Digital Commons Network^™

Effect Of Cage Eccentricity On Moment Capacity Of Drilled Shafts, Jason Schaefer Steinbach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

During the construction of drilled shafts, reinforcement cages can be inadvertently placed eccentrically. Current codes, such as ACI 318 and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications, assume there is little impact from such movements within the drilled shaft or that cage centering provisions are sufficiently robust. This thesis will explore the impact that reinforcement cage eccentricity has on the bending capacity of drilled shafts and propose new strength reduction and resistance factors for tension-controlled failure in drilled shafts.

A total of 208 drilled shafts across eleven counties within the state of Florida were tested using thermal integrity profiling to identify the worst …

Arts & Literature: Orizaba, The Magical Town: A Scholar’S Experience With A Mothers’ Search Collective In Mexico, Pedro J. Gonzalez Corona

Genocide Studies and Prevention: An International Journal

The crisis of forced disappearances in Mexico reaches thousands of regular citizens in every aspect of their lives. Beyond studying the mechanics of the phenomenon: the formation of search collectives, and state-citizenship interactions, the experience of being a witness of a mass graves search provides crucial details on the micro-dynamics of collaboration essential to understanding the attempt and/or the beginning of a personal and societal healing process.

Dangerous Legitimacy: The Risks Of Normalizing Hamas As A Fundamentalist Terror Group In Western Discourse, Shevach Berkovits, Darnell Downes, Hunter Lacroix, Michael Dobkowski

Journal of Strategic Security

This article examines the dangers of Western discourse misrepresenting and normalizing Hamas, a fundamentalist terrorist group, as a legitimate actor in regional crises and conflicts. It explores Hamas' origins as a global terrorist organization, its history of armed conflict with neighbors and the broader Western world, and its ideological roots in religious fundamentalism and totalitarianism. The article argues that Hamas’ principles and actions are fundamentally incompatible with Western democratic ideals, posing a significant threat to regional and global security. It also addresses the ongoing challenges of "Western washing" Hamas through propaganda spread via social activism and social media. The article …

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 …

Growing The Future: Community Gardens In Hillsborough County, Florida, Nicole M. Kennady

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This project was an evaluation on community gardens in Hillsborough County, Florida from May 2024 to November 2024, built off of Homegrown Hillsborough’s first year evaluation of the current Hillsborough County food system. Homegrown Hillsborough is a network of community members with a mission to grow a strong food system in Hillsborough County by assisting in all areas of the food system from food production to food waste. Homegrown Hillsborough plans to act as a development initiative focused on community nutrition. Over the next two years, Homegrown Hillsborough plans to focus on food production, food access, and economic development. Through …

On The Frontline: How Public Library Workers Experience Florida’S Increasing Social Inequality, Jordan P. Rogers

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As public libraries tend to reflect the needs and interests of their communities, this qualitative study explores how growing local physical and sociodemographic changes affect public libraries in metropolitan areas and the experiences of staff. Interviews with nine library workers from four densely populated counties in the U.S. state of Florida gave insight into the hypervisibility of inequality within and between public libraries, as well as the effects of this inequality on the libraries and their staff. The local changes that participants reported included population growth, constant development, gentrification, rising rents, and increased homelessness and affluence. Staff had diverse experiences …

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 …

Lost In Translation: An Analysis On How Florida’S Broadcast Meteorologists Navigate Bilingual Communication During Severe Weather, Daniella Streety, Cassandra O’Connor, Brooke Page, Jennifer Collins

Weather, Climate, and Society REU

• Florida frequently experiences various types of severe weather year-round, which requires clear and timely communication for public safety.
• Broadcast meteorologists play an important role in translating weather alerts into understandable and actionable information.
• About 30% of Florida residents speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the most common, presenting challenges for risk communication during 2 severe weather events.
• Previous studies show gaps in bilingual messaging still exist, despite national efforts by agencies like NOAA and the NWS. This leaves broadcast meteorologists 1 at a disadvantage due to a lack of resources.
• This study explores …

Addressing Misinformation During Severe Weather Events: Insights From Emergency Managers In Florida, Sam Minard, Cassandra O’Connor, Brooke Page, Jennifer Collins

