Digital Commons Network^™

The Practical Adoption And Application Of Blockchain Technology Within The Beverage Industry, Alexander Adams Jr

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Abstract

The beverage industry is facing heightened scrutiny as the demand for transparency and accountability reaches new heights. In the age of information technology, companies must prioritize enhanced traceability to ensure product safety, comply with government regulations, maintain customer trust, and protect brand integrity. This thesis explores the potential of blockchain technology as a solution to these challenges, focusing on its ability to decentralize data, improve traceability, and expedite response times during safety recalls. The research provides an overview of the evolution of food safety regulations, beginning with the first establishment by Upland Sinclair, and examines current traceability practices and …

Space Operations Education Research: Studying Undergraduate Experiences As Predictors Of Early Career Performance For Military Space Operations Officers, Keith Balts

All Dissertations

Undergraduate students who go on to operate space systems, e.g., satellites, launch systems, and ground-based systems, come from a diverse set of demographics and undergraduate experiences. The United States Space Force (USSF), and United States Air Force (USAF) before them, like many professions, have a demonstrated interest in who enters their ranks, but have had limited research available to them to inform their recruiting, selection, training, and early career development policies and processes.

This Profession-Based Education Research study, a term introduced here in contrast to Discipline-Based Education Research, focused on the military space operations profession. This study analyzed newly commissioned …

Compact Solar-Powered Plasma Water Generator: Enhanced Germination Of Aged Seed With The Corona Dielectric Barrier Discharger, Yiting Xiao, Yang Tian, Haizheng Xiong, Ainong Shi, Jun Zhu

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Seed aging adversely affects agricultural productivity by reducing germination rates and seedling vigor, leading to significant costs for seed banks and companies due to the need for frequent seed renewals. This study demonstrated the use of plasma-activated water (PAW), generated by a solar-powered corona dielectric barrier discharger, to enhance germination rates of spinach seeds that had been stored at 4 °C for 23 years. Treating seeds with PAW at 17 kV for 15 min improved germination (by 135%) and seedling growth compared to untreated seeds. Through detailed analysis, beneficial PAW properties for seed development were identified, and a molecular mechanism …

Developing A Bioengineered Nanoparticle For Improving Oral Absorption Of Iron Supplements., Mila Biswas

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are widespread nutritional issues, affecting millions globally. Conventional iron supplements often suffer from low absorption rates and gastrointestinal side effects. We investigated β-glucan derivatives as potential carriers to enhance iron absorption and mitigate these drawbacks. This study explored a novel β-glucan-based carrier system loaded with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. In-vitro studies demonstrated sustained iron stability for over six hours in simulated gastric fluids due to the carrier's affinity for stomach mucin. Particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed this specific binding. Additionally, drug release studies revealed a pH-dependent release profile, …

Neural Network Architecture Search Enabled Wide-Deep Learning (Nas-Wd) Integrated Hyperspectral Imaging Understanding For Woody Breast In Poultry Processing, Chaitanya Kumar Reddy Pallerla

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The development and implementation of a Wide & Deep (WD) learning model tailored for classification and regression tasks utilizing spectral data provides a robust solution to evaluate woody breast (WB) conditions in poultry fillets. This process begins with thorough data preprocessing, which includes loading spectral and classification datasets, imputing missing values with medians, and splitting the data into training and testing sets to ensure rigorous model evaluation. The WD model architecture integrates wide linear models and deep neural networks to harness the strengths of both approaches. The wide component excels at memorizing sparse feature interactions, while the deep component captures …

Impact Of Natural Polymer Proportions On The Fire-Retardant Properties Of Bioplastics, I Gusti Ngurah Nitya Santhiarsa, Ni Made Dwidiani, I Gusti Ngurah Putu Tenaya, I Gede Artha Negara

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

This research investigates the influence of varying proportions of natural polymers on the fire-retardant properties of bioplastic. Tapioca starch (Manihot esculenta) and corn starch (Zea mays) were selected as the bioplastic materials, with different weight fractions employed in the analysis. These materials, as naturally occurring polymers, are biodegradable and serve as promising components in the development of bioplastics. Fire resistance testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM D635-03, utilizing weight ratios of tapioca to corn starch at 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. The results included photographic documentation of each specimen alongside the corresponding outcomes from the fire resistance tests. These images …

