Digital Commons Network^™

Meta-Icvi: Ensemble Validity Metrics For Concise Labeling Of Correct, Under- Or Over-Partitioning In Streaming Clustering, Niklas M. Melton, Sasha Petrenko, Donald C. Wunsch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the performance and validity of clustering algorithms is both challenging and crucial, particularly when clustering must be done online. Until recently, most validation methods have relied on batch calculation and have required considerable human expertise in their interpretation. Improving real-time performance and interpretability of cluster validation, therefore, continues to be an important theme in unsupervised learning. Building upon previous work on incremental cluster validity indices (iCVIs), this paper introduces the Meta- iCVI as a tool for explainable and concise labeling of partition quality in online clustering. Leveraging a time-series classifier and data-fusion techniques, the Meta- iCVI combines the outputs …

Equivalent Source Investigation For Pcb Vibration Excited By A Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor, Yifan Ding, Ming Feng Xue, Jianmin Zhang, Xin Hua, Benjamin Leung, Eric A. Macintosh, Chulsoon Hwang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are commonly used on printed circuit board (PCB) power distribution networks (PDN) for decoupling purposes. However, an MLCC can act as a source to excite PCB vibrations due to noise ripples on the power rail. In this letter, four types of equivalent source configurations are studied and compared to represent the excitation of an MLCC on a PCB driven by power rail noise. The corresponding source values are extracted at test-vehicle PCB resonance frequencies. The investigation of the four equivalent source types involves a comparison between simulated and measured PCB vibration velocity responses triggered by MLCC …

A Compact And High-Efficiency Antenna Design For Tire Pressure Monitoring System Applications, Lei Deng, Lidong Chi, Francesco De Paulis, Yihong Qi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article proposes a novel design for a compact antenna that exhibits high efficiency and low interference and is suitable for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMSs) based on Bluetooth communication interface at 2.4 GHz. Tires constitute a dissipative environment, where the efficiency of the TPMS is affected by both antenna losses and losses from the tire parts, both conductive and dielectric. This article conducts an analysis and simulation of the electromagnetic (EM) environment of the tire and identifies the optimal polarization and placement position for the TPMS antenna to minimize resonance losses of EM waves within the tire, enhance lateral …

Metabolink Is A Novel Algorithm For Unveiling Cell-Specific Metabolic Pathways In Longitudinal Datasets, Jared Lichtarge, Gerarda Cappuccio, Soumya Pati, Alfred Kwabena Dei-Ampeh, Senghong Sing, Lihua Ma, Zhandong Liu, Mirjana Maletic-Savatic

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Introduction: In the rapidly advancing field of 'omics research, there is an increasing demand for sophisticated bioinformatic tools to enable efficient and consistent data analysis. As biological datasets, particularly metabolomics, become larger and more complex, innovative strategies are essential for deciphering the intricate molecular and cellular networks.

Methods: We introduce a pioneering analytical approach that combines Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with Graphical Lasso (GLASSO). This method is designed to reduce the dimensionality of large datasets while preserving significant variance. For the first time, we applied the PCA-GLASSO algorithm (i.e., MetaboLINK) to metabolomics data derived from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy …

It Is Normal: The Probability Distribution Of Temperature Extremes, Nir Y. Krakauer

Publications and Research

The probability of heat extremes is often estimated using the non-stationary generalized extreme value distribution (GEVD) applied to time series of annual maximum temperature. Here, this practice was assessed using a global sample of temperature time series, from reanalysis (both at the grid point and the region scale) as well as station observations. This assessment used forecast negative log-likelihood as the main performance measure, which is particularly sensitive to the most extreme heat waves. It was found that the computationally simpler normal distribution outperforms the GEVD in providing probabilistic year-ahead forecasts of temperature extremes. Given these findings, it is suggested …

Reflections On Williamson On Logic And Validity, Graham Priest

Publications and Research

Over many years now, Tim Williamson and I have engaged in debates over fundamental issues concerning logic. On some things, we have disagreed strongly; on others, we have agreed.

