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New research shines a light on how expert mapmakers at Ordnance Survey see the world differently

OS Remote Sensing Services survey team updating OS MasterMap using the latest aerial imagery (Image credit: OS) Aston University psychologists worked with Ordnance Survey to assess how surveyors use 3D aerial images when making maps Humans naturally assume light comes from above, but experienced surveyors can interpret visual cues to assess topography regardless of the light direction It is the first time it has been shown that experience can radically alter natural human assumptions about lighting and could improve surveyor training. Researchers at Aston University have found differences between experienced Ordnance Survey (OS) mapmakers and novices in the way that they interpret aerial images for mapmaking, which could lead to improved training processes for new recruits. OS is well known for its travel and walking maps, but is also responsible for maintaining Great Britain’s national geographic database. Every time a building is demolished or developed, or a new road and path built, the map must be updated. Aerial photographs are taken of the area that has changed, either from a plane or using drones, and expert mapmakers, known as remote sensing surveyors, will examine the images to identify change and accurately redraw the map of the area. Image pairs are presented stereoscopically, one to each eye, allowing the remote sensing surveyors to see in 3D and correctly assess the topography, such as ditches, hills and hedges. Led by Professor Andrew Schofield, a team from Aston University’s College of Health and Life Sciences, together with Dr Isabel Sargent, previously at OS, carried out a study to understand how remote sensing surveyors interpret the shadows and highlights in images. The researchers asked six trained remote sensing surveyors and six novices to assess 10,000 stereoscopic aerial images of hedges and ditches, which had been heavily masked with image distortions. The stereoscopic images the aerial surveyors use for mapmaking are usually taken on sunny days. The human brain is naturally wired to interpret light as coming from above. However, the light does not come from above in the OS aerial images, it depends on the position of the sun. In the UK, north of the equator, light comes slightly from the south, thus appearing to come from below in images viewed by the surveyors. The researchers wanted to see how manipulating the direction of the light would affect the surveyors. Professor Schofield and the team swapped the image pairs between the eyes in half of the trials, so that hedges might look like ditches, and ditches look like hedges. The images were also flipped vertically on half the trials, changing the direction of the light source. Expert surveyors were found to rely on the stereoscopic cues – the difference in images seen by the two eyes – when performing the task. Novices were more likely to rely on lighting cues – highlights and shadows – to judge the shape and relief of an object, and assumed, as is natural, that the lighting came from above. With the manipulated images, this meant that novices frequently made mistakes. Experts were more accurate, even when the images had been turned upside down, and some had learnt to assume that the light source came from the south, or below. This is the first time anyone has shown that the natural assumption that light comes from above, which is common amongst many animal species, can be changed through long term experience. The researchers say that it could be used to develop new visual training techniques for remote sensing surveyors. For example, intensive exposure to repeated, difficult images can improve performance via a process called perceptual learning. Professor Schofield said: “This is a very exciting result. Others have shown that the light-from-above assumption can be altered by a few degrees, but no one has ever found complete reversals following long term experience. Dr Sargent said: “This result will help Ordnance Survey to understand the expertise of their staff and improve surveyor training and procedures.” Remote sensing surveyor Andy Ormerod, who worked on the study, said: “This research proves that experienced remote sensing surveyors can see the world differently. Whereas non-surveyors are used to seeing the world from one perspective, our brains have learned to view the world as seen from aerial imagery.” Journal of Vision DOI:10.1167/jov.24.4.11

