Digital Commons Network^™

A Life Course Approach To Understanding Preserved Cognition In Late Life, Cassidy E. Doyle

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Some level of cognitive decline is generally expected with advanced age. However, a subgroup of individuals – commonly labeled as ‘SuperAgers’ – maintain youthful memory abilities into their 80s and beyond. Relatively little is known about factors across the life course related to this phenotype. This dissertation used population-based data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to investigate lifestyle factors related to the most youthful cognitive trajectory in the United States and assess how their cognition fares over time. Three research questions were addressed: (1) Can samples of youthful cognitive agers be identified longitudinally in a population-based dataset? (2) …

Modeling The Pollution From Latrines In A Low- And Middle-Income Country Setting, Christopher Nenninger

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Latrines are an important sanitation infrastructure that are critical to the United Nations’ effort to end open defecation and achieve the target regarding safely managed sanitation outlined in Sustainable Development Goal #6. This global effort has led to 40,000,000 new users being introduced to improved latrines each year, and this number is expected to increase as the world’s population grows. One of the drawbacks related to these new latrine additions is the potential increase in pollution from hydraulically connected latrine pits to shallow groundwater. This is especially problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where communities are more likely to …

Designing A Cave Air Monitoring System: Guide And Feedback From 15 Years Of Monitoring The Cussac Cave (France), Nicolas Peyraube, Jessica D. Villanueva, Fabien Naessens, Roland Lastennet, Sylvain Mateo, Alain Denis

International Journal of Speleology

Understanding the cave’s ventilation system is important for determining how the cavity interacts with external airflow. This requires a well-designed monitoring system. This article addresses these key aspects: how to build a monitoring system for cave air parameters and how to assess the ventilation of a cave. We proposed a flowchart to help address the issues in: 1) the modularity of a monitoring system, 2) the use of “homemade device” or “ready to use device”, 3) the frequency of measure and its effect on the electrical consumption, 4) the duration of the survey, and 5) the accessibility of the recorded …

An Exploration Of The Experiences Of Perinatal Depression And Anxiety Among Pregnant And Parenting Adolescents In The Tampa Bay Area Of Florida, Olajumoke Adetoun Ojeleye

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Perinatal depression (PND) and perinatal anxiety (PNA) are increasing among pregnant and parenting adolescents (PPAs), with PNA often underrecognized. This leads to significant socioeconomic costs and adverse maternal consequences if untreated. Hence, this dissertation explores the experiences of PND and PNA among PPAs, focusing on their knowledge gaps, perception, mental health needs, care preferences, and access to PMH care. The research employs a qualitative design (free-listing and in-depth interviews) to gather participant insights. Key findings reveal that many PPAs possess limited knowledge about PNA when compared to PND. Lack of support from partners, family, and peers emerged as the topmost …

Respiratory Muscle Strength Training For Persistent Dyspnea In Individuals With Post-Covid-19, Sandra P. Morgan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 coronavirus has resulted in more than 775 million known cases and greater than seven million deaths globally. Up to 25% of patients experience ongoing symptoms three months after the acute illness, and up to 30% of these individuals report persistent dyspnea. The overall aims of this dissertation are to 1) examine the risk factors and predictors for developing persistent dyspnea, 2) measure the effects of respiratory muscle strength training on dyspnea, pulmonary symptoms, quality of life, pulmonary function, and functional capacity, and 3) compare the outcomes of two different respiratory muscle strength training interventions.

In …

Cyanobacteria And Algae From Chýnov And Koněprusy Caves (Czech Republic), Michaela Wipplingerová, Jan Pokorný, Jan Kaštovský

International Journal of Speleology

Algae and cyanobacteria have been studied in two so far phycologically unexplored show caves (Chýnov and Koněprusy) in the Czech Republic. Taxa were identified morphologically using cultivation and subsequent light microscopy, while problematic cyanobacterial species were verified by sequencing the genes for 16S rRNA and 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer. A total of 13 cyanobacterial taxa were found, two Bacillariophyceae, three Xanthophyceae, four Chlorophyceae, six Trebouxiophyceae, 11 Streptophyta, and three Euglenida; many of these species were found for the first time in the caves. The darker parts of the caves were dominated by cyanobacteria, and green algae were found predominantly right …

