Engineering Commons^™

Surface Functionalization And Analysis Thereof For An Ovarian Cancer Diagnostic Biosensor, Asad Ali Ahmad

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in United States and has an alarming 1.4% (1 in 71) lifetime risk. The lack of overt symptoms and the absence of a reliable screening test to detect ovarian cancer result in over 70% of women being diagnosed after the disease has spread beyond the ovary resulting in a poor prognosis. A key characteristic of ovarian cancer is the ability of tumor cells to evade apoptosis, or programmed cell death contributing to the limitless replicative potential, which is a hallmark of all carcinogenesis. There is conclusive evidence that …

Influence Of Design Parameters On Cup-Stem Orientations For Impingement Free Range Of Motion In Hip Implants, Dishita Prakashbhai Patel

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this investigation is to determine the optimum positions of the prosthesis in total hip arthroplasty that produce least amount of impingement. Theoretical ranges of six basic hip motions were determined under walking, stumbling, internal rotation at 90 flexion and external rotation at 0 extension with 15 abduction, using mathematical models and validated for impingement using finite element analysis. A generalized approach, where impingement does not occur, was developed in this study to understand influence of design parameters such as head-neck ratio, neck-shaft angle, oscillation angle, and stem offset on cup-stem orientations such as cup inclination, cup anteversion, …

Development, Validation, And Application Of A Noninvasive Spinal Motion Measurement System, Shaun Kevin Stinton

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Spontaneous vertebral fractures are a large and growing health care problem. Biomechanical factors, specifically, abnormal posture or gait‐related spinal motion may interact with age‐weakened bone to induce altered spinal biomechanics that in turn increase the likelihood of vertebral body fracture. This research takes steps towards the goal of reducing the number of vertebral fractures in two phases: 1) Validation of a noninvasive spinal motion measurement system in cadaver torsos and 2) Application of the measurement system in human subjects.

The cadaver study compared vertebral motion at 4 levels (T7,T12,L3,L5) as measured by adhesive skin markers versus motion measured by bone …

Novel Vascular Grafts Based On Polyphenol-Stabilized Acellular Tissue Scaffolds, Ting-Hsien Chuang

All Dissertations

The Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most common form of CVDs is occlusion of blood flow thus limiting blood supply to specific tissues or organs. Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and stroke, which were responsible for more than 25% of deaths in 2004.
The demand for vascular graft is huge. In United States alone, approximately 500,000 coronary artery bypass graft surgeries are performed annually. Synthetic polymers such as Dacron and ePTFE have been successfully applied in large diameter blood vessel prosthesis; however, for small diameter (inner …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Volume 6, Number 2, July 2010

BSE Department Magazine

No abstract provided.

Securing Foreign Oil: A Case For Including Military Operations In The Climate Change Impact Of Fuels, Adam J. Liska, Richard K. Perrin

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Military operations are major industrial activities that use massive amounts of fuel and materials that significantly contribute to climate change. In this article, we assert that military activity to protect international oil trade is a direct production component for importing foreign oil— as necessary for imports as are pipelines and supertankers—and therefore the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from that military activity are relevant to U.S. fuel policies related to climate change. Military security for protection of global maritime petroleum distribution is part of the acquisition process, but in addition, recent Middle Eastern wars may also be related to securing petroleum …

Final Conference Program, Barry Buckland, John Aunins, Paula Marques Alves, Kathrin Jansen

Vaccine Technology III

List of talks during the conference.

New Vaccine Technologies: Promising Advances May Save More Lives, John Boslego

Vaccine Technology III

In the past 20 years, immunization has prevented nearly 20 million deaths from vaccine-preventable infections. Despite this success, poorer countries often lack access to newer and more expensive vaccines, and vaccines are not yet available for many illnesses. PATH is working to narrow the immunization gap between developed countries and developing countries by increasing the availability of existing vaccines, reducing the lag time for adoption of recently-licensed vaccines, developing technology in support of vaccines and immunization (e.g. vaccine vial monitor, Uniject, vaccine stabilization platforms) and working with partners to develop new vaccines.

Vaccine development is expensive and manufacturers often focus …

Scale-Up Of An Intensified Process For Rad35 Adenovirus Production Using The Per.C6® Cell Substrate, Alfred Luitjens, Herman Van Herk

Vaccine Technology III

Tuberculosis is the world’s second deadliest infectious disease, with over 9 million new cases diagnosed in 2006. In collaboration with the Aeras Global Tuberculosis Vaccine Foundation, we are developing a recombinant tuberculosis adenovirus based vaccine (rAd35). Currently a series of three Phase I trials are taking place, with the first two studies indicating very promising results, safety and toleration. In November 2008 we started a Phase II study in South Africa. The manufacturing process supporting these clinical studies was developed using the PER.C6® cell substrate. With the productivity of this production process, scale-up to 10,000-liter bioreactor will be required to …

Establishing A Platform For Spray Drying Inhalable Vaccines In South Africa, Willem Germishuizen, L Venter, A Khosa, F Mudau, P.B. Fourie, B Pulliam, M Kabadi, A Schiermeier, D.A . Edwards

Vaccine Technology III

Mycobacterium bovis BCG is the current vaccine for tuberculosis (TB). However, BCG as it is currently administered shows highly variable efficacy in protecting adults against TB. The natural route of infection of TB is via inhalation of bacilli-containing aerosols and it is postulated that immunization by the natural route of infection may lead to a greater immunity given the fact that the lungs are the primary target of infection. By eliciting both local and systemic immune responses, it is anticipated that an inhaled form of BCG will offer greater protection against pulmonary TB.

