Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring The Stigma Of Mental Health In Oneness Pentecostal Churches From A Pastoral Perspective, Jannett Liburd

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the stigma of mental health in Oneness Pentecostal churches in the Northeast from a pastoral perspective. The theory guiding this study is Sigmund Freud’s object relational theory (ORT), as it focuses on the past experiences an individual has with an object, person, or event, and how the experience, whether negative or positive, shapes the person’s attitude and behavior in the future. Mental health stigma is a phenomenon with which individuals may have had a harmful experience. In the study, the central research question was: What are the lived experiences of Oneness …

Investigating The Relationship Between Social Media Usage, Perceived Stress, Depression And Spirituality, Jeffrey Leyland King

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The rapid rise in social media usage (SMU) in the past two decades correlates with a sharp rise in depression (Dep) and self-harm in emerging adults. Many studies have focused on the aspects of diminished well-being, self-harm and suicide, and a possible association between daily spiritual experiences (DSE) and Dep, although there is a paucity of research on DSE to moderate the association. This study was guided by three theories; need-to-belong, social comparison, and cognitive dissonance. The present quantitative study aimed to explore the significance of the association between SMU, perceived stress (PS), and Dep moderated by DSE in emerging …

Media Richness In Nfl Communications: A Content Analysis Case Study, Ashley Menard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative study aimed to examine the social media engagement of fans of the National Football League (NFL). The central problem identified was a lack of understanding of brand storytelling across different social media platforms, particularly concerning the richness of information each platform provided. Guided by media richness theory, developed by Daft and Lengel, this research explored the varying communication styles employed in brand storytelling on social media. The study sought to provide insights into how NFL brands can effectively utilize different platforms to enhance their storytelling and engage with their audience more richly and effectively. The results indicate that …

Secondary Youth-Level Mechanisms Of Change In Parent Training For Anxious Youth, Jacey L Anderberg, Kelly Barry, Blake M Upshaw, Katie H Mangen, Samuel D Spencer, Andrew G Guzick, Daphne M Ayton, Amanda D Palo, Abigail E Candelari, Eric A Storch

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: Parent-focused treatments are a promising approach for addressing youth anxiety outside of traditional therapist-delivered modalities. Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) has preliminarily demonstrated efficacy for reducing family accommodation (FA), a key treatment outcome for youth anxiety.

Objective: Since the mechanisms of SPACE remain relatively understudied, we examined youth-reported distress tolerance (DT), anxiety sensitivity (AS), and negative automatic thoughts as candidate mechanisms of SPACE using data from a previously conducted clinical trial.

Methods: In a sample of N = 68 youth (M age = 10.2; 52% male; 62% White), we examined: (a) associations among candidate mechanisms and …

Let's Chat About Spoken Discourse: A Tutorial To Support Use Of Spoken Discourse Analysis When Providing Aphasia Clinical Services., Manaswita Dutta, Laura L. Murray, Hyejin Park, Elizabeth Burklow, Arpita Bose, Hana Kim, Kathryn Greenslade, Amy E. Ramage, Collean Combs, Anusha Balasubramanian, Marianne Casilio

Speech and Hearing Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Spoken discourse is integral to everyday communication; improving discourse outcomes is a primary goal for individuals with aphasia and their families. Consequently, the application of discourse analysis in aphasia assessment and treatment has gained increasing attention in both research and clinical settings. Despite its recognized value among researchers and clinicians, several barriers-such as limited time, inadequate training, and lack of resources-continue to impede the widespread use of discourse analysis into clinical practice. To facilitate its broader adoption, speech-language pathologists require access to comprehensive resources that include information on discourse tasks, outcome measures, psychometric properties, and practical examples of how to …

Changes In Immune-Regulated Gene Methylation Over Time In Women Who Do And Do Not Develop Breast Cancer, Kyle Laney

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Breast cancer survivors face elevated risks of chronic inflammatory conditions and immunedysfunction compared to the general population. These elevated health risks in survivors are well-documented but mechanistically poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize longitudinal changes in DNA methylation patterns of immune-regulatory genes in women who developed breast cancer compared to cancer-free controls. We conducted an EWAS using Sister Study cohort data, analyzing longitudinal changes in DNA methylation by comparing the difference in beta values between pre- and post-diagnosis time points in breast cancer cases versus changes over the same period in cancer-free controls. The analysis included 414 participants: 189 …

Applications Of Contracting Self-Similar Groups To Cryptography And Scale Groups, Arsalan Akram Malik

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Given their peculiar properties, self-similar groups are of great interest both from applications and theoretical standpoints. In this work we study the scope of their applications in post-quantum cryptography and in constructing scale groups via lifting maps.

