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"Telling Our Stories": schitsu'umsh Undergraduates Explore Place-Attachment and Identity Through Visual Narratives
No full textThis narrative research explored place attachment as an aspect of identity through the perceptions of Native American undergraduate students. Six Native American undergraduate students aged 18-25 who are members or descendants of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, took photographs of places that had meaning for them and to which they felt attachment and created detailed narratives to explain their choices. Psychoanalytic, Indigenous and environmental theories were used to examine aspects of understanding identity, Native American identity, attachment to place and a sense of belonging. This study made clear that the perception of identity in these undergraduates and their connection to places that have meaning is complex, comprising of intimate choices made at the discretion of the individual, but influenced by cultural folkways, norms and mores. A critical aim of this study was to adopt Indigenous methodology throughout the process to prevent participating in the perpetuation of "othering" minority groups, as has been historically the case. By positioning the undergraduates as research collaborators throughout the production, design and analysis of the narratives, the intent was to empower them in the furtherance of decolonization.doctoral, Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Engineering-based Quantification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dynamics and Central Nervous System Tissue Dynamic Motion Using Non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Type I Chiari Malformation
No full textChiari Type I Malformation (CMI) is a chronic central nervous system disease that is non- curatively treated with highly invasive brain surgery and has no standard metric to quantify successful surgery beyond symptom stabilization. The underlying CMI pathophysiology is not well understood, as the basis of this disease is physiologically tied to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but conflicting reports in literature have limited the use of CSF-based biomarkers for Chiari diagnosis and prognosis. The current standard for CMI diagnosis uses static morphometric measurements, which fail to relate to symptomology and therefore provide little basis for surgical outcome prediction and making appropriate surgical candidacy selection difficult. This research sought to address this issue of conflicting reports around CSF dynamics in CMI as well as work towards a better understanding of the underlying CMI pathophysiology.Our objective here was to address the need for improved neuroimaging CMI diagnostic practices by investigating current imaging modalities and underlying pathophysiology with clinically relevant neuroimaging techniques and advanced post-processing methods. With a specific focus on using clinically relevant research, we applied engineering principles taken from cardiac engineering and apply them to the brain for diagnostics and prognostics of CMI. First, to address the need for improved CSF dynamics measurement techniques, we quantified agreement, reproducibility, and repeatability of 4D Flow and 2D PC MRI measurements of CSF velocities at the craniovertebral junction using a CMI subject specific in vitro model. Next, we utilized modern MR imaging and post- processing techniques to quantify differences in cardiac-induced neural tissue motion with novel parameters to represent relative displacement between physiologically relevant regions of interest. We found an overall lack of reproducibility of PC MRI key measurements and dependent on the specific scanning machine used. With further research, machine-specific differences could be understood and potentially quantify these differences to develop a correctional calibration procedure. A standard calibration procedure could ensure results from any calibrated scanner are comparable to results from any other calibrated scanner. Our limited sample size showed preliminarily that neural tissue motion at the craniovertebral junction lacked statistically significant differences between patients and controls, neither before nor after posterior fossa decompression surgery. This finding is not supported nor rebuked by current literature regarding neural tissue motion in CMI, as reports are in great disagreement. There was some preliminary indication of a physiological relevance of relative neural tissue motion at craniovertebral junction. Relative neural tissue motion should be further studied with larger cohorts and imaging modalities with higher resolutions so that a biomarker could be defined that provides a better basis for surgical candidacy selection.masters, M.S., Biological & Agricultural Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Effect of a Commercial Active Dry Yeast (CNCM I-1079) on Productive and Metabolic Measures during the Periparturient Transition
No full textThe transition period is a metabolically demanding time for dairy animals because of the increased nutrient requirements for milk production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding a commercial direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplement in multiparous and primiparous dairy cows on productive measures, blood metabolites, and immune status markers during the transition period. Primiparous heifers, (n=33) and multiparous cows (n=35) were fed a close-up TMR before calving and a lactation TMR postpartum. Three weeks before expected calving, all animals were blocked to balance parity and body weight, then randomly assigned to either control group (CTRL; n=34) or an active dry yeast (ADY; n=34). The ADY animals received a top-dressed ADY (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii, CNCM I-1079) fed daily at 12.5 g per head. