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Evaluation Of Environmentally Friendly Products For Use Against Ixodes Scapularis And Amblyomma Americanum Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), Chantal Sengsourinho

Open Access Master's Theses

Ticks are vectors of diseases and are a significant public health concern in the United States. Over the last several decades, two medically important species, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) have rapidly expanded their geographic ranges. As the number of ticks increase, so does the chance for disease incidence - especially in areas where ticks were not previously present. Together, these two species carry multiple pathogens that can cause serious diseases including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and several viral infections.

One of the most common methods for preventing …

Enhancing Forest Monitoring And Management In Southern New England Through Gis Analysis, Remote Sensing, And Predictive Models: Assessing Tree Mortality And Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience, Liubov Dumarevskaya

Open Access Dissertations

Forests have immense economic value, contributing to industries such as timber production, nontimber forest products, and ecotourism (Wang et al., 2022). Additionally, forest ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks (Yingchun et al., 2012). However, forests also pose hazards to humans and infrastructure. Fallen trees, limbs, and contact of tree branches with power lines create numerous hazards to public safety, property damage, and substantial economic losses from power outages. Studies report that the total cost of storm-related power outages in the United States range from $20-150 billion annually (Campbell et al., 2021; Swaminathan …

Examining Potential Causal Associations Of Sedentary Time And Physical Activity With Heart Failure Using Subjective And Objective Measures: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis, Jessica Geller

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the causal relationship between both subjectively and objectively measured sedentary time (ST) and physical activity (PA) with heart failure (HF) risk, utilizing Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach.

Methods: The present MR used genetic instruments identified for self-reported ST and PA extracted from 51 genome wide association studies (GWAS), encompassing data from 703,901 individuals. The GWAS identified 89 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with leisure screen time. Eleven loci were reported to be associated with moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). From another GWAS examining accelerometer-based activities, three loci were found to …

Sleep, Sedentary Time, And Physical Activity In Heart Failure Subtypes: Multi-Ethnic Study Of Atherosclerosis (Mesa), Demi M. Nott

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have examined the associations between physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep on the risk of heart failure (HF). The primary aim of this study was to examine PA, ST, and sleep quality (SQ) in those diagnosed with preserved ejection fraction HF (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction HF (HFrEF). The secondary aim of this study was to examine these relationships in those with and without HF, independent of sub-type.

METHODS: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) collected data from 6,814 adults from a diversified cohort who range in age from 45 to 84. Subjects were classified …

Assessment Of Heavy Metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, And Zn) Bioaccumulation And Translocation By Erigeron Canadensis L. In Polluted Soil, Volodymyr Laptiev, Michelle Giltrap, Furong Tian, Nataliia Ryzhenko

Research Outputs: 2025-Present

This work aims to assess the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soil–plant system (Erigeron canadensis L.) in the zone of anthropogenic impact in Dnipro city, a significant industrial and economic centre of Ukraine. Sampling was carried out at three locations at distances of 1.0 km, 5.5 km, and 12.02 km from the main emission sources associated with battery production and processing plants in Dnipro. The concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were analysed using atomic emission spectrometry from soil and parts of Erigeron canadensis L. The highest concentrations of …

Perspective: The Evolution Of Hormones And Person Perception-A Quantitative Genetic Framework, Christopher I Gurguis, Tyler S Kimm, Teresa A Pigott

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Evolutionary biology provides a unifying theory for testing hypotheses about the relationship between hormones and person perception. Person perception usually receives attention from the perspective of sexual selection. However, because person perception is one trait in a suite regulated by hormones, univariate approaches are insufficient. In this Perspectives article, quantitative genetics is presented as an important but underutilized framework for testing evolutionary hypotheses within this literature. We note tacit assumptions within the current literature on psychiatric genetics, which imperil the interpretation of findings thus far. As regulators of a diverse manifold of traits, hormones mediate tradeoffs among an array of …

Fitness Consequences Of Depressive Symptoms Vary Between Generations: Evidence From A Large Cohort Of Women Across The 20th Century, Christopher I Gurguis, Renée A Duckworth, Nicole M Bucaro, Consuelo Walss-Bass

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Depression has strong negative impacts on how individuals function, leading to the assumption that there is strong negative selection on this trait that should deplete genetic variation and decrease its prevalence in human populations. Yet, depressive symptoms remain common. While there has been a large body of work trying to resolve this paradox by mapping genetic variation of this complex trait, there have been few direct empirical tests of the core assumption that there is consistent negative selection on depression in human populations. Here, we use a unique long-term dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that spans …

