Digital Commons Network^™

Getting To The Point: Contrasting Directness And Warmth In Motivational Embodied Conversational Agents, Michael O'Mahony, Cathy Ennis, Robert Ross

Conference papers

Enhancing long-term engagement with conversational agents remains a significant challenge. Controlling the perceived warmth or directness of an agent’s personality through the style of its generated text could be used to increase user likeability. This paper reports an investigation of a Wizard-of-Oz (WoZ) mediated study of two variants of a motivational embodied conversational agent to measure user perception of and attitudes towards warmth in interaction style. Results show a significant effect of users preferring an agent with a "more direct" personality for this scenario, though this effect is in many ways nuanced.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: August 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a rise in overall employment by 142,000 and a stable unemployment rate of 4.2%. However, veteran unemployment rates increased slightly, with notable variations by age, gender, and ethnicity; for example, female veterans saw a significant rise to 7.0%, while veterans aged 25-34 experienced a decrease to 4.3%. Despite these fluctuations, veteran unemployment rates often remain lower than their nonveteran peers in most age and ethnic groups.

Veteran Health Equity: Key Highlights For Understanding The Unique Health-Related Needs Of Veterans Of Color, Mariah Brennan, Rosalinda V. Maury, Jeanette Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief provides highlights from Understanding the Unique Health Related Needs of Veterans of Color study, a study that examined barriers to care, patient experiences, and cultural competence in veteran health care settings. Specifically, researchers seek to understand the challenges veterans of color face, including difficulties in accessing timely and appropriate care, experiences of discrimination, and varying levels of cultural competence among healthcare providers, and provide actionable policy suggestions to improve veteran healthcare experiences.

The Role Of The Metaverse In Transforming The Management Skill Set Of Construction Practitioners, Ali M. Saad, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Environmental Engineering 3.0: Faced With Planetary Problems, Solutions Must Scale-Up Caring, Daniel B. Oerther, Sarah Oerther, Linda A. Mccauley

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Forum papers are thought-provoking opinion pieces or essays founded in fact, sometimes containing speculation, on a civil engineering topic of general interest and relevance to the readership of the journal. The views expressed in this Forum article do not necessarily reflect the views of ASCE or the Editorial Board of the journal.

Price Escalation In Construction Projects: Examining National And International Contracts, Bahaa Chammout, Islam H. El-Adaway, Mohammad Abdul Nabi, Rayan H. Assaad

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The construction industry has witnessed unprecedented disruptions in the supply chain (SC) over the past four years due to the consecutive impacts of the 2018 steel and aluminum tariffs, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian-Ukrainian war. SC disruptions have been linked to price escalations, the management of which varies across different construction contracts. Thus, there is a timely need to understand the contractual implications of price escalation clauses. This article fulfills this research requirement by following an interdependent research methodology. First, the authors analyzed and compared price escalation provisions under various US-based, international, and UK-based standard design-bid-build contracts. Second, the …

Antibiotic-Loaded Dendrimer Hydrogels In Periodontal Bone Regeneration: An In Vitro Release Feasibility Study, Nicholas Yesbeck, Da Huang, Caroline Carrico, Parthasarathy Madurantakam, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The prescription of a course of oral antibiotics following bone grafting procedures is a common practice in clinical periodontics to reduce surgical site infections. The goal of this study is to characterize the release profile of antibiotics via local delivery using dendrimer hydrogels (DH) and to analyze the effect of two different particulate bone allografts on the release of the antibiotics in vitro. DH were synthesized from Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer G5 and polyethylene glycol diacrylate, and cefazolin was chosen as the antibiotic. The antibiotic-loaded samples were bathed in PBS and incubated at 37 °C; aliquots were taken (1 h, …

Climate Change Prediction Model Using Mcdm Technique Based On Neutrosophic Soft Functions With Aggregate Operators, Kainat Muniba, Muhammad Naveed Jafar, Asma Riffat, Jawaria Mukhtar, Adeel Saleem

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

The increasing impact of climate change necessitates innovative approaches in modeling and prediction to mitigate its adverse effects. This paper introduces a novel methodology integrating Neutrosophic Soft Functions (NSFs) into climate change prediction frameworks. NSFs, a hybrid of Neutrosophic Set Theory and Soft Set Theory, provide a flexible framework for handling uncertain and imprecise information inherent in climate data. This study explores the application of NSFs in capturing the complex interplay of various climatic variables, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of climate change predictions. By incorporating NSFs into existing predictive models, such …

Verruciform Xanthoma Presenting Within An Ear Piercing, Hannah E. Myers, Subhapradha Rangarajan, Michael B. Roberts, Christopher Buckley, Josh Hammel

PCOM Scholarly Works

Verruciform xanthomas are rare lesions affecting 0.025-0.5% of the population. They present as an asymptomatic, slow growing solitary lesion on the oral mucosa. Commonly misdiagnose as squamous cell carcinoma, verruca vulgaris, leukoplakia, and lichen planus. Presented is a 22 year old male with a painful verruciform xanthoma on the posterior ear lobe in a prior ear piercing.

