Effects Of Varying Biochar Concentrations On The Growth Of Lactuca Sativa (Newham Bibb Lettuce),
2027
The University of Akron
Effects Of Varying Biochar Concentrations On The Growth Of Lactuca Sativa (Newham Bibb Lettuce), Lauren Holler
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
The objective of this research experiment was to investigate the effectiveness of using biochar in potting soil in terms of plant growth and soil quality. This experiment was carried out using varying amounts (0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) of biochar in the soil to see its effect on seed germination, plant growth, and soil quality such as pH, water retention, and soil temperature. The aim of the experiment was to identify whether biochar can be used in soil to promote healthier and stronger plants. There were four treatments which included 0% (Control), 5% (Treatment 1), 10% (Treatment 2), and 20% …
Nourishing Births: A Program Evaluation Proposal For Community-Based Nutrition Education, Food Access, And Garden Engagement Among Black Birthing People,
2026
University of San Francisco
Nourishing Births: A Program Evaluation Proposal For Community-Based Nutrition Education, Food Access, And Garden Engagement Among Black Birthing People, Naa Deedei-Vera Hammond
Master's Projects and Capstones
Black birthing people in the United States continue to experience unequal maternal health outcomes, shaped in part by racism and barriers to nutritious food, culturally relevant health education, and supportive community spaces. While prenatal nutrition education and food assistance programs can provide important resources, information alone cannot address the challenges many people face when trying to access healthy and affordable food during pregnancy. The Nourishing Births Initiative is a proposed community-based maternal health program designed to respond to these needs by bringing together prenatal nutrition education, help connecting to food resources, community gardening, and peer support for Black birthing people …
Autonomous Smart Vertical Farming: A Systems-Level Synthesis Of Iot And Solar Energy Integration For Sustainable Agriculture,
2026
Edith Cowan University
Autonomous Smart Vertical Farming: A Systems-Level Synthesis Of Iot And Solar Energy Integration For Sustainable Agriculture, Mahmuda Khatun Mishu, Md Rokonuzzaman, Boon Kar Yap, Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya, Md Arif Hossain, Asif Islam, Kazi Sajedur Rahman, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam
Research outputs 2022 to 2026
Rapid urbanization, land degradation, and climate variability are increasingly constraining food production, especially in densely populated urban regions. Vertical farming (VF), which grows crops in stacked layers under controlled conditions, is gaining recognition as a potential solution for sustainable urban agriculture. However, high energy requirements and questions surrounding long-term resource efficiency continue to challenge its scalability and environmental viability. This review explores the potential of smart vertical farming (SVF) systems, enhanced by the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensor networks (WSNs), and hybrid green energy-harvesting systems such as photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) technologies. This research analyzes how real-time data-driven …
Growing South Dakota (Fall 2026),
2026
South Dakota State University
Growing South Dakota (Fall 2026), College Of Agriculture, Food And, Environmental Sciences
Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)
[Page] 2 Support from donors helping set SDSU dairy graduates above the rest
[Page] 4 A decade of impact: Celebrating 10 years of cow-calf, swine education and research facilitates
[Page] 8 98-year-old donor keeps decades-long scholarship going in honor of late husband
[Page] 11 Looking back at Michele Dudash's tenure in academia
[Page] 12Giving students opportunities, experience to build their futures
[Page] 16 A Jackrabbit's journey in growing agricultural leadership
[Page] 18 Building South Dakota's next generation of rural veterinarians
[Page] 19 Conservation: A family affair
[Page] 20 South Dakota Water Resources Institute finds solutions to South Dakota's water challenges …
Utah Agricultural Producer Barriers To Adopting Organic Production Methods,
2026
Utah State University
Utah Agricultural Producer Barriers To Adopting Organic Production Methods, Salma Shrity, Kynda R. Curtis, Michele Schahczenski
All Current Publications
This fact sheet discusses the study results from Utah State University researchers that identified the primary barriers Utah producers perceive in adopting organic production methods. The study findings will help guide the development of educational programs, technical assistance, and outreach efforts by the Utah Transition to Organic Production Program (TOPP), Extension, and partner organizations to address producer needs and support the successful adoption of organic production systems in Utah.
