Digital Commons Network^™

Building Community Resilience Through Community Participatory Asset Mapping For Emergency Preparedness, Cassandra Y. Davila

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

A community's capacity to prepare, manage, and recover from a disaster determines its level of resilience. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends engaging community members in resilience planning to ensure sustainable strategies are implemented. This project uses community-based asset mapping to identify how community participatory methods influence community resilience to combat emergency events. An asset map documents a community’s existing resources, highlighting its strengths. Focus group discussions in the urban area will be conducted to obtain feedback about existing assets and suggestions for additional resources to include. The expected result of this project is to build a comprehensive map of …

Investigating The Acute Physiological Effects Of Effluent Crystal Violet On The Freshwater Bioindicator Daphnia Pulex, Hoang K. Ho

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This study examines the effects of acute exposure to crystal violet (CV) on the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia pulex in response to growing concerns over synthetic dyes from industrial runoff in aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective is to assess CV's impact on D. pulex's heart rate, mobility, morphology, and lethality via a series of acute exposure tests. 48-h acute toxicity (0-2000 μg/L), 48-h immobilization (0-180 μg/L), and 9-h heart rate (0-2,000 μg/L) tests were conducted using third-generation daphnids, followed by stereomicroscopic examination and statistical analysis. Results showed increasing mortality and decreasing mobility and heart rate with increasing CV concentration; the …

Propulsion Patterns And Joint Kinematics In Experienced And Inexperienced Wheelchair Users, Alexander J. Ginter

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

There are many ways to propel a wheelchair, including four main propulsion patterns. However, there are no definitive criteria for a “correct” form. This study investigated differences in wheelchair propulsion between experienced and inexperienced wheelchair users to determine any differences in propulsion patterns, joint kinematics, or speed between the two groups, indicating what contributes to a more mature form. Subjects were recorded pushing a wheelchair for twenty feet, then each video was analyzed using Kinovea, a software for tracking body movements. There will be differences in the propulsion patterns between the two groups, and inexperienced users will push more frequently …

Determining Evolutionary Conservation Of Mhc-E And Vista Interaction, Julia Glenn

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Research in the Weidanz laboratory is focused on cellular molecules which inhibit immune activation, known as immune checkpoints. One example is HLA-E, which can modulate immune responses at homeostasis or in the context of cancer. HLA-E typically acts by presenting short canonical peptides (VL9s) and binding to CD94/NKG2A receptors on NK cells and T cells. The Weidanz laboratory’s research has found that in the absence of these VL9 peptides, HLA-E binds to another immune checkpoint, VISTA, instead of CD94/NKG2A. Therefore, the HLA-E/VISTA interaction is peptide-dependent. The current study aims to determine if this peptide-dependent interaction is evolutionarily conserved using the …

The Process Of Creating A Visual Identity System From Scratch, Daisy L. Macias

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

A visual identity system is a collection of design elements that work together to maintain consistency through various applications. A study of iconic brands clarifies how a design is successfully executed. This creative project began with selecting an industry, writing a creative brief, curating mood boards for visual research, brainstorming a brand name, creating a set of graphics that aid the brand identity, and implementing these graphics together to create a successful visual identity system. For this project, an indie cinema was selected, and based on existing visual research for this industry, the design style referenced contemporary art. The final …

Investigating The Role Of Hopelessness In The Stress-Performance Relationship Among College Students, Vidushi Sabnani

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

As college students pursue higher education as a pathway to success, they face pressures that threaten their well-being and academic success. Balancing academic, financial, and social demands has led to a mental health crisis on campuses, with emotional stress cited as the leading cause of students discontinuing their education (Gallup, 2023). This study investigates the relationship between academic stress, perceived stress, and academic performance in college students. It also examines the Yerkes-Dodson law of a curvilinear relationship between stress and performance and the role of hopelessness as a mediator. A sample of 321 participants completed surveys assessing academic stress, perceived …

Exploring Smart Thermostat, Don P. Dang

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This study examines the security, privacy, and compatibility challenges associated with smart thermostats in smart home systems. Smart thermostats, as part of the growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, face vulnerabilities such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and inconsistent security protocols. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research evaluates encryption techniques, communication protocols (Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi Fi), and user behaviors that impact system security and efficiency. Key findings indicate that 35% of users are concerned about hacking risks, while 25% express data privacy concerns. Many users lack awareness of security measures, such as firmware updates and password management, which increases vulnerabilities. …

Architectural Narrative: Exploring The Convergence Between Architecture And Film In Narrative Construction, Cynthia A. Carbajal

