Digital Commons Network^™

Electrochemical Hemoglobin Biosensors For Point-Of-Care Diagnostics, Ashwini Dantanarayana, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Hemoglobin (Hb) and its glycated variant (HbA1c) are essential clinical biomarkers for diagnosing anemia, acute hemorrhage, and long-term glycemic control. The growing demand for decentralized point-of-care (POC) testing has accelerated the development of rapid, inexpensive, and portable electrochemical sensing platforms. These technologies exploit the intrinsic redox activity of the heme prosthetic group, yet achieving efficient direct electron transfer (DET) remains a fundamental challenge because the electroactive iron center is deeply embedded within the globin structure. This review critically examines recent advances in electrochemical Hb sensing, tracing the evolution of electrode architectures from conventional carbon substrates to nanostructured materials, including graphene, …

A Transdisciplinary Approach To Advancing Water Security And Public Health: The “Nurse + Engineer” Model For Achieving Sustainability In Wash Systems Using Community-Based Participatory Research, Daniel B. Oerther, Sarah Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Human health is linked to the health of the environment, a concept referred to as planetary health. As environmental challenges become increasingly complex, single-disciplinary approaches are insufficient to achieve sustainable solutions. This article presents a transdisciplinary framework, termed the "Nurse + Engineer" model, as a novel methodology for addressing complex problems at the nexus of environmental engineering and public health. The model integrates the technical design and systems-level thinking of environmental engineering with the community-based, patient-centered care of nursing. This work details the key lessons learned from the retrospective application of this framework to a series of multi-year, community-based participatory …

Dielectrophoretic Biomarkers For Cancer Detection And Cell Analysis: Integrating Microfluidics And Ai, Raphael Olumide Oladokun

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) carries a five-year survival rate of 13%, driven largely by late-stage diagnosis and the absence of sensitive noninvasive screening tools. Current diagnostic methods lack the sensitivity to detect disease-associated systemic changes at early and precancerous stages, representing a critical clinical gap. This dissertation addresses the central hypothesis that PDAC and its pathological subtypes induce measurable, disease-associated electrophysiological changes in circulating PBMCs that can serve as correlative liquid-biopsy biomarkers. To test this hypothesis, this work asks: can dielectrophoresis (DEP), impedance and zeta potential analysis with AI-assisted classification distinguish benign pancreatic conditions (non-malignant control), precancerous lesions (primarily IPMNs), …

Sodium Alginate/Aloe Vera/Mangosteen Peel Extraction Hydrogel Composite Films With Anti-Staphylococcal Properties As A Promising Alternative Material In Biomedical Applications, Pruss Chimwai, Poonyarat Apikarnsakulchai, Tirawit Jindaratanaporn, Witsanu Liangaumnuay, Thitima La-Ongthitirat, Purin Somnuake, Pattara Somnuake

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study focuses on the development of alternative biodegradable hydrogel films from sodium alginate as a matrix and curing into a hydrogel by CaCl2. Thus, the aloe vera (AV) and the crude extract of mangosteen peels (MPE) were additionally blended. The polymer films were prepared using the casting film process, and their morphology, functional groups, water absorption, antibacterial, thermal, and mechanical properties were characterized using SEM, FTIR, water swelling test, disk diffusion method, DSC-TGA, and UTM. The results demonstrated the heterogeneity between the composites and the polymer matrix, and a lower polarity from the decreased %water swelling from 45% to …

Development Of An Adhesive Emulsion Hydrogel For Soft Tissue Reconstruction, David J. Alpert

Dissertations and Theses

Soft tissue filling materials are most commonly associated with various aesthetic, cosmetic procedures, primarily using lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid to fill wrinkles and give facial features a more youthful appearance. These natural materials are biocompatible but degrade over time while more persistent synthetic fillers may provoke a chronic inflammatory response. Migration from the injection site is also a key factor as this may not only render the implant non- functional but necessitate further procedures for removal of the foreign material. Such concerns are more pronounced for soft tissue reconstruction procedures (e.g., to treat congenital defects or traumatic injuries), which require …

Evaluation Of Multiple Generative Large Language Models On Neurology Board-Style Questions, Mohammad Almomani, Vijaya Valaparla, James Weatherhead, Xiang Fang, Alok Dabi, Chih Ying Li, Peter Mccaffrey, Dan Hier, Jorge Mario Rodríguez-Fernández

