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Survey Development Examining the Association of Socialization and Physical Educator CSPAP Involvement
No full textNationally, 76% of school-aged children fail to meet recommendations for 60 minutes of daily physical activity (PA). To increase school-based PA, a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) is recommended. A CSPAP is a multicomponent, “whole-of-school approach” that includes five components: (a) quality physical education, (b) PA during school, (c) PA before and after school, (d) staff involvement, and (e) family and community engagement. Of the school faculty, physical educators possess the qualities of a physical activity leader (PAL; i.e., organize, lead, and promote PA) which are recommended to be an implementor of CSPAP but prerequisite training for specialized PAL skills is needed. Physical education teacher education (PETE) programs are viewed as an ideal setting for such training to occur. Research on the association of PAL and CSPAP training during PETE and current CSPAP involvement of physical educators is sparse. Additionally, limited research has investigated how physical educator experiences with PA promotion as a K-12 student or how school contexts during employment are associated with CSPAP involvement. To adequately explore these gaps in the literature, teacher socialization in physical education theory (socialization) is a recommended theoretical lens to use. Thus, the purpose of research was twofold: (1) develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a survey instrument measuring the association of socialization and physical educator’s self-reported CSPAP involvement, and (2) to examine in-service physical education teachers’ CSPAP involvement from the perspective of socialization using a sample of physical education teachers in the United States. In the first study, survey instrument items were constructed organically using validated instruments in the existing CSPAP and socialization literature, then they were reviewed by experts in the areas of CSPAP and socialization for content validity. Next, a convenience sample of physical education teachers (N=70) was contacted to complete the survey as a pilot test to evaluate the survey’s psychometric properties. A total of 28 physical education teachers (40% response rate) submitted completed surveys. Evaluation of the psychometric properties of survey items was accomplished using two methods: (1) principal component analysis (PCA) and (2) Bayesian exploratory factor analysis (BEFA). In addition, an analysis of the open-ended survey questions was conducted to understand participants’ perceptions with more detail and further explain the quantitative results. Pilot test data exemplified quality measures of corresponding components, survey scales had high internal consistency coefficients, and a review of open-ended questions provided contextual value to survey constructs and further clarified close-ended survey responses. The purpose of the second study was to examine in-service physical education teachers’ CSPAP involvement from the perspective of socialization using the previously developed survey instrument. The survey was sent to a sample of physical education teachers (N=2,976), which were identified using stratified random sampling from a list of all United States public schools. The survey remained open for five weeks and a total of 199 physical educators completed the survey (7% response rate). Due to a low response rate from the stratified sample, the survey was distributed by a link via social media (i.e., Facebook). The survey was posted on social media two times within a period of 21 days and generated an additional 60 responses. In combination, the stratified sample and social media response total was N=259 in-service physical education teachers within the United States. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and an exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework was used to identify the factors underlying the data and examine structural relationships. A total of 31 survey variables were used to examine the socialization factors (i.e., acculturation [AC], professional socialization [PS], organizational socialization [OS]) underlying the data, and three variables to separately estimate a single factor measuring role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) of physical educator confidence to be a PAL and implementor of CSPAP. In addition, four open-ended survey questions were analyzed to better understand the participant’s experiences related to each factor. The survey variables had an approximately normal distribution and exploratory procedures yielded a 3-factor solution that clearly described distinct dimensions of socialization. The ESEM results showed that the PS and OS factors were significant predictors of RBSE factor scores, whereas the AC factor was not a significant predictor of RBSE factor scores. In addition, the open-ended qualitative responses from physical education teachers supported PS and OS predictors of RBSE factor scores. The results of this study provide an initial glimpse into the socialization factors associated with physical education teacher’s CSPAP involvement. In-service physical education teachers who receive PS experiences with PAL and CSPAP training are confident to be a PAL in their school and are confident to implement a CSPAP. In addition, support from students, faculty, and administration, and having available facilities and resources were associated with physical educators’ involvement and confidence leading CSPAP initiatives. Our results suggest, (1) PETE program training of pre-service teachers to be PALs and implementors of CSPAP is of value and (2) continued support from school contexts are necessary to increase physical educator confidence to be involved with CSPAP and sustain program longevity.doctoral, Ph.D., Movement & Leisure Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0
