Engineering Commons^™

The Design Of A Bioinspired Impact Mitigation System Towards The Prevention Of Brain Injuries, Bryce H. Reimer

Master’s Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a major concern across contact sports, military operations, and transportation. Despite advancements in protective equipment, current strategies often fall short in preventing the mechanical conditions that contribute to long-term neurological damage. This thesis presents the design and validation of a bioinspired impact mitigation system modeled after bighorn sheep horn structures, which have evolved to endure high-energy collisions without apparent brain injury.

Using biomimetic principles, the research integrates experimental and computational methods to evaluate how horn-like geometries reduce impact-induced accelerations. A custom drop tower was built to test dynamic …

Program And Proceedings: Nebraska Academy Of Sciences 1880–2025, 145th Anniversary Year, One Hundred-Thirty-Fifth Annual Meeting

Nebraska Academy of Sciences: Programs and Proceedings

Program

Aeronautics and Space Science

Biological and Medical Sciences

Biology

Chemistry

Earth Sciences

Science Education

Anthropology

Applied Science and Technology

Physics and Engineering

Forensic Sciences

Ecology, Sustainability, and Environmental Science

Maiben Lecture: Mary Ann Vinton, "State of the Academy"

Friends of Science Awards: David Crouse and Daniel Sitzman

Characterization Of Cancer Cell Migration Through Brain Vascular Endothelium Model, Malak Taysser Al-Noubani

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

One of the hallmarks of cancer is increased vessel growth to feed the tumor’s rapid expansion. The newly formed blood vessels are immature and often leaky due to structural and functional abnormalities. This leads to ineffective anti-cancer drug delivery and provides tumor cells with additional opportunities to metastasize. We propose to develop an in vitro vascular endothelium model and introduce aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to mimic the tumor environment, utilizing a Transwell migration assay. The impact of TNBC cells on vessel permeability will be assessed by staining for tight junction proteins, and the migratory capabilities of TNBC cells …

Generative Ai (Gan & Vae) In Motion Sickness Research, Harigovind Harikumar, Tomojit Ghosh

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

No abstract provided.

A Systematic Study Of Freezing Behavior In Earthworms In Response To Auditory And Vibratory Stimuli, Navjot Singh, A. Burton, Dragana Ivkovich Claflin

Celebration of Undergraduate & Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities Materials

While earthworms have largely been studied for their role in eliminating toxic metals from soil, less is known about their behavior overall. Previous work from our lab found that a predator-like auditory stimulus (grunting) reliably induced fear-related freezing behavior (Worthen et al., 2024). The present studies further explore earthworm behaviors in response to audio-vibratory stimuli. In Experiment 1, we manipulated amplitude levels and speaker location to examine the parameters needed to reliably induce a freezing fear response to the grunting sound. It was hypothesized that when the speaker was touching the apparatus and producing an added mechanical vibration, there would …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Free Radical Scavenging Dendrimer Nanogels Via Cross-Linking Reaction-Enabled Flash Nanoprecipitation, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Huari Kou, Anna Chernatynskaya, Nuran Ercal, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work reports the development and evaluation of dendrimer-based nanogels based on Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5, engineered to act as a carrier with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging capabilities. We developed a cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation method in which the cross-linking reaction occurs during the flash nanoprecipitation process to form a cross-linked nanostructure. Using this approach, an N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS)-functionalized ROS-responsive thioketal cross-linker (TK-NHS) was synthesized and utilized to cross-link DAB-core PAMAM dendrimer G5, resulting in the formation of G5-TK nanogels. The resulting nanogels were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and their cytocompatibility, irritancy, cellular …

Scalable Fabrication Of High-Payload Dendrimer-Based Nanoparticles For Targeted Atherosclerosis Therapy, Huari Kou, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Jiandong Wu, Honglan Shi, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticle-based therapeutics hold promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but challenges such as low drug-loading capacity and a lack of scalable, controllable production hinder their clinical translation. Flash nanoprecipitation, a continuous synthesis method, offers a potential solution for scalable and reproducible nanoparticle production. In this study, we employed a custom-designed multi-inlet vortex mixer to perform cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation, facilitating controlled and scalable synthesis of cross-linked Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles. Notably, this approach allows simultaneous nanoparticle cross-linking and drug loading in a single step. The mannose moiety enabled specific targeting of macrophages via mannose receptors, enhancing the localization of …

