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Title: The role of affect in binge eating phenotypes : an examination of individual differences in emotion experience and interactions with ovarian hormones
Creator: Mikhail, Megan Elizabeth
Date: 2020
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Ovarian hormones significantly influence dysregulated eating in females. However, most women do not develop appreciable disordered eating, suggesting that ovarian hormones may not affect all women equally. In the first study of this thesis, I examined whether individual differences in trait negative affect (NA) moderate ovarian hormone-dysregulated eating associations in 446 women who provided saliva samples for hormone measurements and ratings of NA and emotional eating daily for 45...
Show moreOvarian hormones significantly influence dysregulated eating in females. However, most women do not develop appreciable disordered eating, suggesting that ovarian hormones may not affect all women equally. In the first study of this thesis, I examined whether individual differences in trait negative affect (NA) moderate ovarian hormone-dysregulated eating associations in 446 women who provided saliva samples for hormone measurements and ratings of NA and emotional eating daily for 45 consecutive days. Women were at greatest risk for emotional eating when they had high trait NA and experienced a hormonal milieu characterized by low estradiol or high progesterone. While effects were significant in all women, the combination of high trait NA and high progesterone was particularly risky for women with a history of clinically significant binge eating episodes. These findings provide initial evidence that affective and hormonal risk interact to promote dysregulated eating, and that effects may be amplified in women with clinically significant binge eating.Low emotion differentiation (the tendency to experience vague affective states rather than discrete emotions) is associated with psychopathology marked by emotion regulation deficits and impulsive/maladaptive behavior. However, research examining associations between emotion differentiation and dysregulated eating is still nascent. In the second study, I therefore examined associations between several measures of emotion differentiation and binge eating phenotypes across a spectrum of severity.
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Title: Barriers and facilitators to the utilization of the ACT SMART implementation toolkit in community agencies : a qualitative study
Creator: Sridhar, Aksheya
Date: 2020
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Evidence-based practices (EBPs) have been shown to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Wong et al., 2015). Research suggests that the utilization of these practices in community settings is varied (Paynter & Keen, 2015; Pickard, Meza, Drahota, & Brikho, 2018); however, the utilization of implementation guides may bridge the gap between research and practice (Drahota et al., 2017). The Autism Community Toolkit: Systems to Measure and Adopt Research-Based...
Show moreEvidence-based practices (EBPs) have been shown to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Wong et al., 2015). Research suggests that the utilization of these practices in community settings is varied (Paynter & Keen, 2015; Pickard, Meza, Drahota, & Brikho, 2018); however, the utilization of implementation guides may bridge the gap between research and practice (Drahota et al., 2017). The Autism Community Toolkit: Systems to Measure and Adopt Research-Based Treatments (ACT SMART Toolkit; Drahota, Meza, & Martinez, 2014) is a web-based implementation toolkit developed to guide ASD implementation teams through the phases of EBP implementation in community agencies. This study examined the barriers and facilitators (collectively termed "determinants") to the utilization of this toolkit, based on the perspectives of implementation teams at six ASD community agencies. Two independent coders utilized the adapted EPIS model (Drahota et al., 2017; Moulin et al., 2019) and the Technology Acceptance Model 3 (Venkatesh & Bala, 2008), to guide thematic analyses of participant interviews. Salient determinants were identified, and analyses highlighted two themes: (a) Inner Context Determinants to use of the toolkit (e.g., funding), and (b) Innovation Determinants (e.g., facilitation teams). Finally, determinants that differed across adapted EPIS phases of the toolkit were identified. Findings highlight areas of improvement for the ACT SMART Implementation Toolkit, as well as factors to facilitate the use of this implementation guide. Additionally, findings may inform the development, refinement, and utilization of implementation guides with the aim of increasing the uptake of evidence-based practices in community agencies providing services to children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Title: Willingness to pay for processed grains in Dakar, Senegal : an analysis using discrete choice experiments
Creator: Chase-Walsh, Sarah Victoria
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: This article studies consumer preference for processed traditional and non-traditional grains in Dakar, Senegal. While much attention has focused on substitution between traditional and nontraditional grains, less has shown how consumers make tradeoffs among processed products. Using an exit-interview method and two discrete choice experiments, I obtain marginal values of willingness to pay for processed grains. In this paper, I measure willingness to pay for domestically produced millet,...
