Digital Commons Network^™

The Public Parks Paradox: Look But Don't Touch, Michael Sheridan, Claire Babbott-Bryan

Journal of Ecological Anthropology

Buenos Aires, Argentina is one of the least green cities in the world, with estimates of 1.5 - 6m² of green space per person – far below the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 15m². Neoliberal policies continue to fragment and privatize the city’s green spaces, posing serious threats to public health. The remaining parks in Buenos Aires employ physical barriers to preserve the park’s green elements, including metal gates (often painted green), restricted gardens and quads, and signs that prohibit stepping on the grass. These barriers deprive opportunities for sensory engagement, reducing park users’ interactions to passive visual and …

Microclimatic Conditions In Shulgan-Tash Cave (Southern Ural, Russia): Implications For The Preservation Of Eastern Europe’S Largest Paleolithic Art Collection, Olga Chervyatsova, Rayan Akhmedyanovb, Nailya Saifullina, Ludmila Kuzmina, Mihael Kotov, Yuri Dublyansky

International Journal of Speleology

This study presents the results of a long-term investigation of the microclimatic conditions in Shulgan-Tash Cave (Southern Urals, Russia), which hosts the largest assemblage of Upper Paleolithic paintings (ca. 16.3–19.6 ka) in Eastern Europe. The cave exhibits two distinct seasonal ventilation regimes – winter and summer – differentially influence its two levels of galleries. In the Lower Level, which contains 83% of the images, near-atmospheric CO₂ concentrations persist year-round, and temperature variations associated with seasonal infiltration events are minimal (1.0–1.3°C). By contrast, the Upper Level, including the decorated Hall of Paintings, is affected by downdrafts of CO₂-rich …

Barriers To Machine Learning Adoption In Regulated Electric Utilities, Donald R. Shiflet Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Machine learning (ML) technologies have the potential to revolutionize regulated electric utilities by improving operational efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, and optimizing energy management. Despite these advantages, the adoption of ML in this sector lags other industries due to technical, organizational, and regulatory barriers. This research, grounded in the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, explores these barriers to uncover actionable solutions for integration. The study identifies key challenges, including explainability, cybersecurity, workforce resistance, and regulatory ambiguity to ML adoption in electric utilities. Utilizing an exploratory qualitative methodology, this approach integrates insights from the literature and industry interviews to rank barriers by frequency, severity, …

2024 American Field Ornithologist (Afo) And Western Bird Banding Association (Wbba) Joint Annual Meeting Scientific Abstracts, Walter H. Sakai

North American Bird Bander

No abstract provided.

An Integrated Pcb-Based Heating And Auto-Ranging Platform For Volatile Organic Compound (Voc) Detection Using Carbon Nanotube Based Sensors, Thomas Kalach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development, characterization, and integration of a novel low-cost, high-dynamic-range sensor platform for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), leveraging the unique electrical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT) thin films. The platform introduces a fully integrated auto-ranging analog front-end circuit capable of real-time resistance measurement spanning over eight orders of magnitude ranging from tens of ohms to hundreds of megaohms, without compromising signal resolution or precision. This was achieved through a digitally controlled, multi-path feedback architecture and controllable current source.

To further enhance sensor performance, the system incorporates a copper trace heater beneath the sensor array, …

Proteomic Characterization Of The Neuronal Bin1 Interactome In Homeostatic And Alzheimer’S Disease Mouse Brains, Joseph Mcmillan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The gene BIN1 is the second-largest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). It is expressed in neurons and glia in the brain as cell-type specific and ubiquitous isoforms. BIN1 is an adaptor protein that regulates membrane dynamics in many cell types. Previously, we reported that BIN1 predominantly localizes to presynaptic terminals in neurons and regulates presynaptic vesicular release. However, the function of neuronal BIN1 in relation to LOAD is not yet fully understood. A significant gap in the field is the unbiased characterization of neuronal BIN1-interacting proteins and proximal neighbors. To address this gap and help define the …

"What's A Computer?" Exploring Insurance Agents' Role In Small Business Cyber Insurance Transactions, Dalton A. Crabtree

