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SWCPC 438 #56 Frank S. Hastings, undated.
No full textThe collection features portraits of sixty-one prominent cattle ranchers, both male and female, who were considered to be the “Cattle Kings of Texas.
Three Essays on Modern Technology and Speculative Investing
No full textModern technology is rapidly changing the field of financial planning. Consumers now have access to new platforms that facilitate trading such as trading websites and mobile applications. Moreover, consumers can now congregate together on social media platforms to discuss investing. Currently, there is a lack of research on how these changes in technology may relate to certain investing behavior. Specifically, it is worth considering the relationship between these technological shifts and investment in high-risk speculative assets such as meme stocks and cryptocurrency. As current day investing habits impact the future financial state of consumers, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners should be aware of the factors that may relate to these high-risk investments. Through this understanding, the financial planning profession will be better equipped to help meet the needs of consumers, as well as mitigate any potential harm that may result from a technological change in the investing landscape. This dissertation seeks to explore three elements relating to modern technology and speculative investing – financial sentiment, trading platforms, and misaligned risk tolerance
Towards effective actions for better nutrition outcomes in Kenya: Evaluating multisectoral nutrition governance status and drivers
No full textMalnutrition continues to be an issue of significant public health concern in Kenya. At least one in two people are affected by the triple burden of malnutrition, characterized by high rates of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies alongside the rising prevalence of overweight, obesity, and diet-related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). More effort is required to address gaps in areas where the country is off-track and ensure momentum is sustained where gains have been made. Multisectoral Nutrition Governance (MNG) is an important enabling determinant of better nutrition outcomes. Despite its central role, there is inadequate understanding of what MNG entails, its status, and how it can be effectively operationalized and measured in Kenya. This gap constrains the development of evidence-informed strategies to accelerate multisectoral nutrition actions. This dissertation assessed the status of MNG, factors influencing it, and its relationship with nutrition outcomes at the national level. A mixed-methods approach was used to assess MNG at two time points (2012 and 2023). A systematic scoping review framed Kenya’s MNG landscape and informed the study design. Quantitative data was collected from 96 program managers and directors, and officers through a validated questionnaire. A sub-sample of 19 respondents participated in key informant interviews. Data collection took place between August 2023 and March 2024. Quantitative data were analyzed using R language version 4.3.3, while qualitative data was analyzed using Maximizing Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA) version 24 software.
MNG improved significantly from 58.4% in 2012 to 71.1% in 2023 (p < 0.01). The greatest improvements occurred in political commitment, policy frameworks, and multisectoral coordination. Nutrition financing, accountability, transparency, and delivery capacity showed weaker performance. Respondents from ministries that prioritized nutrition and those affiliated with the Ministry of Health reported significantly higher MNG scores (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings confirmed these patterns. In addition, it also identified persistent challenges, including inadequate financing, over-reliance on donors, weak monitoring systems, and limited institutional capacity. Although MNG improvements align with better nutrition outcomes, the causal pathways remain unclear.
Findings from this research highlight the need for a holistic, cross-sectoral approach to strengthen MNG for sustainable nutrition outcomes. This should include strengthening nutrition policy frameworks, institutionalizing coordination platforms, and developing a unified national monitoring system. Innovative financing models, such as blended financing and public-private partnerships, should be explored. Capacity development must target leadership, technical skills, and accountability systems across all sectors. Future research should explore the causal pathways between MNG and nutrition outcomes using longitudinal and experimental designs. Sub-national studies are needed to assess MNG variations across counties and guide localized strategies. Research should also examine how MNG approaches evolve to meet changing needs. The role of non-state actors, such as civil society and the private sector, requires further research. Including policymakers and communities will help capture broader governance perspectives and realities. This study marks a significant contribution to the growing literature on MNG by providing detailed insights into MNG status and drivers in Kenya. It advances the field by employing a holistic governance lens and by refining quantitative and qualitative metrics to inform future research
Mechanisms Linking Adipose Tissue Inflammation to Neuroinflammation: Effects of Fish Oil and Role of Gut Microbiota in an Obese Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
No full textIntroduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is partially driven by chronic neuroinflammation, with microglia playing a central role. Obesity, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive white adipose tissue (WAT), which exacerbates both systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. Additionally, obesity is associated with dysbiosis and changes in gut microbiota composition, with compromised intestinal barrier integrity. These dysfunctions further exacerbate systemic inflammation and its complications. We previously reported that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), reduced systemic inflammation, neuroinflammation and serum amyloid beta (Aβ)-40 in diet-induced obese transgenic (TG) amyloidogenic AD mice. Here, we hypothesized that neuroinflammation in obese AD mice is driven by microglial activation in response to WAT inflammation, systemic inflammation, and/or gut microbiota dysbiosis. Furthermore, we proposed that EPA mitigates these effects by modulating lipid metabolism, reducing WAT inflammation, restoring gut microbiota balance and gut barrier integrity, and ultimately inhibiting microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and Aβ production in the brain.
