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Exploration Of Factors Associated With Perceptions Of Community Safety Among Youth In Hillsborough County, Florida: A Convergent Parallel Mixed-Methods Approach, Yingwei Yang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Youth perceived safety is not only linked to crime and violence in a neighborhood but is also associated with health risk behaviors and certain neighborhood characteristics. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to measure the co-occurring effects of individual and community risk factors by conducting a secondary data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) and to explore reasons for youth feeling safe/unsafe in their community using photovoice methodology.

Methods: Syndemic theory/model served as the theoretical framework to guide this mixed-methods study with a convergent parallel design. The quantitative strand (first manuscript) utilized an existing dataset collected from middle …

Identifying Barriers And Facilitators To Improve Hepatitis C Virus Screening, Linh M. Duong

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Background: Birth cohort hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening recommendations were issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Despite this, studies have reported low HCV screening rates. Currently, the prevalence of HCV screening rates nationally is unknown and there are no in-depth studies that have evaluated the barriers or facilitators of HCV screening. Our study aimed to fill this gap by 1) conducting a systematic literature review to assess the national HCV screening prevalence, 2) evaluating temporal trends in HCV screening using a large academic …

People With Parkinson’S And Care Partners Of Pwps’ Uncertainty Management Through Information Strategies, Amy Haywood

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores how people with Parkinson’s (PwP) and care partners of PwP manage the uncertainty surrounding Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD causes both motor and cognitive decline in patients, which may affect each individual differently (Williamson, Simpson, & Murray, 2008). There is no-known cure or cause for PD, meaning it is shrouded in uncertainty from the first symptom to the ongoing management process. This disease also affects care partners because of its variability in symptoms and progression. For this reason, this research, which is part of a larger study, interviewed both care partners of PwP (n= 10) and those diagnosed …

Male And Female Students’ Persistence In Stem Fields In Community Colleges: A Secondary Analysis Of Nces Bps:12/14 Data, Ying Hu

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Today, economic growth, technology advancement, and daily life are all driven by science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). American colleges and universities need to produce more STEM graduates in order to meet rapid job growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the significant factors that influence the persistence of STEM students in community colleges. The research described the characteristics of STEM students who persisted and of those who did not in STEM, as well as the different characteristics between male and female students. It also investigated student and institutional factors that influenced STEM students’ persistence. Furthermore, the study …

The Effect Of Acute Interpersonal Racial Discrimination On Smoking Motivation And Behavior Among Black Smokers, Patricia F. Calixte-Civil

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In comparison to White smokers, Black smokers are more likely to report both discrimination and less success in smoking cessation. No previous study has tested the causal relationship between actual experienced racial discrimination and smoking variables associated with cessation. The goal of this study was to test the casual influence of interpersonal racial discrimination on smoking motivation (i.e., the urge to smoke cigarettes, cessation self-efficacy, and smoking behavior) using a controlled experimental design. We used a virtual ball-playing game to create a laboratory model of racial discrimination. A 2x2 between-subjects factorial design (inclusion/exclusion vs. ingroup/outgroup) was used to randomly assign …

The Role Of Influencer Endorsement In Consumer Brand Engagement On Sina Weibo, Xiaofan Wei

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The strength and effectiveness of influencer advertising and influencer marketing make them becoming more and more popular on social media. Consumer online brand engagement, including consuming, contributing, and creating brand-related content, is closely related to a brand’s reputation and image. This study aims to determine how the two aspects related to influencer endorsement – influencer-follower parasocial interaction (PSI) and influencer-brand congruence -- affect three levels of consumer online brand-related activities (COBRAs) on Sina Weibo. Another purpose of the current study is to examine the mediation effect of personal identity (PI) and social identity (SI) in the relationship between influencer-follower parasocial …

Counseling Skills And Behaviors Of Genetic Counselors: A Qualitative Study, Abigail Zale

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Research is needed to ensure the frameworks created to ensure best clinical practice for the genetic counseling (GC) profession align with current GC clinical practice. Nineteen practicing genetic counselors in prenatal, pediatric, or cancer specialties were interviewed to elicit their session goals and the counseling skills utilized within sessions and to determine how closely responses align with the Framework for Outcomes in Clinical Communication Services (FOCUS) and Reciprocal Engagement Model (REM). As part of a qualitative content analysis guided by FOCUS, quotes extracted and coded into key themes using RQDA software demonstrated consistency with REM goals and categories within the …

Functional Significance Of Endothelial Sigma-1 Receptors In Vascular Reactivity And Barrier Function, Zeinab Y. Motawe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The sigma-1 receptor (σ1) is a single 25 kD polypeptide that acts as a chaperone protein residing primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum Its interaction with mitochondria at the mitochondria-associated ER membrane domain is well-documented. Following activation, σ1 binds to the inositol trisphosphate receptor (Hayashi & Su), and modulates intracellular calcium homeostasis. Also, the activated σ1 modulates plasma membrane receptors and ion channel functions, and may regulate cellular excitability. Further, σ1 affects trafficking of lipids and proteins essential for neurotransmission, cell growth and motility. Activation of σ1 provides neuroprotection and cardio-protection in various models. Examples of neuroprotection include but not limited …