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods study examined how insurance agents' role identity impacts cyber insurance transactions, addressing gaps in professional practice and academic literature. Small businesses increasingly rely on cyber insurance for protection as cyber risk continues to evolve. The study employed sequential explanatory methodology with 25 interviews across three groups: insurance agents (n=15), corporate cyber insurance professionals (n=5), and small business owners (n=5). Thematic analysis using Katz and Khan's Role Episode Model informed development of the Cyber Insurance Role Identity Scale (CIRIS), tested with 100 agents. Six themes emerged. Key findings reveal that successful cyber insurance transactions require agents to transition from …

A Discussion Of Community: An Ethnography Of Designing Asynchronous Video Discussions To Reveal Student Perceptions Of Digital Presence In Online Learning, Chad S. Garcia

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This mixed-methods digital ethnography investigates how video-based discussions (VBD) influence community building in asynchronous graduate education. Using the Community of Inquiry (COI) framework, this study looks at student experiences in a History of Higher Education class where traditional text-based discussions were replaced with video presentations and peer responses. The research explores how video discussions affect students' sense of presence, how video presence impacts engagement patterns, and which multimedia elements contribute to community development.

Data collection included semi-structured interviews with students and instructors, LMS analytics, video content analysis, and ethnographic observation throughout Spring 2024. Analysis revealed a notable disconnect between traditional …

Molecular Imaging Of The Cochlea, Parveen Bazard, Mikalai Budzevich, Xiaoxia Zhu, Bo Ding, Robert Dana Frisina

USF Patents

A novel method of measuring endocochlear potential and cochlear function in a patient is presented. The method uses nuclear imaging, such as PET or SPECT, with a radiotracer such as 201Tl to visualize any potassium ion loss in the cochlea of the patient which can contribute to auditory disorders such as hearing loss. This non-invasive technique represents a new method for auditory diagnoses by measurement of cochlear properties which can aid in the development of new therapeutics for auditory disorders.

Strategic Leadership In Security Media: Enhancing Community Safety Against Drug Abuse In Oman, Raed Awashreh, Saif Alshuhoomi,, Viola Gjylbegaj

Journal of Strategic Security

Rapid global development has led to increased security challenges, particularly regarding drug-related crimes. This study examines the role of strategic leadership in security media to enhance community security, focusing on drug abuse in Oman. Despite ongoing efforts to combat drug-related offenses, these crimes remain a significant threat to societal stability. The qualitative research involved in-depth interviews with 14 decision-makers, including 7 experts from Oman’s security media, police, and related institutions. It explores the effectiveness of security media campaigns in raising awareness and reducing drug use. Thematic analysis of the data revealed key challenges, including limited resources, outdated technologies, and insufficient …

The I2u2: China’S Increasing Role In The Middle East And Geostrategic Implications On India, Pooja Devi, Jyoti Singh Ph.D.

Journal of Strategic Security

In the present era, the concept of minilateralism has emerged as an essential instrument of the attainment of a country’s strategic interests. Consequently, the global world is shifting from multilateral alliances to minilateral groupings. The article analyzes the emergence of a minilateral construct and the formation of minilateral platform I2U2. The newly established quadrilateral group I2U2, which includes India, Israel, the UAE and the United States, is called ‘the Middle East Quad.’ The economic partnership is aimed at utilizing the different sector capacities of member countries to counter shared challenges that have occurred in the past few years. Six key …

Detecting Drone Threats At Stadiums And Public Venues: Overview, Operational Considerations, And Technical Implementation, Nathan P. Jones, John P. Sullivan, George W. Davis Jr.

