Digital Commons Network^™

Democracy, Expertise, And The Disinformation Problem, Richard Randall Frohock Iv

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Experts are an essential part of our social epistemology. They grant us access to knowledge that would otherwise be inaccessible. Because of this, experts are also typically seen as invaluable political contributors. Without expert contributions, public policy risks being ill-informed and therefore incapable of addressing society’s needs. Recently, however, the extent to which expertise should inform public policy has come into question. Fueled largely by disinformation, there is a growing movement against traditional experts. Those within this movement argue that experts have overstepped their bounds and are working against the societies they are meant to be helping. Fearing that that …

Numerical Analysis Of The Stress–Deformation Behavior Of Soil–Geosynthetic Composite (Sgc) Masses Under Confining Pressure Conditions, Truc Phan, Meen-Wah Gui, Thang Pham, Bich T. Luong

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

The growing application of soil–geosynthetic composites (SGCs) in geotechnical engineering has highlighted the critical role of reinforcement spacing in enhancing structural performance. This study presents a numerical investigation of the stress–deformation behavior of SGC masses under working stress and failure load conditions, considering both confining and unconfined pressure scenarios. A finite element (FE) model was developed to analyze stress distribution, reinforcement strain profiles at varying depths, and lateral displacement at open facings. Results revealed that vertical stresses in reinforced and unreinforced soil masses were nearly identical, while lateral stresses increased notably in reinforced masses, particularly near reinforcement layers and open …

Impact Of Antimicrobial-Impregnated Dressings On The Rate Of Periprosthetic Joint Infections In Primary Joint Arthroplasty Surgeries Of The Hip And Knee, Michael Critelli, Janae Rasmussen, Sydney Shindler, Collin Reasch, Aaditya Patel, Mihir Patel, Jesua Law

Student Publications

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), are a serious complication following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip and knee. Antimicrobialimpregnated dressings (AMIDs) are emerging as an adjunct measure to reduce microbial growth at the surgical site. This literature review examines the evidence regarding iodine and silver AMIDs in primary TJA of the hip and knee. Evidence indicates that use of AMIDs can be highly beneficial in high-risk infection patients, especially silver-based AMIDs to reduce the incidence of PJIs. Studies showed silver- and iodine-based AMIDs have comparable effects on healing wounds colonized by Staphylococcus aureus. There remains debate regarding the appropriate clinical …

Integrated Proteomic And Targeted Next Generation Sequencing Reveal Relevant Heterogeneity In Lower-Grade Meningioma And Anxa3 As A New Target In Nf2 Mutated Meningiomas, Maryam Shah, Yeasmin Akther, Claire Adams, Matt Banton, Vikram Sharma, Emanuela Ercolano, David A Hilton, Kathreena M. Kurian, Liyam Laraba, Waldemar Woznica, David Parkinson, Leandro Jose De Assis, Oliver Hanemann

Peninsula Medical School

Background: Meningiomas, the most common primary brain tumours, are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) into grades 1, 2, and 3. Some grade 1 tumours exhibit increased clinical aggressiveness, with the biallelic mutation of NF2 being the most frequently reported. Methods: In our study, we analysed the most common driver mutations (NF2, AKT1, KLF4, and TRAF7) in meningioma by genomics describing co-occurrences and new mutations. Furthermore, tumour tissue bearing the driver mutations was analysed by proteomics. The relevance of the specific target found in the most common driver mutation in meningiomas (NF2) was validated in vitro using both lower …

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Ecojustice And Ethics, Vishnu S. Pendyala

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has attained human-level performance in tasks like text summarization, machine translation, and code generation while handling multimodal data. Despite these advances, AI poses challenges such as generating false or biased outputs, causing discrimination, and exhibiting opaque decision-making processes that hinder bias mitigation. Additionally, training large language models (LLMs) for AI consumes substantial energy and can enable autonomous warfare, posing a threat to eco-justice, and raising sustainability concerns. Their ability to create realistic content poses the risk of misuse and perpetuating misinformation. This article addresses these ethical issues and presents solutions through regulation and technology, with examples of …

Cannabis Use In Women And Sexual Dysfunction, Becky K. Lynn, Julia D. López, Morgan E. Link, E C. Campian

2020-Current year OA Pubs

No abstract provided.