A Tai Chi And Qigong Mind-Body Program For Low Back Pain: A Virtually Delivered Randomized Control Trial, Yang Yang, Sydne Mccluskey, Mohamad Bydon, Jaspal Ricky Singh, Robert D. Sheeler, Karim Rizwan Nathani, Ana C. Krieger, Neel D. Mehta, Joshua Weaver, Libin Jia, Sharo Decelle, Robert C. Schlagal, Jay Ayar, Sahar Abduljawad, Steven D. Stovitz, Ravindra Ganesh, Jay Verkuilen, Kenneth A. Knapp, Lin Yang, Roger Härtl

Publications and Research

Background: Mind-body treatments have the potential to manage pain, yet their effectiveness when delivered online for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) is unknown. We sought to evaluate whether a virtually delivered mind-body program integrating tai chi, qigong, and meditation (VDTQM) is effective for treating LBP.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial compared VDTQM (n=175) to waitlist control (n=175). Eligible participants were at least 18 years old, had LBP for at least 6 weeks, were not pregnant, had not previously taken tai chi classes, and had not undergone spine surgery within 6 months. The treatment group received a 12-week VDTQM …

Effective Size Of A Parity-Time-Symmetric Dimer, Li Ge

Publications and Research

Parity-time (PT)-symmetric dimers were introduced to highlight the unusual properties of non-Hermitian systems that are invariant after a combined parity and time reversal operation. They are also the building blocks of a variety of symmetry and topologically protected structures, especially on integrated photonic platforms. As the name suggests, it consists of two coupled oscillators, which can be optical, mechanical, electronic, and so on in nature. In this article, we show that its effective size, defined by the number of lattice sites inversely proportional to the lattice momentum, is surprisingly three instead of two from the perspective of energy quantization. More …

Deep Adaptive Graph Clustering Via Von Mises-Fisher Distributions, Pengfei Wang, Daqing Wu, Chong Chen, Kunpeng Liu, Yanjie Fu, Jianqiang Huang, Yuanchun Zhou, Jianfeng Zhan, Xiansheng Hua

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Graph clustering has been a hot research topic and is widely used in many fields, such as community detection in social networks. Lots of works combining auto-encoder and graph neural networks have been applied to clustering tasks by utilizing node attributes and graph structure. These works usually assumed the inherent parameters (i.e., size and variance) of different clusters in the latent embedding space are homogeneous, and hence the assigned probability is monotonous over the Euclidean distance between node embeddings and centroids. Unfortunately, this assumption usually does not hold since the size and concentration of different clusters can be quite different, …

Enhancing Translation Validation Of Compiler Transformations With Large Language Models, Fei Xie, Yanzhao Wang

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper presents a framework that integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) into translation validation, targeting LLVM compiler transformations where formal verification tools fall short. Our framework first utilizes existing formal verification tools for translation validation. In this work, we use Alive2, a well-known tool in LLVM compiler verification, as an example. When formal verification tools are unable to confirm a transformation's soundness, our framework employs fine-tuned LLMs for prediction. It then applies fuzzing to transformations predicted as potentially unsound by the LLMs due to return values or memory inconsistencies, aiming to find counterexamples. In cases where transformations are unsound for …

Icts Influence On Knowledge Sharing In Higher Education: A Pre-Ai Systematic Literature Review, Nirved Kumar, Elizabeth J. Cook, Sehkar Fayda-Kinik, Lela Maisuradze

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Digital transformation, through innovation in information and communication technologies (ICTs), impacts higher education (HE) and fosters knowledge sharing (KS). While research explores the implications of digital transformation in HE, its specific influence on KS remains understudied. This systematic literature review investigates the nexus between ICTs and KS in HE by examining peer-reviewed literature prior to the AI boom. Three databases were searched, yielding 473 journal articles, which were screened, eligibility checked and assessed for quality and relevance to predetermined research questions. Eighteen eligible empirical studies were analysed, revealing ICTs influence on KS across university functions: teaching-learning, governance/operations and research. Retrospectively, …

A Natural Hydrogen Seep In Western Australia: Observed Characteristics And Controls, Krista Davies, Emanuelle Frery, Ausama Giwelli, Lionel Esteban, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Natural hydrogen (H2) is a promising resource for the energy industry’s transition to zero-carbon fuels. However, its extent and feasibility for exploitation remain unclear. A key step towards discovering subsurface dihydrogen accumulations is detecting H2 seeps. This study presents the first autonomous, multi-gas monitoring of a natural hydrogen seep in Australia, where dihydrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide were measured together. The research revealed significant H2 seepage on the Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia, with seasonal fluctuations: high emissions after dry summers and reduced emissions following rainfall due to increased groundwater levels. Groundwater appears to act as a seasonal inhibitor …

Genograms, Culture, Love And Sisterhood: A Conversation With Monica Mcgoldrick, Deisy Amorin-Woods