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured by subtracting the weight of refusals from the amount of feed given daily during both pre- and post-calving periods. All animals were weighed weekly for the duration of the study. Blood samples were collected weekly and were analyzed for glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and β – Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Colostrum samples were collected at calving and analyzed for IgG, IgA, and IgM content and somatic cell count (SCC). Milk samples were collected once per week postpartum, and all of the milk samples were analyzed for protein percentage, fat percentage, lactose percentage, urea nitrogen (MUN), and somatic cell count. All results were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with significance defined as P ≤ 0.05. All covariate models were selected based on the lowest AIC value. Results showed that the interaction of treatment, parity, and time affected DMI (P masters, M.S., Animal and Veterinary Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Nutrient Intake, Body Composition, and Performance Measures of Wildland Firefighters: A Longitudinal Analysis
No full textBackground: WLFFs are tasked with performing arduous work in an unstable and adverse occupational environment causing them to make rapid adjustments to meet their energy intake needs during 14-21 days of constant wildfire suppression. The wildfire season (typically June-September) provides a unique environment in which nutrient intake, body composition, and performance may be altered. Therefore, the purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine differences in nutrient intake, body composition, performance measures, and biomechanics characteristics among WLFFs pre-season, post-season, and in the off-season. Methods: WLFFs (N=18) participated in laboratory testing at the Human Performance Lab at the University of Idaho at 3-time points: Visit 1 in June (Pre: pre-season), Visit 2 in October (Post: post-season), Visit 3 in February (Off: off-season). Laboratory testing included anthropometric measures, a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, muscular strength and endurance testing, biomechanics testing, and the Diet History Questionnaire completion. Participants were asked to arrive to the HPL between the hours of 0800-1200, abstaining from exercise, caffeine and/or alcohol use, and nutritional supplements for 24 hours prior to their testing appointment. Body composition was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA; Hologic Inc., Horizon W QDR Series, Bedford, MA, USA). Performance testing included a series of muscular strength and endurance measures including a load-carriage treadmill test, shoulder and knee sagittal plane isokinetic testing, and a kettlebell handgrip test. Upon completion of performance testing, participants completed the Diet History Questionnaire III (DHQ-III). Descriptive statistics were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 24 (SPSS v. 24). Participants’ nutrient intake (macronutrients and micronutrients), body composition (LM, FM, ASMI, BMD, VAT), anthropometrics, shoulder and knee sagittal plane isokinetic measures (initial peak torque, fatigue index, average power), and biomechanics characteristics (mean and peak trunk inclination, stride length, stride frequency) were analyzed using a one-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine differences pre-season, post-season, and in the off-season. Multiple comparisons were computed with post hoc Bonferroni tests. Results: Participants included male (n=16; 89%) and female (n=2; 11%) WLFFs who spent an average of 32±21 days on wildfire assignments throughout the 2019 fire season. Twelve participants were unable to complete visit 3 due to crew dispersion (n=5), leaving the occupation (n=2), and proximity to the laboratory (n=5). A significant difference was observed for calories (kcal; p=0.014), fat (kcal; p=0.008), protein (g/kg; p=0.037) and carbohydrate (g; p=0.001, g/kg; p0.05). Conclusion: WLFFs macronutrient intakes and select micronutrient intakes were significantly different pre-season, and in the off-season, however no differences in body composition, performance measures, or biomechanics characteristics were observed. These data suggest WLFFs appear to maintain consistent body composition and muscular strength and endurance across the season and into the off season despite significant changes in self-selected dietary intake.doctoral, D.Ed., Movement & Leisure Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Conjugation of Unmodified Nucleic Acid Probes to Electrode Surfaces for Electrochemical Biosensors
No full textElectrochemical deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sensors have emerged as a promising clinical diagnostic technology for infectious disease and cancer. DNA biosensors can exploit DNA recognition events and convert them into an electrochemical signal. Rapid response, selectivity, good sensitivity, and ease of miniaturization are a few advantages of electrochemical biosensors. Chapter 1 describes the various classifications of electrochemical biosensor techniques (e.g., impedimetric, amperometric, and others). We also discuss recent strategies for DNA immobilization on the surface of electrodes including covalent and non-covalent bonding. Sensors are described for DNA, RNA, protein and small molecule targets. Chapter 2 discusses DNA immobilization by DVS conjugation for the electrochemical detection of complementary DNA. Conjugation of DNA on the surface of the electrode through DVS is a new method for detection of complementary DNA. Graphene oxide was used is an immobilization platform to improve the charge transfer. This DNA biosensor avoids the need for modified oligonucleotides with synthetic attachment chemistry. We also analyzed the mechanism of DNA conjugation through mass spectrometry. In chapter 3, we describe a low-cost method for detecting nucleic acids with more conventional attachment chemistry. Carbodiimide chemistry was used for conjugation of DNA on the surface of electrode. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance were used to detect DNA.masters, M.S., Chemistry -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Astonishing Splashes of Color Here and There: Suggestions of the Programmatic in Ernst Toch's Peter Pan, Op. 76
