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Aflatoxin Prevalence And Association With Maize Grain Physical And Nutritional Qualities In The Informal Markets In Meru County, Kenya, C. Cherotich, M. W. Okoth, Abong’ Go, S. W. Kariuki, E. R. Omuse

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

In Kenya, aflatoxin contamination in maize remains a persistent issue, with potential negative impacts on both public health and economic growth. Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain mold species, primarily Aspergillus flavus. The extent of Aspergillus fungal invasion in maize grains and the resulting increase in aflatoxin levels is heavily influenced by pre-and post-harvest practices. Before harvest, factors such as insect damage and exposure to warm, humid conditions increase the crop's susceptibility to Aspergillus infection and subsequent aflatoxin formation. Post-harvest, additional risks arise when kernels are damaged by pests like rats or when they are stored in unfavorable …

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 26 2025, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Letter From The Dean, Jeff Edwards

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Featured Faculty Mentor/Student Team, Kelly Loftin, Eva Berryhill

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Development Of Non-Destructive Methods For The Detection And Quantification Of Gluten Sources In Foods, Adewale Abiola Oloyede

Theses and Dissertations--Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering

Cross-contamination of food with gluten-rich grains such as wheat, barley, and rye remains a significant challenge in gluten-free food production, posing health risks to individuals with gluten-related disorders. Traditional detection methods are often time-consuming and labor-intensive, highlighting the need for rapid and reliable alternatives. This study investigates the use of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques for the detection and quantification of gluten contamination in grain-based foods through three main approaches: (i) classification of gluten source contaminants in gluten-free flour, (ii) quantification of gluten content from wheat, rye, and barley flours, and …

Letter From The Faculty Editor, Beth Kegley

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Processed Amaranth And Finger Millet Enriched With Cricket Flour Influence The Functionality, Microbial Quality, Shelf Life, And Consumer Preference Of The Porridge Products, Nelly Maiyo, Michael Okoth, George Abong, Brian O. Ochieng, Fathiya Khamis, Margaret Kababu, Chrysantus M. Tanga

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Exploration of nutritious, cheap, and easy-to-prepare locally available complementary foods using different processing techniques is gaining traction globally. This study evaluated the impact of three processing techniques (roasting, germination, and fermentation) on finger millet and amaranth quality. The implications of blending processed products with 10% cricket flour on the functional properties, microbial safety, and shelf life of the porridge products were tested. Thereafter, consumer preference and acceptability of the cooked porridge products were assessed with randomly enrolled panelist of mothers (20–66 years), as primary caregivers. Our results showed that powder from germinated cereal products had higher swelling power, water absorption …

Comparative Evaluation Of Fungal Strains For The Bioprocessing Of Soybean Hulls Using Cheese Whey As Fermentation Medium, Ruchita Bhattarai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Globally, soybean is the most widely cultivated oilseed crops, and serve as the primary source of cooking oil, contributing to around 50% of global oilseed production. During the industrial processing of soybean oil, a significant amount of soybean hull (SH) is produced, which makes up about 8% of the grain yield, resulting in approximately 18–20 million tons of hulls, one of the largest by-products in the soybean industry. The hulls have limited commercial value and are primarily used as fiber additives in dairy cattle feed, but a large portion is still discarded as agricultural waste. Similarly, cheese whey (CW), a …

An Economic And Production Analysis Of Seaweed Farms In California And The Pacific Northwest, Brian Donovan

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Since the early 2010s, the seaweed aquaculture industry has steadily expanded in the United States, with states like Alaska, Maine, Hawaii, and Connecticut leading the way in the development of this emerging sector. However, information gaps remain concerning certain aspects of the domestic seaweed aquaculture industry. The purpose of this study was to examine the status of the seaweed aquaculture industry along the West Coast of the United States; specifically in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Seaweed farmers in these states were invited to voluntarily complete surveys asking important production, economic, and commercial questions regarding their operations. Data …

Contents, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Six-Day Germination On Chemical Composition, Functional, And Nutritional Properties Of Pea Varieties, Hojjat Abdollahikhamene

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pulses, particularly peas, have long been a crucial source of protein in vegetarian and cost-effective diets worldwide. They have gained popularity in Western diets as more people turn to plant-based proteins as alternatives to animal products. Peas are known for their high protein content; however, their use in food products has been limited due to factors like poor solubility and digestibility. Germination improves the nutritional profile of peas by enhancing protein content and digestibility. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of six days of germination on the nutritional composition and functional properties of different varieties of …

Cultivating Community-University Partnerships Within The Chicago Region Food System, Hanan Abdillahi, Vivian Cossey, Tania Schusler, Kevin Erickson, Karen Schauwecker, Sarah Ku, Ray Dybzinski

School of Environmental Sustainability: Faculty Publications and Other Works

We interviewed 22 organizations in the Chicago Regional Food System to gain insights on their current initiatives, assets, challenges, future visions, and perceived roles of universities in advancing their work. We analyzed themes to report on strong consensus or varied perspectives related to this work. This report aims to advise Loyola’s School of Environmental Sustainability's future work and collaboration activities with Chicago Food System organizations.

