Life Sciences Commons^™

Automated Detection Of Deep-Sea Animals, Dallas J. Hollis, Duane Edgington, Danelle Cline

STAR Program Research Presentations

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute routinely deploys remotely operated underwater vehicles equipped with high definition cameras for use in scientific studies. Utilizing a video collection of over 22,000 hours and the Video Annotation and Reference System, we have set out to automate the detection and classification of deep-sea animals. This paper serves to explore the pitfalls of automation and suggest possible solutions to automated detection in diverse ecosystems with varying field conditions. Detection was tested using a saliency-based neuromorphic selective attention algorithm. The animals that were not detected were then used to tune saliency parameters. Once objects are detected, …

Epigenetic Regulation Of Gene Expression During Spermatogenesis, Karishma Nayak

Senior Honors Projects

In the US livestock production industry, improving reproductive efficiency will improve animal welfare and maintain reasonable costs of meat and milk for consumers. In recent research, abnormalities in epigenetic markers in sperm during spermatogenesis, has been linked to male subfertility in many species. Epigenetics is the study of changes in organisms caused by modifications of gene expression, including DNA methylation, rather than alteration of the genetic code itself. When this process is disturbed, it can negatively impact semen therefore decreasing its fertility. Through further research on how DNA methylation influences gene expression during spermatogenesis and its impact on sperm quality, …

2016 Aq Summit: Introduction By Anne Langston, Anne L. Langston

Annual Maine Aquaculture R&D and Education Summits

Maine’s aquaculture sector is already strong and vibrant, but has substantial potential to increase in size and productivity, leading to new business and job creation. The vast majority (but not all) of Maine’s aquaculture firms have common characteristics such as: small size; small workforce and therefore a reduced diversity of in-company skills to draw on; limited access to capital; and reduced capacity for research and innovation. These characteristics can hinder growth both as a business and a sector.

To support Maine’s community of small businesses, and maximize growth for businesses and the aquaculture sector, collaborative research and development is required. …