Digital Commons Network^™

Enhancing The Acidic Activity Of D-Lyxose Isomerase By Molecular Modification Methods, Li Qiaoling, Hu Yang, Zhou Huiling, Yu Xun, Wen Li, Wu Hao

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To improve the activity of D-lyxose isomerase under acidic conditions.［Methods］ Solvent -accessible surface bioinformatics analysis was performed on surface residues of D-lyxose isomerase derived from Caldanaerobius polysaccharolyticus,and six mutation sites,i.e.,K2D,K2E,K8D,K8E,K18D,and K 18E,were designed.Mutants were constructed and subjected to recombinant inducible heterologous expression in Escherichia coli.The recombinant mutant enzymes were isolated and purified using a nickel affinity chromatography column.In vitro comparative experiments were conducted to evaluate the catalytic conversion of D-fructose to D-mannose by the recombinant mutant enzymes at acidic pH 5.5 and near -neutral pH 6.5.［Results］］ The recombinant mutant enzymes K 8D and K 8E showed significantly improved catalytic …

Interaction Between Casein And Tlr 4 On Neutrophil Surface Based On Molecular Dynamics, Tang Yang, Jiang Fei, Zhang Bo, Wen Li, Xie Yufei

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To explore the activation effect of casein (CN) on neutrophils and its interaction with TLR 4 receptors on the neutrophil surface.［Methods］ The zebrafish model is adopted to study the activation effect of CN on neutrophil migration,with such methods as 3D model construction,molecular docking,and molecular dynamics simulations employed to study the interaction between TLR 4 receptors and CN subtypes.［Results］］ Treatment of 3 dpf zebrafish with 1 mg/mL of CN solution for 2 h can induce neutrophil migration and accumulation inside the body of the zebrafish.All subtypes of CN can form stable complexes with TLR 4.It is speculated that the key …

Screening And Identification Of Pollution-Reducing Strains In Wastewater Processed By Freshly-Extracted Zanthoxylum Oil, Su Yanan, Qin Likang, Chen Mengping, Wu Qifeng, Min Fangqing

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To isolate and identify highly effective strains capable of removing chemical oxygen demand (COD ) and ammonia nitrogen from antibacterial wastewater.［Methods］ Metagenomic sequencing technology is employed to deeply explore the microbial resources in wastewater isolated by freshly -extracted Zanthoxylum oil.The strains with the ability to efficiently remove COD and ammonia nitrogen are accurately analyzed.The strains with pollution -reducing potential are screened from wastewater enriched through natural outdoor cultivation for one month.［Results］］ Proteobacteria and Firmicutes are the predominant phyla in the wastewater isolated by freshly -extracted Zanthoxylum oil,while Enterobacter and Acetobacter are the dominant genera.Three strains with significant COD and …

Preparation Of Potato Protein Fiber By Trypsin Method And Its Structural And Functional Properties, Zhou Xiangjun, Li Miao

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the preparation of potato protein fiber (PPF) based on enzymatic method,and further analyze their structural and functional properties.［Methods］ PPF is prepared from potato protein isolate (PPI) through enzymatic hydrolysis with trypsin (Tyr) and acid -heat treatment.The effects of protein mass concentration,heating time,Tyr activity,and heating temperature on the fluorescence intensity of PPF are studied.Structural properties of PPF are characterized by infrared spectroscopy,fluorescence spectroscopy,etc.With curcumin (Cur) as an encapsulated object,the encapsulation efficiency,loading capacity,thermal stability,and antioxidant activity of PPF -Cur complexes are investigated.［Results］］ During the fibrosis process of PPF,the β-sheet content increases from 28.12% to 32.29%,and the α-helix content increases …

Extraction , Purification , And Structural Characteristics Of Polysaccharide From Roasted Beans Of Coffea Arabica, Shen Xiaojing, Ye Renfeng, Gong Shuchun, Wang Hongsheng, Jiang Weiwei

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To study the composition and structural characteristics of polysaccharides from roasted beans of Coffea arabica.［Methods］ Roasted beans of C.arabica were used as raw materials.The hot water extraction combined with alcohol precipitation method was optimized using the response surface methodology to extract polysaccharides.The crude polysaccharide was purified using the Sevag method,macroporous resin,cellulose column,and gel separation technology.Total sugar,total phenol,total flavonoid,and monosaccharide compositions were analyzed using the phenol -sulfuric acid method,Folin -Ciocalteu assay,NaNO2-AlCl3-NaOH method,and ion chromatography,respectively.The structural characteristics of the polysaccharides were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM ).Additionally,the in vitro antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides was evaluated.［Results］］ …