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This study explores the relationship between architecture and film, focusing on how both disciplines function as storytelling mediums through spatial and visual techniques. This research analyzes how both fields help shape experiences and the built environment. The methodology employed in this research consisted of analyzing selected films and specific architectural projects to assess the compositional techniques used within these works. The findings reveal a similarity in how architecture and film use cinematic and spatial design techniques to evoke an emotional response and heighten a narrative's depth, thereby enhancing the user’s experience. This study suggests a deeper understanding of this interlinking …

The Role Of Eor-1/Plzf In Promoting Soma Compartment Specific Death In A Non-Canonical Cell Death Program In C. Elegans, Nathan Rather

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an essential evolutionarily- conserved and genetically encoded program for normal development and homeostasis. A previous study identified a CED-3 dependent but mechanistically non-apoptotic and highly stereotyped elimination program called Compartmentalized Cell Elimination (CCE) in the C. elegans tail-spike epithelial cell (TSC). Here the transcription factor EOR-1/PLZF is found to promote CCE. The loss of which results in a persisting non-engulfed soma with enlarged nuclei in the first larval stage. This study finds that EOR-1 and its established partners function downstream of CED-3 Caspase protease activity, a role distinct from other PCD contexts where EOR-1 has …

Q-Learning In Starclash, Hanani Pankaj

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Developers create video games using Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents to provide a challenging opponent in a single-player game. However, studies show that when Reinforcement Learning (RL) agents are used, they outperform the AI agents. This project sought to test how RL agents would perform in StarClash, a video game without RL agents, using Q-Learning. This was done by creating two Q-Learning agents: a Simple agent and an Advanced (more complex) agent. These two agents were tested against each other and a Random AI agent. As expected, the Advanced agent did better than the Simple agent but only performed slightly better, …

Investigating The Impact Of Mindfulness Practice On Quality Of Life And Anxiety Levels In College Students, Ope L. Oyeyemi

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Anxiety disorders are becoming more common among college students, seriously affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. This study sought to investigate how current mindfulness practices and willingness to engage in mindfulness relate to psychological outcomes in college students. Participants (N=432) were students ≥ 17 years old recruited from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Analyses compared differences in levels of anxiety, quality of life, depression symptom severity, cognitive dysfunction, and stress based on participant self-reported willingness to engage and current time spent engaging in mindfulness practices. It is expected that students who currently engage in more mindfulness will …

Pixel: Ai Chatbot For Clear And Effective Senior Design Assistance, Asmin Pothula

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This research explores the development of an AI-driven chatbot named Pixel, specifically designed to assist Computer Science and Engineering Senior Design students by providing immediate, clear, and accurate responses to project-related queries. While my Senior Design project focuses on developing a "Senior Design Project Management Tool," my honors capstone project centers on developing Pixel and integrating it into both the project management tool and the CSE Senior Design Knowledge Base. Pixel leverages this knowledge base to offer guidance on tasks such as using lab equipment, performing technical procedures, and troubleshooting common issues, ensuring that students have swift access to relevant …

Implementing Down Syndrome Accessibility Features Through Renovations In The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Bailey G. Samide

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Down Syndrome is a developmental disability that affects all stages of development. To create accessible spaces, demographic information, such as age, about the users must be considered and the appropriate features should be added to cater to each stage of development. A few of the appropriate features include mobility improvements, setting clear spatial boundaries, and utilizing lighting techniques. This study explores the feasibility of implementing Down Syndrome accessibility features through renovations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Using existing literature, a 3D mockup of the more optimal alterations was developed. A heatmap was created based on a variety of data, and …

Natural Lighting As A Strategy For Sustainable Design, Grace Holdsworth

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Modern buildings are increasingly reliant on artificial light to illuminate interior spaces, decreasing the importance of natural light in architectural design. However, the adverse effects of climate change, catalyzing blackouts and rising energy costs, have made this reliance a significant issue. This study aimed to analyze the benefits of daylighting in architectural design and its ability to improve buildings’ sustainability. To examine the impact of sunlight on the perception of a space, a light box study model was constructed, and the interior was photographed periodically from sunrise to sunset. This study highlighted the dynamic quality of sunlight, and its ability …

Analyzing Head Morphology Trends With Increasing Population Density In A Jamaican Lizard Species, Lillian Durand

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Anolis lizards are model organisms for studying natural selection and evolutionary processes. One trait that is hypothesized to be advantageous for males is head size, as larger heads lead to stronger bite forces and increased likelihood in outcompeting other males for mates. To better understand how linked head size and intraspecific competition are, the head morphology of male A. lineatopus was analyzed among Jamaican populations with varying levels of population density. Population densities were determined using standardized plot surveys and mark resight models. Head dimensions and body condition for individual lizards were measured at each site. My study found that …

