Digital Commons Network^™

Uc-242 Ac-10 Ai & Music Processing, Michael J Zboinski, Selam B Kelil, Sterling J Wilson, Michael Egwuatu

C-Day Computing Showcase

There is a broad range of styles and philosophies, for teaching young children how to play music. Some are based on repetition and memorization of songs, and others build up a foundation of musical patterns and motifs. Arguably, the latter style, will better develop the skills needed for improvisation and composition of new music. Inspired by this observation, we aim to improve the ability of (recurrent) neural networks to synthesize music based on a more careful training.

Uc-247 Using Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment (Dda) To Improve Health And Wellness Apps And Programs, Fernando Orfila

C-Day Computing Showcase

Physical inactivity, obesity and Type 2 Diabetes cost the United States’ economy more than $700 billion a year (CDC). Yet, individuals spend $137 billion dollars a year on gym memberships to get in shape and feel better, without attaining results and dropping out. “…63% of new members will abandon activities before the third month, and less than 4% will remain for more than 12 months of continuous activity.” (Sperandei et al). The personal training apps don’t fare better, with 71% of users disengaging within 90 days (Amagai et al). The higher chances of people dropping out are due to "a …

Ur-239 Human-Ai Annotator Tool​, Anh Duong, Habeebah Muse, Chase Castro

C-Day Computing Showcase

The HK-01 Human-AI Annotator Tool is a web-based system developed to facilitate the annotation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) for mental and behavioral health, using ICD-10 codes. The tool allows multiple expert annotators to tag critical information, making it easier to catalog patient data accurately. Future plans include integrating AI to streamline and scale the annotation process, improving both efficiency and accuracy.

Gmc-146 Legal-Insight - Legal Text Summarizer, Ravi K Rogannagari, Sasi Pavan Khadyoth Gunturu, Lakshmi Narasimha Naidu Sripathi

C-Day Computing Showcase

Many people struggle to fully understand complex legal documents, such as terms of service agreements, contracts, and privacy policies, due to dense jargon, small fonts, and lengthy paragraphs that make critical information difficult to grasp. This lack of clarity can lead individuals to inadvertently agree to terms they might not fully understand or miss important clauses. Recognizing these challenges, we developed LegalInsight to make legal information more accessible and comprehensible. LegalInsight simplifies lengthy legal documents by creating clear and concise summaries, allowing users to easily digest essential information. It also includes an interactive Q&A feature where users can ask specific …

Gmc-158 Evaluating Tcp Protocol Performance In Cloud Environments, Nong Ming

C-Day Computing Showcase

This research investigates the performance of four different TCP algorithms—BBR, Reno, Vegas, and Cubic in a high-latency and congested condition within a cloud-based environment using EC2 instances and Mininet for network simulation. The study aims to evaluate the throughput and congestion window (cwnd) behavior of each algorithm under various network conditions to identify their strengths and weaknesses. By analyzing the performance metrics across different TCP algorithms, we provide insights into their suitability for cloud infrastructure, contributing to optimized network protocol choices for cloud-based applications and services. The results offer valuable guidance for enhancing network performance in dynamic cloud environments.

Improving Students’ Cognitive Abilities In Remote Learning Environment Using Brain Computer Interface And Eye-Tracking, Nuraini Jamil

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Attention and cognitive engagement are crucial factors in remote learning environments, where the absence of physical presence often diminishes learning outcomes. Traditional methods for assessing these cognitive states, such as observation and self-reporting, are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. Automated solutions, particularly those based on biometric data like EEG and eye-tracking, offer a more accurate and scalable alternative. However, developing robust systems that leverage biometric data in real-time presents significant challenges. These include handling large volumes of complex data, ensuring low-latency processing, and adapting machine learning models to diverse learning environments and individual cognitive states. Additionally, the integration of neurofeedback …

Quantum Markov Chains Related To Certain Lattice Models, Ali Alalaai

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

A central open problem in quantum field theory is the construction of a general theory of quantum field, this thesis introduces quantum probability and applies it via the construction of quantum Markov chains on different hierarchical lattices (Cayley trees). Furthermore, these trees correspond to the Ising-XY-Model which then the existence of a unique Markov chain can be utilized to detect phase transitions.

