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The Abyss Of Abundance: Consumer Overconsumption And The Road To Environmental Collapse, Emma Vega

Student Theses 2015-Present

The pattern of consumer overconsumption, fueled by relentless economic growth and the internal desire for material goods, has emerged as a prominent driver of environmental degradation, pushing our planet to collapse. This paper examines the cause-and-effect relationships between consumer behavior and its catastrophic environmental implications. By unraveling the root causes of overconsumption and its detrimental effects, this study attempts to underscore the urgency of immediate action to prevent irreversible environmental collapse. Chapter 1 will discuss the problem of consumer overconsumption, including an analysis of the detrimental environmental effects of our current consumption levels to highlight why the issue of consumer …

Food Policy Council, Alexandra G. Winn, Kirsten Hannah Jaquish, Shelby Lynn Davis, Alexandra N. Ehlers, Joshua Lohnes

Undergraduate Scholarship

Nourishing Networks is a workshop that promotes the development of Food Policy Councils, which are a group of community members that advocate for the Right to Food in their community. Through conversation surrounding food access barriers and strategies in their community, the workshop aims to educate participants on how they can improve food access in their community. This research project sought to conduct Nourishing Networks meetings in a variety of West Virginia counties with the intention of accompanying local community members and organizations to create a Food Policy Council for their region. Using a standardized organization process, curriculum, and reporting …

Seeding Sparks For The Right To Food, Alexandra Grace Winn, Shelby Lynn Davis, Kirsten Hannah Jaquish, Alexandra N. Ehlers, Joshua Lohnes

Undergraduate Scholarship

Seeding Sparks for The Right to Food partnered with Voices of Hunger to disperse a grant to community leaders. These community leaders have projects that are aimed to advance the Right to Food and promote food security. This project interviewed the applicants and pulled out common themes among their responses to further understand their motivations and passions related to food justice.

Genistein Adsorption Performance And Mechanism By Metal-Organic Frameworks Based On Triangular Aromatic Ligands, Yang Xiangyi, Cheng Yunhui, Yao Li, Xu Zhou, Xing Keyu

Food and Machinery

Objective： To improve the adsorption of genistein by zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks （MOFs） with triangle aromatic ligands. Methods： Two MOFs （MOF-808 and PCN-777） containing different sizes of triangle aromatic ligands were synthesized by hydrothermal method for adsorption of genistein. The synthesis of MOFs was determined by a series of characterization methods, and the adsorption performance was compared with that of a linear binary carboxylic acid ligand-constructed MOF （UiO-66）, to evaluate the effects of pore characteristics, hydrophobicity changes, and other factors on the adsorption performance, and to explore the adsorption mechanism by XPS analysis. Results： Compared with linear ligand-constructed UiO-66, the pore …

Research Progress On The Effects Of Processing Methods On Gluten Protein Structure And Properties, Cui Guoting, Wang Duan, Guo Jinying, Ren Guoyan

Food and Machinery

Steamed bread, noodles, deep-fried dough sticks and other noodle foods are an important part of our diet, and gluten protein is an important component of noodle foods. Common food processing techniques used to prepare noodles, including heating, freezing, mechanical processing, fermentation, and electric field treatment, alter the hydrophobic disulfide bond of the protein, denature and aggregate the protein, and cause other intricate physical and chemical changes, all of which have an impact on the texture and flavor of the finished noodle product. This paper mainly introduces the current research status of the influence of processing methods such as heating, freezing, …

Research Progress On Extraction, Physiological Function And Application Of Pectin, Fei Congxuan, Fu Meiling, Zhang Di, Li Dandan, Xiu Jianhua

Food and Machinery

Pectin is a kind of natural polysaccharide polymer, which is an important part of the cell wall of higher plants. It has physiological functions such as cholesterol-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and hypoglycemic, and beneficial to intestinal health. In this review, pectin extraction methods and their advantages and disadvantages in recent years were summarized, and the yield, galacturonic acid content and esterification degree of pectin extracted from different sources and methods were compared and analyzed. The physiological function of pectin and its application in various aspects were also introduced, and the future development direction was prospected.

