Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Defining the Metaverse through the lens of academic scholarship, news articles, and social media

The emergence of the Metaverse has received varied attention from academic scholars, news media, and social media. While the term ’Metaverse’ has been around since Neil Stevenson’s 1992 novel, Snow Crash, the definition of the Metaverse changes depending on who and when it is described. In this study we analyze various works about the Metaverse from ACM publications on the topic, to news media reports, to discussions on social media. Using topic modeling techniques and natural language analysis, we show how each community speaks about and defines the Metaverse.
Thermoformable Shell for Repeatable Thermoforming

We propose a thermoformable shell called TF-Shell that allows repeatable thermoforming. Due to the low thermal conductivity of typical printing materials like polylactic acid (PLA), thermoforming 3D printed objects is largely limited. Through embedding TF-Shell, users can thermoform target parts in diverse ways. Moreover, the deformed structures can be restored by reheating. In this demo, we introduce the TF-Shell and demonstrate four thermoforming behaviors with the TF-Shell embedded figure. With our approach, we envision bringing the value of hands-on craft to digital fabrication.
DeltaPen: A Device with Integrated High-Precision Translation and Rotation Sensing on Passive Surfaces

We present DeltaPen, a pen device that operates on passive surfaces without the need for external tracking systems or active sensing surfaces. DeltaPen integrates two adjacent lens-less optical flow sensors at its tip, from which it reconstructs accurate directional motion as well as yaw rotation. DeltaPen also supports tilt interaction using a built-in inertial sensor. A pressure sensor and high-fidelity haptic actuator complements our pen device while retaining a compact form factor that supports mobile use on uninstrumented surfaces. We present a processing pipeline that reliably extracts fine-grained pen translations and rotations from the two optical flow sensors. To asses the accuracy of our translation and angle estimation pipeline, we conducted a technical evaluation in which we compared our approach with ground-truth measurements of participants’ pen movements during typical pen interactions. We conclude with several example applications that leverage our device’s capabilities. Taken together, we demonstrate novel input dimensions with DeltaPen that have so far only existed in systems that require active sensing surfaces or external tracking.
Breathing Life Into Biomechanical User Models

Forward biomechanical simulation in HCI holds great promise as a tool for evaluation, design, and engineering of user interfaces. Although reinforcement learning (RL) has been used to simulate biomechanics in interaction, prior work has relied on unrealistic assumptions about the control problem involved, which limits the plausibility of emerging policies. These assumptions include direct torque actuation as opposed to muscle-based control; direct, privileged access to the external environment, instead of imperfect sensory observations; and lack of interaction with physical input devices. In this paper, we present a new approach for learning muscle-actuated control policies based on perceptual feedback in interaction tasks with physical input devices. This allows modelling of more realistic interaction tasks with cognitively plausible visuomotor control. We show that our simulated user model successfully learns a variety of tasks representing different interaction methods, and that the model exhibits characteristic movement regularities observed in studies of pointing. We provide an open-source implementation which can be extended with further biomechanical models, perception models, and interactive environments.
Gauge Unified Theories without the Cosmological Constant Problem

We study gauge theories in the context of a gravitational theory without the cosmological constant problem (CCP). The theory is based on the requirement that the measure of integration in the action is not necessarily $\sqrt{-g}$ but it is determined dynamically through additional degrees of freedom. Realization of these ideas in the framework of the first order formalism solves the CCP. Incorporation of a condensate of a four index field strength allows, after a conformal transformation to the Einstein frame, to represent the system of gravity and matter in the standard GR form. Now, however, the effective potential vanishes at a vacuum state due to the exact balance to zero of the gauge fields condensate and the original scalar fields potential. As a result it is possible to combine the solution of the CCP with: a) inflation and transition to a $\Lambda =0$ phase without fine tuning after a reheating period; b) spontaneously broken gauge unified theories (including fermions). The model opens new possibilities for a solution of the hierarchy problem.
Transtiff: A Stick Interface with Various Stiffness by Artificial Muscle Mechanism

We manipulate stick objects, such as chopsticks and pens in our daily life. The senses of the human hand are extremely sensitive and can acquire detailed information. By perceiving changes in the feel of the finger, we perceive the characteristic of the object when we manipulate sticks, such as pens and brushes. Therefore, we can extend the tactile experience of touching something by controlling a stick's grasping sensation. In this study, we propose Transtiff which has a joint that changes its stiffness dynamically to a stick object that generally cannot bend. We use a piston mechanism that uses a small motor to compress the liquid in a flexible tube to control the stiffness of the joint.
ELAXO : Rendering Versatile Resistive Force Feedback for Fingers Grasping and Twisting

