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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

การพัฒนาระบบติดตามตรวจสอบคุณภาพงานพิมพ์ด้วยปัญญาประดิษฐ์, กลยุทธ หาญโสต Jan 2024

การพัฒนาระบบติดตามตรวจสอบคุณภาพงานพิมพ์ด้วยปัญญาประดิษฐ์, กลยุทธ หาญโสต

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อพัฒนาระบบตรวจสอบคุณภาพงานพิมพ์โดยอาศัยเทคโนโลยีปัญญาประดิษฐ์ (AI) เพื่อลดการพึ่งพาทักษะและประสบการณ์ของช่างพิมพ์ประสบการณ์สูง ซึ่งมีข้อจำกัดในเรื่องความสม่ำเสมอและความคลาดเคลื่อนจากมนุษย์ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งเมื่อไม่สามารถใช้แถบควบคุมคุณภาพ (color bar) บนแผ่นพิมพ์ได้เนื่องจากข้อจำกัดของพื้นที่พิมพ์ ระบบที่พัฒนาขึ้นประกอบด้วยอุปกรณ์ถ่ายภาพ ระบบไฟ แผ่นชาร์ตสีมาตรฐาน และอัลกอริธึมวิเคราะห์ภาพ โดย AI จะทำการเปรียบเทียบภาพจากแผ่นพิมพ์กับแผ่นต้นฉบับ (proof) ด้วยเทคนิค การวิเคราะห์ส่วนประกอบหลัก (Principal Component Analysis) ซึ่งสามารถลดมิติของข้อมูล และแยกแยะลักษณะเด่นของภาพเพื่อระบุความผิดปกติหรือข้อบกพร่องในการพิมพ์ จากการทดลอง ระบบสามารถตรวจจับความผิดปกติต่าง ๆ เช่น หมึกเลอะ จุดหมึก ความคลาดเคลื่อนของสี ลวดลายที่ผิดเพี้ยนไปจากต้นฉบับ รอยทับกระดาษ หรือแม้แต่ตัวหนังสือที่พิมพ์บางหรือพร่ามัวได้อย่างรวดเร็ว โดยผลลัพธ์สามารถแสดงออกเป็นรูปภาพและตัวเลข ทำให้ผู้ใช้งานสามารถประเมินคุณภาพแผ่นพิมพ์ได้อย่างเป็นระบบ ระบบนี้มีศักยภาพในการเพิ่มความแม่นยำในการควบคุมคุณภาพ ลดต้นทุนจากการพิมพ์เสีย และยกระดับความน่าเชื่อถือในอุตสาหกรรมการพิมพ์ ทั้งยังสามารถขยายผลไปสู่ระบบอัตโนมัติในอนาคตได้อีกด้วย


Physicochemical Properties Of Cross-Linked Rice Starch Nanoparticles, Weraya Wangpattanasirikul Jan 2024

Physicochemical Properties Of Cross-Linked Rice Starch Nanoparticles, Weraya Wangpattanasirikul

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study aimed to develop rice starch nanoparticles with enhanced heat resistance through a sequential combination of acid hydrolysis, ball milling, and cross-linking modification using sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), while investigating the effects of these modifications on the physicochemical properties of rice starch. Native rice starch (25.2% amylose) was hydrolyzed using 3.16 M sulfuric acid at 40°C for up to 24 hours. A significant yield reduction occurred within the first 16 hours, followed by a slower decline; therefore, starch hydrolyzed within 16 hours was selected to minimize crystalline structure damage. Different modification sequences were evaluated: acid hydrolysis with ball milling (AB), …


Characterization Of Mannanase From Bacillus Subtilis Hm7 And Prebiotic Production, Kornwarin Chumnankul Jan 2024

Characterization Of Mannanase From Bacillus Subtilis Hm7 And Prebiotic Production, Kornwarin Chumnankul