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Objective: To compare the performance of eight large language models (LLMs) with neurology residents on board-style multiple-choice questions across seven subspecialties and two cognitive levels. Methods: In a cross-sectional benchmarking study, we evaluated Bard, Claude, Gemini v1, Gemini 2.5, ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, ChatGPT-4o, and ChatGPT-5 using 107 text-only items spanning movement disorders, vascular neurology, neuroanatomy, neuroimmunology, epilepsy, neuromuscular disease, and neuro-infectious disease. Items were labeled as lower- or higher-order per Bloom's taxonomy by two neurologists. Models answered each item in a fresh session and reported confidence and Bloom classification. Residents completed the same set under exam-like conditions. Outcomes included overall and …

The Use Of Local Materials For The Interior Quality Of Swahili Building Design In Tanzania, Luiana Makundi, Jacob Lutta

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Swahili architecture in Tanzania is recognized by spatial capacity to adapt environmental changes. This research explores the role of locally available materials in shaping the interior quality by focusing on functional, aesthetic appeal and supporting sustainable environment. A mixed-methods approach was applied which, involves field surveys, case study and interviews with different local professionals in building industry. Dar-es-Salaam was used as a case study area that was critically analysed to identify construction practices and applications of local materials in building interior spaces. A particular focus was placed on materials durability, aesthetic, ecological, environmental balance and thermal efficiency which seems to …

The Automation Of Lamp Biomolecular Assays Using The Eppendorf Epmotion™ 5075 Robotic Pipettor, Shamalaa Sathiasealan

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a nucleic acid amplification technique known for its specificity and efficiency in less controlled environments than laboratories. Designing novel LAMP reagents requires strict contamination control, and unlike the more commonly automated polymerase chain reaction, LAMP’s heightened sensitivity poses unique challenges to automation. To address this, we optimized automation procedures for LAMP using a robotic pipettor without altering the core assay itself. This project focuses on minimizing contamination using sealed plates, reducing operator intervention by automating pipetting, and preventing enzyme degradation using cooling plates. Our approach employs pre-slit pierceable seals and cooling blocks to prevent cross-contamination …

Fpga-Accelerated Computational Photon Counting, Chibueze Onyeador

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful tool for biomedical re- search. It leverages fluorescence of biological samples to visualize and characterize biological dynamics and molecular interactions. FLIM utilizes fluorescence lifetime, the average time a molecule stays in its excited state after absorbing a photon, to investigate the dynamics of biological samples.

Ultra-fast and precise (ps-ns) timing fluorescence acquisition techniques suffer from different trade-offs. Some methods suffer from high dead times, decreased accuracy in fluorescence lifetime calculations, and high data volumes and transfers. Finding a new method that can provide the best performance while experiencing low dead times, adequate …

Methods For The Discovery Of Antibodies Toward Junin Virus Utilizing Yeast Surface Display, Jonathon E. Corral

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The importance of this study is to perform antibody discovery as a means to derive novel preventative and therapeutic antibody countermeasures against the Junín virus, to alleviate the potential risk of a global pandemic. The purpose of this methodological study was to develop a protocol that utilizes yeast surface display to discover antibodies, from naïve human antibody libraries, that can bind the Junín Virus antigen. The methodology of yeast surface display employs the galactose-inducible GAL1 promoter to synthesize and express antibody proteins bound to the Aga2p and Aga1p and anchored to the cell wall by glycosyl phosphatidylinositol motif (GPI). The …

Deep Learning-Based Fog-Cloud Approach Intrusion Detection System In Iomt, Yahya Rbah, Mohammed Mahfoudi, Mohammed Fattah, Younes Balboul, Said Mazer, Moulhime Elbekkali

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) creates an interconnected environment linking humans, devices, sensors, and systems, enhancing healthcare services through advanced technologies. Nonetheless, these IoMT devices are susceptible to cyberattacks, which can endanger patient safety and healthcare services. To identify and mitigate cyberattacks in IoMT, techniques such as threat intelligence, log monitoring, and intrusion detection systems are employed. As attackers evolve their strategies, there is a growing trend towards leveraging artificial intelligence to achieve more predictive and accurate attack detection. Since IoMT devices are inherently low-power, they require minimal computing resources. Existing intrusion detection systems are generally trained in the …

Large-Scale Experimental Study On The Impact Of Air Cleaning & Ventilation On Indoor Air Quality And Student Illness-Related Absenteeism, Daud Nosham

