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Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Solar-Powered Arduino Real-Time Transmitter In Measuring Moisture, Temperature, And Environmental Ph Levels In Soil, Jamiela Anne T. Trinio, Jacy Danielle I. Gonzales, Michelle H. Dote, Eve Christlene C. Calma, Mary Terly Ann Angustia Jun 2025

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of A Solar-Powered Arduino Real-Time Transmitter In Measuring Moisture, Temperature, And Environmental Ph Levels In Soil, Jamiela Anne T. Trinio, Jacy Danielle I. Gonzales, Michelle H. Dote, Eve Christlene C. Calma, Mary Terly Ann Angustia

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

In the past decade, the effects of climate change have served as a threat to crop production, thereby affecting the livelihood of farmers. As a result, monitoring soil conditions has become increasingly crucial in the agricultural field. Traditional methods, while considered reliable, often have issues regarding accuracy and efficiency. Hence, various technological innovations have emerged over the years to assist in the aforementioned task. However, while existing studies have supported the reliability of technology, they have also delved upon the limitations, particularly with cost-effectiveness. Therefore, this study proposed the application of the Solar-Powered Arduino Real-Time Transmitter (SPARTT) in agricultural settings. …


Fitness Odyssey: The Development Of A Fitness Application For Gamifying Habit-Forming Activities That Improve The Physical Health Of Grade 12 Students, Denzyll Yuro B. Umali, Karl Nikolai S. Parra, Frederik Louise T. Rosales, Ruzzel Rey P. Barredo Jun 2025

Fitness Odyssey: The Development Of A Fitness Application For Gamifying Habit-Forming Activities That Improve The Physical Health Of Grade 12 Students, Denzyll Yuro B. Umali, Karl Nikolai S. Parra, Frederik Louise T. Rosales, Ruzzel Rey P. Barredo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

The increasing prevalence of sedentary behavior among adolescents, inadvertently from the rapid integration of technology in day-to-day lives, raises concerns about the physical health of modern lifestyles. As teenagers and students spend more time on their phones, there is an urgent need to reframe digital tools as a solution for inactivity. This study aims to develop and evaluate Fitness Odyssey, a fitness application that gamifies physical activities, making them more engaging and rewarding for adolescents. The application tracks six primary exercises—walking, push-ups, sit-ups, squats, jumping jacks, and lunges—using a mobile phone’s accelerometer, developed with the Godot software engine. The research …


Pathway Mapping Of Bioactive Compounds In Guyabano (Annona Muricata) Leaves On Anti-Diabetic Proteins Found In Homo Sapiens, Miryea Andrea A. Cayetano, Gabrielle Micha C. Co, Akhicko Beatrize T. Facilan, Jane Abigail M. Santiago Jun 2025

Pathway Mapping Of Bioactive Compounds In Guyabano (Annona Muricata) Leaves On Anti-Diabetic Proteins Found In Homo Sapiens, Miryea Andrea A. Cayetano, Gabrielle Micha C. Co, Akhicko Beatrize T. Facilan, Jane Abigail M. Santiago

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Diabetes is a global health concern, leading to increased efforts to explore alternative treatments. Annona muricata, commonly known as Guyabano, is frequently used in traditional medicine, particularly its leaves and fruits, to alleviate symptoms associated with diabetes. However, despite its widespread use, limited research has explored the molecular mechanisms of bioactive compounds in A. muricata leaves in relation to anti-diabetic effects. This study aimed to bridge this gap by using in silico methods to examine the interactions between bioactive compounds from A. muricata leaves and human proteins implicated in anti-diabetic activity. Bioinformatics tools, including molecular docking and pathway mapping, …


Hydrofortera: An Experimental Study On The Development Of An Effective And Cost-Effective Eco-Friendly Geopolymer Water-Stop Cement, Aaron Dave M. Libatique, Zsharich Nicole D. Fernandez, Rizha Trixcy V. Ferrer, Amaro B. Lanuza Jr. Jun 2025

Hydrofortera: An Experimental Study On The Development Of An Effective And Cost-Effective Eco-Friendly Geopolymer Water-Stop Cement, Aaron Dave M. Libatique, Zsharich Nicole D. Fernandez, Rizha Trixcy V. Ferrer, Amaro B. Lanuza Jr.

