Digital Commons Network^™

Rethinking Retrieval Augmented Fine-Tuning In An Evolving Llm Landscape, Nicholas Sager, Timothy Cabaza, Matthew Cusack, Ryan Bass, Joaquin Dominguez

SMU Data Science Review

This study explores the utilization of Retrieval Augmented Fine-Tuning (RAFT) to enhance the performance of Large Language Models (LLMs) in domain-specific Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) tasks. By integrating domain-specific information during the retrieval process, RAG aims to reduce hallucination and improve the accuracy of LLM outputs. We investigate the use of RAFT, an approach that enhances LLMs by incorporating domain-specific knowledge and effectively handling distractor documents. This paper validates previous work, which found that RAFT can considerably improve the performance of Llama2-7B in specific domains. We also expand upon previous work into new state-of-the-art open-source models and other datasets with …

What We Mean When We Say Semantic: Toward A Multidisciplinary Semantic Glossary, Jamie Reilly, Cory Shain, Valentina Borghesani, Philipp Kuhnke, Gabriella Vigliocco, Jonathan E Peelle, Bradford Z Mahon, Laurel J Buxbaum, Asifa Majid, Marc Brysbaert, Anna M Borghi, Simon De Deyne, Guy Dove, Liuba Papeo, Penny M Pexman, David Poeppel, Gary Lupyan, Paulo Boggio, Gregory Hickok, Laura Gwilliams, Leonardo Fernandino, Daniel Mirman, Evangelia G Chrysikou, Chaleece W Sandberg, Sebastian J Crutch, Liina Pylkkänen, Eiling Yee, Rebecca L Jackson, Jennifer M Rodd, Marina Bedny, Louise Connell, Markus Kiefer, David Kemmerer, Greig De Zubicaray, Elizabeth Jefferies, Dermot Lynott, Cynthia S Q Siew, Rutvik H Desai, Ken Mcrae, Michele T Diaz, Marianna Bolognesi, Evelina Fedorenko, Swathi Kiran, Maria Montefinese, Jeffrey R Binder, Melvin J Yap, Gesa Hartwigsen, Jessica Cantlon, Yanchao Bi, Paul Hoffman, Frank E Garcea, David Vinson

Psychology Publications

Tulving characterized semantic memory as a vast repository of meaning that underlies language and many other cognitive processes. This perspective on lexical and conceptual knowledge galvanized a new era of research undertaken by numerous fields, each with their own idiosyncratic methods and terminology. For example, "concept" has different meanings in philosophy, linguistics, and psychology. As such, many fundamental constructs used to delineate semantic theories remain underspecified and/or opaque. Weak construct specificity is among the leading causes of the replication crisis now facing psychology and related fields. Term ambiguity hinders cross-disciplinary communication, falsifiability, and incremental theory-building. Numerous cognitive subdisciplines (e.g., vision, …

September 4, 2024 General Faculty Minutes, University Of South Carolina

Faculty Senate

No abstract provided.

Translation Policy In The United States, Gabriel González Núñez

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

As an immigrant-receiving nation, the United States (US) is home to a plurality of languages. This has led to the widespread use of translation in public life. Because of this, the US serves as a case study of how translation policy is developed and deployed in a context of ongoing immigration. This chapter provides that case study using a theoretical approach that is illustrated with historical and practical examples. It first explores the historical development of language ideology in the US and then describes current translation rules, practices and beliefs in the context of the presence of a large number …

Underrepresented Student Experiences Applying To Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Programs: Challenges And Capital, Jenna Maree P. Wong

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This longitudinal study investigated the challenges and sources of community cultural wealth that underrepresented communication sciences and disorders (CSD) students leverage in navigating each application stage to master’s level speech-language pathology (SLP) programs. Four surveys were distributed over 11 months via Qualtrics to CSD undergraduate seniors enrolled in 12 universities in California. This study included 88 eligible participants who completed at least one round of the longitudinal survey. Applicants recognized the underrepresentation of their identities in the field which served as both a challenge and motivator for becoming a practicing, culturally competent SLP. Obtaining application-related knowledge was the most significant …

Student Family Navigators Promoting Language Development In Infants And Toddlers From Lower-Income Families, Abigail Delehanty, Lori Marra, Michelle Catao, Kelsey O'Connor, Marisa Ricciardi

