Digital Commons Network^™

Learning Resilience: Veterans Of Color Learning Positive Coping Strategies., William Carpenter

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore how veterans of color learned positive coping strategies to endure the challenges experienced during their transition from active duty. There has been limited research examining the veterans’ of color experiences during their transition from active duty military. The research questions focused on how veterans of color were learning to adjust and cope in response to the adverse experiences they encountered during their transition. The theoretical framework used for this investigation was a combination of Mezirow’s transformative learning theory and adult learning theory.

For this study, seven Black Post 9/11 veterans of African …

Exploring Saudi Families’ Engagement In The Us Early Childhood Schools: Experiences Of Bearing The Burden, Sarah Alberaidi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A vast body of research in early childhood education has shown the positive effect of parents' engagement on children's emotional, cognitive, and social development. However, researchers identified limitations to parent involvement activities within the culturally diverse context. The purpose of this case study was to fill the literature gap in exploring how Saudi families engage in their children's early education in the United States. Within the context of sociocultural theory, Muscrit theory, family ethnothories, and mirror, window, sliding glass doors framework, this study aimed to understand the family engagement practices of three Saudi families whose children enrolled in early childhood …

Functional Studies Of Dcaf14 In Replication Fork Stability And Genome Integrity, Neysha Tirado-Class

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The response to replication stress is critical for ensuring the stability of replication forks and preserving genome integrity. To aid this response, several factors are recruited to stalled replication forks to prevent irreversible collapse of the replication machinery. Replication fork proteomic analyses of stalled forks reveal enrichment of DCAF14, a component of the Cullin4-RING (CRL4) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, that mediates replication fork protection by blocking nuclease-mediated digestion of nascent DNA. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism by which DCAF14 functions in the context of replication stress. Notably, loss of function mutations in DCAF14 are associated with a …

Exploring Spin Dynamics Using Time-Resolved Magneto-Optic Kerr Effect Spectroscopy, Arup Barua

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The interaction between light and matter plays a crucial role in numerous systems, including optoelectronicdevices such as Photodiode (PD), Laser diode (LD), LED, solar cells to even biological components like photosystem II, and potential upcoming quantum technologies. Light is absorbed or emitted usually at a scale smaller than a nanometer, with associated processes happening within attosecond to picosecond durations. It is known that in a vacuum, static magnetic fields do not affect light. On the other hand, the magnetic field or magnetization of a material affects the light that passes through or is reflected by the material. The magneto-optic effect …

Group B Streptococcus Intestinal Barrier Disruption And The Protective Role Of Butyrate, Kristen Dominguez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae; GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis worldwide. Intrapartum antibiotics in GBS-colonized mothers significantly reduced the incidence of early-onset sepsis occurring in the first week of life; however, there are currently no prophylactic interventions for late-onset sepsis, occurring within the first 3 months of life. GBS is a pathobiont that primarily colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and can cross the intestinal barrier via both the paracellular and transcellular routes, causing invasive disease. Neonatal susceptibility to GBS intestinal translocation is mediated by inadequate epithelial barrier function and microbiome immaturity; however, the mechanisms by which GBS exploits …

Antarctic Atmosphere-Ocean-Ice Interactions During Past Warm Climates: An Ice-Proximal Perspective, Imogen Mireille Browne

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Antarctica’s ice sheets contain 58 m of sea level equivalent ice and thus exert a fundamental control on global sea level on decadal to million-year timescales. Interactions between Antarctica’s ice sheets, regional atmospheric circulation, and the Southern Ocean influence ice sheet mass balance, sea ice formation, and deep water production, which regulate Earth’s climate. At present, Antarctica’s fringing ice shelves and outlet glaciers, particularly in West Antarctica, are losing mass as warm ocean waters move landward across the continental shelves, melting the underside of ice shelves and eroding glacial grounding lines. In East Antarctica, net ice mass gain is occurring …