Red-Handed: Assessing The Deptha Of Chinese Economic Espionage, Alexander Hoskins

The Dialogue

Alexander Hoskins investigates China's involvement in economic espionage (EE). The paper differentiates EE from industrial espionage and competitive intelligence gathering, highlighting the significant global impact of China's alleged theft of intellectual property, which has economic and geopolitical consequences

Executive Committee - Minutes, 11/19/2024, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Drone Vs. Drone, Mariah Smith

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This paper focuses on the problems that drones pose to digital and physical infrastructure, as well as potential solutions to combat these issues. One solution is incorporating drone usage into ethical hacking. These drone-based attacks are affecting not only economic spaces but also seemingly high-security areas such as prison systems. It is only a matter of time before critical infrastructure is targeted. Conversely, by simulating drone attacks, drones equipped with complex hacking tools and sensors can detect unauthorized pathways and infiltrate networks for the greater good. Incorporating these new practices would enhance digital and physical protection. "Drone vs. Drone" highlights …

Ongoing Efforts To Develop Open Climate Change Resources: An Interview With Dr. Tamara Shapiro Ledley, James Thibeault

Open Educational Resources Publications

This article explores the significant contributions of Dr. Tamara Shapiro Ledley in developing open educational resources (OER) for climate change education. Through an interview with Dr. Ledley, the article highlights her journey from a climate science researcher to a passionate advocate for open access to scientific information. Dr. Ledley's work, funded by prominent organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, and NOAA, has focused on creating and disseminating freely accessible resources to enhance public understanding of climate science. Key initiatives discussed include the Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET), EarthLabs, and the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN). These …

Improving Data Curation With Spectral Clustering And Shannon Entropy: An Unsupervised Approach Within The Data Washing Machine, Erin Hathorn

Theses and Dissertations

In the ever-expanding landscape of digital technologies, the exponential growth of data presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovative approaches to data curation. Effective data curation is pivotal for extracting meaningful insights from vast and complex datasets. This study explores the integration of spectral clustering and Shannon Entropy within the Data Washing Machine (DWM), a novel tool designed to streamline unsupervised data curation processes. The DWM incorporates Shannon Entropy into its clustering process, allowing for adaptive refinement of clustering strategies based on entropy levels observed within data clusters. Spectral clustering, known for its ability to handle complex and non-linearly separable …

Computing 2-Body Statistics On Graphics Processing Units (Gpus), Yicheng Tu, Napath Pitaksirianan

USF Patents

Disclosed are various embodiments for computing 2-body statistics on graphics processing units (GPUs). Various types of two-body statistics (2-BS) are regarded as essential components of data analysis in many scientific and computing domains. However, the quadratic complexity of these computations hinders timely processing of data. According, various embodiments of the present disclosure involve parallel algorithms for 2-BS computation on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Although the typical 2-BS problems can be summarized into a straightforward parallel computing pattern, traditional wisdom from (general) parallel computing often falls short in delivering the best possible performance. Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure involve …

Cas Connections- 2024 Fall Term - November, Dean's Office College Of Arts And Science

CAS Connections

No abstract provided.

Strategies To Alleviate Flickering: Bayesian And Smoothing Methods For Deep Learning Classification In Video, Noah Miller, Glen Ryan Drumm, Lance Champagne, Bruce A. Cox, Trevor Bihl

Faculty Publications

Excerpt: Increasing reliance on autonomous systems requires confidence in the accuracies produced from computer vision classification algorithms. Computer vision (CV) for video classification provides phenomenal abilities, but it often suffers from “flickering” of results. Flickering occurs when the CV algorithm switches between declared classes over successive frames. Such behavior causes a loss of trust and confidence in their operations.

Predicting Air Passenger Traffic At Busy International Airports, Ratana Fraihat

Theses

This thesis presents the development and validation of a machine learning model using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to forecast air traffic passenger volumes at international, high-traffic airports. By leveraging historical passenger data, the study seeks to provide accurate predictions that can enhance operational planning and resource allocation at the airport. The implementation was done in Python, using historical passenger data from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from 2005-2018. Data preprocessing steps involved grouping and summing passenger counts for each activity period. The data was normalized to a range of 0 to 1, which is crucial for preventing instability and …

“Who Am I?”: Novice Teachers Making Meaning Of Their Intersectional Teacher Identity, Kerrijo E. Ellis

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how marginalized and/or minoritized novice teachers make meaning of their teacher identity. An integrated theoretical framework informed this study using Hong et al.’s (2024) conceptualization of teacher identity, Crenshaw’s (1989) intersectionality, and Collins & Bilge’s (2020) definition of intersectionality. Utilizing the photovoice methodology, four focus groups were conducted with a purposeful sample of five novice teachers who identified as marginalized (i.e., gender, disability, LGBTQIA+) and/or minoritized (i.e., ethnic and/or racial minority). Using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2023), I identified three themes: (1) Why I Became a Teacher, which included …