Validation Of Nutrition Focus Physical Assessment Via Telehealth, Ann Flickinger Ms, Rd, Ldn, Melissa Faura Rd, Ldn, Shae Duka Mph

Clinical Nutrition Service

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Hydration Status And Microbial Quality Of Tap Water Between Urban And Rural Settings In The Ashanti Region Of Ghana, Marina A. Tandoh, Priscilla Owusu, Claire-Rush N.A. Nkrumah, Veronica Tawiah Annaful, Chris Y. Asare, Samuel Selormi Attu

Food Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for human health, physiological functions, and cognitive performance. This study sought to determine the hydration status and the microbial safety of tap water in an urban setting (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Campus) and a rural community (Adjamesu) in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The water safety perception and hydration status of 171 study participants aged 10-61 years were assessed. Six taps were randomly selected at each site in triplicates, resulting in 36 water samples. The microbial quality of the water was assessed by testing for heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. …

They Forgot We Were Seeds: Critical Counter-Narratives Supporting Culturally Informed Community Seed Work, Florentina Rodriguez

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This Professional Innovation dissertation utilizes Critical Counter-Narrative both as research methodology to generate narrative reflections and as praxis for liberatory transformation. Through research vignettes adapted from the author’s experience with critical collaborative autoethnographic seed work, this study produced critical counter-narratives aimed at addressing inequities in small-scale seed systems. These counter-narratives were incorporated into curriculum materials synthesized as an educational toolkit for a professional research

sister-project: the new Culturally Informed Community Seed Pledge and Code of Ethics (CICSP/COE). This project seeks to address disparity and extractive practices; outline relational pathways for reciprocity and respecting communities of origin; and provide evaluation metrics …

Inactivation Kinetics Of Escherichia Coli And Listeria Monocytogenes In Edible Insects, Precious Aduloju

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Edible insects are emerging as sustainable and nutritious alternatives to conventional protein sources. However, concerns about food safety, particularly the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, remain a barrier to consumer acceptance and industrial use. This study evaluated the effectiveness of thermal processing in inactivating E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and their non-pathogenic surrogates (E. coli JM109 and Listeria innocua) in both fresh and dehydrated forms of Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) and Acheta domesticus (cricket). It also evaluated the influence of insect species, moisture content, and temperature on microbial inactivation. A microbial challenge …

Comparison Of Compositional Characteristics Of Protein Extracted From Spent Hemp Seed Cakes By One-Step Defatting With Organic Solvents Followed By Isoelectric Solubilization Precipitation Using Strong And Weak Acids, Miah Nicole Gathman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Hemp seed cakes (HSC) are the byproduct of pressing hemp seeds for oil and are a significant agricultural waste product, with hundreds of tons produced annually. These nutrient-rich cakes have potential for sustainable applications in animal feed and food products. However, they could offer even greater value to the food industry through further extraction of the lipids and separation of the proteins they contain. Protein is a key nutritional component and companies are seeking cost-effective, time-efficient processes to concentrate protein from underutilized resources like HSC. Hexane (HEX) is a common solvent used in one-step defatting processes but may cause issue …

Improving Food Safety Practices Among Fsma-Exempt Small-Scale Produce Growers: A Manuscript-Based Dissertation On Risk, Adoption, And Practical Barriers, Jesica Marie Temple

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Improving Food Safety Practices Among FSMA-Exempt Small-Scale Produce Growers: A Manuscript-Based Dissertation on Risk, Adoption, and Practical Barriers

Jesica Temple

Foodborne illness outbreaks associated with fresh produce continue to pose a public health risk in the United States. Although the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) established science-based standards to prevent contamination, many small-scale farms are exempt from these requirements. Consequently, voluntary adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) varies widely across regions. Strategies to improve engagement among FSMA-exempt growers are key to advancing postharvest food safety and reducing contamination. This manuscript-based dissertation examined how knowledge, attitudes, …

Science, Physiology, And Nutrition For The Nonscientist, Judi S. Morrill

Open Educational Resources

A wonderful blend of physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, genetics, biology, evolution, chemistry--what we all need to know as informed citizens. A basic knowledge of the life sciences and how our bodies work--to promote our own good health, especially as we're bombarded with misleading advertisements, soundbites, and the like. DNA fingerprinting, calorie requirements, dietary advice, genetic engineering (including gene editing with CRISPR cas9)--all in an easy-to understand book.

