Digital Commons Network^™

Novel Long Non-Coding Rna Cdlinc Promotes Nsclc Progression, Christina J. Moss

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide with a low 5-year survival rate of only around 21%. This low 5-year survival rate is due to two main reasons. First, NSCLC is often diagnosed at the later stages when it has already metastasized. Second, NSCLC is an incredibly diverse, heterogenous disease making it very hard to target the true molecular oncogenic drivers. New targets for personalized therapeutics are needed based on the expression status of each individual lung cancer tumor.

One way of looking for these new therapeutics is to begin by identifying the oncogenotype …

K–12 Teachers’ Experiences “With Or Without” Breastfeeding/Pumping Policy In The School Workplace, Michelle Mae Phillips

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the experiences of classroom teachers who are lactating and expressing milk in a situation with or without school/district policies related to lactation and breastmilk expression. As there is little in the published literature that describes postpartum K–12 teachers' experiences while pumping breastmilk in the workplace. There is a need for studies that highlight these experiences and explore how policies impact breastfeeding teachers. The study was guided by three research questions: (1) How do classroom teachers who are, or have been, lactating and expressing milk during their workday experience school/district policies related to lactation and breastmilk expression? (2) …

Glamour In Contemporary American Cinema, Shauna A. Maragh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

American cinematic glamour shapes hegemonic notions of femininity, beauty, performativity, sensuality, and sexuality for both female actresses and viewers. In addition, glamour has an economic component in encouraging women to buy products, such as clothing and makeup, to help them emulate their idols from cinema. Glamour is more than beauty and notoriety: it is achieved through careful stylization of tangible aspects—hair, clothes, makeup—and intangible, cinematic elements—performance, dialog, lighting, and camera techniques. In Classical Hollywood, traditionally white standards of beauty were often exalted as glamorous, and many leading roles were played by racialized white actresses; however, actresses of color were frequently …

Beyond The Hype: Challenges Of Neural Networks As Applied To Social Networks, Anthony Hernandez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in neural network-based machine learning algorithms promise a rev-olution in prediction tasks across a variety of domains. Of these, forecasting user activity insocial media is particularly relevant for problems such as modeling and predicting informa-tion diffusion and designing intervention techniques to mitigate disinformation campaigns.Another potential task is anonymizing social network datasets to facilitate their distributionand promote research. Given the success of deep generative models, it may be possible touse them for anonymization. Social media seems an ideal context for applying neural net-work techniques, as they provide large data sets and challenging prediction objectives. Yet,our experiments find a number …

Changing The Culture Of Consent: Teaching Young Children Personal Boundaries, Marlesha C. Bell

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Currently, eight states and Washington D.C. mention consent education in their sex education standards (Naide, 2020). Most school-based consent education curricula focus on teaching pre-teens through adults consent within the context of sexual contact (Planned Parenthood, 2016). However, consent may be relevant for behavior outside the context of sexual contact. Young children could develop a repertoire for consent skills and use it to set and respect boundaries. Furthermore, behavior analysis has teaching technologies that could be used to inform a curriculum for teaching consent, such as behavioral skills training (Johnson et al., 2006) and video modeling (Charlop & Milstein, 1989). …

Exploring Refugee Students’ Second Language (L2) Motivational Selves Through Digital Visual Representations, Nhu Le

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

While the ‘travel ban’ immigration executive order, ‘build a wall’ proposal, and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids under the Trump administration are still hot-button issues, the United States (US) is urged to maintain its leadership in addressing a rising global refugee crisis with over 65 million (70.8 million updated from United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR)’s website, https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/figures-at-a-glance.html, as of April 2020) individuals displaced all over the world (Khurma, 2017). Millions of refugee families have fled from life-threatening conditions in their homelands, making perilous journeys to reach host countries in search of a better life. While settling into …

The Perceived Usefulness Of A Weather Radar Display By Tampa Bay Residents, Michelle E. Saunders

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A weather radar display is a tool that provides spatially oriented, timely information about an impending weather event. While radar is frequently used by meteorologists, emergency managers, and pilots, this tool is now readily available for individuals to use on a variety of platforms including television, computer/laptop, smartphones and tablets. Most importantly, there are hundreds of mobile weather applications available as well as online sources that provide a weather radar display. However, little is known about how individuals use a weather radar display. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to understand why radar is sought out as a tool …

Increasing The Recognition And Support Of Employer-Provided Commute Benefits Via Best Workplaces For Commuters, Cutr