Designing Public Parks To Enhance Quality Of Life: A Case Study Of Al-Eskan Park In Buraydah City, Basem Osama Elgendy, Essam Salem Almahmoud

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Public parks are essential elements for improving the quality of life, as they contribute to enhancing psychological comfort and creating spaces for social interaction. As the Kingdom moves towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030, the growth of green spaces, and the increasing interest of community members in public parks. However, many parks still lack a design that meets the needs of visitors, which calls for studies to understand the desires and behavior of park-goers.

This study focused on Al-Eskan Park as a case study, employing a mixed-methods approach that included observation and surveys of 34 participants from various age …

Boys Build, Girls Glam: An Examination Of Adult Language Use In Informal Steam Education Settings, Alexandra Horton

Theses and Dissertations

Research on STEAM education has primarily focused on formal education settings such as schools, with more research needed in informal or non-traditional education settings. As children frequently engage with informal and non-traditional education settings, it is important to understand how we can transmit information in these settings to bolster and further the learning process and increase engagement. STEAM fields have been plagued by racial and gender inequities that have led to these groups being marginalized and excluded (Blair et al., 2017; Eaton et al., 2020; Martin, 2018; Martin & Phillips, 2019; Miller et al., 2018; Newall et al., 2018, Sheffield …

Electrical Homeostasis Of The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Peyman Fahimi, Lázaro A. M. Castanedo, P. Thomas Vernier, Cherif F. Matta

Bioelectrics Publications

The electric potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane must be maintained within certain bounds for the proper functioning of the cell. A feedback control mechanism for the homeostasis of this membrane potential is proposed whereby an increase in the electric field decreases the rate-limiting steps of the electron transport chain (ETC). An increase in trans-membrane electric field limits the rate of proton pumping to the inter-membrane gap by slowing the ETC reactions and by intrinsically induced electroporation that depolarizes the inner membrane. The proposed feedback mechanism is akin to a Le Chatelier's-type principle of trans-membrane potential feedback control.

Innovative Biomechanical And Engineering-Based Assessments Of Hip Mechanics In Individuals With Hip-Related Pain, Holly M. Stanze

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Individuals with hip-related pain exhibit altered movement patterns, and worse fear of movement (kinesiophobia), compared to asymptomatic controls. Exacerbation of hip pain during movement and the role of hip symptom duration may help further our understanding of specific movement patterns that are associated with hip-related pain. A better understanding of the potential connections between hip-related symptom duration, kinesiophobia, hip pain during movement, and lower limb mechanics in those with hip-related pain may allow for more efficient referrals to clinicians and lead to more effective rehabilitation. In addition, the impact of hip-related pain on intra-articular hip loading patterns is not well …

Impacts Of Utilizing Reverse Osmosis Concentrate On Mashing, Fermentation, And Water Use In Bourbon Whiskey Production, Ryan C. Sarhan

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

This thesis addresses the feasibility of reusing reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) in the bourbon whiskey fermentation processes. Initial work compared laboratory-scale mashing and fermentation methods, demonstrating that simultaneous saccharification and fermentation reliably reflects industrial-scale processes, with lower complexity and process time. Building upon this, laboratory and distillery-scale experiments demonstrated that reusing ROC in the mashing and fermentation steps does not negatively impact ethanol yields. ROC produced by systems with a water softener was found to significantly increase mash rheology, suggesting a need for potential process adjustments. Softened ROC also altered the production of flavor-influencing volatile congeners. Under worst case conditions, …

Development Of Non-Destructive Methods For The Detection And Quantification Of Gluten Sources In Foods, Adewale Abiola Oloyede

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Cross-contamination of food with gluten-rich grains such as wheat, barley, and rye remains a significant challenge in gluten-free food production, posing health risks to individuals with gluten-related disorders. Traditional detection methods are often time-consuming and labor-intensive, highlighting the need for rapid and reliable alternatives. This study investigates the use of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques for the detection and quantification of gluten contamination in grain-based foods through three main approaches: (i) classification of gluten source contaminants in gluten-free flour, (ii) quantification of gluten content from wheat, rye, and barley flours, and …

