Stander Symposium Projects

Follow

• 

  Sketch to Image Synthesis

  Samah Saeed A Baraheem

  Sketch-to-image is an important task to reduce the burden of creating a color image from scratch. Unlike previous sketch-to-image models, where the image is synthesized in an end-to-end manner, leading to an unnaturalistic image, we propose a method by decomposing the problem into subproblems to generate a more naturalistic and reasonable image. It first generates an intermediate output which is a semantic mask map from the input sketch through instance and semantic segmentation in two levels, background segmentation and foreground segmentation. Background segmentation is formed based on the context of the foreground objects. Then, the foreground segmentations are sequentially added to the created background segmentation. Finally, the generated mask map is fed into an image-to-image translation model to generate an image. Our proposed method works with 92 distinct classes. Compared to state-of-the-art sketch-to-image models, our proposed method outperforms the previous methods and generates better images.

• 

  Smart Air Quality Monitor

  Vamshidher Reddy Kowkutla

  Smart air quality monitoring IoT project is a system that monitors the quality of air in a specificenvironment and provides real-time data analysis. The project is designed to provide an effectiveand reliable solution to monitor the air quality of various environments such as indoor spaces,outdoor public places, industrial settings, and other such areas.The system consists of various sensors that are placed in the environment to monitor various airquality parameters such as temperature, humidity, particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO),nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as required in the project. These sensorscontinuously collect data and send it to a microcontroller, which then transmits the data to acloud-based platform using wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi or GSM.The cloud-based platform receives the data and performs real-time data analysis, providinginsights into the air quality of the monitored environment. The platform uses different algorithmsto predict the air quality of the environment and identify patterns and trends in the data.The project also includes a web-based user interface if possible that allows users to view the realtimeair quality data and receive alerts when the air quality falls below a certain threshold. Theuser interface also provides historical data analysis, enabling users to view trends and patternsin the air quality over time.The Smart air quality monitoring IoT project has significant applications in various industries suchas healthcare, industrial, environmental monitoring, and smart cities. The system can help inidentifying potential air quality hazards, enabling early detection and timely remediation. It canalso aid in policy-making decisions related to air quality regulations and provide valuable insightsinto the impact of various activities on the environment.

• 

  Smart Cane for Blind People

  Manoj Kumar Harinath

  Blind people are liable to get in contact with whatever obstacle which pass before them during walking, subjecting them to risk of injury caused from fall and it could also cause great damage to them. The aim of this project is to develop a smart cane with distance measurement system. The system is made up of an ultrasonic sensor as input and earphone as the output. Ultrasonic sensor is used to measure distance from the obstacle. Data is then sent to National Instrument Arduino UNO microcontroller for processing which later pro-duce voice for alerting the blond person as the output. Also, the system includes the GPS live locating system and guide the path for blind person. In general, the device will alert blind people of the obstacles through the audio output through which they can walk safely without any problem.

• 

  Smart Clock and Hub for Improved Sleep Health

  Jonathan Hoopes

  The purpose of this project is to demonstrate an understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) by applying it to a smart light alarm clock and hub. To accomplish this task, sensors will collect meaningful data about the room and inform the owner about the room status. Sleep is a very important for the human body aiding in recovery, mental health hormone balance and many more vital functions. Having a bedroom in the proper temperature range and very dark are two of the leading ways to improve sleep quality The project will result in a prototype device as well as an increased understanding about circadian rhythm, sleep, and IoT.

• 

  Smart Dustbin

  Vikranth Inampudi

  This project aims to develop a smart dustbin with a display using Arduino UNO R3. The smart dustbin incorporates a sensor system that detects the presence of waste and automatically opens its lid. Additionally, it includes a display system that shows the current status of the bin and the amount of waste inside it.The device utilizes an Arduino microcontroller to control the operations of the sensor and display system. The sensor system comprises of an ultrasonic sensor that detects the presence of waste and triggers the opening of the lid. The display system uses an LCD display to show the current status of the dustbin and the amount of waste inside it. The device is also equipped with an infrared sensor that detects the approach of a user and triggers the display of a message.This smart dustbin system offers several advantages, including improved waste management, reduced contact with waste, and increased hygiene. The display system helps users to be more aware of the amount of waste inside the dustbin, promoting responsible waste disposal practices. Overall, this project offers a simple and effective solution to the problem of waste management, leveraging modern technology to make the process more efficient and convenient.

