University of Lethbridge
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Improving software security via the use of pre-trained code large language models in vulnerabilities detection
No full textThe ubiquity and dependence on software systems by people, businesses and organizations in the 21st century has resulted in an upsurge in cyber-attacks in recent times. These attacks are generally characterized by different levels of sophistication, occurrence and complexity that makes it difficult for conventional cybersecurity approaches to adequately mitigate them. Although cybercriminals, including hackers, are usually blamed for most cyber-attacks, the fundamental cause is, however, typically associated with the inherent security weaknesses. These weaknesses are the loopholes in the software source code programs through which hackers exploit systems inways that constitute cybercrimes. Hence, in recent years, various AI-based approaches have been proposed or explored in studies to address this challenge. These innovative methods are aimed at complementing the conventional approaches (including awareness training, malware scanning, and manual code inspection) that have been adopted over the years. In our research, we experimented with the use of emerging AI models called Large Language Models (LLMs) in the detection of vulnerabilities in a software system. As a case study, we used Android software since current statistics reveal that over 71 percent of all mobile phones across the world are based on this software. In our experiment, we utilized LVDAndro: a recently released open-source Android vulnerabilities-dataset for training my selected LLMs, which were CodeBERT and GraphCodeBERT. The goal was to detect vulnerabilities in Android code bases. Overall,
our approach achieved better performance (0.99 Accuracy, 0.99 F1) in Android vulnerability detection compared to the classical Machine Learning (ML) (0.94 Accuracy, 0.94 F1) model used in the previous study
Rhodium-mediated assembly of new heterocycles: from borylenes to oxaboroles
No full textOpen access article. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0) appliesBase-stabilized rhodium borylene complex κ2-L(CO)Rh(BMes), 2; κ2-L=κ2-NN’-Rh,κ1-N−B-(2,5-[iPr2P=N(4-iPrC6H4)]2-N’(C4H2)−); Mes=mesityl, reacts with a series of alkynes (PhC≡C—R; R=Ph, Me, CO2Et, H) to yield unique structures whereby the alkyne has regioselectively added across boron and the carbon atom of a CO ligand. The resulting complexes, LRh[C(O)C(Ph)C(R)B(Mes)], 3R, react with additional CO to afford cycle-containing products, L(CO)Rhmathematical equation ), 5R, that ultimately release highly functionalized organic heterocycles of the form mathematical equation =NPipp (Pipp=4-iPrC6H4), 6. These oxaboroles, which were assembled from a primary hydroborane, CO, an alkyne, and an azide-generated NPipp, are structurally analogous to two of the five boron-containing therapeutics approved by the FDA.N
Exploring gender differences in the relationship between personal and environmental factors with the use of a campus fitness center
No full textOpen access. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0) appliesUniversity is a crucial period for developing lasting physical activity (PA) behaviors. The purpose of this study was to (a) explore differences in the strength and direction of the relationship between personal and environmental factors with one's use of a campus recreational facility (CRF) and the seven zones within it, and (b) test whether these relationships were influenced by gender. To test this, 648 university students provided responses to an online survey including CRF use, personal factors, and environmental factors. Eight path analyses were run with use of the CRF and the seven zones assigned as the eight dependent variables (one DV/analysis), gender as the moderator, and personal and environmental factors as the independent variables. An individuals’ task self-efficacy was the strongest factor (β = .16–.43; p < .05) related to use within each corresponding zone. Additionally, gender moderated several relationships between personal and environmental factors with use of the CRF and the distinct zones
Leading professional learning: comparative perceptions of teachers and school leaders
No full textA comparison of responses from teachers and school leaders is used to assess the effectiveness of various leadership strategies in facilitating teacher professional learning. Analysis used t-tests at a 95% confidence level to determine significant differences between the responses of the two groups. Results about effectiveness of strategies used by school leaders show agreement between the teachers and school leaders, and confirm existing research about their efficacy. However, results about the frequency that school leaders use these strategies show statistically significant differences between teachers and school leaders’ experiences of their use. These strategies include the use of school leader/teacher collaboration on professional learning, professional learning that is directly applicable to a teachers’ classroom, and the use of inquiry in the learning process. Additionally, significant differences were reported in the frequency with which school leaders observe teachers teach.Non
No longer "us and them": integrating a recreation-based intervention as an interdisciplinary care approach in residential care settings
No full textRecreation and leisure activities play a pivotal role in enhancing the holistic health for residents in residential care settings. Despite their proven benefits, these activities are often underutilized as an interdisciplinary care approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Feasible and Sustainable Culture Change Initiative (FASCCI) model on the integration of a recreation-based intervention (Tovertafel gaming console) as a routine interdisciplinary care approach in a residential care setting. Using an exploratory single-case, time series design, we assessed the impact of the FASCCI model training on outcomes across six-sequential time intervals (18-weeks total) by collecting baseline Tovertafel data (before the training) on two care floors and monitored its use post-training. Descriptive statistics and linear modeling were utilized to examine changes in Tovertafel use by interdisciplinary care team members from baseline across post-training intervals. Interviews (n = 7) and a feedback survey were also conducted to ascertain the participants’ perceptions of the process for implementing practice changes using the FASCCI model. Tovertafel use by interdisciplinary team members increased significantly according to a positive linear trend (F(1, 2) = 37.590. p<0.05, R2 = 0.949, r=0.974). Qualitative data indicated the application of the FASCCI model showed promise in breaking down interdisciplinary silos, and resulted in strengthened interdisciplinary relationships, holistic care provision, and shared decision-making. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrated that it empowered nursing staff to view and utilize recreation as a means to assess resident needs and support daily care routines, leading to positive outcomes for the interdisciplinary team and residents