Weather, Climate, and Society REU

• Accurate, timely information is critical for public safety during severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes.
• Misinformation can spread quickly and cause panic, confusion, or lead to dangerous complacency, a serious challenge for Gulf states like Florida (Cheong & Babcock, 2021).
• Emergency managers (EMs) play a vital but understudied role in addressing severe weather misinformation (Ross et al., 2024).
• Despite their authority and growing reliance on social media, little is known about how EMs tackle misinformation or the challenges they face (Torpan et al., 2021).
• This study examines how Florida EMs manage misinformation, the barriers they encounter, and the resources …

Information Sources And Government Trust Regarding Evacuation Decisions For Hurricanes Helene And Milton, Ayden Carver, Brooke Page, Cassandra O’Connor, Jennifer Collins

Weather, Climate, and Society REU

• Hurricanes Helene and Milton (2024) were powerful Category 4 & 5 storms that brought severe storms, surge and tornadoes to the state of Florida, resulting in over $113 billion in damages (Hurricane Costs, n.d.).
• Effective communication by official sources is key during weather events to protect the public and to maintain trust in government agencies, as well as to ensure accurate understanding of risk by all.
• Social media has become a dominant platform for communication, yet many government agencies have not properly adapted to using it (Torres et al., 2023).
• Understanding sources people use to make evacuation decisions can …

Millions Of Tons, Billions In Dollars: Unexploded Ordnance In Ukraine, Russell Glenn

Journal of Strategic Security

Mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Ukraine had killed over 400 civilians and wounded nearly 1,000 more as 2024 approached its final weeks. Late 2023 estimates pegged the cost of neutralization at $37 billion. Addressing the lingering dangers posed by mines, artillery and tank rounds in abandoned depots, dud missiles and rockets, and the occasional unexploded drone munition presents Kyiv with one of its most difficult and costly recovery challenges. Problems include identifying which areas are, in fact, contaminated and the extent of the hazard, measuring and maximizing the effectiveness of decontamination rather than merely gauging the effort expended on …

Cultivating Coastal Communities: An Exploration Of Synergies And Tradeoffs To The Colocation Of Stormwater Ponds And Urban Agriculture In Tampa Bay, Estenia Ortiz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cultivating resilience in coastal communities such as Tampa Bay is becoming increasingly important as urbanization continues to fuel complex environmental and social challenges further exacerbated by sea level rise, habitat degradation, and more intense storm events. Food and water systems are particularly vulnerable under these circumstances, jeopardizing residents’ quality of life. This research explored the nexus of stormwater detention ponds and urban agriculture, namely community and residential gardens, this research reveals factors to consider in the colocation of these systems to build local community resilience and protect waterways.

Focusing on East Tampa, a historic Black community in Florida, and the …

Hurricane Evacuation: Navigating Uncertainty During Covid 19 And With Existing Communication Scales, And Considering Public And Expert Perception Of Alternative Scales, Leilani D. Paxton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the effectiveness of current hurricane warning products and communication strategies, exploring factors influencing public perception of risk and decision-making during evacuations. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining survey data, focus group discussions, and interviews with meteorologists and emergency managers. The first paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hurricane risk perception and evacuation decisions. Findings indicate that while COVID-19 concerns played a role in some individuals' decisions, particularly those with pets or concerns about shelter conditions, the majority of participants evacuated for Hurricane Ian. The study highlights the importance of providing clear, consistent, and …

Understanding Contributing Factors To Injury Severity And Improper Driver Actions In Work Zone Crashes And Evaluating Smart Work Zone Applications For Safety Improvement, Rakesh Rangaswamy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A work zone can be described as a roadway designated for construction, maintenance, or other activities that temporarily disrupt the normal traffic flow. Due to this disrupts in traffic conditions, work zones may bring sudden shifts in driving experience, depending on the sort of work zone present, creating unpredictable maneuvers, and putting both motorists and workers at risk. To understand these issues, this study uses work zone accident data obtained from Florida and uses several methodological techniques, including the mixed logit model with variance and mean heterogeneity, temporal instability test, log-likelihood test, out-of-sample analysis, and ANOVA test.

