Digital Commons Network^™

Mental Models Of Translational Scientists, Rasnia Tabpla, Antonie J. Jetter

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Translational science aims to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and practical application yet faces challenges in achieving high success rates. This study examines the effective engagement of translational scientists, who play a key role in the translation process. It uses Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) to analyze the scientists' mental models and identify common concepts related to success factors, such as ability, resources, opportunity, and entrepreneurial competencies. It then compares the mental models of the scientists and finds that mental models exhibit similarities, yet variations exist such as density and connectedness. Scenario analysis with FCM is then used to identify …

Training Uav Teams With Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning Towards Fully 3d Autonomous Wildfire Response, Bryce Hopkins

All Theses

As climate-exacerbated wildfires increasingly threaten landscapes and communities, there is an urgent and pressing need for sophisticated fire management technologies. Coordinated teams of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) present a promising solution for detection, assessment, and even incipient-stage suppression – especially when integrated into a multi-layered approach with other recent wildfire management technologies such as geostationary/polar-orbiting satellites and CCTV detection networks. However, there remains significant challenges in developing the necessary sensing, navigation, coordination, and communication subsystems that enable intelligent UAV teams. Further, federal regulations governing UAV deployment and autonomy pose constraints on real-world aerial testing, creating a disconnect between theoretical research …

Society Management App, Ruchit Rakholiya

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

A comprehensive solution as native mobile application which is feasible economical and fast, which will establish the authenticity and reliability for society management overcoming the drawbacks of current system. In today's fast-paced technological ecosystem, the capacity to readily store and access information is becoming increasingly important. Residential societies, where individuals live together and manage collective resources, often require a large number of documents, registrations, vehicle parking records, and other forms of paperwork. The complexity and volume of these documents can lead to inefficiencies and frustrations among residents and management alike.

Nanoparticle-Based Approaches To Brain Injury And Studies For Improved Detectability Toward Better Delivery Characterization, Hunter A. Miller

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The clinical translation of nanoparticle (NP) therapeutics for brain injury has been slow despite preclinical promise. The causes of disconnect between preclinical and clinical outcomes is multifactorial, but insufficient delivery is noteworthy. Preclinical delivery characterization often lacks, obscuring mechanisms of failure, slowing development. Multimodal imaging is a promising strategy to improve delivery characterization, combining the strengths of various modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and luminescence imaging are a suitable combination for multimodal imaging, expanding the spatial and temporal resolution of either alone, but further material development is needed to enhance detectability. One problem is the interference of cellular autofluorescence in …

The Role Of Kinases Signaling In Organogenesis, Fatemeh Nasehi

All Dissertations

Kinases are crucial regulators of organ development and differentiation. This thesis investi- gates the roles of TAK1, TGFbeta-Activate Kinase 1 (TAK1/Map3K7), and Akt3 kinases in skeletal, cardiac muscle, and cartilage. TAK1 is pivotal for the differentiation of various organ systems, including sinoatrial node and cartilage, and is responsible for phosphorylat- ing a diverse array of downstream kinases. We identified several novel proteins, including phospho-Akts, that are upregulated in response to TAK1 activation. We discovered severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and cartilage defects in Akt3 mutant mice. Although this mouse mutant has been studied for over two decades, we are the first …

The Development Of A Novel Cartilage Analog Scaffold For Chondral Regeneration, Vishal Thomas

All Dissertations

Focal Chondral Defects (FCDs) are cartilage injuries that affect about 900,000 Americans every year. Left untreated, these may lead to osteoarthritis and eventually necessitate painful knee replacements. Current treatment options are limited in terms of durability, cost, and availability of grafts. Tissue engineering, using natural scaffolds, are a highly attractive alternative promising cost efficiency, abundance, and long-term benefits. However, their low mechanical strength and dense matrices are impediments that could lead to sub-optimal repair.

In this work, a natural biomaterial, the bovine nucleus pulposus (bNP), derived from intervertebral disc tissue, was identified as a candidate scaffold for cartilage regeneration. Mechanical …

Opioid Overdose Epidemic Modeling, Chelsea Spence

All Dissertations

The opioid overdose crisis in the United States has led to thousands of lost lives and thousands more people struggling with opioid dependence. Disease modeling allows researchers to examine the course that the disease may take and to investigate policies to determine the effects they may have. Disease models can be used to model non-communicable diseases and have been used to study opioid use disorder. Many types of disease models exist with their own inherent benefits and drawbacks.

