21497 research outputs found
Sort by
Aeroponic System Optimization for Butterhead Lettuce Growth and Future Sustainability Using Flow Blurring Atomization: An Overview
Get PDFThe global population has grown by 6 billion people over the last century and is trending toward 9.7 billion people by the year 2050. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global fresh water usage. Technology must be developed to accommodate the increase of food production demanded by the growing global population and the subsequent increase in water usage. Aeroponic technology is a water-efficient vertical farming technology that can reduce water usage by 90% by suspending plant roots in air within a controlled chamber and supplying atomized droplets of a water-nutrient solution directly to the roots.
This study simultaneously tests six droplet sizes of 10 m, 28 m, 46 m, 64 m, 82 m, and 100 m in an experimental aeroponic system by growing butterhead lettuce over a span of 12 days under controlled conditions. After conducting three experiments, the findings indicated that the droplet range of 64 m to 82 m experienced the most growth under the reported test conditions by evaluating the change in total length and change in number of leaves growing from the plant stem
GLEIM
No full textGLEIM - Overview of the GLEIM simulator and how best to implement it in the class room. Suggested for AS 120 instructors
Taking Point: Getting Dual Enrollment Programs Started in Your State
No full textWhile the GAI Dual-Enrollment program is a smashing success, running in many Florida high schools, it is only beginning to take hold in other states. This session will explore how the program got started in the state of Ohio, and how it has expanded. Attendees will be equipped with tips and strategies to get the ERAU/GAI Dual-Enrollment started in their own states
Additively Manufactured Bioinspired Microstructures for Active Surface Modification
No full textAdvancements in additive manufacturing have facilitated the development of bioinspired microstructures, which hold promise for applications, such as liquid transport, self-cleaning, and anti-icing. However, the controllability of these microstructures remains an area requiring further exploration. This research explores the design, fabrication, and active control of 3D-printed bioinspired microstructures for dynamic wettability modulation. First, the anisotropic scales of butterfly wings were replicated through optimized two-photon polymerization printing strategies, achieving directional droplet motion controlled by structural geometry and arrangement. The reversed wetting trend compared with natural wings revealed key insights into the structure–performance relationship. Next, microstructures were integrated with dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) to realize voltage-driven surface tuning. The fabricated surfaces exhibited strong bonding, shape recovery, and tunable hydrophobicity. DEA-induced deformation enabled rapid, reversible wetting state transitions, achieving programmable droplet transport with high precision and repeatability. Building upon the surface-level control enabled by DEA integration, an analytical model for microscale DEA was further developed to achieve actuation of individual microstructures. This model predicts electromechanical performance and ensures electrical reliability, providing a rational design framework beyond trial-and-error fabrication. Together, these advances demonstrate a versatile platform for 3D-printed, actively controllable bioinspired surfaces, enabling adaptive wettability and precise droplet manipulation in microfluidic applications
Resilient Futures: Disaster Risk Reduction and Youth Mental Health
No full textClimate change is among the most significant public health threats of the 21st century, with children and adolescents bearing disproportionate mental health impacts. Natural hazards such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes heighten risks of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and long-term psychosocial harm, particularly in vulnerable regions like Puerto Rico. Cascading disasters, including Hurricanes Irma and Maria, subsequent earthquakes, COVID-19, exposed fragile infrastructure, severe workforce shortages, and inequitable access to care. There are alarming rates of suicidal ideation, trauma, and displacement, underscoring the urgent need for proactive approaches. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in Puerto Rico has largely been reactive, emphasizing recovery after disasters rather than preparedness. Emerging evidence and global frameworks, such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, advocate integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) with MHPSS to strengthen resilience. Schools, as trusted community anchors, offer a strategic platform for embedding disaster education, psychosocial support, and resilience training into daily curricula. Programs that engage children in preparedness activities, peer education, and community awareness have been shown to reduce disaster-related anxiety, strengthen family preparedness, and foster confidence and communication skills. This study argues for a phased, multi-stakeholder strategy to integrate DRR and youth mental health into Puerto Rico’s schools. Recommendations include establishing interagency task forces, training educators in psychological first aid, piloting school-based programs, and codifying DRR into educational policy. Embedding resilience education will not only reduce long-term mental health burdens but also prepare future generations to navigate climate-driven crises with strength and equity
Integrating Sustainability into Aviation Training: Perspectives from Industry Professionals
No full textThis paper is part of a broader research project aimed at identifying the most appropriate training materials, formats, and delivery methods for aviation sustainability content for future aviation professionals, starting from the early stages of their training. The current paper presents the data analysis and results of a short online survey targeting aviation professionals. Specifically, it provides preliminary data on sustainability perspectives from global aviation professionals. Through qualitative analysis, the creation of a baseline from a random sample of aviation professionals offers insight into their perspectives and how they could be influenced toward a more sustainable pathway. Additionally, the paper presents a Cramér\u27s V statistical test to examine the association between aviation professions and responses on sustainability. The aim of this paper is to analyze current attitudes toward sustainability among aviation professionals and to explore how they can be better prepared and informed about emerging topics like sustainabilit