The International Workshop on Cyber Social Threats (CySoc), co-located with the AAAI International Conference on Web and Social Media (ICWSM 2024), looks at discovering and mitigating cyber social threats. In other words, this conference is concerned with how social media platforms can negatively and detrimentally affect social contexts, that is, social threats enabled by technology. The range of topics that the conference features are thus quite extensive. This ranges from the complex landscape of generative artificial intelligence, both in its use and misuse, to the rise of online extremism and other pervasive social issues like harassment, cyberbullying, and hate speech. It also features research on how the digital realm can involve gender-based violence, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. More generally, the conference invites studies that look at how social media can negatively affect our society (such as promoting misinformation and disinformation) as well as our mental health and ethical concerns.
From 3 to 6 June 2024, the 5th CySoc conference was held in Buffalo, New York. There Oluwaseyi Adeliyi, Ishmam Solaiman, Shadi Shajari, Ugochukwu Onyepunuka, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal presented their research titled “Detecting and Characterizing Inorganic User Engagement on YouTube,” and Emmanuel Addai, Niloofar Yousefi, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal presented their research titled “SEIQR: An Epidemiological Model to Contain the Spread of Toxicity using Memory-Index.” The former study looked at the cyber threat of inorganic accounts and bots, while the latter study looked at the cyber threat of toxicity.
The first study focused on identifying and characterizing YouTube accounts that use automated means to boost their use engagement and to potentially amplify misinformation. To achieve this, their methodology combined four main approaches: rolling window correlation, anomaly detection, rule-based classification, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA)/clustering. Rolling window correlation looks at how different engagement statistics, such as views and subscribers, change in correlation over time. Anomaly detection and rule-based classification then used, respectively, models and algorithms to assess abnormal or inorganic engagement, based on changes in the rolling window correlation. PCA then reduced the data while minimizing information loss—PCA enabled the reduction in complexity of the data. Their predictions were then confirmed by the high number of suspended channels from the group of channels identified as having inorganic activity.
The second study focused on evaluating a new epidemiological model for toxicity that accounts for quarantined users: the SEIQR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Quarantined-Recovered) model. Unlike traditional epidemiological models, this model incorporated memory effects, improving accuracy in predicting behavior by considering an individual’s past actions. The study evaluated several parameters, including the reproduction number (the number expressing the average number of cases transmitted from a single infected individual), the toxic post-free equilibrium point (an equilibrium that indicates toxicity or a disease has ceased spreading), and stability solutions. Using the model and adjusting the parameters, the authors determine the individuals to quarantine to reduce toxicity spread, carefully choosing the smallest number of individuals by determining the most impactful users. Their findings suggested that the memory index and quarantine rate can be effective measures for controlling toxicity, achieving a low error rate of 0.003 while minimizing user removal from the network.
Dr Agarwal said, “Together these and other efforts at COSMOS are developing ways to mitigate socio-cognitive attacks and strengthen community resiliency. We are grateful to the U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, Office of Naval Research, National Science Foundation (NSF), Maulden-Entergy Endowment at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Arkansas Research Alliance for supporting the research.”
The Staff Senate gives awards to recent graduates and staff members or teachers, at the annual Staff Awards Ceremony, held this year on April 19th 2024. This year, Cosmographer Ahmed Al-Taweel received one such award at the 2024 Ceremony—the Academic Excellence Award.
Ahmed has been part of COSMOS and UA Little Rock’s staff since January 2023, starting out as a graduate assistant at COSMOS and now working as a postdoctoral researcher after having received his PhD in May 2023. During his time as a UALR employee and Cosmographer, Ahmed has researched simulating collective mobs, narrative analysis, and churn analysis. In particular, Ahmed’s dissertation work was on the Finite Element Method, a method for solving partial differential equations.
This award is given to select recent graduates who have also worked as UA Little Rock employees. We spoke briefly with him about what this award means to him.
Ahmed said, “I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve received the Staff Senate Award, a recognition that genuinely means a lot to me. This honor reflects the dedication and effort I’ve poured into my work, and I’m grateful for the acknowledgment. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way, especially the COSMOS Research Center. This award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and contributing positively to our organization.”