Amplify Your Narrative: Exploring The Power Of Storytelling With African American And Indigenous Communities In Pediatric Cancer Treatment, Trinity K. Perry

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

This literature review investigated the empowering nature of storytelling with Black and Indigenous communities undergoing pediatric cancer treatment. It explored the roles of systemic racism, anti-Black racism, culture, spirituality, and intersectionality in shaping narratives about westernized healthcare. Furthermore, the review examined the concepts of anti-black racism, systemic racism, racial disparities in westernized healthcare, marginalized children’s experience in pediatric cancer treatment, storytelling in African American and Indigenous communities, and storytelling through the lens of drama therapy. Evidence is presented that underlines the psychological impact of the previously mentioned components, and how community engagement and storytelling provide a means of attunement, hope, …

Most Common Symptoms Of Prediabetic And Insulin Resistance In Adults In Saudi Arabia, Hassan Mazzhar Bukhari, Fatoon Mohammed Albuqami, Alanoud Mohammed Asiri, Ghadeer Othman Yatim, Jomana Abdullah Alshareef, Ruba Saeed Alzahrani

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The prediabetic stage exhibits common symptoms; hence, the risk of developing diabetes can be reduced by identifying these symptoms in the most affected population. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of the main symptoms of insulin resistance in healthy adults aged 18 years and above.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,514 Saudi adults using an online questionnaire collected from 13th November 2020 to 23rd March 2021. Data on personal, lifestyle, and common symptoms were gathered, and the main symptoms were presented as frequencies with percentages. Association with insulin resistance was evaluated using the Chi-square …

Assessment Of Sociodemographic Status, Self-Awareness, And Risk Factors Affecting Patients With Prediabetes In Bangladesh: Cross-Sectional Study, Farhana Sultana, Muhammed Mohibul Islam, Aparajita Das, Md Hasan Shahriar Rahman, Nandita Islam Pia, Md Kayes Mahmud, Md. Saqline Mostaq, Saadullah Saadullah, Md. Saddam Hossain, Saikat Fakir, Mohammad Nurul Amin

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Poor glycemic control and high diabetes and prediabetes incidence are influenced by socioeconomic disparity. Raising awareness and ensuring that people with prediabetes are receiving medication, maintaining their glycemic control, and getting the proper care they need despite their socioeconomic situation are crucial in the fight against diabetes. This study aims to assess the sociodemographic status, self-awareness, and risk factors associated with prediabetes in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 500 participants aged >18 years to evaluate and summarize their demographic data, socioeconomic status, and responses to various questionnaires about their conditions related to prediabetes …

Investigating Nursing Students’ Levels Of Knowledge About Alzheimer’S Disease, Dilek Doruk Kondakci, Aliye Mandiracioğlu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Given that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a major public health problem, this study aimed to investigate the AD knowledge level of nursing students who are health professional candidates.

Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consisted of 346 nursing students taking up a 4-year program. They were asked to fill out a sociodemographic information form and answer questions from the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS).

Results: Among the participants, 67.6% were female and 98.8% were single. The mean age of the students was 20.55 ± 2.05 years. Their general knowledge about AD was low, with …

University Set To Confer Record Number Of Undergraduate Degrees At Spring Commencement, University Of Dayton

News Releases

The University of Dayton expects to confer approximately 2,170 degrees, including an all-time high of approximately 1,710 undergraduate degrees, during commencement ceremonies May 4-5 at University of Dayton Arena.

Screening And Enzymatic Characterization Study Of High-Yield Pprotease-Producing Bacterial Strains Derived From Shiping Stinky Tofu, Liu Chao, Zhao Liangzhong, Wang Yaoqiong, Li Ming, Feng Xuzhong

Food and Machinery

Objective: Obtaining hhigh-yield pprotease-pproducing bacterial resources through fermentation of advantageous protease-producing strains derived from Shiping stinky tofu. Methods: Single-factor and response surface experiments were used to optimize the culture medium and fermentation conditions. Using casein as the substrate, the effects of temperature, pH, metal ions and organic reagent on the protease activity and stability of strain JX-11 were investigated using enzymology techniques. Results: One strain of high-producing proteinase-secreting bacteria, JX-11, was isolated from Shiping stinky tofu, identified as Chryseobacterium pennipullorum. The optimal conditions for protease production by JX-11 strain were found to be temperature at 23.0 ℃, glucose content …

Potential Molecular Mechanism Of Celery Seed In Gout Treatment Of Network Pharmacology With Molecular Docking, Li Meijuan, Zhang Jun, Zhang Yunshu, Li Qianwei, Zhang Na, Liu Mengjiao, Zhang Renping