Who’s winning the streaming wars?| Media Advisory

Netflix has it's Q1 results out today and all eyes are on the streaming industry. The battle for dominance in the streaming industry continues to intensify, shaping the way audiences consume entertainment and influencing the future of media consumption. As major players vie for subscribers and content rights, the outcome of the streaming wars has significant implications for consumers, content creators, and the broader entertainment landscape. Here are key story angles for journalists to explore: Market analysis of streaming platforms: Examining the strategies and market performance of leading streaming services in terms of subscriber growth, revenue, and content offerings. Impact on traditional media and broadcasting: Investigating how the rise of streaming platforms is reshaping traditional television and movie distribution models, as well as advertising trends. Content wars and original programming: Delving into the competition among streaming services to produce exclusive and original content, including trends in genres, diversity, and production budgets. User experience and interface innovation: Exploring advancements in streaming technology, user interface design, and personalization features aimed at enhancing the viewer experience. Global expansion and regional competition: Analyzing the expansion efforts of streaming giants into international markets and the challenges they face in competing with local and regional players. Regulatory and antitrust implications: Considering the regulatory scrutiny and antitrust concerns surrounding the dominance of certain streaming platforms and their impact on competition and consumer choice. Connect with an Expert about Streaming: For journalists with questions or looking to cover the streaming wars? here is a select list of experts. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Rahul Telang Trustees Professor and Program Chair · Carnegie Mellon University Donghee Yvette Wohn Associate Professor · New Jersey Institute of Technology Michael D. Smith Professor · Carnegie Mellon University Karen Shackleford, Ph.D. Doctoral Faculty - Media Psychology · Fielding Graduate University Stephen J. Andriole, PhD Thomas G. Labrecque Professor of Business Technology | Villanova School of Business · Villanova University Photo Credit: Venti Views

Demystifying Relapse: 2-part series on substance use disorder recurrence and treatment

CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health Michael Johnson is a contributor of this terrific two-part series on substance use relapse from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. NATCON and partnering contributors from CARF International, National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), and the Recovery Research Institute are excited to release the Demystifying Relapse series, which includes two issue briefs that explore the complex dynamics of substance use disorder recurrence and the difficulty of reengaging individuals in the recovery process. “I’m grateful to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for the opportunity to work with them on these two important documents. The U.S. is facing unprecedented challenges in treating persons with substance use disorders, with access to care continuing to be difficult for many. The field, the payers, and the public at large needs to take time to recalibrate how treatment and return to use are viewed in order to have realistic expectations for care, to destigmatize what it means for a person to return to use, and to ensure there is appropriate types of care available to those who need to re-enter the treatment systems,” said Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health Michael Johnson. “Only when we recognize that persons who return to use need to have care that is individualized to assist them to stabilize, not start over, can we better ensure that treatment systems are more accessible based on the needs of persons served. The treatment for any chronic illness can be difficult as the path to wellness is often not linear. I hope these two papers can start a dialogue on how to reframe the systems to better meet the needs of those who continue with the recurrence of symptoms.” Michael Johnson is the CARF International Senior Managing Director of Behavioral Health. If you are looking to know more or connect with Michael, view his profile below to arrange an interview today.

MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba Survey Reveals Alarming Data on Cannabis-Impaired Driving in Manitoba

CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitoba drivers to remain vigilant this month by driving responsibly – and sober. In a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba, alarming data highlights concerns related to cannabis-impaired driving, particularly involving edibles. Key findings from the 2023 survey found that since legalization, a third of cannabis-impaired drivers (27 per cent) in Manitoba have driven a vehicle after consuming an edible form of cannabis. “The data shows us that there is a significant number of impaired drivers under the influence of edible cannabis, which poses a great risk to road safety,” says Ewald Friesen, community and government relations manager at CAA Manitoba. “Edibles pose a greater risk for impairment and road safety since they can often take up to two hours for the effects to kick in.” According to the survey, 61 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers in Manitoba wait less than three hours before getting behind the wheel. Due to the prolonged absorption of edible cannabis, the potential for drivers to get behind the wheel before they even realize they are beginning to feel the effects poses a serious risk to road safety. The data shows that 89 per cent of Manitoba drivers agree that driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road safety. However, 67 per cent of cannabis-impaired drivers feel confident in their ability to drive. “While some believe that cannabis doesn’t impair their driving ability, it has been proven to affect coordination, reaction time, decision-making and the ability to pay attention. We would like to see more public education and awareness on the risks of cannabis-impaired driving,” says Friesen. More than half of Manitoba drivers (64 per cent) believe that cannabis-impaired driving is the most important public education topic related to cannabis – more than education on health risks (63 per cent) and health risks for youth under 25 (59 per cent). Despite the concern for road safety and driving impairment, 21 per cent of Manitoba drivers are not aware of the penalties that could be faced for any type of impaired driving. According to Manitoba Public Insurance, this can include an immediate 24-hour licence suspension with a maximum of 60 days upon further testing, a $400 vehicle impoundment of three days, a mandatory Impaired Driver Assessment at the driver’s expense and potential charges under the Criminal Code of Canada. CAA is encouraging motorists to get informed, know the rules, and make the right choices – don’t get behind the wheel when impaired. Instead, make alternate arrangements, such as utilizing rideshare services, to ensure a safe journey home. Dig Insights conducted an online survey on behalf of CAA Manitoba between June 22 to July 5, 2023, of 500 Manitoba drivers aged 19-75 who had access to a vehicle. Based on the sample size and the confidence level (95 per cent), the margin of error for this study was +/- 3 per cent.