Synthesis And In Vitro Testing Of Mg-6zn-Xhap Biocomposites From Beef Bone As Biodegradable Bone Implant Material, Jojor Lamsihar Manalu, Francisca Tjhay, Theodora Kristoforus, Sovian Aritonang

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

This study aimed to develop biodegradable Mg-6Zn hydroxyapatite (Mg-6Zn HAp) biocomposites for potential use in bone replacement applications. The hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders, sourced from cow bone, were synthesized through an eco-friendly and cost-effective process, leveraging bioresources for material sustainability. The Mg-6Zn and HAp powders were mechanically mixed through ball milling for six hours to ensure homogeneity. The resultant powder mixture was then subjected to isostatic pressing at a high pressure of 570 MPa, forming a dense coin-shaped composite with a 1.5 cm diameter. This coin was consolidated in a capsule furnace at elevated temperatures for one hour to enhance material …

The Significance Of Cannibalism, Panic, And Sanctuary In The Interactions Between Prey And Predator With A Stage Structure, Ahmed Sami Abdulghafour, Raid Kamel Naji

Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics

This paper analyzes a novel prey-predator model that takes into account the predator's stage structure, cannibalism within the predator population, panicky behavior, and the existence of a sanctuary where the prey might hide from the predator. The Holling type II functional response is used in the predation process. The behavior of the identified fixed points of the proposed system has been closely analyzed. The analysis focuses on the local stability and potential bifurcations that could happen close to the system's fixed points. The Lyapunov function approach is used to investigate the fixed-point stability zone globally. Numerical simulations were run to …

Effective Nutrient Management Of Surface Waters In The United States Requires Expanded Water Quality Monitoring In Agriculturally Intensive Areas, Christopher Oates, Hactor Fajardo, Khara Grieger, Daniel Obenaur, Rebecca Muenich, Natalie G. Nelson

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The U.S. Clean Water Act is believed to have driven widespread decreases in pollutants from point sources and developed areas, but has not substantially affected nutrient pollution from agriculture. Today, the highest nutrient concentrations in surface waters are often associated with agricultural production. In this Perspective, we explore whether challenges stemming from the Clean Water Act’s inability to mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution are also exacerbated by coarse nutrient monitoring. We evaluate the current state of nutrient monitoring in surface waters of the contiguous U.S. relative to agricultural nutrient inputs to assess how monitoring effort varies across agriculturally intensive areas. The …

Cultivating Coastal Communities: An Exploration Of Synergies And Tradeoffs To The Colocation Of Stormwater Ponds And Urban Agriculture In Tampa Bay, Estenia Ortiz

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cultivating resilience in coastal communities such as Tampa Bay is becoming increasingly important as urbanization continues to fuel complex environmental and social challenges further exacerbated by sea level rise, habitat degradation, and more intense storm events. Food and water systems are particularly vulnerable under these circumstances, jeopardizing residents’ quality of life. This research explored the nexus of stormwater detention ponds and urban agriculture, namely community and residential gardens, this research reveals factors to consider in the colocation of these systems to build local community resilience and protect waterways.

Focusing on East Tampa, a historic Black community in Florida, and the …

Automated Solutions For Hydroponic Plant Growth, Sydney Mcclure, Adam Lachguar

Sustainability Conference

Within the past year, Project H.O.M.E. has been focusing on the design and development of a semi-automatic hydroponic system specifically for sustaining plant life in Martian-like conditions. Given the significance of extended space-based travel, where the duration of human life in space is a crucial factor, growing food becomes imperative. This project has integrated electrical engineering and computer science, with features like automated pH testing and sensor-based evaluations. Key functionalities, including timed watering and automatic adjustments, were coded to enhance plant care. Initially, the project’s comprehensive research and strategic planning resulted in detailed blueprints and computer-aided design models for the …

Cactus Infused Beads For Off-Flavor Mitigation In Aquaculture Systems, Rama Mahita Kambhampati