What Makes Accidents Severe! Explainable Analytics Framework With Parameter Optimization, Abdulaziz Ahmed, Kazim Topuz, Murad Moqbel, Ismail Abdulrashid

Information Systems Faculty Publications

Highlights

• Holistic XAN model combines descriptive, predictive, prescriptive analytics.

• Cutting-edge techniques for feature selection, optimization, and explanations.

• Transparent justifications for factors enhance trust, and assist domain experts.

• Interpretable representations assist in intelligent decision-making.

Abstract

Most analytics models are built on complex internal learning processes and calculations, which might be unintuitive, opaque, and incomprehensible to humans. Analytics-based decisions must be transparent and intuitive to foster greater human acceptability and confidence in analytics. Explainable analytics models are transparent models in which the primary factors and weights that lead to a prediction can be explained. Typical AI models are non-transparent or opaque models, …

Contributions Of White Adipose Tissue To Energy Requirements For Female Reproduction, Elizabeth S Anaya, Evelyn L De Groot, John P Lydon, Stephanie A Pangas, Sean M Hartig

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Body composition impacts female fertility and there are established relationships between adipose tissue and the reproductive system. Maintaining functional adipose tissue is vital for meeting the energetic demands during the reproductive process, from ovulation to delivery and lactation. White adipose tissue (WAT) shows plastic responses to daily physiology and secretes diverse adipokines that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, but many other interorgan interactions remain to be determined. This review summarizes the current state of research on the dialogue between WAT and the female reproductive system, focusing on the impact of this crosstalk on ovarian and endometrial factors essential for fecundity.

Mortality In Recipients Of Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices Undergoing Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation, Patrick T Lynch, Alexandra Maloof, Anish Badjatiya, Payam Safavi-Naeini, Matthew W Segar, Jitae A Kim, Qussay Marashly, Joanna E Molina-Razavi, Leo Simpson, Selby B Oberton, Lola X Xie, Andrew Civitello, Nilesh Mathuria, Jie Cheng, Abdi Rasekh, Mohammad Saeed, Mehdi Razavi, Ajith Nair, Mihail G Chelu

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients have a higher incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the role of VT ablation in this population is not well-established.

Objectives: This single-center retrospective cohort study sought to examine the impact of post-LVAD implant VT ablation on survival.

Methods: This retrospective study examined a cohort of patients that underwent LVAD implantation at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and Texas Heart Institute between January 2011 and January 2021. All-cause estimated mortality was compared across LVAD recipients based on the incidence of VT, timing of VT onset, and the occurrence and timing of VT ablation …

High-Sensitivity Troponin T, Nt-Probnp, And Cognitive Outcomes In Sprint, Devin Haney, Yuan Ma, Djhenne Dalmacy, Nicholas M Pajewski, Ihab Hajjar, James A De Lemos, Wenxin Zhang, Elsayed Z Soliman, Christie M Ballantyne, Vijay Nambi, Naveed Sattar, Anthony A Killeen, Joachim H Ix, Michael G Shlipak, Jarett D Berry, Simon B Ascher

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Hs-cTnT (cardiac troponin T measured with a highly sensitive assay) and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) may identify adults with hypertension who derive greater cognitive benefits from lower systolic blood pressure targets.

Methods: In the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) MIND study, participants were categorized as having both hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP in the lower 2 tertiles (n=4226), one in the highest tertile (n=2379), and both in the highest tertile (n=1506). We assessed the effect of intensive versus standard treatment on the composite of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or probable dementia (PD) across biomarker categories.