• 

  Smart Traffic Lights Using Photoresistors

  Venkata Sai Datta Akhil Tej Salopantula

  SMART TRAFFIC LIGHTS USING PHOTORESISTOR The aim of this project is to create a smart traffic light system using an Arduino microcontroller and a photoresistor sensor. The system will use the photoresistor to detect the amount of light present and adjust the traffic light timings accordingly. This will allow for more efficient traffic flow during times of low traffic and reduce waiting times for drivers. The system will be composed of three main components: the photoresistor sensor, the Arduino microcontroller, and the traffic lights. The photoresistor sensor will be used to detect the amount of ambient light present and communicate this information to the Arduino. The Arduino will then use this information to adjust the timings of the traffic lights, allowing for more efficient traffic flow. In conclusion, this project aims to create a smart traffic light system that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. By using a photoresistor sensor to detect the amount of ambient light present, the system can adjust traffic light timings to reduce waiting times for drivers and improve traffic flow. This, in turn, can reduce emissions from idling cars and improve air quality in urban areas.

• 

  Smart Waste Management using Internet of Things

  Neelima Katanguri

  The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) is crucial in enhancing smart city systems that monitor and manage city processes in real-time. One of the major challenges faced by smart city applications is managing solid waste, which has adverse effects on both human health and the environment. Typically, waste is generated by city residents and disposed of in garbage bins at the source using traditional waste management processes.To address this issue, we propose the use of a "Smart Garbage Bin" that can alert the relevant authorities when the bin is close to being full. This will ensure that the waste is collected on time, thus reducing the risk of overflow and keeping the environment clean. The system will use a strain gauge to detect when the bin is almost full and send a message to the authorized person to collect the waste from the designated location. The authorized person will then send a message to the waste management authorities through a web application or SMS, notifying them for waste collection.The management of waste is a crucial aspect of urban systems, particularly as urbanization continues to grow at a rapid pace. With the increasing trend towards smart urban systems, the need for effective waste management systems is even more pressing. A well-functioning waste management system is crucial to ensure that urban areas remain clean and habitable.This system will not only improve waste management in urban areas but also promote efficient use of resources, reduce costs, and protect the environment. By using technology to improve waste management, we can create more sustainable urban systems and ensure that cities remain clean and habitable for future generations.

• 

  Smart waste management using IOT Sensors.

  Uma Rani Ganga Devi

  A new technique called smart trash management uses IoT sensors to enhance waste management processes. It makes use of the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). The fill level, temperature, and other pertinent data are monitored in this system by sensors placed in trash cans, dumpsters, and other waste collection stations. A cloud-based platform receives the sensor data and transmits it for analysis and real-time decision-making. Waste management businesses may improve their collection schedules, lower operational costs, and lessen environmental effect by utilizing this technology. This article provides a summary of the advantages, difficulties, and potential future directions of smart waste management using IoT sensors.

• 

  Smart Weather Station

  Jayasree Rangu

  The Smart Weather Station IoT project aims to collect real-time weather data on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation in a given area using sensors and transmit this data to a cloud-based platform for analysis and visualization. The project will provide accurate weather forecasts and support climate research.The weather station will consist of various sensors as required such as a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, anemometer, and rain gauge. These sensors will be connected to a microcontroller board, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, which will collect data from the sensors and transmit it wirelessly to a cloud-based platform.The cloud-based platform will receive the data from the weather station and process it to provide useful insights on weather patterns and trends. The platform will use different algorithms to analyze the data and provide accurate weather forecasts. It will also store the data for future analysis and support climate research.The Smart Weather Station IoT project has several potential applications, including agriculture, transportation, and emergency management. Farmers can use the weather data to optimize their crop yield by adjusting irrigation and fertilizer schedules. Transportation agencies can use the weather data to plan for road closures and detours due to severe weather conditions. Emergency management teams can use the weather data to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.Overall, the Smart Weather Station IoT project has the potential to provide valuable insights into weather patterns and trends, leading to better decision-making in various fields.

