A.I. Explanation:

Correct answer: effort

Explanation: The word 'effort' fits grammatically as a noun that refers to the work and energy put into research. It aligns contextually with the phrase 'active research' and indicates the contributions made over decades.

Meaning: 'Effort' refers to the exertion of physical or mental energy towards a task or goal.

Wrong options:

• steps: 'Steps' refers to stages in a process and does not convey the same meaning of exertion or work in this context.
• always: 'Always' is an adverb indicating frequency, which does not fit as a noun in this sentence.
• supporting: 'Supporting' is a gerund or present participle that does not serve as a noun and does not fit the grammatical structure here.

Correct answer: including

Explanation: The word 'including' serves as a preposition that introduces examples of the developments mentioned. It fits grammatically and contextually, linking the previous clause to specific instances.

Meaning: 'Including' is used to introduce examples or specifics that are part of a larger group.

Wrong options:

• steps: 'Steps' does not function as a preposition and does not introduce examples appropriately in this context.
• always: 'Always' is an adverb that does not fit as it does not introduce examples or specifics.
• supporting: 'Supporting' does not serve as a preposition and does not relate to the context of providing examples.

Correct answer: take

Explanation: The verb 'take' fits grammatically as it is in the present tense, aligning with the subject 'we.' It contextually conveys the idea of accepting something as normal or given.

Meaning: 'Take' in this context means to accept or regard something as normal or unremarkable.

Wrong options:

• steps: 'Steps' is a noun and does not fit grammatically as a verb in this context.
• always: 'Always' is an adverb and does not serve as a verb, failing to fit the grammatical structure.
• never: 'Never' is an adverb indicating negation, which does not fit as a verb in this context.

Correct answer: applications

Explanation: The term 'applications' fits grammatically as a plural noun that refers to practical uses of technology. It aligns contextually with the discussion of developments in artificial intelligence.

Meaning: 'Applications' refer to practical uses or implementations of technology or concepts.

Wrong options:

• steps: 'Steps' refers to stages in a process and does not convey the meaning of practical uses in this context.
• always: 'Always' is an adverb and does not fit as a noun in this context.
• supporting: 'Supporting' does not serve as a noun and does not relate to the context of practical uses.

Correct answer: never

Explanation: The word 'never' fits grammatically as an adverb that negates the verb 'lose.' It contextually emphasizes the reliability of computer-driven cars in maintaining concentration.

Meaning: 'Never' means at no time; it indicates that something does not happen at all.

Wrong options:

• steps: 'Steps' is a noun and does not fit grammatically as an adverb in this context.
• always: 'Always' is an adverb indicating frequency, which contradicts the intended meaning of reliability in this context.
• take: 'Take' is a verb and does not fit as an adverb to modify the action of losing concentration.