Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Use And Misuse Of Large Language Models, Hezekiah Paul D. Valdez, Faranak Abri, Jade Webb, Thomas H. Austin

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Language modeling has evolved from simple rule-based systems into complex assistants capable of tackling a multitude of tasks. State-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) are capable of scoring highly on proficiency benchmarks, and as a result have been deployed across industries to increase productivity and convenience. However, the prolific nature of such tools has provided threat actors with the ability to leverage them for attack development. Our paper describes the current state of LLMs, their availability, and their role in benevolent and malicious applications. In addition, we propose how an LLM can be combined with text-to-speech (TTS) voice cloning to create …

Epa Region 8 Optimized Ufp-Qapp Review Crosswalk, Environmental Protection Agency, Emma Rott

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Can Human Engagement And Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Co-Exist In The Online Classroom?, Mimi Gough

ICHRIE Research Reports

Today’s academic environment is faced with a new predicament in trying to understand the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Many online educators are asking “What do I need to know about AI as it applies to academics? How do I prepare my students for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry while trying to balance human engagement with AI? In its current form, AI has created apprehension among higher education stakeholders about developing policies, procedures and usage as they redesign curriculum that supports students who may use AI in their future careers. This manuscript, based on a 2024 ICHRIE Conference …

Enhancing Workforce Readiness In The Hospitality Industry: A Gender-Based Study Of Hospitality Business Students’ Internship Experiences, Kira Saroken, Yongwoo Nam, Benjamin Kim, Mi Ran Kim, Hala Sun, Troy Walker

ICHRIE Research Reports

Internships play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry experience for hospitality business students. This study investigates the impact of internship experiences on workforce readiness, focusing on gender-based differences in perceived achievements and areas for improvement. Grounded in Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), the research examines how internships contribute to students’ career preparation. A survey of 373 students revealed that female students emphasized interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills, whereas male students highlighted technical expertise and leadership. These findings suggest that both educational institutions and the hospitality industry should tailor internship structures …

An Association At The Crossroads: The 1970s Crisis Within Chrie, Bob Bosselman

ICHRIE Research Reports

The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education (ICHRIE), founded in 1946, has a long history, although in the 1970s the future of the association was in doubt. This manuscript documents the crisis that nearly derailed the association, and details how this dilemma was resolved. Associations face many challenges throughout their history, and how they deal with each crisis often dictates their future.

Improving Hospital 30-Day Readmission Rates Through Post-Discharge Follow-Up Phone Calls, Maureen R. Wright

DNP and Student Works

Background: Thirty-day hospital readmissions compromise patient safety, increase mortality risk, and impose financial penalties on hospitals. Ineffective discharge education and care transitions leave patients vulnerable after discharge. Evidence shows that post-discharge follow-up calls within 24–72 hours can identify risks early and reduce preventable readmissions.

Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to reduce 30-day hospital readmission rates by implementing post-discharge follow-up telephone calls guided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Re-Engineered Discharge (RED) Toolkit.

Methods: Registered nurses conducted structured follow-up calls within 24–72 hours of discharge from the medical-surgical unit, reviewing health status, medications, appointments, …

Uinta Basin Snow Shadow: Impact Of Snow-Depth Variation On Winter Ozone Formation, Michael J. Davies, John R. Lawson, Trevor O’Neil, Seth N. Lyman, Karlee Zager, Tristan D. Coxson

Bingham Research Center

After heavy snowfall in the Uinta Basin, Utah, elevated surface ozone occurs if a cold-air pool persists and traps emissions from oil and gas industry operations. Sunlight and actinic flux from a high-albedo snowpack drive ozone buildup via photolysis. Snow coverage is paramount in initiating the cold pool and driving ozone generation. Its depth is critical for predicting ozone concentrations. The Basin’s location leeward of the Wasatch Mountains provides conditions for a precipitation shadow, where sinking air suppresses snowfall. We analyzed multiple years of ground-based snow depth measurements, surface ozone data, and meteorological observations; we found that ozone levels track …

