Journals@UC (University of Cincinnati)
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Preparation and Characterization of Decellularized ECM Hydrogel from Adipose Tissues of Hide/Skin: Unlocking Untapped Resource Potential
No full textRaw fleshing wastes is the major solid waste generated during leather manufacturing. Utilization of the fleshing waste for the development of biomaterial holds a promising and sustainable solution for leather manufacturing. Decellularized hydrogels possess the ability to differentiate into specific tissue types of the host microenvironment and supports the cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Hydrogel is a biocompatible biomaterial that has the potential to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM-based biomaterials derived from animal tissues are ideal for applications in tissue engineering. In the present research work, dECM-derived hydrogels from the decellularized raw fleshing waste was prepared and characterized for its possible applications in tissue engineering. The fleshing waste was decellularized using varying concentrations of SDS and Triton-X 100 detergents. The tissue sample treated with 0.1% SDS and 1% Triton-X 100 for decellularization exhibited higher collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) retention. The study also provides a possible way for the transformation of tannery fleshing waste into high value products
Keratin Hydrolysis from Tannery Unhairing Process Wastes Structural Property Determination and Keratin Molecular Size Investigation Reducing by Electrospinning Method
No full textWhite goat skin waste hair obtained as a by-product of the leather unhairing process was used to produce hydrolyzed keratin, the starting point for this study. Properties of this keratin hydrolyzed such as thermal stability (DSC), structure (FTIR) and nitrogen content (Kjeldahl Method) were characterized. The powdered form of this keratin was reduced to micro size (Matsusada brand high power supply) and further characterized for molecular size (SEM). The outcome of this study found that keratin made from waste goat hair was more resistant to heat than the initial starting point goat hair. This important finding offers a means to leverage waste goat hair for valued end uses thus improving the overall environmental impact of the leather making process
Opuntia ficus-indica Extract as a Sustainable Solution for Skins and Hides Unhairing
No full textWith increasing awareness of environmental repercussions stemming from the leather industry, the pursuit of plant-based unhairing methodologies has gained substantial research momentum. This study unveils an innovative strategy capable of thorough sheepskin unhairing within a remarkably brief span of 6 hours. This approach is promising because it leverages the synergistic potential of potassium/calcium thioglycolate to dismantle disulfide bonds in keratin and fortify the process with zinc substances to enhance collagen attributes and skin texture. In addition, the inherent natural antioxidants present in plants mitigate microbial proliferation. By employing various concentrations and durations, the chemical formulation was systematically applied to nine distinct samples, culminating in an optimal outcome marked by 80 mL of Opuntia ficus-indicasolution. This treatment resulted in a noteworthy enhancement in collagen integrity and skin texture, with profound penetration of the chemical into the skin matrix, thereby ensuring efficacious permeation. Critically, the inclusion of collagenase inhibitor constituents within the enzyme composition precluded collagen degradation, ultimately yielding premium-grade leather that not only adheres to but also surpasses industry benchmarks, as substantiated by meticulous tensile and tear tests. Leathers crafted via this innovative paradigm consistently demonstrated superiority, thereby underscoring the merits of this approach in fostering sustainable leather production
Fabrication and Characterization of Gelatin-Chitosan-TiO2 Hybrid Nanobiocomposite Films for Adsorptive Removal of Dyes from Wastewater
No full textWastewater generated from the process of dyeing is often inadequately treated and discharged into natural waterways. This may alter the ecology by reducing water clarity and sun radiation penetration, thereby affecting the photosynthesis process. Adsorption is an efficient and simple method for removing harmful dyes from water, offering outstanding performance and minimal operating expenses. The strategy of designing adsorbents with high separation efficiency using biodegradable polymer-based nanocomposite is an attractive option. Solution casting methods were followed to synthesize gelatin-chitosan biocomposite in three different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). To enhance the efficiency of dye adsorption, titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been incorporated in various weight percentages (1, 2 and 5% w/w) to the chosen gelatin-chitosan composite. Several analytical techniques including XRD, FESEM, FTIR, DLS, contact angle and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to characterize the prepared samples. The adsorption capacities of the nanobiocomposite films were determined using 6-nitro amino phenol sulphonic acid as reference dye at different time intervals and analyzed using UVVis spectroscopy and the results suggest that the nanobiocomposite with 5% loading of titanium dioxide nanoparticles led to faster adsorption of the dye. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were investigated and various parameters including maximum adsorption capacity were also derived. A practical application of the developed nanocomposite was established for the removal of brown dyes from the post-tanning wastewater. Therefore, the study shows potential for the fabricated films for applications in organic dye removal from wastewate