America's Most Endangered Rivers | Media Advisory

Every year, the release of America's Most Endangered Rivers List serves as a critical wake-up call, drawing attention to the urgent need to protect our nation's waterways and the communities that depend on them. As threats to our rivers continue to escalate due to pollution, overdevelopment, and climate change, this annual report highlights the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems for current and future generations. Here are key story angles for journalists to explore: Environmental impacts of river degradation: Investigating the consequences of pollution, habitat destruction, and water scarcity on wildlife and local communities. Economic implications of river conservation: Analyzing the economic benefits of healthy rivers for industries such as tourism, agriculture, and recreation. Community activism and river conservation efforts: Showcasing grassroots initiatives and advocacy campaigns aimed at protecting and restoring endangered rivers. Government policies and river management: Assessing the effectiveness of current regulations and resource management strategies in safeguarding our waterways. Indigenous perspectives on river stewardship: Highlighting indigenous knowledge and traditional practices related to river conservation and sustainability. Climate change and the future of America's rivers: Exploring how rising temperatures and extreme weather events are exacerbating threats to river health and resilience. Connect with an Expert about Jackie Robinson For journalists with questions or looking to cover todays' release of America's Most Endangered Rivers List, here is a select list of experts. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Colin J. Gleason Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering · University of Massachusetts Amherst Alan Clarke Hydrological Services Leader · Global Water Experts Michael C. Slattery Professor, Department Chair and Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies · Texas Christian University AJ Reisinger Assistant Professor · University of Florida Photo Credit: Dan Cardoza

Video games tackle climate change

The University of Delaware recently hosted a Climate Change Video Game Jam for students that paired the ingenuity of designing a video game with activism and the use of research to address one of the world's biggest problems. The national video game design competition was the brainchild of A.R. Siders, director of the UD's Mangone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub and core faculty in the Disaster Research Center. Participants representing five universities — UD, the University of California - Irvine, Ohio University, the University of Southern California and Irvine Valley College — competed in the event at UD's Esports Arena. Eight games were submitted and ran the gamut in their design, gameplay and visual effects. They ranged from a game focused on sustainable fishing, an ocean pollution clean-up, pirates cleaning oil spills, a mermaid helping her sea creature friends and a professor collecting magical stones to address storms and sea level rise. Four games included original artwork — both hand-drawn pixel art and 3-D models — and original sound effects and music. One had voice acting by the lead developer because the team “wanted to center her voice” in the game both figuratively and literally. The students behind the latter walked away victorious. As a self-proclaimed “climate geek” and long-time gamer, the idea for such an event was a natural way for Siders to marry two of her passions while actively engaging UD’s student body in addressing environmental issues. “The Jam is a great opportunity to bring people together from totally different perspectives who are all excited about the connections across these themes,” Siders said. “Facts and charts don’t move people. They don’t inspire action or instigate change, but video games can change how people think about climate change.” Siders also hopes that the game jam helps put UD on the map as a place that does cross-disciplinary climate work. “We have excellent expertise in game design, climatology, engineering, ocean science, and environmental humanities,” Siders said. “But our real strength is our ability to put those together creatively.” Members of the media who would like to interview Siders about the Climate Change Video Game Jam or other related topics can visit her profile and click "connect" or send an email to mediarelations@udel.edu.

Aston University pharmaceutical spin-out company shortlisted in life sciences industry awards