Kolmogorov–Smirnov-Based Edge Centrality Measure For Metric Graphs, Christina Durón, H. Kravitz, Moysey Brio

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work, we introduce an edge centrality measure for the Helmholtz equation on metric graphs, a particular flow network, based on spectral edge energy density. This measure identifies influential edges whose removal significantly changes the energy flow on the network, as indicated by statistically significant p-values from the two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov test comparing edge energy densities in the original network to those with a single edge removed. We compare the proposed measure with eight vertex centrality measures applied to a line graph representation of each metric graph, as well as with two edge centrality measures applied directly to each …

Chemotype- And Target-Driven Genome Mining For A New Natural Product Inhibitor Of Bacterial Peptide Deformylase, Jonas H Costa-Martini, Eva E Adams, Chad W Johnston

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Antibiotics are essential for modern medicine, but their use drives the evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that limits the long-term efficacy of any one drug. To keep pace with AMR and preserve our ability to treat bacterial infections, it is essential that we identify antibiotics with new structures and targets that are not affected by clinical resistance. Historically, most developmental candidates for antibiotics have come from microbial natural products, as they feature chemical structures and biological activities that have been honed over millions of years of evolution. Unfortunately, as classical bioactivity screens for natural product discovery are blind to the …

Mediating Role Of Self-Efficacy In The Association Between Fatigue And Depressive Symptoms In Females With Rheumatoid Arthritis, I-Yu Hsiao, Hanoch Livneh, Chieh-Tsung Yen, Ming-Chi Lu, Wei-Jen Chen, Tzung-Yi Tsai

Counselor Education Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background and Objectives: Extant research on the relationship between fatigue and depression in people with rheumatic diseases portrays a divergent picture. While caring for persons with this medical condition, one issue that represents individual confidence in carrying out specific tasks, namely self-efficacy level, has attracted significant attention. Yet, the information regarding whether self-efficacy may pose a clue linking these two major symptoms is still unknown. The aim of this study, therefore, is to examine whether self-efficacy mediates the association between fatigue and depressive symptoms among persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study of 224 …

Anti-Transforming Growth Factor-Β Treatment Shows Increased Bone Mass And Strength In A Novel Mouse Model For Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type I, Ellen Busschers, Yuqing Chen-Everson, Mary Adeyeye, I-Wen Song, Emily Busse, Alexis Castellon, Oscar Ruiz, Nicole Meyers, Yangjin Bae, Catherine Ambrose, Brendan Lee

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Anti-transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a promising approach for the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). To date, preclinical and clinical studies for the use of anti-TGF-β therapy have focused on moderate to severe OI caused by qualitative defects in collagen. However, the majority of OI patients are represented by type I OI. Mutations resulting in the haploinsufficiency of type I collagen is the cause of OI type I in the majority of patients. To study the effect of anti-TGF-β therapy in type I OI, we generated a novel mouse model for OI type I. CMV-CRE mice were crossed to …

Low Frequency, High Complexity: Assessing Skill Decay In Transesophageal Echocardiography Post-Simulation Training, Enyo Ablordeppey, Emily Terian, Collyn T Murray, Laura Wallace, Wendy Huang, Erica Blustein, Alexander Croft, Ernesto Romo, Mansi Agarwal, Daniel Theodoro

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Resuscitative transesophageal echo (rTEE) is a promising adjunct to cardiac arrest resuscitation. However, it is a high-acuity diagnostic tool that is rarely used in this setting and its safety establishment is limited because of low occurrence. High-acuity, low occurrence skills such as rTEE during cardiac arrest inevitably decay. In this study we examined the content and percentage of rTEE skill decay following simulation-based education (SBE).

METHODS: Resuscitative TEE-naïve emergency physicians (EP) were trained using a combination of clinical exposure, web-based didactics, and monthly hands-on sessions with a high-fidelity rTEE simulator for four months. The COVID-19 pandemic created a natural …

Single-Country Research In Social Science: Its Limitations And Significance, Maria Caridad H. Tarroja

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

No abstract provided.

Environmental Consciousness And Pro-Environmental Behavior On Waste Management Of Secondary School Students, Siwaporn Phupan, Jidapa Koomklang, Somsak Amornsiriphong, Dhanakorn Mulaphong, Yuthpong Chantrawarin, Khemtida Petchtam, Shanana Rodsoodthi, Sauwakon Ratanawijitrasin

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

The young generation is considered as one important group that is driving societies to more sustainable development. This study focuses on personal attributes—environmental consciousness and pro-environmental behavior—in the context of youth. The purposes of this study are (a) to analyze the levels of environmental consciousness and pro-environmental behaviors on waste management of secondary school students and (b) to analyze the components of environmental consciousness attributed to Thai youth. This study employed a cross-sectional survey design. The research sample was 414 secondary school students. Overall, the results showed that the overall environmental consciousness of secondary school students is at a high …

Thai Elderly’S Working Needs During 2007–2021: Empirical Findings On Aging Health Status And Impact From Thai Elderly Financial Support Policy, Ratchaphon Amsuk