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) have been utilized as food and feed additives due to their various advantages, including modulation and regulation of gut microbiota. Moreover, MOS can enhance tight junction activity by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. MOS can be produced by β-mannanase, a widely used enzyme in various industries. This study aims to clone, express, purify, and biochemically characterize the β-mannanase (MAN26HM7/A), and determine substrate specificity and hydrolytic products from konjac, copra meal, and coffee bean. Man26HM7/A was successfully cloned into pET-21b, resulting in pETMan26HM7/A. pETMan26HM7/A was expressed in E. coli BL21, induced by 0.4 mM IPTG at 37 °C …


Extraction Of Cannabidiol From Hemp Leaf Using Supercritical Fluid Technique And Production Of Cannabidiol Emulsion Microencapsule By Freeze Drying, Saranya Jansamutr Jan 2024

Extraction Of Cannabidiol From Hemp Leaf Using Supercritical Fluid Technique And Production Of Cannabidiol Emulsion Microencapsule By Freeze Drying, Saranya Jansamutr

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study aimed to extract, purify, formulate, and evaluate the bioactivities of cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) leaves. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction at pressures of 1,600–1,800 psi, combined with flash chromatography, was employed to obtain CBD-rich extracts. Higher extraction pressure significantly increased both yield and CBD concentration (p ≤ 0.05), with 1,800 psi selected for further formulation. The extracts were developed into emulsions and microcapsules using freeze-drying and ß-cyclodextrin as an encapsulating agent to enhance chemical stability. Emulsions were formulated using MCT oil, Tween 20, and lecithin in various ratios including 9:5:5 (formula 1), 8:4:4 (formula …


Identification Of Inhibitors And Inhibitory Mechanisms For Sars-Cov-2 Papain-Like Protease, Auwal Auwal Rabiu Jan 2024

Identification Of Inhibitors And Inhibitory Mechanisms For Sars-Cov-2 Papain-Like Protease, Auwal Auwal Rabiu

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread worldwide. The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitates the investigation of viral proteins as potential drug targets. While the main protease (Mpro) has been extensively studied, papain-like protease (PLpro) remains relatively underexplored despite its critical roles in viral replication and the inhibition of host innate immune responses. This study aims to identify and characterize potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 PLpro using a combination of in vitro protease activity assays, enzyme kinetics, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, …


Development Of Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Detection Devices For Point-Of-Care Testing, Khageephun Permpoka Jan 2024

Development Of Nanomaterial-Based Electrochemical Detection Devices For Point-Of-Care Testing, Khageephun Permpoka

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Electrochemical detection aligns with the REASSURED criteria established by the World Health Organization. Nanomaterials also play a crucial role in enhancing detection performance. Therefore, this research integrates nanomaterials into the development of pointof-care testing (POCT) devices for detecting prostate cancer biomarkers and monitoring wound infection status. Timely diagnosis can significantly reduce the physical burden of illness, ease pressure on healthcare systems, and lessen the broader socioeconomic impact. The first part of the research involves the development of a paper-based analytical device for detecting the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO). Glucose oxidase (GOx) was immobilized on paper to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ), …


The Role Of Ferroptosis In Cholangiocarcinoma, Apiwit Sae-Fung Jan 2024

The Role Of Ferroptosis In Cholangiocarcinoma, Apiwit Sae-Fung

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy of the bile ducts, characterized by a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Despite advancements in treatment, effective targeted therapies and reliable prognostic biomarkers remain limited. Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in various cancers. However, its role in CCA remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) to predict the prognosis of CCA and identify potential therapeutic targets. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis on a training dataset, followed …


Rheological Study Of Plant-Based High Proteintexture-Modified Supplement For Dysphagia, Varanya Techasukthavorn Jan 2024

Rheological Study Of Plant-Based High Proteintexture-Modified Supplement For Dysphagia, Varanya Techasukthavorn

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This thesis contains 5 chapters: an introduction, three study sections, and a conclusion. Chapter 1 highlights the rationale and significance of studying dysphagic drinks through rheology. It introduces new high-protein, plant-based formulations and literature review of hydrocolloid studies for dysphagia management, utilizing both shear and extensional rheology to explore fluid behavior during swallowing. Chapter 2 presents the first study, which developed six high-protein soy-based supplement formulations for dysphagia management with varying caloric densities. Formulations with higher caloric densities than 1.5 kcal/mL showed increased viscosity and visual cohesiveness, making them suitable for extensional flow analysis. Increasing caloric density is an effective …