Moderate Processing Of Wheat Based On Milling Procedures, Zhang Peijie, Ren Guangyue, Liu Wenchao, Fan Huiping, Zhang Debang

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the production procedures for moderately processed wheat flour,with the aim of improving milling efficiency,reducing raw material loss,and enhancing flour quality.［Methods］ The milling process was conducted by regulating key steps (wheat conditioning,sifting,bran milling,and roll spacing adjustment ).Flour quality was comprehensively evaluated based on flour yield and flour characteristics to determine the optimal moderate processing procedure.［Results］］ The roll spacing adjustment -non-conditioning process yielded the highest flour output (72.05 g/100 g),representing an increase of 8.96% compared to the control group and 14.24% compared to the non -conditioning process.Moreover,the protein content of flour obtained through the roll spacing adjustment -non-conditioning method …

Comparison Of Cytotoxicity , Antioxidation And Hypoglycemic Activity Of Three Stilbene Compounds, Chen Ying, Zhang Chaobing, Chen Shaoqiang, Yan Rian, Chen Yongsheng

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To explore the differences in cytotoxicity,antioxidant,and hypoglycemic activities of resveratrol,oxy -resveratrol,and piceatannol,three stilbene compounds with similar structures.［Methods］ The cytotoxicity,extracellular/intracellular antioxidant activity,and hypoglycemic activity of the three compounds are analyzed by Cell Counting Kit -8 (CCK -8),total antioxidant activity,cellular antioxidant stress ability,intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS ) content,cellular antioxidant activity (CAA ) assay,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.［Results］］ Compared with oxy -resveratrol and resveratrol,piceatannol shows lower cytotoxicity,better extracellular antioxidant activity,and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.All three stilbenes effectively mitigate the oxidative stress damage of HepG 2 cells induced by H2O2 solution and reduce the ROS content in HepG 2 cells in a dose -dependent …

Optimization Of The Preparation Process Of Cordyceps Militaris Polypeptides Through Fermentation Technology And Evaluation Of Antioxidant Activity, Xin Ting, Wang Zhao, Li Changbin, Zou Jian

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To prepare Cordyceps militaris polypeptides using fermentation and analyze their antioxidant activity.［Methods］ The most suitable strain was screened from four candidates.Based on single -factor experiments and combined with orthogonal experiments,the fermentation process conditions of the selected strain were optimized.The polypeptide solution was separated and purified by ultrafiltration,and the antioxidant activity of C.militaris polypeptides was analyzed.［Results］］ The optimal conditions for preparing polypeptides from C.militaris protein by fermentation with Bacillus subtilis were as follows:3% addition of C.militaris protein,fermentation temperature of 36 ℃,inoculation amount of 4%,and fermentation time of 24 hours.Under these conditions,the polypeptide yield was 67.95%.After ultrafiltration,the fraction with a relative …

Effects Of Enzymatic Hydrolysis Combined With Spray-Drying On The Flavor Components And Powder Properties Of Dictyophora Rubrovolvata, Chen Jiaqi, Ming Jian, Li Jialin, Zeng Zebin, Shao Yi

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis on the flavor components of Dictyophora rubrovolvata and the properties of its spray -dried powder.［Methods］ Dictyophora rubrovolvata is used as the raw material in this study.Detection is performed on its active substances and flavor components after enzymatic hydrolysis,as well as its powder properties after spray drying.［Results］］ Enzymatic hydrolysis promotes the dissolution of dictyophora polysaccharides,polyphenols,and flavonoids,as well as the release of soluble sugars,flavor nucleotides,flavor amino acids and flavor substances.GC -MS results showed that the volatile compounds in the samples increased from 42 to 53 after enzymatic hydrolysis,with a flavor profile dominated by floral,fruity,and …

Effects Of Four Extraction Methods On The Quality Of Arrowhead Starch, Ji Derong, Zhou Tingting, Wu Shan, Duan Lili, Wang Ruyu, Qiao Mingfeng

Food and Machinery

［Objective］ To compare the effects of four extraction methods (ancient method,wet method,alkaline method,and cellulase method ) on the yield and physicochemical quality of arrowhead starch.［Methods］ With fresh arrowhead taken as raw material,arrowhead starch is extracted by the four methods mentioned above.Then,the physicochemical properties of the starch are analyzed and compared.［Results］］ The yield of starch extracted by the wet method is the highest (9.17%),with the best freeze -thaw stability.The content of amylose is the highest in the starch extracted by the cellulase method (70.13%).However,for the starch extracted in this method,the granularity is relatively large and the surface is not smooth enough.The …