Molten Test Loop Design and Construction, and CFD a Comparison of Forced Convection of Molten Solar Salt Through Straight and Fluted Tubes
No full textA test apparatus was designed and built to obtain heat transfer data of solar saltand other molten salts in the future, though future work will require the completion and operation of the apparatus to obtain molten salt results. Garimella’s equations typically over predicted heat transfer coefficients in comparison to CFD solutions, with an overall percent error of 296% in the range of 325oC ≤ Tin ≤ 505oC. Lower heat transfer coefficients were observed at higher temperatures due to decreasing viscosity and Prandtl numbers. Lower local heat transfer coefficients are observed in the flutes of the fluted tube, and are attributed to lower local velocities and differences between surface temperature and the average fluid temperature. Rapid hydrodynamic and thermal development in the fluted tube was observed when compared to predicted entrance lengths of a plain tube with an equal hydraulic diameter. Heat transfer enhancement at a length of 6 inches is 1.34, but is expected to be much larger at fully developed flow for both fluted and plain tubes.masters, M.S., Mechanical Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0
Alternative fabrication and muscle profiling of the beef top sirloin butt
No full textMuscle profiling improves value and optimization of beef carcasses by expanding knowledge of physical, compositional, and marketable attributes of single-muscle cuts. Traditional fabrication of the beef top sirloin butt (NAMI #184) incorporates several muscles into a single steak, leading to tenderness variation and inconsistent portion sizing compared to steaks consisting of a single muscle. The objective of the study was to isolate and discern yield and intrinsic characteristics of individual muscles and muscle subunits of top sirloin butts (N = 70) collected from carcasses ranging in quality grade (QG: USDA Select and Top Choice), hot carcass weight (HCW: light ≤ 362 kg, medium = 363 - 453 kg, heavy ≥ 454 kg), and ribeye area (REA: small ≤ 27.8 cm2, medium = 27.9 - 40.6 cm2, large ≥ 40.7 cm2). Weight and dimension (length, width, height) were obtained for the whole top sirloin, Biceps femoris (BF), Gluteus accessorius (GA), and Gluteus medius [whole, dorsal (GMD), ventral (GMV)]. From each muscle and muscle subunit, a 2.54cm steak was obtained and analyzed for fluid loss, color, pH, and tenderness. Results show USDA Select carcasses yielded heavier top sirloin butts than Top Choice carcasses (P = 0.001), with Select products having less yield loss compared to Top Choice (35.5% vs. 41.4%). Weights of top sirloin butts increased as HCW increased from light to heavy (P masters, M.S., Animal, Vet & Food Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-1
Eliciting Mathematical Justifications in the Classroom: An Investigation of Tools for Success
No full textJustification has received an increased emphasis in more recent years and is considered an essential component of mathematical reasoning and sense making. Despite its importance to school mathematics, the practice of engaging students in constructing justifications remains a hurdle for teachers. This mixed methods research study explores the influences on levels of student-voiced mathematical justifications in 4th-12th grade classrooms. Interview data, teacher assessment data, and classroom observation data were analyzed to gain a deeper insight into the classroom practices of teachers who had received extensive professional development on mathematical justifications. Results from the quantitative study indicated that mathematical knowledge for teaching and teacher demonstration of constructing their own mathematical justifications did not have a strong relationship with the level of student-voiced justifications produced in their classrooms. Findings from the qualitative study included multiple themes identified across eight teachers’ data describing influences on the level of mathematical justifications produced in their classroom. Themes associated with high level student-voiced justifications include: press for reasoning, students are engaged in thinking mathematically, and build perseverance. Themes associated with low level student-voiced justifications include: emphasis placed on procedural understanding, teacher holds majority of mathematics authority, and students work in isolation. Overall findings from this dissertation study provide descriptive influences on levels of student-voiced mathematical justifications in the classroom. Findings can provide classroom teachers with implementation ideas to foster a classroom environment rich with high levels of student-voiced mathematical justifications. Further research could focus on developing a greater understanding of what influences levels of student-voiced justifications in broader and more diverse classroom settings. A possible influence on the level of student-voiced justification produced in the classroom that was apparent in the teacher interviews (but not researched extensively in this dissertation study) is teacher beliefs regarding effective teaching and learning.doctoral, Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-1
Using hysteresis analysis to explore the sources of ammonia during storm events in the River Lark, UK