• 

  Social Media as a Community Organizing Tool

  Hannah Bair, Patrick Hoody, Elizabeth Kolb, Sophia Locker, Elizabeth Worpenberg, Riley Cronin, Claire Pawlecki, Anna Luepke, Simone Schuller, Sarah Behnke

  Representing Dayton Civic Scholars as the 2023 cohort, we are presenting our senior capstone project focused around social media as a community organizing tool. We are an interdisciplinary group of students following a three year framework, creating an intentional pathway from classroom to community through servant leadership and community engagement. Our cohort is honored to be working with City Wide and the Edgemont community to present two workshops focused around using email and Facebook for community organizing. Our poster outlines our three year experience together as well as our project implementation steps during our final semester.

• 

  Social Stigma and Psychosis: Examining Content Valence, Diagnostic Context, and Participant Spirituality

  Alicia Wilhelm Villanueva Van Den Hurk

  While stigma is generally attached to all mental illnesses, individuals who experience psychosis are reported to be one of the most stigmatized minority groups in society. The aim of this study is to explore different factors that might play a role in the stigmatization of individuals with this condition. More precisely, the present project will examine the effects of auditory content valence (i.e., pleasant vs. neutral vs. unpleasant), participant spirituality (i.e., high vs. low), and diagnostic circumstance (i.e., psychosis in the context of a psychiatric disorder vs. a medical condition) on stigma towards psychosis, as well as the interaction between these three variables. To do so, undergraduate students will be recruited and asked about their level of spirituality (part 1). A week after completing the initial survey, participants will be asked to complete part 2. During part 2, they will then be presented with three fictional patients who are experiencing psychosis symptoms either in the context of: 1) bipolar disorder I, or 2) a brain tumor. After reading each patient description, they will listen to five recordings of simulated auditory hallucinations (which will be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral). For each fictional patient participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire that will measure their level of stigma.

• 

  Soil Moisture Monitoring System

  Sai Harika Kunaparaju

  In this Project, We will measure the amount of moisture in the soil by using Circuit playground express and indicators to show if plants needs watering. If the soil moisture is more, the value will increases and if the soil is dry the value will decreases. so from this IOT project, we can get to know when to water the plants without making the plants dry. We need a nail and an alligator clip cable to implement this project. For the Code portion of this build, we will connect Circuit Playground Express to a USB cable connected to a computer and MakeCode to read the soil sensor.

• 

  Spectroscopic Study of UV-Irradiated DNA

  Reed Dowling

  In this project, we analyze the changes to DNA upon irradiation with UV light. We used threespectroscopic techniques: UV-Vis absorption, Circular Dichroism (CD), and fluorescence to follow thechanges in four different nucleic acid sequences irradiated at selected exposure times with an Hg Lamp.We analyze: calf thymus DNA, poly (deoxyadenylic-deoxythymidylic) acid [poly(dA-dT) 2 ], poly(deoxyguanylic-deoxycytidylic) acid [poly(dG-dC) 2 ] and poly (deoxyadenylic acid) · poly (deoxythymidylicacid) [poly(dA) · poly(dT)]. In all cases, both the CD and UV-Vis spectra undergo sequence dependentchanges. On the other hand, fluorescence was observed only when thymine and adenine base pairs arepresent and is enhanced when the thymine nucleobases are adjacent to each other on the same strand.Poly(dA) · poly(dT) undergoes changes more rapidly than the other sequences investigated andtherefore represents the most interesting results obtained in this project. In particular, after irradiationwith UV light we observed: 1) a fluorescent photo-product with an emission spectrum with a maximumat approximately 402 nm produced upon excitation of the samples at 298 nm; 2) the CD spectrum ofpoly(dA) · poly(dT) gradually undergoes an inversion, suggesting a change in helicity, beforedisappearing due to the unfolding of the double strand.