No full textDespite composing over thirty orchestral works, four operas, and numerous chamber pieces in various genres, much of the Austrian émigré composer Ernst Toch’s (1887-1964) oeuvre has fallen into obscurity. One of his relatively unknown works, Peter Pan, Op. 76, is of particular interest because, despite its eye-catching title, it was not composed with programmatic intent. The change of title from A Fairytale for Orchestra to Peter Pan, however, invites application of James M. Barrie’s (1860-1937) Peter Pan narrative to his piece, and, indeed, the work contains structural and motivic elements that might be linked to that story.masters, M.A., Music -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
A Vascular Flora of the Selkirk Mountains, Bonner and Boundary Counties, Idaho
No full textThe vascular flora described here covers ~2,295 km2 (~886 mi2) of the Selkirk mountains that lie in the Idaho Panhandle, covering an elevational range from 540–2330 m (1,770–7,670 ft.). The majority of the mountain range is underlain by granitic rock of the Kaniksu Batholith, and is diversified by the rich glacial history of the Panhandle. The study area contains multiple pockets of alluvial and glacial deposition that serve as specialized habitat for present day floristic diversity within the range. The study area is classified as the Northern Rocky Mountains, with floristic influence from the Pacific coast, boreal north, the Columbia Basin, and the Rocky Mountains to the south and east. Despite notable collection interest over the last century in the northern Idaho Panhandle, a comprehensive checklist did not exist prior to this project, and previous collecting efforts were uneven, creating significant gaps in coverage and poor documentation of the area. A total of 108 collection days were spent in the field in 2019 and 2020, resulting in 4,153 vascular plant collections, from 633 collection sites, documenting 844 total unique taxa in 94 plant families. Taxa that were previously collected but not recovered during this study were first verified by the author using historical specimens housed at multiple Pacific Northwest herbaria, and were then included in the final checklist. Fifty-four rare taxa and six state collection records were found in the study area, as well as range extensions and county collection records. While the primary objective for this study was to document and voucher all vascular plants of the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho to create an annotated checklist of the vascular flora, additional objectives included an assessment of the vegetation of the study area, and threats to the flora of the study area, as well as increasing documentation of sensitive, rare, and non-native species occurrences within the range.masters, M.S., Biology -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Tracing δ18O and δ2H in Source Waters and Recharge Pathways of a Fractured-Basalt and Interbedded-Sediment Aquifer, Columbia River Flood Basalt Province
No full textThe heterogeneity and anisotropy of fractured-rock aquifers, such as those in the Columbia River Basalt Province, present challenges for determining groundwater recharge. Entrance of recharge to the fractured-basalt and interbedded-sediment aquifer in the Palouse region of north-central Idaho is not well understood because of successive basalt flows that act as restrictive barriers. It was hypothesized that a primary recharge zone exists along the basin’s eastern margin at a mountain-front interface where eroded sediments form a more conductive zone for recharge. Potential source waters and groundwater were analyzed for δ18O and δ2H to discriminate recharge sources and pathways. Snowpack values ranged from –22 to –12 ‰ for δ18O and –160 to –90 ‰ for δ2H and produced spring-time snowmelt ranging from –16.5 to –12 ‰ for δ18O and –120 to –90 ‰ for δ2H. With the transition of snowmelt to spring-time ephemeral creeks, isotope values compressed to –16 to –14 ‰ for δ18O and –110 to –105 ‰ for δ2H. A greater range of values was present for a perennial creek (–18 to –13.5 ‰ for δ18O and –125 to –98 ‰ for δ2H) and groundwater (–17.5 to –13 ‰ for δ18O and –132 to –105 ‰ for δ2H), which reflect a mixing of seasonal signals and the varying influence of sublimation/evaporation. Inverse modeling and evaluation of matrix characteristics indicate conductive pathways associated with sandy paleochannels and deeper pathways along the mountain-front interface. Depleted isotope signals in groundwater indicate quicker infiltration and recharge pathways that were separate from, or had limited mixing with, more evaporated water that infiltrated after greater travel at the surface. These results will help further hydro-seismological investigations develop and confirm a model for potential annual volume of recharge to the groundwater system.masters, M.S., Geology -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-0
Factors that Contribute to Bruise Development and Loss of Potato Quality
No full textPotatoes are extensively handled in the post-harvest chain from harvest in the field until reaching the ultimate consumer. This potato journey includes harvesting, handling in and out of storage, moving through packing sheds or processing facilities, being transported between locations, and finally reaching the consumer. Each time potatoes are handled, the potential for physical damage is heightened, which can result in blackspot and shatter bruises and lower quality. The overall goal of this research was to determine factors that contribute to bruise development and susceptibility and loss of potato quality within the post-harvest chain. To accomplish this goal, four major objectives were conducted in this project. The first objective was to determine how time in storage contributes to bruise development and susceptibility. The second objective was to evaluate the progression of bruise development within 24 hours and if fresh bruises identified up to five hours after impact are a reliable indicator of total bruise development commonly evaluated 24 hours