N-Type Cdte Thin Films For Photovoltaic Applications, Wei Wang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cadmium Telluride is widely used as a thin-film solar cell material due to its nearly ideal optical bandgap (~ 1.5eV) and its high absorption coefficient (> 104 cm-1). In the past several decades, most of the research focused on p-type CdTe solar cells. In recent years, the research on CdTe devices is mainly based on CdSexTe1-x (CST) absorbers, leading to substantial advancements in conversion efficiency, comparable to that of silicon-based solar cells. Presently, p-type polycrystalline CST/CdTe thin-film solar cells exhibit a notable efficiency of 23.1%. The state-of-art CST/CdTe solar cell has attained an almost optimal short-circuit current density (JSC) of …

Mediator Kinase Inhibitors Suppress Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Growth And Extend Tumor Suppression By Mtor And Akt Inhibitors, Xiaokai Ding, Jiaxin Liang, Amanda C. Sharko, Thomas A. Hilimire, Jing Li, Jürgen Loskutov, Zachary T. Mack, Hao Ji, Gary P. Schools, Chao Cai, Elena N. Pugacheva, Mengqian Chen, Igor Roninson, Eugenia Broude

Faculty Publications

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are treated primarily by chemotherapy and lack clinically validated therapeutic targets. In particular, inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, abnormally activated in many breast cancers, failed to achieve clinical efficacy in TNBC due to the development of adaptive drug resistance, which is largely driven by the transcriptomic plasticity of TNBC. Expression of CDK8/19 Mediator kinases that control transcriptional reprogramming correlates with relapse-free survival and treatment failure in breast cancer patients, including TNBC. We now investigated how CDK8/19 inhibitors affect the growth of TNBC tumors and their response to mTOR and AKT inhibitors. In contrast to the effects …

A Systematic Exploration Of Theoretical, Conceptual, And Methodological Alignment Of Social Network Analysis In Organizational Behavior, Morgan Gleason Miller

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

This systematic review examines how Social Network Analysis (SNA) is used in the study of Organizational Behavior (OB). Industrial-Organizational Psychology Literature suggests SNA tends to be applied using either a structural or relational approach (Erikson, 2013). Some researchers claim that this methodology is applied inconsistently due to the intermingling of two distinct underlying frameworks and the exclusion of individual differences and interpersonal factors limits the relevance of SNA (Erikson, 2013; Kilduff & Lee, 2020). Results indicate the structural perspective is slightly dominant across the use of SNA, but the use of both frameworks is increasing. Directionally, study methods aligned with …

Compliant Structures Facilitate Less Invasive And Biomechanically Improved Lumbar Spinal Implants, Daniel J. Orr

Theses and Dissertations

Implants used in lumbar spinal fusion and lumbar total disc replacement procedures have improved substantially over the years, however, the opportunity remains to improve either the adjustability, durability, motion, or minimally invasive characteristics which could aid in achieving optimal surgical outcomes. It is hypothesized that the inherent advantages of compliant mechanisms specifically Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors (DESCs) and a new mechanism known as the interior contact aided rolling element (I-CORE) are well suited for each of these applications and will be explored and utilized as the basis of these proposed designs. By addressing these challenges, the research endeavors to improve …

A Retrospective Analysis Of Mortality Due To Pneumonia And Renal Disease In A Midwestern Patient Population, Robert Hillard, Joselyn Schmitz, Benjamin Kossman, Lane Mittler, Vishnu Basude, Nova Beyersdorfer, Kerry Johnson, John Paulson

Student Publications

Background: The impact of pneumonia (PNA) with concomitant renal disease (RD) has not been fully investigated in a United States Midwestern patient population, despite the morbidity and mortality associated with such diseases.

Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) data from a hospital system located in Southwest Missouri. Data was acquired from patients admitted between January 2019 and December 2021. Patients were separated into five groups (disease categories): acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), PNA, AKI with PNA, and CKD with PNA. The data were analyzed, and subset …

Uc-131 Karah Khronicles, Dion Green, Jake Stipetich, Grace Bowe, Jesse Israel, Vedasri Malatker

C-Day Computing Showcase

Karah is a thief with a heart of gold, you raid enemy camps and dungeons to steal back the money stolen from towns and villages and upgrade enchanted items to deal with dangerous foes. After successfully returning the wealth to the local town, you must then face down and defeat a general of the evil king.