Characterizing 2d Materials Using Positron Impact Induced Electron Spectroscopy And Development Of A Novel Thin Film Zno Based Piezo-Photonic Detector For Cryogenic And Mems Applications, Pratyanik Sau

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Surface analytical techniques are essential for engineering nano-detectors allowing characterization of their chemical composition, electromechanical properties, and physical structure. In the first chapter, the positron impact-induced secondary electron (PIISE) energy spectra and yield from single-layer graphene (SLG) and multi-layer graphene (MLG) grown on a polycrystalline Cu substrate have been presented. In the second chapter, an extensive catalog of Positron Induced Auger Spectra is presented to aid in the analysis of elemental composition of various materials. Additionally, in the third chapter, a novel detection scheme utilizing the piezo-pyroelectric properties of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) thin films have been demonstrated for its application …

Investigating Abortion Care For Women Of Color And Low-Income Women In A Post-Roe Texas: Studying Abortion Accessibility Via Planned Parenthood, Bijahn M. Prox

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Women of color and low-income women are among the most vulnerable parties affected by restrictive abortion policies. This study investigates the accessibility-related impacts of overturning Roe v. Wade by researching Planned Parenthood’s Texas system and services, with a primary interest in abortion care. The state’s longstanding conservative political stance provides a rich landscape to study the long-term effects of conservative reproductive policies. The study’s approach is founded on feminist theory methodology, which recognizes issues on feminism and analyzes the systems that perpetrate the injustice of interest. The reproductive injustice catalyzed by Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, thereby releasing abortion …

A Machine Learning Approach To Multifactorial Modeling Of Episodic Memory Performance, Evan Fletcher, Marianne Chanti-Ketterl, Emily Hokett, Yi Lor, Umesh Venkatesan, Paola Gilsanz, Rachel Whitmer, Ruijia Chen, Kristen George, Zvinka Zlatar

Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Papers

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive health is influenced by multiple modifiable and non-modifiable lifestyle factors. Machine learning tools offer a promising approach to better understand complex models of cognitive function. We used extreme gradient boosting (XG Boost), an algorithm of decision-tree modeling, to analyze the association between 15 late-life lifestyle and demographic factors with episodic memory performance. METHOD: Our dataset consisted of 2247 participants from the KHANDLE and STAR cohorts. Participants included 841 men and 1406 women, an ethnoracial diversity of 413 Asian, 987 Black, 349 Latinx, and 496 White adults with age range 54-90 (mean = 74). XG Boost models of continuous …

The Role Of Family In Chinese Students’ English Language Learning And Key Suggestions, Bohui (Hollie) Liu, Jia Wei

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This article examines the influence of Chinese families on their children’s English language learning, with a focus on the role of family support in shaping students’ English learning. Using Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) as a theoretical framework, this article analyzes how family resources, emotional support, and parental expectations foster Chinese students’ motivation and language acquisition. By synthesizing current literature, this article reveals the impact of family socioeconomic status, parental involvement, and positive psychological support on students’ self-efficacy, motivation, and language proficiency. Additionally, it highlights the potential negative effects of high expectations and excessive pressure, which may lead to …

Proceedings Of The Global Conference On Education And Research: Volume 5, Waynne B. James, Muhittin Cavusoglu, Cihan Cobanoglu

University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

This is the fifth volume of the Global Conference on Education and Research Proceedings Series.

ISSN: 2572-6374

Book Reviews, Jessica Depew, W. Maclane Hall, Kathryn Greenberg

Trotter Review

Book Reviews for Volume 23, Issue 2 of theTrotter Review.

Labeling Energy Drinks: Tackling A Monster Of A Problem, Meredith P. Mulhern, Michael S. Sinha

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Energy drinks first rose to popularity in the 1980s after the creation of Red Bull. In addition to high caffeine amounts, energy drinks often contain herbal stimulant additives, vitamin and mineral mixtures, and sugar. There is very little information available on the long-term effects of these stimulant mixtures on the body. Although many consumers purchase energy drinks because of their caffeine content, many are left in the dark when it comes to labeling transparency and are unaware of their true contents. Energy drinks are classified as dietary supplements, meaning they are not directly regulated by the FDA before hitting store …

Forced To Weather The Storm: Reforming The Livestock Indemnity Program To Improve Farm Animal Welfare, Cameron Krier Massey

