Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing Llm Code Generation: A Systematic Evaluation Of Multi-Agent Collaboration And Runtime Debugging For Improving Accuracy, Reliability, And Latency, Nazmus Ashrafi

Theses

The use of large language models (LLMs) for automated code generation has emerged as a significant focus within AI research. As these pretrained models continue to evolve, their ability to understand and generate complex code structures has opened up new possibilities for automating intricate programming tasks with greater accuracy. Although contemporary foundational models demonstrate promising results, researchers continue to explore optimal post-training strategies to enhance code quality. These include supervised fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), debugging, and many others. In this thesis, I combine two such widely used post training approaches—namely (1) multi agent collaboration and (2) runtime execution of information-based …

Journey Toward Collective Efficacy: ​The Impact Of Lesson Study In A Professional Learning Community, Julia Rose Pabst

Theses and Dissertations

This mixed methods action research study investigated the impact of a lesson study protocol on elementary teachers’ confidence through the implementation of the Three Read Close Reading Protocol (3RCRP), a research-based reading comprehension strategy. This study, grounded in Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, explored how collaborative and practice-based professional learning could bridge the gap between pedagogical knowledge and classroom practice to enhance teacher self-efficacy. The primary research questions focused on how participation in a lesson study influenced teachers’ self-efficacy and which aspects of the protocol were perceived as most influential. Four participants and one participant-observer engaged in a series of Professional …

The Processing Of Emotional Prosody And Semantics In Native And Non-Native Chinese Speakers, Cheng Xiao

Theses and Dissertations

Emotional information in spoken language is conveyed through both semantic and prosodic cues. While listeners interpret the meaning of utterances (what is said), they also detect the speaker’s emotional prosody (how it is said). For non-native speakers, processing these two types of information simultaneously can be challenging, particularly in a tonal language such as Mandarin Chinese, where the same acoustic feature (i.e., pitch) encodes both lexical semantics and emotional prosody. This dissertation reports a series of behavioral and fMRI experiments investigating how native and non-native Chinese speakers perceive and process emotional prosody and semantics in words and sentences. Behaviorally, results …

Anthropomorphism In Language And Thought: The Effect Of Agentive Linguistic Framing On Readers’ Perceptions Of Ai Animacy, Dawson Petersen

Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade, deep learning AI systems have gone from academic obscurity to near cultural centrality in the developed world. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, there is growing cause for concern about AI anthropomorphism—i.e., the perception of AIs as more human than they really are. Despite the potential risks, AI developers continue to market their technologies using agentive language that seems to be designed to encourage anthropomorphism. The current dissertation utilizes behavioral and eye-tracking methods to examine the relationship between agentive linguistic framing and AI anthropomorphism in both controlled judgments and automatic inferences. The results …

Implicit Neural Representation For Image Reconstruction, Canyu Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

Image reconstruction seeks to restore corrupted images and recover visual content that has been lost or degraded. Such degradation may result from low resolution, occlusion, masking, or shadow interference. This problem has become an increasingly significant research topic, as visual information plays a central role in almost every aspect of modern life. Neural network based approaches have recently emerged as highly effective solutions for this task. In particular, convolutional neural networks and transformer based architectures have demonstrated remarkable success in producing visually convincing reconstructions. However, these models remain constrained in several important ways, one of the most critical being that …

Recommended Best Practices For Construct-Centered Adaptation Of The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol, Emily Briceño, Darina Bassil, Pranali Khobragade, Anthony Ngugi, Martine Bejjani, Eric Ochieng, Silvia Mejia-Arango, Salima Douhou, Kazione Kulisewa, Miguel Rentería

Population Health, East Africa

Objectives The Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) neuropsychological assessment approach aims to support the collection of harmonizable data on cognitive function for cross-national cognitive aging and dementia research. As the measurement of cognition is sensitive to differences in contextual, cultural, educational, linguistic, social, and other factors that may influence cognitive test performance, HCAP requires adaptation to be appropriate for the contexts in which it is administered. We aim to provide methodological recommendations for the adaptation and implementation of the HCAP and other cognitive data collection tools in novel settings.