• 

  Spinner Game

  Haritha Pinninti

  In this project, we will create a fun spinner game using Adafruit Circuit Playground Express device and blocks of MakeCode editor. The game can be made or developed by pressing a button on the Circuit Playground to make animated lights and sounds that help us choose between the options on the spinner chart. I chose this project because it is great for beginners or anyone who wants to get explored with working of Circuit Playground Express. There are so many different custom options within MakeCode like we can select LOOPS block to start the loop, LIGHTS block to set the brightness, MUSIC block to set the volume and INPUT block to set an input trigger as well.

• 

  Stander Inside: Interventions for Social Problems by Students Experiencing Incarceration and Freedom

  Nina Vaccaro, Caitlin Sheridan, Audrey Dewitt, Ashleigh Jurosic, Alexander Stottner, Julia Lindenschmidt, Emily Graham, Wendy Valdivia, Caroline Cochran, Allison O'Gorman, Kathleen Schreel, Sarah McLeeson, Alex, Daryl, Hakeem, Kareem, Kodzo, Randy, Rick, Rodney, Shayron

  Students in the Spring 2023 Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program course, Modern Social Problems, have developed innovative interventions to pernicious problems facing society. Students will present their proposed programs or policies, discuss methodologies of implementation, and envision the outcomes and implications of their ideas. The class includes students who reside at or near the University of Dayton ("outside students") and students experiencing incarceration ("inside students").

• 

  State Feedback Control for Variable Stiffness Series Elastic Actuator (vSEA) joint-based 2-DoF Manipulator

  Pavanth Chennareddy Pavanth Kumar Reddy

  Over the past decades, industrial robot manipulators have expanded throughout the automation industry with a high degree of accuracy and reliability. For the safety of human beings, robots are confined to specific places with cages around them. There is a need for human-robot collaborations for many tasks which cannot be done with industrial robots. To address this issue, a new type of actuator joint has been developed, vSEA, which can servo control its joint stiffness and provide a measure of the instantaneous joint torque. These capabilities can play a crucial role in an intelligent robotic control design that can scale down the risks involved in human-robot collaboration. These soft joints have a higher bandwidth of compliance to better mitigate the effects of a collision. This device has been tested with PID. For better accuracy and repeatability, we are proposing a state feedback linearizing control for the system.

• 

  Statue of Our Lady, Serenity Pines Garden

  Ellie Finnigan, Joe Zern, Phil Leon

  Students in the CMM 357 Religious Rhetoric course were given the choice to choose a statue, building, space/place on campus that is marked as a religious text/artifact or propose a new object of visual rhetoric in order to analyze using the rhetorical theories from class. Thier analyses employ a variety of rhetorical theories and concepts discussed in class during the semester. Each group collaborated to answer the question: how does this artifact/text rhetorically communicate and construct religious identity at UD?

• 

  Structural Health Monitoring using Structured Lights and Infrared Thermography

  Sreelakshmi Sreeharan

  Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a nondestructive data-driven process used to assess the conditions of structural systems using methods like acoustic emission, ultrasonic, thermal imaging etc. In recent years with advancement in computer vision, research into vision-based inspection methods using three dimensional (3D) optical imaging and point cloud data is a field of active research. Structured light technique is an active method in 3D optical imaging where patterns are projected on to the scene and the camera captures the distorted pattern caused by the scene. The method uses the pattern distortion information to recover the 3D geometry. Therefore, instead of relying on the scene optical properties, the structured light method uses a projector to project known structured patterns onto the scene and the correspondence is established using the captured projected pattern information. Infrared thermography ((IRT) technique is another widely used technique for contactless temperature measurement and stress analysis of materials based on thermo elastic effects. Furthermore, IRT can be used to estimate fatigue limit and fatigue life curve of structural materials. For both visible and thermal imaging pixels are the data acquisition points used for surface profiling. However, thermal cameras have lower resolutions in comparison to visible light due to larger sensor elements. To overcome the limitations of IRT and to better investigate temperature dependent structural deformations we propose the use of projective transformations to map thermal information on to 3D reconstructed surfaces using structural light technique.

