Fine Arts

Authors: Alisa Dabb, David Britt, Elizabeth Vargis. Mentors: David Britt. Insitution: Utah State University. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading infectious cause of birth defects in the United States. CMV is typically treated with ganciclovir, an antiviral medicine that inhibits the virus. However, ganciclovir also inhibits the growth of neutrophils, a type of immune cell, which leaves the patient vulnerable to other viruses and diseases. To combat the toxic effects of ganciclovir, a subtherapeutic dose of ganciclovir can be used with the combinatorial treatment of quercetin and poloxamer 188 (P188) while maintaining the same level of antiviral activity. Quercetin is a hydrophobic natural flavonoid with antiviral properties that is found in many fruits and vegetables. P188 acts as the delivery vehicle for quercetin and is an FDA-approved polymer that targets the mitochondria in a cell. This study examines two delivery vehicles—P188 and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) to optimize the combinatorial treatment of quercetin and ganciclovir.DMSO is a solvent for both polar and nonpolar compounds. DMSO is beneficial for cell growth at low concentrations. Additionally, DMSO successfully delivers hydrophobic quercetin to infected cells, although it does not target quercetin delivery like P188. Targeting the mitochondria, like P188, could be valuable because one mechanism of CMV infection occurs when the virus attacks the mitochondria in an infected cell. This study aims to understand if mitochondrial targeted delivery of quercetin better protects cells against CMV infection compared to non-targeted quercetin delivery.

Authors: Alberto Miranda, Samannoy Ghosh, Yong Lin Kong. Mentors: Yong Lin Kong. Insitution: University of Utah. Microscale robots can impart a broad range of functionalities in the biomedical domain that can be leveraged to address unmet clinical needs, including noninvasive surgery and targeted therapies. Conventional robot navigation methods typically involve specific gaits suited for certain environmental conditions. However, implementing the same conventional methods inside a human body is highly challenging. As the human body is a complex and dynamic environment, a microrobot must adapt to these complex and challenging environments to perform targeted studies. Previous research demonstrated an integration of an untethered, 3D-printed three-linked-sphere crawler with a model-free reinforcement algorithm. The work done with the theoretical Najafi–Golestanian three-linked-sphere mechanism was its first experimental integration with a reinforcement learning algorithm as a relatively simple and highly scalable self-learning robot that can navigate in unconfined and confined spaces. The progress presented in the current research is a direct continuation of the previous work on the 3-linked-sphere crawler. While the previous work focused on developing a proof of concept for adaptive gait learning for the crawler, the current work focuses more on the challenges of implementing the robot in a low Reynolds number fluid medium. Our current research hypothesizes that a self-learning autonomous system could demonstrate successful gait adaptation in a low Reynold’s flow environment. The design of our robot has been significantly improved to make it sustainable for extended use under viscous fluids. The research presented outlines the work that has been done to transition the robot from a crawler into a swimmer, the challenges that have been faced, and how they have been addressed. Successful implementation of this 3-sphere-swimmer will be a step forward in integrating machine learning tools into microswimmers for autonomous gait adaptation inside the human body.

Authors: Josh D Gubler, Connor D Olsen, Fredi R Mino, Mingchuan Cheng, Jacob A George. Mentors: Connor Olsen. Insitution: University of Utah. The long-term goal of this research is to investigate how lower sampling rates of electromyographic (EMG) signals affect the performance of classification and regression algorithms. EMG signals measure the electrical activity of muscle contractions. Myoelectric interfaces can classify or regress features generated from the EMG signal to control devices like prostheses, exoskeletons, robotic systems, or human-computer interfaces. Most of the power of the EMG signal is contained between 50 and 500 Hz, and most recording devices sample EMG at 1 kHz with a 5-15 Hz high-pass filter and a 375-500 Hz low-pass filter. As myoelectric devices become wireless and integrated with wearable technology, reducing the sampling rate can substantially reduce battery consumption and processing power. We sampled EMG data at 30 kHz from the forearms of three participants while they performed six gestures. We then downsampled to rates ranging between 50-1000 Hz and calculated various EMG features from the downsampled data. We found significant effects for both EMG feature and sampling rate on regression performance of a modified Kalman Filter (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA). The mean-absolute-value and waveform-length EMG features performed significantly better at low frequencies (<250 Hz) in contrast to zero-crossing, slope-sign-change, and mean-frequency EMG features (p < .05, multiple pairwise comparisons). Sampling rate also had a significant impact on the classification accuracy of a k-nearest neighbors algorithm (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA). However, sampling rate had no impact on classification accuracy for a continuous Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) (p > 0.05, two-way ANOVA). Future work will validate the effectiveness of this CNN as a control modality when using downsampled EMG from wearable sensors. If proficient control can be achieved from down sampled EMG, this could substantially improve battery life and make EMG a more practical biosensor for wearable devices.

