Thesis (M.S.)--Eastern Illinois University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-86).

Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2010. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 112 p. : col. map. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rhode Island, 2003. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 179-210).

When metal pollutants exist in natural water, their toxicity is dramatically dependent on the chemical species. Numerous sophisticated techniques and instruments have been developed to detect metal pollutants at very low concentration levels. However, one important factor is often ignored, i.e., rarely is species determination required. Electrochemical (EC) methods have the particular advantage of being, in principle, a species-sensitive method rather than an element-sensitive method for the study of metal speciation in natural waters. The goal of this research was to develop an instrument using the EC technique for speciation and general voltammetric studies. It was accomplished by designing a flow-through EC cell containing multi-electrodes to which various fixed potentials over a selected range were applied. A special potentiostat was designed to supply a selected potential to each electrode in the cell. Potential control was provided by placing a combined counter-reference electrode at circuit ground and connecting each working electrode to the inverting input of a current follower which had a potential applied to its non-inverting input from two digital-to-analog converters and a resistor network. Integrating current followers were used for measuring signal currents generated by the electrolytes samples on each electrode. A multiplexing circuit, including an analog-to-digital converter, was used to fulfill data acquisition. These circuits were interfaced to a computer and the readout was a pseudo-voltammogram which is a plot of amperometric currents versus various applied fixed potentials on each electrode. Details of the instrumentation, software, and some initial results are described.

Traceable seafood can be linked back to its origin and method of catch. Improving the traceability of marine organisms involves establishing a transparent Chain of Custody (CoC) by collecting data at checkpoints throughout the supply chain, from ship to shore to store. This report explores the feasibility of integrating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into the United States Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) fishery in order to improve traceability. This report serves as a forward-looking evaluation of RFID technology that is intended to inform interested stakeholders of its functionality and capabilities. It is not intended to serve as a management proposal.

Listeria monocytogenes has emerged as a food safety concern for a number of produce commodities. While L. monocytogenes contamination can occur throughout the supply chain, contamination from the packinghouse environment represents a particular challenge and has been linked to recalls. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, persistence, and diversity of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) and other Listeria species (LS) in produce packinghouses. A longitudinal study was performed in 11 packinghouses (commodities included micro-green, peach, apple, tomato, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumber) in three US states. In each packinghouse, 34 to 46 sites representing zones 2-4 were selected and swabbed. Packinghouses were visited 4 times and samples were processed for Listeria by US Food and Drug Administration's Bacteriological Analytical Manual methods. Presumptive Listeria-positive isolates were confirmed by PCR. Species and allelic type (AT) were identified by sigB sequencing. Among the 1,584 samples tested, 3.2%, 2.7%, and 0.6% of the samples were positive for LM, LS, and both LM and LS, respectively. Five different species of Listeria were identified with L. monocytogenes being the most prevalent species. A high AT diversity (0.95 Simpson's Diversity Index) was observed amongst Listeria isolates. There were 15 instances of Listeria repeated isolation (site testing positive ≥2 times). Upon analysis of subtype data, only 3 sites tested positive for the same Listeria AT >2 times. Data showed in this longitudinal study that Listeria prevalence and persistence in packinghouses was low (e.g., <4% prevalence). Therefore, sanitation program development and implementation in packinghouses are critical to limit Listeria harborage and residence. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Listeria monocytogenes is one of the deadliest foodborne pathogens, accounting for about 20% of the deaths caused by foodborne illnesses in the US. Historically, L. monocytogenes has been a big concern for Ready-to-Eat products (ice cream, deli meats, etc.), but in the last decade, there have been several listeriosis outbreaks associated with fresh produce (e.g. cantaloupes, apples, celery, packaged salad) becoming a produce safety concern. Some of these outbreaks have been traced back to the produce farm (pre-harvest) and the operations after harvesting (post-harvest). Though there is research focusing on the prevalence of Listeria in the pre-harvest environment, there is a need for studies investigating Listeria at the post-harvest level. This research project, focused on gaining a better understanding of the prevalence, persistence, and diversity of Listeria (including L. monocytogenes) in produce packinghouses. 11 packinghouses facilities were sampled four times during the packing season. The samples were obtained from different stationary (e.g. walls, drains, floors) and moving (e.g. bins, forklifts, pallets) non-food contact surfaces and equipment during operation hours. Isolates were processed to detect and isolate Listeria species (including L. monocytogenes). Listeria isolates were confirmed and fingerprinted. Listeria prevalence in these packinghouses was low (6.4%), and it varied among packinghouses. Drains, cold storages, and wet non-food contact surfaces were the sites with the highest Listeria prevalence. There were 3 cases of Listeria repeated isolation (same Listeria detected in the same site in at least 2 of the 4 visits). The diversity of Listeria in these packinghouses was high. The information gathered through this research provides a better understanding of where and what species of Listeria can be found in a produce packinghouse iv facility. This knowledge may be used to develop and implement mitigation strategies and interventions to control and/or reduce the risk of Listeria contamination in produce packinghouses.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 69-75).

Mesonet stations are environmental monitoring systems used to examine environmental features such as Precipitation, Temperature, Insolation, Soil Moisture, and Localized Hazards. network of Mesonet stations is an integral part of weather and climate monitoring and the data produced are essential for agriculture, planning, transportation, and other industries. Tennessee is one of the few states without a Mesonet; a bill currently before the state assembly includes funding for such a system. Therefore, this research describes development of a Mesonet suitability layer for Tennessee that can be used to guide placement of individual Mesonet stations across the state, taking into account spacing, terrain, land use, construction suitability, and other factors. Land cover, road centerline, roughness, elevation, flood zone, building footprint, and soil type data were obtained from USGS, FEMA, NLCD, and the Tennessee state database to create each layer. Using ArcGIS Pro, each data layer was converted to a raster and then masked to the state of Tennessee at 30-meter resolution to ensure proper alignment of data overlays. The combined overlay map will identify zones that meet suitability criteria, and it is expected that multiple areas in each county will meet the such that a complete Mesonet network can be sited across the state. This study provides important information needed for final placement of Tennessee’s future Mesonet stations, which will provide essential weather and environmental monitoring data important for Tennessee.

No description available.

Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references.