In this dissertation, we provide a scoping review of the disease models that have been used to study the opioid overdose epidemic. …

Sustainable Waste-To-Bioproducts Engineering Center Laboratory Safety Project, Claudine Mock

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Laboratory accidents are common in teaching and research labs; these accidents can be injurious or even fatal. The consequences of each type of laboratory accident are different based on the activities performed and the hazardous materials used in each facility. However, the most common issue related to laboratory accidents is the lack of proper safety measures (e.g., poor handling of hazardous materials, not reporting incidents immediately, etc.). This project aimed to establish and strengthen best practices and procedures to ensure laboratory safety at the Utah State University Sustainable Waste-to-Bioproducts Engineering Center. To achieve this goal, different practices and measures were …

Effect Of Nutrient And Temperature Conditions On The Production Of Microcystins From Cyanobacteria In Pineview Reservoir, Brent G. Jacobson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cyanobacteria, sometimes known as harmful algae, are an aquatic bacteria capable of producing toxic compounds. Cyanobacteria are found worldwide in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Depending on the environment, toxic cyanobacteria species can outcompete other aquatic species, grow in large numbers, and produce these toxic compounds. Further understanding of what environmental conditions promote the production of these harmful bacteria and toxins is needed to protect and inform the public.

In order to understand why cyanobacteria produce toxins in certain environments, samples containing cyanobacteria were taken from a Pineview Reservoir, Utah, and cultured at the Utah State Water Research Laboratory. Cyanobacteria …

Method Development For The Extraction And Analysis Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Wastewater And Biosolids, Victoria Krull

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Per and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals that have water and grease repellant properties and do not readily biodegrade. PFAS are present in many consumer products and end up in waste systems and the environment. Studies have shown that PFAS can have adverse health effects on humans and animals.

There are many challenges to processing and analyzing samples containing PFAS including: adsorption of PFAS to equipment, contamination from equipment containing PFAS, and the high sensitivity needed to analyze for PFAS in the parts per trillion detection range. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been developing methods …

Development Of 3d Human Cardiovascular And Cancer Tissue Model Within A Self-Driven Microfluidic Platform For Preclinical Drug Screening, Aibhlin Alexis Esparza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

According to the American Heart Association and World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Monolayer cell culture (2D) and animal models are conventional methods to study CVDs, however, they limit researcherâ??s ability to simulate the human cardiovascular cellular microenvironments and accurate predication of pharmaceutical drug responses. Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), biomaterials, and microfluidic technologies can be combined to create a controlled, reproducible 3D platform to study physiologically-relevant cellular responses to biochemical and physical changes in the microenvironment. My dissertation work demonstrates the development of novel self-driven microfluidic devices designed with …

Integrating Machine Learning And Simulation For Resource Planning Of Hospital Systems Based On Predicted Length Of Stay, S M Atikur Rahman

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recently Hospital Systems faced a high invasion of patients generated by several events such as health crisis related epidemic (COVID, FLU) or seasonal flows. Hence, managing hospital bed availability and efficiency with proper care is obligatory for addressing the challenges associated with the overburden of patients. However, the Length of stay (LOS) is often increased due to the high patient influx and overcrowding problem occurs within the Hospital. It resolves these issues, it is essential for hospital authority to predict the Patients LOS which is the crucial indicator for the use of medical resources (allocation, utilization of providers and resource) …

Penetration Thresholds Of Porcine Limbs For Low Sectional Density Projectiles In High-Rate Impact, Joseph Lesueur, Jared Michael Koser, Carolyn E. Hampton, Michael Kleinberger, Frank A. Pintar

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

With similar prevalence to injuries from fires, stings, and natural disasters, soft tissue injuries may occur from fireworks, industrial accidents, or other explosives. Surgeons are less familiar with treating high-velocity penetration from small debris, which may increase the chance of infection and subsequent fatality. Penetration risk curves have been developed to predict V₅₀, the velocity with 50% probability of penetration, for various sized projectiles. However, there has been limited research using nonmetallic materials to achieve lower density projectiles less than 1 g cm−2, such as sand or rocks.

