Engineering Commons^™

Minimizing Loss Of Balance And Falls With Personal Walkers, Michael Berger, Galen Kellner, David Le, Anthony Renninger

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Falls within the Older Adult community lead to roughly 734,000 hospital admissions annually with 87% attributed to walker use. In order to reduce the amount of falls due to walker use our objective was to create a system that detects an increased likelihood of a fall occurring, notifies the user of improper positioning, and can intervene by application of an automatic braking system to stabilize the walker; effectively training the user to have a more proper walking form and posture reducing the risk of a fall. In order to accomplish this goal, final deliverables included a working prototype and validation …

Treatment Of Menorrhagia And Irregular Menstruation: Cryo-Fluid Ablation Of The Endometrium, Baha Endisha, Benjamin Green

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Menorrhagia and irregular menstruation, characterized as dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), is a condition that affects 15 to 20% of reproductive and pre-menopausal women. Common treatments are invasive, painful, or have low success rates; there is a need for new treatment. A 2014-2015 senior design team developed a prototype treatment based on the hypothesis that if free fluid was circulated in the uterine cavity at temperatures between 0 and -15ᵒC, cell death of the 2cm reproductive endometrial layer in the uterine cavity could be achieved and induce long term amenorrhea. The current senior design team significantly modified the prototype to reach …

Improved Ballast Recovery In Water Treatment, Zach Canfield, Ruqaia Suleman, Jasmine Wang, James Westbrook

Capstone Design Expo Posters

SUEZ Environnement’s Densadeg XRC™ is a high throughput water clarification unit capable of removing total suspended solids (TSS) with the aid of a high density ballast material. The ballast material is separated from the waste solids through a hydrocyclone and recycled into the system. Separation is inefficient and the unit experiences loss of ballast at 7 to 14 lbs per million gallons of treated water through the overflow of the hydrocyclone. Currently, ballast must be added at the loss rate to maintain the proper concentration to remove TSS. This requires that water treatment plants must provide storage space for ballast …

Find: Framework For Intelligent Research Discovery, Clint Cuffy, Tej Mehta, Hengbin Li

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Computers are essential to research yet the different ways in which computers can automate or speed up research have not been fully explored. Researchers are publishing experimental results faster than ever before and the number of articles to read on a single subject now presents an overwhelming task. FiND aims to expedite this process through an extensible backbone infrastructure for the automated synthesizing of data. FiND includes a Web User Interface, Perl Core and MySQL Database developed using the software constraints of Perl, HTML, CSS, CGI and MySQL. FiND attempts to simplify this task by reducing time spent in exhaustive …

Educational Nuclear Reactor Simulator, Kevin Jeunang, Koueni Tchamambe, Mutasem Albulushi, Malcolm Breckenridge

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The VCU Reactor Simulator provides a solid technical and visual approach to simulating a commercial pressurized water nuclear power plant. The simulator provides several benefits for VCU including: a hands on learning instrument that can be used in nuclear engineering courses, an opportunity for students to gain experience in nuclear modeling and simulation, and a community outreach tool to expand the public’s knowledge of nuclear technology.

In the six years since its inception, the only prior major modification to the simulator was the replacement of in-house written LabVIEW coding as the calculation engine with the RETRAN- 3D code, a program …

Next Generation Diapers: Increasing Elastic Laminate Toughness, Taylor Atkinson, Dana Klein, Palmer Matthew, Austin Pleconis

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Disposable diapers are prone to accidental damage during use, since a caregiver may accidentally rip or puncture the elastic material. To reduce the incidence of material failure, the toughness of the apertured elastic trilaminate body paneling material needs to be improved without reducing the elasticity, breathability, and material cost. A “tougher” material was defined as a material with greater tensile strength and puncture resistance than standard, commercial product. The design team took a two-pronged approach to this problem. First, experiments were designed to quantify the effects of altering the die temperature, the resin blend, the cross directional stretch activation depth, …

