Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Development Of An Ecg-Based Deep Learning Model For Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease (Chd) Diagnosis, Annbar Mekouar

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

Congenital heart disease (CHD) stands as the leading congenital anomaly which affects pediatric populations throughout the world. The effectiveness of treatment depends on both early diagnosis and accurate identification but echocardiography requires manual interpretation which proves time-consuming and inconsistent especially when examining pediatric patients with their distinct cardiac systems. The research aims to create a deep learning-based diagnostic framework which uses ECG data to identify coronary artery disease subtypes in pediatric patients. The model uses high-quality datasets from Dr. Ignacio Lugones to extract R-R intervals and QRS durations through convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The system addresses pediatric-specific challenges while enhancing …

A Pyrrole Modified 3,4-Propylenedioxythiophene Conjugated Polymer As Hole Transport Layer For Efficient And Stable Perovskite Solar Cells, Yuanhao Tang, Ke Ma, Wenhao Shao, Yoon Ho Lee, Ashkan Abtahi, Jiaonan Sun, Hanjun Yang, Aidan H. Coffey, Harindi R. Atapattu, Mustafa Ahmed, Qixuan Hu, Wenzhan Xu, Raunak Dani, Limei Wang, Chenhui Zhu, Kenneth R. Graham, Jianguo Mei, Letian Dou

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Despite the outstanding electric properties and cost-effectiveness of poly- (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives, their performance as hole transport layer (HTL) materials in conventional perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has lagged behind that of widely used spirobifluorene-based molecules or poly(triaryl amine). This gap is mainly from their poor solubility and energy alignment mismatch. In this work, the design and synthesis of a pyrrole-modified HTL (PPr) based on 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) are presented for efficient and stable PSCs. As a result of the superior defects passivation ability, excellent contact with perovskite, enhanced hole extraction, and high hydrophobicity, the unencapsulated PPr-based PSCs showed the …

Advances In Magnetic Nanoparticles For Molecular Medicine, Xiaoyue Yang, Sarah E. Kubican, Zhongchao Yi, Sheng Tong

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are highly versatile nanomaterials in nanomedicine, owing to their diverse magnetic properties, which can be tailored through variations in size, shape, composition, and exposure to inductive magnetic fields. Over four decades of research have led to the clinical approval or ongoing trials of several MNP formulations, fueling continued innovation. Beyond traditional applications in drug delivery, imaging, and cancer hyperthermia, MNPs have increasingly advanced into molecular medicine. Under external magnetic fields, MNPs can generate mechano- or thermal stimuli to modulate individual molecules or cells deep within tissue, offering precise, remote control of biological processes at cellular and molecular …

Clinical Correlation Of Sars-Cov-2 Wastewater Passive Sampling In Long-Term Care Facilities And Wastewater Treatment Plants, William Strike, Alexus Lori Rockward, Blazan Mijatovic, Ann Noble, Cullen Olsson, Soroosh Torabi, Mohammad Dehghan Banadaki, Reuben Adatorwovor, James W. Keck, Scott M. Berry

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising tool for improving health outcomes through early detection and cost-effective pathogen surveillance. Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) serve and employ vulnerable populations that may particularly benefit from the use of WBE, but financial and technical costs associated with standard sampling methods limit the feasibility of WBE in the LTCF setting. In this work, we used passive sampling to simplify the wastewater analysis process and compared its performance to the standard composite sampling method. Moore swabs and automatic composite samplers were used concurrently to sample wastewater from two LTCFs, and samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 concentration. …

Affordable Miniaturized Speckle Contrast Diffuse Correlation Tomography Device For Depth-Sensitive Mapping Of Cerebral Blood Flow In Rodents, Fatemeh Hamedi, Faezeh Akbari, Mehrana Mohtasebi, Chong Huang, Li Chen, Lei Chen, Guoqiang Yu

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Significance: Continuous and longitudinal monitoring of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is critical for understanding brain pathophysiology and guiding interventions. Although rodents are the primary models in neuroscience, existing imaging modalities often fail to provide the optimal combination of low cost, high spatiotemporal resolution, wide head coverage, and sufficient penetration depth for small-animal brain imaging.