COSMOS Director Dr. Agarwal said, “Ahmed’s journey at UALR and COSMOS has been nothing short of spectacular! I congratulate him for this very well-deserved recognition and wish him even greater success and achievements in future endeavors.”
Cosmographer Ridwan Amure had the honor of officiating in the National Science Bowl in Arkansas and served as the Technical Committee Chair for the World Mathematics Tournament at the Annual Mathematics Conference & Exhibition 2024, organized by the Mathematics for Life Foundation.
As Ridwan Amure stepped onto the stage at the National Science Bowl in Arkansas and the World Mathematics Tournament, he was met with a sea of bright, eager faces—the next generation of STEM leaders.
Serving as an official and the Technical Committee Chair, Ridwan had a front-row seat to witness the incredible talent and dedication of these young minds.
“The speed at which they solved the questions was amazing,” Ridwan recounted. “You could see the passion and the amount of preparation they must have undergone.” In those intense moments of competition, you could see the passion, curiosity, and love for science and mathematics.
Events like these, Ridwan believes, play a crucial role in fostering interest and proficiency in STEM fields. By presenting mathematics in a relatable, tangible way, students begin to see it not as an abstract puzzle but as a powerful tool for understanding and shaping the world around them.
Beyond the competitions, the Annual Mathematics Conference & Exhibition (AMCE) served as a platform for young voices to engage with important societal issues. Student essays explored how mathematics could help address challenges in Nigeria, echoing the efforts of mathematicians during the COVID-19 pandemic to model the impact of interventions.
“It allows young minds to express their scientific thoughts,” Ridwan explained. “It provides a fresh perspective, and it can also help us to correct their perspectives too.”
Ridwan’s hopes for the future of STEM education burned brighter than ever after the competition ended, and he emphasized that he envisions a world where initiatives like these become the norm, creating avenues for students to express themselves through healthy competition, project expos, and quality mentorship.
For Ridwan, and for the students who participated, the National Science Bowl and the World Mathematics Tournament were more than just competitions—they were catalysts, sparking a passion for STEM that will fuel the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders.
The 50th National Convention of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was a resounding success, bringing together a vibrant community of aspiring engineers, seasoned professionals, and industry leaders. Held in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, from March 20 to 24, 2024, this event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and professional growth for some of our cosmographers who attended.
With lots of top companies in attendance actively recruiting talent, internship and full-time job opportunities abounded. From tech giants to startups, recruiters scouted for exceptional candidates, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. Cosmographers left with not just interview opportunities but also a sense of empowerment, knowing that their skills and potential were valued.
Cosmographers Anulika Nwashili, Emmanuel Addai, Ridwan Amure, Mary Mezue, and Lotenna Nwanna presented their research papers. Anulika presented her research titled “Development of Novel Therapeutic Medications using AI for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),” which won the People’s Choice Poster Award at the #NSBE50 Technical Research Exhibition. Emmanual Addonai, Ridwan Amure, Mary Mezue, and Lotenna Nwanna presented their research titled “Complex Dynamics of Social Media Networks and Their Role in Cyberbullying: Insights Through Mathematical Modeling and Artificial Neural Networks,” which led to lively discussions that challenged assumptions and left attendees with fresh perspectives.
Mary says her experience at the convention was beautiful; every attendee seized the chance to forge meaningful connections with fellow engineers, recruiters, and mentors. The convention halls buzzed with energy as conversations flowed, business cards exchanged hands, and LinkedIn profiles lit up with new connections. Whether it was a casual chat during coffee breaks or a structured networking session, NSBE members leveraged these interactions to expand their professional circles.
We are always excited when Cosmographers attend conferences as it broadens their knowledge and connections.
“COSMOS celebrates diversity and champions a representative next-generation workforce in the STEM discipline. Efforts such as the NSBE conference provide invaluable opportunities to advance that mission.,” said Dr. Agarwal.
COSMOS is happy to announce the graduation of six of our own Cosmographers, Lotenna Nwana, Mary Mezue, Anulika “Pearl” Nwashili, Stella Mbila-uma, Ishmam Ahmed Solaiman, and Chinni Krishna Kongala! All six receive their Masters this Spring 2024. Dr. Agarwal said, “I am extremely proud of their accomplishments and the numerous contributions they have made to the COSMOS Research Center. Even though they have graduated, they are eternally part of COSMOS – they just shine from a distance! I wish them all the best for their future endeavors.”
