Digital Commons Network^™

Bridging The Gap In Science Research: Preparing Students For College- Level Research In The Sciences, Victoria Helwig, Yaoguang Li

UConn Library Presentations

Many first-year students enter college unprepared to fully engage with scientific literature and academic library resources. Drawing on experiences from academic librarians working with STEM students, this session explores common gaps in science research skills, including navigating databases, identifying scholarly sources, and understanding the structure of scientific literature. Participants will be introduced to practical strategies and classroom-ready activities to better prepare students for college-level research. Discussion questions: What science research skills do students struggle with most when entering college? How can high school instruction better support these skills? Where can librarians and educators collaborate to support student success?

Excavations At Khirbat Marmita (Pp. 139–178), Lilly Gershuny

'Atiqot

Three building complexes were uncovered at the site, as well as various installations that were quarried into bedrock. The buildings date from the first half of the first century BCE (Building 20/23), from the Hellenistic–Early Roman period (Building 84) and from the Herodian period (c. 30 to at least 67 CE; Building 104). Among the installations were five simple winepresses, typical of the Roman and Byzantine periods; a lever-and-weights oil press; cisterns with square or circular shafts; 33 cupmarks; caves; quarries; and a miqweh. The finds include pottery vessels, stone and basalt vases, glass vessels and metal artifacts. It seems …

Archaeozoological Finds From The Excavations West Of Tell Qasille (Pp. 135–137), Moshe Sade

'Atiqot

Animal bones were found inside four of the tombs dated to Middle Bronze Age II. Each tomb contained the remains of one sheep/goat, usually within vessels. It seems that the people at this site raised cattle. A large number of donkey bones were also found. Sea shells were also present, probably due to the proximity of the site to the Mediterranean shore. Many animal bones were found in the Hellenistic-period assemblage.

A Middle Bronze Age Ii Site West Of Tell Qasille (Pp. 65–128), Raz Kletter

'Atiqot

The site remains comprise a cemetery, two pottery kilns and a settlement dating to Middle Bronze Age II. Ten burials were excavated, all except one (T800) were rectangular pit-graves dug into kurkar sandstone. Each grave contained one to three individuals; T800, which was round, contained seven individuals in secondary deposition. The average grave assemblage comprised about ten pottery vessels, which were usually placed in a row next to one long side of the burial. The pottery kilns are almost identical in size, direction and structure. They are of the vertical type, with two main superimposed parts: a combustion chamber and …

Chalcolithic Burial Sites At Ma‘Abarot And Tel Ifshar (Pp. 45–63), Yosef Porath

'Atiqot

The two burial sites are located in the Sharon plain, south and north of Naḥal Alexander. The kidney-shaped cave at Ma‘abarot was hewn in the kurkar sandstone. All the burials in the cave were secondary. Of the 63 burials identified, 42 were placed in three types of ceramic vessels—house-shaped ossuaries, chest-shaped ossuaries and large domestic kraters—and 21, in ‘bone heaps’. The finds consisted of pottery vessels typical of the Chalcolithic period, e.g., V-shaped bowls and fenestrated bowls and bottles, and a flake from a flint digging tool. At Tel Ifshar, two burial places were discovered, both damaged by infrastructure work. …

Microwave-Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis Of Tibetan Sheep Blood Protein And Analysis Of Product Characteristics, Yu Xilu, Gu Xuedong, Chen Yujin, Zhang Hongxin, Ciren Danzhu

Food and Machinery

[Objective] This study aims to utilize fresh Tibetan sheep blood as raw material, investigate the enhancing effect of microwave-assisted technology on enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency, and achieve high-value utilization of Tibetan sheep blood. [Methods] A microwave-assisted trypsin hydrolysis method is employed to enzymatically hydrolyze the proteins. The optimal hydrolysis conditions are established through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. The resulting hydrolysates are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a fully automated amino acid analyzer. [Results] The optimal hydrolysis conditions are determined as follows: microwave temperature of 40 ℃, microwave time of 50 min, enzymatic hydrolysis time of 240 min, …

Rapid Detection Of Viable Salmonella Based On Specific Phage Infection Combined With Fluorescent Rpa, Liu Daofeng, Zhai Yujie, Tan Yucheng, Shan Shan, Lu Jun, Zhong Ziqing

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To establish a rapid detection method for viable Salmonella based on specific phage infection and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) in response to the key challenge that traditional molecular biological detection methods have difficulty in conveniently distinguishing between viable and non-viable foodborne pathogens. [Methods] Taking advantage of the characteristic that O-1 phage only proliferates in viable bacteria, the phage is added to the enriched sample. After further incubation, total DNA is extracted. Fluorescent RPA is used to determine whether the phage has significantly proliferated, so as to judge the presence of viable Salmonella in the original sample. [Results] After optimization, …

