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A Bayesian Hierarchical Poisson Approach to Estimate County Level Suicide Risks in Idaho
No full textSuicide is defined as the act of causing harm to oneself with the goal of dying is a growing public health concern. It tends to claim the lives of both the old and young. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated number of people have been reported to die each year by suicide. Most published literature are concerned with the rate of suicide but not much work has been done in determining how certain populations or interest groups are at risk of suicide beyond the broad classification of rural and urban. As a result, this work aimed at estimating suicide relative risk levels in all counties in Idaho using a statistical model. Each county's risk obtained is relative to the entire population. Specifically, a Bayesian hierarchical Poisson was used to get these estimates. Custer and Madison counties were found to have the highest and lowest relative risks respectively when age was unadjusted. After age adjustment, Clark county had the highest relative risk and Ada had the lowest relative risk. Average unemployment rates were compared with the relative risks the answer the question of possible causation. From the results, unemployment rates cannot be concluded as the sole cause of high/low suicide relative risks as some high risk areas had average or low unemployment rates.masters, M.S., Statistical Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-0
Shear Force Production in Dogs: Differential Force Production in the Forelimbs and Hindlimbs During Pulling
No full textDogs are widely recognized as some of the best endurance athletes in the world. Much is known about their physiological specializations for endurance. However, we know much less about their mechanical specializations. One hypothesis is that the forward weight distribution found in dogs and in many other quadrupeds results in the decoupling of vertical and shear force production. In this study, I examine the differential distribution of shear forces between the forelimbs and the hindlimbs of dogs during active shear force production. I use pulling as a loading perturbation in order to achieve variable shear loading without the confounding variables of increasing velocity and altered limb angles that are associated with acceleration and incline studies. The results of this study showed that complete vertical and shear force decoupling between the forelimbs and the hindlimbs does not exist during submaximal shear force production. However, the distribution of propulsive shear force production is heavily biased towards the hindlimbs and remains so throughout active shear force production despite shifts in net shear force production. In addition, the results of this study indicate that the basic mechanics of shear force production are conserved in acceleration, incline locomotion, and pulling.masters, M.S., Biology -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-1
Evaluation and Mitigation of Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) in Cementitious Materials
No full textAlkali Silica Reaction (ASR) is recognized as a major distress in concrete for over a century. In United States, ASR is a major cause in deterioration of highway concrete structures (i.e., bridges and pavements). Current methods such as the 14-day Accelerated Mortar Bar Test (AMBT) and 1-year Concrete Prism Test (CPT) used to evaluate ASR potential have limitations. Limited research was conducted on new proposed methods such as the 56-day Miniature Concrete Prism Test (MCPT) and 6-month Accelerated Concrete Prism Test (ACPT) proposed to overcome the limitations of existing methods. In addition, there is a need to reduce or mitigate ASR especially in Idaho where 80% of aggregates are reported reactive. This study conducted comprehensive laboratory evaluation of ASR susceptibility of various aggregates using different test methods. There were strong correlations between the 56-day MCPT method and both the 14-day AMBT and the 1-year CPT methods. Also, the expansion results of the 14-day AMBT method correlated well with the 1-year CPT method. Furthermore, the 6-month ACPT method provided comparable results to the 1-year CPT. these results show the validity of various test methods to evaluate ASR potential. Recommendations were provided to revise the expansion threshold of MCPT to identify reactive aggregates. The use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) along with glass powder was found to reduce ASR expansion substantially. Binary or ternary blends of 20% replacement of slag, glass powder or silica fume can be used for ASR mitigation without compromising other concrete properties. These results were also supported by the findings of the microstructure and chemical analysis where SCMs were found to reduce the cracks formed in concrete due to ASR expansion.masters, M.S., Civil Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-1
Obligate Rust Fungi as a Biological Control for Invasive Cheatgrass in North America.