Below are interviews detailing their personal stories of classes at UALR and work at COSMOS.
Lotenna Nwana
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Lotenna Nwana. I am from the South Eastern part of Nigeria with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Covenant University. Following my undergraduate degree, I worked as a Data Analyst and Technology Consultant for over three years, enabling me to develop and deploy disruptive products for diverse clients.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
I have constantly sought opportunities that allow me to drive impact and build my skills, especially in this constantly evolving world where technological advancements are happening at such a rapid rate. Learning about COSMOS and the important work that Dr. Nitin Agarwal is doing in leveraging computational techniques to analyze and understand social behaviors, I knew that this was a perfect opportunity for me to hone my skills and drive impact. I saw the opportunity to learn in-depth about social networks beyond what I knew, as well as to contribute incredibly to social media efforts concerning international happenings. Beyond that, I learned about the unique team at COSMOS and the great work and accolades they had received, and I knew I had to be in that space where I would get to collaborate with and learn from each of them. Overall, I have gotten even more than I had imagined.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
COSMOS has helped in developing my skills. I have strengthened my understanding of tools such as Python, SQL, and GEPHI. Before COSMOS, I had never developed a network nor explored the intricate details of a social network to extract critical information. However, since I joined, I have been engaged in tasks that have seen me not just develop networks but dive deep into social networks and extract critical information relevant to the academic community.
COSMOS has connected me to a network of smart, driven individuals who I am able to collaborate with and reach out to for guidance.
Finally, COSMOS has given me the confidence to publish. I am able to work on analysis, explore the results, and publish my findings without being scared of feedback or failure.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, my plan is to work as a Data Analyst and Scientist utilizing the skills I have gained at COSMOS to drive growth within an organization.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
I enjoyed the bonding opportunities we got at COSMOS, including the birthday celebrations and team bonding picnics that we did together. My fondest memory as a Cosmographer, though, was when my first paper was accepted to be published as part of a conference proceedings. I remember that moment vividly because, about three months prior, the same paper was rejected by a different conference. It is not the best feeling having your work criticized and rejected, but I remember how Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Mustafa Alassad encouraged and guided me through making improvements and resubmitting to another conference. This taught me resilience and grit and improved my writing considerably.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Enjoy the process. You will definitely be better for it.
Ishmam Ahmed Solaiman
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Ishmam Ahmed Solaiman; I am from Bangladesh and will be graduating with a Master in Computer Science.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
The research being done at COSMOS on tackling misinformation really inspired me, and this led me to apply. Before I found out about COSMOS, I had no idea of the amazing work that was possible in the social computing field, and realizing this was what COSMOS was tackling got me excited to join the team.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
I was able to explore the realm of social media data sciences, and the intersection with social science has really helped me not only learn about concepts from social sciences and graph theories but also challenged me to tackle difficult problems that may seem impossible at first but with effort and perseverance become possible. I have grown a lot since I first joined, and thanks to the guidance of Dr. Agarwal I was able to develop various solutions that I hadn’t even thought were possible at first.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m aiming to join a leading tech company as a software engineer, though I remain open to the right opportunity that allows me to grow and contribute meaningfully. My priority is finding a role and environment aligned with my passion for creating innovative software solutions.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
One of my fondest memories as a Cosmographer was the first outdoor gathering organized by the team. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come together, socialize, and bond on a personal level. We enjoyed delicious food and played engaging games, and Dr. Agarwal shared his high expectations and belief in our potential to achieve great things in the upcoming semester. The experience was truly wholesome, allowing us to connect with our fellow Cosmographers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. It was a moment that fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, which I cherish dearly.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
To all my fellow Cosmographers, you are part of an exceptional community, guided by dedicated mentors who believe in your potential. Although the journey may seem challenging at times, remember that these experiences are shaping you into brilliant minds and resilient individuals. Embrace the pressure as a means for growth, transforming you from rough stones into polished diamonds.
