Engineering Commons^™

Methods To Increase Algae Biomass Productivity In Raceway Pond Monocultures, Ryan S. Anderson

Master's Theses

The economics of algae biofuels and bioproducts would be improved by increased biomass productivity. Two studies on this potential are described in this thesis – one on a locally isolated filamentous yellow-green alga and the other on a planktonic strain genetically improved via selective enrichment.

Polycultures have been viewed as productive, stable, and, in some cases, harvestable by natural bioflocculation. Local native strains might have higher productivity than culture collection strains because they are already adapted to local outdoor conditions. In this study, the filamentous yellow-green alga Tribonema minus was isolated from a local volunteer polyculture. Its productivity as a …

Skier's Edge: Biomechanical Analysis, Benjamin T. Johannes

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Skier’s Edge: Biomechanical Analysis

Benjamin T. Johannes

The Skier’s Edge trainer can be used by novice or expert skiers. Testing was performed to analyze if the use of the Skier’s Edge could reduce in shear forces of the valgus moment on the knee joint and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) due to lesser fatigue of muscle and a higher hamstring to quadricep (H/Q) ratio activity. This leads to a reduction of improper form and an increase in balance. Experiments performed observed the change in muscle activity with the use of the Skier’s Edge over time when compared to other forms …

Insulative (Direct Current) Dielectrophoretic Foul-Less Filtration In Microfuidic Systems, Matthew A A Whitman

Master's Theses

Filtration is a technology that is used almost ubiquitously in society from uses raging from filtration of macroparticles from water to pharmaceutical grade filtration products to remove anything larger than a protein. However, with such a wide range of uses, most filtration products have the same issue; membrane clogging (fouling) that prevents continuous use and requires frequent maintenance. This thesis hypothesizes that by applying a direct current (DC) to an insulating array of posts, they will create a foul-less insulative dielectrophoretic filter (iDEP) that does not clog since particles will levitate above the insulating array.

This thesis tested an inherited …

Prosthetic Thumb, Allison M. Sigdestad, Sahil Sharma, Cale Foreman

Biomedical Engineering

The Prosthetic Thumb Project is a senior design project completed by Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate students at California Polytechnic State University. This senior design project is aimed at designing a prosthetic thumb for a Cal Poly Pomona student who lost their thumb in an accident last year. The patient has ultimately lost between 30-40% of functionality of his left hand, and so we would like to give him that mobility back. Originally, the patient was worried about having a prosthesis, and wanted something more stagnant that would resemble the look of the thumb he lost. However, after working with him, we …

Esophageal Temperature Mapping And Monitoring Sheath, Nicole M. Rogers, Hillary Johnson, Alexander Silva

Biomedical Engineering

The purpose of this document is to provide a product development summary for an accessory device that joins an esophageal temperature probe and a mapping catheter together to be used during cardiac ablation. Catheter ablation therapy is performed in the left atrium, utilizing extremely hot or cold temperatures to create scar tissue and treat atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. The close positioning of the left atria adjacent to the esophagus presents a large risk as the extreme temperatures used during ablation can lead to esophageal damage or fistulas. This device is designed to integrate correlate data from the temperature probe …

Ikioo Flying Robot, Nicholas Michael Lapidus, Bosung Josh Kim, Jenny Fong

Biomedical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Gesea Biosciences - Core Shell Pellet Manufacturing Device, Claire Edelman, Maria Medrano, Rachel Longoria

Biomedical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Housecalls Mobile: Virtual Stethoscope/Otoscope, Julia Kelley, Cullen Mcgee, Eduardo Uribe-Saldana

Biomedical Engineering

At the start of the project, our initial deliverables were to add a low cost camera into virtual otoscope and to add a pediatric attachment to the stethoscope. However, about half way through the first quarter (1.5 months into the project), our deliverables changed to the following: to design a housing unit for the selected otoscope camera and to increase battery life to allow for 12+ battery life. To accomplish our deliverables, we divided up the responsibilities as follows: One person headed the mechanical design, one person headed the electrical design, and one person served as a liaison between the …

Pulsed Electrical Field Ablation Modulation, Camille Lousie Dozois, Jason Tyler Arias, Courtnee Lin Madsen

Biomedical Engineering

This document comprises the steps taken by the senior project team to create a Proof-of-Concept Review for a Variable Pulsed Electric Field Ablation Catheter. First, the team did a significant amount of background research on related literature to better understand the current status of the project topic. After sufficient background information was obtained, project objectives and deliverables were finalized. Once customer requirements and the indications for use were completed, engineering specifications for the product and project were documented. All key customer requirements and engineering specs were related to the variable pulse functionality, maneuverability, as well as overall dimensioning of the …

