Digital Commons Network^™

Prevalence Of Resistant Escherichia Coli Isolated From Local Meats Sold In Tema Metropolis, Ghana, Frederick Adzitey, Innocent Allan Anachinaba, Charles Addo-Quaye Brown, Nurul Huda, Masmuniri Rambli

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Contamination of meat by Escherichia coli (E. coli) can take its source from the live animal or by cross contamination. The study determined the prevalence of resistance of E. coli isolated from locally produced meats in the Tema Metropolis. Beef (n=200), chicken (n=200) and pork (n=200) were randomly selected and evaluated for the presence of E. coli using the procedure in the Bacteriological Analytical Manual of USA-FDA. The disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility test of E. coli (n=55) isolates. Locally produced beef (67%), chicken (41%) and pork (23%) were contaminated by E. coli. Escherichia coli isolates were …

Personalized Medical Predictions, Bhargavi Chevva

Master's Projects

Over the past few years, personalized medicine has gained traction due to its ability to solve medical issues efficiently for a person based on their personal characteristics. This project aims to design a machine-learning model that can generate predictions of lab test scores in the future based on past medical history. The model is trained using the MIMIC-4 (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care) dataset that consists of medical records of over 40,000 patients. The proposed model, MOE-BEHRT, consists of Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers on Electronic Health Records (BEHRT) and Mixture of Experts (MOE). The BEHRT model was originally …

Effects Of Energy Drink Additives On Crayfish Metabolism, Katherine Paltz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The effects of caffeine and additives commonly found in energy drinks were tested on crayfish to record changes, if any, in their metabolism. Three experimental groups were studied: 1. Caffeine; 2. Caffeine + Glucuronolactone; 3.) Caffeine + Glucuronolactone + Taurine. Caffeine is a common stimulant used to improve mental awareness, headaches, memory, and athletic performance. Glucuronolactone is connected with cardiovascular issues and aggressive behavior. Taurine is said to improve mood and focus. The experiment was performed at two different caffeine levels: 600mg and 1200mg for an initial 1 hour of exposure and 10 hours after exposure used as a pseudo-baseline. …

Proceedings Of The Ninth Annual Indiana Stem Education Conference: Resourcing Stem Education, William S. Walker Iii, Lynn A. Bryan, S. Selcen Guzey

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference are edited by the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST, https://www.education.purdue.edu/catalyst/) at Purdue University. The theme for the 2024 conference is Resourcing STEM Education. This year’s Indiana STEM Education Conference provides opportunities to learn about effective STEM education strategies, curriculum, and resources to engage students in integrated STEM learning opportunities and address the recently updated Indiana Academic Standards for Science and Computer Science, Indiana Academic Standards for Mathematics, and Indiana Academic Standards for Integrated STEM (https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-academic-standards/).

Smart Agriculture Based On Iot Using Drones: A Survey, Shymaa G. Eladl, Hanaa Y. Zaineldin, Amira Y. Haikal, Mahmoud M. Saafan

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Researchers have studied the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for real-time visual data acquisition and processing using potent deep learning (DL) algorithms over the past few decades. In this regard, drone use in smart cities has become one of the most common uses for them in recent years. UAVs and the Internet of Things (IoTs) are two popular technologies being used in smart agriculture that are ushering in a new era of agriculture by replacing traditional farming methods. The combination of drones and IoT has the potential to drastically change our lives through real-time data collection and analysis that …

Establishing A Quantitative Assessment Tool For Biophilia In Healthcare Facilities, Sara Moustafa Fouda, Mohanad Ali Fouda

Mansoura Engineering Journal

This study aims at developing a novel assessment tool that can quantitatively evaluate the level of biophilia integration in healthcare facilities. The developed assessment tool helps to address the difficulty of biophilia quantification in the built environment due to the broad nature of the biophilia concept. The methodological approach for the tool depends on employing biophilic design patterns as a basis for biophilia, where these patterns are correlated to a group of biophilia-related features of the WELL Building Standard. This correlation is attained through a list of Integrated Design Guidelines (IDGs) that is proposed to act as an intermediate ground …

Intelligent Thermoregulation In Personal Protective Equipment, Alireza Saidi, Chantal Gauvin

Études primaires

With the prospect of deploying intelligent thermal management in protective equipment, strategies for integrating heating and cooling actuators with modular temperature controls and automatic temperature regulation systems based on feedback from the individual’s personal and environmental parameters are discussed. © 2024 by the authors.

