Biological Engineering Commons^™

Heating Performance Assessment Of Domestic Microwave Ovens, Krishnamoorthy Pitchai, Sohan Birla, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, David D. Jones

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Due to inherent nature of standing wave patterns of microwaves inside a cavity and dielectric properties of different components in a food, microwave heating leaves non-uniform distribution of energy inside the food volumetrically. Achieving heating uniformity plays critical role in improving the safety of microwave heated products. In this paper, we present a method for assessing heating uniformity within domestic microwave ovens. A custom designed container
was used to assess heating uniformity of a range of microwave ovens using IR camera. The study suggested that the best place to place food in a microwave oven is not at center but …

Effect Of Magnetron Frequency On Heating Pattern In Domestic Oven, Sohan Birla, Krishnamoorthy Pitchai, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, David D. Jones

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

In this study a computer model was developed to simulate microwave heating of a model food with a range of magnetron frequencies. The range was decided upon performing the frequency spectrum analysis of microwave leakage from the microwave oven. Simulation results showed that the magnetron input as sinusoidal frequency from 2.44 GHz to 2.48 GHz generates different heating profiles. The simulated heating profiles were compared with experimental heating profiles obtained by using an IR camera. None of simulations with individual frequency exactly matches with experimental temperature profile. The closet match between simulated and observed temperature profiles was found with 2.46 …

Process Simulation Of Dilute Acid Pretreatment Of Coastal Bermudagrass For Bioethanol Production, Arthur Redding, Deepak R. Keshwani, Jay J. Cheng

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Coastal bermudagrass is a promising lignocellulosic feedstock for bioethanol production. It is well suited for the Southeastern United States where it is currently grown for hay production and nutrient management in animal farming operations. Prior experiments have generated sugar and sugar degradation data from the dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of bermudagrass over a range of pretreatment conditions. Experimentally, the yield of total glucose and xylose was maximized at 93 % of the theoretical value for the pretreatment conditions 140 °C and 1.2 % sulfuric acid (w/w) for a residence time of 30 minutes. To explore further potential optimum …

Development Of Novel Microwave Cooking Model For Not-Ready-To Eat Foods, Sohan Birla, Krishnamoorthy Pitchai, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, David D. Jones

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Recently safety of microwave cooked food has come under scrutiny because of recent outbreak and recalls associated with some of these not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) frozen foods. Heating uniformity of these foods is paramount in rendering the foods safe for consumption. Degree of uneven microwave heating is influenced by both microwave oven and characteristics of food load which decides the electric field distribution within the food load. Given the complexity of parameters, a computer model is always desirable to optimize heating uniformity by proper selection of food shape, proportions, plating, packaging selection and more. Earlier many researchers have made one or more …

Extracellular Matrix Protein Orientation By Adsorption On Self-Assembled Monolayers Controls Nonviral Gene Delivery, Beth A. Duensing, Angela K. Pannier

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

To date, most efforts to understand and improve the efficiency of nonviral gene delivery have focused on altering the physicochemical properties of delivery systems and developing new delivery strategies. The importance of the cellular microenvironment in achieving successful nonviral gene transfer has not been thoroughly examined, though proteins of the extracellular matrix (ECM) mediate cell adhesion and serve to regulate cellular behavior that may, in turn, dictate the cellular responsiveness to nonviral gene delivery. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold were used to control adsorption of ECM molecules and thus control the architecture of the extracellular environment presented to …

Effects Of Narrow Grass Hedges On Nutrient Transport From Land Application Areas, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

The placement of stiff-stemmed grass hedges on the contour along a hill slope has been shown to decrease runoff nutrient transport. This study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of a narrow grass hedge in reducing runoff nutrient transport from plots with a range of soil nutrient values. Composted beef cattle manure was applied at dry weights of 0, 68, 105, 142, and 178 Mg ha^-1 to a silty clay loam soil and then incorporated by disking. Soil samples were collected 243 days later for analysis of water-soluble phosphorus (WSP), Bray and Kurtz No.1 phosphorus (Bray-1 P), NO_{3 …}

