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Swosu Research And Scholarly Activity Fair 2018, Lisa Appeddu, Cj Smith

SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair Programs

On behalf of the members of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) University Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (USRAC) - Welcome to the Twenty-Fifth SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair! There are 130 poster presentations and 10 oral presentations involving 293 student researchers, writers, presenters, artists, collaborators, and faculty sponsors encompassing activities from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy; SWOSU School of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences; and SWOSU Departments of Art, Communication, & Theatre; Biological Sciences; Business & Computer Science; Chemistry and Physics; Education; Engineering Technology; Language & Literature; Music; Psychology; and Social Sciences. This also includes guest presenters from …

The Application Of The Peleg Model In Order To Obtain Completely Soluble Materials For Food Product Packaging, Roxana Puscaselu (Gheorghita), Sonia Amariei

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

The aim of this study was to create a completely hydrosoluble edible films based on biopolymers that can be used as packaging material for powdered foods.10 edible films were obtained from various mixtures of hydrocolloids (agar, starch, sodium alginate) plasticized with glycerol and water. To assess their solubility, it was used the Peleg model which confirmed that increasing the temperature of the hydration medium, increases the water absorption rate. The sample obtained from agar and starch was less hydrophilic than sample with a high amount of sodium alginate, which was completely soluble after 3 minutes maintenance in 20° water. To …

Exploring The Use Of 3d Scanning To Determine Whole-Body Volume While Wearing A Triathlon Wetsuit, Leland Barker, Diego Medoza, John A. Mercer

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Background: Commercial 3 Dimension (3D) scanners are relatively new to anthropometry. The purpose of this study was to explore ability of using a 3D imaging instrument to measure body volume with and without wearing a wetsuit. Three experiments were conducted to achieve this purpose: (1) to determine if the 3D imaging instrument could accurately measure volume of static objects; (2) to determine the resolution of accuracy of measuring volume of static objects; and (3) to compare whole-body volume of wearing a wetsuit using 3D imaging as well as another body volume measure (air displacement technique). Methods: Three experiments were performed: …

Climate Smart Farming For Women In East Africa, Lauren Oliver, Cristina Whitworth

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, 60% of East Africans live as subsistence farmers. This population is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change which has increased the duration and intensity of droughts and floods. Droughts and floods can destroy an entire season’s harvest, causing sustenance farmers and their families to struggle for food until the next season. In an attempt to mitigate the severe effects of climate change on these farmers and reduce food insecurity in East Africa, the team has designed a small-scale aquaponic farming system that simultaneously grows fish and vegetables. This system …

Developing Trees Tolerant To Degraded Mine Soils In An Underground Greenhouse, Cosmas Opoku-Ware

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This project explored the potential for developing trees tolerable to degraded un-reclaimed mine site soils and tailings as a solution to re-establishing long-term tree growth on those sites. The project incorporates growing tree seedlings in an underground greenhouse grown from seeds planted in the degraded mine soils in which they will eventually be planted. The outcome of the project is expected to lead to a successful solution for re-establishing tree growth in soils and tailings containing high metal concentrations with minimal post-planting human intervention at a relatively low cost.

The research is being conducted in an underground greenhouse located 100 …

An Evaluation Of Induction Heating In Healthcare Food Industry, Barrett Alexander Hampton

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

This thesis addresses the problem healthcare facilities are having in maintaining proper food temperatures while transporting meals to patients after food has left the kitchen area. Induction heat has been a known method for generating heat for many years. The commercial food industry currently uses this technology, which is beginning to appear in the residential sector as well because of developments made by manufacturers. This study focuses on the top commercial brand models of induction heaters and the supporting materials currently used to create heat sources to maintain food temperatures in hospitals and long term care facilities.

The research in …

Modelling And Visualizing Selected Molecular Communication Processes In Biological Organisms: A Multi-Layer Perspective, Aditya Immaneni

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The future pervasive communication and computing devices are envisioned to be tightly integrated with biological systems, i.e., the Internet of Bio-Nano Things. In particular, the study and exploitation of existing processes for the biochemical information exchange and elaboration in biological systems are currently at the forefront of this research direction. Molecular Communication (MC), which studies biochemical information systems with theory and tools from computer communication engineering, has been recently proposed to model and characterize the aforementioned processes. Combined with the rapidly growing field of bio-informatics, which creates a rich profusion of biological data and tools to mine the underlying information, …

Development Of A Novel Bioactive Glass Suitable For Osteosarcoma-Related Bone Grafts, Alireza Rahimnejad Yazdi, Lawrence Torkan, Stephen D. Waldman, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, zinc borate-based glasses with increasing gallium content (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 wt % Ga) were synthesized and their effect on the viability and proliferation of preosteoblasts and osteosarcoma cancer cells were investigated. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) cell viability assays using glass degradation extracts revealed that the extracts from glasses with lower Ga contents could enhance the viability of preosteoblasts, while extracts from the glass composition with 15 wt % Ga caused statistically significant reduction of their viability. MTT cell viability assays using the extracts and osteosarcoma cells showed that only extracts from the glass composition …

