Digital Commons Network^™

Analyzing Flexibility As A Risk Management Strategy In Agricultural Systems, Jedidiah Hewlett

Department of Agricultural Economics: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Agricultural businesses deal with uncertainty of all kinds. Uncertainty arising from variability in resources, markets, human factors, and regulatory policy can be sources of significant risks. Acquiring or building flexibility in an operation is one of the ways suggested to manage risk and uncertainty—reducing the impact of negative outcomes and increasing the benefit of positive outcomes. Although flexibility has been repeatedly encouraged for businesses, the definition of flexibility and its value remains ambiguous after more than 80 years of research. Flexibility is often described as a multi-dimensional ability to effectively deal with change in the business operating environment. Flexibility can …

Revealing The Effects Of Climate Change And Fungicides On Soil Microbial Communities In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Armida Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Fungicide applications are effective to prevent fungal pathogens that are known to cause crop damage and decrease yields. However, these pesticides can exert toxic or inhibitory effects on non-targeted organisms such as soil microbial communities. In addition, it is unknown to what extent shifts in temperature and soil moisture resulting from global climate change, alter the activities of non-targeted soil organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil biological parameters such as soil respiration and enzyme activities involved in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous (Beta-glucosidase, Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA) Hydrolysis, urease, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and N-acetyl-Beta-glucosaminidase) …

An Intergenerational Study Of The Entrepreneurial Nature Of Agritourism Operators, Will Culler

All Dissertations

Economic and non-economic trends have left farm operators of all ages contemplating enterprise diversification strategies to create advantages and to ensure their farms' sustainability for future generations. One such strategy is agritourism, in which a visitor to a working farm or other agricultural setting interacts with the farm landscape or participates in an agricultural process for tourism or leisure purposes. This study aims to contribute to academics, researchers, extension educators, practitioners, and farm service providers who offer training and resources to better equip current and future agritourism operators. The study tested the general hypothesis that agritourism operators' entrepreneurial goals and …

Assessment Of Nitrogen-Based Fertilizer Transport And Microbial Activities In Sandy Soil Profiles In South Texas, Gladys De La Rosa

Theses and Dissertations

Conventional farming is a common practice in Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) and the application of nitrogen fertilizer is essential for plant growth and support. However, managing the rate of nitrogen that is applied can benefit farmers financially and reduce nitrate leaching that can have an adverse effect on the local environment and aquatic systems, e.g., rivers and estuaries. Sandy soils are more vulnerable to water infiltration due to the large proportion of macropores. This study aims to (i) assess how nitrate from a variety of fertilizers (i.e., synthetic and organic) distributes on the top 60 cm layer of a …

Evaluation Of The Feeding Value Of Proso Millet In Growing-Finishing Diets For Pigs And Effects Of Feed Ingredients And Medium-Chain Fatty Acids On Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus (Prrsv) Survivability, Khang Nguyen

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of the project were to: 1) evaluate the feeding value of proso millet as a potential substitute for corn in corn-soybean meal-based diets for pigs; and 2) investigate the relationship between feed ingredients and virus survivability, followed by examining feed additive candidates that could mitigate the risk of transmission of viral pathogens.

In Exp. 1, 36 barrows were fed 1 of 4 dietary treatments, including: Diet 1, corn-soybean meal-based (control), and Diets 2, 3, and 4 had proso millet replacing 33%, 67%, and 100% of corn in the control diet, respectively. During Phase 3, pigs consuming the proso …

Impact Of Increasing Level Of Milk Production On Cow And Calf Behavior And Performance In The Nebraska Sandhills, Selby L. Boerman

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Selection for increased milk production across the United States has resulted in variable cow and calf production responses. Better understanding of calf nursing and grazing behaviors may provide opportunities to help estimate how milk and grazed forage intake influence variability in calf performance. In a 2-yr study, cow-calf pairs (n = 65) were equipped with neck collars containing global positioning system (GPS) units to validate the efficacy of high-frequency GPS data to accurately identify calf nursing events and grazing behavior. Data were collected during 3-wk tracking periods during early lactation (calf age 65.4 ± 10.0 d; EARLY) and late …