Food and Machinery

Objective: To study the molecular mechanism of celery seed inhibiting or treating gout by using network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: TCMSP database and the network maps were constructed with Cytoscape3.9.0 software. Gout-related targets were collected in GeneCard database and OMIM database, crossed with the main component targets of celery seed and imported into STRING database for protein-protein interaction （protein-protein interaction, PPI） analysis, core targets were obtained, core targets were introduced into DAVID, and GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment were performed in the database. Finally, AutoDock software was used to verify the key components with key targets. Results: …

Detection And Enrichment Characteristics Analysis Of Common Heavy Metal Content In Different Organs Of Hunan Lotus Seed, Dai Hui, Zhao Wenyu, Wang Jianhui, He Xiangyi, Long Xiao

Food and Machinery

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the heavy metal content in sediment and various organs of Hunan lotus seed in a planting area, as well as to explore the characteristics of heavy metal accumulation and transfer in Hunan lotus seed. Methods: A typical planting area in Hunan Province was selected for this research. The contents of Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mn were measured using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer. The bioconcentration factor （BCF） and transfer factor （TF） were used to evaluate the heavy metal accumulation and transfer ability of Hunan lotus seed. Results: …

Study On The Performance Of Heat Pump Assisted Random Filler Surface Evaporation Device For Concentrated Thermosensitive Feed Liquid, Ma Yinglu, Chen Dong, Hu Shengwei, Wang Shuo, Zhang Huijuan, Xie Jihong

Food and Machinery

Objective： A surface evaporation concentration device were designed to concentrate thermosensitive feed liquid at low temperature under normal pressure with low energy consumption. Methods： Based on an introduction to the working principle of the device, the basic equations of the device were given. The changes of volumetric evaporation flux and energy saving ratio with flow rate of the feed liquid, feed liquid temperature, sweeping gas flow rate, sweeping gas temperature were calculated and analyzed. Designed an experimental platform and obtained a set of optimal performance parameters through experiments. Results： The results showed that when the flow rate of the feed …

Effect Of Chlorine Dioxide Fumigation Treatment On Quality Of Broccoli, Li Yuqing, Lu Lixin, Wang Qing

Food and Machinery

Objective： This study aimed to solve the problems of yellowing, discoloration and quality preservation of broccoli after harvesting. Methods： Broccoli was fumigated with chlorine dioxide gas at different mass concentrations (0,0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/L) at 23 ℃, and the sensory, color, yelination grade, physiological and biochemical indexes and related browning enzyme activities of broccoli were determined after 0,2,4,6,8 days of storage. Results： Compared with the control group, different mass concentrations of ClO₂ could inhibit the mass loss rate, yellowing browning and spoilage of flower buds of broccoli. ClO₂ at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L had a more …

A Preliminary Study On The Effect Mechanism Of A Rice Immune Peptide In Mice, Wen Shiyu, Zhang Zhimeng, Wu Hao, Xie Yufei, Huang Qingming, Liao Juan, Wen Li

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to demonstrate the potential immunomodulatory activity in mice of rice immunopeptide GBP1 （NSVFRALPVDVVANAYR） screened previously. Methods: Animal experiments were conducted to investigate the immunomodulatory mechanism of GBP1 peptide. RNA-Seq was used to sequence the transcriptome of mouse spleen tissues before and after GBP1 peptide treatment, and the molecular mechanism of GBP1 peptide immunomodulatory effect was explained. Results: In the GBP1 peptide treatment group, the number of spleen cells tended to be normal, the liver organ coefficient decreased significantly, and the serum IgG content was stable.GBP1 peptide can affect the expression of cytokines, mediate signal transduction pathways, …

The Antitumor Activity Of Brassica Rapa L. Acid Polysaccharides In Vivo, Kadeer Gulimila, Maitiruze Amannisa, Li Mingzhu, Kang Jinsen, Taoerdahong Hailiqian

Food and Machinery

Objective: To explore the effects of Brassica rapa L. acid polysaccharide 1 (BRAP-1) on H226 cell tumor-bearing mice. Methods: 60 mice were divided into the model group (0.1 mL/10 g), positive cisplatin [3 mg/(kg·2 d)], BRAP-1 low dose [50 mg/(kg·d)], BRAP-1 medium dose [100 mg/(kg·d)] and BRAP-1 high dose [200 mg/(kg·d)]. During the experiment, the tumor growth of mice was observed, and the tumor inhibition rate and organ index were calculated; The levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene expressions …

Analysis Of Flavor Characteristics Of Herbal Cultivated Tremella Fuciformis Based On Component Difference Analysis And Intelligent Sensory, Chen Wanchao, Wu Di, Xiao Minsheng, Yao Shuxian, Yang Yan, Liu Yanfang