We propose self-similar contracting groups as a platform for cryptographic schemes based on simultaneous conjugacy search problem (SCSP). This class of groups admits fast polynomial-time algorithms for the word problem and element multiplication that can be used for effective encryption and decryption of messages. It contains extraordinary examples like the Grigorchuk group, which is known to be non-linear, thus making some of existing …

Healthy Bodies, Moral Minds, And Rural Ideals: Contextualizing Interwar British Childhood And Citizenship Through Children's Country Holidays Fund Vacations, Paula J. Pack

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation uses the Children’s Country Holidays Fund (CCHF) as a critical lens to examine how philanthropy, childhood, class, public health, and rural nostalgia intersected within the broader context of citizen formation in interwar Britain. Founded in 1884 to provide country holidays for poor London schoolchildren, the CCHF evolved from a philanthropic response to Victorian slum life into an informal arm of welfare governance by the end of the interwar period. Through its country holidays, the Fund became an active participant in shaping ideals of health, morality, and civic responsibility in a period marked by heightened concern over national vitality …

If The Halls Could Talk: Educator Narratives On Teen Media Literacy, Doda Lulgjuraj

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Adolescents are avid yet vulnerable consumers of digital and social media, frequently exposed to non-credible information without possessing the essential tools to evaluate it effectively. The qualitative research conducted explores adolescent media literacy through the perspectives of middle school and high school educators, intending to understand students' ability to discern credible information. Additionally, this research aims to determine the extent to which current educational practices foster this skill. This study underscores the importance of equipping adolescents with media literacy skills in an increasingly complex and sometimes misleading digital environment. Thirty-six educators from four states in the U.S. participated in semi-structured …

Decreasing Medication Errors Among Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, Tamara J. Carroll

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Unlicensed assistive personnel, although their role is controversial, are present in many different settings and have many varying roles and job responsibilities. Yet, removing this type of healthcare worker from the job pool may lead to increased labor costs, which could be stifling to some organizations and facilities. Digging deeper, data suggests errors are due to lack of a defined scope of practice, a lack of understanding of job roles and responsibilities and decreased confidence when working in the healthcare setting. The purpose of this project utilizes a setting specific educational intervention and skills check off to increase job self-efficacy …

Special Operations Forces Cadre Self-Efficacy: Insights From A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study On Education And Training, Edward O. Funes

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study is to describe the lived experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey at the Special Operations Forces Training Center (SOFTC). The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s self-efficacy, based on the social cognitive theory, which posits that individuals’ belief in their capabilities is crucial to their success. The central research question is: What are the experiences of the special operations forces’ cadre self-efficacy throughout their educational journey? The methodology used in this study ensures that all its chapters are interconnected with a robust, cohesive, and rigorous approach to …

Finding Strength In The Broken Places: Examining The Influence Of Aces On The Mother/Daughter Relationship, Taressa R. Copeland

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Daughters raised by mothers who experienced childhood adversity may be ill-equipped for motherhood themselves due to the mother’s guilt and societal stigma associated with the adversity and the impact on lived experiences. Current studies fail to consider the bidirectional influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the mother-daughter relationship. Community stakeholders such as healthcare providers must find a way to support the mother-daughter relationship by providing a safe platform to share and understand experiences as well as identify opportunities for resilience. Resources are also necessary to raise awareness and support mental health. This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of University Students With Lyme Disease: A Qualitative Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Rebekah A. Russell

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This qualitative transcendental phenomenological study aimed to describe the lived experiences of students with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment within the context of higher education institutions. Guided by Nancy Schlossberg’s transition theory, the research sought to explore the challenges students encountered while experiencing lasting symptoms of Lyme disease post-treatment. The central research question driving the inquiry was: What are the lived experiences of students contending with persistent or reoccurring Lyme disease symptoms post-treatment while pursuing higher education? Employing a transcendental phenomenological method, the study utilized journal prompts, interviews, and two focus groups comprised of students who have navigated …