Chinni Krishna Kongala
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Kongala Chinni Krishna, and I hail from India. I am graduating with my Master’s degree in Information Quality. In addition to my studies, I have had the privilege of working as a Graduate Research Assistant at COSMOS.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
My decision to join COSMOS was from a deep fascination with the profound impact of social media on human behavior and societal trends. I was captivated by the dynamics of online interactions and their far-reaching consequences in the real world. COSMOS presented itself as the ideal environment to nurture my passion and enhance my skills in this domain. This curiosity fueled my desire to join COSMOS.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey ?
COSMOS has been instrumental in enriching my academic and professional growth. Through hands-on research and collaborations, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the nuances of online behavior and social media’s societal impact. The mentorship and support from my fellow colleagues has equipped me with the knowledge and abilities to navigate throughout my stay here.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I aim to apply the valuable knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make a positive impact in the Information Technology field. My goal is to join an innovative organization where I can contribute to developing cutting-edge solutions that address real-world challenges. I’m driven to continuously learn, adapt to new technologies, and bring fresh perspectives, while seeking opportunities for professional growth in this dynamic industry.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
My best memory as a Cosmographer was working on the Data Object project. This project looked at how society behaves using real software tools. It really made me think hard and let me work closely with a team of people who really cared about what they were doing. I loved finding out new things, and it felt great when our work helped others understand more about how software interacts. This experience showed me how working together can lead to big discoveries and changes. It reminded me how important it is to work as a team to learn new things and make a difference in the world.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
As I move on to the next chapter of my journey, I want to leave you with a few parting words. Never underestimate the impact of the work we do here at COSMOS. The exploration and understanding of social media behavior are vital in shaping the digital future—a future that is inclusive, safe, and empowering for all.
Keep pushing the boundaries of what is known, dare to ask the difficult questions, and cherish the unique community we have built here. Remember, each one of you plays a crucial role in unraveling the complex web of online interactions. Carry forward the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that defines a true cosmographer. Thank you for the memories, the learnings, and the inspiration.
Mary Nwaife Mezue
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Mary Nwaife Mezue, and I am from the Eastern part of Nigeria. I recently completed my Master’s in Business Information Systems and Analytics. Through my studies, I’ve developed strong skills in Data Analysis, Modeling, and leveraging technology for business growth.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
My inspiration to join COSMOS was a lot of factors, but if I had to summarize them, I’d say it stemmed from these two key factors: the remarkable people and the impactful work.
I was inspired by Cosmographers, especially the alumni, whose achievements exemplified greatness. Additionally, the profound impact of COSMOS’s research, addressing real-world challenges both locally and nationally, resonated with me, as I took a significant time checking out some of the publications of Dr. Nitin Agarwal before joining, and I was sure this was an organization I wanted to be a part of. As a Product Manager, I loved building products that made an Impact, and when I decided to take a career break to go for my Master’s, I knew COSMOS was the right fit for me to work as a Graduate Research Assistant while studying.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
COSMOS has been instrumental in my journey, both in the US and my overall career. Working here exposed me to seeing social media and blogs beyond just the user interface. I learned how one post can sometimes spark larger movements beyond what the eye could see, and how to use these data to draw insights. I got to work on a major research tool, BlogTracker, which is a social computational tool for tackling misinformation on blogs. As a product manager, COSMOS helped me understand how social media data can be transformed into valuable insights. Overall, COSMOS broadened my horizons and equipped me with tools to navigate research especially with regards to social media
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I’ll be joining a technology company as a Digital Technical Data Consultant.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
My fondest memories as a Cosmographer were from the bonds I created with my colleagues beyond work. On Fridays, after the All-hands meeting, we somehow found ourselves discussing random interesting topics, sharing opinions, and learning from each other. At COSMOS, you get the chance to meet colleagues from different parts of the world, so it was always a great time not talking about just work, because it helped build interpersonal relationships which also helped boost productivity.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
I appreciate every one of you!! The people I got to work with personally and those I never really worked with. I wish you all the best in all that you do. Keep the COSMOS energy burning!