Application Of Mycelia Inoculum Of Ectomycorrhizal Fungus Astraeus Odoratus For Dry Dipterocarp Forest Restoration And Inoculum Development By Mycelial Entrapment With Calcium Alginate, Yanisa Punsung Jan 2024

Application Of Mycelia Inoculum Of Ectomycorrhizal Fungus Astraeus Odoratus For Dry Dipterocarp Forest Restoration And Inoculum Development By Mycelial Entrapment With Calcium Alginate, Yanisa Punsung

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Dry Dipterocarp Forests (DDFs) in Thailand face severe degradation, primarily from human-induced fires, which significantly diminishes ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal diversity and the productivity of valuable wild mushrooms, such as Astraeus odoratus. However, concrete guidelines for restoring ECM fungal diversity in these degraded areas are currently lacking. This research aimed to develop a sustainable approach to enhance ECM fungal diversity and facilitate the restoration of degraded DDFs by utilizing A. odoratus mycelia. Furthermore, we developed alginate-encapsulated A. odoratus mycelial beads to extend inoculum viability and applicability. The study was conducted at two degraded DDF sites: Ban Kor Thung and Ban Mae …


Machine Learning To Predict Outcome Of Inulin Supplementation In Children And Adolescent Obesity From Gut Microbiome Profile And Clinical Factors, Vitavat Aksornkitti Jan 2024

Machine Learning To Predict Outcome Of Inulin Supplementation In Children And Adolescent Obesity From Gut Microbiome Profile And Clinical Factors, Vitavat Aksornkitti

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Obesity is a non-communicable disease that arises from multiple factors, including lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, and genetics. Despite the growing prevalence of obesity, traditional interventions such as increased physical activity and changes in diet and lifestyle often fail to achieve sustainable, long-term weight loss. Therefore, more effective strategies are needed to address this condition. Recent studies have highlighted the role of gut microbiota in obesity, illustrating that the obesogenic effects are transferable via fecal microbiota transplantation. However, research in this area has been limited, particularly among children in developing countries such as Thailand. Early studies have shown that variations in …


ความสัมพันธ์ของผลผลิตการประมงจับในอ่าวไทยกับความแปรปรวนของสภาพภูมิอากาศ, วิธวินท์ พลลาภานันท์ Jan 2024

ความสัมพันธ์ของผลผลิตการประมงจับในอ่าวไทยกับความแปรปรวนของสภาพภูมิอากาศ, วิธวินท์ พลลาภานันท์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การบริหารจัดการทรัพยากรประมงในประเทศไทยยังคงเผชิญกับความท้าทาย แม้จะมีมาตรการกำกับดูแลที่เข้มงวด ทว่าผลผลิตทางการประมงยังคงแสดงความแปรปรวนสูงในแต่ละปี ซึ่งสะท้อนถึงอิทธิพลของปัจจัยแวดล้อมที่ซับซ้อนเหนือกว่าการควบคุมโดยมนุษย์ ปรากฏการณ์สมุทรศาสตร์ขนาดใหญ่ เช่น Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), เอลนีโญ และลานีญา มีบทบาทสำคัญในการกำหนดโครงสร้างของระบบนิเวศทางทะเล อย่างไรก็ตาม นอกจากปัจจัยทางธรรมชาติแล้ว กิจกรรมของมนุษย์ถือเป็นองค์ประกอบที่อาจส่งผลกระทบต่อประชากรสัตว์น้ำในระยะยาว เช่นกัน งานวิจัยนี้มุ่งเน้นการวิเคราะห์ความแปรปรวนของผลผลิตประมงโดยใช้ ค่าปริมาณการจับสัตว์น้ำต่อหน่วยการลงแรงประมง (CPUE) และปริมาณการจับขึ้นท่า (Landing Catch) ในการศึกษาความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างปรากฎการณ์การเปลี่ยนแปลงทางภูมิอากาศและความชุกชุมของประชากรปลา โดยใช้ Non-Metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling (NMDS) ผลการศึกษาพบว่า PDO มีความสัมพันธ์เชิงสถิติที่มีนัยสำคัญ (P = 0.004) กับปริมาณการจับปลาผิวน้ำในอ่าวไทยตอนบน นอกจากนี้ การวิเคราะห์ความสัมพันธ์เชิงสหสัมพันธ์ระหว่างดัชนี Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) และผลผลิตปลาทูเผยให้เห็นแนวโน้มเชิงลบที่มีนัยสำคัญ ขณะที่ค่าเฉลี่ยและค่ามัธยฐานของ Demersal CPUE ในอ่าวไทยตอนบนมีแนวโน้มเพิ่มขึ้นในช่วงของวงจร PDO ที่มีอุณหภูมิต่ำและในช่วงลานีญา (P < 0.001) ข้อค้นพบเหล่านี้ตอกย้ำถึงความสำคัญของปัจจัยสิ่งแวดล้อมที่ส่งผลต่อผลผลิตประมง และชี้ถึงความจำเป็นในการบูรณาการข้อมูลสมุทรศาสตร์และภูมิอากาศในการวางแผนบริหารจัดการ เพื่อประเมินแนวโน้มผลผลิตได้แม่นยำและกำหนดนโยบายที่ยืดหยุ่นต่อการเปลี่ยนแปลงของสิ่งแวดล้อมทะเล โดยงานวิจัยนี้ช่วยเพิ่มองค์ความรู้เกี่ยวกับผลกระทบของการเปลี่ยนแปลงภูมิอากาศต่อการประมงในประเทศไทย สนับสนุนการวางแผนใช้ประโยชน์ทรัพยากรอย่างยั่งยืนและการออกแบบมาตรการปรับตัวในระยะยาว