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Aquaculture has become a vital component of global food production, now providing 50% of the world's fish supply. However, the industry encounters major challenges due to off-flavor compounds like Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB), which give fish an unpleasant earthy or musty smell. These compounds are detectable by humans at extremely low levels 0.7 parts per billion (ppb) for MIB and ten parts per trillion (ppt) for Geosmin—making them a persistent problem. Their presence not only reduces the sensory quality of aquaculture products but also results in significant economic losses, with U.S. catfish production incurring an additional $15–$23 million annually due …

Investigation On The Impact Of Loading Effect Of Fruit Juices On The Performance Of Pulsed Electric Field Generators, Devi S

Theses and Dissertations

Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) treatment is one of the efficient non-thermal food processing techniques which is being preferred as a replacement for thermal pasteurization methods. The effectiveness of PEF treatment was measured in terms of reduction in the microbial load in the food, extension of shelf life of the food and retention of nutritional properties of the food. The successful implementation of the PEF treatment depends upon various aspects such as design of pulse generator, parameters of pulse generator, shape and size of the treatment chamber and most importantly the characteristics of each food items. Design and fabrication of a …

Large Dams Establishment Impacts On Different Environmental Aspects: A Review, Anas Ahmad

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

The construction of large dams has been an essential component of the development of global infrastructure, offering significant advantages such as ensuring water storage, reducing the risk of flooding, and producing about 20% of the world's electricity through hydropower. On the other hand, these structures have significant and varied environmental effects. The environmental effects of large dams are critically examined in this analysis, with an emphasis on four main areas: fish biodiversity, riparian vegetation, sediment deposition, and water quality. The study estimates the degree of these consequences by examining global case studies and evaluating data from over 145 significant rivers …

Biofabrication Of Tissue Constructs Using Protein-In-Polysaccharide Bioinks For Muscle Regeneration, Harshavardhan B

Theses and Dissertations

Myocardial infarction (MI) and volumetric muscle loss (VML) are debilitating conditions that severely affect patient quality of life and challenge healthcare systems, particularly in diagnosis and treatment. Conventional therapies often result in long recovery periods with limited functional restoration. Advances in regenerative medicine, especially extrusion-based 3D bioprinting, offer promising potential to improve the regeneration of complex tissues by precisely depositing cells and biomaterials layer-by-layer to create tailored tissue constructs.

A critical challenge in muscle tissue regeneration is developing protein-polysaccharide bioinks that closely mimic the native muscle tissue microenvironment. In this study, two protein-inpolysaccharide bioinks (alginate-fibrinogen and methylcellulose-gelatin-alginate) were developed to …

Seasonal Variation In Atp-Induced Retinal Damage In The Cone-Dominant 13-Lined Ground Squirrel, Owen R. Bowie, Hannah M. Follett, Ching Tzu Yu, Chloe Guillaume, Phyllis M. Summerfelt, Nicole Manfredonia, Jenna Grieshop, Dana K. Merriman, Sergey Tarima, Joseph Carroll

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: To examine whether time of year (relative to hibernation emergence) influences the retinal degenerative effects of intravitreal injection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the 13-lined ground squirrel (13-LGS).

Methods: Eighteen (9 male, 9 female) 13-LGS in three experimental cohorts (early season, mid-season, late season) (n = 6 each) underwent baseline imaging using scanning light ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Animals then received a 10-µL intravitreal injection of 0.723 M ATP, followed by OCT and SLO imaging at 3, 10, and 21 days. Adaptive optics SLO (AOSLO) was performed in animals without retinal damage after the 21-day …

Biocargos: Capture And Release Gels For Room Temperature Cell Storage., Justin Jacobson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Currently, cryovials on dry ice or liquid nitrogen vapor transportation vessels are primary ways utilized to transport mammalian cells from one location to another. Due to the safety concerns of dry ice and liquid nitrogen, associated costly shipping charges, and limitations of proper packaging and labeling of materials, these conventional shipping techniques are unacceptable. It is urgent to develop a safe and environmentally friendly protocol to preserve and ship the biological samples from one place to another. In this research, a method was developed for an ecofriendly and safe protocol to preserve cancer cells. The cell viability of cell line …

Mechanisms Of Extracellular Vesicle Uptake And Implications For The Design Of Cancer Therapeutics, Stephanie R. Jackson Cullison, Joseph P. Flemming, Kubra Karagoz, Peter J. Wermuth, Mỹ G. Mahoney