Current commercial BCG vaccine preparations are filled …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Volume 6, Number 1, January 2010

BSE Department Magazine

No abstract provided.

Impedance Spectroscopy Of Zebrafish Sperm, Robert Egnatchik

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Indirect Land Use Emissions In The Life Cycle Of Biofuels: Regulations Vs. Science, Adam J. Liska, Richard K. Perrin

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Recent legislative mandates have been enacted at state and federal levels with the purpose of reducing life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels. This legislation encourages the substitution of fossil fuels with “low-carbon” fuels. The burden is put on regulatory agencies to determine the GHG-intensity of various fuels, and those agencies naturally look to science for guidance. Even though much progress has been made in determining the direct life cycle emissions from the production of biofuels, the science underpinning the estimation of potentially significant emissions from indirect land use change (ILUC) is in its infancy. As legislation requires …

Genetic Differentiation In Ambystomatid Salamanders Across A Fragmented Landscape, Joseph E. Bartoszek

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

It is generally recognized that amphibian populations declining across the globe. Habitat loss is the primary cause of decline. The salamander family Ambystomatidae has experienced significantly more rapid decline than the average for amphibians. Coefficients of Conservatism (CoC) have been developed for amphibians in Ohio. These are based primarily on habitat requirements with high CoCs for amphibians with stringent habitat requirements (e.g. vernal pools associated with large, intact, undisturbed forest), and low CoCs for amphibians with less stringent habitat requirements. Genetic diversity in five species and one hybrid complex of ambystomatid salamander in southwest Ohio were examined and compared to …

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Volume 4, Number 2, December 2008

BSE Department Magazine

Environmental Management Research
From the Department Head
Meet the Faculty
Alumni News
Comings and Goings
Alumna Profile
In Memoriam
Museum Hand-picked for HELP
Urban Water Quality
Summer Graduates
Distinguished Fellowship Awards
Partners in Pollution Prevention Interns
Quarter-scale Tractor Competition
Scholarships and Ice Cream
BSE faculty develop Odor Footprint Tool By Crystal Powers
Ethanol Co-product Storage and Utilization Conference, by John Hay
Biological Systems Engineering Department Hall of Fame: Don Eret and Ned Meier
International Symposium
Faculty and Staff News
University Service Awards
ASABE Annual Meeting

Vaccine Development For Developing Countries – Regulatory Approach In The European Union, Manfred G. Haase

Vaccine Technology II

No abstract provided.

Vaccine Technology Ii: Conference Program, Barry C. Buckland, John G. Auniņš, Paula Marques Alves, Kathrin U. Jansen

Vaccine Technology II

No abstract provided.

Vaccine Technology Ii: Abstracts Of Oral Presentations, The Editors

Vaccine Technology II

No abstract provided.

Vaccine Technology Ii: Abstracts Of Poster Presentations, The Editors

Vaccine Technology II

No abstract provided.

Emerging Diseases, Zoonoses And Vaccines To Control Them, Paul-Pierre Pastoret

Vaccine Technology II

No abstract provided.

Developing Vaccines For Neglected Diseases, Douglas Holtzman

Vaccine Technology II

No abstract provided.

Department Of Biological Systems Engineering Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 1, June 2007

BSE Department Magazine

Contents:
Award Winning Academic Advisor
Hall of Fame 2007 Leslie W. Jochens, P.E. Leader in the Irrigation Industry
From the Department Head
John Deere Dealership Management Banquet
Alumni Profiles: Mike Henry
The Incredible, Edible Vehicle Competition
Graduation
December 2006 Graduates
May 2007 Graduates
Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences—UCARE
Honors Convocation
In Memoriam
Alumni News
Faculty News
Comings and Goings

Physico-Chemical Characteristics Of European Pulverized Coal Combustion Fly Ashes, N. Moreno, X. Querol, J. M. Andrés, K. Stanton, Mark R. Towler, H. Nugteren, M. Janssen-Jurkovicová, R. Jones

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Fly ashes sourced from European pulverized coal burning power plants (from Spain, The Netherlands, Italy and Greece) were characterized in terms of their chemical composition, mineralogy and physical properties. The amount and composition of the glass present in the ashes were also determined. The materials analyzed have very different compositions and were selected with a view to determining their suitability for different applications and for further studies on applications. The results were compared to the literature to determine their similarities to UK coal fly ashes. Chemical analysis has enabled the categorization of the ashes based on their oxide contents. Devitrification …

Evapotranspiration Using A Satellite-Based Surface Energy Balance With Standardized Ground Control, Ricardo Trezza

