Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DESIGNING FOR CALIBRATED TRUST: EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES IN CALIBRATING TRUST BETWEEN USERS AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Abstract Trust is an important factor in building acceptance of autonomous vehicles within our society, but the complex nature of trust makes it challenging to design for an appropriate level of trust. This can lead to instances of mistrust and/or distrust between users and AV’s. Designing for calibrated trust is a possible option to address this challenge. Existing research on designing for calibrated trust focuses on the human machine interaction (HMI), while from literature we infer that trust creation beings much before the first interaction between a user and an AV. The goal of our research is to broaden the scope of calibrated trust, by exploring the pre-use phase and understand the challenges faced in calibration of trust. Within our study 16 mobility experts were interviewed and a thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted. The analysis revealed the lack of clear communication between stakeholders, a solutionism approach towards designing and lack of transparency in design as the prominent challenges. Building on the research insights, we briefly introduce the Calibrated Trust Toolkit as our design solution, and conclude by proposing a sweet spot for achieving calibration of trust between users and autonomous vehicles.
3D Agent-Based Model of Pedestrian Movements for Simulating COVID-19 Transmission in University Students

On the 30 January 2020, the WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Social restrictions with different efficiencies were put in place to avoid transmission. Students living in student accommodation constitute an interesting group to test restrictions because they share living places, workplaces and daily routines, which are key factors in the transmission. In this paper, we present a new geospatial agent-based simulation model to explore the transmission of COVID-19 between students living in Newcastle University accommodation and the efficiency of simulated restrictions (e.g., facemask, lockdown, self-isolation). Results showed that facemasks could reduce infection peak by 30% if worn by all students; an early lockdown could keep 65% of the students safe in the best case; self-isolation could keep 86% of the students safe; while the combination of these measures could prevent disease in 95% of students in the best case-scenario. Spatial analyses showed that the most dangerous places were those where many students interact for a long time, such as faculties and accommodation. The developed ABM could help university managers to respond to current and future epidemics and plan effective responses to keep safe as many students as possible.
PALMARIS LONGUS MUSCLE CONTRIBUTION TO MAXIMUM TORQUE AND STEADINESS IN HIGHLY SKILLED GRIP AND NON-GRIP SPORT POPULATIONS

Background: The anatomy, origin, function, and appearance of the Palmaris Longus Muscle (PLM) in different populations are well studied. However, little is known about its contribution to wrist flexion movements in sports. This study investigates whether the existence or absence of the PLM affects maximal torque output or torque consistency of submaximal wrist flexion moment. Methods: One hundred ninety-seven well-trained sports students were clinically examined to ascertain the presence of the PLM. Forty of them from different sport disciplines were assigned to two groups (athletes in handgrip sports: HG, athletes in non-handgrip sports: NHG). Their 80 upper limbs were divided based on the PLM-presence/absence and hand-dominance/non-dominance. Maximal Isometric Torque (MIT) at 150º, 180º, and 210º wrist angle, and torque steadiness at 150º and 180º, at 25%, 50%, and 75% of MIT were measured on a Humac Norm dynamometer. Results: In all MIT tests, HGs significantly surpassed NHGs, independently of the dominant or non-dominant side in presence of the PLM (p <.05). Steadiness was significantly higher in HGs than in NHGs in dominant hands having the PLM, at 25% and 75% of MIT at both angles (p <.05). Conclusions: It is concluded that the existence of the PLM provides an advantage in sustained handgrip sports (throwers, racquet sports, basketball, handball players), contributing positively to decreased torque variability and higher maximal torque independently of muscular length. Important implications for sports performance and injury prevention have also resulted.
The Effect of a Preparation Containing Rhizobial Nod Factors on Pea Morphological Traits and Physiology

The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of increasing the pea yields by improving the symbiotic nitrogen fixation through the use of a preparation containing bacterial Nod factors (NFs). Two pea cultivars were included in the experiment: Wiato (with traditional foliage) and Model (afila type). Before sowing, the seeds were soaked in distilled water (control) and in a preparation of Nod factors at a concentration of 10−12 M dm−3 H2O. As a result, of the Nod factor preparation use, an acceleration of the date and uniformity of pea plant emergence was observed. The treatment had also a positive effect on the number and weight of root nodules, which resulted in a significant increase in the yield of vegetative and generative plant organs. A positive effect of seed soaking with NFs preparation was also observed in the dynamics of pea weight increase, chlorophyll content in leaves and the values of gas exchange parameters. Model cultivar of pea had generally higher values of the analysed traits than Wiato, but the response of both cultivars to Nod factors was similar. This means that application of the preparation containing NFs, may improve the growth, development, and yield of both types of pea.
Effects of Two-Stage Ditch and Natural Floodplains on Sediment Processes Driven by Different Hydrological Conditions

