cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Response of Glyphosate-Resistant Alfalfa to Glyphosate Application in the Intermountain West
Creators: name: Loveland, Logan Chet
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Glyphosate-resistant (GR) alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has been widely adopted in the Intermountain West United States, where alfalfa plays an important role in agriculture. Exceptional tolerance to glyphosate application has been a reported strength of this technology; however, growers have recently reported potential crop injury under certain environmental conditions. The purpose of this study was to document and characterize the injury, identify local conditions that may have contributed to crop injury, and determine best management practices for avoiding injury to GR alfalfa in the Intermountain West. The effects of glyphosate rate and application timing were investigated at 24 sites over five years, measuring the impact on alfalfa crop height and yield. Glyphosate applications were made during various seasons. Summer glyphosate applications did not injure alfalfa. Spring applications reduced crop height at 76% of the sites and biomass yield at 62% of the sites. At responsive sites, low (869 g ha-1 a.e.) and high (1739 g ha-1 a.e.) rates reduced yield by 0.53 and 1.06 Mg ha-1, respectively. Alfalfa treated with a high rate when 15-20 cm tall had mean yield reductions of 16-17% compared with untreated alfalfa. Three variables were significant predictors of glyphosate injury: soil pH, glyphosate rate, and the number of days with sub-zero temperatures post-dormancy before glyphosate application. Predicted yield reduction from a one-unit increase in soil pH was 0.60 Mg ha-1. Each extra day of crop exposure to sub-zero temperatures before glyphosate application increased the odds that glyphosate injury would occur by 13%. The results of these studies suggest that high rate glyphosate applications on GR alfalfa have a high probability of reducing crop height and yield in regions with high soil pH and cold spring temperatures, such as the Intermountain West. As glyphosate rate or crop height at application increased, so did the likelihood of alfalfa height and yield reductions. To mitigate the risk of injury, we recommend that spring glyphosate applications are made using low rate of glyphosate before alfalfa is 10 cm tall. If a high glyphosate rate is necessary, then application should be made at or before alfalfa is 5 cm tall.
Cytomegalovirus Inhibition by Pluronic-Encapsulated Quercetin and Synergy with Ganciclovir
Creators: name: Wadsworth, Ian
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading viral cause of birth defects worldwide and leads to a variety of complications. Ganciclovir is the most common anti-CMV drug used but often causes severe side effects. Quercetin, a plant pigment, shows anti-CMV activity that may provide a less toxic alternative to ganciclovir, or when co-administered, reduce ganciclovir treatments. However, a drug carrier is needed to deliver quercetin for CMV treatment. In this study, three Pluronic polymers (P123, F127, and F68) were investigated as a quercetin drug delivery system (DDS) for CMV treatment.
All selected Pluronics successfully encapsulated quercetin at varying degrees of efficacy. Pluronic P123 was the most efficient (92.8%), F127 was intermediate (12.8%), and F68 was the least efficient (1.8%). Anti-CMV activity and cell toxicity of each DDS were tested. Subsequent adjustment to composition and quercetin loading was performed to maximize viral inhibition and minimize toxicity. It was found that F68 loaded at 75% of maximum quercetin capacity was the optimal CMV inhibitor.
Furthermore, ganciclovir and the Pluronic F68 DDS were administered together in an attempt to reduce the ganciclovir needed to treat CMV. When administered together, 1000X less ganciclovir was needed. Supplementation of ganciclovir with Pluronic F68 DDS could reduce side effects and treatment regimen costs.
Creating spatial data infrastructure to facilitate the collection and dissemination of geospatial data to aid in disaster management
Creators: name: Unger, Corey Daniel
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: Disaster management
Geographic information systems
GIS
SDI
Spatial data infrastructure
Volunteer geographic information