Using Strategic Supplementation To Enhance Cow/Calf Productivity In Summer Calving Herds In The Nebraska Sandhills, Nicole M. Woita

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Young range beef cows consuming low-quality forage may result in an imbalance of energy and metabolizable protein, which can negatively affect the nutrient status of the cow and reproductive performance. In a 2-yr study conducted at Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory near Whitman, NE, 2- and 3-yr-old May-calving range cows (n = 181) grazing native range were individually supplemented daily with one of four supplements: 1) mineral with a target intake of 113 g/d (MIN), 2) MIN with 200 mg per head of Rumensin to with a target intake of 113 g/d (RUM), 3) MIN with a 226 g/d of high …

Investigating Bacterial Community Composition And Antimicrobial Resistance Genes In Beef Cattle, Arena E. See

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While antibiotics have been critical over the last decade for curbing infectious diseases, they have contributed to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Infections resulting from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens are correlated with severe morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. With the increasing concerns regarding AMR and its emergence, it is paramount to understand not only the effects of antibiotics on microbial community and diversity, but also to develop a novel tool that gives us a better understanding of the spread and functional traits of AMR genes.

To this end, rumen, fecal, and pen surface samples were collected from 72 animals at United …

Land Use/ Land Cover Change Patterns And Trends In Two Dryland Regions, Omar Sulaiman Belhaj

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Development and climate change affect the environment in numerous ways and to varyingdegrees. This effect appears prominent and more influential in arid regions. Therefore, land use/ land cover in these regions experience profound changes such as plant cover decrease and extinction of some plant species. Also, land use/ land cover in these regions has critical impacts on the environment and its components, such as shrublands shrinking and losing the habitat of animal species. The degree of changes and effects reaches severe levels that become urgent to figure out the impacts and find solutions to stop or mitigate the negative consequences. …

The Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors And Food Waste-Related Behaviors Among College Students, Kacy Raquel Wright

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food waste is a significant environmental, economic, and social issue, with younger consumers as the most significant contributors. Specific behaviors, like over-purchasing food and misusing date labels, result from a complex interaction between social and psychological factors, which influence food waste among this demographic. The purpose of this study was to identify the psychosocial factors influencing food waste behaviors among college students at the University of Arkansas. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study utilized online and face-to-face quantitative surveys, distributed to students enrolled at the University of Arkansas in the spring of 2022. Demographics, attitudes, subjective norms, …

How The “Blueprint” For Agriculture In Adventist Education Can Be Relevant In The 21st Century, Katherine Koudele

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Potential Psychoactive Effects Of Microalgal Bioactive Compounds For The Case Of Sleep And Mood Regulation: Opportunities And Challenges, Bozena Mccarthy, Graham O’Neill Dr, Nissreen Abu-Ghannam Prof.

Articles

Sleep deficiency is now considered an emerging global epidemic associated with many serious health problems, and a major cause of financial and social burdens. Sleep and mental health are closely connected, further exacerbating the negative impact of sleep deficiency on overall health and well-being. A major drawback of conventional treatments is the wide range of undesirable side-effects typically associated with benzodiazepines and antidepressants, which can be more debilitating than the initial disorder. It is therefore valuable to explore the efficiency of other remedies for complementarity and synergism with existing conventional treatments, leading to possible reduction in undesirable side-effects. This review …

Quantification And Machine Learning Based N2o–N And Co2–C Emissions Predictions From A Decomposing Rye Cover Crop, Deepak R. Joshi, David E. Clay, Sharon A. Clay, Janet Moriles-Miller, Aaron L. M. Daigh, Graig Reicks, Shaina Westhoff

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Cover crops improve soil health and reduce the risk of soil erosion. However, their impact on the carbon dioxide equivalence (CO_2e) is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this 2-yr study was to quantify the effect of cover crop-induced differences in soil moisture, temperature, organic C, and microorganisms on CO_2e, and to develop machine learning algorithms that predict daily N₂O–N and CO₂–C emissions. The prediction models tested were multiple linear regression, partial least square regression, support vector machine, random forest (RF), and artificial neural network. Models’ performance was accessed using R², …

Missouri Alot - Dc Experience, Amy Bax

Title III Professional Development Reports

I want to thank Lincoln University for sponsoring this trip. I had access to many high-level people in DC that wanted to hear my story of agriculture. These are people that have the power to create legislative practices and policies that are favorable to the agricultural industry. I had the opportunity to advocate for Lincoln and Lincoln University students.

