Future robots might be able to detect how you're feeling just by touching your skin. In a new study, scientists used skin conductance — a measure of how well skin conducts electricity — to assess the emotions of 33 participants who were shown emotionally evocative videos. Because skin conductance changes when you sweat, they found a correlation between these measurements and videos that elicited feelings of fear, surprise and "family bonding emotions," making skin conductance an accurate method for detecting changes in emotion in real time. When used in conjunction with other physiological signals, like heart rate monitoring and brain activity, skin conductance could play a central role in the development of emotionally intelligent devices and services, the scientists explained in a paper published Oct. 15 in the journal IEEE Access . "To date, few studies have examined how the dynamics of skin conductance responses differ among emotions, despite high responsiveness being a key feature of skin conductance," the scientists said in the study. "The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of technologies that can be used to accurately estimate emotions, when combined with other physiological signals." Related: Self-healing 'living skin' can make robots more humanlike — and it looks just as creepy as you'd expect Although the study didn't specifically explore integrating the technology with robotics, systems that can respond to human emotions hold several promising applications. These could, hypothetically, include smart devices that play soothing music when you are stressed or streaming platforms that tailor content recommendations to your mood. Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. To be effective, though, these devices must detect and interpret emotions accurately. In the paper, the scientists noted that typical emotion-detection technologies rely on facial recognition and speech analysis. These technologies not only tend to be unreliable — particularly when video and audio signals aren't clear — but also carry inherent privacy concerns , the team said. Skin conductance may offer a solution, according to the study. When humans experience an emotional reaction, their sweat glands activate, which changes their skin's electrical properties. These changes occur within one to three seconds, providing very quick feedback on a person's emotional state. For the study, scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University attached probes to the fingers of 33 participants and showed them a variety of emotionally charged clips, including horror movie scenes, comedy sketches and family reunion videos. As they watched, the team measured how quickly participants' skin conductance peaked and how long it took to return to normal. The study revealed distinct patterns for different emotions. Fear responses lasted the longest, which the scientists explained was likely an evolutionary trait that keeps humans alert to danger. Family bonding emotions, described as a mix of happiness and sadness, caused slower responses, which they said could have been because the two feelings interfered with each other. — Watch this terrifying robotic torso spring to life — 'This is a marriage of AI and quantum': New technology gives AI the power to feel surfaces for the 1st time — Tesla primed to sell AI-powered humanoid robots alongside its EVs in 2025. But will they be any good? Humor triggered the fastest reactions, but they faded quickly, the study showed. The reason for this wasn't immediately clear, but the scientists noted that "literature on the dynamics of skin conductance caused by funniness and fear" is fairly scant. Although the method isn't perfect, combining skin conductance with other physiological signals — like heart rate, electromyography and brain activity — could improve the accuracy of the technique, the researchers said. "There is a growing demand for techniques to estimate individuals' subjective experiences based on their physiological signals to provide them with emotionally evocative services," the scientists wrote in the study. "Therefore, further exploration of these physiological signals in this study, particularly skin conductance responses, can advance techniques for emotion recognition."None
WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning "things do change." A look at some of the issues covered: Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn't believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. "I can't guarantee anything. I can't guarantee tomorrow," Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich." He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. "All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field," Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. "Honestly, they should go to jail," Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump's role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: "I have the absolute right. I'm the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I'm the president. But I'm not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. "Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee," Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, "No," and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. "I want her to do what she wants to do," he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, "I'm not looking to go back into the past." Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. "I think you have to do it," he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end "birthright" citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens - although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, "I want to work something out," indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not "want to be breaking up families" of mixed legal status, "so the only way you don't break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back." ___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report. The video in the player above is from a previous report.