Incorporating Novel Bio-Mineral Materials Of Silicone-Arrowroot Modified Starch For Compressed Powder, Pirada Sudprasert, Ananthaya Sansawat, Piangkhwan Kruapoo

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Incorporating novel bio-mineral materials of silicone-arrowroot modified starch (SA) is an environmentally friendly technique to create compressed powder, thereby integrating biodiversity with sustainability and responding to the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy. The SA had improved flowability and water resistance compared with non-modified arrowroot flour (A0), concurring with the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses that indicated more hydrophobic properties. To investigate the formulated dust and compressed powder, three types of binders including magnesium stearate (Ms), isopropyl myristate (Im), and mineral oil (Mo) were examined. Powder samples of all binders at each concentration gave high water resistance with floating …

Nano-Zno Prepared By Using Chaya And Mango Leaves Extract For Photocatalyst Of Methylene Blue, Sri Wahyu Suciyati, Junaidi Junaidi, Rudy Situmeang, Posman Manurung

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This research aimed to synthesize nano-ZnO from chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) and mango leaves extract (Mangifera indica) as environmentally friendly photocatalysts. Nano-ZnO was synthesized using green synthesis, with leaves extracts as reducing agents and nanoparticle size stabilizers. The samples were prepared using two methods, namely nano-ZnO-1 and nano-ZnO-2. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed the contribution of metabolite compounds in nano-ZnO synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the crystal size in nano range, with spherical nanorod morphology observed. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) determined the band gap energy …

The Impact Of Hot Rolling, Zn And Sn On The Mechanical And Corrosion Characteristics Of Mg-Zn-Ca Alloys, Halil Eren, Ali Güngör, Erkan Koç, Harun Çuğ

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

In this study, it was aimed to develop a biodegradable metallic plate that is an alternative to bioinert metal plates. The main advantage of using biodegradable materials for implants is that they can be gradually replaced with the patient's own tissue, which reduces the need for additional surgeries to remove the implant after it has served its purpose. Magnesium and its alloys can provide biocompatibility as orthopedic implant materials. Mg-Zn-Ca and Mg-Zn-Ca-Sn alloys were prepared using the gravity die casting method. Zn (1.0 wt% and 2.0 wt%) and Sn (0.0 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%) ratios were used as …

Nutrient Retention And Availability Of Biochars Prepared By Co-Pyrolysis Of Vinasse With Sugarcane Filter Cake, Siraprapra Suwanree, Jesper T.N. Knijnenburg, Emirhan M. Ölҫer, Kaewta Jetsrisuparb

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The disposal of vinasse, a nutrient-rich by-product of ethanol production, is challenging because of the low pH and emissions of harmful gases and smells. Here, biochars were produced by pyrolysis of mixtures of filter cake and vinasse (0.25 w/v to 1 w/v) at 550℃. The effects of filter cake to vinasse ratios on the biochar yield, pH, ash content, total nutrient (P, K, Ca, and Mg) content, and nutrient availability were investigated. Increasing the filter cake to vinasse ratio increased the biochar yield and ash content and lowered the biochar pH from 10.3 for 0.25-BC to 8.2 for filter cake …

Anaerobic Reductive Bioleaching Of Manganese Ores, Neha Sharma

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Manganese extraction by biological methods is a green and economical way to produce manganese from low as well as high grade manganese ores. This is especially important for US ores, which are primarily either small in extent, low-grade with a high iron content, or both. They are therefore not suitable for conventional mining, which is very capital-intensive and requires a large up-front investment and are therefore imported at high costs. The goal is therefore to develop a process that can be applied at small scales, with minimal startup costs, and low equipment and labor requirements. It is also critical to …

Machine Learning-Based Disease Classification In Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Plants = Klasifikasi Penyakit Berbasis Pembelajaran Mesin Pada Tanaman Tomat (Solanum Lycopersicum), Md Towfiqur Rahman, Sudipto Dhar Dipto, Israt Jahan June, Abdul Momin, Muhammad Rashed Al Mamun

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

English abstract

In Bangladesh, tomato cultivation faces significant challenges due to its susceptibility to various microorganisms, parasites, and bacterial infections. Typically, the early symptoms of these diseases first appear in roots and leaves, complicating timely detection. This study addresses the challenge of timely and accurate detection of diseases in tomato plants, crucial for effective plant protection management. Conventional manual inspection methods are time-consuming and subjective, resulting in delays in implementing necessary protection measures. Therefore, an image processing technique and machine learning algorithms were used for rapid and robust detection of diseases in tomato plant leaves, aiming to streamline the detection …