description: The 2012 Great Utah Shakeout highlighted the necessity for increased coordination in the collection and sharing of spatial data related to disaster response during an event. Multiple agencies must quickly relay scientific and damage observations between teams in the field and command centers. Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is a framework that directly supports information discovery and access and use of the data in decision making processes. An SDI contains five core components: policies, access networks, data handling facilities, standards, and human resources needed for the effective collection, management, access, delivery, and utilization of spatial data for a specific area. Implementation of an SDI will increase communication between agencies, field-based reconnaissance teams, first responders, and individuals in the event of a disaster. The increasing popularity of location-based mobile social networks has led to spatial data from these sources being used in the context of managing disaster response and recovery. Spatial data acquired from social networks, or Volunteer Geographic Information (VGI), could potentially contribute thousands of low-cost observations to aid in damage assessment and recovery efforts that may otherwise be unreported. The objective of this research is to design and develop an SDI to allow the incorporation of VGI, professional Geographic Information System (GIS) layers, a mobile application, and scientific reports to aid in the disaster management process. A secondary goal is to assess the utility of the resulting SDI. The end result of combining the three systems (e.g., SDE, a mobile application, and VGI), along with the network of relevant users, is an SDI that improves the volume, quality, currency, accuracy, and access to vital spatial and scientific information following a hazard event.
A Compilation of Research Experiences
Creators: name: Gotcher, Samantha C.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Multiple projects comprised this thesis requirement. The projects ranged in breadth and depth and included 1) literature reviews across a variety of deaf education topics, including spreadsheets summarizing each literature review, 2) development of over 100 article summaries for the Hear to Learn website, 3) authorship on a manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal, and 4) a peer-reviewed poster presentation at a national conference. My experiences in engaging in these activities immersed me into a greater understanding of the research in the field, resources for services, position papers of various entities, and recommended practices in Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) Deaf Education.
Sonnenfleckenzeichnung Nr. 16590.
Zeichnung von Flecken und Fackelflächen zur Ermittlung der Sonnenaktivität am 14.05.1947, erstellt von Helmut Müller
Creators: name: [s.n.]
Publisher: name: [s.n.]
Year: 1947

description: Bleistiftzeichnung mit Tinte und Farbstift überschrieben, erstellt als Projektionsbildzeichnung in der Eidgenössischen Sternwarte Zürich. Instrument: Kern-Merz-Refraktor.
Die Beobachtungen zu Einzelflecken und zu Sonnenfleckengruppen wurden mit Bleistift auf einem Vordruck eingetragen. Unter Umständen sind Angaben zu Protuberanzen vermerkt
Orphilini LeConte 1861
Creators: name: Zahradník, Petr
name: Háva, Jiří
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2014
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Dermestidae

description: Orphilini LeConte, 1861
Orphilus Erichson, 1846: 424. Type species Byrrhus niger Rossi, 1790 (N, P).
description: Published as part of Zahradník, Petr & Háva, Jiří, 2014, Catalogue of the world genera and subgenera of the superfamilies Derodontoidea and Bostrichoidea (Coleoptera: Derodontiformia, Bostrichiformia), pp. 301-352 in Zootaxa 3754 (4) on page 317, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3754.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/224794
Examining the Effects of Aspects of Resiliency and Vulnerability on the Relationship Between Experiencing Microaggressions and Mental Health Among Persons of Color
Creators: name: Blume, Amanda K.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Ethnic minorities experience discrimination frequently, especially a subtle form of discrimination called microaggressions—which are linked with poorer mental health. This study examined protective factors against microaggressions. In this study, responding to microaggressions actively (as opposed to ignoring the situation) was linked with better mental health. When use of active coping strategies was low, microaggressions were associated with lower self-esteem and higher depression and anxiety. Alternatively, when use of active coping styles was high, microaggressions were associated with higher self-esteem and less depression, anxiety, and drug use. Responding to microaggressions is a disengaged way (such as attempting to ignore or avoid the situation) was consistently linked with worse mental health, including lower self-esteem and higher depression, anxiety, and substance use.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions to examine emotional impacts of microaggressions. Experimental group participants wrote about recent microaggressions, whereas control condition participants wrote about a neutral activity. Participants who wrote about microaggressions reported higher negative emotions. Higher use of active coping styles was associated with higher positive emotions. Alternatively, when the use of disengaged coping strategies was high, positive emotions decreased among experimental condition participants. Results suggest that the healthiest way to manage discrimination is to use active coping (such as addressing or attempting to change the situation, seeking support from friends or family, trying to view the other person’s motives and behavior in a more positive light, or using humor to lighten the situation) rather than disengaged (such as distraction, denial, avoidance, or using drugs).
Sonnenfleckenzeichnung, unnummeriert.
Zeichnung von Flecken und Fackelflächen zur Ermittlung der Sonnenaktivität am 21.05.1947, erstellt am Skalnate Pleso Observatorium
Creators: name: [s.n.]
Publisher: name: [s.n.]
Year: 1947

