Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Impact Of Single-Case Design Graph Characteristics On Decision-Making For School-Based Professionals Within An Mtss Context, Jessica L. Andrews

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research investigating the display of single-case design (SCD) data has demonstrated that graphing characteristics can influence visual analysis and rater interpretations regarding the effect of an intervention. Data-based decision making within school settings, particularly within the framework of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), commonly includes the use of SCD’s to support this process. Despite the push for adherence to a standard assembly for linear graphs, there is no requirement as to how these graphs should be constructed. MTSS team members are often required to make decisions about whether an intervention should be continued (or not), and thus it is important …

Quantifying Wellbore Effects During Co2 Sequestration In A Saline Aquifer, Uzoma Johnpaul Ajugwe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a strategy for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources like fossil-fuel-fired power stations. One method of CCS involves carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in deep saline aquifers, where supercritical CO2 is injected into an aquifer. The success of such projects depends on accurate predictions of CO2 behavior within the subsurface, which are obtained through numerical simulations.

TOUGHREACT, a renowned simulation tool, models subsurface fluid flow, geochemical interactions, and solute transport, providing insights into the feasibility of CO2 sequestration projects. A critical aspect of these simulations is the apportioning of …

A Community-Based Study To Investigate Persistent Ambient Odors In Childs Park, Fl, Gennaro Saliceto

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

For many years, residents in Childs Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, have reported unpleasant odors. Although there have been prior efforts to address the issue, the odors continue to be a concern for the community, who worry about possible health implications. This research aimed to equip residents with information to address the issue by identifying the presence of airborne pollutants that generate odors, quantifying the concentrations of toxic organic pollutants, and exploring the sources and environmental conditions that contribute to odors and their perception.

To accomplish these aims, the study utilized different methods. First, two walking measurement campaigns were conducted to …

Pathways To Efficient And Equitable Solutions For Large-Scale Routing Problems, Abhay Sobhanan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses large-scale optimization problems in transportation emerging from hierarchical decision-making, equitable workload allocation, and innovative routing logistics. It presents three sets of contributions, each detailed in a separate chapter, and offers computational tools and insights to advance both the theory and practice of transportation systems.

The first work introduces a deep learning-enhanced genetic algorithm framework for solving the Hierarchical Vehicle Routing Problems (HVRPs). Traditional optimization approaches to such problems require extensive evaluation of multiple lower-level routing solutions and are computationally intensive. Our innovative method integrates a genetic algorithm with a pretrained graph neural network, which is trained on …

Simulation Of Multi-Receiver Solar Power Tower By Enhancement Of Solarpilot Software And A Review Of Absorber Coating Materials For The Receivers, Yasser Mirza Baig

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Central receiver concentrating solar power (CSP) towers offer significant potential for cost-effective renewable electricity but face increasing optical losses with larger heliostat fields. This thesis introduces enhancements to NREL’s SolarPILOT software through a Python-based API named CoPylot, which enables comprehensive optimization of heliostat field layouts for multi-receiver systems. The enhanced methodology incorporates per-heliostat ray tracing, receiver orientation optimization (tilt angle β), and an incidence-angle-dependent absorptance (α(θ)) model to evaluate optical performance, thermal losses, and techno-economic metrics within an integrated simulation framework.

A case study for Daggett, California demonstrates that transitioning from a baseline single-receiver system (180 m tower, 5×5 m …

Development And Photophysical Characterization Of Bioinspired Materials, Qaisar Maqbool

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Porphyrins are versatile aromatic macrocycles with unique photophysical properties that make them attractive for applications in light harvesting, photocatalysis, and sustainable energy conversion. Incorporating porphyrins into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offers a unique opportunity to modulate their photophysical behavior through spatial confinement and host–guest interactions. This thesis explores how structural modifications influence porphyrin excited-state behavior through a multi-stage investigation. The work begins by comparing the photophysical properties of two cationic porphyrins: tetra(N-methylpyridyl) porphyrin(TMPyP) and tetra(4-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium) porphyrin(4TANP). While TMPyP exhibits significant singlet–charge transfer (S₁–CT) state mixing due to charge delocalization onto peripheral pyridinium groups, 4TANP lacks comparable behavior. The localized nature of …