Antioxidant And Anticancer Activity Prediction Of Diphenylamine Derivatives Using Qsar-Ml And Qm Approaches, Ayokanmi Joseph Aremu Jan 2024

Antioxidant And Anticancer Activity Prediction Of Diphenylamine Derivatives Using Qsar-Ml And Qm Approaches, Ayokanmi Joseph Aremu

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Diphenylamine (DPA) derivatives are multifunctional compounds with potential applications as antioxidants in polymer materials and as antitumor agents targeting microtubule dynamics. This study employed an integrated computational approach combining machine learning-based Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling, quantum chemical calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to guide the rational design and activity prediction of novel DPA derivatives. Molecular descriptors were generated and selected using advanced feature selection techniques, including permutation importance and Genetic Function Approximation (GFA). Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) models demonstrated excellent predictive performance for both antioxidant activity (R² = 0.983, RMSE = 0.642) and cytotoxicity against HT29 …


Designing Sars-Cov-2 Main Protease Inhibitors Using Machine Learning In Computer-Aided Drug Design, Borwornlak Toopradab Jan 2024

Designing Sars-Cov-2 Main Protease Inhibitors Using Machine Learning In Computer-Aided Drug Design, Borwornlak Toopradab

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

In response to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many research groups have addressed the urgent need to develop effective interventions against the virus by focusing on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). The Mpro is a conserved viral enzyme essential for antiviral drug development. This study employed an integrated computational strategy combining ligand-binding pathway exploration and machine learning-based QSAR modeling to design potent SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors based on organoselenium (ebselen) and thioester scaffolds. Parallel Cascade Selection Molecular Dynamics-based Ligand Binding-Path Sampling (LB-PaCS-MD) simulations were utilized to elucidate plausible ligand binding pathways and conformations within the Mpro catalytic site. Ebselen …


Akt Targeting Of Resveratrol Derivatives In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Bhurichaya Innets Jan 2024

Akt Targeting Of Resveratrol Derivatives In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Bhurichaya Innets

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The Akt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the survival and proliferation of cancer cells and has emerged as an attractive target for anticancer drug development. This study aimed to modify and enhance the efficacy of resveratrol in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Five resveratrol derivatives (RD) were evaluated for their anticancer activity and their ability to target the Akt/mTOR pathway in NSCLC cell lines, specifically A549 and H23. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that two derivatives, RD2 and RD3, had very similar chemical structures but exhibited different levels of cytotoxicity. RD2 demonstrated significant anti-proliferative effects and induced apoptosis …


