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A critical geopolitical approach to “The New Economic Map on the Korean Peninsula”: Investigating the construction and discursive practices of a South Korean geostrategy
No full textThis study presents a case study in the construction and discursive practices of geostrategy in statecraft. The ‘New Economic Map on the Korean Peninsula’ (NEM) is considered as being formed in the broader historical context of South Korea rather than as a product of the present Korean administration. A long-standing geopolitical discourse of South Korea has defined the Korean Peninsula as a place of risk/opportunity positioned between land and sea powers. Such a discourse contextualizes the Peninsula as the site of the ideological confrontation during the Cold War. However, successful economic development and the reinforcement of the economic connectivity in East Asia during the Post-Cold war period has recontextualized the Peninsula as a land of new opportunity. This type of geopolitical discourse backgrounds geopolitical conflict and foregrounds geoeconomic cooperation in the construction and discursive practices of the geostrategy. Even though the political partisanship in South Korea adheres to opposite perspectives regarding political engagement with North Korea, all parties agree with the geopolitical hope involved through the economic cooperation with North Korea. First, I consider how critical geopolitics is increasingly concerned with the economy in the discursive practices of statecraft and historicize the NEM by reviewing the works of the Korean elites. Then, I analyze the discourses circulated in the Korean media around a series of events in the Korean peace process, presenting how geopolitical and geoeconomic discourses and logics resonate with the ones of the NEM.masters, M.S., Geography -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Species-Specific, Site-Sensitive Stand Carrying Capacity Models and Future Climate Forecasting for Pacific Northwest Conifer Forests
No full textMaximum stand density index (SDIMAX) models were developed for important Pacific Northwest conifers of western Oregon and Washington, USA, based on site and species influences and interactions. Inventory and monitoring data from numerous federal, state and private forest management groups were obtained throughout the region to ensure a wide coverage of site characteristics. These observations include information on tree size, number and species composition. The effects and influence on the self-thinning frontier of plot-specific factors, such as climate, topography, soils and geology, as well as species composition, were evaluated based on geographic location using a multistep modelling approach. The influence of climatic variables was explored further in the context of potential future climate scenarios. Future climate projections based on global circulation models under different representative concentration pathways were utilized in a space-for-time substitution within an ensemble learning model to understand potential shifts, both magnitude and direction, in modelled SDIMAX. Further issues of model sensitivity to both spatial errors associated with input plot locations, as well as diameter cutoffs and calculations, were explored. The regional model of site-specific SDIMAX will support forest managers in decision making regarding density management and species selection to more efficiently utilize site resources toward healthy, productive forests.doctoral, Ph.D., Natural Resources -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
A Genetic Algorithm-based Local Outlier Factor for Efficient Big Data Stream Processing
No full textInterest in outlier detection methods is increasing because detecting outliers is an important operation for many applications such as detecting fraud transactions in credit card, network intrusion detection and data analysis in different domains. We are now in the big data era, and an important type of big data is data stream. With the increasing necessity for analyzing high-velocity data streams, it becomes difficult to apply older outlier detection methods efficiently. Local Outlier Factor (LOF) is a well-known outlier algorithm. A major challenge of LOF is that it requires the entire dataset and the distance values to be stored in memory. Another issue with LOF is that it needs to be recalculated from the beginning if any change occurs in the dataset. This research proposes a novel local outlier detection algorithm for data streams, called Genetic-based Incremental Local Outlier Factor (GILOF). Moreover, we further improved the GILOF performance in data streams by proposing a new calculation method for LOF, called Local Outlier Factor by Reachability distance (LOFR). The improved algorithm for local outlier detection in data stream is called the Genetic-based Incremental Local Outlier Factor by Reachability distance (GILOFR). The GILOF and GILOFR algorithms work without any previous knowledge of data distribution, and they are able to execute in limited memory. The outcomes of our experiments with various real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithms have very good performance in execution time and accuracy of outlier detection.doctoral, Ph.D., Computer Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Degradation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid in Water by a Continuous Flow Liquid-Phase Plasma Discharge Process
