Award Data

We propose to investigate, in collaboration with MGH Voice Center and Altec, Inc., application of surface electromyography (sEMG) to assessing cognitive workload, strain, and overload. Specifically, sEMG sensors placed on the face and neck will detect emotional/motor responses to workload strain. The proposed effort will build on the substantial sEMG experience of our partner, MGH (including resea ...

During altitude-induced hypoxia, operator cognitive and physical capacity degrades, compromising individual and team performance. Cognitive degradation is linked to falling brain energy levels, increased reliance on anaerobic energy production and lactate accumulation. Ketones are the evolutionary alternative substrate to glucose for brain metabolic requirements; previous studies demonstrated that ...

Methods for interconversion between cell types (cellular reprogramming) are currently discovered through resource intensive trial and error. Experiments may test a multitude of transcription factors to identify correct combinations that influence cell fate. In addition, reprogramming approaches commonly use stem cell intermediates such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are generated ...

Special OperationsForces (SOF)are an integral aspect of the US military. SOF operators are among the most elite and highly qualified individuals in the U.S.military. As such, extraordinary physical and mental demands are placed upon them to excel in extreme environments for extended periods of time. This unrelenting cycle of combat deployments and intense pre-deployment training shortens the funct ...

This effort will analyze publicly available online communication data, uniquely applying empirical results from the cognitive bias literature, to quantify the impact of cognitive biases on exposure to, use of, and propagation of online information. SoarTech, with its partners, will develop and evaluate methods to identify and measure cognitive biases in online information environments. The team wi ...

The objective of this project is to develop a capability to automatically link news articles to satellite imagery and then to display summaries of the linked articles. In Phase I of this effort, we developed an initial approach to automatically link news articles to geographic locations and then cluster and summarize the linked articles. In our experimental evaluation, we showed that articles cou ...

In this Phase II STTR proposal, Ziva in collaboration with subcontractor University California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) proposes to fabricate and demonstrate high speed, direct modulated U-VCSELs with the goal to achieve high frequency (f3dB > 80 GHz) modulation capability with moderate (< 0.5 mW) optical output power. Modeling and simulation of the devices will provide in-depth understanding of devi ...

This research leads to improved and enhanced versions of the Cal Poly P-Pod and Ecliptic RocketPod cubesat-class (picosat) carrier/deployment systems designed for frequent, recurring use onboard EELV-class U.S. launch vehicles starting in 2008. Enhancements include more robust environmental qualification levels, standardized interfaces with the host platform, leveraging of available host platform ...

The objective of this Phase II proposal is to implement a single-chip SiGe BiCMOS ASIC and integrate it into an ultra-compact, portable, RF sensing device in a dongle form-factor to support squad leader and foot soldiers in an urban warfare environment. The RF front-end chip leverages research in high-performance radio frequency and analog circuit design at USC. Component and system integration ...

Obtaining situational awareness in tactical operations often involves high risk to personnel and/or equipment. The ELASTIC concept is to overcome this problem through the use of very low-cost, yet sophisticated, rapidly-deployable imaging sensors. Features of our proposed concept include use of highly portable equipment and support of a range of operational scenarios. Both of these features are ma ...