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Hydraulic water-stop cement is a commonplace solution to most concrete problems caused by natural disasters in the Philippines, especially flooding in low-lying areas. However, rising expenses and environmental concerns due to surging carbon footprints necessitate the development of a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. Aligned with SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13, this study developed HydroFortera: an effective, cost-effective, and eco-friendly geopolymer water-stop cement formulated using waste by-products such as fly ash, rice husk ash, and coconut fiber, along with alkaline activators and additives. Alkaline-to-binder ratios of 0.40, 0.45, and 0.50 were tested for various properties to determine the optimal ratio …


Spatiotemporal Analysis Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Fall Armyworms) Risk Using Known Growth Indicators In Select Municipalities Of Tarlac, Philippines, Katherine Samantha Salvador Manaig, Frans Josef Gotis De Justo, Mary Dominique Vargas Padilla, Reese Gianna Hernandez Gollod Jun 2025

Spatiotemporal Analysis Of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Fall Armyworms) Risk Using Known Growth Indicators In Select Municipalities Of Tarlac, Philippines, Katherine Samantha Salvador Manaig, Frans Josef Gotis De Justo, Mary Dominique Vargas Padilla, Reese Gianna Hernandez Gollod

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

In recent years, Fall Armyworm (FAW) reports have steadily increased in warmer regions of various continents, causing significant losses in the agricultural sector, especially in staple crops such as rice, corn, and sorghum. The pest species travels across warmer areas by riding wind currents and targeting crops. To combat FAW, farmers have developed and improved pesticide formulas and other control strategies, as the pest has shown resistance to many commercial pesticides used. However, FAW monitoring remains a challenge for the agricultural sector. With the agricultural nature of the Philippines, it is crucial to monitor the pest's spread behavior in order …


Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) Leaf & Banana (Musa Acuminata) Peel Extract As A Hydrophobic Coating For Cardboard, Ferdie Fernandez Cajucom, Missy Noelle Ciriaco Velasco, Mary Catherine Membrare Alfonso, Crizzane Ramos Barsatan, Sharee Mae Advimcula Tamayo, Ashley Irish Valdez Balneg, David Isaiah Sales Gengania, Rivi Nabusan Wacnisen Jun 2025

Star Apple (Chrysophyllum Cainito) Leaf & Banana (Musa Acuminata) Peel Extract As A Hydrophobic Coating For Cardboard, Ferdie Fernandez Cajucom, Missy Noelle Ciriaco Velasco, Mary Catherine Membrare Alfonso, Crizzane Ramos Barsatan, Sharee Mae Advimcula Tamayo, Ashley Irish Valdez Balneg, David Isaiah Sales Gengania, Rivi Nabusan Wacnisen

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This research aims to find a natural way to make cardboard more water-resistant, increasing its recyclability and lifespan by using banana peels (BP) and star apple leaves (SAL). The inspiration behind this study comes from commercial coatings that are made from synthetic chemicals, such as fluoropolymers and silicone, that can harm the environment. Since cardboard easily absorbs water, the researchers tested different mixtures of BP and SAL to determine which combination works best as a coating. Using ethanol maceration to extract hydrophobic compounds, epicuticular wax was obtained from SAL, while powdered BP was macerated with hexane. The extracts were concentrated …


Civil Status, Single: The Emotional Experiences And Transformations Of Single Teenage Filipino Mothers Across Generations In Their Transition To Adulthood, Gabrielle B. Lumongsod, Ana Sofia V. Collado, Ramona Liz P. Motos, Maria Ysabel A. Ronquillo Jun 2025

Civil Status, Single: The Emotional Experiences And Transformations Of Single Teenage Filipino Mothers Across Generations In Their Transition To Adulthood, Gabrielle B. Lumongsod, Ana Sofia V. Collado, Ramona Liz P. Motos, Maria Ysabel A. Ronquillo

