Biomedical Engineering Students Research Articles

The development of the experimental setup for measuring the cell membrane electrical potential by Sucrose-Gap Technique

This article describes the development of the experimental setup for measuring the cell membrane electrical potential by Double -Sucrose-Gap Technique. The double-gap isolation method allows the simultaneous measurement of electrical activity and tension output from contracting segments of muscle fibers. This technique has been widely used as a convenient tool for recording of the membrane activities from myelinated or unmyelinated nerves and muscle preparations. This device can be an effective way to provide undergraduate biomedical engineering students with invaluable experiences in neurophysiology. The installation design and its main characteristics are described. The advantages of the described device are the simplicity of the experiment, relatively low cost, the possibility of long-term experiment.

A mobile device tool to assist the ECG interpretation based on a realistic 3D virtual heart simulation

Computational tools can be developed to help the interpretation of the ECG and the beating heart. In some cases, such tools are implemented in mobile devices and applied to “mobile learning” (m-learning) activities. In the present work, we show a mobile device tool that emulates the beating heart according to ECG data. The tool has been implemented using skeletal subspace deformation to control the movement of a 3D heart model in real time. It is possible to manipulate the heart model and visualize its inner anatomy. The results of the simulation show that the tool allows online adjustments on the virtual heart according to actual ECG data set by the user or by ECG data files (normal rhythm or arrhythmias). The comparison between clinical data and the results of the simulation validated the cardiac beating simulation. The user experience was evaluated by students of biomedical engineering using a Likert scale. The students evaluated their experience with the tool positively. The results, as a whole, show that the tool may represent a newly accessible resource to help support m-learning in the context of interpreting ECG data. Also, the tool seems to be applicable in a teaching/learning environment where undergraduates are studying either the ECG or the cardiac anatomy or function.

Engineering Students' Epistemic Cognition in the Context of Problem Solving

AbstractBackgroundStudents' beliefs about knowledge (epistemic beliefs) and their motivations toward processing information (epistemic motivation) have been suggested as influencing aspects of learning.PurposeThis study investigated the relationship between engineering students' approach to solving an open‐ended homework problem and their epistemic motivation, engineering epistemic beliefs, and epistemic cognition.MethodsThe initial quantitative phase of this sequential explanatory mixed methods study employed a k‐means cluster analysis to identify homogenous subgroups of biomedical engineering students based on their epistemic beliefs and epistemic motivation measured using a survey (n = 50). Eighteen of these students were interviewed to explore their epistemic cognitions when solving an open‐ended homework problem. Transcripts were analyzed and results were overlaid with the clusters to investigate relationships between students' approaches to problem solving and their epistemic beliefs, motivation, and cognition.ResultsThree clusters of students were identified based on three constructs of epistemic beliefs and epistemic motivation: source of engineering knowledge, certainty of engineering knowledge, and closed‐mindedness. Students in the same cluster activated similar components of epistemic cognition, such as their desired outcomes for solving the problem. Additionally, we identified that the instructor's description of the problem and how the assignment was structured influenced how students approached solving the problem.ConclusionsComparison of clusters revealed that having more constructivist epistemic beliefs does not guarantee that students will set epistemic aims or make epistemic gains. Additionally, students' approaches to solving the open‐ended problem were influenced by their lack of desire to consider other ideas. The outcomes of this study provide a more complete understanding of students' epistemic cognitions and beliefs related to problem solving in the classroom.

Interdisciplinary Design Teams for Biomedical Engineering Design

In the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Design course sequence at Carnegie Mellon University, BME students from the College of Engineering and product design students from the College of Fine Arts are introduced to the development of useful biomedical products in a one-year, research-based experience.

Design and development of an intelligent nursing bed - a pilot project of "joint assignment".

The "joint assignment" is a creative bachelor education project for Biomedical Engineering (BME) in Shanghai University (SHU), China. The objective of this project is to improve students' capabilities in design thinking and teamwork through practices in the process of the design and development of complex medical product. As the first step, a pilot project "design and development of intelligent nursing bed" was set up in May 2015. This paper describes details of how project organization and management, various teaching methods and scientific evaluation approaches were achieved in this pilot project. For example, a method containing one main line and four branches is taken to manage the project and "prototyping model" was used as the main research approach. As a result a multi-win situation was achieved. The results showed, firstly, 62 bachelor students including 16 BME students were well trained. They improved themselves in use of practical tools, communication skills and scientific writing; Secondly, commercial companies received a nice product design on intelligent nursing bed, and have been working on industrializing it; Thirdly, the university and associated schools obtained an excellent practical education experience to supplement traditional class education; Fourthly and most importantly, requirements from end-users will be met. The results also showed that the "joint assignment" task could become a significant component in BME bachelor education.