Authors: Rui Jin, Lindsay C Rupp, Anna Busatto, Rob S MacLeod. Mentors: Rob S. MacLeod. Insitution: University of Utah. Introduction: The electrocardiogram is the most common tool to diagnose and assess cardiac conditions, such as rhythm abnormalities, myocardial ischemia, and heart failure. However, clinical diagnosis and management of heart disease are challenging due to the remote nature of body-surface electrocardiogram measurements, with a median accuracy of 67% among physicians. One approach to improve the accuracy of electrocardiography is to conduct mapping studies in which 10-100 catheter-based electrodes are inserted within the heart. The recorded signals provide more proximity and thus accuracy, but they also require specialized software to analyze, quantify, and visualize. We developed the Signal Processor for Electrogram and Electroanatomic Data (SPEED), a new, open-source, unified pipeline to facilitate effective signal processing and visualization of such cardiac-mapping signals.Materials and Methods: Our pipeline is based on two existing toolboxes, the Preprocessing Framework for Electrograms Intermittently Fiducialized from Experimental Recordings (PFEIFER) and OpenEP. PFEIFER is a toolset for sophisticated signal-processing of cardiac electrograms that allows the user to select semi-automatically fiducial markers, which are time points and intervals of interest within a heartbeat. OpenEP primarily accepts as input complete electroanatomic data, including both processed cardiac electrograms and spatial geometry; OpenEP also provides built-in functions for analyzing and visualizing cardiac electrograms, such as displaying potentials on the cardiac geometry. Since both software packages provide complementary workflows for managing electrograms, our goal was to integrate the two software packages and present it to the user as a new Graphic User Interface utilizing both applications simultaneously.Results: It was natural to develop SPEED in MATLAB as this is also the language used for both PFEIFER and OpenEP. The primary interface to SPEED incorporates a data-centric design such that the user can provide the electrogram and geometry files to be processed, and the algorithm automatically determines the applicable functions based on the input type. Since both PFEIFER and OpenEP can parse data into more interpretable open-source formats, the user can also export the processed data for further analysis in addition to visualizing and quantifying the data features. Through integrating both software packages, SPEED can support the following main functionalities: (1) in-depth filtering and processing of electrogram signals, (2) visualizing anatomic geometry and electrode locations, and (3) mapping three-dimensional potential and activation of cardiac electrophysiology.Discussion: SPEED offers the user a more thorough and unified workflow in the analysis of cardiac-mapping signals than either of its components. The user can utilize the functionalities of both PFEIFER and OpenEP simultaneously, allowing for a versatile and powerful processing pipeline. For instance, the user can extract key features from the recorded electrograms and visualize the location of the corresponding electrodes, a feature that was previously not possible. In addition, the open-source nature of the software packages allows the user to modify or expand the functions to better suit their individual needs. The software design of SPEED is still in the early stages; thus, as with most software, further development and user testing will follow to make the algorithms compatible with more data types and implement additional features. Conclusion: SPEED processes and displays the complex information in a clear and accessible way, allowing the user to perform subsequent interpretations and analyses more easily. SPEED can be used by research cardiologists to facilitate a more efficient workflow, as well as to improve the efficiency and accuracy of clinical diagnosis of heart diseases.