Methods We drew from existing guidelines on cross-cultural psychological test adaptation …

Engaging Chinese And Korean American Communities In Dementia Research: A Journey Of Inclusivity And Partnership, Jing Wang, Xiang Qi, Mary S Mittelman, Eunjung Ko, Yaolin Pei, I Tek Leong, Sungji Park, Katherine Wang, Weiyu Mao, Cynthia Epstein, Bei Wu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: The New York University Caregiver Intervention plus Enhanced Support Project is a randomized controlled trial of a family-based psychosocial intervention to enhance social support and reduce cardiometabolic risk for Chinese and Korean American dementia caregivers, using culturally tailored recruitment strategies.

Methods: We reviewed reflections from research staff, weekly meeting minutes, debriefing sessions, and progress reports, to identify key challenges and approaches to engaging participants.

Results: Key challenges included reluctance to involve family members, dementia stigma, and resistance to involving family. In response, we engaged online communities, partnered with local organizations, participated in events, and adapted recruitment messages to cultural …

A Model Of Organizational Dynamics Of Phonological Knowledge In Preschool Children Based On Bratianu’S Theory And The Neutrosophic Ahp Technique, Glenda Quimera Ramírez-Apolo, Mila Inés Moreno-Pramatarova, Patricia Elizabeth Lima-Rosero, Sylvia Shayana Tapia-Tapia, María Soledad Andino-Acosta, Mercy Paulina Guerrero-Olalla, Ivonne Cristina Unda-Vargas, Salomé Ruales-Paredes

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Phonological knowledge is a component of linguistics that allows children to understand the relationship between sounds and words. It is a skill that should be stimulated and enhanced from the age of 3, as children begin the process of reading and writing at 6. If this component is not yet acquired, it can generate difficulties in the school stage, where learning demands are more challenging and higher cognitive processes are required in terms of decoding phonemes, graphemes, words, and sentences. In this paper, we propose a model that allows us to study the dynamics of phonological knowledge in preschool children. …

Analysis Of Customer Perception Of A New Product Using The Neutrosophic Biplot Method, Purificación Galindo-Villardón

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This paper sought to propose and apply the Neutrosophic Biplot analysis method to understand consumer perception of a new technological product with uncertain attributes while addressing the shortcomings that a conventional approach would present. Data was collected through a survey experiment with neutrosophic rating scales where 50 subjects slid on one scale to indicate how much they agreed (A), were neutral, or indifferent (I), and disagreed (D) about each of the eight features of a new smartphone they received. A neutrosophic data matrix was formed and converted into a real-valued matrix using a scoring function, allowing for the application of …

Nahp For The Selection Of Analgesic Treatments In Third Molar Surgery, Mónica Sofia Pallo Sarabia, Lenin Rubén Imbacuán Jiménez, Marjorie Elizabeth Valdivieso Villacís, Ximena Pallo Sarabia

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

The optimal selection of analgesics for third molar removal is a pressing concern due to patient-specific benefits and unknown ramifications of treatment efficacy. This is a major concern relative to dentistry and the health field in general because optimal analgesic selection minimizes postoperative adverse events and improves recovery and quality of life; improper selection does the opposite. Yet much of the research conducted fails to combine a systematic selection process with the uncertainty surrounding efficacy versus adverse events versus patient-related considerations. Therefore, this research uses a systematic approach via Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process (NAHP) which allows for true, indeterminate, and …

Risk Prediction In Dental Implants With Bone Substitutes Using A Hybrid Neutrosophic-Logistic Model: Managing Uncertainty In Clinical And Biomechanical Variables, Mónica Sofía Pallo Sarabia, Darwin Josue Cubi Masaquiza, Favio Nicholas Zúñiga Calderón, Luis Acosta Rueda

