Digital Commons Network^™

Production Of Paperboard Briquette Using Waste Paper And Sawdust, J.K. Odusote, S.A. Onowuma, E.A. Fodeke

The Journal of Engineering Research

Nigeria has abundant supplies of biomass resources and agro-forestry residues (waste), including sawdust, whose potentials are yet to be fully utilized for economic advantage. This study was undertaken to investigate the properties of paperboard briquettes produced from a mixture of shredded waste paper (pulp) and sawdust using starch as binder. The paperboard briquettes were produced manually by compressing soaked mixtures of pulp and sawdust in a wooden mould (28 cm x 28 cm x 1 cm) with a compressive load of 26 kg in the mixing ratios (by weight) 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 70:30, and 0:100 of pulp to sawdust, respectively. …

Arginine-Amino Acid Interactions And Implications To Protein Solubility And Aggregation, A. R. Shaikh, D. Shah

The Journal of Engineering Research

Arginine, useful in protein refolding, solubilization of proteins, and suppression of protein aggregation and non-specific adsorption during formulation and purification, is a ubiquitous additive in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. In order to provide a framework for analyzing the molecular level mechanisms behind arginine/protein interactions in the above context, density functional theory was used to systematically examine how arginine interacts with naturally occurring amino acids. The results show that the most favorable interaction of arginine is with acidic amino acids and arises from charge interactions and hydrogen-bond interactions. Arginine is also shown to form stacking and T-shaped structures with aromatic …

Mobility Assisted Sensor Node Self-Deployment For Maximizing The Coverage Of Wireless Sensor Networks Using A Genetic Algorithm, Vv Juli, J Raja

The Journal of Engineering Research

Wireless sensor networks extend the capability to monitor and control far-flung environments. However, sensor nodes must be deployed appropriately to reach an adequate coverage level for the successful acquisition of data. Modern sensing devices are able to move from one place to another for different purposes and constitute the mobile sensor network. This mobile sensor capability could be used to enhance the coverage of the sensor network. Since mobile sensor nodes have limited capabilities and power constraints, the algorithms which drive the sensors to optimal locations should extend the coverage. It should also reduce the power needed to move the …

Optimizing Maintenance Planning In The Production Industry Using The Markovian Approach, B Kareem, Ha Owolabi

The Journal of Engineering Research

Maintenance is an essential activity in every manufacturing establishment, as manufacturing effectiveness counts on the functionality of production equipment and machinery in terms of their productivity and operational life. Maintenance cost minimization can be achieved by adopting an appropriate maintenance planning policy. This paper applies the Markovian approach to maintenance planning decision, thereby generating optimal maintenance policy from the identified alternatives over a specified period of time. Markov chains, transition matrices, decision processes, and dynamic programming models were formulated for the decision problem related to maintenance operations of a cable production company. Preventive and corrective maintenance data based on workloads …

Fog And Rain Water Collection From Trees In The Dhofar Region In The Sultanate Of Oman, S. A. Abdul-Wahab, H. Al-Hinai, K. A. Al-Najar, M. S. Al-Kalbani

The Journal of Engineering Research

This work had two purposes. The first was to measure and investigate the amount of fog and rain water collected by a sample of trees during the summer monsoon season in the mountains of the Dhofar region in the south of Oman. The second purpose was to assess the potential of trees with different leaf shapes, sizes and cross sectional canopy areas to collect fog and rain water in the area. In order to meet these purposes three different tree species, were selected for experimental investigation and field measurements. They included fig, lemon, and tamarind trees. The experiments were designed …

Heart Rate Variability Time Analyses Of The Streptozotocin- Diabetic Rat, M. Jacobson, F.C. Howarth, E. Adeghate, K. Fatima-Shad

The Journal of Engineering Research

As the world prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) increases, animal models of the disease's progression are required for researching effective treatment. The streptozotocin (STZ) treated rat is known to cause hyperglycaemia. This study confirms that this animal model also displays DM physiological effects in the animal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). In particular, 5 minutes of rat (n=13) electrocardiogram (ECG) is acquired hourly for 30 days. At day 10, the animal (n=7) is dosed with STZ and the ECG is analyzed in order to determine the HR and HRV. The HRV is indexed using two time-based analyses, …

Microwave-Assisted Extraction Of Essential Oil From Eucalyptus: Study Of The Effects Of Operating Conditions, A.A. Saoud, R.M. Yunus, R.A. Aziz

The Journal of Engineering Research

Classical extraction of essential oil such as Soxhlet and steam distillation is still a formidable and time-solvent consuming. Microwave assisted process (MAP) is used to accelerate the extraction process of target compounds. It can be used for the extraction of compounds from various plants and animal tissues, or the extraction of undesirable components from raw materials. The investigation of microwave extraction of eucalyptus (globules ) essential oil using ethanol as solvent was carried out. The influence of material (eucalyptus)/solvent (ethanol) ratio, required doses of microwave, and time of microwave exposure on extraction efficiency, was studied.

