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Closed Domain Question Answering With Language Models: Application Of Retrieval-Augmented Generation And Parameter Efficient Fine-Tuning In Healthcare, Aaron Cummings

Master's Theses

Dementia care presents significant challenges for informal caregivers, particularly in managing behavioral symptoms that affect over 90% of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) during the moderate-to-severe stages. These symptoms, including agitation, wandering, and repetitive activities, impose emotional and physical burdens on caregivers, often exacerbated by a lack of reliable, accessible, and personalized resources. Non-pharmacological interventions, while evidence-based, are underutilized due to knowledge gaps and the inefficiency of traditional training and information retrieval methods.

This research explores the adaptation of large language models (LLMs) to address these challenges by developing a framework for closed-domain Question Answering (QA) systems, …

Identification And Profiling Of Socioeconomic And Health Characteristics Associated With Consumer Food Purchasing Behaviours Using Machine Learning, Daniel Burke, Martin Boudou, Jennifer Mccarthy, Majid Bahramian, Courage Krah, Christina Kenny, Paul Hynds, Anushree Priyadarshini

Articles

Food systems and food-related policies influence food consumption, dietary patterns, and human and environmental health. Consumers play a vital role in enhancing health and sustainability through their purchasing choices. To identify and cluster food purchasing behaviours and map relationships, a cross-sectional survey was conducted across Ireland with a sample size of 957 adults. Two-step cluster analysis, generalised linear models, and recursive partitioning and regression trees were used to elucidate adherence to identified food purchasing behavioural clusters. Three clusters (‘food quality’, ‘taste’, and ‘price’) were identified based on food purchasing priorities and statistically categorised. ‘Food quality’ members were significantly less likely …

Growth And Yield Of Bok Choy (Brassica Rapa L.) Plants In Post-Rock Excavation Soils Provided With Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria And Manure, Cecep Hidayat, Yati Setiati Rachmawati, Dhea Rizqi Utami, Sofiya Hasani, Anna Aina Roosda, Windhy Chandria

Jurnal Kultivasi

Elevated sand and gravel mining to meet market needs causes negative impacts on the environment, soil, and biodiversity. The government issued a regulation that requires revegetation as reclamation of mineral and coal mining. The conversion needs to overcome the physical and chemical characteristics of post-rock excavation soil that can be utilized by economic value plants such as bok choy. This experiment aimed to determine the growth and yield of bok choy on post-rock excavation soil by providing phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and various manure types. The study was conducted in Margasari Village, Buah Batu District, Bandung at an altitude of …

Bioremediation Of Pb And Cd Contaminated Soil By Mycorrhiza And Biochar Treatment And Its Effect On Growth And Yield Of Shallot, Okti Herliana, Wilis Cahyani, Yugi Rahayu Ahadiyat

Jurnal Kultivasi

The contamination of shallots in the food chain by heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) is caused by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The study aimed to determine the growth and yields of shallot cultivated on soil contaminated with Pb and Cd using mycorrhiza and biochar. The study was conducted in the screen house at Jenderal Soedirman University, Faculty of Agriculture, from April to September 2020, and it was carried out using a factorial Randomized Completely Block Design that involved three replications and two factors. The first factor of mycorrhiza dosage comprised 0, 1, and 2 g/pot, and …

Bioremediation Of Pb And Cd Contaminated Soil By Mycorrhiza And Biochar Treatment And Its Effect On Growth And Yield Of Shallot, Okti Herliana, Wilis Cahyani, Yugi Rahayu Ahadiyat

Jurnal Kultivasi

The contamination of shallots in the food chain by heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) is caused by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The study aimed to determine the growth and yields of shallot cultivated on soil contaminated with Pb and Cd using mycorrhiza and biochar. The study was conducted in the screen house at Jenderal Soedirman University, Faculty of Agriculture, from April to September 2020, and it was carried out using a factorial Randomized Completely Block Design that involved three replications and two factors. The first factor of mycorrhiza dosage comprised 0, 1, and 2 g/pot, and …

Snap Recipients' Labor Supply In The Presence Of Children In Households, Sanae Tashiro, Jongsung Kim

Mathematics and Economics Faculty Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Current Status And The Significance Of Local Wisdom Biofertilizer In Enhancing Soil Health And Crop Productivity For Sustainable Agriculture: A Systematic Literature Review, Irwandhi, Fiqriah Hanum Khumairah, Emma Trinurani Sofyan, Nadia Nuraniya Kamaluddin, Anne Nurbaity, Diyan Herdiyantoro, Tualar Simarmata

