Digital Commons Network^™

Kinetics And Activation Energy Parameters For Hydrolysis Of Acetic Anhydride In A Water-Acetone Cosolvent System, Samson Olowoyo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The hydrolysis of acetic anhydride is a widely-studied liquid phase reaction studied since 1906. Different approaches have been used to study the kinetics of this reaction. Approaches used by researchers have involved the use of sophisticated experimental set-ups. In this work, the pH technique has been adopted which involves the use of a pH meter to monitor the hydrolysis reaction. Analysis of the hydrolysis reaction has been performed for water/acetone cosolvent systems over a range of temperatures and mole fractions. Eyring analysis was performed under isomole fraction conditions and activation enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy for hydrolysis of acetic …

Performance Assessment Of Solid State Anaerobic Digestion Of Poultry Litter, Mason Puckett

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The disposal of poultry litter can exert an economic and environmental burden to the agriculture community. As a result, it is desirable to reduce the amount of waste and recover resources from the waste. This study focuses on the construction and preliminary testing of a laboratory scale (20 L) solid state anaerobic digester (AD) fed with dry poultry litter. Glucose was added in addition to the poultry litter to achieve the appropriate C:N ratio to support the growth of anaerobic microorganisms. The AD was first fed every 4 days at 4 g VS/L/feeding for 24 days, rested (no feeding) for …

A Model For Bioaugmented Anaerobic Granule, Amitesh Mahajan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In this study, we have created a simulation model which is concerned about digesting cellulose, as a major component of microalgae in a bioreactor. This model is designed to generate a computational model that simulates the process of granulation in anaerobic sludge and aims to investigate scenarios of possible granular bioaugmentation. Once a mature granule is formed, protein is used as an alternative substrate that will be supplied to a mature granule. Protein, being a main component of cyanobacteria, will promote growth and incorporation of a cell type that can degrade protein (selective pressure). The model developed in a cDynoMiCs …

Soil Properties That Influence The Occurrence Of Hydrogen Sulfide Toxicity In Rice Fields, Julia Marie Fryer

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) producers face many challenges throughout each growing season. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) toxicity is a physiological disorder where sulfate (SO42-) is excessively reduced to the toxic gas, H2S. This can reduce yield and, in severe cases, result in crop death. The main research objectives were to: i) understand chemical and physical characteristics in soils prone to H2S toxicity, ii) determine influential soil characteristics on the incidence of H2S toxicity, iii) determine ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) fertilizer additions influence on H2S toxicity, and iv) predict when and where H2S will occur. Three greenhouse experiments were conducted using Arkansas field …

Evaluating The Impact Of Eastern Hemlock Decline On Louisiana Waterthrush Demographics And Behavior In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lee Cotten Bryant

Student Theses and Dissertations

Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) is declining throughout the eastern United States due to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae Annand). In the southern Appalachians, hemlock is concentrated in moist ravines and its loss threatens riparian specialists and habitat quality. The Louisiana waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla) is an obligate-riparian species that could be sensitive to hemlock condition in the southern Appalachians, but how hemlock decline might impact it is currently unknown. I addressed this knowledge gap by evaluating relationships between hemlock decline and waterthrushes. First, I evaluated the ultimate effects hemlock decline could have on waterthrushes, focusing on survival and habitat …

Initial Evidence Of Construct Validity Of Data From A Self-Assessment Instrument Of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (Tpack) In 2-Year Public College Faculty In Texas, Kristin C. Scott

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) has been studied in K-12 faculty in the U.S. and around the world using survey methodology. Very few studies of TPACK in post-secondary faculty have been conducted and no peer-reviewed studies in U.S. post-secondary faculty have been published to date. The present study is the first reliability and validity of data from a TPACK survey to be conducted with a large sample of U.S. post-secondary faculty. The professorate of 2-year public college faculty in Texas will help their institutions meet the goals of the state’s higher education strategic plan, 60x30TX. In order to do …

