Digital Commons Network^™

Prognostic Value Of Lipoprotein(A) For Cardiovascular Events After Lower Limb Revascularization In Diabetic Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia, Federico Biscetti, Maria Margherita Rando, Maria Anna Nicolazzi, Flavia Angelini, Roberto Iezzi, Luis H. Eraso, Paul J. Dimuzio, Dario Pitocco, Massimo Massetti, Antonio Gasbarrini, Andrea Flex

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) presents a major clinical challenge in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), requiring lower extremity revascularization (LER) to mitigate adverse cardiovascular and limb outcomes. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) has been implicated in cardiovascular risk, but its role in patients with T2DM and CLTI undergoing revascularization remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of Lp(a) levels in diabetic CLTI patients for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), major adverse limb events (MALE), or both after LER.

METHODS: In this prospective cohort study of 158 individuals with T2DM and CLTI undergoing LER, baseline clinical data …

An Upper-Mesopelagic-Zone Carbon Budget For The Subarctic North Pacific, Brandon M. Stephens, Montserrat Roca-Martí, Amy E. Maas, Vinícius J. Amaral, Samantha Clevenger, Shawnee Traylor, Claudia R. Benitez-Nelson, Philip W. Boyd, Ken O. Buesseler, Craig A. Carlson, Nicolas Cassar, Margaret Estapa, Andrea J. Fassbender, Yibin Huang, Phoebe J. Lam, Oliver Marchal, Susanne Menden-Deuer, Nicola L. Paul, Alyson E. Santoro, David A. Siegel, David P. Nicolson

Faculty Publications

Mesopelagic zone (MZ) carbon budgets comparing supply with demand can be difficult to constrain due to the temporal and spatial offsets between key sources and sinks, their associated uncertainties, and potential sampling biases. To address these challenges, the EXport Processes in the Ocean from RemoTe Sensing (EXPORTS) campaign increased the number and variety of simultaneous measurements to monitor temporal variability in the MZ carbon budget using both a Lagrangian frame of reference and long-term autonomous observations. In this study, we collate a comprehensive combination of new and previously published organic carbon supply and demand measurements collected from the surface (5 …

Multiple Molecular Diagnoses Identified Through Genome Sequencing In Individuals With Suspected Rare Disease, Jorge Perez

All Publications

Genome sequencing is a powerful and comprehensive test that detects multiple variants of different types. The interrogation of variants across the genome enables the identification of multiple molecular diagnoses (MMDs) in a single individual. In this retrospective study, we describe individuals in whom MMDs were associated with the proband's indication for testing (IFT), secondary findings, or incidental findings. An MMD is considered where at least one of the findings is associated with the primary IFT and all variants are classified as either likely pathogenic or pathogenic. Clinical genome sequencing was performed for all individuals as part of the iHope program …

Bigapp: A User-Friendly Genomic Tool Kit Identified Quantitative Trait Loci For Creeping Rootedness In Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.), Alexander M. Sandercock, Michael D. Peel, Cristiane H. Taniguti, Josué Chinchilla-Vargas, Shufen Chen, Manoj Sapkota, Meng Lin, Dongyan Zhao, Arlyn J. Ackerman, Bhoja R. Basnet, Craig T. Beil, Moira J. Sheehan

Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a globally vital forage crop valued for its perennial growth and multiple annual harvests. A breeding effort is underway to improve the crop for productivity and persistence against biotic and abiotic stresses using “creeping rootedness,” a trait where plants exhibit horizontal root growth, similar to rhizomes, with increased vegetative ground surface area. In this study, we genotyped a breeding population of 648 alfalfa lines segregating for creeping rootedness using the 3K DArTag marker panel to identify trait-associated genomic loci and evaluate the feasibility of genomic prediction to accelerate breeding cycles. Using genome-wide association studies …

The Role Of Ecosystem Services In Holistic Conservation Within Protected Areas: A Case Study Of The Song Thanh National Park, Vietnam, Tuyen Nghiem, Sumeet Saksena, Hue T. Ha, Truong Dao, Toan Le, Huong D. Vu, Dien Nguyen, Truong Q. Hoc