Methods: To test our hypothesis, we conducted integrated cellular, molecular, and physiological analyses using WAT, brain, intestines and fecal samples from male and female humanized amyloidogenic TG APP/PS1 mice and their wild type (WT) littermates feeding low fat (LF), high fat (HF) or high-fat diet supplemented with EPA (HF-EPA) for 8 months. To further elucidate these mechanisms, we used a microglial cell culture model (SIM-A9) to assess inflammatory responses to bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS), adipocyte-conditioned media (ACM), and oligomeric form of Aβ-42, with the goal of identifying pathways involved in microglial activation and determining whether EPA or DHA can reverse these effects.
Results: In vivo findings showed that the HF diet upregulated the expression of microglial activation markers including cluster of Differentiation 68 (Cd68), Purinergic receptor P2Y (P2ry12), Transmembrane protein 119 (Tmem119) and Cd11b in the brain cortex of TG mice. These effects were most prominent in female TG mice, aligning with clinical observations of higher AD prevalence and severity among women. EPA supplementation significantly reduced Cd11b and P2ry12 expression of gene in female TG mice, indicating a sex-dependent neuroprotective effect of EPA. By contrast, in WAT, the HF diet induced inflammatory and macrophage-associated genes including serum amyloid A3 (Saa3), Cd11c, Tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnf-α) in both genotypes of male mice. WAT transcriptomic profiling revealed anti-inflammatory effects of EPA in WAT by downregulation of pro-inflammatory chemokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (Cxcl10) and Cxcl11, adipogenesis-related genes including TATA-box binding protein associated factor 7 like (Taf7l), aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (Ncam1), and by upregulation of genes related to tissue remodeling and insulin sensitivity such as cluster of differentiation 52 (Cd52). These molecular changes suggest that EPA modulates multiple inflammatory and metabolic pathways in WAT. Parallel analyses of gut microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples revelated that HF altered gut microbiota composition, including reduced abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium which are related to decreased inflammation and metabolic health. EPA supplementation partially restored gut microbial balance, notably increasing Akkermansia abundance in both male and female mice across genotypes. To validate these findings in vitro, SIM-A9 microglial cells exposed to ACM or LPS showed significant increases in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a key pro-inflammatory chemokine, suggesting the importance of increased peripheral inflammation in triggering central inflammation. Furthermore, EPA treatment significantly suppressed Mcp-1 expression in both LPS- and ACM-stimulated SIM-A9 cells, supporting its anti-inflammatory action in the central immune environment.
Conclusion: our findings demonstrate that EPA exerts both central and peripheral anti-inflammatory effects by modulating WAT inflammation, restoring gut microbiota composition, and reducing microglial reactivity in obese AD mice. This study underscores the importance of metabolic health and dietary interventions in mitigating obesity-associated neuroinflammation and AD risk. It also highlights the influence of sex and genotype on therapeutic responses. Further research is warranted to elucidate the roles of the microbiome and WAT in promoting neuroinflammation and increasing AD risk, as well as to define the precise mechanisms by which EPA exerts its anti-inflammatory effects in obese AD mouse models
Impact of Marbling Amount on Consumer Preferences of F1-Wagyu Steaks and Effect of Slacking of Retail Frozen Offal Products on Retail Shelf Life
No full textThe objective of Study 1 was to evaluate the impact of marbling score increases on consumer preferences of Wagyu strip steaks. Beef carcass sides (N = 117), were selected in the Pacific Northwest representing 8 distinct marbling score groups (750, 800, 850, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, and 1150). Strip steaks (n = 348) were collected from these carcass sides and allocated to one of three assessments: chloroform-methanol fat extraction, trained sensory analysis, and best/worst sensory analysis. Steaks used for trained sensory analysis were also utilized for slice shear force measurement, and grading camera images were utilized for best/worst visual assessment. Trained sensory analysis found that tenderness, juiciness, and lipid-derived flavor attributes, such as fat-like and buttery, increased with increases in marbling score (P < 0.01). Percentage values supported trained sensory analysis, with percentage of fat increasing with increases in marbling score (P < 0.01). Although slice shear force measurements were not affected by increases in marbling score (P = 0.38), all steaks were eligible for a USDA Tender certification. Best/worst sensory analysis and best/worst visual assessment indicated that steaks from higher marbling score groups had a higher probability of receiving a best placement than steaks from lower marbling score groups (P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that increases in marbling score enhance desirable sensory attributes and improves consumer perception of Wagyu steaks.