Show moreThis article studies consumer preference for processed traditional and non-traditional grains in Dakar, Senegal. While much attention has focused on substitution between traditional and nontraditional grains, less has shown how consumers make tradeoffs among processed products. Using an exit-interview method and two discrete choice experiments, I obtain marginal values of willingness to pay for processed grains. In this paper, I measure willingness to pay for domestically produced millet, maize, rice, and sorghum. I also measure willingness to pay for a second stage processed millet product. The results of this study show that consumers are willing to pay a premium for domestically produced processed grains, both traditional and non-traditional, save sorghum. Consumers are only willing to pay a positive premium for imported rice. The results also suggest that consumers are willing to pay a premium for fresh and bulk second stage processed millet.
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Title: Terminal stage of a dying rift
Creator: LaVigne, Andrew
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: While most continental rifts progress toward rupture and eventual oceanic spreading, in certain circumstances, the rift may fail. Failed rifts provide a window into the transition from continental rifting to the formation of a passive margin, which in successful rifts is occluded by thick post rift sedimentary packages. Among the best-preserved failed rifts is the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift (MCR) in North America. Within the MCR, the final stage of magmatism is preserved on Michipicoten Island....
Show moreWhile most continental rifts progress toward rupture and eventual oceanic spreading, in certain circumstances, the rift may fail. Failed rifts provide a window into the transition from continental rifting to the formation of a passive margin, which in successful rifts is occluded by thick post rift sedimentary packages. Among the best-preserved failed rifts is the 1.1 Ga Midcontinent Rift (MCR) in North America. Within the MCR, the final stage of magmatism is preserved on Michipicoten Island. Here I present a geochemical and isotopic study of the Michipicoten Island Formation to probe conditions in the crust and mantle during the final stage. My results show that the volcanic units on Michipicoten Island have undergone magma mixing between rhyolitic and basaltic magma, dominating magmatic processes within the crust. During previous eruptive periods in the MCR, during which this observation has been made, the rhyolitic endmember has been interpreted to have experienced significant contribution from the Achaean crust based on profoundly unradiogenic Nd values. In contrast, the Michipicoten Island Formation exhibits some of the most radiogenic Ndi values in the MCR, indicating that the source of evolved melts in the MCR changes from melting of existing Archean crust to juvenile material. The isotopic data from Michipicoten Island also shows that the depleted mantle is the single largest contributor of any geochemical reservoir. In the absence of a strong thermal plume component, melting of the depleted mantle requires decompression. The Michipicoten Island Formation was erupted during the geophysically-defined post-rift phase. My results require plate thinning to have continued during this late stage, with the implication that plate deformation persisted even though the crustal structure may not have recorded this deformation.
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Title: Antimicrobial and biodegradable food packaging films with chitosan-based N-halamine structures to prevent contamination by drug susceptible and resistant strains of Salmonella typhimurium
Creator: Thekkudan Novi, Vinni
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Contamination of food samples with antibiotic resistant Salmonella Typhimurium has become a cause for concern due to difficulty in treating infections caused by this pathogen. In one approach, chitosan/PVA-based N-halamine (CPN) film was developed and tested for its efficacy in inactivating drug susceptible and ampicillin resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strains. The CPN film significantly (100%) inactivated the growth of both strains during the antimicrobial sandwich assay when tested for...
Show moreContamination of food samples with antibiotic resistant Salmonella Typhimurium has become a cause for concern due to difficulty in treating infections caused by this pathogen. In one approach, chitosan/PVA-based N-halamine (CPN) film was developed and tested for its efficacy in inactivating drug susceptible and ampicillin resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strains. The CPN film significantly (100%) inactivated the growth of both strains during the antimicrobial sandwich assay when tested for five days since film preparation, while the CH/PVA films showed around one log reduction (p<0.05). CPN films reduced the drug resistant strain's growth on cheddar cheese slices by 5-6 logs at 25°C and 3-4 logs at 4°C when packaged and stored over a period of five days unlike CH/PVA films that did not show significant reduction. The second approach involves the synthesis of a stronger chitosan N-halamine-based coating on plasma treated polycaprolactone film (CH-NX/PCL film). The FTIR peaks obtained for chitosan coated PCL film (CH/PCL) showed characteristic peaks of both PCL and chitosan, specifically at 1720 cm-1 and 3354 cm-1, respectively. The tensile strength of the PCL was higher, while the Young's modulus value was higher for CH/PCL. CH/PCL film showed better barrier against water and oxygen compared to PCL. The antimicrobial efficacy of the CH-NX/PCL film was 100% against both strains of Salmonella Typhimurium when compared to PCL and CH/PCL, indicating that this fabricated film has promising applications in food safety.