Nutrient And Microbial Transport From Feedlot Surfaces, John E. Gilley, Elaine D. Berry, Roger A. Eigenberg, David B. Marx, Bryan L. Woodbury

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Nutrient and microbial transport by runoff may vary at different locations within a beef cattle feedlot. If the areas making the largest contributions to nutrient and microbial transport can be identified, it may be possible to institute site-specific management practices to reduce runoff nutrient and microbial transport. The objectives of this study were to: a) measure selected feedlot soil properties, and nutrient and microbial transport in runoff from various feedlot locations b) compare the effects of unconsolidated surface materials (USM) (loose manure pack) and consolidated subsurface materials (CSM) (compacted manure and underlying layers) on nutrient and microbial transport, and c) …

Pathogen Best Management Practices (Bmps), Richard K. Koelsch

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Management practices targeting pathogens focus on establishing multiple barriers between the pathogen source and water, with each barrier designed to lessen the risk of pathogens. The “Agricultural Environmental Management” program developed at Cornell University for dairy producers in New York watersheds promotes a four-barrier approach.

High Temperature Dilute Acid Pretreatment Of Coastal Bermudagrass, Arthur Redding, Deepak R. Keshwani, Ziyu Wang, Jay J. Cheng

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into ethanol is an encouraging technology in the face of concerns over global warming and finite energy resources. In the southeastern United States, coastal bermudagrass shows potential for use as an energy crop for ethanol production. A review of the literature has shown that research has been done on the dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of costal bermudagrass at 121ºC prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. This study examined dilute acid concentrations of 0.3%(w/w) to 1.2%(w/w) at temperatures from 120C to 180C over residence times of 5 to 60 minutes in an effort to optimize the pretreatment process …

Alkaline Pretreatment Of Coastal Bermudagrass For Bioethanol Production, Ziyu Wang, Deepak R. Keshwani, Arthur P. Redding, Jay J. Cheng

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Lignocellulosic materials are regarded as an alternative energy source for bioethanol production to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Pretreatment is important for improving the enzymatic digestibility of lignocelluloses to increase the yield of fermentable sugars. Alkaline (sodium hydroxide and lime (calcium hydroxide)) pretreatment of coastal bermudagrass for enhanced reducing sugars recovery was investigated in this study. The effect of NaOH pretreatment at 121°C using 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v) NaOH for 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes was evaluated first. Lower NaOH concentrations (0.5% and 0.75%) and lower temperatures (50, 80 and 100°C) were then examined. Lime (0.1 g …

Transfected Cell Arrays For The High-Throughput Analysis Of Transcription Factor Activity, Abigail D. Bellis, Angela K. Pannier, Lonnie D Shea

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Transfected cell arrays offer a high-throughput method that allows for the parallel analysis of multiple pathways or genes within a physiological context. We have developed a transfected cell array that employs a dual-plasmid system that gives the ability to normalize for spot-to-spot variation in transfection efficiency. Each spot within the array contains a constitutively active normalization plasmid encoding for renilla luciferase as well as a functional plasmid that contains transcription factor specific binding elements driving the expression of firefly luciferase. Dual bioluminescent imaging provides highly sensitive analysis while limiting post-transfectional processing. Adequate transfection poses a significant challenge in extending this …

Association Of Odor Measures With Annoyance: An Odor-Monitoring Field Study, Richard R. Stowell, Christopher G. Henry, Richard K. Koelsch, Dennis D. Schulte

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Multiple assessments of ambient odor were made by trained individuals in the vicinity of a swine finishing operation in eastern Nebraska during the summers of 2005 and 2006. This paper addresses an analysis of assessor responses in Year 1 of this field study to determine what relationships existed between field odor measurements/ratings and ratings of annoyance potential, and to identify candidate measurement threshold values for odors that are likely to cause an annoyance. The first-year results showed that the likelihood of odor causing annoyance increased as ambient odors became more offensive, more intense, and more concentrated, with r² values …