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

This large-scale randomized experimental field study investigated the effect of portable air purifiers (PAPs) on classroom’s air quality and student’s illness related absenteeism. PAPs were installed in 317 classrooms from various school districts located in Eastern Nebraska. The classrooms were randomly assigned into four conditions: three treatment conditions (T1, T2 & T3) and one control condition (device without any filter). T1 was equipped with HEPA filters, T2 added Activated Carbon (AC) layer to HEPA, and T3 further integrated Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) alongside HEPA and AC filters. The measured variables were carbon dioxide (CO2), fine particles (PN2.5) and coarse particles (PNcoarse), …

Per- And Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Fate Across California Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Meta-Analysis Of Formation, Distribution, And Persistence, Elizabeth Reineke

Master's Theses

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent contaminants that move through municipal and industrial wastewater systems with limited attenuation. As a result, they are increasingly detected in drinking water supplies. Despite growing regulatory concern, a systems-level understanding of PFAS behavior across multiple treatment facilities and watershed settings remains incomplete. This study compiled influent, effluent, and biosolids datasets from more than one hundred California wastewater treatment plants to evaluate PFAS occurrence, transformation, and partitioning across diverse treatment configurations. Analytical steps included calculating removal efficiencies, assessing precursor-to-product oxidation, evaluating co-contaminant correlations, and grouping facilities by process design to quantify configuration-specific fate patterns. …

Purifying Circular Rna Therapeutics, Karen Guillen-Cuevas

All Dissertations

Circular RNA (circRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality due to its enhanced stability and resistance to exonuclease degradation compared with linear mRNA. However, its stability and functionality depend strongly on achieving high purity, and current methods such as size-exclusion chromatography suffer from peak overlap, low yields, and poor scalability. This dissertation addresses these limitations by developing ultrafiltration-based strategies to purify circRNA directly from in vitro transcription (IVT) and self-splicing (circularization) reactions. First, the feasibility of ultrafiltration was demonstrated using polyethersulfone membranes, where sieving coefficients and critical flux values of circRNA, precursor RNA, and nicked RNA were measured to …

Raising Public Awareness On Space Themes: Analysis Of Brazilian Space Policy Using Data From Google Trends, Andrea Felippe Cabello, Michele Melo

Space and Defense

This study examines whether Brazil’s national space policy goal of increasing public awareness of space activities has been met, using Google Trends data as a proxy for public interest. While public perception surveys are scarce outside the United States, web-based data provide a cost-effective and timely alternative for gauging public engagement. The authors analyzed two decades (2004–2024) of Brazilian search activity related to space topics, institutions, technologies, companies, and missions. Results show no clear upward trend in public interest, suggesting that Brazil’s stated policy objectives of raising awareness have not yet translated into measurable outcomes. Although searches related to government …

Njit Stem For Success Report, Riya R. Kapadia

STEM Month

Airborne viruses are the leading causes of disease and even death in public settings. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in 768 million cases. Air filters improve air quality and remove airborne pathogens that detrimentally affect health. However, current antiviral air filters such as HEPA filters and face masks are impractical for hospital and public settings. Electrically conductive air filters are favorable for antiviral air purification, as they are inexpensive and energy-efficient. Among electrically conductive air filters, laser-induced graphene-based electrified air filters are a promising technology, but they require a voltage greater than 20 V to inactivate the virus. …

Modeling Synaptic Dysfunction As Neural Contagion: A Graph-Based Sedr Framework For Simulating Signal Spread, Michelle Marfo, Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, Alonso Ogueda-Oliva

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Harvesting Aav By Tangential Flow Filtration Using Reverse Asymmetric Membranes, Xiaolei Hao, Ronny Horax, Xianghong Qian, April Wheeler, Hironobu Shirataki, Sumith Ranil Wickramasinghe

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Efficient bioreactor clarification for harvesting virus particles is often challenging. Tangential flow filtration is attractive as it can be easily adapted for batch and perfusion operations. Here the feasibility of using reverse asymmetric hollow fiber membranes, where the more open support structure faces the feed stream, has been investigated for harvesting adeno associated virus serotype 2. The open support structure of these membranes stabilizes a secondary membrane consisting of rejected particulate matter. It is essential that the stabilized secondary membrane remains highly permeable. Flux stepping experiments were conducted in total recycle mode in order to determine the critical flux. The …