No full textGoals of this thesis were to determine if rainfall is a predictor of episodic changes in ammonia concentration in the River Lark downstream of Fornham St. Martin, UK; if there is a relationship between the ammonia concentration-discharge (C-Q) hysteresis patterns observed for storm events and the range of discharge per storm, total event rainfall, or antecedent catchment wetness; and to make inferences about the relative importance of different catchment ammonia sources for storm-related nutrient export during the growing season. Ammonia concentration in the River Lark was sampled at 30-minute intervals for several months during the 2021 growing season by the UK Environment Agency. These data and discharge were used for C-Q hysteresis analyses. An existing hysteresis index was adapted to quantify the total amount of C-Q hysteresis exhibited by storms with complex, figure-of-eight hysteresis patterns. Predominantly clockwise ammonia C-Q hysteresis was observed in the upper River Lark, indicating dilution from stormflow as the primary predictor of ammonia concentration. The constant input of effluent discharged from Sewage Treatment Works (STWs) appeared to be the most important source of ammonia in this part of the catchment during the growing season. However, some anti-clockwise hysteresis was observed during the two storm events with the heaviest rainfall, indicating that the dominant sources of ammonia in the catchment may vary seasonally.masters, M.S., Environmental Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-1
Remote Sensing of Tree Growth - New Approaches for Monitoring Annual Growth Onset and Intra-annual Variability
No full textTree growth is mechanistically linked to the global water and carbon (C) cycles and is thus a key area of research. As part of this research studies have explored linkages between remote sensing data products and tree growth, but the majority of this research has focused on tracking photosynthesis and inter-annual tree growth. Only a fewstudies have explored intra-annual stem radial growth, which provides information on long term carbon sequestration. The following chapters explore new remote sensing-based approaches for monitor intra-annual stem radial growth in North American forests. Chapter 1 outlines some of the previous work that has used remote sensing approaches to monitor tree growth, as well as some of the potential challenges that exist. Chapter 2 explores possible connections between remotely sensed snow disappearance date and the onset of stem radial growth in conifers at the forest-tundra ecotone (FTE) in North America. Specifically, we posed two hyphotheses: 1) that satellite based SDD estimates from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (SDDMODIS) are not significantly (p Chapter 3 explores connections between branch level remotely sensed leaf temperatures (TL) and intra-annual stem radial variations (SRVs). We posed two main questions. Can we use a combination of remote sensing information and environmental variables to predict 1) tree water status, and 2) tree growth? Within Question 2, we also had two sub-questions: 2.1) Can we predict if trees are growing or not, and 2.2) Based on the results of Question 2.1, can we predict the amount of daily growth? We hypothesized that the strength of the relationship between remotely sensed TL and SRVs would vary depending on the time of day which TL was measured. We used an existing environmental monitoring network that collected near continuous SRV and TL measurements through the 2019 – 2021 growing seasons to answer these questions. Results showed that TL, along with other environmental variables, could predict SRVs reasonably well, with maximum R2 values between 0.5 – 0.75 for the best models. However, the time of day which TL was measured also changed the strength of the models, as well as the shape of the predicted model curves. These results show promise for using remotely sensed TL as a proxy for daily SRVs, though there are still key questions that remain, including how well the observed relationships scale to coarser spatial scales. This project provides a crucial first step in the development of novel remote sensing based approaches for monitoring intra-annual SRVs and outlines potential future directions. Chapter 4 highlights some of the key findings from Chapters 2 and 3, and discusses potential avenues for future research. One highlighted area of future research includes scaling stem radial growth measurements up to a spatial and temporal resolutions equivalent to many airborne and satellite remote sensing data products. This will be a crucial area of research to continue evaluating how well remote sensing products can monitor stem radial growth in North American forests.masters, M.S., Natural Resources -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0
An Overview of Vitrophyre Use in North Central Idaho: 12,000 Years of Rock Knockin’ on the Lochsa
No full textArchaeological investigations in the 1990s defined the Clearwater River region of the southern Columbia Plateau as a unique cultural and archaeological entity, though it remains poorly understood. Excavations throughout ancestral Nez Perce country have revealed vitrophyre in at least 19 key sites dating back 12,000 years. Vitrophyre is a natural igneous glass, formed of pyroclastic flow deposits containing large-grain phenocrysts of ash and pumice. Much like obsidian, vitrophyre creates sharp cutting edges for tool production and retains a chemical signature that can be traced to a parent source. A combination of pioneering geochemical analysis, lithic analysis, and experimentation have provided an overview of this understudied resource and its uses. By comparing two known vitrophyre sources with the archaeological record through an ecological foraging model, vitrophyre use reflects both embedded procurement strategies and territorial restrictions of different groups since the initial occupation of the Clearwater River region. Archaeological and ethnographic data information suggest a strong connection with Salish groups of the Bitterroot and Plains regions.masters, M.A., Culture, Society & Justice -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0