description: Bleistiftzeichnung mit Tinte und Farbstift, erstellt als Zeichnung nach eigener Vorlage am Skalnate Pleso Observatorium. Es sind zudem statistische Angaben für die Bestimmung der Fleckenrelativzahl notiert. Instrument: unbekannt, Sonnenbild D = 25 cm
A Study of the Oviposition and Nymphal Development of Paratrioza cockerelli (Sulc) Upon Various Host Plants
Creators: name: Thomas, Wylie L.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 1934

description: The potato psyllid, Paratrioza cockerelli (Sulc) as stated by E. O. Essig, (1917) is a native of the western states.
Since the great outbreak of psyllid yellows in Utah potato fields in 1927 much interest has been given to this insect. The close relationship between the nymphs of P. cockerelli and the disease, psyllid yellows, is a well known fact, but as yet the causative factor by which this disease is produced still remains unknown.
Because of the serverity of the disease to potatoes and the importance of knowing something of the host plants of P. cockerelli, the writer, upon the suggestion of Dr. G. F. Knowlton, began a study to, so far as possible, determine the uncultivated and cultivated host plants of this insect. The native plants of the solanaceous group used in these experiments were collected from Utah; other species of the potato family used were obtained from Dr. S. P. Doolittle of the U. S. D. A. Bureau of Plant Industry; Professor F. G. Weber, of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station; and Dr. R. W. Samson of the Purdue University.
Sonnenfleckenzeichnung Nr. 16598.
Zeichnung von Flecken und Fackelflächen zur Ermittlung der Sonnenaktivität am 25.05.1947, erstellt von Bernhard Beck
Creators: name: [s.n.]
Publisher: name: [s.n.]
Year: 1947

description: Bleistiftzeichnung mit Tinte und Farbstift überschrieben, erstellt als Projektionsbildzeichnung in der Eidgenössischen Sternwarte Zürich. Instrument: Kern-Merz-Refraktor.
Die Beobachtungen zu Einzelflecken und zu Sonnenfleckengruppen wurden mit Bleistift auf einem Vordruck eingetragen. Unter Umständen sind Angaben zu Protuberanzen vermerkt
A Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo Approach to Uncertainty Quantification
Creators: name: Isaac, Matthew
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is a framework used frequently in engineering analyses to understand how uncertainty in system inputs lead to uncertainty in the system output. An instability is observed in a UQ method proposed by Roy and Oberkampf and a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach to UQ is offered as an alternative. The Bayesian approach allows analysts to incorporate information from various available sources including observed measurements and expert opinion and to update the analysis and results as more information becomes available. An illustrative engineering example is provided as a platform to demonstrate the Bayesian UQ approach and to compare it with the Roy and Oberkampf method. Methods for visualizing and interpreting the results from the Bayesian UQ approach are explored. This research is expected to produce a new approach to UQ that will be useful to engineers and other practitioners as they quantify the uncertainty in a system, visualize the uncertainty, and interpret the results to inform decisions.
Sonnenfleckenzeichnung Nr. 16627.
Zeichnung von Flecken und Fackelflächen zur Ermittlung der Sonnenaktivität am 23.06.1947, erstellt von Helmut Müller
Creators: name: [s.n.]
Publisher: name: [s.n.]
Year: 1947

description: Bleistiftzeichnung mit Tinte und Farbstift überschrieben, erstellt als Projektionsbildzeichnung in der Eidgenössischen Sternwarte Zürich. Instrument: Kern-Merz-Refraktor.
Die Beobachtungen zu Einzelflecken und zu Sonnenfleckengruppen wurden mit Bleistift auf einem Vordruck eingetragen. Unter Umständen sind Angaben zu Protuberanzen vermerkt
Thaumaphrastini Anderson 1949
Creators: name: Zahradník, Petr
name: Háva, Jiří
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2014
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Coleoptera
Dermestidae