No full textPerfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly known as the “forever chemicals.” are comprised of a group of anthropogenic, fluorinated organic compounds that have been used for over 60 years in numerous products, including water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, cosmetics (lipstick and mascara), and other household items. They are highly hydrophobic due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds in their structure. Although no longer produced in the United States, these compounds are ubiquitous in the environment and have been detected in plants, animals, and humans. Source emissions include various manufacturing processes that once discharged their wastes into ground- and surface waters. Many studies have documented that PFAS are found in drinking water and bioaccumulate in the food chain. In the U.S., PFAS have been detected in more than 712 locations in 49 states and Puerto Rico. The same attributes that lead to their persistence in the environment makes their complete destruction difficult. The available remediation technologies used to remove or degrade PFAS in water have limitations, either due to cost or generation of PFAS solid wastes that require disposal. Research shows that plasma discharge processes can break the carbon-fluoride bonds of PFAS, but still do not achieve consistently high levels of removal. In this study, we developed a novel, continuous flow, liquid-phase plasma discharge (CFLPPD) process that shows promise for PFAS remediation. The reactor design generates a stable plasma discharge in a continuous/calculational operation to improve the treatment efficiency by producing reactive chemical species. This research included establishment of the CFLPPD treatment system; identification, screening, and evaluation of the significant operational parameters in order to determine the optimal treatment conditions; and exploration of the degradation pathway of an exemplar PFAS by this novel process.masters, M.S., Environmental Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Two Innovative Field Studies to Improve Transportation Safety: Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Reliability Testing and Analysis of Wind Forces on Cyclists
No full textEach year vehicle collisions are the second leading cause of unintentional death worldwide (following poisoning as the first leading cause). In 2018, 33,650 people died in the United States due to vehicle collisions, including 4,735 pedestrians and 743 cyclists. The same year, there were 66,000 injuries from vehicle collisions. The US Department of Transportation dedicates significant annual financial investment to provide safer streets and improve driving behavior to reduce crashes and fatalities. This dissertation presents two studies aimed at improving transportation safety and reducing crashes. Both studies involved field observations and laboratory simulation. The first study focused on developing a new method for safety reliability testing for connected vehicles-to-infrastructure. The second study investigated safety issues for cyclists when vehicles pass them and exert wind forces. The first study created an innovative method to test the reliability of vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications in connected vehicles at traffic signals. The new method provides an alternative to using the communication data reported by proprietary vendor-supplied interfaces. This vendor independent method is based on a rigorously tested translation model that uses measured Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) from any V2I communication equipment to predict the corresponding Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR). This was achieved by correlating the signal strength, measured using a generic power meter, to PDR values reported in the communication interface of the equipment of different vendors. Both stationary and in-motion (10 to 40 mph) field data collection tests were conducted at three traffic intersections. These tests were performed over distances of up to 500 meters between the Roadside Units (RSUs) and the On-Board Units (OBUs). The results were statistically analyzed and logistic and linear regression models that predict PDR values were developed. A case study in the field to test and validate this new PDR prediction model was conducted at two intersections in Boise, Idaho. Our prediction model will enable transportation system operators to test and validate the efficiency of connected vehicle RSU/OBU communications at signalized intersection approaches under different traffic conditions, independent of vendor-provided tools. The second study of this research is related to the understanding of the unsteady wind flow exerted on cyclist by passing vehicles. The impact to cyclists from the wind generated by passing trucks has not been investigated before in the USA. In 2017, there was 783 bicyclists killed in crashes with motor vehicles in the USA with an increase of 32% of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities between 2008 and 2017. The aerodynamic loads generated from moving vehicles trigger a concern on the stability and safety of cyclists which might lead to loss of control and consequently cyclist