Journal of Strategic Security

This article overviews the issue of drone threats to stadiums and public venues. It provides emergency managers and those defending this critical infrastructure with an overview, operational considerations, and a discussion of the technical implementation for defending these sites from drone threats through detection. It provides a discussion of the current limitations of countermeasures and legal frameworks relevant to drones. Throughout, this article uses real drone detection data from the Astroworld concert incident (November 2021) as a notional case study to illustrate the type of drone detection data emergency managers will contend with and what can be gleaned from it. …

India’S Policy Shift Towards Afghanistan Under De Facto Taliban Government, Neha Manhas, Sitakanta Mishra

Journal of Strategic Security

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan is no longer at the forefront of the global agenda, though after four years of its rule, the Islamic Emirate strives for global legitimacy. India, one of the major partners in the reconstruction of Afghanistan since 2001, has drastically minimized its role, and no major attempt was made to deal with the Taliban until the withdrawal of US/NATO forces in 2021. Similarly, the Taliban regime in turn has not made any breakthrough with India in its diplomatic pursuits. However, sporadic meetings between the Indian and Taliban government officials have taken place, leading to speculation …

Assessing India-Philippines Defence Engagement: Strategic Alignments And Future Trajectories, Arushi Anthal, Anu Sharma

Journal of Strategic Security

India and the Philippines signed the deal worth USD 375 million dollars for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in 2022, and the first batch of missiles was delivered in April of 2024. The growing defence cooperation between both nations marks a strategic shift in India’s Act East Policy which was launched in 2014. Within the broader Indo-Pacific framework, this engagement offers mutual advantages in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and capacity building. This research paper explores and examines the strategic relevance of this partnership in lines with the rising assertiveness of China, assesses challenges and identifies potential areas of cooperation. It also …

Crow's Nest, September 29, 2025, Crow's Nest Staff

Crow's Nest

The September 29, 2025 issue of the Crow's Nest.

Untangling The Roles Of Pulmonary Vagal Afferent Subsets With Inhaled Irritants, Teresa Darcey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The sensory nerves in the airways directly regulate critical defenses and indirectly regulate vital gas exchange. Airway function is largely controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and our understanding of its sensory regulation is directly connected to our ability to treat respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies. Airway sensory afferents are heterogeneous with respect to their electrophysiological properties, peptidergic capacity, and stimuli sensitivity, which at least in part dictate some of their various functions. There is evidence that embryological origin impacts reflex function: activation of the neural crest-derived population of sensory afferents has been shown to evoke the cough reflex whereas activation …

The Role Of Emotional Stability And Social Confidence In Leading With Vulnerability Moderated By Perceived Trust In The Leader, Perceived Trust In The Team, And Psychological Safety, Adam N. Smith

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

AKTiVe leadership is a foundational cultural model that has been adopted at Florida Health Science Center (Tampa General Hospital). The premise of the model is that treating each other with Authenticity, Kindness, Transparency, and Vulnerability (AKTiVe Model) will lead to cultural change that enhances trust, engagement, and psychological safety, which will in turn drive performance improvement for the organization. It takes years to change the culture of an organization, which highlights the need to focus on sustainability and resilience in the culture. This research aims to understand the personality traits that predict leading with vulnerability.

I focused on vulnerability because …

From Resettlement To Employment: Bridging Barriers And Empowering Refugee Women Through Workforce Training In Tampa Bay, Mikayla William, Haley Mendillo, Aileen Pinell, Brittany Gordon

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Approximately 12,425 refugees aged 18-60, resettled in Hillsborough County in fiscal year 2023, highlighting a need for targeted programs supporting refugees in building career skills and gaining confidence in navigating the job market. Refugee women face unique challenges as they integrate into the U.S. workforce, including communication barriers, limited work history, and adapting to workplace norms. A workforce readiness program tailored to refugee women in Tampa Bay provides essential career development tools, fostering economic independence and integration through culturally sensitive training methods. Over a two-day program, a structured curriculum was implemented to accommodate varying educational backgrounds and English proficiency levels. …

Alternative Delivery Systems In Gene Therapy For Parkinson's Disease, Sebastian Rakowski, Mahek Khiantani, Aaryan Wali, Talia Koussayer, Ameera Jamil, J'Nya Harry

