24067 research outputs found
Sort by
Non-invasive ripeness monitoring of produce
No full textThis project is developing a module that can be appended to an autonomous ground robot capable of wireless, non-invasive ripeness monitoring of fruits and vegetables. This module, named Triton, leverages the impermeable nature of 5GHz radio frequencies (RF), and water to determine the ripeness of produce. To achieve this, a focused broadcast of empty data packets are directed at a fruit or vegetable. From this, the reflected radio waves are intercepted and compared to the initial amplitudes of the broadcast; determining changes in the peak amplitude and phase angles. By utilizing MATLAB and comparing the results to the mean data collected across all cataloged fruits and vegetables, a reasonable estimate of the produce\u27s percentage water content can be deduced. Using the measured water content applied to approximate the ripeness of the produce
Optimizing Object Manipulation and Grasp Point Detection Using Stereo Camera
No full textExisting robotic arm systems often rely on pre-trained models or operate within controlled environments using known positions or fiducial markers for object manipulation. Although these methods guarantee a considerable level of accuracy, they are limited by lengthy training processes and the need of proper controlled setups. This research explores a methodology that leverages Stereo cameras to develop a generalized algorithm, aiming to overcome these limitations to enable more versatile robotic object manipulation in uncontrolled environments. This research’s proposed solution uses a Intel Realsense Stereo camera with YOLO models for initial object identification and combines its segmentation meshes along with camera’s depth values to construct a detailed 3D point cloud around the detected object. By analyzing this point cloud through various feature extraction techniques such as RANSAC and passing it through our proposed filters, it predicts a mostly complete stable shape of the object. The grasp point is then calculated by identifying surfaces within the shape that can provide high stability and minimize potential slippage, followed by calculating an optimal approach angle and position for the robotic gripper. This approach enables robotic arm systems to autonomously adapt to a variety of objects in uncontrolled environments, significantly expanding their practical applications beyond traditional setups. For example, it could support modular robotic systems designed for sample gathering on extraterrestrial missions, where adaptability and autonomous operations are crucial
Screening of MK2 Interacting Proteins in Human cDNA Libraries Using a Yeast Two-Hybrid Assay
No full textMitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated-protein-kinase 2 (MK2) is a kinase that phosphorylates substrates. This project seeks to better understand the function of MK2’s short isoform by finding its interacting/binding partners. The Matchmaker Gold Yeast Two-Hybrid Assay was used since it depends on the reconstitution of a transcriptional activator through “bait” and “prey” proteins. The “bait” protein, MK2, was cloned into a binding vector to express a protein tagged with the binding domain. It was screened against a library of “prey” proteins tagged with an activation domain. If these proteins interact, the binding and activation domains come together and activate the Gal4 transcription factor resulting in the transcription of reporter genes AURI-C, HIS3, ADE1, and MEL1. By screening for the expression of these genes, experiments confirmed that the MK2-binding domain fusion protein doesn’t autoactivate the transcription factor as evidenced by no growth on aureobasidin-containing plates and no blue colonies on X-alpha gal-containing plates. A positive control experiment used p53 with the binding domain, and T-antigen with the activation domain, resulting in blue colonies on -leu-trp/X-alpha-GAL/AbA plates. Negative controls were performed with laminin with the binding domain, and T-antigen with the activation domain, resulting in no growth/blue colonies on the aureobasidin and double dropout plates respectively. Y190 yeast cells were transformed with MK2-binding domain plasmid and mated with Y187 yeast cells containing a cDNA library of human proteins to screen for potential binding partners. Approximately 200 positives were obtained and stored in a solution of glycerol and YPDA. Ten positives were analyzed. PCR amplification of cDNA inserts from positive colonies revealed that the “prey” plasmids were non-identical. The plasmids were isolated from yeast cells, transformed into DH5α E. coli, and plated on LB-amp plates to select the ampicillin-resistant “prey” plasmids from which it was isolated. The next steps involve characterizing the cDNA inserts by sequencing
Discovering Sequential Art