• 

  Structure-function analysis of Defective proventriculus (Dve) in Drosophila melanogaster eye growth and development

  Anuradha Chimata Venkatakrishnan

  Axial patterning is required to delineate Antero-Posterior (AP), Dorso-Ventral (DV), and Proximo-Distal (PD) axes in a sequential manner to transform a monolayer organ primordium to a three-dimensional organ. During eye development, DV axis is the first lineage restriction event and any deviation results in developmental birth defects. During this process, generation and establishment of morphogen gradient plays important roles such as negative regulator of eye development, growth and determination of eye versus head fate. Previously, we have identified defective proventriculus (dve, an ortholog of SATB1) as a novel dorsal patterning gene that regulates wingless (wg) transcription. Loss-of-function of dve results in dorsal eye enlargement and decrease in Wg, while gain-of-function of dve results in eye suppression and increased wg. In addition to eye versus head fate, SATB1, the human ortholog of dve is highly upregulated in cancers and is known to activate various signaling pathways to trigger growth. Here we present our structure-function analysis to determine the domains of Dve required for growth regulation and Wg mediated determination of eye versus head fate. Dve has a ULD domain for tetramerization, two HOX domains for DNA binding and a PPP4R2 domain for H2AFX dephosphorylation. We have developed several transgenic fly lines, which will allow us to ectopically induce expression of the specific Dve protein domain(s) alone or in combination and assay their effect in the eye. Our preliminary data suggests that HOX domain alone can induce wg expression and exhibit weak eye suppression phenotype, but it is not enough to fully exhibit Dve mediated eye suppression function during development. We will present data from our studies to dissect the growth versus eye fate function of Dve protein domain(s) using this structure-function analysis. Understanding this can increase our knowledge of which domains might be dispensable or pathogenic in human development or disease.

• 

  Students Developing a More Specific Emotional Vocabulary through Picture Books - A Work in Progress

  Mary Horvath

  This study will be happening over the course of the next year, but this is a preview of what is to come! Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a relatively new set of standards in Ohio’s curriculum. SEL standards are essential for achievement not only in the classroom but in life. Because of its novelty, it is crucial to find the best practices for teaching SEL to meet the needs of all students. Research has shown that the standard videos, activities, and take-home worksheets referenced in the curriculum are not engaging the students (Pysarenko, 2021, p. 639). Instead, picture books have been found to help students through emotional turmoil (Roberts & Crawford, 2008, p. 13). Therefore, this study proposes to further the connection between children’s literature and emotional vocabulary, which is part of the Ohio Department of Education SEL standard, “Demonstrate an awareness of personal emotions” (ODE, p. 8, 2019). Helping students grow their emotional vocabulary will help them connect better to themselves, the people in their lives, and their experiences so they can live an overall better life.

• 

  Students Gain Real World Skills from working part-time in Campus Recreation

  Tyler Lebegue, Andrew Mason

  This presentation will inform students about the value of working in campus recreation. There is one position that is under most students’ radar that will provide the most benefits. It is becoming a referee. These students gain transferable skills that are rarely ever considered when looking for part time employment. We have examined deliverables gained through conducting research, interviewing officials, and completing a comprehensive literature review. Our goal is to promote officiating in Campus Recreation with specificrecommendations on how to grow an official pool of candidates to gain the deliverableskills needed in the workplace. We will portray the importance of working withstudents to build a culture that focuses on engaging in career development, teachingstudents how to express their skills and experiences to sell themselves in ajob interview.

• 

  Student Songwriter Concert Guitar Students of Jim McCutcheon

  Chris Yakopcic, Miles Lockrem, David Colao, Dont'e Stevenson, Grace Caffoe, Isaac Burkart

  Guitar students of Jim McCutcheon, Lecturer in Guitar in the UD Department of Music, will perform original songs. This concert has been a part of the Stander Symposium since its inception and is always an insightful presentation of our musical student creators.

