Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Neurocomputing And Interfacing Digital Tasting System: Research, Design, And Evaluation, Amira J. Zaylaa, Ahmad El Hajj

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The continuous evolution in computing and interfacing has been extended to develop multi-sensory experiences in many domains such as neurological, auditory, vision, and haptic domains. So far, only a few remarkable system approaches have been approved to be serving the taste sensation digitally. Although taste sensation is linked to the brain, there is a lack of optimal neurocomputing digital taste sensation systems. Our study provides a new neurocomputing method to digitally stimulate the sense of taste by electrical stimulation on the human tongue. We aim to link chemical stimulation and electrical stimulation in order to design an electronic interface for …

Exploring The Use Of Virtual Reality In Designing And Prototyping Medical Devices, Evan Marsh

Honors Theses

A degree in engineering is highly sought after in the United States. Despite the grueling coursework and sacrifices involved in earning an engineering degree, the rewards after college are numerous. However, the engineering field is vast, and the degree obtained is not always the profession followed in industry. A lot of what we learn in the college of engineering is very broad and surface-level. It is worth noting that only about 10% of what engineering students learn in school is applicable in the workplace, but they wish they had learned a lot more about that 10%.

System-Characterized Artificial Intelligence Approaches For Cardiac Cellular Systems And Molecular Signature Analysis, Ziqian Wu

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

The dissertation presents a significant advancement in the field of cardiac cellular systems and molecular signature systems by employing machine learning and generative artificial intelligence techniques. These methodologies are systematically characterized and applied to address critical challenges in these domains. A novel computational model is developed, which combines machine learning tools and multi-physics models. The main objective of this model is to accurately predict complex cellular dynamics, taking into account the intricate interactions within the cardiac cellular system. Furthermore, a comprehensive framework based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) is proposed. This framework is designed to generate synthetic data that faithfully …

Creation Of A Hyperplane Device For Horizontal Cellular Migration Assays, Nicholas M. Bittner, Nelofar Nargis, Ghoulem Ifrene, Brent Jeffrey Voels, Colin K. Combs

Biomedical Sciences Posters and Presentations

Cell culture studies routinely seek to monitor cell migration in response to chemoattractant stimuli. Common assays of cell migration employ well inserts and vertical cell migration assessment. This approach does not allow real-time monitoring of cell behavior. To address this need, we sought to develop a horizontal culture platform conducive to time course cell assessment changes in migration, morphology, phenotype etc. Modification of a commercial chamber slide allowed us to quantify cell migration in response to a 20% serum gradient. Based upon this finding, we designed and fabricated a prototype chamber slide for high replicate, real time assessment of cell …

Experiencias De Vida De Madres Con Hijos En Condición De Discapacidad Visual, Luz Yurany Barona Peña, Judy Alexandra Rey León, Juan Fernando Oyasa Moncayo, Sandra Ortiz Vega

Ciencia y Tecnología para la Salud Visual y Ocular

El objetivo del presente estudio es describir las experiencias de vida de madres con hijos en condición de discapacidad visual reportadas en la literatura científica. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en idioma inglés, sin límite en el periodo de publicación, por medio de los motores de búsqueda Pubmed, Scopus y Google Scholar. A los resultados reportados en dicha pesquisa se les aplicaron los criterios de inclusión y de exclusión planteados para este trabajo, seguidos de la evaluación de la calidad científica (Caspe), y finalmente se analizó cada uno de los artículos, organizando dichas experiencias con relación a las diferentes …

Asociación Entre El Uso De Los Lentes De Contacto Y La Epiteliopatía Palpebral En Limpiabrisas (Lwe): Una Revisión Cualitativa De La Literatura, Jefferson Alexander Pabón Rodríguez, Myriam Teresa Mayorga Corredor

Ciencia y Tecnología para la Salud Visual y Ocular

Uno de los principales motivos de abandono de los lentes de contacto (LC) corresponde a los síntomas de incomodidad ocular. En ese sentido, la epiteliopatía palpebral en limpiabrisas (LWE, por sus siglas en inglés, lid wiper epitheliopathy) es una alteración epitelial de una región del margen palpebral llamada limpiabrisas palpebral (LW, por sus siglas en inglés, lid wiper). Durante los últimos años, dicha patología se ha evidenciado frecuentemente en usuarios de LC, según lo cual podría tratarse de un posible indicador clínico de las interacciones entre el lente y la superficie ocular que conducen al desarrollo de diversos síntomas, y …

Ginkgo Biloba Extract 761 Reduces The Risk Of Progression Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Sergio Ramírez-González, Elizabeth Casillas-Casillas, Fernando Jaramillo-Juárez, Ana Rosa Rincón-Sánchez