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Single teenage mothers in the Philippines face unique emotional and psychological challenges as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. These challenges often stem from societal stigma, guilt, and the loss of personal aspirations, which negatively affect their mental health and self-identity. Guided by Intersectionality theory, this study explores the emotional experiences of single teenage Filipino mothers, aiming to understand how early motherhood influences their emotional well-being, identity formation, and personal growth. Six Filipino women, aged 18 to 55, were purposively selected to provide a diverse generational perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s …


Impact Of Sugar Content And Ph Levels On The Microbial Load Of Street Food Dipping Sauces, Maffae Ashley L. Padernal, Yeinniel Miguel D. Cao, Jamie M. Velasquez Jun 2025

Impact Of Sugar Content And Ph Levels On The Microbial Load Of Street Food Dipping Sauces, Maffae Ashley L. Padernal, Yeinniel Miguel D. Cao, Jamie M. Velasquez

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

Foodborne illnesses cause millions of deaths annually, posing a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with thriving street food cultures like the Philippines. This study investigated how sugar content and pH levels in street food dipping sauces affect microbial growth. Six sauce samples were prepared with varying sugar (25g, 50g, 75g) and pH levels (4.0, 3.6, 3.1). Microbial load was measured using the Standard Plate Count (SPC) method. While a moderate sugar concentration (50g) showed the lowest microbial load, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.77). However, pH significantly impacted microbial growth (p=0.0034), with pH 3.6 showing the lowest …


Optimizing Sea Grapes (Caulerpa Lentillifera) Extract Concentration For Maximum Larval Mortality, Bench Russel D. Caol-Olan, Nicole Shane D. Sabaldan, Jullian Jake D. Labastida, Steffany C. Illagan, Herlynne C. Mallari, Raven Pauline A. Ebuen, Jairra Lysandra M. Atun, Deness Patricia Lauress P. Turla, Dana Kriesha E. Prudente, Christian Dale Luis F. Valenzuela Jun 2025

Optimizing Sea Grapes (Caulerpa Lentillifera) Extract Concentration For Maximum Larval Mortality, Bench Russel D. Caol-Olan, Nicole Shane D. Sabaldan, Jullian Jake D. Labastida, Steffany C. Illagan, Herlynne C. Mallari, Raven Pauline A. Ebuen, Jairra Lysandra M. Atun, Deness Patricia Lauress P. Turla, Dana Kriesha E. Prudente, Christian Dale Luis F. Valenzuela

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This research investigates the larvicidal potential of Caulerpa lentillifera, commonly known as sea grapes. Specifically, it aims to determine whether 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% concentrations of C. lentillifera extract can significantly increase mosquito larval mortality after four hours of exposure. The experiment followed standardized guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO), and larval mortality was calculated using Abbott’s formula. This research investigates the larvicidal potential of C. lentillifera, commonly known as lato sea grapes. Specifically, it aims to determine whether 0%, 10%, 20%, or 30% concentrations of C. lentillifera extract can significantly increase mosquito larval mortality after four …


Examining The Bioethanol Yield Potential Of Varying Ratios Of Jicama (Pachyrhizus Erosus) And Footstool Palm (Saribus Rotundifolius) Stalk, Sasha Marie C. Haresco, Alyssa Shane M. Arro, Shalemar O. Baldoza, Raphael Carlos V. Bunga, Rica Michaela G. Dosal, Angela A. Garan, Luke Gabriel R. Mara, Keona Denise C. Marquez, Isabelo Raphael M. Siguenza, Kristoff Isaiah R. Soreta, Kian Stephen Torrijos, Marionne Lorraine R. Valdez, Sky Lance S. Valiente Jun 2025

Examining The Bioethanol Yield Potential Of Varying Ratios Of Jicama (Pachyrhizus Erosus) And Footstool Palm (Saribus Rotundifolius) Stalk, Sasha Marie C. Haresco, Alyssa Shane M. Arro, Shalemar O. Baldoza, Raphael Carlos V. Bunga, Rica Michaela G. Dosal, Angela A. Garan, Luke Gabriel R. Mara, Keona Denise C. Marquez, Isabelo Raphael M. Siguenza, Kristoff Isaiah R. Soreta, Kian Stephen Torrijos, Marionne Lorraine R. Valdez, Sky Lance S. Valiente