Navigating Change: The Migration Experiences Of Post-2017 Cuban Migrants In Tampa Bay, Julissa Maria Ramirez Perez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the migration experiences of Cuban migrants who relocated to Tampa Bay following the termination of the “Wet Foot, Dry Foot” policy in 2017. Through semi-structured interviews and a comprehensive literature review, the study examines the interplay between historical and contemporary factors, including U.S.-Cuban relations, shifting legal frameworks, and policy changes. It delves into migrants' motivations, their navigation of complex immigration processes, and their social and economic integration into Tampa Bay. A comparative analysis highlights the differences between pre-2017 and post-2017 migration pathways, emphasizing the heightened risks and uncertainties faced by recent migrants. The findings underscore the critical …

Exploring Religious Leaders’ Perspectives On Genetic Counseling, Testing, And Related Technologies, Kristina M. Wittenburg

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Religion significantly influences healthcare decisions, including those related to genetic testing, by shaping ethical and emotional considerations. While some religious groups provide formal stances on genetic testing, others lack clear guidelines, leaving both patients and healthcare providers without consistent resources for navigating faith-informed decisions. Understanding religious leaders’ perspectives is critical to bridging this gap and supporting diverse patient needs. This study aimed to examine religious leaders’ perspectives on genetic testing, genetic counseling, in vitro fertilization (IVF), gene therapy, stem cell research, and abortion. These topics were explored to understand the role of religious beliefs in healthcare decisions, and to develop …

Evaluating And Improving The Serious Game Life With Hereditary Cancer, Jenna K. Peterson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hereditary cancer syndromes increase cancer risks for individuals with pathogenic variants and their family members, yet many at-risk individuals do not pursue genetic testing due to barriers in family communication. Serious games—interactive tools designed to educate through gameplay—offer a promising approach to addressing these barriers by engaging users and creating supportive learning environments. LIFE with Hereditary Cancer is a serious game designed to improve genetic literacy, promote informed decision-making, and encourage family conversations about hereditary cancer risks and genetic testing. This evaluation used a mixed-methods approach to assess participant emotions, perceptions, and experiences with LIFE with Hereditary Cancer and identify …

Imperial Crosshairs: Grand Marronage At Negro Fort Along The Apalachicola River, Colby J. Williams Ii

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Grand marronage describes the process whereby Africans sought to liberate themselves from enslavement through means of escape to establish permanent communities and create a truly free society. The Southeastern region of the modern United States was once a geopolitical arena where European and Euro-American empires sought to spread their power and influence over both the Indigenous and African inhabitants. Following the American Revolution was the War of 1812, fought between the former colonial master and the recently formed United States. Commonly referred to as the Second War of American Independence, and infamously known for the burning of the White House. …

From Russia With Love: The Transposal Of Hunger Strikes From Russia To Britain In The Late Nineteenth And Early Twentieth Centuries, Rachel Yvonne Stanton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The British suffragettes’ utilization of the hunger strike as a political tool in the early twentieth century has roots tracing back to Russian political prisons of the late nineteenth century. The unique adoption and adaptation of the Russian method of hunger strike in England cannot be fully understood without examining the origins of the revolutionary hunger strikes through a gendered lens. Using case studies of various Russian women and their experiences as both university students and political prisoners, this research aims to unearth the reasons why women in both Russia and England had a particular affinity for the use of …

Crow's Nest, March 10, 2025, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The March 10, 2025, issue of Crow's Nest.

Cave Minerals Of The 21st Century: A 2025 Review And Update, Bogdan P. Onac

International Journal of Speleology

This 2025 update lists 54 newly identified minerals from cave environments, expanding the global total to 364 species. The majority of these discoveries have been made in volcanic caves and lava tubes, with a smaller number found in ice-hosted caves. The newly identified minerals belong to seven chemical classes, with sulfates being the most prominent. Recent advancements in analytical techniques and growing interest in unique cave environments have driven these discoveries. This update highlights the importance of cave mineralogy in understanding geological and astrobiological processes, particularly in the search for biosignatures and terrestrial analogues for subsurface settings on Mars and …

Digital Multimodal Composing In An L2 Italian Classroom: The Effects Of Digital Video Projects On Students’ Development And Investment, Francesca Marino

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Despite the calls for integrating digital multimodal composing (DMC) into second language (L2) pedagogy, learners’ gains in terms of L2 development beyond writing remain largely unexplored. Additionally, while research points to the potential of DMC to promote students’ engagement and motivation in the L2 classroom (e.g., Hava, 2021; Hull & Nelson, 2005; Shin & Cimasko, 2008), learners’ investment (Darvin & Norton, 2015, 2023; Norton, 1995) in L2 learning through DMC has been underrepresented in previous literature. In addition, DMC research on investment until now has almost exclusively focused on the learning of English as a foreign or second language (e.g., …

Teachable Moments In Virtual Reference, Matt Torrence, Carl Dinardo, Andrew Beman-Cavallaro

USF Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

No abstract provided.