description: Thaumaphrastini Anderson, 1949
Thorictodes Reitter, 1875: 45. Type species Thorictodes heydeni Reitter, 1875 (A, E, I, N, Nt, P).
description: Published as part of Zahradník, Petr & Háva, Jiří, 2014, Catalogue of the world genera and subgenera of the superfamilies Derodontoidea and Bostrichoidea (Coleoptera: Derodontiformia, Bostrichiformia), pp. 301-352 in Zootaxa 3754 (4) on page 317, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3754.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/224794
Acoustic emission-based sensor analysis and damage classification for structural health monitoring of composite structures
Creators: name: Uprety, Bibhisha
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: Composites
Damage characterization
Low-velocity Impacts
Sensors
Signal processing
Structural health monitoring

description: Within the aerospace industry the need to detect and locate impact events, even when no visible damage is present, is important both from the maintenance and design perspectives. This research focused on the use of Acoustic Emission (AE) based sensing technologies to identify impact events and characterize damage modes in composite structures for structural health monitoring. Six commercially available piezoelectric AE sensors were evaluated for use with impact location estimation algorithms under development at the University of Utah. Both active and passive testing were performed to estimate the time of arrival and plate wave mode velocities for impact location estimation. Four sensors were recommended for further comparative investigations. Furthermore, instrumented low-velocity impact experiments were conducted on quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composite laminates to initiate specific types of damage: matrix cracking, delamination and fiber breakage. AE signal responses were collected during impacting and the test panels were ultrasonically C-scanned after impact to identify the internal damage corresponding to the AE signals. Matrix cracking and delamination damage produced using more compliant test panels and larger diameter impactor were characterized by lower frequency signals while fiber breakage produced higher frequency responses. The results obtained suggest that selected characteristics of sensor response signals can be used both to determine whether damage is produced during impacting and to characterize the types of damage produced in an impacted composite structure.
Sonnenfleckenzeichnung Nr. 16621.
Zeichnung von Flecken und Fackelflächen zur Ermittlung der Sonnenaktivität am 17.06.1947, erstellt von Helmut Müller
Creators: name: [s.n.]
Publisher: name: [s.n.]
Year: 1947

description: Bleistiftzeichnung mit Tinte und Farbstift überschrieben, erstellt als Projektionsbildzeichnung in der Eidgenössischen Sternwarte Zürich. Instrument: Kern-Merz-Refraktor.
Die Beobachtungen zu Einzelflecken und zu Sonnenfleckengruppen wurden mit Bleistift auf einem Vordruck eingetragen. Unter Umständen sind Angaben zu Protuberanzen vermerkt
An exploratory study of chinese college students' autonomy development and parental influence
Creators: name: Tian, Tian
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: autonomy
Chinese college student
emerging adult
parental influence

description: Autonomy is a basic psychological need for human beings and is closely related to people's well-being and optimal functioning according to self-determination theory (SDT). In China, which is in transition from a traditional collectivist society to a more competitive and individualistic society, college students' autonomy development may be challenged. Given that little is known about Chinese college students' autonomy, this qualitative study explores the process of their autonomy development as well as parents' role in that process.  A grounded theory approach guided this study, since little was known about the topic. The study also examined the applicability of SDT and emerging adulthood theory to participant experiences.  Purposive sampling was used to recruit 26 participants for in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, following the classic grounded theory approach. The process of autonomy development of the participants was revealed in the results. Before entering college, participants' autonomy was underdeveloped, and they relied mostly on their parents for decision-making. Between high school and college, participants were involved in choosing a college major after taking their college entrance examination. For many, this marked the first time in their lives they had participated in major decision-making. After the selection of a college major, participants started to actively explore autonomy in college by making various decisions on their own. In this process of autonomy development, parents' attitudes towards their children's autonomy changed, from pressuring participants to follow their opinions to becoming supportive for participants' independent decision-making. In addition, parents provided two types of support, emotional and instrumental, to their children in the process of their autonomy development. Participants demonstrated a generally good mental health situation. Chinese traditional culture and the country's education system were discussed as two main factors contributing to the unique pattern of autonomy development among participants. Cultural differences were discussed to deepen the understanding of Chinese college students' autonomy. Additionally, other cultural factors were examined as to their impact on participants' mental health and parental attitude change. The implications for policy, practice, and future research as well as study strengths and limitations were presented.
Relationship between mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and electrical failure in a globally ischemic heart
Creators: name: Venable, Paul W.
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: Arrhythmias
Cardiac
Confocal imaging
Electrophysiology
Mitochondria
Optical mapping

