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Depletion Chain Simplification With Pseudo-Nuclides to Model Decay Effects
No full textThis work introduces the novel usage of pseudo-nuclides to model decay effects in nuclear fission reactor systems which are otherwise absent from simplified depletion libraries. Pseudo-nuclides are artificial nuclides which, when added to a simplified depletion library, can preserve quantities of interest, such as decay energy release or decay photon activity, which are otherwise significantly under-predicted by simplified libraries. Several dozen pseudo-nuclides are capable of accurately modeling decay effects of hundreds of short-lived radionuclides. The computational resources needed to model the decay effects in depletion systems with simplified depletion libraries with pseudo-nuclides are significantly less than those needed when using simplified depletion libraries without pseudo-nuclides. When compared to the similar method of decay heat precursors for a given system, pseudo-nuclides allow for smaller depletion libraries to be generated because of their ability to more accurately model the fission product irradiation effect on decay heat.doctoral, Ph.D., Nuclear Engr & Industrial Mgmt -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
The Archaeological Investigation of Fort Sherman, Idaho.
No full textThis thesis examines the archaeological evidence of the daily lives of the enlisted men stationed at Fort Sherman in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Fort Sherman was a late 19th-century military fort established on the ancestral lands of the Coeur d’Alene tribe, the Schitsuʼumsh, at Hnch’mqinkwe, their largest village in the region. The historic remains of the fort are currently located on North Idaho College grounds. Through collaboration between the University of Idaho, North Idaho College, and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, military residences and a historic scatter along the shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake were tested and excavated by the University of Idaho’s Idaho Public Archaeology field school in June of 2021. This thesis presents the results of the archaeological testing and excavations carried out at the historic Noncommissioned Officers’ Quarters and the Married Men’s Quarters sites, and at the historic surface scatter along the shore of Coeur d’Alene Lake. This thesis also provides recommendations for future archaeological investigations at North Idaho College.masters, M.A., Culture, Society & Justice -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
A Pit Investigation: Historical Archeology at the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
No full textMammoth Cave, located in Kentucky, is the longest cave in the world as well as a significant archeological site. This project sought to investigate a pit at the Historic Entrance of the cave and evaluate its archeological significance by using archival research, pedestrian survey, and test excavation. This study clearly demonstrated the existence of historical archeological materials in the pit specifically and the Historic Entrance more broadly. The pit has been found eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A, because of its association with the development of tourism in America. Additionally, it is eligible under Criterion D because of its potential to provide information about historic period use of the cave. Due to the dynamic geology of the cave, the pit is currently in the process of opening back up. This poses a severe risk to the cultural deposits in the pit, so the recommendation is to excavate the pit to recover as much information as possible before the archeological materials are destroyed by erosion.masters, M.A., Culture, Society & Justice -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
Valley and bedform-scale ground and surface water interaction and its potential for thermal refuge in a restored reach
No full textWater temperature is a controlling variable that influences fish passage and migration, regulates the metabolic processes of organisms in the channel and substrate, and ultimately controls the distribution and quality of available habitat for a range of aquatic species. Anthropogenic activities and climate change have impacted stream water temperatures; therefore, the formation and restoration of thermal refuge, areas with temperature differences greater than 0.5 °C relative to average channel temperature and within the biologically required temperature range, are becoming management and restoration priorities. Currently, there is no consensus on which morphologic features (e.g., pools, riffles, alcoves, bars, and spring-fed spring channels) provide the most effective thermal refuge. Here we evaluate the effectiveness of various constructed morphologic features at creating thermal refuge over 2.5 km reach of a recently restored gravel-bed river. Wells monitored valley groundwater levels and hyporheic flux probes in the streambed quantified the direction and magnitude of hyporheic flows. In addition, a longitudinal survey was performed during summer low-flow conditions to measure water temperature and water surface elevation profiles. Results show that valley-scale groundwater-surface water gaining and losing pattern overwhelmed hyporheic exchange induced by fluvial morphologic features, e.g., pool-riffle such that their median hyporheic flux constitutes less than 0.03% of the in-stream summer low flow discharge. While hyporheic flux magnitudes were similar in pools, the accumulation of cool hyporheic flow in the low-velocity section of the pool and increased thermal buffering from solar radiation can provide thermal refuge of 0.5 °C. Secondary spring channels derived from hyporheic flows provided cool water temperatures of 13 °C, but due to low velocities and lack of shade, the water temperature rose above the stress threshold to 18 °C before it entered the river.. Constructed alcoves, riffles, and bars generated little observed thermal refuge in the study reach. Results outline the conditions of various morphologic features in generating thermal refuge that may be used to help guide future restoration projects.masters, M.S., Civil & Environmental Engr -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
Abundance and Distribution of two Unevenly Managed Root-Mining Insects for the Biological Control of Spotted Knapweed in Idaho