Green Human Resource Management (Ghrm) And Sustainability: A Mini Review, Kevser B. Meric Atakan

Journal of Global Business Insights

This mini review explores the evolving role of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) in advancing sustainability within organizational structures. As environmental concerns become increasingly central to global business agendas, organizations are compelled to expand their focus beyond profitability to incorporate ecological responsibility. Within this shift, GHRM emerges as a strategic approach that integrates environmental considerations into core human resource functions. The review synthesizes current literature to evaluate how HR practices such as recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and incentive systems are being adapted to support environmental goals. Evidence from qualitative analyses suggests that organizations are gradually embedding sustainability into their internal …

Crow's Nest, February 24, 2025, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The February 24, 2025 edition of Crow's Nest.

Librarian-As-Teacher: A Multiple Case Study Of Academic Librarian Professional Identity And Teaching Practice, Jessica Nicole Szempruch

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore how the educational experiences and professional identities of academic librarians shape their approach to information literacy instruction within the context of post-secondary research universities. Through deep engagement with three academic librarian-teacher participants, the study sought to understand how information literacy instruction is enacted, administered, and experienced by these individual academic librarians. The quintain, or binding concept, connecting all of these cases was the intersection of academic librarian professional identity and information literacy instructional practice at a large, R1 institution in the southeastern United States.

Multiple data collection methods were …

Counter-Intuitive Links Between Cave Genesis And Subaerial Stream Dynamics In The Têt Valley–Lachambre Network, Eastern Pyrenees, France, Stéphane Jaillet, Gabriel Hez, Marc Calvet, Magali Delmas, Edwige Pons-Branchu, Yanni Gunnell

International Journal of Speleology

The Lachambre cave network (Eastern Pyrenees, France) is well suited to studying the interaction between vertical successions of low-gradient cave passages in the limestone and chronosequences of fluvial terraces in the adjacent valley. Investigations here focus on cave passages striking parallel to the Têt River, and on their topographic, geomorphological, sedimentological and geochronological relationship with the two youngest generations of Pleistocene fluvial terrace, T2 and T1. Results reveal that the longitudinal profiles of the terraces and modern thalweg (1.5–3%) are ten times steeper than the profiles of the subterranean passages (0.1–0.3%), which display typical characteristics of water table caves. The …

Crow's Nest, February 10, 2025, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The February 10, 2025, issue of Crow's Nest.

The Integrated Monitoring Of Karst Systems (Miks) Model, Applied In Karst Studies In Bulgaria, Petar Stefanov, Dilyana Stefanova, Peter Nojarov

International Journal of Speleology

Karst is a widespread natural phenomenon that is highly sensitive and very vulnerable to both natural and various anthropogenic impacts. This is due to the complex structure of karst territories, which comprise both surface forms and complex systems of underground cavities. Therefore, the study of karst requires a geosystem approach and integrated monitoring, which gives a real idea of the state of karst geosystems and the impacts of global changes on karstogenesis. The article presents a model of this approach, which is applied in karst studies in Bulgaria. The methodological basis is the original ProKARSTerra paradigm, based on the geosystem …

Frameworks For Measuring Regenerative Tourism: Supply And Demand Indicators With A Dynamic And Holistic Approach, Asif Hussain

Journal of Sustainability and Resilience

This paper examines regenerative tourism as a holistic approach that goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing social-ecological systems. Recognizing tourism’s interconnectedness with economic, social, cultural, and environmental systems, it presents regenerative tourism as a dynamic model integrating supply and demand perspectives to promote innovation, resilience, and renewal. On the supply side, regenerative tourism emphasizes ecological restoration, sustainable practices, economic stability with minimal environmental harm, and authentic experiences. On the demand side, it aligns with the rising preference for ethical, participatory, and immersive tourism, involving tourists as active contributors to destination well-being. The paper highlights the importance of multidimensional …

Developing Sustainable Medical Tourism: A Framework In The Perspective Of Developing Countries, Abel Ansporthy Mamboleo Dr.