Unveiling Success: A Qualitative Exploration Of Job Offer Attainment Among International Female Master's Graduates In Technology, Anna Bahvala

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explores the job search experiences of international female graduates from a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Information Systems (MS BAIS) program in the United States. I focus on the job search and preparation strategies that differentiate graduates, earning $100,000 and above from their peers. Using an Appreciative Inquiry framework and attribution theory as a foundation, the research examines the intersection of gender, mindset, risk-taking, negotiation skills, and self-efficacy in job attainment outcomes. Nine participants were interviewed, with data analyzed using Saldaña’s coding techniques to identify common themes and behaviors. Findings indicate that high earners demonstrated …

Systems And Methods For Providing Active Contraction Properties Of The Myocardium Using Limited Clinical Metrics, Igor Nobrega, Wenbin Mao

USF Patents

A deep learning model can be used for the identification of active contraction properties of the myocardium using limited clinical methods. A method for identifying the active contraction properties can include inputting a plurality of clinical metrics into a deep learning model. The method can further include inputting a representation of a cardiac cycle through a pressure volume-loop into the deep learning model. The deep learning model can include a first process layer with a first intermediate output and a second process layer that receives the first intermediate output as a first intermediate input. The method can further include outputting …

Siliciclastic Cave Or Diamond Mine? Multiapproach Investigation In Igatu Village, Chapada Diamantina, Northeastern Brazil, Raphael Parra, Ricardo G. F. De A. Pereira, Leonardo F. Vieira, Rubson P. Maia

International Journal of Speleology

The territory around Igatu, as that of many villages in southeastern Chapada Diamantina (Bahia, Brazil), was deeply modified by diamond mine activity. Caves were special targets for miners, since they can act as diamond-bearing sediment traps, and the Canal da Fumaça Cave was one of the most important and rich of them. The question that arises is whether the formation is a natural cave or an artificial diamond mine. In order to answer this question, we developed speleological and geological studies with detailed cave surveys, remote sensing and field measurements for structural analysis, optical and electronic microscope for petrographic characterization, …

System And Method For Controlling Electromagnetic Radiation In A Geographical Area, Kwang-Cheng Chen, Mehmet Mert Sahin, Huseyin Arslan, Gokhan Mumcu

USF Patents

System and method for controlling electromagnetic spatial radiation over a region by coordination the utilization of multiple ambient backscatter (ABC) nodes and repositionable dynamic reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). Multiple coordinated ABCs are used to protect the region of primary use against the radiation due to the secondary users. Repositionable dynamic RISs provide more robustness to shadowing and power fluctuations in short time frame.

Temperature-Driven Air Circulation In Caves With Blind Passages, Chris Hendy Dr, David J. Merritt, Shannon Corkill, Cross Cross

International Journal of Speleology

Two blind-passage show-caves in the Waitomo district of New Zealand, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave, have been monitored for the impact of visitors on their environment, especially focusing on partial pressures of carbon dioxide because high levels cause speleothem degradation. In Ruakuri Cave, annual cycles of daily mean pCO₂ correspond with annual cycles of visitor numbers, both peaking in summer. The origin of the high pCO₂ had been assumed to be anthropogenic due to respiration from visitors. Prolonged intervals with no visitation during the Covid-19 pandemic saw the daily mean pCO₂ continuing to show the annual cycle, …

Text-To-Image Model-Based Image Segmentation For Scene Understanding In Autonomous Robot Navigation, Stéphane Lee, Hakki Erhan Sevil

Florida Conference on Recent Advances in Robotics

Image segmentation is essential for navigation and scene understanding in autonomous systems, particularly in un- structured outdoor environments. This study investigates the seg- mentation capabilities of DALL-E 3, a generative text-to-image model, that is not explicitly trained for semantic segmentation. A custom segmentation pipeline was developed to evaluate and refine DALL-E 3 outputs on outdoor images from the RELLIS- 3D dataset. The post-processing workflow includes morphological operations with varied structure elements to enhance segmenta- tion accuracy. Segmentation accuracy was assessed using mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) across selected terrain classes. Results show that the raw DALL-E 3 outputs were improved …

System And Method For The Prediction Of Runway Configuration And Airport Acceptance Rate (Aar) For Multi-Airport System, Yu Zhang, Yuan Wang