Valorization Of Spent Vetiver Roots For Biochar Generation, Sameer Neve, Dibyendu Sarkar, Manas Warke, Teresa Bandosz, Rupali Datta

Michigan Tech Publications

Vetiver root is widely used to produce essential oils in the aromatherapy industry. After the extraction of oil, the roots are disposed of as waste. The central objective of this research was to explore the conversion of this waste into a resource using a circular economy framework. To generate biochar, vetiver roots were pyrolyzed at different temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C) and residence times (30, 60, and 120 min). Analysis showed the root biochar generated at 500 °C and held for 60 min had the highest surface area of 308.15 m2/g and a yield of 53.76%, in addition to …

Mechanisms For Regenerative Intervertebral Disc Healing During Early Growth In Mice, Danielle N. D'Erminio

Dissertations and Theses

Annulus Fibrosus (AF) defects of intervertebral discs (IVDs) cause painful disability, for example when herniated tissue compresses against adjacent nerves. Discectomy, the current standard of treatment to address herniation, does not repair AF defects and can result in re-herniation and recurrent pain. As such there is a need for improved AF repair strategies. It has previously been established that neonatal mice functionally regenerate following severe AF injury providing a model of successful innate AF repair processes that contrasts the poor healing of adult mice. This dissertation focuses on identifying mechanisms of AF regenerative healing in neonatal mice subjected to severe …

Enhancing Microwave Disinfection: Impact Of Sodium Chloride On Microbial Inactivation, Saleh A. Alfawaz, Ibrahim Nasser I. Alquaydheb, Amirreza Ghadimi Avval, Sara Ghayouraneh, Samir M. El-Ghazaly, Jianhong Zhou

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study explores the role of sodium chloride (NaCl) in enhancing the efficiency of microbial inactivation using microwave energy with two distinct methods: temperature-controlled treatment and predefined cycle. The primary objective is to maintain a stable temperature within the biological samples during treatment. Detailed descriptions of the treatment system’s design and the function of each element are provided. Simulations are conducted to illustrate the heating behavior of liquids with and without NaCl, revealing significant differences in temperature profiles between the two media. The experimental design and the objective behind each iteration are discussed. The experimental design includes three different power …

Metal Contamination In Household Dust And Their Health Risk Assessment: A Study In Two Malaysian Cities, Xin Yi Lim, Ting Fang Lye, Joo Hui Tay

Applied Environmental Research

Investigating the composition of household dust can provide crucial insights into potential environmental and health implications. This study aimed to determine the concentration of selected metals in 30 household floor dust samples collected from two cities in Peninsular Malaysia, namely Melaka and Butterworth. The samples were collected using nylon socks attached to a vacuum cleaner nozzle during January-February 2021. All samples were sieved through a 200-µm sieve, acid-digested with aqua regia, and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mean metal concentrations decreased in the order of Fe>Al>Mg>Zn>Mn>Ba>Cu>Cr>Pb. Cd was not …

Exposure To Metal Accumulation In Chicken Giblets And Human Health Risk In Lokoja, Nigeria, Jude Ehwevwerhere Emurotu, Lami Habib, Ephraim Musa Dallatu, Adamu Shuaibu Onakpa, Aloysius Akaangee Pam

Applied Environmental Research

When consumed, the toxic heavy metals in chicken giblets pose a grave risk to humans. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentrations of metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Pb) in the liver, gizzard, and kidney of chickens from the Lokoja poultry market. Except for lead, which slightly exceeded the FAO/WHO limit of 0.1 mg kg-1, the metal concentrations found were all within the threshold limit. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were used to assess the risks that humans would face …

Outlooks And Challenges For Urban Green Space Development: A Review Case Study In Thailand, Kanawat Paoin, Chanathip Pharino

Applied Environmental Research

Even though prior studies have provided ample proof of the benefits of urban green space, Thailand's development and exploitation of urban green space remain insufficiently efficient. To assess the prospects for urban green space development in Thailand, our review study highlighted gaps and challenges related to these areas. This review study discussed the rationale for urban green space, its definitions, as well as its benefits and co-benefits (i.e., economic, social, health, and environmental). The review research additionally discussed Thailand's current urban green space issues, associated challenges (such as difficulties valuing and using urban green space, budgetary limitations, low priority for …