description: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. During SCA, the inability of the heart to pump blood causes progressive metabolic and functional derangements in the heart itself. In the majority of SCA cases, the defining event of death is the failure of defibrillation shocks and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures to restore circulation within the first 10 minutes. Resuscitation failure is often due to either asystole (the lack of activation in the heart) or recurrent ventricular fibrillation following defibrillation. The exact physiological mechanisms determining the occurrence of these phenomena within the clinically relevant time frame remain largely unknown. One postulated mechanism linking metabolic stress and electrical abnormalities during SCA is the loss of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (delta epsilon m) and the consequent activation of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) when cellular ATP is critically depleted.  The goal of this dissertation was to investigate the relationship between delta epsilon m depolarization, electrical failure, and arrhythmias in a model of SCA. The work consisted of three projects. In the first, I characterized the spatiotemporal dynamics of electrical failure in a whole-heart model of VF-induced SCA. I demonstrated that the electrical depression develops in a heterogeneous fashion across the heart and is partially dependent on KATP activation. In the second project, I developed a method to detect delta epsilon m depolarization during global ischemia using spectral analysis of confocally recorded delta epsilon m-sensitive fluorescence. The method is based on the spatial periodicity of mitochondrial packaging in ventricular myocytes and the preferential accumulation of cationic fluorophores in well-polarized mitochondria and addresses the limitations of the traditional mean fluorescence approach during ischemia. Using this method, in the third project, I determined the temporal relationship between ischemic delta epsilon m depolarization and myocardial inexcitability. Additionally, I modulated the energy balance in ischemic hearts using rapid pacing, the inhibitor of myosin II ATPase, blebbistatin, and the inhibitor of anaerobic glycolysis, sodium iodoacetate. This study showed a strong correlation between the onset of asystole and the time of delta epsilon m loss under all tested conditions, and revealed a strong protective effect of Blebbistatin against asystole, delta epsilon m loss, and postreperfusion arrhythmias.
Sir Nicholas Throckmorton: A Diplomatic Advisor to Queen Elizabeth
Creators: name: Kisner, Kenneth M.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2003

