Digital Commons Network^™

Transition Aged Youth Substance Use At Electric Dance Music Events In The Tampa Bay Area: A Qualitative Study Of Awareness And Prevention, Danielle Vinciguerra

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study investigates substance use among Transitional Aged Youth (TAY), particularly focusing on Electronic Dance Music (EDM) events in the Tampa Bay area. TAY, defined as individuals aged 18-29, experience significant psychological, biological, and developmental changes, which can lead to increased vulnerability to substance use. The study examines the prevalence and patterns of substance use, specifically ketamine and cocaine, among TAY at EDM events. Exploratory qualitative data collection method was utilized for the study. Applying Social Learning Theory as a framework, the research explores the beliefs, attitudes, experiences, and community influences that contribute to substance use within this demographic. Data …

Unravelling The Impact Of Blood Metabolites, And Lifestyle Factors On Periodontal Disease Using Mendelian Randomization, Rhea Charles

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Periodontal disease remains a global public health concern. Despite the availability of preventive and therapeutic strategies, the multifactorial nature of periodontitis complicates its understanding and management. Periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), gestational hypertension, respiratory diseases such as COPD and bronchitis, and various cancers, including kidney and pancreatic cancers. Moreover, individuals with diabetes, autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn’s disease, and osteoporosis are more likely to develop periodontitis. The ambiguity in the direction of causality between periodontal disease and its associated conditions poses challenges for effective treatment. Mendelian randomization offers …

Perceptions Of Rural America: Exploring College Students' Views And Career Priorities Post-Graduation, Tom Hall

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The problems facing rural America are wide ranging and multilayered. Perceptions can often be reality for those unfamiliar with rural life, which can pose a hurdle for businesses to overcome. With an in-depth literature review and research study, this dissertation aims to provide context and understanding to the problems and misconceptions of rural America. Without context, it is easy to interpret rural America as a dying, outdated part of the country, but the reality is far more complex. A research study was conducted that surveyed 400 actively enrolled college students from schools in 19 American states on three things: 1) …

Empowering Entrepreneurial Evolution: A Beyond Founder Strategic Approach To Small Business Growth, D. Jared Knisley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Growing a business beyond its founder’s capacities and talents presents a challenging undertaking. When a founder is no longer involved or motivated to grow the business, firm decline is a likely outcome. Small businesses often have a deep and, at times, hindering reliance on their early founders for development. Therefore, a continuous engaging plan to advance entrepreneurial success is needed to grow a small business.

My research objective aims to find methods and designs, through academic literature and practitioner interviews, that transition leadership responsibilities and increase team empowerment within a small business, enabling these firms to continue growing as the …

Integrating Multiple Biodiversity Metrics To Assess Diatom Diversity And Diatom/Macrophyte Host Specificity In Four Florida Benchmark Lakes, Alana Jade Bronk

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Biodiversity is declining across all natural environments, however, freshwater systems are thought to be among the most threatened. Quantifying and understanding trends in freshwater biodiversity has become more urgent as rapid biodiversity loss continues. To provide a robust ecological assessment, more than one bioindicator should be used, along with multiple biodiversity metrics. Macrophytes and diatoms are important components of aquatic systems, especially in shallow lakes. The relationship between macrophytes and epiphytic diatoms, though, is not clearly understood, and has not been well-studied, particularly in Florida, which has the largest abundance of natural freshwater lakes in the southeastern U.S This study …

The Use Of Developmental Program Evaluation For State Continued Approval In Educator Preparation, Suzanne L. Roberts

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Working as a teacher educator today means working under an ever-present regulatory gaze. Accountability mechanisms, including state program approval processes, have been layered resulting in complexity. External assessments have failed to provide the data needed to support continuous improvement. There have been calls for combining external and internal evaluation processes to better drive continuous improvement. Developmental Program Evaluation (DPE) is an approach that claims to support program development in the middle space between top-down and bottom-up forces. This study examines the use of DPE in the middle space between mandated state approval processes and a small educator preparation program’s effort …

A School Leader’S Experiences With Ableism In An Educational System, Scottie Basham

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The current organizational autoethnographic study aims to problematize ableism as an ideology that permeates and contributes to the inequities students with disabilities face in education. I share how I came to see ableism as an ideology that permeates and contributes to recursive practices in special education and share experiences that illustrate to school leaders ableist assumptions that are ingrained in leading a Special Education Center. Using organizational autoethnography, I share my experience as a first-year principal to provide a first-hand account of recursive practices within the educational organization, rooted in ableism, and discuss how those practices affected both myself, as …

Malat1 Mediates Tet2 Loss Of Function-Driven Oncogenic Inflammation Via Rna Shielding Of Nf- Kappa B P65, Nana Adjoa Ben-Crentsil

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

TET2 is a dioxygenase that regulates gene expression and hematopoiesis by oxidizing 5-methylcytosine residues on DNA to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. TET2 mutations are common genetic events in hematological disorders. For example, TET2 is the most frequently mutated gene in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia and occurs in about 33% of other myeloid malignancies. It is also the second commonest mutation in clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a common premalignant condition in the elderly. TET2 mutations arise in founding clones and are implicated in many non-hematological sequelae seen in CHIP like atherosclerotic disease, chronic liver disease, and severe microbial infections.

