Digital Commons Network^™

Membrane Functionalization Approaches Toward Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances And Selected Metal Ion Separations, Francisco Cecil Léniz-Pizarro, Holly E. Rudel, Nicolas J. Briot, Julie B. Zimmerman, Dibakar Bhattacharyya

UK CARES Faculty Publications

Adsorption and ion exchange technologies are two of the most widely used approaches to separate pollutants from water; however, their intrinsic diffusion limitations continue to be a challenge. Pore functionalized membranes are a promising technology that can help overcome these challenges, but the extents of their competitive benefits and broad applicability have not been systematically evaluated. Herein, three types of adsorptive/ion exchange (IX) polymers containing strong/weak acid, strong base, and iron-chitosan complex groups were synthesized in the pores and partially on the surface of microfiltration (MF) membranes and tested for the removal of organic and inorganic cations and anions from …

New Frontiers In The Measurement Of Energy Metabolism, Alexandra Niclou, Philippe St-Martin, Leanne M. Redman, Audrey Bergouignan

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

This perspective highlights three key areas of current and future energy metabolism research: intergenerational health, climate change, and interplanetary exploration. We describe the recent advances in determining estimated energy requirements for a large subset of the general population using the gold standard method for free-living total daily energy expenditure estimates, the doubly labeled water method. The global rise in overweight and obesity demands particular attention to energy requirements in pregnancy and early life, as accumulating evidence contributes to our understanding of intergenerational health transmission and the potential for epigenetic programming in utero. We also acknowledge some gaps in necessary guidelines …

The Jewel In The Lotus: Humane Education, Engaged Buddhism, And Farming Compassion, Francy Jenko

Mindfulness Studies Theses

This thesis explores the relationship and intersectionality of Engaged Buddhism and Humane Education and demonstrates how they support the development of a farm sanctuary to cultivate compassion. It is supported by peer-reviewed literature, which reflects the importance of understanding why compassion is necessary to decrease suffering and how these disciplines complement one another, facilitating compassion and action. The research component of this thesis encourages the ongoing exploration of Engaged Buddhism and Humane Education. Further, it contributes to the scholarly literature on their intersection, highlighting farm sanctuary work as an avenue of engagement and offering implications for future study. The creative …

Csci 258.01: Web Application Development, Patricia A. Duce

University of Montana Course Syllabi, 2021-2025

No abstract provided.

Silver Linings 2023, Tower Health

Silver Linings

No abstract provided.

Engineering Guitar Pickups (Summer 2023), Trent Champion

Staff Residencies

Trent Champion, a Supervisor in Facilities Management, engineered electric guitar pickups.

Got Lead In Your Water? The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law May Be Poised To Help, Andrian Lee, Melissa Scanlan

Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law

Humans have no known safe level of exposure to lead. Blood lead levels have devastating consequences, especially for children, affecting their brain development and almost every organ in their bodies. Various government organizations have enacted measures to combat lead contamination in drinking water and its dangerous human health consequences by replacing lead service lines. At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, which requires states to replace lead service lines. At the state level, governments have programs to fund the replacement of lead service lines in their communities, but these funds often fall …

A Seat At Whose Table? Analyzing Detroit’S Community Benefit Ordinance As A Tool For Environmental Justice, Sarah Draughn Gargaro

Michigan Journal of Environmental & Administrative Law

The Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as the “just treatment and meaningful involvement” of all people in the decisionmaking that affects the environment and human health. Since the origins of the modern American environmental justice movement in the 1980s, activists have emphasized the importance of self-determination. Environmental justice requires that decision making processes center the voices of the individuals impacted by decisions made about the distributions of environmental assets and harms. There is a significant challenge, however, in designing community engagement practices that meaningfully involve community members. Since the 1990s, community benefits agreements have been heralded as an effective …

A Smartphone-Enabled Imaging Device For Chromotropic Acid-Based Measurement Of Nitrate In Soil Samples, Veerabhadrappa Lavanya, Anshuman Nayak, Partha Deb Roy, Shubhadip Dasgupta, Subhadip Dey, Bin Li, David C. Weindorf, Somsubhra Chakraborty