description: This study concentrates on Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, a resident ambassador sent to France in the first years of Elizabeth's reign. He had never held a high level government position before this time, but was remembered for his ability to give advice on matters of foreign policy. Typically historians have approached the subject of the Queen's policy from a top down perspective. This thesis attempts to redress this view by looking at how diplomacy was conducted through the eyes of a diplomat.
The culture of diplomacy created statesmen and foreign policy advisors out of the diplomats in Elizabeth's reign. Ambassadors and diplomats like Throckmorton provided incalculable service to their monarch. Throckmorton utilized the opportunities for Elizabeth's success in securing her kingdom from those who sought to exploit the weakness of her position. Among the topics discussed in this work are diplomatic culture, advice, and early Elizabethan foreign policy.
Characterization of Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Performance with Pentanoic Acid and N-Acetyl Cysteine Treatment
Creators: name: Camire, Joseph
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: To improve the cost of producing protein therapeutics manufacturers can attempt to increase the amount of protein produced per unit volume. Some small fatty-acids have shown the ability to increase protein concentrations in some manufacturing systems. An example system is in the industrially important cell line derived from a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO). A drawback of adding these fatty-acids is they can increase the rate of cell death.
A potential way to minimize the cell death rate, caused by adding fatty-acids, is to also add additional anti-oxidants. Through a series of studies, we demonstrate production with different fatty-acids, butanoic acid and pentanoic acid, with the addition of the antioxidant, n-Acetyl cysteine (NAC).
A General Approach to Lifting-Line Theory, Applied to Wings with Sweep
Creators: name: Reid, Jackson T.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Lifting-line theory is one simple method of predicting the lift produced by a wing. The traditional implementation of lifting-line theory, developed in 1918, is limited to predicting the lift of traditional straight wings. In this work, lifting-line theory is extended to predict the lift produced by modern swept (or “v-shaped”) wings by strategically handling the singularities inherent to the theory. The resulting formulation is shown to be both accurate and computationally inexpensive, when compared to experimental and higher-fidelity computational results, demonstrating the method’s usefulness as an aerodynamic design tool. Because of the low computational cost and accuracy of the method described in this work, it is of interest to a range of persons involved in the design, flight, and control of aircraft. The method can be used in large design-space studies, for which high-fidelity aerodynamic tools are computationally prohibitive, and in real-time applications, such as flight simulation and aircraft control systems.
The Effects of Gene Therapy in an Ovine Osteoarthritis Model
Creators: name: Collier, Crystal
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Humans rely on the health of their joints for stability and mobility in daily life. In a normal, healthy functioning joint, complex processes maintain joint tissues, including remodeling, lubrication, and immune function among many other tasks. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the U.S. It becomes most prevalent in adults 60+ years of age and causes decreased mobility, discomfort, and in some cases, excruciating pain. In the biological processes of osteoarthritis, the metalloproteinase enzymes responsible for the degeneration of cartilage are upregulated. The inhibitors of metalloproteinase activity are known as Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which keep metalloproteinase activity in balance. However, an increased production of metalloproteinases has been noted in osteoarthritis-influenced cartilage. The current study focused on the up-regulation of TIMP-3 protein in vivo using the introduction of a TIMP-3 transgene. It was hypothesized that up-regulation of cell-produced, TIMP-3 protein would decrease proteoglycan degradation and slow OA progression in vivo. The use of sheep as a model has proven an effective technique for characterizing diseased joint issues and with our demonstrated method of inducing osteoarthritis over a period of months instead of years, we can make strides in advancing the understanding of the disease. Our methods involve two groups of surgically altered, mature, female sheep. One half underwent ovariectomy or removal of both ovaries (n = 7) and the other half, a Cranial Cruciate Ligament Desmotomy or transection of the cranial cruciate ligament, similar to the anterior cruciate ligament in humans (n = 8). OA was observed in sheep with these surgeries that were subjected to forced exercised at an oblique angle for four months. We found that the TIMP-3 treatment decreased gait stance time, average osteophytosis score and joint widening, but did not significantly affect joint space narrowing. The TIMP-3 transgene also decreased aggrecanase activity and serum glycosaminoglycan content and had a positive effect on urine glycosaminoglycan content. Through understanding and utilizing these new methods, we hope to refine our model to further research in this field and offer a better solution for those affected by OA.
Submerged and Floating Woody Debris-Blocking Sensitivity of Labyrinth Weirs
Creators: name: Vaughn, Taylor
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Accumulation of floating and submerged woody debris at flow control structures can result in reduced discharge efficiency (higher upstream head for a given weir discharge). Labyrinth weirs are more prone to debris blockage than less efficient control structures due to their ability to pass large amounts of flow with relatively small heads. Labyrinth weirs also have geometric properties that are more likely to prevent debris from passing over the weir than linear weirs.
A laboratory study was performed to evaluate the interaction between labyrinth weirs and debris sizes. The individual debris tests indicated that debris blockage probability is influenced by trunk diameter, trunk length, and upstream head.
Debris accumulation tests indicated that lower upstream reference heads led to a greater increase in upstream head than higher upstream reference heads. The accumulation tests also showed that larger channel width corresponds with higher increase in upstream head.
Discharge rating curves were also developed for a labyrinth weir with five fabricated submerged woody debris jams. The submerged debris tests showed that both debris volume and jam geometry significantly influenced a reduction to discharge capacity and an increase to upstream head of labyrinth weirs, especially at high flows.
Analyzing the Von Neumann Entropy of Contact Networks
Creators: name: Brower, Thomas J.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: When modeling the spread of disease, ecologists use ecological or contact networks to model how species interact with their environment and one another. The structure of these networks can vary widely depending on the study, where the nodes of a network can be defined as individuals, groups, or locations among other things. With this wide range of definition and with the difficulty of collecting samples, it is difficult to capture every factor of every population. Thus ecologists are limited to creating smaller networks that both fit their budget as well as what is reasonable within the population of interest. With smaller networks, there is a concern of information loss when generalizing collected results to the whole population. In this work, we use the von Neumann entropy as a measure of the amount of information contained in a given ecological network. We compute the von Neumann entropy of a simulated contact network over a variety of parameters. The goal is this will introduce a standard for ecologists when designing their studies to minimize information loss and thus reduce costs, reduce time, and minimize human error particularly during sample collection. We further demonstrate our approach on data measured from bighorn sheep.
Ecology and Economic Impact of the Invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae; Halyomorpha halys) in the Utah Agricultural Landscape
Creators: name: Schumm, Zachary R.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a major insect pest that causes economic loss to a diversity of U.S. fruit and vegetable crops, and invades homes and human structures, causing nuisance issues for homeowners. This destructive insect causes millions of dollars of crop damage annually, and is difficult to manage due to its resistance to some common insecticides. BMSB is a relatively new pest to Utah, and its biology and ecology is not well known in the high elevation, arid Intermountain West region. In Chapter II, I explored the potential impact of BMSB to tart cherry, an unstudied crop in regards to BMSB susceptibility. I determined that tart cherry fruits may abort if fed on by BMSB from the flower petal-fall through fruit pit-hardening stages, causing severe economic loss. In Chapter III, I evaluated several commercially available stink bug traps baited with pheromone lures in diverse specialty crop habitats to assess BMSB location preferences and attraction to traps. These results will guide BMSB monitoring and management decision-making. I found that Utah specialty crop fields are often small enough in size that BMSB invades the entire site and does not concentrate around field borders as in other U.S. regions. Additionally, I determined that pyramid-style traps were more effective in attracting BMSB under low densities as experienced in Utah to-date. Lastly, in Chapters IV and V, I discuss findings and results of surveys for parasitoid wasps that attack and kill developing BMSB eggs, and share extension materials aimed to inform growers and the public about biological control agents of this pest in the Utah agricultural landscape.
Storm-Time Equatorial Thermospheric Dynamics and Electrodynamics
Creators: name: Navarro Dominguez, Luis A.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: We present the first complete study of the dynamics of the equatorial upper atmosphere (180-350 km) during periods of strong magnetic activity driven by the Sun, which are generally referred as geomagnetic storms. These storms have the potential to considerably affect satellite-based communications and navigation systems among other severe technological challenges. We used large databases of two of the most important parameters at these altitudes, which are the velocities of the neutral and ionized gas (plasma) referred to as neutral winds and plasma drifts. These measurements were acquired in the Peruvian equatorial region by the Jicamarca radar and by a network of optical instruments nearby. In the first part, we derived average patterns of the neutral winds under weak geomagnetic activity conditions, or quiet times, for different seasons and compared them with predictions from current upper-atmospheric models. Then, we present, for the first time, the seasonal patterns of the night-time perturbations in the neutral winds at equatorial latitudes, and their variations for different solar-driven geomagnetic storms. These wind perturbations are strongest in the east-west direction and around midnight. They are strongest and longer lasting during and after extended periods of geomagnetic activity. We present a simple empirical model that significantly improves the prediction of the perturbations in the neutral winds compared with current models. In the second part, we derive the velocity perturbations in the plasma drifts along the vertical direction following 3 to 9 hours of geomagnetic activity. We show in detail that these vertical velocity perturbations are small and down-ward during the day and upward and stronger at night, and vary throughout the year and for different solar conditions. They are strongest near sunrise and sunset and during the equinoxes. In the last part of the thesis, we show the close relationship of the neutral wind and plasma drift velocities along the east-west direction during both geomagnetic quiet and disturbed conditions. Finally, we summarize our main results and make suggestions to improve the understanding of this important topic.
Three essays on the social context of wealth accumulation and racial wealth inequality in the U.S.
Creators: name: Uribe, Johan Andres
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: Black
Economics
Inequality
Race
Social
Wealth

