Matching Items (444)
Description

Patients need to know current and available options for prosthetic devices. Devices are categorized depending on the region of amputation and their purpose. Retrospection on the history of prosthetic devices leading into modern ones allows for an interpretation of successes and necessary improvements moving forward. One promising avenue for prostheses

Patients need to know current and available options for prosthetic devices. Devices are categorized depending on the region of amputation and their purpose. Retrospection on the history of prosthetic devices leading into modern ones allows for an interpretation of successes and necessary improvements moving forward. One promising avenue for prostheses is the development of neuroprostheses that much more closely resemble some of the functionality taken for granted in natural limbs. Proprioception, more commonly known as the ‘sixth sense’, would be a very desirable characteristic of these devices and is the subject of current research efforts. In the meantime, it is necessary to help patients evaluate what products are out there that identify more strongly with their individualized preferences.

ContributorsClemmer, Brodie (Author) / Helms-Tillery, Stephen (Thesis director) / Hartwell, Leland (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational videos on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intent among young adults aged 18-26. A two-group randomized control trial (RCT) is conducted among 156 individuals (control group n = 79, intervention group n= 77). Inclusion criteria were English-speaking young adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational videos on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intent among young adults aged 18-26. A two-group randomized control trial (RCT) is conducted among 156 individuals (control group n = 79, intervention group n= 77). Inclusion criteria were English-speaking young adults aged 18-26 who have not been vaccinated against HPV. Participants who met the inclusion criteria based on an online screening form were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and invited to join the study. They first completed a pretest (T0) online via REDCap, randomly assigned to the intervention or control group, and completed a posttest (T1) after viewing their assigned intervention. Participants assigned to the intervention group watched two brief animated videos while participants assigned to the control group examined an HPV educational brochure created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, survey questions measured HPV-related knowledge, attitudes, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, vaccination intent (T0 and T1), sociodemographic characteristics, and health history (T0 only) of participants. The results showed the intervention group had an increase in vaccination intent while the control group had a decrease in vaccination intent. This shows that video education methods are more effective than traditional written education methods at increasing vaccination intention among young adults.

ContributorsShinherr, Sophia (Author) / Vasquez, Savannah (Co-author) / Chen, Angela (Thesis director) / Reifsnider, Elizabeth (Committee member) / Scott, Jason (Committee member) / Han, SeungYong (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational videos on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intent among young adults aged 18-26. A two-group randomized control trial (RCT) is conducted among 156 individuals (control group n = 79, intervention group n= 77). Inclusion criteria were English-speaking young adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of educational videos on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intent among young adults aged 18-26. A two-group randomized control trial (RCT) is conducted among 156 individuals (control group n = 79, intervention group n= 77). Inclusion criteria were English-speaking young adults aged 18-26 who have not been vaccinated against HPV. Participants who met the inclusion criteria based on an online screening form were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and invited to join the study. They first completed a pretest (T0) online via REDCap, randomly assigned to the intervention or control group, and completed a posttest (T1) after viewing their assigned intervention. Participants assigned to the intervention group watched two brief animated videos while participants assigned to the control group examined an HPV educational brochure created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, survey questions measured HPV-related knowledge, attitudes, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, vaccination intent (T0 and T1), sociodemographic characteristics, and health history (T0 only) of participants. The results showed the intervention group had an increase in vaccination intent while the control group had a decrease in vaccination intent. This shows that video education methods are more effective than traditional written education methods at increasing vaccination intention among young adults.

ContributorsVasquez, Savannah (Author) / Shinherr, Sophia (Co-author) / Chia-Chen Chen, Angela (Thesis director) / Reifsnider, Elizabeth (Committee member) / Scott, Jason (Committee member) / Han, SeungYong (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
Breast cancer can be imaged at greater depths using photoacoustic imaging to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. Current photoacoustic modalities struggle to display images in real-time because of the required image reconstruction. In this work, we aim to create a real-time photoacoustic imaging system where the photoacoustic effect is

