Digital Commons Network^™

Linear Extremal Problems In The Hardy Space HP For 0 < P < 1, Robert Christopher Connelly

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we consider linear extremal problems in the H^p spaces. For many of these extremal problems, a unique solution can be guaranteed. We will examine some of the classical examples of extremal problems in these spaces. With this framework in place we will then consider a particular problem which does not always have a unique solution.

Can Selection Tests Administered Via Video Games Reduce Faking?, Philip Scott Ramsay

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

One of the fundamental underlying assumptions of selection procedures is that the information gathered from applicants is accurate, and thus, will predict performance on the job (Donovan, Dwight, & Schneider, 2014; Schmitt & Sinha, 2011). As self-report instruments such as paper-and-pencil tests and unsupervised online surveys become more prevalent in organizational selection contexts (Truxillo & Bauer, 2011) due to ease of use and cost efficiency, the concern of applicants faking responses to inaccurately portray themselves as more highly desirable is increasingly critical (Hough, Oswald, & Ployhart, 2001). Depending on the exact magnitude of the particular selection event, this compromise of …

Simulation Studies On Ecg Vector Dipole Extraction In Liquid Medium, Pratheek Michael

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

To circumvent some inherent problems in the conventional ECG, this research reinvestigates an ‘unassisted’ approach which enables ECG measurement without the placement of leads on the body. Employed in this research is a widely accepted assumption that the electrical activity of the heart may be represented, largely, by a 3-D time-varying current dipole (3D-CD). From the PhysioBank database, mECG and fECG data were obtained, and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) was performed to estimate the time-varying Vector ECG dipole. To determine the sensing matrix responsible for transforming the activity of the 3D-CD into the potential distribution on the surface of the …

Schreier Graphs Of Thompson's Group T, Allen Pennington

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Thompson’s groups F, T, and V represent crucial examples of groups in geometric group theory that bridge it with other areas of mathematics such as logic, computer science, analysis, and geometry. One of the ways to study these groups is by understanding the geometric meaning of their actions. In this thesis we deal with Thompson’s group T that acts naturally on the unit circle S¹, that is identified with the segment [0, 1] with the end points glued together. The main result of this work is the explicit construction of the Schreier graph of T with …

Characterizing The Evolution Of Slab Inputs In The Earliest Stages Of Subduction: Preliminary Evidence From The Fluid-Mobile Element (B, Cs, As, Li) Systematics Of Izu-Bonin Boninitic Glasses Recovered During Iodp Expedition 352, Keir Aavon Sanatan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fluid-mobile elements (FMEs) such as B, Cs, As, Li and Tl can mobilize readily under low P-T conditions (0.2-0.5 GPa). This makes them effective geochemical tracers that can be used as a way of tracking fluid-rock exchanges at the shallow depths encountered in the earliest stages of subduction.

The Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) subduction system is unique in that it preserves a record of the sequences produced from the onset of subduction through the development of arc magmatism. International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 352 recovered >800m of boninite core material from the earliest IBM magmatic events.

Select boninitic glasses from these …

Latitudinal Position And Trends Of The Intertropical Convergence Zone (Itcz) And Its Relationship With Upwelling In The Southern Caribbean Sea And Global Climate Indices, Kaitlyn E. Colna

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a feature that results from the ocean-atmosphere interactions in the tropics around the world. The ITCZ is characterized by surface wind convergence, tall storm clouds, and it forms a belt of high time-averaged precipitation around the globe. The ITCZ undergoes seasonal migrations between 5°S and 15°N roughly following the subsolar point on Earth with the seasons, with a mean annual position located slightly above the Equator, between 2° and 5°N.

This study tested the hypothesis that there was a northward shift in the median position of the ITCZ in the first decade of the …

"Mothers Like Us Think Differently": Mothers' Negotiations Of Virginity In Contemporary Turkey, Asli Aygunes

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Even though virginity in Turkey is commonly defined, thus gendered, as losing the hymen, in Turkish society, discourses of virginity connect to broader discussions, such as modernity, morality, social honor/shame, religion, family values, and even medicine (vaginismus and artificial hymen surgery). Previous scholarship on women’s rights in Turkey outlines how historical approaches by Kemalist secularism were not enough to diminish oppressive social norms such as virginity and how the current conservative government and elements of traditional Turkish society perpetuate virginity as an important virtue for unmarried women. This study adds seven Turkish mothers’ interpretations of what I am calling the …

Forging Blockchains: Spatial Production And Political Economy Of Decentralized Cryptocurrency Code/Spaces, Joe Blankenship