description: What explains the long-term persistence of Black-White racial inequality in the United States? This dissertation seeks to answer this question by exploring how social context perpetuates racial wealth inequality. Black-White household wealth differentials consistently dwarf other outcome gaps, household wealth is a key factor in determining the social outcomes of individuals, and social context, broadly defined, consistently exerts a strong influence on social outcomes. This dissertation integrates these three insights into an examination of the Black-White wealth gap. The first chapter uses the Panel Study of Income Dynamics data set to explore how the total household wealth of the extended family network correlates with the household wealth accumulation of individuals, and tests for racial differences therein. Quantile regression analysis finds important racial differences in the accumulation of financial assets at the top of the wealth distribution. The second chapter combines household-level data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation with city-level data from various sources in order to explore how neighborhood social characteristics influence the ability of households to accumulate wealth. The social and economic characteristics of neighborhoods are found to exacerbate wealth inequality. The third chapter proposes a two-tiered model of wealth accumulation based on the empirical regularities established in the first two chapters. The proposed model of wealth accumulation combines threshold effects with network   externalities to explain how the historical social isolation of Blacks in the United States has perpetuated the Black-White wealth gap and perpetuated Black-White differentials in social outcomes.
Are Effort and Helpfulness Ratings of Session Activities Associated with Improved  Outcomes in Web-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Caregivers?
Creators: name: Cragun, Hannah R.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Family caregivers for people with dementia are providing care for up to ten years because people with dementia are living longer. This role can be demanding because the person with dementia can have behavioral and psychological symptoms that can be stressful for the caregiver to witness and manage. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in its traditional face-to-face format has strong scientific support in helping caregivers to be less depressed and better cope with the stress associated with taking care of their loved one. However, because caregiving is a time-demanding role, caregivers can struggle with accessing face-to-face therapy, making online ACT a flexible option. This study evaluated the first-known web-based ACT for caregivers. Previous data collected for this study showed that caregivers improved in their wellbeing and use of ACT-related skills. Caregivers completed 10 sessions that taught ACT concepts and skills, and for each session they reflected on how much effort they put into practicing the ACT skill from the previous session and how helpful they thought it was. This thesis investigated if those effort and helpfulness ratings were related to lower stress reactions to behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, increased values-based living (a central goal of ACT), and continual use of ACT skills after finishing the program. Findings indicated that effort and helpfulness ratings were not related to most outcomes, but caregivers did put significant effort into the sessions and found them helpful. Suggestions are given for future programs to check for comprehension and use of ACT skills throughout the program and for refresher messages to be given after program completion.
Social stories: an intervention tool to help decrease undesired behaviors in children with characteristics of autism spectrum disorders
Creators: name: Thompson, Robyn
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: behavior
preschool
Social Stories

