Digital Commons Network^™

Deep Learning Based Rapid X-Ray Fluorescence Signal Extraction And Image Reconstruction For Preclinical Benchtop X-Ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography Applications, Amrit Kaphle, Sandun Jayarathna, Sang Hyun Cho

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Recent research advances have resulted in an experimental benchtop X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) system that likely meets the imaging dose/scan time constraints for benchtop XFCT imaging of live mice injected with gold nanoparticles (GNPs). For routine in vivo benchtop XFCT imaging, however, additional challenges, most notably the need for rapid/near-real-time handling of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) signal extraction and XFCT image reconstruction, must be successfully addressed. Here we propose a novel end-to-end deep learning (DL) framework that integrates a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) for rapid XRF signal extraction with a U-Net model for XFCT image reconstruction. We trained …

Eph Receptors Activate Myeloid Checkpoint Receptor Lilrb5 To Support Tumor Development, Yubo He, Chengcheng Zhang, Lingxiao Tan, Mi Deng, Xiaoye Liu, Ryan Huang, Xing Yang, Jingjing Xie, Qi Lou, Meng Fang, Caroline Smith, Samuel John, Wei Xiong, Xin Li, Cheryl Lewis, Jade Homsi, Ankit Gupta, Ningyan Zhang, Zhiqiang An, Cheng Cheng Zhang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Immunosuppressive myeloid cells are critical obstacles to T cell-centered immune checkpoint blockade therapies, which have been successful in treating a fraction of patients with cancer. How tumor cells interact with myeloid cells to regulate immune responses and tumor development is unclear. In this study, we report that certain membrane tyrosine kinase Eph receptors, including EphA7 and EphB1, specifically bind the immune inhibitory receptors leukocyte Ig-like receptor family B 5 (LILRB5) and LILRB2. These Eph receptors induce LILRB5-mediated signaling activation, and LILRB5 also activates Eph receptor signaling. Activation of LILRB5 promoted immunosuppressive marker expression and inhibited activating marker expression on myeloid …

A Ka-Band Omnidirectional Metamaterial-Inspired Antenna For Sensing Applications, Khan Md. Zobayer Hassan, Nantakan Wongkasem, Heinrich D. Foltz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A Ka-Band, 26.5–40 GHz, omnidirectional metamaterial-inspired antenna was designed, built, and tested to develop a simple printed compact (10.3 mm × 10.3 mm × 0.0787 mm) multiple-point sensor for air pollution monitoring. This Ka-band antenna generated a dual band at 27.49–29.74 GHz and 33.0–34.34 GHz. The VSWR values within the two bands are less than 1.5. The radiation and total efficiency are 97% and 92% in the first band and they are both 96% in the second band. The maximum gain is between 3.26 and 5.50 dBi and between 5.09 and 6.52 dBi in the first and second bands, respectively. …

Sunrise At The Salton Sea: Environmental Justice, Land Use Change, And Hydrosocial Dynamics Of Solar Energy Transitions In The Imperial Valley, California, Dustin Mulvaney, James J.A. Blair, Alida Cantor

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

California's Imperial Valley, with lithium-rich geothermal brines, extensive flat agricultural fields with abundant desert sunshine, and access to transmission lines, is a leading case to explore interconnected themes around just energy transitions. Despite being the poorest county in California and one of the smallest, Imperial already provides 15% of the state’s solar electricity, and the region as a whole represents on the order of 25% of the state’s electric power capacity. This paper brings to light frictions over solar energy development that have emerged over the history of solar power development in the southern Salton Sea region. It describes the …

2025-06-04 Saying A Beloved Goodbye To Graduating Spectator Editors, Leila Bunker

The Spectator Online

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Fcs And Cysteamine On The Freezing Of Kıvırcık Ram Semen, Eli̇f Merve Çinar, Hati̇ce Şenli̇kci̇, Asi̇ye İzem Sandal, Ramazan Arici, Özen Banu Özdaş

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The sensitivity of ram semen to cryobiological procedures has motivated many researchers to investigate this issue. In clinical practice, one of the main objectives is to reduce the damage caused by freezing cells through the addition of preservatives to semen diluents. In our study, fetal calf serum (15% FCS) and 3–6 mM cysteamine were added to ram semen diluents, and their effects on semen after freeze-thawing were investigated. Semen was collected from five Kıvırcık rams using an electroejaculator and combined in equal volumes (pooling). After macroscopic and microscopic examination, the samples were divided into six equal volumes. Six study groups …

Histological And Histochemical Study Of The Salt Glands In Geese (Anser Anser): Are There Receptor Cells In Salt Glands?, Şahi̇n Aslan, Di̇lem Gülece Ermutlu, Serap İlhan Aksu, Serap Koral Taşçi, Turgay Deprem

