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Paving the Way for Synthetic Intrinsically Disordered Polymers for Soft Robotics
No full textNature is full of examples of processes that, through evolution, have been perfected over the ages to effectively use matter and sustain life. Here, we present our strategies for designing intrinsically disordered smart polymers for soft robotics applications that are bio-inspired by intrinsically disordered proteins. Bio-inspired intrinsically disordered smart and soft polymers designed using our deep understanding of intrinsically disordered proteins have the potential to open new avenues in soft robotics. Together with other desirable traits, such as robustness, dynamic self-organization, and self-healing abilities, these systems possess ideal characteristics that human-made formations strive for but often fail to achieve. Our main aim is to develop materials for soft robotics applications bio-inspired by intrinsically disordered proteins to address what we see as the largest current barriers in the practical deployment of future soft robotics in various areas, including defense. Much of the current literature has focused on the de novo synthesis of tailor-made polymers to perform specific functions. With bio-inspired polymers, the complexity of protein folding mechanisms has limited the ability of researchers to reliably engineer specific structures. Unlike existing studies, our work is focused on utilizing the high flexibility of intrinsically disordered proteins and their self-organization characteristics using synthetic quasi-foldamers
Yield and Composition Variations of the Milk from Different Camel Breeds in Saudi Arabia
No full textWith the increasing interest in the identification of differences between camel breeds over the last decade, this study was conducted to estimate the variability of milk production and composition of four Saudi camel breeds during different seasons. Milk records were taken two days per week from females of Majahem, Safra, Wadha, and Hamra breeds distributed over Saudi Arabia. The milk yield during winter indicated that the weekly average of the Wadha breed was significantly lower (27.13 kg/week) than Majahem and Hamra breeds. The Safra breed had the lowest milk yield (30.7 kg/week) during summer. During winter, the Hamra breed had a lower content of all analyzed milk components except proteins and was characterized by a lower pH than the milk of the other breeds. However, the Hamra breed had significantly higher contents of milk fat and lactose than the other breeds during summer, with the corresponding values of 3.87 and 4.86%, respectively. Milk collected during winter from Majahem, Safra, and Wadha breeds was characterized by a significant increase in all milk components and milk pH. Finally, the isoelectric focusing analysis revealed noticeable variability of casein purified from camel milk within the different Saudi breeds, with the highest significant value of 2.29 g per 100 mL recorded for the Wadha breed
USF Faculty Publications
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Live-learn-work: Experiential learning and cultural intelligence in the internship abroad
No full textIn response to increasing demand for intercultural competency in global work environments, universities in the United States have expanded opportunities for study and internship abroad. However, there is comparatively little research on the program design for internship abroad programs and how it affects intercultural competency. This study presents a new curriculum model for the internship abroad called Live-Learn-Work (LLW) and evaluates its effects on the cultural intelligence (CQ) of undergraduate student participants in three different settings: Seoul, South Korea; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Lima, Peru. The design of LLW is unique in that it integrates a theoretical framework from Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) with a measure of cultural competency, the cultural intelligence scale (CQS), and provides a holistic approach to the internship abroad. Utilizing a pre- and post-test design, this study analyzed the effect of each program on the four subscales of CQ (cognitive, metacognitive, motivational, and behavioral), and discussed their interrelations. The study concluded that the program design had a statistically significant positive effect on cultural intelligence, but that this effect was uneven across CQ subscales and programs. These results point to the need for further research on the relationships among CQ dimensions
How to Become a Numbers Person: Review of \u3cem\u3eMaking Numbers Count\u3c/em\u3e, by Chip Heath and Karla Starr (2022)
No full textMaking Numbers Count: The Art and Science of Communicating Numbers (2022), by Chip Heath and Karla Starr, is a practical guide to developing number sense. Full of useful tips and tricks, the book ends on a philosophical note that invites us to contemplate why each of us is simultaneously good and bad with numbers. The writing style is enjoyable, especially for a reference book, and it could generate fruitful conversation in numeracy courses as well as writing courses across disciplines and professions
Considering What Counts: Mass Shooting Math
No full textNews reports often cite statistics about the number of mass shootings. It is important to appreciate the definitions used when counting mass shootings. Different definitions produce very different statistical outcomes