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Designing and Assessing a Microfluid Actuator for Soft Robotic Systems
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Designing and Assessing a Microfluid Actuator for Soft Robotic Systems By Micah Thurston Master of Science in Assistive Technology Engineering Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics offer a clear way to improve therapy/rehab. Specifically, wearable technologies have been shown to improve human efficiency in work and other daily activities. These devices are currently implemented to assist rehabilitation exercises and bridge some of the gaps that exist at the beginning of treatment, when neuromuscular weakness may keep the user from starting. However, the majority of these devices are too bulky to move beyond clinical settings, usually requiring large power supplies and inconvenient cable harnesses to operate. The objective of this research involves using technology that's being explored in soft robotics to increase the portability, comfort, and safety of robotic orthotic devices for the rehabilitation of hand-grip. Previous limitations in pneumatics and hydraulics has meant that a majority of exoskeleton and exosuit devices rely on electric-powered micro-motors, but advancements in 3D manufacturing/fabricating techniques may offer a solution. Ideally the outcome would be to create a more "wearable" device, by changing the micro-actuator/ribbon-spring system (i.e. those found in 65% of current exosuit products) into a soft robotic one through micro-fluid actuation that's controlled with a simplified positive/negative pressure ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Utilizing a FoxAlien Masuter 3 series Computer Numerical Control (CNC) router, channels will be etched into pre-stretched polystyrene sheets before the sheets are baked at a temperature range between 325°F - 350°F, for 1-3 minutes. These will act as positive and negative molds for final casting of the microfluidic cells. AutoDesk Fusion 360, v Computer-aided Design (CAD) software was combined with Universal G-code Sender (UGS) to generate etching models, while a variety of Let's Resin silicone rubbers with different shore ratings will be tested for efficacy. Higher shore ratings will offer more rigid material dynamics, while smaller shore ratings will be used to produce more flexible ones. Flow cells will then be connected in series before being combined with other materials into what is known as a bonded fabric. A composite material made through adhering layers of other materials together such as through heat, pressure, and other means. Initial testing will involve assessing the bonded fabrics' ability to actuate as intended, handle appropriate payloads (based on benchmark devices), meanwhile longitudinal testing will be automated using a step motor driven plunger system, made of a 12 volt DC (Direct Current) linear actuator, as well as an L290N motor driver and Arduino Uno Rev3. Strain gauge sensors were arranged in a half-bridge Wheatstone configuration, using an HX711 amplifier and an Arduino Uno Rev3. The Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) can be used to install the HX711 and L290N library to translate the cycling Force data into Google spreadsheet, using Temboo, in order to continuously generate dashboard totals
Fiber‑Based Strain Sensors in Knee Brace with Smart Phone Tracking Application
No full text[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Prophylactic knee braces are commonly used, though few on the market currently provide the opportunity for users to track and learn how to improve their knee health without bulky equipment. In addition to a design that minimizes slip, users need a knee brace that provides sufficient support, is lightweight and breathable, is durable, and is easily washable. The proposed novel design is a wearable knee brace with an integrated joint sensor, connectable to a smartphone app to provide joint health data to the user. The brace features a soft knitted knee brace with sensing capabilities through piezoelectric properties of the knitted fabric. The knee brace sensor characterization and strain sensor will be evaluated through multiple standalone and comparative analyses. A series of stress tests will be applied to the fabric, testing will be conducted for joint acceleration and pressure information at normal walking, jogging, and comfortable running speeds for 1 minute, 10 minutes, and 20 minutes, using the GAITRite GK-S20 treadmill and tracking cameras. The sets of data will be independently analyzed and compared for their accuracy and precision. Outcome measures will include measured output resistance on the knee brace, adduction-abduction angles, flexion-extension in sagittal plane, and internal-external rotation angle along the transverse plane. After laboratory testing has been conducted and the final design complete, the users will be invited to wear the brace for one week in daily life. They will be instructed to wear the brace daily for less than four hours at a time, especially during high activity. Data from the brace will be collected through a smartphone application. The novel design could potentially branch out into clinical applications, but that would take more input from healthcare professionals etc. As described above, a novel design of compressive sleeve knee brace has been proposed to address the sect of the market for users who seek a prophylactic knee with joint tracking data. This is to provide users with both an aesthetically simple and technologically effective knee brace to support healthy habits and joint strengthening. Through the simple design, accessible smartphone application, and low maintenance assistive technology, this proposal aims to create a successful product to fulfill the needs of a large set of users, young and old
