Academic Research
Journal Articles
Blockchain technology: a solution to address the challenges faced by the international travellers
I was responsible for the conceptualization of the NEM blockchain framework, where I identified the critical requirements and devised innovative solutions tailored to address the specific challenges encountered by international travelers. This involved outlining detailed technical specifications to ensure a robust and secure implementation. Additionally, I independently conducted an extensive literature review, meticulously gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing existing research on blockchain technology and its applications in the travel industry. This comprehensive review provided the essential foundation and context for our study. Furthermore, I was in charge of the entire paper writing process, from structuring the content to drafting each section. I ensured that the paper was coherent, technically accurate, and accessible, effectively communicating complex concepts to a broad audience. My contributions were instrumental in shaping the research direction, enhancing the theoretical framework, and ensuring the overall quality and integrity of the final manuscript.
“Is that my reflection?”‑ An Affect‑Aware Intelligent Mirror Employing Enhanced Conversational Contextualization
[SUBMITTED TO IEEE ACCESS]
I originated the project idea and was solely responsible for writing the entire manuscript, ensuring comprehensive coverage and clarity in presenting the research findings. I conceptualized and engineered the smart mirror, integrating a voice agent that pioneers mood analysis through emotion recognition and speech feature analysis using Python, JavaScript, and Node.js. Additionally, I implemented a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) model for speech analysis, which feeds into a novel Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF) algorithm based on a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP). This algorithm dynamically responds to fluctuations in five user emotions.
I orchestrated the technical creation and empirical research, devising the conversational interface and examining the interplay between emotion recognition, cognitive engagement, and attention metrics. A significant aspect of my work was the integration of the Mistral and LLaMA-uncensored models into the emotion agent, enabling it to cater to a diverse spectrum of emotions and provide low-risk advice for mood alleviation. Despite its strong capacity to succinctly motivate users, the system is currently prone to hallucinations, particularly in providing information related to user hobbies, which I am actively working to eliminate.
Furthermore, I introduced eye-tracking technology to measure users’ attention and distraction levels while interacting with the conversational agent. Participants engaged in solving arithmetic problems, where they had to visually indicate the correct answer among two presented numbers. I meticulously measured response times to the conversational agent, problem-solving times, and accuracy rates, developing a normalized attention metric algorithm based on these measurements. My ongoing work involves conducting information behavior studies to refine user interaction with the mirror, leveraging insights from initial pilot studies and the wizard of oz technique.
Conference Publications
Designing Born‑Accessible Courses in Data Science and Visualization: Challenges and Opportunities of a Remote Curriculum Taught by Blind Instructors to Blind Students
I was responsible for transcript coding, which involved meticulously analyzing and categorizing the verbal communications of the participants to extract meaningful data. Additionally, I created the initial visualizations that provided a graphical representation of the data, helping to elucidate patterns and trends within the dataset. My contributions also included conducting rudimentary thematic analysis, where I identified and interpreted recurring themes and insights from the qualitative data. These tasks were crucial in shaping the preliminary findings and guiding the subsequent phases of the research.
Technology as a Tool to Enhance Development of Skillset in Autistic Individuals: Specific to Female Gender
[TO BE PUBLISHED IN SPRINGER]
I independently drafted the entire paper, conducting all associated research and analysis alone. My contributions were crucial in shaping the study’s direction and outcomes, providing a comprehensive framework for enhancing the educational development of autistic individuals, with a particular focus on the female gender.
I was responsible for the entire research design, ensuring a comprehensive and methodologically sound approach. I interacted with dedicated autistic educators to understand their challenges, which I thematically categorized to identify key issues. My work included detailed observations of the interactions between educators and autistic students, providing valuable insights into the educational process.
I formulated detailed personas based on these observations, which were then used to develop a curriculum plan extending to math and English education for autistic students. Additionally, I developed and coded the COACH Model: Child-centered design, Opportunity, Accessibility, Content Modulation, Hone Skills; specifically designed to enhance the educational experience for autistic individuals.
Contextualizing Privacy for Older Adults in Canada
I was responsible for conducting the literature review and thematic analysis, which provided the foundational context for our research. I designed the Voice User Interface (VUI) and conversational interactions, creating a user-friendly and accessible system for older adults.
I developed a conversational agent using Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF), specifically tailored to keep older adults motivated, autonomous, and self-engaged. The interaction with the conversational agent was initiated by a physical button that the older adult had to press. Based on their responses, the conversational agent produced multiple responses to assist them with their daily routines. This software framework was critical in understanding the privacy concerns of older adults as it provided practical insights into their interactions and the challenges they faced.
My contributions were instrumental in shaping the research direction and outcomes, providing a comprehensive understanding of privacy concerns among older adults through the lens of innovative conversational technologies.
Self-Dependency Amelioration and Dignity Revival for South-East Asian Older Adults: Using Technology as a Means and Method
I designed and administered surveys to 41 older adults to assess their technology adoption and coded their responses meticulously. This data collection was instrumental in performing detailed quantitative analysis, which included developing comprehensive visualizations to present our findings effectively. My observational studies of educational interactions between older adults and their educators further informed the development of social support paradigms tailored to this demographic.
