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Software-Hardware Co-Design of Efficient Rendering and Processing for Modern AR/VR
No full textAugmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transformative technologies revolutionizing fields such as entertainment, industry, and education by delivering immersive experiences through advanced graphics and algorithms. VR, which creates fully simulated 3D environments using devices like headsets and bodysuits, faces significant challenges with rendering high-resolution stereo images, often leading to longer frame times and potential motion discomfort. Techniques like post-processing aim to enhance detail but can strain GPU capabilities. In contrast, AR overlays digital content onto the real world, enabling real-time interaction but facing issues like lengthy initialization times and high computational demands of 3D point clouds. This paper presents novel approaches to address these challenges in VR and AR systems. We propose a universal realistic rendering architecture, Post0-VR, that inte grates realistic effects directly into the normal rendering pipeline, reducing workload and improving performance by up to 1.5X compared to traditional methods. For AR, we introduce AR-Light, which replaces traditional 3D point clouds with a semantics based 2D representation and employs a quadtree-based Multi-Task Learning model for Semantic Segmentation and Geometry Estimation. This approach significantly reduces start-up overhead and run-time latency, enhancing user experience. Addi tionally, we address the limitations of machine learning-based super-resolution (SR) methods, which are crucial for reducing the rendering workload in VR and AR appli cations. We develop ”BIGNet” and ”littleNet” to incorporate geometric properties and dynamic pruning, optimizing SR to achieve high-quality results with reduced computational overhead. Our SR techniques enhance the efficiency of rendering processes, making them more suitable for real-time applications. Our comprehensive evaluations demonstrate that these approaches effectively enhance performance and quality in VR and AR systems, paving the way for more efficient and immersive experiences
Mechanical Forces, Nucleus, Chromosomes, and Chromatin
No full textIndividual cells and cells within the tissues and organs constantly face mechanical challenges, such as tension, compression, strain, shear stress, and the rigidity of cellular and extracellular surroundings. Besides the external mechanical forces, cells and their components are also subjected to intracellular mechanical forces, such as pulling, pushing, and stretching, created by the sophisticated force-generation machinery of the cytoskeleton and molecular motors. All these mechanical stressors switch on the mechanotransduction pathways, allowing cells and their components to respond and adapt. Mechanical force-induced changes at the cell membrane and cytoskeleton are also transmitted to the nucleus and its nucleoskeleton, affecting nucleocytoplasmic transport, chromatin conformation, transcriptional activity, replication, and genome, which, in turn, orchestrate cellular mechanical behavior. The memory of mechanoresponses is stored as epigenetic and chromatin structure modifications. The mechanical state of the cell in response to the acellular and cellular environment also determines cell identity, fate, and immune response to invading pathogens. Here, we give a short overview of the latest developments in understanding these processes, emphasizing their effects on cell nuclei, chromosomes, and chromatin
Improving MMR uptake through vaccine literacy programs
No full textAlthough MMR vaccines have effectively prevented measles for decades, declining vaccination rates have led to a resurgence across the U.S., putting unvaccinated children under five at greater risk. Without immunity, exposed individuals have a 95% chance of contracting the disease, increasing the likelihood of severe or fatal complications (Azan, 2024). A 2024 U.S. outbreak mostly affected unvaccinated children under five, igniting a widespread public health concern (Azan, 2024). It was proven that vaccine literacy with intention has increased vaccination rates in various populations (Isonne et al., 2024), highlighting the public’s need for further education, as immunizations are imperative for stopping the spread of infectious diseases in vulnerable populations.Nursing, Andy and Barbara Gessner College o
The Effect of Extreme Heat Events on Renewable Energy Sources
No full textTexas recently experienced a severe heat wave in 2023 that caused heat-related illnesses and at least nine deaths. This project analyzes the relationship between heat events and renewable energy sources like solar and wind to understand their reliability during extreme heat conditions. By analyzing temperature fluctuations, we'll figure out which months have the most or least impact on energy output and identify the optimal temperature ranges before solar and wind efficiency starts to drop. This research will help us prepare better for future heat events and reduce the damage they cause.Mathematics, Department ofHonors Colleg
Synthesis of 4-Coordinate Cu(I)-Photosensitizer
No full textPhotosensitizers are compounds capable of absorbing specific wavelengths of light and converting them into chemical energy or potential. They have widespread applications, including solar energy conversion, optical displays, and photodynamic therapy. Currently, many photosensitizers rely on precious metals such as iridium, rhenium, and platinum, which are expensive and limited in availability. This research focuses on the synthesis of a novel four-coordinate copper(I) photosensitizer as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. Copper, being abundant and inexpensive, offers a promising replacement while maintaining desirable photophysical properties. Our work outlines the design, synthesis, and characterization of this copper-based photosensitizer, highlighting its potential to reduce material costs and expand accessibility across various applications.Chemistry, Department ofHonors Colleg
Evader Detection in Hyperbolic Sensor Networks