USF Patents

Numerical weather prediction data during a time period of interest for a multi-airport system is used to generate a three-dimensional (3-D) tensor data for the time period of interest. The 3-D tensor data is then used to predict hourly runway configurations for each of a plurality of airports of the multi-airport system during the time period of interest using the 3-D tensor data as input to a plurality of runway configuration convolutional neural networks (CNN) branches and to predict an AAR for each of the plurality of airports of the multi-airport system during the time period of interest using the …

Systems And Methods For At-Home Monitoring Of An Individual, Reese Kyle Starowesky, Carlos Eduardo Pena Duran, Autar Kaw, Ali Yalcin, Carla Vandeweerd

USF Patents

In one embodiment, a sensor unit includes an outer housing including a top plate and a base member that together define an interior space, the top plate being configured to directly receive and support the leg of the piece of furniture, a load cell provided within the interior space configured to measure forces imposed by the leg on the top plate, the load cell including a planar metal plate having a deformable element to which the top plate is mounted and a sensor element mounted to the planar metal plate at a location at which the deformable element extends from …

High Ability, Hidden Gaps: Building Quantitative Reasoning Amongst Singapore’S Mathematically Literate, Rebecca M. Nichols

Numeracy

In Singapore, where primary and secondary students routinely top standardized worldwide mathematics examinations, a paradox emerges: when reaching university, many struggle to apply their skills critically in real-world contexts. This commentary examines the challenges and strategies involved in teaching quantitative reasoning (QR) to mathematically literate students in a top-ranking Singaporean university. While these students arrive well-trained in computation and procedural problem-solving, they often lack confidence and flexibility in ambiguous, data-driven decision-making. This article argues that fostering QR education is crucial not only for Singapore but for education globally, as QR skills underpin evidence-based reasoning within and across disciplines. Such an …

Hypergraph Search For Real-Time Multi-Robot Task Allocation In A Smart Factory, Zixiang Nie, Kwang-Cheng Chen

USF Patents

Task assignment for multi-robot systems (MRSs) in a smart factory (Industry 4.0) is described. Aspects are directed to a hypergraph based MRS and production model facilitating the cooperation among robots and serving frequent reconfiguration desired in Industry 4.0. Aspects are directed to a time complexity friendly search algorithm for real-time application using a hypergraph model to get task assignment(s). Parameters are provided for a tradeoff between solution optimality and time complexity. In an implementation, an example system can include a MRS including robots, wherein the MRS is configured to perform a manufacturing task, and a computing device configure to perform …

Corridor-Wide Surveillance Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems Phase Iii: Exploration Of The Implementation Of Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems For Freeway Incident Detection And Management: Part B, Yu Zhang, Achilleas Kourtellis, Joseph Post, Bai Li, Brian Porter, Mahdi Monemi Nodehi

Research Reports

In the third phase of the project, the research team continued utilizing drone systems equipped with thermal cameras to enable real-time detection of traffic incidents and their resulting non-recurrent congestion on freeways, while distinguishing them from recurrent congestion. A comprehensive literature review on existing traffic incident detection methods was conducted. Building on insights from the literature and prior accomplishments, the team designed and implemented a drone-based incident detection framework. This framework first extracts vehicle trajectories at fixed intervals from thermal video data and generates corresponding trajectory images. A customized convolutional neural network (CNN) based deep learning model is then developed …

Large Area Sintering Test Platform And Associated Method Of Use, Christopher Joseph Gardiner, Justin Nussbaum, Nathan Crane

USF Patents

A large area sintering platform, system, and methodology. The system includes a convection oven with a projection window disposed within a top surface of the oven. A platform is disposed within the oven below the window at a spaced distance away from the window. A powder is positioned on top of the platform, with a thermocouple positioned within the powder on the platform. A high intensity projector moves in sync with the platform, and uses low intensities and long exposure times to project an image through the window onto the powder and sinter the powder to fabricate the desired model …

Topics In Knot, Quandle, And Quiver Theory, Brooke Jones

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the algebraic and combinatorial structures arising from the study of knot theory through the lens of quandles, their colorings, and associated quiver and ring constructions. It is organized around three central themes: the analysis of quandle coloring quivers for torus links, the development of polynomial invariants and quiver invariants for stuck knots and links, and the algebraic and graphical study of quandle rings. The first chapter begins with an introduction to relevant concepts throughout the dissertation.