Material and Methods

To emulate the size and density …

Mitochondrial Function In Lungs Of Rats With Different Susceptibilities To Hyperoxia-Induced Acute Lung Injury, Pardis Taheri, Devanshi D. Dave, Ranjan K. Dash, Guru P. Sharma, Anne V. Clough, Elizabeth R. Jacobs, Said H. Audi

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Adult rats exposed to hyperoxia (>95% O₂) die from respiratory failure in 60–72 h. However, rats preconditioned with >95% O₂ for 48 h followed by 24 h in room air acquire tolerance of hyperoxia (H-T), whereas rats preconditioned with 60% O₂ for 7 days become more susceptible (H-S). Our objective was to evaluate lung tissue mitochondrial bioenergetics in H-T and H-S rats. Bioenergetics was assessed in mitochondria isolated from lung tissue of H-T, H-S, and control rats. Expressions of complexes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) were measured in lung tissue homogenate. Pulmonary endothelial filtration coefficient …

Chemical Recycling Of Bio-Based Polyurethane Foams: Evaluating Bio-Based Glycols In Comparison To Petroleum-Based Glycols, Anirudh Thorbole Mr.

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The paradigm shift towards bio-based polyurethane foams (bio-PUF) has significantly increased post-consumer waste. To address this issue, this research represents a novel approach to enhance sustainable development in the recycling industry by replacing traditional petroleum-based glycols with sustainable bio-based alternatives. This study explores the glycolysis of bio-PUF using bio-based SG-522 glycol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) for comparison. The findings from this research as outlined, reveal no significant differences in depolymerization time between the two glycols, achieving proper depolymerization and high recovery yields of over 95% after solvent purification. Comprehensive FT-IR and NMR analyses confirmed the successful degradation of bio-PUF and …

Sullivan, Frank Victor, Collection, 1924-2005, Special Collections, Leonard H. Axe Library

Finding Aids

This collection contains materials from the life and projects of Dr. Frank “Vic” Victor Sullivan. They document contributions to: the Sperry Galligher Audubon collection of documents; reports on the planning and construction of the Kansas Technology Center at Pittsburg State University; slides of university trips and family.

Mixed Potential Sensor For Natural Gas Leak Detection Design, Manufacturing, And Simulation, Sleight Halley

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

There is a need for a low-cost robust sensor accurately detecting leaks from oil and gas infrastructure. This work presents the development of an electrochemical sensor based on an yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte with La_0.87Sr_0.13CrO₃, Indium Tin Oxide (In₂O₃ 90 wt%, SnO₂ 10 wt%), Au, Pt electrodes. Selectivity to target gasses of the three sensing electrodes in conjunction with machine learning allows for the accurate discrimination between possible methane sources as well as the quantification of methane concentration. Sensor sensitivity is improved through a low-ionic conductivity substrate of magnesia …

Thermal Oxidative Degradation Of Polystyrene Plastics Used For Food Packaging During Incomplete Waste Incineration, Maycee Hurd

Civil Engineering ETDs

We identified the physical and chemical degradation of polystyrene (PS) plastic used for food packaging after thermal oxidative weathering. Open waste incineration is a widely used waste management practice in isolated and underserved communities. However, the generation of partially incinerated plastics and microplastics (MPs) from this practice is overlooked. Near surface XPS C 1s high resolution analyses show an increase in the intensity of peaks greater than 285 eV corresponding to C/O bonds after burning of PS. Bulk analyses using ATR-FTIR show that thermal oxidation decreased the alkene (3040-3000 cm-1) and alkane (3000-2850 cm-1) C-H stretch signals suggesting PS chain …

The Role Of Sensing Modalities In Shaping Collective Motion And Group Behavior, Poorendra P. Ramlall

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Collective behavior refers to the coordinated movements that emerge from simple interactions between individuals within a group. Traditionally, researchers have modeled these interactions assuming individuals can sense their surroundings in all directions, like having eyes all around their heads. While this is a useful simplification, it does not capture the diverse ways animals actually sense the world. In this thesis, we take inspiration from the natural world, particularly from animals like bats and dolphins that use a combination of hearing and sight to navigate their environments. We explore how combining these sensory cues in a three-dimensional space affects the way …

