2023 Honors Program Theses

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11868/3909

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Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

The Chemical Analysis of a Painting with Unknown Origins
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-05-01) Braun, Clarissandra; Dr. Christine Theodore
In the spring of 2021, a painting signed and dated “Picasso 1905” was submitted to the University of Tampa for the purpose of investigating the provenance, material composition, and potential attribution of the artwork in question. In collaboration with art historians, an extensive review of the historical and chemical literature on Picasso’s works was done to determine the common pigments, binders, and canvases in use by the artist in the early 1900s. Method development was conducted using known standards and pigments which were digested and run on the ICPOES. These results were compared to various pieces extracted from the painting in question which appeared to indicate anachronistic materials. A handheld XRF, IR camera, and UV light source were used as a noninvasive way to collect more data on the elements present within the pigments and the artwork. The information obtained from these experiments was used in conjunction with stylistic analyses to make suggestions for the next steps of analysis.
Cybersecurity Network Analysis for Spacefaring Nations
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04) Marolf, Lauren; Dr. Jonathan Lewallen
Within the next ten years, satellites in orbit are estimated to increase from 5,500 to over 58,000. The nearly tenfold increase is due to increased reliance on satellites for providing broadband internet access, collecting information, and combating climate change. Sixty-three countries own or operate satellites currently in orbit but only ten of those countries possess launch capabilities. Such a concentration of capacity and resources results in bilateral country relationships and dependence. Cybersecurity is unique as we analyze its role in international relations because, by nature, bilateral relationships are not exclusive. Almost all commercial satellites broadcast their signals, creating open access to anyone in the world through radio wave frequencies. Analyzing relational patterns between spacefaring nations provides insight into whether cybersecurity is a factor in launch dependencies. Do countries capable of launching satellites have better cybersecurity capacity? If so, is cybersecurity a consideration in international cooperation decisions about where a satellite will be launched? In this paper I use network analysis to map bilateral satellite owner-launcher relationships. Using data from the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index, I cite countries’ cybersecurity scores in reference to the model. Regression analyses indicate that satellite launching relationships depend on adequate cybersecurity measures in both the launcher and satellite owner countries. This study offers a way to analyze flows of influence among states with satellites in orbit through highlighting the importance of cybersecurity. I conclude by proposing international frameworks for assessing research gaps and other features of relationships in space-based system cybersecurity.
Evaluating Changes in Photoinhibition with Leaf Age and Light Conditions in Rhizophora mangle
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04) Dorrian, John; Dr. Kevin S. Beach
Mangrove forests are an essential ecosystem providing many benefits that include, supporting biodiversity and fisheries, commercial products, and climate mitigation (Hogarth, 2015; Crooks et al. 2018). Restoration guidelines for mangroves have not been updated in 22 years despite their value being extremely well documented and understood (Lewis et al., 2000). After collecting available literature that could be used to update guidelines, available information regarding irradiance and the local red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, was found to be incomplete and, at times, contradictory (McKee, 1995; Rabinowitz, 1978; Smith, 1987; Camilleri and Ribi, 1983; US Fish and Wildlife Service, 1999). The present study seeks to identify potentially harmful irradiance levels and identify any patterns in irradiance tolerances by assessing photoinhibition through non-photochemical quenching and quantifying the pigments of mangrove leaves. After exposing 50 R. mangle seedlings to two light treatments and collecting leaf samples from Picnic Island Park, it was found that pigmentation varied significantly with leaf age, NPQ induction was higher in plants from the low light treatment, and the slopes of NPQ vs PAR graphs decreased gradually with each week. These data speak to the risk of shifting plants from one light regime to another, as low light individuals induced NPQ quicker when exposed to the same light levels as high light plants, but also the possibility to successfully aid them in that transition, by implementing an adjustment period prior to planting, and with the guidelines of Lewis et al. (2000) could be used to increase the effectiveness of modern mangrove restoration projects.
El jardín de los pensamientos
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04) Cancel Hernandez, Alejandra; Dr. James López
A dystopian psychological novel that experiments with the avant-garde literary techniques of Mexican-Peruvian author Mario Bellatin. (In Spanish)
Enantioselective Aziridinium/Fluoronium Ion Formation Using Lewis Base Catalysis
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04-19) Garcia, Thalia; Dr. Brett Hemric
Efforts toward establishing the concept of enantioselective Lewis base catalysis with nitrogen sources is reported. This project seeks to address challenges in alkene amination chemistry by developing diastereo-, enantio- and regioselective addition of nitrogen to alkenes using Lewis base catalysis to provide advances to the stereoselectivity shortcomings of current approaches. Furthermore, due to the unprecedented exploration of using non-hypervalent Row 2 electrophiles in Lewis base catalysis, this research offers the potential for groundbreaking innovation in this field. This report details the investigation of different nitrogen substrates, Lewis base catalysis, and nucleophiles in varied alkene systems to determine the potential synergy in doing an alkene amination through Lewis base catalysis.
Framing the Narrative: The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Subclinical Obsessive- Compulsive Traits and Biased Memory Recall
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04-18) DePamphilis, Gian; Dr. Michael Stasio