Forest and Society

Vietnam has made a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, as evidenced by its extensive network of protected areas. However, environmental issues persist in protected areas. Often, the resulting violence complicates the situation, making it more challenging to analyze and manage. We studied the perceptions of people in the buffer zone of the Song Thanh National Park, Quang Nam province, regarding the current status of ecosystem services (ES), the importance of ecosystem services, their changes over time, and people's participation in protecting ecosystem services. We employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data. We conducted semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, …

Impacts Of Urbanization On The Use Of Soil Amendments By Rice Farmers Along A Rural-Urban Continuum In Northeast Thailand, Sujitra Yodda, Suwit Laohasiriwong, Phrueksa Lawongsa, Tanabhat-Sakorn Sukitprapanon, A. Terry Rambo

Forest and Society

This study investigated the impact of urbanization on use of soil amendment by rice farmers in three villages along a rural–urban continuum in Northeast Thailand. It shows how urbanization influences their use of types and quantities of soil amendments. Data were collected by interviewing 150 farmers, focusing on types, quantities, sources, costs, and perceived effects of nine different amendments, including rice straw, chemical fertilizers, manures, and green manure. Results revealed significant declines in organic amendment use as villages become more urbanized, with rural farmers employing more diverse and greater quantities of organic amendments while periurban and urban farmers predominantly rely …

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Of Mouse Macrophages Infected With Live Attenuated Vaccine Strains Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, Raja Veerapandian, Barbara Yang, Areanna Carmona, Melina J. Sedano, Victoria Reid, Rodrigo Jimenez, Jessica Chacon, Chinnaswamy Jagannath, Enrique I. Ramos, Shrikanth Gadad, Subramanian Dhandayuthapani

School of Medicine Publications

The BCG vaccine has been used against tuberculosis (TB) for over a hundred years; however, it does not protect adults from pulmonary TB. To develop alternative vaccines against TB, we generated Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (Mtb)-derived vaccine strains by rationally deleting key virulent genes, resulting in single (SKO; ΔfbpA), double (DKO; ΔfbpA-ΔsapM), triple (TKO-D; ΔfbpA-ΔsapM-ΔdosR and TKO-Z; ΔfbpA-ΔsapM-Δzmp1), and quadruple (QKO; ΔfbpA-ΔsapM-Δzmp1-dosR) strains. To understand how macrophages, the host cells that defend against infection and process antigens for presentation to immune cells, respond to these vaccine strains, we performed transcriptomic analyses of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages …

Networked Behaviors Associated With A Large-Scale Secure Messaging Network: Cross-Sectional Secondary Data Analysis, Laura Rosa Baratta, Linlin Xia, Daphne Lew, Elise Eiden, Y Jasmine Wu, Noshir Contractor, Bruce L Lambert, Sunny S Lou, Thomas Kannampallil

2020-Current year OA Pubs

BACKGROUND: Communication among health care professionals is essential for effective clinical care. Asynchronous text-based clinician communication-secure messaging-is rapidly becoming the preferred mode of communication. The use of secure messaging platforms across health care institutions creates large-scale communication networks that can be used to characterize how interaction structures affect the behaviors and outcomes of network members. However, the understanding of the structure and interactions within these networks is relatively limited.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the characteristics of a large-scale secure messaging network and its association with health care professional messaging behaviors.

METHODS: Data on electronic health record-integrated secure messaging use from …

The Impact Of Genetic Ancestry On Survival Outcomes In Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Report From The Children’S Oncology Group, Ekene A Onwuka, Christina L Magyar, Bailey A Martin-Giacalone, Michael E Scheurer, Deborah A Marquez-Do, Elizabeth G Atkinson, Michael A Arnold, Donald A Barkauskas, David Hall, Javed Khan, Jack F Shern, Paul Scheet, Brian Crompton, Corinne M Linardic, Douglas S Hawkins, Rajkumar Venkatramani, Lisa Mirabello, Chad D Huff, Melissa A Richard, Philip J Lupo

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Emerging evidence suggests genetic ancestry may influence childhood cancer outcomes, but its impact on pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is unknown. We explored genetic ancestry's impact on survival among children with RMS. This multi-center observational cohort study is a secondary analysis of previously collected biobanking, genomic, and clinical data. The study included 920 individuals with newly diagnosed RMS under 40 years of age enrolled from 2005 to 2017 under the COG soft tissue sarcoma biobanking protocol D9902. The primary endpoints were (1) event-free survival (EFS), defined as the time from study enrollment to tumor recurrence/progression, secondary malignancy, or death from any cause; …