Aim: Leveraging a clinical speckle contrast diffuse correlation tomography (scDCT) system, we aimed to develop an affordable, user-friendly, fast, and miniaturized scDCT (mini-scDCT) device tailored for depth-sensitive CBF imaging in small rodents.

Approach: The mini-scDCT replaces bulky and costly optoelectronic components with compact, low-cost alternatives while …

Implementing Wastewater-Based Epidemiology For Long-Read Metagenomic Sequencing Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Kampala, Uganda, William Strike, Temitope O. C. Faleye, Brian Lubega, Alexus Lori Rockward, Soroosh Torabi

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging global threat that is expanding in many areas of the world. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is uniquely suited for use in areas of the world where clinical surveillance is limited or logistically slow to identify emerging threats, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Wastewater was analyzed from three urban areas of Kampala, including a local HIV research clinic and two informal settlements. Wastewater extraction was performed using a low-cost, magnetic bead-based protocol that minimizes consumable plastic consumption followed by sequencing on the Oxford Nanopore Technology MinION platform. The majority of the analysis was performed using …

The Study Of Knee And Ankle Sagittal Plane Angles For On-Court Versus Off-Court Cutting, Alexi Rebecca Hempe

Dissertations and Theses

Lower extremity injuries are common among basketball athletes. Majority of these injuries are non-contact and therefore preventable. While previous research has explored high-risk movements associated with lower extremity injuries, limited research has explored the influence of settings for these movement patterns, particularly on a basketball court. This study aims to examine the knee and ankle joint angles in the sagittal plane of a 90-degree cut for on-court versus off court. Thirteen (13) subjects, four males (19.5 ± 1.0 years of age; 198.8 ± 4.8 cm of height; 198.8 ± 13.8 lbs. of weight) and nine females (19.8 ± 1.5 years …

Application Of Telc Model To Better Elucidate Neural Stimulation By Touch, James Weifu Lee

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Aim: This study is to better understand how the transient ion transport activity of touch receptors could change the graded potential to stimulate an action potential firing.

Methods: The latest transmembrane-electrostatically localized protons/cations charges (TELC) theory is employed for numerical analysis to calculate the neural touch signal transduction responding time required to fire an action potential spike.

Results: A neural action potential spike was constructed successfully using newly developed time-dependent TELC-based neural transmembrane potential integral equations (Equations 5, 6, and 7). The results explicated that the TELC curve has an inverse relationship with neural transmembrane potential since its curve appears …

Emerging Nanotechnology Approaches For Blood Disorders: A Comprehensive Review Of Nano-Hematinics And Plant-Based Nanomedicines, Hassan Abdulsalam Adewuyi, Khairat Shamsudeen, Fatima Mahmoud Muhammad, Adeola Kolawole Victor, Sakariyau Adio Waheed, Adepeju Matilda Adekoya, Kashim Ibrahim Muhammad, Blessing Temitayo Longe, Abdulgaffar Abdulquddus

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Background: Disorders affecting blood components, such as anemia, coagulopathies, and hematologic malignancies, continue to pose significant global health burdens. Traditional therapies often fall short due to adverse effects, limited bioavailability, and insufficient targeting of disease sites.

Objective: This review synthesizes current advances in nano-hematinics and plant-based nanomedicines (phyto-nanomedicines) as innovative strategies for managing blood-related conditions. These nanoscale interventions are designed to enhance therapeutic precision, bioactivity, and safety.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using major scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Search terms were carefully selected to retrieve literature published between 2015 and 2024 that discussed …

Robust Quantification Of Cortical Hemodynamic Response To Tactile Stimulation: A Comprehensive Fnirs Methodology To Mitigate Physiological Confounds, Mohsen Hozan

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

This dissertation establishes a quantitative framework for studying somatosensory processing using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), with a focus on applications in neurorehabilitation. The central aim is to investigate how the brain's hemodynamic response is modulated by the velocity of patterned tactile stimulation. While fNIRS is a promising neuroimaging tool, its data quality is often compromised by physiological noise and motion artifacts, challenging the reliability of its findings and hindering the development of effective, quantifiable neurotherapeutics.

