Digital Commons Network^™

Towards Context-Aware Traffic Classification Via Time-Wavelet Fusion Network, Ziming Zhao, Zhuoxue Song, Xiaofei Xie, Zhaoxuan Li, Jiongchi Yu, Fan Terry Zhang, Tingting Li

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Encrypted traffic classification occupies a significant role in cybersecurity and network management. The existing encrypted traffic classification technology mostly relies on intra-flow semantics for extracting features. However, considering that some attack behaviors inherently have similar patterns to legitimate behaviors, and powerful adversaries could simulate benign users to conceal their attack intentions, intra-flow features may be similar between different categories. In this paper, we propose TrafficScope, a time-wavelet fusion network based on Transformer to enhance the performance of encrypted traffic classification. Specifically, in addition to using intra-flow semantics, TrafficScope also extracts contextual information to construct more comprehensive representations. Moreover, to cope …

Cami: A Counselor Agent Supporting Motivational Interviewing Through State Inference And Topic Exploration, Yizhe Yang, Palakorn Achananuparp, Heyan Huang, Jing Jiang, Phey Ling Kit, Nicholas Gabriel Lim, Cameron Shi Ern Tan, Ee-Peng Lim

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Conversational counselor agents have become essential tools for addressing the rising demand for scalable and accessible mental health support. This paper introduces CAMI, a novel automated counselor agent grounded in Motivational Interviewing (MI) – a client-centered counseling approach designed to address ambivalence and facilitate behavior change. CAMI employs a novel STAR framework, consisting of client’s state inference, motivation topic exploration, and response generation modules, leveraging large language models (LLMs). These components work together to evoke change talk, aligning with MI principles and improving counseling outcomes for diverse clients. We evaluate CAMI’s performance through both automated and expert evaluations, utilizing simulated …

Assessing The Robustness Of Test Selection Methods For Deep Neural Networks, Qiang Hu, Yuejun Guo, Xiaofei Xie, Maxime Cordy, Wei Ma, Mike Papadakis, Lei Ma, Yves Le Traon

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Regularly testing deep learning-powered systems on newly collected data is critical to ensure their reliability, robustness, and efficacy in real-world applications. This process is demanding due to the significant time and human effort required for labeling new data. While test selection methods alleviate manual labor by labeling and evaluating only a subset of data while meeting testing criteria, we observe that such methods with reported promising results are simply evaluated, e.g., testing on original test data. The question arises: are they always reliable? In this article, we explore when and to what extent test selection methods fail. First, we identify …

Knowledge Boundary Of Large Language Models: A Survey, Moxin Li, Yong Zhao, Wenxuan Zhang, Shuaiyi Li, Wenya Xie, See-Kiong Ng, Tat-Seng Chua, Yang Deng

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Although large language models (LLMs) store vast amount of knowledge in their parameters, they still have limitations in the memorization and utilization of certain knowledge, leading to undesired behaviors such as generating untruthful and inaccurate responses. This highlights the critical need to understand the knowledge boundary of LLMs, a concept that remains inadequately defined in existing research. In this survey, we propose a comprehensive definition of the LLM knowledge boundary and introduce a formalized taxonomy categorizing knowledge into four distinct types. Using this foundation, we systematically review the field through three key lenses: the motivation for studying LLM knowledge boundaries, …

Beware Of Your Po! Measuring And Mitigating Ai Safety Risks In Role-Play Fine-Tuning Of Llms, Weixiang Zhao, Yulin Hu, Yang Deng, Jiahe Guo, Xingyu Sui, Xinyang Han, An Zhang, Yanyan Zhao, Bing Qin, Tat-Seng Chua, Ting Liu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Although large language models (LLMs) store vast amount of knowledge in their parameters, they still have limitations in the memorization and utilization of certain knowledge, leading to undesired behaviors such as generating untruthful and inaccurate responses. This highlights the critical need to understand the knowledge boundary of LLMs, a concept that remains inadequately defined in existing research. In this survey, we propose a comprehensive definition of the LLM knowledge boundary and introduce a formalized taxonomy categorizing knowledge into four distinct types. Using this foundation, we systematically review the field through three key lenses: the motivation for studying LLM knowledge boundaries, …