Journal of Sustainability and Resilience

This study reviewed the literature to develop the framework for sustainable medical tourism in developing countries. According to the findings, the development of a sustainable tourist destination necessitates the involvement of various stakeholders and adherence to sustainability principles. The framework suggests five essential tasks for sustainable medical tourism development. It contributes to the knowledge of sustainable medical tourism by suggesting the framework for analysing a specific situation for the development of a medical tourist destination. It provides a better understanding of sustainable medical tourism operations by integrating medication, travel, hospitality, and tourism. Moreover, it contributes to the sphere of medical …

Regional Transportation Systems Management And Operations (Tsm&O) Strategic Plan, Jeff Kramer, Tia Boyd, Taylor Dinehart, Kimley-Horn

Transportation Planning, Policy, and Processes (TP3) Final Reports

No abstract provided.

Development Of Comprehensive Roadmap And Resource Guide Towards Congestion Reduction, Pei-Sung Lin, Mark Hansen, Zhenyu Wang, Yaye Keita, Elzbieta Bialkowska-Jelinska, Shubhankar Shindgikar, Nikou Khoshnevis

Research Reports

Traffic congestion poses a significant challenge in the United States, affecting mobility, public health, and the environment. With national travel delays and fuel waste on the rise, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach to congestion mitigation. This research develops a congestion reduction roadmap, focusing on 12 key mitigation areas, including advanced traffic signal optimization, incident management, and multimodal transportation strategies. Through a combination of literature review, expert interviews, and case study analysis, the roadmap provides actionable steps for state and local agencies to manage congestion effectively. The framework addresses both short-term and long-term solutions, emphasizing technology integration …

Targeting And Selecting Journals For Article Submissions: Library Resources And Impact Measures, Matt Torrence, Allison Symulevich

USF Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

This workshop will provide an overview of journal metrics and rankings in all academic fields, including traditional impact measures from sources including the Web of Science (Impact Factor) and Scopus (CiteScore) databases. Additionally, general information will be offered regarding other additional academic impact databases and methods to maximize benefit of any information on journal, author, and subject area data points. Other impact measures will be presented, including Altmetrics tools. Presenters will introduce other topics on relevant author profile and archiving options for immediate and future use, including ORCiD and examples based on the USF Libraries’ Digital Commons repository.

Perceived Loneliness During Covid-19 And Young Adult Mental Well-Being: Testing Socioeconomic Status As A Moderator, Falescia Matlock, Michael Langlais

KIP Articles

It is not currently known how perceived loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with emerging adults’ mental health and whether socioeconomic status (SES) moderated this relationship. The psychosocial development theory states that emerging adults experience a psychological conflict—intimacy versus isolation—where the goal is to seek connections; without connections, emerging adults are likely to experience mental health challenges. These challenges may be exacerbated for those with lower SES. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of perceived social distancing guidelines on the mental health of emerging adults and if this relationship is moderated by SES. This study …

Book Review, Augusto S. Auler

International Journal of Speleology

No abstract provided.

Considering What Counts: Inside United States Child Maltreatment Statistics, Keith R. Johnson, Joel Best

Numeracy

The counting process which produces statistics is a human enterprise that reflects the needs and interests of the counters. This is clear in the case of the social problem of child abuse. Many different social groups and subprofessions are located in government bureaucracies organized to protect children and preserve families. Official statistics about how many children are abused (officially “maltreated”) vary markedly among the different states. The magnitude of the disparities among jurisdictions cannot be explained without changing one’s perspective about the nature of official counts. They come less from measuring child maltreatment than measuring the divergent ways that state …

The Affordable Diy Mandeye Lidar System For Surveying Caves, And How To Convert 3d Clouds Into Traditional Cave Ground Plans And Extended Profiles, Loris Redovniković, Antun Jakopec, Janusz Będkowski, Jurica Jagetić

International Journal of Speleology

The paper examines the potential use of low-cost LiDAR for cave surveying. Mobile mapping using LiDAR complements traditional speleological surveying using a polygonal traverse. These methods assist each other, with one serving as an independent control measurement for the other, ultimately resulting in a more accurate 3D model. The testing results show that achieving high accuracy and detailed cave representation is possible using open hardware and open-source software. Both spacious and well-indented cave sections and narrow passages barely passable by humans were successfully mapped. The surveying process is significantly faster than traditional cave mapping, as drawing cave sketches by hand …