Journal of Food Law & Policy

Each year, extreme weather events put the lives and wellbeing of millions of farm animals at risk. These events can lead to injury, suffering, acute and chronic stress, decreased productivity, and loss of life. As storms increase in frequency and intensity, efforts should be made to ensure livestock are protected. This paper proposes modifications to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), a federally run disaster assistance program that compensates livestock owners and growers for animal deaths and reduced value caused by eligible conditions, including extreme weather. Surprisingly, the program does not require producers to show proof and use of a disaster …

Asian American Reproductive Rhetorics: A Rhetorical Analysis Of "The Farm" By Joanne Ramos, Mckinlee Armstrong

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Rhetorical scholars have long analyzed the idea of choice in the context of reproductive rights and have concluded that individual choice does not override the systematic barriers women of color face in accessing reproductive healthcare. Most Asian American rhetorical artifacts that have reached this same conclusion are case studies. I propose that analyzing Asian American fiction, specifically The Farm by Joanne Ramos, is just as necessary because fiction demonstrates the barriers that might exist in the future and how to prevent them from happening. The framework I use to analyze this text is the Asian American rhetorical concept of restiveness, …

Analysis Of Contemporary Choral Music, Meghan Hatfield

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This capstone is a culmination of work from the past two years to create an upper-level music theory elective called “Analysis of Contemporary Choral Music.” In this document, I will describe the process of designing the course, how it was implemented, how I participated in the teaching of the course, and what I learned through each process.

This project, which I started in the fall of 2022 as an URCO grant, was created with three goals in mind:

1. Getting more choral music into music theory classrooms
2. Getting more music theory into choral classrooms
3. Doing these things while reflecting the diversity …

The Feminist Cultural Exchange Between Japan And The United States: A Study Of Articles 14 And 24 In The Japanese Constitution, Kiara Adams

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

This paper explores the feminist cultural exchange between the United States and Japan, focusing on how this exchange has shaped each country’s respective feminist movement. A central component of the paper is its examination of the histories of women’s rights in both nations, shaped by key historical events such as war, economic crises, and feminist activism, and how these histories have influenced current gender policies. It also explores how cultural narratives, including the creation myths of Japan and the U.S., have defined gender roles and women’s rights in each country. Through historical analysis, the paper examines the reciprocal influence between …

Storytelling Through Usu's 10-Minute Play Festival, Sarah Anne Polizzotto

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

The 10-Minute Play Festival served as the culminating experience of my undergraduate education, combining my skills in stage management, directing, dramaturgy, and arts administration. The project aimed to create an accessible, student-led theatrical event that celebrated inclusion, storytelling, and collaboration. This portfolio highlights both the creative and administrative aspects of my work, showcasing the planning, research, and execution necessary to bring the festival to life. As the festival’s student organizer, I handled administrative tasks such as securing performance rights, designing promotional materials, and coordinating rehearsals. Drawing from dramaturgical research, I developed a vision for my directed play, Three Drunk Poets …

Professional Portfolio: Assessment Of And Strategies For Improving A Middle School Student’S Mathematics Performance, Gwenyth O. Falck

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This project explores strategies to help secondary students with disabilities improve their mathematics performance. With eighth-grade math scores trending downward and algebra serving as a critical gateway to higher education, target interventions are needed. The literature review highlights two main instructional methods: the Explicit Inquiry Routine (EIR) and the Concrete-Representational-Abstract Integration (CRA-I). Both incorporate physical and virtual manipulatives. These approaches have been shown to help students grasp algebraic concepts, retain what they have learned and apply the skills to new types of problems.

In addition to the research review, this paper includes assessment and intervention reports for a seventh-grade student …

Assessment Of Gender Differences In Letters Of Recommendation For Physical Therapy Residency Applications, Darren Q Calley, Sunyang Fu, Marissa D Hamilton, Austin W Kalla, Christopher K Lee, Veronica A Rasmussen, John H Hollman, Hongfang Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Letters of recommendation (LOR) are an integral component of physical therapy residency applications. Identifying the influence of applicant and writer gender in LOR will help identify whether potential implicit gender bias exists in physical therapy residency application processes.

Review of literature: Several medical and surgical residency education programs have reported positive, neutral, or negative LOR female gender bias among applicants and writers. Little research exists on gender differences in LOR to physical therapy education programs or physical therapy residency programs.

Subjects: Seven hundred sixty-eight LOR were analyzed from 256 applications to 3 physical therapy residency programs (neurologic, orthopaedic, sports) …

Composition Studies At The Us-Mexico Border, José Luis Cano

Writing and Language Studies Faculty Publications

This essay discusses the conflict a compositionist from the US-Mexico border encounters in teaching composition amidst migration. Through autohistoriando, the author shares his experiences inside and outside of the composition course at this border to analyze and respond to this conflict.