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Integration of Medicinal Fungi into the Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden
Get PDFThe Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden is a one-of-a-kind resource that houses close to 300 medicinal plants and is filled to the brim with educational opportunities. For the College of Pharmacy, this garden has been the centerpiece of many classes taught here at the University of Rhode Island and has roots as a physical teaching space. While the garden contains a plethora of plant species, medicinal fungi have yet to have been included in the garden, despite their relevance as both sources of pharmaceutical drug discovery and as natural products with inherent physiological benefits themselves. The purpose of my project is to integrate medicinal fungi species into the Heber W. Youngken Jr. Medicinal Garden in the College of Pharmacy, and to shed light on the importance and current day relevance of medicinal fungi when it comes to dietary supplements as well as both holistic and alternative health practices.
For integration, I selected five different species of fungi with unique medicinal properties to research including Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Beard Lichens (Usnea sp.), Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi, G. lucidum/tsugae), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), and Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor). Individual scientific monographs were constructed, detailing various aspects of each species including their pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, ecology, description, primary and traditional uses, and more. Species were then either collected, foraged in nature, or grown through pre-inoculated kits to create samples of each fungus. Wooden garden signs were also designed and created to denote future location in the physical garden space. Lastly, dietary supplement forms of each species were obtained as examples of commercial products that are readily available on the shelves of local community pharmacies for educational purposes. All information will be stored and accessible through a future medicinal garden web application that is currently in development
Emerging harmful algal blooms caused by distinct seasonal assemblages of a toxic diatom
Get PDFDiatoms in the Pseudo-nitzschia genus produce the neurotoxin domoic acid. Domoic acid bioaccumulates in shellfish, causing illness in humans and marine animals upon ingestion. In 2017, high domoic acid levels in shellfish meat closed shellfish harvest in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island for the first and only time in history, although abundant Pseudo-nitzschia have been observed for over 60 years. To investigate whether an environmental factor altered endemic Pseudo-nitzschia physiology or new domoic acid-producing strain(s) were introduced to Narragansett Bay, we conducted weekly sampling from 2017 to 2019 and compared closure samples. Plankton-associated domoic acid was quantified by LC-MS/MS and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were identified using a taxonomically improved high-throughput rDNA sequencing approach. Comparison with environmental data revealed a detailed understanding of domoic acid dynamics and seasonal multi-species assemblages. Plankton-associated domoic acid was low throughout 2017–2019, but recurred in fall and early summer maxima. Fall domoic acid maxima contained known toxic species as well as a novel Pseudo-nitzschia genotype. Summer domoic acid maxima included fewer species but also known toxin producers. Most 2017 closure samples contained the particularly concerning toxic species, P. australis, which also appeared infrequently during 2017–2019. Recurring Pseudo-nitzschia assemblages were driven by seasonal temperature changes, and plankton-associated domoic acid correlated with low dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Thus, the Narragansett Bay closures were likely caused by both resident assemblages that become toxic depending on nutrient status as well as the episodic introductions of toxic species from oceanographic and climatic shifts
Dengue virus downregulates TNFR1- and TLR3-stimulated NF-kB activation by targeting RIPK1
Get PDFDengue virus (DENV) infection is the most prevalent arthropod-borne virus disease and is endemic in more than 100 countries. Several DENV proteins have been shown to target crucial human host proteins to evade innate immune responses and establish a productive infection. Here we report that the DENV NS3 protein targets RIPK1 (Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase I), a central mediator of inflammation and cell death, and decreases intracellular RIPK1 levels during DENV infection. The interaction of NS3 with RIPK1 results in the inhibition of NF-κB activation in response to TNFR or TLR3 stimulation. Also, we observed that the effects of NS3 on RIPK1 were independent of NS3 protease activity. Our data demonstrate a novel mechanism by which DENV suppresses normal cellular functions to evade host innate immune response
eVTOL Seal Design
Get PDFThe Magnetic Seal Corporation has approached Team 17 to develop a seal design for the emerging electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) market. The existing MagSeal design is over-engineered and too costly to produce for the targeted market. The objectives are to design a seal that fits the designated size parameters and can withstand high rotational speeds, temperatures, and maintain a desired constant face pressure. Optimizing cost efficiency, cutting back on expensive materials and altering the current design is how this team will be successful. To accomplish this, the current MagSeal designs were thoroughly investigated and researched, and many patent searches were conducted to gather ideas of the current world of spring and magnetic seals. Team 17 generated a total one hundred and twenty design concepts that incorporate new features with these goals in mind. From the one hundred and twenty design concepts, individual and team pugh analysis were completed to narrow the concept ideas down to a final three. Multiple team meetings and discussions with the sponsor allowed Team 17 to come up with a final design that combined ideas from the top three, and even some of the designs that didn\u27t make it. This design was drawn, sized, built and tested.
