Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Neuroimaging Modalities In The A/T/N Framework: Single And Combined Fdg-Pet And T1-Weighted Mri For Alzheimer’S Diagnosis, Peiwang Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

With the escalating prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the need for early and precise diagnostic techniques is rising. This study delves into the comparative efficacy of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) and T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing AD, where the integration of multimodal models is becoming a trend. Leveraging data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), we employed linear Support Vector Machines (SVM) to assess the diagnostic potential of these modalities, both individually and in combination, within the AD continuum. Our analysis, under the A/T/N framework's 'N' category, reveals that FDG-PET consistently outperforms T1w-MRI across …

Fabrication Of Two-Dimensional Material-Based Nano-Capacitors Using Bismuth Selenite (Bi2seo5) To Study Its Dielectric Properties, Major Kc

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, the demand for high-performance micro and nanodevices has surged, necessitating the exploration of novel dielectric materials to replace conventional silicon dioxide. Following the continuation of the Moorse law, as device dimensions reduce to nanoscale levels, the properties of silicon dioxide can degrade, leading to issues such as increased leakage current and reduced gate control. Materials with superior electrical properties, such as higher dielectric constant, lower leakage current, and better thermal stability allowing for the development of faster, more efficient, and more reliable devices are in higher demand than ever. Two-dimensional layered semiconductor nanomaterials represented by compounds such …

Influence Of Four Veterinary Antibiotics On Constructed Treatment Wetland Nitrogen Transformation, Matthew V. Russell, Tiffany L. Messer, Deborah A. Repert, Richard L. Smith, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Daniel D. Snow, Ariel P. Reed

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The use of wetlands as a treatment approach for nitrogen in runoff is a common practice in agroecosystems. However, nitrate is not the sole constituent present in agricultural runoff and other biologically active contaminants have the potential to affect nitrate removal efficiency. In this study, the impacts of the combined effects of four common veterinary antibiotics (chlortetracycline, sulfamethazine, lincomycin, monensin) on nitrate-N treatment efficiency in saturated sediments and wetlands were evaluated in a coupled microcosm/mesocosm scale experiment. Veterinary antibiotics were hypothesized to significantly impact nitrogen speciation (e.g., nitrate and ammonium) and nitrogen uptake and transformation processes (e.g., plant uptake and …

Development Of Protocol To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of The Labor Assist Device, Samantha M. Spurr

Masters Theses

The Labor Assist Device (LAD) was designed to reduce the muscle fatigue experienced by women during childbirth to decrease the number of unnecessary cesarean deliveries and injuries to nurses. The purpose of this thesis is to develop a protocol for a future study to assess the effectiveness of the LAD at reducing muscle fatigue. While multiple parameters were investigated in this pilot study, the major parameter needed to develop the future protocol is the muscle fatigue rate in women contracting their muscles to simulate pushing during labor. The muscle fatigue rates are estimated in this study using a surface electromyography …

Structured Light Radial-View Endoscope Imaging Development For Evaluation Of Human Tissue, Xiyan Li

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis, we improved an existing structured light methodology to more accurately estimate tissue optical properties imaged in a single snapshot. The developed approach is a major enhancement of the traditional three-phase spatial frequency domain imaging system: It greatly simplifies the operational procedure while also maintaining high accuracy in optical property measurements .

Leveraging this improved approach, we have developed a low-cost, compact, and radial-view endoscope prototype. This prototype combines affordability with high functionality and a user-friendly design. To assess the performance and reliability of our endoscope, we conducted comprehensive evaluations involving tissue-mimicking phantoms, as well as ex vivo …

Ammonia Recovery From Digester Centrate With Electrochemical Membrane Systems: Mechanism, Performance, And Application, Fubin Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Nitrogen plays an indispensable role in living organisms and thus is a key element for agricultural production. Ammonia (NH3), as an important part in nitrogen cycle, can be synthesized by nitrogen fixing bacteria and the Haber-Bosch process, the latter of which requires an extensive energy input. Wastewaters can contain a large amount of nitrogen compounds because of kitchen and toilet wastes being discharged to sewage. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) can be hundreds mg per liter in some wastewaters like anaerobic digester (AD) centrate. However, both Haber-Bosch process and conventional wastewater ammonia treatment process are energy intensive, which making …

New York City’S Rising Sea Level And Coastal Erosion: Approaches To Resiliency, Ryder D. Isidro

Student Theses 2015-Present

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Wingtip Vortex Structure Generated By Bio-Inspired Winglets, D'Zahn A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Bio-inspired winglets were studied with the goal of better understanding the structure of the wingtip vortices they generate. Measurements of the tip vortex were previously carried out using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (sPIV). The bio-inspired winglet was tested on a rectangular NACA 0012 wing section at a 5-degree angle of attack and at a chord Reynolds number of 900,000. Velocity field measurements were recorded at 0.7 and 2 chord lengths aft of the wing’s trailing edge. Compared to the wing with no attachment and a traditional blended winglet, the bio-inspired winglet’s vortex exhibited significantly less intense flow field properties. These …