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

The translation of pre-clinical anti-cancer therapies to regulatory approval has been promising, but slower than hoped. While innovative and effective treatments continue to achieve or seek approval, setbacks are often attributed to a lack of efficacy, failure to achieve clinical endpoints, and dose-limiting toxicities. Successful efforts have been characterized by the development of therapeutics designed to specifically deliver optimal and effective dosing to tumour cells while minimizing off-target toxicity. Much effort has been devoted to the rational design and application of synthetic nanoparticles to serve as targeted therapeutic delivery vehicles. Several challenges to the successful application of this modality as …

Kinetics, Thermodynamics, And Biological Characterizations Of Hydrolysates Enzymatically Produced From Proteins Extracted From Microalgae, Hebah Al-Amodi

Theses

This thesis aims to explore the use of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-L (ZIF-L) as a support for immobilizing alcalase and its potency in producing protein hydrolysates. ZIF-L was synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous solution, and alcalase was immobilized through adsorption batch experiment. The successful immobilization of alcalase on ZIF-L was confirmed through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The maximum adsorption capacity of alcalase on ZIF-L was determined to be 672.1 ± 5.5 mg g^-1 at 40°C using an initial protein concentration of 5 mg mL-1. Adsorption equilibrium data …

3d Printed Microfluidic Fabrication Methodology, Characterization, Mechanical Design, And Applications In Electrostatic Artificial Muscles And Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells, Terak B. Hornik

Master's Theses

The fabrication of microfluidic devices often requires specialized methods. The development of these methods requires careful characterization and understanding of the processes involved. Using primarily PolyJet 3D printing technology, microfluidics offers a wide scope of applications such as microfluidic benthic microbial fuel cells (MBMFCs) and electrostatic artificial muscles. MBMFCs benefit from the confinement of the microbes resulting in close proximity between the electrode and the organisms. Using a modular design called the Sponge, assembly and upscaling is possible. Electrostatic artificial muscles benefit from a microfluidic approach due to the non-linearity of electrostatic attraction creating disproportionate benefits when miniaturized. When designed …

Green Cities And Transportation, Ariadna Reyes-Sanchez, Soheil Sharifi-Asl, Ladan Mozaffarian

Mavs Open Press Open Educational Resources - Archive

Green Cities and Transportation examines the significance of sustainable transportation projects for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while supporting transportation equity for vulnerable commuters. The book examines insightful case studies from around the world that can serve as a reference for sustainable transportation initiatives in the U.S. It is organized into three sections: 1) Sustainability, Transportation Equity, and Planning, 2) Case Studies and Lessons from the North and South, and 3) Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Cities, and Mobility.

13th International Conference On Business, Technology And Innovation 2024, University For Business And Technology - Ubt

UBT International Conference

Welcome to IC – UBT 2024

UBT Annual International Conference is the 13th international interdisciplinary peer reviewed conference which publishes works of the scientists as well as practitioners in the area where UBT is active in Education, Research and Development. The UBT aims to implement an integrated strategy to establish itself as an internationally competitive, research-intensive university, committed to the transfer of knowledge and the provision of a world-class education to the most talented students from all background. The main perspective of the conference is to connect the scientists and practitioners from different disciplines in the same place and make …

Research On Data Collection And Transmission Technologies For Automatic Control Of High-Frequency Ozonators In Water Disinfection, P.I. Kalandarov, D.R. Ermanova, N.Zh. Duisenov, M.Zh. Koshkinbayeva, B.B. Shynzhigit, D.A. Abdullaeva, Kh.Kh. Abdullaev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This scientific work analyzes the research on data collection and transmission technologies for automatic control of high-frequency ozonators in water disinfection. The purpose of the study is to improve disinfection efficiency and optimize the system's operation by using IoT and artificial intelligence technologies in the control of ozonators. During the study, data collected by sensors were processed in real time through an IoT system and analyzed using artificial intelligence. Results showed that the efficiency of ozonator control increased by 25%, and ozone consumption was reduced by 20%. The use of a PID controller allowed for a 15% reduction in the …

Beyond The Checklist: Pilot Education, Aviation Resources, And Health Management Skills, Nancy Smith