Advances In Model Reference Adaptive Control: Exploring Gain Scheduling, Scalability, And Time-Varying Command Following, Jesse Jaramillo

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Feedback control architectures are fundamental for achieving a desired response in physical systems. A robust and reliable design must account for system uncertainties and exogenous disturbances, which may arise from phenomena such as modeling approximations, nonlinearities, degraded modes of operations, wind gusts, or structural impairments. Two widely recognized methods to mitigate the negative impact of uncertainties and disturbances are robust and adaptive control architectures. Specifically, robust control designs ensure stability by considering a worst-case scenario, which can potentially lead to suboptimal performance or steady-state errors depending on the nature of the uncertainty. In contrast, adaptive control designs offer the capability …

Soaked In Alcohol: Beyond The Female Archetype As Reflected In Djuna Barnes, Dorothy Parker, And Zelda Fitzgerald, Chondell C. Villines

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study surveys the use and abuse of alcohol within the literature of Modernist female authors of the Jazz Age, 1920 – 1930. An examination of the works of Djuna Barnes, Dorothy Parker, and Zelda Fitzgerald is conducted to understand their treatment of alcohol consumption by women and how this treatment is more complex than their male counterparts. This dissertation focuses on each author’s use of alcohol in developing their fictional female characters and how, when, and why they drink. These questions directly relate to the use and abuse of alcohol to assuage trauma, or as a reaction to trauma. …

From Graph Theory For Robust Deep Networks To Graph Learning For Multimodal Cancer Analysis, Asim Waqas

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the intersection of graph theory and deep learning, focusing on enhancing the robustness of deep neural networks (DNNs) and applying these advancements to complex problems like cancer diagnosis and treatment. We investigate the structural properties of graphs and their influence on neural network performance, particularly in multimodal learning. The work delves into the design space of DNN architectures using graph-theoretic measures, transforming graphs into DNN architectures for various tasks, and examining their robustness against noise and adversarial attacks. The study extends to medical imaging, highlighting advanced DNN architectures like U-Net for brain tumor segmentation. It addresses the …

Investigation Of The Use Of Recycled Concrete Aggregates In Porous Asphalt Mixture, Asad Elmagarhe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to address the national need for using recycled concrete in road pavements. This is especially important in the governmental and corporate sectors, where reducing the cost and carbon footprint of construction projects is a priority. The long-term goal is to meet the public demand for environmentally friendly infrastructure and minimize the harmful effects of waste disposal on humans and the environment.

The project focuses on using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in porous asphalt pavement to reduce stormwater runoff, a popular environmentally friendly road design. However, compared to regular dense asphalt mixtures, porous asphalt mixtures (PAM) are more …

Porphyrin Overdrive In Cancer: Unraveling The Mechanisms And Therapeutic Potential, Pravin D. Meshram

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The increased understanding of cancer cell metabolism has shown options for novel treatment strategies. This thesis looks at the role of heme metabolism, specifically "porphyrin overdrive," in cancer progression and treatment. Cancer cells are hypermetabolic and rely on heme synthesis. When treated with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), they abnormally accumulate heme intermediates. This metabolic weakness presents an opportunity to exploit heme synthesis in targeted cancer therapy. In this study, we suggest a "Bait and Kill" technique that uses exogenous ALA to induce protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) buildup in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to oxidative stress. We investigate the possibility of …

Narrative Reflection In Collaborative Composition: A Facilitated Approach To Group Processing In Middle Grades, Gretchen M. Dodson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study was situated at Mountain Middle School (Pseudonym). Students at Mountain Middle School often engage in collaborative compositions embedded within week-long multidisciplinary and multiage units of study called Odysseys. These units of study and the collaborative composition projects are classified as formal cooperative learning. Johnson et al., (2010) identified five elements that make cooperative learning effective. These effective elements are: “positive interdependence, individual accountability, promotive interaction, appropriate use of social skills, and group processing” (Johnson et al., 2010, p. 1). The teachers currently design collaborative learning experiences emphasizing four of the five elements of cooperative learning. Together, we identified …

