@article{al-amin_bhaskar_enab_miab_slavin_sultana_2024, title={Malaria incidence and prevalence: An ecological analysis through Six Sigma approach}, url={https://doi.org/10.29333/ejeph/14127}, DOI={10.29333/ejeph/14127}, abstractNote={Malaria is the leading cause of death globally, especially in sub-Saharan African countries claiming over 400,000 deaths globally each year, underscoring the critical need for continued efforts to combat this preventable and treatable disease. The objective of this study is to provide statistical guidance on the optimal preventive and control measures against malaria. Data have been collected from reliable sources, such as World Health Organization, UNICEF, Our World in Data, and STATcompiler. Data were categorized according to the factors and sub-factors related to deaths caused by malaria. These factors and sub-factors were determined based on root cause analysis and data sources. Using JMP 16 Pro software, both linear and multiple linear regression were conducted to analyze the data. The analyses aimed to establish a linear relationship between the dependent variable (malaria deaths in the overall population) and independent variables, such as life expectancy, malaria prevalence in children, net usage, indoor residual spraying usage, literate population, and population with inadequate sanitation in each selected sample country. The statistical analysis revealed that using insecticide treated nets (ITNs) by children and individuals significantly decreased the death count, as 1,000 individuals sleeping under ITNs could reduce the death count by eight. Based on the statistical analysis, this study suggests more rigorous research on the usage of ITNs.}, journal={European Journal of Environment and Public Health}, author={Al-Amin, Md. and Bhaskar, Kesava Chandran Vijaya and Enab, Walaa and Miab, Reza Kamali and Slavin, Jennifer and Sultana, Nigar}, year={2024}, month={Jan} }
 @article{dewey_jones_lucas_hall_sultana_abello_budhathoki-uprety_2023, title={Carbon Nanotubes for Optical Detection of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Complex Media}, volume={6}, ISSN={2574-0970 2574-0970}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c02219}, DOI={10.1021/acsanm.3c02219}, abstractNote={Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used in disinfectants, cleaners, preservatives, cosmetics, and agriculture. Recently, QACs have been detected in the human bloodstream, breast milk, and neonatal mouse brain, which shows that these compounds can cross biological barriers. In vivo studies showed that chronic low-level exposure to QACs causes developmental, reproductive, and immune dysfunctions, whereas in vitro studies indicate that QACs can affect reproductive systems, disrupt cholesterol biosynthesis, increase inflammatory cytokines, and decrease mitochondrial functions. Effects of QACs on health are gradually emerging, amid increased use of QAC disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of biological fluids including blood, urine, sweat, and saliva can provide vital information in determining the biological effects of analytes. Biofluid analysis is convenient yet crucial because of non-invasive/or minimally invasive procedures that can be performed outside hospital settings. Interest in optical detection methods for biofluid analysis has been growing due to recent advances in detection technologies and availability of tunable materials to aid the technologies. Detection in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range is advantageous over the visible range mainly due to minimal autofluorescence, light-scattering, and absorption from native biological molecules in the NIR range. Photoluminescent single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are promising candidates for the development of NIR optical probes and sensors due to their non-photobleaching NIR fluorescence, tunable surface chemistry, and high sensitivity. Herein, we report optical detection of QACs in protein-rich media and a model biofluid. We functionalized photoluminescent SWCNTs with bile salt derivatives that enabled the detection of QACs in artificial sweat and serum-protein-enriched media. The QAC detection was significant at nanomolar concentrations, which is within the threshold that can affect various physiological processes. Thus, nanotube-based optical detection could be well suited for the analysis of QACs in biological fluids.}, number={17}, journal={ACS Applied Nano Materials}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Dewey, Hannah M. and Jones, Jaron and Lucas, Sydney and Hall, Shelby and Sultana, Nigar and Abello, Sofia Mariapaz and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2023}, month={Aug}, pages={15530–15539} }
