Digital Commons Network^™

Characterization Of Bacteriophage Targeting Bacillus Licheniformis In Milk Processes And Thermal Stability Of Bacteriophage During Htst Pasteurization, Jeremy Robert Arbon

Theses and Dissertations

An array of Bacillus licheniformis strains were isolated from a commercial powdered milk process. Bacteriophages exhibiting activity against B. licheniformis were isolated from cattle manure and effluent samples destined for a lagoon at a dairy farm. After sequencing, 8 of the 10 phages were found to be novel and genetically differentiated. Transmission electron scanning microscopy (TSEM) was performed. All bacteriophages were of the family Herelleviridae with contractile tail sheaths ranging from 80µm to 150µm and, surprisingly, survived a common fluid milk processing treatment used to inactivate vegetative cells. The survival of the phage after high temperature short time pasteurization of …

Implementation Of An Opiate Use Disorder (Oud) Screening Tool To Reduce Opioid Abuse In A Pain Management Clinic, Brian D. Pervis

Dissertations

The long-term use of opioids to manage chronic pain in those with an opiate use disorder (OUD) is dangerous and poses a considerable risk of death. Pain management providers must have protocols and tools in place for OUD screening and referral. If OUD is not managed correctly, such as through provider education, screening, and referral, morbidity and mortality rates will severely affect society (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). This quality improvement (QI) project's PICOT was among providers in a pain management treatment center, how will implementing an evidence-based OUD screening tool, compared to no screening tool, affect OUD …

Development And Application Of A Novel Acoustic Microfluidic Technology For Single Cell Per Well Trapping And High-Resolution Analysis Of Cilia Motion In Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Mingyang Cui

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Acoustic manipulation of cells and microorganisms is a label-free and contact-free technique with promise for biological and biomedical applications. When exposed to an ultrasonic standing wave field, particles suspended in microfluidic channels will be moved to pressure minima (nodes) or maxima (antinodes) due to the acoustic impedance mismatch between particles and the suspension medium. Cilia motion is fundamental to understanding biological and biomedical problems related to dysfunctional human cilia, including primary ciliary dyskinesia, blindness, and male infertility. However, in vivo and ex vivo mammalian ciliated cell research is laborious and time-consuming due to difficulty in growing, maintaining, and imaging these …

Identifying Structures For Ion Channel Kinetic Models, Kathryn Mangold

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Voltage-gated ion channels carry transmembrane current and underlie the voltages changes seen during the action potential. The ion channels open and close precisely, or gate, in response to voltage to create the specific cellular action potential waveform. The first models of voltage-gated ion channels gating dynamics were described by Hodgkin and Huxley when studying the neuronal action potential in the squid giant axon. While the probabilistic gating variables cleverly imagined by Hodgkin and Huxley to describe channel gating are still used today to describe cardiac ionic currents, Markov (or state-dependent) models provide a more accurate representation of channel dynamics. As …

Zebrafish Models Of Katp Channelopathies, Soma S. Singareddy

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Much work has been carried out to understand the composition, structure, and function of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in mammalian tissues, as well as the molecular basis of the channelopathies that result from loss-of-function or gain-of-function mutations in these channels. These studies have also highlighted that the available pharmacology to treat such diseases is limited. To overcome such limitations, a better understanding of the tissue specificity of expression, the exact mechanisms linking the molecular dysfunction to the development of complex pathophysiology, the potential for reducing cross-reactivity of drugs, and ultimately more specific therapies are needed. The work described in this …

Laser Stimulated Dynamic Thermal Imaging System For Tumor Detection, Hongyu Meng

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Laser stimulated dynamic thermal imaging system for tumor detectionby Hongyu Meng Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering Washington University in St. Louis, 2021 Professor Samuel Achilefu, Chair Recent advances in infrared sensor technology have enabled the rapid application of thermal imaging in materials science, security and medicine. Relying on the infrared characteristics of living systems, thermal imaging has been used to generate individual heat maps, detect inflammation and tumor. As an imaging system, thermal imaging has the advantages of portability, real-time, non-invasive, and non-contact. But the low specificity of thermal imaging hinders its wide clinical application.