Two preliminary investigations informed the final experimental design. The first pilot study confirmed that pneumotactile stimulation of the hand, during both passive (somatosensory) and active …

Laser-Induced Graphene Sensor For The Electrochemical Detection Of Acetaminophen, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Mazhar Sher, Sikander Ameer, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Here we present a simple and efficient method for fabricating laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes for the electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (AAP), a crucial analgesic and antipyretic that can become toxic at elevated concentrations. Unlike conventional sensors that require intricate chemical modifications, the fabricated LIG-based sensor eliminates the need for functionalization, offering a streamlined sensing solution. The LIG electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of a highly porous graphene network with excellent purity and conductivity. Cyclic voltammetry analysis with a ferricyanide redox probe revealed a large electroactive surface area of 1.21 …

Design And Validation Of A Multiple Axis, Passive 3d-Printed Ankle-Foot Prosthetic For Functional Gait, Brogan Rene Landeen

Dissertations and Theses

By 2050, an estimated 3.6 million individuals will be living with lower limb loss, with transtibial (below the knee) amputations being the most common type of lower limb surgery. Prosthetic devices are the standard of care for rehabilitating these amputees; each device is explicitly designed to enhance stability, energy storage and release, flexibility, and active propulsion. Prosthetic selection is based on user specifications, including activity level, comfort, and anthropometry. Despite the consensus that prosthetics help to restore impaired gait, traditional, commercial prosthetics fabricated with carbon fiber via injection molding are expensive and often require multiple modifications by a prosthetist before …

Magnetic Heating Efficiency Of Magnetite Nanoparticles: Dependence On Size And Alternating Magnetic Field, Sarah E. Kubican

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Magnetic heating mediated by magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MION) has several clinical applications including cancer thermal therapy, tissue thawing for organ preservation, and magnetogenetics. However, current models of magnetic heating, including the widely used linear response theory, inadequately predict MION heating efficiency. An experimental study covering alternating magnetic field (AMF) strengths and frequencies ranging from 3.98 – 27.85 kA/m and 103.6 – 984.1 kHz, respectively, with a range of MION core diameters 9.5- 30.3 nm was conducted to elucidate the relationships between these AMF parameters and MION sizes and the resulting heating efficiencies. Heating efficiency was found to increase approximately …

Pathogen Surveillance Of Viruses And Antimicrobial Resistance Through Wastewater Based Epidemiology, William Strike

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Pandemic surveillance is a cornerstone in public health safety, as it enables identification of pathogens circulating within a community before they become widespread outbreaks. Wastewater based epidemiology has blossomed in recent years due to its success in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, but this form of public health surveillance has a global equity problem. A large majority of the wastewater-based surveillance work has been done in large metropolitan cities with access to advanced testing infrastructure, which poses a challenge as we consider where pandemics have historically emerged. Therefore, there is a need to identify, adapt, and develop workflows to meet the needs …

Simplified Molecular Diagnostics Methods For Environmental Testing Of Pathogens And Other Applications, Mohammad Dehghan Banadaki

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Environmental Surveillance (ES) has emerged as a powerful tool to monitor the emergence and persistence of a pathogen within a facility or community using wastewater/water analysis. Over the past four years, implementation of ES has experienced an explosive acceleration, driven by efforts to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which has made ES a routinely used public health tool in many locations. We can now use ES to measure the emergence/presence/abundance of different viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza, mpox), bacteria (e.g., E. coli, V. cholerae, antibiotic-resistant strains), fungi (e.g., C. auris), and other biological markers indicative of infectious diseases. However, its broad …

Direct Numerical Simulation Of Pulsating Flow In Curved Pipes: Insights Into Aortic Dissection In Humans, Gokul Anugrah Gopakumar

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This dissertation investigates the hemodynamics of pulsating blood flow in curved vessels through direct numerical simulations (DNS), with the overarching aim of uncovering fluid dynamic mechanisms linked to the onset and progression of aortic dissection in humans. The work is structured in two parts: (i) fundamental studies in idealized geometries and (ii) preliminary investigations in patient-specific anatomies. In the first part, curved pipe models representing the aortic arch are used to isolate the effects of pulsation frequency, amplitude ratio, and curvature ratio on transitional and turbulent flow dynamics. The simulations reveal that curvature-driven centrifugal forces shift the peak velocity toward …