Blunted Cd40-Responsive Enhancer Activation In Crebbp-Mutant Lymphomas Can Be Restored By Enforced Cd4 T-Cell Engagement, Haopeng Yang, Wenchao Zhang, Vida Ravanmehr, Guiling Cui, Kevin Bowman, Jared M Henderson, Estela Rojas, Ashley Wilson, Sydney Parsons, Ariel Mechaly, Leslie Regad, Ahmed Haouz, Christopher R Flowers, Sattva Neelapu, Loretta Nastoupil, R Eric Davis, Qing Deng, Fernando Rodrigues-Lima, Michael R Green

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The CREBBP lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) is frequently mutated in follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and has been studied using gene knockout in murine and human cells. However, most CREBBP mutations encode amino acid substitutions within the catalytic KAT domain (CREBBP KAT-PM) that retain an inactive protein and have not been extensively characterized. Using CRISPR gene editing and extensive epigenomic characterization of lymphoma cell lines, we found that CREBBP KAT-PM lead to unloading of CREBBP from chromatin, loss of enhancer acetylation, and prevention of EP300 compensation. These enhancers were enriched for those that are dynamically loaded by CREBBP in …

Tami Jean Matthews, Appellant, V. David Todd Matthews, Appellee : Reply Brief, Utah Court Of Appeals

Utah Court of Appeals Briefs (2020 –)

On appeal from the Third Judicial District Court, Honorable Kristine Johnson, District Court No. 223900074

Zenock Bishop, Attorney for Appellee David Todd Matthews

Russell Yauney, Attorney for Appellant Tami Matthews

Advanced Minimal Residual Disease Detection Using A Novel Circulating Tumor Dna Assay: A Report Of Two Cases, Georges Azzi, Thomas P Slavin, Jesus Izaguirre-Carbonell, Hillary S Sloane, Daniel L Edelstein, Cynthia X. Ma

2020-Current year OA Pubs

INTRODUCTION: Tumor-informed minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring assays based on plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are increasingly integrated into the clinical management of patients with cancer. In the post-surgical curative intent setting and as an adjunct to radiographic imaging for response assessment and surveillance, timely identification of MRD may better guide therapeutic decision-making. The increasing clinical adoption of MRD testing, supported by a growing body of evidence demonstrating its potential utility at critical decision points across diverse tumor histology, has brought attention to the variability in the analytical performance of available ctDNA assays. This variability is becoming increasingly appreciated as …

Ruptured Atlas: A Trauma-Informed Approach To Spatial Storytelling For Survivors Of Genocide (The Case For Yazidis In Iraq), Sana Murrani, Kimbal Bumstead, Zoe Paris, Ghazi Murad Ismael, Jameela Rasho, Omeed Khider Joqey

School of Art, Design and Architecture

The Ruptured Atlas project (December 2023 – December 2024) employs innovative, participatory mapping techniques to document the complex spatial and lived experiences of the Yazidi community in the aftermath of the genocide perpetrated by ISIS, which commenced in August 2014. This collaborative effort involves 15 Yazidi researchers and key partners, culminating in an online atlas and a trauma-informed policy toolkit. Designed to influence housing and migration policies in both Iraq and the UK, the project prioritises trauma-informed practices and community empowerment. The online atlas was not only a conceptual device, but a vital visual tool, enabling participants to represent trauma …

Assessing The Potential Of Thailand's National Forest Reserves For Tourism Development And Sustainable Recreational Use, Nantachai Pongpattananurak, Sangsan Phumsathan

Forest and Society

This research aimed to evaluate the potential of Thailand's national forest reserves for promoting sustainable recreational activities. Research tools included a comprehensive tourism potential assessment form for evaluating tourism development. Additionally, semi-structured interviews and focus group meetings with key informants were conducted to gain insights into local perspectives, challenges, and opportunities related to tourism. Site surveys were conducted during January - August 2021. The study initially conducted an assessment of 122 destinations located within 85 national forest reserves across the country to determine their tourism development potential. Subsequently, 16 national forest reserves exhibiting high potential were selected for on-site surveys. …