The development of TET2-deficient …

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 …

Presence Of Pharmaceuticals And Personal Care Products In Sinkhole Lakes In West-Central Florida, Elzbieta Bialkowska-Jelinska

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are essential for human health, improving quality of life, and extending life expectancy. However, many of these chemicals have become significant environmental pollutants, particularly in lentic (lake) environments. One unintended source of PPCPs in natural environments is onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), commonly known as septic tanks.

This study examines whether the seasonal variability of rainfall and soil saturation affects the assemblages and concentrations of PPCPs in a residential lake. The general premise of the dissertation was that with the onset of the wet season, PPCPs that had collected in the drainfields of the …

Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Dysregulation In Traumatic Brain Injury Leading To Tauopathy, Kristina M. Tosi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) causes a cascade of detrimental events within neurons, contributing to a host of neurological diseases relating to dementia. In this study we have performed a meta-analysis comparing differentially expressed genes (DEG) in specific cell types such as neurons and microglia revealing inflammation as a common driver of neurological deficiencies post TBI. Inflammation and hypoxia are well characterized features of TBI; however, the molecular mechanisms causing tau hyperphosphorylation by tauopathy associated genes (TAG) post-TBI are currently poorly understood. Furthermore, there are limited in-vitro neuroinflammatory models that mimic primary and secondary TBI. We hypothesize that inducing hypoxia and …

Assessing Users’ Attention Classification Accuracy From Eeg Data, Gil Olenscki Neto

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Determining whether a person is attentive while performing a task is a key factor for understanding why they are achieving specific results. In addition, tracking these results is an important aspect to improving them. Quantified self is a field that consists of self-monitoring to gain a better understanding of your habits, health, and overall well-being. Examples of this method include tracking sleep patterns, daily steps, mood swings, and food intake.

This thesis aims to explore the potential of using an innovative self-quantification method that utilizes a mobile application that leverages alpha, beta, and theta waves to assess college students' attention …

Migrant Advocates' Perceptions Of School-Based Collaboration, Michael Young

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Migrant farmworker students are a marginalized group with unique needs. Federal law provides funding for Migrant Farmworker Advocates who support the educational and material needs of migrant farmworker students and their families in public schools. This exploratory study examines the question, how do migrant advocates collaborate with other professionals to support their students with graduation and transitioning to post-secondary opportunities? The study analyzes this unexplored professional relationship between migrant advocates and high school personnel and how they work together to serve migrant students. Data were collected through semi-structured single subject interviews from seven current or former Title I funded Migrant …

Artificial Intelligence Modeling Of Alzheimer's Disease And Environmental Science, Mohamed Abu Sheha

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A data-driven statistical model operates as a mathematical illustration of a tangible issuefaced in reality, enabling the creation of predictions or decisions based on data. The process of utilizing probability and statistical principles in statistical models is essential for deriving meaningful conclusions from the data. The research conducted in this dissertation utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) models to integrate findings across health and environmental sci- ence.

The first research study in this dissertation, Alzheimer’s disease is a mental health issue and a brain aging dilemma that makes it difficult for older people to complete daily tasks without assistance. The physician uses …

An Investigation Into Loneliness And Solitary Drinking In A University Sample, Daniel C. Faraci

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Alcohol consumption tends to occur in social contexts and has been shown to increase prosocial behaviors and facilitate social connection. Simultaneously, socially excluded drinkers tend to increase or continue problematic levels of alcohol consumption when alone, possibly consuming alcohol as a replacement for desired but unavailable social connection. This investigation attempted to examine the relationship between loneliness (i.e., lack of perceived social connection) and subsequent alcohol consumption in solitary versus social contexts using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) techniques. University students recruited through a research subject pool who drank at least once per week were asked to respond to 28 short …

Design Of A Satellite Tracking Mobile App Using Flutter And Android Studio Ide, Audrey Tahwa

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A pop-up free mobile application was developed utilizing one-minute intervals for positiontracking. Predictions are conducted off-line after the user has connected at least once. In In order to enhance data accuracy, the application includes a feature to download satellite data and update raw data to be used in prediction calculations. Additionally, users receive a notification when the application is ready for offline use.