Gabbing While Gaming: Commandeering Commercial, Off-The-Shelf (Cots) Video Games To Structure Student-Centered Social Studies Discussion, Joshua M. Patterson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Amidst the current cultural backdrop of debilitating digital addiction and malicious misinformation campaigns, secondary social studies instructors require every possible tool to engage students stuck in the haze of simulated reality. While nationwide mastery of the subject area is wedged between failure (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2020) and apathy, three-dimensional, entertainment-driven simulations are progressing at an exponential rate of adolescent adoption and historical accuracy. In this phenomenological case study, I capitalize on pupils’ preference for virtual integration by outlining a pedagogical approach that harnesses the trinity of content knowledge, discursive prowess, and video game aptitude. Video game titles were …

A Social Network Analysis Of Online Gamers' Friendship Networks: Structural Attributes Of Steam Friendships, And Comparison Of Offline-Online Social Ties Of Mmo Gamers, Juan G. Arroyo-Flores

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study traces the boundaries of online-based social networks and its possible extensions and intersections with offline social networks. It focuses on the Massive Multiplayer Online gaming community. Most online gaming research has only addressed one side of the equation, i.e., the online aspect of social interaction, omitting the offline context. The primary objective is to look at both offline and online social contexts of gamers. The analysis suggests that overall offline ties are slightly more important than online. Still, this does not imply that online ties are not meaningful at all. The length of their online relationships plays a …

Disrupting The Heteronormative Mindset In Teacher Preparation Through Inclusive Children's Literature, Denise I. Donahue

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Because of discrimination that presents itself through bullying based on identity, and the lack of positive LGBTQIA+ representation within classroom lessons, there is a need for a higher quality of preparation for teachers in order to create inclusive environments.

All teachers, particularly new teachers, need to know how to effectively work with diverse learners to meet their needs academically, emotionally and socially. This includes preparing teachers to instruct students and work with families who include LGBTQIA+ members. LGBTQIA+ students are often marginalized, discounted, harassed or invisible. (Kosciw, Greytak, Zongrone, Clark, & Truong, 2018). There is a need for a higher …

Walking Each Other Home: Sensemaking Of Illness Identity In An Online Metastatic Cancer Community, Ariane B. Anderson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Increasingly, online settings serve as primary social contexts for patient interaction, playing a crucial role in ways participants access medical information and turn to each other for support. Stage IV (metastatic) cancer patients like myself know what it is like to be overwhelmed by the complex array of medical tests, treatments, and information we are expected to assimilate. My late stage disease status necessitates I routinely grapple with not merely the kinds of support I think I need or how those needs will be met, but also what meanings I assign to my experiences. Consequently, as a member of The …

The Efficacy Of Comedy, Mark Anthony Castricone

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Efficacy of Comedy: Focusing on the efficacy of comedy as a genre, utilizing Aristotle, Nietzsche, and Heidegger’s philosophy. It begins with a historical analysis of the efficacy of comedy in Ancient 4th and 5th century Athens focusing on Aristotle’s conceptions of comedy. It analyses what Aristotle wrote about comedy and attempts a reconstruction of what his book on comedy from the poetics may have said. It then examines the shift to aesthetics rather than the Philosophy of Art with a focus on Kant and the Critique of Judgment. Comedy here is used as an interpretive tool in order to …

Springs Of The Arabian Peninsula: Historical Trends, Current Status And Human Impact In Saudi Arabia, Oman And Jordan, Kamal M. Aljohani

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research was conducted to update previous studies of the springs of the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan). Approach: 76 springs were surveyed in between March and July 2018: 15 Saudi Arabia, 41 Oman and 20 Jordan to ascertain the current status, water quality and zooplankton benthos and fish communities. Investigation of the changes of biota and chemical parameters downstream from the springs source in Saudi Arabia. Results: Mercury exceeded the WHO and USEPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) in 63 of 76 springs, Aluminum exceeded MCL in 8 of 76 springs, and both were the common dissolved heavy …

Cancer-Related Risk Behaviors And Screening Intention Among Recreational Sport Athletes, Aldenise P. Ewing

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The recreational sports arena provides a venue for young adults to increase physical activity and engage in a socially supportive environment. These are both important ways to decrease the risk for chronic diseases. It is assumed that physically active individuals lead healthier lifestyles and are more attuned to their long-term health needs. Recreational sport athletes also engage in risks for adverse cancer outcomes through increased sun exposure, intake of unhealthy diets, and recreational tobacco and alcohol use. It was of interest to assess cancer-related risk factors, cancer knowledge, and theory of planned behavior constructs in this group.