Gender Role Depictions In Arabic Children’S Picture Books, Aljawharah A. Almuqbil

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study aimed to explore gender role depictions in children's Arabic picture books. The importance of this study emerged from its focus on young children, where the concept of gender begins to be constructed. This study provided insight into the nature of gender roles in children’s picture books, especially under the remarkable changes that Saudi society is witnessing and the lack of Arab studies in this area. Social cognitive theory, gender schema theory, and critical literacy pedagogy guided the study. A sample of 26 picture books was selected from the Child Book Club at King Abdulaziz Public Library and analyzed …

“Siguiendo Adelante”/ "Moving Forward:" Gender-Based Violence (Gbv) Service-Seeking And Survivorship Among Indigenous Guatemalan Women, Caitlynn C. Carr

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines Indigenous women’s access to and beliefs regarding gender-based violence (GBV) services and the Guatemalan legal system. It illuminates the legal, structural, and institutional challenges and power dynamics associated with seeking support and justice for women in Guatemala, as well as why and how women decide to seek formal assistance. This research also investigates changes in attitudes and beliefs regarding women’s rights, gender roles, and formal and informal forms of support for GBV survivors. Utilizing a mixed-methods, engaged anthropological approach during 10 months of ethnographic fieldwork in two primary locations in Guatemala, this dissertation explicates qualitative data collected …

Modeling Pelagic Feeding In The Gulf Of Mexico With Implications For Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management, Rebecca L. Scott

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this dissertation was simulating trophic dynamics in the pelagic Gulf of Mexico (GOM) with an emphasis on ecosystem-based fishery management (EBFM) strategies for large pelagic species. Fisheries management in the United States largely utilizes single-species assessments, although managers are increasingly interested in EBFM approaches to better account for ecosystem effects on stocks such as predator/prey dynamics. Production in the surface layer of the pelagic zone is variable with environmental conditions and prey is often concentrated in patches by hydrodynamic features. Production is also transported vertically via diel vertical migration, during which deep-sea species provide potentially key forage …

Mathematical Modeling Of Tumor Response Dynamics To Predict Progression-Free Survival In Patients With Recurrent High-Grade Glioma, Daniel James Glazar

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, I aim to develop a mathematical model describing tumor volume response dynamics to perform individual dynamic predictions of progression-free survival (PFS) on patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (rHGG).

Patients with rHGG have a dismal prognosis with median overall survival (OS) of <12 months and median PFS of <7 months. However, there is a wide heterogeneity in treatment responses. Therefore, to aid clinicians with making decisions to alter therapeutic protocol, I would like to predict patient-specific PFS.

To perform individual dynamic predictions, I employ the Claret tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model. I further develop this model by coupling it with two different survival models. Inter-patient heterogeneity is also taken into account through mixed effects, including covariate effects. Model PFS predictions were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis as well as Brier …

Stochastic Analytical Predictive Models For Life Sciences And Crop Production Process, Erasmus Tetteh-Bator

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Analytical predictive modeling uses algorithm-based mathematical, probabilistic and statistical methods to anticipate future events by identifying patterns in past data. It is a technique for predicting outcomes and a key application of statistical analysis in real-world scenarios. Real data-driven predictive models in various fields, such as life sciences, economics,or production industry, help individuals and institutions make data-driven informed decisions, which is essential for business success, providing companies with a competitive edge.