Should We Stay Or Should We Leave? Multi-Objective Tradeoffs In Identifying Robust Beach Nourishment And Managed Retreat, Prabhat Hegde

Sustainability Seminar Series

In some low-lying coastal areas around the world, decision-makers are beginning to consider “managed retreat” of human populations to adapt to sea-level rise. One of the main challenges in designing a managed retreat strategy is determining when to trigger retreat. Decision-makers lack tools and scientific understanding to evaluate whether the benefits of interim response strategies, like beach nourishment, outweigh the costs of waiting longer to trigger retreat.

In this talk, I will contextualize the coastal beach nourishment problem within the umbrella of decision analyses frameworks for climate change adaptation. I will demonstrate how considerations of uncertainty and multiple objectives improve …

Comparing National Benchmark Quantitative Literacy Paper-Based Tests Scores With Its Computer-Based Counterparts, Robert N. Prince

Numeracy

One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was the rapid shift to replacing traditional, paper-based tests with their computer-based counterparts. In many cases, these new modes of delivering tests will remain in place for the foreseeable future. In South Africa, the National Benchmark Quantitative Literacy (QL) test was impelled to make this rapid shift. While test-makers attempted to ensure comparability between the computer-based and paper-based versions, some scholars have questioned the efficacy of these efforts. The International Test Commission (2005) declared that the equivalency of test scores obtained from computer-based and conventional paper-based testing should be established to ensure …

New Ichnofossil Discovery In Mallorcan Caves: Linking Ancient And Moden Bat-Ectoparasites Coporolites., Antonio Merino Juncadella, Joan J. Fornós, Antoni Mulet, Joaquin Gines

International Journal of Speleology

Bat ectoparasitic ichnofossils can be useful to elucidate microbial mediation in mineralization processes of organic material, supplying valuable information on ancient parasitology and palaeoecology, among other topics. Rod-shaped features found in Cova des Pas de Vallgornera (Mallorca, Spain) are described for the first time. They are related to an ancient bat colony inhabiting the cave in the Early Pleistocene. These micro-morphologies are cylindrical in shape with sizes of a few hundred microns in length and less than one hundred microns in diameter. They are composed by a mash of microscopic calcite particles of different sizes and shapes, lying on deposits …

Inactivation Of Bacteria Using Synergistic Hydrogen Peroxide With Split-Dose Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Exposures., Zachary Rosenzweig, Jerrick Garcia, Gary L Thompson, Lark Perez

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

The use of pulsed electric fields (PEF) as a nonthermal technology for the decontamination of foods is of growing interest. This study aimed to enhance the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Listeria innocua, and Salmonella enterica in Gomori buffer using a combination of nsPEF and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Three sub-MIC concentrations (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%) of H2O2 and various contact times ranging from 5-45 min were tested. PEF exposures as both single (1000 pulse) and split-dose (500+500 pulse) trains were delivered via square-wave, monopolar, 600 ns pulses at 21 kV/cm and 10 Hz. We demonstrate that >5 log CFU/mL reduction can …

A Dynamical Systems Approach For Modeling Malware Propagating Through A Network And Potential Solutions Towards Mitigating Spread, James Johnson

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

Many people draw close parallels between malware propagating through a network and an epidemic spreading through a population. Epidemics are often modeled by a Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model, in which a similar system of equations can model the spread of a virus through a computer network, and can be simplified when making assumptions about the network itself and its fixed number of nodes and edges. In this instance, malware propagating in a network also should reflect the network it is propagating through, in which the dynamical system will factor in the nodes of the network and their properties. The system itself …

Enhancing 3d Knowledge-Based Authentication In Vr By Having Fun, William James Doyle V, Christopher Kreider

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

In the modern era of cyber attacks, and an ever-changing online world, safety and security must constantly evolve to fit the current standards. In virtual reality (VR) simple keyboard-typed passwords are a thing of the past. These passwords are complicated and frustrating to input. Along with the creation of VR, it also opened the door to a new era of password-based authentication. Using these systems' technology, password inputting can be a fun experience. These passwords are not only easier, and less frustrating to input, but as shown in previous studies, they can also be faster while still being secure. In …

First Amendment Roadblock? Regulating The Misuse Of Generative Ai Technologies: Impersonation And Appropriation Of Likeness Without Permission, Muhammad Rabiu

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

This paper initially explores the misuse of generative AI technologies, particularly their role in impersonating or appropriating individuals' likeness without consent. It will then analyze technical and legal mitigation strategies and propose recommendations to address this issue in light of the First Amendment’s constitutional Freedom of Speech provision.