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Monica McGoldrick stands as a towering figure in the field of family therapy. Initially earning a Masters in Russian Studies, she then pivoted to social work and systems thinking. McGoldrick's illustrious career has been marked by significant contributions to family therapy, particularly through her work with family genograms, mapping family relationships and histories to identify patterns across generations. She expanded the use of genograms to incorporate cultural, ethnic and gender contexts, revolutionising the field. Her work emphasises understanding individuals within their historical, social and cultural contexts. She has authored multiple seminal texts, including ‘Ethnicity and family therapy’, and Genograms: Assessment …

Until You're In The Chair And Executing Your Role, You Don't Know: A Qualitative Study Of The Needs And Perspectives Of People With Stroke-Related Communication Disabilities When Returning To Vocational Activity, Lucette Lanyon, Ciara Shiggins, Caroline Baker, Serena Alves Stein, Sophie O'Keefe, Emma J. Schneider, Erin Godecke, Kathryn Radford, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: People with communication disability after stroke experience low rates of return to vocational roles. Vocational rehabilitation is recommended; however, there are no clear guidelines informing vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability. Understanding the needs and experiences of this population is critical to improving vocational stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Aims: This study aimed to: (1) investigate the experience of vocational rehabilitation for people with communication disability after stroke, (2) identify gaps and, (3) provide preliminary recommendations for tailored service delivery. Methods: Seven participants with an identified communication impairment following stroke were recruited from a larger clinical trial of early vocational …

Optimal Pilot Length For Key Generation In Correlated Wireless Channels, Danqi Li, Shihao Yan, Jia Zhang, Jiande Sun, Feng Shu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This work examines the optimal pilot length for key generation in correlated wireless channels. We first deduce the secret key capacity as a function of the pilot length N and other system parameters. Then, derive two fixed-point equations to identify the optimal N with and without an eavesdropper. Our analysis and numerical results confirm the existence of the optimal N that maximizes the secret key capacity, and both results for optimal N are consistent. Furthermore, the optimal N generally decreases with average signal-to-noise ratio and maximum Doppler shift. Our examination can provide useful guidelines in designing practical key generation systems.

White Lies And Safety Nets: The Perceptions Of Nurses On The Use Of Early Warning Systems And The Development Of Higher-Order Thinking Skills, Deb Massey, Tracy Flenady, Amy Louise Byrne, Justine Connor, Danielle Le Lagadec

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Algorithmic tools such as early warning systems (EWSs) have been embedded into clinical practice globally to facilitate the early recognition of patient deterioration and to guide the escalation of care. Concerns have been raised that the mandated use of these EWS tools may impact the development of nurses' higher-order thinking. However, the relationship between EWS tools and the development of higher-order thinking is poorly understood.

Objectives: This paper provides the qualitative results of a larger study that sought to explore the impact of EWS tools on the development of nurses' higher-order thinking. The objective of this component of the …

Queering Apocalyptic Methodologies: Enacting The Utopian Performative Through Extended Reality Artwork, Cassandra Tytler

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper takes its cue from Koro and Wolgemuth's conceptual writing on Apocalyptic Methodologies as an extended prompt to enact the utopian performative as a form of generative Queer Ecopedagogy. A utopian performative is the performance of future potential that critiques our present political moment, highlighting that the present is not enough. The paper offers a troubling of "nature"and place, in its suggestion that digital space can be a refuge for EE practice. It looks to virtual reality as a realm used to create space free from the constraints of colonial history or normative prescriptions of the non/human binary. The …

Examination Of The Reliability And Validity Of The Japanese Version Of The 10-Item Reflective Practice Questionnaire, Daichi Sugawara, Atsumi Iikura, Syohei Miyamoto, Akihiro Masuyama, Kanako Nakazawa, Keigo Hatto, Ayaka Matsumoto, Lon J. Van Winkle, Shane L. Rogers

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While various self-administered instruments measure reflective practice, the Reflective Practice Questionnaire (RPQ) can be used across multiple professions. We evaluated the Japanese version of the 10-item Reflective Practice Questionnaire (RPQ-10-J). In Study 1, 300 Japanese interpersonal assistance professionals were surveyed, and the RPQ-10-J was found to conform to a single factor via confirmatory factor analysis. We also found evidence of high internal consistency and adequate test-re-test reliability. High internal consistency was replicated in Study 2. In Study 2, 83 and 80 practicing interpersonal assistance professionals were surveyed physically and online, respectively. Additionally, the RPQ-10-J was correlated with the Japanese version …