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cryptocurrencies and blockchains are increasingly used, implemented and adapted for numerous purposes; people and businesses are integrating these technologies into their practices and strategies, creating new political economies and spaces in and of everyday life. This thesis seeks to develop a foundation of geographic theory for the study of spatial production within and surrounding blockchain technologies focusing on acute studies of Bitcoin as cryptocurrency, Ethereum as digital marketplace, and their conditions of possibility as decentralized autonomous organizations. Utilizing concepts from Henri Lefebvre's Production of Space, this thesis situates blockchain technologies within the wider discussion about the political economy of …

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics Of Soil Composition And Accumulation Rates In Mangrove Wetlands, Joshua L. Breithaupt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Coastal wetlands are globally important environments for biogeochemical cycling and are the object of intensive research related to the sequestration and exchange of carbon with oceans, continents, and the atmosphere. Wetland soil core records of organic carbon (OC) provide insights about future ecosystem responses to global change by identifying temporal variability in the context of environmental changes including sea level rise (SLR), anthropogenic reductions in freshwater flow, and landscape-scale disturbance events. My studies of Gulf of Mexico mangroves involved the use of radiometrically-dated soil cores to identify spatial and temporal accumulation trends of various constituents including organic and carbonate carbon, …

Stormwater Infiltration And Groundwater Integrity: An Analysis Of Bmp Siting Tools And Groundwater Vulnerability, Kristopher Craig Gallagher

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nonpoint source pollution captured by urban stormwater runoff is the greatest challenge for surface water quality improvements. Computer-based design tools have been developed to help mediate this issue by guiding end users through the implementation of decentralized stormwater management. The majority of these tools focus on treatment via biofiltration, yet concern regarding this treatment regime is rising. Case studies from research past clearly indicate the susceptibility of groundwater to contamination from extensive anthropogenic activity at the surface. Contaminants, such as nitrates and pathogens, are not completely removed before runoff enters the underground watercourse. Additionally, national and state legislation, which explicitly …

Interference Mitigation, Resource Allocation And Channel Control Techniques For 4g And Beyond Systems, Mustafa Harun Yilmaz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The usage of the wireless communication technologies have been increasing due to the benefits they provide in our daily life. These technologies are used in various fields such as military communication, public safety, cellular communication. The current systems might not be sufficient to meet the increasing demand. Therefore, the new solutions such as the usage of smart antennas have been proposed to satisfy this demand. Among different solutions, cognitive heterogeneous networks (HetNets) have been recently introduced as a promising one to meet the high user demand. In cognitive Hetnets, there are secondary base stations (SBSs) with secondary users (SUs) and …

Fatty Acid Biomarker Detection For Breast Cancer Using Differential Mobility Spectrometry With Non-Radioactive Ion Source, James Joseph Alberti

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Differential Mobility Spectrometry (DMS) using a non-radioactive ion source (NRIS) is investigated as a possible medical diagnostic instrument for near real-time detection of breast cancer biomarkers. In previous clinical studies, concentrations of Linoleic, Palmitic and Stearic fatty acids have been observed at different levels in women with carcinoma breast cancer versus women with benign tumors or healthy women showing no signs of breast cancer. Present diagnostic methods require a biopsy of the suspect tissue and a microscopic lab analysis performed to determine its disease state. This process can take hours or days before the patient and doctor are informed of …

Orthoplanar Spring Based Compliant Force/Torque Sensor For Robot Force Control, Jerry West

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A compliant force/torque sensor for robot force control has been developed. This thesis presents methods of designing, testing, and implementing the sensor on a robotic system. The sensor uses an orthoplanar spring equipped with Hall-effect sensors to measure one component of force and two moment components. Its unique design allows for simple and cost effective manufacturing, high reliability, and compactness. The device may be used in applications where a robot must control contact forces with its environment, such as in surface cleaning tasks, manipulating doors, and removing threaded fasteners. The compliant design of the sensor improves force control performance and …

Heat Flux Modeling Of Asymmetrically Heated And Cooled Thermal Stimuli, Matthew Hardy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Thermal sensation is one of the most dynamic stimulus-response systems in the human body. It is relied upon for safety, comfort and general equilibrium of the human body. Thermal sensation is dependent upon many variables such as area of effected skin, rate of temperature change and location of stimulation. It has been shown that certain rates of change can intensify the sensation of heating or cooling. Conversely, sufficiently low rates of change can go undetected by the skin. As such, the thermal response system can be manipulated by the proper combination of applied hot and cold stimuli. Previous research has …

Media Velocity Considerations In Pleated Air Filtration, Frederik Carl Schousboe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Asset protection in the form of fluid filtration makes up an ever-increasing part of the civilized and industrialized world. Fluid filtration applications in the conditioned environment and life sciences are affording the world’s population a chance to better realize their potential, while industrial applications help ensure that high demand processes can be carried out safely, reliably, and effectively.

In the present work, a tool has been developed, using the computational fluid dynamics package FLUENT, to allow the designer to better predict the magnitude of geometric imperfections within a given pleat configuration.