This study involved …

Chemical Tools And Treatments For Neurological Disorders And Infectious Diseases, Andrea Lemus

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Neurological disorders have multiple etiologies such as genetics and age. Stress related disorders are becoming more common and diagnosed more often. Mental health disorders are no longer being treated as purely psychological. Mechanisms into the underlying factors of these disorders continue to bring this area to new frontiers. Chapter 2 of this dissertation focuses on the efforts made to prove the association of the protein FKBP51 to the stress response. We synthesized and used a molecular tool to discover and prove these interactions.

The study of neurodegenerative diseases is of continued importance as the world reaches record numbers of an …

Cultural Competence: Reflections And Self-Efficacy In A Preservice Teacher-Education Program, Jennifer Fernandez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore preservice teachers’ sense of confidence working with English Learners, and the ability to transfer that confidence to self-efficacy in cultural competence. Specifically, the study evaluated an infused ESOL endorsement program integrated into a teacher preparation program at a local Florida state college. The qualitative study derived information from retrospective data from past assignments in two ESOL specific courses required for students in two different programs, Elementary Education, and Exceptional Student Education. Additionally, data were analyzed from semi-structured interviews in which five preservice teachers participated.

Findings uncovered four major themes and multiple subthemes. …

Development Of A Voxel-Based Monte Carlo Radiation Dosimetry Methodology For A Targeted Alpha Particle Therapy, Christopher John Tichacek

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The use of targeted ligands to deliver radioisotopes directly to tumor cells is a promising therapeutic strategy. Because of the short path length and high LET of alpha particles, targeted alpha particles are ideal for treating metastatic disease while minimizing damage to non-targeted tissues. However, clinical methods for determining 3D radiation dosimetry in patients with multiple metastatic lesions are needed to support clinical translation of novel targeted alpha particle therapies for personalized treatment, especially in patients that have previously received radiotherapy. Recently interest in novel radiopharmaceutical development has grown significantly. However, compared to external beam radiation therapy, progress in customizing …

Effect Of Atypical Protein Kinase C Inhibitor (Dnda) On Cell Proliferation And Migration Of Lung Cancer Cells, Raja Reddy Bommareddy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer, and it is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Elevated levels of PKC-ι and FAK are implicated in the progression of lung cancer and involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell survival, and cell migration processes. Lung cancer diagnosis typically occurs in the late stages, which limits the treatment options. Hence, there is a dire need to develop drugs that are effective and safe to treat lung cancers. We used a novel aPKC inhibitor named DNDA (3,4-amino-2,7 napthalene disulfonic acid) to study the role of atypical PKCs (aPKCs) …

Ecological Responses Of Seascape Heterogeneity, Dinorah H. Chacin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A core aim of landscape ecologists as well as conservation and management practices has been to understand how processes that structure communities vary as a function of landscape context. Landscape heterogeneity (i.e. landscape composition, configuration) and fine-scale habitat characteristics can influence ecological interactions across habitat patches at a range of scales. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to apply a landscape ecology perspective to understand how seascape heterogeneity can influence demographic rates, community patterns, and ecological processes. To accomplish this overall goal, I conducted a literature review on oyster reefs from a seascape ecology perspective (Chapter 1) and …

Lung Cancer Cells Survive Egfr Tki Exposure Through Upregulation Of Cholesterol Synthesis, Mark Howell

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer related death in both males and females. About 20% of all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are expected to harbor an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutation. EGFR inhibitors have been shown to provide clinical benefits over chemotherapy for lung cancer patients with EGFR activating mutations. However, despite the initial clinical responses to these EGFR targeted therapies, long-term efficacy is not possible because acquired drug resistance hampers the effectiveness of these therapies. We found that a fiber inspired smart scaffold (FiSS) platform established in our laboratory allows growth of …

Construction Of G-Quadruplexes Via Self-Assembly: Enhanced Stability And Unique Properties, Ying He

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation mainly contains three parts: 1) The construction of well-defined G8-octamers through the monomer conformational design. 2) The construction of cross-layer interactions in the G8-octamer for enhanced stability in H-bond competitive solvents. 3) Design and synthesis of 8-triazole guanosine with photoluminescent properties.