Selection Of Energy Systems In Aquaculture Through A Decision Support Tool Considering Economic And Environmental Sustainability, Youngwoon Kim

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Aquaculture had already been distinguished as an important component of global food security and economics. However, aquaculture has expanded at the cost of natural resources and the environment. The vulnerability of the aquaculture industry due to the consequences of global environmental changes and energy price fluctuations has been addressed in various studies. The identification, planning, and implementation of sustainable energy systems are important to ensure the long term economic and environmental sustainability of aquaculture.

This research investigated sustainable energy systems for aquaculture using a life cycle approach, allowing for the identification of the most sustainable energy options under different geographical …

Human Optimization And Performance Enhancement In Flight Via Real-Time Biofeedback (Project Have Hope), Michael S. Fritts

Theses and Dissertations

A four-phase, chronological, and build-up approach was implemented that commenced with basic hardware testing in a centrifuge and culminated in flights augmented by real-time biofeedback displays. A prototype Portable Electrocardiogram Unit (PECGU) was designed and proven to accurately measure heart rate (HR) and display percent heart rate reserve (%HRR). Results showed that %HRR was not a sole predictor of cognitive state. Cognitive responses indicated some correlation with %HRR, but were influenced by environment (centrifuge vs. flight). Subjective perceived exertion levels did not show statistically significant changes during test with biofeedback. A G-tracking task was evaluated during centrifuge and flight tests. …

Functional Trait Differences Between Native Bunchgrasses And The Invasive Grass Bromus Tectorum, Huiqin H.E., Thomas A. Monaco, Thomas A. Jones

Forage and Range Research Laboratory Publications

We conducted 30- and 60-d greenhouse experiments to compare functional traits of Bromus tectorum (invasive annual grass) and four perennial bunchgrasses under well-watered or drought conditions. Even under drought, B. tectorum experienced significantly less stress (i.e., higher xylem pressure potential and greater shoot water content, water use per day and water-use efficiency) and biomass production than the perennial grasses after 30 d. However, after 60 d, its superiority was reduced under infrequent watering. Differences among perennial grasses were more pronounced for physiological traits under infrequent watering and for morphological traits under frequent watering. Elymus multisetus (fastgrowing species) had a higher …

Walking Speed Differentially Alters Spinal Loads In Persons With Traumatic Lower Limb Amputation, Brad D. Hendershot, Iman Shojaei, Julian C. Acasio, Christopher L. Dearth, Babak Bazrgari

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Persons with lower limb amputation (LLA) perceive altered motions of the trunk/pelvis during activities of daily living as contributing factors for low back pain. When walking (at a singular speed), larger trunk motions among persons with vs. without LLA are associated with larger spinal loads; however, modulating walking speed is necessary in daily life and thus understanding the influences of walking speed on spinal loads in persons with LLA is of particular interest here. Three-dimensional trunk-pelvic kinematics, collected during level-ground walking at self-selected (SSW) and two controlled speeds (~1.0 and ~1.4 m/s), were obtained for seventy-eight participants: 26 with transfemoral …

Communication And Biodegradable Packaging Relationship: A Paradigm For Final Disposal, Breno Luiz Ottoni, Rafael Mattos Deus, José Alcides Gobbo Junior, Ângela Maria Grossi De Carvalho, Rosane Aparecida Gomes Battistelle

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Solid waste generation is estimated to increase from 1.3 billion to 2.2 billion tons by 2025, causing environmental, social, and consequently public health problems. The biggest problem in this regard involves the inadequate disposal of waste, and in emerging countries like Brazil, it is sorted less waste for recycling or composting. In this context, plastic packaging is more complex due to the high polymer composition, as well as low recycling rates. Bioplastics appear as alternatives because they are mostly biodegradable. Given the various functions of packaging and a systematic review of the literature, the aim of this study was to …

Developing Motion Platform Dynamics For Studying Biomechanical Responses During Exercise For Human Spaceflight Applications, Kaitlin Lostroscio

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In future human spaceflight missions, with prolonged exposure to microgravity, resistive and aerobic exercises will be countermeasures for bone loss, muscle loss, and decreased aerobic capacity. Two of the exercises of interest are squats and rowing. The cyclic forces produced during these exercises are at relatively low frequencies which are likely to excite structural resonances of space vehicles. Vibration Isolation Systems (VIS) are being designed to be paired with future exploration exercise devices in order to prevent these cyclic exercise forces from impacting the space vehicle. The VIS may be configured such that a platform supports the human and exercise …

