TAMU-CC Campus Conference Proceedings

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A fine-tuned large language model for improved click-bait title detection
(2023-08-29) Vuppala, Pavan Sai; Sekharan, Chandra N.
The internet has experienced a widespread phenomenon of clickbait, especially on social media platforms and news websites. Clickbait headlines and descriptions attract clicks and generate ad revenue by using exaggerated, sensational, or misleading language. Clickbait can harm online users by wasting their time, spreading misinformation, damaging reputations, or even exposing them to malware or phishing attacks. Detecting clickbait manually is subjective and time-consuming since different people may have different opinions on what constitutes clickbait. Rule-based approaches, machine learning models[8], deep learning models[9] and natural language processing techniques are some of the existing methods for clickbait detection. However, clickbait detection remains a challenging task due to the diversity and complexity of clickbait content, as well as the constantly evolving strategies used by clickbait creators. In this research, we employed a methodology to detect clickbait titles using a fine-tuned large language model (LLM) that was trained on a limited dataset of clickbait titles.
A mental health literacy intervention to improve psychological treatment-seeking attitudes and intentions in African Americans
(2023-08-29) Gipson-Washington, Raven K.; Houlihan, Amy E.
Systemic-Level Barriers: The ineligibility of services, treatment disparities, limited access to treatment facilities, and the lack of culturally-relevant care Cultural Barriers: Spiritual beliefs and community stigma Individual-Level Barriers: Limited finances, lack of insurance coverage, lack of transportation, childcare, lack of social support, the fear of being locked away, the fear of losing one’s children, and negative experiences with the mental healthcare system (personal experiences or learning of others’ experiences) Psychological Barriers: The inability to recognize symptoms of mental illness, the perceived insusceptibility to mental illness, the belief that there is no need for treatment, internalized stigma, and the Black strength schema. African Americans are disproportionately less likely to receive treatment for their mental illness(es) (39.4%) than their European American counterparts (52.4%; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021). This is a public health problem. To confront this problem, it is necessary to address the issue of treatment-seeking. Typically, the first step in the treatment life-cycle is to decide to seek psychological treatment. For African Americans, this decision is often complicated by a significant number of barriers to treatment, unique to the Black experience (Bryant et al., 2013; Conner et al., 2010; Davis et al., 2008; Haynes et al., 2017; Jegede et al., 2021; Redmond et al., 2019; Sonik et al., 2020; Ward et al., 2009; Williams et al., 2012): The present study will address the psychological barriers. The primary aim of the study is to increase formal psychological treatment-seeking attitudes and intentions by increasing mental health literacy, reducing internalized stigma, and redefining the Black strength schema. To do this, a single-session, online mental health literacy intervention, has been developed specifically for African Americans: The Black Mental Health Education Program - Anxiety and Depression (BMHE-AD).
Abundance of bottlenose dolphins (tursiops truncatus) in Texas coastal bend
(2022-04) Wilkins, Allison; Orbach, Dara N.
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the only species of marine mammal residing in the Texas Coastal Bend and have been specifically identified as imperiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It has been almost 40 years since research has been published on the local population of bottlenose dolphins. In recent decades, the Texas Coastal Bend has substantially expanded in industrial growth and the Port of Corpus Christi is the third largest port in crude oil exportation in the U.S.A. The Corpus Christi Shipping Channel is also undergoing continual dredging to widen and deepen the channel to attract more commercial and industrial developments. With increasing and rapid changes and associated threats, it is important to monitor the local population of bottlenose dolphins and quantify how they are impacted by anthropogenic disturbance to inform policymakers for conservation mitigation. The population abundance of dolphins inhabiting the Texas Coastal Bend was determined by counting the number of animals based on unique markings. Photographs were captured of the individually distinctive dorsal fins of dolphins from a research vessel during 45 survey days since 2018. Photographs were subjected to quality control checks, cropped, matched by a minimum of two researchers, and scored based on quality. Preliminary results show that the current population of bottlenose dolphins consists of over 1,300 individuals, indicating a substantial population growth from the 593 dolphins reported in 1983. Findings from this study and additional photo- identification surveys will provide insights on the stability of the population that can be used as baseline data for conservation, including if dolphins are year-round residents and frequently inhabit areas of high vessel traﬀic.
