Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating Affective Responses toward In-Video Pedestrian Crossing Actions using Camera and Physiological Sensors

Automatically inferring drivers’ emotions during driver-pedestrian interactions to improve road safety remains a challenge for designing in-vehicle, empathic interfaces. To that end, we carried out a lab-based study using a combination of camera and physiological sensors. We collected participants’ (N=21) real-time, affective (emotion self-reports, heart rate, pupil diameter, skin conductance, and facial temperatures) responses towards non-verbal, pedestrian crossing videos from the Joint Attention for Autonomous Driving (JAAD) dataset. Our findings reveal that positive, non-verbal, pedestrian crossing actions in the videos elicit higher valence ratings from participants, while non-positive actions elicit higher arousal. Different pedestrian crossing actions in the videos also have a significant influence on participants’ physiological signals (heart rate, pupil diameter, skin conductance) and facial temperatures. Our findings provide a first step toward enabling in-car empathic interfaces that draw on behavioural and physiological sensing to in situ infer driver emotions during non-verbal pedestrian interactions.
Together in the Car: A Comparison of Five Concepts to Support Driver-Passenger Collaboration

A well-known cause of driver distraction is the engagement in non-driving-related activities (NDRA) using in-vehicle-infotainment systems (IVIS). Prior research shows that collaborative approaches to NDRAs with input from passengers can help to reduce these effects. Nevertheless, there is no systematic work on how to support collaboration in the car. In this paper, we designed and evaluated five concepts that exemplify different collaborative approaches with the goal of studying in-vehicle collaboration. Our results provide insights into how these approaches affect collaboration through the measures of (1) social connectedness (connectedness, affiliation, belongingness, companionship) and (2) team performance (coordination effectiveness, team cohesion). We found that Anarchic or Hierarchical control empower front-seat passengers, reduce power dynamics, and minimize driver distraction (caused by interacting passengers). We discuss the implications of these findings and posit recommendations to design future IVIS in passenger cars with improved driver-passenger collaboration.
Beyond the Halo: Investigation of Trust and Functional Specificity in Automated Driving with Conversational Agents

Only a few works so far have addressed functional specificity for trust formation in automated driving. Previous research indicated that drivers could hardly distinguish between sub-systems, while their trust is influenced by other in-vehicle technologies. Thus, we conducted a user study where participants had to supervise a level 2 vehicle while reading and communicating with conversational agents. In two conditions, the vehicle was either represented by a single agent or by two agents that portrayed the driving automation and the infotainment system. We hypothesized that a clear differentiation between sub-systems could allow drivers to better calibrate their trust. However, our results show quite the opposite. Correlation analyses suggest that participants’ functional specificity was high, and they based their situational and general trust ratings mainly on the perception of the driving system. Also, dispositional trust did not influence trust formation, but many participants still failed to monitor the system appropriately.
Conversational Voice Agents are Preferred and Lead to Better Driving Performance in Conditionally Automated Vehicles

In-vehicle intelligent agents (IVIAs) can provide versatile information on vehicle status and road events and further promote user perceptions such as trust. However, IVIAs need to be constructed carefully to reduce distraction and prevent unintended consequences like overreliance, especially when driver intervention is still required in conditional automation. To investigate the effects of speech style (informative vs. conversational) and embodiment (voice-only vs. robot) of IVIAs on driver perception and performance in conditionally automated vehicles, we recruited 24 young drivers to experience four driving scenarios in a simulator. Results indicated that although robot agents received higher system response accuracy and trust scores, they were not preferred due to great visual distraction. Conversational agents were generally favored and led to better takeover quality in terms of lower speed and smaller standard deviation of lane position. Our findings provide a valuable perspective on balancing user preference and subsequent user performance when designing IVIAs.
Explaining Performance in Word Reading and Comprehension Across Ages: An Analysis of Multiple Hypotheses with the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition

Like all psychoeducational batteries, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, fourth Edition (WIAT-4) requires independent investigation and analysis. The publisher provides multiple theories to support interpretation of its reading measures. At the word reading level, the battery includes a new Phonemic Proficiency subtest that the publisher reported correlated relatively higher with word reading skills than more basic phonological measures. However, its explanation of word reading skills in the context of other important predictors, like vocabulary, has not been investigated. At the comprehension level, the publisher endorsed an expanded simple view of reading, where oral reading fluency skills mediate the effects of word reading and oral language skills on comprehension. Using structural equation modeling with correlations provided in the technical manual, these analyses investigated multiple hypotheses stemming from publisher-endorsed theories. Results conformed to much of the publisher’s word level theories, but they were more equivocal at the comprehension level. Implications for WIAT-4 interpretation are discussed.
Graphite intercalation compound KC$_8$ revisited: a key to graphene