Influence Of Agrochemical Mixtures On Nitrogen Transformations In Floating Treatment Wetlands, Matthew Russell

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Controlling losses of nitrate-N from agricultural fields to ground and surface water environments is one of the most pressing water resources problems today. Increasing levels of nitrate-N pollution in surface and groundwater is a critical threat to human and environmental health across the globe. To mediate nitrate-N losses, natural and constructed wetlands have been increasingly used as nutrient mitigation technologies and strategies. The use of wetlands as a treatment approach for nitrogen in runoff is a common practice in agroecosystems, however, nitrate-N is not the sole constituent present in agricultural runoff, and other biologically active contaminants have the potential to …

Integrated Compliant Structure For A Hand Exoskeleton, Tristan R. Koopman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis presents the design and prototyping of a wearable hand exoskeleton that integrates a flexible structural framework to assist with hand movement while maintaining comfort and anatomical conformity. The goal was to create a device that supports tendon-driven actuation through a compliant structure, combining elements of rigidity and flexibility to match the natural geometry and motion of the human hand. Traditional hand exoskeletons often trade off motion for structure or vice versa. This project aims to bridge that gap with a hybrid compliant design that balances flexibility and support. The design process followed an iterative approach involving rapid prototyping …

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography: Development Of Tissue Models And Investigation Of Shear Wave Variability, Emily J. Miller

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Ultrasound shear wave elastography (USWE) is an evolving and promising clinical tool for noninvasively measuring in vivo soft tissue biomechanical properties. Assumptions incorporated into the clinical workflow and technical limitations have created gaps between theoretical and clinically derived solutions. The heterogeneity of the fibrotic liver tissue, composition of the background, such as the presence of fatty liver tissue, and the preferred local orientation of the scarred fibrotic liver tissues embedded into the liver parenchyma, may contribute to the uncertainty in USWE measurements. This study aims to systematically investigate four cofounding factors (i.e., size, volume fraction, orientation of the fibrotic inclusions, …

Online Parameter Adaptation Of Lqr Controllers Via Rls For Prosthetic Joint Control: Experimental Validation On A Quanser Qube-Servo 2 Platform, Cynthia Lopez-Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops and experimentally validates an online adaptive Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) control method for prosthetic joint systems using Recursive Least Squares (RLS)-based real-time parameter estimation on the Quanser QUBE-Servo 2 platform. Traditional LQR controllers assume a fxed system model, which limits adaptability and results in reduced tracking accuracy, poor robustness, and loss of optimal performance when applied to dynamically changing prosthetic joints, infuenced by load variations, user gait changes, and mechanical wear. Limited experimental validation exists for combining RLS with online LQR adaptation in prosthetic-like systems.

To address these limitations, an RLS-driven Adaptive LQR framework was implemented to …

Design And Control Of A Stroke Therapy Device, Hugh Elliott

Open Access Master's Theses

Stroke is a leading cause of physical disability around the world, and the likelihood of stroke increases as people live longer. The current number of physiotherapists is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for their services. As a result, there has been a focus on developing robotic devices that function similarly to traditional therapy, enabling multiple patients to be seen simultaneously. While many devices have been created and tested, most are expensive, complex, and require trained personnel for supervision, thereby limiting their outreach. This thesis presents the design and control of a low-cost stroke therapy device designed to promote upper …

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 …

Neurovascular Coupling Impairments In Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: An Eeg-Nirs Analysis, Zachary Armstrong

Bioengineering Theses - Archive

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurological impairment, often leading to variable recovery and uncertain prognosis in the neurocritical care setting. There is a pressing clinical need for robust, physiologically grounded biomarkers to inform prognosis and therapeutic decision-making in acute TBI. This thesis investigates neurovascular coupling (NVC), the physiological coordination between neuronal activity and cerebral blood flow, as a candidate biomarker for brain function and recovery after injury.