DLSU Senior High School Research Congress

This study aimed to examine the bioethanol yield potential of varying ratios of Jicama (J) and Footstool Palm Stalk (FPS). The prototype used a mixed feedstock approach and was developed using the Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation (SHF) method to extract and ferment sugars to produce ethanol. The study measured bioethanol yields by employing a posttest-only controlled group design consisting of a negative control group and three experimental groups. The results demonstrated that Experimental 3 exhibited the highest average initial sugar yield (3.71g), while the Negative Control showed the lowest average initial sugar (1.5g), showing the high sugar potential of Experimental …


The Tax Adviser, Volume 13, Number 1, January 1982, American Institute Of Certified Public Accountants Jun 2025

The Tax Adviser, Volume 13, Number 1, January 1982, American Institute Of Certified Public Accountants

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.


Qualified Research Contributions Under The ’81 Act, Robert Feinschreiber Jun 2025

Qualified Research Contributions Under The ’81 Act, Robert Feinschreiber

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.


Effect Of Different Nutrient Media On Mycelial Growth Of Different Species Of Medicinal Mushroom, Luna Ahmad, Fahed Albiski, Ramzi Murshed, Hijazi Mando, Bssam Al Okla Jun 2025

Effect Of Different Nutrient Media On Mycelial Growth Of Different Species Of Medicinal Mushroom, Luna Ahmad, Fahed Albiski, Ramzi Murshed, Hijazi Mando, Bssam Al Okla

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

The research was carried out in 2022 in the National Commission for Biotechnology (NCBT). The aim is studying the mycelium growth of 5 commercial strains of four medicinal mushroom: Ganoderma lucidum (G.l), Agaricus blazei (A.b), Hericium erianaceum (H.e) and Lentinus edodes (Tow strains: strain M3782 (L.e1) and strain straw (L.e2)), sourced of Aloha company of USA on four nutrient growth media: Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt extract Agar (MEA), Sabouroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Corn meal agar (CMA). The following mycelium growth parameters were studied: mycelium height (H), mycelium diameter (D), mycelium density (G), growth rate (GR) and growth coefficient …


Modulation Of Pulmonary Epithelial Paracellular Permeability By Pneumolysin From Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Alexandra S. Tamayo Moreira Jun 2025

Modulation Of Pulmonary Epithelial Paracellular Permeability By Pneumolysin From Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Alexandra S. Tamayo Moreira

Biology Theses

Pneumolysin (PLY), a key virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), disrupts airway epithelial barriers, yet its cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aim to elucidate recombinant pneumolysin (rPLY)’s effects on Calu-3 bronchial epithelial barrier integrity and underlying pathways. This study investigates the effects of non-lytic and lytic PLY concentrations (5, 15, 30 µg/mL) to test the hypothesis that PLY increases epithelial paracellular permeability by affecting the anatomy and physiology of epithelial tight junctions. To address the hypothesis that PLY increases paracellular permeability through disruption of tight junction integrity in Calu-3 cells in a time- and dose-dependent …


Influence Of Age At Harvest And Packaging Conditions On Color Stability Of Bovine Psoas Major Muscle, Xiao Lu, Xin Luo, Sulaiman K. Matarneh Jun 2025

Influence Of Age At Harvest And Packaging Conditions On Color Stability Of Bovine Psoas Major Muscle, Xiao Lu, Xin Luo, Sulaiman K. Matarneh

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science Student Research

This study investigated the effect of cattle age on the color stability of Psoas major steaks under different packaging conditions, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film packaging, high-oxygen-modified atmosphere packaging (HiOx-MAP), and carbon monoxide modified atmosphere packaging (CO-MAP), over a 14-day storage period. Steaks from old cows had a greater myoglobin content than those from young animals (p < 0.05), resulting in a darker beef color. Regardless of animal age, steaks in PVC and HiOx-MAP exhibited poor color stability during storage, as evidenced by the low color intensity and high surface metmyoglobin (MetMb; p < 0.05). These samples also exhibited a reduced MetMb reducing activity (MRA) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and higher 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels, with these effects being evident in steaks from mature cows. In contrast, steaks stored in CO-MAP had greater redness, MRA, and OCR, along with lower surface MetMb and TBARS levels (p < 0.05), contributing to the limited discoloration of steaks from both age groups. These findings suggest that while both harvest age and packaging affect the shelf stability of bovine steaks, packaging plays a more significant role. CO-MAP proved to be more effective than aerobic packaging and may mitigate age-related differences in color stability.