Electrons in isolated graphene layers are a two-dimensional gas of massless Dirac Fermions. In realistic devices, however, the electronic properties are modified by elastic deformations, interlayer coupling and substrate interaction. Here we unravel the electronic structure of doped graphene, revisiting the stage one graphite intercalation compound KC$_8$ using angle--resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab--initio calculations. The full experimental dispersion is in excellent agreement to calculations of doped graphene once electron correlations are included on the $GW$ level. This highlights that KC$_8$ has negligible interlayer coupling. Therefore Dirac Fermion behaviour is preserved and we directly determine the full experimental Dirac cone of doped graphene. In addition we prove that superconductivity in KC$_8$ is mediated by electron--phonon coupling to an iTO phonon, yielding a strong kink in the quasiparticle dispersion at 166 meV. These results are key for understanding, both, the unique electronic properties of graphene and superconductivity in KC$_8$.
Further improvement and evaluation of nudging in the E3SM Atmosphere Model version 1 (EAMv1)

Abstract. A previous study on the use of nudging in EAMv1 had an unresolved issue, namely a simulation nudged to EAMv1’s own meteorology showed non-negligible deviations from the free-running baseline simulation over some of the subtropical marine stratocumulus and trade cumulus regions. Here, we demonstrate the deviations can be substantially reduced by two changes in the nudging implementation: first, revising the sequence of calculations in a nudged EAM simulation to improve consistency with the free-running baseline; second, increasing the frequency of constraining data from 6-hourly to 3-hourly to better capture strong sub-diurnal variations. The resulting improvements in climate representativeness motivate an investigation on the potential benefits of using newer reanalysis products with higher data frequency in nudged simulations that aim at capturing observed weather events. Simulations nudged towards 6-hourly ERA-Interim reanalysis or 6-hourly, 3-hourly, and hourly ERA5 reanalysis are evaluated against EAMv1’s own climatology, global-scale satellite retrievals of outgoing longwave radiation and precipitation, as well as in-situ measurements of air temperature, humidity, and winds from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility. Our overall recommendation is to use the revised sequence of calculation and 3-hourly data from ERA5 for the nudged simulations. The anthropogenic aerosol effects in various EAMv1 simulations are evaluated. For estimating the global mean effect, the source of constraining data has a relatively small impact. Consistent with conclusions from previous studies, in order to obtain estimates of global mean aerosol effects that are consistent with results from the free-running baseline, nudging the horizontal winds but not air temperature is recommended.
A bound for Delaunay flip algorithms on flat tori (Best Student Paper Award)

We are interested in triangulations of ﬂat tori. A Delaunay ﬂip algorithm performs Delaunay ﬂips on the edges of an input triangulation T until it reaches a Delaunay triangulation. We prove that no sequence of Delaunay ﬂips is longer than C Γ · n 2 · Λ( T ) where Λ( T ) is the maximum length of an edge of T , n is the number of vertices of T , and C Γ > 0 depends only on the ﬂat torus. The bound improves on the upper bound previously known [4] in three ways: the dependency in the “quality” of the input triangulation is linear instead of quadratic, the bound is tight, and the “quality parame-ter” is simpler.
A Language Model for Spell Checking of Educational Texts in Kurdish (Sorani)

Spell checkers are an integrated feature of most software applications handling text inputs. When we write an email or compile a report on a desktop or a smartphone editor, a spell checker could be activated that assists us to write more correctly. However, this assistance does not exist for all languages equally. The Kurdish language, which still is considered a less-resourced language, currently lacks spell checkers for its various dialects. We present a trigram language model for the Sorani dialect of the Kurdish language that is created using educational text. We also showcase a spell checker for the Sorani dialect of Kurdish that can assist in writing texts in the Persian/Arabic script. The spell checker was developed as a testing environment for the language model. Primarily, we use the probabilistic method and our trigram language model with Stupid Backoff smoothing for the spell checking algorithm. Our spell checker has been trained on the KTC (Kurdish Textbook Corpus) dataset. Hence the system aims at assisting spell checking in the related context. We test our approach by developing a text processing environment that checks for spelling errors on a word and context basis. It suggests a list of corrections for misspelled words. The developed spell checker shows 88.54% accuracy on the texts in the related context and it has an F1 score of 43.33%, and the correct suggestion has an 85% chance of being in the top three positions of the corrections.
A Keyword Spotting Approach based on Pseudo N-gram Language Model