Results: Over a median …

Practice Patterns And Predictive Modeling In High-Performing Physical Therapy Clinics For The Treatment Of Patients With Neck Pain, Christopher Johns Pt, Dpt, Ocs, Faaompt, Jonathan Lentz Pt, Dpt, Ocs, Faaompt, Wade Groff Pt, Dpt, Ocs, Mtc

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

The Implementation Of A Fall Education Program To Enhance Functional Outcomes In An Acute Orthopedic Hospital Setting, Stacy Wentz Ms, Otr/L, Jared Schnell Pt, Dpt, Haily Roth Pt, Dpt

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

F Wave Analysis Based On The Compound Muscle Action Potential Scan, Xiaoyan Li, Maoqi Chen, Paul E. Barkhaus, Sanjeev D. Nandedkar, Brian D. Schmit, Ping Zhou

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction/Aims

Conventional F wave analysis involves a relatively uniform physiological environment induced by supramaximal stimulations. The F wave characteristics in a dynamic physiological condition, however, are rarely investigated. This study aimed to improve understanding of F wave properties in the more dynamic process by introducing a novel method to analyze F waves based on the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan technique.

Methods

Twenty four healthy subjects participated in the study. The CMAP scan was applied to record muscle responses in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles, respectively. F wave characteristics including mean F wave …

A New Fractional Derivative Extending Classical Concepts: Theory And Applications, Mutaz Mohammad, Mohamed Saadaoui

All Works

In this paper, a novel general definition for the fractional derivative and fractional integral based on an undefined kernel function is introduced. For 0<α≤1, this definition aligns with classical interpretations and is applicable for calculating the derivative in an open negative interval I⊆[a,+∞),a∈R. Additionally, when α=1, the definition coincides with the classical derivative. Fundamental properties of the fractional integral and derivative, including the product rule, quotient rule, chain rule, Rolle's theorem, and the mean value theorem, are derived. These properties are illustrated through various applications to demonstrate their applicability. Furthermore, some applications of solving fractional nonlinear systems of integro-differential equations using framelets are presented.

A Pseudo-Surfactant Chemical Permeation Enhancer To Treat Otitis Media Via Sustained Transtympanic Delivery Of Antibiotics, Sophie S. Liu, Joanna M. White, Zhongmou Chao, Ruye Li, Shuxian Wen, Ally Garza, Wenjing Tang, Xiaojing Ma, Pengyu Chen, Susan Daniel

Health & Biomedical Sciences Faculty Publications

Chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) represent a prevalent and safe strategy to enable non-invasive drug delivery across skin-like biological barriers such as the tympanic membrane (TM). While most existing CPEs interact strongly with the lipid bilayers in the stratum corneum to create defects as diffusion paths, their interactions with the delivery system, such as polymers forming a hydrogel, could compromise gelation, formulation stability, and drug diffusion. To overcome that challenge, we explore the differing interactions present with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an ionic surfactant and a common CPE, and methyl laurate (ML), a non-ionic counterpart with a similar length alkyl chain. …

Glycine, Serine, And Arginine Additions To Cobb 500 Female Broilers Fed Dietary Variations In Crude Protein, M. A. Anas, N.S.B.M. Atapattu, K. B. Nelson, S. W. Crafton, Michael T. Kidd

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study investigated the effects of supplemental Gly, Ser, and Arg on growth performance, carcass traits, footpad dermatitis, and litter ammonia emission of broilers fed low-protein diets from 18 to 42 d of age. A total 576 one-day-old female Cobb 500 broilers were divided into 6 dietary treatments: 1) control, high CP (HCP 20%), 2) medium CP (MCP 18%), 3) low CP (LCP 16%), 4) LCP + 0.20% Gly+Ser, 5) LCP + 0.20% Arg, and 6) LCP + 0.20% Gly+Ser + 0.20% Arg. Although BW gain and feed intake were not affected by treatments, reducing CP to LCP (16% CP) …

Early 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3-Glycosides Supplementation: An Efficient Feeding Strategy Against Bacterial Chondronecrosis With Osteomyelitis Lameness In Broilers Assessed By Using An Aerosol Transmission Model, Andi Asnayanti, Khawla Alharbi, Anh Dang Trieu Do, Layla Al-Mitib, Kathrin Buhler, Jan Dirk Van Der Klis, Javier Gonzalez, Michael T. Kidd, Adnan A. Alrubaye

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness is a leg disorder in broilers leading to huge economic losses, food safety concerns, and animal welfare issues in the poultry industry. The active metabolite of vitamin D₃, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, plays pivotal roles in mineral homeostasis, bone health, and immune systems which are essential for protection against BCO. Thus, we hypothesized that supplementation with a Solanum glaucophyllum-derived source of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃-glycosides) would be an effective measure to control lameness. Here, we report the optimum concentration of 1,25(OH)₂D₃-glycosides …