Research Progress On The Functional Activity And Mechanism Of Action Of Porcine Peptides, Chen Qian, Chen Hong, Ge Yuxi, He Xiaoyu, Fang Zhengfeng

Food and Machinery

Porcine tissues and organs are rich in proteins.Bioactive peptides hydrolyzed from porcine tissue and organ proteins have been proven to possess various physiological activities,such as blood pressure reduction,antioxidation,antibacterial effects,and bone growth promotion.Differences in substrates and processing conditions result in variations in the functional activity and molecular size of these peptides.This article focuses on the acquisition of porcine bioactive functional peptides,analyzing their amino acid composition and sequence to elucidate their mechanisms of action.Furthermore,it explores the commonalities among different peptide fragments exhibiting the same functional activity and discusses the application prospects of porcine bioactive peptides.

Progress In Chemical Composition , Efficacy , And Delivery Systems Of Plant Essential Oils, Huang Jialin, Bai Weidong, Liu Gongliang, Li Xiangluan, Wang Jingyuan, Wang Hong

Food and Machinery

Plant essential oils,a widely available class of natural products primarily composed of terpenes,oxides,lactones,alcohols,phenols,ketones,aldehydes,and other compounds,exhibit a variety of biological activities including antioxidant,antimicrobial,antitumor,anti-anxiety,and anti -inflammatory properties.In recent years,researchers have explored enhancing the stability and bioavailability of plant essential oils through the development of various delivery systems,including nano -emulsions,microemulsions,microcapsules and liposomes.The research provides a systematic review of the chemical composition,efficacy,and delivery modes of plant essential oils,and offers insights into their future development directions.

Research Progress On Functional Characteristics Of Lactic Acid Bacteria In Special Habitats, Huang Wanyan, Bi Xiufang, Ni Chunlei, Hao Gang, Huang Meigui, Tang Shanhu

Food and Machinery

A special habitat refers to the specific environmental conditions or unique geographical locations in which organisms survive,and microorganisms often exhibit specialized functions in such environments.Currently,lactic acid bacteria are mainly used in fermented foods,silage fermentation,intestinal inflammation regulation,and environmental remediation.Special -habitat lactic acid bacteria refer to those that thrive in unconventional environments or are isolated from extreme environmental conditions,playing a significant role in both human and ecosystem.This paper summarizes recent research on the functional characteristics of lactic acid bacteria inhabiting high -altitude,high -cold,high -temperature,and high -salinity environments and explores their application prospects in the development of novel fermented products and the bioremediation …

Progress On Quality Characteristics Of Modified Grain Bran And Its Application In Flour Products, Liu Anqi, Chang Shimin, Li Jingfang, Xu Wentao, Gu Dongyue

Food and Machinery

As a major by -product of grain processing,grain bran is rich in various active components.However,its utilization rate remains relatively low due to its high content of insoluble dietary fiber and poor palatability.This article gives an introduction to common modification methods and reviews their effects on the physicochemical properties,active components,and other quality characteristics of grain bran.It compares the influences of grain bran before and after modification on the properties including flavor,sensory,and texture of flour products.

Prescribed Fire Leads A Pine Flatwoods Specialist Tree Frog To Seek Local Refugia, Ian Biazzo, Pedro F. Quintana-Ascencio

Faculty Publications

Pine savannas of the southeastern United States evolved with frequent low-intensity wildfires. Today, land managers use prescribed fires to restore this ecological process while also controlling vegetative fuel accumulation. Given the ubiquitous application of this management tool, studies should consider impacts on target and nontarget taxa in these systems. During fires, animal populations persist in the landscape when individuals emigrate to unburned areas or seek refugia within the burn zone; otherwise, they experience local extirpation. We examined the effect of prescribed fires on a pine flatwoods specialist frog, the pinewoods treefrog Dryophytes femoralis, in a frequently burned pine landscape. …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …

Having A Cow: Exploring The Economic And Mental Health Challenges Of Dairying In The Upper Valley, Ava J. Ori

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

Until late in the 20th century, the dairyman was an influential actor in the fabric of the Upper Valley consisting of Grafton, Orange, Sullivan and Windsor counties (Rozwenc, 1981 & Weld, 1905). Dairy farmers were critical to both the economic growth of the region and the construction of a local identity centered around distinctive high quality dairy products. However, the dairy farmers responsible for the bucolic feel and scrappy independence unique to the Upper Valley are being traded in for massive operations lacking both quality of milk and the cultural intricacy specific to local dairies. In 1905 there were 4,173 …

Allelopathy Of Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, And Western Hemlock On Seed Germination, Lainey E. Mendoza Ms.

