Matching Items (466)
Description
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs due to the destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas by the immune system, hindering insulin formation. Macroencapsulation is a therapeutic treatment for patients with Type 1 Diabetes that may reduce the need for immunosuppression. However, a disadvantage of macroencapsulation is poor oxygen transport which affects survival and function. Computational finite element analysis was performed to assess the effect of oxygen consumption of varying macroencapsulation device Geometries with loading densities of 5 IEQ\𝜇L,10 IEQ\𝜇L, 25 IEQ\𝜇L and 50 IEQ\𝜇L. In the findings of this study, we validated that decreasing the spiral’s diameter would improve the oxygen supply due to the high SA:V ratio.
ContributorsDharan, Ruhi (Author) / Weaver, Jessica (Thesis director) / Abdallah, Tuhfah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Although safe and clean water is a fundamental human right, many people around the world do not possess access to it daily. In rural Kenya, the lack of water availability is a common challenge villages face. To address this issue, the combined Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) and Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Water Accessibility Team designed, built, and implemented a rainwater catchment system at Naki Secondary School in Naki, Kenya. After examining the project site and identifying the specifications of the stakeholders further, the structural design was altered to better meet user needs and design requirements. Due to these alterations, the Naki community now has a reliable source of clean water.
ContributorsMcMillan, Tatum (Author) / Schoepf, Jared (Thesis director) / Malpe, Adwith (Committee member) / Langerud, Courtney (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Alzheimer's disease is a rapidly growing public health crisis. This challenging neurodegenerative disease starts with a prolonged pre-clinical phase, known as Mild Cognitive Impairment. (MCI) Researchers advocate for the importance in diagnosing individuals with MCI to prevent further disease progression. Current diagnostic approaches are not sufficient because they don't capture the fluctuant behavior expected with MCI symptoms; consequently, researchers have been exploring how studying lifestyle and routine data of individuals can improve diagnosis accuracy. The goal of this thesis was to contribute towards a working-effort in creating a machine learning model that can supplement the clinical diagnosis of MCI using naturalistic driving data. By implementing a state-of-the-art algorithm known ROCKET with classical machine learning classifiers, my work aims to help design a model that can accurately diagnose individuals with MCI.
ContributorsLimaye, Anushka (Author) / Wu, Teresa (Thesis director) / Forzani, Erica (Committee member) / Al-Hindawi, Firas (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering (Contributor) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Efficient transfection is essential for genetic engineering and biological research applications, yet optimizing protocol for different payloads and cell types remains challenging. Untranslated regions (UTRs) are non-coding sequences derived from Zika virus (ZIKV) that influence RNA stability and translation efficiency. This study evaluated linear DNA as a rapid, PCR-based alternative to plasmid DNA for transient gene delivery, particularly in the context of high-throughput experiments. The goal was to determine whether incorporating UTRs could enhance expression stability in linearly transfected cells. Human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human microglial (HMC3) cells were transfected with GFP constructs delivered via plasmid, linear, or viral transfection methods, both with and without ZIKV UTRs. GFP expression was tracked over 10 days, and fluorescence decay rates were analyzed using linear regression. Linear transfection was validated as a viable technique in both cell lines, demonstrating comparable expression behavior to plasmid and viral methods. However, the addition of ZIKV UTRs did not significantly alter GFP decay rates in any method. These findings suggest that while linear DNA offers advantages in speed and scalability, UTRs alone may be insufficient to sustain expression. Future work should explore additional viral elements or delivery enhancements to improve expression profiles in transfection systems.
ContributorsLariego, Ava Claire (Author) / Bartelle, Benjamin (Thesis director) / Borges Florsheim, Esther (Committee member) / Ochoa Zermeño, Santiago (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
This project investigated how a wearable device with adjustable stiffness affects balance recovery during walking perturbations. Using a controlled experimental setup, we analyzed how subjects responded to trip-like disturbances with the device set to different stiffness levels. The Margin of Stability (MOS) was used as the key outcome measure to assess dynamic balance. Results showed that increased device stiffness generally led to improved stability, though individual responses varied due to differences in body mechanics and neuromuscular strategies. These findings highlight the potential for personalized calibration in balance assistive technologies and rehabilitation interventions.
ContributorsWilliamson, Cory (Author) / Lee, Hyunglae (Thesis director) / Sun, Jiefeng (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Porcine xenotransplantation, commonly known as pig organ transplantation, offers a revolutionary solution to the organ shortage crisis. This thesis explores the social and cultural considerations of transplanting of pig organs into the human body while also assessing the ethical dilemma, impact on the healthcare system, and public health considerations of this treatment. Cultural factors, such as religious beliefs, impact the perception of porcine xenotransplantation and are considered as potential sources of resistance to this technology. Social factors, including healthcare professional’s attitudes and the media’s portrayal of porcine xenotransplantation, contribute to shaping the general public’s perception as well. This thesis discusses the ethical concerns regarding the welfare of pigs and the patients by addressing potential immunological challenges as well as the biomedical engineering challenges accompanying this technological advancement such as immunological challenges and economic burden of this treatment. Future recommendations and emerging biomedical engineering solutions that possess the potential to alleviate the organ shortage crisis are outlined as alternatively viable solutions.
ContributorsNaqvi, Imaan (Author) / Arquiza, Jose Maria Reynaldo Apollo (Thesis director) / Gifford, Michael (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Biological & Health Systems Engineering (Contributor)
Created2025-05