Predicting Human Movement in Crowds
No full textThe prediction of human movement when people gather in crowds for reasons has become very important for public safety and the protection of property. From the early 1990s different techniques have been studied to predict the next steps of individuals in crowds and the field of study has increased in rapidly as a result. Our research has developed along three lines of inquiry. First, we developed the use of a combination of genetic algorithms and neural networks (GA-NN) to predict individuals’ future steps in crowded areas. We applied a method, using a cone of vision of individuals to specify the location of the nearest people, in order to train the neural networks to accurately predict the decisions the individual agents would make based on their nearest neighbors. We demonstrated that using this combination of genetic algorithms and neural networks is effective at predicting movement in crowds. We also demonstrated that different physical layouts of areas and the difference in crowd types give different results when compared across experiments. Our crowd types included a structured crowd area and tan unstructured crowd area. We also introduced a new metric, the cumulative distance error (CDE) that is very effective in measuring prediction accuracy and can be used to improve experimentation in the field of human movement prediction. Second, we tested the use of the long short-term memory (LSTM) using the similar methods that were used for the cone of vision calculations. It is known that recurrent neural networks (RNNs) and its sub-type LSTMs make use of memory and the past for training; we took the directions of the agent’s recent past steps, and the directions of other pedestrians in the field of view and predicted a sequence of future directions by taking the average speed as a constant speed in the future. We used three different layout styles, including structured crowds, unstructured crowds, and merging paths. We also used two different behaviors: the flocking model (FM) and the social force model (SFM). We compared our results with the LSTM method with the method described above that used the combination of genetic algorithms and neural networks. The results show that the LSTM outperforms the combination of genetic algorithms and neural networks in both simulations, and for every dataset. In the third line of inquiry, we expanded our work to include more scenarios, more types of crowds, and a longer distance for prediction. For example, intersections, waypoints, and more complicated unstructured crowded areas have been included in this line of inquiry. Additionally, we extended the predictions from five time-steps up to fifty time-steps in certain situations. The results show that we should differentiate between crowd types in predictions because the results depend on the crowd types, and layout styles.doctoral, Ph.D., Computer Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0
Jupiter and Saturn as Spectral Analogs for Extrasolar Gas Giants and Brown Dwarfs: Bridging the Gap Between the Solar System and Exoplanets
No full textWith recent developments in direct imaging spectroscopy, the exoplanet community will soon have access to the spectra of hundreds, or even thousands, of extrasolar gas giants and brown dwarfs. However, as point-source spectra, there will be no spatially resolved context for these observations. In this thesis, I discuss using Jupiter and Saturn, our only spatially resolvable counterparts to extrasolar gas giants and brown dwarfs, as spectral analogs. In Chapter 1, I provide a brief historical context for this thesis and discuss its motivation and impact. In Chapter 2, I present point-source spectra of Jupiter and Saturn for a variety of phase angles, as well as provide end member, or single-feature spectra, for permutations of illumination and cloud density. Here, I also briefly touch on using spectral variations as a means to detect rings around exoplanets. Finally, in Chapter 3, I discuss future projects that are extensions of the work presented in this thesis.masters, M.S., Physics -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0
ABUSE DETECTION IN MEDICAL CLAIMS USING NLP AND DEEP LEARNING TECHNIQUES
No full textOur research describes effective data mining based on the Named Entity Recognition (NER) technique for medical claims fraud / abuse detection system. Fraud and abuse in medical claims have become a major concern among health insurance companies in Saudi Arabia in recent years, not only by faking prices and numbers, but by assigning inaccurate ICD-10 codes to diseases that do not match the diagnosis of the claim. Handling medical claims is backbreaking manual work performed by a few medical experts who are responsible for approving, modifying, or denying applications for grants within a limited period of time from receipt. The proposed screening system uses a NER detection tool for each of the claims involved and classifies whether it is a fraud or not. Our research study has carried out an analysis for medical claim data from a private insurance company collected from different databases. Results from our fraud detection system show clearly that the number of suspicions of abuse is excessively high compared to the number of no suspicion of abuse.masters, M.Engr., Computer Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2022-0