The Impact Of Producer Attitudes And Concerns On Organic Adoption Decisions,
2026
Utah State University
The Impact Of Producer Attitudes And Concerns On Organic Adoption Decisions, Salma Shrity, Kynda R. Curtis
All Current Publications
Researchers analyzed survey data to identify producer and operation characteristics, attitudes, and concerns that may influence decisions to adopt organic production methods. This fact sheet presents findings related to producer perceptions of organic production, market opportunities, and certification requirements, including factors that may encourage or discourage adoption of organic practices. The results provide insights to guide Extension educators, agricultural service providers, and organizations in developing targeted educational programs, technical assistance, and resources to support producers interested in organic agriculture.
The Role Of Producer And Operation Characteristics In Organic Production Adoption Decisions,
2026
Utah State University
The Role Of Producer And Operation Characteristics In Organic Production Adoption Decisions, Salma Shrity, Kynda R. Curtis
All Current Publications
Survey data were used to examine producer and farm or operation characteristics, as well as producer attitudes and concerns related to producing and selling organic products that may affect decisions to use organic production methods. This fact sheet discusses the study results related to the producer and operation characteristics that may or may not impact the adoption of organic production methods. The study findings provide valuable information for designing targeted Extension programming, educational resources, and technical assistance that address the needs of different producer groups. By understanding which producer and operation characteristics are associated with organic adoption, organizations can better …
The Organic Production Interests Of Utah's Agricultural Producers,
2026
Utah State University
The Organic Production Interests Of Utah's Agricultural Producers, Kynda R. Curtis, Salma Shrity, Michele Schahczenski
All Current Publications
This fact sheet provides an overview of survey respondents’ demographic characteristics and farming operation details, including acreage under production, annual gross sales, primary agricultural products, and marketing channels used. It also describes respondents’ organic production experiences, including years certified, certified acreage, and the primary motivations behind adopting organic production methods. The findings presented provide valuable insights into the characteristics, experiences, and needs of Utah producers related to organic agriculture. Extension educators, agricultural service providers, policymakers, and industry organizations can use this information to develop targeted educational programs, technical resources, and support services that address producer challenges, strengthen organic production capacity, …
The Organic Educational And Resource Needs Of Utah's Agricultural Producers,
2026
Utah State University
The Organic Educational And Resource Needs Of Utah's Agricultural Producers, Kynda R. Curtis, Salma Shrity, Michele Schahczenski
All Current Publications
The findings presented in this fact sheet identify producer priorities for educational content, resources, and support services. This information can guide the development of targeted educational and outreach programs, technical resources, and tools that address producer challenges and support informed decision-making about organic production opportunities in Utah.
Toxic Plants In Zimbabwe: The Lantana Camara Species,
2026
University of Zimbabwe
Toxic Plants In Zimbabwe: The Lantana Camara Species, Frank Kapungu, Cecilia Masvingwe
Poisonous Plant Research (PPR)
Lantana camara is a major invasive plant species in Zimbabwe. Its toxic effects pose a threat to livestock production, biodiversity, and development. A survey was carried out throughout the country to investigate the distribution of L. camara in Zimbabwe and assess the extent of its spread. Identification was done by toxicologists with the support of an experienced botanist from the National Herbarium of Zimbabwe. The location of the plants was identified using a portable Garmin eTrex® 10 Handheld GPS navigation device., and the coordinates were recorded. Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was used to plot the map. L. camara was …
Temporary Cattle Identification: Benefits Of Marking With Hair Bleach,
2026
Utah State University
Temporary Cattle Identification: Benefits Of Marking With Hair Bleach, Melanie Heaton, Reganne K. Briggs, Rebekah Iverson, Brooke Holgate, David Secrist
All Current Publications
Temporary identification is an important management tool for beef producers. Animals are routinely marked following breeding, pregnancy diagnosis, vaccination, treatment, sorting, shipping, and marketing so they can be quickly identified without repeated handling. Effective temporary identification improves labor efficiency, reduces animal stress, and helps ensure management decisions are applied to the correct animals. This fact sheet provides information on temporary cattle marking using hair bleach.