Honors Projects

Understanding the allelopathic interactions of native Pacific Northwest conifers, Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar is crucial to understanding the interactions of each species within their ecological niche. As of now there is little research on allelopathy of PNW conifers, specifically how different damaged states of the conifer tissue could impact the germination rates and radicle growth of a model organism. Analyzing these allelopathic interactions may be crucial to help predict forest regeneration of the PNW in the future. Presented here is the analysis of Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar tissue that is undamaged, damaged, …

Molecular Insights Into The Role Of Estrogen Receptor Beta In Ecdysterone Mediated Anabolic Activity, Syeda Sumayya Tariq, Madiha Sardar, Muhammad Shafiq, Hendrick Heinz, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam, Aftab Ahmad, Zaheer Ul-Haq

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Ecdysterone, often dubbed a “natural steroid,” has garnered significant attention among athletes for its reputed growth-promoting and anabolic properties. Unlike synthetic anabolic steroids, which are classified as controlled substances, ecdysteroids remain largely unregulated in many countries and are widely marketed as dietary supplements. Notably, ecdysterone has been included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring program, highlighting its potential impact on athletic performance and raising questions about its regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that, unlike traditional anabolic steroids that act primarily via the Androgen Receptor (AR), ecdysterone’s anabolic effects may be mediated through Estrogen Receptors (ERs), particularly Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ). …

Cisplatin Palbociclib Combination Differentially Modulates Pten Akt Signaling Via Hsp90 In Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells., Eman Ramadan

Pharmacy

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health challenge, marked by high mortality and recurrence. This study investigated the synergistic potential of cisplatin and palbociclib (C + P) against HCC cell lines. RT-qPCR revealed that C + P significantly downregulated HCC-related genes, including Hsp90, β-catenin, and components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, compared to cisplatin alone and controls. Western blotting confirmed a reduction in phosphorylated AKT (P-AKT) with palbociclib and C + P, while PTEN, a tumor suppressor, was upregulated in the C + P group. Annexin V-FITC assays demonstrated a substantial increase in apoptosis in palbociclib and C + P …

The Ecophysiology Of The Enigmatic Namib Succulent, Lithops Ruschiorum, Garrett Macleod Althausen

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

Water availability is the primary constraint for plant survival and reproduction in hyper-arid ecosystems. In such environments, plant fitness depends on an alignment between physiological traits and limited water resources. The Namib Desert of Namibia exemplifies this extreme selection pressure. Within the Namib Desert, Lithops ruschiorum, a succulent endemic to the gravel plains, exhibits habitat specificity and numerous physiological adaptations to cope with the hyper-aridity.

This research explores the intersection of two fitness strategies for L. ruschiorum: habitat selection and exploitation of alternative moisture sources. The first chapter explores the population dynamics and micro-site habitat conditions preferred by …

The Impact Of Teaching Practice On Student Self-Efficacy In Undergraduate Stem Classrooms, Gintarė Lübeck, Michael K. Seery, Barry J. Ryan

Irish Journal of Academic Practice

This quantitative study examined the impact of teaching practice on students’ self-efficacy at the outset of their undergraduate STEM programmes, considering prior academic performance and class setting. Data were collected through a self-efficacy survey (n = 483) and 15 non-participatory classroom observations at a large, modern university in Ireland. Observed classes included lectures, laboratories, and tutorials across physics (n = 3), computing and digital skills (n = 3), engineering (n = 2), biology (n = 3), chemistry (n = 2), and mathematics (n = 2). Statistically significant connections were identified between students’ past academic performance, the week of instruction, and …

Soybean Embryogenic Cell Culture Genetically Engineered, Gabriel Carrasquillo

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The inflation of population in the world has led to a high and consistent food demand which has reinvigorated worldwide interest to create high-yielding varieties of legumes. Soybean Glycine max (L.) Merrill, a member of this legume family has become one of the most essential food crops in the United States as well as in the world due its edible oil and protein content up to 20% and 54%, respectively. Because of its high importance as a food crop, major objectives in soybean breeding, improvement of protein and oil production need to be achieved. These objectives can be addressed using …

Navigating Sorghum Bicolor Microspores For Genetic Transformation Via Androgenic Pathway During Gametogenesis, Aron M. Felts