Engineering Geological And Groundwater Mapping Of Negara Brunei Darussalam For Urban Planning, Nur Thaqifah Junaidi, Siti Lieyana Azffri, Afiq Aiman Jaya, Muhammad Asri Akmal Suhip, Stefan Herwig Gödeke

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Engineering geology and Hydrogeology play a crucial role in the development of urban areas. Without a thorough geological and hydrogeological understanding, urban development can be risky and prone to numerous challenges. In this study, we aim to conduct engineering geological and groundwater mapping of Brunei utilizing data from 614 sacrificial investigative boreholes drilled over the course of 40 years for geotechnical investigation and housing development. Borehole parameters such as soil data, SPT N-values, depth to groundwater and surface elevation were gathered and evaluated. Soil investigation in the study area revealed predominantly clayey sediments with SPT N-values ranging from 0 to …

Kadysnet: A Novel Approach To Dyslexia Prediction In Children: Combining Handwritten Text Recognition With A Hybrid Cnn-Bilstm-Ctc Model And Personalized Learning Strategies, Shailesh Prabhakar Patil, Ravindra Sadashivrao Apare, Ravindra Honaji Borhade, Parikshit Narendra Mahalle

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

This study introduces a novel approach for early dyslexia detection in children through automated handwriting analysis, integrating a hybrid CNN-BiLSTM-CTC architecture with personalized learning strategies. Our method combines a custom CNN-BiLSTM-CTC model with tailored educational interventions to support dyslexic learners. We analyzed children's handwritten text images in English, collected from specially designed tests involving word rewriting, sentence reconstruction, and paragraph composition, particularly challenging tasks for dyslexic individuals. Notably, our CNN-BiLSTM-CTC model achieved the best result with an accuracy of 97.67%, outperforming other architectures. Compared to pre-trained models like EfficientNetB7, DenseNet121, and MobileNetV2, our custom CNN-BiLSTM-CTC model demonstrated superior performance. Key …

Unwritten Rules And Oral Transmission In Architectural Proportion Systems: Case Study Of Bubungan Tinggi House, Huzairin. Muhammad Deddy, Dila Nadya Andini, Rudi Hartono, Anna Oktaviana, Dahliani Dahliani

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The proportional systems in vernacular architecture often exist without formal written codification, raising questions about their transmission across generations. Bubungan Tinggi House which is a replica of the Banjar Kingdom palace was built by Banjarese merchants and aristocrats from the 16th to the 19th centuries, showing a uniform aesthetic quality, which indicates a regularity in the proportions of its form. However, no historical written manuals detailing these proportions are known to exist. To prove the existence of regularity in the Bubungan Tinggi House proportion system, research was conducted by taking 7 Bubungan Tinggi House samples spread across South Kalimantan province, …

Leveraging Strategic Information Systems For Competitive Advantage: A Case Study Of Veolia As A Multinational Enterprise, Sohail Nawaz Sabir

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Instead of examining several components that link planning and strategy implementation, researchers have focused on the alignment of IT and business, as well as the Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) process. The goal of this study is to examine several approaches that can close the gap between IT project planning and execution. Therefore, the primary objective of the proposed study is to examine SISP implementation strategies that can be theorized in the context of Veolia, a global multinational corporation (MNC). The primary aspects influencing the SISP for this study are the frequency of planning, the function of IT/business managers, assessment …

Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of Mechanical Performance, Interface Pressure Distribution, And Structural Safety Of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Below-Knee Prosthetic Sockets, Saif M. Abbas, Kadhim K. Resan, Mohammed Ali Abdulrehman, Ali M. Flayyih

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

In this study, below-knee prosthetic sockets reinforced with glass-fiber composites were investigated experimentally and numerically. In compliance with the ASTM guidelines, two lay-up configurations were constructed and tested for tensile and fatigue strengths. During the gait trials, the F-socket system was used to measure the interface pressure distribution. Stress, deformation, and safety factor responses under physiological loading conditions were simulated using complementary finite element analysis (FEA). With the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and fatigue life significantly improved in the reinforced group, the results demonstrated that the 10-layer laminate displayed superior mechanical performance relative to the 8-layer laminate; however, this …

