the designer always inputting her own meanings into the model and onto the modelled agents, which has been dubbed the PacMan Syndrome. Computational modelling is discussed in the light of these shortcomings, especially what it means to model living nature.

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal status and mechanisms involved in the receipt and registration of humanitarian aid by Ukrainian defense forces. The study aims to highlight the importance of proper control and accountability by military unit commanders, addressing the challenges and responsibilities associated with the management of humanitarian aid during the initial phase of the full-scale Russian invasion.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a qualitative approach, analyzing legal documents, organizational procedures and case studies related to the receipt and registration of humanitarian aid by Ukrainian defense forces. The research involves examining the actions of military unit commanders, identifying gaps in existing legislation and proposing improvements based on observed challenges and best practices.FindingsThe study finds that the legal status and proper accounting of military property received as humanitarian aid are critical for ensuring its effective use. It identifies significant challenges in the organizational and legal mechanisms, including issues of non-receipt and non-registration of aid. The findings emphasize the need for improved legislation, better control measures and increased accountability of military unit commanders to enhance the efficiency and transparency of humanitarian aid management during conflict situations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is primarily limited by the availability and reliability of data due to the ongoing conflict, which may affect the comprehensiveness of the analysis. Additionally, the dynamic nature of the legal and organizational environment during wartime poses challenges in maintaining updated information. Future studies could benefit from longitudinal data and comparative analysis with other conflict zones to enhance the robustness and applicability of findings.Practical implicationsThis study provides actionable recommendations for improving the legal framework and organizational processes related to humanitarian aid in military contexts. It offers guidance for military unit commanders on best practices for receiving, accounting and preserving aid. The findings aim to inform policymakers and military officials to ensure more effective and transparent management of humanitarian resources, ultimately enhancing the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.Social implicationsBy addressing the legal and organizational challenges in managing humanitarian aid, this research contributes to the overall welfare of military personnel and affected civilians. Ensuring the effective use of humanitarian aid can improve the living conditions and morale of soldiers and support communities impacted by the conflict. The study also highlights the importance of accountability and transparency, fostering trust among international donors and encouraging continued support for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.Originality/valueThis study provides a novel and comprehensive examination of the legal mechanisms and organizational practices involved in the receipt and registration of humanitarian aid by the Ukrainian defense forces during the initial phase of the Russian invasion. By focusing on the unique challenges faced in this conflict, the research offers original insights into the legal status of military property received as aid and the accountability of military commanders. The findings contribute valuable recommendations for policy and practice, aiming to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of humanitarian aid management in conflict situations.