Mpo: Multilingual Safety Alignment Via Reward Gap Optimization, Weixiang Zhao, Yulin Hu, Yang Deng, Tongtong Wu, Wenxuan Zhang, Jiahe Guo, An Zhang, Yanyan Zhao, Bing Qin, Tat-Seng Chua, Ting Liu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Large language models (LLMs) have become increasingly central to AI applications worldwide, necessitating robust multilingual safety alignment to ensure secure deployment across diverse linguistic contexts. Existing preference learning methods for safety alignment, such as RLHF and DPO, are primarily monolingual and struggle with noisy multilingual data. To address these limitations, we introduce Multilingual reward gaP Optimization (MPO), a novel approach that leverages the well-aligned safety capabilities of the dominant language (e.g., English) to improve safety alignment across multiple languages. MPO directly minimizes the reward gap difference between the dominant language and target languages, effectively transferring safety capabilities while preserving the …

Comparative Nitrene-Transfer Chemistry To Olefins Mediated By First-Row Transition Metal Catalysts Supported By A Pyridinophane Macrocycle With N4 Ligation, Himanshu Bhatia, Lillian P. Adams, Ingrid Cordsiemon, Suraj Kumar Sahoo, Amitava Choudhury, Thomas R. Cundari, Pericles Stavropoulos

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A 12-membered pyridinophane scaffold containing two pyridine and two tertiary amine residues is examined as a prototype ligand (^tBuN4) for supporting nitrene transfer to olefins. The known [(^tBuN4)M^II(MeCN)2]²⁺ (M = Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) and [(^tBuN4)Cu^I(MeCN)]⁺ cations are synthesized with the hexafluorophosphate counteranion. The aziridination of para-substituted styrenes with PhI=NTs (Ts = tosyl) in various solvents proved to be high yielding for the Cu(I) and Cu(II) reagents, in contrast to the modest efficacy of all other metals. For α-substituted styrenes, aziridination is accompanied by products of aziridine …

Visceral, Neural, And Immunotoxicity Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Mini Review, Pietro Martano, Samira Mahdi, Tong Zhou, Yasmin Barazandegan, Rebecca Iha, Hannah Do, Joel Burken, Paul Ki-Souk Nam, Qingbo Yang, Ruipu Mu

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have gained significant attention due to their widespread distribution in the environment and potential adverse health effects. While ingestion, especially through contaminated drinking water, is considered the primary route of human exposure, recent research suggests that other pathways, such as inhalation and dermal absorption, also play a significant role. This review provides a concise overview of the toxicological impacts of both legacy and emerging PFASs, such as GenX and perfluoro butane sulfonic acid (PFBS), with a particular focus on their effects on the liver, kidneys, and immune and nervous systems, based on findings from recent …

Exploring Rehabilitation Therapists' Knowledge And Perspectives On The Use Of Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning For Persons Poststroke, Hannah Clark, Mia Delvecchio, Min Hun Lee, Elena D. Brown, Kaia Mikula, Robert Halyama, Kasey Stepansky

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Research Objectives: The use of technology such as robotics, gaming systems, self-monitoring apps, or other sensor-based devices in standard practice is infrequent. Due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications, it is important to look at how therapists perceive AI/ML, and design applications with potential barriers in mind. to support future integration into practice. The purpose of this research project is to gain rehabilitation therapists’ perspectives on AI/ML in post-stroke assessment and intervention.Design: This ongoing study uses a mixed methods design with surveys and focus groups. Participants engaged in a 30-minute webinar to learn …

Dreamanime: Learning Style-Identity Textual Disentanglement For Anime And Beyond, Chenshu Xu, Yangyang Xu, Huaidong Zhang, Xuemiao Xu, Shengfeng He

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Text-to-image generation models have significantly broadened the horizons of creative expression through the power of natural language. However, navigating these models to generate unique concepts, alter their appearance, or reimagine them in unfamiliar roles presents an intricate challenge. For instance, how can we exploit language-guided models to transpose an anime character into a different art style, or envision a beloved character in a radically different setting or role? This paper unveils a novel approach named DreamAnime, designed to provide this level of creative freedom. Using a minimal set of 2-3 images of a user-specified concept such as an anime character …

If Alcohol Consumption Were Eliminated, Which Us Counties Would Still Experience High Rates Of Breast Cancer Among Women?, Hina Javed

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Background

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women in the United States, accounting for roughly one-third of all newly diagnosed female cancers (American Cancer Society, 2024). The risk factors for breast cancer include both non-modifiable and modifiable factors. Non-modifiable factors include age at menarche, early menstrual cycles and late menopause. Modifiable factors include smoking, diabetes, obesity and environmental factors such as air pollution. The interplay between lifestyle factors and environmental exposures in cancer development has long been debated. While alcohol consumption is widely recognized as a major breast cancer risk factor, the role of environmental exposure such as …