Breast cancer can be imaged at greater depths using photoacoustic imaging to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. Current photoacoustic modalities struggle to display images in real-time because of the required image reconstruction. In this work, we aim to create a real-time photoacoustic imaging system where the photoacoustic effect is detected through changes in index of refraction. To reach this aim, two methods are applied to visualize the acoustic waves including Schlieren optics and differential interference contrast microscopy. This combined approach provides a new tool for the widespread application in clinical settings.
ContributorsSmetanick, Derek (Author) / Burgett, Joshua (Co-author) / Smith, Barbara (Thesis director) / Muthuswamy, Jitendran (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
The current gold standard treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is levodopa, which is an orally ingested central nervous system agent that gains therapeutic efficacy after being converted into dopamine in the brain. While current methods exist to evaluate treatment efficacy and prescribe targeted therapies to prevent its premature metabolism, they do

The current gold standard treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is levodopa, which is an orally ingested central nervous system agent that gains therapeutic efficacy after being converted into dopamine in the brain. While current methods exist to evaluate treatment efficacy and prescribe targeted therapies to prevent its premature metabolism, they do not consider the presence of drug-metabolizing enzymes encoded by bacteria in our microbiome. An interspecies bacterial pathway has recently been identified that prematurely converts L-dopa to dopamine in the gut and reduces the available concentration to carry out the target effect. In this work, an untargeted, metabolomic approach was used to detect and quantify volatile metabolites produced during levodopa metabolism in E. faecalis OG1RF cultures. The compounds produced during this process serve as the direct products of bacterial drug modifications by E. faecalis that solely occur in the presence of levodopa. By employing GC-MS techniques to quantify these products, potential confirmative biomarkers can be identified that evaluate treatment efficacy across patients. The unique metabolites identified in this study hold the potential to eventually serve as biomarkers for Parkinson’s treatment efficacy and provide insight to the functional characteristics of E. faecalis levodopa metabolism across the 10 million patients of Parkinson’s Disease. In future efforts, the identity of these metabolites will be verified along with their significant association to L-dopa metabolism.
ContributorsPennington, Taylor (Author) / Smith, Barbara (Thesis director) / Eshima, Jarrett (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
Water is a scarce resource that is recycled through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to help fulfill the demand for water. Agriculture is a large consumer of water, indicating that WWTP-treated water is proportionally applied to crops at a high rate. Recycled water is highly regulated but is capable of containing

Water is a scarce resource that is recycled through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to help fulfill the demand for water. Agriculture is a large consumer of water, indicating that WWTP-treated water is proportionally applied to crops at a high rate. Recycled water is highly regulated but is capable of containing high-risk pathogens and contaminants despite the efforts of physical and microbial treatments throughout the WWTP process. WWTPs are also producers of biosolids, treated sewage sludge regulated by the EPA that can be applied in agricultural settings to act as a fertilizer. Biosolids are a useful fertilizer as they are rich in nitrogen and contain many beneficial nutrients for soil and crops. Due to biosolids being a by-product of recycled water, they are susceptible to containing the same pathogens and contaminants that can be transferred in the WWTP systems. Antibiotic resistance (AR) is an ever-growing threat on a global scale and is one of the areas of concern for consideration of pathogen spread from WWTPs. Antibiotic resistance bacteria, created through mutation of bacterial plasmids producing antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), have been quantified and studied to help mitigate the risk posed by continued AR spread in the environment. This study aims to produce a comprehensive collection of quantified ARG concentration data in biosolids, as well as producing a QMRA model integrating Monte Carlo distributions to provide groundwork for understanding of the direct dosage and consumption of ARGs to the standard U.S. citizen. The study determined that sul1, sul2, tetM, and tetO are ARGs of high concern in biosolid samples based on current concentration data of biosolid samples. The resulting dose models and gene concentration distributions provide data to support the need to mitigate AR risk presented by agricultural biosolid application.
ContributorsMorgan, Grace (Author) / Hamilton, Kerry (Thesis director) / Muenich, Rebecca (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description

In this thesis report, I aim to explain the realities of humanitarian efforts to implement solar panel systems in rural communities, the challenges they face, and why they fail. I will also compare case studies of both unsuccessful and successful projects, which will lead to a proposed solar panel system

In this thesis report, I aim to explain the realities of humanitarian efforts to implement solar panel systems in rural communities, the challenges they face, and why they fail. I will also compare case studies of both unsuccessful and successful projects, which will lead to a proposed solar panel system design for a single home completed in collaboration with Arizona State University's Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Program for the Shonto Solar project.