One of every five adult deaths is caused by heart disease and one person dies every 33 from cardiovascular disease in the United States according to the Center for …

Optimizing Cybersecurity Operations Using Data-Driven Intelligence, Jalal Ghadermazi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cybersecurity operations centers (CSOCs) play a crucial role in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats. CSOC operations are divided into two main areas: Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security response team (SRT) operations. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) advancements have significantly improved IDSs. IDS can be either flow-based, suitable for offline analysis, or packet-based, which analyze traffic in real-time. However, packet-based IDS often treat packets independently, ignoring the sequential nature of network communication. Additionally, recent ML/DL approaches also struggle with capturing global and structural information and novel attack detection due to their reliance on labeled data. The SRT within …

Transforming Organizational Cyber Security With Artificial Intelligence And Data-Driven Optimization, Soumyadeep Hore

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a comprehensive framework for enhancing organizational cybersecurity through data-driven intelligence. The research integrates multiple methodologies to tackle challenges in network intrusion detection and vulnerability management within cybersecurity operations centers (CSOCs). First, the research investigates vulnerability prioritization and mitigation techniques currently employed by CSOCs. To further streamline the vulnerability prioritization and mitigation process a machine learning (ML)-based Vulnerability Priority Scoring System (VPSS) is introduced, significantly improving the prioritization and mitigation of context-sensitive vulnerabilities. The VPSS outperforms traditional methods, reducing the cumulative vulnerability exposure score by up to 30% by considering both organizational context and vulnerability severity. Next, the …

A Robust Data-Driven Framework For Artificial Intelligent Systems, Quoc H. Nguyen

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems have demonstrated remarkable performance across various domains. However, their robustness remains a critical concern, particularly in terms of data and model reliability. This dissertation aims to address the challenges associated with building robust AI systems by focusing on two key aspects: data robustness and model robustness. Data robustness poses significant challenges, including data shift, concept shifting, limited and imbalanced datasets, and interoperability issues in IoT systems for data collection. Existing methods fall short in handling dynamic business objectives and evolving data landscapes effectively. To bridge these gaps, we propose an IoT framework that ensures interoperability, seamless …

Black Holes In Time: The Effect Of Grid Radiation On The Tumor Immune Microenvironment, Rebecca A. Bekker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Tumor-immune interactions shape a developing tumor and its tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) resulting in either well-infiltrated, immunologically inflamed ‘hot’ tumor beds, or ‘cold’ immune deserts with low levels of infiltration. The pre-treatment immune state of the TIME is associated with treatment outcome; immunologically hot tumors generally exhibit better responses to radio- and immunotherapy than cold tumors. However, radiotherapy is known to induce opposing immunological consequences, resulting in both immunostimulatory and inhibitory responses. In fact, it is thought that the radiation induced tumoricidal immune response is curtailed by subsequent applications of radiation. Thus, I hypothesize that spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT), administered …

Model-Based Systems Engineering For Engineering Education Systems Simulation, Pallavi Singh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As the engineering education system continuously evolves to meet the demands of modern industry and society, there is a need for a methodology that would manage and resolve the complexities inherent in engineering educational systems. Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a structured approach to system design that utilizes models across all stages of the system's life cycle and supports requirements management, design, analysis, verification, and validation processes. While MBSE has been applied successfully in industries like defense, aerospace, and automotive, its application in engineering educational systems remains unexplored. This dissertation develops a dynamic model of the university-level engineering education system …

Reaching New Generations: Exploring Museums' Social Media Strategies For Engaging Younger Audiences In The Post-Covid-19 Era, Lauren Parker

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the evolving landscape of museum communication and marketing strategies on social media, particularly focusing on engaging younger audiences in the post-COVID-19 era. Through qualitative interviews with marketing managers and social media coordinators from ten American museums, this research identifies strategic communication goals, changes in social media strategies post-pandemic, and specific tactics for engaging younger audiences, especially on TikTok. The study revealed that museums have key strategic communication goals for their use of social media: increasing visibility and awareness, fostering community engagement, and providing educational outreach. Post-pandemic, museums significantly enhanced their digital presence by increasing digital programming, utilizing …

Modeling The Development Of Borderline Personality Disorder: A Formal Theory Approach, Alexandria M. Choate