Establishment Of An Indirect Competitive Elisa For Sulfadimethoxine, Han Lu, Huang Mingyue, Yu Xiang, Li Sijia, Cao Jinbo, Wang Yao, Kang Huaibin

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To establish an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) for the detection of sulfadimethoxine (SDM) in animal-derived foods. [Methods] An artificial antigen is synthesized by conjugating SDM with carrier proteins by the diazotization method. A highly sensitive antibody against SDM is prepared by immunizing animals. Based on this, an ic-ELISA is established and the detection system is optimized. Its detection performance is characterized, and spiked recovery tests are carried out. [Results] When the concentration of the coating antigen is 0.500 μg/mL, the dilution ratio of the horseradish peroxidase-labeled goat anti-rabbit secondary antibody is 1:5000, the reaction time of the …

Effect Of Lotus Leaf Powder Addition On Whole Wheat Dough Characteristics And Whole Wheat Bread Quality, Chen Rui, Gong Lingxiao

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To determine the optimum addition of lotus leaf powder in whole wheat flour, thus improving the nutritional value of whole wheat bread while maintaining high quality. [Methods] Rapid viscosity analyzer, rheometer, and texture analyzer are employed to explore the pasting properties of the composite flour, the rheological characteristics of the dough, and the texture properties of the bread. Additionally, the effect of lotus leaf powder on the quality of whole wheat bread is evaluated using a colorimeter, sensory evaluation, and in vitro digestion evaluation. [Results] The analysis reveals that as the lotus leaf powder addition is increased, a significant …

Effects Of Various Extraction Methods On The Performance Of Corn Fiber Gum-Pea Protein Composite Gels, Wu Chenglong, Jiang Zhili, Huang Lilin, Tang Leiming, Sun Xiaohong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] This study aims to investigate the effects of three extraction methods - alkaline extraction, enzymatic extraction, and acid extraction - on the properties of corn fiber gum (CFG)-pea protein composite gels. [Methods] CFG was extracted from corn bran using the three methods. The gel strength, water-holding capacity, rheological properties, and microstructure of the CFG-pea protein composite gels are evaluated. [Results] The CFG extracted by enzymatic extraction increases the gel strength of pea protein gels from (27.20±2.45) g to (65.80±2.67) g, and the water-holding capacity from (40.60±3.40)% to (75.80±5.10)%. Additionally, it forms a more compact and ordered network structure with …

Design And Application Of Low-Temperature Heat Pump Belt Drying Technology In Soy Sauce Residue Drying Process, Liu Shumo, Wang Liangliang, Qi Yan, Luo Zhiqiang, Cao Lei

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To address key issues in conventional soy sauce residue drying processes, including high energy consumption, severe equipment corrosion, and the susceptibility of heat-sensitive nutrients to degradation, a novel integrated drying system was designed and developed to achieve high efficiency, energy savings, and reliable product quality. [Methods] The system integrates key technologies such as spiral air-duct drying and two-stage dust removal. Based on the reverse Carnot cycle principle of a heat pump, a low-temperature drying environment of 40~75 ℃ was established, with the aim of reducing energy consumption while maximizing the retention of the material’s original quality. [Results] The system …

Research Advances In Rice Bran Oil Bioactive Components And Antioxidant Technologies, Tu Yue, Guo Xiongchang, Zhang Wenhan, Cai Lichuang, Liu Jianping

Food and Machinery

Rice bran oil is a unique natural edible oil with healthy benefits and a reasonable fatty acid composition. Containing natural antioxidant components including phytosterols, oryzanol, tocotrienols, and squalene, rice bran oil is characterized by high nutritional value, diverse physiological functions, and excellent frying performance, thus demonstrating broad application potential. This study reviews the research advances in the bioactive components, physiological functions, factors influencing oxidative stability, and antioxidant technologies of rice bran oil, while providing prospects for future development.

Research Progress On Effect Of Salt On Pickling Vegetable Quality, Qi Kai, Li Ziyan, Cheng Wenbo, Fan Mingcong, Zuo Daoxi, Li Yan, Wang Li, Zhang Wenbin

Food and Machinery

Vegetable pickling is a time-honored food preservation and processing method, in which salt (primarily sodium chloride) plays an irreplaceable and core role. This paper systematically reviews the multidimensional effects of curing salt on vegetable quality. It comprehensively covers preservation mechanisms, textural transformations, the formation and conversion of flavor compounds, color stability, and nutritional value changes. Specifically, this article analyzes the decisive role of salt concentration gradients in final product characteristics. Furthermore, it examines the challenges posed by the low salinity, including microbial safety risks, textural deterioration, and flavor imbalances, while proposing corresponding strategies.