Ecological Acclimation: A Framework To Integrate Fast And Slow Responses To Climate Change, Michael Stemkovski, Joey R. Bernhardt, Benjamin Wong Blonder, John B. Bradford, Kyra Clark-Wolf, Laura E. Dee, Margaret E. K. Evans, Virginia Iglesias, Loretta C. Johnson, Abigail J. Lynch, Sparkle L. Malone, Booke B. Osborne, Melissa A. Pastore, Michael Paterson, Malin L. Pinsky, Christine R. Rollinson, Oliver Selmoni, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Anthony P. Walker, Nicole K. Ward, John W. Williams, Claire M. Zarakas, Peter B. Adler Jun 2025

Ecological Acclimation: A Framework To Integrate Fast And Slow Responses To Climate Change, Michael Stemkovski, Joey R. Bernhardt, Benjamin Wong Blonder, John B. Bradford, Kyra Clark-Wolf, Laura E. Dee, Margaret E. K. Evans, Virginia Iglesias, Loretta C. Johnson, Abigail J. Lynch, Sparkle L. Malone, Booke B. Osborne, Melissa A. Pastore, Michael Paterson, Malin L. Pinsky, Christine R. Rollinson, Oliver Selmoni, Jason J. Venkiteswaran, Anthony P. Walker, Nicole K. Ward, John W. Williams, Claire M. Zarakas, Peter B. Adler

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

1. Ecological responses to climate change occur across vastly different time-scales, from minutes for physiological plasticity to decades or centuries for community turnover and evolutionary adaptation. Accurately predicting the range of ecosystem trajectories will require models that incorporate both fast processes that may keep pace with climate change and slower ones likely to lag behind and generate disequilibrium dynamics. However, the knowledge necessary for this integration is currently fragmented across disciplines.

2. We develop ‘ecological acclimation’ as a unifying framework to emphasize the similarity of dynamics driven by processes operating on dramatically different time-scales and levels of biological organization. The …


Improved Perceived Health Status Among Persons Practicing Yoga For Pain Management, Mary Kovoor Jun 2025

Improved Perceived Health Status Among Persons Practicing Yoga For Pain Management, Mary Kovoor

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between yoga practice and perceived health status, and to evaluate the benefits of yoga as a pain management strategy for low-income individuals.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted and analyzed using 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data. Logistic regression analyses examined whether the practice of yoga affected perceived health status, and whether low-income individuals were more likely to practice yoga for pain management.

Results: Analyses revealed that individuals who practiced yoga were 1.7 times more likely to report their health status positively than those …


Confidence Intervals For The Difference And Ratio Of Two Means From Independent Beta Distribution, Albert Ashong Jun 2025

Confidence Intervals For The Difference And Ratio Of Two Means From Independent Beta Distribution, Albert Ashong

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores constructing and evaluating confidence intervals for the difference and ratio of means from two independent Beta distributions using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and the Wald method. It addresses the limitations of traditional methods due to the unique properties of Beta distributions. Extensive simulation studies assess interval performance based on coverage probability and Average width. The study aims to provide robust tools for statistical analysis in fields where Beta distributions are common, enhancing understanding and application of these methods in various scientific domains. Additionally, these confidence intervals will be applied to real biological data from a Morris Water …


Complete Genome Sequence Of Saccharolobus Solfataricus Strain S441, From Lassen Volcanic National Park, Jonathan Abshier, Caleb Marceau, Kenneth Stedman Jun 2025

Complete Genome Sequence Of Saccharolobus Solfataricus Strain S441, From Lassen Volcanic National Park, Jonathan Abshier, Caleb Marceau, Kenneth Stedman

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Here, we present the complete genome sequence Saccharolobus solfataricus strain S441, isolated from Devil’s Kitchen, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California, U.S.A. The genome for this strain is 2,766,550 base pairs, with a GC content of 35.7% and 3,031 genes.