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Predicting risk for bone substitutes when using dental implants is a complicated task as no one can determine all clinical and biomechanical factors that will/may contribute to a successful treatment outcome. Yet the discipline has been establishing various means of prediction through traditional logistic regression. However, many do not acknowledge the unknowns--potential developments of one's biological response or biomaterial characteristics. This work seeks to adjust this issue through a novel approach to traditional logistic regression and neutrosophic logic, which, combined, can calculate levels of certainty, indeterminacy and uncertainty from one dataset. In this example, for example, the variables used for …

Assessing Viral Susceptibility In Tilapia Species Using Plithogenic Fuzzy Soft Set: A Multi-Expert Approach For Tilv, Raúl González Salas, Jhael Mikaela Gómez Ashqui, Marco Paúl Medina Valencia

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This research assessed tilapia species susceptibility to Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV) via a new plithogenic fuzzy soft set (CFS). This mathematical conception offers a holistic assessment via biological, environmental, and epidemiological attributes, merging unknown and variable data across multiple researching experts. Thus, the findings emerged from controlled and field assessed mortality, viral titers, and microenvironments of up to five species processed through the CFS model to determine vulnerability rankings. CFS revealed Oreochromis niloticus was the most susceptible to TiLV with red hybrids second and O. mossambicus most resistant. In addition, the CFS model revealed specific parameters, including temperature and population …

Neutrosophic Evaluation Of Sentiments Through Neutroalgebra Applied To The Use Of The Mediation Record As A Means For Lifting Precautionary Measures In Child Support Proceedings, Marcelo Raúl Dávila Castillo, Jessica Johanna Santander Moreno, Rosa Evelyn Chugá Quemac

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This is a study of perception and effectiveness of mediation to remove cautionary measures in child support proceedings. This is based on an assessed need within family law. This was an attempt to assess the mechanism via those who know law and mediation and justice to an extent as the predictions do not rely upon prior assessments. This assesses whether the mediation is ethical/legal/social for conflict resolution wherein it's not just warring adults; minors are at stake. Why is this topical? More and more people want this natural approach to attract judicial efficiency while simultaneously, de facto wellbeing. In this …

Improving Quality In Service Processes Through The Strategic Implementation Of The Servqual Neutrosophic Statistical Model, Carlos Esteban Reyes Sanchez, Angel Vinicio Valencia Ramos, Paola Fernanda Castillo Castillo

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This is a relative service quality assessment with a process optimization quality of life approach comparison as quality is a competitive advantage in service based organizational efforts. This is a relative service quality assessment with a process optimization quality of life approach comparison new due to implementation. The problem is that quality is a competitive advantage for organizations in modern society with a focus on service based organizational efforts. When human populations experience service, there are always adaptive, and many times, need based expectations for successful service delivery; therefore, new implementation processes take developmental consideration. However, prior research does not …

Relative Impact Of Probiotics On Improving Insulin Resistance In Women With Pcos: An Evaluation With Neutrosophic Plithogenic Statistics, Carlos Castañeda Guillot, Ronelsys Martínez Martínez, Yohan Manuel Mancha Alfonso

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This research was undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of probiotics on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) via neutrosophic Plithogenic statistics to gauge treatment effectiveness. This is based upon three considerations—truth (clinical improvement), indeterminacy (possible effectiveness), and falsity (ineffectiveness)—for the end goal of determining how probiotics change gut microbiota to change metabolic factors associated with this endocrine disorder. Neutrosophic Plithogenic statistics were applied to analyze heterogeneous data to present the effective, uncertain, and ineffective values in correspondence to clinical findings such as insulin assessments, HOMA-IR index, and inflammatory markers. The major results found were that probiotic, …

Neutrosophic Assessment Of Evidence In Cases Of Divorce Due To Adultery: An Application Of The Owa-Topsis Model To The Evidentiary Obstacle In The Ecuadorian Legal System, Jason Humberto Ruiz Silva, Esther Maricela Coello Avilés, Vanessa Josefa Hernández Alvarado