Authors: Michael Olson. Mentors: Nathan Usevitch. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Wearable robotic devices are versatile for assisting users in many scenarios. These devices could provide therapy treatments to users recovering from injuries, provide support for factory workers who commonly perform repetitive tasks (in 2021 there were over two million work-related injuries in the US) and aid motion for elderly people with limited mobility. Whereas other assistive devices require external machinery and infrastructure, a wearable device makes it possible to provide aid during activities of daily living, and in normal work scenarios. Wearable tech can reduce metabolic work required to complete a variety of simple tasks, can enable a user to accomplish tasks normally requiring greater strength than they possess, and can help improve motion capabilities of users in cases of limited mobility.At BYU, we are developing a wearable system to assist user's elbow motion. Our design uses a system of motors mounted on a backpack frame. These motors connect to the assistive sleeve through a set of Bowden cables. We are developing a general mechatronic platform that can be used to actuate several different sleeve designs. Developing this platform enables us to quickly experiment with different sleeve designs and cable routings. The system uses three pairs of motors per arm: one pair for arm pronation and supination (wrist rotation), one pair for elbow extension and flexion (like doing a bicep curl), and one pair for medial or lateral rotation (rotation of the arm to the left or right). When one motor tenses to provide force to move the arm in a particular direction, the other motor relaxes, enabling the arm to travel in that direction. The motors are controlled by an Arduino Nano 33 interfaced with a laptop, and the device could be modified to be compatible with an X-Box controller connected to Robot Operating System (ROS), providing wireless control for arm motion. Potential applications may include rehabilitation, mobility assistance, and assistance with repeated tasks.

Authors: Jordan Penfold, Cera Gowans, David T Fullwood, Anton E Bowden. Mentors: David T Fullwood. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Wearable nano-composite strain sensors created at Brigham Young University are used for biomechanical studies of human motion, due to their ability to follow and sense skin deformation. The manufacturing process for these sensors involves combining the raw materials that make up the sensors – silicone, nickel nanoparticles and nickel-coated chopped carbon fibers – in a planetary mixer, followed by extrusion of the uncured slurry through a syringe with a specialized tip. After extrusion, the sensor material strips are cut to length and subsequently casted and cured. However, undesirable variability in the final piezoresistive properties of the sensors was discovered. This variability was hypothesized to be attributable to sensor positioning during extrusion process. For example, fiber alignment may change as the extrusion process develops, or internal voids may be more evident in sensors cut from different parts of the extruded slurry. To test this hypothesis, several batches of sensors were created with precise records of each sensor position after extrusion. Some sensors were also set aside for CT scans to analyze their void content and nickel concentrations. The results suggested that the sensors located on the initial and terminal ends of the extruded slurry strips had statistically significant differences in piezoresistive properties when compared to the sensors from the central portion of the material strips. Sensors cut from the ends of extruded strips were more likely to have a lower standard deviation of average resistances while strained and relaxed, and were more likely to pass quality control inspection. As a result of this research, we learned that sensors with more consistent physical properties could be obtained by intentionally shortening the strips of slurry produced during the extrusion process (e.g., creating sensor batches with exclusively “end” sensors). After applying this change in methodology, sensor batches usually had more consistent physical properties when compared to sensors made with previous methods.

