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Teaching Beyond The Numbers Mathematical Modeling As A Catalyst For Equity In Elementary Classrooms
Get PDFThis study explores the integration of Mathematical Modeling (MM) into elementary mathematics classrooms as a strategy for promoting equity in mathematics education. Using a case study approach, I investigated how two 5th-grade teachers leveraged MM tasks to engage students’ funds of knowledge (i.e., cultural, linguistic, and lived experiences), fostering an inclusive and meaningful learning environment. The findings indicated that when teachers intentionally aligned MM tasks with students’ funds of knowledge, they fostered deep engagement with the tasks and encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and the development of students’ mathematical identities. Furthermore, through MM teachers supported students in connecting mathematical concepts to their lived experiences, empowering students to see themselves as capable mathematicians. My work emphasizes the importance of adapting and implementing tasks focused on equity in the context of MM. The implications for teachers, mathematics teacher educators, professional development providers, and policymakers present the need for systemic support in integrating MM with equity-focused practices
EFFECT OF FOLIAR NITROGEN APPLICATION ON GRAPEVINE GROWTH, YIELD, NUTRIENT STATUS, AND FRUIT COMPOSITION
Get PDFThis study evaluated the effect of foliar nitrogen application in grapevines through three complementary experiments. A field trial with Syrah assessed the impact of foliar nitrogen on vine nutrient status and yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), in comparison to varying soil nitrogen rates. A pot experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon examined the effects of soil-applied nitrogen at bloom and foliar-applied nitrogen at veraison on fruit phenolic composition, with nitrogen partitioning tracked during the second year. A stable isotope (15N) labeling experiment with pot-grown Riesling determined the fate of nitrogen applied to leaves and fruit.Across all experiments, foliar nitrogen application at veraison consistently increased YAN more effectively than soil-applied nitrogen at bloom, without affecting yield or vegetative growth. Nitrogen-deprived vines responded more strongly to foliar application, showing marked increases in YAN in the year of application. The following season, these N-deprived vines exhibited larger canopies and higher tissue nitrogen concentrations, supporting early growth. When nitrogen was applied to fruit, over 80% remained in the fruit, while leaf-applied nitrogen was largely translocated to and stored in perennial organs. Foliar nitrogen slightly reduced anthocyanin and tannin concentrations in grape skins, but not in seeds.Foliar nitrogen appears to be a valuable tool for vineyard management, particularly as a supplement to low soil-applied nitrogen at bloom. This strategy has the potential to reduce totalnitrogen inputs while improving vine nitrogen status and boosting fruit YAN, contributing to more sustainable viticulture. The effectiveness of foliar sprays was strongly influenced by the vine’s nitrogen status, suggesting this approach may be especially beneficial in vineyards with variable vigor. Future research should investigate the impact of foliar nitrogen on wine composition, particularly whether reduced phenolic content affects sensory properties, and explore how environmental factors during the year, and application timing during ripening influence outcomes
Relating talus characteristics to habitat use by vulnerable alpine mammals in a changing climate
Get PDFStructurally complex habitats play a critical role in the survival of many wildlife species by providing food, thermal refuges, and protection from predators. However, the same complex properties that make these habitats suitable for wildlife also make them challenging to characterize and assess their ecological value. Traditional methods for characterizing these habitats are labor-intensive and lack the fine-scale resolution needed for accurate habitat assessment. Therefore, we developed a novel workflow using handheld photogrammetry to systematically map and measure fine-scale habitat characteristics in broken-rock patches, evaluate its ecological applications, and identify key habitat features relevant to rock-dwellers.To test this workflow, we established 10 m x 10 m plots at 19 talus patches within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in Washington and used a structured approach to capture overlapping images with an iPad Pro. We processed images in Agisoft Metashape, using structure-from-motion (SfM), to create georeferenced digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthomosaics. We used the Python package ‘segmenteverygrain’ to semi-automatically segment the orthomosaic rasters into individual rocks and enable us to quantify size and shape. For classifying areal cover, we created training samples and used a support vector machine algorithm to classify rasters into three categories (rock, moss, and vegetation). Using the DEMs, we characterized surface roughness at a 15-cm resolution. SfM photogrammetry successfully generated high-resolution orthomosaics and DEMs for all surveyed plots, with a ground sampling distance ≤ 1.17 mm. Image segmentation and supervised classification provided detailed quantitative data, revealing variations in rock size, shape, cover types, and surface roughness characteristics. This workflow provides a scalable and adaptable tool for fine-scale habitat characterization of structurally complex systems, providing relevant information for species and habitat monitoring.One iconic obligate dweller of broken-rock habitats is the American pika (Ochotona princeps). Unlike many alpine species, pikas do not hibernate and rely on caching vegetation in haypiles to survive during the winter when vegetation is scarce. Although many studies have evaluated the influence of patch-scale