NoneLINCOLN — Amid what he called “angst” over the departure of a successful defensive coordinator, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule on Wednesday named an interim replacement for Tony White while resisting any firm timeline for hiring the permanent guy. “I have no timetable other than to get it right,” Rhule said as part of his Signing Day press conference. “Just to make it right.” White left Monday for the same job at Florida State. Defensive backs coach John Butler, a longtime NFL assistant who also coordinated Penn State’s defense in 2013, will oversee the Husker defense in a bowl game later this month. Butler is also a candidate for the permanent role, Rhule said, and ran the unit in Wednesday’s practice. “I’ve had a lot of players come into me and voice their opinions,” Rhule said. “A lot of guys love John on the staff, on the team.” Whether Butler or some other coach fills the coordinator role, Rhule intends to continue running the 3-3-5 system Whie brought with him from Syracuse. The scheme favors aggressive blitz scheme and can be hard for opposing offenses to decipher when rushing the ball. “I don’t want to switch to something different,” Rhule said. “I want to do this defense. Whoever that is, I don’t want to make that decision for the short term — where we all feel good about it — and I don’t want to make a ‘splashy’ hire.” Two years ago White fit that bill coming from Syracuse. In two seasons at NU, he coordinated national top-20 defenses in both points and yards per game allowed. On Sunday, two days after his defense allowed just 164 yards in a 13-10 loss to Iowa, Rhule said White came to him and desired to take the Florida State job for “family reasons.” Terrance Knighton, the team’s defensive line coach, has left, too, according to reports and his own X social media account, although Rhule deemed Knighton still “with” the team on Wednesday. The same was true of receivers coach Garret McGuire, who has the option, Rhule said, to remain with the team in an adjusted role after Rhule made official the hire of Kentucky receivers coach Daikiel Shorts, who had previously played and coached under new Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. “It was Dana’s only request,” Rhule said. Holgorsen would like to retain offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, quarterbacks coach Glenn Thomas, running backs coach EJ Barthel and tight ends coach Marcus Satterfield, demoted in early November from the playcaller role. Shorts, Rhule said, is a strong recruiter who understands Holgorsen’s system. “The offense will be better,” that it had been for the first 21 games of his tenure, Rhule said, thanks Holgorsen’s addition and more time in the system. Nebraska’s defense will continue to play well, Rhule said, regardless of the coordinator. “Did I want Tony to leave? No. But it’s OK,” Rhule said. “Coaches are going to leave. If we have good players and we have good coaches, people are going to come try to get them. If no one’s trying to take our players and no one’s trying takes our coaches, that means we’re in trouble. “So that’s what it’s going to be. And the thing I’m seeing is, people all over the country are saying ‘Nebraska is a place with resources’ so it’s ‘hey Coach, I’d love to come coach there.’”
Transitional Spaces: Transforming Communities Through Skateboarding and ArtApple’s plans to manufacture foldable devices keep leaking with some regularity. These leaks suggest that Apple is actively researching technologies related to foldable iPhone and MacBook/iPad devices and that such devices might hit stores in the coming years. Some past rumors claimed that might launch a foldable before it makes a foldable iPhone, but more recent leaks suggest the reverse might happen. A few days ago, display experts familiar with the various innovations in the field said that . When it drops, that foldable iPhone should reignite sales in the foldable smartphone niche. Back in August, Ming-Chi Kuo said that , citing technical challenges that prevent Apple from starting manufacturing in the first half of 2026. Kuo said at the time that Apple has pushed back its schedule to the end of 2027 or 2028. A few months later, we have a purported roadmap that shows Apple’s display needs for the various iPads and MacBooks it plans to launch in the coming years. The documentation reportedly comes from research firm Omdia. One obvious thing from the leaked slide is the transition to OLED panels for many Apple iPads and MacBooks in the next few years. Sign up for the most interesting tech & entertainment news out there. By signing up, I agree to the and have reviewed the The foldable MacBook project also stands out immediately. If the information is accurate, then we’re looking at a 2028 release for the foldable MacBook, and that’s assuming things go as planned. According to leaker , the iPad mini will get an OLED panel in mid-2025, followed by the iPad Air a year later. Also, in mid-2025, the MacBook Pro will get its OLED panels. Then, in mid-2027, the iPad Pro, foldable MacBook, and the MacBook Air will move to OLED panels. I’ll point out these aren’t release windows for the unreleased iPad and MacBook generations I’ve mentioned. Instead, we’re probably looking at development/manufacturing periods for the OLED screens. How do I know? The