In General, keyword spotting systems employ the connected word recognition network, which consists of both keyword models and filler models as the recognition strategy. That is why those systems cannot construct the language models of word appearance effectively for detecting keywords in large vocabulary continuous speech system that has large text data. In this paper, we propose a keyword spotting system using pseudo N-gram language model for detecting keywords. We then investigated the performance of the proposed system according to the changes of the frequencies of appearances (uni-gram) of both keyword and filler models. As the results, when the uni-gram probability of keyword and filler models set to 0.2 and 0.8 respectively, the experimental results showed 8.6% of equal error rate. This means that the proposed has 14% of higher performance than conventional methods in terms of error reduction rate.
Context effects in linguistic information processing: Decomposing the focus effect in reading

Investigations of linguistic focus in reading have found mixed results: Some report a decrease in reading times on focused material (Morris & Folk, 1998; Birch & Rayner, 2010), while others report an increase (Birch & Rayner, 1997; Benatar & Clifton, 2014; Lowder & Gordon, 2015; Sloggett, Rysling, & Staub, 2019), without an explanation for which pattern of results will be found with which focusing structures. We report the results of three studies using the Maze task (Forster, Guerrera, & Elliot, 2009), in which newness was crossed with focus, and the context preceding a focused target manipulated whether or not contrastive alternatives to that target word were mentioned. A slowdown in response times on focused targets compared to non-focused targets was found even when the focus and its comparator were both given information, suggesting a focus cost that does not reduce to newness. When alternatives to foci were contextually mentioned, the slowdown on new foci was significantly reduced, suggesting that presenting information about alternatives aids the reading of foci. Controlling for newness versus focus and contextual mention of alternatives clarifies earlier reading results: previous reading work only found a focus speed-up after contextual mention of contrastive alternatives with no newness contrast between foci and baselines, and only found a slowdown in the absence of alternatives. We propose that differences in the processing profiles of material focused by different devices – question/answer pairs versus particles versus clefts – suggest that the different focus structures vary in the information they make available toand the specific demands they place on comprehenders, but the processing of focus is nonetheless generally effortful, in line with Lowder and Gordon’s (2015) proposal.
Food Prices and Inflation

This paper presents evidence that inflation in India is highly dependent on international food prices and exchange rates. Estimates based on a single equation error correction regression model indicate that high international food prices contributed about 2.5 percentage points of the 3.7 percentage point increase in inflation observed during the global food crisis (2007-2008). Our application is to India, but the findings suggest that global food prices are an important factor for explaining inflation in all countries where food is a major component of consumption, as is the case in most developing countries. In an ever-more connected world, we have shown that global forces can have a dramatic impact on inflation, and especially on food prices. Sudden spikes in food prices can have disastrous consequences for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Future research should be aimed at understanding how to design monetary, exchange rate, trade, and other policies taking the relationship between local and global food prices into account.
Multimodality in the teaching of biology: comparing some semiotic resources

In the teaching of scientific subjects, several semiotic resources such as images, texts, physical models, audio recordings and film have been used for a long time. In recent years, digital learning resources have also been added, such as simulations and virtual and augmented realities. In this paper, an investigation of how pupils understand the science of hearing and the anatomy of the ear with the support of various semiotic resources is performed by a teacher/researcher. How do pupils reflect on their understanding of hearing when they use different semiotic resources in teaching? In this investigation five different semio tic resources are compared. The analysis of questionnaires, interviews and lesson observations shows how the pupils move between the different modalities. The findings indicate that pupils can benefit from using carefully chosen different semiotic resources. It could also matter in which order the semiotic resources are used. The study shows that embodied cognition plays a prominent role, such as touching a physical model of an ear. Furthermore, understanding the anatomy of the ear is described as better using a phy sical model, while understanding the process of hearing is described as better using a simulation. These findings can be useful for teachers, student teachers, teacher educators and teaching aid developers.
Understanding Chinese EFL Learners’ Acceptance of Gamified Vocabulary Learning Apps: An Integration of Self-Determination Theory and Technology Acceptance Model

Implementing the idea of gamification in mobile-assisted language learning has recently been gaining increasing attention from academia and industry. However, few studies have investigated students’ motivation to use and their acceptance of popular gamified English vocabulary learning apps. This study proposes a theoretical framework combining the self-determination theory and the technology acceptance model, and examines it with survey data collected from 272 Chinese college students. The findings of the descriptive statistical and structural equation modeling analysis include: (1) students generally choose these apps out of autonomous motivations instead of controlled motivations; (2) autonomous motivation positively affects both perceived usefulness and ease of use, whereas controlled motivation only shows positive effects on the former; (3) controlled motivation does not affect the autonomous motivation to adopt these apps; and (4) consistent with the TAM frameworks, perceived usefulness and ease of use positively affect behavioral intention and actual behavior in terms of the frequency and duration of use in the gamified English vocabulary learning context. This study is expected to not only provide a solid theoretical explanation about the impact of motivation on the degree of acceptance of learning technologies in the language education context among specific student groups, but also offers practical insights on how to maximize the potential benefits of gamification and mobile learning in foreign language education
Design of Parallel Variable Stiffness Actuators