Ciencia y Tecnología para la Salud Visual y Ocular

La degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (AMD) es la principal causa de ceguera. Su desarrollo es poco conocido, pero concentraciones altas de especies reactivas de oxígeno pueden desencadenarla. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar si la acción antioxidante del suplemento dietético ginkgo biloba (EGb-761) retrasa el desarrollo de la AMD. Ensayo clínico hecho en México, con personas mayores de 55 años. Pacientes con AMD recibieron EGb-761: 50 mg/día (n = 26) o 100 mg/día (n = 22), durante 3 meses. Participó un grupo control de 22 personas sanas. Antes y después del tratamiento, se realizaron pruebas oculares funcionales y …

Conventional Platinum Metal Implants Provoke Restenosis Responses In Atherogenic But Not Healthy Arteries, Lea M. Morath, Roger J. Guillory Ii, Alexander A. Oliver, Shu Q. Liu, Martin L. Bocks, Galit Katarivas Levy, Jaroslaw Drelich, Jeremy Goldman

Michigan Tech Publications

Platinum-containing stents are commonly used in humans with hypercholesterolemia, whereas preclinical stent evaluation has commonly been performed in healthy animal models, providing inadequate information about stent performance under hypercholesterolemic conditions. In this investigation, we used an ApoE−/− mouse model to test the impact of hypercholesterolemia on neointima formation on platinum-containing implants. We implanted 125 μm diameter platinum wires into the abdominal aortas of ApoE−/− and ApoE+/+ mice for 6 months, followed by histological and immunofluorescence examination of neointimal size and composition. It was found that ApoE−/− mice developed neointimas with four times larger area and ten times greater thickness than …

Protocol To Develop A Synthetic Biology Toolkit For The Non-Model Bacterium R. Palustris, Mark Kathol, Cheryl Immethun, Rajib Saha

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Numerous biology tools are developed to work for model organisms, which, however, do not work effectively in non-model organisms. Here, we present a protocol for developing a synthetic biology toolkit for Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009, a non-model bacterium with unique metabolic properties. We describe steps for introducing and characterizing biological devices in nonmodel bacteria, such as the utilization of fluorescence markers and RT-qPCR. This protocol may also be applicable for other non-model organisms. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Immethun et al..¹

Dreamtemp: A Platform For Sleep Monitoring And Improvement, Michelle Lim, Kyle Pedersen, Will Cockrum

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

With 70 million Americans suffering from chronic sleep disorders and only 7500 board-certified sleep physicians, a clear logistical problem exists that technological solutions may be able to address. The proliferation of IoT devices in homes and on our person presents a unique opportunity to improve sleep quality by leveraging the data they produce, and the control they provide to us over our everyday lives. DreamTemp is a platform for sleep monitoring and improvement that aims to improve an individual’s quality of sleep by dynamically adjusting the room temperature based on the user’s sleep cycle using a smart wearable and thermostat. …

Rhea Breast Pump: Implementation Of Biomimicry Technology, Harper Daniels, Leanne James, Laini Reynolds, Courtney Rowe, Julia Yaklich

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

Rhea Breast Pump is an innovative breast pump that implements biomimicry informed technology for a more efficient and comfortable breastfeeding experience. Our design implements a tongue actuator in conjunction with vacuum to mimic the suckling motion of a baby’s mouth, a heating element for pain alleviation, and a soft flange to maximize comfort. The development of this device is motivated by the goal of empowering women, specifically nursing mothers, to maintain their independence and individuality while raising a family. Our team, consisting of all female engineers, strongly believes in and supports the notion that women can and should have the …

Chemical And Polymer Characterization Of The Potential Modes Of Degradation Of An Injectable Nucleus Pulposus Replacement Device, Antonio G. Abbondandolo

Theses and Dissertations

HYDRAFIL™ is a poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel nucleus pulposus replacement device that is injected in situ and has demonstrated efficacy in lowering the prevalence and pain associated with back. In this work, we developed a method to analyze HYDRAFIL™ polymer composition using (TGA) and characterized intermolecular bonding interactions within the hydrogel through (FTIR). To function as a permanent implant for nucleus pulposus replacement, HYDRAFIL™ must be stable when exposed to a multitude of degradation pathways, namely, thermal, chemical, and mechanical. We subjected HYDRAFIL™ to accelerated thermal and chemical degradation pathways and described compositional, physical and chemical property changes using a …

Intraoperative Quantification Of Bone Perfusion In Lower Extremity Injury Surgery, Xinyue Han

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most common surgical categories. In particular, lower extremity injuries sustained from trauma can be complex and life-threatening injuries that are addressed through orthopaedic trauma surgery. Timely evaluation and surgical debridement following lower extremity injury is essential, because devitalized bones and tissues will result in high surgical site infection rates. However, the current clinical judgment of what constitutes “devitalized tissue” is subjective and dependent on surgeon experience, so it is necessary to develop imaging techniques for guiding surgical debridement, in order to control infection rates and to improve patient outcome.