Firstly, this study …

Crimen En La Frontera: Exploring Texas-Mexico Border Crimes Using A Geospatial Analysis, Carlos Alvarez, Jascha Wagner

Journal of Strategic Security

Border crimes threaten public safety and security in the United States and the US-Mexico border region. Several evaluations support that data-driven, place-based crime prevention approaches can complement current public safety strategies and help reduce crime. Accordingly, place-based crime prevention may successfully prevent border crimes since these are inherently spatial. However, few studies have analyzed the geographies of Texas-Mexico border crimes, and assessments of data-driven, place-based crime prevention strategies of border crimes still lack a solid empirical foundation – especially in more rural border communities. To address this issue, this study builds police report data (Border Incident Assessment Report (BIAR)), used …

Regulating Deepfakes: An Indian Perspective, Shinu Vig

Journal of Strategic Security

Deepfakes are a growing concern throughout the world including India. Deepfakes can be used for several purposes, both innocuous or malicious. In India, several problems related to regulation of deepfakes have emerged. This paper makes an examination of current legal challenges posed by deepfakes as well as solutions in India that can be repurposed to address these challenges, including intellectual property laws, criminal laws, and the right to privacy. While these existing laws can be used to address certain aspects of the deep fake problem, there is an increasing recognition that specific legislations and regulations addressing deep fakes and synthetic …

In Memoriam: Arthur Cleveland Bent, Wendell Taber

The Auk

No abstract provided.

Expanding On The Factor Structure And Construct Validity Of The Short-Term Assessment Of Risk And Treatability (Start), Haomin Chen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research finds better reentry/recidivism program outcome when individuals receive service that matches their risks and needs. It is thus essential to measure recidivism risks and needs appropriately. The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) is a clinically-oriented instrument that assesses risks of future violence/offending and identifies areas for treatment. We see its potential use as an assessment tool for reentry/recidivism programming. More empirical evidence is needed to identify the psychometric properties of the instrument in this setting before it may be used in practice. The current thesis explored the factor structure of the START strengths and vulnerabilities scales using …

Gnsi Decision Brief: Cracks In Our Foundation: How Neglected Bridges Threaten National Security, Heather Ward, Kathleen Curp

GNSI Decision Briefs

The poor condition of U.S. infrastructure merits wider discussion, as its implications go beyond public safety and economic operations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified four critical infrastructure areas—energy and water, facilities, information and communication technology, and transportation—as lifeline systems essential for ensuring public safety, economic security, and national security.

The U.S. interstate highway system, created by the 1956 National Interstate and Defense Highways Act under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, has been vital for national security.ii It facilitates troop movements and aids in the evacuation of large cities during emergencies. Additionally, Military Power Projection Platforms (PPP) rely on roads …

Charlotte: A Modern Tool For Cave Surveying, Luca Tringali Mr., Giacomo Canciani Dr., Alexander Debenjak, Tecla Tripari

International Journal of Speleology

The future of cave surveying is a full 3D scan, as automatic as possible, capturing all morphologically relevant details. However, the vast majority of cavers are still using tools designed more than 15 years ago. The advancements in tools for architects, CAD designers, programmers of VR and robotics could be helpful also for the caving community. That’s why Charlotte, a cheap DIY 2.5D scanner designed for cave surveying, was developed and built. To demonstrate its capabilities, a new survey of Grotta Regina del Carso cave (cad. nr. 2328/4760VG), the biggest cave in the Gorizia Karst, has been realized and published. …

Reducing Mega-Event Syndrome: A Case Study Of Expo 2020, Zehra Abdulla, Christopher S. Dutt

Journal of Global Hospitality and Tourism

The study was designed to explore how Expo 2020, as one of the first mega-events to be hosted in the Middle East, was undertaking steps to avoid many of the negatives of such events, termed mega-event syndrome (MES). A qualitative approach was adopted, where 5 elite face-to-face interviews were conducted with senior officials within Expo 2020 who could offer detailed insights into the planning of the event. Participants were purposefully selected based on their knowledge and experience within Expo 2020. Participants felt that Expo 2020 was not exposed to many of the symptoms of MES largely because of Dubai’s pre-existing …

Producing Hospitality Experiences At Exhibitions, Elizabeth K. Wada, Paulo Sergio Gonçalves De Oliveira, Anderson Soares Lopes

Journal of Mediterranean Tourism Research

This study presents considerations on the production of experiences in the environment of exhibitions in the city of São Paulo - SP / Brazil. Therefore, during the first phase of this investigation, bibliographical research was carried out on the subjects of hospitality, hospitality experiences, MICE - Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, organizations and trade fairs. In the second part, a multiple case study strategy was adopted, consisting of the use of a case study protocol, observation and interviews with exhibition representatives. The question proposed in the research is: what are the aspects observed in the production of hospitality experiences when …

Gone Smishing: An Integration Of Decision-Making And Protection Motivation In The Context Of Identity Theft Victimization, Taylor S. Fisher