Activated carbon as a redox flow battery
(2022-04) Burghoff, Alexis; Holubowitch, Nicolas
With the increase of renewable wind and solar energy, there is a need for long-term, low-cost energy storage systems to buffer their variable output. Redox flow batteries (RFBs) have the potential to store large amounts of energy for on-demand power generation and long-duration discharge. RFBs consist of two soluble redox couples stored in separate tanks that are flowed through a stack during charge/discharge, decoupling the battery’s power and energy capacity to meet custom scaling requirements. Despite this flexibility, RFBs currently have low energy densities compared to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries due to poor aqueous solubility of the active species and/or low voltage outputs. Robust, high voltage catholytes are needed in RFBs. The catholyte iron (II/III) tris-2,2’-bipyridine,
Alkane composition of the microlayer in Corpus Christi Bay: Implications of HAB formation
(2023-08-29) Hodge, Wayne; Silliman, James
Short-chain n-alkanes (n-pentadecane, n-heptadecane, and n-nonadecane) stem primarily from algae. Long-chain n-alkanes (n-heptacosane, n-noncosane, and n-hentriacontane) originate from terrigenous/land plants and are introduced to coastal waters by runoff. Since alkanes are hydrophobic compounds, they tend to concentrate in the microlayer (air-water interface). This study strives to ascertain the efficacy of using the aquatic-terrigenous ratio (ATR) as a precursor to harmful algal bloom (HAB) formation. Since the ATR is a new HAB parameter, it may further our understanding of HAB formation. Corpus Christi Bay microlayer samples have been collected via the glass plate method. Although algal and terrigenous n-alkanes have been detected in these samples using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), they are present in lower concentrations than expected. As a result, new microlayer samples are currently being collected at larger volumes to increase their n-alkane concentrations. Once adequate concentrations have been achieved, ATRs will be calculated in order to establish a range in baseline values for Corpus Christi Bay. ATR values are expected to increase prior to and during HAB events.
An analysis of the El Nino Southern Oscillation's effects on tropical cyclones
(2023-08-30) Lilljedahl, Madalyn; Liu, Chuntao; Lavigne, Thomas
In the 20 years, 2,023 tropical cyclones provide us a robust sample size to study the impact of the El Nino Southern Oscillation on tropical cyclone with respect to precipitation on a global scale. It is clear that the El Nino Southern Oscillation does play a significant role in the intensity, location and magnitude of tropical cyclones. We also found that the depending on which phase of ENSO and whether it’s a major or minor tropical cyclone, different parts of the globe have experienced more or less precipitation that can be attributed to tropical cyclone. How does ENSO influence frequency of tropical cyclones globally? What is the global precipitation contribution from tropical cyclones? How does ENSO influence global precipitation that is contributed by minor and major hurricanes?
Analysis of coastal spatial-temporal systems of two species competition: Impact of the parameters of the system on species survival
(2022-04) Wang, Youwen; Vasilyeva, Maria; Stepanov, Sergei; Sadovski, Alexey L
This presentation deals with the spatial-temporal dynamical models of two-species competition in 1D and 2D spaces. We have applied factor analysis to the results of tens of thousands of simulations with different combinations of parameters and initial conditions. Firstly, we have found that initial populations, if they are not too small, don’t affect equilibriums. Secondly, we have discovered that the diffusion rate has an impact on whether one or both species survives. Thirdly, the ratios of birthrates to competition parameters play significant role in which of two species survives.
Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric oncology: An integrative literature review
(2022-04) Statzer, Emily; Anderson, Abby; Floores, Lauren; Medrano, Sarena; Greene, Pamela
Pediatric oncology patients face many new and uncomfortable experiences associated their treatment. These experiences can be overwhelming and frightening. Due to the nature and severity of oncology in pediatric patients and the treatment regimes, pediatric patients are at risk for developing anxiety, depression and other emotional as well as physical distress. Atraumatic care is a priority to counter the potential lasting trauma. Non-pharmacological interventions options are used to help pediatric patients cope with their treatment and hospitalization without adding to their list of medications. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been implemented as a means of comfort, therapy, education, plan, and overall distraction. A comprehensive, integrative literature review was conducted. An evidence table was constructed to use in the analysis of the data found in current studies. The information from current studies was used to answer the question: In hos- pitalized pediatric oncology patients, how does animal assisted therapy compare to using other distractions in managing anxiety during hospitalizations? The findings from the research were analyzed and synthesized to answer the question and make recommendations. Findings confirmed the benefit of using ATT alone or in combination with other forms of distraction. Educating parents, patients, and healthcare providers on the benefit of Animal Assisted Therapy and advocating for its use is an effective way for nurses to provide holistic are and improve pediatric oncology patients’ overall hospital experience. ATT also is an effective intervention for reducing the long-term risks associated with trauma.
Application of immersive VR system in the rehabilitation of ACL injuries
(2022-04) Torres, Brian; Park, Jangwoon
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are undoubtably some of the hardest injuries to recover from on the lower extremity. Patients report up to 75% degradation in knee quality of life within 20 years post-surgery, however, conventional rehabilitation methods are limited to non-immersive equipment and mostly unquantifiable data to track someone’s recovery progress. Those factors along with the extended recovery time of an ACL injury (8-12 Months) decrease the patient’s adherence to rehabilitation plans. The present study is intended to validate the use of a fully instrumented Bertec Corporation Treadmill along with an immersive virtual reality (VR) motion capture system, to enhance and objectify targeted feedback and biofeedback from motor control as well as sensorimotor performance data. The rehabilitation system components include three PCs which connect a large 270-degree screen, a projector, nine motion capture cameras, and a treadmill with arm supports and force plates. With such a system in place, the process of rehabilitating an ACL injury can be optimized and quantified using motion capture markers to measure range of motion (ROM) in a customizable environment that simultaneously activates sensorimotor functions in a patient by providing a fully immersive experience.
Bottlenose dolphin (tursiops truncatus) spatial dispersion and orientation in pods
(2022-04) Partin, Caitlynn; Orbach, Dara N.; Ramos, Eric Angel; Magnasco, Marcelo O.; Reiss, Diana
Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are commonly found in the waters of Turneffe Atoll, Belize, where they inhabit areas that vary in physical features. Variables such as water depth, prey abundance, and location are related to the spatial dispersion of bottlenose dolphins. The spatial dispersion (areas within a pod) and orientation (line abreast, parallel, scattered, facing inward) of bottlenose dolphin pods have yet to be examined in relation to pod size, substrate type, and behavioral state. We explore how abiotic and biotic factors may affect bottlenose dolphin movement. Video recordings of free-swimming bottlenose dolphins were taken by drone in Turneffe Atoll, Belize and transformed into a series of screenshots for data extraction. Pod size (3-15), substrate type (boundary, seagrass, mixed), and behavioral state (forage, social, rest, travel) were categorized from the screenshots. Spatial dispersion and orientation were measured in ImageJ and data were averaged per video. Spatial dispersion of dolphin pods was significantly related to pod size, substrate type, and behavioral state (F = 3.375, P < 0.05). Pods were most dispersed when engaged in social activities, suggesting frequent events of separation. When swimming over a mixed substrate, spatial dispersion was also high, potentially indicating a lack of predators or an abundance of non-schooling prey. Small pods (n < 15) showed low spatial dispersion, suggesting a potential defensive strategy against predators. Assessment of dolphin activity researched using non-invasive techniques yield insights to how dolphins use their habitat when exposed to minimal human encroachment.