Use Of Livestock Risk Protection Insurance For Cattle Continues To Grow, Jay Parsons

Cornhusker Economics

When used as a regular part of a market risk management plan, livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance can help protect profits in years where markets turn for the worse. The recent changes to the program have made LRP insurance more appealing to cattle producers and sales of LRP have subsequently increased dramatically. Strong price increases may make LRP unnecessary, but it is difficult to predict when the price increases will end. LRP insurance is a safety net, reducing downside price risk by providing a floor on national price expectations while also allowing producers to take advantage of higher national prices …

Dynamic Changes Of Volatile Flavor Components And Their Precursors During Low Temperature Cooking Of Beef, Cui Wei, Meng Xiang-Ren, Gao Zi-Wu, Ma Yin-Rui

Food and Machinery

Objective:In order to explore the dynamic changes of volatile flavor components and their precursors during low temperature cooking of beef.Methods:Beef with central temperature of 98 ℃ was used as control group. Nucleotides, free amino acids, free fatty acids, total sugars and volatile flavor components in beef with central temperature of 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 ℃ were determined, and sensory evaluation was carried out.Results:The results showed that the content of fresh flavor nucleotides, equivalent fresh flavor concentration and taste activity in the low temperature group were significantly higher than those in the control group …

Age Detection Of Mature Vinegar Based On Electronic Tongue And Electronic Nose Combined With Densenet-Elm, Wang Shou-Cheng, Yu Xue-Ying, Gao Ji-Yong, Wang Zhi-Qiang

Food and Machinery

Objective:In order to realize the rapid detection of the brewing age of mature vinegar.Methods:Electronic tongue (ET) and electronic nose (EN) combined with Densely Connected Convolutional Networks-Extreme Learning Machine (DenseNet-ELM) model were used to quickly detect the brewing age of mature vinegar. Two DenseNet models with different structures, ET-DenseNet and EN-DenseNet, were designed to extract the feature information of the electronic tongue and electronic nose signals respectively. And then the feature level information fusion method was used to obtain the fusion feature vectors of the two artificial sensory devices. Then Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) was used to classify …

Study On Preparation Of Collagen Peptides From Micropterus Salmoides Skin And Its Antioxidant Activity, Han Meng-Yao, Li Xin-Yue, Wang Xiao-Mei, Wang Guo-Zhi, Ye Jin-Yun, Zhang Zhong-Shan

Food and Machinery

Objective:Collagen was extracted from the skin of Micropterus salmoides and used to explore the effect of enzyme types on the antioxidant activity of collagen peptides.Methods:Four kinds of enzymes were used, namely alkaline protease, neutral protease, papain and trypsin. The enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen Alkaline protease enzymatically hydrolyze collagen peptide (APP), Neutral protease enzymatically hydrolyze collagen peptide (NPP), Papain enzymatically hydrolyze collagen peptide(PP), Trypsin hydrolysis of collagen peptide(TP), were obtained and compared their total antioxidant activity, including reducing activity, DPPH, ·OH and O-2·free radical scavenging ability, ferrous ion chelating ability and lipid Oxidation inhibitory activity.Results:Four kinds …

Effects Of Extraction Methods On The Quality Of Elderberry Seed Oil, Xue Qing, Zhao Hong-Jin, Dai Long, Zhao Wen-Xin, Wang Jun, Zhu Xin-Liang, Gao Peng, Zhang Hong-Meng

Food and Machinery

Objective:This study aimed to compare the effects of different extraction methods including cold pressing extraction, soxhlet extraction and subcritical butane extraction on the yield, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of elderberry seed oil.Methods:Elderberry seed oils were extracted from elderberry seed by cold pressing extraction, soxhlet extraction and subcritical butane extraction. The physicochemical parameters and in vitro antioxidant activity of oil were determined with reference to national standards, and the fatty acid composition was analyzed by GC-MS.Results:Among the three extraction methods, the highest oil yield was obtained by subcritical butane extraction …