Robust Ai Solutions For Financial Markets Through Generative Modeling, Dynamic Graph Learning, And Reinforcement-Based Portfolio Optimization, Jingyi Gu

Dissertations

Financial markets are inherently uncertain and dynamic, driven by complex factors such as macroeconomic signals, investor sentiment, and evolving inter-asset relationships. While machine learning has advanced financial modeling, existing approaches often fall short in addressing the real-world intricacies of finance. This dissertation confronts two critical challenges, human-driven stochasticity and risk-intensive decision-making under real-world trading constraints, while seizing a pivotal opportunity, the structural dynamics of evolving financial systems. These elements are foundational to advancing robust and practical financial intelligence.

To this end, this dissertation develops a unified framework for robust financial modeling and decision-making. The framework is architected as a progressive, …

Large-Scale Graph Algorithms And Applications With An Emphasis On Fintech Data, Fuhuan Li

Dissertations

Graph algorithms are essential analytical tools with applications spanning cybersecurity, biology, social media, and increasingly, financial technology (FinTech). The complex and interconnected nature of financial data, particularly in cryptocurrency networks, presents unique opportunities for graph-based analysis in fraud detection and anomaly identification.

This dissertation presents the design and implementation of scalable graph algorithms tailored for large-scale networks, with particular emphasis on FinTech applications. The primary contributions include: (1) novel cover-edge based triangle counting algorithms that significantly reduce computational overhead through breadth-first search preprocessing, achieving substantial speedups over traditional methods and dramatic communication reduction in distributed settings, (2) optimized parallel implementations …

Bodipy-Based Photocages For The Controlled Release Of Hydrogen Sulfide And Persulfides, Yanmei Li

Dissertations

Reactive sulfur species (RSS) such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydropersulfides (RSSH) are crucial mediators in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Their regulatory roles span from maintaining cellular redox balance to influencing signaling pathways critical for homeostasis and stress responses. This dissertation investigates H2S and RSSH as biologically important molecules and explores the development of boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based photocages for its controlled, light-triggered release. Given H2S and RSSH's critical role in redox regulation and cellular protection, achieving spatiotemporal control over its delivery is essential for both therapeutic and research applications. BODIPY scaffolds offer favorable photophysical properties, including visible-light activation …

Reduced Order Models Of Hydrodynamically Interacting Flapping Wings, Jose Pabon

Dissertations

Fish schools exhibit a collective behavior and self-organization that is mediated by hydrodynamic interactions between individual fish. However, the long-time evolution of hydrodynamically interacting collectives is challenging to investigate due to the persistent influence of long-lived vortical structures, and the high-resolution requirements of direct numerical simulation at large Reynolds numbers. Reduced-order models have therefore played an important role in theoretical investigations of collectives of swimming bodies. The main results detailed herein are several new reduced-order models of swimmers that self-propel by flapping, i.e., by executing a prescribed periodic rigid body motion. The models are extensions of a discrete-time dynamical system …

Optimizing Hip And Knee Assistance For Walking And Sit-To-Stand Transitions: An Intrinsic Muscle Mechanics Based Predictive Approach, Neethan Ratnakumar

Dissertations

As the global population ages, the demand for wearable assistive technologies continues to rise, driven by their potential to enhance mobility and independence in older adults. Effectively designed controllers for lower-limb exoskeletons to assist sit-to-stand (STS) and walking are crucial for delivering efficient, safe, and comfortable assistance during daily activities. Traditionally, controller optimization involves biomechanical modeling and user-specific customization. Musculoskeletal simulations play a central role in this process by providing insights into human-exoskeleton interaction dynamics, thereby informing and refining control strategies.