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Title: Optimizing revitalization planning and design guidelines for a shrinking city, Flint, MI
Creator: Yang, Shu (Graduate of Michigan State University)
Date: 2020
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Land vacancy is a persistent issue in most urban places in the United States, yet few case studies show how vacant lots are used in practice and the functions they serve in local communities. The purpose of this study is to optimize revitalization planning through an analysis of vacant land redevelopment alternatives and provide a design guideline for the Durant-Tuuri-Mott (DTM) Target Area in the shrinking city of Flint, MI. This study develops design modules in three development scenarios...
Show moreLand vacancy is a persistent issue in most urban places in the United States, yet few case studies show how vacant lots are used in practice and the functions they serve in local communities. The purpose of this study is to optimize revitalization planning through an analysis of vacant land redevelopment alternatives and provide a design guideline for the Durant-Tuuri-Mott (DTM) Target Area in the shrinking city of Flint, MI. This study develops design modules in three development scenarios based on their implementation level: 100%, 75%, and 50% development scenarios, which fit different budgets and considers the local context to adopt different design modules. To generate a comprehensive master plan with a balanced distribution of modules, the study also analyzes the surrounding cultural, natural, and built environments and conducts community participant process by collecting residents and stakeholders' opinions. By utilizing landscape performance metrics to quantify the environmental, social, and economic benefits, this study identifies an ideal optimized development scenario with a comprehensive master plan for the reuse and redevelopment of vacant lots across DTM neighborhoods and analyzes the benefits of each redevelopment scenario. Furthermore, this study provides a flexible design method for balancing objectives in vacant land redevelopment, which can be applied in other shrinking cities as well.
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Title: Colostrum supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may decrease oxidative stress but does not improve growth in calves
Creator: Opgenorth, Julie
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Our objective was to determine if supplementing colostrum with oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) would give calves a health and performance advantage in early life. Three experiments encompassed this objective. The first utilized 16 Holstein calves (n = 16; 8 bulls and 8 heifers). Control calves (CON) received no supplement in colostrum whereas calves with treatment (FFE) received 60 mL 1:1 ratio fish and flaxseed oil with 200 mg vitamin E in the first feeding of colostrum. FFE...
Show more"Our objective was to determine if supplementing colostrum with oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) would give calves a health and performance advantage in early life. Three experiments encompassed this objective. The first utilized 16 Holstein calves (n = 16; 8 bulls and 8 heifers). Control calves (CON) received no supplement in colostrum whereas calves with treatment (FFE) received 60 mL 1:1 ratio fish and flaxseed oil with 200 mg vitamin E in the first feeding of colostrum. FFE elevated plasma N-3 FA and decreased oxidant status index (OSi) during week one. 24 Holstein calves (n = 24; 12 bulls and 12 heifers) were studied in the second experiment with the main objective of analyzing the dose response of our colostrum supplement. Treatments included CON and fish and flaxseed oil in amounts of 30, 60, and 120 mL supplemented to colostrum (FF30, FF60, and FF120, respectively). FF treatments increased n-3 FA and some n-3 FA-derived oxylipids but failed to reduce OSi. The third experiment aimed to observe health and growth of supplemented calves (n = 180; all heifers) to determine if molecular changes observed in previous experiments could have biologically relevant effects on early life performance. The three treatments were CON, FF (60 mL 1:1 fish and flaxseed oil), and FFE (60 mL 1:1 fish and flaxseed oil with 200 mg vitamin E). We found that FF and FFE did not alter health or growth. In conclusion, though n-3 FA supplemented in colostrum was a viable strategy to enhance n-3 FA content in plasma during wk 1 of life and decrease indicators of oxidative stress, a one-time dose in colostrum did not improve calf health or growth in early life."--Page ii.
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Title: Application and viability of long day lighting on a large Michigan dairy farm milking three times each day
Creator: VanZweden, Benjamin
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "This study's goal was to add to the knowledge base regarding the energy use, controls, possible galactopoietic effects, and economic feasibility of long day lighting (LDL) on a large commercial dairy farm. The implemented system maintained a minimum illumination level of 160 lux (15 foot-candles) for 16 hours and 40 lux (4 fc) maximum for 8 hours on a large dairy farm in Michigan that milks approximately 1,100 cows. The system used dimmable 150-Watt high-bay luminaires, dimmable 60-Watt...