Decreasing Utilization Of Indwelling Urinary Catheters, Stacie Lomibao Fujimoto

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

Increased utilization and prolonged dwell times of indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) are directly related to the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)- the fifth most common type of healthcare associated infection (HAI). The National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) uses the Standardized Utilization Ratio (SUR) metric to measure and compare device utilization in acute care hospitals across the nation. The national target SUR benchmark is 1.0, and a SUR under 1.0 indicates less device usage than NHSN predicts on an inpatient unit. In 2022 a Neuro Med-Surg unit experienced an overall SUR of 1.047 with 2 CAUTIs observed. A …

Deciphering The Interdomain Coupling In A Gram-Negative Bacterial Membrane Insertase, Adithya Polasa, Shadi A. Badiee, Mahmoud Moradi

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

YidC is a membrane protein that plays an important role in inserting newly generated proteins into lipid membranes. The Sec-dependent complex is responsible for inserting proteins into the lipid bilayer in bacteria. YidC facilitates the insertion and folding of membrane proteins, both in conjunction with the Sec complex and independently. Additionally, YidC acts as a chaperone during the folding of proteins. Multiple investigations have conclusively shown that Gram-positive bacterial YidC has Sec-independent insertion mechanisms. Through the use of microsecond-level all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have carried out an in-depth investigation of the YidC protein originating from Gram-negative bacteria. This …

“Education Would Be Step Number One”: Community Mental Health Clinicians’ Training And Support Needs To Treat Anxiety In Autistic Youth, Shannon C Lapoint, Grace Lee Simmons, Julia Heinly, Daylin Delgado, Whitney S Shepherd, Lauren Brookman-Frazee, Eric A Storch, Brenna B Maddox

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Autistic youth experience high rates of anxiety, which has been treated with modified cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), often integrating exposure therapy. Such anxiety treatments are effective for this population; however, there remains a gap between these evidence-based mental health interventions and their implementation in community mental health (CMH) services where autistic youth receive care.

Method: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with four types of community members in the United States: 15 autistic youth with anxiety, 15 caregivers of autistic youth with anxiety, 11 CMH clinicians, and 8 CMH clinic leaders. Participants identified the training needs of CMH clinicians to …

Full Issue 16(4) 2024

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Mapping Internationalization Of Curriculum Onto School Psychology And Related Fields: A Systematic Review Of Literature

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

International Spouses’ Goals And Investment In Language Learning Programs

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of Arab International Students’ Campus Engagement Experiences

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Current Insights On Using Social Robots To Support Second Language (L2) International Students In Higher Education

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Family Size And Child Migration: Do Daughters Face Greater Trade-Offs Than Sons?, Christine Ho, Yutao Wang, Sharon Xuejing Zuo

Research Collection School Of Economics

We show that, conditional on family size, rural boys and girls are equally likely to migrate with parents in China. Nevertheless, daughters’ migration may still be compromised because they tend to have more siblings in societies with strong son preference, and larger families are more likely to leave all children behind. We find that a one unit increase in sibship size decreases the probability that a daughter migrates by 12.5 percentage points—with stronger effects when migration restrictions are more stringent—but has negligible effects on sons. The results suggest that gender-neutral migration constraints may generate gendered family size trade-offs.

Recruitment Of Cxcr4+Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells Distinguishes Sarcoidosis From Other Skin Granulomatous Diseases, S. Sati, J. Huang, A.E. Kersh, P. Jones, O. Ahart, C. Murphy, S.M. Prouty, M.L. Hedberg, V. Jain, S.G. Gregory, Leung, Denis H. Y., J.T. Seykora, M. Rosenbach, T.H. Leung

Research Collection School Of Economics

Sarcoidosis is a multiorgan granulomatous disease that lacks diagnostic biomarkers and targeted treatments. Using blood and skin from patients with sarcoid and non-sarcoid skin granulomas, we discovered that skin granulomas from different diseases exhibit unique immune cell recruitment and molecular signatures. Sarcoid skin granulomas were specifically enriched for type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) and B cells and exhibited molecular programs associated with formation of mature tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), including increased CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling. Lung sarcoidosis granulomas also displayed similar immune cell recruitment. Thus, granuloma formation was not a generic molecular response. In addition to tissue-specific effects, patients with sarcoidosis …