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor impairments resulting from dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra. Gene therapy presents a promising approach to restoring dopamine synthesis and alleviating PD symptoms. This study reviews and evaluates current gene therapy strategies, including the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentiviral vectors, as well as direct infusion of neurotrophic growth factors. By analyzing 50 peer-reviewed articles from 1993 to 2024, the project explores the therapeutic potential and limitations of these delivery systems. AAV and lentiviral vectors show promise in increasing dopaminergic function and sustained protein expression …

Impact Of Stat3 Inhibition On Tumour Progression And Immune Evasion In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Alejandra Santos, Anjali Mukkamalla, Saranya Nallamothu, Sandy Henin

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is a critical transcription factor that regulates cell growth, survival and immune responses. It is implicated in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent form of lung cancer categorized by aggressive tumour progression and high metastatic potential. NSCLC’s aggressiveness stems from the overactivation of STAT3, promoting cancer cell proliferation, survival, and invasion through mechanisms including genetic mutations, cytokine signalling and inflammatory pathways within the tumour microenvironment. This heightened STAT3 activity not only supports tumour growth but also suppresses anti-tumour immune responses and fosters an immunosuppressive environment. Currently, treatment for NSCLC patients …

Exploring The Role Of Hsv-1 In The Pathogenesis Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Kali Solages, Shruti Sreekanth, Anuita Kremsaliuk

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by excessive amyloid beta(Aβ) plaque and tau protein tangles in the brain. While the exact cause of AD remains unclear, recent research implicates viral vectors, particularly Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), in its progression. This review investigates how HSV-1 infection can contribute to the development and transmission of AD through viral mechanisms, including pathological amyloid beta and tau protein deposition. A systematic review of 30 peer reviewed articles from the past 10 years was conducted, focusing on HSV-1’s influence in AD, using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar with …

Point Of Care Ultrasound (Pocus): No Hocus Among Anesthesiologists, Natalie A. Brin, Andrea Camila Marcano-Rodriguez, Muhamed Jaber, Grace Victoria Faberlle, Ryan Singh

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Andrea Camila Marcano-Rodriguez, Natalie Andrade Brin, Muhamed Muntaser Jaber, Grace Victoria Faberlle, Ryan Singh Faculty Mentor: Dr. Donna Lee Ettel-Gambino (Judy Genshaft Honors College) An anesthesiologist’s ability to recognize the intrinsic utility of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) as a diagnostic tool may improve patient safety, decrease anesthesia time, and maximize patient outcomes.1 Evidence suggests that POCUS is a safe, inexpensive, non-invasive, portable, and easily accessible perioperative tool. The purpose of study was to identify the anesthesiologists’ systems and processes for clinical decision-making utilizing POCUS for patients during the perioperative phases of care. A MANOVA was conducted to identify differences …

Economic Impact Of Nicotine Addiction: A Multi-Stakeholder Cost Analysis, Shikha Patel

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Extensive research has examined the health consequences of nicotine addiction, but economic analyses incorporating multiple stakeholder perspectives remain scarce. This study quantifies the annual financial burden of nicotine addiction across users, employers, and insurers. A systematic analysis was conducted on direct and indirect costs, utilizing data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bureau of Labor Statistics, and insurance industry reports (2022-2024). The financial impact was assessed for each stakeholder, including consumption expenses, productivity losses, healthcare utilization, and insurance claims. The estimated annual economic burden of nicotine addiction was ₹1,773.4 billion in India, while in the U.S., costs …

Effects And Risks Of Pediatric Malnutrition On Neurodevelopmental Disorders And Cognitive Decline, Aminata A. Thiam, Ana M. Beatriz, Katie-Linn Poindexter, Mandy Jiang, Maxx Struhs, Valerie Vargas Ardila

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Malnutrition during early childhood is a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and cognitive decline (CD), with lasting effects into adulthood. Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, hinder the proper development of the brain, leading to issues such as attention deficits, cognitive delays, and neurological disabilities. This project aims to examine the effects of pediatric malnutrition on neurodevelopmental outcomes and assess the metrics used to analyze cognitive outcomes in pediatric patients. Utilizing electronic databases such as PubMed and JAMA Network, a systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the impact of CD and NDD …