Food and Machinery

Objective: Clarify the flavor characteristics of Tremella fuciformis cultivated on herbaceous substrate. Methods: In the study T. fuciformis cultivated on herbaceous substrate was used as the research object, while samples of yellow tremella and white tremella cultivated on conventional substrate were used as controls. The differences in flavor composition between them were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography and Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Ggas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). And combined with intelligent sensory technology, its flavor characteristics were analyzed. Results: According to multi-dimensional evaluations such as fresh and sweet amino acid and flavor nucleotides content, taste activity value and equal freshness …

Effects Of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins On Hepg2 Cell Genes And Related Functions Based On Transcriptome Sequencing, Zheng Wancai, Dang Bin, Zhang Ji, Luo Qiaoyu, Feng Zuoshan

Food and Machinery

Objective： Based on transcriptome sequencing analysis, the effect of grape seed procyanidins on HepG2 cell genes and related functions was identified. The key genes and metabolic pathways involved in the treatment of HepG2 cells with procyanidins were confirmed. Methods: Through transcriptome sequencing, screening differential genes, gene functional annotation and enrichment analysis of the KEGG pathway, transcriptome studies were conducted on grape proanthocyanidin-treated cells. Results: After treating HepG2 cells with grape anthocyanins, the main biological processes enriched are cellular processes, metabolic processes, biological regulatory processes, immune system processes, reproductive regulation, and growth regulation. Research has found that 12 key differentially expressed …

Optimization Of Anthocyanin Copigmentation Formula Of Purple Corn And Its Effect On The Quality Of Purple Corn, Pang Wenqian, Yu Rui, Li Dajing, Liu Chunju, Bai Bing

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to explore the copigmentation formula of purple corn anthocyanins. Methods: In this study, fructose, tannic acid, and pectin were used as co-pigmentation. The response surface method was used to optimize the co-pigmentation formula of purple corn anthocyanins, and the untreated purple corn was used as a control test. The anthocyanin components, color, texture, taste and antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging ability, ABTS free radical scavenging ability, and FRAP iron ion reducing ability) of purple corn after different treatments were determined. Results: 19% fructose, 0.07% tannic acid, and 1.9% pectin had the best copigmentation effect. Compared …

Effects Of Drying Methods On The Quality And Volatile Flavor Compounds Of Oil Tea Powder, Li Guanli, Wu Qiuyue, Chen Xixia, Wu Shujie, Duan Qiuxia, Li Xiaochun, Luo Yanghe

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to explore suitable drying methods for oil tea powder, making it easier for oil tea consumption and storage. Methods: Spray drying, vacuum freeze drying and vacuum drying were used to dry oil tea soup, and the quality (moisture content, sensory evaluation and color) and volatile substances of dried oil tea powder were evaluated. Results: The sensory score of vacuum freeze-drying oil tea powder was the highest (93), the water content was the lowest (3.78%), and the color was better（ΔE value 49.74). 104 volatile substances were identified from three drying methods of oil tea powder using …

Research Progress On The Mechanism Of Food-Derived Antihypertensive Peptides, Wang Baobei, Zhang Hui, Liu Yusong, Chen Hongbin, Guo Fengxian, Zheng Zongping

Food and Machinery

In this review, several mechanisms of antihypertensive peptides derived from food and its by-products were summarized. Mechanisms based on the RAAS system such as ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1R signaling pathways and ACE2/Ang (1-7)/MasR signaling pathways were included. Mechanisms targeting at KNOS system including PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, PPAR-γ/caspase3/MAPK/eNOS signaling pathway and L-type Ca²⁺ channel were also discussed. In addition, the pathways of reducing blood pressure by inhibiting endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) activity discovered in recent years were also introduced.

Molecular Insights Of Paraoxonase 2 In Advanced Glycation End Product Induced Endothelial Dysfunction, Ramya R

Theses and Dissertations

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder associated with various vascular complications and affects the function of the endothelial cells. Elevated blood glucose levels accelerate the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by Amadori rearrangement and bind to their Receptor for the advanced glycation end product (RAGE) and evoke release of key pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins leading to endothelial dysfunction. Paraoxonase 2 (PON2) is an endogenous intracellular enzyme, localised in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and nuclear membrane with numerous properties, like anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant.

