Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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Synthetic Tannery Effluent Mixture Degradability Assessment
No full textLeather is a material with unique mechanical properties, making it widely used in the production of footwear, clothing, sports articles, and in the field of coverings, such as in the automotive, furniture, marine and aeronautical industries. Leather processing involves three major stages: beamhouse, tanning, and finishing. In each of these stages, characteristic effluents are generated, which typically reach the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) mixed, for the so called end-of-pipe treatment, consisting of primary and secondary treatment. The objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of the effluents generated in each processing stage individually and when mixed, in order to assess how the mixture impacts degradability. For the evaluation, wastewater corresponding to the three stages was generated, using raw hides for (i) beamhouse and (ii) tanning, and wet-blue leather for (iii) wet finishing. Subsequently, chemical inputs were added to the wastewater, forming synthetic effluents. The (iv) mixture of the effluent generated in the three stages was made based on the proportion of each effluent in relation to the total generated. Analyses of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) were performed for the four samples. The BOD obtained for the mixture was zero, while the other three effluents obtained high values for the same analysis. This result indicates that an inhibitory environment to microbial growth was formed, preventing biodegradation. The TOC results indicate that the mixture contains an organic load proportional to the effluents that compose it. It was concluded that the organic load and biodegradability of the effluent can be strongly influenced by the processing methods of each tannery, such as the amount of water and inputs used, and that the secondary treatment of mixed effluents tends to be compromised compared to segregated treatment
Preliminary Findings: Mealtime Consumption Impact on Isotonic Lingual Endurance
No full textRecord ID: 282
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Poster
Abstract: Eating a meal is an essential function of daily life and the ability to eat safely and efficiently has proven implications for positive health outcomes. As individuals age, lingual function may decline and affect aspects of oropharyngeal function, including a person\u27s ability to eat a meal. The purpose of this study is to determine if isotonic endurance is impacted by eating a meal in a cohort of healthy adults. We hypothesized that a decline would occur in lingual endurance following mealtime consumption. Isotonic lingual function was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI®). First, Maximum Isometric Press (MIP) was measured (i.e. press as hard as possible with the tip of your tongue against the bulb). Isotonic endurance is measured as the number of repetitions a participant can complete at 50% MIP. Next, participants ate a small meal, including half of a bagel with peanut butter, 8 baby carrots, and 8 ounces of chocolate milk. After the completion of the meal, Isotonic endurance was measured again using the same target (50% pre-meal MIP). Preliminary results did not show an impact of eating a meal on isotonic endurance in either age group. For the older participants, the average mealtime was 12 minutes and 32 seconds; for the younger cohort average mealtime was 11 minutes and 46 seconds. Approximately, ½ of each cohort experienced an increase in isotonic repetitions after the meal (55% for young, 53% for old), which is contrary to the hypothesis.  
Examining the Connection Between Nutrient Levels in Ponds with Duckweed, Watermeal, and Filamentous
No full textRecord ID: 246
Award(s): Excellence in Research Communication
Program Affiliation: NA
Presentation Type: Video
Abstract: Aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in ecosystem balance, yet their health can be compromised by overgrowth of certain surface plant species like duckweed, watermeal, and filamentous algae. Understanding the factors contributing to such overgrowth is crucial for effective conservation strategies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutrient levels and the presence of duckweed, watermeal, and filamentous algae in ponds at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Building on existing research linking high nutrient levels to excessive aquatic plant growth, our specific goal was to compare nutrient concentrations in three ponds exhibiting different plant compositions. Water samples were collected from multiple locations within the three ponds over four weeks and analyzed for phosphates, nitrates, and ammonium. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in nutrient levels among the ponds. The findings indicate higher nutrient concentrations in ponds with duckweed and watermeal and filamentous algae compared to those without, supporting the hypothesis of a direct correlation between nutrient levels and the presence of these specific surface plants. Despite limitations such as sample size and environmental variability, this study provides valuable insights for conservation efforts. Future research could explore seasonal variations in nutrient levels and the influence of submerged aquatic plants on duckweed growth. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach contributes to broader understandings of ecosystem dynamics, guiding management strategies for sustainable environmental stewardship
Improving the Recycle Mindset in the Cincinnati Area
No full textRecord ID: 103
Program Affiliation: Capstone
Presentation Type: Video
Abstract: Recycling systems and infrastructure across the globe are flawed as they cannot accept hard to recycle items such as plastics bags, plastic and foam kitchen items like straws, plastic liners, foam peanuts, and bubble wrap. Many of these items would normally go to a landfill. The mission is to reroute these items to go to a recycling facility to be made into new valued resources. The Hefty ReNew Program makes this a priority. They sell plastic bags specifically for this reason, where these types of items are not going to landfills. Our specific question is: How can we improve the recycling mindset here in Cincinnati to reduce the amount of plastic going into the landfill? To answer this question, we look to expand on the implemented Hefty ReNew Program in the area by making the recycling collection more inclusive, reach it to a larger audience, create incentives and after the Hefty - Rumpke partnership ends; ways in which Rumpke can keep the program going. This program has been successful in areas like Nebraska, Georgia, Tennessee, and Idaho. It is successful in these areas because of numerous partnerships, and haulers that collect these orange bags and transport them. They also receive grant money for investing in the program, and there is more than one local material recovery facility used for sorting. Our findings and steps to complete this project are ongoing. The outcome of the work will allow further improvement of the overall health of the Cincinnati area. 
Personal reflections on how research on military veterans informed my DEI course
Get PDFIn this essay, I share my journey as an educator professor, transitioning from teaching "Business Professionalism and Personal Character" to "Design Thinking, Ethics, and Inclusion in Business." Recognizing the impact of inclusive teaching practices on fostering a sense of belonging for all students, I explored the literature on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a business context. This led me to uncover a significant oversight in traditional DEI approaches—military veterans were often excluded from broader inclusion discussions. By integrating modules that highlight the experiences of military-connected individuals and challenging prescriptive assumptions about veterans, I aim to create a fully inclusive classroom where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. My commitment to continuous improvement and growth drives me to adapt my teaching methods based on student feedback and emerging research on inclusivity, particularly for military-connected individuals. Embracing inclusivity enriches both my students\u27 learning experiences and my research, while advocating for broader inclusivity in DEI practices