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The regulation of solutes occurs not through the skin but via salt glands located in the nose and kidneys in reptiles and birds. This study aimed to investigate and elucidate the histological structure of the salt glands in domestic geese, and to characterize their ducts and cellular components in detail.Crossmon’s triple staining technique, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), combined alcian blue, and Kluver– Barrera stains were used for the histological investigations.The outer surface of the organ was enclosed by connective tissue, and the capsule subdivided the tissue into bulbs. Nerve fibers and endings were observed within the capsule …

Hybrid Reasoning System For A Large Language Model Operating System Incorporating Symbolic Inference And Knowledge Graph Integration, Krishna Chytanya Ayyagari

Defensive Publications Series

This disclosure describes an Adaptive Agent Runtime Environment (AARE) architecture. The AARE architecture (AARE) addresses several critical limitations and unmet needs in the burgeoning field of Large Language Model (LLM) integration into complex computational systems. AARE provides a comprehensive synthesis of various current technologies as well new concepts, including integration of various technologies. It seeks to overcome the limitations of existing approaches by offering a tightly integrated framework that natively supports autonomous agents, leverages the strengths of LLMs and symbolic reasoning, provides robust memory management, fosters extensibility through a plugin ecosystem, ensures security and isolation, and facilitates discovery and distribution …

Augmented Reality Platform To Improve Last-Meter Arrival Using Visual Navigation, Jaydeep Untwal, Rakhi Parekh, Yash Dave, Aakanksha Parameshwar

Defensive Publications Series

This document describes an augmented reality (AR) platform designed to enhance last-meter arrival experiences through visual navigation. The platform leverages computer vision techniques and mobile device capabilities to provide users with real-time guidance in complex or unfamiliar environments. The AR system analyzes the user's surroundings, performs a visual frame matching, and overlays contextual information onto the user's view, thereby facilitating seamless navigation. The platform includes components such as a visual tracking module, a route planning algorithm, and an AR rendering engine. By utilizing the system, users may experience improvements in wayfinding efficiency and reduced cognitive load during the final stages …

Computational And Experimental Study Of Slow Crack Growth In High Density Polyethylene, Abdulla Almomani

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This dissertation investigates the slow crack growth (SCG) behavior of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) under various mechanical and environmental conditions. The study combines experimental analysis and computational modeling to enhance the understanding of SCG mechanisms in HDPE, particularly in pressurized pipes and under the exposure to hydrocarbons. A novel Crack Layer (CL) theory-based SCG model is developed and validated through experimental data, offering a predictive framework for HDPE failure assessment. The main objective of this dissertation is to quantify and model the viscoelastic-viscoplastic behavior of HDPE under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions while addressing SCG kinetics in structural applications. The study …

Drawing Lines In The Sea: Indigenous Sovereignty Through The Coastal Zone, Tyler Hall

Washington Journal of Social & Environmental Justice

No abstract provided.

Justice Lewis Powell’S Quiet Luxury: From Bakke To Sffa, Lucille A. Jewel

Washington Journal of Social & Environmental Justice

No abstract provided.

Factors Affecting Integration Of The Nurse Practitioner Workforce Into Health Systems: A Delphi Consensus Study, Joshua Porat-Dahlerbruch, Rebecca Clark, Brandon Dutchess, Nancy P. Blumenthal, Moriah E. Ellen

General Submissions: Clinical Settings Materials

Research has documented the positive impact of the nurse practitioner workforce on patient and system outcomes in multiple countries. Achieving these outcomes relies on successfully integrating the workforce into the health system. Research has reported negative effects of integration barriers on the ability for nurse practitioners to improve outcomes. Barriers include scope of practice restrictions, organizational climates inconducive to nurse practitioner care, and lacking mentorship. To design efficacious policies, organizational and national policy decision-makers require knowledge of the factors affecting the integration of this human resource into care settings. No research has synthesized these factors into an easily understandable and …

A Study Of The Management Of The Herders-Farmers Conflict-Induced Internal Displacement In Nigeria, Rita Iorbo, Dick Taverishima Andzenge

Peace and Conflict Studies

The management of the herdsmen-farmers conflict-induced internal displacement in Nigeria was characterised by remote factors that affected the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This qualitative study was conducted on 12 participants comprising humanitarian workers, IDPs, and lawmakers who were conversant with the persistent herdsmen-farmers conflict-induced internal displacement. The study explored the inter-connected relationship among stakeholders within the humanitarian ecosystem. It found that though the herdsmen-farmers conflict led to mass displacement, remote factors such as unwillingness of government, data challenges, the undiplomatic approach of government in the management of the displacement failed to win support of other stakeholders …

Boundary Value Problems Associated With Morse-Novikov Cohomology Groups Of Riemannian Manifolds With Boundary, Qusay S. A. Al-Zamil, Mohammed Y. Abass