Carbohydrate Counting: Traditional Filipino Food Lists For Management And Prevention Of Diabetes Mellitus, Ashwini Wagle

Open Educational Resources

The Carbohydrate Counting tool was created to address the specific dietary needs of the Filipino population. It is an original intellectual work by Ashwini Wagle, Ed.D., MS, RD, Chair of the Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging at San Jose State University (SJSU).

The development of this tool was made possible through the collaboration and support of several contributors. Serena Starr, MS; Justine Martinez Cuaresma, MS, RD; Nazli Goudarzi, MS; Leah Olaivar; and Joe Johnston—a graduate student in the Department—played integral roles in the project. Their contributions included verifying the authenticity of traditional foods, designing culturally appropriate meal plans, …

Characterization Of Lipids In Tenebrio Molitor Larvae And Pupae Under Various Extraction Methods, Nariman A. Ktil

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tenebrio molitor, or the yellow mealworm is an edible insect widely recognized and consumed for its rich nutritional value. Mealworms are known for their flexible nature of adapting to various environmental conditions and being able to thrive under harsh conditions and low-value wastes. In this paper, our main goal was to investigate the mealworm’s ability to grow and develop while being reared on apple pomace, the biowaste from apple production, and the effect it would have on its nutritional value specifically its lipid profile. Then these reared insects were used for oil extraction and analyzing their fatty acid profiles. …

Sensory Evaluation And Consumer Acceptance Of A Protein Enriched Energy Bar, Brennah T. Groves

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Sensory Evaluation and Consumer Acceptance of a Protein Enriched Energy Bar

Brennah Groves

This study evaluated the sensory properties and consumer acceptance of a protein enriched energy bar. The objectives of this study were to 1) formulate a high-protein energy bar containing at least 20 g of protein per 100 g serving, and 2) determine whether increasing the protein content in an energy bar would enhance the sensory evaluation and improve consumer acceptance among collegiate athletes. The control energy bar featured a shortbread base, date caramel with whey protein, a nougat layer, and a chocolate coating. Additional collagen protein …

Microbiological Examination Of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio Molitor) Larvae Under Various Processing And Storage Conditions As Potential For Human Consumption, Rachel Midkiff

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae have gained attention as a sustainable and nutritionally balanced food source, yet their high natural bacterial load raises food safety concerns. This study investigates the impact of pre-processing, processing, and storage conditions on microbial load and diversity in mealworms, comparing thermal (hot) and non-thermal (cold) treatments. These treatments include freeze-drying, wet heat treatments, dry heat treatments, and the combination of wet and dry heat treatments against untreated controls. Microbial loads were quantified by plate counts after day 0, day 10, and day 28 of vacuum-sealed refrigerated (4°C) storage. Water activity (Aw), pH, and moisture content …

Beyond The Byproduct: Exploring Approaches For The Sustainable Valorization Of Underutilized Food Streams, Ian Phillip Israelsen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Commercial food processing creates side-streams that are often underutilized yet hold significant potential for valorization into value-added products for consumer use. This study investigated and compared potential protein recovery and lipid removal potential from buckwheat (BW; Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), brewer’s spent grain (BSG), and coffee silverskin (CSS) using a one-step solvent defatting and a pH-shift protein extraction method. The extraction efficiency yields of extracted protein from CSS were significantly lower than all other samples (p < 0.05). The defatted BW had the highest extracted protein content of all samples (p < 0.05). The sizes of the proteins in the starting materials were observed using LDS-PAGE. These sizes were consistent with published values and were mostly unchanged by defatting or the pH-shift process. The presence of 13S globulins and 2S albumins was confirmed under reducing conditions. Protein extracted from all native samples had lower total free essential amino acids than the starting materials. Native CSS and extracted protein followed this trend, but in defatted CSS and respective extracted protein samples, the extracted proteins had higher free essential amino acid content than the starting materials, sometimes of twofold or greater (p < 0.05). After defatting, the percentage of lipids recovered compared to the original lipid content of the samples was measured. The crude fat content of native and hexane-defatted BW flour was higher than BW flour defatted with ethanol (p < 0.05). The lipid extraction efficiency of all samples ranged from 4.6 ± 1.26%–43.20 ± 14.21%. The mass of the native and defatted starting materials were recorded at each step of processing, with reasonable losses assessed. The major non-polar lipid classes in each starting material were separated using thin-layer chromatography. All samples also displayed the presence of polar lipids. When comparing starting materials, BW and BSG was the most effective for protein extraction, and BSG has the most promise for lipid removal and potential for upcycling. All the examined starting materials show promise for use in food supplementation, especially as native flours. These products are plentiful and considered underutilized or side-stream products.