In this thesis work, computational …

Environmentally Friendly New Catalyst Using Waste Alkaline Solution From Aluminum Production For The Synthesis Of Biodiesel In Aqueous Medium, Sandro L. Barbosa, David Lee Nelson, Lucas Paconio, Moises Pedro, Wallans Torres Pio Dos Santos, Alexandre P. Wentx, Fernando L. P. Pessoa, Foster A. Agblevor, Daniel A. Bortoleto, Maria B. De Freitas-Marques, Lucas D. Zanatta

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Red mud (RM) is composed of a waste alkaline solution (pH = 13.3) obtained from the production of alumina. It contains high concentrations of hematite (Fe₂O₃), goethite (FeOOH), gibbsite [Al(OH)₃], a boehmite (AlOOH), anatase (Tetragonal–TiO₂), rutile (Ditetragonal dipyramidal–TiO₂), hydrogarnets [Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)_3-x(OH)_4x], quartz (SiO₂), and perovskite (CaTiO₃). It was shown to be an excellent catalytic mixture for biodiesel production. To demonstrate the value of RM, an environmentally friendly process of transesterification in aqueous medium using waste cooking oil …

Fungi In Flux | Designing Regenerative Materials And Products With Mycelium, Arvind Bhallamudi

Masters Theses

As the world grapples with the escalating crisis of climate threats and environmental degradation, this research delves into the synergistic potential of design and biology, developing safe and sustainable materials for applications in prototyping, furniture and interior design. Harnessing the power of a unique organism - fungi, the study proposes an accessible, efficient, and resilient material resource system. It utilizes local waste streams and mycelium (the vegetative part of fungi) to grow functional structures. An experimental and small-scale protocol is modeled by testing bio-fabrication and bio-printing methods. The composites' performance qualities and characteristics are evaluated through mechanical testing and a …

Unveiling Pain: Wearables For Objective Pain Measurement, Hanqing Tang

Masters Theses

">">Pain perception is a subjective experience that differs significantly among individuals, often leading to inconsistencies in assessment and management. A critical issue within this context is the gender bias in pain evaluation, which contributes to unequal treatment and perpetuates gender inequality within the healthcare system. This thesis presents an in-depth investigation of the problem and proposes the development of a wearable device for objective pain assessment. Physiological parameters — Electrocardiography (ECG) can be collected from cardiac sound signals auscultated by fabrics via nanometre-scale vibrations. Machine learning methods can accurately classify heart rate and acute pain intensity of participants. …

Static Vascular Modeling Of Diabetes Progression, Andrea Skattenborg

Master's Theses

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in diabetic patients, and diabetes is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease result in structural and functional changes in the vascular wall. Arterial stiffness is a prominent structural change observed in the arterial wall that can be measured in clinical settings. The purpose of this thesis was to create a static model of the changes in arterial stiffness seen in diabetes. Elastic tubes with varying wall thicknesses were used to create artificial arteries for this purpose. Compliance (inverse of stiffness) of the arteries was determined …

Bruxism Biofeedback Device, Claire A. Dossey, Errin S. Abasolo, Isabelle A. Starr

General Engineering

This paper aims to summarize the design process for a biofeedback bruxism device, covering the necessary background research, engineering requirements, design process, prototyping, manufacturing, and testing for the device. The purpose of this project was to design an engineering solution for the treatment of bruxism. This entails both measuring and significantly reducing clenching and grinding during sleep, as many current solutions may reduce symptoms of the disorder, but do not treat bruxism itself. Engineering requirements included biocompatibility, size and weight, electrical safety, and easy of use and comfort. Many design options were proposed, and a Pugh Matrix was used to …

Biomechanical Knee Joint For Exoskeleton, Gabriel Ireton Ahern, Calloway Miller, Christianna Altamura, Eric Mailes

Mechanical Engineering

Our senior design project consisted of designing and manufacturing a biomechanically accurate, actuated knee joint to be integrated into an exoskeleton being developed by the Lower Limb Exoskeleton Assist Project (LLEAP), a part of the EMPOWER student association at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. As the human knee flexes and extends throughout gait motion, the center of rotation changes. Currently marketed exoskeletons have one point of rotation, which over constrains the knee and causes misalignment between the user and the suit [1]. Our goal was to mimic natural knee joint motion by changing the center or rotation, thus reducing misalignment …

Bespoke Bicycle Enclosure, Thomas Link, Kyle Mcafee, Marc Monier, Hunter Walden

Mechanical Engineering

Brian Higgins is an American veteran with retinitis pigmentosa who relies on cycling for transportation. The motivation for this project is to design and manufacture a refined prototype bicycle attachment to support him while biking in the rain and cold. The attachment will serve to enclose him for optimal protection from inclement weather, while maintaining sufficient mobility for daily cycling. Mr. Higgins’ bicycle is equipped with an attached sensor system which assists his visual impairment by using an ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, the attachment cannot adversely affect the function of the sensor system. The project timeline is set at approximately 7 …