Bone Marrow-Derived And Elicited Peritoneal Macrophages Are Not Created Equal: The Questions Asked Dictate The Cell Type Used, Cheryl M. Zajd, Alexis M. Ziemba, Grace M. Miralles, Terry Nguyen, Paul J. Feustel, Stanley M. Dunn, Ryan J. Gilbert, Michelle R. Lennartz

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Macrophages are a heterogeneous and plastic population of cells whose phenotype changes in response to their environment. Macrophage biologists utilize peritoneal (pMAC) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) for in vitro studies. Given that pMACs mature in vivo while BMDM are ex vivo differentiated from stem cells, it is likely that their responses differ under experimental conditions. Surprisingly little is known about how BMDM and pMACs responses compare under the same experimental conditionals. While morphologically similar with respect to forward and side scatter by flow cytometry, reports in the literature suggest that pMACs are more mature than their BMDM counterparts. Given …

Lung Nodule Malignancy Prediction From Computed Tomography Images Using Deep Learning, Rahul Paul

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Lung cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate. The five-year relative survival rate for all lung cancers is 18%. Due to the high mortality and incidence rate of lung cancer worldwide, early detection is essential. Low dose Computed Tomography (CT) is a commonly used technique for screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) compared low-dose helical computed tomography (LDCT) and standard chest radiography (CXR) for three annual screens and reported a 20% relative reduction in lung cancer mortality for LDCT compared to CXR. As such, LDCT screening for lung cancer …

Initial Development Of Corn Seedlings After Seed Priming With Nanoscale Synthetic Zinc Oxide, Michel Esper Neto, David W. Britt, Lorena Moreira Lara, Anthony Cartwright, Rayssa Fernanda De Santos, Tadeu Takeyoshi Inoue, Marcelo Augusto Batista

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Nanofertilizers are increasingly explored for sustainable micronutrient delivery in agriculture. Pre-treating seeds with nanofertilizers prior to planting (i.e., seed priming) reduces concerns about nanoparticle (NP) fertilizer non-target dispersion; however, priming formulations and concentrations must be carefully selected to avoid germination inhibition and toxicity. Here we investigate changes in corn seed germination and seedling development after seed priming with ZnO NPs, ZnO bulk and ZnCl₂. To evaluate the effects sterile seeds were immersed in priming solutions of 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg L⁻¹ Zn for the three Zn sources. Following an 8 h priming the seeds were …

Architecture And Trilogy Of (Law, Theory And Hypothesis), Ahmed Hashim Hameed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The general cognitive expositions had focused on the study of the general knowledge frameworks of the field of architecture, with both concepts that influencing and influenced by them, which used to contain them without referring to their intellectual origins in order to understand their general effect and their role in the cognitive enrichment to the architectural field. This, in return, showed the importance of direction to study the role, influence and effect of trilogy (Law, theory and hypothesis) in the field of architecture, according to their general reality knowledge and their specific theoretical and intellectual characteristics. This research deals with …

The Impact Of Spatial Location Of Functions To Identify Architectural Forms As A Landmark (Case Study - Contemporary Islamic Architecture -), Ibtisam Abdulelah Mohammed Al Khafaji, Maha Haki Ismaeil

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research discusses the impact of spatial location of functions inside architectural form to enhance visual legibility and how it can improve the possibilities of identifying them as a landmark. The absence of a clear conceptual frame which can be used to describe this impact forms the basic research problem. The objective aim of the research is to clarify and describe this impact. To achieve this objective aim, an analytical process was used. We supposed that spatial location of functions enhances visual legibility of forms, then improves our possibility of identifying them as a landmark. For applying the conceptual frame, …

Effect Of Loading Level Of Hybrid Reinforced Concrete Deep Beams Under Repeated Loading, Sawsan Akram Hassan, Ghsoon Ali Faroun

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research is devoted to investigating the experimental and theoretical behavior of hybrid deep beams under monotonic and repeated two-point loading. The dimensions and the flexural reinforcement of the deep beams were kept constant. In this work, the idea of a hybrid beam is completely different. Two types of concrete were used but not in the cross-section. The first type, which is fiberous concrete (FC), was used in casting beam sides (shear spans), while the second type was conventional concrete (CC) which was used in the middle portion of the beam (between two shear spans). This was done to strengthen …

Reverse Osmosis Method For Sulphate Re-Moval From Treated Wastewater Of Al-Doura Refinery, Rana Mohammed Rasheed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The treated wastewater by the industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) commonly named (INGECO) in Al-Doura refinery suffers from highly sulfate concentrations that exceed the EPA specified limits of 250 mg/L. Therefore, laboratory water quality historical data have been reviewed and analyzed to determine the annual rate, maximum, and peak sulfate concentrations that were found to be 360 mg/L, 425 mg/L, and 550 mg/L, respectively. Through field inspection aimed at specifying the reasons for the high sulfate concentrations in the wastewater of most refinery process units, it was found that the maximum required sulfate remaining concentration should not exceed 10 mg/L …