The two-stage ditch is a river restoration technique that aims at improving the sediment regime and lateral channel connectivity by recreating a small floodplain alongside a stream reach. This study aimed to analyze the efficiency of a two-stage ditch in improving the stream sediment structure and functions under different hydrological conditions (baseflow, post-bankfull, post-flood). Stream sediments were collected in channel sections adjacent to the two-stage ditch, adjacent to a natural floodplain along channelized reaches without inundation areas. Grain sizes, organic matter content and phosphorous (P) fractions were analyzed along with functional parameters (benthic respiration rate and P adsorption capacity, EPC0). The reach at the two-stage ditch showed no changes in sediment texture and stocks, while the floodplain reach showed higher fines and organic matter content under all hydrological conditions. The sediments in degraded reaches were more likely to be P sources, while they were more in equilibrium with the water column next to the natural floodplains and the two-stage ditch. Only functional parameters allowed for assessing the restoration effects on improving the sediment stability and functionality. Due to its sensitivity, the use of P adsorption capacity is recommended in future studies aiming at evaluating the response of river sediments to restoration measures under different hydrological conditions.
Telecollaborative Writing within an Algerian EFL Context: Insights from the Ibunka2019 Project

ــ ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ ـــــــ ـــــــ ـــــــ ـــــــ ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ *Corresponding author, Associate Professor in English Language and Linguistics, Department of Foreign Languages & Research Laboratory on Language Didactics (RLLD), École Normale Supérieure – Messaoud Zeghar, Sétif, Algeria; Email: b.dendenne@ens-setif.dz, ORCID ID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0037-4988 Language Related Research E-ISSN: 2383-0816 https://lrr.modares. ac.ir https://doi.org/10.29252/LRR.12. 3.6
Heterogeneous material properties – as inferred from seismic attenuation - influenced multiple fault rupture and ductile creep of the Kaikoura Mw 7.8 earthquake, New Zealand

The 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura, New Zealand, earthquake occurred along the eastern margin of the transition region between active subduction in the North Island and oblique collision in the South Island. To infer crustal properties, we imaged Q (1/seismic attenuation) by combining selected M>3.5 aftershocks with data from previous Q models. For 158 distributed aftershocks, we fit spectral decay on temporary stations and all Geonet stations, providing 6194 t*p and 19,497 t*s. Considering the varied rheology and faults, we also used 2.5-D numerical models to study ductile strain development. The complex earthquake ruptured an ∼180-km long zone of multiple faults, which involved jumping around the complicated eastern end of the Hope fault, without significant slip on the Hope fault. The Qs and Qp results show features in the upper and lower crust which correlate to the distribution and types of fault rupture. This earthquake involved numerous faults over a region of greywacke crust, where the underlying high Q Cretaceous slab is about 30-km depth. It initiated with ∼5-m slip on the Humps fault in a region of background seismicity and low Q lower crust, adjacent to the Hope fault. The central region near Kaikoura shows a high Q crustal block, which appears to have inhibited rupture; as the rupture progressed over several small faults to jump offshore of the apparently strong block. Underlying the Kaikoura greywacke crust, below 20-km depth, there is a 40-km long region of increased Vp, Qs and gravity, which likely represents an intraplate plutonic complex emplaced into the Hikurangi Plateau, forming an elevated section which influences deformation. In the northern section, in a region with relatively uniform moderate to low Q, the earthquake evolved into the relatively continuous ∼80-km long major rupture along the Jordan, Kekerengu and Needles faults, with ∼6-20 m dextral slip at depth and surface displacements of ∼10 m dextral and ∼2 m vertical. The northern progression of the rupture stopped when it approached an abrupt change to high Q crust across Cook Strait. At 20-30-km depth northwest of the rupture, deeper zones with low Q are consistent with regions of distributed ductile shear and creep where the observed afterslip may have occurred, where the underlying slab is 25–40 km deep. The numerical model shows that ductile deformation localises in this area of lower crust above the relatively strong slab, connecting outer faults (Kekerengu) to inland faults (Clarence, Awatere, Wairau), and demonstrates that no subduction thrust is required under the Marlborough region.
Cloud computing adoption among state universities and colleges in the Philippines: Issues and challenges

