5063 research outputs found
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Who Becomes “One of Us”? Leaders’ Core Self-Evaluation and Prototypicality
Full text linkSocial Identity Theory of Leadership emphasizes the importance of prototype-based depersonalization and followers’ behavior roles by suggesting that they grant leaders power, charisma, and higher status (Hogg, 2001). Core self-evaluation (CSE) encompasses individuals’ core appraisals about their self-worth and competencies (Chang et al., 2012). Judge et al. (1997) highlighted four traits in their model: self-esteem, generalized self-efficacy, emotional stability, and locus of control. leaders’ self-construct guides how subsequent experiences are interpreted to describe who the leader is and who they can become, which suggests the importance of determining how the self-construct is composed and altered to positively accelerate leader development (Avolio & Hannah, 2008). It is expected to see a serial mediation between the leader’s CSE and the follower’s job satisfaction through perceived leader prototypicality and the follower’s CSE. Additionally, Leader CSE at time 1 predicts Leader CSE at time 2 through the serial mediation of leader’s prototypicality, follower’s CSE, and follower’s job satisfaction. The findings can have practical implications in leader selection and leadership development, with training leaders who can be more prototypical by improving their core self-evaluation
Advancing approaches to multi-target multi-camera tracking: Graph-based features, language integration, privacy preservation, and large language agent frameworks
No full textMulti-target multi-camera tracking (MTMCT) is a cornerstone of intelligent transportation systems (ITS), enabling comprehensive monitoring and analysis of vehicle movements across distributed camera networks. Although significant progress has been made, fundamental challenges persist in data association, real-time processing, preservation of privacy, and natural-language user interaction. First, we propose a graph-based model that leverages similarity algorithms to enhance cross-camera object association. Our framework achieves state-of-the-art performance with an IDF1 score of 0.8166 on the CityFlow dataset for offline tracking while maintaining real-time capability at 14 FPS for online scenarios. Next, we present LaMMOn, an end-to-end framework integrating language models with graph neural networks. LaMMOn addresses data scarcity by generating synthetic embeddings, demonstrating competitive results in multiple datasets, including CityFlow (HOTA 76.46%) and TrackCUIP (HOTA 80.94%). To enable privacy-preserving tracking in large-scale deployments, we develop FLaMMOn, a federated learning framework incorporating federated elastic weight consolidation (FedCurv) and federated representation learning (FedRep). FLaMMOn outperforms centralized approaches with an IDF1 score of 76.04% while ensuring robust privacy guarantees. Finally, we introduce MACA, a large language multi-agent model that enables natural language for user queries for MTMCT (e.g., “Track black sedans moving from Camera 1 to Cameras 3 and 6 between 2 PM and 5 PM”). MACA achieves a HOTA score of 66.23% on our newly introduced Refer-CityFlow dataset. The comprehensive solutions presented in this dissertation enhance MTMCT systems through improved accuracy, scalability, privacy preservation, and user interaction capabilities. The proposed frameworks establish new benchmarks in performance while addressing critical real-world deployment challenges, paving the way for more effective and secure intelligent transportation systems
Survey on application of Large Language Models in network attack and defense
Full text linkThe emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) has significantly transformed the technological and cybersecurity landscape, introducing both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges. With the public release of ChatGPT in 2022, LLMs have gained global prominence, redefining natural language processing capabilities and enabling advancements across various fields. In cybersecurity, these models represent a dual-use technology: while they offer powerful tools for threat detection, automated analysis, and security training, they also pose risks when leveraged by malicious actors for phishing, social engineering, and the creation of evasive malware. This thesis presents a comprehensive literature review exploring the dual roles of LLMs in cybersecurity. It examines how these models are currently utilized for both offensive and defensive purposes, evaluates the ethical and regulatory implications of their deployment, and highlights ongoing efforts to mitigate associated risks. By synthesizing current research and real-world applications, this study aims to equip cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and policymakers with a nuanced understanding of LLMs’ impact on digital security, ultimately contributing to informed strategies for their responsible and secure use
Effects of lipocalin expression on environmental stress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
No full textMany industries rely on the growth and productivity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Unfortunately, industrial fermentation processes create a myriad of stresses which yeasts must overcome, including conditions like the accumulation of oxidative, osmotic, and saline stressors as well as high temperatures and high ethanol concentrations. This research sought to evaluate whether or not transforming these yeasts with genes that encode lipocalins—a class of small proteins that are capable of binding, transporting, and/or sequestering small, hydrophobic molecules—would increase the stress tolerance of transformants relative to controls that were not transformed. The genes encoding Arabidopsis thaliana temperature induced lipocalin (At-TIL), human odorant binding protein 2A (OBP2A), and human odorant binding protein 2B (OBP2B) were cloned in Escherichia coli, ligated into the yeast shuttle vector, and transformed into wild type (BY4743) and knockout (ALD3- and ALD4-) strains of S. cerevisiae. Transformants and their respective controls were then subjected to phenotyping to elucidate any changes in stress tolerance to the five stresses listed above. BY4743::OBP2A and BY4743::OBP2B performed significantly better than their controls under oxidative stress and heat stress. At-TIL did not significantly change the response of the wild type to any of the evaluated stresses. The continuation of this research could ultimately lead to the production of a yeast strain that is highly tolerant to the many stresses faced by yeasts during industrial fermentation processes, improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the many industries that are reliant on the success of this microorganism