Show more"This study's goal was to add to the knowledge base regarding the energy use, controls, possible galactopoietic effects, and economic feasibility of long day lighting (LDL) on a large commercial dairy farm. The implemented system maintained a minimum illumination level of 160 lux (15 foot-candles) for 16 hours and 40 lux (4 fc) maximum for 8 hours on a large dairy farm in Michigan that milks approximately 1,100 cows. The system used dimmable 150-Watt high-bay luminaires, dimmable 60-Watt canopy luminaires, and a dynamic control system. The control system used daylight harvesting to save energy, dimming the LED luminaires when natural light was available in the barns. The LDL system used 67% less energy than a theoretical system with metal halide HID luminaires, and 52% less energy than an identical system with LED luminaires but no dynamic controls. Due to unforeseen challenges, there were only 3 months of original milk production data available that could be compared with post implementation data. Analysis of the 300 highest producing cows showed an estimated 10.5% increase in milk production over July-September 2019 compared to July-September 2018. Using the estimated 10.5% increase in production, the implemented system would have a payback period of less than one year. If the estimated increase is maintained for one year, the production increase would be equivalent to adding 32 more cows to the highest producing groups. The estimated 32 cows that were matched in this calculated production increase would have produced about 13,000 pounds of CH4 annually, which is equivalent to approximately 331,000 pounds of CO2e."--Page ii.
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Title: Blockchain inspired product authentication for supply chain security
Creator: Nitya Kriti, Fnu Nitya
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: In today's technologically advanced world, the prevalence of counterfeit products in the market is a major challenge. In every industry from pharmaceutical to the food industry, counterfeit products have a destructive impact on the health of the consumers as well as loss of jobs and lives of millions across the globe. This calls for a better system of product traceability to impede the introduction of counterfeit products in the market. This work proposes a method in which a blockchain...
Show moreIn today's technologically advanced world, the prevalence of counterfeit products in the market is a major challenge. In every industry from pharmaceutical to the food industry, counterfeit products have a destructive impact on the health of the consumers as well as loss of jobs and lives of millions across the globe. This calls for a better system of product traceability to impede the introduction of counterfeit products in the market. This work proposes a method in which a blockchain inspired system is implemented with the combination of the digital chain of information to the physical tag on the products. The physical tag has DNA of a known source to be privy to only select nodes and connected to the central database. The proposed method includes the use of magnetic stripe cards as product labels. This label is made to contain digital information, which is then coupled with the modified blockchain system. Pertaining to the high information density property of the magnetic stripe cards, partial DNA sequence information can be easily concatenated with the serial number of the product. This can also be re-programmed to track the route of the product along the supply chain. The main feature of the proposed method is the coupling of the re-programmability of the magnetic card labels with the physical DNA tag information contained on the label. The tag can be easily verified even after the product leaves the digital chain. Whilst, within the network coverage, the blockchain inspired tracking system can help track the route taken by the product. This mechanism of merging the physical information with the Internet of Things (IOT) shall address the situation of counterfeit products to an advanced degree of accuracy and reliability.
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Title: Blow fly (Diptera : Calliphoridae) community structure at a new northern latitude forensic research facility and during aquatic decomposition
Creator: Wydra, Breanna R.
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are necrophagous insects which are attracted to decomposing remains. The presence and life stage of their larvae are an important factors in the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) during death investigations. The purpose of this study was to survey the blow fly communities present under two separate circumstances: first, in the pre- and early-operation stages of a new outdoor forensic research facility in Northern Michigan (FROST); and second, in...
Show moreBlow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are necrophagous insects which are attracted to decomposing remains. The presence and life stage of their larvae are an important factors in the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) during death investigations. The purpose of this study was to survey the blow fly communities present under two separate circumstances: first, in the pre- and early-operation stages of a new outdoor forensic research facility in Northern Michigan (FROST); and second, in the context of large vertebrate (Sus scrofa) decomposition in a freshwater aquatic system in Mid-Michigan. Eight blow fly species were collected at the Forensic Research Outdoor Station (FROST) from May-September with Phormia regina, Lucilia illustris, and Cochliomyia macellaria composing a cumulative 94.2% of the total collections. Month was a significant factor in the mean relative abundance of these major species. Two blow fly species were collected over the course of approximately one month during aquatic vertebrate decomposition with Phormia regina composing 90.5% of the collections. Time was not a significant factor in the mean relative abundance of the species collected, but larval length changes over this period suggested multiple oviposition events. The findings in these two studies provide new and important information which can be utilized by forensic entomologists in future research as well as by forensic science professionals during death investigations and related casework.
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Title: The effect of growth-restriction on voluntary physical activity engagement in mice
Creator: Leszczynski, Eric
Date: 2019
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: INTRODUCTION. Current evidence suggests that early life growth restriction reduces physical activity engagement. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of early life growth-restriction on levels of wheel running in mice, and determine if known biological mechanisms regulate physical activity engagement. METHODS. Using a cross-fostering, protein-restricted nutritive model, mice were growth-restricted during either gestation (GUN; N = 3 litters) or postnatal...