 @inproceedings{sultana_dewey_budhathoki-uprety_2023, title={Development of Optical Nanosensors for pH Measurements in Model Biofluids}, volume={243}, ISSN={2151-2043}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/ma2023-0191166mtgabs}, DOI={10.1149/ma2023-0191166mtgabs}, abstractNote={  	Changes in pH in biofluids such as urine, sweat, and blood can reveal pathophysiological conditions like tumor metastasis, microbial infection, acidosis, cystic fibrosis, wound healing, etc. Thus, monitoring pH could provide insights on those patho-physiological changes. Among others, sweat analysis provides convenient and non-invasive way to track personal health. Sweat pH changes can reveal information about atopic dermatitis, fungus infections, and cystic fibrosis. Thus, sweat pH measurements could aid in accurately identifying certain health issues. Although solution pH can be measured by various methods including electrochemical, colorimetric and fluorescence measurements, optical pH measurements have gained popularity in recent decades due to versatile material choices and new imaging technologies. Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are emerging molecular optical probes and sensors due to their outstanding photophysical properties, which include photo-stable near-infrared (nIR) fluorescence and sensitive molecular recognition. Here, we report that SWCNT-based sensors can reliably detect pH changes in a model biofluid - artificial sweat. The sensor exhibited significant responses within biologically relevant pH ranges within minutes through changes in the nIR fluorescence. The nanotubes' optical response to pH changes provides new opportunities to develop optical pH sensors for healthcare, bioengineering, environmental sciences, and chemistry.    }, number={9}, booktitle={ECS Meeting Abstracts}, publisher={The Electrochemical Society}, author={Sultana, Nigar and Dewey, Hannah and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2023}, month={Aug}, pages={1166–1166} }
 @inproceedings{sultana_dewey_budhathoki-uprety_2023, title={Development of Optical Nanosensors for pH Measurements in Model Biofluids}, booktitle={243rd ECS Meeting with the 18th International Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC-XVIII)}, author={Sultana, Nigar and Dewey, Hannah and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2023}, month={May} }
 @inproceedings{budhathoki-uprety_dewey_sultana_2023, title={Nanoscale Probes for Optical Detection of Emerging Contaminants and Biological Indicators}, volume={MA2023-01}, ISSN={2151-2043}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/MA2023-0191130mtgabs}, DOI={10.1149/MA2023-0191130mtgabs}, abstractNote={  	Photoluminescent single-walled carbon nanotubes exhibit outstanding potential in developing molecular probes for optical detection systems. Surface coatings on nanotubes could facilitate effective molecular interactions enabling targeted nanoscale probes, sensors, and imaging agents. This talk will be focused on the development and applications of carbon nanotube-based sensors for optical detection of emerging contaminants and biological indicators including pH, a measure of acidity and alkalinity of a sample. pH changes in tissues and biofluids could indicate patho-physiological conditions such as tumor growth, microbial infection, acidosis, cystic fibrosis, wound healing, etc. Thus, the optical pH sensor could find applications in disease detection, diagnosis, and improve clinical outcome. This talk will also discuss optical detection of chemical disinfectants using carbon nanotubes. COVID-19 pandemics has led into wide uses of various disinfectant chemicals to mitigate virus burden. Recent findings show that certain disinfectants can cross various biological barriers and accumulate within human body. Molecular tools that enable detection of such compounds within native biological environment are useful to understand complete biological fate of such chemicals to mitigate potential impact on health.    }, number={9}, booktitle={ECS Meeting Abstracts}, publisher={The Electrochemical Society}, author={Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka and Dewey, Hannah and Sultana, Nigar}, year={2023}, month={Aug}, pages={1130–1130} }