Novel Osteogenic Ti-6al-4v Device For Restoration Of Dental Function In Patients With Large Bone Deficiencies: Design, Development And Implementation, David J. Cohen, A Cheng, A. Kahn, M. Aviram, Alexander J. Whitehead, Sharon Hyzy, Ryan M. Clohessy, Barbara D. Boyan, Zvi Schwartz

Biomedical Engineering Publications

Custom devices supporting bone regeneration and implant placement are needed for edentulous patients with large mandibular deficiencies where endosteal implantation is not possible. We developed a novel subperiosteal titanium-aluminum-vanadium bone onlay device produced by additive manufacturing (AM) and post-fabrication osteogenic micro-/nano-scale surface texture modification. Human osteoblasts produced osteogenic and angiogenic factors when grown on laser-sintered nano-/micro-textured surfaces compared to smooth surfaces. Surface-processed constructs caused higher bone-to-implant contact, vertical bone growth into disk pores (microCT and histomorphometry), and mechanical pull-out force at 5 and 10 w on rat calvaria compared to non surface-modified constructs, even when pre-treating the bone to stimulate …

24r,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Protects Against Articular Cartilage Damage Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection In Male Rats, Barbara D. Boyan, Sharon L. Hyzy, Qingfen Pan, Kayla M. Scott, Richard D. Coutts, Robert Healey, Zvi Schwartz

Biomedical Engineering Publications

Osteoarthritis (OA) in humans is associated with low circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25 (OH)D3]. In vitamin D replete rats, radiolabeled 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24R,25 (OH)2D3] accumulates in articular cartilage following injection of [3 H]-25(OH)D3. Previously, we showed that 24R,25(OH)2D3 blocks chondrocyte apoptosis via phospholipase D and p53, suggesting a role for 24R,25(OH)2D3 in maintaining cartilage health. We examined the ability of 24R,25(OH)2D3 to prevent degenerative changes in articular cartilage in an OAlike environment and the potential mechanisms involved. In vitro, rat articular chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β with and without 24R,25(OH)2D3 or 1α,25(OH)2D3. 24R,25(OH)2D3 but not 1α,25(OH)2D3 blocked the effects of IL-1β …

Mechanical Loading Attenuates Radiation-Induced Bone Loss In Bone Marrow Transplanted Mice, Peter M. Govey, Yue Zhang, Henry J. Donahue

Biomedical Engineering Publications

Exposure of bone to ionizing radiation, as occurs during radiotherapy for some localized malignancies and blood or bone marrow cancers, as well as during space travel, incites dose-dependent bone morbidity and increased fracture risk. Rapid trabecular and endosteal bone loss reflects acutely increased osteoclastic resorption as well as decreased bone formation due to depletion of osteoprogenitors. Because of this dysregulation of bone turnover, bone’s capacity to respond to a mechanical loading stimulus in the aftermath of irradiation is unknown. We employed a mouse model of total body irradiation and bone marrow transplantation simulating treatment of hematologic cancers, hypothesizing that compression …

Development Of A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm For Strain-Enhanced Quantum Cascade Lasers, Gregory Edward Triplett, David Mueller

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

An automated design approach using an evolutionary algorithm for the development of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) is presented. Our algorithmic approach merges computational intelligence techniques with the physics of device structures, representing a design methodology that reduces experimental effort and costs. The algorithm was developed to produce QCLs with a three-well, diagonal-transition active region and a five-well injector region. Specifically, we applied this technique to AlxGa1􀀀xAs/InyGa1􀀀yAs strained active region designs. The algorithmic approach is a non-dominated sorting method using four aggregate objectives: target wavelength, population inversion via longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon extraction, injector level coupling, and an optical gain metric. Analysis …

Intra- And Inter-Fractional Variation Prediction Of Lung Tumors Using Fuzzy Deep Learning, Seonyeong Park, Suk Jin Lee, Elisabeth Weiss, Yuichi Motai