Pleated rectangular filters, intended to improve the quality of …

Re-Ethnicization Of Second Generation Non-Muslim Asian Indians In The U.S., Radha Moorthy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

When discussing Asian Indian population in the U.S. their economic success and scholastic achievement dominates the discourse. Despite their perceived economic and scholastic success and their status as a “model minority”, Asian Indians experience discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization from mainstream American society. These experiences of discrimination and perceived discrimination are causing second generation Asian Indians to give up on total assimilation and re-ethnicize. They are using different pathways of re-ethnicization to re-claim and to create an ethnic identity. This thesis provides evidence, through secondary sources, that Asian Indians in the U.S. do experience discrimination or perceived discrimination, and it is …

How Lessons From A Past Disaster Can Influence Resilience And Climate Adaptation In Broward County, Florida, Hannah Rose Torres

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the face of future uncertainties, many places are struggling with decisions about how to prepare for and adapt to climate change. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the concept of resilience, and uncover lessons for resilience-building exposed by a past disaster, Hurricane Wilma.

The dissertation begins with an introduction (Chapter 1) detailing the research problem, key terms and overall research design. The study was conducted in three distinct phases. The first phase (Chapter 2), explored the concept of resilience to understand how it was defined in three South Florida communities. Content analyses of city and …

Geographical Information Systems (Gis) Applied To Urban Nutrient Management: Data Scarce Case Studies From Belize And Florida, Charlotte Juliane Haberstroh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nutrient inputs into the environment greatly impact urban ecosystems. Appropriate management strategies are needed to limit eutrophication of surface water bodies and contamination of groundwater. In many existing urban environments, retrofits or complete upgrades are needed for stormwater and/or wastewater infrastructure to manage nutrients. However, sustainable urban nutrient management requires comprehensive baseline data that is often not available. A Framework for Urban Nutrient (FUN) Management for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was developed to specifically address those areas with limited data access. Using spatial analysis in GIS, it links water quality, land use, and socio-demographics, thereby reducing data collection and field-based …

Evaluating A Graduate Professional Development Program For Informal Science Educators, Jeremy Paul Lake

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study is an examination and evaluation of the outcomes of a series of courses that I helped build to create a graduate certificate. Specifically, I wanted to evaluate whether or not the online iteration of the Informal Science Institutions Environmental Education Graduate Certificate Program truly provided the long term professional development needed to enhance the skills of the formal and informal educators participating so that they could contribute meaningfully to the improvement of science literacy in their respective communities.

My role as an internal evaluator provided an extraordinary opportunity to know the intent of the learning opportunities and why …

Something Looks Phishy Here: Applications Of Signal Detection Theory To Cyber-Security Behaviors In The Workplace, Jaclyn Martin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cyber-security is an ever-increasing problem in the 21^st century. Though the majority of cyber-security breaches are a direct result of human error (Hu, Dinev, Hart, & Cooke, 2012), there is a dearth of research in psychology on the application of human decision-making for cyber-security compliance. Through an online inbox simulation, the present research examined the utility of a robust psychological model for decision-making, signal detection theory (SDT) for modeling decision-making in the context of receiving and responding to phishing and spear-phishing email scams. The influence of individual differences, specifically conscientiousness, on phishing email detection was also examined. The results …

Initial Comparative Empirical Usability Testing For The Collaborative Authentication System, Kim Bursum

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Collaborative Authentication (co-authentication) system is an authentication system that relies on some or all members of a pre-registered set of secure hardware tokens being concurrently present to an authentication server at the moment of authentication. Previous researchers have compared various embodiments of the co-authentication system to each other including using Quick Response (QR) codes/cellphone cameras and Near Field Communication (NFC) between tokens. This thesis concerns the initial design and implementation of empirical comparative testing mechanisms between one embodiment of the co-authentication system and other commonly used authentication systems. One contribution is the simulated standard user ID and password login …

Optimal Bidding Strategy For A Strategic Power Producer Using Mixed Integer Programming, Sayed Abdullah Sadat

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The thesis focuses on a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation for a bi-level mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) considering chance constraints. The particular MPEC problem relates to a power producer’s bidding strategy: maximize its total benefit through determining bidding price and bidding power output while considering an electricity pool’s operation and guessing the rival producer’s bidding price. The entire decision-making process can be described by a bi-level optimization problem. The contribution of our thesis is the MILP formulation of this problem considering the use of chance constrained mathematical program for handling the uncertainties.