National Livestock And Poultry Environmental Learning Center, Richard K. Koelsch, Mark Risse, Joe Harrison, Jill Heemstra

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

This paper describes a new national learning center designed to improve the delivery of science-based information to non-research customers. The vision of the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center is to provide individuals involved in public policy issues, animal production, and delivery of technical services for confined animal systems with on-demand access to the nation’s best science-based resources that is responsive to priority and emerging environmental issues associated with animal agriculture. This project will test innovative approaches such as a web cast seminar series to connect national experts with those individuals and organizations that influence animal producer decisions on manure …

Software Tool For Integrating Feed Management Into Nutrient Planning, Richard K. Koelsch, Ray Massey, Galen E. Erickson, Virgil R. Bremer

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

The introduction of ASABE Standard D384.2, Manure Production and Characteristics, has created the opportunity to integrate feed management decisions and animal performance measures into nutrient planning processes. This paper introduces a software tool that integrates estimates of nutrient excretion based on the new standard with estimates of land need, labor and equipment time allocation, and economic cost and benefit for manure application. This tool will be used to evaluate the economic implications for two scenarios using beef cattle examples as a means of illustrating tool application. The first scenario will look at the impact of feeding ethanol co-products on the …

Microwave Pretreatment Of Switchgrass To Enhance Enzymatic Hydrolysis, Deepak R. Keshwani, Jay J. Cheng, Joseph C. Burns, Laigeng Li, Vincent Chiang

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Switchgrass is a promising lignocellulosic biomass for fuel-ethanol production. However, pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials is necessary to improve its susceptibility to enzymatic hydrolysis. The objectives of this study were to examine the feasibility of microwave pretreatment to enhance enzymatic hydrolysis of switchgrass and to determine the optimal pretreatment conditions. Switchgrass samples immersed in water, dilute sulfuric acid and dilute sodium hydroxide solutions were exposed to microwave radiation at varying levels of radiation power and residence time. Pretreated solids were enzymatically hydrolyzed and reducing sugars in the hydrolysate were analyzed. Microwave radiation of switchgrass at lower power levels resulted in more …

Moldboard Plowing Following Compost Application Significantly Reduces Nutrient Transport, John E. Gilley, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

The excessive application of manure on cropland areas can cause nutrients to accumulate near the soil surface and increase nutrient transport by overland flow. Inverting soils with high surface nutrient content could reduce runoff nutrient transport. This study was conducted to measure the effects of moldboard plowing on the redistribution of nutrients within the soil profile and nutrient transport by overland flow. Composted beef cattle manure was applied at dry weights of 0, 68, 105, 142, and 178 Mg ha^-1 to a silty clay loam soil and then incorporated by disking. Selected plots were moldboard plowed 244 days later …

Runoff Nutrient Concentrations Following Manure Application As Affected By Crop Residue, John E. Gilley, Jeffrey Nicolaisen, Eghball Bahman, David B. Marx

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Manure is applied to cropland areas managed under diverse conditions resulting in varying amounts of residue cover. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of crop residue on nutrient concentrations in runoff from areas where beef cattle or swine manure were recently applied but not incorporated. Plots 0.75 m wide by 2 m long were established at the study site. Existing residue materials were removed, and corn, soybean, or winter wheat residue was added at rates of 2, 4, or 8 Mg ha-1. Manure was applied at rates required to meet estimated annual nitrogen requirements for corn. …

Temporal Changes In Nutrient Transport Following Land Application Of Manure, John E. Gilley, Eghball Bahman, D. B. Marx

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Little information is currently available concerning temporal changes in nutrient transport following the addition of manure to cropland areas. This study was conducted to measure nutrient transport in runoff as affected by tillage and time following the application of beef cattle or swine manure to a site on which corn [Zea mays (L.)] was grown. Rainfall simulation tests were initiated 4, 32, 62, 123, and 354 days following land application. Three 30-min simulated rainfall events, separated by 24-hour intervals, were conducted at an intensity of approximately 70 mm hr-1. Dissolved phosphorus (DP), particulate phosphorus (PP), total phosphorus (TP), NO3-N, …