big tandem OLED display upgrade that the M4 iPad Pro introduced earlier this year has a mid-2023 window on the roadmap. If accurate, the document suggests that Apple might have finalized development plans for the M4 iPad Pro panels in the second half of 2023. Its supply chain partners, including Samsung and LG, started manufacturing in the months preceding the M4 iPad Pro launch. I’ll also remind you of the various display reports that preceded the M4 iPad Pro launch that detailed the manufacturing issues Apple and its suppliers might have experienced. Even older reports claimed that Samsung at one point refused to manufacture Apple’s tandem panels for the OLED iPad Pro before agreeing to build them. What I’m getting at is that roadmaps from research firms are one thing, while real-life development plans are another. With that in mind, the mid-2027 window the analysts set for the 18.8-inch foldable OLED panel Apple will need for a foldable MacBook indicates the actual product might ship about a year later or mid-2028. The analysts refer to the 18.8-inch foldable device as a “Tablet/NotePC/Monitor” product without using identifiers. What’s interesting to me is that the foldable MacBook will feature the same technology as the 2028 iPad Pro models. We’re looking at “RGB Tandem + LTPO TFT + TSP on TFE + Pol-less” display tech, which will make a dynamic frame rate possible. That’s another synonym for dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, which Apple calls ProMotion on the iPhone and iPad. Interestingly, the same, or almost the same, display tech will be used on . According to the leaked presentation, these will also probably launch in mid-2028. And yes, the same OLED display tech would also apply to the first OLED MacBook Pro models, which could launch at some point next year or in 2026. Even if the information in the table is accurate, don’t expect any confirmations anytime soon. We’ll have to wait and see what Apple does next in terms of display innovations. The iPad mini 7 and M4 MacBook Pro models were just released, so we’ll have to wait a while to see upgrades. According to the table, these are the first Apple products to get OLED panels after this year’s M4 iPad Pro.
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Leinster's 'new' attack featuring Sam Prendergast and Jordie Barrett delivered in style against Bristol, specifically in a six-minute purple patch where three tries broke the game open. Prendergast had only played 69 minutes of Champions Cup rugby before starting on the back making three Ireland appearances in November - and he was sensational, scoring twice between the 52-58th minutes All Blacks star Barrett was a keynote signing over the summer and, coming on at half-time, proved almost unplayable, creating two and scoring one try in that same period. READ MORE: Jack Conan commits future to Leinster ending speculation of French move READ MORE: Munster - Stade Francais, a tale of two cities Lille and Limerick, it was the worst of times, it was the best of times Said Barrett: "I was very aware of Leinster's history in this competition and their reputation in the northern hemisphere and, at the age I am, I wanted to come here and test myself in championship games. "Tonight was a great test, I love to see a team that plays with no fear." Ciaran Frawley - Has come off the back of a frustrating November and little happened here to cheer him up. Replaced at half-time by Barrett who was outstanding on both sides of the ball. 6&9 Jordan Larmour - Genuine poacher's try as his kick-chase pace allowed him to hoover up a bouncing ball with an outstretched right arm, drag it in, and score. Six runs for impressive 35 metres. 8 Garry Ringrose - Shot up early on catching MacGinty dwelling on possession. Quiet 80 minutes compared to the rest of the backs. Eight runs, 12 metres, one line break and five tackles. 7 Robbie Henshaw - Strong, tough and resilient on both sides of the ball. Eleven carries for 26 metres was a sign of making decent headway in midfield. Showing best form for some time. 8 Jimmy O'Brien - Welcome return to action with some lively outfield contributions, eight carries for 34 metres, two line breaks, two offloads and a significant back-line tally of eight tackles. 7 Sam Prendergast - Commanding performance that has surely added to his reputation. Two superb tries in a six minute period breaking the game open. 10 carries for 78 metres. 9 Jamison Gibson-Park - Says a lot when one of his quieter games this last month-and-a-bit was still what was needed for occasion. Worked rwell with both Prendergast and Barrett. 8 Jack Boyle - Awkward day at the set-piece scrum where neither side nor the referee seemed sure of what was happening during his initial 52 minutes. Two carries and five tackles about the park. 6 Ronan Kelleher - Three carries, nine metres, seven tackles in 52 minutes. Little unlucky in that his yellow card was for cumulative team offences. Three turnovers will have drawn the spotlight to him. 6 Rabah Slimani - Must have been as confused as anyone as scrum after scrum on his 44 minute watch was incomplete. Subbed after 44 minutes but had, nonetheless, made four carries, four tackles. 7 Joe McCarthy - Quiet day on the ball, just three carries for one metre but seemed to take inspiration from Ryan, contributing nine tackles in 44 minutes before making way for Snyman. 