Single-Nucleotide Resolution Epitranscriptomic Profiling Uncovers Dynamic M6a Regulation In Bovine Preimplantation Development, Kinga Pajdzik, Noah R Rakestraw, Piyush K Jain, Chuan He, Chenghang Zong, Zongliang Jiang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression during early embryonic development. However, the m6A dynamics at single-nucleotide resolution in preimplantation development remain uncharacterized, and the functional significance of site specific m6A modifications in key developmental regulators is largely unknown. Here, using SAC-seq, a single-base resolution, antibody-independent m6A profiling method, we generate the first comprehensive m6A landscape in bovine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. We identify a previously uncharacterized m6A site in RPL12 transcript that is essential for embryonic development. Loss of m6A at this site leads to reduced protein synthesis, disrupted expression of translation-related genes, and …

Global Diversity Of Soil-Transmitted Helminths Reveals Population-Biased Genetic Variation That Impacts Diagnostic Targets, Sitara Sr Ajjampur, Roy M Anderson, Robin Bailey, Jade Benjamin-Chung, Maria Cambra-Pellejà, Nicolas R Caro, David Chaima, Rubén O Cimino, Piet Cools, Anélsio Cossa, Julia Dunn, Sean Galagan, Javier Gandasegui, Berta Grau-Pujol, Emma L Houlder, Moudachirou Ibikounlé, Timothy P Jenkins, Khumbo Kalua, Eyrun F Kjetland, Alejandro J Krolewiecki, Bruno Levecke, Adrian Jf Luty, Andrew S Macdonald, Inácio Mandomando, Malathi Manuel, Maria Martínez-Valladares, Rojelio Mejia, Zeleke Mekonnen, Augusto Messa, Harriet Mpairwe, Osvaldo Muchisse, Jose Muñoz, Pauline Mwinzi, Valdemiro Novela, Maurice R Odiere, Charfudin Sacoor, Judd L Walson, Steven A Williams, Stefan Witek-Mcmanus, D Timothy J Littlewood, Cinzia Cantacessi, Stephen R Doyle

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are intestinal parasites that affect over a billion people worldwide. STH control relies on microscopy-based diagnostics to monitor parasite prevalence and enable post-treatment surveillance; however, molecular diagnostics are rapidly being developed due to increased sensitivity, particularly in low-STH-prevalence settings. The genetic diversity of helminths and its potential impact on molecular diagnostics remain unclear. Using low-coverage genome sequencing, we assess the genetics of STHs within worm, faecal, and purified egg samples from 27 countries, identifying differences in the genetic connectivity and diversity of STH-positive samples across regions and cryptic diversity between closely related human- and pig-infective species. We …

Evaluating The Ulf Mri (0.64t) Image Quality Through In Vivo Test-Retest, Md Imran Hossain

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Ultra-low-field (ULF) MRI systems, such as the Hyperfine Swoop (64mT), represent a transformative advancement in neuroimaging by offering portable, affordable alternatives to conventional high-field MRI. This system has the potential to significantly expand access to diagnostic imaging in resource-limited, emergency, and point-of-care settings. This study evaluates the clinical reliability and reproducibility of the Hyperfine Swoop by conducting a series of controlled in vivo test-retest scans on a single participant. Quantitative assessment of brain image quality was performed using voxel volume consistency and the Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM). The results demonstrated high intra-subject repeatability with minimal variation across sessions, underscoring …

Low-Magnitude High-Frequency Mechanical Vibration Enhances Osteogenesis In Human Pdl Cells Through Piezo1 Ion Channel, Mina Oh

Master's Theses (2009 -)

ABSTRACT LOW-MAGNITUDE HIGH-FREQUENCY MECHANICAL VIBRATION ENHANCES OSTEOGENESIS IN HUMAN PDL CELLS THROUGH PIEZO1 ION CHANNEL Mina Oh, D.M.D Marquette University, 2025 Introduction: Low-magnitude high-frequency (LMHF) mechanical vibration has been shown to enhance osteogenesis in various osteogenic tissues and cells, including periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, however its effectiveness remains relatively low. The Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel plays a critical role in mechanotransduction, however its specific involvement in the LMHF-induced osteogenesis is unknown. This study aims to elucidate the role of Piezo1 in mediating osteogenic responses in human PDL cells subjected to LMHF mechanical vibration. Materials and Methods: Human PDL cells were …