Bridged bis-bipyridinium-based amphiphiles for template-directed self-assembly
(2022-04) Tran, Ha; Jakharia, Vandan; Olson, Mark
Amphiphilic surfactants are the principal components of soaps and detergents which are responsible for their ability to lower the surface tension of water to and solubilize hydrophobic agents. Their actions in aqueous solutions are due, in part, to their ability to undergo a concentration dependent self-assembly process which leads to the formation of larger molecular ensembles called micelles. The self-assembly of these micellar aggre- gate superstructures is driven by the hydrophobic effect. In the case of charged amphiphiles, the size of the micelles formed is limited by the electrostatic repulsion that builds among contiguously assembled molecules that comprise the micelle itself. It is possible however to design amphiphile systems which employ molecular recognition motifs to order the self-assembly of molecules in a programmed manner. Towards this end, we have constructed a series of alkyl-bridged (5, 7, and 9 hydrocarbon chain) and glycol-bridged (tetraethylene glycol chain) bis-bipyridinium-based gemini amphiphiles. The bipyridinium units of these amphiphiles are strongly -electron deficient and can form donor-acceptor - stacked charge transfer (CT) complexes with -electron rich molecules in aqueous solution, in this case, the neurotransmitter melatonin. In this system, the -electron rich donor molecular template, melatonin, serves as “molecular glue”, capable of decreasing the electrostatic repulsion among the charged assembled amphiphiles. The addition of the melatonin molecular template to solutions of the bipyridinium-based amphiphiles resulted in: 1) the formation of larger micelles; 2) a more thermodynamically favorable self-assembly process; and 3) an overall increase in the eﬀiciency and effectiveness of the amphiphile to lower the surface tension of water. This supramolecular system was characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, UV-Vis spectroscopy and various 2D NMR techniques. The formation of CT complexes was confirmed by UV-Vis, 2D DOSY, and 2D ROESY NMR spectroscopies. This work augers well for further investigation into soft matter capable of undergoing template-directed self-assembly.
Can a multi-metric bioassessment tool be used to assess faunal communities in tidal streams along the lower Texas coast?
(2022-04) Neﬀinger, Lexie; Beseres Pollack, Jennifer; Palmer, Terry; Breaux, Natasha
Tidal streams are dynamic, transitional systems that provide key habitat to many ecologically and economically important species. Currently, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) monitors tidal streams in Texas using only physicochemical parameters and lacks a standardized biomonitoring protocol. To address this gap in management tools, a multi-metric index of biotic integrity (IBI) was created to assess the condition of tidal stream nekton and benthic macroinfauna assemblages along the lower Texas coast. By identifying biotic metrics that are differently sensitive to anthropogenic impairment, the IBI synthesizes complex biological data into a practical management tool. To create the IBI, 15 sites were classified as having high (reference) or low (test) anthropogenic impairment based on surrounding land-use land cover, watershed population density, and historical conventional parameter concentrations for each tidal stream. During 2020 and 2021, sites were sampled for nekton, via seine hauls, and benthic macroinfauna, via benthic cores. Water quality, conventional parameter, and habitat measurements were also assessed during these sampling periods. Results show distinction between reference and test communities based on multivariate analyses. IBI metrics were derived from historical IBI studies and community analyses based on their ability to discriminate between test and reference conditions. Selected metrics included abundance of certain nekton taxa, abundance and biomass of benthic macroinfauna taxa, measures of diversity, and faunal functional groups. Refinements to the IBI should consider further regionalization based on coastal climate zone, assessing multiple sites per stream along the upstream-downstream salinity gradient, and incorporating long- term monitoring data. Once validated, the tidal IBI will enhance the TCEQ’s monitoring and management program by providing a standardized protocol to evaluate the biological communities in tidal streams and identify areas most in need of management attention.