No full textIn the Intermountain West of the United States, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) is a widespread invader. Its relative abundance is highest among all plants in many areas of the region. As a winter annual, it dries after seed set in late spring to become a fine, easily ignited fuel that sparks destructive fires. Many possible control measures for cheatgrass have been researched, but classical biological control with rust fungi has never been attempted; it would entail the deliberate introduction from the native range of obligate, and narrowly host-specific parasites in the genus Puccinia. For it to be worth attempting, cheatgrass would have to be in a state of release from rust pathogens in its invaded range in western North America, and rust in the native, Eurasian range would have to be virulent and aggressive on western North American genotypes of cheatgrass. The first chapter details the history of cheatgrass invasion in North America and the consequences to local ecosystems. A records review also shows, at least superficially, that USDA records of fungi on plants do not show release: records of rust fungi are as common on B. tectorum in western North America as they are in its Eurasian native range. However, in surveys in northern Idaho from 1999 to 2018 inclusive, rust was found on cheatgrass only in 2017, and then only minimally in terms of incidence and severity. Surveys in New Mexico in three years (2015, 2018, 2019) revealed no rust. Our surveys contradicted the records-based view and portray cheatgrass populations to be in a state of release. Secondly, Idaho and Montana genotypes of cheatgrass developed severe rust in Israel. A study to determine the host specificity of P. madritensis to the Genea section of the genus Bromus is discussed. These studies will aim to indicate if native-range rust fungi should be considered for deliberate introduction into the invaded range of cheatgrass.masters, M.S., Environmental Science -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-0
Vitamin D Knowledge and Practices among Collegiate Athletes at the University of Idaho
No full textVitamin D is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is responsible for many biological processes in the human body. Vitamin D is directly responsible for enhancing calcium absorption, which strengthen bones and reduce the risk for skeletal injury. Vitamin D also plays a role in the immune system and skeletal muscle activity. All of these factors play a significant role in the optimal health and performance of student-athletes. With limited food sources, and specific wavelengths of UVB needed for synthesis, athletes living in northern geographic locations are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. At the time of this study, no existing vitamin D questionnaires had been tested for reliability or validity for use among collegiate athletes. Therefore, a survey was developed using some questions from previous research regarding vitamin D knowledge (Walker et al., 2014; Kung et al., 2006). A two-part testing sequence was performed in order to first assess the most appropriate question format, followed by the testing for reliability. A test-retest sequence allowed researchers to deem the questionnaire statistically reliable with Kappa values for each question ranging of 0.73-0.97. Thirty-two student-athletes at the University of Idaho were participants in the vitamin D knowledge assessment. Results suggested that athletes had limited knowledge regarding vitamin D. Only 34% correctly listed food sources of vitamin D, 18% correctly listed health benefits and 34% correctly listed factors that affected vitamin D status. Surprisingly, 96% of athletes had knowledge of non-food sources of vitamin D. A majority of the athletes reported never taking a multivitamin (50%), vitamin D supplement (81%) or fish oil supplement that contained vitamin D (87%). Of the twenty-four athletes who had their vitamin D plasma levels tested, 92%were classified as having inadequate or deficient serum vitamin D levels. There was no relationship (p = .446) between vitamin D knowledge and serum vitamin D levels among athletes at the University of Idaho.masters, M.S., Family and Consumer Sciences -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-0
Exploring Adoption Success of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System
No full textIncreases in wildland fire frequency, size and duration have increased the threat of wildfire impacts to human and natural resource values and strained wildland firefighting resources. The increasing complexity seen in wildland fire management has highlighted the importance of sound decision-making based on best available science. Numerous fire management decision support systems have been developed to enhance science and technology delivery and assist fire managers with decision-making tasks. However, no scientific efforts have evaluated their adoption by fire managers. Drawing upon decision support system implementation research and in-depth interviews with U.S. Forest Service fire managers, we explore their perceptions regarding the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS). Although fire managers appreciate many of the components of WFDSS, they view WFDSS as primarily useful for documenting fire management decisions and often experience on-the-ground actions that are disconnected with decisions developed or documented in WFDSS. Fire managers furthermore attribute these concerns to factors related to the timeliness of WFDSS outputs, the complexity of the WFDSS design, and the manner in which WFDSS was implemented. We discuss how these challenges may be addressed by improving training and top management support for WFDSS as well as better matching WFDSS capabilities and complexity to fire manager needs and abilities by increasing the user-friendliness of WFDSS and supporting more proactive decision support tools. We conclude by describing how future efforts to develop FMDSS may benefit from this research as well as the broader literature surrounding DSS implementation.masters, M.S., Natural Resources -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-0
Biochar Production, Applications, and Waste Management for Enhancing Sustainability Benefits across Food-Energy-Water Systems
No full textThe future of food-energy-water resources is an ever-increasing global concern due to a growing standard of living and population. Particularly, a global increase in demands for food requires substantial land, energy, and water resources to address the future need and mitigate negative environmental impacts. Reusing or recycling resources is one of the promising approaches to reduce the negative impacts of the food system on the agro-ecosystem. A comprehensive literature review of food-energy-water (FEW) nexus and the applications and advantages of pyrolysis-char (biochar) to FEW-related issues is conducted in this study, including narrative and systematic reviews. Biochar production from biomass feedstocks can be accomplished in different ways and is beneficial for organic and sustainable soil amendment and several other FEW-related applications. This study proposes a mixed, portable fast and slow pyrolysis conversion pathway to facilitate biochar production process near the feedlot or drylot areas and address major challenges in the biochar industry infrastructure. According to the International Biochar Initiative classification approach and obtained results from physiochemical properties analysis, biochar produced in this study characterized as a Class 1 fertilizer due to its properties. Additionally, a gate-to-gate life-cycle assessment is provided to evaluate energy consumption, heat loss, and environmental emissions across biomass-to-biochar conversion processes and systems. These analyses are essential in understanding the process intricacies and determining optimization opportunities for future work. It is concluded that the proposed approach in this study is capable of reducing the handling, transportation, and storage costs by producing and transferring high-quality biochar instead of transferring low-energy density biomass feedstocks.masters, M.S., Mechanical Engineering -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2019-0
Arbor Notes March 2019
No full textThis March publication includes the subject headings: ART in the ARboreTum; Message from the President; Arboretum Associates Annual Plant Sale; Calendar of Upcoming Events; 18th Summer Breezes and Sweet Sounds Concert; Arboretum Associates Annual Meeting; From Moscow with Love: A Journey from Moscow, Russia to Moscow, ID to Donate a Tree; Instructor for Science Saturdays lesson receives award for Entomological Society of America; Arboretum Associates Donor Roll; R.J. Naskali Leaves a Living Legacy; Report from the Horticulturist; Science Saturdays 2018 Recap