Racial Diversity, Interracial Trust, And Mental Distress In Post-Apartheid South Africa, Isaac Koomson, Obed Adonteng-Kissi, Desmond Tutu Ayentimi, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The emerging difficulties and tensions in establishing inclusive and multicultural societies in the contemporary globalised world have necessitated the generation of ample empirical evidence in support of the socioeconomic and health benefits of racial diversity. This study contributes to the scholarly and policy discourses by examining the effect of racial diversity on mental distress in post-apartheid South Africa after several decades of racial segregation. We used all five waves (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2017) of the National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS). After addressing the endogeneity problem in the racial diversity–mental distress nexus, our findings show that an increase in …

Excitatory Drive To Spinal Motoneurones Is Necessary For Serotonin To Modulate Motoneurone Excitability Via 5-Ht2 Receptors In Humans, Tyler T. Henderson, Janet L. Taylor, Jacob R. Thorstensen, Justin J. Kavanagh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Serotonin modulates corticospinal excitability, motoneurone firing rates and contractile strength via 5-HT2 receptors. However, the effects of these receptors on cortical and motoneurone excitability during voluntary contractions have not been explored in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how 5-HT2 antagonism affects corticospinal and motoneuronal excitability with and without descending drive to motoneurones. Twelve individuals (aged 24 ± 4 years) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, whereby the 5-HT2 antagonist cyproheptadine was administered. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was delivered to the motor cortex to produce motor evoked potentials (MEPs), and electrical stimulation at the cervicomedullary …

Quantitative Comparison Of Presenilin Protein Expression Reveals Greater Activity Of Ps2-Γ-Secretase, Melissa K. Eccles, Nathan Main, Rodrigo Carlessi, Ayeisha M. Armstrong, Miheer Sabale, Brigid Roberts-Mok, Janina E. E. Tirnitz-Parker, Mark Agostino, David Groth, Paul E. Fraser, Giuseppe Verdile

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

γ-secretase processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) has long been of interest in the pathological progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its role in the generation of amyloid- . The catalytic component of the enzyme is the presenilins of which there are two homologues, Presenilin-1 (PS1) and Presenilin-2 (PS2). The field has focussed on the PS1 form of this enzyme, as it is typically considered the more active at APP processing. However, much of this work has been completed without appropriate consideration of the specific levels of protein expression of PS1 and PS2. We propose that expression is an …

Region-Specific Drivers Cause Low Organic Carbon Stocks And Sequestration Rates In The Saltmarsh Soils Of Southern Scandinavia, Carmen Leiva-Dueñas, Anna E. L. Graversen, Gary T. Banta, Jeppe N. Hansen, Marie L. K. Schrøter, Pere Masqué, Marianne Holmer, Dorte Krause-Jensen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Saltmarshes are known for their ability to act as effective sinks of organic carbon (OC) and their protection and restoration could potentially slow down the pace of global warming. However, regional estimates of saltmarsh OC storage are often missing, including for the Nordic region. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed OC storage and accumulation rates in 17 saltmarshes distributed along the Danish coasts and investigated the main drivers of soil OC storage. Danish saltmarshes store a median of 10 kg OC m−2 (interquartile range, IQR: 13.5–7.6) in the top meter and sequester 31.5 g OC m−2 yr−1 (IQR: 41.6–15.7). …

Malware Detection With Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Literature Review, Matthew G. Gaber, Mohiuddin Ahmed, Helge Janicke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this survey, we review the key developments in the field of malware detection using AI and analyze core challenges. We systematically survey state-of-the-art methods across five critical aspects of building an accurate and robust AI-powered malware-detection model: malware sophistication, analysis techniques, malware repositories, feature selection, and machine learning vs. deep learning. The effectiveness of an AI model is dependent on the quality of the features it is trained with. In turn, the quality and authenticity of these features is dependent on the quality of the dataset and the suitability of the analysis tool. Static analysis is fast but is …

Empowering Pro-Environmental Potential Among Hotel Employees: Insights From Self-Determination Theory, Ataul K. Patwary, S. M. Rasoolimanesh, Mohd H. Hanafiah, Roslizawati C. Aziz, Ahmad E. Mohamed, Muhammad U. Ashraf, Nor R. A. N. Azam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This research examines the role of green, inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and pro-environmental attitudes on proactive pro-environmental behaviour among hotel employees. It further examines the indirect effects of pro-environmental attitudes between green inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and proactive pro-environmental behaviour, as well as the moderating role of psychological contract breach between pro-environmental attitudes and proactive pro-environmental behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach: The participants of this cross-sectional study were employees in the Malaysian hotel industry, and 374 usable questionnaires were used for data analysis. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling.