features on habitats selected by these obligate rock-dwellers, little is known about how fine-scale rock characteristics affect pika haypile site selection, because of challenges in collecting systematic, high-resolution data in talus patches. Therefore, we used the handheld photogrammetry method we developed to measure rock size and shape, surface roughness, and vegetation cover in 3 x 3 m plots around pika haypiles and 2 associated control plots at 40 sites within the North Cascades National Park and Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington. We compared models predicting haypile site selection from these metrics and 2 patch-level metrics, proximity to patch edge and location within the talus patch. The top model predicting haypile site selection included rock size (maximum area), shape (flatness), surface roughness, and vegetation cover. Pikas selected haypile plots with larger and less flat rocks and rougher plots with less vegetation than control plots. The model with patch-level variables alone did not perform better than the null model. Using a portable and easy-to-apply photogrammetry method, we demonstrated that pikas respond to fine-scale rock characteristics when selecting haypile sites. Habitat degradation, driven by natural and anthropogenic factors, may pose a significant threat to American pikas, and our study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts that preserve both occupied talus patches and their structural integrity to support pika persistence in a rapidly changing world.Not only does broken-rock land cover provide suitable conditions for food storage, it also provides critical microhabitat for small vertebrates that buffers them from extreme temperatures. Although many studies have evaluated the temperature difference between the subsurface (i.e., crevices) and the surface of the talus patch, they have mainly focused on patch-scale variables and have often been limited to short-term observations. This study examined the temperature patterns of 12 talus patches in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in Washington, over a 10-year period (2015-2024) across seasons, years, and diurnal periods between crevice and surface temperatures. We used our handheld photogrammetry method to characterize rock size, rock shape, vegetation and moss cover, and southwest-facing rock surface area to examine their influence on crevice and surface temperatures. We found that summer surface temperatures increased by 0.37°C on average, per year, while winter surface temperatures remained stable. Crevices buffered high midday and evening temperatures in summer and retained warmth during the cold winter and at night, with average temperatures 5°C cooler than the surface in summer and 0.45°C warmer in winter. Surface and crevice temperatures were influenced by solar radiation, southwest-facing rock surface area, vegetation and moss cover, rock circularity, and elevation. Our findings highlight the value of collecting precise measurements of plot-level rock characteristics using handheld photogrammetry to better understand the thermal value of rocky habitats for wildlife. Crevices played a crucial role in buffering temperature extremes, underscoring their importance for alpine species, and as climate change accelerates warming, these microhabitat refugia will likely become even more essential for species survival
Beauty in the Face of Horror Fashion, Femininity, and Identity during the Holocaust
Get PDFThis thesis examines the intersection of women in the Holocaust historiography, gender theory, and fashion studies to explore how women in Nazi concentration camps used fashion—clothing, adornment, and cosmetics—as a means of reclaiming their humanity and reconstructing their feminine identity. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of Joan Scott and Judith Butler, this study situates gender as a performative act and as a social construct that persisted even in the extreme conditions of the camps. Simultaneously, the works of Valerie Steele, Anne Hollander, and Roland Barthes provide insight into fashion’s capacity to signify identity, resilience, and defiance. Utilizing survivor testimonies, memoirs, and material culture analysis, this research reveals how fashion functioned not merely as a vestige of the past but as an active means of psychological survival.This thesis also examines the broader implications of fashion’s role in Germany during the interwar years, particularly within department stores, ready-to-wear clothing, and fashion magazines, which challenged and shaped modernity. By bridging Holocaust Studies with fashion history, this work expands the discourse on agency, identity, and survival, offering a deeper understanding of how women navigated the oppressive nature of the camps and were able to survive through material means.I argue that fashion—both clothing and cosmetics—was an instrument for women in the Holocaust to outwardly express themselves within the camps, an environment designed to destroy every ounce of identity. Fashion was a means to retain a semblance of their identity prior to entering the camp, it allowed them to style or dress their bodies in a manner that helped them feel less dehumanized. Additionally, it was a way for them to assert their agency and individualism. Through the purposeful application of skills developed from their lives prior to the camps and communal activities with other women, like sewing, women were able to reclaim and nurture their gender identity and humanity within the Nazi concentration camps. Through memoirs, artwork, and photographs, I analyze how women adapted to and survived the brutality of the camps. Fashion has largely gone unnoticed in correlation with the Nazi concentration camps; this paper seeks to add an additional lens of analysis to the complex historiography of the Holocaust
Development of KASP Markers in Association with Avirulence Genes and Utilization of a CYP51 KASP Marker to Determine Dynamics of DMI Fungicide Sensitivity in the Stripe Rust Pathogen, Puccinia Striiformis