The Challenges Of The Digital Transformation Of A Hospital According To The Trends Of Innovative Technological Development, Vehebi Sofiu, Faton Kabashi, Lamir Shkurti, Mirlinda Reqica, Mirlinda Selimaj, Greta Ahma

UBT International Conference

This research discusses the process of managing and digitally transforming a hospital by integrating advanced technologies. The focus of this transformation is patient care and the protection of institutional data through the implementation of Block chain technology to enhance security measures. The goal of this topic is to take preventive measures against information security breaches and cyber threats. The transformation model addresses institutional deficiencies in managing healthcare information and patient records through electronic records. Additionally, it advances technological development to align the use of artificial intelligence with medical care infrastructure. This technology enables training for staff involved in hospital communication, …

The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Medicine: Benefits And Risks, Aurela Gashi, Faton Kabashi, Vehebi Sofiu, Mirlinda Selimaj, Laura Gjikokaj

UBT International Conference

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming the field of medicine by enabling rapid and precise diagnosis, personalized therapies, and advanced data management. From interpreting complex medical images to predicting chronic disease risks and tailoring treatments for individual patients, AI demonstrates unprecedented potential to enhance healthcare outcomes. However, alongside these opportunities emerge critical challenges and risks. Biased training datasets may lead to inaccurate diagnoses, while concerns over data privacy and ethical responsibility raise fundamental questions about the limits of automation in healthcare. This paper emphasizes that the integration of AI should not aim to replace physicians but rather to support them, …

Microsimulation Of Infectious Disease Transmission Considering Virus Release, Transmission, And Action, Zhiming Fang, Shengdong Yuan, Ge Huang, Jingqian Yang, Zhongyi Huang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Existing infection risk assessment methods mostly evaluate infection probability through mathematical models or simulation, but they lack analysis of the relationship between air circulation and individual infection probability. This study proposed a risk prediction model for infectious disease transmission based on indoor air circulation. At the microscopic scale, the space was discretized into grid points. By integrating CFD numerical simulation, the entire process of virus droplet release, transmission, and action was fully simulated. The simulation results show that in an obstacle-free room, the error between the total indoor viral load predicted by the model under windless and low wind …

Computational Investigation Of The Role Of 3d Genome Architecture In The Lifecycle Of The Malaria Parasite, Srish Maulik

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, is responsible for more than a half a million deaths per year, the vast majority of which occur in central Africa. The parasite undergoes an incredibly complex cell molecular transformation as it transitions from living in mosquitoes to living in humans with different sets of genes being activated or silenced in order to evade the immune system of the host. Understanding how its genome guides this transition is critical for developing adequate treatments. In this project, we aim to develop a computational framework for investigating the role of the three …

Coumarin/Nitrogen-Bearing Heterocyclic Hybridloaded Electrospun Pmma/Pvp Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Accelerating Topical Wound Healing Rates: Synthesis And In Vitro Bio-Evaluation, Samar A. Salim, Mohamed Ali, Tasneem Abed, El Badawy Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Coumarin-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (e.g. quinoline, acridine, and phthalazine) were synthesized by facile reactions and elucidated by FTIR, 1H, and 13C-NMR analyses, which showed consistency with the expected structures. Coumarin-quinoline (drug A)- and coumarin-acridine (drug B)-loaded electrospun PMMA/PVP nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning techniques. Results showed a successful PMMA/PVP blend, which formed the matrix that was used as the main scaffold for drug loading/release. The drugs (A and B) were encapsulated within the matrix as verified by IR and SEM results. Bio-evaluation through cytotoxicity and anticancer screening was conducted using the MTT assay against lung fibroblast (Wi-38), colon carcinoma (Caco-2), …

Prosthetics In The Time Of Proust, Ashley S. Mcguire

Patent Coloring Books

Patent coloring book

Communicating Wastewater-Based Surveillance Data To Drive Action, Kata Farkas, Devrim Kaya, Rasha Maal-Bared, Ahmad I. Al-Mustapha, Sarmila Tandukar, Ishi Keenum, Teemu Gunnar, Aaron Bivins, Matthew J Wade, Kyle Bibby, Tarja M. Pitkänen, Ananda Tiwari