First-Year Vitality Of Reforestation Plantings In Response To Herbivore Exclusion On Reclaimed Appalachian Surface-Mined Land, Zachary J. Hackworth, John M. Lhotka, John J. Cox, Christopher D. Barton, Matthew T. Springer

Forestry and Natural Resources Faculty Publications

Conventional Appalachian surface-mine reclamation techniques repress natural forest regeneration, and tree plantings are often necessary for reforestation. Reclaimed Appalachian surface mines harbor a suite of mammal herbivores that forage on recently planted seedlings. Anecdotal reports across Appalachia have implicated herbivory in the hindrance and failure of reforestation efforts, yet empirical evaluation of herbivory impacts on planted seedling vitality in this region remains relatively uninitiated. First growing-season survival, height growth, and mammal herbivory damage of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), and white oak (Quercus alba L.) are presented in response to varying intensities …

Age And Growth Of Hogfish (Lachnolaimus Maximus) In Southeast Florida, Ian A. Towne

HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations

Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus; Walbaum 1792) from Southeast Florida were aged using sectioned otoliths and growth rates were calculated using the von Bertalanffy growth equation. The samples were collected from Broward County (n=209); other regions of Southeast Florida (n=18), the Florida Keys (n=35) and Bahamas (n=43). Growth rates were determined for each of these areas and were then compared to previously reported growth rates from other regions including the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys. There was significant separation at the 95% confidence level between growth rates from each reagion. The average maximum fork length increased, from the Florida …

2018 - The Twenty-Third Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Twenty-third Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 19, 2018. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

Effect Of A Pre-Dinner Walnut Snack On Nutrient Intake Among University Students, Michelle E. Lacasse, Mackenzie J. Weis, Lauren S. Devaan, Gabrielle L. Schnellman, Elizabeth M. Gile, Molly D. Ahmann, Ted Wilson, Tisha L. Hooks

Undergraduate Research Celebration 2018

No abstract provided.

Swosu Research And Scholarly Activity Fair 2018, Lisa Appeddu, Cj Smith

SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair Programs

On behalf of the members of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) University Research and Scholarly Activity Committee (USRAC) - Welcome to the Twenty-Fifth SWOSU Research and Scholarly Activity Fair! There are 130 poster presentations and 10 oral presentations involving 293 student researchers, writers, presenters, artists, collaborators, and faculty sponsors encompassing activities from the SWOSU College of Pharmacy; SWOSU School of Nursing & Allied Health Sciences; and SWOSU Departments of Art, Communication, & Theatre; Biological Sciences; Business & Computer Science; Chemistry and Physics; Education; Engineering Technology; Language & Literature; Music; Psychology; and Social Sciences. This also includes guest presenters from …

Phenological Mismatch In Coastal Western Alaska May Increase Summer Season Greenhouse Gas Uptake, Katharine C. Kelsey, A. Joshua Leffler, Karen H. Beard, Ryan T. Choi, Joel A. Schmutz, Jeffery M. Welker

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

High latitude ecosystems are prone to phenological mismatches due to climate change- driven advances in the growing season and changing arrival times of migratory herbivores. These changes have the potential to alter biogeochemical cycling and contribute to feedbacks on climate change by altering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) through large regions of the Arctic. Yet the effects of phenological mismatches on gas fluxes are currently unexplored. We used a three-year field experiment that altered the start of the growing season and timing of grazing to …

Eating Crickets? Nutrient Mineral Content Of Two Cricket Species And Chapul Cricket Protein Bars Using Mp-Aes, Nathan Hopkins

Student Scholar Showcase

Global agriculture is beset by numerous challenges which must be surmounted to feed a developing world, from combating climate change to the cultivation of sustainable food products. This, in addition to protein and nutrient deficiencies in the developing world, makes considering alternative protein sources, such as a crickets, an attractive option. Crickets use a fraction of the land and water that protein sources like beef cattle do, and can be cultivated in urban environments in stacked boxes. This research investigation aims to quantify the nutrient mineral content (Iron, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium) of two cricket species (Acheta domesticus …