 @inproceedings{dewey_sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2023, title={Optical Nanosensors for the Detection of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds}, volume={MA2023-01}, ISSN={2151-2043}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/MA2023-0191132mtgabs}, DOI={10.1149/MA2023-0191132mtgabs}, abstractNote={  	Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are common active ingredients in chemical disinfectants, household cleaners, cosmetics, pesticides, etc. Recently QACs have been detected in human blood and breast milk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Humans can be exposed to QACs through dermal adsorption during application, hand-to-mouth ingestion of disinfectant residues, and inhalation of indoor air upon treatment with disinfectant spray. Exposure to these chemicals can cause respiratory illness such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, increase inflammatory cytokines, decrease mitochondrial function, and disrupt cholesterol biosynthesis. However, the complete biological fate of QACs is currently unknown. Therefore, a real-time continuous monitoring system in complex biological environments is crucial to learn the long-term effects of QACs on human health.}, number={9}, booktitle={ECS Meeting Abstracts}, publisher={The Electrochemical Society}, author={Dewey, Hannah and Sultana, Nigar and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2023}, month={Aug}, pages={1132–1132} }
 @article{michaelson_rolling_sultana_2023, title={Student assessment of active learning assignments in an apparel production course}, volume={12}, ISSN={["1754-3274"]}, DOI={10.1080/17543266.2023.2284181}, abstractNote={ABSTRACTThis study investigated students’ overall perceptions of assignments in an active learning class based on their learning style, course engagement, understanding of content, industry relevance, collaborative learning, and value of the assignments. A total of six terms were surveyed, with a total of 250 participants. Students agreed that the assignments helped them learn industry terminology, increased their skill sets, were engaging, and prepared them for entering the job market. Group assignments aided in understanding content in more depth and developing critical thinking skills and problem-solving.KEYWORDS: Student perceptionsactive learningstudent assignmentsapparel productionBloom’s taxonomy Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).}, journal={INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FASHION DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION}, author={Michaelson, Dawn and Rolling, V. and Sultana, N.}, year={2023}, month={Dec} }
 @inproceedings{sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={A new pH meter based on Nanomaterials}, booktitle={Research Open House}, author={Sultana, N. and Budhathoki-Uprety, J.}, year={2022} }
 @inproceedings{sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={Developing Carbon Nanotube-based pH Sensor}, booktitle={ACS Spring National Meeting}, author={Sultana, N. and Budhathoki-Uprety, J.}, year={2022} }
 @inbook{sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={Development of Optical Nanosensors for pH Measurements in Model Biofluids}, booktitle={The 10th annual Triangle Student Research Competition (TSRC)}, author={Sultana, N. and Budhathoki-Uprety, J.}, year={2022} }
 @inproceedings{dewey_jones_lucas_sultana_hall_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={Development of Optical Nanosensors for the Detection of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs)}, booktitle={ACS Spring National Meeting}, author={Dewey, H. and Jones, J. and Lucas, S. and Sultana, N. and Hall, S. and Budhathoki-Uprety, J.}, year={2022} }
 @inproceedings{dewey_jones_hall_sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={Development of near-infrared fluorescent nanosensors for the detection of COVID-19 disinfectants}, booktitle={ACS Spring National Meeting}, author={Dewey, Hannah and Jones, Jaron and Hall, Shelby and Sultana, Nigar and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2022} }
 @inproceedings{dewey_jones_lucas_sultana_hall_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={Optical Nanosensors for the Detection of Quaternary Ammonium Compound Disinfectants}, booktitle={Comparative Medicine Institute}, author={Dewey, H. and Jones, J. and Lucas, S. and Sultana, N. and Hall, S. and Budhathoki-Uprety, J.}, year={2022} }
 @article{sultana_dewey_budhathoki-uprety_2022, title={Optical detection of pH changes in artificial sweat using near-infrared fluorescent nanomaterials}, volume={1}, ISSN={2635-0998}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D2SD00110A}, DOI={10.1039/D2SD00110A}, abstractNote={Photoluminescent single-walled carbon nanotubes are versatile tools for the development of optical nanosensors. Carbon nanotubes were employed for the optical detection of pH within a biologically relevant range in a model biofluid.}, number={6}, journal={Sensors & Diagnostics}, publisher={Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)}, author={Sultana, Nigar and Dewey, Hannah and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2022}, pages={1189–1197} }