• 

  Studying Glioblastoma on a Microfluidic Model

  Laura Bender

  Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is among one of the most deadly, aggressive, and invasive types of cancer. Currently, there is no cure for patients diagnosed with GBM. Due to the cancer’s high rates of motility and invasion, even with treatment, patients are often given a survival time of 12-15 months after diagnosis. This makes GBM of particular interest to scientists who intend to improve the outcomes of GBM patients. In my study, I utilized the nonadherent method and microfluidic channels to generate a three-dimensional tumor model of GBM cell lines and the brain’s tumor microenvironment. In this model, we fabricated GBM spheroids to mimic the primary tumor. The spheroids were introduced to a PDMS device that has microfluidic channels and matrigel to simulate physical confinements and the extracellular matrix in the brain tissue, respectively. Using this model, I was able to successfully observe the migration and sprouting behavior of four different GBM cell lines, U-118 MG, U-87 MG, LN-229, and A-172. The success of this project will allow us to learn more about the invasion of GBM cancer so that better treatments can be developed to prevent the progression of GBM infiltration and recurrence.

• 

  Studying the Role of Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Dorso-Ventral Patterning

  Anuradha Chimata Venkatakrishnan, Soumya Bajpai; other authors: Madhuri Kango-Singh, Amit Singh

  During organogenesis, 3-dimentional organs arise from a monolayer of cells and this requires axial patterning to establish Dorsal-Ventral (DV), Anterior-Posterior (AP) and Proximal-Distal (PD) axes. Among them, the DV axis is the first to form during eye development. Morphogens have also been associated with a multitude of developmental processes, including organ patterning and the control of organ size. The Hedgehog (Hh) family of molecules play an important role in eye development as it regulates formation of the retina in Drosophila by orchestrating a differentiation wave that allows for the rapid and precise differentiation of the fly retina. We wanted to understand how Hh signaling interacts with a previously identified dorsal selector gene, defective proventriculus (dve). Dve is a K-50 homeodomain containing transcription factor, a Drosophila ortholog of human SATB1. We know that loss-of-function of dve results in dorsal eye enlargement while gain-of-function results in complete eye suppression. We wanted to understand how this transcription factor can regulate Hh signaling pathway that is crucial for patterning, growth and eye development. Here, we present our results from modulating Hh signaling pathway in dve expression domain and how it affects eye development.

• 

  Sugar Choline-Chloride-Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: Effects of Water Content

  Elaina Ismert

  Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are green solvents with a melting point far below both constituent pure molecules due to hydrogen bonding. These solvents have the potential to be applied to the industrial processing of food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other extraction processes. In the present study, the characteristics of natural deep eutectic solvents composed of hydrogen bond acceptor choline chloride (ChCl: 2-hydroxyethyl-trimethylammonium chloride), and a hydrogen bond donor saccharide are cataloged. The specific saccharides studied include disaccharides sucrose and lactose, and the monosaccharides glucose and fructose. Four NADES were prepared with varying molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1 ChCl: saccharide solid mixtures, heated at 80°C and mixed under magnetic stirring at 500 RPM from 2 hours to 48 hours depending on the solvent. This work also analyzed the effects of water content on the selected ChCl: saccharides NADES preparation and physical properties. It has been shown that the addition of water decreases hydrogen bonding interactions, reduces viscosity, and increases conductivity. In this work, the four as-prepared ChCl: saccharides were evaluated at varying mass percentages of water, 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. Physical properties were analyzed, including pH, which tended to be neutral, conductivity, and refractive index, which was about 1.5 nD for the ChCl: saccharide NADES prepared at different conditions. The as-prepared NADES conductivity and surface tension were also measured at room temperature, about 20°C. These results showed a dependence on the saccharide type and water content. The stability and flowability of the NADES were analyzed over time through visual inspection, and the rheology will be studied. From the different saccharides studied, this study concludes the ChCl: Fructose natural deep eutectic solvents showed the most promise for environmental-related applications in terms of stability, and ease of formation, with a relatively acidic pH. On the contrary, ChCl: lactose NADES were challenging to prepare and resulted in non-stable solvents.