Effects Of Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers On Agronomic Parameters And Loss Pathways In The Subtropical Mississippi Delta Region, Scott Michael Pensky

LSU Master's Theses

Minimizing nitrogen (N) loss is critical for improving N use efficiency (NUE) in crop production and reducing its effects on the environment. Management practices such as seasonal application timing of N fertilizers and the addition of enhanced efficiency N fertilizers (EENFs) were investigated for the high N requirement of the two most common cereal crops globally, corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), in the subtropical climate of Louisiana. Field research was established during the 2016 and 2017 seasons at the LSU Agricultural Center’s Dean Lee and Central research stations to examine the effect of different EENFs and …

Relating Diets And Food Availability To Long-Term Population Trends Of Lesser Scaup Wintering On Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, Clay Michael Stroud

LSU Master's Theses

Lake Pontchartrain provides wintering habitat for a continentally-significant proportion of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis). Mid-winter aerial surveys indicate dramatic variation in annual scaup abundance (0–1,194,907), though the mechanisms driving fluctuations have not been previously investigated. In response to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, species composition, abundance, and size structure of benthic invertebrate populations in Lake Pontchartrain exhibit drastic variability among years. Given that wintering scaup feed primarily on mollusks, environmental disturbances have the potential to influence scaup dynamics on the estuary by altering the benthic community. To diagnose trophic linkages and variation in scaup abundance, we collected ducks (n=60) …

Evaluation Of Controlled-Release Nitrogen And Potassium Fertilizer In Louisiana Sugarcane Production, Samuel Kwakye

LSU Master's Theses

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp) production is an integral part of Louisiana's economy. Proper fertilizer management, particularly nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), optimizes sugarcane production. An experiment was established in 2015 at the LSU AgCenter Sugar Research Station in St. Gabriel, Louisiana to: (1) assess the effect of N and K fertilizer sources on sugarcane yield and quality parameters, and (2) monitor the changes in inorganic N and K levels in the soil at different sugarcane growth stages. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design on a Sharkey clay soil and complete randomized design on a Commerce …

Policy Communication And The Influence Of Agricultural Communities On Karst Landscapes: A Case Study In Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam, Elizabeth Willenbrink

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Karst landscapes are vulnerable to human influence, especially agricultural practices. The interconnectedness between surface activities and subsurface environments make karst landscapes particularly susceptible to soil erosion and water contamination. The likelihood of these two phenomena happening increases when agricultural intensification, irrigation, or fertilizer application occurs. This situation arises frequently in Vietnam, where 18% of the country is karst terrain and 60% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods (Farming First 2009). In order to mitigate the negative consequences of agriculture on karst landscapes, effective implementation of policy to regulate human activities and increased communication of these policies to …

Untargeted Bioassay Strategy For Medicinal Plants: In Vitro Antidiabetic Activity And 13c Nmr Profiling Of Extracts From Vitex Negundo L, Fabian M. Dayrit, Myrnille Joy B. Zabala, Lolita G. Lagurin

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Bioassay-guided fractionation is the principal method for the identification of active constituents in medicinal plants. By design, this method aims to identify the most active compound in a complex mixture with the objective of discovering novel drug candidates. Described here is a complementary method for the identification of known bioactive compounds in medicinal plants which is untargeted and which takes advantage of the large NMR database of known natural products and availability of statistical software. This untargeted bioassay strategy is demonstrated as a proof of principle in the determination of the antidiabetic compounds in Vitex negundo L. Crude methanol and …

Determination Of Phytosterols In Dried Shaggy Mane And Morel Mushrooms By Gc-Ms, Natalie Walker, Thomas W. Nalli

Undergraduate Research Celebration 2018

No abstract provided.

