WIRELESS IMPLANTABLE MAGNETOELASTIC SENSORS AND ACTUATORS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Magnetoelastic sensors represent a low-cost wireless and battery-less method for monitoring parameters in embedded or implanted applications; however, some limitations still exist preventing their commercial implementation. Presented in this work are a variety of studies that are aimed at improving the feasibility of magnetoelastic materials for sensing and actuating applications. Magnetoelastic resonant sensors of non-standard geometries were investigated to determine if geometry could play a role on the sensitivity of the sensor response to mass loading. It was shown that a significant increase in sensitivity could be achieved by using triangular sensors rather than standard rectangular strips. A method for monitoring multiple parameters on a single magnetoelastic resonant strip was also pursued. It was demonstrated that multiple parameters will have different effects depending on the location of the applied load due to the effect of sensor areas with zero vibration at different harmonics of the fundamental resonant frequency. Magneto-harmonic sensors and actuators were also explored in this work. Specifically, it was demonstrated that magnetoelastic sensors could be implemented as a means of detecting stresses on deep tissue wounds, which are critical for proper healing of certain wound sites after surgery. Both a suture and a suture anchor design were investigated for their efficacy at monitoring forces applied to tendon repair sites. Two detection devices were fabricated and built for this work which represent low-cost alternatives (both less than $200 each) to commercially available alternatives that minimally cost tens of thousands of dollars. This advancement reinforces the claim that magnetoelastic materials are a low-cost and portable sensing solution. The biodegradability and cytotoxicity of a promising magnetoelastic material for biomedical applications, specifically Galfenol (iron-gallium), was also investigated. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that concentrations much higher than would be likely to be encountered in vivo are necessary to cause significant cellular toxicity. Additionally, surface characterization of the degraded materials suggests that the degradation rate of Galfenol can be wirelessly controlled through application of externally applie

Staging Modernism

This thesis, which supports an exhibition of visual art, develops from Jean Baudrillard\u27s philosophy of seduction. I have focused on the representation of the bachelor and his pad in American men\u27s magazines from the mid-twentieth century. During this period, magazines such as Playboy, Escapade and Rogue created features on modern living to reassure an independent and affluent man that a dwelling with style and taste would ensure a happy bachelor life and facilitate intimacy. My photographs and collages add complexity to this portrait by framing this unique space as a stage where an unmarried man encircled by his lusty decor acted to entrance a woman

Broadening the Role of Occupational Therapists within the ICU Setting: An Occupation-Based Toolkit

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to create a quick intervention toolkit for occupational therapists treating clients in the intensive care unit (ICU) in order to increase occupation-based services, quality of care, and improve client outcomes. Additionally, this project hopes to enlighten occupational therapists who may experience burnout while providing services within such an intensive setting

Advances in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell technology with low-platinum-loading electrodes

The Gemini Space program demonstrated the first major application of fuel cell systems. Solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells were used as auxiliary power sources in the spacecraft. There has been considerable progress in this technology since then, particularly with the substitution of Nafion for the polystyrene sulfonate membrane as the electrolyte. Until recently the performance was good only with high platinum loading (4 mg/sq cm) electrodes. Methods are presented to advance the technology by (1) use of low platinum loading (0.35 mg/sq cm) electrodes; (2) optimization of anode/membrane/cathode interfaces by hot pressing; (3) pressurization of reactant gases, which is most important when air is used as cathodic reactant; and (4) adequate humidification of reactant gases to overcome the water management problem. The high performance of the fuel cell with the low loading of platinum appears to be due to the extension of the three dimensional reaction zone by introduction of a proton conductor, Nafion. This was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry

Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of Kuzhilethu “Shep” Kshepakaran, M. Ed., OTR/S, CAPS, FAOTA

The purpose of study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. An in-depth interview with the selected participant, Kuzhilethu “Shep” Kshepakaran, as well as his resume and the internet were used to gather information. The categories created symbolized Shep’s life history which included personal experiences, perspectives and practice influence. The themes represented Shep’s personal values and beliefs, perspectives regarding practice and cultural awareness as well as commitment to the overall value of occupational therapy profession. The themes highlight the important aspects that led to Shep’s contributions to the OT profession regarding legislation as well as educational enhancement. By staying true to his personal motivations, Shep was able to use education and life experiences to accomplish various achievements which allowed him to increase his involvement in the field of occupational therapy as it grew and developed overtime.https://commons.und.edu/ot-oral-histories-posters/1084/thumbnail.jp

Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of Kuzhilethu “Shep” Kshepakaran, M. Ed., OTR/S, CAPS, FAOTA

The purpose of study is to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice through the life history stories of occupational therapists who have held leadership roles at the national level and beyond. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. An in-depth interview with the selected participant, Kuzhilethu “Shep” Kshepakaran, as well as his resume and the internet were used to gather information. The categories created symbolized Shep’s life history which included personal experiences, perspectives and practice influence. The themes represented Shep’s personal values and beliefs, perspectives regarding practice and cultural awareness as well as commitment to the overall value of occupational therapy profession. The themes highlight the important aspects that led to Shep’s contributions to the OT profession regarding legislation as well as educational enhancement. By staying true to his personal motivations, Shep was able to use education and life experiences to accomplish various achievements which allowed him to increase his involvement in the field of occupational therapy as it grew and developed overtime

Annette Derouin – Covid 19 Oral History Project

During 2022 the Child Nutrition Archives conducted multiple interviews investigating how child nutrition professionals dealt with the Covid 19 pandemic and its effects on the operations of school feeding programs. This interview examines the experiences of Annette Hendrickx Derouin, who is the Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Willmar, New London-Spicer, Montevideo and Community Christian Schools in Minnesota. These four districts offer the Child Nutrition Programs to the fullest extent possible. Annette has worked in School Nutrition for over 25 years. She is a Registered Dietitian and has her Master’s Degree in Health and Nutrition Administration. She holds the School Nutrition Association School Nutrition Specialist Credentials and is a Certified Food Safety Instructor.https://egrove.olemiss.edu/icn_ohistories/1106/thumbnail.jp

TOWARDS AN UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TUBE INSERTS MITIGATE FOULING IN HEAT EXCHANGERS

A number of studies undertaken by Total have measured the improvement that can be expected when TurbotalTM inserts are installed in heat exchangers. These studies have fully established that TurbotalTM both improve heat transfer coefficient and mitigate fouling. It has been found that fouling levels vary with application. Consequently, economics of installing inserts are difficult to quantify. Gains must be estimated through specific tests. A model that predicts fouling development solves this problem. In this paper first steps towards the understanding of how TurbotalTM limits the fouling rate are described. Authors suggest that the calculation of both pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient in a tube equipped with insert can be used to extend the Ebert & Panchal fouling model to predict the fouling rate in tube equipped with TurbotalTM. This extension of the Ebert-Panchal Model requires adjustment of both the deposition term and the removal term. The deposition term can be adjusted by multiplying by the ratio of plain to enhanced heat transfer coefficients and the removal term can be based on the pressure drop imposed by the insert. This modified model is then compared with operating cases to verify its reliability. Further issues that require consideration are a mechanical effect that gives rise to limiting growth of the fouling deposit, and total suppression of fouling in parts of the exchanger into account