Investigation Of Soil Fungal Communities In Agricultural Areas From Northeast Thailand, Chayaporn Lakmuang Jan 2024

Investigation Of Soil Fungal Communities In Agricultural Areas From Northeast Thailand, Chayaporn Lakmuang

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Soil fungal communities are important for ecosystem processes and plant health, but their composition in agricultural areas is poorly understood, especially in Thailand nowadays. Furthermore, according to the WHO fungus Pathogen Priority List (WHO FPPL), several fungus species pose significant harm to human health, with some demonstrating high death rates. The aims of this study are to assess the diversity of soil fungi in northeast Thailand and identify potential pathogen reservoirs in response to environmental factors. Samples were collected from rice, cassava, rubber tree, and sugarcane fields across 18 provinces with 8 zones of geological features. We used next-generation sequencing …


Determination Of Nutrients Digestibility In Commercial Dry Dog Food Containing Various Protein Sources, Phuong Anh Ta Jan 2024

Determination Of Nutrients Digestibility In Commercial Dry Dog Food Containing Various Protein Sources, Phuong Anh Ta

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy and digestibility of commercial dry dog foods formulated with different protein sources (animal versus plant) and market tiers (premium versus economy). Eight commercial dog foods were analyzed for nutrient composition and amino acid profiles using proximate analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Of these, four representative products were selected to assess digestibility through in vivo total fecal collection in Beagle dogs and in vitro digestion assays. All products exceeded 18% crude protein (the minimum crude protein requirement by AAFCO). However, deficiencies were examined in essential amino acids, particularly leucine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine, tryptophan, valine …


Should Crop Sequences In Western Australia Include More Lupins?, Christophe D'Abbadie, Sud Kharel, Ross Kingwell, Amir Abadi Ghadim Jan 2024

Should Crop Sequences In Western Australia Include More Lupins?, Christophe D'Abbadie, Sud Kharel, Ross Kingwell, Amir Abadi Ghadim

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an increasing priority for Australian grain producers. Could substituting lupins for canola, as a rotational break crop, enable farmers to reduce their emissions by less use of nitrogenous fertilisers?

Aim

This study aims to identify if replacing canola with lupins in rotations at a range of locations in Western Australia’s grainbelt is environmentally and economically attractive.

Methods.

Bio-economic simulation modelling is used to examine the gross margins and emissions associated with replacement of canola by lupins at 14 locations in the grainbelt of Western Australia in variousland use sequences.

Key results

Replacing canola with lupins …


Study On The Chemical Composition And Antioxidant Activities Of Essential Oil Extracted From Horwoodia Dicksoniae Growing In The Uae, Salama Sari Al Mansoori Jan 2024

Study On The Chemical Composition And Antioxidant Activities Of Essential Oil Extracted From Horwoodia Dicksoniae Growing In The Uae, Salama Sari Al Mansoori

Theses

Plant-derived substances including essential oils, secondary metabolites and other chemical substances are gaining attention due to their broad spectrum use in different fields. Native medicinal plants can play a key role in the healthcare field in any country. Horwoodia dicksoniae is a native endangered plant in UAE. The current study is about the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of H. dicksoniae’s essential oil as well as the evaluation of growth of this native endangered plant under different environmental conditions. For this purpose, the first step included confirmation of the viability of seeds obtained from a seed bank following the …


Invasive Wild Pig (Sus Scrofa) Diets On Barrier Islands In The Southeastern United States, Vienna R. Canright, Antoinette J. Piaggio, James C. Beasley Jan 2024

Invasive Wild Pig (Sus Scrofa) Diets On Barrier Islands In The Southeastern United States, Vienna R. Canright, Antoinette J. Piaggio, James C. Beasley

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Background

Biological invasions are a leading cause of reductions in global biodiversity. Islands are particularly sensitive to invasions, which often result in cascading impacts throughout island communities. Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are globally invasive and pose threats to numerous taxa and ecosystems, particularly for islands where they have contributed to declines of many endemic species. However, the impacts of wild pig diet on the flora and fauna remain understudied in many island systems.