Through the structural conformational design, we have developed a new class of guanosine derivatives with modification on guanine (8-aryl) and ribose (2’,3’-isopropylidene). This unique design has led to the formation of the first discrete G8-octamer with structure characterized by NMR, MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The selectivity between monovalent (K+) and divalent cat-ions (Ba2+ and Sr2+) …

Identifying Employees Who Fit With Electronic Communication Styles, Britany Telford Mills

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Electronic communication is no longer solely used by globally dispersed work teams. It is an integral part of today’s organizations whether they include remote workers or not. Therefore, it is important to understand how employees perceive electronic communication from their supervisor and the impact that perception has on the worker. Researchers have been adamant in the assertion that relationship-oriented communicated is better conducted face-to-face. The current study seeks to add to the existing body of research by (1) examining how the proportion of relationship-oriented communication that is electronic affects both subordinate perceptions of communication openness and subordinate job satisfaction, and …

First-Principles Simulations Of Materials Under Extreme Conditions, Kien Nguyen Cong

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The investigation of materials at extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature (high-PT), has been one of the greatest scientific endeavors in condensed mater physics, chemistry, astronomy, planetary, and material sciences. Being subjected to high-PT conditions, materials exhibit dramatic changes in both atomic and electronic structure resulting in an emergence of exceptionally interesting phenomena including structural and electronic phase transitions, chemical reactions, and formation of novel compounds with never-previously observed physical and chemical properties. Although new exciting experimental developments in static and dynamic compression combined with new diagnostics/characterization methods allow to uncover new processes and phenomena at high P-T conditions, …

Innovating Green Stormwater Infrastructure For Nutrient Management: Long-Term Field And Modeling Studies Of Conventional And Modified Denitrifying Bioretention Systems, Emma V. Lopez-Ponnada

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Urban stormwater and nutrient management are increasingly important topics to address globally, as coastal urbanization increases, disturbing the natural landscape, hydrology, and water quality. Untreated urban stormwater runoff carries pollutants that enter our waterways, such as rivers and marine environments, which serve as drinking water sources, recreational sites, and locations for economic livelihood. One pollutant and nutrient of concern for water quality is reactive nitrogen (N). Since pre-industrial time, reactive nitrogen has doubled from human activity. When found in excess in waterways, nitrogen causes an overabundant growth of algae, which can result in eutrophic and hypoxic conditions, impacting ecosystems, human …

Game-Based Science Education: Effect Of Aesthetics On Learning And Motivational Outcomes, Lucille Moon-Michel

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The study of how aesthetic qualities of games affect student learning and motivational outcomes is an area in need of research in the instructional design field. Existing research in this realm is either lacking or does not provide comprehensive criteria for assessing its effectiveness on student outcomes. The purpose of this dissertation was to address this gap in literature by producing two articles based on a systematic literature review and a game-based learning quasi-experiment.

In Chapter Two, the systematic literature review gathered 44 studies published within the last decade to find trends in game design, visual game attributes, and research …

Amyloid Protein Aggregation And Associated Toxicity, Chamani A. Niyangoda

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which amyloid fibrils accumulate and deposit into plaques and intracellular inclusions which lead to disruption of the tissue architecture and function. Most of the amyloid diseases are incurable due to a lack of understanding of the amyloid formation, as well as associated toxicity. My research work is focused on three different aspects of amyloid aggregation.

The aim of the first project is to investigate the potential use of deep-blue autofluorescence (dbAF) as an intrinsic optical probe to study amyloid self-assembly. This novel fluorescence signal is excited at the long wavelength edge of the …

The Role Of Atypical Protein Kinase C In Colorectal Cancer Cells Carcinogenesis, S M Anisul Islam

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. CRC is a life-threatening disease due to therapy-resistant cancerous cells. The exact mechanisms of cell growth, survival, metastasis and inter & intracellular signaling pathways involved in CRC are still a significant challenge. Moreover, the treatment of metastatic CRC considered palliative for many years aimed for an improved life, with little hope of a cure, highlighting the need for developing novel targeted therapy for CRC. Hence, investigating new molecular mechanism(s) that lead to colorectal carcinogenesis may give insight into the therapeutic target. …

An Ecology Of Care: Training In Dependence And Caretaking In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Elizabeth Rossbach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This project investigates the popular open-world fantasy RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (CD Projekt RED 2015) and the ways in which the Witcher 3 brings questions of care and dependence to a digital medium so often thought of in terms of violence and/or mastery. Much of the previous discourse on video games, particularly role-playing games, has tended to center on violence and what this might mean for players behavior or the potential real world effects of this violence. Departing from a focus on violence I argue that the Witcher 3, reveals the potentials of open-world RPG video games to …

Disciplinary D/Discourses: Navigating And Negotiating Disciplinary Paradigms, Michael R. P. Bailey

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Over the past twenty-five years, in the United States, zero-tolerance policies that were initially implemented to deter gun violence and drugs in schools have expanded to include a wide range of discretionary offenses such as disrespect and defiance. As a result, many students have been denied access to educational opportunities, been excluded from their peers, and had their lives irrevocably changed due to systemic sanctioning of exclusionary practices. Educators, who are caught between competing societal demands, job expectations, and ethical beliefs about their profession are tasked with balancing the instructional and interactional components of their work in an attempt to …