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex disorder characterized by instabilities in emotion regulation, impulse control, and interpersonal relationships. BPD affects adolescent and adult populations at similar rates, with traits often detectable in late childhood or early adolescence. Despite some progress in the understanding of BPD and its development, contemporary theories have yet to address several important questions in the literature. The present study suggests that many limitations associated with current theoretical models of BPD may be attributable to an overdependence on verbally specified, or weak theories. In most cases, weak theories are constructed using vague or imprecisely defined hypotheses …

Pyramidal Behavior Skills Training To Increase Behavior Specific Praise In Juvenile Residential Staff, Kyra E. Ludwiszewski

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Ensuring consistent and effective behavioral treatment services for youth in juvenile residentialfacilities remains a challenge. In recent years, behavioral skills training (BST) has been combined with pyramidal training to teach behavior analytic procedures to staff in various settings. This study aimed to examine the implementation of the pyramidal BST with supervisory and floor staff in a juvenile residential setting that serves high-risk youth exposed to various forms of trauma and victimization. The study employed a multiple baseline design across participants, involving one supervisory staff member and three floor staff members. The objective was to evaluate the impact of pyramidal BST …

The Use Of Proactive Progressive Muscle Relaxation To Increase Academic Engagement For Elementary School Students, Lillian G. Mccook

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) has been shown to produce desired outcomes by decreasing disruptive behavior in the classroom and increasing academic engagement. The integration of technology into the educational setting alleviates some of the burden on educators and enhances the learning experience for students. This study evaluated the effectiveness of brief video-based PMR to increase academic engagement in the classroom with three elementary school students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, this study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of video based PMR within a classroom setting. Results from this study show that PMR was a feasible, acceptable and effective …

Using Functional Communication Training For Students With Disabilities, Carey J. Walls Iv

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

When implementing functional communication training (FCT), a gradual reduction in the frequency of reinforcement becomes necessary to minimize the resurgence of problem behavior and systematically fade out the FCT intervention. This study evaluated the implementation of FCT combined with a delay-to-reinforcement procedure for children with disabilities who engage in problem behavior due to limited communication skills. The study participants were three elementary school students, ages 9 or 10 years old and their respective paraprofessionals and classroom teachers in two self-contained classrooms at two public schools. The intervention outcomes for functional communication response (FCR) and problem behavior were evaluated using a …

Teaching Caregivers To Implement The Picture Exchange Communication System: An Evaluation Of Video Modeling, Carlie Lawson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities may not develop functional vocal repertoires. For these individuals, the use of an alternative augmentative communication (AAC) system may be required. Training caregivers to use an AAC system with their children can increase communication in the home. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is type of AAC commonly used with individuals that have little to no vocal speech. Video modeling is a training procedure that has been shown to be effective when training individuals to implement behavioral analytic procedures. To date, there is no published research on the use of video modeling to train caregivers …

Using Instructive Feedback To Expand Second Language Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Barbara D. Rodriguez

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

There are millions of people who speak multiple languages (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019), yet there is a common misconception that teaching a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) more than one language will cause delays in language acquisition (Trelles & Castro, 2019). This misconception has led to fear amongst bilingual caregivers, resulting in many choosing to not speak to their child in their heritage language, which in turn can cause communication barriers between them and their child. It is imperative that a child from a bilingual home can communicate (e.g., respond to instructions) in both languages. However, because many children …

Anonymized Identity Recognition And Classification Using Privacy Preserving Facial Encoding, Manas Sanjay Pakalapati

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The need for sharing large-scale datasets to train deep neural network models, particularly in healthcare, raises significant data security and privacy concerns. To address these issues, methods such as data encryption or encoding are utilized. These techniques can encrypt the data and make it unreadable to humans, while still retaining its usefulness for training models.

In this study, we investigate various image encoding techniques designed to protect privacy by making images unrecognizable while still retaining their usefulness for model training. Our investigation utilized publicly available facial databases and focused on evaluating the trade-offs inherent in image encoding techniques, with a …