Research Reports

This project focused on increasing the desirability, effectiveness, and efficiency of employer-provided commute benefits (e.g., transit subsidies, telework, etc.) by providing national recognition in a membership-based program – Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) within NCTR – when these organizations meet the National Standard of Excellence (NSE). The project deployed a mix of outreach and communication strategies to successfully build a network of local partners to leverage the limited NCTR resources to grow the number of employers offering commute-friendly programs to employees. There was a 10% increase in BWC members, over 30 partners, more than 3,300 subscribers to its peer-to-peer listservs, …

Cutr Transportation Webcast Series, Cutr

Research Reports

Since 2010, the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) has hosted the biweekly CUTR Transportation Webcast Series and has completed a total of 178 webinars. The webinars were scheduled every other Thursday at 12pm (ET) to accommodate attendee participation from across the country and provide a standing appointment for when webinars occurred. The goals of the series were to:

• Increase the knowledge of transportation professionals and policymakers in Florida, the U.S. and beyond by sharing the latest findings of transportation research
• Increase the reach of technology transfer, especially to those transportation professionals who are unable to travel to state and …

The Impacts Of Emerging Mobility Options And Vehicle Technologies On Travel Behavior, Cutr

Research Reports

This report presents a study that investigated potential travel behavior changes in light of automated, connected, electric, and shared-use vehicle (ACES) technologies. Three main aspects of choice behavior were investigated: AV adoption and willingness to pay (WTP), shared mobility adoption, and mode choice. Particularly, this study focuses on exploring the roles of attitudes in individuals’ travel choice behavior. Data collected through a stated preference (SP) survey were used for this study. The survey included a series of attitude-related questions that cover various aspects of user attitudes, which include general mobility preferences, perceived benefits and concerns of shared mobility, reasons against …

Annual Report, Access Services, 2019 - 2020, Natalie Polson

Library Department and Committee Reports

2019-2020 annual report for the Access Services Department at Nelson Poynter Memorial Library at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.

The Florida Radiation Oncology Resident Experience During Coronavirus Disease 2019: Perspectives And Recommendations., Homan Mohammadi, Alexandra N. De Leo, David Asher, Timothy D. Malouff, Mark R. Waddle, Nicholas B. Figura, Nirav V. Patel, James E. Bates, Akash D. Parekh

All publications

No abstract provided.

Efficient Viewshed Computation Algorithms On Gpus And Cpus, Faisal F. Qarah

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nowadays with the advance in managing and collecting large data, GIS is one of the applications that suffer from lack of efficient data management methods. GIS data often come in form of maps with different types of data such as temperature, topology, and population.

This dissertation focuses on exact-viewsheds computation for large terrains, and due to the poor performance of current exact-viewshed algorithms that may need several hours to process a midsize map, we found the need for new algorithms that are capable of efficiently computing viewshed for large size maps. This work presents a highly-efficient exact-viewshed computation algorithm based …

Dynamics And Impacts Of The May 8th, 1902 Pyroclastic Current At Mount Pelée (Martinique): New Insights From Numerical Modeling, Valentin Gueugneau, Karim Kelfoun, Sylvain J. Charbonnier, Aurelie Germa, Guillaume Carazzo

School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications

The Mount Pelée May 8th, 1902 eruption is responsible for the deaths of more than 29,000 people, as well as the nearly-complete destruction of the city of Saint Pierre by a single pyroclastic current, and is, sadly, the deadliest eruption of the 20th century. Despite intensive field studies on the associated deposit, two conflicting interpretations of the pyroclastic current dynamics (either a blast or a simple ash-cloud surge) emerged in the 90’s and have been paralyzing research ever since, leaving numerous unknowns (i.e., source conditions, volume). This study is the first to investigate numerically the May 8th, 1902 pyroclastic …

Effects Of Inter-Male Status Challenge And Psychopathic Traits On Sexual Aggression, Amy M. Hoffmann

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sexual aggression (SA) is a serious social problem that has been linked to a variety of negative physical and mental health outcomes for survivors and produces significant monetary costs to society. In the past five decades, a wealth of research has improved our understanding of the individual and sociocultural factors that contribute to SA perpetration; however, epistemological differences in theoretical approaches to the subject (i.e., evolutionary, feminist) have resulted in gaps in the empirical literature. Informed by both feminist and evolutionary perspectives, this study attempts to examine the ways in which same-gender interpersonal interactions and individual psychopathology interact to produce …

Novel Quantification Of Shallow Sediment Compaction By Gps Interferometric Reflectometry And Implications For Flood Susceptibility, Makan A. Karegar, Kristine M. Larson, Jurgen Kusche, Timothy H. Dixon