Orientation-Independent Bubble Trap With Internal Partition For Robust Operation Of Microfluidic Systems, Bhavagyna Vegunta, Charmaine Lui, Max Kim, Joshua Tran, Maya Papez, Anand K. Ramasubramanian, Sang Joon John Lee Jun 2025

Orientation-Independent Bubble Trap With Internal Partition For Robust Operation Of Microfluidic Systems, Bhavagyna Vegunta, Charmaine Lui, Max Kim, Joshua Tran, Maya Papez, Anand K. Ramasubramanian, Sang Joon John Lee

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

A new monolithic bubble trap has been developed with a unique, orientation-independent design. The bubble trap has a spherical cavity and a central partition with internal passages that eliminate air bubbles effectively for extended periods of time. Flow testing was performed in a closed-loop microfluidic system to demonstrate effectiveness and robustness of the bubble trap. Flow rate was continually monitored on a stationary benchtop and also in simulated microgravity conditions on a 3-D random positioning machine. Data collected from flow sensors placed fore and aft of the bubble trap confirmed that randomly occurring bubbles were effectively eliminated by the trap …


Next-Generation Biomaterials For Load-Bearing Tissue Interfaces: Sensor-Integrated Scaffolds And Mechanoadaptive Constructs For Skeletal Regeneration, Rahul Kumar, Kyle Sporn, Pranay Prabhakar, Phani Paladugu, Akshay Khanna, Alex Ngo, Chirag Gowda, Ethan Waisberg, Ram Jagadeesan, Nasif Zaman, Alireza Tavakkoli Jun 2025

Next-Generation Biomaterials For Load-Bearing Tissue Interfaces: Sensor-Integrated Scaffolds And Mechanoadaptive Constructs For Skeletal Regeneration, Rahul Kumar, Kyle Sporn, Pranay Prabhakar, Phani Paladugu, Akshay Khanna, Alex Ngo, Chirag Gowda, Ethan Waisberg, Ram Jagadeesan, Nasif Zaman, Alireza Tavakkoli

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

Advancements in load-bearing tissue repair increasingly demand biomaterials that not only support structural integrity but also interact dynamically with the physiological environment. This review examines the latest progress in smart biomaterials designed for skeletal reconstruction, with emphasis on mechanoresponsive scaffolds, bioactive composites, and integrated microsensors for real-time monitoring. We explore material formulations that enhance osseointegration, resist micromotion-induced loosening, and modulate inflammatory responses at the bone-implant interface. Additionally, we assess novel fabrication methods-such as additive manufacturing and gradient-based material deposition-for tailoring stiffness, porosity, and degradation profiles to match host biomechanics. Special attention is given to sensor-augmented platforms capable of detecting mechanical …


The Only Constant Is Change: The Role Of Genetic Diversification In Cancer And Beyond, Malgorzata Tyczynska Weh Jun 2025

The Only Constant Is Change: The Role Of Genetic Diversification In Cancer And Beyond, Malgorzata Tyczynska Weh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Genetic diversification, the process by which genetic variation arises in a population, is fundamental to evolution by natural selection. Mutation, a central diversification process, fuels adaptation across species, including in cancer. Yet most new mutations are neutral or deleterious on cell fitness, raising the question of how mutation-driven adaptation persists. To explore this paradox, I developed a spatial agent-based model (ABM) in which population fitness emerges from individual cells acquiring mutations at varied rates and with diverse fitness effects. I evaluated model behavior across adaptive states, mutation rates, and distributions of fitness effects. The results show that high mutation rates …


Benchmarking Model Predictive Control And Reinforcement Learning-Based Control For Legged Robot Locomotion In Mujoco Simulation, Shivayogi Akki, Tan Chen Jun 2025

Benchmarking Model Predictive Control And Reinforcement Learning-Based Control For Legged Robot Locomotion In Mujoco Simulation, Shivayogi Akki, Tan Chen