post impact. The third objective was to examine bruise susceptibility of six cultivars impacted by a standard weight at three different drop heights. The final objective was to examine the bruise potential in packaged potatoes at a fresh pack facility. Bruise development and susceptibility were determined using a 100 g weight to deliver uniform impacts on tubers. Evaluations for blackspot and shatter bruise variables were carried out on common russet cultivars including Russet Burbank, Russet Norkotah, Ranger Russet, Clearwater Russet, Teton Russet, Dakota Russet and Umatilla Russet between the first three objectives. Objective four utilized an impact recording device that measured peak accelerations experienced when packaged potatoes were dropped from various heights and onto different impact surfaces. Key outcomes from this project are as follows. When tubers were bruised at harvest, the incidence of blackspot bruise increased within the first month of storage but afterwards remained at similar levels for the remaining months examined (eight months). Physical impacts at harvest resulting in shatter bruise showed no further development in storage. Potatoes physically impacted once removed from storage, showed a slight increase in blackspot bruise susceptibility over time, whereas shatter bruise susceptibility decreased the longer potatoes were held in storage. Looking at susceptibility of a single tuber, the risk of shatter bruise was greater near the bud end of the tuber, whereas the risk of blackspot bruise increased with proximity to the stem end. The shoulder location of a russet potato had higher bruise susceptibility compared to the flat surface indicating curvature of the tuber has a role in bruise susceptibility. The development of a bruise was evident within just a few hours of a 24-hour period after a physical impact occurred. The bruise color changed from a pink to brown discoloration primarily one to three hours after impact, and the incidence of pink discoloration declined rapidly after that time. Over 70% of the total blackspot bruise incidence was observed after four hours depending upon force of impact and cultivar. The majority (70%) of total bruise depth was developed five hours after impact. Significant differences in blackspot and shatter bruise susceptibility were seen between cultivars at different impact heights. Clearwater Russet and Dakota Russet had the highest blackspot bruise incidence compared to other cultivars examined. Teton Russet had the lowest blackspot bruise incidence, severity rating and depth examined between the cultivars but had the highest shatter bruise incidence. Dakota Russet had low susceptibility to shatter bruise at all impact heights examined. When boxed potatoes were dropped on to concrete or a plastic slip, the potatoes on the bottom of the box would have the highest risk of damage. The risk for damage was lower for potatoes in the top or middle of the box. When drop heights were lowered, or when cushioning material was added to hard impact surfaces (wooden pallet), the risk for impact damage was decreased throughout the box. When palletizing boxed potatoes, the risk of bruise decreased after the first layer was stacked on the pallet. The risk of high peak accelerations (over 100 g) was not seen in the dropped or stationary bales for any of the drop heights examined. Increased cushion for the bottom stack of potatoes during palletization in fresh pack facilities could lower the risk of bruise. Innovation of cushioned plastic slips could provide an economical and efficient alternative to wooden pallets. The overall project provided information for the industry to make decisions about how to manage for bruise at harvest, in storage, unloading, and in fresh pack and processing facilities.masters, M.S., Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-1
Carbon Dioxide Enabled Methane Dehydroaromatization Reaction with High Stability
No full textBenzene has been found to be used in over sixty percent of all industrially made chemicals. However, with a societal desire to be less dependent on fossil fuels, this unknowingly hurts benzene production. Although there are other alternatives to making benzene, methane dehydroaromatization proves to be the most efficient option. There have been many studies about MDA, however, few studies have been conducted to show that gas additions can improve the reaction. One study went over the effects of a carbon dioxide addition within the gas stream. The study showed that carbon dioxide is in competing nature with methane but stabilizes the reaction to a small degree. The work conducted in this report is to give a more detailed account of how carbon dioxide affects the MDA reaction. Carbon dioxide can increase the reaction’s lifetime by over 700% (55-60 hours) but is most effective when its reaction time is held just above 20-25 hours (200% lifetime increase). With a carbon dioxide addition of 3 vol%, the reaction can keep a benzene selectivity of over 70% for its 25 hour lifetime. Of all the carbon dioxide values tested, 3 vol% addition provided the best results in terms of maintaining high conversion (~15%) and the highest selectivity (>70%). Carbon dioxide’s role was theorized to help stabilize the reaction by transforming methane into a more reactive species: methanol. Using temperature programmed desorption, it was also theorized that propyne is the main reactant in forming benzene. Propyne polymerization is a well known process, and it was theorized since propyne is the major product found on the catalyst’s surface that propyne polymerization occurs to create mesitylene. Mesitylene is then hydrocracked to form methane and benzene. Further investigations revealed that carbon dioxide has the properties of arc quenching. This allows it to absorb free electrons without altering its physical chemistry. It was finally theorized that with a 3 vol% carbon dioxide addition, the optimal ratio of oxygen addition to electron removal of the reaction can be achieved.masters, M.Engr., Chemical and Materials Science Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2021-1