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study evaluated the potential of using the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) as a means for estimating evapotranspiration (ET) for local and regional scales in Southern Idaho. The original SEBAL model was refined during this study to provide better estimation of ET in agricultural areas and to make more reliable estimates of ET from other surfaces as well, including mountainous terrain. The modified version of SEBAL used in this study, termed as SEBAL_ID (lD stands for Idaho) includes standardization of the two SEBAL "anchor" pixels, the use of a water balance …

System And Process For Producing Biodiesel Fuel With Reduced Viscosity And A Cloud Point Below Thirty-Two (32) Degrees Fahrenheit , Hossein Noureddini

Papers in Biomaterials

Triglycerides are reacted in a liquid phase reaction with a homogeneous basic catalyst and alcohol, such as ethanol or methanol. The reaction yields a spatially separated two phase result with an upper located non-polar phase consisting principally of transesterified triglycerides and a lower located phase consisting principally of crude glycerol and residual transesterified triglycerides. The transesterified triglycerides and/or glycerol phase is/are optionally, each separately passed through strong cationic ion exchanger(s) to remove anions, resulting in neutral product(s). The crude glycerol is then flashed to remove alcohol and is reacted with an etherifying agent, such as isobutylene or isoamylene, in the …

Investigation Of The Relevance Of Heart Rate Variability Changes After Heart Transplantation, Sheeba Arnold

Theses

Heart transplantation has become an established treatment for end-stage heart disease. However, the shortage of donor organs is a major problem and long-term results are limited by allograft rejection. Heart rate variability (HRV) has emerged as a popular noninvasive research tool in cardiology. Analysis of HRV is regarded as a valid technique to assess the sympathovagal balance of the heart. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the relevance of heart rate variability changes after heart transplantation. It was found that spectral analysis of HRV is useful in detecting rejection episodes. Heart transplantation leaves the donor heart denervated. …

Relationships Among Grain Sorghum Quality Factors, Roberto A. Buffo, Curtis L. Weller, Anne M. Parkhurst

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Correlations among grain sorghum quality factors (proximate composition, physical properties, and water absorption properties) were evaluated. Samples of 46 commercial hybrids (24 and 22 from crop years 1993 and 1994) were analyzed for starch, protein, crude free fat, test weight, absolute density, 1,000 kernel weight, percent kernel abraded, water absorption index, initial water absorption rate, and moisture saturation point. Test weight, absolute density, and percent kernel abraded were positively correlated among themselves (r > 0.5). Protein was negatively correlated with both test weight and absolute density (r < -0.5), while moisture saturation point showed negative correlations with test weight, absolute density, 1,000 kernel weight, and percent kernel abraded (r < -0.4). Principal component factor analysis through the covariance matrix explained 95% of the total variation of quality factors among hybrids (two factors), and, through the correlation matrix, 85% of the total variation (five factors). Water absorption rate decreased with increasing starch content of grain sorghum kernels as water absorption rate increased and amount of water for saturation decreased with softening of kernels.

Production Of Ethers Of Gycerol From Crude Glycerol: The By-Product Of Biodiesel Production, Hossein Noureddini, W. R. Dailey, B. A. Hunt

Papers in Biomaterials

Methyl esters of fatty acids (also known as biodiesel), made from the transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats with methanol, have shown a lot of promise as alternative diesel fuels. Glycerol is the inevitable by-product of the transesterification process. While there are existing markets for glycerol, a significant increase in availability of glycerol, resulting from the expanded use of vegetable oils and animal fats, would destabilize the glycerol market. Direct addition of glycerol to the fuel is not possible, however, derivatives of glycerol such as ethers have potential for use as additives with biodiesel, diesel or biodiesel-diesel blends. In …

Process For Producing Biodiesel Fuel With Reduced Viscosity And A Cloud Point Below Thirty-Two (32) Degrees Fahrenheit , Hossein Noureddini

Papers in Biomaterials

Triglycerides are reacted in a liquid phase reaction with methanol and a homogeneous basic catalyst. The reaction yields a spatially separated two phase result with an upper located non-polar phase consisting principally of non-polar methyl esters and a lower located phase consisting principally of glycerol and residual methyl esters. The glycerol phase is passed through a strong cationic ion exchanger to remove anions, resulting in a neutral product which is flashed to remove methanol and which is reacted with isobutylene in the presence of a strong acid catalyst to produce glycerol ethers. The glycerol ethers are then added back to …

The Relationship Between Thermoregulatory And Haemodynamic Responses Of The Skin To Relaxation And Stress, Paul O. Nketia

Theses

The present study investigated the effects of stress and relaxation on (1) EEG coherence and (2) peripheral blood flow.

EEG coherence of two meditators in two different but adjacent rooms was measured during eyes opened, eyes closed, single meditation and group meditation. The skin temperatures of the subjects together with their room temperatures were also recorded. EEG coherence plots (Cospar) showed a spread out of the alpha band to the beta, theta and occasionally to the delta wave bands during group meditation. The area above the 0.98 coherence threshold in the alpha band was greater during group meditation than during …