Gamification As A Catalyst For Integrating Diverse Disciplines In Higher Education Curriculum: A Transcendental Phenomenological Study, Sierra Pollard

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of university students as they engaged with gamification strategies in cross-disciplinary higher education programs. By focusing on students' perspectives, this study aimed to uncover how the integration of gamified elements in their coursework influenced engagement, intrinsic motivation, and the development of interdisciplinary competencies. Flow theory guided this study, providing insight into the relationship between motivation, engagement, and optimal learning experiences. The central research question was: What was the cross-disciplinary experiential learning experience of students at Central University? The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design with …

Genai For Merchant Category Identification, Neethu Prem, Vinay Gaonkar, Hazar Yuksel, Kavalpreet Kawatra, Siva Natarajan, Anubhav Kumar, Rupal Gakkhar, Shikhar Shukla, Anupam Chauhan

Defensive Publications Series

The present disclosure related to a system and method for merchant category identification. The method includes extracting historical data and merchant’s transactional information. The method further include detecting miscode merchant category code based on the statistical and deep learning models. Subsequently, the method include sharing list of miscoded merchants to the business.

Effective Method Of Encoding Data Into Images For Recovery After Dsc, Kellie Shaw

Defensive Publications Series

Systems and methods for embedding metadata within image content is provided. One of these methods comprises generating, by the computing device, an image frame that includes a plurality of pixels corresponding to multiple color channels defining color characteristics of an image. The generating includes assigning a common value to a pixel subset of the plurality of pixels located on a first row of the image frame. The pixel subset corresponds to the multiple color channels defining the color characteristics of the image. The method also includes converting, by the computing device, the image frame to a luminance chroma format.

“You Learn To Control What You Can Control”: A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Burnout In Rural Pk–12 Administrators Using The Pillar-Integration Process, Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs, Eu Gene Chin, Rollin D. Nordgren

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Teacher burnout is a growing concern among educators and the communities they serve, due to a nationwide shortage of teachers. Burnout of principals and other school administrators, however, is relatively unexamined. This mixed-methods study of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (PK-12) administrators in rural Midwestern school districts found that contributors to burnout included safety concerns and student behavior, lack of resources and support, and mandatory assessments of student learning. Factors that mitigated burnout included choosing to protect personal energy, getting support from colleagues and administrators, and making a difference in students’ lives. Forty-three administrators completed a survey adapted from the Maslach …

Graph-Based Foundation For Dels Specification, Leon Mcginnis

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Concepts For The Use Of Knowledge-Based Engineering In Intralogistics System Planning: Dynamic Layouting, Alexander Ortner-Pichler, Christian Landschützer

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Price-Based Dispatch In Engineered Truckload Trucking Networks, Don Taylor

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Grid-To-Belt High Throughput Sorter, Yossi Bukchin, Ilan Estrugo, Tal Raviv

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Quantifying Human Population Benefits From Renewable Energy Plants, Jacob D. Mcnevin, James W. Miers

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

The implementation of renewable energy is widely recognized for its positive impact on human health and well-being. We propose methods to quantify these benefits by estimating each renewable energy plant’s impact on human mortality and climate-induced displacement. Utilizing established models (DICE, Mortality Cost of Carbon, and methods from Lenton and Xu), we calculate the avoided heat-related mortalities and loss of human climate niche attributable to avoided CO₂ emissions from renewable energy. Applying this methodology to three California clean energy projects—Morro Bay Wind Energy Area (WEA), Morro Bay Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and American Energy Services (AES) Bellefield Solar Farm—demonstrates …

Acting On Behalf Of An Endangered Species - A Student-Led Initiative To Protect The San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes Macrotis Mutica) On The Csub Campus, Antje Lauer, Sarah Alame, Brittney Beck, Lucas Hall

CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change

California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) is the only campus in the U.S. that has supported an endangered canine species on its campus grounds for many decades. Deprived of its prime habitat, open grassland, the San Joaquin kit fox (SJKF) (Vulpes macrotis mutica) was able to adapt to urban areas in the San Joaquin Valley of California. The presence of an endangered species on campus grounds comes with responsibilities and requires knowledge of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In the spring of 2023, students and faculty observed several violations of the ESA by CSUB Facilities Management due to ground disturbance and …

Advancements In Human Action Recognition In Manual Material Handling Using Machine Learning, Jesus Jimenez, Joni Mccawley, Francis A. Mendez Mediavilla, Abhimanyu Sharotry

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

The Genesis Of Throughput Models For Automated Warehouse Systems - A Drama In Three Acts, Michael Walz, Timo Lehmann, Felix Rauscher, Christophe Senger, Kai Furmans, Michael Eder, Simon Schaffer, Philipp Trost, Maximilian Wagner, Georg Kartnig Prof.