Jurnal Kultivasi

Soil fertility is recognized as a crucial factor in supporting plant growth and productivity. The utilization of biofertilizers as environmentally friendly fertilizers is aimed at enhancing soil fertility and plant productivity. This study aims to explore the potential of local material for developing local wisdom biofertilizers (LWB) for achieving sustainable agriculture. A systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometric analysis, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, employing the Scopus search engine with the keywords "local AND wisdom AND biofertilizer" OR "biofertilizer" OR "local AND microorganism" OR "soil AND health OR crop AND productivity OR sustainable agriculture". …

Impact Of Irrigation Systems On Water Use And Water Productivity: A Case Study Using Aquacrop In Khartoum, Sudan, Abdalhakam Almagzoop

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Masters Project Reports

Water scarcity significantly challenges agricultural productivity in arid regions like Khartoum, Sudan. This study evaluates the impact of three irrigation systems—furrow, sprinkler, and surface drip—on the water use and productivity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) under different climatic conditions using the AquaCrop model. Simulations were conducted for three representative years: a wet year (2022), a normal year (2015), and a dry year (2018). The results demonstrate that irrigation substantially improved water use efficiency and crop yield compared to non-irrigated (rainfed) conditions. Rainfed crops resulted in lower biomass, harvest index, and yield, particularly in the dry year, highlighting the importance …

The Periconceptional, Physical Activity, Environment, Nutrition And Diet (Prepared) Study, Aaliyah Devore

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Potential For Soil-Mediated Transmission Of Symbiotic Bacteria In The Leaffooted Bug (Leptoglossus Phyllopus), Armeen Nasir

McNair Scholars Research Journal

Recent evidence suggests insects might indirectly provide symbionts to their offspring by releasing them into the soil via feces. We investigated whether this is occurring in the Eastern leaf-footed bug, Leptoglosuss phyllopus. We hypothesized that if adults release viable symbiont cells into their environment, then nymphs will have a higher survival rate, develop faster, and be larger at adulthood when exposed to soil that has been in contact with adult insects for longer. To measure the rate and whether the bugs acquired Caballeronia from the soil, insect nymphs were exposed to soil that had been exposed to a lab colony …

Letter From The Vice President For Research And Innovation, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Full Issue, The Mcnair Team

McNair Scholars Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Analyzing Food Sources And Food Insecurity Of Kichwa Farming Families In The Ecuadorian Amazon, Reina Watanabe

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

While the right to food is internationally recognized and the United Nations established the sustainable development goal to end hunger and achieve food security by 2030, many households remain without consistent access to food in 2024. In Latin America, approximately 4 in 10 households were reported as food insecure in 2020 with higher rates in rural and indigenous communities. Rural areas, which have great overlap with indigenous communities in Ecuador, experience disproportionately high levels of poverty and food insecurity compared to urban areas. The most populous indigenous nationality in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the participants of this study are the …

Impact Of Water Ionic Chemistry On Kombucha Fermentation, Katherine A. Thompson-Witrick, Olivia Sundman, Sadie Disselkoen, Nicholas Hanson, Cheyenne Butler, Victoria Jordan, Ian Galbraith, Jada Spake, Seiler Pollock, Drew M. Budner

Chemistry

Kombucha is made by using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to ferment sweetened tea. This fermentation produces a beverage with a unique aroma and acidic flavor. Kombucha has recently gained popularity in the United States and has been reported to have numerous health benefits. While there is a wide variation in kombucha composition, little is known about the impact water’s chemistry has on the fermentation and the resulting kombucha. Brewing water for kombucha was altered using the following ions: bicarbonate, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and sulfate at different concentrations. Pre-(tea) and post-(kombucha) fermentation (kombucha) products were analyzed for …

Long-Term Push–Pull Cropping System Shifts Soil And Maize-Root Microbiome Diversity Paving Way To Resilient Farming System, Abdul A. Jalloh, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Abdullahi Ahmed Yusuf, Sevgan Subramanian, Daniel Munyao Mutyambai

