Digital Commons Network^™

Investigation Of Microbial Community Interactions Between Lake Washington Methanotrophs Using Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling, Mohammad Mazharul Islam, Tony Le

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Background. The role of methane in global warming has become paramount to the environment and the human society, especially in the past few decades. Methane cycling microbial communities play an important role in the global methane cycle, which is why the characterization of these communities is critical to understand and manipulate their behavior. Methanotrophs are a major player in these communities and are able to oxidize methane as their primary carbon source.

Results. Lake Washington is a freshwater lake characterized by a methane-oxygen countergradient that contains a methane cycling microbial community. Methanotrophs are a major part of this community involved …

Novel Fibrin-Fibronectin Matrix Accelerates Mice Skin Wound Healing, Carlos Poblete Jara, Ou Wang, Thais Paulino Do Prado, Ayman Ismailc, Frank Marco Fabianc, Han Li, Licio A. Velloso, Mark A. Carlson, William Burgess, Yuguo Lei, William H. Velander, Eliana P, Araújo

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Plasma fibrinogen (F1) and fibronectin (pFN) polymerize to form a fibrin clot that is both a hemostatic and provisional matrix for wound healing. About 90% of plasma F1 has a homodimeric pair of γ chains (γγF1), and 10% has a heterodimeric pair of γ and more acidic γ′ chains (γγ′F1). We have synthesized a novel fibrin matrix exclusively from a 1:1 (molar ratio) complex of γγ′F1 and pFN in the presence of highly active thrombin and recombinant Factor XIII (rFXIIIa). In this matrix, the fibrin nanofibers were decorated with pFN nanoclusters (termed γγ′F1:pFN fibrin). In contrast, fibrin made from 1:1 …

Functional Genetic Encoding Of Sulfotyrosine In Mammalian Cells, Xinyuan He, Yan Chen, Daisy Guiza Beltran, Maia Kelly, Bin Ma, Justin Lawrie, Feng Wang, Eric Dodds, Limei Zhang, Jiantao Guo, Wei Niu

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Protein tyrosine O-sulfation (PTS) plays a crucial role in extracellular biomolecular interac- tions that dictate various cellular processes. It also involves in the development of many human diseases. Regardless of recent progress, our current understanding of PTS is still in its infancy. To promote and facilitate relevant studies, a generally applicable method is needed to enable efficient expression of sulfoproteins with defined sulfation sites in live mammalian cells. Here we report the engineering, in vitro biochemical characterization, structural study, and in vivo functional verification of a tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase mutant for the genetic encoding of sulfotyrosine in mammalian cells. We further …

Ionomers From Kraft Lignin For Renewable Energy Applications, Seefat Farzin, Tyler J. Johnson, Shyambo Chatterjee, Ehsan Zamani, Shudipto Konika Dishari

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Faculty Publications

Converting industrial/agricultural lignin-rich wastes to efficient, cost-effective materials for electrochemical devices (e.g., fuel cells) can aid in both bio- and energy economy. A major limitation of fuel cells is the weak ion conductivity within the ∼2–30-nm thick, ion-conducting polymer (ionomer)-based catalyst-binder layer over electrodes. Here, we strategically sulfonated kraft lignin (a by-product of pulp and paper industries) to design ionomers with varied ion exchange capacities (IECs) (LS x; x = IEC) that can potentially overcome this interfacial ion conduction limitation. We measured the ion conductivity, water uptake, ionic domain characteristics, density, and predicted the water mobility/stiffness of Nafion, LS 1.6, …

Personalized Learning: An Engagement Strategy For At-Risk Student Populations, Abbigail Morris

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Personalized learning in the United States experienced a resurgence in the educational landscape as a result of increased technology access and computing power. The availability of affordable technology, software solutions, and access to the Internet led to the infiltration of technology into personalized learning approaches and provided a new platform for personalized learning advocates. Engagement and student agency were components of personalized learning attracting many educators to reinvest in personalized learning opportunities. This study focused on a rural, western Kentucky school district that piloted personalized learning through a blended learning environment. The study sought to measure engagement levels of both …

Paleofloods And Landform Development Influence Carbon Storage In A Humid-Subtropical River Valley, Christopher Lance Stewart

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Floodplains can store large amounts of soil organic carbon (SOC) despite covering a small fraction of the global land area. Since these valley-bottom landforms build through the action of flooding, the century to millennial-scale record of overbank deposition could be important in understanding controls on deep (>30 cm) SOC storage. Yet, the influence of flood history and landform development on carbon content is surprisingly not well known. I use a combined geological and pedological approach to characterize the sedimentation, soil development, and SOC of fluvial terraces along an impounded reach of the humid-subtropical Tennessee River valley, U.S.A. The standardized …