Nitrogen Management Strategies For Specialty Tea Production In Louisiana: Rate, Source Type, And Nutrient Dynamics, Autumn D. Hilderbrand

LSU Master's Theses

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is an emerging specialty crop in Louisiana and the southeastern United States; however, region-specific nitrogen (N) management recommendations remain limited. This research evaluated N fertilizer source, application rate, and nutrient leaching to identify management strategies that improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and environmental sustainability during tea establishment.

Three complementary studies evaluated N source replacement, application rate, and fertilizer source effects on nutrient retention and movement. The first study evaluated the replacement of urea ammonium sulfate (UAS) with blood meal (BM) while maintaining a constant annual N application rate. Fertilizer replacement did not significantly affect leaf …

Harmful Algal Blooms: Risks For Food In Utah, Jose Brandao, Sarah Erwin, Stephanie Vaughn, Clare Entwistle

All Current Publications

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a problem because they can produce toxins that make water unsafe for people, animals, and the environment. In recent years, HABs have emerged as a growing concern in freshwater systems throughout Utah, including irrigation canals, reservoirs, and livestock ponds. HABs in freshwater are caused by cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. These microorganisms can release dangerous toxins that can harm swimmers, pets, and the food supply. Unlike foodborne pathogens, these toxins cannot be removed by boiling, cooking, or washing the food. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential to detect HABs early and reduce exposure risks. This fact …

Food Systems Transformation Would Reshape Global Agriculture, Matthew Gibson, Marina Sundiang, Daniel Mason-D’Croz, Thais Diniz Oliveira, Felicitas Beier, Lauren Benavidez-Brouk, Astrid Bos, Maksym Chepeliev, Jonathan Doelman, Shahnila Dunston, Shinichiro Fujimori, Tomoko Hasegawa, Petr Havlik, Jordan Hristov, Jonas Jägermeyr, Marta Kozicka, Marijke Kuiper, Page Kyle, Thijs De Lange, Benjamin Leon Bodirsky, Hermann Lotze-Campen, Hermen Luchtenbelt, David Meng-Chuen Chen, Abhijeet Mishra, Christoph Müller, Gerald Nelson, Amanda Palazzo, Ignacio Perez Dominguez, Alexander Popp, Ronald Sands, Marco Springman, Elke Stehfest, Timothy B. Sulser, Kiyoshi Takahashi, Gianmaria Tassinari, Ferike Thom, Philip Thornton, Kazuaki Tsuchiya, Willem-Jan Van Zeist, Hans Van Meijl, Dominique Van Der Mensbrugghe, Detlef Van Vuuren, Hannah H.E. Van Zanten, Isabelle Weindl, Keith Wiebe, Xin Zhao, Mario Herrero

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Food systems are a major contributor to exceeding planetary boundaries1,2,3 and poor quality diets are a key mortality risk globally4. Projected population and income growth could exacerbate these challenges5. In response, there are calls for transformation towards healthy and sustainable food systems6,7,8. However, the scale and distribution of the impacts of this transformation on agriculture are underexplored. Here we show that, by 2050, the transformation of food systems towards healthy diets (adoption of the EAT–Lancet reference diet), improved productivity and halving of food waste results in a fundamental restructuring of global agriculture, aspects of which break with historical trends. Scenario …

Effect Of Extraction Methods On Emulsifying Properties Of Corn Fiber Gum, Wu Chenglong, Ren Ying, Li Xingguo, Tang Leiming, Sun Xiaohong

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the influence of three extraction methods (alkaline, enzymatic, and acidic) on the emulsification characteristics of corn fiber gum (CFG). [Methods] Corn bran was used as the raw material, and CFG was extracted using sodium hydroxide, xylanase, and formic–acetic acid–water solutions. The changes in particle size, zeta potential, rheological properties, creaming index, appearance, and microstructure of CFG emulsions were measured. [Results] All three CFG emulsions exhibited shear-thinning behavior, with viscosities decreasing as the shear rate increased. The enzymatically extracted CFG emulsion had the highest viscosity, best gel properties, smallest particle size [(751.6 ± 22.5) nm], highest absolute zeta …