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Background: The soil biota consists of a complex assembly of microbial communities and other organisms that vary significantly across farming systems, impacting soil health and plant productivity. Despite its importance, there has been limited exploration of how different cropping systems influence soil and plant root microbiomes. In this study, we investigated soil physicochemical properties, along with soil and maize-root microbiomes, in an agroecological cereal-legume companion cropping system known as push–pull technology (PPT). This system has been used in agriculture for over two decades for insect-pest management, soil health improvement, and weed control in sub-Saharan Africa. We compared the results with …

Implementing Organic Fertilization Practices To Improve Aloe Vera Growth And Soil Health In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Isaiah Edward Jaramillo

Theses and Dissertations

Aloe vera (L.) (Aloe) Burm. f., is valued for its applications across the cosmetic, medicinal, and food industries due to its leaf gel. In the aloe industry, the extraction of gel from leaves generates significant quantities of organic waste, which presents an opportunity to repurpose this material as an amendment in aloe cultivation. While Aloe is renowned for its resilience, understanding the feasibility of using these organic shavings as a soil fertility amendment in aloe production is critical. This research aims to identify sustainable fertilization methods for Aloe that can maintain and/or improve crop yield while enhancing soil health. This …

Examining Hispanic Beginning Farmers And Ranchers In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Community Capitals Framework, Perla Kimberly Schrock

Theses and Dissertations

While existing literature addresses the experiences of beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR), there is a notable gap in research focused on Hispanic beginning farmers and ranchers (HBFR). This study aimed at exploring the unique experiences of HBFR in a predominantly Hispanic region, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), employed the Community Capitals Framework (Flora et al., 2016). I conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with HBFR and local nonprofit organizations and federal employees, complemented by participant observations. Through thematic and content analysis of the interview transcripts, findings revealed valuable insights into the livelihoods of HBFR. Despite HBFR facing significant challenges, this study demonstrated …

Phytoplankton Responses To Changing Irradiance And Carbon Fertilization, Alison Siersma

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems due to their innate ability to fix carbon. As atmospheric CO2 levels continue to rise from fossil fuel combustion, the resulting increase in dissolved CO2 and the concurrent decrease in ocean pH are likely to impact the phytoplankton community. The response of phytoplankton to elevated CO2 can vary significantly among species and environmental conditions (e.g. light, temperature, nutrient availability). To address these variations, an experiment was conducted using a controlled photobioreactor system, maintaining high and low light, constant temperature, nutrient levels, and two pCO2 concentrations. This study focused on two regionally relevant …

Issue 41

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Will My Celsius Addiction Kill Me?: The Thermogenic Drink And Its Impact On Nutrition And Metabolism, Katie Johnstone

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Digging Up A New Era In Fertilizer: Investigating The Potential Of Electron Bifurcation In Ammonia Synthesiss, Ella Wurtzbacher

The Synapse: Intercollegiate science magazine

No abstract provided.

Rice Response To Struvite And Other Phosphorus Fertilizers In A Phosphorus-Deficient Soil Under Simulated Furrow-Irrigation, Jonathan B. Brye, Diego Della Lunga, Kristofor R. Brye

Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Wastewater-recovered phosphorus (P), in the form of the mineral struvite (MgNH₄PO₄⋅6H₂O), may provide a sustainable alternative to decreasing rock-phosphate reserves. Struvite can be generated via precipitation methods, potentially reducing the amount of P runoff to aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this greenhouse tub study was to evaluate the effects of chemically- and electrochemically precipitated struvite (CPST and ECST, respectively) on above- and belowground plant response in a hybrid rice (Oryza sativa) cultivar grown using furrow-irrigation compared to other common fertilizer-P sources [i.e., triple super phosphate (TSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP)]. Rice was …

Bioremediation Of Effluent Water In A Coal Ash Disposal Area: Optimizing Microbial Sulfate Reduction, Ryka Shea

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Coal combustion residues (CCR) pose a serious environmental threat, even long after they are disposed of in specialized landfills, due to their complex composition and potential for leaching into waterways. This study focuses on the issue of elevated sulfate concentrations at the Martin Lake Steam Electric Station (MLSES) A-I Disposal Area in Panola County, Texas, where CCR are disposed of in a permanent landfill. Currently, this site is exceeding its regulatory limit of sulfate concentrations in its effluent and is in need of a cost-effective and sustainable solution to this problem. This research utilized benchtop experiments to investigate sulfate reducing …

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 …

Study On The Seasonal Endobacterial Profile Of Avicennia Officinalis, Focusing On Core Bacterial Consortia Within Mangrove Pneumatophores, Devi R R, Vinod Prabhakar