Anulika Pearl Nwashili
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Anulika Pearl Nwashili, from Nigeria, and I am currently wrapping up my Master’s in Bioinformatics.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
Having a computer science background, I was intrigued by how the knowledge of Data Science could be applied to social media research. Amazing research at COSMOS involving mitigating malicious activities and toxicity in online social networks were major attractions to this distinguished Research Lab.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
I’m especially grateful for our Friday All-hands meeting, and being able to take published research and present it has really helped me understand technicalities outside of my own research and improved my public speaking skills. As a researcher at COSMOS, collaboration and teamwork are core skills I picked up, and these have translated into various areas of my personal growth. Definitely my research and writing skills have significantly improved as well.
What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I intend to work in a pharmaceutical company, where I can contribute significantly.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
It has to be our outdoor hangouts and celebrations, being able to connect with other Cosmographers outside of work has really helped build better work relationships.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
Believe in yourself, always! Nothing is too big for you to conquer! Also, you have other Cosmographers to help along the journey if you ever get stuck.
Stella Mbila-Uma
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Stella Mbila-Uma. I am from Nigeria and receiving my Master’s in Information Science.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
Drawing from my prior work experience in social media analysis, which was instrumental in enhancing our market applications, I found the operations at COSMOS to be particularly intriguing. They were actively addressing the issue of misinformation in social media, a challenge that resonated with my interests. As I was pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Science, I recognized that COSMOS would be the ideal environment to hone my skills and gain valuable experience. However, upon joining, I discovered that COSMOS was more than just a workspace. It was a nurturing space that harnessed my full potential and cultivated the best version of myself.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
Joining COSMOS straight out of my undergraduate studies with limited experience was a pivotal decision that significantly impacted my journey. It provided me with the perfect environment to expand my skill set and prepare for the professional world. The invaluable experience and knowledge I gained during my time at COSMOS played a crucial role in securing an internship at Intuit and establishing a solid foundation for my career growth. Moreover, the exposure to writing research papers and presenting them was a transformative experience that I never anticipated I would have the opportunity to engage in. It not only broadened my horizons but also instilled in me a newfound confidence in my abilities. In essence, COSMOS has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, equipping me with the tools and confidence needed to succeed in the ever-evolving field of technology and social computing.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be joining Intuit as a Business System Analyst.
What is your fondest memory as a cosmographer?
My fondest memory as a Cosmographer was the weekly general meetings. During these gatherings, I cherished the opportunity to discuss various perspectives on social computing, expanding my knowledge base. Also, the outdoor activities, filled with games, laughter, and discussions about achievements, left a lasting impression.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
To all Cosmographers: as you embark on your journey, remember to cherish every moment of learning and growth within COSMOS. The knowledge and experiences you gain here are invaluable. Take advantage of this opportunity to harness your skills and shape your future. Stay curious, stay motivated, and never underestimate the potential of what you’re learning.
The International Workshop on Computational Methods for Online Discourse Analysis (BeyondFacts) co-located with the 31st ACM International Web Conference aims to further research that uses computational methods to discover data on the Internet, or, in other words, content and sources spreading information on the Internet; this conference features strong interdisciplinary research that can assist these computational methods, such as communication studies and computational linguistics. They aim to strengthen relationships between disparate scientific disciplines, so that web mining can be further improved by interdisciplinary research. The range of topics that the conference features are:
Discourse analysis
Social we mining
Argumentation mining
Computational fact-checking
Mis-and dis-information spread
Bias and controversy detection and analysis
Stance / viewpoint detection and representation
Opinion mining
Rumour, propaganda and hate-speech detection
Computational journalism
From 13 to 17 May, 2024, the 4th BeyondFacts conference will be held in Singapore. There Mayor Inna Gurung, Md Monoraual Islam Bhuiyan, Ahmed Al-Taweel, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal will present their research titled “Decoding YouTube’s Recommendation System: A Comparative Study of Metadata and GPT-4 Extracted Narratives.” This research uses AI and natural language processing (NLP) to examine videos on YouTube about the South China Sea dispute.
“The study reveals several interesting facets. First, it shows narratives are more meaningful to analyze than just the video titles or descriptions. Second, the study sheds light on the inherent bias in the YouTube recommendation algorithm that is more visible when narratives are analyzed as compared to just the video title and description. These findings are helpful for developing efforts to de-bias the algorithms and assist in understanding strategic manipulation of algorithmic bias,” Dr. Agarwal said.