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

This study delves into the use of the androgenesis pathway of microspores for genetic transformation and double haploid production in Sorghum bicolor. Focusing on the environmental and genetic factors that affect androgenesis, in vitro culture techniques were aimed to be refined for utilizing microspores towards callus induction more effectively. These efforts yielded promising approaches for agronomic traits enhancements. This research enhances the methodology for plant regeneration from microspores, facilitating the generation of homozygous lines with potentially improved traits. Although the current findings do not mark a radical departure from existing knowledge, they lay essential groundwork for future genetic studies in …

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis And Surface Characterization Of Graphene Oxide-Antimony Trioxide Nanocomposites For Ascorbic Acid Electrochemical Sensor, Samir Mallick

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The detection and monitoring of Ascorbic Acid (AA) concentration is of crucial importance. Abnormal AA levels in bodily fluids have been reported to cause cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Nanoparticles have played a critical role in developing affordable, sensitive, and selective sensors. This work reports on the electrochemical detection of AA using glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) modified with microwave-assisted graphene oxide-antimony trioxide nanocomposite and chitosan films. The developed sensor displayed enhanced electron transfer and a better electrocatalytic reaction towards AA compared to other fabricated electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry were used for electrochemical measurements. CV and Fourier …

Isolating Novel Enzymes And Microorganisms For Use In Food Waste Fermentation, Shannon Marie Jeffries

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

In the United States, upwards of 2 billion pounds of food waste are discarded yearly, an amount equivalent to $161 billion or 30-40% of all food production, making up the largest portion of landfill waste (Buzby, 2022). A small amount of food scraps are recycled through compost and re-purposed into animal feed, but these processes are costly, have minimal benefits, and have limitations (EPA, 2024). One of the most promising routes is converting food waste into value added products through microbial fermentation. Food waste is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and other trace minerals, making it the ideal environment …

Harmful Algae In Nashville’S Urban Watersheds: Challenging Traditional Monitoring Programs, Devin Matthew Moore

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

As climate change intensifies, harmful algal blooms (HABs), specifically the species that produce microcystin-producing cyanobacteria, are becoming more frequent in urban environments. In the current state of HAB research, most monitoring and research is focused on agricultural areas. This study challenges traditional monitoring practices by evaluating the presence and abundance of microcystin in urban water bodies within Nashville, TN. Using field sampling, passive toxin tracking, ELISA testing, and GIS- based environmental and demographic analysis, data were collected at sites in densely populated areas. These sites were located at Tennessee State University, Ted Rhodes golf course and Shelby bottoms Park, and …

Ethical Leadership Of Universities Concerning Outreach Efforts During Covid-19, Sandra Bogard

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic proved challenging for Institutions of Higher Education. This study investigated the responses of higher education leadership to the pandemic as it related to their outreach efforts to assist their local community and healthcare system. The crisis leadership theory directed this research, focusing on the importance of leadership roles within institutions of higher education and how they responded to a crisis. This research concentrated on university leadership and whether they felt ethically obligated to assist their community during the pandemic, how they assisted, and whether they perceived their assistance as imperative for the community to overcome the …

Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Of Tennessee State University Agriculture Students, Jeiel Ballard

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was Tennessee State University (TSU) Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (DAES) undergraduate students’ interest in a career in agriculture and their belief in their ability to make career decisions. It is important to develop an understanding of the types of TSU students who choose to major in agricultural sciences and choose a career in the same, and to identify their Career Decision-making Self-efficacy (CDSE) so that current and future students can be best guided in job and career choice, preparation, and transitions. The Betz and Taylor (1983) Career Decision Making Self Efficacy Theory and …

Application Of High-Pressure Processing And Real-Time Pcr For Preventing Foodborne Bacterial Diseases, Ranju Kafle

Tennessee State University Alumni Theses and Dissertations

Foodborne pathogens pose significant risks to public health and food safety, necessitating innovative control strategies. High-pressure processing (HPP) was evaluated as an intervention against Listeria monocytogenes in cold-smoked rainbow trout, with treatments at 500 MPa and 4.4 °C and 60.0 °C achieving up to a 5.03 log CFU/g reduction. The efficacy of nisin in suppressing Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua during refrigerated storage was also examined, demonstrating significant microbial inhibition, particularly in the early storage phase, supporting its application as a hurdle technology. Additionally, the synergistic effects of HPP (400 MPa, 4 °C) and natural bioactive compounds, including lactic acid, …