Path Analysis Of The Relationship Between Diarrhea, Climate And Environmental Variables In Province Of West Nusa Tenggara-Indonesia, Khadijah Azhar, Ika Dharmayanti, Dwi Hapsari Tjandrarini, Bambang Wispriyono

Applied Environmental Research

Diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, due to certain factors. Therefore, this study aims to examine the influence of climate, economic status, demographic, water, sanitation, and hygiene factors on diarrhea. The study procedures were carried out using an ecological design that focused on the characteristics of the sample population. The unit of analysis was districts/cities, where data on diarrhea cases from 2017–2020 were used, along with other variables in the same period. The dependent variable was the number of diarrhea cases per month, while the independent variables included average temperature, …

Addressing The Consumer Food Waste Crisis: A Decade Of Psychological Interventions, Pei ๋Jun Woo, Yohanna Veshanya, Lai Ti Gew

Applied Environmental Research

Food waste has become an increasing global crisis, especially in the last few years. Researchers and policymakers have attempted to work towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations. While much research has been conducted, we are still far from achieving the SDG by 2030. Many interventions have been studied, but each outcome varies. Thus, this review summarizes 30 psychological-based interventions between 2010 to 2022, retrieved via the Scopus database. It is found that each method of intervention works differently based on each type of food waste. Institutional food waste appears to be the most common …

Theoretical Approaches To Food Waste Behaviours: An Overview, Dane Chia, Chin Choo Yap, Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua, Lai Ti Gew

Applied Environmental Research

Food waste around the world has emerged as a pressing issue that calls for attention and intervention. Analysing the food waste problem without understanding wasteful behaviour antecedents may oversimplify this multi-faceted issue, which will then compromise the development of interventions. This paper provides an overview of the theoretical approaches to food waste behaviour antecedents, followed by evidence-based interventions, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the Norm Activation Model (NAM), and the Social Practice Theory (SPT). These theories encompass the psychological, behavioural, societal, material, and structural factors that influence food waste practices. Our aim is to provide a holistic understanding …

Unraveling The Effects Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi On Plant Growth, Nutrient Content, And Heavy Metal Accumulation In The Contaminated Soil: A Meta-Analysis, Bela Putra, Anuraga Jayanegara, Irwan Susanto

Applied Environmental Research

This study evaluated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and heavy metal accumulation on polluted land using a meta-analysis approach. Data from 33 relevant studies were selected based on inclusion criteria, specifically articles in English, observational research, and investigating the role of AMF in plant growth and productivity on polluted land. The results showed that plants inoculated with AMF experienced significant accumulation of heavy metals in roots, such as Pb (p<0.01), Ni (p<0.01), Cr (p<0.01), Mn (p<0.05), Fe (p<0.05), and As (p<0.05). The AMF significantly reduced the accumulation of heavy metals such as Cr, Ni, Fe, and Cu on the upper part of fodder forage (p<0.01). Forage growth was also enhanced due to AMF. The AMF greatly increased the fresh weight, length, and phosphorus (P) content of fodder forage roots (p<0.01). It also increased the plant's biomass, fresh weight, dry weight, height, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents (p<0.01). In conclusion, AMF is important in increasing plant growth, nutrient uptake and reducing heavy metal accumulation in forage on polluted land.

The Influence Of Chemical Fertilizers On The Effectiveness Of Biochar In Mitigating Cadmium Mobility In Soil, Chompoonut Chaiyaraksa, Navapat Sangworn

Applied Environmental Research

The focus of this study was to explore how various fertilizers influence the movement of cadmium in soil treated with biochar. The research utilized a strong acid sandy loam soil from Chanthaburi Province, naturally rich in organic matter with moderate cation exchange capacity and low nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfate, salinity and chloride levels. The soil was purposely contaminated with 50 mg kg-1 of cadmium and treated with biochar derived from water hyacinth through pyrolysis at 450°C for an hour. This biochar displayed moderate alkalinity, high organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity, but low nitrogen content. Analytical techniques like …

Simulated Microgravity, Indole-3-Acetyl Acid, And Cow Dung Influence On Zea Mays Plant Growth In Contaminated Soil, A. Ovenseri, A.O. Ogunkeyede, A.A. Adebayo, P. Tawari-Fufeyin, A.O. Orukpe, C. Udeochu Uche