Lecanemab: A Second In Class Therapy For The Management Of Early Alzheimer's Disease., Connie H Yoon, Corey Groff, Olivia Criss

Pharmacy Articles

The Food and Drug Administration granted traditional approval of lecanemab for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lecanemab is a humanized anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody directed towards Aβ protofibrils. Lecanemab is the only drug that targets Aβ soluble protofibrils and has shown statistical differences in mild AD or mild cognitive impairment. In its landmark phase III trial, lecanemab was shown to slow the progression of clinical decline, and a reduction in amyloid protein accumulation. The difference in mean CDR-SOB score improvement between the treatment and placebo groups was -0.45, of which the clinical significance could be argued. Amyloid burden was also …

Intersectionality Matters In Food And Drug Law, Colleen Campbell

Hofstra Law Faculty Scholarship

Feminist scholars critique food and drug law as a site of gender bias and regulatory neglect. The historical exclusion of women from clinical trials by the FDA prioritized male bodies as the object of clinical research and therapies. Likewise, the FDA’s prior restriction on access to contraceptive birth control illustrates how patriarchal and paternalistic attitudes within the Agency can harm women’s reproductive health. However, there is little analysis of how race and gender intersect in this domain.

This Article uses the regulation of skin-lightening cosmetics products to illustrate why and how intersectionality matters in food and drug law. While the …

Good Apples / Bad Apples: Detection And Classification Of Damage, Angel Star, Conor Pommer, Marius Silaghi

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

The sorting of apples in classes of quality using vision, and the detection of bad apples using X-ray and vision have naturally been addressed frequently in the past due to the sheer significance of this fruit. Our novelty consists in going past detection of damage into measuring it and classifying damaged apples for potential usages beyond direct sale, rather than simply deciding if an apple is rotten or not. Size and color of damage stains is assessed to help deciding potential usage of the apples. One can redirect apples towards various usages outside markets for the general population, such as …

The Future Of Mediation: Mcluhanisms For The Quantum Era, Erik Gustafson

Iowa Journal of Communication

The 21st century has been characterized as a time of expansive and rapid technological change, particularly regarding the internet, digital technologies, and now artificial intelligence. Both scholarly and popular conversations have rushed to make sense of the technological phenomenon as they occur. Now, the “second quantum revolution” and the race for “quantum supremacy” threaten to push technological knowledge and applications even further from public understanding. As such, the present article sought to provide a host of theoretical and practical tools that may aid the public and scholars alike in understanding and combatting the overwhelming features of technology that may come …

Assessing Unoccupied Aircraft And Ground-Based Methods For Detecting Differences In Intertidal Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) Reef Structure, Alyah Bennett

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) reefs provide critical ecosystem services, including shoreline stabilization, water filtration, and habitat for diverse marine species. However, these reef habitats are declining globally due to overharvesting, disease, and environmental change. This study evaluated the effectiveness of in-situ vs drone-based methods for detecting differences in oyster reef structure focusing on percent live cover and rugosity as key indicators. We also compared these methods in terms of cost, effort, and variability. Using data collected from Northeast Florida on a variety of reef types exposed to various disturbances, we developed generalized linear models to evaluate for differences …

International Conference Charting Tomorrow: Bridging Knowledge And Action In Sustainable Finance, Warsaw, September 30th 2023, Helena Kordasiewicz

internetowy Kwartalnik Antymonopolowy i Regulacyjny (internet Quarterly on Antitrust and Regulation)

Report from the Charting Tomorrow: Bridging Knowledge and Action in Sustainable Finance International Conference

An Optimal Culture Medium For Laccase Production And Sugar Cane Vinasse Biotreatment With Trametes Villosa Using Plackett-Burman And Central Composite Designs, Rosa Elena Caballero, Víctor Jiménez, Mónica Miranda, Dalys Rovira, Guillermo Branda, Juana Ramos Chue De Pérez

Applied Environmental Research

The optimal conditions for laccase production and vinasse biotreatment with a native strain of Trametes villosa were determined by a screening-optimization approach. Eleven factors including nutrient concentration, vinasse dilution (%v/v), inoculum volume, carbon to nitrogen ratio and initial pH, were investigated for their effects on laccase activity applying the Plackett-Burman screening design. The selected factors were optimized using a central composite design, and then evaluated on a vinasse biotreatment experiment. The factors that contributed the most to the enzymatic activity were the concentrations of MgSO4∙7H2O (A), FeSO4∙7H2O (B) and CuSO4∙5H2O (C), alongside initial pH.  After 10 days, laccase activity was …