Modelling And Visualizing Selected Molecular Communication Processes In Biological Organisms: A Multi-Layer Perspective, Aditya Immaneni

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The future pervasive communication and computing devices are envisioned to be tightly integrated with biological systems, i.e., the Internet of Bio-Nano Things. In particular, the study and exploitation of existing processes for the biochemical information exchange and elaboration in biological systems are currently at the forefront of this research direction. Molecular Communication (MC), which studies biochemical information systems with theory and tools from computer communication engineering, has been recently proposed to model and characterize the aforementioned processes. Combined with the rapidly growing field of bio-informatics, which creates a rich profusion of biological data and tools to mine the underlying information, …

Eat & Tell: A Randomized Trial Of Random-Loss Incentive To Increase Dietary Self-Tracking Compliance, Palakorn Achananuparp, Ee Peng Lim, Vibhanshu Abhishek, Tianjiao Yun

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

A growing body of evidence has shown that incorporating behavioral economics principles into the design of financial incentive programs helps improve their cost-effectiveness, promote individuals' short-term engagement, and increase compliance in health behavior interventions. Yet, their effects on long-term engagement have not been fully examined. In study designs where repeated administration of incentives is required to ensure the regularity of behaviors, the effectiveness of subsequent incentives may decrease as a result of the law of diminishing marginal utility. In this paper, we introduce random-loss incentive-a new financial incentive based on loss aversion and unpredictability principles-to address the problem of individuals' …

Groundwater Injection Projects: Mitigating The Risk Of Emerging Contaminants, Conor Jennings

Virginia Coastal Policy Center

The Hampton Roads region is one of the fastest growing population centers in Virginia, meaning that demand for clean drinking water is only increasing. In response to this growing problem, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), whose mission is to treat the region’s wastewater, has developed and begun to implement the Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow (SWIFT) project to better reclaim treated wastewater by directly injecting it into the aquifer. Currently, HRSD’s treated wastewater is simply released into surface waters but this process does not help replenish the aquifer because the natural replenishment of the underground aquifer through surface water …

Assessing Phytoplankton Nutritional Status And Potential Impact Of Wet Deposition In Seasonally Oligotrophic Waters Of The Mid-Atlantic Bight, P. N. Sedwick, P. W. Bernhardt, M. R. Mulholland, R. G. Najjar, L. M. Blumen, B. M. Sohst, C. Sookhdeo, Brittany Widner

OES Faculty Publications

To assess phytoplankton nutritional status in seasonally oligotrophic waters of the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight, and the potential for rain to stimulate primary production in this region during summer, shipboard bioassay experiments were performed using natural seawater and phytoplankton collected north and south of the Gulf Stream. Bioassay treatments comprised iron, nitrate, iron + nitrate, iron + nitrate + phosphate, and rainwater. Phytoplankton growth was inferred from changes in chlorophyll a, inorganic nitrogen, and carbon-13 uptake, relative to unamended control treatments. Results indicated the greatest growth stimulation by iron + nitrate + phosphate, intermediate growth stimulation by rainwater, modest growth …

Does Journaling Encourage Healthier Choices? Analyzing Healthy Eating Behaviors Of Food Journalers, Palakorn Achananuparp, Ee Peng Lim, Vibhanshu Abhishek

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Past research has shown the benefits of food journaling in promoting mindful eating and healthier food choices. However, the links between journaling and healthy eating have not been thoroughly examined. Beyond caloric restriction, do journalers consistently and sufficiently consume healthful diets? How different are their eating habits compared to those of average consumers who tend to be less conscious about health? In this study, we analyze the healthy eating behaviors of active food journalers using data from MyFitnessPal. Surprisingly, our findings show that food journalers do not eat as healthily as they should despite their proclivity to health eating and …

Geochemical And Radiological Baseline Studies And Environmental Impact Of The Area Surrounding Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, Uae, Mouza Rashed Mohamed Al Rashdi

Dissertations

Geochemical, mineralogical and natural radiation analysis techniques were used for establishment of geochemical and radiological baseline around Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, UAE. The natural radioactivity concentrations of ²³⁸U (²²⁶Ra), ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K were measured for soil, shore and bottom sediment samples, using gamma spectrometry equipped with HPGe detector. In addition, alpha spectrometry was used to measure ²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratio for some selected samples. Furthermore, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was used to measure the concentrations of heavy metals and Rare Earth Elements (REE). The grain size of the samples ranged from fine …