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

The current research resolves an internal issue of the Ecuadorian legal system: the assessment of evidence for divorce by adultery, an unjust approach since it cannot always be evidenced properly. Thus, when judges have the power to rule, their authority is compromised since one of the most crucial elements of adjudicatory due process is equity, and equity stems from objectivity. Unfortunately, we see subjectivity here stemming from the uncertainty and indeterminacy relative to such evidence. While much literature exists relative to the analysis of judicial determination, little evolution occurs relative to a solid approach that incorporates such uncertainty and indeterminacy …

A Multivariate Framework For Measuring International Mobility In Tertiary Education With Neutrosophic Sentiment Assessment, Álvaro Toledo-San-Martin, Claudio Ruff -Escobar, Purification Galindo-Villardon, Purificación Vicente-Galindo

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

International mobility of tertiary education is vital for countries engaged in innovative educational research and those wishing to stay ahead in the field. However, cross-national comparisons face a challenge in methodology induced by the phenomenon's multi-dimensionality. This study analyzes the international mobility of tertiary education in 29 countries from 2013 to 2020 using international students as a percentage of enrollment as a primary dependent variable. The goal is to evaluate trends across nations and subsequently propose a composite index of the multi-dimensional phenomenon. A variety of multivariate analytical techniques were employed; for example, STATIS (Structuring de Tableaux À Trois) Statistics …

Digital Divide In Latin America: A Multivariate And Neutrosophic Delphi Analysis For Inclusion And Public Policy, Cristian Cornejo Gaete, Viviana Tartakowsky Pezoa, Claudio Ruff Escobar, Jaime Zañartu Reyes

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This study examines access to digital connectivity in Latin America, highlighting both progress and persistent structural inequalities. In the context of the pandemic, the internet has consolidated its position as an essential tool for daily life, highlighting deep gaps between countries, urban and rural areas, and different socioeconomic groups. Using the graphical multivariate HJ-Biplot method, complemented by a Neutrosophic Delphi approach to model indeterminacies in digital inclusion policies, the research question is addressed: How are Latin American and Caribbean countries grouped according to their level of access to digital connectivity, considering socioeconomic, age, ¿and geographic differences? The hypothesis guiding this …

Innovation Ecosystems And Economic Performance In Latin America: A Multivariate And Plithogenic Neutrosophic Approach To The Global Innovation Index, Héctor Fernández, Purification Galindo-Villardón, Marcelo Ruiz, Alexis Pérez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

The article is a retrospective assessment of the innovation landscape in Latin America between 2012-2022. The assessment is conducted through a multivariate and neutrosophic plithogenic approach based on the Global Innovation Index (GII). The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) assesses the factors constituting the GII creation to reveal invisible dimensions of innovation, while k-means clustering divides the observations into three clusters relevant to structural ability and innovative achievements. Moreover, a multiple linear regression calculates the relative importance of the GII pillars compared to the mean value, revealing that the economic dimension of resources/infrastructure, human capital, and research generate the highest results. …

Resolving Contradictions In Public Policies On Child Begging: An N- Alectic Approach, Esther Maricela Coello Avilés, Kevin Luis Flores Vega, Keyla Nayely Casquete Cedeño

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This project fills a wicked problem gap with policy assessments relative to child begging—a condition that keeps children in a vulnerable state within the confines of the urban setting—and the literature gap exists because while prior researchers aimed to review child begging policy assessments, none have done so from an dialectic, multidisciplinary, moral and social intersectional perspective. Filling the literature gap relevance is about contribution to the field because many of these policies stem from an otherwise noble cause to either imprison or render assistance to vulnerable children yet fail when a poorly socioeconomic population's public safety gets in the …

Neutrosophic Performance Evaluation Of A Consulting Firm Using A Hybrid Topsis-Owa Model From The Perspective Of Consultants And Auditors, Vladimir Vega Falcón