Managing The Relationship Between Hispanic Voters And The State Of Florida: A Quantitative Survey Analysis, Selena M. Gonzalez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the relationship between registered voters of minority groups and the government of the states they reside in has become increasingly complex due to controversial legislation proposed and often passed in these states. Specifically, some states have passed laws that make it more difficult for Hispanic/Latinx residents to live and work. In particular, Florida has enacted legislation that makes it more difficult for members of the minority groups to vote, drive, and gain access to healthcare. Much of this legislation impacts the Hispanic/Latinx community, which can influence perceptions of the relationship this racial minority has with Florida’s state …

Teachers' And School Directors' Perceptions Of The Benefits Of Arts-Integrated Instruction K-2: Before, During, And After Covid-19, Alison H. Mehler

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of teachers who use arts-integrated instruction and their directors of K-2 students before, during, and after the unique period of online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in March of 2020. Arts integration is a method of teaching in which students are taught comprehension of subject areas (i.e. – math, science, reading, social studies) through art forms. These art forms include music, theatre, dance, art, and writing. I collected he qualitative data for this research through virtual interviews with five female participants. I transcribed these interviews and …

An Evaluation Of The Premack Contingency To Increase Physical Activity In Teenagers With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Shreeya S. Deshmukh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2018) recommends that teenagers engage in physical activity to improve their cardiovascular health and muscle and bone strength. Yet, most teenagers with and without autism spectrum disorder do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Research related to promoting physical activity has evaluated group contingencies, reinforcement-based interventions, and antecedent interventions; however, these interventions are time-intensive, require many resources, or are ineffective. The purpose of this study was to extend Allen and Iwata (1980) by reinforcing completion of a low-probability exercise to a specified criterion with access to a high-probability exercise. …

The Application Of Multi-Isotope Analysis To Assist In Geoprofiling Unidentified Decedents Within Florida, Liotta D. Noche-Dowdy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The biochemistry of human tissues can provide information for geoprofiling (geographic birthplace or migration patterns) of an unidentified decedent. Utilizing isotope analyses (both stable and radiogenic) from teeth, bone, nails, and/or hair reveals specific isotopic information that correlates to diverse geographic regions reflecting an individual’s birthplace and migration patterns. Isotope analysis of enamel and bone has been employed in bioarchaeology for decades to reconstruct the diet, health, and migration patterns of past populations. Isotope ratios measured from enamel can then be compared to isotope ratios measured from bone of the individual to track patterns of migration. The enamel from the …

Integrating Location Data Into Analytics: Methods, Applications, And Fairness In Public Healthcare, Arindam Ray

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the application of location data in healthcare management, focusing on epidemic spread forecasts and fairness in healthcare access. It demonstrates the power of location data in understanding and forecasting epidemic spread with two examples, using mobility metrics derived from the location data. The second example also considers the effect of social vulnerability along with population mobility and extends a popular deep-learning algorithm to accept static anddynamic data. The dissertation also proposes health equity measures by evaluating the alignment between healthcare facility locations and people’s mobility patterns, considering demographic factors. This research highlights the valuable insight location data …

Physiological And Circadian Outcomes Of Fkbp5 Imbalance: Insights From Two Models, Niat Tsegai Gebru

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Circadian rhythms are crucial in regulating various physiological processes, including mood regulation, and disruptions in these rhythms have been linked to several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. FKBP51, a protein involved in stress responses and glucocorticoid receptor function has emerged as a potential regulator of the circadian clock. FKBP51’s interaction with glucocorticoid receptors impacts the transcriptional regulation of circadian-related genes. In recent years, FKBP51 has been associated with genetic and epigenetic alterations in neuropsychiatric disorders, highlighting its potential as a target for intervention. The heterogeneity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, …

The Role Of Pregnancy Intendedness In Shaping Contraceptive Practices And Family Planning Experiences: Evidence From Sub-Saharan Africa, Otobo I. Ujah

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Despite the associated adverse health and economic implications associated with unintended pregnancy, there remains a paucity of literature examining the effect of unintended pregnancy on postpartum contraceptive and reproductive behavior in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Nigeria.