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Methods of obtaining sensitive information from Internet users have evolved consistently as technology has advanced and millions of mobile device users communicate through text (SMS) messaging daily, making them a target for smishing attacks. Smishing (short for SMS phishing) is a form of cybercrime where an offender will send fraudulent text messages attempting to gather sensitive information or convince the user to click on a malicious link. These messages often appear legitimate and rely on tactics like convincing users that immediate action needs to be taken. Smishing has become so widespread that in 2020, the Texas Attorney General issued a …

Development Of A Uav-Based Detection And Tracking Pipeline In Simulation Environment, Hunter Ayers, Hakki Erhan Sevil

Florida Conference on Recent Advances in Robotics

Object detection and tracking are essential for particular applications especially with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This study focuses on developing a pipeline of an advanced detection and tracking system specifically for use in UAVs, leveraging the capabilities of AirSim. The use of AirSim allows for a more meticulous examination and refinement of targeting theories, thanks to the controlled conditions of the simulation. The project utilizes the YOLO (You Only Look Once) algorithm for object detection and tracking through contour boxes. The experiment results show successful detection and tracking capability of the UAV. The developed pipeline can be used for various …

Robotic Ad-Hoc Networks, Marius Silaghi, Khulud Alawaji, Mohammed Alghamdi, Akram Alghanmi, Ameerah Alsulami

Florida Conference on Recent Advances in Robotics

Practical robotic adhoc networks (RANETs), a type of mobile wireless adhoc networks (WANETs) supporting the WiFi-Direct modes common in internet of things and phone devices, is proposed based on a strategy of exploiting WiFi-Direct connection modes to overcome hardware restrictions. For a certain period of time the community was enthusiastic about the endless opportunities in fair, robust, efficient, and cheap communication created by the Adhoc mode of the WiFi IEEE 802.11 independent basic service set (IBSS) configuration that required no dedicated access points. The mode was a main enabler of wireless Adhoc networks (WANETS). This communication mode unfortunately did not …

The History And Explanation Of Stormwater Ponds In East Tampa, Natasha Sutton

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The overall goal of this research was to explore and understand the history of stormwater ponds in the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), a 4,800-acre urban community comprising many different historic African American neighborhoods in Florida's City of Tampa. Seen as one of the most affordable stormwater management solutions in southeastern parts of the United States, stormwater ponds dot the East Tampa landscape. As the manager of CRA funds, the City of Tampa stands out as a main decision maker around the stormwater ponds within the East Tampa CRA. Over the years the stormwater ponds have generated much interest …

Empowering Populist Politics: Social Media Use In The Us And Uk, James M. Howley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Modern advancements in technology, in particular the rise in influence and popularity of social media platforms, have had a profound effect on the political landscape. The way in which political actors conduct their campaigns therefore requires significant analysis. Populist campaigns have particularly benefitted from the political influence of social media platforms. This research therefore looks at two significant political events from 2016, the Presidential Election campaign of Donald J. Trump in the United States and the 'Vote Leave' Brexit referendum campaign from the United Kingdom. Utilizing Manuel Castells' 'Network Society' (1990) as the theoretical framework for the research, this analysis …

Risk Assessment Of Blood-Borne Pathogen Exposure For Emergency Responders, Jill A. Ireland

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Emergency responders face a significant risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens (BBPs), such as HIV and hepatitis, due to the nature of their work environment. This study investigates this issue utilizing a dual approach of data analysis and online surveys to assess exposure rates, risk perceptions, factors that contribute to risk and prevention practices. In addressing issues ranging from personal protective equipment (PPE) usage to levels of concern surrounding blood and bodily fluid contact, the findings underscore the need for tailored safety measures, comprehensive education, and improved prevention strategies.

The examination of 346 worker's compensation exposure claims highlighted a significant …

The Perception Of Innocence And Guilt: Understanding Relationships Between Exonerees And Their Loved Ones, Martha E. Mccullough

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Exoneration and wrongful conviction complicate the field of criminology and the criminal justice system. Much of the scholarship on wrongful conviction focuses on the faults of the criminal justice system, such as false or misleading forensic evidence, false confessions, official misconduct, inadequate legal defense, and more. However, there is less research on the social, psychological, and economic impact of a wrongful conviction on those who have been wrongfully convicted and those associated with wrongful convictions (e.g., exoneree's loved ones). Recent studies indicate that social and psychological implications after a wrongful conviction may not only affect exonerees but also their loved …