Results

We used DNA metabarcoding of wild pig fecal samples to quantify the seasonal diet composition of wild pigs on three barrier islands in the …


Characterizing Feral Swine Movement Across The Contiguous United States Using Neural Networks And Genetic Data, Rachael M. Giglio, Courtney F. Bowden, Ryan K. Brook, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Timothy J. Smyser Jan 2024

Characterizing Feral Swine Movement Across The Contiguous United States Using Neural Networks And Genetic Data, Rachael M. Giglio, Courtney F. Bowden, Ryan K. Brook, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Timothy J. Smyser

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Globalization has led to the frequent movement of species out of their native habitat. Some of these species become highly invasive and capable of profoundly altering invaded ecosystems. Feral swine (Sus scrofa × domesticus) are recognized as being among the most destructive invasive species, with populations established on all continents except Antarctica. Within the United States (US), feral swine are responsible for extensive crop damage, the destruction of native ecosystems, and the spread of disease. Purposeful human-mediated movement of feral swine has contributed to their rapid range expansion over the past 30 years. Patterns of deliberate introduction of …


Discovery Of A Novel Invasive Rodent Species On Wake Atoll With A Desert Southwest Usa Origin, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Eric Lanners, Daniel R. Taylor, Aaron B. Shiels, Marjorie Matocq, John Eisemann Jan 2024

Discovery Of A Novel Invasive Rodent Species On Wake Atoll With A Desert Southwest Usa Origin, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Eric Lanners, Daniel R. Taylor, Aaron B. Shiels, Marjorie Matocq, John Eisemann

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Invasive species, particularly omnivorous rodents, have damaged island ecosystems around the world. The unique flora and fauna of island systems have typically not evolved with omnivorous rodents and are heavily impacted by their introduction. Wake Atoll of the southern Pacific Ocean is a 707-hectare coral island complex of three islands managed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD). DoD restricts civilian access to the atoll but aircraft and seacraft regularly visit the island to transport military equipment and to sustain the year-round military and contractor personnel stationed on the atoll. Wake Atoll had been invaded by Rattus rattus complex …


Unsung Heroes In Conservation: Evaluating The Limitations Faced By New England Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers And Proposing Solutions For Their Support And Recognition, Shaylee M. Sarmiento Jan 2024

Unsung Heroes In Conservation: Evaluating The Limitations Faced By New England Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers And Proposing Solutions For Their Support And Recognition, Shaylee M. Sarmiento

Honors Theses and Capstones

Wildlife rehabilitation is an often-unacknowledged practice within the overarching field of wildlife protection and conservation. This practice involves the treatment and hopeful release of wild animals affected by various ailments. With the continued expansion of and interest in the field, it could be assumed that wildlife rehabilitation is supported and funded by government bodies, but this is not the case. Because of the lack of funding and resources, many wildlife rehabilitation centers cannot achieve their full rehabilitative potential and expand their reach in the conservation world. Additionally, an absence of support leads critics to question the ethical standards of wildlife …


Comparing Calcium, Vitamin D, And Calorie Intakes Among Unh Army Rotc Cadets With Low And Normal Bone Mineral Status, Ava Gaudette Jan 2024

Comparing Calcium, Vitamin D, And Calorie Intakes Among Unh Army Rotc Cadets With Low And Normal Bone Mineral Status, Ava Gaudette

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.


Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse Jan 2024

Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high operating costs of the New England alpaca industry were putting the majority of alpaca farmers in this region in a state of financial loss. On a separate note, American communities were experiencing a prevalence of anxiety and depression. What if a single solution could help improve the outcome of both these challenges that seem to have little to do with each other? Alpaca Animal Assisted Activities (alpaca AAAs) was a possible solution. This study explored New England alpaca farm profitability and alpaca AAAs in a way no other research study has done before. A Farmer Survey was mailed …


Equine Rescue Success In The United States: A Statistical Analysis, Carly J. Cave Jan 2024

Equine Rescue Success In The United States: A Statistical Analysis, Carly J. Cave

