Engineering Commons^™

Comparison Of Subsurface And Surface Runoff Phosphorus Transport Capacities In Alluvial Floodplains, Aaron R. Mittelstet, Derek M. Heeren, Daniel E. Storm, Garey A. Fox, M. J. White, R. B. Miller

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

There have been numerous studies on phosphorus (P) contributions from surface runoff, but studies comparing the contribution of surface versus subsurface P are limited, as subsurface transport is often considered negligible. Previous work has shown that the transport of P in the gravelly subsurface at two sites in northeast Oklahoma can be significant, especially in preferential flow paths (PFPs), hypothesized to be buried gravel bars. The objective of this project was to quantify subsurface P losses based on field data, and compare with surface runoff P losses derived from Pasture Phosphorus Management Calculator (PPM Plus) simulations. Ozark ecoregion study sites …

Nutrient Transport In Runoff As Affected By Diet, Tillage, And Manure Application Rate, John E. Gilley, Lisa M. Durso, R.A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Brian L. Woodbury

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Feedlot operators may increase profitability by including distillers grains in finishing diets. However, the nutrients remaining in the by‐product are concentrated by about a factor of three during the distillation process. Manure can be applied to meet single‐ or multiple‐year crop nutrient requirements. The water quality effects of the use of distillers grains in feedlot diets and multiple‐year manure application have not been well quantified. The objectives of this study were to (1) compare the runoff water quality effects resulting from the application of manure derived from corn and distillers grain diets, (2) examine the effects of till and no‐till …

Enhanced Anthocyanin Extraction From Red Cabbage Using Pulsed Electric Field Processing, Tanya K. Gachovska, David A. Cassada, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, Milford Hanna, Harshavardhan Thippareddi, Daniel D. Snow

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on anthocyanin extraction from red cabbage using water as a solvent. Mashed cabbage was placed in a batch treatment chamber and subjected to PEF (2.5 kV/cm electric field strength; 15 μs pulse width and 50 pulses, specific energy 15.63 J/g). Extracted anthocyanin concentrations (16 to 889 μg/mL) were determined using HPLC. Heat and light stabilities of the control and PEF-treated samples, having approximately the same initial concentrations, were studied. PEF treatments enhanced total anthocyanin extraction in water from red cabbage by 2.15 times with a higher …

Impact Of Preferential Flow Paths On Alluvial Groundwater Flow Patterns And Phosphorus Transport, Derek M. Heeren, Ronald B. Miller, Garey A. Fox, Daniel E. Storm, Aaron R. Mittelstet, Chad J. Penn

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

While surface runoff is considered to be the primary transport mechanism for phosphorus (P), subsurface transport through coarse subsoil to gravel bed streams may be significant and represent a source of P not alleviated by current conservation practices (e.g., riparian buffers). Previous research has documented P transport in a preferential flow path (PFP) identified as a buried gravel bar. It is hypothesized that PFPs, if connected to the soil surface, provide a rapid and efficient method of transporting P, and that these alluvial features are transient storage zones for nutrients, acting as a sink during high flow and a source …

Geophysical Mapping Of Preferential Flow Paths Across Multiple Floodplains, Ronald B. Miller, Derek M. Heeren, Garey A. Fox, Daniel E. Storm, Todd Halihan, Aaron R. Mittelstet

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

In the Ozark ecoregion of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri, the erosion of carbonate bedrock (primarily limestone) by slightly acidic water has left a residuum of chert gravel, producing gravel-bed streams and floodplains generally consisting of coarse chert gravel overlain by a mantle (1 to 300 cm) of gravelly loam or silt loam. Previous research has documented the occurrence of preferential flow paths (PFP) in an alluvial floodplain hypothesized to be a buried gravel bar. Field experiments have shown that the PFP affected alluvial groundwater flow in the floodplain and that water flow in the PFP was transmitted at rates that …

Optimization And Economic Evaluation Of Industrial Gas Production And Combined Heat And Power Generation From Gasification Of Corn Stover And Distillers Grains, Ajay Kumar, Yaşar Demirel, David D. Jones, Milford Hanna

