This dissertation consists of four studies of Populus and Eucalyptus biotechnology and genomic science: 1) induction of floral sterility by tapetal expression of the ribonuclease Barnase in Populus; 2) CRISPR Cas9-mediated gene editing targeting LEAFY (LFY) and AGAMOUS (AG) homologs in Populus; 3) induction of floral sterility by CRISPR Cas9...
Numerous studies have explored how alluvial channel size and morphology are adjusted to different sediment and flow conditions, yet we still know very little about how and to what degree the flow regime controls channel form and processes. We use the term ‘channel form’ to refer to the size and...
Cephalopod-inspired soft robot arms have been studied as a new type of manipulator. These arms have been proposed for reach and grab tasks, underwater locomotion via swimming and walking, and robotic surgery. However, the capabilities of existing soft arms are limited to simple motions and light loads. Arm design has...
In 2017, the Rohingya refugee crisis became recognized as the fastest growing and among the densest concentration of refugees in the world. The Rohingya have no legal citizenship in any country and are considered a stateless population. Pregnant persons and children are often more vulnerable to the effects of humanitarian...
Phytochemicals from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, contain a multitude of bioactive compounds that prevent and suppress cancer and promote optimal health. Some of the health promoting effects of cruciferous vegetables are attributed to a class of compounds known as isothiocyanates (ITCs), a potent nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2...
Jordan has a higher fertility rate (3.8) than the averages of countries similar in income to Jordan (2.2) and compared to the Middle East and North Africa region as a whole (2.8) (WHO, WB, UNICEF, & DHS, 2011). The findings of the 2009 Jordanian Population and Family Health Survey demonstrated...
Many home users nowadays use various smart devices to improve the efficiency and convenience of their home environments. Trigger-action platforms such as “If-This-Then-That” (IFTTT) enable end users to connect different smart devices and services using simple apps to control these devices and automate the tasks (e.g., if the camera detects...
Metabolomics has recently gained momentum in biomolecule research and complements the genomics and proteomics research space. Metabolomics strives to detect, identify, and quantify all metabolites present in biological samples. In particular, biomolecular analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) has become increasingly important for metabolomic analyses. Similarly,...
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the sexually transmitted pathogen responsible for millions of cases of gonorrhea worldwide each year. Rapidly-spreading antibiotic resistance is diminishing the ability to effectively treat a disease with significant consequences to female and male reproductive health, as well as to neonatal well-being. A protective vaccine has the potential...