Integrating Uas And Satellite Data To Improve Classification Of Plant Functional Types In A Forest Landscape, Sky Mae Gennette

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Remotely sensed land-use/land-cover (LULC) data products are an important tool for understanding landscape processes at all scales. The types of inference researchers can derive from remote sensing data depend on the quality and characterization of these LULC products. Currently, gaps in the detail of widely available vegetation cover products limit inference about processes at the level of plant functional type (PFT). Advanced remote sensing tools, machine learning, and data fusion can be employed to contribute novel methods to produce detailed, accurate vegetation cover products. Here, we combine high resolution Unoccupied Aerial Systems (UAS) multispectral, structural and textural data with large-scale …

Preparing Pre-Service Teachers For Writing Instruction: Best-Practices And Insights Into Self-Efficacy, Lindsey Wiggins

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Many pre-service teachers (PSTs) report feeling under-prepared to teach writing, a challenge often linked to limited attention to writing instruction in teacher preparation programs (TPPs). While writing methods courses offer opportunities to build PSTs’ self-efficacy and pedagogical skill, questions remain about how to best structure these experiences and measure their impact. This three-article dissertation examines how PSTs develop self-efficacy for writing and writing instruction during teacher preparation and how those beliefs relate to instructional practices.

In Study I, I conducted a systematic literature review to examine how researchers measure the effects of effective writing and writing instruction interventions with elementary …

Engineering Properties And Stress-Strain Behavior Of Bcsa Concrete: Flexural Design Parameters, Strain Measurement Methods, And Models, Gabriel R. Johnson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Belitic calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) cement concrete has gained popularity due to advantages over portland cement (PC), including, its fast-setting, high early strength gain, high durability, and reduced global warming potential. Though primarily used for pavement repair, it has good potential for structural applications. Building codes like ACI 318:19 permit alternative cement materials like BCSA cement if they can be shown to have adequate and predictable structural, durability, and fire performance comparable to PC concrete. This study evaluates the structural and mechanical behavior of BCSA cement concrete, measuring standard engineering properties and comparing results to PC concrete and code prediction equations. …

The Role Of Managerial Support In Influencing The Attitudes Of Highly Educated Millennials In Serbia, Dimitrije Gasic, Vladimir Dzenopoljac, Mladen Cudanov, Jozsef Poor, Nemanja Berber

All Works

This study explores the influence of managerial support on the attitudes of highly educated (BSc, MSc, and PhD) millennials in Serbia, focusing on job satisfaction, turnover intention, and job stress. Understanding this relationship is crucial for enhancing employee retention and organisational efficiency given the evolving workplace dynamics. Managerial support, encompassing emotional, instrumental, and informational assistance, is hypothesised to positively impact job satisfaction while reducing turnover intention and job stress. Data were collected through an online survey from 367 respondents in two waves (the first wave in January 2024 and the second in July 2024) and analysed using partial least squares …

Artificial Intelligence Integration And Teachers' Self-Efficacy In Physics Classrooms, Fouad Yehya, Areej Elsayary, Ghadah Al Murshidi, Ahmed Al Zaabi

All Works

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in its vision 2021 and the UAE centennial 2071 plan, highlights the essential role of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in shaping a knowledge-based, future-ready society. This study explores the integration of AI in physics classrooms, focusing on secondary education in the UAE. It also investigates the perceptions and self-efficacy of physics teachers regarding the use of AI tools in classroom settings. A qualitative research design was employed to gather in-depth insights from 15 physics teachers across schools in Sharjah, assessing their confidence and readiness for AI integration through the lens of the attitude and …

Youth Attitudes Towards The Effects Of Social Media Addiction A Study On University Students In The United Arab Emirates, Fokiya Akhtar, Fawzia Abdulla Alali

All Works

Objectives: This study aims to understand youth’s attitudes toward the effects of social media usage and its risk factors. It also investigates the impact of social media addiction on youth, and determines the mediating factors in this relationship, such as ‘FOMO’ (fear of missing out) and nocturnal social media usage. Methods :For the purpose of this research, 327 university students were surveyed using the Social Media Addiction Scale, the FOMO Scale, the Nocturnal Social Media Use Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Index Scale. Results: The results reveal statistically significant correlations between high social media usage and adverse effects on mental …

Psilocybin And Death Anxiety: A Dual-Mechanism Approach To Existential Distress, Annabelle Swain