This design follows a similar structure to the Model 30 MagSeal design, which was created roughly 60 years ago. It has two main parts. The rotor touches the oil side and the stator touches the ambient air side . The rotor consists of the seal case and a seal ring. This design contains a seal case made of 440c steel and a seal ring made of Carbon Graphite that acts as the primary sealing face. The rotor however, has seen the removal of the o-ring in order to simplify the machining process. Unlike the current MagSeal design the stator is mostly made of 440c steel. Acting with the Carbon Graphite as the primary sealing face are the Samarium-Cobalt bullets.
Through engineering and cost analysis the design fulfills MagSeal’s requirements for the future eVTOL market. The current prototype is fully assembled and features all key aspects that were desired. Additional recommendations and testing can be carried with the use of Team 18’s project
Automated Pill Dispenser
Get PDFTeam 15 was given a task from Professor Nassersharif. He tasked us with creating an automated pill dispenser that would improve people\u27s lives who have timed medications. This project was given the past few years but our team has redesigned and improved that dispenser. We look to improve on previous designs and widen the market value of our device for customers on the go or sheltered at home. In the Fall 2021 semester we developed concepts for the problem, started to create a prototype to prove how this device can improve lives, and also have used outside data and literature to improve our design. During the Spring 2022 semester the prototype was completed, then run through several tests which led to some redesigning of certain components until the final showcase came to display and demonstrate to the public.
Our design uses a simple application that will communicate with the dispenser. This will tell the device which pill in storage is needed and to align the vacuum system for pick up. Dropping it down the shoot into the correct timed slot to await the customers\u27 needs. This will fill the timed storage box and allows the customer to take their pills on the go and still enjoy life and not have their pills unorganized while out. Team 15 was very proud of the final design of the dispenser and the advances made on the project even after four years of development
Computer-Aided Design and 3D-Printing of the Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR)
Get PDFThe National Aeronautics and Space Administration confronted the University of Rhode Island with a special task relating to the design of their new and innovative centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket concept. This spacecraft contains 19 centrifuges that rotate at high speeds to allow for uranium fuel to latch onto the outer surface inside the elements due to the centrifugal forces it is exposed to. The members of URI broke up into three teams and worked on various tasks. Team 19 was in charge of the slow-speed startup of the engine, Team 20 was responsible for the high-speed steady-state operation, and Team 21 took the lead in producing multiple educational models produced using CAD and 3D printing manufacturing which included all the primary components of the engine. The members gained knowledge on the topic through a literature and patent search, generated 30 design concepts, and evaluated those concepts against each other through a Pugh and quality function deployment analysis. Once this was complete, the top concept was decided and would be the main focus for the Fall and Spring semesters.
In the Fall semester, the top design concepts from all the teams were put to the test in a proof of concept. This process is a necessity to see if the solutions to the problem are viable or not. It was decided that the rotation of a single fuel element would be the main focus of the proof of concept among all teams. Two methods of rotation of the fuel element were sought after which included the use of a motor and air pressure. Teams 19 and 20 both worked together on producing the DC motor systems and the air pressurizing device that needed to be produced. Team 21 was responsible for 3D printing a centrifuge of appropriate scales that can be rotated without damage. Lastly, all teams contributed to the construction of an apparatus that houses all the components. The results that were gathered led to promising conclusions and would be the base for the remaining work for Teams 19 and 20, while Team 21 had a new job.