Can a would-be predator itself become a prey?
(2022-04) Kohne-Sanchez, Amerika; Shankara Narayana Rao, Bheemaiah Veena
The cyclical relationship of the Lotka-Volterra predator-prey model is a critical base component for expansion in the research field of mathematical modeling. Our study focusses on a species relationship, the blue striped fang blenny, and the lizardfish, that has not yet been analyzed in this capacity. Fang blenny are interesting as they have a distinct character of changing colors and are able to mimic different species of fish by changing color. Fang blenny as a predator mimics harmless cleaner wrasse, consumes a bite from its larger prey and retreats the safety of its den. Unfortunately for the Fang blenny, the lizardfish is not fooled, and a would-be predator can itself become the prey. This species relationship is being observed through modeling.
Carbonate chemistry trends in the northwestern gulf of Mexico
(2022-04) Kumbula, Nicole; Hu, Xinping
Humans over the years have contributed to the changes in sea water chemistry. These changes stem from human caused carbon dioxide (CO2) releasing activities related to burning of fossil fuels, cement production, and land use changes associated with agricultural activities among others. From the beginning of the industrial revolution atmospheric CO2 has increased from 280 ppm to the current 419 ppm. In the same period, global oceans have taken in 30% of the global emissions as dissolved CO2 therefore playing a role in climate change mitigation. Increase in dissolved CO2 causes ocean acidification (OA). In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (nwGOM), a decadal acidification has been observed in the shelf-slope region. For coastal areas the short term and long-term changes in the carbonate chemistry vary by location and can be influenced by river input, water stratification, ocean currents, and biogeochemical processes (photosynthesis, respiration, carbonate formation and dissolution). Despite its ecological and economic significance, the Gulf of Mexico and its current OA conditions are still misunderstood. This preliminary master’s thesis research will focus on spatial and temporal changes of carbonate chemistry trends of the nwGOM with a goal to understand the regions carbon dioxide sequestration over the past 5-10 years. Open access data from the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast Carbon (GOMECC) cruises-2007, 2012, 2017 and 2021 have been employed to explore this question. These expeditions have supplied comprehensive measurements of all primary inorganic carbon system parameters in these coastal waters. In addition, automated devices such as gliders equipped with sensors also collected additional measurements.
Changes in blood cell morphology associated with HBA1c levels in diabetes mellitus
(2023-08-30) Flores, Gabriel; Nguyen, Arthur; Chessher III, David; Sparks, Jean; Omoruyi, Felix
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by impaired glucose utilization leading to chronic hyperglycemia. It is an endocrine disorder that presents severe clinical and public health problems worldwide, including in South Texas. Blood glucose levels are commonly used in the diagnosis of diabetes. Microvascular and macrovascular complications are common in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. However, HbA1c is a simple blood test that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months and is used to diagnose and effectively manage diabetes mellitus to prevent diabetic complications. In this study, we evaluated changes in red blood cell morphology with varying HbA1c levels in diabetic patients versus nondiabetic patients. Blood samples were collected from Driscoll and Shoreline Hospital labs in Corpus Christi, Texas. Sample collections are still ongoing at clinical sites. Peripheral blood smears were prepared from the unidentified patients’ blood samples and examined under the microscope for the number and kinds of cells present and other morphologic abnormalities. The collected blood samples were categorized based on HbA1c levels - group 1 (< 5.7% - nondiabetic); group 2 (5.7 - 6.4% - prediabetic); group 3 (>6.5% - diabetic) and by pediatric and adult groups. The pediatric control group indicated the highest number of ovalocytes (94%), anisocytosis (78%), and echinocytes (76%), the prediabetic group (80%, 90%, 60% respectively) and the diabetic group (83%, 83%, 67% respectively). The adult control group showed 53% ovalocytes, 58% anisocytosis, and 83% echinocytes, the prediabetic group showed 75%, 0%, 75% respectively, and the diabetic group showed 67%, 43%, 65% respectively. Surprisingly, the adults with the highest HbA1cs showed few morphological alterations. Overall, the numbers of anisocytosis, echinocytes, and ovalocytes in both pediatric and adult diabetic samples did not correlate with HbA1c levels, the observed few morphological changes may be attributable to the clinical care.