Population Demographics Of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys Molitrix In Kentucky Lake, Allison M. Lebeda

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Invasive species continue to threaten aquatic ecosystems in the United States. Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix have successfully infiltrated much of the Mississippi River Basin, including Kentucky Lake – a large reservoir located on the Tennessee River in Western Kentucky. Although Silver Carp have been present in Kentucky Lake for at least a decade, until recently, very little was known about the population, how often successful reproduction is occurring, or the environmental conditions that facilitate strong year-classes. Hence, it is difficult for managers to predict the potential impact of Silver Carp on native species. Silver Carp were collected from Kentucky Lake …

Analyzing Citation Metrics In Civil Engineering With Focus On Construction Engineering And Management, Islam H. El-Adaway, Gasser G. Ali, Rayan Assaad, Amr Elsayegh, Ibrahim S. Abotaleb

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

There are several metrics used to evaluate academic publications, including number of citations, h-index, and others. While these metrics are directly related to rewards in the academic community, it is debated whether they correctly reflect the true impact of research. As such, there is a need to clearly interpret and understand such metrics. The goal of this paper is to investigate the citation metrics used to assess academic publications in civil engineering (CE) with a considerable focus on construction engineering and management (CEM). The investigation of these two research fields is important since each one of them has its own …

Simulating Der Adoption In Wholesale Power Markets Using Agent Based Computational Economics, Islam H. El-Adaway, Charles Sims, Mohamed Eid, Yinan Liu, Gasser Galal Ali

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

There is a transition from centralized electricity generation to distributed energy resources (DER). An increasing number of customers are adopting distributed solar generation (DSG). However, utilities face the difficulty of predicting electrical demand and therefore dispatching and controlling generation. The goal of this research is to study the evolving dynamic market behavior affected by DER investment decisions. To that end, agent-based modeling (ABM) is used to study the emerging behavior of the market under those conditions. The model is developed from the existing and validated AMES framework, which is used for agent-based computational economics (ACE) simulation of wholesale power markets. …

Influence Of Pumping Pressure On The Viscosity Curve And Rheological Stability Of Mortar Incorporating Polycarboxylate, Jae Hong Kim, Seong Ho Han, Byoung Il Choi

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Concrete pumping has been successfully adopted in modern construction. Various concrete including high-strength concrete and self-consolidating concrete can be pumped, but we still have a lack of understanding of the rheological behavior and its change during the pumping process. This study evaluates the effect of pumping pressure on the viscosity curves of cement-based materials incorporating a specific polycarboxylate. The viscosity of mortar samples increases with the pumping pressure. The viscosity increase depends on the rate of shear strain and the polymer structure of the polycarboxylate. The effect of pumping pressure is then generalized with a Sisko model. A mechanistic model …

A Justification For Continued Management Of Turfgrass During Economic Contraction, James T. Brosnan, Ambika Chandra, Roch E. Gaussoin, Alec Kowalewski, Bernd Leinauer, Frank S. Rossi, Douglas J. Soldat, John C. Stier, J. Bryan Unruh

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

A novel coronavirus, termed COVID-19, spread worldwide and become a global pandemic in 2020. Forecasts show that COVID-19 will cause substantial economic contraction affecting almost every industry. Managed turfgrass, particularly in urban settings, has many positive societal and environmental benefits. In a contracted economy, will resources be available to manage turfgrass to achieve these benefits? In this paper, we outline the benefits of managed turfgrass on golf courses, playing fields, recreational parks, and urban landscapes to assist decision makers with resource allocation in the COVID-19 era.

Strategic Switchgrass (Panicum Virgatum) Production Within Row Cropping Systems: Regional-Scale Assessment Of Soil Erosion Loss And Water Runoff Impacts, Enheng Wang, R. M. Cruse, Bharat Sharma-Acharya, Daryl E. Herzmann, Brian K. Gelder, David E. James, Dennis C. Flanagan, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Robert B. Mitchell, David Laird

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

A strong need exists for tools to assess the efficacy of conservation practices across large regions supporting informed policy decisions that may lead to better soil and water conservation while optimizing agricultural production options. Perennial warm-season grasses (WSGs) such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), can be grown on marginally productive and/or environmentally sensitive lands to meet growing bioenergy demands while reducing water runoff and soil erosion compared to current row crop systems. Quantifying the soil and water conservation effects of WSG when strategically placed on the landscape would help support decisions favoring both economic and environmental benefits. We used the Daily …