Haptic feedback not only enhances immersion in virtual reality (VR) but also delivers experts’ haptic sensation tips in VR training, e.g., properly clamping a tenon and mortise joint or tightening a screw in the assembly of VR factory training, which could even improve the training performance. However, various and complicated manipulation is in different scenarios. Although haptic feedback of virtual objects’ shape, stiffness or resistive force in pressing or grasping is achieved by previous research, rotational resistive force when twisting or turning virtual objects is seldom discussed or explored, especially for a wearable device. Therefore, we propose a wearable device, ELAXO, to integrate continuous resistive force and continuous rotational resistive force with or without resilience in grasping and twisting, respectively. ELAXO is an exoskeleton with rings, mechanical brakes and elastic bands. The brakes achieve shape rendering and switch between with and without resilience modes for the resistive force. The detachable and rotatable rings and elastic bands render continuous resistive force in grasping and twisting. We conducted a just noticeable difference (JND) study to understand users’ distinguishability in the four conditions, resistive force and rotational resistive force with and without resilience, separately. A VR study was then performed to verify that the versatile resistive force feedback from ELAXO enhances the VR experiences.
Design on ship "video radar" enhanced navigation system based on multi-camera

In order to solve the problems of low targets resolution obtained by traditional ship radar and less intuitive ship navigation mode, meanwhile, further improve navigation safety, a ship "video radar" enhanced navigation system based on multi-camera is proposed in this paper. Firstly, stitching the navigation environment video captured by multi-camera by video stitching technology, to provide 360° navigation environment for drivers during navigation; Secondly, detecting the targets (ships and beacons) in the stitched navigation video with improved YOLOv5; Finally, presenting an augmented reality navigation interface through target information filtering and matching. In addition, according to the characteristics of single environment and few feature points during navigation, proposing a feature points detection method named SRSuperpoint based on deep learning, which can greatly improve the stitching effect. The system can present a more intuitive and comprehensive navigation environment, assist ship drivers to make driving decisions, and then to improve navigation safety. It also makes an experimental exploration for the development of intelligent ships.
Predicting Rating Distributions of Website Aesthetics with Deep Learning for AI-Based Research

The aesthetic appeal of a website has strong effects on users’ reactions, appraisals, and even behaviors. However, evaluating website aesthetics through user ratings is resource intensive, and extant models to predict website aesthetics are limited in performance and ability. We contribute a novel and more precise approach to predict website aesthetics that considers rating distributions. Moreover, we use this approach as a baseline model to illustrate how future research might be conducted using predictions instead of participants. Our approach is based on a deep convolutional neural network model and uses innovations in the field of image aesthetic prediction. It was trained with the dataset from Reinecke and Gajos [2014] and was validated using two independent large datasets. The final model reached an unprecedented cross-validated correlation between the ground truth and predicted rating of LCC = 0.752. We then used the model to successfully replicate prior findings and conduct original research as an illustration for AI-based research.
Point Cloud Capture and Editing for AR Environmental Design

We present a tablet-based system for AR environmental design using point clouds. It integrates point cloud capture and editing in a single AR workflow to help users quickly prototype design ideas in their spatial context. We hypothesize that point clouds are well suited for prototyping, as they can be captured rapidly and then edited immediately on the capturing device in situ. Our system supports a variety of point cloud editing operations in AR, including selection, transformation, hole filling, drawing, and animation. This enables a wide range of design applications for objects, interior environments, buildings, and landscapes.
spaceR: Knitting Ready-Made, Tactile, and Highly Responsive Spacer-Fabric Force Sensors for Continuous Input

With spaceR, we present both design and implementation of a resistive force-sensor based on a spacer fabric knit. Due to its softness and elasticity, our sensor provides an appealing haptic experience. It enables continuous input with high precision due to its innate haptic feedback and can be manufactured ready-made on a regular two-bed weft knitting machine, without requiring further post-processing steps. For our multi-component knit, we add resistive yarn to the filler material, in order to achieve a highly sensitive and responsive pressure sensing textile. Sensor resistance drops by ~90% when actuated with moderate finger pressure of 2 N, making the sensor accessible also for straightforward readout electronics. We discuss related manufacturing parameters and their effect on shape and electrical characteristics and explore design opportunities to harness visual and tactile affordances. Finally, we demonstrate several application scenarios by implementing diverse spaceR variations, including analog rocker- and four-way directional buttons, and show the possibility of mode-switching by tracking temporal data.
Prolonging VR Haptic Experiences by Harvesting Kinetic Energy from the User