No full textThis project focuses on an in-depth study of Stephan Franc\u27s graphic novel, with a particular emphasis on the creation process. My work began with writing pages and creating thumbnails to establish the visual layout and pacing of the narrative. Following this, I initiated the penciling phase, where detailed drawings were developed. After completing a round of revisions on the pencils to refine the artwork, I proceeded to finalize the penciling stage, ensuring the visuals aligned with the storytelling. This process deepened my understanding of graphic novel creation and allowed for significant artistic growth in visual storytelling techniques
Exploring Plant Diversity in Pre and Post Burned Agricultural Plots in Central Appalachia
No full textPrescribed burns are a type of habitat restoration technique used to help restore land to a more ecologically diverse state, by increasing area for native plant growth. Fields that regularly get burned allow native species that are adapted to disturbances to establish healthier habitats. Appalachian Headwaters’ Wood Thrush Park, in Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a landscape that was previously used for cattle grazing. It is being actively managed to restore native habitat. In the summer of 2024, sampling was done on two different fields; one that was burned in 2019 and 2022 and the other that had not been burned prior to the study. On each field four transect lines were used to sample the species present by ten one-meter by one-meter quadrats across four sampling transects per site. Plant species were recorded and to find the diversity of native species a Shannon diversity index was used. After using the Shannon diversity index for each transect it was found that there was not a significant difference in the diversity from each transect, the next step is to look at the diversity of each field. A comparison of plant community diversity between burned and unburned fields will help us understand whether prescribed burns are an appropriate restoration technique for the fields in this study system. This will allow us to create an effective management plan to use moving forward
College Students View of GenAI
No full textThere was a time when calculators were considered cheating in math classes, however now they are a common and important tool. Since different forms of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) are becoming more prevalent in our society and are being used to perform more diverse and complex tasks, it is my aim to explore how the technology is used by students in the college setting. While the topic of “cheating” is often referenced when speaking of GAI use in the college setting, it is not the sole purpose of the technology. Through an anonymous questionnaire, I would like to examine not only how the technology is used by college students, but what the students deem to be acceptable uses. The end goal is to not only evaluate in what ways students are using GAI, but also to understand if students consider using the tool a violation of academic integrity standards. With this data, it could be possible to predict how GAI may be used in education in the future, not only by students, but by educators as well
Reimagining Recovery: Architecture\u27s Role in Sobriety
Get PDFAlcoholism recovery housing, such as a sober living house, often overlooks the profound impact that architecture and the environment created from the built world can have on the therapeutic process of rehabilitation. The physical space where individuals receive mental health treatment plays a crucial role in their recovery journey, yet many facilities fail to consider how design elements can support or hinder the healing process. A well-designed sober living house should provide a safe, comforting, and inspiring environment that promotes continued recovery and therefore enhances the effectiveness of therapy and other treatments. There is a large gap between the physical and mental space of recovery and transitional housing and the reality of many individuals who are entering into these programs. Many of these types of recovery houses do not provide appropriate means of healing and therapeutic spaces that acknowledge the realities of people’s financial support or emotional support outside of that singular environment. By neglecting to address the architectural aspect of recovery spaces, they may be inadvertently hindering the progress of their patients. Through historical research and case study research specifically focused on choice architecture and biophilia in a recovery space, a connection between nature and mental wellness can be established and programed into an architectural design in Atlanta. Choice architecture involves designing the physical environment in which choices are made to encourage desired outcomes. Biophilic design principles will apply to the design as a way for recovering occupants to have a close connection to nature which has been proven to enhance occupant health and productivity. By leveraging choice architecture and biophilic design, continued rehabilitation, and sobriety for recovering alcoholics can be an inclusive and inspiring place for establishing mental and physical health decision making
Investigating the Impact of Glucose, Sucrose and Glycerol on Protein Structure and Dynamics using Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry
No full textProtein, antibody, peptide and enzyme-based medications remarkably increased in the pharmaceutical industry, but long-term storage and stability issues arise with newer and more complex medications. In the last two decades, the FDA approved 894 therapeutic proteins, including 354 monoclonal antibodies and 85 peptides or polypeptides. A critical aspect of this is the preservation of these protein-based therapeutics, which require various stabilizers that can maintain their stability. Various stabilizers such as sucrose, glucose and glycerol are frequently used to storge and preserve these medications. The goal of this research is to investigate how these stabilizing agents’ impact on the folding and unfolding of a model protein. Various concentrations of these stabilizing agents were prepared and mixed with Lysozyme and incubated and analyzed by electrospray ionization coupled with mass spectrometry techniques. Unfolded lysozyme, which is less stable, leads to substantially higher charge states than the folded one. All mass spectrums were obtained using an LTQ XL mass spectrometer. In this experiment, the control sample, Lysozyme in water, exhibited m/z peaks ranging from 8+ to 11+, with the strongest peak at 10+. When Lysozyme was incubated with various concentrations (1 mM to 50 mM) of glucose, Lysozyme exhibited m/z peaks ranging from 8+ to 13+, with the strongest peak at 12+ which indicates that the protein is unfolded in presence of glucose. Similar features were noticed when Lysozyme was incubated with sucrose, however, various adduct peaks emerged which confirm that sucrose is not only unfolding the protein but also glycosylating the lysozyme significantly. While comparing the results with glucose and sucrose, this is evident that glycerol showed m/z peaks ranging from 8+ to 12+ with the strongest peak at 10+ which showed that glycerol was the most effective on stabilizing the protein
Development of Soft Robotic Hand Data Glove for Rehabilitation and Gesture Recognition
No full textHand rehabilitation is a critical component in the recovery process for individuals who suffer from stroke, traumatic injuries, or neurological disorders that can impair hand function and dexterity. Traditional rehabilitation methods often involve repetitive exercises and protocols that can be tedious and discouraging for patients, potentially preventing their progress and engagement to the rehabilitation program. The integration of soft robotic technology with 3D printing offers a promising solution to enhance hand rehabilitation as well as gesture recognition for prosthetic control. A soft robotic based hand glove, which is a wearable device made from compliant and flexible materials, can provide dynamic assistance and support to the hand during rehabilitation exercises, while also enabling accurate tracking of hand and finger movements for gesture recognition applications. Utilizing 3D printing technology, soft robotic hand gloves can be customized to fit individual hand sizes and shapes, ensuring a comfortable and personalized fit. In addition, the flexibility of 3D printing allows for the incorporation of various sensors and actuators within the glove\u27s structure, enabling precise monitoring of hand and finger motions as well as assistance during rehabilitation exercises. For this purpose, we manufactured a soft robotic hand glove using both flexible and rigid materials as well as a compliant structure for ease of motion and for sensor accuracy. The glove consists of 10 integrated flex sensors equipped to measure simultaneous angle position data from each finger. A microcontroller-based data acquisition system is developed to collect sensor data and compute finger positions. This data is used to control a Matlab Simscape based hand model animation. The developed 3D printed hand glove can be used to collect ground truth together with EMG/Ultrasound sensor data in deep learning-based model development for hand/finger motion prediction
The Influential Architectural Works of Peter Eisenman & Peter Cook
No full textIn this paper, I am going to be looking at the architectural styles of Peter Eisenman and Peter Cook. I\u27m going to research and discuss the architectural styles that both architects used and figure out why they designed in that style. I\u27m also gonna be looking at their designs in their times to see how they influenced design going forward and were influential for the times they were built. When looking at Peter Eisenman he was an American architect who was part of the New York Five and even though it was like is known for his designs in modern architecture. He also designed with deconstructivism from time to time and seemed to love designing buildings with less-than-ordinary shapes. Peter Cook is an English architect who in his own words described his own architecture as lyrical tactical mechanical and even slightly gothic. Also, Peter Cook was the founder of Archigram which is a British architectural group that was designed in the avant-garde style they were also very influential in the 1960s. Having this baseline of these architects I\u27m going to be looking at buildings from each of them and discussing the designs of the buildings and even comparing a few of the buildings from each architect to each othe