A significant part of my work was the creation and coding of the CALM Model. This model integrates strategies to facilitate a supportive environment, engage lifestyle activities, modify resources, and enable intercommunication. These strategies aim to enhance the daily lives of older adults, helping them feel more connected and autonomous.
I solely drafted the entire paper, ensuring it maintained clarity, coherence, and academic rigor throughout. My efforts included developing codes based on Positive and Negative Engagement criteria from previous research, designing parallel surveys for older adults and their younger family members, and analyzing the collected data to generate themes for technological intervention.
My work also involved visualizing data to understand the homogeneity of the response pool and the mapping of self-reported metrics to engagement categories. I developed and implemented the technological intervention strategies within the CALM Model, focusing on collaboration, autonomy, learning, and mental well-being. Every aspect of the project, from initial conception and design to data collection, analysis, and final documentation, was executed by me. This project underscores my ability to independently manage complex research projects and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
An Energy Audit-based Case Study on varied Organizations
I conducted an extensive literature review, providing a comprehensive theoretical foundation that guided the research. My responsibilities included drafting the entire manuscript, ensuring it was clear, coherent, and adhered to high academic standards.
In addition to the literature review and writing, I actively participated in the energy auditing calculations, which were crucial for the analysis and interpretation of the data. This involved working closely with the research team to develop accurate and reliable energy audit assessments for the organizations under study. My efforts ensured that the calculations were precise and aligned with industry best practices, ultimately contributing to the paper’s validity and reliability.
Design and Testing of a Solar Powered Automated Fruit and Vegetable Sorter
I was responsible for drafting the entire manuscript, ensuring that it was clear, well-structured, and met high academic standards. My writing covered all aspects of the project, from the initial design concept to the testing and evaluation of the sorter.
Additionally, I played a key role in the design of the conveyor system used for sorting fruits and vegetables. I collaborated with the engineering team to develop an efficient and reliable conveyor mechanism, which was crucial for the automated sorting process. My contributions to the conveyor design ensured that the system operated smoothly, enhancing the overall effectiveness and precision of the sorter.
By combining rigorous academic research with practical engineering solutions, my work significantly contributed to the development and success of this innovative project.
Effectuating Communication for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing: An Ethnographic Review
I was solely responsible for drafting the entire manuscript. This involved conducting an extensive literature review to provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation, and developing the idea of a cross-cultural review of handheld devices and technologies for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) individuals.
I examined various recent technological advancements in assistive communication for DHH individuals, focusing on computer vision and deep learning algorithms for sign language recognition and interpretation. My research included analyzing different versions of sign language across cultures, identifying both the technological merits and social challenges unique to each version. This cross-cultural comparison provided valuable insights into how regional variations in sign language impact the development and efficacy of assistive technologies.
Additionally, I formulated and addressed key research questions to explore the differences in technological implementations for gestural communication, the potential for cross-applicability of research findings, and the effectiveness of current assistive technologies in ensuring accurate communication. My analysis highlighted the importance of understanding cultural contexts and the necessity for tailored technological solutions to improve communication for DHH individuals globally.
Through this ethnographic review, I aimed to bridge gaps in existing research and propose directions for future technological advancements, emphasizing the need for inclusive and context-aware assistive technologies.
Engagement of Senior Citizens in a Family Setting to Help Revive Dignity: A Study
I began with an extensive literature review to provide a robust theoretical foundation for the study. This review covered various aspects of aging, family dynamics, and the psychological well-being of senior citizens, with a particular focus on the concepts of dignity and self-fulfillment. I then conceptualized the research design, which involved redefining positive and negative engagement in the context of elderly family settings. I identified and defined various aspects of engagement and analyzed their impact on the dignity and psychology of senior citizens. The research hypothesized that self-fulfillment and the feeling of being wanted are crucial for the aging population and directed the study along these lines.
Additionally, I explored the role of technology in restoring the dignity of the elderly, examining how technological interventions can improve interactions between senior citizens and their families. I developed methods to understand the mindset of the aging population and what the concept of “Aging Well” means to them.
To support this theoretical study, I generated a taxonomy of key aspects of engagement and proposed a model for applying Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to restore dignity. This model includes all critical factors that affect the concept of dignity and are essential for successful implementation. Furthermore, I designed surveys and interviews to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from senior citizens and their family members. These data collection methods aimed to provide insights into the experiences, needs, and expectations of the elderly regarding familial support and engagement.
The analysis and anticipated results were meticulously documented, and a comprehensive model was proposed based on the findings. This model aims to use HCI as a tool to enhance the engagement of senior citizens, reduce isolation, and promote their dignity through increased family interactions.
Science Fiction Prototyping In English as a Design Thinking Tool to Inspire the Future
ISBN: 978-9948-791-44-7 | View the Presentation