Unfortunately, label-free DTI is …

Improving Resource Efficiency In Cloud Computing, Jiayi Song

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Customers inside the cloud computing market are heterogeneous in several aspects, e.g., willingness to pay and performance requirement. By taking advantage of trade-offs created by these heterogeneities, the service provider can realize a more efficient system. This thesis is concerned with methods to improve the utilization of cloud infrastructure resources, and with the role of pricing in realizing those improvements and leveraging heterogeneity. Towards improving utilization, we explore methods to optimize network usage through traffic engineering. Particularly, we introduce a novel optimization framework to decrease the bandwidth required by inter-data center networks through traffic scheduling and shaping, and then propose …

Interfacial Engineering And Photoelectrochemistry Of Patterned Metal/Semiconductor Heterostructures, Che Tan

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells enable the conversion of solar energy into storable fuels, which is critical in overcoming the intermittent nature of this largest renewable source. However, the majority of semiconductors used as photoelectrodes in these cells have low conversion efficiencies and/or stabilities. Silicon (Si) is an attractive semiconductor material for photoelectrodes, but the development of efficient Si-based photoanodes is challenging due to their instability in alkaline solutions. Thus, one focus of this dissertation is the design and fabrication of highly stable nickel (Ni)-patterned Si photoanodes through interfacial engineering of the barrier heights. Recently, hot carriers in plasmonic metal nanostructures have …

Anion Exchange Membranes In Electrochemical Energy Systems, Yunzhu Zhang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Non-CO2-emitting sources of renewable energy, such as solar and wind, have become quite popular in recent years, and their electricity generation cost at scale has become comparable with that of gas- and coal-fired power plants. However, their intermittent output makes the resultant electricity hard to dispatch in a reliable manner in the absence of grid-scale electrical energy storage (EES) technologies. Redox-flow batteries (RFBs) are promising devices for medium- to large-scale electric energy storage. They are safe, reliable, and portable, and are designed with decoupled power and energy modules, which makes it easy and cost-effective to scale their output to meet …

A Large West Antarctic Ice Sheet Explains Early Neogene Sea-Level Amplitude, J. W. Marschalek, L. Zurli, F. Talarico, De Flierdt T Van, P. Vermeesch, A. Carter, F Beny, V. Bout-Roumazeilles, F. Sangiorgi, S. R. Hemming, L. F. Pérez, F. Colleoni, J. G. Prebble, Peer Te Van, M. Perotti, A. E. Shevenell, I Browne, Dk Kulhanek, R. Levy, D Harwood, N. B. Sullivan, S. R. Meyers, E. M. Griffith, C. D. Hillenbrand, E. Gasson, M. J. Siegert, B Keisling, K. J. Licht, G. Kuhn, Jp Dodd, C. Boshuis, Santis L De, Rm Mckay, Jeanine Ash, F Beny, Im Browne, Giuseppe Cortese, Santis L De, Jp Dodd, Oliver M. Esper, Jenny A. Gales, Dm Harwood, Saki Ishino, Ba Keisling, S Kim, S Kim, Dk Kulhanek, Jan Sverre Laberg, R. Mark Leckie, Rm Mckay, J Müller, Mo Patterson, Bw Romans, Oe Romero, F. Sangiorgi, O Seki, Ae Shevenell, Sm Singh, De Sousa Im Cordeiro, St Sugisaki, T Van De Flierdt, Peer Te Van, W Xiao, Z Xiong

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

Early to Middle Miocene sea-level oscillations of approximately 40–60 m estimated from far-field records are interpreted to reflect the loss of virtually all East Antarctic ice during peak warmth2. This contrasts with ice-sheet model experiments suggesting most terrestrial ice in East Antarctica was retained even during the warmest intervals of the Middle Miocene. Data and model outputs can be reconciled if a large West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) existed and expanded across most of the outer continental shelf during the Early Miocene, accounting for maximum ice-sheet volumes. Here we provide the earliest geological evidence proving large WAIS expansions occurred during …

On The Variability Of Flocculated Particle Characteristics In A Shallow Estuary, G Egan, G Chang, Aj Manning, Sg Monismith, Ob Fringer

School of Biological and Marine Sciences

No abstract provided.

Steps Beyond Risk Assessment In Qrm: Rbdm, The Next Horizon, Valerie Mulholland, Anne Greene, Martin J. Lipa

Level 3

The topic of Risk-based Decision Making (RBDM) was highlighted as one of these areas requiring clarification in the International Committee on Harmonisation (ICH) concept paper for the revision of Q9. This paper examines 5 key areas on RBDM identified in the concept paper, focusing on: What good risk-based decision making actually means, How QRM may improve decision-making and How risk-based decisions might be achieved. This was executed by reviewing peer-reviewed published research literature and examining best practices in other industries, with a view to initiating a dialogue which could help advance the questions posed. Based on this analysis, a list …

“Deployment Of Data Analytics To Support Manufacturing At Janssen”, Patrick T. O'Sullivan, Marcus O'Mahony

Level 3

This paper describes two key areas of value that data analytics supported for Janssen: yield optimisation and Tech. Transfer. By focusing on two key business areas the definition of success and scope was clearly understood by all stakeholders from key business leaders to shopfloor operators. Thus, the value of data analytics was apparent. The paper discusses key pitfalls to avoid and identifies two key investments for success.