First, the lower-level poor operation …

Southern Ocean Transport By Combining Satellite Altimetry And Temperature/Salinity Profile Data, Michael Kosempa

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Zonal geostrophic velocity fields above 1975 dbar have been estimated for the Southern Ocean from 2004 to 2014 based on sea surface topography observed by Jason altimetry and temperature/salinity measured by Argo autonomous floats. The velocity at 1000 dbar estimated has been validated against Argo drift trajectory at the same pressure level available from the Asia Pacific Data Research Center (APDRC). Errors in mapping of dynamic ocean topography, temperature, and salinity have been quantified using the Southern Ocean State Estimate (SOSE). Analysis of errors reveals significant correlations between depth-dependent and –independent contributions to the integrated transport. Further analysis revealed optimal …

New Reaction Discoveries In Gold Catalysis, Seyedmorteza Hosseyni

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, gold catalyst was employed to catalyze intermolecular reactions. Intramolecular reactions were far more advanced than intermolecular reaction in gold catalysis. With finding suitable ligands for gold catalysts, we were able to develop several transformations to synthesize interesting building blocks in organic chemistry including: allenes, furans, spiros, oxepines, propargyl ethers and ketones. These functionalities were synthesized by the use of triazole-gold(I) catalyst. Triazole, as a ligand bond to gold, showed enhanced stability of the catalyst, which resulted in better yields. Gold(I)/(III) redox chemistry also used for cyclopropanol ring openings which resulted in synthesizing substituted ketones.

Land Use, Stream Stability, And Benthic Invertebrates In A Dry Forest Watershed Of Western Costa Rica, Jacqueline Ann Demko

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There is a paucity of data on dry forests, the most threatened biome in the tropics. The Nandamojo is a tropical dry forest watershed in Western Costa Rica that has been impacted by varying degrees of human induced modifications. This research was conducted to examine the influence of land use and channel characteristics on invertebrate communities within a sub basin of the Nandamojo watershed. This study addressed three hypotheses: (1) sites with low tree cover and small riparian buffer zones will have high erosion, (2) macroinvertebrate abundance will be lower at sites with low channel stability values, and (3) benthic …

Science In The Sun: How Science Is Performed As A Spatial Practice, Natalie Kass

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes how spatial organization impacts science communication at the St. Petersburg Science Festival in Florida. Through map analysis, qualitative interviews, and a close reading of evaluation reports, the author determines that sponsorship, logistics, exhibitor ambience, and map usability and design are the factors most affecting the spatial performance of science. To mitigate their effects, technical communicators can identify these factors and provide the necessary revisions when considering how science is communicated to the public.

Effects Of Anthropogenic Activity On The Green Swamp Preserve Ecosystem, Barbara Ann Nordheim-Shelt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Green Swamp Preserve is a large geographic area that has sustained many changes since Europeans settled in Florida. There has been little published research on the impacts of anthropogenic activity on this system. This thesis research seeks to document more recent changes in the Green Swamp and to evaluate the effects of various human activities on the system. The study period is from 1985 to 2015. For this time period changes in land use and landcover were examined using neural network classifications. Changes in vegetation health were evaluated by examining Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Green Vegetation Index …

Hydroalkynylation Of Oxocarbenium Intermediates Via Au(I) Catalysis, Courtney Smith Smith

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Au(I) catalysis has recently emerged as a powerful tool for the realization of a broad range of organic transformations. Despite this rapid development, attaining selectivity and maintaining catalyst stability remain significant challenges. Rational ligand design, such as the employment of NHC or TA ligands, has been used to confront these issues. This thesis focuses on the use of Au(I) catalysts bearing these ligands for the selective hydroalkynylation of enol ethers. By employing a TA-Au stabilized catalyst, [(OAr)₃PAu(TA-H)]OTf, the intermolecular hydroalkynylation of enol ethers, a substrate that is well-known to promote decomposition of the gold cation, was efficiently achieved. …

What Makes Water Policy Sustainable? An Analysis Of Water Policy In Us Cities, Rebecca Brady David

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation works to create a clearer understanding of sustainability in water policy. Current water policy in four US cities was compared to a matrix of recommended sustainability themes that have been presented in the literature to determine the extent of which these themes have been implemented into water policy. To best analyze policy for sustainability it is necessary to look at the policy of cities that are considered sustainable. This was determined by a city’s inclusion in “Most Sustainable US Cities” lists. The two cities that best represented sustainability were Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA. The research also …

Impact Force Reduction Using Variable Stiffness With An Optimal Approach For Jumping Robots, Juan Manuel Calderon Chavez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Running, jumping and walking are physical activities that are performed by humans in a simple and efficient way. However, these types of movements are difficult to perform by humanoid robots. Humans perform these activities without difficulty thanks to their ability to absorb the ground impact force. The absorption of the impact force is based on the human ability to vary muscles stiffness.

The principal objective of this dissertation is to study vertical jumps in order to reduce the impact force in the landing phase of the jump motion of humanoid robots. Additionally, the impact force reduction is applied to an …