Aesthetic Restraint And Blank Space : Design Translation Of Yuezhou Kiln Patterns In Yellow Tea Packaging,
2026
Hunan Institute of Science and Technology , Yueyang , Hunan 414000 , China
Aesthetic Restraint And Blank Space : Design Translation Of Yuezhou Kiln Patterns In Yellow Tea Packaging, Zhou Wenyu, Wan Changlin
Food and Machinery
To explore a new path for traditional ceramic culture to empower local food packaging, this paper takes Yueyang yellow tea as the target carrier and investigates the application strategy of Yuezhou Kiln patterns in modern packaging design. The article analyzes the aesthetic characteristics of aesthetic restraint and blank space in the decorative crafts of Yuezhou Kiln, along with their deep compatibility with contemporary minimalist design philosophy, and proposes design principles such as cultural continuity, functional priority, and freehand-style translation. By deconstructing and reorganizing kiln patterns and reconfiguring colors and materials, this study constructs a packaging visual system with regional distinctiveness, …
Rapid Determination Of 81 Illegal Weight Loss Additives In Tablet Candy By Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry,
2026
Key Laboratory of Condiment Supervision Technology , State Administration for Market Regulation , Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Control , Chongqing 401121 , China
Rapid Determination Of 81 Illegal Weight Loss Additives In Tablet Candy By Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Li Hongli, Su Min, Wu Yanlei, Zhang Mian, Wang Yuqi, Zhou Chunjie, Tao Juan
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To establish a rapid detection method for 81 illegal weight loss additives in tablet candy using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). [Methods] Samples were ultrasonically extracted with 80% methanol-water (containing 0.1% formic acid), separated on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column, and eluted with a gradient of methanol and 0.1% formic acid water solution. Detection was performed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with simultaneous scanning in positive and negative electrospray ionization modes, and quantification was carried out using the external standard method. [Results] The 81 target analytes showed good linear relationships within their respective mass concentration ranges, …
Simultaneous Determination Of Eight Sweeteners In Glycyrrhizin By Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Tandem Mass Spectrometry,
2026
Technology Center , China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co ., Ltd., Kunming , Yunnan 650106 , China
Simultaneous Determination Of Eight Sweeteners In Glycyrrhizin By Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Tandem Mass Spectrometry, He Liang, Zhu Lingchao, Hu Ruilin, Zhang Tao, Song Chunman
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To establish a method based on ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for rapid determination of eight sweeteners in glycyrrhizin. [Methods] The sample is ultrasonically extracted with 20 mL pure water for 30 min, passed through a 0.22 μm microporous filter membrane, separated through the Waters HSS T3 column, subjected to gradient elution with 0.2% (V/V) ammonia solution-methanol, and detected under the negative mode of electrospray ionization. [Results] The eight sweeteners showed a good linear relationship between peak area and concentration within the range of 0.1–20.0 μg/mL, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. The limits of quantification are within …
Effects Of Different Pretreatment Methods On Moisture Variation And Pore Structure Of Apple Slices During Microwave Freeze-Drying,
2026
College of Food and Drugs , Luoyang Polytechnic , Luoyang , Henan 471000 , China
Effects Of Different Pretreatment Methods On Moisture Variation And Pore Structure Of Apple Slices During Microwave Freeze-Drying, Qu Zhanping, Zhang Xiaoyan, Zhang Jinglin, Gu Yujuan
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To investigate the effects of pretreatment methods on moisture variation and pore structure of apple slices during microwave freeze-drying. [Methods] Apple slices pretreated with four methods (ultrasound, blanching, freeze-thawing, and osmotic dehydration) are subjected to microwave freeze-drying. The effects of different pretreatments on drying characteristics, moisture migration, and microscopic pore structure of the samples are comparatively analyzed. [Results] All four pretreatment methods increase the effective moisture diffusion coefficient and reduce drying time by 11.1% to 44.4%, with osmotic dehydration requiring the shortest drying time. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicates that the pretreatments accelerate free water removal, consequently …
Preparation Of Agaricus Bisporus Chitosan Nanoliposomes And Their In Vitro Hypoglycemic Effects,
2026
School of Food Science and Engineering , South China University of Technology , Guangzhou , Guangdong 510640 , China
Preparation Of Agaricus Bisporus Chitosan Nanoliposomes And Their In Vitro Hypoglycemic Effects, Chen Yanzhi, Zhang Jiawen, Zhang Molan, You Lijun