“Gaining Organisational Acceptance Of A Data Analytics Programme In Eli Lilly”, Anthony Maguire, Marcus O'Mahony

Level 3

This paper describes how Eli Lilly overcame barriers to enable new use of data. This was achieved by adopting a deep understanding of end-user needs and the support of site leaders and end-users to standardise process monitoring. A standard approach of ‘Contexting’, ‘Data-Extraction’, ‘Model build’, ‘On-line Config’, ‘Deploy’, was utilised, using a commercial off-the-shelf software. The paper describes proof of concept demonstrations undertaken and discusses the ingredients to make the journey a success.

“Data Architecture For Pharmaceutical Product Development At Alkermes”, Peter Couture, Damon Warnock, Marcus O'Mahony

Level 3

This paper describes how Alkermes built a data architecture for efficient management of non-GXP and R&D data. Using a ‘Create’, ‘Store’, Describe’ ‘Access’ stepwise model, the ingredients to making the journey a success are described.

“Transitioning Organisations From A Data Quagmire To Knowledge Nirvana Through The Digital Thread”, David Twohig, Barry Heavey

Level 3

Historically, organisations have managed product data in a combination of Microsoft Office, Sharepoint and Document Management Systems. In this paper, we explore how different technologies can be leveraged to create digital product profiles, and in doing so structure data to enable effective knowledge management.

Mechanical Engineering News, Georgia Southern University

Mechanical Engineering: News & Publications (2013-2023)

• Students Awarded Scholarship from Foundry Educational Foundation

Midweek Memo, Georgia Southern University

Midweek Memo

• Applaud
• Remember
• Share
• Experience
• You may have heard

Office Of Research, Economic Engagement And Outreach Update, December 15, 2021, Office Of Research, Economic Engagement And Outreach

Office of Research, Economic Engagement and Outreach

No abstract provided.

Learning Strategies Preference Of Iraqi Efl Learners, Umer Ali Alyas

Alustath Journal for Human and Social Sciences

The current study aims at investigating Iraqi EFL learners’ knowledge and preference of language learning strategies. Data are collected using two self-reported questionnaires; a background questionnaire and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL, Oxford, 1990) with some modifications to meet the needs of this study. The following questions are asked: 1-Are students aware of the concept of LLS? 2- If yes, how much they know about it? 3- What are the kinds of LLS they employed in their learning? 4- What are their preferred strategies? The questionnaires are submitted to a total sample that consists of 77 students. The …

An Investigation Of Sensory Percepts Elicited By Macro-Sieve Electrode Stimulation Of The Rat Sciatic Nerve, Nikhil Shiva Chandra

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Intuitive control of conventional prostheses is hampered by their inability to replicate the rich tactile and proprioceptive feedback afforded by natural sensory pathways. Electrical stimulation of residual nerve tissue is a promising means of reintroducing sensory feedback to the central nervous system. The macro-sieve electrode (MSE) is a candidate interface to amputees’ truncated peripheral nerves whose unique geometry enables selective control of the complete nerve cross-section. Unlike previously studied interfaces, the MSE’s implantation entails transection and subsequent regeneration of the target nerve. Therefore, a key determinant of the MSE’s suitability for this task is whether it can elicit sensations at …

Electrodeless Electrochemistry Enabled By Nonthermal Plasma, Harold Oldham

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The increasing availability and decreasing cost of electricity generated by renewable resources have motivated research into electrified chemical processing, whereby electrical energy is used to drive chemical transformations. Electricity-intensive processing techniques such as electrochemistry using solid electrodes has attracted attention in this context for the synthesis of organic compounds, such as high-value pharmaceuticals and renewable chemical production. Selective chemical transformations are achieved in conventional aqueous electrochemical systems by using external circuitry to bias solid electrodes, allowing for the preferential transfer of electrons between the electrode-liquid interface. Despite having the ability to promote controlled electrochemical reactions, configurations using solid electrodes are …

On The Study Of Age-Related Physiological Decline In C. Elegans, Drew Benjamin Sinha

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Aging decline is a universal and unescapable phenomenon; as organisms reach maturity and continue living, physiological function inevitably declines, resulting in mortality. While the study of mortality has been long studied, technical and practical challenges have limited the equally important study of how/when individuals deteriorate and what types of factors affect that deterioration. This gap in knowledge is not only evident in a relative lack of empirical data on physiological decline, but considerable debate around the analysis and conceptual interpretations of the little data that is available.