We propose a new technical approach to implement untethered VR haptic devices that contain no battery, yet can render on-demand haptic feedback. The key is that via our approach, a haptic device charges itself by harvesting the user's kinetic energy (i.e., movement)—even without the user needing to realize this. This is achieved by integrating the energy-harvesting with the virtual experience, in a responsive manner. Whenever our batteryless haptic device is about to lose power, it switches to harvesting mode (by engaging its clutch to a generator) and, simultaneously, the VR headset renders an alternative version of the current experience that depicts resistive forces (e.g., rowing a boat in VR). As a result, the user feels realistic haptics that corresponds to what they should be feeling in VR, while unknowingly charging the device via their movements. Once the haptic device's supercapacitors are charged, they wake up its microcontroller to communicate with the VR headset. The VR experience can now use the recently harvested power for on-demand haptics, including vibration, electrical or mechanical force-feedback; this process can be repeated, ad infinitum. We instantiated a version of our concept by implementing an exoskeleton (with vibration, electrical & mechanical force-feedback) that harvests the user's arm movements. We validated it via a user study, in which participants, even without knowing the device was harvesting, rated its’ VR experience as more realistic & engaging than with a baseline VR setup. Finally, we believe our approach enables haptics for prolonged uses, especially useful in untethered VR setups, since devices capable of haptic feedback are traditionally only reserved for situations with ample power. Instead, with our approach, a user who engages in hours-long VR and grew accustomed to finding a battery-dead haptic device that no longer works, will simply resurrect the haptic device with their movement.
Neutron-Scattering Studies on Chiral Multiferroics

Magnetoelectric multiferroics exhibit a strong correlation of magnetism and ferroelectricity. Among the multiferroics with a strong magnetoelectric effect many have a chiral antiferromagnetic structure. In these materials it is possible to control the electric polarisation by an applied magnetic field and, inversely, to manipulate the antiferromagnetic domains by an applied electric field. The observation of antiferromagnetic domains requires a microscopic method, which neutron scattering with polarised neutrons is particularly suitable for. This thesis reports on neutron and X-ray measurements on several (chiral) antiferromagnetic multiferroics. Special attention is devoted to the switching of (chiral) antiferromagnetic domains. Neutron-diffraction data on the magnetic structures of the pyroxenes NaFeSi2O6 and LiFeSi2O6 are presented. LiFeSi2O6 undergoes a single magnetic phase transition below 18 K into a canted antiferromagnetic structure with the magnetic space group P21/c. NaFeSi2O6 undergoes two magnetic phase transitions. Both phases are incommensurate with propagation vector k = (0, 0.77, 0). Below 8 K a transverse spin-density wave with moments in the ac plane sets in and below 6 K a helix with moments remaining in the ac plane evolves. By the use of spherical neutron polarisation analysis it is demonstrated that antiferromagnetic domains in LiFeSi2O6 can be reversed by a combination of electric and magnetic fields. The magnetic structure of LiFeSi2O6 gives rise to a toroidal moment. Therefore, the results are discussed in the context of manipulating toroidal domains. Furthermore, the magnon dispersion and the spin density of LiFeSi2O6 are presented. In many chiral multiferroics it is possible to reverse the chirality of the magnetic structure by an applied electric field providing the opportunity of driving hysteresis loops (chiral ratio vs. electric field). Results of the time dependence of this switching process in MnWO4 studied by stroboscopic techniques for polarised neutron scattering reveal a surprisingly slow relaxation process in the time scale of 2 ms to 30 ms and a strong temperature dependence. Furthermore, static hysteresis loops recorded on TbMnO3 and DyMnO3 are reported. In TbMnO3, the coercive field increases linearly with decreasing temperature. In DyMnO3, driving of hysteresis loops is possible only close to the ferroelectric phase transition. Further investigations on TbMnO3 show that the quasi-lock-in of the magnetic propagation vector takes place at temperatures slightly above the development of the chiral magnetic structure. In addition, the propagation vector increases linearly with isotropic pressure. X-ray diffraction on single crystals of TbMnO3 and YMn2O5 reveals that the deviation of the ions from their centrosymmetric positions in the ferroelectric phase is beyond the resolution limit of the performed diffraction experiments.
Individual Differences in Misremembering Fake News on Social Media

Social media is omnipresent in many lives, and its popularity has made it a prime delivery method for misinformation. This problem is widely recognized, even by social media companies. The debate rages on as to what the right approach should be to combat misinformation; some suggest removal of misinformation; others suggest labeling misinformation. Therefore, it is important to understand how labeling misinformation may interact with individual differences to affect recall of what is and is not misinformation. In addition to factors like confirmation bias, in-group versus out-group assignment, and other cognitive effects, there may be individual differences that could affect the likeliness of misremembering the veracity of information. In this study, the effects of differences in working memory and personality on recall of misinformation labels are tested, with the aim being to determine what, if any, effect these factors have on the utility of misinformation labels. Results indicate no predictive capability for knowing individuals’ working memory, extroversion, and conscientiousness on their recall of whether information was labeled as false.
Physiological Measurements of Vigilance: A Systematic Review