Strategy For Linear Range Broadening Of Elisa Based On Antibody Synergistic Combination, Guo Cuili, Peng Juan, Lai Weihua, Xing Keyu, Gan Bei

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To broaden the linear range of ELISA for deoxynivalenol detection. [Methods] This paper obtains three antibodies with different sensitivities via mouse immunization, cell fusion and screening, ascites preparation, and antibody purification. By optimizing the working concentration and composition ratio of the antibody synergistic combination, the optimal antibody synergistic combination ratio is applied to ELISA to determine the linear range. [Results] The optimal reaction conditions for the ic-ELISA based on synergistic antibodies are as follows: the optimal working concentrations of the coating antigen and antibody are 0.3 and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. The linear range of the synergistic antibody is obviously …

Ameliorative Effects And Mechanisms Of Crocetin On Insulin Resistance In High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Mice, Wen Jing, Qin Si, Lyu Chenghao

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To investigate the hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of crocetin in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetic mice, and to preliminarily explore its regulatory effects on hepatic insulin signaling pathways and protein S-nitrosylation levels. [Methods] An insulin resistance model was established in C57BL/6J mice by HFD feeding. Mice were administered low (5 mg/kg), medium (10 mg/kg), or high (20 mg/kg) doses of crocetin for 8 weeks, with metformin (200 mg/kg) used as a positive control. Fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, serum insulin, lipid profiles, hepatic oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were measured. Western blot was used to detect phosphorylation …

Study On Structural Characteristics And Immunomodulatory Activity Of Flammulina Velutipes Crude Polysaccharide, Wang Xinnuo, Peng Chujun, Jin Yumeng, Zhang Molan, You Lijun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To prepare Flammulina velutipes crude polysaccharide (FVP) and evaluate its structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activity. [Methods] FVP was prepared from Flammulina velutipes using hot-water extraction and ethanol precipitation, and its structural characteristics were characterized by combining Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance size-exclusion chromatography–multi-angle laser light scattering–refractive index detection (HPSEC–MALLS–RI). The immunomodulatory activity of FVP was evaluated using RAW 264.7 macrophages and a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mouse model. [Results] The total sugar content of FVP is (51.39 ± 1.36) g/100 g. Structural characterization results show that FVP has characteristic features of a β-type pyranose ring and exhibits a multi-component …

Comparative Analysis Of Beef Quality From Bashan Region, Wan Xiaohui, Yao Pingbo, Zhang Duoduo, Ma Xiaowen, Tang Youxue, Liu Yongfeng

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To clarify the unique quality of beef from the Bashan region. [Methods] Xizhen cattle beef from the eastern, southern, south-central, central, and northern regions of Zhenba County, Shaanxi Province, is taken as the material to investigate the differences in nutritional quality (moisture, protein, fat, and minerals) and eating quality (color, texture, and flavor). [Results] Zhenba beef has unique qualities, such as high protein and total mineral content, compared with the nutrient composition of beef in the food nutrient composition database published by the National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. For nutritional quality, …

Effect Of Modified Hemoglobin As A Substitute For Sodium Nitrite On The Quality Of Ham Sausage, Qu Shulei, Ma Chao, Yao Xianqi, Du Dongxu, Wang Wei, Liu Yunguo

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To improve the utilization rate of porcine blood and the safety of ham sausage. [Methods] Under specific conditions, hemoglobin in porcine blood is modified to produce glycosylated nitrosohemoglobin (GN-Hb). Different amounts of GN-Hb are added to replace sodium nitrite in heat-treated ham sausages. The quality characteristics of the sausages are evaluated through texture analysis, nutritional testing, color difference assessment, color acceptability, elasticity, chewiness, and overall acceptability. [Results] When the sodium nitrite dosage is 100 mg/kg and the GN-Hb dosage is 2.5 g/kg, high-temperature sterilized ham sausage containing the new pigment shows significant improvement in color and cohesion compared with …

A Review Of Metabolic Mechanisms Of N-Nitroso Compounds And Measures For Their Reduction And Control, Wang Zhulin

Food and Machinery

N-nitroso compounds, as one of the major food contaminants, are widely present in food and pose hazards such as carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity, thus being a key focus in food safety monitoring. Although significant progress has been made in the research on N-nitroso compounds, studies on their metabolic mechanisms and reduction and control measures are still disconnected to a certain extent. Through a review of the classification, detection methods, and toxic effects of N-nitroso compounds, this article analyzes the intrinsic connection between their metabolic pathways in the body and strategies for external reduction and control, aiming to provide theoretical references …