Identifying The Components Of A Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) (Rosales: Cannabaceae) Integrated Pest Management Program In Louisiana, Nathan C. Arey

LSU Master's Theses

Hemp, Cannabis sativa (L.) (Rosales: Cannabaceae), is defined as a plant in the genus Cannabis with a delta-9 3 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. Domestic acreage of this crop has increased in response to the ratification of the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. In 2021, 21,915 hectares of hemp were planted in the United States with a production value of $712 million. There is a current lack of literature on insect related research in this reemerging crop system in the state of Louisiana. Therefore, this present …

Optimal Extraction And Fatty Acid Analysis Of Oil From Canavalia Gladiata, Han Xiao-Cun

Food and Machinery

Objective:To make up for the lack of research on the extraction technology, fatty acid composition, and physical and chemical properties of Canavalia gladiata oil in China, and provide technical support for the development and utilization of Canavalia gladiata oil.Methods:The process parameters of extracting Canavalia gladiata oil with n-hexane were optimized. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze and determine the type and content of fatty acids in Canavalia gladiata oil.Results:The best extraction conditions for the Canavalia gladiata oil were as follows: the ratio of liquid-to-material was 25∶1 (mL/g), the temperature for extracting was 70 …

Protein Changes Of Buffalo Meat During Low Temperature Storage, Qiu Jing, Qin De-Li, Liu Chun-You, Sun Ting-Guang, Luo Qi-Yong

Food and Machinery

Objective:The objective of this study is to investigate the protein changes mechanism of buffalo meat during low temperature storage.Methods:Buffalo meat samples were stored at 4, -18 and -60 ℃, respectively, and the contents of total protein, surface hydrophobicity, total sulfhydryl, free sulfhydryl and carbonyl values were determined, following the analysis of the correlation among those protein indicators. Results:The results showed that the contents of total protein, total sulfhydryl and free sulfhydryl of buffalo meat decreased, with the extension of storage time, while the surface hydrophobicity and carbonyl value of buffalo meat increased. The protein oxidation increased …

Analysis Of Characteristics And Energy Consumption Of Microwave Drying Of Pork, Chen Peng-Fei, Ling Jing, Yuan Xiao-Hong, Hu Tian-Tian, Wan Jiang-Hua

Food and Machinery

Objective:Exploring the microwave drying characteristics of pork and optimizing the microwave drying process of meat.Methods: microwave drying equipment with microwave frequency of 2 450 MHz and microwave output power of 70, 140, 210, 280, 350, 420 W were used for microwave drying of pork with dry mass of 20, 25, 30 g in this paper; Five classical thin-layer drying models were selected for non-linear fitting of drying data,R2(coefficient of determination) and RMSE (root mean square error) were used as evaluation indexes to screen the best drying model.Results:The Logarithmic model was the best model for microwave …

Study On Microwave Heating On Nutrition And Flavor Composition Of Crayfish, Xu Wen-Si, Yang Qi-Fu, Zhao Zi-Long, Yan Ming-Zhu, Wu Shuang-Qing, Wang Yan, Yang Pin-Hong

Food and Machinery

Objective:The effect of microwave heating on nutrition and flavor composition of crayfish was investigated.Methods:After pre-treatment, the nutrition and flavor changes of crayfish without microwave treatment, 210 W microwave and 350 W microwave treatment for 5 min were analyzed respectively.Results:The results showed that low power microwave treatment did not significant affect the crayfish water content, which was obvious loss under the condition of 350 W microwave. In dry samples, the microwave power had no significant effect in crude ash, while the total sugar and crude fat was affected with a decrease tendency. However, the microwave power …

Research Progress On Detection Methods Of Chemically Synthesized Coccidiostat Residues, Pang Xing-Hao, Hu Xiao-Fei, Xing Yun-Rui, Sun Ya-Ning, Wang Yao

Food and Machinery

In this review, the detection Methods of chemically synthesized coccidiostat residues were summarized, with emphasis on the research progress of high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunochromatographic test paper, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and other Methods. The development status and trend of detection Methods were discussed, and the future development direction was prospected.