This work presents a simulation-driven approach for developing exoskeleton controllers for walking and STS using two distinct methods: optimal …

Development And Implementation Of Novel Mass Spectrometric Methods For Metabolism Studies In Drug Discoveries, Huifang Yao

Dissertations

The field of drug discovery has evolved significantly over the past few decades, with a growing emphasis on understanding the metabolic pathways and biotransformation processes that influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drug candidates. Novel mass spectrometric methods have emerged as powerful tools in this domain, facilitating the comprehensive analysis of metabolic profiles and enabling the identification of metabolites with implications for safety, efficacy, and overall drug development. However, challenges remain in quantifying metabolic flux—an essential aspect of understanding drug action—particularly due to the limitations of traditional isotope kinetic assays, which often involve lengthy sample preparation and the use of …

Deixis In Pragmatic In Royal Speeches: The Speech Of His Highness The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman At The 33rd Arab Summit As A Model, Mansour Salah Alrehili

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Arts and Humanities

Deixis in pragmatic in modules or linguistic markers consisting of contextual communication elements: speaker, addressees, content, time and place of word. This research therefore aims to study the Deixis in pragmatic in royal discourses by monitoring their types and functions, in the address of His Highness the Crown Prince at the 33rd Arab Summit. The research was based on the deliberative approach using the analytical descriptive approach. The research reached a series of outcomes, the most important of which was the diversity of the Deixis in pragmatic in His Highness' Because his speech strategy aims to achieve security, stability, and …

The Role Of Digital Media In Enhancing The Cultural And Civilizational Value Of Camels In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: "The Year Of Camels 2024 As A Model", Mohamad Jebreel Alzilaei

Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Arts and Humanities

This study aimed to explore the role of digital media in enhancing the cultural and civilizational value of camels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using the "Year of the Camel 2024" as a case study within the framework of the theory of media richness. The study falls under the descriptive research category and employs an applied methodology. It utilized a survey conducted on a sample of executive master's students in digital media at King Abdulaziz University. Additionally, content analysis was performed on the content related to the Year of the Camel 2024 from December 17, 2023, to January 16, …

Seeing Clearly: The Impact Of Standardized Skin Assessments In Pediatrics, Hadley Brewer, Kristalyn Brown, Citlali Delgado, Sarah Irion, Riley Rice, Breyana Smith

2024

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Cultural Literacy, Ethnocentrism And Xenophobia On Intercultural Sensitivity In Intern Nurses In Türkiye, Yasemin Gümüş Şekerci, Beyza Gül Yıldırım

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: With rising migration and multicultural patient populations, understanding the factors that shape intercultural sensitivity among healthcare workers has become essential. This study aims to determine the effect of cultural literacy, ethnocentrism, and xenophobia on intercultural sensitivity in nurse interns.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 206 intern nurses from three universities in a province of Türkiye. A simple random sampling method is used. Data are collected by using the Introductory Information Form, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, Cultural Literacy Scale, Ethnocentrism Scale, and Xenophobia Scale. Multiple regression is used for data analysis.

Results: Cultural literacy (β = …

Patient Education On Conversion From Oral Art/Prep To Long-Acting Injectable (Lai) To Improve Patient Treatment Adherence, Marnel Reina Mae M. Hernandez

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts

Patient Education on conversion from oral ART/PrEP to Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) improves patient adherence.

Marnel Reina Mae Hernandez, MSN, RN

Joseph, F. Burkard, DNSc, CRNA, EBP-C

Background: Long-acting injectables (LAI) have been shown to be equally effective in viral load suppression. Implementing nurse led educational interventions in the use of oral treatment to LAI will address if LAI prescriptions can improve adherence and patient retention. Despite the availability of LAI for ART (antiretroviral treatment) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) patients continue to have a low appointment adherence which can impact adherence and overall viral detectability. LAIs will continue to …

Raising Provider Awareness Of Fluid Status In Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section Through The Use Of A Preoperative Checklist To Assess Fluid Status: A Quality Improvement Project, Marcus Miller, Michael Sorge

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Abstract

Maternal hypotension following neuraxial anesthesia during cesarean section is a common and potentially harmful complication. While vasopressors are often used for this issue, they carry risks to fetal well-being. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) provides an individualized approach that may improve outcomes by optimizing fluid status perioperatively. This quality improvement project aimed to increase provider awareness of fluid status through the implementation of a preoperative checklist that assessed fluid status in women undergoing cesarean section. A preoperative fluid assessment checklist was developed using evidence-based predictors of fluid status and integrated into anesthesia workflow. The project followed the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle and …