Cannabis And Covid: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis Of Their Impact On Mental Health-Related Hospital Visits In Rural Arizona (2016-2023), Jennifer Megan Suter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Arizona’s rural communities face shortages in mental health care services. In 2020, the nearly simultaneous onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the legalization of recreational cannabis introduced overlapping public health stressors that may have disproportionately affected these vulnerable populations. However, their combined impact on rural mental health remains understudied. This three-manuscript dissertation employed interrupted time series analyses to assess how these events influenced monthly hospital visits for schizophrenia, psychosis, cannabis-induced psychosis, and suicidal behaviors among rural Arizona adults aged 21 and older. A total of 16,468 records from the Arizona State Inpatient and Emergency Department Databases (SID and SEDD) met …

Community Perspectives On Engaging Stakeholders For Human-Sumatran Tiger Coexistence In The Bukit Barisan Selatan Landscape, Rinekso Soekmadi, Novriyanti Novriyanti, Burhanuddin Masy’Ud, Damayanti Buchori, Christine Wulandari, Ismanto Ismanto

Forest and Society

The Bukit Barisan Selatan (BBS) landscape, a vital habitat for the Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae), is increasingly degraded and fragmented by plantation and agricultural expansion, driving tigers into human-dominated areas and creating conflict zones beyond conservation boundaries. However, despite global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal 2050 Biodiversity Framework and IUCN advocating coexistence by integrating ecological and socio-economic priorities, the practical implementation at the site level remains uncertain, particularly regarding local perspectives on coexistence and their alignment with competing stakeholder interests. This study analyzes the alignment of parties in the context of the potential coexistence of human-tiger conflicts in …

How Much And Why? Conservation Behavior And Valuation In Katunggan Coastal Ecopark, Mindanao Island, Philippines, Sheenamae P. Loreno, Peter Jan De Vera

Forest and Society

Mangrove forests are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems, providing critical services such as shoreline protection, fisheries support, and carbon sequestration. Despite their ecological and economic significance, mangrove forests continue to decline at an alarming rate due to land conversion for aquaculture, urban expansion, overharvesting, and climate-related impacts. Although national and community-based conservation programs exist in the Philippines, many of these efforts have struggled due to limited public participation and a lack of insight into how local communities perceive and value mangrove ecosystems. This study surveyed 503 residents living near the Katunggan Coastal Ecopark in Mindanao Island, Philippines, to …

Redd+ Projects And Their Impact On Household Incomes In Indonesian Borneo, Sandy Nofyanza, Zahra Avia, Colas Chervier, Agus Muhamad Maulana

Forest and Society

In Indonesia, early Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) projects, established in the early 2010s, were required to self-fund through carbon credit sales or donor aid while supporting local livelihoods. This paper examines the impact of REDD+ projects on both agricultural and overall household incomes (i.e., from all economic activities, including agriculture). We hypothesize that the agricultural incomes of REDD+ participating households (or treated households) would decrease as REDD+ forbids forest clearance, but this loss would be offset by a subsequent rise in overall household income as REDD+ encourages income diversification. Additionally, we assess whether REDD+ implementation has …

Pantun As A Medium For Environmental Education And Ecological-Political Activism By Customary Institutions In Haruku Island, Diah Meutia Harum, Sabara Sabara, Helmina Kastanya, Devi Fauziyah Ma'rifat, Selvone Christin Pattiserlihun, Andi Alfian, Vikry Reinaldo Paais

Forest and Society

This research aims to examine the ecological values and political practice contained in pantun, particularly that used by the kewang, a customary or adat institution in Haruku Village, Central Maluku. In Haruku, pantun is used as a medium of enviromental education and ecological activism for the community, specifically the young generation. This study is expected to contribute to the reconstruction of a more eco-friendly civilization of the Archipelago by streamlining the potential of local traditions in promoting sustainability andconservation Haruku Village, in this study, becomes a role model and best practice of utilizing kewang as a customary institution, …

Predicting The Impact Of Climate Change On The Distribution Of Monodelphis Domestica (Wagner, 1842), Salise Sepulveda, Noé U. De La Sancha

DePaul Discoveries

Understanding the impact of climate change on species distribution is necessary to properly develop plans that conserve or prepare for maintenance of crucial ecosystems. Monodelphis domestica is a small mammal species native to Argentia, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. This species is known for its high adaptability and preference for living in wet conditions. Using bioclimatic variables, generalized linear models (GLM), and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) we predicted how this species distribution will change within the next 75 years under different climate and anthropogenic changes. The results have shown that the distribution of M. domestica will remain relatively …