7 James Ryan - Has been an absolute defensive monster this last while and Ashton Gate proved no exception. 12 tackles, along with nine short, hard, carries in traffic and two lineout wins. 8 Max Deegan - Mixed day on a big day for a player who doesn't get many opportunities. Four lineout wins, a yellow card for a deliberate trip that would cost seven points. Taken in after 44 minutes. 6 Josh van der Flier - Leinster's best defender on the day with 18 tackles, joint top carrier with 11, while only Prendergast registered more than his 57 metres in attack. TV's Man of the Match. 9 Jack Conan - Backed up pre-game assertion that he wanted back into Ireland squad with big performance, 13 tackles was second only to JVDF, 10 carries for 57 metres was second only to Prendergast. 8 Replacements: Gus McCarthy 7, Andrew Porter 6, Tom Clarkson 6, RG Snyman 8, Caelan Doris 8, Luke McGrath n/a, Ross Byrne for Larmour 6, Jordie Barrett 9. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts .According to Fortune's 2024 list of the 100 best companies to work for in Europe, these ones made the top 10. Why did employees rate them so highly? When it comes to professional work, Europe is recognised for having one of the most favourable approaches globally. European countries consistently rank among the best for work-life balance, were some of the first to trial the four-day workweek, and offer some of the highest average salaries in the world, along with other employee benefits. But which companies on the continent are the best to work for? Fortune and Great Place To Work have published the "Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For Europe" list, which was compiled by analysing more than 1.3 million survey responses from over 2 million employees across Europe. The companies that topped the list had employees who were both more motivated to work and more comfortable with their company's way of working. For instance, according to a blog by Great Place To Work, their market study found that, in high-ranking companies, nearly 90 per cent of workers reported that they put in extra effort to get the job done, compared to only 59 per cent at a typical European workplace. They also found that camaraderie was a driving factor, with workers being 108 per cent more likely to give extra effort if they felt a sense of cooperation with their colleagues. Moreover, 86 per cent of employees at these top workplaces expressed plans to stay long-term, compared to just 60 per cent at other workplaces, which was particularly relevant among those who felt their work was meaningful and provided them with a sense of purpose. Also the report found that innovation rates were 66 per cent higher at the top workplaces and were mainly driven by continuous training and development opportunities the companies were providing. Here’s a look at the 10 best companies to work for in Europe according to the latest Fortune listing. Work-life balance was also a key factor behind the higher rankings of companies and one of the aspects that workers valued most. A high percentage of workers, about 85 per cent, who work at one of the best companies, said they were encouraged to maintain a balance between their work and personal lives, with 92 per cent reporting that they were able to take time off when necessary. Fairness in the workplace also played a significant role and contributed to the higher rankings of some companies. Employees at those companies reported that promotions were fair (78 per cent), they received a fair share of company profits (70 per cent), and their managers did not play favourites among their staff (81 per cent). This sense of fairness was also linked to employees' willingness to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their work. Only around one in three respondents (34 per cent) from the whole European study said they were excited to use AI to improve their work; the report also found that those who believed their companies were fair were 29 per cent more likely to be excited to use AI tools. While European workers are still reluctant to adopt AI, the technology sector in general is not a dominant force in Europe when it comes to jobs. This contrasts with the US, where tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Google are among the best and have emerged as early winners in the AI boom. In Europe, however, many of the leading companies are from more traditional industries such as fossil fuels, automotive, and finance, as shown in the recent Fortune 500 list. Topping the list, Europe’s biggest company was German car manufacturer Volkswagen, followed by two oil and gas companies, Britain’s Shell and France’s TotalEnergies. According to Fortune, while only 15 companies in this year’s list are from the tech sector, legacy businesses are also opening the door to innovation by adopting automation technologies. For instance, Volkswagen announced earlier this year the integration of AI chatbot ChatGPT into the voice assistant in some of its vehicles. Additionally, the fossil fuel company Shell has also embraced the use of AI in its operations, like using AI-based technology in deep-sea exploration and production, with the aim of improving operational efficiency, speeding up processes, and increasing production.