Benchmarking The Agronomic Performance Of Biodegradable Mulches Against Polyethylene Mulch Film: A Meta‐Analysis, Mauro B.D. Tofanelli, Samuel E. Wortman

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Growers are interested in biodegradable alternatives to petroleum‐based polyethylene mulch film (PEM). However, many growers cite limited knowledge about biodegradable mulch films (BDMs) as a significant barrier to adoption. Agronomic field tests of BDMs are often limited temporally or spatially, and the variability of performance results relative to PEM may be contributing to this perceived knowledge gap. Our objective was to use data available in the scientific literature to provide the first quantitative performance benchmark of BDMs against PEM. We extracted data from 66 articles for meta‐analysis. Response ratios were calculated for comparison of BDMs relative to black PEM, and …

Evaluation Of The Specific Attenuation Method For Radar-Based Quantitative Precipitation Estimation: Improvements And Practical Challenges, Bong Chul Seo, Witold F. Krajewski, Alexander Ryzhkov

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study demonstrates an implementation of the prototype quantitative precipitation R estimation algorithm using specific attenuation A for S-band polarimetric radar. The performance of R(A) algorithm is assessed, compared to the conventional algorithm using radar reflectivity Z, at multiple temporal scales. Because the factor a, defined as the net ratio of A to specific differential phase, is a key parameter of the algorithm characterized by drop size distributions (e.g., differential reflectivity Zdr dependence on Z), the estimation equations of a and a proper number of Zdr–Z samples required for a reliable a estimation are examined. Based on the dynamic estimation …

Wheat Growth Monitoring And Yield Estimation Based On Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Zhaopeng Fu, Jie Jang, Yang Gao, Brian Krienke, Meng Wang, Kaitai Zhong, Qiang Cao, Yongchao Tian, Yan Zhu, Weixing Cao, Xiaojun Liu

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Leaf area index (LAI) and leaf dry matter (LDM) are important indices of crop growth. Real-time, nondestructive monitoring of crop growth is instructive for the diagnosis of crop growth and prediction of grain yield. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing is widely used in precision agriculture due to its unique advantages in flexibility and resolution. This study was carried out on wheat trials treated with different nitrogen levels and seeding densities in three regions of Jiangsu Province in 2018–2019. Canopy spectral images were collected by the UAV equipped with a multi-spectral camera during key wheat growth stages. To verify the …

The State Of Sustainable Agriculture And Agroecology Research And Impacts: A Survey Of U.S. Scientists, Marcia Delonge, Tali Robbins, Andrea D. Basche, Lindsey Haynes-Maslow

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

A growing body of research suggests that although sustainable agriculture, particularly agroecology, can address challenges such as those related to climate change, ecosystem services, food insecurity, and farmer livelihoods, the transition to such systems remains limited. To gain insight into the state of U.S. sustainable agriculture and agroecology, we developed a 28-question mixed-method survey that was administered to scientists in these fields. Respondents (N=168) represented diverse locations, institutions, and career stages. They offered varied definitions of sustainable agriculture, with 40% considering economic and social well-being to be core components. Respondents identified the amount and duration of public research …

Dicamba Retention In Commercial Sprayers Following Triple Rinse Cleanout Procedures, And Soybean Response To Contamination Concentrations, Frances B. Browne, Xiao Li, Katilyn J. Price, Jianping Wang, Yi Wang, Greg R. Kruger, Jeff Golus, Gabrielle De Castro Macedo, Bruno C. Vieira, Tyler Sandlin

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The commercial launch of dicamba‐tolerant (DT) crops has resulted in increased dicamba usage and a high number of dicamba off‐target movement complaints on sensitive soybeans (Glycine max L.). Dicamba is a synthetic auxin and low dosages as 0.028 g ae ha−1 can induce injury on sensitive soybean. Tank contamination has been identified as one of the sources for unintended sensitive crop exposure. The labels of new dicamba formulations require a triple rinse cleanout procedure following applications. Cleanout efficacy might vary based on the sprayer type and procedure followed. This study was performed to quantify dicamba retention in commercial sprayers and …

Investigation Of Emotional Intelligence And Computer Self-Efficacy On The Cybersecurity Interest Of High School Students, William Earl Hilliker Jr.