ContributorsTieu, Michelle (Author) / Schoepf, Jared (Thesis director) / Wong, Marnie (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description

The purpose of this study was to find an appropriate solution in reducing inflammation around the ankle joint for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, so they are able to increase their endurance and improve their overall quality of life. RA patients have to deal with a significant amount of complications that

The purpose of this study was to find an appropriate solution in reducing inflammation around the ankle joint for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, so they are able to increase their endurance and improve their overall quality of life. RA patients have to deal with a significant amount of complications that include chronic inflammation, continuous pain in their joints, and overwhelming stress. In addition, it is very common for RA patients to develop severe mental issues that only makes matters worse. As a result, it is imperative that treatments are provided to RA patients to improve their current situation. Three devices from the current market, made for reducing inflammation of the ankle, were chosen for evaluating the effectiveness of each device. It was determined that with 95% confidence that the Gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve was the most effective in reducing inflammation. A prototype was developed based on the feedback of the participants. Further improvements, the prototype will be compared against the Gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve to determine which is the best solution to improve millions of RA patients' lives.

ContributorsLevitt, Jeremiah (Author) / Larson, Rachel (Thesis director) / Huerta, Mark (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor) / Economics Program in CLAS (Contributor)
Created2021-12
Description

This thesis aims to analyze the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) through the lens of Bolman and Deal's Four Frames. As a rapidly growing organization, a core component of ISKCONs rise has been due to their persistent support from the youth audience (under 30). However, recent statistics indicate that

This thesis aims to analyze the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) through the lens of Bolman and Deal's Four Frames. As a rapidly growing organization, a core component of ISKCONs rise has been due to their persistent support from the youth audience (under 30). However, recent statistics indicate that there has been a significant drop in youth attendance at the local ISKCON Arizona Chandler, with nearly 50% of young members leaving the organization. The focus of this paper will be on understanding the organizational theory behind the challenges faced by ISKCON Chandler in engaging its young members and attracting new ones. The paper will introduce ISKCON, its history, mission, and structure, highlighting the human resource, structural, political, and symbolic aspects of the organization. Then through the multi-frame approach and industry analysis, the paper will offer insights into the shortcomings (like the lack of proper structure, online presence, platform for youth representation, or presence in nearby youth communities) of ISKCON Chandler, which are causing the limited engagement of younger generations. Subsequently, the paper will propose solutions including creating a youth council board, creating collegiate club chapter connections, developing a more robust social media and online presence, and providing internship opportunities. By analyzing these shortcomings and providing solutions, this thesis aims to provide insights that can help the local ISKCON address its problems, engage its young members, and attract new ones, while remaining true to its core values and mission.

ContributorsSayyaparaju, Swaroop (Author) / deLusé, Stephanie (Thesis director) / Prabhu, Kirtan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2023-05
Description

3D printing prosthetics for amputees is an innovative opportunity to provide a lower cost and customized alternative to current technologies. Companies, such as E-NABLE and YouBionic are developing myoelectric prosthetics, electrically powered terminal devices activated by electromyography (EMG), for transradial amputees. Prosthetics that are 3D printed are less expensive for

3D printing prosthetics for amputees is an innovative opportunity to provide a lower cost and customized alternative to current technologies. Companies, such as E-NABLE and YouBionic are developing myoelectric prosthetics, electrically powered terminal devices activated by electromyography (EMG), for transradial amputees. Prosthetics that are 3D printed are less expensive for juvenile use, more sustainable, and more accessible for those without insurance. Although they are typically not outfitted with the same complex grip patterns or durability of a traditional myoelectric prosthetic, they offer a sufficient durability (withstanding up to 150 N on average) and allow for new opportunities in prosthetic development. Devils Prosthetics, a student research and development group associated with Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), has investigated the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) for 3D printing prosthetics as well as combining a MyoWare EMG sensor with machine learning for optimal control of the prosthetic.

ContributorsGryskiewicz, Jarek (Author) / Alessio, Gabby (Co-author) / Hiramina, Jason (Co-author) / Schoepf, Jared (Thesis director) / Shimono, Satoshi (Committee member) / Nemgar, Noah (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Harrington Bioengineering Program (Contributor)
Created2023-05