Get PDFPuccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the causal organism of stripe rust of wheat, and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei (Psh), the causal organism of stripe rust of barley, are important pathogens threatening wheat and barley production in the world, respectively. Stripe rust is controlled by developing and growing resistant cultivars, and/or applying fungicides when needed. However, the stripe rust fungus can develop virulence races circumventing race-specific resistance genes in the host plants and strains tolerant to fungicides. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) markers associated with avirulence genes in Pst and 2) determine the dynamics of the demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide targeting gene CYP51 mutants in both Pst and Psh in the United States using a specific KASP marker.To develop markers associated with avirulence genes, primers for KASP markers were designed using previously identified secreted protein gene-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SP-SNP) markers associated with avirulence genes in Pst. A total of 92 KASP markers were designed and screened using a panel of 192 Pst isolates selected based on their race, multilocus genotype, country of origin, and year of collection. Twenty-three of the KASP markers met the criteria of sorting the Pst isolates into three genotype groups, XX, XY, and YY, and these markers were further tested with 845 Pst isolates collected from 2019 to 2021. Twenty-one of those markers were significantly associated with 16 avirulence genes, and most markers were applicable to two or more avirulence genes. Similarly, most avirulence genes had two or more useful markers. Sixteen markers used in different combinations with up to three markers in each combination could provide specific detection of the 16 avirulence genes.To determine the dynamics of DMI fungicide tolerance in the Pst and Psh populations in the United States, the KASP marker for the point mutation (from nucleotide A to T for the Y134F amino acid change) in the CYP51 gene was used to genotype 3,329 Pst isolates collected from 1968 to 2021 and 583 Psh isolates collected from 1993 to 2021. In addition, 190 Pst-infected leaf samples collected from different treatments of Tilt in field fungicide-testing plots were also genotyped using the KASP marker. The marker separated the isolates into the AA (wildtype), AT (heterozygous mutant), and TT (mutant) genotypes and determined frequencies of the three genotypes in each year, revealing the fluctuation of the mutant genotypes from year to year. The genotyping analysis of the fungicide testing leaf samples in 2024 supported the hypothesis that fungicide (Tilt) application increases mutant frequency, hence, increasing fungicide tolerance. Twenty-two isolates, including 16 Pst and 6 Psh isolates were tested for urediniospore germination at various concentrations of Tilt. Although at the full labeled rate, Tilt completely inhibited spore germination of the wild type and basically halted germ tube growth of the mutant types, significant increases of germination of the homozygous mutant were observed at the reduced concentration. Based on the germination data, the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of the homozygous mutant was more than twice the value of the wild type, proving that Tilt is less effective on the homozygous mutant than on the wild type. The KASP markers developed and used in this study should be useful in monitoring virulence genes and DMI fungicide tolerance in the stripe rust pathogen populations
Oxalic acid options for controlling Varroa destructor
Get PDFVarroa destructor is a globally distributed ectoparasitic mite that is a leading driver of honey bee colony losses in the United States. Varroa was introduced into the US in the 1980s. Since then, these mites have detrimentally impacted honey bee colonies all over the country; direct and indirect effects of Varroa infestations are a major contributor to honey bee colony losses each year. There are inherent challenges with successful Varroa management since available options vary in suitability during honey bee population phases such as little to no brood production over winter or prolific brood production in spring. Therefore, beekeepers should intensively manage their honey bee colonies with various integrated pest management (IPM) tools to keep mite populations below damaging levels. Varroa destructor cannot be eradicated, so control measures must be performed using a sustainable, more wholistic approach, such as using IPM strategies. This publication aims to focus on one Varroa management option, oxalic acid. In addition to describing all currently available, commercial oxalic acid products that have been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this publication also compares their delivery methods. Beekeepers can use this publication to make informed Varroa mite oxalic acid management decisions
Collecting to Support Ukrainian Diaspora in Washington State
Get PDFWashington State is the number one U.S. destination for refugees from Russia’s war on Ukraine. This aggression is the latest in a centuries-long attempt to eradicate the Ukrainian language and culture. Libraries in Ukraine are targets because of their role as centers for learning, culture, and community support. Here in Washington, libraries and librarians have an opportunity to create bridges for local Ukrainian communities, uniting the diaspora and building a network of support with reverberations that stretch across the globe. While collecting in a new language is a challenge, there are plenty of allies ready to help, including Ukrainian advocacy groups, local communities, libraries with experience collecting Ukrainian materials, non-profit organizations, and book vendors. This article will help develop an understanding of the importance of collecting Ukrainian materials and the landscape of different allies working to preserve and disseminate Ukrainian literature, with the goal of enabling and encouraging Ukrainian book collection in Washington State Libraries