A Comparative Analysis Of Healthcare Systems: The United States And Germany, Catherine Ugwu, Belinda Solis

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Healthcare systems around the world can differ significantly in areas such as their structure and accessibility. This study compares key aspects of the German and American healthcare systems, focusing on an unbiased comparison of the two. Germany’s healthcare system, grounded in its Basic Law of “Grundgesetz”, ensures universal access to medical care using their main system of statutory health insurance (SHI) and private insurance. In contrast, the U.S. operates a fragmented healthcare system characterized by a mix of private and public insurance, leading to significant disparities in coverage and costs. By analyzing these differences, this study highlights the strengths and …

Assessing The Effectiveness And Implementation Of Artificial Intelligence In Detecting And Preventing International Financial Crimes: A Case Study Of The United Kingdom, Robert J. Dalton

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Financial crime has been an issue that has plagued the world for as long as the concept of trade has existed. With the rise of the digital age and globalization, financial crime has continuously and significantly evolved, with increasingly complex and intricate methods of financial crime and fraud being committed each year. Government organizations and financial institutions are having to constantly overcome new barriers and challenges to monitor financial crimes due to their evolving nature. Artificial intelligence, a new technology that is being constantly researched and explored, has the potential to innovate current and new technologies within the financial intelligence …

L-Ergothioneine Shows Benefits In Reducing Age-Related Hearing Loss: Improved Signal-In-Noise Detection In Mice, Evin Roji, Muhammad Hassam Amir

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

The amino acid, L-ergothioneine (EGT), has gained attention as a potential therapeutic for age-related conditions due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. EGT is naturally found in various foods and shows promise in protecting against oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have highlighted its role in improving physiological functions in aging models, particularly in mitigating age-related declines in sensory and neurological systems. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether long-term oral administration of EGT via gavage could improve hearing function in aged mice. Hearing sensitivity and signal-in-noise detection were measured to determine the therapeutic potential of EGT for …

Replication Fork Remodeling Curtails Dna Synthesis During Excessive Origin Firing, Thanh Le

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

DNA replication is a faithful and accurate process during S-phase in each cell division. Errors in replication can potentially lead to cancer, highlighting the purpose of studying mechanisms of DNA replication. There are many challenges that cause DNA damage, making replication fork regulation essential to protect genome integrity. When cell misregulate during replication, it can result in re-replication, which replication origins are re-licensed and fired again. This leads to stress induced DNA breaks, activating cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis, which cancer cells try to evade, making it a potential chemotherapy target. While re-replication is a source of genomic instability, re-replication …

Parental Internalizing Symptoms And Parenting Behaviors: The Moderating Role Of Social Support, Anh Van Nguyen

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

“It takes a village to raise a child”. Social support is vital to parents in carrying out child-rearing duties, which is an additional source of stress for parents. Parents who exhibit higher levels of internalizing symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress) are more likely to engage in negative parenting behaviors. These behaviors can, in turn, negatively impact child development. Therefore, it is essential to investigate whether greater social support can buffer or attenuate the relationship between parental internalizing symptoms and negative parenting practices. Understanding this potential moderating effect is particularly important given the central role of parenting in shaping children’s developmental …

Evaluating Impact Of Congenital Zika Virus Infection On Reproductive Health And Neonatal Outcomes In Latin America, Adrianna Soto, Maria Ivanova, Amanda Chinea, Daniela Davila, Ana Laura Alcantara Nascimento, Michelle Rodriguez, Valerie Vargas Ardila

OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference

Congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZS) represents a severe and multifaceted outcome of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy, with far-reaching implications for both maternal and neonatal health. ZIVK, transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector, has been linked to a range of birth defects, most notably microcephaly. CZS also increases the risk of other complications such as stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal death, and a spectrum of congenital malformations. Between 2015 and 2016, over 2,000 confirmed cases of microcephaly linked to ZIVK were reported in Brazil, underscoring the epidemic as a public health crisis, particularly in Latin America, where environmental and socio-economic …