Faculty Publications

In this study, a novel chromotropic acid-based color development method was proposed for quick estimation of soil nitrate (NO3−). The method utilized a 3D printed device integrated with the rear-end camera of a smartphone and a stand-alone application called SMART NP. By analyzing the mean Value (V) component of the sample’s image, the SMART NP provides instant predictions of soil NO3− levels. The limit of detection was calculated as 0.1 mg L−1 with a sensitivity of 0.26 mg L−1. The device showed a % bias of 0.9% and a precision of 1.95%, indicating its reliability. Additionally, the device-predicted soil NO3− …

The Problem With Repurposing Genetically Modified Organisms, Robert Kesterson, Elizabeth Floyd

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

The Type 1 Diabetes And Exercise Initiative: Predicting Hypoglycemia Risk During Exercise For Participants With Type 1 Diabetes Using Repeated Measures Random Forest, Simon Bergford, Michael C. Riddell, Peter G. Jacobs, Zoey Li, Robin L. Gal, Mark A. Clements, Francis J. Doyle, Corby K. Martin, Susana R. Patton, Jessica R. Castle, Melanie B. Gillingham, Roy W. Beck, Michael R. Rickels, Peter Calhoun

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Objective: Exercise is known to increase the risk for hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) but predicting when it may occur remains a major challenge. The objective of this study was to develop a hypoglycemia prediction model based on a large real-world study of exercise in T1D. Research Design and Methods: Structured study-specified exercise (aerobic, interval, and resistance training videos) and free-living exercise sessions from the T1D Exercise Initiative study were used to build a model for predicting hypoglycemia, a continuous glucose monitoring value < 70 mg/dL, during exercise. Repeated measures random forest (RMRF) and repeated measures logistic regression (RMLR) models were constructed to predict hypoglycemia using predictors at the start of exercise and baseline characteristics. Models were evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and balanced accuracy. Results: RMRF and RMLR had similar AUC (0.833 vs. 0.825, respectively) and both models had a balanced accuracy of 77%. The probability of hypoglycemia was higher for exercise sessions with lower pre-exercise glucose levels, negative pre-exercise glucose rates of change, greater percent time < 70 mg/dL in the 24 h before exercise, and greater pre-exercise bolus insulin-on-board (IOB). Free-living aerobic exercises, walking/hiking, and physical labor had the highest probability of hypoglycemia, while structured exercises had the lowest probability of hypoglycemia. Conclusions: RMRF and RMLR accurately predict hypoglycemia during exercise and identify factors that increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Lower glucose, decreasing levels of glucose before exercise, and greater pre-exercise IOB largely predict hypoglycemia risk in adults with T1D.

Is Macroporosity Controlled By Complexed Clay And Soil Organic Carbon?, Aaron N. Koop, Daniel R. Hirmas, Sharon A. Billings, Li Li, Alejandro Cueva, Xi Zhang, Hang Wen, Attila Nemes, Lígia F.T. Souza, Hoori Ajami, Alejandro N. Flores, Aoesta K. Rudick, Annalise Guthrie, Lola M. Klamm, Micah Unruh, Pamela L. Sullivan

Faculty Publications

Multi-scale evidence of rapid, climate-induced soil structural changes occurring at yearly to decadal timescales is mounting. As a result, it has become increasingly important to identify the properties and mechanisms controlling the development and maintenance of soil structure and associated macroporosity. This is especially relevant since macroporosity has disproportionate effects on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) which strongly influences water storage and flux, thus, affecting the water cycle. In this study, we use decision trees and piecewise linear regression to assess the influence of soil and climate properties on effective porosity (EP; a proxy of macroporosity) in both surface and subsurface …