Photosynthesis-Related Parameters In Leucobryum Aduncum Moss Bags As Bioindicators Of Environmental Stress Caused By Road Traffic, Chaiwat Boonpeng, Pawanrat Butrid, Marisa Pischom, Sutatip Noikrad, Kansri Boonpragob

Applied Environmental Research

The physiological response in moss samples is often used as an early warning signal of environmental stress caused by air pollution. This study aimed to test the efficiency of photosynthesis-related parameters in Leucobryum aduncum moss bags as bioindicators of environmental stress related to road traffic. The moss samples were collected and prepared in a relatively unpolluted area and then transplanted at 7 sites in forested, rural, and urban areas. The moss samples were picked up after being exposed for 1 and 3 months for physiological measurements. The results showed that the average values of all physiological parameters were highest in …

Exploring Microplastics In Seawater And Zooplankton On The Eastern Coast Of Thailand: A Case Study In Phuket Province, Pensiri Akkajit, Sirima Yuankerd, Arsanchai Sukkuea

Applied Environmental Research

Microplastics can accumulate in the environment and be transferred to different trophic levels, making them a concern for the aquatic food chain. As far as the researcher is aware, this study is the first to analyze microplastics in seawater and zooplankton along the eastern coastline of Phuket, Thailand, emphasizing their ecological significance. Analysis of the seawater samples identified 256 microplastic particles, with an average concentration of 52.6±21.4 and 32.6±30.3 particles L-1 for 20–300 µm and >300 µm classes, respectively. Four zooplankton species—copepod, fish larvae, bivalvia larvae, and shrimp larvae—were chosen for examination. The findings indicated that microplastics can move to …

Luminescence Inhibition Of Water-Soluble Fractions Of Crude Oil, Diesel And Spent Engine Oil On Freshly Isolated Vibrio Campbellii, Beatrice Omolola Bello, Olayide Samuel Lawal, Gbenga Emmanuel Olumayede, Ogochukwu Angela Agwu, Stanley Ozoemena Agbo

Applied Environmental Research

Inhibitory effects of water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil, diesel, spent engine oil, and their composite mixture on luminescent Vibrio species isolated from a tropical marine fish were assessed to determine the acute toxicity and suitability of the bacteria. This was evaluated with a slight modification of the procedure for freshly prepared luminescent marine bacteria according to the International Organization for Standardization. Toxicity was assessed following bacterial exposure to different concentrations of the WSFs. Water quality parameters and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined using standard methods. Chemical analysis revealed cumulative loads of PAHs in the WSFs of crude …

Meteorological Conditions And Pm2.5 Impact On Covid-19 Case Fatality Ratios (Cfr) In Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Viranphat Singrakphon, Chidsanuphong Chart-Asa, Pasicha Chaikaew

Applied Environmental Research

The emergence of a novel coronavirus strain triggered a global health crisis, impacting both health and economies worldwide, including Thailand since 2019. While prior research hinted at connections between environmental factors and rising COVID-19 cases, these links remained inconclusive. This study investigated indoor and outdoor (I/O) ratios and explored potential correlations between fine particulate matter (PM2.5), meteorological conditions, and the case fatality rate (CFR%) of COVID-19 in Bangkok and its metropolitan area from January to December 2021. In Spearman’s Rank correlation analysis, the results found that CFR% exhibited a positive correlation with relative humidity (RH) (r=0.187) and a negative correlation …

Use Of Modified Blast Furnace Slag For Cadmium Removal In An Aqueous Medium, Toufik Chouchane, Mohamed Tayeb Abedghars, Sabiha Chouchane, Hazem Meradi, Atmane Boukari

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, blast furnace slag was converted to hydroxyapatite-zeolite (MS) through alkaline fusion and hydrothermal treatment, and then it was used to remove cadmium in solution by adsorption in batch mode. The process was accomplished under the influence of determining parameters, namely the contact time, mass of the adsorbent, stirring speed, pH of the medium, temperature of the solution, particle size of the slag, and initial concentration. MS consists mainly of sodium oxide, silica, alumina, lime, and phosphorus pentoxide. The Ca/P, Na/Al, and Si/Al ratios revealed that the converted slag is a hydroxyapatite-zeolite. Following the modification of the treated …