Sources And Potential Risks Of Micro- And Nanoplastics In Foods, Zhao Xinlong, Li Wei, Zhang Mengling, Xing Liwen, Tian Huafeng

Food and Machinery

Plastics are widely used in food packaging, storage, processing, and other food-related applications, playing a vital role in extending food shelf life, reducing material loss, and promoting food circulation. However, these plastic products that come into direct or indirect contact with foods can release micro- and nanoplastics through various physical and chemical processes. These micro- and nanoplastics can accumulate in the human body through bioaccumulation and other pathways and have become one of the emerging contaminants threatening food safety and human health. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the research progress on the generation pathways, release mechanisms, potential health …

Screening Of Weizmannia Coagulans With High Stress Tolerance, Xiao Xue, Yu Wendi, Hu Yuanliang, Zhang Xicai, Yu Xiang

Food and Machinery

[Objective] To isolate and screen novel Weizmannia coagulans strains with high stress tolerance. [Methods] Using commercially fermented pickle brine as the sample, W. coagulans strains were isolated, purified, and identified by selective culture medium methods, morphological observation, physiological and biochemical characterization, and 16S rDNA sequencing. Taking survival rate as the evaluation index, the stress tolerance of the isolated strains and three laboratory-preserved W. coagulans strains was determined under high-temperature (80–100 ℃), acidic (pH 2.0–3.0), and bile salt (0.1%–0.5%) conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to comprehensively assess the stress tolerance of the tested strains. [Results] Two W. coagulans strains, …

Effects Of Pretreatment Methods On Volatile Compounds And Active Ingredients In Flaxseed Oil, Zhu Lijun, Chen Fengzhen, Zhang Chengshuang, Zhao Baoyi, Meng Lingjun

Food and Machinery

[Objective] This paper aims to investigate the effects of microwave and roasting pretreatment methods on volatile compounds and active ingredients in flaxseed oil. [Methods] Flaxseeds were pretreated by microwave (720 W, 2–8 min) and roasting (140–200 ℃, 30 min), and then flaxseed oil was prepared by cold pressing. Using untreated cold-pressed flaxseed oil as a control, the differences in volatile compounds were analyzed by headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) and an electronic nose. Additionally, the contents of tocopherols, phytosterols, and total phenolics were determined. [Results] A total of 72 volatile compounds are identified by HS-GC-IMS analysis, including aldehydes (20 …

Advances In The Application Of Electroencephalography In Food Sensory Science, Li Wenbin, Hou Xiaoyi, Deng Na, Leng Tuo, Fu Haohua, Wang Jianhui

Food and Machinery

Traditional sensory evaluation of food is affected by subjectivity and other factors, resulting in significant limitations. Electroencephalography (EEG), owing to its advantages of high temporal resolution, non-invasiveness, and real-time dynamic monitoring, offers an objective neurophysiological perspective and analytical approach to address this issue, effectively advancing food science research from subjective descriptions to objective neural decoding. This paper systematically reviews the applications of EEG in food flavor recognition and prediction, objective evaluation of food quality, and analysis of food nutrition and consumer behavior. In light of the current state of technological development, it is proposed that multimodal technology integration and machine …

Tips For Growing Garden Vegetables In Utah: Soil Preparation, Gastone Makalaya, Josh Martin, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

To help Utah gardeners maintain healthy soils and enhance early vegetable production, this fact sheet provides practical guidance and tips on soil preparation for vegetable gardening.

Tips For Growing Garden Vegetables In Utah: Soil Fertilization, Gastone Makalaya, Josh Martin, Milena Oliveira

All Current Publications

A successful vegetable garden requires precise nutrient management to achieve maximum yields. Fertilization must provide adequate nutrients to support plant growth throughout the season. Fertilizer applications should be based on soil test recommendations and crop nutrient requirements. This fact sheet provides Utah gardeners with practical guidance and tips on soil fertilization for vegetable gardening.

Recent Advances In Sustainable Production Of Enriched Chicken Eggs: A Mini Review, Karim El-Sabrout, Ayman Abd El-Aziz

Jurnal Ilmu Ternak Universitas Padjadjaran

Enriched or “designer” chicken eggs have emerged as an important category of functional foods aimed at improving human nutrition through dietary manipulation of laying hens. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in egg enrichment strategies, focusing on omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. Omega-3 enrichment remains the most widely adopted approach, achieved through supplementation with flaxseed, fish oil, or microalgae, resulting in significant increases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in egg yolk. Multi-nutrient enrichment, including selenium, vitamin E, and carotenoids, has also gained attention due to its potential in enhancing antioxidant capacity and health of hens …