Show moreINTRODUCTION. Current evidence suggests that early life growth restriction reduces physical activity engagement. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of early life growth-restriction on levels of wheel running in mice, and determine if known biological mechanisms regulate physical activity engagement. METHODS. Using a cross-fostering, protein-restricted nutritive model, mice were growth-restricted during either gestation (GUN; N = 3 litters) or postnatal life (PUN; N = 3 litters), along with a well fed control group (CON; N = 3 litters). At 21 days of age, all mice pups were weaned and fed a non-restrictive healthy diet for the remainder of the study. At 45 days of age mice were individually housed in cages with free moving running wheels to assess physical activity engagement. At day 70, mice were euthanized, and the nucleus accumbens was analyzed for dopamine receptor 1 expression. Skeletal muscle fiber type and cross-sectional area of the soleus, extensor digitorom longus, and diaphragm were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The soleus from the other hind leg was evaluated for calsequestrin 1 and annexin A6 expression. RESULTS. The PUN female mice had a reduction (P = 0.0221) in wheel revolutions per day as compared to the GUN and CON females. PUN female mice also expressed significantly higher Drd1(P = 0.0247) and Casq1 (P = 0.0398) compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION. Growth-restriction during lactation reduced physical activity in female mice by reducing the central drive to be active and displayed a more fatigable skeletal muscle phenotype.
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Title: Factors influencing pheromone release by male sea lamprey
Creator: Fissette, Skye
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, rely on chemical communication to synchronize reproduction. Male sea lamprey release a multicomponent sex pheromone comprised of bile acids that attracts females. 3keto-petromyzonol sulfate (3kPZS) is a main component of this pheromone and induces attraction of sexually mature females. In this thesis, I tested the overall hypothesis that pheromone release is influenced by environmental and social factors. Chapter 1 explores the diel patterns in 3kPZS release...
Show more"Sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus, rely on chemical communication to synchronize reproduction. Male sea lamprey release a multicomponent sex pheromone comprised of bile acids that attracts females. 3keto-petromyzonol sulfate (3kPZS) is a main component of this pheromone and induces attraction of sexually mature females. In this thesis, I tested the overall hypothesis that pheromone release is influenced by environmental and social factors. Chapter 1 explores the diel patterns in 3kPZS release and behavioral activity, and the mechanisms involved in 3kPZS release patterns. Male sea lamprey releases larger amounts of 3kPZS at night than during the day. Increased biosynthesis of bile acids at night is likely responsible for this pattern. The regulation of 3kPZS synthesis and release helps synchronize behavior and reproduction in sea lamprey. By pairing increased pheromone release to times of increased reproductive behavior, sea lamprey ensure reproductive success. In Chapter 2, the role of male competition on 3kPZS release patterns was investigated. Male sea lamprey immediately increase 3kPZS release after being exposed to various concentrations of 5-deuterated 3kPZS standard ([2H5] 3kPZS, 5d3kPZS), which was used to simulate male competition. This boost in pheromone signaling intensity allows males to compete for mates by potentially matching or exceeding competitors' signals. These studies have advanced our understanding of pheromone communication and its role in sea lamprey. Understanding factors influencing pheromone release can help guide the use of pheromones in an integrated control program for sea lamprey in the Great Lakes."--Page ii.
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Title: Examining the intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of ungulate movement and resource selection
Creator: Redilla, Kyle Martin
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "Large mammalian herbivores are extensively-studied worldwide, often to gain new insights into the relationship between these animals and their environment. Elucidating a mechanistic basis of processes such as movement and resource selection can inform conservation and management practice. Therein, relating these processes to intrinsic (both state- and stage-related) and extrinsic dimensions (abiotic and biotic characteristics of the environment) is of paramount importance. I center my thesis...