The role of a creative "joint assignment" project in biomedical engineering bachelor degree education.

Biomedical Engineering (BME) bachelor education aims to train qualified engineers who devote themselves to addressing biological and medical problems by integrating the technological, medical and biological knowledge. Design thinking and teamwork with other disciplines are necessary for biomedical engineers. In the current biomedical engineering education system of Shanghai University (SHU), however, such design thinking and teamwork through a practical project is lacking. This paper describes a creative "joint assignment" project in Shanghai University, China, which has provided BME bachelor students a two-year practical experience to work with students from multidisciplinary departments including sociology, mechanics, computer sciences, business and art, etc. To test the feasibility of this project, a twenty-month pilot project has been carried out from May 2015 to December 2016. The results showed that this pilot project obviously enhanced competitive power of BME students in Shanghai University, both in the capabilities of design thinking and teamwork.

Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images Using Oscar-Analysis On 36 Projections

The use of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scanner has become powerful tools for medical imaging techniques. This will allow medical surgeons and radiologist assistants to diagnose patients before any treatment can be taken place. However, the CBCT concepts require high demand for computer resources to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) model from two-dimensional (2D) images. Based on this problem, Open Source Cone-Beam Reconstructor (OSCaR) was used to train medical and biomedical engineering students in understanding the concepts of computed tomography scanner. This software requires only a small capacity of computer resources, thus allowing students to practise using their own computer. With a small number of projections, the authors evaluated the performance of OSCaR to reconstruct 36 numbers of 2D x-ray images. By using the cone-beam x-ray tube, 36 images of lemon and chicken bone were captured and saved into Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files. The DICOM files were then imported to the OSCaR software for the reconstruction process. Based on the results, this study successfully reconstructed 3D images of lemon and chicken bone. In conclusion, higher number of projections would produce better results in terms of accuracy and high resolution. However, the use of 36 numbers of 2D images is adequate for students to understand the concepts of computed tomography scanner.

Electrophysiology for biomedical engineering students: a practical and theoretical course in animal electrocorticography.

The major challenge in laboratory teaching is the application of abstract concepts in simple and direct practical lessons. However, students rarely have the opportunity to participate in a laboratory that combines practical learning with a realistic research experience. In the Biomedical Engineering career, we offer short and optional courses to complement studies for students as they initiate their Graduation Project. The objective of these theoretical and practical courses is to introduce students to the topics of their projects. The present work describes an experience in electrophysiology to teach undergraduate students how to extract cortical information using electrocorticographic techniques. Students actively participate in some parts of the experience and then process and analyze the data obtained with different signal processing tools. In postlaboratory evaluations, students described the course as an exceptional opportunity for students interested in following a postgraduate science program and fully appreciated their contents.

Team-Based Development of Medical Devices: An Engineering-Business Collaborative.

There is a global shift in the teaching methodology of science and engineering toward multidisciplinary, team-based processes. To meet the demands of an evolving technical industry and lead the way in engineering education, innovative curricula are essential. This paper describes the development of multidisciplinary, team-based learning environments in undergraduate and graduate engineering curricula focused on medical device design. In these programs, students actively collaborate with clinicians, professional engineers, business professionals, and their peers to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. In the undergraduate senior capstone courses, teams of biomedical engineering (BME) and business students have produced and delivered numerous functional prototypes to satisfied clients. Pursuit of commercialization of devices has led to intellectual property (IP) disclosures and patents. Assessments have indicated high levels of success in attainment of student learning outcomes and student satisfaction with their undergraduate design experience. To advance these projects toward commercialization and further promote innovative team-based learning, a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Design and Commercialization was recently launched. The MEng facilitates teams of graduate students in engineering, life sciences, and business who engage in innovation-commercialization (IC) projects and coursework that take innovative ideas through research and development (R&D) to create marketable devices. The activities are structured with students working together as a "virtual company," with targeted outcomes of commercialization (license agreements and new start-ups), competitive job placement, and/or career advancement.