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

Tumor movements should be accurately predicted to improve delivery accuracy and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissue during radiotherapy. The tumor movements pertaining to respiration are divided into intra-fractional variation occurring in a single treatment session and inter- fractional variation arising between different sessions. Most studies of patients' respiration movements deal with intra-fractional variation. Previous studies on inter-fractional variation are hardly mathematized and cannot predict movements well due to inconstant variation. Moreover, the computation time of the prediction should be reduced. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new predictor for intra- and inter-fractional data variation, called intra- and …

Evaluation Of The Ge N60 Relay, Breanna Andrews

Proceedings of the Annual Montana Tech Electrical and General Engineering Symposium

The GE N60 relay evaluation project was conducted by Brenna Andrews with help from Richard Setterstrom and Daniel Kachmarik from NorthWestern Energy. The goal of the project was to determine if the GE N60 relay was a sufficient replacement candidate for the Acceleration Trend Relays (ATRs) currently being utilized on four stem-coal generators in Colstrip, Montana, to protect the power system. The ATRs protect the power system from events such as faults or equipment damage. The criteria used to evaluate the GE N60 relay’s capabilities included the following:

1. The GE N60 relay must have a sampling frequency equal to or …

Dlvo Approximation Methods For Predicting The Attachment Of Silver Nanoparticles To Ceramic Membranes, Anne M. Mikelonis, Sungmin Youn, Desmond F. Lawler

All Engineering Faculty Research

This article examines the influence of three common stabilizing agents (citrate, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), and branched poly(ethylenimine) (BPEI)) on the attachment affinity of silver nanoparticles to ceramic water filters. Citrate-stabilized silver nanoparticles were found to have the highest attachment affinity (under conditions in which the surface potential was of opposite sign to the filter). This work demonstrates that the interaction between the electrical double layers plays a critical role in the attachment of nanoparticles to flat surfaces and, in particular, that predictions of double-layer interactions are sensitive to boundary condition assumptions (constant charge vs constant potential). The experimental deposition results can …

Post Critical Again, Charlie Cannon

Articles

No abstract provided.

Engineering News, Winter 2016, School Of Engineering

Engineering News

No abstract provided.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Inhibits Hiv-1 Replication In Macrophages By Targeting Both The Virus And The Cells., Olga Volotskova, Larisa Dubrovsky, Michael Keidar, Michael Bukrinsky

Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine Faculty Publications

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a specific type of partially ionized gas that is less than 104°F at the point of application. It was recently shown that CAP can be used for decontamination and sterilization, as well as anti-cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the effects of CAP on HIV-1 replication in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). We demonstrate that pre-treatment of MDM with CAP reduced levels of CD4 and CCR5, inhibiting virus-cell fusion, viral reverse transcription and integration. In addition, CAP pre-treatment affected cellular factors required for post-entry events, as replication of VSV-G-pseudotyped HIV-1, which by-passes HIV receptor-mediated fusion at the plasma …

Magnetic Nanocomposite Smart Skin, Ahmed Alfadhel, Jürgen Kosel

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Silicon Photonic Devices Manufactured Using Double-Patterned I-Line Lithography, Patsy Cadareanu

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Optimization Of Transmission Line Measurement (Tlm) Structures For Specific Contact Resistivity Determination, Sidhant Grover

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

Low resistance ohmic contacts are of extreme importance to modern semiconductor devices. As device sizes continue to shrink, it implies a reduction in the specific contact resistance p_c. There are various methods for the measurement of p_c, however the Transmission Line Model (TLM) is most popularly used to determine the specific contact resistivity for Integrated Circuits (IC) and Silicon Photovoltaics (PV) applications. Inconsistencies have been observed in literature between IC and PV devices as p_c determination may depend on dimensions. Therefore, TLM test geometries need to optimized in order to minimize error. Optimimum values of …

Optimization Of Transmission Line Measurement (Tlm) Structures For Contact Resistivity Determination, Sidhant Grover

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Directed Self-Assembly Using Ps-B-Pmma Block Copolymers, Jacob Kupernik

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Bayesian Analysis For Photolithographers, Andrew Burbine, David Fryer, John Sturtevant, Bruce W. Smith

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Direct Write Optical Waveguide Fabrication In Organic Films Using A Heidelberg Laser Writer, Ryan Moss

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Direct Write Optical Waveguide Fabrication In Organic Films Using A Heidelberg Laser Writer, Ryan Moss

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

No abstract provided.