injury. The results of this study will help identify factors to mitigate safety concerns in rural and urban areas. The key parameters investigated were the relative speed between cyclist and truck (25, 40, and 60 mph), vehicle type (semitrailer,. Single unit truck, SUV, and pick-up truck), separation distance spacing between cyclist and the truck (2 ft., 4 ft, and 6 ft.), and various cyclist types. The wind transverse and longitudinal wind speeds have been used to drive equivalent transverse and longitudinal forces using the aerodynamic principles and therefore the flipping moment experienced by a cyclist. The data was generated through intensive field tests in controlled and uncontrolled environments. In addition, computational fluid dynamics models were built to investigate computer simulations in predicting forces on cyclists. Finally, a physical three dimensional model of a scaled truck and cyclist were created and tested in a wind tunnel under the same environments that have been used in the computer simulations. The modeling is based on wind speed equations that are function of vehicle speed, separation distances, and vehicle type. The equations were derived based on the data collected from the field and was validated using the uncontrolled data set. In addition, flipping moment charts have been developed for each type of the vehicles to offer a strong evidence of quantified flipping moments experienced by cyclists under various conditions. The computer simulations concluded that it is feasible to use computational fluid dynamics to model the whole environment of various wind speeds and separation distances for typical cyclists. Strong correlation between the computer simulations and the wind tunnel tests have been obtained. Regardless the scale effect, the overall results from the field tests and the computer simulations and the wind tunnel are showing the same trend in terms of transverse and longitudinal wind forces experienced by cyclists.doctoral, Ph.D., Civil Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-1
Understanding the Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of Leptosphaeria maculans, and Exploring Chemical Control Strategies to Manage Blackleg of Winter Canola (Brassica napus) in Northern Idaho
No full textBlackleg disease of canola (Brassica napus), caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a major constraint of production worldwide. Blackleg can cause stem lesions and cankers, and in severe cases result in detrimental yield loss. In northern Idaho blackleg was first discovered in 2011 and is an emerging threat to canola seed production. Growers have access to multiple disease management practices for blackleg including crop rotations, stubble management, fungicide applications, and genetic resistance. An important element in overall management of blackleg is qualitative resistance where avirulence effector gene products in the pathogen are recognized by corresponding resistance gene products in the host. Leptosphaeria maculans isolates were collected from eastern Washington to elucidate the race structure. Greenhouse host plant differentials and PCR were used to characterize the following genes: AvrLm1, AvrLm2, AvrLm3, AvrLm4, AvrLm5, AvrLm6, AvrLm7, AvrLm 9, AvrLm11, AvrLepR1, AvrLepR2, and AvrLepR3. The highest frequency of effector genes present in the eastern Washington L. maculans pathogen population are AvrLm5 (100%), AvrLm6 (100%), AvrLm7 (100%), AvrLm11 (92%), and AvrLepR1 (100%). Eighteen unique race structures were observed with the three most common as follows: AvrLm3-5-6-7-11-LepR1-LepR2 (24%), AvrLm5-6-7-11-LepR1-LepR2-LepR3 (16%), and AvrLm3-5-6-7-11-LepR1-LepR2-LepR3 (15%). Determining L. maculans population demographics provides insight as to which canola cultivars with specific R-genes should be considered when growers and breeders are making management decisions. Other disease management practices should be used in conjunction with qualitative resistance to reduce the possibility of resistance breakdown events. Fungicides and disease forecasting have shown successful reduction of blackleg disease incidence when utilized in management programs. Ensuring successful disease prevention through foliar fungicide applications relies on identification of optimal spray timing for the region. Winter canola field trials were established on the Palouse (Moscow and Genesee, ID) and the Camas Prairie (Grangeville or Nezperce, ID) for 2 years to test the impact foliar fungicide application timing and fungicide seed treatment has on blackleg disease incidence, disease severity, and yield response in the region. Each trial was a split-plot experimental design where cultivar was the main plot and fungicide treatments were randomly assigned to the subplots across four replications. Treatments included: (1) two cultivars, Mercedes (resistant) and Amanda (susceptible); (2) fungicide seed treatment (Helix Vibrance) or no seed treatment (clothianidin); and (3) four foliar fungicide application timings (fall only, spring only, fall and spring, and no application). Seed treatment was not effective in reducing blackleg disease incidence and severity. Disease incidence and severity was significantly reduced when foliar fungicides were applied. No application resulted in disease incidence of 16% and 27% and for Mercedes and Amanda, respectively. Disease was