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Thermochemical gasification is one of the most promising technologies for converting biomass into power, fuels and chemicals. The objectives of this study were to maximize the net energy efficiency for biomass gasification, and to estimate the cost of producing industrial gas and combined heat and power (CHP) at a feedrate of 2,000 kg/h. Aspen Plusbased model for gasification was combined with a CHP generation model, and optimized using corn stover and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as the biomass feedstocks. The cold gas efficiencies for gas production were 57% and 52%, respectively, for corn stover and DDGS. The selling …

Nutrient Transport In Runoff From Feedlots As Affected By Wet Distillers Grain Diet, John E. Gilley, Jason R. Vogel, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Brian L. Woodbury

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Distillers byproducts can serve as valuable sources of protein and energy for beef cattle. However, the water quality effects of the use of distillers byproducts in cattle rations are not well understood. The objectives of this study were to: (1) measure soil properties and nutrient transport in runoff from feedlot surfaces as affected by corn‐based and wet distillers grain diets, (2) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials and consolidated subsurface materials on feedlot soil characteristics and runoff nutrient transport, (3) determine if runoff nutrient transport from feedlot surfaces is correlated to selected feedlot soil properties, and (4) identify the …

Cytotoxicity Of Bacterial-Derived Toxins To Immortal Lung Epithelial And Macrophage Cells, Dianne E. Peterson, Jayne M. Collier, Matthew E. Katterman, Rachel A. Turner, Mark R. Riley

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Health risks associated with inhalation and deposition of biological materials have been a topic of great concern due to highly publicized cases of inhalation anthrax, of new regulations on the release of particulate matter, and to increased concerns on the hazards of indoor air pollution. Here, we present an evaluation of the sensitivity of two immortal cell lines (A549, human lung carcinoma epithelia) and NR8383 (rat alveolar macrophages) to a variety of bacterial-derived inhalation hazards and simulants including etoposide, gliotoxin, streptolysin O, and warfarin. The cell response is evaluated through quantification of changes in mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity, release of …

On The Dynamics Of Canopy Resistance: Generalized Linear Estimation And Relationships With Primary Micrometeorological Variables, Suat Irmak, Denis Mutiibwa

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

The 1‐D and single layer combination‐based energy balance Penman‐Monteith (PM) model has limitations in practical application due to the lack of canopy resistance (r_c) data for different vegetation surfaces. r_c could be estimated by inversion of the PM model if the actual evapotranspiration (E_Ta) rate is known, but this approach has its own set of issues. Instead, an empirical method of estimating r_c is suggested in this study. We investigated the relationships between primary micrometeorological parameters and rc and developed seven models to estimate r_c for a nonstressed maize canopy on an hourly …

Extrusion Systems: Components, Qi Fang, Milford Hanna

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

An extrusion system can be very simple to very complex. The complexity, or versatility, of a particular system is determined by the range of feedstocks to be processed, the desired transformations of the feedstocks, and the desired form of the products resulting from the process. These determine the specific design requirements of the various components of an extrusion system.

Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Demonstration Network (Nawmdn): Integrating Research And Extension/Outreach, Suat Irmak, Jennifer M. Rees, Gary L. Zoubek, Brandy S. Van Dewalle, William R. Rathje, Rodney Debuhr, Dan Leininger, Darrel D. Siekman, James W. Schneider, Andrew P. Christiansen

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Maximizing the net benefits of irrigated plant production through appropriately designed agricultural water management programs is of growing importance in Nebraska, and other western and Midwestern states, because many areas are involved in management and policy changes to conserve irrigation water. In Nebraska, farmers are being challenged to practice conservation methods and use water resources more efficiently while meeting plant water requirements and maintaining high yields. Another challenge Nebraska experiences in it's approximately 3.5‐million‐ha irrigated lands is limited adoption of newer technologies/tools to help farmers better manage irrigation, conserve water and energy, and increase plant water use efficiency. In 2005, …