The emergence of cloud computing (CC) adoption in higher education institutions (HEIs) is considered widespread today. Its growth comes with tremendous benefits and potential risks as well. This paper endeavors to investigate some issues and challenges that influence the adoption of cloud computing among state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines. A qualitative design was used in the study as it employed multiple case studies approach. Based on the results, this paper establishes two strong factors such as slow internet connection and lack of understanding or awareness of cloud computing. The findings revealed the impact of cloud computing to SUCs is found beneficial to the educational system amidst the global pandemic. Professors can easily upload lessons and teaching materials while students can easily access the materials online, though the challenge lies in the connectivity of internet in the country. Administrators can easily collaborate with the entire academic community and even to its stakeholder’s potential for collaboration even if not in face to face. It is a perfect avenue to be productive and efficient which allows all processes be made possible to all members of the entire academic community, may it be students, professors, staff and even other stakeholders.
Pulsating and cellular instabilities of hydrogen–oxygen detonations with ozone sensitization

Numerical simulations have been conducted to investigate the effects of ozone (O3) sensitization on pulsating and cellular instabilities of one- and two-dimensional (1-, 2D) detonations in hydrogen–oxygen–helium (H2/O2/He) mixture with and without O3 addition. The predictions have been analyzed to illustrate the different modes of 1D detonation in H2/O2/He mixtures and its thermal sensitivity to the varying distributions of the heat release rate due to He dilution. The results are further analyzed to gain insight about the effect of O3 addition on the induction length, propagating mode of 1D detonation and its stability. Finally, the role of O3 sensitization on cellular detonation in the 2D simulations is analyzed in terms of its effect on the detonation cell size, induction length, and detonation instabilities. The results indicate considerable potential of O3 sensitization to reduce the existence of unburnt pockets, reduce cell size, and increase detonation stability.
SecondSight: A Framework for Cross-Device Augmented Reality Interfaces

This paper describes a modular framework developed to facilitate the design space exploration of cross-device Augmented Reality (AR) interfaces that combine an AR head-mounted display (HMD) with a smartphone. Currently, there is a growing interest in how AR HMDs can be used with smartphones to improve the user’s AR experience. In this work, we describe a framework that enables rapid prototyping and evaluation of an interface. Our system enables different modes of interaction, content placement, and simulated AR HMD field of view to assess which combination is best suited to inform future researchers on design recommendations. We provide examples of how the framework could be used to create sample applications, the types of the studies which could be supported, and example results from a simple pilot study.
People May Punish, But Not Blame Robots

As robots may take a greater part in our moral decision-making processes, whether people hold them accountable for moral harm becomes critical to explore. Blame and punishment signify moral accountability, often involving emotions. We quantitatively looked into people’s willingness to blame or punish an emotional vs. non-emotional robot that admits to its wrongdoing. Studies 1 and 2 (online video interaction) showed that people may punish a robot due to its lack of perceived emotional capacity than its perceived agency. Study 3 (in the lab) demonstrated that people were neither willing to blame nor punish the robot. Punishing non-emotional robots seems more likely than blaming them, yet punishment towards robots is more likely to arise online than offline. We reflect on if and why victimized humans (and those who care for them) may seek out retributive justice against robot scapegoats when there are no humans to hold accountable for moral harm.
Revisiting the abandoned shorelines of Lake George, Australia: a refined optical dating framework

Abandoned shorelines are an important archive used to constrain past fluctuations in the hydrological balance of lakes around the globe. Within Australia, the shorelines preserved at Lake George, NSW, form one of the few shoreline archives in the south‐east of the continent that record palaeoenvironmental conditions throughout the late Quaternary. Here, we examined and tested the lake‐level record for Lake George constructed in the 1970s by dating a well‐preserved shoreline sequence at Luckdale, on the lake's eastern shore, using single‐grain optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. Ten stratigraphic units were identified, and these suggest a late Quaternary highstand for Lake George in MIS 3, with fluctuations superimposed upon an overall drying trend throughout MIS 2 and into the present. At Luckdale, the highest four shoreline‐associated units were deposited ~13 to 19 m above lake base and date to between 39 ± 2 and 29 ± 1 ka ago. Our study pushes back the timing of maximum lake depth at Lake George to at least MIS 3, rather than MIS 2. The overall drying trend is supported by similar reductions in both Riverine Plain fluvial activity and other associated lake‐level records from within the Murray basin.
A new species of Micryletta Dubois, 1987 (Anura, Microhylidae) from Yunnan Province, China

A new species of the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987 is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The most obvious differences between the new species and other species of this genus are small body size, unique coloration, and relatively longer hind limbs. In 16S rRNA gene sequences, the new species is diverged from all other congeners by 3.1%–8.0%.
Drying characteristics and modeling of tomato thin layer drying in combined infrared-hot air dryer