Development Of A Resilient 3-D Printer For Humanitarian Crisis Response, Benjamin L. Savonen, Tobias Mahan, Maxwell W. Curtis, Jared W. Schreier, John K. Greshonen, Joshua M. Pearce

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Publications

Rapid manufacturing using 3-D printing is a potential solution to some of the most pressing issues for humanitarian logistics. In this paper, findings are reported from a study that involved development of a new type of 3-D printer. In particular, a novel 3-D printer that is designed specifically for reliable rapid manufacturing at the sites of humanitarian crises. First, required capabilities are developed with design elements of a humanitarian 3-D printer, which include, (1) fused filament fabrication, (2) open source self-replicating rapid prototyper design, (3) modular, (4) separate frame, (5) protected electronics, (6) on-board computing, (7) flexible power supply, and …

Occupational Noise Dose Reduction Via Behavior Modification Using In-Ear Dosimetry Among Usaf Personnel Exposed To Continuous Impulse Noise, Jesse A. Trawick

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of in-ear noise dosimetry and worker feedback to reduce noise exposures among combat arms instructors and heavy equipment operators in the Air Force. Specifically, this thesis sought to determine how effectively hearing protection devices (HPDs) are being utilized currently, and whether providing at-ear noise exposure data to workers results in reduced noise exposures or changes in worker attitude. These questions were addressed by performing a six-month field study using dosimeters to record worker noise exposures under HPDs. Subjects served as their own control, receiving feedback in only the latter half …

Combinations Of Plant Water-Stress And Neonicotinoids Can Lead To Secondary Outbreaks Of Banks Grass Mite (Oligonychus Pratensis Banks), Alice Ruckert, L. Niel Allen, Ricardo A. Ramirez

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Spider mites, a cosmopolitan pest of agricultural and landscape plants, thrive under hot and dry conditions, which could become more frequent and extreme due to climate change. Recent work has shown that neonicotinoids, a widely used class of systemic insecticides that have come under scrutiny for non-target effects, can elevate spider mite populations. Both water-stress and neonicotinoids independently alter plant resistance against herbivores. Yet, the interaction between these two factors on spider mites is unclear, particularly for Banks grass mite (Oligonychus pratensis; BGM). We conducted a field study to examine the effects of water-stress (optimal irrigation = 100% …

The Suitability Of Zn–1.3% Fe Alloy As A Biodegradable Implant Material, Alon Kafri, Shira Ovadia, Jeremy Goldman, Jaroslaw W. Drelich, Eli Aghion

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Efforts to develop metallic zinc for biodegradable implants have significantly advanced following an earlier focus on magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe). Mg and Fe base alloys experience an accelerated corrosion rate and harmful corrosion products, respectively. The corrosion rate of pure Zn, however, may need to be modified from its reported ~20 µm/year penetration rate, depending upon the intended application. The present study aimed at evaluating the possibility of using Fe as a relatively cathodic biocompatible alloying element in zinc that can tune the implant degradation rate via microgalvanic effects. The selected Zn–1.3wt %Fe alloy composition produced by gravity casting …

Electrospun Fibers As A Dressing Material For Drug And Biological Agent Delivery In Wound Healing Applications, Mulugeta Gizaw, Jeffrey Thompson, Addison Faglie, Shih-Yu L Lee, Pierre Neunenschwander, Shih-Feng Chou

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Wound healing is a complex tissue regeneration process that promotes the growth of new tissue to provide the body with the necessary barrier from the outside environment. In the class of non-healing wounds, diabetic wounds, and ulcers, dressing materials that are available clinically (e.g., gels and creams) have demonstrated only a slow improvement with current available technologies. Among all available current technologies, electrospun fibers exhibit several characteristics that may provide novel replacement dressing materials for the above-mentioned wounds. Therefore, in this review, we focus on recent achievements in electrospun drug-eluting fibers for wound healing applications. In particular, we review drug …

Assessing The Validity Of Pressure-Measuring Insoles In Quantifying Gait Variables, Jessica Deberardinis, Janet S. Dufek, Mohamed B. Trabia, Daniel E. Lidstone

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

Introduction Pressure-measuring insoles can provide a portable alternative to existing gait analysis tools. However, there is disagreement among researchers on their accuracy and the appropriate calibration methods. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine the validity of pressure-measuring insoles for calculating stance time and support-phase impulse during walking using two calibration procedures, and (2) examine the effect of insole size on the results. Methods Data were collected from 39 participants (23.5 ± 3.24 yrs, 66.7 ± 17.5 kg, 1.64 ± 0.09 m), each wearing appropriately sized insoles as they walked over two consecutive force platforms. Two calibration methods …

The Santa Clara, 2018-01-11, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