A prospective cohort study was performed using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) recordings in patients with moderate-to-severe TBI and healthy controls. Wavelet transform coherence (WTC) analysis was …

Learning From Leads: A 1d Dilated Resnet For Ecg Chagas Disease Screening, Somesh Saini, Matheus Lima Diniz Araujo

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Electro-Vascular Dynamics During Auditory Processing: Variation Along The Schizotypy Continuum, John P. Mclinden

Open Access Dissertations

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) are complementary noninvasive neuroimaging modalities that have contributed greatly to our understanding of the mechanisms of auditory processing. As an emerging technology, fNIRS has produced promising insights into the mechanisms of auditory processing, although considerable work remains to characterize hemodynamic responses in auditory tasks. In addition, the complementary nature of EEG and fNIRS and the relationships between the signals they record have been underexplored. In particular, nonlinear interactions between these signals remain under-characterized, despite the potential benefit to future multimodal neuroimaging studies. A challenge in understanding these interactions is the influence of systemic …

Comparative Study Of Physiological Signals Between The Embraceplus And The Shimmer3 Gsr+, Cassidy Considine

Open Access Master's Theses

Understanding team dynamics and their physiological impact is essential across high-stakes industries such as healthcare, aviation, and defense. In stressful environments, optimizing team performance requires not only assessing communication but also monitoring physiological indicators of stress. Electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) are commonly used to capture autonomic responses, offering insight into emotional arousal and cardiovascular regulation.

This pilot study compares a commercial wearable device, the EmbracePlus, with a research-grade device, the Shimmer3 GSR+, to evaluate differences in physiological signal acquisition. Twelve participants completed a five-phase experimental protocol while wearing both devices simultaneously on the non-dominant wrist/forearm. EDA …

Globus Pallidus Internus Dynamics During Freezing Of Gait, Nicholas Druck, Dean J. Krusienski, Josephine Wallner

Graduate Research Posters

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting ~1 in 1000 individuals over age 45. Freezing of Gait (FOG), a debilitating symptom in late-stage PD, affects up to 63% of patients and contributes to falls and reduced quality of life. While deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) helps some symptoms, FOG remains difficult to treat. Given the complexity of basal ganglia circuitry, the role of related basal ganglia nuclei, such as the Globus Pallidus internus (GPi), in FOG deserves further investigation.

Methods: Five PD patients with FOG, implanted with Medtronic Percept DBS systems …

Flipped Classroom Versus Lecture: A Quasi-Experimental Study Evaluating The Performance Of Dental Students.”, Manal Elhijazi, Ihsane Benyahya

Health Sciences

Background: The flipped classroom is an active pedagogical modality that improves learning, autonomy and critical thinking. This work aims to evaluate the impact of the flipped classroom on student performance compared to the lecture in a biomaterials course.

Material and methods:Second-year dental students were invited to participate voluntarily in this quasi-experimental study .Thus, they were divided into two groups: one group benefited́ from the flipped classroom while the control group attended the lecture. At the end of a formative evaluation for both groups, their average grades were compared using Student's test (significance threshold set at p

Results : …

Enhanced Cholesterol Efflux And Atherosclerosis Regression Via Ceh Gene Delivery Using Galactose-Functionalized Dendrimeric Nanoparticles, Huari Kou, Jing Wang, Paul J. Yannie, Da Huang, William J. Korzun, Genta Kakiyama, Siddhartha S. Ghosh, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) is a critical enzyme in cholesterol ester hydrolysis, influencing cholesterol metabolism and efflux. This study demonstrates that CEH overexpression promotes free cholesterol efflux from macrophages, thereby reducing the lipid burden in existing atherosclerotic plaques. To enable targeted delivery, galactose-functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimeric nanoparticles were utilized as nanocarriers for hepatic delivery of the CEH expression vector. The therapeutic potential of CEH plasmid-loaded dendrimeric nanoparticles was evaluated in Ldlr-/- mice. Results showed a significant reduction in total lesion area (21%) and aortic arch lesion area (23%) compared to baseline. Lesion component analysis revealed marked decreases in total cholesterol …