International Material Handling Research Colloquium

No abstract provided.

Duette, Ariane Gabrielle H. Atotubo, Mirari E. Gatus, Jayd Matthew R. Gomez, Amy Julia P. Ong, Chessica Fiona C. Sadey

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Duette was founded in 2024 by five senior high school students from De La Salle University-Manila to challenge the rise of fast fashion in the Philippine Fashion Industry by offering affordable, convertible women’s clothing that reduces waste and encourages mindful consumption. Currently in its early development and production stage, the brand has engaged in extensive product development and market analysis, promoting the brand through initiatives such as social media campaigns and school bazaars. Duette’s flagship product, a 2-in-1 garment that transforms from a top into a skirt, caters to Filipino women aged 16 to 24 who are growing increasingly conscious …

Terrapiya, Rein Valerie A. Acuzar, Gabrielle D. Dingalsan, Marian Edilynne G. Lim, Vincent Andre B. Namuag, Xian Iverson A. Tan

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Terrapiya was formed in 2024 by a team of ABM students at De La Salle University - Manila to address the lack of accessible greenery in urban spaces. Specializing in customizable miniature terrariums, Terrapiya has grown from a school project into a promising venture, currently in the early commercialization stage with successful market testing and direct sales through bazaars and social media. Its advantage lies in customizable designs, locally sourced materials, and a strong sustainability ethos. The business possesses no proprietary rights but operates as a sole proprietorship to streamline decision-making processes under Rein Acuzar. She is supported by a …

Uncovering Political Agendas: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis Of Philippine Government Agencies’ Websites, Giulia Renee B. Singson, Justine Gabrielle L. Yu, Julia Cailean G. Dueñas, Charlaine G. Alodaga

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

The role of websites in communicating government services and updates to constituents is paramount since they can serve as dependable hubs of critical information. However, since these are government websites, there may be politics behind their visual and textual contents that need to be uncovered. Yet, there has been a dearth of studies, especially in the Philippine context, that scrutinized the sociopolitical forces that are at play in the production of these website contents. Hence, in this study, we attempted to continue seamlessly meshing the critical discourse analysis framework of Fairclough with a multimodal analytical model in dissecting the top …

Tochi, Princess Bianca T. Sy, Luigi Trevor L. Lui, Jacques Philippe G.N. Tang, Julia Mae B. Angeles

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

TOCHI was founded to provide comfort and care to people seeking everyday relief and relaxation. With this in mind, the company created a hand pillow that can serve as a solution to many issues and pains faced by people daily. May these be cramps, body pain, or lack of relaxation, the product’s heating and cooling aspect, as well as its therapeutic aroma greatly assists in relief. The team behind TOCHI includes Bianca Sy, Julia Angeles, Jacques Tang, and Luigi Lui, serving as the Resource Manager, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, and Finance Manager respectively. By January 27, 2025, the company had …

Opulace, Kristianna N. Naron, Michael Andre M. Mempin, Zei Alexa S. Salazar, Charisse Isabel V. Alagar

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Opulace is a student-led business founded in January 2025. It responds to the increased demand among Generation Z consumers for stylish, affordable accessories or ‘anik-aniks.’ The brand sells shoelace charms, shoe chains, and mesh shoelaces, offering customers jewelry for leveling up their fashion in a unique manner: by adorning their footwear. Operating as a sole proprietorship, Opulace is controlled by four founders: Zei Salazar (General Manager), Andre Mempin (Operations Manager), Kristianna Naron (Finance Manager), and Charisse Alagar (Marketing Manager), whose positions align with their respective strengths. The team is supported by mentors, Chester Lin and Christine Marañon, who provide strategic …