In this study tomato slices were dried with three thicknesses (3, 5 and 7 mm), three temperatures (60°C, 70°Cand 80°C) and air speed of 1.1 ms -1 in a combined infrared-hot air dryer. Distance from infrared source was 70 cm, while, input air temperature was 60°C. The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design. Results showed that energy consumption reduced along with the increase in temperature and slice thickness. Decrease in the slice thickness from 7 to 3 mm resulted in a significant decrease in drying time. Maximum diffusion coefficient was related to the thickness of 7 mm and the temperature of 80°C, while, the minimum value was related to the thickness of 3 mm and the temperature of 60°C. Effective diffusion coefficient and activation energy is, respectively, 9-10 m 2 s -1 to 10-11 m 2 s -1 and 12.7-110 kJ mol -1 . Middili's model had the maximum R 2 and the minimum RMSE and SSE at different temperatures and speeds, thus, it was considered as the fittest model to predict the moisture.
Relationship between organisational commitment and effectiveness of human resource management practices in a South African information technology company

Orientation: This article presents the characteristics associated with organisational commitment levels and the perception of the effectiveness of human resource (HR) management practices in a South African information technology (IT) company. Research purpose: The objective of this research was to investigate whether there was a significant positive relationship between organisational commitment levels and the effectiveness of HR management practices amongst employees within the IT company along the lines of age, gender, race, educational level and tenure. Motivation for the study: Companies are becoming increasingly interested in the promotion of commitment amongst employees because of the numerous benefits associated with organisational commitment, such as improved employee performance and reduced employee turnover. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative research approach was used and a structured questionnaire, validated from previous studies, consisting of close-ended questions was used. A convenience sampling was used and a sample size of 309 participants was used to collect necessary data. Data were collected and analysed using the Stata V15 statistical analysis software. The results were interpreted with frequencies and percentages using tables and figures. Main findings: The results indicated that a positive relationship between organisational commitment and HR management practices exist. In terms of variables, demographical groups vary. Practical/managerial implications: Mangers need to understand employees’ perceptions and attitudes towards the HR management practices employed in the organisation to determine whether these particular HR management practices achieve desirable outcomes. Contribution/value-add: This study will contribute to an in-depth understanding of the effectiveness of HR management practices in managing the high turnover in organisations and to improve employee commitment in South African IT companies.
Effect of wastewater on the spring water quality of Sarida Catchment – West Bank

Abstract This research assessed the effect of untreated wastewater discharged to Sarida Wadi within the Sarida Catchment in the Central West Bank. Spring water from seven springs within the catchment were tested for physical, hydrochemical, and microbiological characteristics in wet and dry seasons. Hydrochemical results of wastewater samples showed that Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) exceeded the standards in 93 percent of the samples, and an increase of COD value was recorded in the catchment downstream in the dry season. The springs’ hydrochemical data showed that Ca2+ plays a dominant role, and samples from the dry season exceeded the limits for HCO3 -. One spring showed high nitrate values, exceeding the 45 mg/L limit. The springs’ microbial results provided overwhelming proof of wastewater contamination and an increasing trend over time of Fecal Coliforms (FC). The analyzed trace elements did not exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for drinking water with the exception of one spring with an abnormal value for Boron.
Applying CCB to predict management change affected long‐term SOM turnover of the Extended Static Fertilization Experiment in Bad Lauchstädt

Long‐term field experiments (LTEs) are invaluable in improving understanding of soil organic matter (SOM) turnover, as some of the involved processes have proceeded over centuries. Prediction of such slow carbon fluxes depends especially on the initialization of slow‐reacting model pools and requires monitoring for a very long time for evaluation. This study reports soil organic matter (SOM) modelling covering more than 100 years for a dataset of 36 treatments of the “Extended Static Experiment” that is based on the classical “Static Experiment Bad Lauchstädt. ” The experimental scheme includes different fertilization treatments where the plots are arranged in two field stripes. A special feature of this experiment is the management change for each stripe after seven decades of continuous cultivation that includes a considerable alteration of organic amendments on different SOM levels. The Candy Carbon Balance (CCB) model was calibrated for soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics regarding initial SOC content and one parameter describing the physical protection of SOM. Calibration was performed for each plot individually, for each stripe, and for the whole experiment, resulting in a relative root mean square error (rRMSE, (−)) of 0.050, 0.058 and 0.064, respectively. Model predictions for soil organic nitrogen (SON) dynamics were satisfactory using the calibration results for SOC and the average C/N ratio from all observations within this dataset (11.8) for model initialization. The model error for SON prediction reached from rRMSE = 0.09 (whole experiment) over rRMSE = 0.085 (each stripe) to rRMSE = 0.084 (each plot). Calibration results suggest some heterogeneity between the two field stripes. Restarting the model after the management change in 1978 using the plot‐specific calculated SOC value from previous simulations for the whole time period provided different results of predicted SOC trends and values, suggesting that the precondition of SOM in steady state was still not fulfilled after seven decades.