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high inflation that has characterized the post-pandemic period in the United States has increased the costs of horse ownership for private owners and equine rescue organizations, which are facing critical pressures. Over 200,000 equines are at risk for neglect or slaughter in the United States each year, which far exceeds the capacity to house these equines at rescue organizations. While demand on these organizations is high, their ability to afford appropriate resources for their care is insufficient. This study examined geographical and economic factors that impact equine rescues’ success in taking in at-risk equines and adopting them to forever …


Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse Jan 2024

Alpaca Assisted Activities In The New England Alpaca Industry: A Possible Solution To Farm Profitability And Participant Mental Health, Ashley Michele Masse

Honors Theses and Capstones

The high operating costs of the New England alpaca industry were putting the majority of alpaca farmers in this region in a state of financial loss. On a separate note, American communities were experiencing a prevalence of anxiety and depression. What if a single solution could help improve the outcome of both these challenges that seem to have little to do with each other? Alpaca Animal Assisted Activities (alpaca AAAs) was a possible solution. This study explored New England alpaca farm profitability and alpaca AAAs in a way no other research study has done before. A Farmer Survey was mailed …


Do Duckweeds Adapt To Water And Microbes?, Ava M. Rose Jan 2024

Do Duckweeds Adapt To Water And Microbes?, Ava M. Rose

Honors Theses and Capstones

Organisms in their home environment sometimes outperform transplanted individuals native to other areas, in a phenomenon termed local adaptation. While local adaptation is traditionally considered to be driven by the abiotic factors of an environment, scientists have recently increased consideration of biotic factors. Specifically, of interest to many is host-associated microbiomes, which can alter host trait expression. As the desire to commercialize microbiome treatments for agriculture and medicine grows, it is important to analyze the potential value of local microbiomes, which may be adapted to their hosts, or to which local hosts may have adapted. Using Lemna minor (duckweed) as …


The Continuation Of Thoroughbred Racing: A Dual Mission, Isabella V. Williams Jan 2024

The Continuation Of Thoroughbred Racing: A Dual Mission, Isabella V. Williams

Honors Theses and Capstones

Thoroughbred racing is the highest-profile segment of the equine industry in the United States and around the world, accounting for 50% of industry jobs and 25% of industry revenue. Public interest in the sport is rising thanks to social media and celebrity involvement at marquee events like the Kentucky Derby, leading to increased scrutiny of the sport, posing a high risk to human and equine participants alike. Public outcry at equine injuries in particular threatens the sport’s social license to operate (SLO), making it critical to protect the “whole-life welfare” of the animals involved in the sport to ensure its …


Effects Of 0, 8, Or 16g/D Of Nicotinic Acid To Prepartum Jersey Cows: Effects On Glucose Concentration In Their Calves, Kaitlyn M. Zarrella Jan 2024

Effects Of 0, 8, Or 16g/D Of Nicotinic Acid To Prepartum Jersey Cows: Effects On Glucose Concentration In Their Calves, Kaitlyn M. Zarrella

Honors Theses and Capstones

The primary objective of this research project is to further investigate the optimization of colostrum production in multiparous Jersey cows, focusing on the influence of diet and seasonal factors. Previous findings by Dr. Stahl in 2023 at the University of New Hampshire Burley-Demeritt Organic Dairy Research Farm indicated that an intake of 23 g/d of nicotinic acid (Niacin; NA) might have been excessive for prepartum Jersey cows, potentially affecting colostrum yield and quality. While an enhancement in intestinal development was noted in calves receiving colostrum from cows supplemented with nicotinic acid, the dosage may have been too high to positively …


An Updated Outline For Clearing And Staining Of Preserved Specimens, Sadie E. Smith Jan 2024

An Updated Outline For Clearing And Staining Of Preserved Specimens, Sadie E. Smith

Honors Theses and Capstones

This protocol outlines a enhanced clearing and staining procedure for persevered specimens, focusing on the visualization of cartilage and bone in small taxa. With origins from O. Shultze's diaphonization methodology in 1897, the process of clearing and staining improves the clarity and contrast of intricate tissues. It is essential for studies in developmental biology, histology and anatomy. This protocol covers the key steps of the process while detailing the materials, solutions and estimated timeline for each step pertaining to specific taxa. The aim of the protocol is to standardize and provide guidance for procedures in the Biological Sciences department at …