 @inproceedings{sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2021, title={A non-invasive sensor developed to avoid blood drawn based on biomaterials}, booktitle={Society For Biomaterials, NC State Student Chapter}, author={Sultana, N. and Budhathoki-Uprety, J.}, year={2021} }
 @inproceedings{budhathoki-uprety_dewey_sultana_chen_jones_2021, title={Carbon Nanotubes Cloaked in Synthetic Polymers: Aqueous Dispersion, Characterization, and Applications}, volume={MA2021-01}, ISSN={2151-2043}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/MA2021-0110513mtgabs}, DOI={10.1149/MA2021-0110513mtgabs}, abstractNote={  	Surface chemistry plays a crucial role in interactions of carbon nanotubes in the biological environment. Biomimetic functionalities on nanotubes could facilitate effective nano-bio interactions enabling nanoscale biological probes, sensors, and imaging agents. Synthetic polymers that facilitate aqueous solubility, biocompatibility and molecular recognition via biomimicry are highly preferred for multifunctional carbon nanotube-based biological probes. In this talk, we will introduce carbon nanotubes cloaked in synthetic mimics of biopolymers and uses of those nanoscale probes in optical sensing of target biomolecules.    }, number={10}, booktitle={ECS Meeting Abstracts}, publisher={The Electrochemical Society}, author={Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka and Dewey, Hannah and Sultana, Nigar and Chen, Yu and Jones, Jaron}, year={2021}, month={May}, pages={513–513} }
 @inproceedings{dewey_jones_chen_sultana_budhathoki-uprety_2021, title={Layer-by-layer assembly of polymers on nano-biosensors to minimize non-specific protein adsorption}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/scimeetings.1c00684}, DOI={10.1021/scimeetings.1c00684}, booktitle={ACS Spring National Meeting}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Dewey, Hannah and Jones, Jaron and Chen, Yu and Sultana, Nigar and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2021}, month={Jun} }
 @article{sultana_chen_drago_budhathoki-uprety_2021, title={Towards the development of near-infrared pH sensor}, volume={6}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/scimeetings.1c00683}, DOI={10.1021/scimeetings.1c00683}, journal={ACS Spring National Meeting}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Sultana, Nigar and Chen, Yu and Drago, Julia and Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka}, year={2021}, month={Jun} }
 @inproceedings{budhathoki-uprety_chen_drago_godthi_sultana_2020, title={Polymer Functionalized Nanocarbons for Biomedical Applications}, volume={MA2020-02}, ISSN={2151-2043}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/MA2020-02673411mtgabs}, DOI={10.1149/MA2020-02673411mtgabs}, abstractNote={  	Nanocarbons such as photoluminescent single-walled carbon nanotubes are promising materials in biomedical field as molecular imaging agents, optical probes, and biosensors. These carbon-only nanomaterials lack active surface functional moieties to interact effectively with select biomolecules of interest, which limits their potential applications. Tailored surface functionalization is essential for anticipated functions and bio-compatibility. Polymer adsorption on nanocarbons through multivalent interactions provides a versatile platform to develop functional materials with tunable surface chemistry. Herein, we investigate on biomimetic polymer scaffolds for carbon nanotubes to modulate their physiochemical properties and bio-molecular interactions.    }, number={67}, booktitle={ECS Meeting Abstracts}, publisher={The Electrochemical Society}, author={Budhathoki-Uprety, Januka and Chen, Yu and Drago, Julia and Godthi, Nidhi and Sultana, Nigar}, year={2020}, month={Nov}, pages={3411–3411} }
 @inproceedings{michaelson_sultana_teel_2018, title={Active learning spaces: Student perceptions of engagement, space, and instructor involvement in an apparel production and merchandising course}, url={https://www.iastatedigitalpress.com/itaa/article/id/1368/download/pdf/}, booktitle={International Textile and Apparel Association, (ITAA)}, author={Michaelson, D. and Sultana, N. and Teel, K.P.}, year={2018}, month={Nov} }
 @inproceedings{sultana_michaelson_2018, title={Virtual Fitting Room}, booktitle={This is research: Student symposium}, author={Sultana, N. and Michaelson, D.}, year={2018} }