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

In this paper, we provide an affirmative response to the following question: if Morse-Novikov cohomology groups of M with non-empty boundary ∂M do not vanish, then what topological or analytical(geometrical) constraints can be enforced to ensure that the equation 𝖽θω=η is solvable for any non-trivialprescribed [η] in absolute Hθk(M) or relative Hθk(M,∂M) Morse-Novikov cohomology groups?. Where 𝖽θω=𝖽ω+θ∧ω and 0≠[θ]∈HdR1(M) for any ω∈ …

Retracted: A Novel Scheme To Optimize Lsb Steganography Based On A Logistic Chaotic Map And Genetic Algorithm, Dena Abu Laila, Ibrahim Moh'd Obeidt, Mohammad Aljaidi, Mohammed Amin Almaiah, Muneer Albourini, Qais Al-Na'amneh, Ghassan Samara, Rami Shehab, Khaled Momani

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

Steganography has gained importance in various fields, including cloud security, internet banking, military applications, and medical imaging. Additionally, it is popular due to its many uses, becoming a hot research topic. The Least Significant Bit (LSB) approach is among the simplest ways to embed secret data in a cover image. We proposed a new scheme using LSB with the genetic algorithm GA to find the optimal solution permutation for embedding the pixel assortment of the image where data is to be concealed, and a chaotic genetic algorithm (CGA) to efficiently find the best crossover and mutation performance in the chromosomes. …

Hybrid Methods Of Two Conjugate Gradient Coefficients With Modified Condition For Solving Unconstrained Optimization, Yasir Salih, Sudradjat

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

The conjugate gradient (CG) technique is an efficient method for solving nonlinear optimization problems, especially for large scale problems. This is due to simplicity, low memory requirement, and computational cost, which satisfy the sufficient descent condition. This paper presents a new modification of the PRP method which can be considered as a convex combination of PRP and DPRP methods. The performance of the new method is analyzed to ensure the descent property under exact line search. Numerical experiments indicate that this method has good convergence performance and is promising.

Detecting Physical Activity Using Wearable Sensor Data, Dipok Deb

Data Science and Data Mining

This study focuses on detecting physical activity using wearable sensor data, specifically distinguishing between walking and running. A dataset comprising accelerometer and gyroscope readings is used to train and evaluate various machine learning models, including logistic regression, random forest, k-nearest neighbors, naïve Bayes, and XGBoost. Extensive preprocessing, such as creating lag features and rolling statistics, is performed to enhance temporal data representation. The models are evaluated using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. Incorporating lag and rolling features significantly improves model performance, with logistic regression achieving perfect scores across all metrics. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of enhanced …

The Aga Khan School Of Nursing

University press releases and calendars

No abstract provided.

Convergence Research For Microplastic Pollution At The Watershed Scale, Heejun Chang, Elise Granek, Amanda Gannon, Jordyn M. Wolfand, Janice Brahney

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Microplastics are found in Earth's atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and ecosphere. While there is a growing interest and need to solve this grand challenge in both the academic and policy realms, few have engaged with academics, policymakers, and community partners to co-identify the problem, co-design research, and co-produce knowledge in tackling this issue. Using a convergence research framework, we investigated the perception of microplastic pollution among different end users, delivered educational materials to K-12 teachers and practitioners, and identified key sampling points for assessing environmental microplastic concentrations in the Columbia River Basin, United States. Three community partner workshops identified regional …

Academic Senate - Agenda, 6/3/2025, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Wesearch - Scu’S Research Hub, Beatrice Hackman, Hilary Le, Meagan Vu, Nicholas Cheung

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Santa Clara University (SCU) hosts a flourishing undergraduate research program, but discovering research opportunities remains inefficient due to inconsistent information channels. Students rely on informal communication and disconnected departmental web pages to find research roles. In response, our senior design team developedWeSearch: a centralized, web-based platform that consolidates research opportunities across all SCU laboratories. It allows students to browse labs, projects, and apply directly to open positions. Faculty members can create lab profiles, post research openings, manage applications, and assign administrative roles to student assistants.

The platform was designed using Figma and implemented with React.js on the front-end. Firebase was …

Ud Researchers To Develop First Pediatric-Specific Ai Lung Nodule Detection System, University Of Dayton

Blog: The Dayton Engineer

Dr. Russell Hardie with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has been awarded an National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the detection of metastatic lung disease in pediatric patients by identifying lung nodules in computed tomography (CT) scans.