Direct-drive motors (DDMs) have been increasingly used for robot actuation because they provide high-fidelity torque control, but they typically have low torque density. Gearing can be used to increase the torque density of motors, but gearing decreases the power density of the actuator. Parallel elastic actuators (PEAs), composed of a spring attached in parallel to a motor, can increase both the torque and power density of the actuator without jeopardizing torque control fidelity. PEAs can also generate efficient oscillatory motion by applying the torque of the motor through resonant oscillations. However, conventional fixed stiffness springs used in PEAs only enable efficient oscillatory motion at a fixed resonant frequency defined by the stiffness of the spring. In this article, we present a parallel variable stiffness actuator (PVSA) consisting of a DDM connected in parallel to a variable stiffness spring. PVSAs retain the torque control bandwidth of DDMs and PEAs and can be used to amplify the torque and power of the motor over a range of oscillation frequencies. We present a compact design of a PVSA where a direct-drive motor, a high energy density composite spring, and a variable stiffness mechanism are arranged in a conventional cylindrical geometry, similar to a motor-gearbox assembly. We foresee the use of PVSAs in mobile robots and wearable devices, where energy efficient oscillatory motion at different frequencies, along with high torque and power density is indispensable.
Third-order Theory Of Thermally Controlled Plastic And Glass Triplets

The limited availability of thermally compensated triplet solutions are studied and a paraxial mathematical expression for directly controlling thermal shifts are derived. Application of this expression is used to achieved families of thermally controlled triplet solutions. The solutions, depending upon aberration requirements, become finished designs or optimum starting points for surface aspherization and/or the addition of elements.
Exploring the Role of Family-School Partnerships in School Choice

Parental access to useful information about schools continues to be a structural barrier that limits the equity potential of school choice programs. While “information interventions” or simplified and readable knowledge resources show promise for counteracting information disparities between families, this line of research has provided limited insight on the particular preferences and needs of parents or the value of person-to-person interpretive assistance in school decisions. This exploratory study uses qualitative methods to investigate parent-school collaboration for the purpose of school selection in Washington, D.C. Drawing on a social capital framework, this study analyzes information transactions from parents’ perspectives to clarify ways in which school personnel currently function as liaisons of choice. Findings from this study indicate future opportunities for districts to improve the outcome of school choice through better training of school and district personnel.
Progress of Nanomaterials-Based Photothermal Therapy for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the top 15 most prevalent cancers worldwide. However, the current treatment models for OSCC (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and combination therapy) present several limitations: damage to adjacent healthy tissue, possible recurrence, low efficiency, and severe side effects. In this context, nanomaterial-based photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted extensive research attention. This paper reviews the latest progress in the application of biological nanomaterials for PTT in OSCC. We divide photothermal nanomaterials into four categories (noble metal nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, metal compounds, and organic nanomaterials) and introduce each category in detail. We also mention in detail the drug delivery systems for PTT of OSCC and briefly summarize the applications of hydrogels, liposomes, and micelles. Finally, we note the challenges faced by the clinical application of PTT nanomaterials and the possibility of further improvement, providing direction for the future research of PTT in OSCC treatment.
PhotoElasticFinger: Robot Tactile Fingertip Based on Photoelastic Effect

The sense of touch is fundamental for a one-to-one mapping between the environment and a robot that physically interacts with the environment. Herein, we describe a tactile fingertip design that can robustly detect interaction forces given data collected from a camera. This design is based on the photoelastic effect observed in silicone matter. Under the force applied to the silicone rubber, owing to the stress-induced birefringence, the light propagating within the silicone rubber is subjected to the angular phase shift, where the latter is proportional to the increase in the image brightness in the camera frames. We present the calibration and test results of the photoelastic sensor design on a bench using a robot arm and with a certified industrial force torque sensor. We also discuss the applications of this sensor design and its potential relationship with human mechano-transduction receptors. We achieved a force sensing range of up to 8 N with a force resolution of around 0.5 N. The photoelastic tactile fingertip is suitable for robot grasping and might lead to further progress in robust tactile sensing.