161. The Potential Role Of Extensor Muscle Fatigue In The Onset Of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Novel In Vivo Model, Mary Beth M. Grabowsky, Nicholas A. Pallota, Matthew W. Connelly, Brett Van Etten, Rebecca A. Wachs, Max Alley, Joseph C. Glennon, Andrew H. Dubin, John W. German, Richard L. Uhl, Eric H. Ledet

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Occupation is strongly correlated to low back pain (LBP). Specific occupational activities associated with low back pain include poor posture, whole body vibration, and repetitive lifting. These activities have a common link: they result in fatigue of the primary spinal extensor musculature. This fatigue may lead to increased intervertebral loading - a stimulus for disc degeneration. If true, this association could provide a vital connection between detrimental physical activities and LBP. However, the link between muscle fatigue and increased load across the disc space has never been quantified in vivo.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to …

Numerically Predicting Seepage Gradient Forces And Erosion: Sensitivity To Soil Hydraulic Properties, Garey A. Fox, Derek M. Heeren, Glenn V. Wilson, E. J. Langendoen, Amanda K. Fox, Maria L. Chu-Agor

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Research has suggested that streambank seepage can be an important mechanism of bank instability; however, limited information is available on the level of soil characterization necessary to accurately predict seepage gradient forces and erosion. The objective of this research was to quantify the expected range of predicted seepage gradients for various degrees of site characterization. Uncertainty analysis on seepage gradient predictions was performed relative to variability in soil hydraulic properties. A two-dimensional unsaturated/saturated groundwater flow model was used to simulate a homogeneous soil layer for sand and loamy sand soils packed at various bulk densities, ρ_b. A pedotransfer …

Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Demonstration Network (Nawmdn): Integrating Research And Extension/Outreach, Suat Irmak, Jennifer M. Rees, Gary L. Zoubek, Brandy S. Van Dewalle, William R. Rathje, Rodney Debuhr, Dan Leininger, Darrel D. Siekman, James W. Schneider, Andrew P. Christiansen

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Maximizing the net benefits of irrigated plant production through appropriately designed agricultural water management programs is of growing importance in Nebraska, and other western and Midwestern states, because many areas are involved in management and policy changes to conserve irrigation water. In Nebraska, farmers are being challenged to practice conservation methods and use water resources more efficiently while meeting plant water requirements and maintaining high yields. Another challenge Nebraska experiences in it's approximately 3.5‐million‐ha irrigated lands is limited adoption of newer technologies/tools to help farmers better manage irrigation, conserve water and energy, and increase plant water use efficiency. In 2005, …

Opto-Electrophoretic Detection Of Bio-Molecules Using Conducting Chalcogenide Glass Sensors, Zhiyong Yang, Megan K. Fah, Kelly A. Reynolds, Jonathan D. Sexton, Mark R. Riley, Marie-Laure Anne, Bruno Bureau, Pierre Lucas

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Novel telluride glasses with high electrical conductivity, wide infrared transparency and good resistance to crystallization are used to design an opto-electrophoretic sensor for detection and identification of hazardous microorganisms. The sensor is based on an attenuated total reflectance element made of Ge-As-Te glass that serves as both an optical sensing zone and an electrode for driving the migration of bio-molecules within the evanescent wave of the sensor. An electric field is applied between the optical element and a counter electrode in order to induce the migration of bio-molecules carrying surface charges. The effect of concentration and applied voltage is tested …

Nebraska Water And Energy Flux Measurement, Modeling, And Research Network (Nebflux), Suat Irmak

Biological Systems Engineering: Papers and Publications

Surface energy and water vapor fluxes play a critical role in understanding the response of agro‐ecosystems to changes in environmental and atmospheric parameters. These fluxes play a crucial role in exploring the dynamics of water and energy use efficiencies of these systems. Quantification of the fluxes is also necessary for assessing the impact of land use and management changes on water balances. Accomplishing these goals requires measurement of water vapor and energy exchanges between various vegetation surfaces and microclimates for long‐enough periods to understand the behavior and dynamics involved with the flux transfer so that robust models can be developed …