COVID-19 social and economic disruptions, mental health, and coping behaviours among young Canadians: a structural equation model
No full textOpen access article. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license (CC BY-NC 4.0) appliesThe COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of mental health disorders among youths. This study explored the association between COVID-19’s social and economic disruptions, mental health disorders, and coping behaviours among youths using Statistics Canada’s COVID-19 and Mental Health data. The study included 895 participants aged 18–24 years (52.9% women). Social and economic disruptions, healthy and unhealthy coping behaviours, and mental health severity (MHS) latent variables were delineated through exploratory factor analysis. Structural equation modelling revealed that social disruptions significantly increased the MHS (β = 0.77, p < 0.001), as well as healthy (β = 0.25, p < 0.001) and unhealthy (β = 0.54, p < 0.001) coping behaviours. Similarly, economic disruption was associated with an increase in healthy coping behaviours (β = 0.14, p = 0.043). Healthycoping behaviours (β=-0.08, p = 0.047) and positive coping skills (mastery) (β = -0.26, p < 0.001) were associated with a reduction in MHS. Positive coping behaviours mediated the social impact of COVID-19 on youth MHS; negative behaviours (substance use) had no significant mediation effect.Ye
Exploring icebreakers in nursing education through a mixed-methods design: helpful or harmful?
No full textOpen access article. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) appliesBackground: Icebreakers share the common goal of promoting interaction. Despite the overwhelming positive regard for icebreakers in nursing education, they may have unintended consequences, such as highlighting inequities or perpetuating microaggressions. This research project incorporated the concept of microaggressions to explore how undergraduate nursing students experienced icebreakers within the classroom setting.
Methods: This mixed-methods exploratory sequential design study used a quantitative survey followed by a semi-structured focus group using interpretive description thematic analysis.
Results: A total of 43 students completed the quantitative survey, and three students participated in the follow-up focus group. The findings demonstrate that although well intentioned, icebreakers can also cause harm. Three themes were generated: revealing inequities, unveiling multiple tensions, and identifying conflict between purpose and outcome.
Conclusion: Through our small study, we found that icebreakers can detract from content delivery, reveal inequities, and be divisive rather than contribute to a greater sense of belonging for students.Ye
Probing universal correlates of human same-sex sexual orientation: a study in Iran
No full textIn this thesis, I investigated several biodemographic, psychological, and behavioural traits to address gaps in our knowledge on biopsychological development of male and female same-sex sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. This study was conducted in Iran and included Iranian adult males and females with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Presented data indicated that expressions of sex-atypical psychology and behaviour in childhood and adulthood were associated with varying degrees of same-sex sexual attraction and gender identity/expression in both males and females. Examination of the biodemographic variables showed that aspects of sibship composition were associated with male androphilia and female gynephilia. Also, presented data suggested that both male and female same-sex sexual attractions cluster within families. Overall, this thesis provided cross-cultural empirical evidence supporting that aspects of expression and development of male and female same-sex sexual orientation are universal
Exploring the musical and cultural practices of Nigerian migrants in Lethbridge, Canada: a case study on community building
No full textAdditional audiovisual examples are available from the author by request.This study investigated how Nigerian immigrants in Lethbridge, Alberta, use music to navigate questions of place, identity, and community in the diaspora. Given the nature of the study, an ethnographic fieldwork design was adopted. Fieldwork comprised participant observation at community events, including Ndi Igbo Day (Yam Festival), the Tehillah concert, Nigerian Independence Day, church gatherings, and birthday parties, along with interviews with five members of the Nigerian community. The study identified how music serves as a cultural pillar and adaptive mechanism. In response to challenges such as the unavailability of important traditional instruments and professional musicians, the community resorts to creative measures such as engaging and hiring members of the community to fill musical roles, and harnessing technology (e.g. loop pedals and DJ mixes) to aid in replicating the Nigerian soundscape. The study further highlighted how music establishes emotional well-being and intergenerational continuity, especially in religious and social events. Remarkably, events such as the Tehillah concert and Nigerian Independence Day celebrations reduce ethnic boundaries and divisions that exist back home in Nigeria and, therefore, give a common identity as “Nigerians” in Lethbridge. This study contributed to filling a scholarly gap in the study of Nigerian musical practices in the diaspora, addressing ways in which diasporic groups are negotiating culture preservation, cultural change, and integration. This study therefore advanced discussions on music, migration, and belonging by putting the voices of Nigerian immigrants at the centre
Classification of vertex-transitive digraphs of order a product of two distinct primes via automorphism group
No full textOpen access article. Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International license (CC BY-ND 4.0) appliesIn the mid-1990s, two groups of authors independently obtained classifications of vertex-transitive graphs whose order is a product of two distinct primes. In the intervening years it has become clear that there is additional information concerning these graphs that would be useful, as well as making explicit the extensions of these results to digraphs. Additionally, there are several small errors in some of the papers that were involved in this classification. The purpose of this paper is to fill in the missing information as well as correct all known errors.Ye