Karbala International Journal of Modern Science

Microhabitats are smaller pockets of ecosystems with unique conditions and they serve as major contributors of species richness. Mangrove plants offer a diverse array of such microhabitats (rhizosphere, phyllosphere, endosphereetc), and the inhabitant bacteria benefit the host by providing better salinity tolerance, faster and better nutrient mobilization, protection from phytopathogens and assistance in seed germination. Identification of such beneficial bacteria,their growth requirementsandmetabolism, willhave direct application in the field of agriculture and ecosystem restoration. Hence in this study, effort has been made to elucidate the seasonal numerical and compositional profile of pneumatophore bacterial consortia of Avicennia officinalis, from the mangrove …

Prospect And Problem Analysis Of Industry Data Application In Livestock And Poultry Breeding, Yiran Chen, Zhuqing Xiong, Jiaogen Zhou, Quan Wang, Jiancheng Shu, Yinfa Yan, Lanlin Yang, Zemeng Feng, Benhai Xiong, Yulong Yin

Bulletin of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Chinese Version)

Livestock and poultry breeding is a pillar industry in China. The massive data in livestock and poultry breeding is a valuable resource. The market-oriented utilization of livestock and poultry breeding data plays an important role in improving industry standards, increasing industry profits, and driving the development of the entire industry chain. Currently, based on the demand for marketization of livestock and poultry breeding data, the application of new generation information technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in the process of livestock and poultry breeding to collect breeding process data, after de-sensitization and de-classification, through cloud computing, …

Intersections Of Living And Machine Agencies: Art-Based Models Of Adaptive Conversation With The More-Than-Human World, Carlos Castellanos

Tradition Innovations in Arts, Design, and Media Higher Education

Today’s AI systems are not built to have reciprocal interplay with their environments and thus they demonstrate little interest in emergence, adaptation or developing mutually productive relationships with the natural world. Is a different kind of AI possible? How can artists contribute to its development? In this essay, I will discuss ways in which the arts might help guide us towards a new kind of AI, built upon adaptive conversation (i.e. shared construction of meaning) with nature. I will discuss how can work with AI while also challenging its prevailing ontology, and even suggest alternative ontologies and epistemologies. I will …

Harvesting And Processing Techniques Of Tropical Grass And Legume Seeds For Smallfarmers, Lumyai Kowithayakorn, Chaisang Phaikaew

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

For smallfarmers of forage legumes and grasses in Thailand, manual harvesting and cleaning of leguminous seeds have been widely practised because of cheap and available labour. Tropical grasses produce more seeds than can be harvested; hence it is necessary to find means to improve harvesting and processing techniques in order to obtain high standards of both quality and quantity of seed. The main obstacles could be due to prolonged flowering nnd grain filling periods of individual seedheads resulting in the uneven ripening of seeds at harvest. Premature seeds cause low yields and low quality nt harvests in many species. Flowering …

Yield, Composition And In Vitro Digestibility Of Russell Lupin, S M. Kitessa, G D. Hill, A M. Nicol

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Six harvests were made (at 3-weekly intervals) from spring regrowth of Russell lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus x Lupinus arboreus ) to evaluate changes in yield and nutritive value with plant maturity. Dry matter (DM) yield and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) concentration increased from 40 to 160 g/plant and 24 to 46%, respectively, while nitrogen concentration, in vitro cellulase DM and organic matter digestibility decreased from 4.5-2.4%, 77-56% and 81-55%, respectively, as the lupins matured from late vegetative to hard pod stage. Peak digestible DM (DDM) yields of Russell lupins, at about 90 g/plant, occurred at full bloom and dry pod, …

Ruzi Grass (Brachiaria Ruziziensis) Seed Production In North-East Thailand, Chaisang Phaikaew, Chanchai Manidool, Pimpaporn Devahuti

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The recent expansion of beef and dairy production in Thailand has increased demand for pasture seed. Ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) seed production has increased from 18 tin 1983 to 466 tin 1991. The; production sites are in the north east, where soils and climate are most suitable for seed production. 60% of all ruzi seed is being produced by smallfarmers; the rest is produced by government stations. Average farmer yield of rilzi is 400 kg • seed/h'a, with each farmer contracted 'to grow 0.32 h�� of ruzi grass, at a guaranteed price of US$2/kg; Abo·ut 2700 farmers are …