Global-To-Local Dependencies In Phosphorus Mass Flows And Markets: Pathways To Improving System Resiliency In Response To Exogenous Shocks, Justin Baker, Nathan Schunk, Matt Scholtz, Ashton Merck, Rebecca Muenich, Paul Westerhoff, James J. Elser, Owen W. Duckworth, Luke Gatiboni, Minhazul Islam, Anna-Maria Marshall, Rosangela Sozzani, Brooke K. Meyer

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Uneven global distribution of phosphate rock deposits and the supply chains to transport phosphorus (P) make P fertilizers vulnerable to exogenous shocks, including commodity market shocks; extreme weather events or natural disasters; and geopolitical instability, such as trade disputes, disruption of shipping routes, and war. Understanding bidirectional risk transmission (global-to-local and local-to-global) in P supply and consumption chains is thus essential. Ignoring P system interdependencies and associated risks could have major impacts on critical infrastructure operations and increase the vulnerability of global food systems. We highlight recent unanticipated events and cascading effects that have impacted P markets globally. We discuss …

Ionic Conductivity, Li+ Transference Number, And Diffusion Coefficient Of A Solid-State Electrolyte Composite, Lizbeth Zurita

Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)

The design of solid-state electrolyte (SSE) composites involves the fundamental study of transport properties, such as ionic conductivity. This transport property is influenced by the transport mechanisms of the charge species inside the composite, such as diffusion and migration. In this work, we perform the measurement of these three parameters through defined techniques. The resulting parameters were: ionic conductivity, the diffusion coefficient, and the Li+ transference number.

Design And Application Of Phase-Separating Peptides In Cytosolic Drug Delivery, Huihao Wang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

This research investigates the design and application of phase-separating peptides for direct cytosolic drug delivery. Novel peptides (GHGXY)4, with variable amino acids, were synthesized using microwave-assisted chemistry to enhance phase separation and membrane fusion. In vitro experiments utilizing advanced imaging techniques demonstrated the peptides' capability to form coacervates and facilitate direct cargo, DNA, mRNA, and protein, delivery into the cytosol, bypassing traditional cellular barriers. The study also explores the role of inhibitor Bafilomycin and NH4Cl in phase-separating peptides functionality, offering significant insights into their delivery mechanisms. This research underscores the potential of phase-separating peptides in improving therapeutic delivery strategies.

Nodes For Modes: Nodal Honeycomb Metamaterial Enables A Soft Robot With Multimodal Locomotion, Yusuf Dikici, Kathryn Daltorio, Ozan Akkus

Faculty Scholarship

Soft-bodied animals, such as worms and snakes, use many muscles in different ways to traverse unstructured environments and inspire tools for accessing confined spaces. They demonstrate versatility of locomotion which is essential for adaptation to changing terrain conditions. However, replicating such versatility in untethered soft-bodied robots with multimodal locomotion capabilities have been challenging due to complex fabrication processes and limitations of soft body structures to accommodate hardware such as actuators, batteries and circuit boards. Here, we present MetaCrawler, a 3D printed metamaterial soft robot designed for multimodal and omnidirectional locomotion. Our design approach facilitated an easy fabrication process through a …

Using Digital Twins To Protect Biomanufacturing From Cyberattacks, Brenden Fraser-Hevlin, Alec W. Schuler, B. Arda Gozen, Bernard J. Van Wie

Military Cyber Affairs

Understanding of the intersection of cyber vulnerabilities and bioprocess regulation is critical with the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning in manufacturing. We detail a case study in which we model cyberattacks on network-mediated signals from a novel bioreactor, where it is important to control medium feed rates to maintain cell proliferation. We use a digital twin counterpart reactor to compare glucose and oxygen sensor signals from the bioreactor to predictions from a kinetic growth model, allowing discernment of faulty sensors from hacked signals. Our results demonstrate a successful biomanufacturing cyberattack detection system based on fundamental process control principles.