In this dissertation, I use quantitative reasoning and analysis of longitudinal data to …

Macrophage-Based Immunotherapies For The Treatment Of Multiple Myeloma, Jennifer Sun

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) and represents the second most common hematologic malignancy in the world. Despite an array of novel therapy approvals, MM remains to be incurable. Most patients ultimately relapse and become refractory to previous treatments, which lowers the median survival to only 5–15 months. Recently, cancer immunotherapy has gained attention as a promising approach to enhance the body’s natural immune responses to fight cancer. Currently, immunotherapies in MM have largely focused on engaging the T cells; however, many are challenged by insufficient responses, high cost, and/or extensive adverse …

Hyperlocal Air Quality Exposure Assessment To Support Health Studies, Pradeep Prathibha

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Hyperlocal air pollution exposure is driven by local emission sources, meteorology, and the built environment, with traffic-related emissions modulating primary and secondary pollutant concentrations against a variable background of similar contaminants from other sources. Recent studies show that intra-urban air quality has temporally persistent patterns that sharply vary 5-8 times within a city block; currently, regulatory ambient air quality monitoring (2-5 fixed-site monitors per 1000 km2 in U.S. census urban areas) cannot capture exposure at this spatial resolution. This dissertation aims to advance methods relying on fixed-site and mobile measurements using high-time resolution aerosol instruments as well as low-cost sensors …

Identification Of Candidate Microbial Biomarkers Of Disease And Design Of Engineered Microbial Therapeutics For The Gut Microbiome, Aura Lucia Ferreiro

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The human gut microbiome is a compositionally and functionally diverse community of microorganisms that profoundly influences the health of the host. Deep characterization of gut microbiomes via high-throughput sequencing has identified associations between the gut microbiome and disease states, and spurred development of engineered microbial therapeutics. Successful translation of these research efforts to the clinic will involve i) consideration of how engineered microbes behave and adapt in the gut, towards the implementation of biosafety mechanisms, and ii) identification and validation of microbial biomarkers of disease. This dissertation describes both investigative (Chapter 2) and engineering (Chapters 3 and 4) approaches to …

Short-Term Memory And Olfactory Signal Processing, Lijun Zhang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Modern neural recording methodologies, including multi-electrode and optical recordings, allow us to monitor the large population of neurons with high temporal resolution. Such recordings provide rich datasets that are expected to understand better how information about the external world is internally represented and how these representations are altered over time. Achieving this goal requires the development of novel pattern recognition methods and/or the application of existing statistical methods in novel ways to gain insights into basic neural computational principles. In this dissertation, I will take this data-driven approach to dissect the role of short-term memory in olfactory signal processing in …

Mapping Neural Responses Onto Innate And Acquired Behavior: From Insect Olfaction To Realizing A Bio-Hybrid Chemical Recognition System, Rishabh Chandak

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In many organisms, the sense of smell, driven by the olfactory system, serves as the primary sensory modality that guides a plethora of behaviors such as foraging for food, finding mates, and evading predators. Using an array of biological sensors, the olfactory system converts volatile chemical inputs from an organism’s environment into well-patterned neural responses that inform downstream motor neurons to drive appropriate behaviors (e.g., moving towards food or away from danger). For many external cues, the elicited neural responses are often determined by the genetic makeup of the organism, which assigns an innate preference, or valence, for these different …

Predicting Patient Outcomes With Machine Learning For Diverse Health Data, Dingwen Li

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

As digitized clinical and health data become ubiquitous, machine learning techniques have shown promise in predicting various clinical outcomes. In this thesis research, we exploit three types of data including (1) data collected through wearables outside hospitals, (2) electronic health records (EHR) data of inpatient in general hospital wards, (3) intraoperative data collected during surgery. This thesis work investigates machine learning approaches for the diverse clinical and health data with distinctive characteristics and challenges in the context of real-world clinical applications. Specifically, this thesis makes the following contributions to the state of the art of clinical machine learning.

Extracting informative …

Process Information And Creative Mindsets: An Examination Of Their Role In The Evaluation Of Creativity, Brendon Michael Cummiskey

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

Evaluating creativity is a key role for any organization interested in innovation and how that evaluation occurs has been a focal point of researchers. Although creativity scholars have made strides in understanding creativity evaluations, questions remain about the role that process information plays in the evaluation. While most creativity research involves some type of outcome, such as an idea or product, the evaluators often have no description of the creator’s work process or any understanding of the idea or product’s creation. In this dissertation, I build upon the existing evaluation literature and critically examine how process information may influence the …