Bridging The Gap: Harnessing Emerging Technology To Narrow The Academic Achievement Gaps Of Minority Students, Dionne Williams, Terence Vinson, Kristi Young, Danielle Williams, James R. Mixon

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

The academic achievement gap of Black, Hispanic, and Native American students has historically lagged as it relates to Caucasian students. This work defines academic achievement as standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college completion rates. The persistent educational disparities faced by minority students remain a significant challenge for school systems. The integration of technology offers a promising solution to help narrow these academic achievement gaps and provide equitable learning opportunities. Technology offers educators the ability to utilize self-paced instructional programming, ensuring that the educational needs and deficiencies of minority students are addressed. This work explores how innovative technological tools, ranging …

Transforming Education Through The Cohort Model In Graduate Schools Of Education, Kristi Young, James R. Mixon, Dionne Williams, Danielle Williams

The Journal of the Research Association of Minority Professors

The cohort model has emerged as a transformative approach in graduate schools of education for fostering a collaborative learning environment, providing professional networking opportunities, increasing community, and fostering a sense of belonging. This analysis is framed within Mead, Vygotsky’s, and Wenger’s theoretical framework on the interconnectedness of social interaction and cognitive development. Increased engagement, learning opportunities, promoting student success, enhanced leadership development, and improved program components are noted benefits of utilizing the cohort model in graduate schools of education. These authors noted some challenges to the cohort model, such as group dynamics and cohesion, diversity and inclusion, rigid structure, pressure …

Initial Coin Offerings As An Alternative Method For Raising Capital: Legal Considerations And Regulatory Solutions In Indonesia, Juwita Patty Pasaribu, Febby Mutiara Nelson, Topo Santoso, Fransiska Ari

Indonesia Law Review

Blockchain technology has been used in various sectors, notably in facilitating crypto asset transactions, specifically for processing an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) or token sales that were first introduced in 2013. In Indonesia, it can be observed that there are several legal issues in the execution that expose them to potential misuse in the ICO transaction, leading to criminal activities. Additionally, Indonesia was ranked as the second-highest country in the world to experience crypto asset fraud schemes in 2019. To address legal issues related to ICO, this study aims to provide a comprehensive legal assessment of ICO as a modern …

Optimizing The Role Of Notaries In Digital Property Inheritance: A Comparative Legal Analysis, Tjhong Sendrawan, Rosa Agustina, Edmon Makarim, Arman Nefi, Josephine Rus Indra Sapti Ipfelkofer

Indonesia Law Review

One of the provisions in inheritance laws regarding the transfer of digital property after someone's death is a relatively new and evolving area of legal consideration. Inheritance laws were developed long before the widespread adoption of digital property, such as cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), online accounts, and other forms of digital property. As a result, existing inheritance laws often lack clear guidance on how to control the legal transfer of these digital assets upon the owner's death. This article aims to analyze the legal concept of digital property to be inherited and to provide solutions for current digital property inheritance …

Perceptions Of College Students With Learning Disabilities On High School Transition Services Related To Self-Determination Skills, Julie Ann O'Malley

Graduate Theses & Dissertations

This phenomenological qualitative study explored college students' recalled experiences with high school special education secondary transition programming and its impact on their college success and perceived readiness. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), focusing on the competence need, the research examined students' perceptions of instruction quality and quantity, and their preparedness in disability awareness and knowledge of strengths and limits.