Effect Of Overland Flow Rate On Nutrient Transport From Land Application Areas, John E. Gilley, William F. Sabatka, Bahman Eghball, David B. Marx

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Little information is currently available concerning the effects of varying flow rate on nutrient transport by overland flow. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of overland flow rate on nutrient transport following the application of beef cattle or swine manure to plots containing 0, 2, 4, or 8 Mg ha^-1 of corn residue. After addition of residue materials to 0.75 m wide x 2.0 m long plots, beef cattle or swine manure was added and the plots were then either disked or maintained in a no-till condition. Three 30-min simulated rainfall events, separated by 24-hour …

Co-Production Of Chemical And Energy Products From Distillers Grains Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction And Thermochemical Conversion Technologies, Lijun Wang, Ajay Kumar, Curtis L. Weller, David D. Jones, Milford A. Hanna

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Dry-grind technology has become the dominant method for ethanol production. During drygrind ethanol production, roughly one-third of the dry grain mass resides in the dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as by-products (i.e., ∼0.8 kg/L ethanol). The energy content residing in the 0.8 kg DDGS is about 20 MJ, compared to the consumption of 1 MJ electricity and 10 MJ thermal energy for production of each liter of ethanol. A sequential supercritical fluid process with solvents including carbon dioxide, water and ethanol was used to recover high-value chemicals from DDGS. Thermochemical conversion methods were used to convert the DDGS residue …

A “Sprinkler” Vegetative Treatment System, Jason Gross, Chris G. Henry

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Vegetative Treatment Systems have historically been a practice for the treatment and utilization of open lot livestock wastes. Use of these systems has been rejuvenated in recent years. A “sprinkler” vegetative treatment area (VTA) has been designed and developed as a proof of concept for addressing challenges experienced with small and medium Animal Feeding Operations. The focus of this paper is to report on the design, economics, challenges and the lessons learned on the development of this system. Cost data shows the cost of a “sprinkler” VTS to range between $31 to $63/head, compared to $51 to $170/head for a …

Sharing Distance Education Courses Among Universities, Leon Schmacher, Thomas Brumm, John Slocombe, Jack L. Schinstock

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Four universities collaborated to develop mechanized systems management (agricultural systems management, agricultural systems technology, etc.) courses to be shared via distance education. Funded by a USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant, these undergraduate and graduate courses were initially offered to students at Iowa State University, Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This effort is affiliated with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA).

The objectives of this cooperative effort were to: (1) develop a collaborative, multi-state educational effort to add depth and breadth to each university’s instructional program in mechanized systems management; …

Incorporation Of Polyethylene Glycol Into Self-Assembled Monolayers Enhances Substrate-Mediated Gene Delivery By Nonspecifically- Bound Complexes, Angela K. Pannier, Lonnie D Shea

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Developing systems capable of controlled and efficient gene transfer is a fundamental goal of biotechnology, with applications including functional genomics, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. Substrate-mediated delivery, also termed solid phase delivery, describes the immobilization of DNA, complexed with nonviral vectors, to a biomaterial or substrate through specific or nonspecific interactions. Cells cultured on the substrate are exposed to elevated DNA concentrations within the local microenvironment, which enhances transfection. We investigated transfection resulting from DNA complexes immobilized to a substrate through specific interactions introduced through complementary functional groups on the vector and surface or through nonspecific interactions. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) …

Closure Of Earthern Manure Structures (Including Basins, Holding Ponds And Lagoons), Don D. Jones, Richard K. Koelsch, Saqib Mukhtar, Ronald Sheffield, John W. Worley

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

This paper is a summary of what is known scientifically about the closure of earthen manure structures without artificial liners, including lagoons, storage basins, and runoff holding ponds, and what needs to be examined further to increase our understanding of the dynamics of closing them in an environmentally safe manner. This information should be useful as a guide for state regulatory agencies considering rules for closure and for academicians and consultants who work with livestock production facilities.