Show more"Large mammalian herbivores are extensively-studied worldwide, often to gain new insights into the relationship between these animals and their environment. Elucidating a mechanistic basis of processes such as movement and resource selection can inform conservation and management practice. Therein, relating these processes to intrinsic (both state- and stage-related) and extrinsic dimensions (abiotic and biotic characteristics of the environment) is of paramount importance. I center my thesis on the role of these two dimensions in ungulate movement and resource selection. In chapter 1, I focused on the extrinsic dimension by employing both linear and non-linear regression techniques to evaluate the plausibility of "critical temperatures" in movement of moose (Alces alces) in Norway, using a rich dataset of GPS-location data. I found weak evidence for these thresholds in the movement of moose, and I discuss this finding in light of a changing climate. In Chapter 2 I studied the intrinsic dimension via an examination of individual variation in resource selection of elk (Cervus elaphus) in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. I investigated the consequences of prevailing practice, whereby individual information is pooled to fit an aggregate-level model, by fitting models at the level of each individual elk and making comparisons. I found that important inferences can be missed if resource selection is only considered at the aggregate level. In summary, my research demonstrates the importance of using wild-living individuals and multiple modeling perspectives to develop functional population- or species-level inferences regarding the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in animal-environment relationships of ungulates."--Page ii.
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Title: Applicability of data driven methods for assessing compliance of wastewater treatment plants self-reported datasets
Creator: Hatami Bahman Beiglou, Pouyan
Date: 2016
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "The primary source of compliance information in water quality monitoring is self-reported data. Despite the heavy reliance on self-reported data in United States environmental regulation, the U.S. General Accounting Office has expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud in environmental self-reports. Furthermore, recent research indicates that the methods used by state enforcement are unlikely to detect fraud. Therefore, the need for data-driven methods to support regulatory...
Show more"The primary source of compliance information in water quality monitoring is self-reported data. Despite the heavy reliance on self-reported data in United States environmental regulation, the U.S. General Accounting Office has expressed concerns regarding the potential for fraud in environmental self-reports. Furthermore, recent research indicates that the methods used by state enforcement are unlikely to detect fraud. Therefore, the need for data-driven methods to support regulatory enforcement is an important area of research. In this thesis, we evaluated the applicability of data-driven methods for assessing compliance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) self-reported datasets based on a description of the variability in these data streams. For this purpose, first a literature review was conducted (1) to determine the goals of the Clean Water Act programs; (2) identify limitations of current monitoring efforts and data gaps in the understanding of the sources of variability in WWTPs data; and (3) to identify appropriate predictive analytical methods to address the problems. Second, the applicability of Benford's Law as a method for uncovering irregularities in the distribution of first and second digits in a sample dataset was tested and its effectiveness was discussed. Finally, the use of other promising approaches, which may be capable of finding mishandling in wastewater treatment plants are presented with preliminary data."--Page ii.
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Title: Applications of the DA based normal form algorithm on parameter-dependent perturbations
Creator: Weisskopf, Adrian
Date: 2016
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Many advanced models in physics use a simpler system as the foundation upon which problemspecific perturbation terms are added. There are many mathematical methods in perturbation theory which attempt to solve or at least approximate the solution for the advanced model based on the solution of the unperturbed system. The analytical approaches have the advantage that their approximation is an algebraic expression relating all involved quantities in the calculated solution up to a certain order...
Show moreMany advanced models in physics use a simpler system as the foundation upon which problemspecific perturbation terms are added. There are many mathematical methods in perturbation theory which attempt to solve or at least approximate the solution for the advanced model based on the solution of the unperturbed system. The analytical approaches have the advantage that their approximation is an algebraic expression relating all involved quantities in the calculated solution up to a certain order. However, the complexity of the calculation often increases drastically with the number of iterations, variables, and parameters considered. On the other hand, the computer-based numerical approaches are fast once implemented, but their results are only numerical approximations without a symbolic form. A numerical integrator, for example, takes the initial values and integrates the ordinary differential equation up to the requested final state and yields the result as specific numbers. Therefore, no algebraic expression, much less a parameter dependence within the solution is given. The method presented in this work is based on the differential algebra (DA) framework, which was first developed to its current extent by Martin Berz et. al [3, 4, 5]. The used DA Normal Form Algorithm is an advancement by Martin Berz from the first arbitrary order algorithm by Forest, Berz, and Irwin [13], which was based on an DA-Lie approach. Both structures are already implemented in COSY INFINITY [18] documented in [7, 16, 17]. The result of the presented method is a numerically calculated algebraic expression of the solution up to an arbitrary truncation order. This method combines the effectiveness and automatic calculation of a computer-based numerical approximation and the algebraic relation between the involved quantities.
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Title: Learner perspectives on farmer education programs in Michigan : engaging a new generation of farmers
Creator: Reed, Kathleen Amelia
Date: 2016
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: "This study focuses on three farmer education programs in Michigan and examines how these programs create meaningful experiences for farmer-learners. The study finds that the programs foster the co-creation of knowledge on farm, where knowledge can be shaped and reshaped throughout the program. Programs do this by creating a space in which learners have the flexibility to learn through decision making, through trial and error, and in collaboration with other participants and staff. As...