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cow dung on Zea mays L. plants growing in soil contaminated with crude oil. Crude oil contamination affects plants negatively in morphology and physiology. For simulated microgravity exposure, IAA introduced and non-IAA introduced seeds of Zea mays L. were grown in a clinostat for 4days before taken to the nursery for planting. IAA was introduced to the seed by soaking in IAA solution for 90 minutes after which it was introduced to the microgravity stimulator (clinostat). After 14 days in the nursery, the seedlings were taken to the …

Assessing The Relationship And Effect Of Air Pollution [Pm 2.5] On Child Respiratory Illness And Child Mortality In The Philippines, Roel F. Ceballos, Rachell C. Gallano, Lenard D. Visaya

Applied Environmental Research

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, which can seriously impact human health and the environment. Among the air pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5, being a microscopic particle, poses serious health risks since it can enter the blood circulation and go deep into the lungs. PM 2.5 has been linked to several health problems, such as early mortality, problems with children's development, and unfavorable birth outcomes. In this regard, the study aims to investigate the relationship and effect of PM 2.5 on child respi-ratory illness and child mortality in the Philippines. Data on child respiratory …

A Review On Chemometrics And Climate Change: Insights From Malaysia Case Study, Ismafatin Nabilah Ismail, Mohd Khairul Amri Kamarudin, Wan Nor Azilawanie Tun Ismail, Noorjima Abd Wahab, Ahmad Shakir Mohd Saudi, Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, Firdaus Mohamad Hamzah, Septi Ariadi

Applied Environmental Research

Climate change consider as main issues and concerns in Malaysia over the decade. Chemometrics techniques have been used in many climate change issues to address the limitations of climate change monitoring studies. In climate change areas, chemometrics is a valuable tool for assessing the correlation between different climate change factors, especially in vast and intricate databases. The purpose of the review was to evaluate and summarise the available data and restrictions regarding the use of chemometrics techniques in Malaysian environmental studies. The study conducted a thorough analysis of pertinent scientific papers published between 2019 to 2023 that addressed the main …

Optimizing Tenebrio Molitor Feeding Strategy To Induce Physical Degradation Of Tires: A Novel Approach For Sustainable Waste Management, Abdussalam Topandi, Khadijah Sayyidatun Nisa, Fatimah Azizah Riyadi, Ibnu Maulana Hidayatullah, Pranata -, Firah Gustianda Ayu, Reynaldi Ivan Prasetya, Frederick Soetandar, Dimas Rafi Narawangsa, Eka Rahayu

Applied Environmental Research

Due to the increased usage of tires, the accumulation of worn tires has become a significant environmental concern and necessitates environmentally friendly waste management strategies. Conventional methods, such as tire incineration or improper disposal, contribute to environmental degradation. It is reported that organisms, such as Tenebrio molitor larvae, can degrade a wide range of polymers. This study explores the promising potential of Tenebrio molitor larvae in addressing this concern. Through a series of experiments, Tenebrio molitor larvae were fed with cut-worn tires to facilitate degradation. The larvae exhibited remarkable capabilities, surviving and thriving on tires as a sole carbon source …

Distribution And Population Structure Of Corallivorous Drupella Snails In The Coral Reefs Of Kenting In Taiwan, Chih-Jui Tan, Dun-Ru Kang, Li-Lian Liu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The corallivorous Drupella snails are common predators of living hard corals in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, and they can significantly threaten coral reef ecosystems when outbreaks occur. In Taiwan, a Drupella outbreak, which resulted in the dramatic decline of Acropora and Montipora corals, was reported in Penghu in 2002 – 2009. However, the Drupella species involved was not identified, and no further research has been conducted. To obtain current knowledge on the predation pressure of corallivorous snails on hard corals, we investigated benthic communities and the distribution and population structure of Drupella snails in the coral reefs of Kenting, Taiwan. The …

Numerical Investigations On Particle Collection And Discharge Of Rounded Rectangle Aquaculture Tank In Dual-Diagonal-Inlet Layout, Xiaozhong Ren, Shupeng Du, Hangfei Liu, Xianying Shi, Meng Li, Xian Wang, Suping Liu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

To improve the space utilization rate of aquaculture tanks in aquaculture facilities and investigate the effect of the length-width ratio parameter (abbr. L/W, with L being the length of the tank and W being its width) on the particle collection and discharge characteristics of the rounded rectangle aquaculture tank with diagonal double inlet pipes. The study simulates the particle discharge procedure of the tank using a solidliquid two-phase numerical model (discrete phase model and RNG k-ε turbulence model adopted). The validity of the numerical model was confirmed through physical experiments. The simulation results for two jet condition indicate that when …