Transforming Point Cloud Bathymetric Scans for Simulating One-Dimensional Two-Layer Shallow-Water Flows
No full textModels used for simulating one-dimensional shallow-water flows will typically account for the effects that the geometry of the channel has on relevant flow variables. Namely, wet area and discharge are highly dependent on terms that incorporate the channel's width and bottom elevation along the axis of flow. Bathymetric data of large bodies of water, as well as the vast majority of geophysical data, is often recorded as points of elevation/depths at their respective latitude and longitude coordinates, or are otherwise placed on a rectangular mesh of fixed lengths. In this work we propose a method for transforming bathymetric data reported as a point cloud of elevations on a rectangular grid into usable variables for mod- eling one-dimensional two-layer shallow-water flows. The method contains generalized algorithms and a streamlined user interface to automate data cleaning and organizational tasks for a wide range of real world bathymetric scans. A transformed data set is generated for scans of two distinct bodies of water and one transformation is used to model two-layer shallow-water flow in the Strait of Gibraltar to test transformation efficacy
Financial impacts of Medicaid Fraud on healthcare and the efforts to combat monetary loss
Get PDFHealthcare fraud has been a persistent issue for decades, prompting government agencies to continuously work on detecting, preventing, and addressing fraudulent activities. While current policies have improved fraud detection and recovery of monetary losses, the healthcare system continues to suffer significant budgetary impact. The research includes secondary qualitative studies exploring two key statutes to prevent healthcare fraud: The False Claims Act (FCA) and the Anti-kickback laws. Issues identified include the monetary impact of Medicaid fraud on consumers, the government program budget, and governmental efforts to improve Medicaid program fraud. The research includes impacts experienced by policyholders such as healthcare plan high-cost premiums and out-of-pocket costs, lack or absence of quality care, and increased mortality rate. In addition, resources are depleted due to impropriation and abuse of healthcare funding. In addition, the research illustrates how data has aided in monitoring and detecting Medicaid fraud. Lastly, policy implications suggest improved transparency appropriation and utilization of healthcare and improved coordination of federal and state government to align rules for reporting healthcare fraud to obtain more accurate data on healthcare fraud to enable proper distribution of resources for government programs such as Medicaid
Social Equity in Infrastructure Planning and Delivery In Los Angeles County: Implementing Executive Order 13985
Get PDFAs the third pillar of Public Administration, Social Equity ensures fairness in service delivery. Executive Order 13985 mandates local government agencies to evaluate their programs' impacts and outcomes on marginalized populations and reevaluate their program priorities to promote social equity. Through a qualitative analysis of peer-reviewed scholarly articles, this paper seeks to understand how Los Angeles County agencies are implementing Executive Order 13985. The Policy Process framework is applied to understand how local government agencies implement Executive Order 13985 in Los Angeles County and identify any policy implementation gaps. This study finds that local government agencies are in the early stages of implementing anti-racist and pro-equity program agendas. A key finding is that local government agencies need to focus on community engagement to identify community needs as part of their stakeholder analysis. Keywords: social justice, social equity, equity, Executive Order 13985, public services
The Role of CXCR4 and CXCR7 in Melanoma Migration and Metastasis
No full textStromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1) is a type of chemokine, a signaling protein that is able to induce chemotaxis, that has been extensively studied for its role and presence in many diseases, including cancers such as melanoma. Two of the chemokine receptors SDF1 can bind to include CXCR4 and CXCR7. CXCR4 has been researched for its roles in melanoma proliferation, migration, and metastasis, but the role CXCR7 plays is much less clear. In this project, I wanted to demonstrate that CXCR7 played just as important as a role in the vital processes of melanoma just as CXCR4 does. I studied the outcome of silencing CXCR4 and CXCR7 in B16-F10 murine melanoma cells, both in vitro and in vivo and the effects it had on melanoma migration and metastasis. In vitro experiments were conducted using Boyden chambers and wound assays while in vivo studies were done using chicken embryos in CAM assay experiments. Both siRNA transfection and CXCR antagonists were used to reduce the expression of CXCRs. These experiments revealed that reducing CXCR4 and CXCR7 had an adverse effect on both motility and migratory capabilities of murine melanoma as well as showcasing the metastatic capabilities of melanoma. These data can help point to alternative therapeutic targets of interest in terms of treating patients afflicted with melanoma and may even help pave the way for prevention of developing or spreading of the disease