The company's Web Experimentation, Feature Experimentation, and Content Marketing Platform all have been recognized by its customers for Best Capabilities, Best Value for Price, and Best Customer Relationship NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimizely, the leading digital experience platform (DXP) provider, today announced that TrustRadius has recognized its Web Experimentation, Feature Experimentation, and Content Marketing Platform with a 2025 Buyer's Choice Awards . "Optimizely's customers continually highlight the platform's innovation and ease of use, empowering teams to drive data-informed decisions and create impactful content," said Allyson Havener , SVP of Marketing & Community at TrustRadius. "These awards represent Optimizely's commitment to delivering exceptional value and transformative tools for marketers and experimenters alike." Buyer's Choice Awards are based entirely on vetted, unbiased customer reviews, and have been selected as having the best capabilities, value for price, and customer relationships. During the evaluation process, reviewers are asked if products and their support teams live up to expectations, and would they buy the product again. These answers shape whether or not a product is chosen as best in the three key areas: capabilities, value for price, and customer relationship. Hear from verified users on how much they value Optimizely's products: "Using multiple Optimizely products together, such as Web Experimentation and Feature Experimentation, has allowed us to align web and in-product experiments, creating a seamless customer experience." "Using Optimizely Web Experimentation as an all-in-one platform has streamlined our workflow at Zoom, allowing us to design, launch, and analyze experiments without relying on multiple tools." "Optimizely Content Marketing Platform is great for working cross functionally which is often done on an integrated marketing team. It gives all the necessary collaborators visibility that is customizable to their level of involvement." "Optimizely is easy to use. We save time by not making code changes on our applications. We quickly find which changes potentially can increase conversion and revenue, and which changes may negatively impact the business. We also save resources as most of the A/B tests we do don't involve developers." Optimizely is proud to create products that inspire such gracious feedback in its user community. For customers who are looking to share their own feedback, please leave a review here . To learn more about Optimizely's award-winning products, visit https://www.optimizely.com/products/ . About Optimizely Optimizely is on a mission to make the lives of marketers better with Optimizely One, the world's first operating system for marketing teams. Optimizely One combines industry-leading solutions across content management, content marketing, experimentation, commerce and personalization, powering every stage of the marketing lifecycle through a single, AI-accelerated workflow. With the flexibility of a fully composable platform, Optimizely is proudly helping global brands like H&M, Salesforce, Zoom and Toyota create content with speed, launch experiments with confidence, and deliver experiences of the highest quality. Learn more at optimizely.com . Optimizely and Optimizely One are the trademarks of Optimizely North America Inc., and are registered (or registrations are pending) in the US, EU, UK and other countries. All third-party trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners and are used only for reference purposes. About TrustRadius: TrustRadius is a buyer intelligence platform for business technology. We enable buyers to make confident decisions, through comprehensive product information, in-depth customer insights, and peer conversations. We help technology brands capture and activate the authentic voice of customers to improve their products, build confidence with prospects, and engage in-market buyers to improve ROI. Founded by successful entrepreneurs and headquartered in the technology hub of Austin, Texas , TrustRadius is backed by Mayfield Fund, LiveOak Venture Partners, and Next Coast Ventures. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optimizely-earns-multiple-2025-buyers-choice-awards-from-trustradius-302323142.html SOURCE Optimizely