Michigan Tech Publications

Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) are two prominent strategies for controlling legged robots. RL learns control policies through system interaction, adapting to various scenarios, whereas MPC relies on a predefined mathematical model to solve optimization problems in real-time. Despite their widespread use, there is a lack of direct comparative analysis under standardized conditions. This work addresses this gap by benchmarking MPC and RL controllers on a Unitree Go1 quadruped robot within the MuJoCo simulation environment, focusing on a standardized task, straight walking at a constant velocity. Performance is evaluated based on disturbance rejection, energy efficiency, and terrain …


Martingale Methods For Structural Change Detection And Feature Attribution In Dynamic Networks, Izhar Ali Jun 2025

Martingale Methods For Structural Change Detection And Feature Attribution In Dynamic Networks, Izhar Ali

Theses and Dissertations

Dynamic networks undergo structural changes when their generative process shifts at a change-point. We need to detect this change-point with minimal delay while identifying its underlying causes. This is an optimization problem of minimizing the expected detection delay while controlling the false alarm probability below a threshold---leading to three critical challenges: non-parametric detection without distributional assumptions, exact feature attribution, and early detection with rigorous false alarm control. We construct additive martingale statistics from multiple graph features using conformal prediction, providing false alarm guarantees via Ville's inequality. Our key theoretical contribution proves the Martingale-Shapley equivalence: each feature's martingale value equals its …


The First Australian Co-Invasion Of Euwallacea Fornicatus, Fusarium Sp. [Af18] And Graphium Euwallaceae, Melinda Moir, Monica Kehoe, Dominie Wright, Stefania Bertazzoni, Peter Scott, Cuiping Wang, Elsie Kinnaird, Brenda A. Coutts Jun 2025

The First Australian Co-Invasion Of Euwallacea Fornicatus, Fusarium Sp. [Af18] And Graphium Euwallaceae, Melinda Moir, Monica Kehoe, Dominie Wright, Stefania Bertazzoni, Peter Scott, Cuiping Wang, Elsie Kinnaird, Brenda A. Coutts

Biosecurity Research Articles

As international trade and travel increase around the world, invasive species detections and incursions are increasing in frequency. Here we document the first detection and incursion within Australia by the Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff, 1868) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), an ambrosia beetle, and two of the associated fungal species; Fusarium sp. [AF18], and Graphium euwallaceae. All three exotic species were detected in a confined region within Perth, Western Australia, and represent a co-invasion. This multispecies incursion into one of the world’s most remote cities highlights the rapid increase in biological invasions globally and the pressures that urban, agricultural, …


Human Alveolar Macrophage Response To Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: Immune Characteristics Underlying Large Inter-Individual Variability, Wolfgang Sadee, Ian H. Cheeseman, Audrey Papp, Maciej Pietrzak, Michal Seweryn, Xiaofei Zhou, Shili Lin, Hao Zhang, Blanca I. Restrepo, Yufeng Wang Jun 2025

Human Alveolar Macrophage Response To Mycobacterium Tuberculosis: Immune Characteristics Underlying Large Inter-Individual Variability, Wolfgang Sadee, Ian H. Cheeseman, Audrey Papp, Maciej Pietrzak, Michal Seweryn, Xiaofei Zhou, Shili Lin, Hao Zhang, Blanca I. Restrepo, Yufeng Wang

School of Medicine Publications

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection infects human alveolar macrophages (HAMs). In freshly isolated HAMs from 28 healthy adults, we observe large inter-individual differences in bacterial uptake and growth, with tenfold variation in M.tb load by 72 h. While M.tb infection triggers expression changes of numerous host mRNAs, we examined which genes are most variably expressed (VE genes) between donors, as potential biomarkers of individual tuberculosis (TB) risk. The HAM RNA transcriptome following infection revealed thousands of differentially expressed (DE) genes and differential secretion of 25/27 proteins. Yet only 324 DE genes represent VE genes detected exclusively among DE genes in …


Microscopic Nucleic Acid-To-Protein Ratio: A Label-Free Approach For Pancreatic Cancer Detection, Sky Gao, Keerthi Priya Jangili, Alfred Akinlalu, Emmanuel Ogberefor, Tommy Gao, Kalpana Devaraj, Dali Sun Jun 2025