MESOX is a spin-out from the pharmaceutics group at Aston Pharmacy School The company partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market It has been shortlisted in the Medilink Midlands Awards 2024. A spin-out company from Aston University’s pharmaceutics research group has been shortlisted for a life sciences industry award. The Medilink Midlands Awards aim to showcase the very best collaborations between industry, academia and the NHS across the Midlands. The company, MESOX, founded by Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, a lecturer in pharmaceutics at Aston Pharmacy School, is competing in the Start-Up category for newly established companies that show a promising future. With in-depth expertise in particle engineering for drug delivery and pharmaceutical spray drying, MESOX uses IP-protected carriers to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market. Medilink Midlands provides specialist business support to boost the region’s economic output from the life sciences industry. Working alongside the Midlands Engine and other strategic alliances, it helps stimulate additional and value-added growth of the Midlands as a prosperous community for life sciences. The awards winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place on Thursday 9 May at the Athena in Leicester. To celebrate Medilink Midlands’ 20th year anniversary of delivering business support, one finalist will be announced as the 2024 ‘Winner of all Winners’ and presented with a £5,000 prize for innovation development. Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, founder and CEO of MESOX, said: “We are excited to be nominated as a finalist for this award, which is a testament to the innovative research at Aston University that has led to MESOX and a great way to recognise the efforts of our team. “MESOX is expediting the development of life-saving therapeutics through cutting-edge carrier technologies. Our vision is to be a leading research-based pharmaceutical company in the Midlands one day and we hope this opportunity brings us a step closer to this goal.” Luke Southan, technology transfer manager at Aston University, said: “Aston University’s School of Pharmacy has always been a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. This is most often seen through our many students who end up running their own independent pharmacy stores, but it is also the school that has created the most Aston spinouts. “MESOX is the latest example of this, and it is a company that is on track to be generating significant revenue and region impact over the next five years. This award nomination evidences the potential the company has to offer.”

Major UK tile company joins up with Aston University to digitise for the future

Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill has been in business for over 150 years The company will work with the University through a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) It will streamline and digitise its warehouse processes and practices as part of a long-term growth plan. The UK’s longest-operating manufacturer, supplier and importer of ceramic tiles has joined forces with Aston University in a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP). Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill, which has been in business for over 150 years, has a large and complex supply chain, both of finished tiles and of the raw materials for manufacturing. Its customers are consumers, merchants, property developers, bathroom and kitchen retailers, in addition to architectural and building communities. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. An mKTP focuses specifically on increasing effectiveness and improving results through better management practices. The company wants to fully streamline and digitise its processes and practices, including ordering, purchasing, stock and warehouse management, as well as delivery planning and sales tracking. It would also see the company’s different business divisions integrated. Developing an accurate real-time warehouse management system is a key part of the project as, currently, different production batches vary slightly in colour and size, making it crucial not to mix them when fulfilling orders. The company is working with Aston University’s Professor Ben Clegg and Dr Gajanan Panchal (academic lead and supervisor) from Aston Business School. Professor Clegg, a professor of operations management, has pioneered a successful methodology called Process Oriented Holonic Modelling (PrOH Modelling), a way of fully engaging employees in organisational change using systems modelling and storyboarding, that will be used to help Craven Dunnill’s employees to guide and implement new processes. Dr Panchal specialises in logistics and supply chain management, including warehouse management and optimisation. He uses a variety of approaches to comprehend and analyse problems with warehousing operations. Completing the team in the KTP associate position is Dr Olanrewaju Sanda, who has started analysing the issues in the warehouse including the data around inventory accuracy and stock selection. Working closely with management and the Aston University team, he will digitalise operational systems. Part of this will include building a digital dashboard to represent the factory and move it towards a ‘digital twin’. Simon Howells, CEO of Craven Dunnill, said: “Although the mKTP is for two years, we don’t see it as a finite project. It will improve our pace of change and our developmental dynamism. Our supply chains and processes are complex, and we know getting the best advice and expertise is going to be really crucial for the long-term growth of the company.” Professor Ben Clegg said: “We’ve been using the PrOH modelling approach in various forms for several research projects. The more people we can involve, the more successful the project tends to be. I think the company was interested in our unique combination of our knowledge of digital technologies, logistics and our expertise in organisational change.” Olanrewaju Sanda said: “The warehouse is the heartbeat of the company – everything flows in and out of there. If we can solve the high-level problems at the warehouse, it will trickle down to everything else and leave the company in the best possible position for the future.”