Upper Ocean Biogeochemistry Of The Oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: From Nutrient Sources To Carbon Export, Minhan Dai, Ya Wei Luo, Eric P. Achterberg, Thomas J. Browning, Yihua Cai, Zhimian Cao, Fei Chai, Bingzhang Chen, Matthew J. Church, Dongjian Ci, Chuanjun Du, Kunshan Gao, Xianghui Guo, Zhendong Hu, Shuh Ji Kao, Edward A. Laws, Zhongping Lee, Hongyang Lin, Qian Liu, Xin Liu, Weicheng Luo, Feifei Meng, Shaoling Shang, Dalin Shi, Hiroaki Saito, Luping Song, Xianhui Sean Wan, Yuntao Wang, Wei Lei Wang, Zuozhu Wen, Peng Xiu, Jing Zhang, Ruifeng Zhang

Faculty Publications

Subtropical gyres cover 26%–29% of the world's surface ocean and are conventionally regarded as ocean deserts due to their permanent stratification, depleted surface nutrients, and low biological productivity. Despite tremendous advances over the past three decades, particularly through the Hawaii Ocean Time-series and the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study, which have revolutionized our understanding of the biogeochemistry in oligotrophic marine ecosystems, the gyres remain understudied. We review current understanding of upper ocean biogeochemistry in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, considering other subtropical gyres for comparison. We focus our synthesis on spatial variability, which shows larger than expected dynamic ranges of properties …

Leveraging Cultural Wealth, Identities And Motivation: How Diverse Intersectional Groups Of Low-Income Undergraduate Stem Students Persist In Collegiate Stem Environments, Raeshan D. Davis, Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy

Faculty Publications

Grounded in a conceptual framework incorporating intersectionality, motivation, self-determination, and self-efficacy, this empirical study investigated how individuals’ identities, mindsets, and resources in educational environments intentionally cultivated to support their decision-making, development, and connections in the science community, can significantly increase the recruitment, persistence, and success of low-income, academically talented science students from diverse backgrounds. Several factors—academic performance in coursework, self-image, self-agency, financial support, and social integration in the science culture—continue to significantly impact student retention and persistence in STEM disciplines. Many of these factors are negatively affected based on a students’ intersecting identities, which can be detrimental to their academic …

Extreme Variability In A Long-Duration Gamma-Ray Burst Associated With A Kilonova, P. Veres, P. N. Bhat, E. Burns, R. Hamburg, N. Fraija, D. Kocevski, R. Preece, S. Poolakkil, N. Christensen, M. A. Bizouard, T. Dal Canton, S. Bala, E. Bissaldi, M. S. Briggs, W. Cleveland, A. Goldstein, B. A. Hristov, C. M. Hui, S. Lesage, B. Mailyan, O. J. Roberts, C. A. Wilson-Hodge

Faculty Publications

The recent discovery of a kilonova from the long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) GRB 211211A challenges classification schemes based on temporal information alone. Gamma-ray properties of GRB 211211A reveal an extreme event, which stands out among both short and long GRBs. We find very short variations (few milliseconds) in the lightcurve of GRB 211211A and estimate ∼1000 for the Lorentz factor of the outflow. We discuss the relevance of the short variations in identifying similar long GRBs resulting from compact mergers. Our findings indicate that in future gravitational-wave follow-up campaigns, some long-duration GRBs should be treated as possible strong gravitational-wave counterparts.

Probiotic Characteristics Of Streptococcus Thermophilus And Lactobacillus Bulgaricus As Influenced By New Food Sources, Ashly Castro, Ricardo S. Aleman, Miguel Tabora, Shirin Kazemzadeh, Leyla K. Pournaki, Roberto Cedillos, Jhunior Marcia, Kayanush Aryana

Faculty Publications

The current research aimed to evaluate the potential effects of Solanum mammosum, Dioon mejiae, and Amanita caesarea on Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus survival and performance after exposure to different harsh conditions such as bile, acid, gastric juice, and lysozyme to mimic the digestive system from mouth to the intestine. Probiotic protease activity was observed to evaluate the proteolytic system. Probiotics were cultured in a broth mixed with plant material, and after incubation, the results were compared to the control sample. Therefore, plant material’s total phenolic compound, total carotenoid compound, antioxidant activity, sugar profile, and acid profile were …

