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  1. Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality for Human-Robot Interaction (VAM-HRI) has been gaining considerable attention in HRI research in recent years. However, the HRI community lacks a set of shared terminology and framework for characterizing aspects of mixed reality interfaces, presenting serious problems for future research. Therefore, it is important to have a common set of terms and concepts that can be used to precisely describe and organize the diverse array of work being done within the field. In this article, we present a novel taxonomic framework for different types of VAM-HRI interfaces, composed of four main categories of virtual design elements (VDEs). We present and justify our taxonomy and explain how its elements have been developed over the past 30 years as well as the current directions VAM-HRI is headed in the coming decade. 
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    Free, publicly-accessible full text available December 31, 2024
  2. At low guest atom concentrations, Si clathrates can be viewed as semiconductors, with the guest atoms acting as dopants, potentially creating alternatives to diamond Si with exciting optoelectronic and spin properties. Studying Si clathrates with different guest atoms would not only provide insights into the electronic structure of the Si clathrates but also give insights into the unique properties that each guest can bring to the Si clathrate structure. However, the synthesis of Si clathrates with guests other than Na is challenging. In this study, we have developed an alternative approach, using thermal diffusion into type II Si clathrate with an extremely low Na concentration, to create Si clathrate with Li guests. Using time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman scattering, thermal diffusion of Li into the nearly empty Si clathrate framework is detected and characterized as a function of the diffusion temperature and time. Interestingly, the Si clathrate exhibits reduced structural stability in the presence of Li, converting to polycrystalline or disordered phases for anneals at temperatures where the starting Na guest Si clathrate is quite stable. The Li atoms inserted into the Si clathrate lattice contribute free carriers, which can be detected in Raman scattering through their effect on the strength of Si−Si bonds in the framework. These carriers can also be observed in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). EPR shows, however, that Li guests are not simple analogues of Na guests. In particular, our results suggest that Li atoms, with their smaller size, tend to doubly occupy cages, forming “molecular-like” pairs with other Li or Na atoms. Results of this work provide a deeper insight into Li guest atoms in Si clathrate. These findings are also relevant to understanding how Li moves through and interacts with Si clathrate anodes in Li-ion batteries. Additionally, techniques presented in this work demonstrate a new method for filling the Si clathrate cages, enabling studies of a broad range of other guests in Si clathrates. 
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    Free, publicly-accessible full text available May 8, 2024
  3. How large economic stimuli generate individual and aggregate responses is a central question in economics, but has not been studied experimentally. We provided one‐time cash transfers of about USD 1000 to over 10,500 poor households across 653 randomized villages in rural Kenya. The implied fiscal shock was over 15 percent of local GDP. We find large impacts on consumption and assets for recipients. Importantly, we document large positive spillovers on non‐recipient households and firms, and minimal price inflation. We estimate a local transfer multiplier of 2.5. We interpret welfare implications through the lens of a simple household optimization framework. 
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