Beginning the Spring semester, Team 21 was tasked with producing a scaled-down 3D printed educational model that could be assembled and disassembled. The group edited the models from the previous semester in a way such that they could be printed without failure. Several test prints were performed and analyzed to see what issues arose. Brainstorming was done to find solutions to the problems and the CAD models were redesigned taking these changes into account. This process was iterated several times until the model met all specifications and was ready for the final print. While the prototype was printing, a new cross-section model was created so it can be used as a supplement to the original model. Team 21 hopes that the contributions made by the group can be used by NASA to educate the public on the new centrifugal nuclear thermal rocket concept in their monumental journey to send humans to Mars
Final Design Report, Team 31: The Mighty Ducks
Get PDFAn experimental, numerical, research and design investigation is conducted to formulate a nonlethal avian deterrent system for aquacultural applications. As the ocean is itself a dynamic system, so too must its passengers be. This ethos is carried throughout each stage of the design process described herewith. The true cost is outlined in time, energy, and dollars to account for every facet involved. The team driven decisions seek balance between the meticulous selection of materials favorable for their properties and design specifications prescribed by customer and sponsor requirements. Each members initial concepts are outlined and weighed by proven and practiced engineering analysis tools such as Pugh Charts, the QFD method, and simple arguments for and against. Through literature and patent searches the team investigates similar and previous attempts at solving related dilemmas. Once a concept is whittled from raw idea, the team designs the details. These components are then digitally drafted and tested numerically through finite element analytical tools (i.e., SolidWorks, Abaqus). Relying on previous work by mathematician Archimedes and local, modern scholars like Professor Rebecca Nelson Brown, the team performed further analysis on buoyancy, coverage area, and overall effectiveness.
Ultimately, the team has redesigned a conglomerative of early concepts to create a final design which is a fully adaptable, adroit platform mainly utilizing two green colored lasers aptly named “The Duck Star”. The applications of such a structure in multiple disciplines are not lost on the authors who wish to aid the scientific community in their work
The intellectual capital supporting nurse practice in a post-emergency state: A case study
Get PDFAim
To explore the resources supporting current nurse practice in the post-emergency country of Liberia, using the nursing intellectual capital framework, as nurses work to meet the targets set by Government of Liberia\u27s Essential Package of Health Services.
Design
Case study.
Methods
Data were collected in Liberia February–June 2019. Direct observation, semi-structured interviews and photographs were used to investigate how nurse practice is supported. Field notes, transcripts and photographs were coded using both directed and conventional content analysis. Reports were then generated by code to triangulate the data.
Results
Thirty-seven nurses at 12 health facilities participated. The intellectual capital supporting inpatient and outpatient nurse practice differs in important ways. Inpatient nurse practice is more likely to be supported by facility-based protocols and trainings, whereas outpatient nurse practice is more likely to be supported by external protocols and trainings, often developed by the Liberian government or non-governmental organizations. This can lead to uneven provision of inpatient protocols and trainings, often favouring private facilities. Similarly, inpatient nurses rely primarily on other nurses at their facilities for clinical support while outpatient nurses often have external professional relationships that provided them with clinical guidance.
Conclusion
Much has been accomplished to enable outpatient nurses to provide the primary- and secondary-care target services in the Essential Package of Health Services. However, as the Liberian government and its partners continue to work towards providing certain tertiary care services, developing analogous protocols, trainings and clinical mentorship networks for inpatient nurses will likely be fruitful, and will decrease the burden on individual facilities.
Impact
Nurses are often expected to meet new service provision targets in post-emergency states. Further research into how best to support nurses as they work to meet those targets has the potential to strengthen health systems