Engineering Commons^™

Autonomic Activity In Gulf War Veterans Using Heart Rate And Systolic Blood Pressure Variability, Maryann S. Fam

Theses

Heart rate variability (HRV) describes variations of heart rate and is attributed to cyclic fluctuations in autonomic tone. The different methods of heart rate variability analysis allow for a non-invasive assessment of autonomic activity. This study analyzes the heart rate variability through both frequency domain methods and joint time-frequency domain methods which were executed through the LabVJEW graphical programming language. These algorithms were utilized to assess autonomic nervous system activity in Gulf War veterans with no health complaints versus Gulf War veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome. The heart rate variability analysis was obtained from acquired measurements of heart rate and …

Drowsy Driver Data Acquisition System, Rafael Norat

Theses

This thesis focuses on detecting the drowsiness of a driver based on differentiation of the EEG signal activity between the eyes open and eyes closed states. Here, it is observed that there is a significant increase 'in a 10 Hz component of the alpha rhythm activity when the subject under test closes his / her eyes. This phenomenon was observed when electrodes were attached to the occipital region. A more desirable approach is to develop a non-intrusive measurement based on a multiturn differential coil combination utilizing a low noise high gain amplifier. The system developed here used an 80,000 turn …

Phototrophic Anaerobic Lagoons As Affected By Copper And Zinc In Swine Diets, John E. Gilley, Daniel P. Spare, Richard K. Koelsch, Dennis D. Schulte, Phillip S. Miller, Anne M. Parkhurst

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Odor emissions from anaerobic lagoons containing large populations of phototrophic bacteria are usually minimal. This study was conducted to determine whether copper (123 ppm) and zinc (2,310 ppm) in diets fed to weanling pigs for therapeutic purposes affect phototrophic conditions within lagoons. Column reactors containing 47 L of swine lagoon sludge and supernatant were used to represent lagoons. The reactors were placed in an environmental chamber maintained at 24° C. Copper, zinc, and control manure were added to the reactors at a volatile solids loading rate of 128 g_vs m^–3 da^–1 using a hydraulic retention time of …

Persistence Of Motor Adaptation During Constrained, Multi-Joint, Arm Movements, Robert A. Scheidt, David J. Reinkensmeyer, Michael A. Conditt, W. Zev Reymer, Ferdinando A. Mussa-Ivaldi

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We studied the stability of changes in motor performance associated with adaptation to a novel dynamic environment during goal-directed movements of the dominant arm. Eleven normal, human subjects made targeted reaching movements in the horizontal plane while holding the handle of a two-joint robotic manipulator. This robot was programmed to generate a novel viscous force field that perturbed the limb perpendicular to the desired direction of movement. Following adaptation to this force field, we sought to determine the relative role of kinematic errors and dynamic criteria in promoting recovery from the adapted state. In particular, we compared kinematic and dynamic …

Simulation Studies Of Cellular Electroporation Due To Ultra-Fast Electric Pulses, Gayathri R. Barthaki

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Biological systems, from cells to ecosystems, are intrinsically complex information-processing networks. It often becomes difficult to predict their behavior during an experimental investigation, as their behavior is fundamentally chaotic, Hence, building models that mimic the dynamics of such systems and performing computer simulations would help in understanding, predicting, controlling and optimizing these systems. This thesis is aimed at the development of a mathematical model for the process of electroporation in biological cells when they are subjected to ultra-fast electric pulses and at conducting simulations to understand its dynamic behavior with special emphasis on the physics of ultra-short time scales.

With …

A Study Of The Parameters And Stipulations Involved In The Design Of Prosthetic Limb Socket Liners, Sally F. Shady

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to illustrate the parameters that define and characterize the elements necessary for an optimal prosthetic socket interface design. Previous studies have revealed that the industry is manufacturing materials that are causing irregularities in gait patterns and causing major discomfort for transtibial amputees. As a result, chances for recovery and rehabilitation of many patients have been greatly reduced.

This study has indicated that the success of a socket liner depends on quantitative and qualitative factors that assess the overall efficacy of an artificial limb. Quantitative analysis is observed through calculations and deviations in gait cycles, …

Biomechanical Evaluation Of Patient Transfers, Charles Costa

Theses

The purpose of this study is to identify the problem encountered when a patient with limited strength and mobility needs assistance in transferring from a wheelchair to another location.

This study took advantage of ergonomic techniques to isolate the source of stress, and limited these stresses according to the standards of the National Institute of Safety and Health Administration.

A device was developed whereby the stresses of a patient transfer were eliminated. By using a conventional wheelchair and a recliner as a starting point, effectively combining these components into a single multifunctional unit the goal of reducing stress was achieved. …

The Import Of Importing And Unnatural Acts: The Political Psychology Of Bioengineered Plants, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article describes political psychological aspects of opposition to the importing of bioengineered plants.