Investigation Of Poly(Olefin Sulfone) Depolymerization And Its Dust Mitigation Abilities For Potential Use On Spacecraft, Alexandra Stapley, Walter Paxton, David Allred

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The ubiquity of particulate contamination requires dust mitigation techniques to provide low-scatter surfaces and edges on sensitive optical devices in space. Poly(olefin sulfone)s have been shown to photodegrade with the assistance of a photobase generator when exposed to UV light (254 nm) and heat (120°C). These may be applicable to minimizing dust on optical surfaces for space applications. However, their behavior in vacuum has not been fully characterized. We synthesized poly(2-methyl-1-pentene sulfone) (PMPS) and poly(1-hexene sulfone) (PHS) with and without a photobase generator. We studied the photodegradation (172 nm or 254 nm) of thin films in vacuum. Spectroscopic ellipsometry was …

Chemical Herding: Using Chemical Reactions To Steer Colloidal Particles, Mark N. Mcdonald, Cameron K. Peterson, Douglas R. Tree

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Creating the next generation of dynamic colloidal materials that change their structure based on external stimuli may require the capability to precisely manipulate colloidal particles. Colloidal particles can be manipulated using a variety of forces, such as electric, magnetic, and optical, but so far chemical reactions have received less attention. We consider here a novel paradigm for using a chemically active colloidal particle to interact with other, passive colloids and precisely manipulate colloidal particles in a microfluidic device, a strategy which we dub “chemical herding”. Specifically, we show in simulation that chemical herding can be used to move a small …

Enhancing Bioluminescence, Olivia Harrison, Lane Law

Utah Space Grant Consortium

In this project, we aim to develop a strain of Escherichia coli expressing high levels of luminescence via the use of a NanoLuc. derivative, cyan-based LumiFluor (CeNLuc). CeNLuc is a self-illuminating bioluminescent-fluorescent protein that generates biologic light via bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). We have obtained the plasmids, and are preparing to transform E. coli. cultures.

Assessing Mycorrhizal Influence On Heat-Stressed Poplar Voc Blends, Luis Valdez, Annette Shelton, Mary Alvarez, Lane Law

Utah Space Grant Consortium

VOCs are organic compounds released by plants as gases into the atmosphere. They’ve been shown to play important roles in plant defense, plant-plant interactions, multi-trophic interactions, as well as atmospheric chemistry. Some VOCs can be induced as a result of stress. Some Terpenes & LOX pathway products, in particular, have been shown to be inducible as a result of environmental stress, such as drought or heat. Terpenes, which are made of isoprene subunits, are bigger, more complex molecules and have been shown to generally have and antioxidant function. (Vickers et al. 2009)

Optimization Of Animal Hair Preparation For Scanning Electron Microscopy (Sem), Cristina De La Vieja Medina, Samuel Tobler, Wendy Schatzberg

Utah Space Grant Consortium

This study investigates the best method to prepare animal hair samples for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main objective is to identify the most effective method to clean, cut, and position the hair to achieve a better image of the hair without external elements. Various cleaning methods were explored, but the best option was a 15-minute sonication in water followed by a 24-hour immersion in a 90% ethanol-10% methanol mixture. Samples were placed with different types of glue to ensure the hair remained stable. A diamond blade was used to cut the hairs but did not provide the desired results …

Identifying Secondary Metabolites In Corals Of The Order Corallimorpharia For Novel Medicinal Use, Dave Huish, Jane Lee

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Medicinal and bioactive compounds have been found in various species of corals and are currently being used for, but not limited to, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic/chemotherapy, antimicrobial, antivirus, and antifouling. Currently, acquiring compounds and derivatives is limited by naturally occurring resources. This project is investigating corals from the order Corallimorpharia that are known rapid reproducers and potentially invasive. They demonstrate many of the same attributes as corals that have been studied suggesting that they have similar compounds. The specific coral of interest is Rhodactis howesii. Samples have been obtained, DNA has been isolated, and their genomes are in the process of being …

Artemia In Space, Holbrook Hawkes, Elizabeth Blackburn, Bonnie K. Baxter

Utah Space Grant Consortium

The panspermia hypothesis poses that life originated in space. To test this hypothesis, a model organism capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of space must be used. The brine shrimp genus Artemia represents species of extremophilic zooplankton with adaptations to survive extreme temperatures (-273˚°C to 90˚°C), hydrogen sulfide-reducing environments, HZE particles, oxidation, desiccation, ion exposure, electromagnetic radiation, and anoxia (Skoultchi and Morowitz, 1964; Clegg, 1978; van Stappen, 1996, 2002; Willsie and Clegg, 2001; Clegg and Trotman, 2002; MacRae, 2016). Artemia are so hardy in part due to their ability to produce oviparous encysted embryos instead of live nauplii that can …

Nitrification Rate Depends On Nitrogen Fertilizer Source In Root-Zones For Bioregenerative Life-Support, Noah J. Langenfeld, Bruce Bugbee

Utah Space Grant Consortium

Nitrification helps recycle nitrogen (N) in closed root-zones with multiple N inputs. We studied nitrification rates in peat moss soilless media adjusted to pH 6.5 to 7 and watered with nutrient solutions containing 9 mM N from ammonium nitrate, ammonium, nitrate, urea, or microbial biomass (lysed cells of the N-fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii). We leached the media with nutrient solution every week for 150 days and measured the pH, electrical conductivity, and nitrate concentration. We measured ammonium in the peat moss at the end of the study using a potassium chloride extraction and quantified total N by combustion. Nitrification …

Earth Observation Satellite Data Reveals Correlations Between Temperature, Turbidity, And Chlorophyll-A In Utah Lake, Kaylee B. Tanner

Utah Space Grant Consortium

No abstract provided.