Mankind 2.0: The Volatility Of A Genetic Revolution, Zachary D. Schrank

First Year Inquiry: Student Scholarship & Creative Works

Genetic engineering can reap countless rewards for mankind, but it can also bring about untold harm to society at large. The U.S. is in dire need of regulation now before the power of genetic engineering spirals out of control.

Ferroelectric Characterization And Growth Optimization Of Thermally Evaporated Vinylidene Fluoride Thin Films, Keith Foreman, N. Hong, C. Labedz, C. Shearer, Stephen Ducharme, Shireen Adenwalla

Shireen Adenwalla Papers

Organic thin films have numerous advantages over inorganics in device processing and price. The large polarization of the organic ferroelectric oligomer vinylidene fluoride (VDF) could prove useful for both device applications and the investigation of fundamental physical phenomena. A VDF oligomer thin film vacuum deposition process, such as thermal evaporation, preserves film and interface cleanliness, but is challenging, with successful deposition occurring only within a narrow parameter space. We report on the optimal deposition parameters for VDF oligomer thin films, refining the parameter space for successful deposition, resulting in a high yield of robust ferroelectric films. In particular, we investigate …

Using Casual Loop Diagramming To Explore The Drivers Of The Sustained Functionality Of Rural Water Services In Timor-Leste, Kate Neely, Jeffrey P. Walters

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

It is recognized that international water sector development work has issues with a lack of sustained positive outcomes. A large driver of this outcome is how NGOs work with communities to implement and then manage water services. Many NGOs tend to focus their efforts on improving their reach and organisational growth by continually engaging in new projects. This behaviour is largely driven by short-term donor funding models that reward extended coverage, leaving little focus on sustained outcomes. Similarly, community-based management (CBM) schemes often impede sustained services as a result of the community’s limited capacity to operate and maintain the technology. …

Nanometric Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods For Mapping Functional Activity In Neuronal Networks, Albert Boretti, Stefania Castelletto

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This contribution highlights and compares some recent achievements in the use of k-space and real space imaging(scanning probe and wide-filed microscope techniques), when applied to a luminescent color center in diamond, known as nitrogen vacancy (NV) center. These techniques combined with the optically detected magnetic resonance of NV, provide a unique platform to achieve nanometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) resolution of nearby nuclear spins (known as nanoMRI), and nanometric NV real space localization. Atomic size optically detectable spin probe. High magnetic field sensitivity and nanometric resolution. Non-invasive mapping of functional activity in neuronal networks.

Comparison Of Regenerative Braking Efficiencies Of My2012 And My2013 Nissan Leaf, Albert Boretti

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The use of kinetic energy recovery systems (KERS) is the best solution presently available to dramatically improve the energy economy of passenger cars. The paper presents an experimental analysis of the energy flow to and from the battery of a MY 2012 and a MY 2013 Nissan Leaf covering the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS). The two vehicles differ for the integration of the electric drivetrain component, plus a different use of the electric motor and the regenerative brakes, in addition to a different weight. It is shown that while the efficiency propulsive power to vehicle / power from battery …

Geomechanical Response Of Overburden Caused By Co2 Injection Into A Depleted Oil Reservoir, Hema J. Siriwardane, Raj K. Gondle, Sai B. Varre, Grant S. Bromhal, Thomas H. Wilson

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

This study investigates the hydro-mechanical aspects of carbon dioxide (CO2) injection into a depleted oil reservoir through the use of coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical modeling. Both single-phase and multiphase fluid flow analyses coupled with geomechanics were carried out at the West Pearl Queen depleted oil reservoir site, and modeling results were compared with available measured data. The site geology and the material properties determined on the basis of available geophysical data were used in the analyses. Modeling results from the coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical analyses show that computed fluid pressures match well with available measured data. …