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this pilot study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an experiential teaching and learning initiative that trained undergraduate students studying speech-language pathology to serve as family navigators promoting social communication and language development in infants and toddlers from lower-income backgrounds. Three students completed one semester of training that included multiple interactive approaches to instruction. They subsequently implemented a nine-month, online prevention and outreach program to nine mothers of infants and toddlers to promote social communication and language development. Results of formative assessments were examined and affective outcomes were explored. The intervention was implemented as intended, …

Pilot Comparison Of Reading Quiz Formats In A Graduate Speech Sound Disorders Course, Sheri Bayley

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

The purpose of this study was to explore student performance, self-ratings of learning and preference, and student comments on a variety of reading quiz formats in a first semester speech-language pathology graduate course. Students from two cohorts (n = 34) completed four types of quizzes: closed-book, open-book, open-note, and collaborative group in addition to a note review study option in self-selected order. Scores and reported preference were significantly lower on closed-book quizzes compared to other formats, but few other significant differences were observed across formats. Ranges of preferences, low variability in scores, and student comments supported the practice of …

“Beautiful Chaos”: Clinicians’ Learning Experience In Collaborative Theater Programming, Hannah Huff, Karen Whisenhunt Saar

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

This study provides insights into speech-language pathology graduate student learning experiences during a community-based clinical rotation that targets skill development within an interdisciplinary theater program. Theater-based programming has shown some utility toward promoting pragmatic language skill development for children and teens outside of traditional clinical practice. In addition, the interdisciplinary nature of the program provides opportunities for student clinicians to engage in interprofessional collaboration with arts professionals.

The purpose of this study was to explore SLP graduate students’ experiences within a collaborative inclusion theater program. Semi-structured interviews collected from three graduate student clinicians were transcribed and analyzed according to Interpretive …

“You’Re Going To Serve People From All Different Backgrounds”: Csd Students’ Perceptions Of An Introductory Online Social Justice Program, Emma K. Williams, Monica L. Bellon-Harn, Lekeitha R. Morris

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Constructs of social justice has become an increasingly prevalent area of interest in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). In fact, competencies related to social justice are required program content per the Council of Academic Accreditation in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. This study’s purpose was to describe and evaluate an online, introductory course designed to address such concepts. Students’ perceptions of (a) the concept of social justice, (b) program content, and (c) program usability were examined. Undergraduate students from two universities completed the program, and a sample of students provided data about their perceptions during pre-program and post-program …

Developing Problems With Strengths In Mind: Problem-Based Learning In Introductory Csd Courses, Laura E. Arrington, Stefanie Becerril, Leilani Iem, Charlotte Clark

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Instructors in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) have used problem-based learning (PBL) for a variety of purposes across academic levels. Problem-based learning offers a framework for considering and including student strengths. In this paper, the authors describe the development of a PBL with specific utility to an introductory CSD course, explain how student strengths were considered in the problem development, and provide evidence of student strengths in outcomes of the PBL. This investigation followed 70 undergraduate students registered in introductory CSD courses across two universities as they engaged in a semester long PBL. A thematic analysis of 217 student solutions …

Inquiry Into Equity Practice In A “White Space”: Student-Led Discussions And Academic Discourse, Caran Mullins

Journal of Practitioner Research

In this study I used teacher inquiry to explore how to better engage my Black and Brown elementary students in student led discussions that could enhance academic discourse. The research questions driving my work emerged at the intersection of my beliefs and commitment to creating an equitable learning environment. Specifically, I wanted to know: (1) How do I scaffold my minority students to increased participation in academic discourse?, (2) How might these scaffolds support their development of metacognition, reading comprehension, and deeper critical thinking?, And (3) How do these scaffolds contribute to student feelings about their voice and place in …

Interdisciplinary Arts Review 9-3-24, Angela Brock

Program Review Committee

No abstract provided.

Programs Agenda 9-3-24, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Sts 308-001-Hm1: Globalization, Theresa Hunt

Humanities Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Sts 230-001: Intro To Anthropology, Charles Brooks

Humanities Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Com 312-025: Oral Presentation, Laura Stanik

Humanities Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Com 313-H01: Technical Writing, Michael Laudenbach

Humanities Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Effective Methods In Communicating Assessment Results To Individuals With Limited English Proficiency: A Survey Of Current Psychologists’ Practices., Dee Vang

Theses and Graduate Projects

The use of language interpreters is a primary solution for providing inclusive language services when conducting psychological assessments for people with limited English proficiency. However, this approach has limitations that have negatively affected the ability of clients with limited English proficiency to comprehend assessment results and adhere to recommendations. The purpose of this study was to improve the current understanding of effective methods for communicating assessment results to persons with limited English proficiency (PLEP) and working with language interpreters. Eight participants were interviewed about their current methods of communicating results and working with language interpreters during a feedback session. Consensual …

Approved Programs 9-3-24, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Approved Programs 9-3-24, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Programs Committee Agenda 9-3-24, Angela Brock

Programs Committee (PC)

No abstract provided.