Performance Evaluation And Economic Analysis Of Lithium Iron Phosphate (Lfp) And Nickel Manganese Cobalt (Nmc) Batteries In Electric Vehicles In Indonesia, Yasa Sanusi, Fatwa Tresna Radityan, Farrah Anis Fazliatul Adnan, Jong Soo Rhee, Dianta Ginting

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The transfer to electric vehicles (EVs) in more and more countries is a response to the increasing problems of climate change and air pollution. Electric cars solve this issue as they have zero emissions. EVs can significantly reduce carbon and air pollution, depending on the charging energy mix. In Indonesia, lithium ferro phosphate and nickel manganese cobalt are among the two most preferred types of batteries for EVs, and both have their advantages. This study evaluates the performance of these batteries in terms of power, range, charging speed, and thermal properties, using a range of battery capacities from 26.7 kWh …

Analysis Of The Sustainability Management Of Coral Reef Ecosystem In The Marine Protected Area Of Wediombo, Gunungkidul, Nabilah L. Rohmah, Rika Harini, Sudrajat Sudrajat

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

The Wediombo Coastal Area is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) with highly potential in coral reef ecosystems. According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA), coral reefs play a vital role in supporting human life by providing provisioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural services. However, the utilization of this area as a tourist destination and suboptimal management practices have led to the degradation of its coral reef ecosystems. Efective management strategies for the sustainability of coral reefs can have positive impacts across ecological, economic, social, technological, and institutional dimensions. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the sustainability management of coral reef ecosystem …

Potential Of Green Synthesis Of Silver And Gold Nanoparticles For The Management Of Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Mini Review, Atiqah Suhaili, Ya Chee Lim, Mei Ann Lim, Lee Hoon Lim, Mohammad Mansoob Khan, Monowarul Mobin Siddique

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease is a metabolic disorder with limited pharmacological treatment options and only one approved medication to date. MASLD can be asymptomatic in its earlier stage and hence, prevention of this disease progression is the most effective approach. Recently, green-synthesized nanoparticles, particularly silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have gained interest due to their eco-friendly production, biocompatibility, and bioactive properties. This review highlights the biosynthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs using medicinal plant extracts and their reported biological effects relevant to MASLD management including anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. While findings are promising, further mechanistic studies and preclinical …

Artificial Intelligence To Transform Lifelong Learning And Workforce Development In Southeast Asia: A Call To Action, Shyh Poh Teo, Khadizah H. Abdul-Mumin

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

No abstract for this article type.

Valorizing Municipal Solid Waste For Sustainable Aviation Fuel And Polyhydroxyalkanoate Bioplastics: Pyrolysis And Microbial Pathways, Emon Das

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

The escalating global burden of municipal solid waste (MSW), projected to reach 3.88 billion tons annually by 2050, calls for innovative valorization strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and promote a circular bioeconomy. This thesis investigates the conversion of MSW into two high-value products: sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics. Chapter one presents comprehensive physicochemical characterization and pyrolysis-GC/MS analysis of MSW feedstocks. The physicochemical results reveal that densification enhances handling and storage properties, while pyrolysis-GC/MS analysis indicates that plastic-rich MSW streams produce bio-oils with favorable hydrocarbon profiles suitable for SAF production, potentially contributing to decarbonization efforts in the aviation …

Mangroves: A Lesson On Modeling Changing Shorelines, Willa Skye

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This lesson is an overview of storm barriers, specifically mangroves and how they maintain shorelines. It is meant to offer a visual experience of coastline protection and provide a background for deeper understanding about intertidal zones and their conservation. Students will spend time creating a solution to a flooding problem by making a mock coast and storm barrier. To wrap-up the lesson, students will pair up, then reflect on their model and then individually write or draw their takeaways.

Confronting Indecision, Lane Allison Murray

ENGS 15.11: Design and Education

This course aims to increase students' understanding of indecision and how to confront it. The class provides insight into how the fear of the unknown holds people back from making decisions and about understanding one's values as a means to combat indecision. Students and teachers alike explore instances of indecision and evaluate their own impulses & thought processes by reflecting on the deeper reasons for their choices. Students will increase their comfort level of asking themselves and their peers questions about the values that guide them and, in doing so, strengthen their relationships with themselves and others.