The commodification of international adoptees through a conflict lens
Full text linkThe practice of international adoption, also known as intercountry adoption (ICA), can be defined as a transference of a child from international borders (Ma, 2017). International, also known as intercountry, adoption is a process that is widely characterized to provide the creation of families and humanitarian aid to orphaned children. It is most often facilitated by privatized intermediaries, predominantly facilitating the transference of children from non-Western nations to Western ones. Adopting abroad has largely been framed as a practice of humanitarianism, yet instances of corruption, neglect, and abuse have shown a different nature of the system. Dominant source countries, such as China, Guatemala, and Russia, have abolished their intercountry adoption due to the prevalence of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. With increased awareness of exploitation and corruption inciting more international concern, it brings into question the ethics and morals on which the system of adoption is built. Since its inception, the international adoption system has been altered by the power disparities in Western nations and source countries. The political, economic, and cultural imbalances of source and receiving countries has postulated adoptees as commodities in a commercialized industry. The commodification of children in vulnerable regions of the Global south has incentivized source countries to function as a supply-chain to meet the demand of prospective families in the West. The exploitation of children in source countries is due to the lack of framework that actively enforces defined policy that prioritizes the best interests of the child. International adoption has been transformed into a market-driven system, in which vulnerable children are commercialized for Western nations. Prospective parents in these regions are instilled with rescue mentalities that lead them to believe intercountry adoption is a form of humanitarian aid. The cultural motives of humanitarianism have largely contributed to the historical trends of intercountry adoption to the United States, yet it fails to account for the exploitation and corruption present. This has directly influenced the ways in which the welfare of the child has been dismissed in the system, without any concern to the birth parents or country of origin. International adoption has expanded the function of providing orphaned children with homes abroad, which has in turn contributes to an exploitative system that caters to wealthier nations and prospective parents in the West. The practice has encouraged the pervasive commodification of international adoptees, allowing for profitability to be prioritized over the welfare of the child. Instead of providing children in precarious environments with homes, intercountry adoption has shifted to a practice of finding children for Western homes (Graff, 2008). The lack of compulsory regulation and preventative protective policy has incentivized and legitimized countries, agencies, and prospective families to exploit orphans and source countries for economic and social currency. The United States has been particularly complicit in developing the exploitive system, as the country of unipolarity constitutes more influence, power, and authority than any other nation participating in international adoption. The power and wealth disparity in the international sphere allows the United States to capitalize on the lack of regulation of international adoption to maximize power and profit. From 1991 to 2010, Americans adopted 304,156 children overseas from a range of 165 countries (Efrat, Leblang, Liao, Pandya, 2015). While adopting abroad has contributed to family-building for many prospective parents in the United States, it is vital that adoption be centered within the best interests of the child. Especially when considering that most orphans abroad lack agency and autonomy, it is imperative that the system which governs them be representative of ethical practices for the child. The United States is capable of reconfiguring the current system of adoption that prioritizes prospective families and agencies while simultaneously ensuring the elimination of possible exploitation. This coincides with the baseline necessity of protecting the welfare of the child before meeting the demands of Western agencies, intermediaries, and prospective parents. The decentering of the best interests of the child has consequentially allowed for the exploitation, abuse, and neglect that is negatively connotated to the international adoption system, today. Enforced standards and regulations should not lead to the abolition of intercountry adoption, but the international standardization should prioritize the ethical framework that addresses the commercialization and lack of regulation. The United States has the responsibility in adhering to a regulatory framework that properly facilitates the thousands of adoptees that come into American homes
Extended program notes on works by Bach, Beethoven, Dett, and Liszt