Program Review Report 9-3-24, Angela Brock

Program Review Committee

No abstract provided.

Ucc Minutes 9-3-24, Angela Brock

UCC Agendas/Minutes

No abstract provided.

An Ecopsychological Reading Of Susan Fennimore Cooper’S “Rural Hours”

The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Ecopsychology explores the relationships between the mind (psyche) and the surrounding environment. As Andy Fisher puts it in Radical Ecopsychology (2013), ecopsychology, “would approach the psyche in relation to its earthly or natural home, its native abode” as well as the “the basic shifts in our patterns of identity and relationship that occur when we include our connection to the web of life around us as essential to human well-being.” Fisher considers ecopsychology as a project that paves the ground for changing the role of humans from exploiters to members in the biotic community. If eco or ‘oikos’ refers to …

Editor's Introduction, Michael D. Pante

Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints

No abstract provided.

Utilizing Deep Learning In Smart Glass System To Assist The Blind And Visually Impaired, Asmaa A. Hekal, Mohamed S. Sharaf, Ahmed A. Sayed, Ibrahim R. Abdelrahman, Ahmed A. Salem, Ahmed M. Elhussieny, Saeed Y. Kouta, Eman S. Abass

Future Engineering Journal

This paper presents a groundbreaking assistive technology designed to empower visually impaired individuals in their daily lives. With an estimated global population of 2.2 billion facing visual impairments, addressing the challenges they encounter is of paramount importance. The research introduces a comprehensive electronic device integrating advanced computer vision and deep learning techniques. The system incorporates real-time object detection, robust facial recognition, and precise currency denomination identification. Powered by a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B+ and an ESP32-CAM Development Board, the device offers users unparalleled environmental awareness. Utilizing YOLOv4-tiny for object detection and a hybrid face recognition model combining HaarCascades, Histogram …

“Home Is The Mouth Of A Shark”: Trauma And The Needs Of Students From Refugee Backgrounds From The Perspective Of Boundary Spanning Refugee Resettlement Workers, Shyla González-Doğan, Gonca Soyer, Siddika Asik Bayhan, Mualla Yazici, Meryem Akçay, Jordan Harb, Awad Mekkawi Ramadan, Adnan Turan

Montclair State University Scholarship & Creative Works

This research project examines the experiences of four individuals working in refugee resettlement and their perspectives on the educational needs of refugee students, given their role as boundary spanners. They also discuss the need for teachers to encourage students to use the Funds of Knowledge in the classroom. Participants discuss their varied experience as professionals in refugee resettlement, with two being refugees and one being an immigrant. This paper (1) explores the stress associated with relocation, (2) delves into the mental health issues faced by individuals from refugee backgrounds, emphasizing trauma, (3) analyzes how inefficiencies and lack of support within …

Fifty More Ways To Promote Scholarship Within A Law School Community, Jeremy R. Paul, Steven Wilf

Journal of Legal Education

No abstract provided.

It’S All Write: Teaching Legal Writing As Resistance, Jane E. Cross, Brenda Gibson, Tiffany N. Jeffers, Teri Mcmurtry-Chubb, Latisha Nixon-Jones, Shakira D. Pleasant, Saleema Snow

Journal of Legal Education

No abstract provided.

Violence Against Muslims In India, Janai Wright

Ballard Brief

Violence against Muslims in India is an issue rooted in historical tensions and political ideologies. This violence encompasses various forms, including communal riots, targeted attacks, and spontaneous assaults. Historical factors dating back to the Partition of British India in 1947 with unresolved territorial disputes, have contributed to ongoing hostilities. Hindu nationalism, propagated by groups like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has exacerbated religious divisions, with policies and rhetoric marginalizing Muslims and promoting a Hindu majoritarian agenda. The failure of law enforcement and justice systems to address violence against Muslims further creates social insecurity. Consequently, Muslims in India face economic and …