Monitoring West Virginia Wastewater For Norovirus: A Test Case For Tracking Foodborne Illness Outbreaks In Rural Communities Using Wastewater, Haley M. Phillippi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Foodborne illnesses are a global public health challenge. Foodborne illnesses, like norovirus, often have a large disease and societal burden. Norovirus is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus, with 10 identified genogroups (GI-GX). Genogroups GI and GII are responsible for nearly all human cases of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. In the United States, HuNoV is not notifiable case-by-case. Instead, outbreaks are reported to national surveillance systems when two or more cases are epidemiologically linked. Most norovirus outbreaks occur during Winter to early Spring, however, certain individuals may still shed and transmit the virus without being detected or reported. Wastewater monitoring is a …

How Can University-Community Partnerships Strengthen Food Literacy To Improve Food Access And Food System Resilience In Rhode Island?, Jocelyn Furtado

Student Publications

Nearly two out of every five households in Rhode Island experience difficulties accessing adequate and nutritious food, falling into the category of food insecure. While it is not the responsibility of a sole organization to reverse this complex systemic issue, collaborative efforts are a step toward combating food insecurity and systems resilience through improving food literacy. When accomplished within a community, adequate food literacy can combat food insecurity. To the same effect, food insecurity may cause a lack of food literacy.

To hone in on the relationship of food literacy as it relates to food insecurity and food systems resilience, …

Postharvest Aqueous Ozonation Alleviates Chilling Injury By Upregulating Ascorbate-Glutathione (Asa-Gsh) Cycle And Associated Antioxidant Enzymes In Cold-Stored ‘Kensington Pride’ Mango Fruit, Mekhala Dinushi Kananke Vithana, Mahmood Ul Hasan, Hafiz Muhammad Shoaib Shah, Zora Singh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Chilling injury (CI) hinders prolonged cold storage of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.). Hence, the influence of postharvest aqueous ozonation (PAO) (1 mg ozone s^{− 1}) of mature green ‘Kensington Pride’ mangoes for 10, 20 and 30 min preceding storage at 5 °C for 21 and 28 d on modulating CI, cell membrane integrity, ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, antioxidant enzymes and fruit quality were investigated. Compared to control, 10 min PAO significantly reduced CI index (62.5% and 42.9%), CI incidence (40.5% and 41.4%), weight loss (18.4% and 21.8%) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in peel (61.8% and 71.7%) in 21 and 28 …

Extraction Of Triterpenoids From Carya Cathayensis Sarg. Husks And Enhancement Of Their Antibacterial Properties By Loading Into Chitosan Aerogels, Haixin Sun, Xinya Gu, Baozhu Shi, Tianhua Huang, Junlai Nian, Jidong Sun, Tarun Belwal, Liezhou Zhong, Benu Adhikari, Zisheng Luo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Carya cathayensis Sarg. is widely cultivated in China as a specialized nut crop, and its discarded husks (outer pericarp) are rich in triterpenoids with known antibacterial properties. In this study, triterpenoids were extracted from Carya cathayensis Sarg. husks (CCSHs) using a surfactant-mediated, ultrasound-assisted extraction method optimized via response surface methodology, the optimized extraction yield was 33.92 ± 0.52 mg UAE/g DW. Ab-8 macroporous resin was used to purify the triterpenoids from the crude extracts, achieving a 4.3-fold increase in purity. Mesoporous chitosan aerogels were prepared, and their morphology, pore size, and specific surface area were evaluated using microscopic and nitrogen …

The Impact Of Solvent Extraction And Enzyme-Assisted Extraction On The Yield And Quality Of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia Illucens) Oil, Achini Madushani Mannawa Arachchige, Mark Williams, W. M.A.D.Binosha Fernando, Weeraya Karnpanit, Jane Lumanlan, Vijay Jayasena

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The increased interest in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil is driven by its beneficial fatty acid composition, leading to the development of effective extraction methods. This study evaluated the impact of solvent extraction (SE) and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) on the yield and quality of BSFL oil. SE using hexane, petroleum ether, isopropanol, and ethanol after 6 hr of extraction resulted in higher yields compared to EAE using alcalase, papain, and trypsin after 24 hr, with the highest yield recorded for petroleum ether (33%), followed by isopropanol (30%). Isopropanol extraction demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (77%). The results indicated a …