No full textMonitoring hazardous environments, such as forest fires or oil spills, requires efficient deployment of mobile sensor networks to ensure complete coverage and intruder detection. This study explores minimizing detection time, defined as the longest duration an intruder can remain undetected by evading sensor detection. Using Topological Data Analysis, specifically the Alpha-Complex, we develop a coordinate-free method to represent the detected region and identify undetected areas (holes). Coverage is achieved once all holes are verified to be free of intruders. We investigate whether introducing hyperbolicity via Sinai Billiard motion-where trajectories diverge due to curved obstacle reflections-impacts detection efficiency. By comparing circular and square reflectors within a fixed domain, we assess how trajectory divergence affects mean detection time. Simulations with uniformly distributed mobile sensors show that circular reflectors lead to a higher mean detection time (μ = 5.03, σ = 4.00) compared to square reflectors (μ = 3.77, σ = 2.83). This suggests that curved obstacles may hinder detection efficiency by increasing trajectory divergence. Future work aims to generalize the approach to multi-component boundaries and further investigate the impact of obstacle geometry on sensor network performance.Mathematics, Department ofHonors Colleg
From overlooked to involved: Fostering paternal inclusion and well-being in the NICU
No full textResearch on NICU parents’ emotional well-being has been primarily focused on maternal perspectives, while fathers’ perspectives are often overlooked. NICU fathers experience high rates of stress, PTSD, depression, and anxiety according to a meta-review by van Wyk et al. (2024). Many paternal-focused interventions, like participation in provider rounds, interacting with the care team, and participating in caregiving tasks have been proven to decrease anxiety and stress, increase fathers’ sense of inclusion, and improve their confidence levels (Filippa et al., 2021; LeDuff et al., 2021).Nursing, Andy and Barbara Gessner College o
Study of the Containment of the CO2 Plume at Sleipner in the North Sea
No full textSleipner is an offshore carbon capture and storage operation in the Norwegian North Sea. It has successfully stored more than 19 million tons (Mt) of CO2 as of 2020 in the Utsira formation at a rate of approximately 1 Mt per year starting in 1996. The plume has been monitored by time-lapse seismic data in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. The plume is visible within the time-lapse seismic, but what is interesting is how the plume is roughly channel-like in shape and abruptly stops in the east and west directions suggesting channelized deposition. However, logs indicate the formation is primarily a massive sandstone with little shale that could form lateral permeability barriers. Looking at the baseline seismic prior to injection, lateral barriers are not obvious. Methods like discontinuity detection, seismic facies analysis, and bandwidth extension are applied to the baseline seismic data and reveal attributes that correspond to the lateral and vertical spread of the plume. Shallow bright events on the baseline survey above the Utsira storage unit and discontinuity attributes align with the plume’s margins, following the same NE-SW trend. Alignment of these shallow events with the plume extent and also basal mound-like structures below the Utsira could be related to faults, diapirs or a combination of the two, which might provide insights into the plume extent. The analysis of these bright events using AVO is ambiguous with the data available, and the amplitudes may be due to lithology or hydrocarbons
Accessible healthcare outreach services for low socioeconomic patients with type II diabetes mellitus
No full textLack of access to preventative healthcare for lower income patients can be a barrier to diabetes management. Outreach services such as mobile clinics have been shown to be effective in increasing screenings and providing preventative care for diabetic patients (Shubrook et al., 2024). By creating more equitable resources for diagnosing and combating one of the most prevalent diseases in the U.S., the number of deaths can be reduced significantly with diet and medication adherence.Nursing, Andy and Barbara Gessner College o
Moderational Influences On The Impact Of Pre-Sleep Media Use On School-Aged Children’s Sleep Patterns
No full textAdequate sleep is vital for the healthy development of cognitive function, emotional health, and physical well-being. Despite the importance of sleep, the problem of inadequate sleep in children appears to be worsening over time. One contributor to insufficient sleep is the rise of screen media use (i.e., television, mobile phones, video games, and computers), particularly in the pre-sleep period and in the bedroom. Screen use has been theorized to negatively impact sleep hygiene and arousal at night; however, research on the relationship between pre-sleep screen use and children’s sleep health is mixed, creating need for additional research to elucidate these complex relationships. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between pre-sleep screen media use and sleep patterns, as well as the potential moderating effect of three relevant child/family factors, among school-aged children, ages 8-11 years (M=9.33, SD=1.08). A total of 300 parent-child dyads completed an online survey including questions about children’s sleep, screen use, and emotional health across one weekday night and morning. Contrary to hypotheses, results showed pre-sleep media use, specifically television, video gaming, and social media, predicted shorter sleep onset latency (SOL) the same night, but did not predict lights out time or subjective total sleep time (TST). We also did not find parent-reported function of pre-sleep screen media use (e.g., to help children feel calm/fall asleep) or location of use (in vs. out of bed) to moderate relationships between pre-sleep screen use and sleep patterns. However, results indicated that among children with high levels of anxiety, increased use of screen media during the pre-sleep period was significantly associated with shorter child-reported SOL. These findings suggest screen media types differentially predict sleep patterns. Furthermore, children anxiety compounds the effects of screen media on sleep patterns and may be a target of intervention for children with poor sleep or problematic screen media use in the pre-sleep period