Simulated Microgravity, Indole-3-Acetyl Acid, And Cow Dung Influence On Zea Mays Plant Growth In Contaminated Soil, A. Ovenseri, A.O. Ogunkeyede, A.A. Adebayo, P. Tawari-Fufeyin, A.O. Orukpe, C. Udeochu Uche

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigated the effects of simulated microgravity, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cow dung on Zea mays L. plants growing in soil contaminated with crude oil. Crude oil contamination affects plants negatively in morphology and physiology. For simulated microgravity exposure, IAA introduced and non-IAA introduced seeds of Zea mays L. were grown in a clinostat for 4days before taken to the nursery for planting. IAA was introduced to the seed by soaking in IAA solution for 90 minutes after which it was introduced to the microgravity stimulator (clinostat). After 14 days in the nursery, the seedlings were taken to the …

Alstonia Scholaris Fruit Biomass, A Novel Adsorbent For The Removal Of Lead From Aqueous Solution, Aasif Abdullah Baba, Ajit Kumar Das, Abhik Gupta

Applied Environmental Research

The biosorption of lead (Pb) ions on Alstonia scholaris fruit biomass was investigated in batch and column experiments in an aqueous solution, emphasising the possible binding mechanism of Pb ions on the fruit biomass. The adsorption process was found to be dependent on parameters like adsorbent dose, initial Pb ion concentration, contact time, and pH. No impact was found on Pb adsorption during competitive adsorption. The results suggested that the fruit biomass could remove more than 97% of Pb ions from the aqueous solution. The Freundlich isotherm model best explained the obtained results. The monolayer adsorption capacity of the A. …

A Review On Water Security In Dhaka City, Bangladesh: Calling For Ensuring Sustainability, Wasim Akram, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat, Athit Phetrak, Suthirat Kittipongvises

Applied Environmental Research

Dhaka is currently facing a number of significant challenges, and one of them is the protection of water resources. The city is experiencing rapid depletion of groundwater as well as substantial pollution of its surface water. This article aims to highlight a review of the literature on the challenges of water security in Dhaka. The sustainability issues of water resources were elaborated in terms of management, quantity, and quality aspects. Having reviewed, it has been found that groundwater is depleting drastically over the years, which may have environmental, economic, and social consequences in the near future. Due to the rapid …

Effect Of Operating Parameters On Photocatalytic Treatment Of Synthetic Wastewater Using Catio3, Shilpa Mishra, Rekha Dom, Baranidharan Sundaram

Applied Environmental Research

Photocatalysis is thought to be a long-term, environmentally friendly, economically feasible, and promising technique for treating wastewater. The development of semiconductor nanoparticles has generated a great deal of interest in the treatment of wastewater. To break down complex contaminants found in wastewater into simpler compounds, including H2O and CO2, several UV/visible light excitable nanomaterials have been explored as photocatalysts. Their effectiveness can be managed by adjusting several reaction-related parameters like the intensity of light, irradiance time, pH, catalyst dose, temperature, doping, etc. The performance of the photocatalyst in the photodegradation of contaminants is greatly affected by these parameters. The main …

Assessing The Relationship And Effect Of Air Pollution [Pm 2.5] On Child Respiratory Illness And Child Mortality In The Philippines, Roel F. Ceballos, Rachell C. Gallano, Lenard D. Visaya

Applied Environmental Research

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the air, which can seriously impact human health and the environment. Among the air pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM) 2.5, being a microscopic particle, poses serious health risks since it can enter the blood circulation and go deep into the lungs. PM 2.5 has been linked to several health problems, such as early mortality, problems with children's development, and unfavorable birth outcomes. In this regard, the study aims to investigate the relationship and effect of PM 2.5 on child respi-ratory illness and child mortality in the Philippines. Data on child respiratory …

Assessing The Short- And Long-Term Health Effects Of Nitrogen Dioxide In Agadir, Morocco: A Who Airq+ Model Application, Youssef Bouchriti, Mohamed Ait Haddou, Abderrahmane Achbani, Amal Korrida, Hasnaa Sine, Jamila Rida, Mohamed Boukrim, Belkacem Kabbachi