Current Regulatory And Enforcement Landscape Under Mocra, Diane Mcenroe

Oxford ICSB

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) became effective December 29th, 2023 and is the most significant expansion of FDA’s authority to regulate cosmetics since the FD&C Act was enacted in 1938. MoCRA expands the FDA's authority over cosmetics and creates new compliance obligations for manufacturers. Diane McEnroe, an FDA regulatory lawyer at Sidley Austin, LLP, will provide an overview of the law and its implication for cosmetic manufacturers and marketers. The presentation will also provide an update on the current regulatory and enforcement landscape to date, including considerations about follow on litigation when there has been publicity …

"Kol Mekadesh Shevi'i": A Liturgical Melody Sung At Home, Naomi Cohn Zentner

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

This article draws upon the unusual characteristics, origins and prevalence of the melody to the poem "Kol mekadesh shevii" [He who sanctifies the Seventh day] and discusses how it came to be recognized in the past seventy years as a signifier of Ashkenazi pre-Holocaust musical and religious culture and in particular as a sonic marker of liturgical sound, although it was sung at home. The Kol mekadesh melody came over time to represent two vastly different symbolic positions. As a melody adopted from non-Jewish sources bringing new, sometimes controversial sounds into the synagogue, and as a typical synagogal …

Visualizing Chattanooga’S Freeway Accidents: An Interactive Dashboard Built On Us National Laboratory Data*, Joshy Kasahara

Campus Research Month

Despite the availability of a freeway accident dataset collected by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), there is no interactive visualization of the data that is easily accessible to the public. Consequently, the local community's awareness of accident trends is very limited. The contribution of this research project is a dashboard that allows the visualization of traffic accidents patterns in Chattanooga, Tennessee, using datasets from national laboratory researchers. By creating an interactive web dashboard with animated and color-mapped geographical map, the project seeks to enhance community awareness of accident trends.

Multi-Sensory Graphic Design, Rylee Mottishaw

Student Research Symposium

Multi-sensory design is a design approach that enhances user engagement by integrating multiple senses into the design experience. While traditional graphic design primarily relies on visual perception, emerging research highlights the profound influence of multi-sensory elements in shaping user interaction, emotional response, and information retention.

Creative Inequality, Ginger Anderson

Student Research Symposium

Does an art degree define success? Some of the world's most famous artists never set foot in a classroom. However, formal training often provides essential technical skills and industry connections. So, is artistic success about raw talent or learned expertise?

Herbal Medicine For The Management Of Asthma In Taiwan: Insights From Big Data, Laboratory Studies, And Clinical Research, Hung-Rong Yen, Chuan-Teng Liu, Ying-Chyi Song

Oxford ICSB

Introduction: Asthma affects individuals across all age groups and poses a significant public health challenge in Taiwan, with high morbidity rates and substantial healthcare burdens. Traditional medicine theory emphasizes restoring the yin-yang balance, achieved through methods such as herbal medicine. Real-world data from Taiwan highlight the growing reliance on complementary therapies due to recurrent exacerbations and the potential side effects of conventional asthma medications. Materials and Methods: First, we analyzed the National Health Insurance Research Database, encompassing a population of 23 million in Taiwan, to identify the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicines. Subsequently, we conducted in vitro experiments and …

Intoxicating Cannabinoids And Impurities In Hemp-Derived Products In Us Markets, Mahmoud Elsohly

Oxford ICSB

This talk will examine the nature and source of a number of intoxicating cannabinoids and impurities, widely available in the US and marketed as “hemp-derived” and thus promoted as legal and safe products. The presentation will elaborate on the 2018 Farm Bill, the definition of Hemp and the consequences of the interpretation of the definition on the composition of products on the market. Of particular emphasis will be the prevalence of Delta-8 THC in these products and the incorporation of their intoxicating cannabinoids.

A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial To Study The Effect And Safety Of Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder On Cardiovascular Health Markers In Healthy Adults, Amir Rafie

Oxford ICSB

Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition that imposes a significant socioeconomic burden. Korean red ginseng, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Asia, has been suggested to potentially protect against cardiovascular dysfunction by improving blood flow. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of Korean Red Ginseng Extract Powder (G1899) on blood flow and platelet aggregation (primary endpoints) and other cardiovascular health markers (e.g., blood coagulation parameters) in healthy adults. Participants (N=108) were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to three groups: high dose (2000 mg G1899 per day), low dose (480 mg G1899 per day), and …

Beyond Words: Translating Spanish Subtitles, Charlie Carlston, Tyler Godfrey

Student Research Symposium

Challenges in Subtitle Translation

• How does one translate humor, slang, and cultural references without losing meaning?
• More than just words!

A Look Into Frugivorous Interactions With Psychotria And Palicourea In Barro Colorado Island, Panama, Madison Smart, Gerald Schneider, Elsa Jos

Student Research Symposium

Importance of Seed Dispersal

• Seed dispersal is a vital ecological process that influences plant population dynamics and ecosystem structure.
• Half of all seed-bearing plants rely on frugivorous animals to disperse their seeds to new locations, promoting plant recruitment

Investigating The Oxytocin System Of The Brain In The Molecular Basis Of Self-Control, Kenzie Wachtel

Student Research Symposium

• Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide involved in social behaviors such as pair-bonding, maternal behavior, and attachment¹. At the core of these social bonds is reward. OXT has many interactions with neural reward circuits to produce the pleasurable effects of social contact².