Notably, they found that recommended videos shifted from neutral to positive sentiments, from negative to positive emotions, and from more to less toxicity. These findings—beyond establishing the nature of the videos themselves—seem to indicate that, the deeper the user’s engagement, the more their toxicity and sentimental and emotional expressions are affected. They also illustrate that evaluating drift solely upon metadata like video titles can lead to incomplete or inaccurate characterizations of the video content, as Mayor Inna explains, saying, “We discovered that relying solely on titles and metadata may not always provide an accurate representation of the content within a video.” Video titles showed little change in sentiment, emotion, and toxicity, while video transcripts showed dramatic changes and trends in sentiment, emotion, and toxicity. “Our findings emphasize the importance of delving deeper into the actual video content rather than solely relying on surface-level metadata,” says Mayor Inna.
“Narrative analysis plays a crucial role in computationally extracting narratives,” explains Mayor Inna. “With the utilization of large language models like GPT, we’ve unlocked the ability to extract narratives from a wide range of content, and an excellent example of the need for such an advanced approach is the South China dispute, a pressing and continually evolving issue.”
In this month’s research spotlight, COSMOS highlights two recent studies that both model and investigate the global refugee crisis. The paper by Dr. Esther Mead, Dr. Maryam Maleki, Dr. Mohammad Arani, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal titled “Proposing Location-based Predictive Features for Modeling Refugee Counts,” used features to identify locations of refugee crisis. Similarly, the paper by Kazi Tanvir Islam, Dr. Esther Mead, and Dr. Nitin Agarwal titled “Impact of Data Imputation on the Performance of Global Refugee Modeling Dataset” used data imputation assisted by machine learning AI to make predictions of refugee populations when there were missing predictive values.
These research studies explore the various ways trends in refugee populations can be predicted. In particular, they both look at whether these populations can be predicted through sociocultural, socioeconomic, and economic features.
The first study found some location-based features that stood out in prediction. The authors found that the global peace index, access to electricity, access to water, media censorship, and healthcare stood out as features for predicting refugee populations. Additionally, they found their model predicted best for European countries, most notably those that had data for features of justice and homicide rates. The model also showed features that were especially predictive for certain locations, such as corruption features for African and Asian countries and population features for the Americas.
The second study then looked at how models can predict when there is an absence of data, namely models that account for missing values by using data imputation. They compared four machine learning methods with the three traditional data imputation techniques of mean, median, and mode. After taking a real-world dataset and removing values, each of the seven methods was applied to the dataset and then compared to the real-world dataset with no missing values. What they found was that stochastic regression—a machine learning method that replaces values by following a linear regression, or trends—achieved the highest accuracy.
“Together, these studies show how computational methods can be applied to predict real-world refugee populations. Policy makers, human rights organizations, and general researchers can use these models to predict population fluctuations related to refugee populations”, said Dr. Agarwal.
COSMOS, in this edition of Cosmographer Corner, highlights the work of a former University of Arkansas – Little Rock graduate and Cosmographer Dr. Samer Al-Khateeb. Dr. Al-Khateeb—who is now a tenured associate professor at Creighton University, in Omaha, Nebraska—started his graduate education as a COSMOS researcher during its inception. He received his BS in Computer Science, MS in Applied Science, and Ph.D in Computer and Information Sciences from UA Little Rock in 2013, 2015, and 2018, respectively. During that time, Dr. Al-Khateeb worked at COSMOS as a graduate assistant, and after receiving his Ph.D, he worked at COSMOS as a postdoctoral fellow. We interviewed Dr. Al-Khateeb on where his career is now and what his work at COSMOS entailed, with his responses below.
How long were you at COSMOS? How did you come across COSMOS originally, and what drew you to the team?
I finished my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at University of Arkansas at Little Rock in Spring 2013. I took Dr. Agarwal’s Social Computing class during my first semester as a graduate student. He showed us his work on the Saudi Women’s Right to Drive campaign, and I loved the project. So, I reached out to him when I was looking for a research advisor for my Master’s degree, and he shared a set of articles and his research proposal on mob behavior. He was planning to submit it to the U.S. Army Research Office at that time. I loved the project idea, and I decided to work on it.