أثر استخدام استراتيجيات التعلم النشط في تدريس مقرر الأجهزة الطبية على تحصيل طلبة المستوى الرابع هندسة طبية حيوية بجامعة العلوم والتكنولوجيا اليمنية

Abstract: The aim of the current research is to explore the impact using active learning strategies in the teaching of medical devices course in the achievement of fourth year biomedical engineering students compared to the conventional teaching method. To achieve this aim, authors have stated the following statistical hypothesis: There is a statistically significant difference (at the 0.05 level) between the mean scores of students of the experimental group (taught using active learning) and control group students (taught in the usual way) in the post application of the test grades at each of the following levels: remembering, understanding, application, analysis. Experimental design known as pre and post measuring design is used in this research. Research sample consisted of two groups of the fourth level engineering biomedical students. First group (control group) and second group (experimental group) consist of 20 students. To measure the performance of pre and post in the experimental and control groups in academic achievement, researchers developed a test to measure achievement in objective (a pump fluid, and a defibrillator) at levels: remembering, understanding, application, analysis was confirmed the veracity of the tool are viewing on a group of arbitrators, as it was ascertained where the validity test reliability coefficient (0.72). After we get results from pre and post-test, data were manipulated and processed using t test to validate research hypothesis. Pre-research tool is applied on the control and experimental groups. Then two selected subjects (Infusion pump and defibrillator) were taught for the two groups using two different methods. Experimental group was taught using active learning strategies whereas control group was taught using conventional method. After teaching period (4 classes) for every group, we applied research tool on the two groups. Results show statistically significance difference (at 0.01) between control and experimental average scores at post-test in the following levels: Remembering, understanding, implementation and analyzing. Authors recommended encouraging teachers using active teaching strategies in teaching students to increase student’s scientific achievements.

Microethics and Macroethics Education of Biomedical Engineering Students in the United States

Microethics and Macroethics Education of Biomedical Engineering Students in the United States

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation as a Graduation Requirement for Biomedical Engineering Students

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation as a Graduation Requirement for Biomedical Engineering Students

The Cath-Assist: A Self-Catheterization Assistive Device1

The Cath-Assist: A Self-Catheterization Assistive Device1

Rapid Prototyping of a Skeletal Muscle ‐ An Engineering Application in an Anatomy and Physiology Course

The Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) is an undergraduate institution with a focus on teaching technical design and engineering. Biomedical Engineering students are required to complete the Anatomy & Physiology course sequence. Recently, the teaching effort at WIT is moving towards an externally‐collaborative, project‐based, interdisciplinary curriculum for learning – experiential learning with the goal of career success. As part of the Anatomy & Physiology I course, we developed an interdisciplinary project that concentrates on rapid prototyping, the fabrication of a 3D scale model of an object with the help of computer software. This technique has become increasingly popular in the biomedical engineering industry. Students were given the opportunity to become familiar with the rapid prototyping method and apply it to a biological concept. Students designed and printed a 3D representation of a skeletal muscle. The project was accomplished in groups of 3‐4 students and was co‐taught by instructors of the Departments of Sciences and Mechanical Engineering & Technology. The summative assessment included an oral and written presentation of the project outcome. The perception of learning gains was measured with an anonymous post‐project student survey. The act of integrating tactile muscular facsimiles onto a scaled skeleton provided the students with a better understanding of the reasons why muscles are shaped the way they are and how they work together to manipulate the human skeleton. In addition, the students were able to implement the concepts of the human musculoskeletal system in one of the state‐of‐the‐art design and manufacturing methods in Engineering.

Educating for industry: a call to action for bio-/biomedical engineering professors and students.

Presents a call to action for bio-/biomedical engineering professors and students.

English

With the extend use of technology, it has been the vital function to develop something new in both software and hardware. A worn out battery or a lost charges are the two difficulties every electronic device user undergoes through. To overcome this we, the biomedical engineering students, have proposed a new technology to adopt charging of these portable electronic devices with the help of human walking. Walking is the best and common activity in day to day life. As per the study of biomechanics, we came to realize that ground reaction force (GRF) exerted from the foot, when converted into voltage gives enough power supply to run a device. While walking the person loses some energy from foot in the form of vibrations which are sensed and converted into electric form. Piezoelectric crystal does the work of generating output out of foot moment. Piezoelectric materials have the capability of absorbing mechanical energy from surroundings, especially vibrations and transform it into electric energy that can be used as power supply in real time to other appliances like mobile phones, power banks, various small handy biomedical instruments etc. This project can be implemented while jogging in the morning, gym, walking on trade-mill, in dense populated areas like railways, bus stands, etc

Virtual Laboratory for Digital Image Processing

This paper presents a virtual laboratory for the computer processing of digital imaging. This software application is designed to enhance/reconstruct high-resolution images in order to analyze the implemented algorithms as well as their optical features. The application is conceived as a virtual laboratory for mechatronic, biomedical and electronic engineering students. The presented case studies demonstrate the accuracy of the processing chain used in this virtual laboratory, and how the students could better understand topics related to remote sensing, computer vision, biomedical engineering, among others.

