ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot with a massive user base of hundreds of millions, has become a global phenomenon. However, the use of Conversational AI Systems (CAISs) like ChatGPT for research in the field of Social Simulation is still limited. Specifically, there is no evidence of its usage in Agent-Based Social Simulation (ABSS) model design. While scepticism towards anything new is inherent to human nature, we firmly believe it is imperative to initiate the use of this innovative technology to support ABSS model design. This paper presents a proof-of-concept that demonstrates how CAISs can facilitate the development of innovative conceptual ABSS models in a concise timeframe and with minimal required upfront case-based knowledge. By employing advanced prompt engineering techniques and adhering to the Engineering ABSS framework, we have constructed a comprehensive prompt script that enables the design of ABSS models with or by the CAIS. The effectiveness of the script is demonstrated through an illustrative case study concerning the use of adaptive architecture in museums. Despite occasional inaccuracies and divergences in conversation, the CAIS proved to be a valuable companion for ABSS modellers.

By measuring network robustness in this way, we can evaluate whether a network is exploiting undesirable memorisation to "cheat." Understanding how networks change when they memorise will help us to build new networks which memorise less and generalise more. Together, these findings demonstrate the power of using techniques inspired by experimental neuroscience to understand neural networks. Using these methods, we found that highly selective individual neurons are no more important than non-selective neurons, and that networks which generalise well are much less reliant on individual neurons than those which simply memorise the training data. These results imply that individual neurons may be much less important than a first glance may suggest.

People should stop using patterns to unlock their devices, researchers have warned. A new study has found that it's a lot easier for people who might be looking over your shoulder as you unlock your phone to memorise a pattern than a passcode. So-called "shoulder surfing attacks" can be easy for a criminal to plan and execute, but you can protect yourself by switching to a PIN code and increasing its length from four digits to six, the researchers say. They got over 1,000 volunteers to act as attackers, challenging them to memorise a range of unlocking authentications – four- and six-digit PINs, and four- and six-length pa tterns with and without tracing lines – by watching a victim over their shoulder from a variety of angles. The 5-inch Nexus 5 and 6-inch OnePlus One were the two handsets used in the study, as the researchers say they "are similar to a wide variety of displays and form factors available on the market today, for both Android and iPhone".

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli's voice soared to the rafters of a Tuscan theatre, but all eyes were on YuMi, the automated conductor beside him. The robot with the apparent penchant for Verdi took part in a world first, using its two mechanical arms to direct the orchestra. The Swiss-designed system swept its baton skywards with one hand, while the other curved around in a caress spurring on the strings as the operatic La Donna E' Mobile, or Woman Is Fickle, reached its climax. Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli's (front of stage) voice soared to the rafters of a Tuscan theatre on Tuesday, but all eyes were on YuMi, the automated conductor beside him (foreground of image) during a world first performance by a two armed robotic maestro YuMi, whose name is derived from the phrase'you and me', was taught all the movements by conductor Andrea Colombani. He held its arms in rehearsals so the computer could memorise the correct gestures.