Vigilance is the ability to sustain attention for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Maintaining vigilance over a prolonged duration is challenging, and the ability to do so generally declines over time; This is a phenomenon that is known as “vigilance decrement. ” Vigilance decrement is often associated with physiological changes. Although previous studies have examined the relationship between physiological responses and vigilance decrement, the results are inconsistent and the trends are not sufficiently clear. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive overview of the existing results, in this paper, we review the most recent studies focusing on physiological changes as indicators of vigilance decrement. We consider electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), eye movement, and electromyography (EMG). We present an overview of the overall relationship between these measures and vigilance levels; we also highlight the limitations and challenges of previous studies and provide some insight into future research directions in this field.
Killing Spinors - Beyond Supergravity

This is a doctoral thesis on the application of techniques originally developed in the programme of characterisation of supersymmetric solutions to Supergravity theories, to finding alternative backgrounds. We start by discussing the concept of a Killing spinor, and how these are paramount to the process of classifying the aforementioned supersymmetric solutions. Moreover, these geometric objects also have applications when considered in different scenarios (the 'beyond' in the title). In particular, techniques based on a different parallelising rule for a spinorial field can be used for obtaining solutions to Einstein-Maxwell-De Sitter theories, as well as a (partial) classification of lorentzian Einstein-Weyl manifolds, a problem of geometrical interest. The annexe contain an introduction and summary in Spanish language. The appendices discuss the tensorial and spinorial conventions employed, some relevant geometrical information on the scalar manifolds for the matter contents of interest, as well as for the null case solutions, including Kundt waves. Also, a short introduction to Weyl geometry and the Similitude group, as well as the Lorentz and Spin groups, is given.
Repurposing design in bedrooms to improve home accessibility: task and motion analysis using the virtual reality environment

Functional disabilities, which have an association with a higher risk of falling in households, are common in the U.S. Individuals with functional limitations may benefit from accessible homes since they improve safety and reduce the risk of falling. Repurposing design is one strategy to improve home accessibility, by adapting home spaces and fixtures to serve a new purpose. This study aimed to propose a repurposing design in the bedroom area. The idea for a new bedroom repurposing design was proposed after analyzing a standard bedroom floor plan. The original standard bedroom layout and the redesigned bedroom layout were simulated in a virtual reality environment. To evaluate the accessibility of the new bedroom repurposing design, six participants (four females, 56.3 ± 14.1 years old) were recruited to perform two daily activities (i.e., relocating the robe & going to the bathroom) in both the original and redesigned bedrooms. The comparison of participants' task performance and trunk motion in both bedroom layouts revealed: (1) the sequences of actions required for two daily activities were similar between both bedroom layouts, (2) participants spent less time and walked for a shorter distance in the redesigned bedroom layout than in the original layout, (3) the motion smoothness when walking to the closet improved, whereas the RMS of trunk acceleration when opening the bathroom door decreased in the redesigned bedroom layout compared to the original layout.
Developing and Validating Measurement Scales During Pandemic Conditions: A Case Study with the Scale for Habitat Usability

At NASA, habitat evaluations often employ subjective measures. Some measures are frequently used, well-established tools, whereas others are homegrown measures tailored to specific projects. The variety of measures used makes evaluation comparisons across projects difficult. Additionally, some of these measures are burdensome, may be too specialized, or may require an expert to use and interpret, limiting their utility. Taken together, these drawbacks suggest the need for a new measurement tool. To that purpose, a team at NASA worked on developing a new scale for measuring habitat usability, the Scale for Habitat Usability (SHU). The SHU is intended to be a quick, multi-faceted measure for evaluating habitat usability across the development lifecycle. However, like many research projects, the development of the SHU faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic prevention protocols precluded in-person data collection, forcing the team to take some non-traditional approaches to scale development. This paper reports the steps the team took to complete the project.
Modeling the Impacts of Positive Interaction Frequency on Subjective Trust in an Autonomous Agent: A Linear Mixed Model Approach

With the advancement of technology, automation has rapidly embedded itself in many parts of daily function. As a result, it is imperative to understand the processes in which individuals use and develop trust with automation. Specifically, how this relationship is formed and how it evolves over time. Previous research has theorized that the frequency and the positivity of interaction with automated systems is a prominent influencer in the creation of trust. In the present study, we examined subjective trust ratings when participants performed a pattern recognition task with an autonomous agent which varied in positivity and number of interactions. Results showed that positivity amongst other parameters were significant predictors of subjective trust when analyzed using linear mixed models.