Economic And Environmental Impact Of Recovering And Upgrading Lignin Via The Alpha Process On An Ethanol Biorefinery, Daniel G. Kulas, Robert Handler, Graham Tindall, Bronson Lynn, Mark Thies, David Shonnard

Michigan Tech Publications

Lignin valorization is limited by both impurities and broad molecular weight (MW) distributions. The Aqueous Lignin Purification using Hot Agents (ALPHA) process exploits the novel liquid–liquid equilibrium that exists between lignin and hot, one-phase solutions of aqueous renewable solvents to simultaneously purify and fractionate raw bulk lignins. Our analysis considered the valorization of lignin recovered from two ethanol biorefinery waste streams, black liquor and lignin cake. By applying sequential ALPHA stages, distinct lignin fractions of controlled MW and purity were isolated suitable for producing carbon fibers, polyurethane foams (PUF), and activated carbons (ACs). Surprisingly, only a single extraction stage was …

Cross-Modality Learning For Predicting Ihc Biomarkers From H&E-Stained Whole-Slide Images, Amit Das

Computer Science Senior Theses

Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining is a cornerstone of pathological analysis, offering reliable visualization of cellular morphology and tissue architecture for cancer diagnosis, subtyping, and grading. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, an important ancillary study, provides molecular insights by detecting specific proteins within tissues, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and improving treatment planning. However, IHC staining is costly, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, requiring specialized expertise. To address these limitations, this study proposes HistoStainAlign, a novel deep learning framework that predicts IHC staining patterns directly from H&E whole-slide images (WSIs) by learning joint representations of morphological and molecular features. The framework integrates paired H&E and IHC …

Elastically Deformable Components And Assemblies For Use In Cellular Assays, Kartik Balachandran, Nasya Moriah Sturdivant

Patents Granted

The present invention provides elastic assemblies used to model tissues or organs of interest. In one embodiment, detailed herein, the assemblies are designed to model the blood brain barrier following a traumatic brain injury. The present invention also provides elastic membranes on which the assemblies are built, kits from which the assemblies may be prepared, and systems that expand upon the assemblies, forming more physiologically relevant models. Methods for making and using the disclosed devices are also provided.

Unseen Burdens: Exploring Gender Disparities In Infertility Experience And Depressive Symptoms, Khiara Cardoza Brown

Theses and Dissertations

This study examines how experiences with infertility relate to mental health outcomes among newly married U.S. couples, emphasizing gender differences and the potential moderating role of gender attitudes. Using data from 3,137 individuals in a nationally representative sample, three Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were estimated: first assessing actor and partner effects of infertility on depressive symptoms and subsequently incorporating gender attitudes as moderators. Results indicated a significant actor effect for wives, where infertility was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this association was significantly stronger for wives than for husbands. No significant effects were found for husbands' infertility and …

Investigating The Consequences Of Conjugated And Secreted Isg15 On Coronavirus Pathogenesis, Mudassir Syed Ali

Dissertations

Coronaviruses have evolved a breadth of mechanisms to antagonize host innate immune responses. One widely studied mechanism is the ability to deconjugate ISG15 from target proteins in a process called deISGylation, which is catalyzed by the papain-like protease (PLP) domain of viral non-structural protein (nsp) 3. Since PLP activity is required for viral replication, it has been challenging to generate an infectious virus with a PLP that maintains protease activity but has lost deISGylase activity. In this study, we generated a chimeric MHV-A59 with its PLP2 domain replaced with that of the human coronavirus HKU1, which has been documented to …

Multi-Modal Emotion Appraisals Using Large Language Models, Carlos Guerrero Alvarez

Computer Science Senior Theses

This thesis investigates the capabilities of large language models (LLMs), specifically GPT4 and GPT4o, in appraising human emotional responses within strategic social scenarios. Building on the work of Houlihan et. al[7], we evaluate LLMs using a dataset of human emotion ratings from game-theoretic situations, later extending the experimental paradigm to include both text and multimodal (image and profession) inputs. Our methodology introduces novel prompting techniques for the experiment at hand, and we compare the performance of these techniques with expert perspectives to assess how different prompts influence model predictions. Results show that LLMs can approximate human emotional appraisals, with the …

Emerging Therapeutic Potential Of Fisetin For Nephrotoxicity, Kidney Injury, And Nephropathy: A Systematic Review, Saeed Mohajeri, Alizamen Salehifard Jouneghani, Saeid Heidari-Soureshjani, Catherine M.T. Sherwin, Faramarz Beigi

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Kidney diseases cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study investigated the mechanistic effects of Fisetin (FIS) on nephrotoxicity, kidney injury, and nephropathy induced by drugs, toxic chemicals, diabetes, lupus, diet, ureteral obstruction, and ischemic situations.

METHODS: To identify pertinent articles published before Oct 1, 2024, a comprehensive electronic search was performed across several databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. After establishing clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies that met the research objectives were selected. Data were extracted and analyzed, documenting study characteristics, methodologies, and biological mechanisms.

RESULTS: Antioxidant benefits were evident with increased …