Analysis of survey data and semi-structured interviews revealed key findings consistently showed students perceived high school transition services as inadequate in both quantity and quality. They reported a lack of formal instruction, including the absence of designated classes, a lack of …

Managing Crowdfunding Risks In Terrorism Financing: A Mediated Analysis Of Government Intervention And Donation Intentions, Fithriadi Muslim, Eva Achjani Zulfa, Muhamad Syauqillah

Indonesia Law Review

Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular platform for collective funding of social, charitable, and commercial projects. However, its increasing use has raised concerns over potential misuse, including as a source of terrorism financing. This study investigates the relationship between donation intentions using crowdfunding and the risk of crowdfunding being used as a source of terrorism financing. Furthermore, it explores the mediating role of government intervention in this relationship. Using a Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) second-order approach, the research evaluates the interaction between donor intentions, crowdfunding risks, and government regulations. Findings reveal that while donor intentions significantly impact the …

Legal Perspectives On Information Asymmetry In Investor Selection For Public-Private Partnership Projects Under O&M Contract, Nhu Thi Thuy Cao, An Quoc Chau, Sang Minh Luu, Thao Minh Phuong Ngo, Ha Loc Pham, Anh Phuong Nguyen

Indonesia Law Review

Information asymmetry is a common barrier in selecting investors in the form of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), especially in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contracts. This issue arises from the natural information advantage of the construction contractor and the incumbent investor in construction and operation. Although it does not stem from misconduct, such asymmetry still affects competitiveness and selection efficiency. The article analyzes the causes and legal consequences of this phenomenon through a comparative review of Vietnamese and Canadian legal frameworks while also assessing selected projects. The research methodology includes theoretical analysis, legal comparison, and a review of practical literature. The …

Counterterrorism Legislation And Its Impacts On Human Rights In Malaysia, Noor Maarof Bin Idris, Ying Hooi Khoo

Indonesia Law Review

In the aftermath of 11 September 2001, terrorism overshadowed other global security concerns. Since then, there has been significant growth in security and counterterrorism legislation and policies worldwide. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1373 (2001) and 1456 (2003) authorized states to implement national legislative measures to combat terrorism while emphasizing the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law. In Malaysia, counterterrorism efforts have been reinforced through the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA), the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (POCA) (as amended in 2015), and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA). This …

Standing On Stare Decisis After Students For Fair Admissions, Areeb Asif, Lindsey Roloff

Northwestern University Law Review

The Supreme Court recognized nearly half a century ago in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke that “the ‘nation’s future depends upon leaders trained through wide exposure’ to the ideas and mores of students as diverse as this Nation of many peoples.” Nevertheless, the Court seriously undercut efforts to bring such a future to life by striking down race-conscious admissions programs in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina (collectively SFFA). Though SFFA’s binding effect is limited to educational institutions, …

2+2 Doesn't Always Equal 4: A Mixed Methods Approach To U.S.-Born Children Of Immigrants' Cultural Identities And Belonging, Teriin Lee

Dissertations

Within the next generation, one in five adults born in the United States will be a child of immigrants. Despite this, research on children of immigrants is limited. Specifically, the scholarship on this growing demographic limited their experiences to cultural identity, as it pertains to belonging. Simply put, the literature supposes that children of immigrants’ cultural identities define their sense of belonging. Moreover, the literature lacks insight into the lived experiences of children of immigrants, despite the increasing prevalence of this population.

This study aimed to address how children of immigrants experience cultural identity and belonging. A mixed methods research …

Implementation Of An Epidural Catheter Assessment Tool To Reduce The Risk Of Racial And Ethnic Disparities Associated With The Conversion To General Anesthesia In Cesarean Deliveries: A Quality Improvement Project, Marjani A. Saunders, Tyler-Nicole Pannell

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Neuraxial anesthesia has significantly reduced anesthesia-related maternal morbidity during the peri-partum period. Despite these advancements, racial disparities persist in obstetric anesthesia care and Black women continue to experience disproportionately higher rates of general anesthesia (GA) for cesarean delivery when compared to non-Hispanic White patients. This quality improvement (QI) project sought to decrease the conversion from epidural anesthesia to GA for cesarean sections in laboring women by creating an epidural catheter assessment tool. The epidural catheter assessment tool provided uniform assessment and documentation of labor epidurals by anesthesia providers to reduce the use of general anesthesia for unplanned cesarean section deliveries. …