Vegetative Treatment Systems For Open Lot Runoff: Review Of Literature, Richard K. Koelsch, Jeffrey Lorimer, Kyle Mankin

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Runoff from open lot livestock systems (beef and dairy) defined as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) must be controlled by systems designed and managed to prevent the release of manure-contaminated runoff for storms equal to or less than a 25-year, 24-hour design storm. This performance standard has been attained for open lot systems with some combination of clean water diversion, settling basins, runoff collection ponds and irrigation systems (baseline system).

An alternative approach is to rely on overland flow and infiltration into cropland with perennial forage or grasses for treatment of open lot runoff. Such vegetative systems have been researched …

Economics Of Manure Phosphorus Distribution From Beef Feeding Operations, William F. Kissinger, Raymond E. Massey, Richard K. Koelsch, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

An economic model was developed to evaluate cost and value of manure distribution. Feedlots ranging in size from 2,500 head to 25,000 head one-time capacities were used as case studies to calculate excretion amounts from cattle fed diets with a range of phosphorus. Diet P and subsequent costs of distributing the manure were used to analyze the corresponding costs of manure distribution, in addition to determining the required available land needed to be in compliance with a nutrient management plan based on utilization of manure P by the crops grown.

The model illustrated when animals are fed diets of increasing …

National Livestock And Poultry Environmental Learning Center, Richard K. Koelsch, Mark Risse, Joe Harrison, Jill Heemstra, Frank Humenik

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

This paper describes a new national initiative to improve the delivery of science-based information to non-research customers. The vision of the Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center is to provide individuals involved in public policy issues, animal production, and delivery of technical services for confined animal systems with on-demand access to the nation’s best science-based resources that is responsive to priority and emerging environmental issues associated with animal agriculture. This paper describes the implementation plans for this project.

Transfected Cell Arrays For Assessment Of Estrogen Receptor Activation In Breast Cancer Cells, Angela K. Pannier, Zain Bengali, Eric A. Ariazi, V. Craig Jordan, Lonnie D Shea

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Transfected cell arrays represent a high-throughput approach to correlate gene expression with functional cell responses, based on gene delivery from a substrate that supports cell adhesion. These arrays provide the ability to express, in parallel, thousands of exogenous genes in live cells, giving real-time information on cellular physiology and gene function. While there have been advances in transfected cell arrays, improvements are needed to this technology, including increasing the cells types that can be efficiently transfected and developing better quantification and normalization methods. We have created an array using soft lithography techniques to pattern DNA-lipid complex deposition. Specifically, a mold …

Updated Asabe Standard Manure Excretion Standard, Richard K. Koelsch

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

This newsletter introduces the new ASABE (American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers) Standard D384.2, Manure Production and Characteristics. This new standard provides an equation-based approach that integrates animal feeding program and performance into the final estimate of total solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus excretion for seven livestock and poultry species. This article reviews the opportunity this standard provides for improving accuracy of farm-specific nutrient management planning and introduces an educational opportunity for users to be introduced to new software for using the standard.

I propose to conduct one or more workshops on the standard and supporting software tool in June. …

Manure Use Planning Tools For Nebraska, Charles S. Wortmann, Charles A. Shapiro, Richard K. Koelsch, Richard Deloughery

Department of Biological Systems Engineering: Conference Presentations and White Papers

Three computer programs have been developed to facilitate manure use planning. The Nebraska Manure Value Calculator was developed in Excel to ease the calculation of manure value (www.cnmp.unl.edu) for a specific field giving value to needed nutrients and other expected benefits, and with the option of giving value to manure nutrients used in the more distant future. Nebraska MMPAMUP and MMP-CNMP Document Generators are planning tools for animal feeding operations that work with the Purdue University Manure Management Planner (MMP). Microsoft Word documents are generated which contain some boilerplate text that can be edited, popup lists in Word AutoText to …