The objective of Study 2 was to evaluate the effects of slacking/thawing on instrumental color measurements, odor intensity, and spoilage organism enumeration in ten different offal products sourced from two plants utilizing two different packing methods. Beef offal samples (N = 320), representing cheek meat, hearts, honeycomb tripe, kidneys, oxlips, oxtail, scalded tripe, small intestines, sweetbreads, and tongues were placed frozen into retail display for 13 days. Instrumental color was evaluated daily utilizing a Hunter MiniScan to obtain L*, a*, and b* values. On days 0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13, a subset of samples representing each product type and plant of origin were removed and evaluated for spoilage odor intensities and swabbed for spoilage organism enumeration. Aerobic and lactic acid bacteria were enumerated utilizing TEMPO® kits and transformed to log 10 CFU/cm2 for analysis. Plant of origin and packaging method impacted L* of values of offal products, resulting in lighter (P 0.05). Additionally, odor intensities and spoilage organism enumeration were minimally affected by plant of origin and packaging method, indicating sporadic evidence of statistical differences across retail display. While the results of this study indicate that plant of origin has minimal effects on the color, odor, and spoilage attributes of offal products that are slacked/thawed during retail display, the need to understand the product-specific quality effects of slacking/thawing of offal products is essential
Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Drill Strings Under Stick–Slip Vibrations in Rotary Drilling Systems
No full textThis paper presents a comprehensive study of torsional stick–slip vibrations in rotary drilling systems through a comparison between two lumped parameter models with differing complexity: a simple two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) model and a complex high-degree-of-freedom (high-DOF) model. The two models are developed under identical boundary conditions and consider an identical nonlinear friction torque dynamic involving the Stribeck effect and dry friction phenomena. The high-DOF model is calculated with the Finite Element Method (FEM) to enable accurate simulation of the dynamic behavior of the drill string and accurate representation of wave propagation, energy build-up, and torque response. Field data obtained from an Algerian oil well with Measurement While Drilling (MWD) equipment are used to guide modeling and determine simulations. According to the findings, the FEM-based high-DOF model demonstrates better performance in simulating basic stick–slip dynamics, such as drill bit velocity oscillation, nonlinear friction torque formation, and transient bit-to-surface contacts. On the other hand, the 2-DOF model is not able to represent these effects accurately and can lead to inappropriate control actions and mitigation of vibration severity. This study highlights the importance of robust model fidelity in building reliable real-time rotary drilling control systems. From the performance difference measurement between low-resolution and high-resolution models, the findings offer valuable insights to optimize drilling efficiency further, minimize non-productive time (NPT), and improve the rate of penetration (ROP). This contribution points to the need for using high-fidelity models, such as FEM-based models, in facilitating smart and adaptive well control strategies in modern petroleum drilling engineering
Investigating the Effects of Glycoside Hydrolase Dispersion, Interspecies Interaction, and Non-Native Polymer Incorporation on Biofilm Mechanics
No full textBiofilms are structured microbial communities encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that allow them to thrive in diverse environments, from medical implants to natural ecosystems. Their mechanical properties, how they resist, deform, and respond to external forces, are vital to their survival, dispersal, and resistance to antimicrobial agents. This dissertation examines the mechanical behavior of biofilms using passive particle-tracking microrheology, with a focus on how chemical treatments, interspecies interactions in wound-like environments, and exogenous polymers influence their viscoelastic properties.