For your work on mob behavior, what did that entail? What did you get out of it?
So, I spent more than five years working with Dr. Agarwal during my time at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During these five years, even before COSMOS existed, I worked on various projects. I started with the mob project, but then I also moved on to a social bots project, and also worked on analyzing disinformation/misinformation campaigns during various military exercises. Additionally, I analyzed blog sites using the BlogTracker tool and utilized social cyber forensics to study cross-media coordination. As I was leaving COSMOS to join Creighton University, we began work on the YouTubeTracker tool. I still consider myself as working with COSMOS, as I am currently collaborating with Dr. Agarwal and graduate students at COSMOS on creating a simulation model of mobs, leveraging various social science theories.
Outside your research, what else were you able to accomplish while at COSMOS?
The most momentous event as a graduate student was when my first conference paper was accepted,which I then presented at Yale University. I learned a lot during that conference and realized that the work I am doing is significant and has a meaningful impact; I began to feel like what I’m doing is having an effect on society.
Since leaving COSMOS, what kinds of work have you done? What is your current work? What positions did COSMOS and your classes at UALR best prepare you for?
After leaving COSMOS, I joined Creighton University as an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, Design, and Journalism, where I primarily teach undergraduate students. I was recently promoted to associate professor and granted tenure.
I gained invaluable experience from my time at COSMOS, particularly in teamwork, which has greatly benefited me in my role as a teacher.
For instance, most of my upper-level classes involve project-based learning, where I encourage students to start their projects early, establish milestones throughout the semester, and encourage students to collaborate with each other to ensure timely project completion. Regarding teaching, I developed a course titled Social Networks Analytics, in which I teach my students the knowledge and skills I acquired during my time at COSMOS and beyond. Also, my postdoctoral experience at COSMOS equipped me with the ability to manage multiple projects and supervise students engaged in these projects. This expertise has been instrumental in overseeing my research endeavors at Creighton University and has provided me with the necessary skills to work with my research assistants and teaching assistants effectively.
What would be your advice for people at COSMOS and UALR now?
My advice to students at COSMOS is to keep going and never give up. Consistency is key to success. Do not be afraid to take on new projects or learn new skills; these will be the building blocks of your future career, but stay focused on your projects, too. Even if you feel like things are not paying off at the moment, they will pay off in the future. Finally, try to publish your research diligently to contribute to the scientific community, but do not forget to have fun and take care of yourself.
Several students from the COSMOS Research Center have won awards for their research at the 2024 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Research and Creative Works Expo held on Friday, April 19th, 2024.
Every year, UA Little Rock hosts its campus-wide Research and Creative Works Expo, celebrating students from all colleges and their unique research. More than 60 talented students presented their work during the 2024 Student Research and Creative Works Expo! We are thrilled to share that, this year, several of our team members won awards at the Expo! These team members are:
Anulika “Pearl” Nwashili, Lotenna Nwana, Mustafa Alasssad, and Nitin Agarwal, with 1st place in the Graduate Oral Presentations category for their project titled Examining Bot Influence in Driving Toxicity on Twitter
Md Monoarul Islam Bhuiyan, Mayor Inna Gurung, Ahmed Al-Taweel, and Nitin Agarwal, with 2nd place in the Graduate Research Poster Presentations category and 1st place in Elevator Speech for their project titled Decoding YouTube’s Recommendation System: A Comparative Study of Metadata and GPT-4 Extracted Narratives
Sayantan Bhattacharya, Billy Span, and Nitin Agarwal, with 3rd place in the Graduate Research projects Poster Presentations for their project titled Solidarity to Storming: Assessing the Socio-technical Factors Behind Modern Social Movements
Commenting on his first Expo experience, Monoarul says, “Participating in the UA Little Rock Research and Creative Works Expo is something that I looked forward to ever since I joined COSMOS. Being in the first ever poster presentation and eventually winning an accolade from the research work that I am doing here at COSMOS will always be a cherished memory for me. This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my project team lead Mayor Inna and the invaluable guidance and supervision of Dr. Nitin Agarwal.”