Dynamic Changes Of Volatile Organic Compounds In Giant Salamander Liver During The Deodorization With Tea Water Extract, Liu Jun-Xia, Zhao Ping, Wan Xiao-Hui, Bie Ling-Ling, Jin Wen-Gang

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of tea water extract on liver deodorization of giant salamander. Methods: The changes of volatile components in liver of giant salamander treated with tea water extract for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min, were analyzed by gas chromatography-ion mobility chromatography (GC-IMS) combined with sensory odor value. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed on volatile compounds. Results: Compared with the control group, the fishy smell value of the liver of the giant salamander was significantly decreased after the treatment with tea water extract for 5 …

Analysis On The Difference Of Metabolites Of Naked Oats From Different Produced Areas, Dai An-Na, Zhang Li-Yuan, Min Guang-Liu, Yu Run-Zhong

Food and Machinery

Objective:Zhangjiakou naked oats in Hebei province (HZ) and Qiqihar naked oats in Heilongjiang province (HQ) were selected as the research objects. The metabolites and differential metabolites of naked oats of the same variety in different regions were explored.Methods:Metabolomics research methods were used as the basis. Methanol was used to extract polar metabolic components, with Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) selected for derivatization, and the metabolites were determined through GC-MS technology and the NIST database.Results:A total of 56 kinds of metabolites were detected, including various carbohydrates and a small amount of secondary metabolites, in which HZ accounted for 38 …

Quality Comprehensive Assessment Of Different Maize Varieties Based On Aminoaicds Content, Sun Qiang, Guo Yong-Xia

Food and Machinery

Objective:To study quality difference of different maize varieties based on amino acid content.Methods:16 Xinyumaize series varieties were used to be tested materials, amino acid content of corn kernel were measuredand used to be evaluation index and applied to principal component analysis and clustering analysis.Results:The affected order of maize varieties on 16 amino acid content was Met＞His＞Tyr＞Pro＞Thr＞Leu＞Glu＞Ser＞Phe＞Val＞Asp＞Ala＞Ile＞Gly＞Arg. 2 principal components were extracted by principal component analysis, its accumulative variance contribution rate reach to 90.227%, Ala, Ser, Glu, Leu, Asp, Phe and Met can be used to comprehensive assessment index of 16 maize varieties. Based on amino …

Nutrition Components And Active Substance Content And Antioxidant And Antibacterial Activity Of Acer Tegmentosum Maxim Bark, Guo Yu-Yuan, Jin Tie-Yan, Zhang Zhi-Yong

Food and Machinery

Objective:This study aimed to enrich the source of natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents and explore the development potential of the biological activity of Aceraceae. Methods:The nutrition components ofAcer tegmentosum Maxim (AT) bark and the total phenols content and total flavonoid content of ethanol extract (ATEE) and water extract (ATWE) were measured, and the contents of salidroside and tyrosol were determined by HPLC. DPPH radical, ABTS cationic radical, hydroxyl radical scavenging ability and ferric reducing power of extracts were determined. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) againstStreptococcus mutans,Staphylococcus aureus andEscherichia coli. Results:The …

Rapid Determination Of Drug Residues Of Four Kinds Of Tetracyclines Using Des-Uplc-Ms/Ms In Aquatic Products, Liu Zi-Xiong, Xie Guo-Dan, Tan Gui-Liang, Zheng Hong-Tao, Dong Hai, Huang Jing-Hui

Food and Machinery

Objective:This study aimed to develop a method of rapid detection of tetracyclines including tetracycline, oxytetracycline, aureomycin and doxycyclin in aquatic products with deep eutectic solvents (DES) extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).Methods:Different parameters of DES, such as the types of solvents, molar ratio of solvents, water content, and pH value were optimized.Results:The optimum deep eutectic solvent conditions for the medicament analysis of four tetracyclines in aquatic products were choline chloride-glycerol combination(molar ratio 1∶4) with 90% moisture content and 0.1% formic acid. Under the control of these condition, the four types of tetracyclines …