Taking Simulation to New Heights: Designing a Flight Simulation Center

Air medical transport requires that the practitioner develop clinical and diagnostic reasoning abilities and manage the dynamic needs of the patient in unstructured, uncertain, and often unforgiving environments. High-fidelity simulation can be instrumental in training interprofessional flight teams to improve competency through quality and safe patient care during medical transport that may otherwise take years to learn because of the inconsistency in real-life experience. Because of the particularly unfavorable conditions in critical care air transport, a helicopter simulator designed to replicate the phases of flight and train teams in critical care transport scenarios is being developed for the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio. The goal is to provide quality nursing and medical instruction in a simulated flight center while also presenting relevant clinical experiences for biomedical engineering students. These simulation experiences will prepare interdisciplinary teams of students for collaborative practice, research, and leadership.

Obstetrics-based clinical immersion of a multinational team of biomedical engineering students in Ghana

International Journal of Gynecology & ObstetricsVolume 127, Issue 2 p. 218-220 Education and training Obstetrics-based clinical immersion of a multinational team of biomedical engineering students in Ghana Kathleen H. Sienko, Corresponding Author Kathleen H. Sienko [email protected] Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USACorresponding author at: University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward St, 1109 G.G. Brown, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Tel.: + 1 734 764 8308; fax: + 1 734 647 3170.Search for more papers by this authorElsie Effah Kaufmann, Elsie Effah Kaufmann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon – Accra, GhanaSearch for more papers by this authorMoses E. Musaazi, Moses E. Musaazi Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, UgandaSearch for more papers by this authorAmir Sabet Sarvestani, Amir Sabet Sarvestani Design Science Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USASearch for more papers by this authorSamuel Obed, Samuel Obed Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, GhanaSearch for more papers by this author Kathleen H. Sienko, Corresponding Author Kathleen H. Sienko [email protected] Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USACorresponding author at: University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward St, 1109 G.G. Brown, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Tel.: + 1 734 764 8308; fax: + 1 734 647 3170.Search for more papers by this authorElsie Effah Kaufmann, Elsie Effah Kaufmann Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana, Legon – Accra, GhanaSearch for more papers by this authorMoses E. Musaazi, Moses E. Musaazi Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, UgandaSearch for more papers by this authorAmir Sabet Sarvestani, Amir Sabet Sarvestani Design Science Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USASearch for more papers by this authorSamuel Obed, Samuel Obed Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, GhanaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 24 July 2014 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.06.012Citations: 8Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume127, Issue2November 2014Pages 218-220 RelatedInformation

The Opportunities and Challenges of an Interdisciplinary Clinic

<p>Law school clinics in many countries increasingly provide the major opportunities that law students have to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with other professionals. The collaboration may be with a wide range of professionals, such as: doctors and medical students; social workers and social work students; business school students; engineering faculty and students including biomedical engineering students; nursing students; and experts in public health, education, mental health or palliative care. It can occur in diverse contexts or targeted to specific populations, such as children, the elderly, victims of domestic violence or low-income business owners.</p><p>Some examples of these interdisciplinary clinics illustrate their variety. Clinical legal education initiatives in South Africa, Thailand and Ukraine promoted public health through programs that partnered with the Law and Health Initiative of the Open Society Institute’s Public Health Programs. In South Africa, palliative care was integrated with legal services; law students worked with staff at a hospice association to conduct workshops on wills, debts and family law for hospice caregivers. In Ukraine a Medical Law Clinic was started to advise and represent clients; in Thailand a law clinic wrote an HIV/AIDS Community Legal Education Manual, collaborated with organizations working on health and human rights issues to discuss harm reduction and incarceration, and implemented community education programs in prisons, detention centers and community centers. At Palacky University in the Czech Republic a new Patient’s Rights Legal Clinic, which prepares students to give legal advice, is taught by lecturers of the medical faculty and lawyers from a human rights non-profit. A clinic in the United States provides business planning and legal advice to small businesses; law and business students collaborate to assist with community economic development. Another United States clinic combines students in law, business, medicine, social work, biomedical engineering, and arts and sciences in a collaboration focused on intellectual property and business formation, with an emphasis on biodiversity and agricultural-biotechnology innovations.</p>