School of Geosciences Faculty and Staff Publications

Estimates of flood susceptibility and land loss in the world's coastal regions depend on our knowledge of sea level rise (SLR) from increases in ocean mass and volume, as well as knowledge of vertical land motion. Conventional approaches to the latter include tide‐gauge and Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements relative to well‐anchored monuments few meters below the surface. However, in regions of rapid Holocene sedimentation, compaction of this material can add a significant component to the surface lowering. Unfortunately, this process has been difficult to quantify, especially for the shallowest material above the monument. Here we use a new technique, …

The Impact Of Cues On Autobiographical Memory Recall In Depression, Ena Begovic

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Studies have consistently found autobiographical memory (AM) impairments in persons with depression. However, these studies have largely utilized generic word cues to elicit AM, yet word cues do not reflect how AMs are typically represented in the mind nor how AMs are usually cued in daily life. The current two-part study employed improved methodology to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of cues on AM recall and emotional functioning in depression. In part one, a set of word and image cues were developed and validated. In part two, twenty-one currently depressed and 31 never-depressed participants were instructed to …

Competition In Upstream Humanitarian Supply Chain: Investigation Of Food Banks, Iana Shaheen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Global hunger is not about a shortage of food. Currently, the world generates enough food to sustain every man, woman, and child on the planet. However, in 2018, about 815 million people, or almost 11% of the population, were hungry worldwide (World Hunger Report, 2018). To respond to the problems in ways more adapted to the requirements of people in need, humanitarian organizations (HOs) are dedicated to becoming more effective and efficient (Weiss, 2013). With the boost in the number of people that require humanitarian assistance, the number of HOs is increasing each year. As a result, there is unanimity …

Para-States As An Instrument For Strengthening Russia's Position - The Case Of Transnistria, Agnieszka Aleksandra Miarka

Journal of Strategic Security

The aim of the article is to analyze and characterize the use of cooperation with the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic by the Russian Federation to strengthen its position in the competition for power with the states of the euoratlantic space. During the initiated research, research methods and techniques characteristic of qualitative research were used, e.g. analysis of documents and statements of leading political decision-makers from Russia and Transnistria. The results of the research unequivocally show that strengthening the statehood of the parastatal state is one of the instruments of the Russian Federation, thanks to which it pursues its strategic goal …

The Shaping Of Threat Through Narration, Carl Ciovacco

Journal of Strategic Security

Threat is a problematic term since it is both objective and subjective in nature. It is in one sense objective, especially in a national security perspective of capability to inflict harm, but it is also highly subjective in how it is discussed and perceived. More often than not, the very interpretation of the threat, influenced by threat narratives, dictates the reality of the threat. Through the iterative process of narration and the inherent subjectivity that narration introduces, a threat perception generally evolves in a direction away from objectivity. The nature of threat narration is based on a two-part process of …

Developing A Taxonomic Framework Of Security Methods For Security Management And Information Resource Management, Yejun Wu

Journal of Strategic Security

People who are concerned with security (such as security professionals) are naturally interested in methods of achieving security. This paper proposes an approach to creating a taxonomic framework of security methods. The taxonomic framework is developed using facet analysis based on a tetra-facet model of security, which identifies four facets of security: subject/scope of security, object of protection, source of insecurity, and method of protection. The taxonomic framework of security methods is created by combining two of the facets: source of insecurity and method of protection. The taxonomic framework of security methods can be integrated with the taxonomic framework of …

Iran: Asymmetric Strategy And Mass Diplomacy, Pierre Pahlavi, Eric Ouellet

Journal of Strategic Security

This paper presents an analysis of Iran’s information and mass diplomacy efforts in terms of its use of traditional written and audio-visual media, as well as through internet-based ones. Iran’s information efforts are both at the centre of its national strategy in dealing with its adversaries and its domestic policies to maintain and protect the regime. Furthermore, it is also well-aligned with the overall Iranian doctrine to take 360 degree approach to security, while avoiding direct military confrontation. A better understanding of Iran’s approach and inherent logic behind its information warfare can help anticipating the country’s next move.

Genome Maintenance Roles Of Polycomb Transcriptional Repressors Bmi1 And Rnf2, Anthony Richard Sanchez Iv

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The coordination of transcription, replication, and DNA damage response (DDR) is vital for maintaining normal cellular homeostasis. All of these processes take place on the chromatin and thus, the temporal and spatial separation of the factors responsible are necessary for each to be correctly completed. Here we detail several novel processes contributing to this network.