On the reproduction and kinematics of Neurospora crassa sporulation
No full textAdaptations in spore shape and launch mechanisms to exit the boundary layer for passive dispersal by the wind have been studied in several fungal species, including the model organism Neurospora crassa. N. crassa is a model organism for the eukaryan circadian rhythm and there is indication that its sporulation event relies on this circadian rhythm. However, there are limited detailed studies of its sporulation event and dispersal mechanisms. This research aims to observe the sporulation event and study the mechanisms of sporulation in N. crassa through thorough documentation and measurement of the launching process and the organisms physical properties
Side Channel Typing Detection across different Sensors and their Positioning
No full textIn this thesis, a range of sensors are explored for side-channel approaches to determining what is being typed on a keyboard. These approaches are relevant to both security and responsive design, enhancing human-computer interaction and enabling more intuitive system responses. Traditional single-sensor systems, including Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and sound sensors, each offer distinct advantages but also exhibit notable limitations in accuracy, environmental adaptability, and detection range. This work provides an in-depth analysis of these sensing technologies, focusing on their application in typing detection. To overcome the challenges presented by individual sensors, we propose a hybrid approach that integrates PIR, ultrasonic, and sound sensors for more accurate functionality and results. By combining these technologies, we aim to improve precision detection and reliability. The results suggest that this multimodal system offers significant potential for advancing typing detection, contributing to both enhanced user security and a responsive interface design
Pathway to Stability: Supporting Unhoused Scholars
Get PDFIt is essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by unhoused college students as they transition into higher education, facing barriers to resources, institutional support, social isolation, and mental health challenges. By applying the principles of Maslow's framework, we can better understand where a student is starting from and what needs to be addressed before they can focus on needs higher up. This graduate project emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to providing support and resources tailored to the unique needs of unhoused students to address their academic needs. The Pathway to Stability: Support Unhoused Scholars program aims to create a specialized framework that promotes academic success and personal growth by drawing from Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Schlossberg's transition theory, and the intersectionality framework. The program is designed to support students in achieving their academic goals and increasing academic retention. All staff will be trained in trauma-informed practices to understand specific student populations. These interactions are built into the program through personalized, trauma-informed practices and counseling by staff with experience working with diverse populations
Removing invisibility: a summer bridge program for learning and developmental disabilities
No full textLearning and developmental disabilities such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and specific learning disabilities, are often considered invisible, as there are no obvious visual indicators of their presence. Often, students with such disabilities are not provided with adequate transition planning to help them prepare for college. Effective transitional planning is one of the most powerful predictors of graduation and subsequent vocational success. This graduate project is designed with the intention of creating an inclusive college transition program for students with learning and developmental disabilities. Utilizing philosophies and methods from Universal Design for Learning and Self Determination Theory, the project aims to facilitate college transition for first year students with learning and developmental disabilities by creating a three-week summer bridge program. Components of the program include teaching students about their disability rights, and familiarizing them with disability, academic, and social resources on campus. An essential element of this project involves the use of peer mentors in guiding students throughout the entire summer bridge program. By doing this, the goal is to reduce feelings of isolation and increase the chances of forming social bonds, since students with learning and developmental disabilities often describe having few social supports in college. Finally, the project aims to empower students with time management, organization, math, English, and study skills. The ultimate goal is to create a learning environment that reduces stigmatization toward students with disabilities, increases inclusion and acceptance among the general student population and college staff, and prepares students to succeed in reaching their academic goals, thereby raising graduation and retention rates for a population that is at higher risk of dropping out of college