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a wide-spread change in human behavior. Implementation of novel hygienic behaviors to combat the spread of the virus has greatly reduced its proliferation; however, the negative consequences resulting from these actions remain unclear. Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or those presenting with characteristics of OCD are subgroups who may be negatively affected by the emphasis on hygiene. An increase in media representation coverage of the pandemic may have also left thoughts of contamination and illness salient in individual’s memories, creating negative memory biases towards the pandemic and contamination. The current study explored the possible effects of media narratives related to the pandemic on subclinical OCD symptomology and biased memory recall in undergraduate students. Participants listened to pre-recorded narratives of a pandemic-related experience (positive, negative, or neutral themed) and were given 90 seconds to provide a 3-5 sentence response related to their own experiences during the pandemic. Additionally, participants took the Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS; Abramowitz et al., 2010). There were no significant differences found in OCD-like symptomology or memory recall between the three narrative groups; however, on average, participants scored higher on the DOCS compared to past undergraduate student samples taken prior to the pandemic. While different themes related to the pandemic did not influence obsessive-compulsive symptomology or memory recall, evidence shows that subclinical OCD symptoms may be rising. The present study has implications for the negative consequences following a pandemic, and future studies may be necessary to explore current levels of obsessive-compulsive symptomology in the general population.
Hydrodynamic Form and Function of Hammerhead Sharks: Ontogenetic and Ecological Considerations
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04-08) Johnson, Sam; Dr. Daniel Huber
The planing surfaces of aquatic organisms are crucial in navigating their habitat and in providing energy-efficient modes of locomotion. The hammerhead cephalofoil has been studied for both its sensory advantages and its possible enhancement of hydrodynamic efficiency, specifically as a lift-generating structure. This project analyzed the cephalofoils and fins (planing surfaces) of S. lewini, S. mokarran, and S. tiburo (the scalloped hammerhead, great hammerhead, and bonnethead sharks) using morphometric analysis to determine changes in the size and shape of these structures with respect to habitat. It was hypothesized that these structures would be smallest relative to body size in the coastal dwelling S. tiburo to facilitate maneuverability and largest relative to body size in the pelagic S. mokarran to facilitate cruising. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that these structures would grow isometrically in both species given that they spend their entire lives in a single habitat type (coastal and pelagic, respectively). In contrast, it was hypothesized that S. lewini would have intermediate-sized cephalofoil and fins relative to body size and that these structures would grow with positive allometry in association with the transition from coastal habitats (juvenile stage) to pelagic habitats (adult stage). Results indicate variability in size and shape of the planing surfaces, and partial support of the above hypotheses. Further analysis is forthcoming in determining specific modes of growth and shape changes over ontogeny.
Comparison of Ecological Niches Between Two Important Recreational and Commercial Fisheries
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-04-12) Golden, Zoe; Dr. Bridgette F. Froeschke
This project used a conservation approach of developing models to successfully predict fish behavior and environmental preferences at different life stages. Spatiotemporal length distribution models of Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus) and Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) were developed to predict essential fish habitat, recruitment patterns, population aggregations and salinity preferences in Tampa Bay, Florida. The diets of both fish species were then analyzed to determine and compare their feeding niches since they share similar habitats and sites. All fish length and environmental data were collected as part of the Independent Monitoring Program at Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute from 1996 to 2020. Hot Spot (Getis-Ord Gi*) analysis was performed on fish length- both monthly and seasonally per species to examine spatial patterns among life history stages. Kriging was conducted on environmental parameters. Spatial results suggest Gray Snapper recruit during the summer at high salinities near inlets, migrate to low salinities in Upper Tampa Bay as adults, and move back to higher salinities in the fall to spawn. Sheepshead recruit in the winter at low salinities near freshwater inflow, while adults cluster in high salinities near inlets. Because Gray Snapper and Sheepshead have such different life history strategies, but are found in similar habitats, their feeding preferences were analyzed. For the diet analysis, 46 Gray Snapper and 19 Sheepshead were collected across 6 sites in Tampa Bay, their stomachs were dissected, and the contents were grouped into categories. Overall, both species shared similar feeding niches, but Gray Snapper consumed more crab, while Sheepshead had a wider diversity of prey items and consumed more shells. There were significant spatial patterns and feeding niches identified for both estuarine dependent fish species in Tampa Bay. Spatiotemporal distribution models and diet analyses allow for the establishment of essential fish habitats, nursing grounds, and fisheries management strategies that are critical for sustaining commercially and recreationally valued fish populations.
Examining emotional invalidation as a potential moderator between adverse childhood experiences and perceptions of academic stress
(Honors Program, The University of Tampa, 2023-05-06) Demers, Kayla; Meredith Elzy, Ph.D.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to numerous problems including physical and mental health problems, and socioemotional development issues. Socioemotional variables appear to be particularly important in the later development of negative outcomes (Chainey & Burke, 2021), including emotional validation (Lambie & Lindberg, 2016). We hypothesized that higher levels of adverse childhood experiences and higher levels of emotional invalidation would be correlated with lower levels of academic eustress. We also hypothesized that emotional invalidation would moderate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and positive academic stress perception (eustress). To examine our research question, we used the following measures: a demographics questionnaire, the Childhood Experiences Survey (CES; Mersky et al., 2017), Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale (ICES; Mountford et al., 2007), and the Academic Eustress Scale (AES; O’Sullivan, 2011). ANCOVA results demonstrate no significant relationship between adverse childhood experiences, emotional invalidation, and academic eustress. Correlation analyses supported our hypothesis that higher levels of emotional invalidation would be related to lower levels of academic eustress but did not support our hypothesis that higher levels of adverse childhood experiences would be related to lower levels of academic eustress. Our findings require further investigation, as our results differ from those of other studies.

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