Comparison Between Regular And Irregular Configuration In Earthquake Resistant Design, Ali Nur-Aldeen Azeez, Ali Mohsen Jaafer Al-Khafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Earthquake-resistant design is one of the greatest challenges that must be considered by the Architect because it is a serious natural disaster that affects the stability and durability of the building. Due to the connection between the seismic behavior of buildings with its formal configuration and the differences in seismic resistance between regular and irregular buildings, the research problem presented as the confusion of seismic behavior of irregular buildings and their difference from the regular buildings when earthquakes occur. The aim of the research is to clarify the differences between regular and irregular configurations, also clarifying the design considerations in …

Pedestrian Movement Within Residential Areas, Abd Alali Hamza Mohamed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The network of transport within residential areas, especially within residential neighborhoods, consists mainly of roads designed to provide relative safety for road users and to prioritize solutions that enhance safety. It is believed that the pedestrian movement network should be separated from the car movement network, with a focus on road design, pedestrian paths, and the types of vehicles used in these areas to ensure safety. This research explores the solutions developed in the planning of roads and walkways in traditional housing schemes within the urban fabric of old cities. It examines the approaches and conclusions of modern models of …

Sustainable, Alginate-Based Sensor For Detection Of Escherichia Coli In Human Breast Milk, Nicholas Kikuchi, Margaret May, Matthew Zweber, Jerard Madamba, Craig M. Stephens, Unyoung Kim, Maryam Mobed-Miremadi

Bioengineering

There are no existing affordable diagnostics for sensitive, rapid, and on-site detection of pathogens in milk. To this end, an on-site colorimetric-based sustainable assay has been developed and optimized using an L₁₆ (5⁴) Taguchi design to obtain results in hours without PCR amplification. To determine the level of Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination, after induction with 150 µL of breast milk, the B-Per bacterial protein extraction kit was added to a solution containing an alginate-based microcapsule assay. Within this 3 mm spherical novel sensor design, X-Gal (5-Bromo-4-Chloro-3-Indolyl β-_D-Galactopyranoside) was entrapped at a concentration of 2 …

Role Of Nanoparticle–Polymer Interactions On The Development Of Double-Network Hydrogel Nanocomposites With High Mechanical Strength, Andrew Chang, Nasim Babhadiashar, Emma Barrett-Catton, Prashanth Asuri

Bioengineering

Extensive experimental and theoretical research over the past several decades has pursued strategies to develop hydrogels with high mechanical strength. Our study investigated the effect of combining two approaches, addition of nanoparticles and crosslinking two different polymers (to create double-network hydrogels), on the mechanical properties of hydrogels. Our experimental analyses revealed that these orthogonal approaches may be combined to synthesize hydrogel composites with enhanced mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in double network hydrogel elastic modulus due to incorporation of nanoparticles is limited by the ability of the nanoparticles to strongly interact with the polymers in the network. Moreover, double-network hydrogel …

Brain Health Innovation Diplomacy: A Model Binding Diverse Disciplines To Manage The Promise And Perils Of Technological Innovation, Kylie Ternes, Vijeth Iyengar, Helen Lavretsky, Walter D. Dawson, Laura Booi, Agustin Ibanez, Ipsit Vahia, Charles Reynolds, Steven Dekosky, Jeffrey Cummings, Bruce Miller, Carla Perissinotto, Jeffrey Kaye, Harris A. Eyre

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Background: Brain health diplomacy aims to influence the global policy environment for brain health (i.e. dementia, depression, and other mind/brain disorders) and bridges the disciplines of global brain health, international affairs, management, law, and economics. Determinants of brain health include educational attainment, diet, access to health care, physical activity, social support, and environmental exposures, as well as chronic brain disorders and treatment. Global challenges associated with these determinants include large-scale conflicts and consequent mass migration, chemical contaminants, air quality, socioeconomic status, climate change, and global population aging. Given the rapidly advancing technological innovations impacting brain health, it is paramount to …

Addressing Present Pitfalls In 3d Printing For Tissue Engineering To Enhance Future Potential, Jesse K. Placone, Bhushan Mahadik, John P. Fisher

Physics & Engineering Faculty Publications

Additive manufacturing in tissue engineering has significantly advanced in acceptance and use to address complex problems. However, there are still limitations to the technologies used and potential challenges that need to be addressed by the community. In this manuscript, we describe how the field can be advanced not only through the development of new materials and techniques but also through the standardization of characterization, which in turn may impact the translation potential of the field as it matures. Furthermore, we discuss how education and outreach could be modified to ensure end-users have a better grasp on the benefits and limitations …