Interacting With The Trail: A Comprehensive Approach To Developing An Environmental Education Program For Agnolakely Private Nature Reserve, Claire Hamilton

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Madagascar is a diverse island, biologically and geographically. This has led to the development of endemic species and high biodiversity within the landscape. Unfortunately, due to poverty, extraction of natural resources, and a growing population, these species have become threatened. Agnolakely, is a private nature reserve, located in eastern Madagascar that is trying to combat these challenges through reforestation projects and land protection. Agnolakely is not only of ecological value, but is also integral in the community structure. As Agnolakely expands it has become essential to implement education and outreach for the reserve. This study was designed to collect biological …

Food Waste Diversion Programming In Post-Secondary Education, Manar Arica Alattar

Dissertations and Theses

The urgent need for reform of USA and global food systems is evident in the pervasiveness of both food waste and food insecurity. Such an inefficient system strains the environmental, social, and economic systems on which it relies. Although policy and infrastructure changes are essential, consumers can play a significant role by decreasing their food waste, given that consumer waste represents 60% of the waste along the food cycle in developed countries. Incorporation of food literacy and food waste education in school curricula may provide a meaningful entry point for promoting food waste reduction skills.

This dissertation presents context on …

The Role Of Nutrition In Influencing Mechanisms Involved In Environmentally Mediated Diseases, Bernhard Hennig, Michael C. Petriello, Mary V. Gamble, Young-Joon Surh, Laura A. Kresty, Norbert Frank, Nuchanart Rangkadilok, Mathuros Ruchirawat, William A. Suk

Superfund Research Center Faculty Publications

Human exposure to environmental contaminants such as persistent chlorinated organics, heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, flame retardants, electronic waste and airborne pollutants around the world, and especially in Southeast Asian regions, are significant and require urgent attention. Given this widespread contamination and abundance of such toxins as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the ecosystem, it is unlikely that remediation alone will be sufficient to address the health impacts associated with this exposure. Furthermore, we must assume that the impact on health of some of these contaminants results in populations with extraordinary vulnerabilities to disease risks. Further exacerbating risk; infectious diseases, poverty …

Apolipoprotein-Defined Lipoprotein Subclasses, Serum Apolipoproteins, And Carotid Intima-Media Thickness In T1d, Arpita Basu, Alicia J. Jenkins, Julie A. Stoner, Ying Zhang, Richrd L. Klein

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Research

Circulating apolipoprotein-defined lipoprotein subclasses (ADLS) and apolipoproteins predict vascular events in the general and type 2 diabetes populations, but data in T1D are limited. We examined associations of ADLS, serum apolipoproteins, and conventional lipids with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measured contemporaneously and 6 years later in 417 T1D participants [men: n = 269, age 42 +/- 6 y (mean +/- SD); women: n = 148, age 39 +/- 8 y] in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study, the follow-up of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Date were analyzed by multiple linear regression stratified by sex, and …

Robust Microplate-Based Methods For Culturing And In Vivo Phenotypic Screening Of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Timothy C. Haire, Cody Bell, Kirstin Cutshaw, Brendan Swiger, Kurt Winkelmann, Andrew G. Palmer

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Faculty Publications

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cr), a unicellular alga, is routinely utilized to study photosynthetic biochemistry, ciliary motility, and cellular reproduction. Its minimal culture requirements, unicellular morphology, and ease of transformation have made it a popular model system. Despite its relatively slow doubling time, compared with many bacteria, it is an ideal eukaryotic system for microplate-based studies utilizing either, or both, absorbance as well as fluorescence assays. Such microplate assays are powerful tools for researchers in the areas of toxicology, pharmacology, chemical genetics, biotechnology, and more. However, while microplate-based assays are valuable tools for screening biological systems, these methodologies can significantly alter the …