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

Thailand has implemented many initiatives in response to the growing older population. One of the objectives was to increase revenue through employment. This study examines the employment demands of the elderly population by considering their health status, eyesight, and hearing capacity, with the aim of improving the provision of employment support for the elderly. The data from the survey of older persons during 2007–2021 were examined. The results revealed that the Thai elderly’s working needs are likely to continually increase. However, their health status, eyesight capability, and hearing ability significantly affected the elderly’s working opportunities. One intriguing discovery pertained to …

An Exploratory Study On University Students’ Perceptions Of Flagship Species: Implications For Sustainable Tourism, Tairan Huang, Chuan Hu, Minzhi Xia, Ziyu Liu, Weishan Zhou, Robert Charles Capistrano

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

This research explores the perceptions of university students in relation to flagship species in Hainan, China, and its implications for sustainable tourism. The province has an enormous wealth of biodiversity with great development potential and value for tourism. However, there is little or no empirical evidence about Chinese students’ interest in flagship species, their conservation, or their contribution to sustainable tourism in general. The study utilized a mixed method approach through an explanatory sequential design, beginning with a self-administered survey among university students in Hainan, recruiting 531 participants, followed by individual interviews with 14 students. The results have implications for …

Islamic Premarital Education In Malaysia Through The Lens Of Moral Education, Worapong Charoenwong

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

Premarital education in Malaysia is recognized as exemplary, given that it has become a model for the development of similar endeavors in other countries in Southeast Asia. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the provision of premarital education in Malaysia. However, it was found that an evaluation through a moral-educational framework was missing, even though premarital education should be viewed as part of moral education. To fill this gap, this paper offers an analysis and assessment of Islamic premarital education in Malaysia through Sanger and Osguthorpe’s (2005) two-level framework. Data were collected from official documents, non-participant observation, and in-depth …

An Analysis Of The Role Of Sugar Industry Leaders In The Formulation Of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Excise Tax Using Advocacy Coalition Framework, Samantha Franchezka S. Ching, Sherwin E. Ona

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

This paper examines the case of the Philippines in formulating its sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) excise tax policy through the lens of the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF). This case study used qualitative techniques to establish the networks and analyze the dynamics and interactions between the local sugar industry leaders and beverage manufacturing companies, as well as their advocacy strategies that influenced policy brokers from the government. The paper also highlights the complexities and the delicate balance needed to reconcile the differing interests of well-established political and economic groups and their effects on policy formulation. Their interactions were examined through the ACF, …

Political Regimes And Paradigms In Bangladesh, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Talukdar

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

When scholars, stakeholders, and the international community consider revitalizing democracy in Bangladesh a terrific challenge, the substantive question arises: did the country hold democracy in the true sense under any regime? Throughout its long political history, it has attained some structural democracy, but it still falls short of institutional democratic standards. Following a glorious, challenging, and victorious struggle for independence, it underwent post-independence governance, military dictatorship, and the democratic movement that resulted in structural democracy and “particracy.” The essay offers a comprehensive examination and critique of the political regime’s perspectives in Bangladesh with respect to this issue. This article helps …

Dynamics Of Development Of The Main Areas Of Cooperation Between Kazakhstan And Japan: Comparative Analysis And Assessment Of Prospects, Laila Nurseitova, Zhanar Ashinova, Shioya Akifumi, Aliya Rymbekova

Asia-Pacific Social Science Review

The importance of the study is defined by the need for a complete assessment of the existing situation and the potential for further growth of major sectors of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan in the context of increasing global instability. The purpose of the study is to assess the current state and outline prospects for further intensification of political dialogue, trade, economic ties, and humanitarian contacts, considering the national interests of the parties. Historical-genetic and comparative-historical methods, methods of typologisation, analysis, and comparative and statistical analysis are used to assess the dynamics of the development of bilateral relations. The steady …

Pengaruh Asset Life Cycle Management Terhadap Performa Aset Negara, Budi Susanto, Muhammad Halley Yudhistira

Jurnal Kebijakan Ekonomi

This study examines the impact of government intervention in asset management systems on the performance of state-owned assets. Using Asset Life Cycle Management (ALCM) indicators and binary logistic regression, the findings reveal that three key aspects of ALCM—strategy and planning, acquisition, and operation and maintenance—significantly influence asset performance. The impact of ALCM policies varies by asset location, categorized into five major regions: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali-Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. These results provide empirical evidence that effective asset management policies positively contribute to optimizing the performance of state assets.

Carbon Capture Storage Sand Control Injection Sleeve, Baker Hughes Company

Defensive Publications Series

This solution is to address carbon capture storage wells that are required to have re-close/re-open sand control injection sleeve across wells' injection lifecycle. This Sand Control Injection Sleeve’s novelty comes from the design features addressing excessive injection rate while ensuring re-close/re-open feature, the design features also address sand screen erosion prevention.