University Honors Theses

This literature review looks at how psilocybin, the active compound in "magic mushrooms," can help people deal with death anxiety; the deep fear of dying or losing control that shows up in lots of mental health struggles. While traditional treatments like SSRIs and talk therapy work for some people, they don't always get to the root of the problem. Psilocybin works differently. It changes brain activity, especially in networks tied to repetitive, self-focused thinking, as well as creates powerful, emotional experiences that help people rethink how they see life and death. This paper covers recent research showing how one or …

Birth Outcomes In The Hispanic Population In The United States: Trends, Variation, And Determinants (2011–2021), Yanchao Yang

Business Analytics Faculty Publications

Background: Cesarean section (C-section) is the most common surgical procedure in the United States, yet its use varies widely across regions and institutions. Although clinical risk factors are central to delivery decisions, geographic context, health system capacity, and local practice patterns may also influence C-section use. Understanding both the determinants and predictability of C-section delivery is important for improving obstetric quality and equity.

Objective: This study aims to document geographic variation in C-section use across the United States, identify maternal and county-level factors associated with C-section delivery, and evaluate the predictive performance of machine learning models across clinically defined risk …

Collaborative Action In Education: Empirical Explorations Of The Role Of Partnerships In College Readiness Programs, Jose A. Sanchez

Dissertations

Education gaps exist in the United States in large part because not everyone has equal access to the educational resources or role models that will prepare them to seek a college education. To help combat this phenomenon, Federal and State Governments have promoted college readiness programs via collaborative partnerships between school districts, on the one hand, and colleges and universities, on the other.

To better understand the role that partners can play in creating and sustaining college-readiness programs, this study focused on the history and current practices of collaborations involving oversight of college readiness programs in two school districts. Partnership …

Perceived Obligations Of Older Partners In Living-Apart Together Relationships, Allison M. Martin

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Older and middle-aged adults are increasingly in Living-Apart-Together (LAT) relationships characterized by committed romantic relationships without marriage and cohabitation. Because of assumptions that older adults will receive family caregiving as they grow older and need caregiving, it is not clear how people are likely to perceive obligations to provide caregiving assistance. As adults move into old age and incidence rates of Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementia (ADRD) increase, questions about the availability of family members to provide needed assistance are complicated by LAT relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine perceived obligations to provide assistance to older adults …

Pediatric Occupational Therapists’ Perception On How Nature-Based Play Affects Fine Motor Development, Abbi M. Rosenow

Human Development and Family Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aimed to explore the benefits of nature-based pediatric occupational therapy and the influence of nature and nature-based play on fine motor development. It was hypothesized that nature and nature-based play would positively impact a child’s fine motor skills, and that nature-based occupational therapy would offer unique benefits to a child’s therapeutic experience. To examine these relationships, a survey was distributed to pediatric occupational therapists across the United States. The survey was designed to gather insights into how occupational therapy supports fine motor development, how nature-based play/therapy enhances these skills, and the perceived benefits of incorporating nature into therapeutic …

Cholesterol Crystal Embolization Induced Kidney Disease, Shohan Pervaze, Shreya Mohandas, Pushkas Gopalan, Stephen A. Morse, Siddhartha Bajracharya, Landon A. Krone, Farshid Yazdi

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Cholesterol crystal embolization (CCE) results from the release of cholesterol crystals from ruptured atherosclerotic plaques into circulation, resulting in the occlusion of small arteries and arterioles in various organs. Ischemia triggers a systemic inflammatory response resulting in vascular obstruction and organ dysfunction. Kidneys are often involved because of the proximity to the aorta and CCE in the kidneys can result in acute, sub-acute, or chronic kidney disease. There are many known risk factors for renal involvement of CCE, including iatrogenic and spontaneous causes. The pathophysiology of CCE includes complex pathways that lead to acute and chronic effects that can have …

The Impact Of Transformational Leadership On Leader Emotional Exhaustion And Patient Safety Culture: A Quantitative Study Devoted To Enhancing U.S. Healthcare Leaders, Katrina J. Wojciechowski

Education Doctoral

The United States (U.S.) healthcare system faces significant challenges, including high costs and disparities in access and quality of care. These issues were exacerbated by the COVID- 19 pandemic, which strained resources and staffing. Healthcare leaders must navigate the complexities of delivering care, managing costs, and ensuring high-quality, equitable healthcare services. Their role is crucial in transforming the healthcare system, driving change, and implementing innovations to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. Equipping healthcare leaders with transformational leadership skills allows them to foster a culture of collaboration by inspiring and motivating teams to embrace change. This quantitative study aimed to (a) …