Michigan Tech Publications

As exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) can deliver near real-time, population-level pathogen data to guide public health action. Its impact, however, hinges on timely, transparent, and context-specific communication to stakeholders, including health authorities, policymakers, scientists, clinicians, and the public. This review examines current WBS communication practices, identifies persistent challenges, and proposes strategies to enhance relevance. Key challenges include data complexity, lack of standardised communication frameworks, ethical and privacy concerns, and variable stakeholder capabilities. The strategic use of digital platforms, such as dashboards, reports, press releases, and social media, alongside traditional media, can broaden reach and aid interpretation. …

Design And Development Of A Standalone Digital Holographic Microscope Employing Phase-Driven Reconstruction And Classification For Biomedical Imaging And Optical Diagnostics, Charlotte Kyeremah

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Access to advanced biomedical imaging technologies remains a significant challenge in resource-limited settings, especially for early disease detection and monitoring of diseases such as malaria, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases. Although point-of-care (POC) devices have gained popularity in global health, many rely on antibody-based tests, lateral flow strips, or optical readouts that often lack quantitative capabilities, sensitivity to early infections, or versatility in different diagnostic targets. In addition, these systems are typically dependent on disposable reagents or manual interpretation, which limits their effectiveness in remote areas. Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) presents a promising alternative as a label-free imaging method capable …

Detection Of Bacterial Genomic Dna Fragments Using The Mxene Crispr-Cas9 Field-Effect Transistor, Jiaoli Li, Ali Taheri, Weijia Liu, Ying Zhuo, Pengfei Ma, Chenglin Wu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based field-effect transistor (FET) sensors provide a promising platform for highly specific and amplification-free nucleic acid detection. However, their direct application in identifying target sequences within intact genomic DNA remains underexplored. We developed a CRISPR-Cas9 FET sensor for detecting DNA sequences by immobilizing Cas9 onto a graphene-MXene sensing interface via (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalization. The sensor targeted Stx1, a 440 bp laboratory-amplified fragment associated with Shiga toxin production in pathogenic E. coli. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the precise cleavage of Stx1, while the nontarget sequence Stx2 remained undetected. FET measurements further validated the sensor's specificity, showing …

Computational Studies On The Major Antioxidant Enzymes Of Wuchereria Bancrofti Towards The Development Of Anti Filarial Leads, Sureshan M

Theses and Dissertations

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), or elephantiasis, is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease affecting the lymphatic system, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. It is the second leading cause of long-term disability and a neglected tropical disease. According to WHO, LF threatens 882 million people in 44 countries, with over 9 billion treatments administered. The disease is caused by three nematodes: Wuchereria bancrofti (90% of cases worldwide, including India), Brugia malayi (10% in Southeast and Eastern Asia), and Brugia timori (found in Timor and nearby islands). Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an ancient disease that continues to challenge scientists and physicians. Current treatments include …

Evaluation Of Performance Characteristics And Groundwater Contamination Risks Associated With On-Farm Swine Carcass Disposal Via Composting And Shallow Burial With Carbon, Gustavo Castro Garcia

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

This dissertation evaluates the performance of three on-farm swine carcass disposal methods: whole carcass composting (WCC), ground carcass composting (GCC), and shallow burial with carbon (SBC), focusing on biosecurity factors and groundwater contamination risks. Foreign animal diseases (FADs), such as African swine fever and classical swine fever, pose severe economic and animal well-being risks if introduced to the United States. With confirmation of an FAD, swine movement will be halted, creating an urgent need for practical, biosecure, and environmentally responsible on-farm disposal strategies for swine carcasses. Nebraska, as a leading swine-producing state, exemplifies the vulnerability of high-density livestock regions to …

Advanced Analytical Biosensing For Cancer Detection And Neural Diagnostics Using Tapered Optical Fiber (Tof), Protonic, And High Throughput Microplate –Based Technologie, Bayan Hassan Alharbi

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the development and application of advanced biosensing technologies to enhance early disease detection, neurological diagnostics, and bioactive compound evaluation. The research spans four key areas. First, it introduces tapered optical fiber (TOF)-based plasmonic biosensors for the non-invasive detection of prostate cancer, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional diagnostic methods.

Second, it explores the use of fluorescent biosensors to test the Transmembrane Electrostatically Localized Proton (TELP) theory, shedding light on the role of localized protons in neuronal signaling and energy transfer. Third, the work presents a high-throughput, microplate-based biosensing platform for analyzing mitochondrial function under nanosecond …