Facilitating inclusivity and student engagement through use of pre-class activities
Get PDFThis narrative discusses the author\u27s use of pre-class assignments (a form of Just-in-Time Teaching, or JiTT, pedagogy) to improve student outcomes in the classroom. Short activities were assigned prior to each day\u27s lecture period across a variety of courses, with the goal of front-loading introductory and motivating material so that class time could be devoted to active learning. A number of unintended benefits were observed with regards to classroom inclusivity and student engagement: notably, students were more confident in posing and answering questions in class, and students took advantage of regular invited opportunities to share their learning experiences with the author, readily expressing concerns about course pacing or material that they would not have otherwise brought to the attention of the professor. The narrative discusses benefits and challenges to the implementation of such activities, including the issue of how to improve student buy-in by providing regular feedback to student activity responses
“In-Between” faculty and student: Inclusive teaching perspectives from a graduate student mentor
No full textScholarship on how diverse student populations succeed in college have demonstrated the importance of university conditions that “engage students’ cultural communities, backgrounds, and identities” (Museus, 2014; Museus et al., 2018). As a graduate student mentor who occupies a liminal social position “in-between” faculty and undergraduate student, I learned to create an inclusive learning environment within my two institutional positions to foster students’ active learning and sense of belonging. First, I serve as a Graduate Student Supervisor in my department’s Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, in which I conduct my dissertation fieldwork collaboratively with my team of multidisciplinary research assistants. Second, I work as a Graduate Writing Consultant in my university’s writing center, where I co-founded our center’s partnership with a campus cultural community center to support graduate students’ academic, professional, and social/emotional wellbeing. As a peer mentor to graduate students and research supervisor to undergraduates, I discuss how I have learned to adapt assignments and materials in extracurricular learning programs and academic tutoring. These strategies are applicable to courses and campus academic services. The goal is to listen to individual student needs and act on those needs to adapt individual assignments and group lesson materials, such that students can practice writing about the intersections of their research interests, community engagement, and personal identities. I plan on continue adapting my research task assignments and writing workshops to ensure all students feel they belong in the research team and at the writing center. Furthermore, I am inspired to work in higher education after my PhD to consider policy and curricula changes that will scale up these learning opportunities for equal access to success
Student Team Dynamics and Developmental Feedback: A common challenge from a year-long, multi-disciplinary engineering Community of Practice
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How Severe is a Changing Climate, and Why Should we Care?
Get PDFIn this presentation, I explain the effects, conditions, and consequences of increasing global warming through a discussion of a literature review. I also speak in support of Greta Thunberg, who is roughly the same age as me, and tried to push everyone, everywhere to join her in reducing carbon emissions, through her inspiring words recounted in No One is Too Small to Make a Difference. Global Warming continues to increase unsteadily, beginning after the Industrial Revolution, and human activities appear to be the primary reason. It is vital to take consideration and responsibility for our carbon footprint as soon as possible as a warmer planet brings about critical effects on all biomes and habitats, and all forms of life, including, but not limited to ocean acidity, alters in precipitation, and sea levels, and an increase in the frequency of heat waves. This makes global warming a major contributor to our planet\u27s conditions, and the reports and statistics alter in a split-second due to even more impacts being made on a daily basis.
Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist, skipped school one day to protest Global Warming, and she has always spoken seriously on the journey to fight for everyone\u27s future, and the future generations, who could potentially face even more severe conditions than we currently face. She claims that every single person can make a difference in the world, and it is up to all of us together to take action before we reach the point of no return. Greta Thunberg believes that this major global emergency is not being treated like one. She claims that even the government leaders are not considered to be taking their jobs seriously by not adding in any climate-related mandates.
Nathaniel Rich\u27s analysis of climate change indicates that we, humans, happen to be the primary cause of an increase of heat on our planet, beginning after the Industrial Revolution. With a devastating increase in human population, we are in need of more houses and food, which contributes to an increase in agriculture and a loss of habitat, which can potentially place many keystone species at risk. The major idea is the excessive emissions of greenhouse gases, through the burning of fossil fuels, etc. A warmer planet has many effects on land, water, and all forms of life, such as rapid melting of snow and ice, sea level alters, drought, famine, and heat waves. Gail Herman, a WHO HQ author says that we live in a cycle where oceans affect air, air affects life, life affects the atmosphere, and the atmosphere affects the oceans.