Community Science Online: Building Capacity For Native Bee Monitoring, Lauren Vilen, Lisa Mason, Sarah Viders, Jill Zarestky

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Native bees are crucial for sustainable productivity in natural, agricultural, and urban ecosystems, but they are losing natural habitat spaces. Extension can facilitate community science programs to collect ecological data on native bee populations and support pollinator conservation. Native Bee Watch, an in-person community science program, transitioned to a hybrid format where volunteers received online training and support for conducting field-based data collection. This article presents the volunteers’ perceptions of the program training, support, and bee monitoring based on surveys and data analytics collected from technology tools. Study results indicate redesign successes and challenges and provide insight on how to …

Uem Engaging Workshops: A University Perspective, Shaun Ferns, Fionnuala Darby, Barry J. Ryan

Group Reports

This report provides a comprehensive account of the University Education Model Team facilitated 'Engaging Workshops' that focused on the 7 Fundamentals from the University Executive Team (UET) Brief. The report is a meta review of each Schools' 'Engaging Workshop' synopsis, detailed through a University and Faculty lens. It demonstrates an enhanced understanding of the University Education Model (UEM), in particular the 7 Fundamentals, amongst University staff. It also details the challenges staff have identified, along with specific opportunities, and notes their suggested next steps for UEM implementation.

Innovative Ways To Change The World, Isabella Koh

Lake Union Herald

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Durable Pavement Striping, William Staats, Erin Lammers-Staats

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Roadway pavement markings, colloquially referred to as “striping”, can be made of various combinations of paint and reflective beads. In the interest of aligning Kentucky with the state-of-the-art durable pavement marking practices of other states, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) developed a research study aimed at improving pavement marking specifications and practices. This study reviewed current practices, identified potential improvements, and performed a systematic evaluation in a controlled environment on both asphalt and concrete roads. The state evaluated high-build waterborne paint, extruded and spray thermoplastic, polyurea, and preformed plastic tape, as well as several bead packages including M247, Missouri blend, …

Evaluating Copyright Protection In The Data-Driven Era: Centering On Motion Picture's Past And Future, Chieh-Li Pai

Maurer Theses and Dissertations

Since the 1910s, Hollywood has measured audience preferences with rough industry-created methods. In the 1940s, scientific audience research led by George Gallup started to conduct film audience surveys with traditional statistical and psychological methods. However, the quantity, quality, and speed were limited. Things dramatically changed in the internet age. The prevalence of digital data increases the instantaneousness, convenience, width, and depth of collecting audience and content data. Advanced data and AI technologies have also allowed machines to provide filmmakers with ideas or even make human-like expressions. This brings new copyright challenges in the data-driven era.

Massive amounts of text and …

Computation Of High-Order Sensitivities Of Model Responses To Model Parameters—I: Underlying Motivation And Current Methods, Dan Gabriel Cacuci

Faculty Publications

The mathematical/computational model of a physical system comprises parameters and independent and dependent variables. Since the physical system is seldom known precisely and since the model’s parameters stem from experimental procedures that are also subject to uncertainties, the results predicted by a computational model are imperfect. Quantifying the reliability and accuracy of results produced by a model (called “model responses”) requires the availability of sensitivities (i.e., functional partial derivatives) of model responses with respect to model parameters. This work reviews the basic motivations for computing high-order sensitivities and illustrates their importance by means of an OECD/NEA reactor physics benchmark, which …

Cracking The Shield: Cda Section 230, Algorithms, And Product Liability, Kevin Ofchus

University of Arkansas at Little Rock Law Review

No abstract provided.