In the second chapter, we classify quandle coloring quivers of torus links using dihedral quandles. We describe these quivers as weighted …

Enhancing State-Of-The-Art Motor Imagery Classification With Reinforcement Learning, Anton Shepelev

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

One of the key obstacles to the rapid adoption of non-invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for Motor Imagery (MI) is the low signal-to-noise ratio, and the substantial data requirements which can be mentally taxing for users. EEGNet, a compact Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), has long been considered the state-of-the-art (SOTA) for MI classification, demonstrating strong performance even with limited data. However, recent studies advocate for integrating Deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) to further enhance classification accuracy by dynamically optimizing feature extraction and decision-making processes. Despite this potential, practical implementations remain scarce due to challenges in stabilizing RL training and adapting it to …

American Extremism: An Evolutionary Process, Christopher Young, Michael Damian Tucker

Journal of Strategic Security

This article critically examines the historical definitions of American right-wing extremism as utilized by the media, political community, academia, and the government. We suggest that the historical definitions of the right wing are inadequate and fail to describe extremism accurately and consistently. Using evolutionary game theory, this article further argues that right-wing extremism (and left wing) is based on an evolutionary process to secure social existence and will rise as predators challenge historical hierarchical systems.

Integrative Multi-Omics And Clinical Data Analysis For Predicting Recurrence And Survival In Uterine Cancer, Varun Sai Raigir

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The prediction of uterine cancer recurrence is very important for assisting women in reducing the cancer risks and also for the growing field of personalized medicine. The primary aim of this thesis is to investigate the integration of various omics data alongside clinical and therapeutic information to predict survival in uterine cancer. The combination is very important for understanding the risk factors, including clinical aspects, genetics, and the treatment schedule, in order to prescribe the appropriate way to reduce the risk of recurrence, make clinical interactions easier, and enhance personalized patient care. This study utilizes the publicly accessible TCGA dataset, …

Essays On Policy Initiatives For Equitable And Fair Distribution Of Benefits Of Information Technology, Roohid Ahmed Syed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The impact of Information technology on human lives is beyond measure. Information technology has become so integral to our human lives that we can no longer undermine its societal impact. While there is ample evidence for the societal gains from digital technologies, there is evidence for the inequitable distribution of such gains across society. For example, accelerated digitization of economy has left the digital haven-nots with limited access to education, health care and employment opportunities further deepening the already existing social inequities. Furthermore, increasing implementation of algorithms has created the problem of algorithmic bias across multiple domains including hiring. Though …

Automated Data Analysis For Concussion Patient Records: A Flutter-Based Desktop Application, Fhaheem Tadamarry

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Concussions are a prevalent and complex medical condition requiring careful clinical assessment and data-driven insights for effective management. This thesis presents the development of an automated data analysis system for concussion patient records, integrating Flutter-based desktop application development with SQL-driven data processing. The system provides a streamlined, interactive interface for clincians and researchers to upload, visualize, and analyze patient data efficiently.

The proposed solution automates data cleaning, preprocessing, and statistical analysis, ensuring robust and reliable insights into demographic, clinical, and recovery-related factors. Key analyses include sex-based differences injury mechanisms, prior head injury impact, mood disorder correlations, and time-to-treatment variations. The …

Multimodal Ai-Driven Biomarker For Early Detection Of Cancer Cachexia, Sabeen Ahmed

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cancer cachexia is a metabolic syndrome characterized by substantial skeletal muscle loss, impacting cancer patients' survival and quality of life. Despite its clinical significance, early detection remains a challenge due to the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and the reliance on indirect markers. This work presents an AI-driven approach to enhance cachexia detection and monitoring by integrating multiple deep learning methodologies. We explore transformer architectures for time-series analysis to model sequential medical data, enabling disease prediction and progression modeling. To ensure robust and reliable decision-making in clinical settings, we explore Bayesian deep neural networks for uncertainty estimation. Additionally, we introduce …

Textbook Content Analysis For Statistical Content Standards For 8th-Grade Math: Commercial Publishers, Curriculum Software Supplement, And An Open Educational Resource, Matthew M. O'Brien