2024 Cost and Return Estimates of Establishing, Producing, and Packing Granny Smith Apples in Washington
Get PDFThe results presented in this WSU publication serve as a general guide for evaluating the feasibility of producing Granny Smith apples grown on two training systems - angled V and vertical spindle - in Washington State as of 2024. This publication is not intended to be a definitive guide to production practices, but it is helpful in estimating the physical and financial requirements of comparable plantings. Cost and return estimates in the enterprise budget also vary depending on its intended use. To avoid drawing unwarranted conclusions for any particular orchard, readers must closely examine the assumptions made in this guide and then adjust the costs, returns, or both as appropriate for their own orchard operation
An Experimental Evaluation of an Electronic Rotor Phase Synchronization System for Multirotor Aircraft Noise Control
Get PDFMultirotor electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles and small unmanned aircraft systems commonly use distributed electric propulsion. One approach to reducing their noise involves synchronizing rotor phase relationships to control radiated noise directionally. This paper presents a practical electronic phase synchronization method for multirotor aircraft, experimentally evaluates its effectiveness using a hexacopter in an anechoic chamber, and investigates how vehicle configuration influences noise control capability. Harmonic noise reductions of 10 dB are demonstrated over a 20° azimuthal arc, with limited increases in other directions. Noise amplification of 6 dB is also achieved over the same region. Global reductions of 6 dB across nearly all observer angles are obtained using alternative rotor phase offsets. Statistical analysis of phase controller error indicates that maintaining phase accuracy within 5??? is necessary for 10 dB attenuation. Simulations across various rotor configurations show consistent noise control performance, with higher rotor counts enabling greater directional control of radiated noise
Utilizing Genetics to Improve Cattle Efficiencies and Evaluate Economically Important Traits and Conditions
Get PDFThe identification and use of genetic regions is a technique utilized throughout the cattle industry to select for improved populations, commonly using genomic selection. The objective of this dissertation was to identify loci, genes, gene sets, and leading-edge genes associated with cryptorchidism in Wagyu cattle and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in Holstein calves and to evaluate economic and environmental impacts on commercial dairies due to the use of genomic selection techniques. Cryptorchidism is a condition where one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, leading to reductions in fertility. Wagyu cattle have a small effective population size and large inbreeding coefficients, as well as some families with a higher proportion of cryptorchidism. To examine any potential genetic regulators of cryptorchidism, a population of 18 individuals from a related family were genotyped. Haplotype association and genome wide association analyses (GWAA) were performed, identifying 218 haplotypes that trended towards an association and three loci moderately associated with cryptorchidism. To assess long-term impacts of genomic selection on environmental outputs and dairy profitability, a ten-year Markov chain model evaluated differences between three selection scenarios. The study compared traditional, single-trait genomic, and multi-trait genomic selection scenarios, where the dairies reached a non-fluctuating state and prioritized maximum profit. Farm profit was 50% and 64% higher in single and multi-trait genomic selection scenarios compared to traditional selection. Moreover, they had approximately 7% less methane, 10% less phosphorus, and 13% less nitrogen productions compared to traditional selection. Other factors, including improved milk production and reproductive performances were also observed, due to the higher selection intensity of these traits, especially in the multi-trait genomic selection scenario. The final two studies examined BRD, which is a respiratory infection among cattle due to various bacteria and viruses. Both studies performed GWAA and gene set enrichment analyses using single nucleotide polymorphisms as gene proxies (GSEA-SNP) on a pre-weaned population (0-60 days of age) and a post-weaned population (61-421 days of age). The Pacific Northwest population included 518 pre-weaned cases and 3,655 controls and the post-weaned portion had 2,001 cases and 3,210 controls. The GWAA identified 13 strongly associated loci and 26 positional candidate genes with associated markers within them for the pre-weaned population. The post-weaned population identified 52 strongly associated loci across additive, dominant, and recessive models and 56 positional candidate genes. The GSEA-SNP identified a single gene set with 86 leading-edge genes and seven gene sets with 162 unique leading-edge genes for the pre- and post-weaned populations, respectively. The Southern population also genotyped pre-weaned calves (2,147 cases and 14,219 controls) and post-weaned calves (5,607 cases and 12,242 controls). The pre-weaned GWAA identified 62 loci across the three inheritance models and 123 unique positional candidate genes. The post-weaned GWAA identified 181 associated loci and 185 unique positional candidate genes. The GSEA-SNP found 12 enriched gene sets with 126 leading-edge genes for the pre-weaned population and 63 gene sets with 849 unique leading-edge genes for the post-weaned population. Loci associated with cryptorchidism and BRD, as well as evaluating long-term benefits of commercial genomic selection, highlight the opportunities for producers to select healthier populations of cattle while also improving their financial and environmental sustainability