Using Synchrotron Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering To Study Collagen Degradation In Second Metacarpal Bones, Zeel Sheth, Misha Romanov, Ruby Schwieger

DePaul Discoveries

The study examines female human second metacarpal (mc2) bones from early medieval cemetery at Greding, Germany, using high-energy Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) at beamline 1-ID of the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. Rietveld refinement showed that carbonated apatite lattice parameters did not correlate with estimated age-at-death. For six of the mc2, widths of 00.2 and 00.4 diffraction peaks were substantially narrower than those of a modern (non-diagenetically altered) mc2 and of the other four ancient mc2. The peak width results are interpreted as indicating that four of the ten ancient mc2 retain substantial collagen and six of …

Race/Ethnicity, Living Arrangements, And Access To Healthcare Among Older Adults With Alzheimer’S Disease In The United States: Multiple Systematic Reviews In Relation To Health Outcomes, Chela Reiss, Grace Vethacke

DePaul Discoveries

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting older adults. It is a growing public health crisis that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. The number of adults aged 65 and older is projected to reach 98.2 million by 2060, leading to a continued rise in the prevalence of AD. Understanding the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes in patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) is essential in addressing the disparities within patient care and quality of life. This systematic review examined three socioeconomic factors - race/ethnicity, living arrangements, and access to healthcare - and their related health …

Life Of Moo Deng, The Internet Sensation Pygmy Hippopotamus: An Overview Of The Biology And Conservation Breeding Program In Thailand, Ampika Thongphakdee, Atthapon Nundee, Umaporn Maikeaw, Narongwit Chodchoy, Chainarong Punkong, Kaywalee Chatdarong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The hippopotamus, commonly known as the hippo, is classified into two extant species: the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis). Pygmy hippos are fascinating creatures native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. Their survival is increasingly threatened by habitat loss resulting from agricultural expansion and urban development. As the population declines, zoological institutions play a crucial role in conservation by acting as genetic reservoirs and promoting public awareness of wildlife and environmental protection. “Moo Deng”, a pygmy hippo, whose name in Thai has gained international recognition, represents a notable success …

Exploring Bio-Inspired Agent Behaviors From Ants For Robotic Swarm Fault Resilience, James Hand

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

As Multi-Agent Systems (MASs) become increasingly involved in every aspect of everyday life, the need to maintain reliability and resilience within these systems grows. However, there is a need for control schemes and agent behaviors that provide security against these threats while also avoiding large degradation in system performance as a tradeoff. Current research has covered a wide breadth of avenues and strategies that provide measurable resilience to faulted agents. However, these strategies often require group consensus, specialized observer agents, or identification of faulted agents, which can weaken overall system performance. This work presents an alternative solution through individual agent …

Stars: System Lifecycle Perspective Of An Autonomous Robotic Swarm Test Arena, Rasika Ravindra Kale, James Hand, Jonah Kohlmeyer, Dawson Jones, Nathan Geroge

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Swarm robotics presents a robust platform for investigating distributed control, adaptive behavior, and autonomous coordination within a system of systems framework. The Roving Swarm comprises 24 low-computation robots, emulating eusocial insect behavior through vision-sensing and decentralized decision-making. A key subsystem, the motion-sensing and interaction module, integrates real-time object detection, swarm coordination, and environmental responsiveness, employing Pixy2 vision sensors and Arduino 33 IoT controllers. The robots use DC motors for actuation, enabling structured rotational and translational motion, and demonstrate dynamic adaptability to environmental cues such as light intensity and peer movements. Designed for modularity and scalability, the system lifecycle of the …

The Impact Of Cybersecurity Research In Problem-Solving Through A Swarm Infiltration Exercise, Noa Teed

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

The study explores the impact of a six-week cybersecurity course on undergraduate students' problem-solving approaches to complex challenges, employing interactive robotic swarm simulations as a practical testbed. While the exact algorithm implementation is beyond the scope of this experiment, it serves as a proof of concept. In this experiment, inspired by ants' chemical communication (CHC) profiles for colony member identification, the simulations utilize LED lights and a "handshake" algorithm, allowing robots to recognize "friendly" agents. This innovative approach aims to assess how formal education in cybersecurity bolsters students' analytical thinking and strategic development capabilities.

Conducted in two phases, the research …