Nano-Graphene Oxide And Vitamin D Delivery, Reza Mahdavi, Mehran Solati-Hashjin, Meisam Omidi, Arash Khojasteh, Fateme Fayyazbakhsh

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

One of the Most Interesting and Recent Insights into Biomimetic Scaffold Nano-Biomaterial is Smart Scaffolding with Targeted Drug Delivery Ability. in Recent Decades, the Use of Graphene-Based Materials, Such as Nano-Graphene Oxide (NGO), as a Drug Carrier with Amphiphilic Properties, Has Attracted Considerable Attention of Scientists and Researchers in This Field. in Addition, One of the Important Global Problems is Increased Vitamin D Deficiency, Particularly in Pregnant and Postmenopausal Women. Therefore, in This Work, by Considering Hydrophobic Properties of Vitamin D, We Attempted to Examine its Loading and Release Both in the Presence of Surfactant and Surfactant-Free NGO-Aqueous Solution. at …

Noncontact Three-Dimensional Diffuse Optical Imaging Of Deep Tissue Blood Flow Distribution, Guoqiang Yu, Yu Lin, Chong Huang

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Patents

The present invention provides for three-dimensional reflectance diffuse optical imaging of deep tissue blood flow distribution that removes the need for probe-tissue contact, thereby allowing for such technology to be applied to sensitive, vulnerable, damaged, or reconstructive tissue. The systems utilize noncontact application and detection of near-infrared light through optical lens and detection through a linear array or two-dimensional array of avalanche photodiodes or a two-dimensional array of detectors provided by charge-coupled-device (CCD). Both further feature a finite-element-method (FEM) based facilitation to provide for three-dimensional flow image reconstruction in deep tissues with arbitrary geometries.

An Evaluation Of The Groundwater Microbial Community's Toluene Biogenesis Potential At A Site In Southeast Louisiana, Michael A. Griffin Jr.

LSU Master's Theses

The broad goal of the research described in this thesis was to better understand the potential for biological toluene production to occur in groundwater at a Superfund Site located in southeast Louisiana. Previous literature reported that bacterial isolates under laboratory test conditions and undefined microbial communities in anaerobic sludge digesters and seasonally stratified lakes can produce toluene biogenically. Most of the research reported on this subject previously, however, has been on systems in Europe and little research has been reported previously on such phenomena in North America.

In the research described here, studies were conducted utilizing groundwater from a Superfund …

Detecting Body Mass Index From A Facial Photograph In Lifestyle Intervention, Makenzie L. Barr, Guodong Guo, Sarah E. Colby, Melissa D. Olfert

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This study aimed to identify whether a research participant’s body-mass index (BMI) can be correctly identified from their facial image (photograph) in order to improve data capturing in dissemination and implementation research. Facial BMI (fBMI) was measured using an algorithm formulated to identify points on each enrolled participant’s face from a photograph. Once facial landmarks were detected, distances and ratios between them were computed to characterize facial fatness. A regression function was then used to represent the relationship between facial measures and BMI values to then calculate fBMI from each photo image. Simultaneously, BMI was physically measured (mBMI) by trained …

Hyperspectral Imaging And K-Means Classification For Histologic Evaluation Of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, Yasser Khouj, Jeremy Dawson, James Coad, Linda Vona-Davis

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a non-invasive optical imaging modality that shows the potential to aid pathologists in breast cancer diagnoses cases. In this study, breast cancer tissues from different patients were imaged by a hyperspectral system to detect spectral differences between normal and breast cancer tissues. Tissue samples mounted on slides were identified from 10 different patients. Samples from each patient included both normal and ductal carcinoma tissue, both stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain and unstained. Slides were imaged using a snapshot HSI system, and the spec- tral reflectance differences were evaluated. Analysis of the spectral reflectance values indicated …

2018 Scholarly Productivity Report, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Scholarly Productivity Reports

No abstract provided.

Tolle Lege Works Published In 2018, Mcquade Library

Bibliographies

Compiled Tolle Lege bibliography of works published by members of the Merrimack College Community in 2018. Works include journal articles, books, book chapters, conference presentations and posters, and more.

Impact Of Sustainable Product Design On Elderly Ergonomics, Tris Kee, Alex King

Faculty of Design & Environment (THEi)

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Emerging Technology On Healthcare And The Difficulties Of Integration, Skyler J. Pavlish-Carpenter

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Disruptive technology describes technology that is significantly more advanced than previous iterations, such as: 3D printing, genetic manipulation, stem cell research, innovative surgical procedures, and computer-based charting software. These technologies often require extensive overhauls to implement into older systems and must overcome many difficult financial and societal complications before they can be widely used. In a field like healthcare that makes frequent advancements, these difficulties can mean that the technology will not be utilized to its full potential or implemented at all.

Objective: To determine the inhibiting factors that prevent disruptive technology from being implemented in conventional healthcare.

Methods: …