Applied Environmental Research

Epidemiological studies have revealed that exposure to atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increases the risk of acute and chronic diseases. This study used the WHO AirQ model to assess both the short- and long-term impacts of NO2 on human health in the city of Agadir in Morocco. The mean NO2 values were obtained from measurements taken at two locations. This study assessed the long- term health effects of NO2 on natural all-cause mortality (LT-ACM), mortality due to respiratory diseases (LT-RD), and morbidity due to chronic obstructive pulmo-nary disease (LT-COPD), as well as the short-term health impacts of NO2 on natural all-cause …

Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Land Surface Temperature, Urban Heat Island, And Potential Heat Stress Risk Areas Assessment For Tropical Inland City And Coastal City In Thailand, Thar Htet Aung, Sakpod Tongleamnak, Rasamee Suwanwerakamtorn

Applied Environmental Research

Global warming and rapid urban growth, compounded by the urban heat island (UHI) effect, are posing substantial challenges for urban populations and ecological well-being due to increased heat stress risks. This study aimed to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns of land surface temperature (LST), UHI, and potential heat stress risk areas (PHSRA) in two distinct cities, an inland city, Nakhon Ratchasima, and a coastal city, Si Racha, during the summer. Geoinformatics techniques and Crichton’s Risk Triangle method were employed, using updated demographic data and Sentinel-3 data from 2017 to 2022. The findings indicate that the inland city daytime average LST values …

Optimizing Tenebrio Molitor Feeding Strategy To Induce Physical Degradation Of Tires: A Novel Approach For Sustainable Waste Management, Abdussalam Topandi, Khadijah Sayyidatun Nisa, Fatimah Azizah Riyadi, Ibnu Maulana Hidayatullah, Pranata -, Firah Gustianda Ayu, Reynaldi Ivan Prasetya, Frederick Soetandar, Dimas Rafi Narawangsa, Eka Rahayu

Applied Environmental Research

Due to the increased usage of tires, the accumulation of worn tires has become a significant environmental concern and necessitates environmentally friendly waste management strategies. Conventional methods, such as tire incineration or improper disposal, contribute to environmental degradation. It is reported that organisms, such as Tenebrio molitor larvae, can degrade a wide range of polymers. This study explores the promising potential of Tenebrio molitor larvae in addressing this concern. Through a series of experiments, Tenebrio molitor larvae were fed with cut-worn tires to facilitate degradation. The larvae exhibited remarkable capabilities, surviving and thriving on tires as a sole carbon source …

Screening, Isolation And Hydrocarbon Degradation Characteristics Of Yeasts From Mangrove Sediments Of Kerala, Vidya Pothayi, Sreedevi N Kutty, Sebastian Chempakassery Devasia

Applied Environmental Research

The aim of the present work was to examine the hydrocarbon degradation potential of yeasts isolated from the mangrove sediments. Mangrove sediments around the world were considered to be heavily polluted with oil contaminants and the microbes dwelling in them were believed to be highly active in metabolizing and detoxifying the oil fractions. In the present study, 70 yeast isolates were screened for their lipolytic activity qualitatively and 35 of them which showed comparatively higher lipolysis were tested for their crude oil degradation ability. Screening of hydro-carbon utilizing isolates was performed on Bushnell Haas agar media overlaid with 1% crude …

Smu Welcomes Two New Members To Its Board Of Trustees, Singapore Management University

SMU Press Releases and News

The Singapore Management University is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Trustees with effect from 12 January 2024. Their appointment will be for an initial term of three years. The new members are: (1) Dr Andrew David Hamilton – President Emeritus, New York University, (2) Mr Don Lam – Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner, VinaCapital Group.

Fretting Corrosion Wear Of Titanium-Based Alloy (Ti-6al-4v) In 0.9 Wt.% Nacl Solution, Chen-En Lu, Wen-Ken Li, Hung-Hua Sheu, Jeou-Long Lee, Hung-Bin Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, a high precision fretting tribo-corrosion tester used to analyze the wear and corrosion behavior of Ti alloys in a fretting motion condition. The tester, operated in a ball-on-plate mode, was employed in the fretting corrosion study of metallic bio-materials (Ti and Ti-6Al-4V) under different loads (0 and 10 N), electrolytes (0.9 wt% NaCl and SBF) and fixed displacement frequency (1 Hz). Using profilometer, optical microscope in the experimental analysis and three-body mechanism in the theoretical analysis, the fretting corrosion performances of these bio-medical metals, such as velocity accommodation characteristics, friction, wear, and scratch profile were examined in …