BMI1 is a component of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) which plays a key role in maintaining epigenetic silencing programs during development. Recently, BMI1 and other members of PRC1 like RNF2 have been implicated gene silencing during the DDR; however, the mechanism through which …

Female Identity And Sexuality In Contemporary Indonesian Novels, Zita Rarastesa

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This project focuses on female characters’ identity and sexuality in four contemporary Indonesian novels, selected based on historical settings highly significant to the discussion. First, The Girl from the Coast (2002) by Pramoedya Ananta Toer takes place during Dutch colonialization, and the second, The Dancer (1982) by Ahmad Tohari, during the transition of power from President Soekarno to General Suharto, a period when the Indonesian Communist Party was still active. Durga/Umayi (2004) by Y. B. Mangunwijaya and Saman, a Novel (1998) by Ayu Utami both take place during the New Order era when Suharto was president of Indonesia.

The project’s …

An Exploration Of The Retention And Attrition Factors For The Campus-Based Fraternity/Sorority Student Affairs Professional, Viancca J. Williams

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A higher education administrator who provides oversight, education, and accountability for fraternities and sororities is the fraternity/sorority advisor. Long-term retention in this role is low, with the average amount of time spent in the position being 3.33 years (Koepsell & Stillman, 2016). Limited research has been conducted to understand why. The purpose of the study was to explore the factors (including characteristics and experiences) contributing to the retention and attrition of campus-based student affairs professionals working in the fraternity/sorority life functional area. This qualitative study included 23 participants who at the time served in the role for longer than eight …

There Is No I In Team: A Case Study Exploring Co-Teaching Relationships In Preschool Classrooms, Stefanie Claire Lynch

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Co-teaching is a highly complex phenomenon where two teachers work together in some capacity. Co-teaching is an accepted practice in preschools across the United States to meet state licensing standards and state ratios. There is a paucity of research done on this topic in preschool classrooms in the United States. The purpose of this study is to explore co- teaching relationships in preschool classrooms. This study was guided by three research questions: What are teachers’ notions about co-teaching? What are co-teachers’ experiences working in preschool classrooms? How does care manifest in co-teaching relationships? This study delves into the ways in …

Mechanistic And Translational Studies On Skeletal Malignancies, Jeremy Mcguire

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

New treatment strategies are desperately needed for treating skeletal malignancy. Skeletal malignancies can be either primary cancer that originated in the bone, such as osteosarcoma, or metastatic cancer that spread from another organ to the skeleton, as in the case of breast or prostate cancer. In this thesis, I will detail two projects that focus on the discovery of new treatment strategies for both primary skeletal malignancy and metastatic skeletal malignancy.

The first project focuses on the primary skeletal malignancy, osteosarcoma, a rare cancer that is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults and metastasizes to the lungs. The survival …

Research On The Prevalence Of Bullying And Related Interventions: A Literature Review, Ashley Caliri

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This literature review will first describe the definition of bullying and the prevalence of bullying across populations. Populations include individuals with intellectual disabilities, individuals who are typically developing as well as children, and adults. Several interventions have been implemented to help remedy bullying occurrences, decrease the negative outcomes of bullying, and prevent the initiation of bullying. Therefore, this review will also discuss interventions that have been implemented to decrease bullying with a focus on BST and IST as these specific interventions have shown some of the most promising outcomes. Additionally, a discussion will highlight the need for continued research using …

Eppm And Its Effectiveness In Advertisements Of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Young Adults, Anh T. Nguyen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer around the world and in the United States, yet it could be highly preventable by following the recommended guidelines of getting screened by the age of 50 and above. The focus of this study was on the Extended Parallel Process Model and sought to understand the efficacy and threat components in the fear appeal messages in the context of colorectal cancer screenings. Specifically, the study examined how young adults react when being exposed to those messages and whether they intended to discuss with their parents about it. The study also …

Horror’S Aesthetic Exchange: Immersion, Abstraction And Annihilation, Ashley Morgan Steinbach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis uncovers a remote entanglement of phenomenological experience and abstract aesthetics in postmodern horror, a space that historically celebrates the former and critically undervalues the latter. Framed as a case study, I mobilize close readings of Alex Garland’s science fiction horror film, Annihilation (2018), to complicate the immersion/abstraction binary that implicitly structures much of contemporary horror scholarship. By recovering horror’s distanced and decentered forms and aesthetics I point to the interdependent faculty of a composite aesthetic collaboration.

These collaborations, which I refer to as aesthetic exchanges, place pressure on the localized emphasis of horror’s situated assaultive and reactive positions. …