Authors: Caleb McDougal. Mentors: Nathan Usevitch. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Managing difficult terrain poses a major obstacle for current robotics. Everything from search and rescue to extraterrestrial exploration involves complex controls in unpredictable environments. One potential solution to handling such terrain is a robot that can jump. This could bypass the complex terrain handling and increase the speed at which long distances could be covered. While current robots can jump far, their jump distances decreases quickly with added payload massIn this project we propose a design that stores energy by accelerating a flywheel and converting its rotational energy into linear energy through a string system. Our proposed string system concept is similar to the string systems found in twisted string actuators. The strings slow the flywheel down while accelerating it upwards providing the energy for the jump. The primary energy storage mechanism of the robot is storing energy in the spinning mass of the flywheel. This means if we add payload mass to the flywheel we increase total energy stored. This allows us to increase payload mass without significantly affecting the total energy density of the robot. This would enable robots with heavy payloads to jump large distances.We are developing the system through building both a theoretical model as well as physical prototypes. Through analysis of the system we have determined an optimal rate of transmission as well as an optimal geometry for peak transmission. The models relate the geometry of the string system to the rate of transmission from angular to linear speed. We have created and tested prototypes as proof of concept on a small scale. Prototypes have been created using 3D printing and rapid manufacturing techniques. These have allowed us to explore the effects of different parameters.Jumping robots could traverse complex terrain and help explore rugged environments. The flywheel string system could allow the robot to effectively carry large payloads while maintaining large jump heights. The proposed jumping robot design could lead to important innovations in the fields of robotics and dynamics.

Authors: Davis Wing. Mentors: Matt Allen. Insitution: Brigham Young University. When thin structures vibrate under large forces, can exhibit geometric nonlinearity, which makes it very hard to compute their motion and the stresses they undergo. This work builds on prior efforts, which used a small number of computations derived from detailed models, together with machine learning techniques, to train a reduced order model (ROM). This ROM could then be simulated efficiently to estimate the dynamic, nonlinear response of the structure in a fraction of the time it takes to compute the full-order model.This reduced order modeling technique is called Gaussian Process ROM or GPR ROM, and was developed by Park et al. [MSSP, vol. 184, p. 109720, 2023]. The GPR-ROM approach works by applying a number of static loads to the detailed model of the thin structure, and then by integrating those loads over time, it produces an understanding of the dynamics. In addition to its speed, this approach also provides confidence bounds on its findings, meaning that researchers can gauge a number of plausible values for the nonlinear responses of the system being measured.This research further develops this approach to computing the dynamics of structures by applying the GRP-ROM to a more complicated structure than previously studied, namely, a gong. The gong as a test structure is significant, as the signature sound of a gong is produced through geometric nonlinearities. In order to capture the behavior of the gong, and thereby its sound, several modes need to be studied simultaneously, and thus more degrees of freedom are required to capture its behavior in a ROM. This work evaluates the GPR-ROM process for the gong by computing various ROMs for different load states, thereby capturing the geometric variability of the gong’s responses. Then, the non-linear normal modes (NNMs) of the system are calculated within 95% confidence, which allows for a reasonable understanding of the dynamics of the system. These will be compared to the NNMs computed, at great expense, from the full-order model to validate the method.

Authors: Carolina Wright. Mentors: Spencer Magleby. Insitution: Brigham Young University. In recent years there has been an increasing demand for satellites that take up less space, but can still provide a large surface area. One existing solution to fit more material into less volume is deployable systems: systems that can be stowed in small spaces and then expand to occupy a large surface area. Fitting the components of a deployable system into that small space however is where difficulties arise. Thick materials do not stow into small volumes, so thinner, lightweight materials are more desirable. These types of materials can be called “gossamer” materials, and have been used in many space applications of deployable systems. Gossamer structures solve many problems related to stowing satellites in small spaces, but another complication arises for certain applications: current approaches in gossamer technology involve much creasing and wrinkling of the membrane, and do not generate the flatness required for larger, more complex systems. This is detrimental to reflectarray applications, which require a very flat surface. This research seeks to provide a solution to stowing a membrane without creasing it, thus allowing for greater flatness once deployed. This will be done by splitting the membrane into panels, folding them over each other, and rolling it up. Rolling the membrane reduces wrinkles, but adjacent panels must be able to slide past each other. Regular folding does not allow for this movement, so this requires the development of specialized surrogate folds. Surrogate folds are hinges that are used to replace the creases in a folding pattern, so the membrane itself remains unbent. As we design these folds we will look specifically for characteristics which allow for those adjacent panels to slide side by side, as well as still fold 180 degrees. This will allow the panels to fold over each other, roll up tightly, and then be deployed while leaving the membrane free of creases or wrinkles. The results of this research will be key to developing larger deployable systems in the future. Greater precision and flatness as a result of surrogate folds will open a door for further advancements in the technology that can be used on smaller, thinner reflectarray satellites.