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

There is a lack of interest in young students in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Defining potential traits that could identify an interested student could help fill the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This study examines the relationship between computer self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and an interest in a cybersecurity career of high school students in Southeast Michigan. It also attempts to determine if a student’s participation in STEM events and the location of the student’s school are significant moderating factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 280 students in Grades 9 through 12 who attended school at …

Winter Cover Crop Root Biomass Yield In Corn And Soybean Systems, Sabrina J. Ruis, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Katja Koehler-Cole, Paul J. Jasa, G. Slater, Roger W. Elmore, Richard B. Ferguson

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Cover crop (CC) roots are critical for soil ecosystem service delivery including soil stabilization, C and nutrient cycling, soil health improvement, and others. However, most CC studies only evaluate CC aboveground biomass yield, neglecting the belowground portion of the plant. The objectives of this study were to quantify the impacts of (a) CC planting (pre- and post-harvest) dates and (b) early (2–4 wk before main crop planting) and late (at main crop planting) CC termination with and without corn (Zea mays L.) residue removal on root biomass yield. We assessed the effects of CC planting or termination dates on root …

The Lateral Root Density Gene Regulates Root Growth During Water Stress In Wheat, Dante F. Placido, Jaspreet Sandhu, Shirley Sato, Natalya Nersesian, Truyen Quach, Thomas Clemente, Paul Staswick, Harkamal Walia

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Drought stress is the major limiting factor in agriculture. Wheat, which is the most widely grown crop in the world, is predominantly cultivated in drought-prone rainfed environments. Since roots play a critical role in water uptake, root response to water limitations is an important component for enhancing wheat adaptation. In an effort to discover novel genetic sources for improving wheat adaptation, we characterized a wheat translocation line with a chromosomal segment from Agropyron elongatum, a wild relative of wheat, which unlike common wheat maintains root growth under limited-water conditions. By exploring the root transcriptome data, we found that reduced …

Spatial Particulate Fields During Highwinds In The Imperial Valley, California, Frank R. Freedman, Paul English, Jeff Wagner, Yang Liu, Akula Venkatram, Daniel Q. Tong, Mohammad Z. Al-Hamdan, Meytar Sorek-Hamer, Robert Chatfield, Ana Rivera, Patrick L. Kinney

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

We examined windblown dust within the Imperial Valley (CA) during strong springtime west-southwesterly (WSW) wind events. Analysis of routine agency meteorological and ambient particulate matter (PM) measurements identified 165 high WSW wind events between March and June 2013 to 2019. The PM concentrations over these days are higher at northern valley monitoring sites, with daily PM mass concentration of particles less than 10 micrometers aerodynamic diameter (PM10) at these sites commonly greater than 100 μg/m3 and reaching around 400 μg/m3, and daily PM mass concentration of particles less than 2.5 micrometers aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) commonly greater than 20 μg/m3 and …

Electromagnetic-Circuital-Thermal Multiphysics Simulation Method: A Review, Huan Huan Zhang, Pan Pan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Long Li, Ping Li, Wei E.I. Sha, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electromagnetic-circuital-thermal multiphysics simulation is a very important topic in the field of integrated circuits (ICs), microwave circuits, antennas, etc. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state of the art of electromagnetic-circuital-thermal multiphysics simulation method. Most efforts were focused on electromagnetic-circuital co-simulation and electromagnetic-thermal cosimulation. A brief introduction of related theories like governing equations, numerical methods, and coupling mechanisms is also included.

Crowdsourcing Contests: Understanding The Effect Of Environment And Organization Specific Factors On Sustained Participation, Hanieh Javadi Khasraghi, Xuan Wang

Information Systems Faculty Publications

Crowdsourcing has increasingly become a recognized problem-solving mechanism for organizations by outsourcing the problem to an undefined crowd of people. The success of crowdsourcing depends on the sustained participation and quality-submissions of the individuals. Yet, little is known about the environment-specific and organization-specific factors that influence individuals’ continued participation in these contests. We address this research gap, by conducting an empirical study using data from an online crowdsourcing contest platform, Kaggle, which delivers data science and machine learning solutions to its clients. The findings show the statistically significant effects of structural capital, familiarity with organization, and experience with the organization …

Numerical Methods For Electromagnetic Modeling Of Graphene: A Review, Kaikun Niu, Ping Li, Zhixiang Huang, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang, Hakan Bagci

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Graphene's remarkable electrical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties have made this the frontier of many other 2-D materials a focus of significant research interest in the last decade. Many theoretical studies of the physical mechanisms behind these properties have been followed by those investing the graphene's practical use in various fields of engineering. Electromagnetics, optics, and photonics are among these fields, where potential benefits of graphene in improving the device/system performance have been studied. These studies are often carried out using simulation tools. To this end, many numerical methods have been developed to characterize electromagnetic field/wave interactions on graphene sheets …