Artificial Kidney And Hemodialysis, Zhongping Huang

Physics & Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Reformulated Red Mud: A Robust Catalyst For In Situ Catalytic Pyrolysis Of Biomass, Foster Agblevor, Huamin Wang, S. Beis, K. Christian, A. Slade, O. Hietsoi, D. M. Santosa

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Biomass feedstocks contain inorganic compounds generally classified as ash. The ash consists of compounds of potassium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, phosphorus. and other elements. These elements have been reported to influence both the pyrolysis reactions as well as the destabilization of the pyrolysis oils during storage. The inorganic elements have also been reported to deposit on catalyst surfaces during in situ catalytic pyrolysis leading to the eventual deactivation of acidic catalysts such as zeolites. The deposition of inorganic elements and their effects on formulated red mud (FRM) catalyst during in situ catalytic pyrolysis of pinyon juniper wood was investigated. The inorganic …

Target Flow-Pressure Operating Range For Designing A Failing Fontan Cavopulmonary Support Device, Masoud Farahmand, Minoo N. Kavarana, Phillip M. Trusty, Ethan Kung

Publications

Fontan operation as the current standard of care for the palliation of single ventricle defects results in significant late complications. Using a mechanical circulatory device for the right circulation to serve the function of the missing subpulmonary ventricle could potentially stabilize the failing Fontan circulation. This study aims to elucidate the hydraulic operating regions that should be targeted for designing cavopulmonary blood pumps. By integrating numerical analysis and available clinical information, the interaction of the cavopulmonary support via the IVC and full assist configurations with a wide range of simulated adult failing scenarios was investigated; with IVC and full assist …

Effect Of Tio2 Doping On Degradation Rate, Microstructure And Strength Of Borate Bioactive Glass Scaffolds, Romina Shafaghi, Omar Rodriguez, Sunjeev Phull, Emil H. Schemitsch, Paul Zalzal, Stephen D. Waldman, Marcello Papini, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A titanium-containing borate glass series based on the system (52-X) B₂O₃–12CaO–6P₂O₅–14Na₂O–16ZnO-XTiO₂ with X varying from 0, 5 and 15 mol% of TiO2 incorporated, identified as BRT0, BRT1 and BRT3, respectively, were used in this study. Scaffolds (pore sizes, 165–230 μm and porosity, 53.51–69.51%) were prepared using a polymer foam replication technique. BRT3 scaffolds exhibited higher compressive strength (7.16 ± 0.22 MPa) when compared to BRT0 (6.02 ± 0.47 MPa) and BRT1 (5.65 ± 0.28 MPa) scaffolds with lower, or no, TiO₂ content. The solubility of the scaffolds decreased …

Electromechanics Modelling Of The Effects Of Myocardial Infarction On Left Ventricular Remodelling, Chin Neng Leong

Student Works (2020-2029)

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate. Following MI, myocardium experiences abrupt changes in its loading condition due to the presence of infarct. In response to such changes, myocytes undergo adaptations to maintain homeostasis. However, maladaptation can happen and lead to remodelling, in which the left ventricle (LV) gradually loses its function and eventually turns into heart failure. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying LV remodelling are still poorly understood. In this study, a generic LV model was developed, incorporating realistic fibre orientation and excitable contracting myocardium. It was demonstrated that the developed model is capable …

Electrical Characterization And Detection Of Blood Cells And Stones In Urine, Nida Nasir

Dissertations

Urine contains an immense amount of information related to its physical, chemical, and biological components; hence, it is a promising tool in detecting various diseases. Available methods for detecting hematuria (blood in the urine) are not accurate. Results are influenced by many factors, such as, health and vitals of the patients, settings of the equipment and laboratories, which leads to false positive or false negative outputs. This necessitates the development of new, accurate, and easy-access methods that save time and effort. This study demonstrates a label-free and accurate method for detecting the presence of red and white blood cells (RBCs …

Biomedical Engineering: An Exploratory Analysis Of The Field, Meredith Ayers, Nestor Osorio

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Technological advances have a significant impact in medical sciences. biomedical engineering, which is a multi-faceted field that includes engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and several areas of the medical sciences among others, is the topic of this study. With a humble beginning over a century ago and formally created in the early years of the 1960s, biomedical engineering has become a strong, highly competitive and productive field. Its literature has worldwide coverage with an accelerated increase after 2000.

In this study, the authors explore two issues: First, what constitute the subject domain of Biomedical Engineering and second with the use …

Paid Summer Research Opportunities With The Louisiana Biomedical Research Network, John L. Quebedeaux Jr., Gabrielle Broussard

Science Seminars

The Louisiana Biomedical Research Network Summer Research Program provides undergraduate and graduate students $4000 to $6000 in support, including housing if needed, for summer research with LBRN investigators located at various institutions across the state. This presentation will summarize the program and the application process. Additional details can be found at: https://lbrn.lsu.edu/summer-research-program.html