Authors: Abby Hoyal. Mentors: Kristen Arnold. Insitution: Weber State University. The United States is one of the most prominent locations involved in the exchange of children in human trafficking. There are very few outlets that take in recovered children help them receive the proper aftercare and help to gain an education to integrate them back into society. Research has shown that children learn most efficiently in spaces that are modular and flexible. In research conducted for habilitation centers for children, they discovered, “Planning flexibility and variability comfort children and parents, accessibility and emotionality for children visiting [these] centers.” (Kasper, Ilvitskaya, Petrova, Shulginova, 2019). It has also been found that learning levels are highest in spaces that allow the children to learn from their surroundings rather than by just the instruction alone. “An interior shall lead children to learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction. [Interiors] should improve cognitive learning, promote independence, curiosity, decision-making, cooperation, persistence, creativity, and problem-solving.” (Manav, 2016). One of the key elements to properly educating children, as listed previously, is to promote independence. One of the ways that research has shown independence to be achieved through design is proper wayfinding elements should be implemented so that occupants do not have to rely on any other occupant to navigate the space. Researchers examined how different colors, light temperatures, and lighting brightness can provide a natural easiness to wayfinding for occupants. Results found, that “the use of cool colors and high brightness levels help people be spatially oriented.” (Hidayetoglu, Yildirim, Akalin, 2012). The Grove will be an Aftercare center that will provide refuge and educate child survivors of human trafficking in a modular environment that educates through the use of space and materials used, with an encouraging push for independence throughout the space due to proper wayfinding elements.

Authors: Hailey Packard. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In the vast landscape of architectural mediums, the key to capturing clients' attention and ensuring a comprehensive grasp of a proposed project lies in the choice of rendering methods. This research endeavors to pinpoint the most effective communication medium through an experiment employing various rendering techniques. Four renderings of a single exterior façade will be crafted, each utilizing diverse media methodologies. To convert the renderings into quantifiable data an innovative approach involves subjecting the renderings to AI-driven algorithms, predicting where the human eye is drawn to in the images in the first 3-5 seconds superseding the influence of cognitive bias, and aiming to identify which of the images inherently captures the most attention. The research results will be examined and the significance of differences between rendering methods addressed. This research delves into the implications for architects, exploring how these findings may influence presentation strategies, considering potential impact of passing fads, taking into account the alignment of media style with architectural subject matter, and noting whether the experiment requires diverse architectural styles for optimal effectiveness. The current hypothesis regarding these results is that the images with contrast and hierarchy in the composition, such as watercolor renderings, will outperform the other methods. The overarching objective of this research project is to discern the most effective medium for capturing the client's attention when presenting architectural projects. Due to modern advancements that increase our access to an abundance of knowledge and techniques, architects and designers must make informed choices about how they present their ideas. By comparing these mediums and formats through these methods, this research will attempt to identify the most effective strategy for engaging clients and enhancing their comprehension of projects which will also aid in contributing to a clearer understanding of visual communication in the architectural field.