Predicting Densities And Elastic Moduli Of Sio2-Based Glasses By Machine Learning, Yong-Jie Hu, Ge Zhao, Mingfei Zhang, Bin Bin, Tyler Del Rose, Qian Zhao, Qan Zu, Yang Chen, Xuekun Sun, Maarten De Jong, Multiple Additional Authors

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Chemical design of SiO2-based glasses with high elastic moduli and low weight is of great interest. However, it is difficult to find a universal expression to predict the elastic moduli according to the glass composition before synthesis since the elastic moduli are a complex function of interatomic bonds and their ordering at different length scales. Here we show that the densities and elastic moduli of SiO2-based glasses can be efficiently predicted by machine learning (ML) techniques across a complex compositional space with multiple (>10) types of additive oxides besides SiO2. Our machine learning approach relies on a training set …

Assessing The Severity Of Health States Based On Social Media Posts, Shweta Yadav, Joy Prakash Sain, Amit P. Sheth, Asif Ekbal, Sriparna Saha, Pushpak Bhattacharyya

Publications

The unprecedented growth of Internet users has resulted in an abundance of unstructured information on social media including health forums, where patients request healthrelated information or opinions from other users. Previous studies have shown that online peer support has limited effectiveness without expert intervention. Therefore, a system capable of assessing the severity of health state from the patients’ social media posts can help health professionals (HP) in prioritizing the user’s post. In this study, we inspect the efficacy of different aspects of Natural Language Understanding (NLU) to identify the severity of the user’s health state in relation to two perspectives(tasks) …

Automatic Target Recognition With Deep Metric Learning., Abdelhamid Bouzid

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An Automatic Target Recognizer (ATR) is a real or near-real time understanding system where its input (images, signals) are obtained from sensors and its output is the detected and recognized target. ATR is an important task in many civilian and military computer vision applications. The used sensors, such as infrared (IR) imagery, enlarge our knowledge of the surrounding environment, especially at night as they provide continuous surveillance. However, ATR based on IR faces major challenges such as meteorological conditions, scale and viewpoint invariance. In this thesis, we propose solutions that are based on Deep Metric Learning (DML). DML is a …

Alone: A Dataset For Toxic Behavior Among Adolescents On Twitter, Thilini Wijesiriwardene, Hale Inan, Ugur Kursuncu, Manas Gaur, Valerie L. Shalin, Krishnaprasad Thirunarayan, Amit P. Sheth, I. Budak Arpinar

Publications

The convenience of social media has also enabled its misuse, potentially resulting in toxic behavior. Nearly 66% of internet users have observed online harassment, and 41% claim personal experience, with 18% facing severe forms of online harassment. This toxic communication has a significant impact on the well-being of young individuals, affecting mental health and, in some cases, resulting in suicide. These communications exhibit complex linguistic and contextual characteristics, making recognition of such narratives challenging. In this paper, we provide a multimodal dataset of toxic social media interactions between confirmed high school students, called ALONE (AdoLescents ON twittEr), along with descriptive …

Measurement Of Sub-2 Nm Stable Clusters During Silane Pyrolysis In A Furnace Aerosol Reactor, Miguel Vazquez-Pufleau, Yang Wang, Pratim Biswas, Elijah Thimsen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The initial stages of particle formation are important in several industrial and environmental systems; however, the phenomenon is not completely understood due to the inability to measure cluster size distributions. A high resolution differential mobility analyzer with an electrometer was used to map out the early stages of Si particle formation from pyrolysis of SiH4 in a furnace aerosol reactor. We detected for the first time subnanometer stable clusters from silane pyrolysis, and the diameter was measured to be about 0.7 nm. This diameter is within the range of probable sizes that the reported families of critical silane clusters could …

Bending Behavior And Deflection Prediction Of High-Strength Sfrc Beams Under Fatigue Loading, Dan Ying Gao, Zhi Qiang Gu, Chenglin Wu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The experiments of high-strength steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams subjected to fatigue bend loading were conducted in this work. A total of 12 beams were tested to failure, including 2 under static loading and 10 under fatigue loading. The main varying parameters of the tested beams included the stress level, fiber volume fraction, and strength of the steel reinforcement. The fatigue life, mid-span deflection, residual deflection, and crack width were measured and evaluated. The stiffness degradation of high-strength SFRC beams was analyzed. The results indicated that both the stress level and fiber volume fraction have significant influences on the fatigue life …