Pacific Journal of Health

The research study investigates if pilots find aviation health-related materials provided from training or aviation associations to support their own health needs. A mixed methods convergent parallel design was conducted by sampling 27 pilots within general aviation to assess their utilization of aviation health-related materials, health management skills including self-efficacy and prioritization, as well as their views of implementing particular health topics into aviation training. Results of the study indicate that it is unclear if pilots find aviation health materials useful in managing their health, pilots have a relatively high level of self-efficacy and ability to prioritize one’s health and …

M3t-Lm: A Multi-Modal Multi-Task Learning Model For Jointly Predicting Patient Length Of Stay And Mortality, Junde Chen, Qing Li, Feng Liu, Yuxin Wen

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Ensuring accurate predictions of inpatient length of stay (LoS) and mortality rates is essential for enhancing hospital service efficiency, particularly in light of the constraints posed by limited healthcare resources. Integrative analysis of heterogeneous clinic record data from different sources can hold great promise for improving the prognosis and diagnosis level of LoS and mortality. Currently, most existing studies solely focus on single data modality or tend to single-task learning, i.e., training LoS and mortality tasks separately. This limits the utilization of available multi-modal data and prevents the sharing of feature representations that could capture correlations between different tasks, ultimately …

Ir Spectral Analysis Of Broussonetia Papyrefera Plant, Umid Hamroyevich Alamov, Zaytuna Ali Qizi Qurbonaliyeva, Dostonbek Qurbonsho Ugli Shomurodov, Elmurod Abduqodirovich Egamberdiev

Technical science and innovation

in this study, a method for determining the concentration of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose in plant materials using Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy of Broussonetia papyrefera was developed and tested. The procedure is based on the use of calibration functions that reflect the dependence of the intensity of analytical absorption lines on the concentration of lignin (1512 cm-1) and cellulose (1450 cm-1) in standard samples; indirect correlation was used for hemicellulose. The model samples were ternary mixtures composed of lignin, bacterial cellulose and hemicellulose in different proportions. The proposed method was tested on a wide range of plant biomass samples.

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 65 Number 2, Fall 2024 [Print Issue 62:2], Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

12 - INCREASING ACCESS Discerning one’s dream requires a whole set of experiences based on community, opportunity, and, yes, cash. Leslie Griffy

16 - UNPACKING UTOPIA It seems like billionaire-backed utopias are popping up all over the map. What does it take to build a perfect city? Lauren Loftus

22 - A WEALTH OF WELL-BEING In his new book, Professor Meir Statman explores a holistic approach to financial and life well-being. Leslie Griffy

26 - A WOMAN'S PLACE Despite being denied access to the priesthood, Catholic women find new ways to lead. Leslie Griffy

Eco-Friendly Packaging: Changing The Norm, Victoria C. Hoffmann, Mujde Erten-Unal

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

Packaging is an essential aspect of our daily life routines and is integral in preserving, protecting, informing, and selling the products we rely on. The advent of plastic packaging has allowed us to meet the rising consumer demand for efficient and economical packaging solutions. However, plastic packaging has also emerged as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. This review highlights the growing need for eco-friendly packaging alternatives, given the harmful impact of current packaging practices. It delves into several proposed sustainable packaging solutions and their limitations, and outlines strategic initiatives for safer packaging. As a society, it is critical to …

10.01.2024 Orsp Connect, Liz Williamson

ORED Newsletter

NIH Podcast on simplified review framework

LINC lunch External Review

NIDA Diversity Supplements Webinar

Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer Contributes To Microenvironmental Fate Redirection Of Mammary Cancer Cells, Julie Sofie Bjerring

Biomedical Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The dynamic cellular microenvironment, made up of resident cells and various macromolecules, differs markedly across tissues in the body. The multidirectional signals that cells receive from this microenvironment, along with the signaling they send back, heavily influence their physiology and behavior. Recent important findings have further validated this notion as the mammary microenvironment has been shown to suppress tumor progression by redirecting cancer cells to adopt a normal mammary epithelial progenitor fate in vivo. However, the mechanism(s) driving changes in metabolic reprogramming and cancer fate redirection is understudied. The work presented in this dissertation focuses on exploring the impact of …