Authors: Samuel Weisler, Colton Korpi, Josh Lythgoe. Mentors: Aliki Milioti. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The Venice Project addresses the challenge of blending contemporary buildings into the well-established urban environment of Venice, a city well known for its rich architectural heritage. In a city with canals in the place of streets, where motorboats and gondolas are the main mode of transportation, seasonal flooding at high tide continues to become a greater environmental concern. The research centers on the documentation and preservation of these valued characteristics through an analytical and interpretative research approach. The primary focus is on aspects such as perception, harmony of open and enclosed space, and the seamless integration into the urban and environmental fabric.The unique design constraints were taken head on in creating the one of a kind ‘Ca’Meriggiare’, a luxury hotel that enriches Venice’s heritage. In lieu of fighting against them, the design embraces the environmental challenges posed by the periodic flooding of the city and transforms them into an integral part of the design. For instance, the flooding is harnessed to create a charming, arcaded entrance exclusive to hotel guests arriving by boat, providing a unique entry sequence unphased by rising or falling water levels.The expected result of the research is a successful fusion of a contemporary hotel with the rich historical context of the city. The innovative design allowed the periodic flooding to become an integral part of the hotel that added a charm and uniqueness to the guest experience. Ca’Meriggiare stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of historical preservation with environmental adaption that honors Venice’s heritage. This luxury hotel case study offers a holistic perspective on theoretical and design considerations, emphasizing the importance of integration within the environmental dimensions. Rather than viewed as an isolated instance, it provides an overarching framework for innovation that will apply to the evolution of contemporary architecture.

Authors: Thomas Cryer, Brandon Ro. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. ABSTRACT: This study seeks to understand the visual elements of home design that attract the human eye. Specifically, it aims to compare the visual appeal of traditional homes to modern homes using eye-tracking software. However, this study focuses solely on visual analysis, leaving the exploration of emotional and cultural factors for future research. The purpose is to understand the neurological connections between architectural design and human preferences, shedding light on which elements make homes visually appealing. In the mid-20th century, the architectural landscape shifted towards modernism, characterized by functionalism and minimalism. However, recent research suggests neurological links to architectural preferences that challenge modern design's dominance. This study is relevant today as it explores why people are drawn to traditional homes, considering the current preferences of professional architects. This research contributes to the understanding of how architectural aesthetics impact individuals and communities and offering insights into the neurological aspects that influence architectural preferences. The methodology involves analyzing six homes, three traditional and three modern. The analysis will be conducted using 3M Visual Attention Software individually on each home by tracking participants' eye movements, and then given a numerical ranking of 1-6 based on their visual appeal. Subsequently, a comparative analysis will identify the most and least visually attractive homes. Anticipated results from the software suggest traditional homes will score higher due to the "character," or the details that the eye looks, which are missing in modern architecture. The discussion will explore the idea that contemporary homes, by incorporating traditional elements such as proportion, may achieve higher appeal and last for generations of homeowners. Contemporary designs can evolve into "traditional" homes by aligning with the preferences discovered. By understanding what elements people are naturally drawn to, architects can create more appealing and lasting designs, thereby bridging the gap between modern and traditional aesthetics.

Authors: Joseph Laudie. Mentors: Brandon Ro. Insitution: Utah Valley University. For an architect, choosing how simple and/or complex your designs are can be a difficult effort. It involves balancing various factors, including appearance, function, cost, time, context, etc. While one might state that a certain way is best, it can be difficult to know. For that purpose, this study will examine the question, “How does the perception of a space or structure change as it evolves from a simple to a more complex state?” The difference between these conditions may involve an increased presence of elements, such as motifs, ornaments, etc., gradually becoming more complex. These changes will be analyzed using eye-tracking software.In contemporary architecture, architects grapple with multifaceted considerations. They must combine the varied desires of clients, adapt to evolving technology's possibilities and constraints, prioritize sustainability and efficiency, adhere to budget limitations, stay attuned to cultural and aesthetic trends, meet functional programming requirements, and navigate site-specific constraints. All these factors influence the architect's decision-making process, guiding them toward either simplicity or complexity in their design approach.Because of the difficulty of this cumulative decision, the issue will be thoroughly examined to determine the true effect both simplistic and complex structures have on the everyday individual. This will be done by examining a single, 3-D-modeled room with progressively more complex states, involving more details such as windows, doors, and classical orders and elements. Photos of the respective conditions will be presented side by side and processed through eye-tracking software.It is expected that more complex spaces and conditions will draw attention more consistently. While the analyzed space will present varying states of detail, it is expected that the more complex and expressive setting will consistently demand attention. This conclusion will better inform future design decisions by architects to make spaces more appealing and conducive to the observer.