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To address the limited oral utilization of metformin hydrochloride (MET) and the insufficient delivery efficiency of conventional liposomes, MET-loaded nanoliposomes modified with Agaricus bisporus chitosan (ACS) (ACS-modified liposomes, A-M-L) were developed, and their physicochemical properties, storage stability, cytocompatibility, and effects on glucose consumption by HepG2 cells were evaluated. [Methods] ACS was used as a substitute for crustacean chitosan to prepare MET-loaded nanoliposomes using the thin-film dispersion-ultrasonication method. The structural characteristics and microscopic morphology were observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, storage stability, cytotoxicity, …
Correlation Between Thermal Characteristics And Fat Concomitants And Flavor Quality In The Refining Process Of Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil,
2026
Department of Food Science and Biotechnology , Tianjin Agriculture University , Tianjin 300384 , China
Correlation Between Thermal Characteristics And Fat Concomitants And Flavor Quality In The Refining Process Of Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Liu Zhaofan, Liu Jiabao, Li Hang, Huang Zonghai, He Xinyi, Li Yun
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To investigate the correlation between thermal characteristics, fat concomitants, and flavor quality during the refining process of Camellia oleifera seed oil, and to provide a theoretical basis for precise regulation of the refining process. [Methods] Oil samples were collected during the refining process (crude oil, alkali refining, decolorization, deodorization, and winterization). The dynamic changes in physicochemical indexes, thermal characteristics, fat concomitants, fatty acid composition, and volatile flavor substances were systematically determined, and their correlations were analyzed. [Results] The refining process reduced the acid value of C. oleifera seed oil from 1.79 mg/g to 0.26 mg/g and the peroxide value …
Extrusion Pretreatment Improves The Protein Digestibility Of Black Soybean Meal And Its Effects On The Final Quality And Antioxidant Activity Of Soy Sauce,
2026
Changzhi Vocational and Technical College , Changzhi , Shanxi 046000 , China
Extrusion Pretreatment Improves The Protein Digestibility Of Black Soybean Meal And Its Effects On The Final Quality And Antioxidant Activity Of Soy Sauce, Cheng Xiaoyuan, Ma Chengye, Li Hongjun
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of extrusion pretreatment on the protein digestibility of black soybean meal and systematically evaluate its effects on soy sauce quality and antioxidant activity. [Methods] A mixture of black soybean meal and flour was pretreated using extrusion technology for soy sauce brewing. Extrusion temperature, screw speed, flour addition, and moisture content were selected as the main process parameters to investigate their effects on protein digestibility. Under the optimal extrusion conditions, the raw materials were prepared and further subjected to simulated low-salt solid-state soy sauce fermentation. Amino nitrogen, total nitrogen, reducing sugar, pH, total acid, ammonium …
Structural Optimization And Material Separation Characteristics Of An Updraft Rice Mill Based On Cfd-Dem,
2026
School of Mechanical Engineering , Wuhan Polytechnic University , Wuhan , Hubei 430023 , China
Structural Optimization And Material Separation Characteristics Of An Updraft Rice Mill Based On Cfd-Dem, Li Yuan, Zhou Long, Fan Jijun, Yu Nanhui, Yang Yong
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To enhance the separation efficiency of rice bran and broken rice in an updraft rice mill by optimizing the air duct structure and operating parameters. [Methods] A combined approach of CFD-DEM coupled numerical simulation and experimental verification was adopted to investigate the material separation characteristics of the updraft rice mill under different structural and operating parameters. Key parameters, including air duct width, air velocity, baffle width, and baffle spacing, were optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. [Results] The addition of baffles at the lower suction inlet improved the pressure and flow velocity distributions within the air duct …
Origin Identification Of Pineapples Based On Mineral Element Fingerprint Analysis Technology,
2026
Zhongshan Institute for Food and Drug Control , Zhongshan , Guangdong 528402 , China
Origin Identification Of Pineapples Based On Mineral Element Fingerprint Analysis Technology, Ke Jiancan, Chen Liyi, Dong Hai, Zheng Hongtao, Chen Yabo
Food and Machinery
[Objective] To analyze the differences in mineral element contents among different pineapple samples and explore the feasibility of applying a discriminant model based on elemental fingerprint analysis to the identification of Shenwan pineapple, a geographical indication product. [Methods] Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to determine the contents of 28 mineral elements in 5 different pineapple samples. Combined with principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and Fisher discriminant analysis, the classification characteristic elements were identified. Discriminant models for pineapples from different producing areas and different bases within the same producing area were established and evaluated. [Results] The …