Pearl, who graduates this month, also talked about her presentation, as it was her second time presenting at the Expo. “The experience was indeed a great one. I was able to effectively communicate the research objectives and results within the required ten-minute time frame, which was something I had struggled with in last year’s expo oral presentation. There were interesting questions and conversations centered around how content on social media applications and algorithms could be moderated to filter out bot manipulated content—which is one of the practical implications of our research. These conversations were a testament to how relatable people found the research, specifically from the angle of them being social media users themselves.”
Sayantan commented, saying, “Participating in the Research Expo offers us the chance to showcase our research and the year-long effort we’ve put into our work. Explaining our projects to individuals outside our field, who nonetheless value and appreciate its significance, is an immensely rewarding experience. It not only motivates us to continue pushing boundaries but also inspires us to produce even more impactful work in the future.”
Mayor Inna also remarked, “It was truly a remarkable experience—my first time delivering an elevator pitch with a strict one-minute limit. I had to carefully balance providing sufficient detail while also being concise, ensuring that every word contributed meaningfully to my message. I am glad our research is getting local recognition.”
Dr. Agarwal said, “I am extremely proud of our students and their contributions to the various research projects at the COSMOS Research Center. These awards demonstrate their team spirit and dedication to research.”
We are proud to announce an accomplishment for Cosmographer Tenzing Briggs, who in the past month was awarded the Technical and Business Category Writing Award by the Rhetoric & Writing Department for the 2023 Student Writing Awards.
The work that received the award was a style guide for Katog Choling, a religious nonprofit Buddhist center in Northeast Arkansas, created for the Fall 2022 Technical Writing and Editing course taught by Dr. Cynthia Nahrwold. In the cover letter of the style guide submitted for the 2023 Awards, Tenzing explains the challenges that come with creating such an organization’s style guide.
“There are two key elements important to the content and its context,” Tenzing says. “As a religious organization, most Katog Choling publications are written by and for people familiar with Buddhist practice.” Tenzing highlights how this can be an issue, saying, “Katog Choling occasionally has volunteers who are novice or non-Buddist writers and editors—and the gap between their knowledge of Buddhism and more complex Buddhist theory can affect the quality of publications.” He continues, “This gap can especially affect the document design, or organization of chapters and subsections, because Buddhist practices often rely upon visual cues that indicate how to pronounce a prayer or what vocal rhythm to use—cues that a non-Buddhist editor might not realize should be implicit within the text.” One example Tenzing mentions is the visual design for mantras, saying,
“Mantras must look different than the body text within prayer booklets, because mantras are treated a specific way in Buddhist practice (e.g. having a differing spoken rhythm than the body text, or being repeated multiple times) and thus need to be instantly recognizable on the page so that the Buddhist practitioner can recite accordingly.”
“Moreover, since Katog Choling’s staff is entirely made up of volunteers, the staff and I also knew that a Style Guide would immensely help streamline operations,” says Tenzing. “There are multiple different publications being worked on by Katog Choling staff, and often the leaders of each project work independently, which can cause difficulties whenever their project encounters challenges—this style guide provides a unifying resource for helping when challenges arise, for style as well as knowledge, like how to format across Adobe products.” By recognizing these challenges, Tenzing was able to create a comprehensive Style Guide that did “not just establish style but also informed readers of the different projects running simultaneously across Katog Choling and of who to turn to for advice on tools like Adobe InDesign, WordPress, and WordPress plugins.”
This work was developed before Tenzing became a Cosmographer; it was developed throughout classes in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, but Tenzing still feels its impact with work at COSMOS. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity of working at COSMOS I’ve had for the last year,” Tenzing remarked, “because my COSMOS work is the kind of editing I fell in love with in my first graduate editing courses, especially when I made the Katog Choling Style Guide.” He went on to say, “If I had not been given the chance to work at COSMOS, I would not have been able to hone my skills to my current extent for using style guides and applying stylistic edits. In my COSMOS work—where I help proofread and reformat conference or journal submissions, according to each conference’s individual style guide—I daily strengthen my editing skills.”
Tenzing finished by saying, “One thing that is amazing about work at COSMOS is how you will not only learn skills that are useful outside the classroom, but you will also learn a great many things from your research center colleagues and strengthen your ability to work cooperatively with others.”