Changes in seagrass genotypic diversity over a four-year time span
(2022-04) Larkin, Abigail; Larkin, Patrick
The seagrass Halodule wrightii is a vital part of Texas Gulf Coast ecosystems. Genetic diversity is associated with many positive traits, and a decrease could result in a decline in the viability of the overall plant population. We examined genotypic diversity (R) in a population of Halodule wrightii from Oso Bay, Tx, and compared the results to those collected in 2017 and 2019 from the same location. Past results indicated low to moderate genotypic diversity in this population and a lack of an evident seed bank. In 2021, we were only able to collect samples from 25 out of 48 positions, representing a 49% loss of seagrass coverage since 2019. We found that, over this time period, 11 genotypes were lost, and 9 new genotypes were gained. The genotypic diversity estimate for 2021 (R = 0.25) was similar to that of 2017 and 2019 (0.22 and 0.24, respectively). Our results indicate that Halodule wrightii is able to maintain genotypic diversity over time, despite a significant decline in population size and lack of an evident seedbank.
Characterization of limpet shells using 3D scans
(2022-04) Villarreal, Amanda; Romano, Julie; Cockett, Patricia; Mehrubeoglu, Mehrube
Limpets are bioindicators of their environment as their growth patterns and physical attributes are related to the conditions in their surroundings. Limpet shell attributes, such as shell volume, length, height, width and thickness, provide an indication of the limpet’s environmental conditions, as the animal spends its resources accordingly to either grow and/or to strengthen its shell, or how the shell is weathered. This research focuses on determining the physical attributes of limpet shells obtained from Hawaii to provide an accurate tool for scientists to compare different shell characteristics within and across multiple shell locations. Multiple physical measures are captured through 3D scanning data and computations through the MATLAB programming tool. These measurements include inner shell volume, outer shell volume, solid shell volume, major axis, minor axis, height, peak shift, and surface area. The 3D measurements are compared to physical measurements, when feasible. For example, solid shell volume is measured using water displacement method. Major and minor axes as well as height are also measured with a ruler for comparison. The characteristics of the shells collected from two different locations, one from Makalawena and the other from Puanwi are presented. The listed physical attributes of the limpet shells are analyzed to establish correlations between the region where the animal grows and the shell characteristics themselves. The focus of this presentation is the development of the engineering tool that is capable of 3D measurements with high accuracy to achieve the scientific goals of the project.
Characterizing a live shear-resistant (SR-) biofilm and its interaction with substrates of varying energy landscapes by digital holographic microscope in eChip microcosm
(2022-04) Yi, Wenjun; Jalali- Mousavi, Maryam; Sheng, Jian
Recent studies reveal that biofilm can develop under severe flow shear (e.g. >10,000 s-1) and eventually becomes resistant to shear erosion. Additional anecdotal evidence suggests clear correlation between biofilm structure and its underlying substrate energy landscapes. In this study, we are to investigate systematically the effects of these two environmental factors on formation of SR-biofilm. Here, we present experimental techniques that combine a long-term ecology-on-a-chip (eChip) milli-/micro-fluidic platform to grow a live SR-biofilm and a digital holographic microscope (DHM). The newly improved eChip platform not only provides long-term well controlled environments to a live SR-biofilm but also allow DHM to track thousands of individual bacteria as they interact with the substrate. New milli-fluidics also enables the interchange of substrates (bottom wall) containing different energy landscapes (e.g. alternating hydrophilic-hydrophobic patterns). Model bacteria include E.coli.(AW405), P. aeruginosa (PAO1) and its 12 mutants. Apart from homogeneous hydrophobic and hydrophilic substates, six patterned substrates (i.e. hydrophilic micro-patches, microscale squares and stars, of 20um, 50um, 100um over hydrophobic background) are used. Interactions of bacteria with these substrates are conducted under two shear flow rates (0 &10ul/min). During each experiment, bacteria will be cultured in eChip platform and flow over the patterned substrates for observation. Thousands of individual bacteria are tracked simultaneously in 3D over 20min at 14.5 frames per seconds at 20X and subsequently 3D trajectories, from which changes of cell motility (swimming speed, reorientation motility, and their translational/angular dispersions) as well as their attachment rates, will be obtained. In this talk, we will first present the novel microfluidic approach and robust digital holography technique (recording & analysis) in measuring microbial motilities/particle mobilities, then followed by a kernel study of P. aeruginosa in quiescent fluid interacting with substrates.
