University of Bath

About: University of Bath is a education organization based out in Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Photonic-crystal fiber. The organization has 15830 authors who have published 39608 publications receiving 1358769 citations. The organization is also known as: Bath University.

Artificial Experts: Social Knowledge and Intelligent Machines

Abstract: A machine is what we make of it. It can mimic us if we can mimic it, or help it out, or overlook its mistakes. In "Artificial Experts sociologist Harry Collins explains what computers can't do, but also studies the ordinary and extraordinary things that they can do. He argues that although machines are limited because we cannot reproduce in symbols what every community knows, we give them abilities because of the way we embed them in our society. He unfolds a compelling account of the difference between human action and machine intelligence, the core of which is a witty and learned exploration of knowledge itself, of what communities know and the ways in which they know it. In the course of his investigations, Collins derives enlightening metaphors for the relation between artificial intelligence and prosthetic technologies such as artificial hearts. He provides an intriguing explanation of why pocket calculators work and shares his own experience in constructing an expert system designed to teach people to grow specialized semiconductor crystals. He describes a novel development of the Turing protocol for the definition Of intelligence, a new classification of human skill, and an original way of understanding our relationship to machines. From an AI point of view, the acquisition of knowledge and the selection of applications are critical to the success of expert systems. Collins offers an original approach to both problems for AI researchers and practitioners, providing a sociological perspective on the kinds of knowledge expert systems can and cannot capture, and on the domains that are and are not likely to be successful. Harry M. Collins is a widely published sociologist. He isProfessor of Sociology, Head of the School of Social Sciences, and Director of the Science Studies Centre at the University of Bath.

Functional behaviour from controlled self-assembly:Challenges and prospects

Abstract: Many naturally occurring systems show us how multi-component supramolecular assemblies can generate useful functional behaviour. In this article the problems and limitations associated with achieving such behaviour in artificial multi-component assemblies is discussed, together with two examples of functions in artificial supramolecular assemblies based on (i) host–guest chemistry in cavities of cages, and (ii) light-harvesting in multi-chromophore arrays. Important challenges for the future are summarised.

Debunking the Myth of Exercise-induced Immune Suppression: Redefining the Impact of Exercise on Immunological Health Across the Lifespan.

Abstract: Epidemiological evidence indicates that regular physical activity and/or frequent structured exercise reduces the incidence of many chronic diseases in older age, including communicable diseases such as viral and bacterial infections, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammatory disorders. Despite the apparent health benefits achieved by leading an active lifestyle, which imply that regular physical activity and frequent exercise enhance immune competency and regulation, the effect of a single bout of exercise on immune function remains a controversial topic. Indeed, to this day, it is perceived by many that vigorous exercise can temporarily suppress immune function. In the first part of this review, we deconstruct the key pillars which lay the foundation to this theory – referred to as the ‘open window’ hypothesis – and highlight that: (i) limited reliable evidence exists to support the claim that vigorous exercise heightens risk of opportunistic infections; (ii) purported changes to mucosal immunity, namely salivary IgA levels, after exercise do not signpost a period of immune suppression; and (iii) the dramatic reductions to lymphocyte numbers and function 1-2 hours after exercise reflects a transient and time-dependent redistribution of immune cells to peripheral tissues, resulting in a heightened state of immune surveillance and immune regulation, as opposed to immune suppression. In the second part of this review, we provide evidence that frequent exercise enhances – rather than suppresses – immune competency, and highlight key findings from human vaccination studies which show heightened responses to bacterial and viral antigens following bouts of exercise. Finally, in the third part of this review, we highlight that regular physical activity and frequent exercise might limit or delay ageing of the immune system, providing further evidence that exercise is beneficial for immunological health. In summary, the over-arching aim of this review is to rebalance opinion over the perceived relationships between exercise and immune function. We emphasise that it is a misconception to label any form of acute exercise as immunosuppressive, and, instead, exercise most likely improves immune competency across the lifespan.

Invited review article: Strategies and processes for high quality wire arc additive manufacturing

Abstract: Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is attracting significant attention in industry and academia due to its ability to capture the benefits of additive manufacturing for production of large components of medium geometric complexity. Uniquely, WAAM combines the use of wire and electric arc as a fusion source to build components in a layer-by-layer approach, both of which can offer significant cost savings compared to powder and alternative fusion sources, such as laser and electron beam, respectively. Meanwhile, a high deposition rate, key for producing such components, is provided, whilst also allowing significant material savings compared to conventional manufacturing processes. However, high quality production in a wide range of materials is limited by the elevated levels of heat input which causes a number of materials processing challenges in WAAM. The materials processing challenges are fully identified in this paper to include the development of high residual stresses, undesirable microstructures, and solute segregation and phase transformations at solidification. The thermal profile during the build poses another challenge leading to heterogeneous and anisotropic material properties. This paper outlines how the materials processing challenges may be addressed in WAAM by implementation of quality improving ancillary processes. The primary WAAM process selections and ancillary processes are classified by the authors and a comprehensive review of their application conducted. Strategies by which the ancillary processes can enhance the quality of WAAM parts are presented. The efficacy and suitability of these strategies for versatile and cost effective WAAM production are discussed and a future vision of WAAM process developments provided.