Space Radiation Assessment And Mitigation: Meeting The Growing Demand For Shielding Solutions By Enhancing Models And Exploring Novel Shielding Opportunities, M. Laura Sorgi Johann

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The rapid growth of satellite technology and the increasing presence of vulnerable technology and human life in space have highlighted the need for improved shielding materials. Industry standard protocols for shielding are being pushed to their limits as we gain a deeper understanding of the harsh space environment and as chip sizes approach the scale of radiation wavelengths. Furthermore, the commercialization of space is attracting interest from industries such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductor crystal growing, as they explore the potential benefits of zero-gravity production environments. However, the eagerness to develop lighter shielding and the lack of consideration for existing tools …

Generative Algorithms For Art And Architecture: A Collaborative Teaching Approach, Sam Keene, Benjamin Aranda

Tradition Innovations in Arts, Design, and Media Higher Education

We will present a course that we have been offering for the past few years that engages art, architecture and engineering students and challenges them to collaborate using generative methods to produce creative work. Our work contributes to the long-term understanding of AI in the arts and design in higher education because we have developed a successful course model focused on collaboration between creatives and technologists that can be replicated at other institutions. Feedback between creatives and technologists has been fundamental to opening new frontiers, giving students the tools to collaborate successfully is tremendously important. We will share example of …

Improving Biomimetic Passive Dynamics Of A Quadruped Robot Hind Leg Hip Joint With A 3d Printed Torsion Spring, Haonan Zheng

Dissertations and Theses

The Agile and Adaptive Robotics Lab is interested in researching the neuromuscular control network of legged animal locomotion. To validate the lab's understanding of biological neural control, synthetic neural networks are developed and applied to biologically inspired legged robots. For a synthetic neural network to operate in the same manner as a biological neural network and produce the same locomotor behavior, the robot that the synthetic neural network is controlling must also mimic its biological counterpart. Previous research produced a quadruped robot hind leg designed with biomimetic passive dynamics by installing spring and damper pairs at each joint, however, an …

Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Of Cerebrospinal Fluid In Postoperative Delirium, Bridget A. Tripp, Simon T. Dillon, Min Yuan, John M. Asara, Sarinnapha M. Vasunilashorn, Tamara G. Fong, Sharon K. Inouye, Long H. Ngo, Edward R. Marcantonio, Zhongcong Xie, Towia A. Libermann, Hasan H. Otu

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Preoperative risk biomarkers for delirium may aid in identifying high-risk patients and developing intervention therapies, which would minimize the health and economic burden of postoperative delirium. Previous studies have typically used single omics approaches to identify such biomarkers. Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the Healthier Postoperative Recovery study of adults ≥ 63 years old undergoing elective major orthopedic surgery was used in a matched pair delirium case–no delirium control design. We performed metabolomics and lipidomics, which were combined with our previously reported proteomics results on the same samples. Differential expression, clustering, classification, and systems biology analyses were applied to individual …

Ultrasonic Cigarettes: Chemicals And Cytotoxicity Are Similar To Heated-Coil Pod-Style Electronic Cigarettes., Esther E. Omaiye, Wentai Luo, Kevin J. Mcwhirter, Prue Talbot

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that ultrasonic cigarettes (u-cigarettes), which operate at relatively low temperatures, produce aerosols that are less harmful than heated-coil pod-style electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The major chemicals in SURGE u-cigarette fluids and aerosols were quantified, their cytotoxicity and cellular effects were assessed, and a Margin of Exposure risk assessment was performed on chemicals in SURGE fluids. Four SURGE u-cigarette flavor variants ("Blueberry Ice," "Watermelon Ice," "Green Mint," and "Polar Mint") were evaluated. Flavor chemicals were quantified in fluids and aerosols using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity and cell dynamics were assessed using the MTT assay, live-cell …

A Model-Based Reverse System Engineering Methodology For Analyzing Complex Biological Systems With A Case Study In Glycolysis, Gerald L. Fudge, Emily Brown Reeves