Our present study aims to ascertain the effect of AGEs on PON2 activity and expression, …

A Developmental Exploration Of The Role Of Catp-6 Gene In Model Organism C. Elegans Relating To Parkinson’S Disease, Kaiser Kate Weafer

Undergraduate Theses

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is considered a common and complex neurogenerative disease characterized by the complete loss of dopaminergic neurons located in the substantia nigra pars compacta. With the incomplete understanding of this neurological disorder, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a microscopic nematode, could serve as a model organism of study due to specific gene analogs, relating to PD, present in both C. elegans and humans. The gene of interest for this project is catp-6 in C. elegans an ortholog of the human ATP132A gene. Mutations in the ATP132A gene correlate with an abnormal form of early onset PD called Kufor-Rakeb Syndrome, …

The Effect Of Special Exercises On Some Functional Variables And Cognitive Abilities And Their Relationship To The Level Of Performance Of Second-Class Referees In The Game Of Football, Ali Mahdi Hadi, Hisham Atta Abdul Hussein

Modern Sport

Knowing the effect of special exercises (physical, skill, cognitive) for football referees on the neurotransmitter (serotonin), blood sugar, and cognitive abilities is what this study concluded and aimed to prepare special exercises for physiological fitness, refereeing movements and positions, and to identify the level of serotonin and blood sugar concentrations. And the cognitive abilities and performance level of second-class football referees and the effect of exercises on them, while the research problem crystallized around the lack of uniformity between the referees’ decisions, the decline in physical and physiological fitness indicators, and failure in the practical and cognitive tests that qualify …

The Effect Of Core Exercises In Improving The Strength And Flexibility Of The Spine For Injured Women With Herniated Discs In The Vertebrae (L4, L5), Sinan Hisham Rashid, Saja Khalid Jassim

Modern Sport

Movement therapy is one of the important and safe therapeutic methods because it ensures human life in all its affairs. Rehabilitation exercises are an effective and natural method that does not expose the patient to complications on other body functions because it is free of any harmful chemical medicine. Modern techniques in physical therapy have also been widely used. Prepared according to scientific principles, including Core exercises that help relieve pain with a herniated disc in the fourth and fifth vertebrae. Pre- and post-tests were conducted for strength from the forward and backward bending position using a force sensor and …

Moderators Of Resistance Training Effects In Healthy Young Women: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Talita Molinari, Régis Radaelli, Anderson Rech, Clarissa M. Brusco, Anna M. Markarian, Pedro Lopez

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Molinari, T, Radaelli, R, Rech, A, Brusco, CM, Markarian, AM, and Lopez, P. Moderators of resistance training effects in healthy young women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 804-814, 2024 - To systematically review and analyze the effects of resistance-based exercise programs and potential moderators of change in body fat percentage, whole-body fat and lean mass, muscle hypertrophy, muscle strength, and muscle power/rapid force in healthy young women (between 18 and 35 years). A systematic search was undertaken in 7 databases from inception to May 2022. Eligible randomized controlled trials examined the effects of resistance-based exercise …

Letters Of Indonesian Nationalist Sjahrir To His Beloved Maria Duchâteau; A Transcultural Case Of Travel Writing, Kees Snoek

Wacana, Journal of the Humanities of Indonesia

The letters Indonesian nationalist Sjahrir wrote between 1932 and 1940 to his Dutch beloved Maria Duchâteau illustrate a transcultural case of travel writing. They also illustrate how much he was convinced that Western ideas and attitudes could assist Indonesian people to develop and gain sufficient self-confidence to shake off the colonial yoke. Born into an elite Minangkabau family, Sjahrir studied in Java and The Netherlands, before taking up campaigning for a non-cooperative political party which emphasized the importance of education. This article discusses the period between early 1932 and 26 February 1934, before Sjahrir’s arrest and following imprisonment and exile. …

The Effect Of Rehabilitation Exercises Using The Inverted Table In Improving The Muscular Strength Of The Back And Abdominal Muscles For Women With Herniated Disc Aged (30-45) Years, Zahraa Khalil Ibrahim, Suhad Hasib Abdul Hamid

Modern Sport

The purpose of this paper is to prepare rehabilitative exercises using the inverted table device for women with a herniated disc, and to identify the effect of these exercises in improving the muscular strength of the back and abdominal muscles in order to get rid of the injury. The importance of rehabilitative exercises using the inverted table lies in improving the muscular strength of women with a herniated disc by restoring functions. Vitality and improving the health of the spine: A herniated disc occurs in most women because they perform incorrect movements, including sudden waist twisting movements, and carry heavy …