Self-Adaptive Curvature Screen For Dynamic User Position, Hp Inc

Defensive Publications Series

Maintaining the same visual distance and making the picture more realistic as it appears in the real world is an important factor that deepens immersion. Generally, the edge of the screen of a flat display often causes deformation and distortion due to the viewing angle.

The purpose of the curved display is trying to maintain the same viewing distance when viewing images from different angles, which not only reduces the distortion of the edge of the screen. It also improves visual comfort and allows people to enter an immersive state through virtual scenes.

In this disclosure, the proposed is an …

Ai Assisted Pen Drop Detection, Hp Inc

Defensive Publications Series

Active pens have been a tool to enhance productivity in office environments and in school class. This publication proposed a method to enable active pen drop detection by utilizing IMU/Gyro sensor with AI assisted algorithm to detect active pen dropping events and implement buzzer, haptic module, or Bluetooth communication to host computer system to alert end users that their active pen is lost. This function can prevent end users losing their active pens causing productivity loss in the office or in the school.

The Gift Shop - Celebrates (A Journey Just Begun)

University anniversary celebration materials

No abstract provided.

Sustainable Tourism Behaviour Through Walking Tour: A Qualitative Study To Walking Tour Participants In Jakarta, Melisa Bunga Altamira, Khairunnisa Devani Aqtus Permana Putri

Journal of Indonesian Tourism and Policy Studies

As urban tourism continues to rise, walking tours have emerged as a low-impact, environmentally friendly, and culturally immersive form of tourism. This study explores the relationship between walking tours and the development of sustainable tourism behaviour among participants in Jakarta, Indonesia. Using a qualitative research approach, this study elaborates the motivations, perceptions, and behavioural changes of individuals who have participated in walking tours across Jakarta’s historical and cultural sites. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observations, focusing on themes such as environmental awareness, appreciation of local culture, and reduced dependency on motorized transport. The findings suggest that walking …

Director, Military Cyber Institute, Joseph Schafer

Military Cyber Affairs

No abstract provided.

Throughput Of Ascon Compared With Popular Iot Encryption Algorithms, Mitchel R. Harvey (Ryan), Andrew M. Kaiser, Garrett W. Hoiness

Military Cyber Affairs

No abstract provided.

Characterizing Caldera’S Cyber Attack Emulation Capabilities, Caleb Chang, Matthew Cao, Kenyou Teoh, Ekzhin Ear, Shouhuai Xu

Military Cyber Affairs

Autonomous cyber attack emulation can aid cyber defenders to identify and remediate cyber risks. MITRE’s Caldera software is the state-of-the-practice for automated attack emulation. Yet, it has not been systematically analyzed, putting its performance and effectiveness into question. This paper systematically characterizes Caldera’s architecture, abilities and use cases, and assesses its strengths and weaknesses. It draws useful insights, such as: Caldera excels in stealthy access and execution tactics to pilfer data against Windows operating systems. It also discusses two directions for Caldera improvement: module-level automation and end-to-end attack emulation.

Using Blockchain Technology To Help Secure America's Defense Critical Infrastructure, Vimal Buck, Aerin Krebs, Brynn Hillard, Jakob Gerha, Joseph Lutma, Srikar Maduposu, Ted Allen

Military Cyber Affairs

Critical water infrastructure in the United States faces increasing cybersecurity threats from state-sponsored actors, with potentially devastating consequences for national security, economic stability, and public health. (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 2025). This infrastructure supports defense critical assets and is actively being targeted by various state-sponsored hacking groups, which poses a major concern for civilians and military alike. K. Herath (personal communication, February 24, 2025) reported being aware of two attacks on Ohio water systems during his tenure as Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

Water is essential to everyday life and defense and presents as a high-value …

Network And Multipath Traceroute Visualization, Cameron Makowski

Military Cyber Affairs

TraceCam introduces a new paradigm in network path analysis, leveraging GPU-accelerated WebGL visualization, advanced traceroute integrations, and AI-driven insights to transform complex routing data into actionable intelligence. Early prototypes have demonstrated significant improvements in performance, clarity, and multi-path discovery, overcoming traditional limitations in traceroute analysis. By incorporating retrieval-augmented language models and enriched metadata sources like IPinfo.io, TraceCam enables automated anomaly detection, contextual explanations, and rapid root-cause analysis, enhancing operational efficiency. The platform’s architecture ensures scalability and adaptability, supporting deeper investigations and real-time situational awareness. Future development will focus on clustering-based anomaly detection, expanded geographic visualizations, and enhanced AI-generated analysis to …