Aims: The overall aim of this doctoral dissertation was twofold. First, to quantitatively examine whether and to what extent the intendedness of a woman’s most recent pregnancy is linked to subsequent contraceptive behaviors and family planning experiences. Secondly, to disentangle the influence of compositional and contextual level factors on these study outcomes. In the first paper, I investigated the extent …

The Discovery Of First Ret Protac With In Vivo Activity, Yafeng Wang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This report mainly discusses the development of RET Proteolysis targeting chimera PROTAC molecules based on Selpercatinib (LOXO-292) and Sulfono-γ-AApeptide PROTAC. A PROTAC molecule is a bifunctional molecule composed of two active domains and a linker. It works by inducing selective protein intracellular degradation. This technology was first discussed by Kathleen Sakamoto, Ray Deshaies and Craig Crews in 2001. Using various E3 Ligase, such as CRBN, pVHL, beta-TrCP1, Mdm2, DCAF15, DCAF16, RNF114, and c-IAP1, the PROTAC technology has been applied to several novel drug development,. Yale University licensed the PROTAC technology to Arvinas in 2013–14. For my research, Chapter one summarizes …

3d Organ-Scale Models Of Tumor Growth And Treatment, Rafael Ramon Bravo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

To understand the dynamics of cancer, mathematical oncologists have developed models of tumor growth and treatment response. Some models are mechanistic and approach tumor growth at the cell-scale, focusing on the evolution of cancerous cells within the ecology of normal tissue, and are often simulated with agent-based modeling. Other models are more clinically motivated and model tumor growth operating at the organ-scale, using patient data to predict treatment response, and are often simulated with partial differential equations. We developed the Hybrid Automata Library which includes both agent-based modeling and partial differential equations for modeling at either of these scales. We …

Bayesian Analysis Of Hospital Service Quality: Pre- And Post-Covid, Ling Hu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The hospital sector is the largest revenue-generating industry in the United States, with a revenue of $1.4 trillion in 2022, accounting for 5.8% of the U.S. GDP. Its service quality profoundly impacts societal welfare, especially given the aging population reached 55.8 million in 2020 and is expected to reach 82 million by 2050. Therefore, multiple policies aim to incentivize sustained healthcare service quality improvements. As an integral component of the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) Program, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey, administrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), serves as a cornerstone …

The Influence Of Recycled Water On Microbial Source Tracking Techniques That Aim To Identify Untreated Sewage In Surface Waters, Aldo E. Lobos

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fecal pollution in recreational waters can introduce pathogens that cause increased human health risk, where exposure can occur during recreational activities such as swimming, diving, surfing, and fishing. Furthermore, human fecal pollution (i.e., sewage) can introduce nutrients and other harmful chemicals that may negatively affect the environment and aquatic species. Generally, sewage is considered the highest risk to human health compared to animal fecal pollution because it typically contains a high diversity of pathogens (including human specific viruses), antibiotic resistant bacteria and genes associated with antibiotic resistance. However, pathogens are difficult to detect due to their low concentrations in the …

Development Of Decision-Support Tools For Water Resources Management In Coupled Human-Natural Systems, Edgar J. Guerrón Orejuela

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Water is an indispensable resource for all forms of life. Water is a cornerstone for economic development, public health, and social well-being. However, increasing water demand and challenges posed by climate change, pollution, population growth, and land use change underscore the urgent need for effective water management strategies. To address these complexities and ensure the sustainable use of water resources, it is imperative to adopt science-based decision-support tools. These tools leverage data, models, and analytical techniques to provide valuable insights and recommendations that guide decision-makers in formulating evidence-based policies and practices.

Effective water management requires a comprehensive understanding of the …

Exploring Online Language Learning Activities And Intercultural Communicative Competence: Perspectives Of International Students, Moneera Abdulaziz Alsubaihi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Societies are increasingly aware of the need to connect and communicate globally. Thus, navigating diverse cultural contexts becomes critical, which necessitates intercultural competence—the skill of effective communication and understanding across cultures. As the digital age reshapes our interactions, online learning platforms have emerged as dynamic spaces that foster intercultural engagement and competency development. The purpose of this study was to explore this engagement and development through online English language activities that enhance international students' intercultural communicative competence (ICC) and language learning experience. This qualitative study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of international students' experiences in online English language courses, …

Evaluating Behavioral Skills Training For The Acquisition And Generalization Of Run Blocking Skills Of High School Football Players, Jason Caleb Wiley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Behavioral skills training has been used to increase football player’s performance in one prior study, but limited data were collected on how the skill generalized from the training environment to the natural environment. The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the effects of BST in enhancing football player’s performance while also evaluating the generalization of a skill taught in a training environment (i.e., practice) to the natural environment (i.e., game simulated scrimmage). This study included five high school offensive line football players and recorded their run blocking skills in the training context and a game context in baseline …