Design Of A Fluoride Removal Water Treatment System For A Guatemalan Community: An Exercise In Global Engineering, Jason R. El Koubi

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Micro-Ct Image-Derived Metrics Quantify Arterial Wall Distensibility Reduction In A Rat Model Of Pulmonary Hypertension, Roger H. Johnson, Kelly L. Karau, Robert C. Molthen, Steven Thomas Haworth, Christopher A. Dawson

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We developed methods to quantify arterial structural and mechanical properties in excised rat lungs and applied them to investigate the distensibility decrease accompanying chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Lungs of control and hypertensive (three weeks 11% O₂) animals were excised and a contrast agent introduced before micro-CT imaging with a special purpose scanner. For each lung, four 3D image data sets were obtained, each at a different intra-arterial contrast agent pressure. Vessel segment diameters and lengths were measured at all levels in the arterial tree hierarchy, and these data used to generate features sensitive to distensibility changes. Results indicate …

Effects Of Adding Sodium And Fluoride Ions To Glass Ionomer On Its Interactions With Sodium Fluoride Solution, R. W. Billington, P. C. Hadley, Mark R. Towler, G. J. Pearson, J. A. Williams

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This investigates the effects of the addition of Na and F ions to a glass ionomer cement in which those ions are not inherently present on its interactions with dilute (0.2%) NaF solution. Both the effect of the solution on the cement's surface morphology and the effect of the cement on the solution in terms of take up of Na⁺ and F^- and of change in pH are to be investigated. These results are to be compared to previous results obtained with glasses which contained both, one, or neither of the ions as components of their glasses. NaF …

Late Deflation Study : Hemodynamic Effects Of Iab Timing In Humans, Manal Morcos

Theses

Conventional IABP timing deflates 100% of the balloon volume before the onset of left ventricular ejection and has been well established in the literature as a safe and effective method. Yet, recent studies suggest that deflation of the IAB at or near the onset of systole improve myocardial efficiency (Kern, 1999, 1129). To test whether deflation of the JAB at a later deflation time reduces left ventricular workload and enhances coronary perfusion, four timing methods were evaluated in 20 patients: T₁ (100% JAB volume deflated before onset of ejection), T₂ (60% IAB volume deflated before and 40% volume …

Development And Testing Of A Simulated Closed Loop Drug Delivery System For Chf Patients Under Milrinone Administration, Runa Shah

Theses

The purpose of this thesis project is the development and testing of a simulated closed loop drug delivery (CLDD) system that consists of a pharmacokinetic, physiological, and feedback-controlling model. The focus of this study is on the control of milrinone inflision to maintain cardiac output at desired setpoint range for patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF). The simulated CLDD system is written in VisSim dynamic simulation language for an IBM-compatible PC.

Milrinone pharmacokinetics are represented by a three compartment model. The physiological model consists of the cardiovascular system model linked to the pharmacodynamic submodel of milrinone. The feedback-controlling model …

A Study Of Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Reactivity, Andrew Gill Ventura

Theses

This pilot study was conducted to determine what affects the cardiovascular reactivity of different people. Variables such as the order of stress-inducing and relaxing activities, performing multiple tasks on different days, personality, familial history of diseases, and general health were investigated as to their effects, if any, on cardiovascular reactivity.

Ten healthy, normal male subjects, aged 18 - 33 years, volunteered to be subjected to studies on three experimental days, the first one being for gathering information. On the second and third days, the subjects performed the following activities: mental arithmetic, numeric repetition, 10 breaths-per-minute (bpm) paced-breathing, and normal breathing, …

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. …

Dwell Fatigue I : Damage Mechanisms, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

The mechanisms controlling deformation and failure under high temperature creep-fatigue conditions of materials are examined in this paper. The materials studied are solder alloys, copper alloys, low alloy steels, stainless steels, titanium alloys, and Ni-based alloys. The deformation and failure mechanisms were different (fatigue, creep, oxidation and their interactions) depending upon test and material parameters employed. Deformation mechanisms, such as cavity formation, grain boundary damage, intergranular (IG) and transgranular (TG) damage, oxidation, internal damage, dislocation cell concentration, and oxide mechanisms are very important in order to gain more knowledge of fatigue behavior of materials. The observed mechanisms can be categorized …

Bottom-Up Design Of Artificial Neural Network For Single-Lead Electrocardiogram Beat And Rhythm Classification, Srikanth Thiagarajan

Doctoral Dissertations

Performance improvement in computerized Electrocardiogram (ECG) classification is vital to improve reliability in this life-saving technology. The non-linearly overlapping nature of the ECG classification task prevents the statistical and the syntactic procedures from reaching the maximum performance. A new approach, a neural network-based classification scheme, has been implemented in clinical ECG problems with much success. The focus, however, has been on narrow clinical problem domains and the implementations lacked engineering precision. An optimal utilization of frequency information was missing. This dissertation attempts to improve the accuracy of neural network-based single-lead (lead-II) ECG beat and rhythm classification. A bottom-up approach defined …

Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Runoff And Soil Loss, John E. Gilley, B. Eghball, L. A. Kramer, T. B. Moorman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This rainfall simulation study provided information on the effects of 0.72 m (2.4 ft) wide switchgrass hedges located at the bottom of plots on runoff an soil loss under both no-till and tilled conditions. The study area, which had slopes ranging from 8 to 16%, had produced corn for 33 years and the grass hedges had been established for 6 years. Simulated rainfall [64 mm hr^-1)] was applied for two hours to plots [3.7 m (12 ft) wide by 10.7 m (35.1 ft) long] with corn residue and to plots where corn residue was removed. The narrow grass …

The Influence Of Poly(Acrylic Acid) Molar Mass On The Properties Of Polyalkenoate Cements Formed From Zinc Oxide/Apatite Mixtures, Sinead Kenny, Robert G. Hill, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The influence of poly (acrylic acid) molar mass was investigated on cements formed from zinc oxide-apatite mixtures at three aging times: one, seven and 28 days. Cements based on both hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite were investigated. The compressive strength, un-notched fracture strength and fracture toughness increased markedly with poly (acrylic acid) molar mass. The fracture toughness and un-notched fracture strength increased with aging time for the two highest molar mass cements but decreased with time for the two lowest molar mass cements. The greater chain entanglement density present in the higher molar mass cements is thought to contribute significantly to the …

Waste Assessment Of Agricultural Chemicals, Petroleum Products And Maintenance Residuals On Farmsteads, Sherman D. Reed, Robert D. Grisso, Wayne E. Woldt, Shirley M. Niemeyer

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to evaluate waste management practices of purchasing, handling, storage, and disposal of agricultural chemicals, petroleum products, and maintenance residuals. One-hundred surveys were returned by agricultural producers from three Nebraska counties selected based on unique environmental and waste management issues. Twenty-four questions concerning agricultural chemicals and 16 questions directed to petroleum products and maintenance residuals are discussed. A follow-up interview with 45 respondents was conducted “on-site” to gain insight into their reported practices, perceptions, and actual practices. Most farmers (66%) tended to purchase pesticides in 3.8 to 10 L (1-2.5 gal) containers and most (79%) …

Efficacy Of Interposed Abdominal Compression-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Cpr), Active Compression And Decompression-Cpr, And Lifestick Cpr: Basic Physiology In A Spreadsheet Model, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study was undertaken to understand and predict results of experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques involving compression and decompression of either the chest or the abdomen. Simple mathematical models of the adult human circulation were used. Assumptions of the models are limited to normal human anatomy and physiology, the definition of compliance (volume change/pressure change), and Ohm’s law (flow = pressure / resistance). Interposed abdominal compression-CPR, active compression and decompression of the chest, and Lifestick CPR, which combines interposed abdominal compression and active compression and decompression, produce, respectively, 1.9-, 1.2-, and 2.4- fold greater blood flow than standard CPR and …

Fractional Composition Of Grain Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor) After Wet-Peeling In A Centrifugal Pump, K. R. Lochte-Watson, Curtis L. Weller, Kent M. Eskridge

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Use of a centrifugal pump to peel and facilitate separation of grain sorghum kernels into three fractions was investigated. Special emphasis was given to separating fractions to achieve a high concentration of wax in one fraction and a high concentration of starch in another. Trials were conducted to determine the effects of both soak time and recirculation time on wet-peeling. After peeling, three fractions, peeled kernel, bran, and suspended solids, were collected. Together, the bran and suspended solids fractions contained 12.7% of the initial total dry solids, 90% of initial wax, and 8.1% of the initial starch. Peeled kernel fraction …

Narrow Grass Hedge Effects On Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff Following Manure And Fertilizer Application, B. Eghball, John E. Gilley, L. A. Kramer, T. B. Moorman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Runoff losses of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from field applied manure can contribute to surface water pollution. Grass hedges may reduce runoff losses of nutrients and sediment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of narrow switchgrass (,i>Panicum virgatum L.) hedges (~0.75 m wide) on the transport of P and N from a field receiving beef cattle feedlot manure under tilled and n-till conditions. This study was conducted on a steep (12% average slope) Monona silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludolls) soil near Treynor, Iowa. The experiment was a split-plot with no-till and …

Performance Tests Of Three-Point Mounted Implement Guidance Systems: Ii. Results, Michael F. Kocher, Michael B. Smith, Robert D. Grisso, Linda J. Young