Characterizing landing locations in the shore-based recreational shark fishery in Texas
(2022-04) Zapata, Hannah; Banks, Kesley; Smith, Jensen; Streich, Matthew; Coffey, Daniel; Stunz, Gregory
Sharks are vital predators that keep the ocean ecosystems balanced; yet the potential impacts of improper handling during recreational shark fishing can increase their vulnerability. Successful conservation includes the education and implementation of proper handling practices, which are known to greatly influence the survival of sharks after release. However, factors associated with handling practices in the shore-based recreational fishery, such as landing locations along the surf-beach gradient, have not been well studied. Texas has one of the largest shore-based shark fisheries in the United States and catch-and-photo release tournaments like Texas Shark Rodeo (TSR), provide a unique opportunity to collect long-term data on sharks landed in this fishery. The purpose of this study was to characterize landing locations of sharks in the recreational fishery to help inform mortality after release. From photos submitted by TSR by participating anglers, landing locations, which may serve as a surrogate metric for air exposure time, were classified into three different categories based on the sharks’ gill position in relation to the waterline: (1) shark landed on dry sand (no water near the gills); (2) shark landed in the surf zone (gills might be somewhat aerated with wave action); and (3) shark landed mostly in the water (gills mostly underwater and aerated). A total of 8,697 landed shark photos were submitted to TSR from 2014-2021, of which 36.2% were landed on dry sand, 60.5% were in the surf zone, and 3.3% were landed with gills remaining mostly underwater. The relatively high percentage of sharks landed on dry sand may increase shark mortality after release. These findings have important implications for conservation-oriented organizations like TSR, that encourage the best catch-and-release practices to maximize shark survival and highlight the need for accurate mortality estimates based on landing location.
Circles of trust: A voice-based authorization scheme for securing IOT smart homes
(2022-04) Harmon, David; Rubio-Medrano, Carlos
Have you ever sat in wonder at the amount of computing devices available in the average home today? We have come to live in a world saturated with many computing devices and with there being so many types of devices, it is unsurprising that they have made their way into the function of our homes. The Internet of Things (IoT) that comprise our home networks are making our lives more convenient, but a question to be raised is: Are our devices secure and only able to be used by those we trust? For example, you would like your spouse to have access to the front door, but it would be considered risky for your children to have the same access. In this research project, we delve into the security of IoT devices to see whether access to such devices can be mediated based on trust. Our idea is called circles of trust: we organize those we trust into several circles around a main user and access to devices is based on their relationship or level of trust to such user, for instance, those more trusted by the user will have access to more devices on the home network. The level of access flows from inside out with the main user having access to everything while someone in the circle outside the user would have access to their circle and every circle outside theirs. We hope to achieve this idea through a voice recognition system based on a simple and intuitive mental model that can be easily handled by non-experts with little training. We are now in the development process attempting to implement the infrastructure necessary for the voice recognition. Later, we will carry out a user study in which we plan to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach.

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