Findings: This study found that …

Consequences Of Group-Based Misperceptions Of Climate Concern For Efficacy And Action, Zoe Leviston, Tanvi Nangrani, Samantha K. Stanley, Iain Walker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

People tend to underestimate others’ environmental values, including when judging the values of minority-status groups. Using a large national sample (N = 5110), we test whether these misperceptions extend to concern about climate change in Australia, and differ depending on immigrant status, ethnicity, and where one is located (i.e., in or outside capital cities). We also examine the consequences of misperceptions for self-efficacy and pro-environmental behaviour. We find personal climate concern is high, but perceptions of others’ concern is lower. Immigrants and Australian-born participants have similarly high concern, but both groups underestimate how concerned immigrants are. Southern-Central-Asian identifiers are the …

Postoperative Fluid Therapy In Enhanced Recovery After Surgery For Pancreaticoduodenectomy, Sharnice Koek, Johnny Lo, Rupert Ledger, Mohammed Ballal

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Backgrounds/Aims: Optimal intravenous fluid management during the perioperative period for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) within the framework of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is unclear. Studies have indicated that excessive total body salt and water can contribute to the development of oedema, leading to increased morbidity and extended hospital stays. This study aimed to assess the effects of an intravenous therapy regimen during postoperative day (POD) 0 to 2 in PD patients within ERAS. Methods: A retrospective interventional cohort study was conducted, and it involved all PD patients before and after implementation of ERAS (2009–2017). In the ERAS group, a …

Performance Of Gender Diversity On Board Of Directors: The Case Of Indonesia, Juniarti, Ferry Jie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study further explores women’s role in top management in Indonesia, where men still dominate that position. This study underlines the role of women’s boards of commissioners in producing better financial performance in the specific sectors, manufacturing and service sectors, where the power of women to lead these sectors is more optimal. The sample is selected from the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2009–2018. The final sample is 780 observations. This study applies panel data, which is more robust when controlling heterogeneity. Data panel regression is applied to analyze data. This study finds that gender diversity harms market-based performance, …

Teaching Stare Decisis To First-Year Law Students In Higher Education: A Pedagogical Blind Alley?, Kenneth Yin, Carmela De Maio

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The doctrine of stare decisis is often explained in first-year law studies as synonymous with the doctrine of precedent and dichotomised into ratio decidendi and obiter dicta. This explanation of stare decisis is frequently supplemented by an exercise where the novice law student is provided with a case and directed to identify the ratio decidendi of the case, and to appreciate the distinction between ratio and obiter dicta in it, the latter being persuasive only. It is argued that this pedagogy is limited and unrealistic because stare decisis is a dynamic process whereby, applying the precepts of formal legal logic, …

Cellular Structure Mediated Dislocation Regulation In Additively Manufactured Refractory High Entropy Alloy, Changxi Liu, Lechun Xie, Lai-Chang Zhang, Liqiang Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

A Ti1.5Nb1Ta0.5Zr1Mo0.5 (TNTZM) refractory high entropy alloy (HEA) with a cellular structure was successfully fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). Compression testing and cyclic deformation testing results revealed that, in the cellular structure, the cell walls could store dislocations. Furthermore, the local chemical order (LCO) plays a crucial role in controlling dislocations within the cell wall region. The LCO not only facilitates dislocation slip but also generates additional lattice distortion upon stress-induced LCO destruction to enable dislocation pinning. This work offers novel insights into the microstructure of additively manufactured refractory HEAs and uncovers a distinct dislocation regulation mechanism.

Characteristics Of Proliferating Cryptocurrencies: A Comparative Study Between Stable And Non-Stable Cryptocurrencies, Cheuk Hang Au, Gerrard Li, Wen Shou Hsu, Po Hsu Shieh, Kris M.Y. Law

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The emergence of cryptocurrencies has caught the attention worldwide. Some parties have considered issuing cryptocurrencies an excellent opportunity to raise capital and other businesses. However, the factors that foster the proliferation of cryptocurrency are not fully explored. This paper documented a comparative case study of USDT (a successful stablecoin) and EOS (a successful non-stable cryptocurrency). Based on our findings and previous literature, we suggested a Technology-Institution-Market (TIM) framework for cryptocurrency proliferation. We also elaborated on previous FinTech product development and adoption theories and provided some practical implications for cryptocurrency investors, issuers and regulators.