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

Yet performance evaluation of consulting firms faces uncertainty and subjectivity for the auditor's consultant perspective a concern for problematizing proper strategic choice. This condition is relevant since consulting firms are integral to any enterprise problem solving, and identifying where productivity exists only makes firms more competitive and enhances quality of service to their clients. Yet the literature does not provide any constructs to properly apply indeterminacy to human assessments as operations are based on crisp integers and binary true/false logic which does not adequately represent the holistic expertise of the professional. Therefore, this study proposes a hybrid neutrosophic TOPSIS-OWA assessment …

Determination Of The Socio-Emotional Consequences Of Visible Pigmentary Alterations Using Neutrosophic Owa-Topsis, Varna Hernández Junco, Zenia Batista Castro, Regla Cristina Valdés Cabodevilla, Vivian González Aguilar, Leslie Cardet Carballosa

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This study addresses the socioemotional consequences of visible pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo and melasma, a problem that profoundly affects individuals' quality of life. The relevance of this research lies in the growing need to understand how these dermatological conditions influence self-esteem, social interactions, and psychological well-being, especially in diverse cultural contexts. Although existing literature has explored these impacts, it lacks approaches that integrate the uncertainty and subjectivity inherent in human experiences. To fill this gap, a PRISMA-based systematic review was conducted, analyzing articles from PubMed, Scielo, and Scopus (2015–2025), and the neutrosophic OWA-TOPSIS method was employed, which combines weighted …

Formative Uncertainty And Community Perception In Social Engagement Projects Using Neutrosophic Z Numbers, Carlos Vélez, Carla Espinoza, Manuel Espinoza, Fabrizzio Andrade Zamora, Óscar José Alejo Machado

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This research addresses the gap of measuring social learning of social community projects, a controversial topic stemming from the subjectivity of all involved actors. It's a relevant topic because eventually, all community projects will need to be assessed for effective educational and social gains to ensure meaningful existence for sustainability purposes. However, the literature does not provide such assessments because actions are fuzzy or blended with communities and non-deterministic learning outcomes. This research attempts to assess the measurement of social learning of social community projects using Neutrosophic Z Numbers to bring uncertainty into the measurement equation. Beginning with a proposed …

Prioritizing Administrative Process Improvements Through Nahp And Business Process Management, Andrea Malavé Gómez, Andrés Avilés-Noles, Carlos Bastidas Sánchez, Fabrizzio Andrade Zamora

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

This research developed a hybrid approach that combines BPM and Neutrosophic Analytic Hierarchy Process (NAHP) to prioritize the improvement of administrative processes for more efficient operation in high uncertainty settings. For instance, BPMN 2.0 was used to visualize the AS-IS/TO-BE of a public university's document management process (current/future state) to identify the source of delays/duplication and the NAHP technique was employed to evaluate and prioritize the evaluation criteria (time, cost, and user satisfaction) through expert pairwise comparisons manifested by truth-degrees, indeterminacy, and falsity since NAHP confines ambiguity and inconsistencies of reply. The AS-IS/TO-BE findings indicated a 30% decrease in turnaround …

Study Of The Information Technology Knowledge Of First-Semester Students At A Private University In Huancayo Based On The Indeterminate Likert Scale And Z-Numbers, Ketty Marilú Moscoso-Paucarchuco, Wild Franz Cerron-Leon, Manuel Michael Beraún-Espíritu, José Segura-Cuyubamba, Leidy Yamira Carrera-Travezaño, Herbert Víctor Huaranga-Rivera, Edgar Gutiérrez-Gómez

Neutrosophic Sets and Systems

It is essential for today's professional to know and master the information technologies that are part of modern life. Otherwise, this constitutes an educational deficiency in our universities that must be reversed. This paper aims to determine the level of information technology knowledge of first-semester students at the Franklin Roosevelt Private University of Huancayo in Peru. The study population consists of 240 students. Simple random sampling was used to select a representative sample. Data collection was carried out using a survey consisting of a questionnaire containing a set of 37 questions. The survey measures students' level of skills in using …