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the vertical and horizontal content analysis of statistical content within current 8th-grade mathematics instructional materials to determine the extent to which students are provided with opportunity to learn high cognitive instances and the usage of the four phases of statistical problem-solving across two commercial publishers, one open educational resource, and one curriculum software supplement. All previous analyses of statistics education content textbooks have only examined textbooks from commercial publishers or those published by national governments. The horizontal content textbook analysis investigated the textbook's background information and overall structure. The vertical content textbook analysis examined the cognitive level …

Examining Within- And Cross-Language Relationships And Quantitative Methods In Spanish-English Dual Language Learners' School Readiness Skills, Shaunacy R. Sutter

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The aims of this three paper dissertation are as follows: First, to examine the cross-domain associations between school readiness skills, including oral language, literacy, and math skills, within and across languages in Spanish-English speaking DLLs in PreK. Second, to explore the cross-domain associations between oral language, literacy, and mathematics skills at varying levels of literacy and math achievement. Finally, to review the quantitative methods used in research on school readiness skills and the home and classroom contextual factors that support these skills for Spanish-English speaking DLLs in the United States over the past decade. Spanish-English speaking DLLs enter early childhood …

Exploring Corona Discharge In Electrostatic Printing For Electronics And In Other Application, Zijian Weng

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The field of printed electronics (PEs) is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing market demand. According to reports, the global market for PEs is expected to reach $23 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.3% from 2023 to 2028. This growth necessitates the development of innovative printing technologies that can meet these demands efficiently, delivering high-quality, high-resolution PEs suitable for applications in health, environmental monitoring, sports, aerospace, and more.

Currently, PEs manufacturing relies on two main groups of printing technologies. Contact printing methods offer high-speed production but struggle with precision, while non-contact methods provide high resolution but …

The Asset Management Optimization Engine: An Ai And Machine Learning Model Approach To Pavement Asset Management, Matt Versdahl

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While state Departments of Transportation (DOT) face major funding challenges, the need to find optimal ways to preserve and maintain pavement assets remains. Asset management employs a lowest cost lifecycle method to analyze asset costs and determine the best investment strategies to preserve it throughout its lifecycle. As new technology emerges, so do opportunities to leverage it. DOTs collect a significant amount of performance data on pavement and use it to decide how to keep it in a state of good repair. The literature in this area focuses on engineering techniques applied to treatment strategies. This dissertation research focuses on …

New Petrographic And Geochemical Constraints On Pre-Eruptive Storage Conditions And Their Control On Eruptive Styles In Martinique’S Recent Volcanic Systems, Abigail Martens

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the volcanic systems of Martinique Island, focusing on magma storage conditions, magmatic evolution, and eruption dynamics. Chapter 3 presents a petrographic analysis of volcanic rocks from the island’s old, intermediate, and recent arcs, examining the evolution of plagioclase textures and the increasing abundance of other mineral phases, such as pyroxene, amphibole, olivine, and quartz, which provide insights into changing magmatic conditions. The main research is divided into two projects. Chapter 4 addresses the pre-eruptive storage conditions (pressure and temperature) of magmas beneath recent (<5 Ma) volcanic complexes (Morne Jacob, Piton du Carbet, Trois Îlets, Mt. Conil, and Mt. Pelée), exploring magma evolution, crystallization, and the role of lower crustal injections and flank collapses in triggering eruptions. Results reveal variable magma storage depths (<6 km), with significant temperature and pressure variations, indicating complex magmatic systems. Chapter 5 focuses on the Roches-Genty ignimbrite in southwestern Martinique, investigating its stratigraphy, geochemistry, and age using field mapping, grain size analysis, and 40Ar/39Ar dating. The study identifies two distinct sub-Plinian eruptive phases associated with the Dizac ignimbrite, with ages of 3.37 ± 0.14 Ma and 2.10 ± 0.26 Ma, providing insights into past explosive volcanic activity. Geochemical analysis confirms an andesitic composition, similar to regional volcanic systems. This dissertation enhances understanding of Martinique’s volcanic history, providing valuable insights into magmatic processes and eruption dynamics, with implications for volcanic hazard assessments in the Lesser Antilles.