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Side-shift and disk-steer implement guidance systems were tested for differences in performance during cultivation on fields with 0 and 5% side slope. Test speeds were slow (4.8 km/h, 3 mph) and medium (8.0 km/h, 5 mph). Test path shapes included a tractor ramp, implement ramp, sine and curve. Performance measures included tractor positional error, implement positional error, torque from side forces on the cultivator non-swiveling coulters, and travel speed. Relatively few significant differences between guidance systems were detected, and most of those involved interaction with path shape. Therefore, no clear conclusion could be reached indicating one guidance system was better …

Performance Tests Of Three-Point Mounted Implement Guidance Systems: I. Procedure, Michael F. Kocher, Michael B. Smith, Robert D. Grisso, Leonard L. Bashford

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

A procedure is presented for determining the performance of three-point mounted implement guidance systems. A test track with tractor ramp, implement ramp, sine wave, and curve path shapes was used as the desired path to guide the tractor and implement, and as a reference location for measuring implement positional errors. Potentiometers were used with mechanical frames to measure the tractor and implement positional errors (lateral displacement between the intended and actual travel paths). An optoelectronic sensor triggered acquisition of data from all sensors at known locations [15.2 cm (6 in.) intervals] along the track. The accumulated errors for the tractor …

Water Vapor Transport Parameters Of A Cast Wheat Gluten Film, Soumya Roy, Aristippos Gennadios, Curtis Weller, Robert F. Testin

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Understanding the mode of transport of water vapor through the film is important for improving the moisture barrier properties of wheat gluten (WG) films. Effective permeability (P_eff), solubility (S_eff), and diffusion (D_eff) coefficients of a hydrophilic cast WG film were determined at 25°C within the relative humidity (RH) range of 0–84% (with a 9–13% RH gradient between upstream and downstream water vapor flux). P_eff, S_eff, and D_eff increased substantially as the RH gradient moved upwards in the RH spectrum. P_eff increased by four orders of …

Laboratory And Field Testing Of Seed Spacing Uniformity For Sugarbeet Planters, Jonathan W. Panning, Michael F. Kocher, John A. Smith, Stephen D. Kachman

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Five planter configurations were evaluated for seed spacing uniformity at three field speeds using a seed location method in the field and a laboratory method involving an opto-electronic sensor system. Planter seed spacing uniformity was described using the Coefficient of Precision (CP3) measure. Results showed that CP3 measures determined using the laboratory test method were significantly different from those determined using the field test method. This indicated the laboratory test method cannot be used to predict planter seed spacing uniformity in the field. Seed spacing uniformity determined in laboratory tests was higher than, or equal to, seed spacing uniformity determined …

Fate And Behavior Of Lead In Soils Planted With Metal-Resistant Species (River Birch And Smallwing Sedge), S. P. Klassen, J. E. Mclean, P. R. Grossl, Ronald C. Sims

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Phytoremediation of metal-contaminated soils requires an understanding of the interactions between metal-tolerant plant species and soil chemical properties controlling the bioavailability of metals. We conducted controlled laboratory studies to investigate the effects that river birch (Betula occidentalis Hook.) and smallwing sedge (Carex microptera Mack.) had on the fate and behavior of Pb in a contaminated soil (3000 mg Pb/kg) and tailings (13 000 mg Pb/kg) collected from an abandoned mining site in Utah. Significant Pb accumulation in aboveground tissue was observed in smallwing sedge (≥1000 mg/kg dry wt.) in both the soil and tailings, but Pb was primarily excluded by …

Applications Of Wavelet Transforms In Biomedical Optoacoustics, Zibiao Wei, Shujun Yang, Amin N. Dharamsi, Barbara Hargrave

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

We discuss the utility of wavelet transform methods in signal processing in general, and in particular, demonstrate the technique in optoacoustic applications. In several optoacoustic experiments with different samples, we have successfully enhanced the signal to noise ratios. Wavelet transforms optimize resolution by utilizing a tailored, variable time-window in different frequency regions. The technique's great advantage lies in the fact that the wavelet transform adds some redundancy to the original signal, and some desired features can be enhanced in the transformed space. In addition, proper choice of the basis set allows a sparse representation of the signal. Therefore, even when …

Control Strategies For The Transition From Multijoint To Single-Joint Arm Movements Studied Using A Simple Mechanical Constraint, Robert A. Scheidt, W. Zev Rymer

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Changes were studied in neuromotor control that were evoked by constraining the motion of the elbow joint during planar, supported movements of the dominant arm in eight normal human subjects. Electromyograph (EMG) recordings from shoulder and arm muscles were used to determine whether the normal multijoint muscle activity patterns associated with reaching to a visual target were modified when the movement was reduced to a single-joint task, by pinning the elbow to a particular location in the planar work space. Three blocks of 150 movements each were used in the experiments. Subjects were presented with the unconstrained task in the …