Affordable Bioprint Head-Adapter For 3d Printers, Andrew Ceralde, Dominic Drake, Noah Engles, Mohammad Alwan, Nevada Perry

Honors Capstones

Introduction: Addressing the need for affordable and accessible bioprinting technology, the Northern Illinois University bioprinting research and design project aims to democratize the field by developing an open source bioprint head. The initiative targets the prohibitive cost of commercial bioprinters by proposing an optimal design that can be integrated with widely available 3D printers, like the Creality Ender-3. This approach seeks to enable the widespread adoption of bioprinting technology, particularly for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Methods: Leveraging SolidWorks for design, the project employs a methodology that combines a precision extrusion system with thermal and UV crosslinking capabilities. …

Presence Of Atheromatous Plaques And Theirs Effects On The Blood Flow, Belhocine Mostefa Bm, Amrani Hichem Ah, Fedaoui Kamel Dr, Mazouz Hammoudi Mh

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

The paper utilizes a finite element method to study both the blood flow and atheromatous plaques. Specifically, the COMSOL finite element package is employed to achieve a fluid model. COMSOL is a powerful finite element tool commonly used in various research and industrial domains to study multiphysics problems. The focus of the investigation is on the geometric aspects of the atheromatous plaques. The study considers different forms and arrangements of stenosis, taking into account the irregularities formed by various shapes of the plaques and the resulting flow patterns. The key findings of the research suggest that the pressure and velocity …

Selective Separation Of Metal Ions From Aqueous Process Streams Using Magnetite Adsorbent, Daniel Geottlich

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The effect of coexisting ions on the selectivity of adsorption onto magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) for various elements in aqueous solutions was investigated. Surrogate solutions of varying concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), heavy metals, and gangue elements (low commercial value elements or metals) were mixed with MNPs. Selectivity experiments were performed on surrogate samples based on the composition of a REE ore concentrate and a leach liquor from the chlorinated products of the roasted REE ore concentrate. Adsorption efficiency of magnetite was determined by measuring ion concentration in a sample using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Magnetite is selective …

Mpem Capstone Presentation, Jason Schneider

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Master of Project, Engineering and Management (MPEM) Final Capstone Presentation.

Enhancement Of The Mechanical Behavior Of Nitinol Wire For Vascular Stent Applications By The Addition Of A Polymer Matrix Composite Coating, Baylie Phillips

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Several clinical studies since 2008 have reported stent failure through mechanical means from inadequate strength, fatigue failure, coating failure via delamination and cracking, and pathological failures. Enhancement of the mechanical performance and stability of the polymer coating has the potential to minimize coating failure, aiding in the prevention of the other failure modes. The present study fabricated a polymer matrix composite coating from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles on nitinol wires. Five weight fractions of HA (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 wt.% HA) were studied for their influence on the mechanical performance of nitinol. The coatings were …

Investigating The Impact Of Secondary Activation Time On The Adsorption Properties Of Activated Biochar For Arsenic Removal From Wastewater, Achyuth Bharadwaj Rayarao

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Biochar, a naturally occurring and renewable carbon material, becomes porous through activation. Activated biochar is an ideal candidate for use as an adsorbent. The objective of this study is to investigate whether activated biochar derived from Colorado soft pine serves as a better adsorbent and demonstrates enhanced adsorption capabilities after undergoing secondary physical activation at various activation times. The effect of secondary action time on physical adsorption properties drawn from the analysis of isotherm plots, surface areas and pore size patterns were examined by using a physisorption analyzer. Chemical structures were identified using both ultimate and proximate analyses, while porosity …

Analysis And Evaluation Of Different Transformer Architectures For The Protein Sequence Representation And The Corresponding Hypothetical Applications, Mary Mao

Theses and Dissertations

This project is to investigate and assess several Transformer topologies for the modeling of protein sequences and their corresponding uses. Each major model for the protein sequence representations is inspected with its mathematical theory and analyzed for the different performance of the models with various validation repositories.

Simulating Information And Communication Applications In Employee Interaction Network Models, Matthew Kanter

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Information and communication technology (ICT) use has been identified throughout its development and evolution with the Internet boom as a net positive tool for most employees and organizations in the working world. Only recently have studies regarding employees’ well-being begun to come to the forefront of research regarding these rapidly evolving technologies, however these are important issues to discuss in the context of work-life boundary management, emotional exhaustion, overwhelming stress levels, and moral disengagement among other employee well-being dimensions. To explore how employees’ well being might be influenced by ICT use, this study conducted a quantitative survey and analyzed a …