Cancer Risk In Human Spaceflight & Directions For Space Nursing: A Rapid Scoping Review, Brighton Krejci

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

Background: As humans venture further into deep space, it is essential to possess an adequate understanding of the unique challenges and cancer risks associated with its exploration. Because of radiation exposure and other hazards, one of the risks facing space crews is carcinogenesis. Although utilizing engineering solutions such as radiation shielding to mitigate health risks like carcinogenesis is important, an over-reliance on these countermeasures would add excess mass and cost to the spacecraft. Therefore, we need to have a better understanding of cancer risks of being in a spacecraft to guide the study of health-based countermeasures that reduce the risk …

Producing Nanoparticles Under Oxygen-Free Conditions By Pulsed Laser Ablation In Liquids, Sydney Calhoun

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

Synthesis of nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) has been thoroughly researched in the past, but synthesis in inert and water free environments by PLAL is a completely novel and exciting avenue to explore. Providing an inert environment while also providing laser ablation is a challenging engineering task. A specialty airtight vessel must be developed that can be used in the glovebox as well as withstand the high fluence of the ND:YAG laser. Corning 7980 fused silica glass was found to withstand these high energies and thus could be incorporated into a vessel. Once developed, the vessel will …

Nanorobot Locomotion By Breaking The Scallop Theorem, Joshua Merz

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

As robots approach smaller scales, they lose multiple actuation and directed locomotion. The locomotion at the nanoscale requires a non-reciprocal motion to generate a net trust and independent movement at Low Reynolds numbers (the Scallop theorem). Current fabrication techniques generate single-particle nanorobots with limited actuation. Developing nanorobots with multiple-actuation is necessary to advance different technological applications, such as drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. On the other hand, to produce predictable locomotion at Low Reynolds Numbers, we use Brownian Dynamics simulations to model a simplified nanorobot composed of three permanently magnetized particles. Further, the particles are connected with a spring, …

Expansion Of T Cells Using Microbeads Coated With Novel Peptide Ligand Against Cd3, Jacob Rolin

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

The utilization of T-cell immunotherapy stands as a promising strategy to addressing various ailments, most notably cancer, by leveraging endogenous T cells or genetically modified T cells. The augmentation of therapeutic T cells ex vivo remains a pivotal juncture within the manufacturing process that is inevitable for attainment of ample cell quantities. The enhancement of the enduring presence of the transplanted therapeutic T cells remains of paramount significance for favorable results. This research delves into the plausibility of amplifying human T cells while preventing undue differentiation through the employment of microbeads veneered with an innovative peptide ligand that targets CD3�� …

Real Life Or Just Fantasy: Live Performance To Animation, Cole Rosenthal

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

As most animators do, I love the idea of getting the best possible results with the least work possible. My name is Cole, and with the help of my advisor, Vinny, we worked on troubleshooting some of the performance capture technologies available on campus. Yes, performance capture is those silly mocap suits with the shiny markers all over them, with the funny-looking facial capture camera helmets. It's great because the only thing separating being a weirdo and working as an actor is wearing the right equipment, so I get an excuse to be as goofy as I want. Oh, yeah, …

Microfluidic Synthesis Of Liposomes For Antigen Presentation In Cell Culture, Anna Bell

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

Liposomes are vesicles composed of phospholipids forming a spherical bilayer in an aqueous environment. Liposome membranes are flexible, which makes them a great platform to mimic the physiological plasma membranes of immune cells. While there are many alternative methods to synthesize liposomes, the recent progress in using microfluidics for the synthesis of liposomes enabled better control over the parameters that affect the resulting liposome properties, such as size and polydispersity (PDI). Here we investigated how the two main parameters, the total flow rate (TFR) and the flow rate ratio (FRR), affect the formation of liposomes in two different microfluidic chip …

Dynamic Projection Mapping, Addison J. Sandvik

Computer Engineering

Projection mapping is a modern technology used in the live entertainment industry that uses objects as display surfaces. It is most frequently used at events like theatrical performances and art exhibitions to enhance the visual appeal of the production. However, most projection mapping applications are onto static surfaces or surfaces with predetermined movement, resulting in predetermined mappings. This method is suitable for many applications where the target surface is fixed, like a building, but is restrictive to cases where the target surface has an unfixed and unpredictable position, like a person. This project serves as a proof-of-concept for a dynamic …