Microscopic Nucleic Acid-To-Protein Ratio: A Label-Free Approach For Pancreatic Cancer Detection, Sky Gao, Keerthi Priya Jangili, Alfred Akinlalu, Emmanuel Ogberefor, Tommy Gao, Kalpana Devaraj, Dali Sun

Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Scholarship

Accurate and timely diagnosis remains a major clinical challenge, hindered by the limitations of conventional histopathological methods, which often rely on labor-intensive staining protocols and subjective interpretation by specialized pathologists. These methods can fail to capture the full molecular and phenotypic heterogeneity of tumors, leading to increased diagnostic time, cost, and variability. To overcome these challenges, we developed a novel label-free ultraviolet (UV) microscopic imaging technique that exploits the intrinsic optical absorption properties of cellular nucleic acids and proteins. By modifying standard brightfield microscopes, our approach quantitatively measures the nucleic acid-to-protein ratio (NPr), enabling high-resolution visualization and discrimination between malignant …


An Implementation Study Of A Brief, Online Sexual Mindfulness Intervention At The Individual Partner Level: The Impact Of Prompting Practice On Implementation, Alexyss Lange Jun 2025

An Implementation Study Of A Brief, Online Sexual Mindfulness Intervention At The Individual Partner Level: The Impact Of Prompting Practice On Implementation, Alexyss Lange

Theses and Dissertations

Prior research suggests frequent, scheduled, non-interactive text support enhances psychological outcomes and increases adherence to psychological interventions (Agyapong et al., 2020; Shalaby et al., 2022; Shim et al., 2017). Using a hybrid III implementation model, we recruited individuals in romantic relationships to test whether weekly reminders improved engagement with a sexual mindfulness intervention. We found no evidence that additional support increased intervention implementation. Although we aimed to assess acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and feasibility as separate implementation outcomes, factor analysis indicated these variables cluster into two broader constructs: Readiness and motivation and discomfort and uncertainty. These factors did not differ between …


Association Of Medicaid Expansion With Colon Cancer Care: Treatment Patterns And Survival In Non-Metastatic Cases From State Registry-Claims Data, Kirsten Y. Eom, Weichuan Dong, Richard S. Hoehn, Jeffrey M. Albert, Uriel Kim, Gregory Cooper, Johnie Rose, Siran M. Koroukian Jun 2025

Association Of Medicaid Expansion With Colon Cancer Care: Treatment Patterns And Survival In Non-Metastatic Cases From State Registry-Claims Data, Kirsten Y. Eom, Weichuan Dong, Richard S. Hoehn, Jeffrey M. Albert, Uriel Kim, Gregory Cooper, Johnie Rose, Siran M. Koroukian

Faculty Scholarship

Purpose: Despite growing research on Medicaid expansion’s impact on cancer outcomes, there remains a critical need for a more nuanced understanding of how expansion affects cancer care and survival. This study assesses whether Medicaid expansion was associated with improved receipt of standard treatment, timely treatment initiation, and overall survival among colon cancer patients, while examining the specific factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: Using Ohio’s state cancer registry linked with Medicaid records, we analyzed 688 Medicaid-enrolled patients with non-metastatic colon cancer diagnosed between May 2011 and December 2017. We employed multivariable Poisson and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses to evaluate the …


Understanding The Effects Of Binder Dissolution Dynamics On The Chemistry And Performance Of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries, Saheed A. Lateef, John Chmiola, Fabio Albano, William E. Mustain, Golareh Jalilvand Jun 2025

Understanding The Effects Of Binder Dissolution Dynamics On The Chemistry And Performance Of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries, Saheed A. Lateef, John Chmiola, Fabio Albano, William E. Mustain, Golareh Jalilvand

Faculty Publications

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising next-generation energy storage devices due to their higher theoretical specific energy and lower cost compared to conventional Lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical implementation has been hindered by severe performance degradation during extended cycling, primarily driven by shuttling of soluble sulfur discharge products (polysulfides) between the cathode and anode leading to capacity loss. In this work, we investigate the impact of selected binders and solvents, highlighting the effect of the dissolution process of the binder in solvent, on the structural properties and electrochemical performance of sulfur cathode. It is demonstrated for a variety of binders that …