No full textWidespread invasive environmental weeds are managed successfully using classical biological control. Few studies are quantifying success at spatial scales, despite a standard agreement that post-release evaluation should be done consistently. Systematic post-release monitoring is equally crucial in a weed biocontrol project as pre-release host specificity testing. This thesis's second chapter examines Idaho’s unequally managed root-feeding biological control agents of Centaurea stoebe L. subsp. micranthos, an invasive herbaceous perennial plant. This research indicated that Agapeta zoegana L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a root-boring moth of C. stoebe native to Eurasia, is as prevalent as Cyphocleonus achates (Fåhr.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a root-feeding weevil that is yearly grown, collected, and redistributed at a high cost to federal and state agencies. This review is intended to inform the biological control practitioners that A. zoegana is no longer uncommon as projected throughout Idaho, and moth rearing and redistribution could be considered if the rearing is feasible under semi-standardized conditions and economically viable. Chapter 2 also indicated that A. zoegana does not compete with C. achates in the field, which might cause additive damage to individual C. stoebe plants. If this effect increases to have detrimental impacts on population densities, it could enhance biological control. The severity of A. zoegana herbivory was found to decrease aboveground biomass relative to no herbivory. Chapter 3 of this thesis examines the feasibility of rearing A. zoegana in greenhouse rearing systems. Results serve as a starting point to develop more refined rearing systems based on large tubs. Our data question the continuation of C. achates rearing and redistribution initiatives.masters, M.S., Entomology, Plant Path & Nematology -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
Economics of Plant and Soil Health on Potato
No full textThis research study explores the economics of plant and soil health in potato cultivation, with a specific focus on two key aspects: the economic impact of Pectobacterium and Dickeya on potato crops in the first chapter and the impact of soil management practices on net returns in the second chapter. The first chapter examines the economic consequences of Pectobacterium and Dickeya, two pathogens affecting potato crops. By assessing the change in total revenue resulting from percentage of infection at planting, this study provides insights into the financial implications associated with these pathogens. The second chapter evaluates the impact of soil management practices on net returns in potato cultivation. By analyzing the economic outcomes of various soil management techniques, such as crop rotation, fumigation and manure application this study assesses their effects on potato yields and overall net returns. Understanding the economic implications of different soil management practices enables informed decision-making for farmers and policymakers, aiming to enhance the profitability and sustainability of potato production. By exploring the economic dimensions of Pectobacterium and Dickeya on potato crops and the impact of soil management practices on net returns, this research provides valuable insights for improving the economic viability of potato cultivation. These findings can inform farmers, researchers, and policymakers seeking to optimize their net returns while ensuring plant and soil health. Keywords: economics, potato, disease management, crop rotation, net returns.masters, M.S., Agricultural Economics & Rural Soc -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
Embedded System for Recording Vocalizations of a Waterbird
No full textUsing animal vocalizations to determine the population of wildlife is a developing field. Finding out what the population is and whether it is increasing or decreasing helps government agencies determine what actions need to be taken to help conservation of endangered species. Surveys can be done by actively playing animal vocalizations and listening for responses but relies on researcher experience to correctly identify the species and whether it has been counted already. Statically placed recording devices in animal habitats can record nearby sounds but will only record animals that vocalize nearby. Placing a recording device onto the animals will record all the sounds it makes but also those of conspecifics it interacts with. This method has challenges such as a lower battery life, limited processing power and needs to minimize interfering with the animals’ everyday activities. This thesis aims to design a device addressing these challenges that can be attached to the back of the Ridgway’s Rail, a water bird that lives along the Southern Californian coastline and record the vocalizations it makes to help with population counting.masters, M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
DESCRIBING STUDENT MOTIVATION TO PARTICIPATE IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EVENTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
No full textMotivational factors that encourage students to participate in Leadership Development Events are described in this qualitative study. A focus group interview of the 2023 Idaho FFA State Employment Skills LDE competitors (n = 4) yielded several themes related to the following research questions: 1) what factors encourage students to participate in LDEs; 2) what factors discourage students from participating in LDEs; and 3) what motivates students to practice for competitive events. Data were analyzed using open and axial coding. Four conclusions were drawn from this study: 1) FFA members and advisors influence student motivation to join the FFA; 2) students participate in LDEs to prepare for careers; 3) the lack of team members may discourage LDE participation; and 4) LDE competitors value being recognized for their efforts. Three major recommendations for practice are: 1) develop learning objectives for CDEs and LDEs with students; 2) incorporate LDE objectives into classroom curriculum; and 3) evaluate how FFA members are recognized for their participation in LDEs.masters, M.S., Agricultural Ed, Ldrshp & Comm -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
What “Invested Leavers” Can Tell Us About Why Experienced Teachers Exit the Profession