Full text linkThe University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Honors Thesis consists of a sixty minute piano recital of advanced repertoire from the Baroque period through the 20th century, prepared over the course of the senior year. The Senior Piano Recital is a culmination of a course of study demonstrating an advanced level of musical proficiency. The thesis also contains extended program notes of the senior recital that occurred on April 3, 2025. The purpose of program notes is to engage the audience’s understanding and listening experience of the pieces to be performed and their composers. A recording of the recital will be submitted along with the Thesis. Chosen works were composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, and Nathaniel Dett. The overarching research question was, “did writing extended program notes build my performance connection?” By writing a biography, analysis and performance suggestions from pieces such as J.S. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in F Minor, Well Tempered Clavier Book II, BWV 881, Franz Liszt’s Sonnetto 47 del Petrarch, Nathaniel Dett’s Magnolia Suite, and lastly Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata in A-flat Major, Op.110, I hoped to bring a conversational approach to the recital. Sonnetto 47 del Petrarch was chosen to represent the romantic period and demonstrate virtuosic repertoire as it connects to other pieces within a recital program. A Bach prelude and fugue was chosen to deepen my understanding of Bach’s use of polyphony in fugal textures. Magnolia Suite was chosen to firstly perform music by an underrepresented composer, and secondly to build a connection to a character piece through his thematic portrayals of poetry. Lastly, Piano Sonata in A-flat Major, Op.110 stands out amongst other pieces of its time due to its unconventional structure and expressive markings. Overall, every piece selected was selected with the intention that I would have a deeper appreciation for all these composers and their music. Visit this link for a full recording of the recital: https://youtu.be/VIyKl_YuN5k?si=xAd8qZa8TVc7Uv0
Relationships among institutional betrayal, adverse healthcare experiences, and college student health
No full textInstitutional betrayal is defined as the trauma experienced by an individual who feels that their trust in the ability of an institution to keep the individual safe is broken. Healthcare-related institutional betrayal has primarily been explored among working adults, individuals with chronic conditions, and individuals from racially diverse backgrounds. However, healthcare-related institutional betrayal has seldom been explored in college student samples, who may have different healthcare needs compared to other patient populations. The present study explored college students’ experiences with institutional betrayal due to negative healthcare experiences. Survey data were gathered from 157 college students. Measures included healthcare provider trust, perceived physical and mental health, blame, and experiences with institutional betrayal. We hypothesized that college students that have had more frequent instances of institutional betrayal will trust their healthcare provider less and have lower perceived mental and physical health. We also hypothesized that there will be mean differences based on socioeconomic status. Our study found that college students with more frequent instances of healthcare-related institutional betrayal trusted their healthcare providers less and had worse perceptions of their physical and mental health. However, there were no significant mean differences based on socioeconomic status for provider blame and frequency of adverse health experiences. Findings from the study could be implemented into training HCPs and supporting college students as they are navigating the healthcare system, and future studies could consider looking at more diverse patient populations
Hand injuries in boulderers across various settings, experience and skill levels.
No full textSurvey-based research was performed to identify risk factors and prevention tactics for finger injuries in boulderers. An IRB-approved survey was distributed and taken by 228 respondents, whose data was analyzed. Risk factors for finger injury were found to include years of experience and skill level. Results indicated stronger, more experienced boulderers were more likely to report history of finger injury than weaker, less experienced boulderers. Findings suggest boulderers may avoid injury by manipulating their grip type in specific ways
Influence of depressive symptomatology on vocal production
No full textLanguage has been widely recognized as a crucial form of social connection, providing both contextual and semantic information, including intonation, pitch, rate of speech, and pauses. As mental health conditions begin to rise while mental health providers begin to decrease, research in psychology has focused on investigating other factors that may aid in the diagnosis of mental health disorders. Research has indicated that physiological factors, including vocal production, may highlight specific shifts in speech patterns or vocal characteristics. Limited research has been conducted to investigate the possible implications for the emerging adult population, despite the group obtaining the highest prevalence of depression. The present study builds on this research by evaluating the relationship between the prevalence of depressive symptoms and pitch characteristics and articulation rate among the emerging adult population. A sample of 23 students from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga completed an online survey that assessed vocal responses to several prompts and depressive symptoms. Findings did not suggest a significant relationship between pitch characteristics and depressive symptoms. However, findings did suggest that those with higher depressive symptoms did express a faster articulation rate for most of the structured prompts. The continuation of this research area may provide key features that enhance early identification of depressive symptoms and, thus, improve access to mental health resources
Whose line is it anyway: Exploring how to utilize narrative voice in nonfiction
Full text linkThe craft paper explores the functionality of narrative voice in nonfiction and examines how to utilize voice to master sculpting storytelling to resonate with readers. The paper seeks to view narrative voice in terms of a vessel for the reader to explore, to drive the scene, and to guide the action and how each one works within the narrative. Through original work, I examine my relationship with my mother and grandmother, tracing how societal expectations and racialized pressures shaped their lives and, ultimately, my own. As an African American woman, I navigate themes of racism, the significance of appearance, and the burdens of achieving the so-called Black idea of success. This paper highlights how storytelling preserves identity, challenges stereotypes, and gives voice to experiences often overlooked