Undergraduate Research Institute Discovery 2025: Research Abstracts Booklet, Undergraduate Research Institute

Discovery Day - Prescott

No abstract provided.

Internship As An In-Vivo Technician At The Institute For Antiviral Research, Ashlynn Clark

Student Research Symposium

The Institute for Antiviral Research (IAR), located at Utah State University, specializes in evaluating antiviral agents and vaccines against a wide array of human pathogenic viruses, such as influenza, enterovirus, West Nile virus, yellow fever, zika virus, polio, and SARS-CoV-2, utilizing in vivo and in vitro models.

Creating A Stat2 Knock-Out Rat With Crispr/Cas9 Using I-Gonad, Isabella Dejesus, Yanan Liu, Don Joo, Nathan Merrill

Student Research Symposium

The STAT2 gene encodes a protein called Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 2. This protein is a part of the STAT family of transcription factors, which are involved in mediating cellular responses to various cytokines and growth factors, particularly those related to the immune response. Here, we established a successful procedure for creating a STAT2 knock-out (KO) Rat that can be used for more accurate disease testing of serious human ailments such as Lupus, Polio, Herpes, RSV, and even cancer.

Protective Efficacy Of A Yellow Fever Virus Rna- Based Vaccine In A Hamster Model, Abby Sherman

Student Research Symposium

• Yellow Fever virus (YFV) remains a concern as of 2023, 34 countries in Africa and 13 countries in South America are endemic, with a case fatality rate of 11% shown in preliminary data.^[3]

Identifying Compensatory Mutations In The Envelope Protein Of Japanese Encephalitis Virus That Restore Neurovirulence, Nathan Taylor, Jiyoun Kim

Student Research Symposium

• Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a positive sense, single stranded Enveloped virus

Distributor-Specific Variability In Balb/C Mouse Mortality Following Sars-Cov-2-Ma10 Infection, Taylor Kerr

Student Research Symposium

In recent years SARS-COV-2 has become a rapidly expanding area of research. To model human infections, this virus was adapted to mice enabling valuable insight into these processes.² Mice are often an effective research model due to their low cost, short reproduction time, and ability to adapt to a wide variety of viruses. Research into these immunological responses is crucial in developing vaccines, treatments, and furthering our understanding of this virus' behavior.¹ However, genetic variability in mouse models may be confounding previous and on-going research.

Effects Of C-Section Birth On Vasopressin 1a Receptors In The Prairie Vole Brain, Caleb Hart

Student Research Symposium

The goal of this study was to understand how the brain might change depending on the birth experience: a vaginal birth or a cesarean section. C-sections have been associated with an increased risk of obesity and other behavioral and metabolic health conditions that are related to the function of hypothalamic hormones in the brain¹. Vasopressin is one neuropeptide hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus and influences a variety of metabolic functions and behaviors, including water balance and social pair bonding². This study used prairie voles to assess the effect of birth experience on the brain …

Seasonal And Sex-Based Variation In Coyote Responses To Social Olfactory Stimuli, Giuliana Carneiro

Student Research Symposium

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are socially complex, often forming strong pair bonds that can persist across multiple breeding seasons³. Scent marking, particularly urine marking, is a key form of communication used to establish territory, convey reproductive status, and maintain social hierarchies¹. This behavior is influenced by factors such as sex and season, and is central to understanding their social dynamics⁴. This preliminary study is part of a broader investigation into coyote behavior, specifically examining how these factors affect responses to olfactory stimuli from familiar and unfamiliar individuals².

In this study, coyote …

Latency To Approach Social Olfactory Stimuli In Female Coyotes: Pairmate Vs Sibling, Jenny Malm, Caroline Long

Student Research Symposium

• Scent marking is a common form of communication among mammals, including coyotes¹.

Qualitative Assessment Of Coyote Olfactory Behavior In Response To Urine Stimuli, Sophie Isom, Caroline Long

Student Research Symposium

• The coyote (Canis latrans) marks territorial boundaries with scent cues.¹

Mdpk Cell Lines Can Be Used For In Vitro Antiviral Testing With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5n1), Jada L. Westover

Student Research Symposium

• Outbreak in agricultural poultry starting in 2022
• In March 2024 first confirmed case in Dairy Cattle
• Tested drugs T705, Oseltamivir, Baloxivir, Ribavirin, EIDD-2947, and EIDD-2749 on three different cell lines
• Goal: See if MDBK cell lines could be used for in vitro studies

Utilizing Enzymatic Microalgae Hydrolysates For Cellular Agriculture, Maelyn Andreasen, Sophia Hessami, Eli Sheley, Elise Barton

Student Research Symposium

UPSIDE Foods is working to produce chicken products to address the growing global food insecurity crisis.¹ Industrial scalability is limited due to the requirements of cell culture. Through collaboration with the company, we are working to supplement their existing media to drive costs down and improve cell viability.