East or West – who holds the key to our collective future? Public lecture

Professor Jun Du is an applied economist with a keen interest in economic thinking, policy and business strategy Her lecture will examine the differences between Eastern and Western economic models It will take place at Aston Business School on Wednesday 24 April 2024. An influential professor of economics and expert in global trade will be giving an inaugural public lecture at Aston Business School on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Professor Jun Du is an applied economist with a keen interest in economic thinking, policy and business strategy. Her research looks into the drivers and obstacles to boosting productivity and economic growth from the perspectives of individuals, firms, industries, regions and nations. Her lecture, East, West, which is best? - State, Market and the Return of Industrial Policy, promises to be an engaging narrative journey through the contrasting economic development experiences of Eastern and Western countries. Leveraging her extensive research and personal insights, Professor Du will delve into the complex dynamics between state, policies and the twin engines of growth – entrepreneurship and innovation. Professor Du said: “With the backdrop of global challenges, technological upheavals and pressing environmental crises, we find ourselves pondering on the critical question ‘East, West: who holds the key to our collective future?’ “In my lecture I will not just be looking at the differences, but also the strengths and lessons each brings to the table in our quest for sustainable progress and shared prosperity. We will delve into the landscape of economic governance with the formidable powers of the state, the market and entrepreneurs in conflict and convergence, collectively shaping the industries of the future. “This lecture seeks to spark a conversation that encourages innovative approaches to economic governance, with the goal of ensuring lasting prosperity for generations to come. “This is an invitation to change the world. I hope to see you there.” This lecture is free of charge and open to all to attend either in person or online. Places must be booked in advance. You can sign up for this hybrid public lecture here.

Podcast: Equality must become the norm, not just a box ticking exercise

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) must become “everybody’s business” EDI can reduce pay gaps and open up opportunities for SMEs Aston University now celebrating Athena Swan Gold award for gender equality. Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) needs to become “the norm” in organisations to escape “disappointing” government criticism that it is a waste of time. That’s the guidance coming from the latest episode of ‘Aston means business’, a podcast from Aston University presented by journalist Steve Dyson. Professor Shivani Sharma, the new deputy dean of people, culture and inclusion at the University’s College of Business and Social Sciences, explained that EDI cultures must become “everybody’s business” to address the existing gender and ethnicity pay gaps. Responding to recent government criticisms of EDI schemes, Professor Sharma said: “Not enough investment has gone into these roles because, if we look at the history, it tells us that just relying on everybody to do the right thing doesn’t work.” Also interviewed in the podcast was Omar Rashid, a director of The HR Dept, a human resources franchise for Birmingham Central & Wolverhampton. Mr Rashid, who specialises in diversity and recruitment, said that government criticism of EDI initiatives was “disappointing”. But he acknowledged: “I understand where they’re coming from because, if it’s seen as a scheme, as something we’ve got to do, and it’s not done properly, then maybe it is a waste of time and a waste of money. It has to be seen as the norm.” He said people need to realise they live in a multicultural world, with a diverse workforce, supply chain and customers, and that if implemented properly the benefits of EDI are there. Mr Rashid, who is also president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce in Birmingham, specialises in diversity and recruitment. He added: “There is opportunity there through different skills. “Each individual, whether it’s race, religion, will bring their own perspectives, their own unique skills, even people with a disability. It shouldn’t be seen as a barrier.” He said examples of a “tick box mentality” were where businesses might adopt Black History Month but do nothing for the other 11 months of the year, or provide a prayer room during Ramadan but not at any other time. He added: “When it’s tick box, it’s not worth it because you’ll have a business or someone who will do something for a short period of time. They half-heartedly did something without the conviction. Diversity shouldn’t be just a little bit here and there.” Professor Sharma went on to say that ‘world days’ such as International Women’s Day can act as a catalyst to focus attention on an issue. But she added: “It’s really important that why you’re doing that is clear, and that the strategy of raising awareness, to remove barriers to women, equitable inclusion in the workplace or in society, continues throughout the year.” She said that Aston University had recently gained an Athena Swan Gold award for promoting gender equality in higher education, but that the “scale” of the problem meant there was still lots more to achieve. She explained that proportions of women entering as students into higher education was really positive, as were degree completion rates. But she pointed to the fact that around 80 per cent of university vice chancellors identified as men, with low representations of ethnic minority women among professors. Professor Sharma added: “It will take a sustained effort to undo that over time.” She also praised the Inclusive Aston networking initiative at Aston University, with senior leaders mentoring colleagues of minority ethnic heritage. Mr Rashid said SMEs needed to look at the opportunities that a diverse workforce and culture can bring to their business. He added: “One SME business engaged with someone from an Asian background, wanted to tap into India, and guess what? He has the connections and they were able to open a branch in India.” Catch up on all of the previous ‘Aston means business’ podcast episodes here.