Show more"This study focuses on three farmer education programs in Michigan and examines how these programs create meaningful experiences for farmer-learners. The study finds that the programs foster the co-creation of knowledge on farm, where knowledge can be shaped and reshaped throughout the program. Programs do this by creating a space in which learners have the flexibility to learn through decision making, through trial and error, and in collaboration with other participants and staff. As learners take part in and then move on from these programs they become part of a growing community of people who are playing a role in the development of a new regional food system and participating in the larger sustainable agriculture movement." -- Abstract.
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Title: LATE-GESTATION METABOLIC STRESS IN DAIRY CATTLE : ASSOCIATION WITH COLOSTRUM YIELD AND IMMUNOGLOBULIN CONTENT
Creator: May Rossi, Renato
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Despite improvements made in the dairy industry and advances on heifer management, calf morbidity and mortality are still high. Calves rely on colostrum ingestion for acquisition of passive immunity, and provision of insufficient quantity of colostrum may lead these animals to failure of transfer passive immunity, hence leading to higher risks of morbidity and mortality. Many farms do not have sufficient colostrum available at times to feed their calves. Synthesis of colostrum starts few...
Show moreDespite improvements made in the dairy industry and advances on heifer management, calf morbidity and mortality are still high. Calves rely on colostrum ingestion for acquisition of passive immunity, and provision of insufficient quantity of colostrum may lead these animals to failure of transfer passive immunity, hence leading to higher risks of morbidity and mortality. Many farms do not have sufficient colostrum available at times to feed their calves. Synthesis of colostrum starts few weeks before calving and it is at the time when cows are experiencing augmented metabolic adaptations due to increasing nutrient demands for fetal growth, colostrogenesis, and preparation for the onset of lactogenesis. The study described in Chapter 2 aimed to compare the metabolic status of dairy cows during the last 6 wk of gestation based on colostrum volume and Ig content across seasons during a year. The results in the latter study suggest that greater availability of antioxidants might support the production of higher volumes of colostrum. Therefore, the study reported in Chapter 3, aimed to evaluate whether administering a dietary antioxidant supplement during the last 3 weeks of gestation improves colostrum volume and immunoglobulin content. Our results showed that DATS increased colostrum volume. However, despite finding higher volume of colostrum in treatment group with statistical differences compared to control, the distribution of colostrum volume between groups are relatively the same, as well for IgG, IgM, and IgA.
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Title: Understanding how induced luteolysis in dairy cattle affect corpora lutea characteristics and fertility
Creator: Minela, Thaina
Date: 2020
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Efficient manipulation of estrous cycle via exogenous treatments is critical for fertility in dairy cows following timed artificial insemination (TAI) programs. Luteolysis is a key event that warrants reproductive success in manipulated estrous cycles. The main objective of this thesis was to characterize luteolysis following different doses of cloprostenol sodium (CLO) and its effects on luteal blood flow (LBF) and fertility of lactating dairy cows. The first objective was to determine the...
Show moreEfficient manipulation of estrous cycle via exogenous treatments is critical for fertility in dairy cows following timed artificial insemination (TAI) programs. Luteolysis is a key event that warrants reproductive success in manipulated estrous cycles. The main objective of this thesis was to characterize luteolysis following different doses of cloprostenol sodium (CLO) and its effects on luteal blood flow (LBF) and fertility of lactating dairy cows. The first objective was to determine the effect of luteolytic and sub-luteolytic doses of CLO in dairy heifers with an early and mid-cycle corpus luteum (CL). Measurement of LBF was indicative of complete, and partial luteolysis following various doses of CLO. Heifers receiving multiple doses of CLO had complete disappearance of LBF 4 d post-treatment. The second objective was to assess the effects of different CLO dose strategies during TAI programs on pregnancy rates per AI (PR/AI) in lactating dairy cows. We also aimed to verify the association between LBF around TAI with PR/AI in cows that had a d 7 and 14 CL. Cows were treated with a single full dose, two full doses 24 h apart or a double dose of CLO. There was no evidence of differences in PR/AI between CLO doses. But, 3rd+ parity cows treated with a single full dose of CLO had greater pregnancy loss form d 24 to 34 post-AI. Treatment with double dose of CLO resulted in similar PR/AI independent on synchronization status. Amount of LBF at 2 and 4 d post-treatment was a predictor of PR/AI 34 d post-AI. Cows with decreased LBF of both d 7 and 14 CL below a median cutoff had greater PR/AI 24 d post-AI. Multiparous cows treated with double doses of CLO avoided lower fertility in non-synchronized cows and greater pregnancy losses compared to cows treated with a single full dose.