Faculty Publications

We propose a model-based reverse systems engineering (MBRSE) methodology for biological systems that relies on requirements analysis in conjunction with model-based systems engineering (MBSE). The goal of this methodology is to better understand complex multiscale biological systems, discover knowledge gaps, and make testable predictions. The similarities between human-engineered and biological systems motivate this approach. Furthermore, traditional reductionist paradigms in biology have proven insufficient for understanding and accurately predicting complex biological systems, as opposed to systems engineering approaches that have proven effective in supporting the design and analysis of complex engineered systems spanning multiple spatiotemporal scales. We employ our MBRSE methodology …

Laser-Induced Electrochemical Biosensor Modified With Graphene-Based Ink For Label-Free Detection Of Alpha-Fetoprotein And 17Β-Estradiol, Ridma Tabassum, Pritu P. Sarkar, Ahmed Hasnain Jalal, Ali Ashraf, Nazmul Islam

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

In this research, a novel electrochemical biosensor is proposed based on inducing graphene formation on polyimide substrate via laser engraving. Graphene polyaniline (G-PANI) conductive ink was synthesized by planetary mixing and applied to the working zone of the developed sensor to effectively enhance the electrical signals. The laser-induced graphene (LIG) sensor was used to detect alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and 17β-Estradiol (E2) in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) buffer and human serum. The electrochemical performance of the biosensor in determining these biomarkers was investigated by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA). In a buffer environment, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and 17β-Estradiol detection range …

Energy Safety Management: A Training Model To Improve Flight Safety, Juan R. Merkt, Matthijs H. J. Amelink, David G. Sizoo

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

Failing to properly manage an airplane’s energy state can be unforgiving. Mismanagement of mechanical energy (altitude and/or airspeed) is a contributing factor to three common types of fatal accidents in aviation: loss of control in flight, approach and landing accidents, and controlled flight into terrain. Recognizing the importance of energy management, the Federal Aviation Administration has incorporated new elements into the Airman Certification Standards, emphasizing knowledge of energy management concepts and the consequences of mishandling an airplane’s energy state. Unfortunately, no adequate guidance has been available in terms of defining key energy management concepts or suggesting how these should be …

Development And Evaluation Of An Expedited System For Creation Of Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Platforms, Ivon Acosta Ramirez, Omer Sadak, Wali Sohail, Xi Huang, Yongfeng Lu, Nicole M. Iverson

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have a strong and stable near-infrared (nIR) fluorescence that can be used to selectively detect target analytes, even at the single molecule level, through changes in either their fluorescence intensity or emission peak wavelength. SWNTs have been employed as NIR optical sensors for detecting a variety of analytes. However, high costs, long fabrication times, and poor distributions limit the current methods for immobilizing SWNT sensors on solid substrates. Recently, our group reported a protocol for SWNT immobilization with high fluorescence yield, longevity, fluorescence distribution, and sensor response, unfortunately this process takes 5 days to complete. Herein …

The Role Of Furan Moieties On The Thermal Decomposition And Char Formation Of Intrinsically Fire-Resistant Epoxy Thermosets For Composites, Amy E. Honnig Bassett

Theses and Dissertations

Fire-retardant chemicals added to epoxy thermosets used as coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) negatively impact performance and the environment. This dissertation takes a novel approach to mitigate the flammability of these systems by designing intrinsically fire-resistant epoxies via the incorporation of furan moieties. Glycidyl amines based on furfuryl amine and judiciously selected derivatives of furfuryl amine were synthesized to produce furan-based di-epoxies (FDEs) that were cured by anionic polymerization and with amine curing agents. The furan ring was found to impart additional reactivity for cross-linking and to induce char-forming reactions at higher temperatures. More importantly, the placement of …

Analysis Of The Potential For Enhancing The Efficiency Of A Floating Photovoltaic (Fpv) System, How-Ping Wu, Ching-Yi Tseng, Chuan-Chung Jen, Yuan-Ching Chiang, Sih-Li Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study examined the power generation capabilities of FPV systems and the advantages of employing active cooling on floating solar panels. Floating solar panels exhibit improved efficiency due to operating at lower temperatures facilitated by the cooling effect of water evaporation. Additionally, the high availability of water renders the application of the active cooling technique economically viable. This study developed a comprehensive simulation of a floating solar system, integrating a mathematical model to validate experimental findings and a temperature model derived from an energy equation specific to floating solar panels. This model calculates the heat transfer among the three different …