No full textAbstractThis case study seeks to examine the exit-decisions of “invested leavers,” teachers who have taught for five or more years and then left the profession for reasons other than retirement. As traditional studies of teacher attrition tend to focus on new teachers, (teachers in their first five years of teaching), their findings may not help explain the high attrition rate of experienced teachers, an understanding which may be important to addressing the problem of the high rate of teacher attrition. To examine this phenomenon, this study identified and interviewed, from a sample of convenience, six former Idaho teachers who had all taught for five or more years before leaving education for reasons other than retirement. The interview transcript data were thematically coded in order to identify emergent themes. The data were examined through the conceptual lens of “Attrition as Resistance,” which speculates that many “invested leavers” may exit the profession because ill-considered policies mandate that they must teach in ways that are not in the best interests of the students they serve, and they cannot in good conscience continue to violate their own sense of professional ethics. The interview responses did not show strong support for Attrition as Resistance by that definition, but they did suggest that the interviewees left the profession for reasons different from those most-commonly cited in traditional attrition studies, such as student misbehavior, lack of administrative support, workload burnout, and financial insecurity. The “invested leavers” interviewed discussed their love of students and teaching more than any other subject. Lack of administrative support was not a strongly-cited factor. They expressed more a sense of injustice over the unreasonable workload than a feeling of burnout, which suggests a sense of inadequacy. A sense of the injustice of a teacher’s compensation was discussed twice as much as feelings of financial insecurity. The study findings suggest that experienced teachers may exit the profession for reasons different than those most-cited in traditional studies, but that a conceptual expansion of Attrition as Resistance may be necessary to help explain exit decisions. Invested leavers may exit as often over perceived injustices against teachers as they do over those against students.doctoral, D.Ed., Education -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0
Integrated Weed Management in Small Grain Production Systems
No full textSmall grain systems make up a large portion of Idaho's agricultural production, and just like any other crop, have weed pressures. Using different methods of weed control such as cultural, mechanical, and chemical has been proven to be an effective way to help control different types of weeds. The main objectives of this thesis project were to evaluate alternative pre-plant herbicides for weed control in small grains, 2) assess the use of herbicides and crop rotations for integrated weed management, and 3) evaluate weed control and weed pressure impacts on alfalfa, one of the most important rotational crops in small grain production systems. For chapter 1, a 2-year field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of alternative preplant burndown herbicide treatments as compared to glyphosate treatments, the industry standard. An economic analysis and crop injury observation were also conducted. Most herbicide treatments achieved 90% or more control of the predominant weed species. In the economic analysis, at least six different herbicide treatments were equivalent to the cost of glyphosate at $26.50 per hectare. No observable damage from herbicide treatments was present, and crop yield was not affected by the treatments. All these factors show that there are alternatives to preplant burndown that are just as effective as glyphosate treatments. With combinations of herbicides, each having a different site of action, weed control can be achieved while simultaneously reducing the risk of herbicide-resistant weeds spreading. For chapter 2, a 4-year crop rotation study was initiated in 2021 at the University of Idaho Kimberly Research and Extension Center to evaluate weed control and seedbank dynamics in wheat-alfalfa vs wheat-annual crop (corn and dry bean) rotations. There were three herbicide treatments: non-treated, postemergence (POST) only, and preemergence (PRE) + POST. After the first year, there was no difference in seedbank density among treatments. After two years, weed seedbank density was reduced from 2,227 viable seeds m2 in the non-treated to 1,344 seeds m2 in the PRE + POST treatments, representing nearly a 40% difference in seedbank density. There was also a trend of PRE + POST treatments slightly reducing weed seedbank density compared to POST-only treatment. Weed density within the crops during the growing season was influenced by the type of crop as well as the herbicide treatment. Both POST-only and PRE + POST treatments reduced weed density compared to the non-treated and the PRE + POST treatments reduced weed density in each crop compared to the POST-only treatment. Weed control treatments did not affect alfalfa yield. However, herbicide application (POST only and PRE + POST) improved corn and dry bean yield. The combination of fewer weeds and greater crop yield in the PRE + POST treatments holds promise for reducing weed seedbank and potentially improving long-term crop productivity and economics. In chapter 3, field studies were conducted in Idaho in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the effect of weed control treatments on alfalfa forage accumulation, weed biomass, and nutritive value. In addition, the relationship between the proportion of individual weed species biomass and alfalfa nutritive value was assessed. These studies included eight different herbicide and herbicide combination treatments, including the non-treated check. Treatments were comprised of pre-emergence incorporated, early postemergence (after 80% alfalfa emergence), and postemergence (third trifoliate alfalfa) herbicide applications. Data collection included weed control efficacy, weed and alfalfa biomass, and alfalfa nutritive value. Additional samples were collected and combined in the following alfalfa to weed biomass proportions (% by weight): 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20, and 100:0, for wet chemistry analysis of forage nutritive value to evaluate the relationship between the proportion of individual weed species biomass and alfalfa nutritive value. The acetochlor-only treatment provided less than 50% weed control while the EPTC-only treatment provided 54 to 81% weed control. The control provided by acetochlor and EPTC were less than treatments containing imazamox and imazamox plus bromoxynil. Weed biomass in forage (23 to 55% of total biomass) due to poor or no weed control reduced crude protein, increased fiber concentrations, and reduced the relative feed value. The relationship between the proportion of individual weed species biomass and alfalfa nutritive value was linear for all weed species evaluated.masters, M.S., Plant Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2023-0