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Title: AN INTEGRATED OF CONTROL AND PROTECTION SCHEME FOR AC MICROGRIDS
Creator: AlZahrani, Saad Atitullah
Date: 2021
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: Numerous advances have occurred in the area of microgrids (MGs) in the last two decades. Protection is one of the most significant challenges facing the deployment of MGs. With the utilization of renewable energy resources (RES) to reduce emissions and costs, short circuit levels have drooped in comparison to those produced by conventional generating sources. Therefore, traditional protection schemes that apply to distribution system are no longer effective in protecting the microgrid against...
Show moreNumerous advances have occurred in the area of microgrids (MGs) in the last two decades. Protection is one of the most significant challenges facing the deployment of MGs. With the utilization of renewable energy resources (RES) to reduce emissions and costs, short circuit levels have drooped in comparison to those produced by conventional generating sources. Therefore, traditional protection schemes that apply to distribution system are no longer effective in protecting the microgrid against fault currents, either in grid–connected or islanded mode. In microgrid framework, distributed generation (DG) based RES require an interface of power electronic converters to regulate their output voltage, current, and frequency as well as to share the generated power properly. Mitigation the impacts of fault currents in microgrid system is an important aspect of restricting the output current of converters from exceeding their rated value, preventing power discontinuity, enhancing reliability of protection system and improving the stability of the network.For microgrid control and protection challenges, several approaches have been proposed in the last decade. However, the need for efficient and reliable protection schemes of islanded microgrid system still exists. This research thesis develops and synthesizes an adaptive integration of control and protection framework for MGs. The proposed strategy is based on detecting the faults and limiting the fault currents for short periods until the protection devices make a proper decision. A single state observer has been developed to detect the faults that occur within protection zones. Moreover, fault current limiter (FCL) devices have been utilized to achieve rapid switching with instant reduction of fault current contribution. The adaptive integrated protection proposed in this research is achievable using either centralized or decentralized control in MGs. The proposed framework has been applied to islanded microgrid configuration and is demonstrated to be an effective means to protect the system and maintain the voltage and frequency within acceptable range with the capability of power continuity during both transient and persistent faults.
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Title: Transfer of Listeria monocytogenes during cutting, slicing, dicing, and subsequent storage of cantaloupe and honeydew melons
Creator: Patil, Rocky D.
Date: 2017
Collection: Electronic Theses & Dissertations
Description: The 2011 multistate listeriosis outbreak associated with whole cantaloupe has heightened concerns regarding commercial handling and preparation practices for melons. In response, two separate studies were conducted to: (1) assess the transfer of Listeria monocytogenes during cutting, slicing, dicing in melons and (2) measure growth during subsequent storage of cantaloupes. Initially, cantaloupe and honeydew melon rinds containing L. monocytogenes populations (J22F, J29H, and M3) of 6.1 and 4...
Show moreThe 2011 multistate listeriosis outbreak associated with whole cantaloupe has heightened concerns regarding commercial handling and preparation practices for melons. In response, two separate studies were conducted to: (1) assess the transfer of Listeria monocytogenes during cutting, slicing, dicing in melons and (2) measure growth during subsequent storage of cantaloupes. Initially, cantaloupe and honeydew melon rinds containing L. monocytogenes populations (J22F, J29H, and M3) of 6.1 and 4.4 log CFU/cm2, stored at 4 and 30oC were cut with a sterile cork borer through the blossom scar, stem scar, and circumference regions of the rind to evaluate the L. monocytogenes transfer to the edible melon flesh. L. monocytogenes transfer ranged from 1.2 to 4.0 and 0.2 to 1.8 log CFU/cm2 for cantaloupe and honeydew. Overall, no significant difference in L. monocytogenes transfer was seen at different depths or product temperatures (P > 0.05). L. monocytogenes transfer from one inoculated melon to subsequent uninoculated melons was evaluated after mechanical slicing (Vollrath Redco 401N) of the intact fruit and dicing (Nemco 55650 dicer) of the flesh. Diced cantaloupe samples were stored (4, 7, and 10oC for seven days) and microbiologically analyzed for growth and survival of L. monocytogenes. During slicing, L. monocytogenes was transferred to uninoculated cantaloupe and honeydew melons were statistically similar (P > 0.05), ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 and 0.1 to 0.5 log CFU/g, respectively. During the storage of diced cantaloupes, L. monocytogenes generation time was 0.74 days for 10oC, with minimal growth observed at 4 and 7oC.
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