Emotion Processing In Adolescents With Epilepsy And Healthy Controls Using Multi-Modal Neuroimaging, Frances Kathryn E. King

Bioengineering Dissertations - Archive

Epilepsy is increasingly recognized as a disorder not only of seizures but also of widespread network dysfunction, impacting cognitive and emotional processing. One critical cognitive process affected in epilepsy is emotional conflict processing, which relies on the interplay of multiple brain networks. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of emotional conflict processing in epilepsy, particularly in adolescents, have remained poorly understood. This dissertation investigated the neural mechanisms underlying emotional conflict processing in typically developing adolescents and adolescents with epilepsy using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The first study elucidated the spatiotemporal profile of emotional conflict processing in 24 typically developing adolescents using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Cluster-based …

The Bioremediation Of Nutrients And Heavy Metals In Watersheds: The Role Of Floating Treatment Wetlands, Nirmal Kumar, Bhupinder Singh, Yuanze Chen, Abishek Kafle, Ram L. Ray, Sandeep Kumar, Xiaonan Shan, Venkatesh Balan

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are engineered systems that utilize floating platforms planted with aquatic vegetation to treat polluted water such as stormwater, agricultural runoff, and wastewater. FTWs have emerged as promising and environmentally sustainable solutions for water purification. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on FTW design, plant selection, and performance evaluation. It highlights key factors influencing nutrient and heavy metal removal, including the hydraulic retention time, mat thickness, and types of plant species. Recent findings on the roles of root architecture, microbial interactions, and seasonal variability in treatment efficiency are also discussed. Additionally, the review explores advanced analytical methods …

Using Post-Supercritical Co2-Assisted Method To Deposit Niep Alloy Coating On The Micro-Arc Oxidation Layer Of Az31 Magnesium Alloy And Its Corrosion Behavior Analysis, Kang-Yu Liao, Hung-Hua Sheu, Ming-Yuan Lin, Ming-Chih Kuo, Po-Hsun Wu, Hung-Bin Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, a Ni-P alloy coating was deposited on the micro arc oxidation (MAO) layer of AZ31 magnesium alloy to improve its corrosion resistance. The MAO layers were prepared under different operated voltages from 300 to 400 V. The results indicated that the optimize operated parameters for MAO layer is at 350 V, the MAO coatings had the most compact microstructure and superior corrosion resistance. In order to improve the corrosion resistance of MAO coating, this study chose to deposit Ni-P alloy coating on the surface of MAO coating via the post supercritical CO₂-assisted electroless plating (PSC-CO …

The Effect Of Feedback On A Remote Operator’S Maneuvering Control For Mass Remote Navigation Competency, Hyoseon Hwang, Ik-Hyun Youn

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The rapid advancement of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) technology has highlighted the growing need for Remote Operators (ROs) to manage MASS effectively. ROs possess specialized competencies in areas such as situational awareness, crisis management, and system operation. Despite the introduction of competency-based training and assessment in the maritime sector through the international convention on standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping for seafarers convention, the framework's implementation remains incomplete, particularly in remote operator training for MASS. This study is purpose to identify which competencies improve rapidly with performance feedback and which improve slowly. This study conducted an experiment to quantitatively …

Evaluation Of Carbon Sequestration In Seagrass Meadows Of Kenting: A Comparative Study With Penghu And Dongsha Island, Zih-Wei Tang, Huei-Fen Chen, Jordi Mahardika Puntu, Ping-Yu Chang, Li Lo, Jian-Jhih Chen, Wen-Chen Chou, Lan-Feng Fan, Ying-Ju Chang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study investigates the controlling factors of carbon sequestration (CS) in seagrass bed sediments across three distinct environments in Taiwan: the Kenting (KT) coastal area, the Penghu (PH) open inner bay, and the Dongsha (DS) Atoll lagoon. Actual measurements of the substrate depth beneath the sediment and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans of the beach reveal that the coral reef bedrock in KT slopes landward. A field survey of the seagrass area in KT was conducted, and three cross-sectional profiles were analyzed to determine their topography, yielding a median sediment thickness of 88.2cm. Based on these measurements, the sediment volume was …