Home By Now? “Habitual Residence” And The Hague Convention On The Civil Aspects Of International Child Abduction, Emily Mcanally

The International Law Review Association Student Forum

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction (“the Convention”) is a multilateral treaty signed in 1980 which aims “to secure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State”; and to ensure mutual respect of the “rights of custody and access” between the contracting states. As of 2025, there are 103 signatories of the Convention who have committed to taking “all appropriate measures” and employing “the most expeditious procedures available” to ensure that children wrongfully within their territory can be returned home. Although the Convention has existed for nearly half a century, …

The Role Of Language Ideologies In Saudi Elementary English Education: Efl Teacher’S Perspectives And Experiences, Ghanem Saad S Alghuwainem

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines how Saudi elementary English teachers understand and enact language ideologies in a period of rapid educational change and national reform. Using a comparative case study of five teachers in Al-Ahsa, the study triangulates semi-structured interviews, classroom audio recordings, and teaching materials to compare stated beliefs with observable practice. The analysis is guided by the theories of English hegemony and language and gender ideology, which together illuminate how global linguistic hierarchies are localized through teachers’ beliefs and practices. Findings reveal that teachers occupy an ideologically complex position as they balance the national push for English proficiency under Vision …

Strategies For Developing Mathematical Identities In Middle School Students, Margaret M. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

This concurrent mixed-methods action research study investigated the impact of mathematical discourse intervention on seventh-grade students’ mathematical identities and understanding. Twenty students participated in a four-week intervention implementing Smith and Stein’s (2018) five practices plus one framework.

Quantitative results showed curriculum-based assessments improved significantly (p < .001, d = 1.64). State mathematics assessment revealed minimal change in mean scores. The Mathematical Identity Questionnaire revealed positive shifts across all five constructs, with largest gains in Mathematical Initiative (+0.40) and Problem-Solving Persistence (+0.30). Qualitative analysis using Bingham’s (2023) five-phase process revealed three themes: Mathematical Voice Development, Identity Transformation Through Competence Building, and Communal Validation. Social Cognitive Theory and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy integration showed how discourse interventions addressed both individual self-efficacy and systemic inequities. Findings suggest intensive discourse intervention can initiate positive changes in mathematical identity and understanding for struggling students. Implications include restructuring mathematics instruction to prioritize student discourse and voice, creating more equitable learning environments.

Computational Analogies In The Era Of Large Language Models, Amarakoon Mudiyanselage Thilini Wijesiriwardene

Theses and Dissertations

Analogical reasoning is an important part of human cognition requiring the integration of abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, and background knowledge. Despite significant advances in language modeling, the capacity of current methods to accurately identify, model, and evaluate analogies remains fundamentally underexplored.

Analogies enable individuals to perceive deep similarities between superficially different situations. Effective analogy-making requires integrating knowledge about the external world with abstract reasoning and pattern recognition capabilities. While current language models (LMs), trained on massive textual corpora using autoregressive or masked objectives, achieve impressive performance across Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks such as text generation, summarization, and classification, their …

Supporting Adult Language Learners Through Interactive Routines And Trauma-Informed Engagement, Andrew J. Francis

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Francis, A. (2025) Supporting Adult Language Learners Through Interactive Routines and Trauma-Informed Engagement

This capstone project investigates the impact of trauma-informed routines on reducing anxiety and enhancing relationships within adult English language classrooms, with a particular focus on refugee learners who frequently experience elevated stress responses that can impede both their participation and cognitive processing. Drawing on neuroscientific research that illustrates how trauma affects memory, emotional regulation, and executive functioning, the research highlights the importance of an instructional approach that emphasizes psychological safety, predictability, and supportive relationships as essential components of effective language learning. Utilizing frameworks from trauma-informed education, this …