significantly reduced in both cultivars with a fall only application (6% to 11%) and a spring only application (2% to 9%). Applying in both the fall and spring resulted in the lowest disease incidence (1% to 4%) for each cultivar. No application of foliar fungicide resulted in a disease severity rating of 0.22 (0-5 scale with 0 = no disease). A fall only application (0.10), spring only application (0.09) and both fall and spring application (0.02) reduced stem severity, indicating the importance of foliar fungicides in preventing stem canker formation. Yield response to foliar application timing had a p-value of 0.059, indicating disease did not cause serious stem canker formation, but use of a foliar fungicide has the potential to improve yields. No spray plots yielded 4,748 kg/ha. A fall only and spring only application increased yield to 4,905 kg/ha and 4,835 kg/ha, respectively, and applying twice resulted in a yield of 5,004 kg/ha. Because blackleg is new to northern Idaho, there is limited knowledge as to when spores are released, and initial infection occurs. Therefore, Burkard volumetric spore traps were deployed adjacent to the winter canola field trials on the Palouse and Camas Prairie and used to determine when spores are moving. At both locations, ascospores were released between March and June under average weekly temperatures between 3 and 16oC, relative humidity between 55 and 93%, and total weekly precipitation between 0 and 43 mm. Additional ascospore release may occur in the fall between September and October, but this was only observed on the Camas Prairie location in 2020. The results from this research contribute to our understanding of chemical control and the population structure of L. maculans in the region. This information is vital to developing a blackleg disease management plan specific to the production of winter canola in northern Idaho.masters, M.S., Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-1
Culturally Responsive/Relevant Professional Development: Impacts on Pre-service and In-service Educator Perceptions and Practice
No full textIn this dissertation, I explore how educators who experience culturally relevant/responsive professional development geared toward Indigenous education perceive the benefits to their identity as an educator, to their students, and to their profession. Informed by Tribal Critical Race Theory (TribalCrit) (Brayboy, 2005) and Transformational Indigenous Praxis Model (TIPM) (Pewewardy, 2018) I examine stages for developing critical consciousness in Indigenous education using participant interviews, environmental observations, and document reviews. Findings reveal three main themes about the process of learning needed to desettle and transform educators serving Indigenous youth. Themes include the necessary establishment of community connections, essential understandings of place, and holistic and ongoing professional development opportunities. Participants went through a process of generative learning that led to disruptions in their preconceptions, stereotypes, prejudices, and assumptions about Indigenous peoples and experiences. Implications highlight the need for specialized professional development for educators of Indigenous youth and offer transformational desettling as a critical element of educator growth. Transformation occurs as educators become more conscious through a scaffolded approach to critical thinking with the goal of actualizing decolonial education through individual educator commitment and a collective commitment towards sustained practices.doctoral, D.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-1
Correlation Between Microstructure and Mechanical Property Evolution in Ferritic-Martensitic and Oxide Dispersion- Strengthened Alloys
No full textWith the rising global demand for low-cost clean energy, nuclear fission and fusion systems willbecome increasingly important sources for both economic and environmental reasons. These new advanced systems will operate at a higher efficiency compared to previous models. This will require materials to be long-lasting durable and have excellent high-temperature performance (up to 700°C) under adverse conditions. Qualities such as resistance to oxidation, resistance to swelling, and low levels of radioactivation will be critical for any material used in nuclear reactor components, specifically for fuel cladding or structural elements surrounding the reactor core. Materials research historically focused on austenitic stainless steels, superalloys, or ferritic-martensitic (F-M) steels. This study focuses on three FM steels, HT-9, HCM12A, T91, and one ODS alloy, MA956. In order to understand the effects of irradiation, charged particle irradiation is used to imitate the damage on these candidate materials. To better understand the effects of irradiation, the dispersed barrier hardening, solid solution strengthening, and grain size dependence (Hall-Petch) models are used to quantify the strengthening caused by irradiation induced micro-, and nano-structure features. Coupled with nanoindentation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT), irradiation induced features can be numericized, and evaluated on the significant changes they contribute to the overall change in strength of the material.masters, M.Engr., Mechanical Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0