The first study focuses on the mechanical effects of enzymatic dispersal agents, particularly glycoside hydrolases, on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. It was found that these agents significantly impact biofilm mechanics by in general weakening the biofilm structure and promoting dispersal. The second study explores dual-species biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in wound-mimicking and collagen-rich environments. Synergistic effects were observed for biofilms grown in wound environments leading to stiffer dual-species biofilms compared to their single-species forms, potentially contributing to the persistence of chronic infections. Furthermore, the presence of collagen enhanced dual-species biofilm mechanical strength and impacted biofilms microstructures suggesting it mediates complex interspecies interactions. The third research project involved studying the impacts of non-native polymers in biofilm mechanics. Polymers and polymeric materials have been widely studied for their effects on bacterial behavior and their biofilm characteristics. However, their potential influence on biofilm mechanical properties remains largely unexplored. Our findings reveal that polymer properties, including surface charge, molecular weight, and rigidity, play a crucial role in modulating biofilm mechanical behavior. Collectively, this dissertation demonstrates that biofilm mechanics can be modulated through diverse strategies, including induced dispersion, interspecies interactions, altered growth environments, and the incorporation of exogenous polymers, with important implications for advancing chronic wound therapeutics and optimizing biofilm applications in industrial and environmental settings
Assessment and Modeling Tools to Guide Remediation of Contaminated Sediments
No full textEffective management of contaminated sediment sites requires reliable estimates of contaminant concentrations in aquatic organisms, which are essential for setting cleanup benchmarks, guiding remediation strategies, and designing long-term monitoring programs. This is particularly important for legacy contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are prevalent at many contaminated sediment sites and readily bioaccumulate in benthic organisms. Unfortunately, bulk sediment concentrations often do not reflect bioaccumulation, and passive sampling using polymeric sorbents has increasingly been used to estimate PCBs availability (Cfree) for bioaccumulation predictions.
The first part of this dissertation evaluates different approaches for predicting polymer-water partition coefficients (Kpw) for PCBs, which are essential for estimating freely dissolved porewater concentrations (Cfree). A new PCB-specific QSAR model was developed and compared to a general hydrophobic organic contaminant (HOC)-based model that we previously published for the common polymeric passive samplers, PDMS and LDPE. The difference between the models was not statistically significant, indicating that the PCB-specific model was not a significant improvement over the general HOC QSAR predictions.
Secondly, this study compares PCB tissue concentrations predicted from passive samplers with measured values under both in-situ and ex-situ exposures to test (test organisms) with paired deployments of PDMS-coated SPME fibers at two Superfund sites: the estuarine Wetland 64 in Pensacola, FL, and the freshwater Penniman Lake in Virginia. Use of the polymeric sampler as a biomimetic sampler to predict total PCB (ΣPCB) bioaccumulation showed a good correlation that was organism-specific and also site-specific due to the different PCB congener distribution between the sites. Conversion of PDMS uptake of individual congeners to freely available concentration, Cfree, however, provided a correlation that approximated bioaccumulation uptake terms of a bioaccumulation factor (BCF) that was common across both sites for both in-situ and ex-situ freshwater and marine clams (log (BCF) (±0.38) = 1.06 (±0.01) * log (Kow) (R2=0.997)). Moreover, a similar but slightly higher correlation was found for the freshwater and marine deposit feeding worms across both sites (log (BCF) (±0.42) = 1.12 (±0.002) * log (Kow) (R2=0.997)). The results suggest that either in-situ or ex-situ passive sampling polymer uptake can predict total PCB uptake on a site-specific basis, while porewater concentration (Cfree) can be used to predict tissue uptake of individual congeners across sites.
Thirdly, the study investigates whether structural difference influences the contaminant’s bioaccumulation and sorption behavior by comparing planar and non-planar PCB congeners. For congeners of similar hydrophobicity, planar congeners exhibited slightly lower bioaccumulation and sorption than the non-planar congeners.
Finally, a combined modeling framework integrating CapSIM and TIGSED® was applied to simulate the long-term performance of in-situ remediation strategies, including capping, monitored natural recovery (MNR), and enhanced MNR at a superfund site, Lower Duwamish Waterway. TIGSED provided a model of spatially variable surficial sediment dynamics, while CapSIM can provide the interactions of that surface layer to deeper sediment layers and allows evaluation of the local performance of in-situ sediment remedial approaches. The combined approach allowed for site-specific remedy evaluation under spatially heterogeneous conditions and provided insights into optimal strategy selection
Ethan Fasnacht's MM Baritone Recital 2
No full textThus saith the Lord... But Who May Abide, George Frideric Handel
Fünf Lieder, Op. 94, Johannes Brahms
Chansons de Don Quichotte, Jacques Ibert
From Sei liriche, prima serie, Ottorino Respighi
Sing Me at Midnight (Owen), John GreerRelated performance for this degree -- Ethan Fasnacht's MM Baritone Recital 1: https://hdl.handle.net/2346/102239Recital recordings are archival copies for educational purposes only. Members of the TTU community may request to listen/view them for educational purposes via the PDF link to the left