Development And Implementation Of An Ob/L&D Sbar Framework To Enhance Communication Between Obstetric Nurses And Anesthesia Providers: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Jenna E. Bigam, Laina J. Uzarski

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) Manuscripts

Effective communication between obstetric (OB) nurses and anesthesia providers is critical to ensure patient safety during epidural placements in labor and delivery (L&D) settings. At a large teaching hospital, communication gaps were identified when OB nurses requested anesthesia for epidural placements without consistently providing vital patient information. The lack of structured communication can result in important details being overlooked, which may lead to delays in care and potential patient harm. To address this, the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication framework was implemented to standardize and improve information exchange. This Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) project aimed to enhance …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Among Population Of Saudi Arabia: A Meta-Analysis, Waleed D. Khubzan, Dana O. Kaddah, Ola E. Alkhoshiban, Mirza H. Alkhater, Botool A. Alshahrani, Rama A. Alhatlani, Muntaha S. Alsulaimani, Dalal A. Elyas, Majed A. Almourgi

Saudi Medical Journal

ABSTRACT Objectives: To find how common gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is in Saudi Arabia and to identify the main risk factors linked to it. Methods: We followed PRISMA guidelines and registered the study on PROSPERO (CRD42025637142). A full literature search was done across PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar up to December 2024. Two reviewers independently reviewed the results. We assessed the risk of bias using the JBI critical appraisal tool and evaluated potential reporting bias through Egger’s test. To determine the overall prevalence and key contributing risk factors, we conducted a meta-analysis utilizing a random-effects approach. We also did subgroup …

Green Growth Is A Pathway To Sustainable Development: An Empirical Study Of Saudi Green Initiative, Reema Gh. Alajmi

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

For climate change adaptation and mitigation, a sustainable transition to green growth is essential. The aim of this study is to evaluate green growth indicators using three methods to assess the situation of green growth in Saudi Arabia. The vector error correction model (VECM) was used to estimate the relationship between electricity generation and carbon emissions (CO2), and then examine the mitigation scenario, followed by analysing Saudi green growth indicators versus Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicators. The results indicate carbon emissions are influenced by the GDP and electricity generation in Saudi Arabia. Environmental scenarios findings indicate that …

Exploring The Mediating Role Of Individual Performance In The Relationship Between Work-Life Balance And Attrition, Grace O. Leasure

Research Psychology Theses

Extensive research has established a relationship between work-life balance and employee attrition. However, limited attention has been given to the potential mediating role of individual performance within this dynamic. The present study aims to address this gap by examining whether individual performance mediates the relationship between work-life balance and attrition. It is hypothesized that higher work-life balance will be associated with lower attrition rates, partially explained by improved individual performance. Data will be collected via employee surveys and analyzed using mediation analysis. Anticipated results may provide organizations with a quantifiable, performance-based justification for investing in work-life balance initiatives.

Reflections Of Linguistic Experiences In A Borderland: Influences On Cultural Identity And Teacher Praxis, Iliana Cantu

Theses and Dissertations

This Autoethnographic dissertation uses autohistoria-teoria to critically analyze my lived curriculum as a Mexican-born raised in the borderland of the Rio Grande Valley. This research aims to understand the influence of my linguistic experiences on my cultural identity and teaching praxis within the same context. Drawing from Anzaldua’s (1987) concept of Borderlands as a contextual lens and Raciolinguistics as a theoretical framework, I examine and reflect on key linguistic experiences that have perpetuated colonizing linguistic practices rather than fostered linguistic diversity. Additionally, Culturally Linguistic Sustaining Pedagogy serves as a framework to critically analyze my teaching praxis in relation to my …

Occupational Therapy Educators’ Perceptions Of Preparedness To Teach Students Culturally Responsive Care For Diverse Patient Populations, Jack Ruelas

Theses and Dissertations

This phenomenological investigation examined occupational therapy faculty preparedness for teaching culturally responsive care to entry-level doctorate students in Texas. Despite Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) mandates requiring cultural competence education, significant gaps persist between regulatory requirements and faculty readiness to deliver such instruction effectively. The study explored three interrelated dimensions: (1) faculty perceptions of their preparedness to teach cultural competence, (2) institutional training and support mechanisms, and (3) pedagogical integration strategies for culturally responsive content.

Employing interpretive phenomenology grounded in Freire's critical pedagogy and Iwama's Kawa Model, this investigation utilized a two-phase data collection methodology with eleven faculty …