description: An adapted alternating treatment design was implemented to explore whether (a) a Social Story presented in a paper-based format was effective in decreasing undesired behaviors when compared to a no-intervention baseline condition, (b) a Social Story presented in a tablet computer-based format was effective in decreasing undesired behaviors when compared to a no-intervention baseline condition, and (c) a difference existed between the efficiency and the effectiveness of paper-based format and tablet computer-based format Social Story interventions. Four children from early childhood special education classrooms participated in the study. Data regarding frequency of undesired behaviors during target activities as well as social validity data regarding the perceived effectiveness and efficiency of the interventions were collected. Results revealed that Social Stories presented in both paper-based and iPad-based formats were effective and efficient in decreasing undesired behaviors when compared to baseline conditions, and that a notable difference did not exist between the efficiency and the effectiveness of the paper-based and iPad-based formats.
Seismic retrofit of curved bridges  on soft soils using buckling  restrained braces
Creators: name: Upadhyay, Anurag
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: Abutments
BRB
Bridge
Earthquake
Pounding
Soil-Structure Interaction

description: Damage to bridges has been evident during many earthquakes, even when the structure was designed according to model codes. Abutments act like a retaining wall during a seismic event. Past studies show that there have been several incidents of damage to abutments and shear keys due to pounding. This research attempts to study the performance of an existing multispan curved bridge supported on rigidly capped vertical pile groups which pass through a deep layer of soft clay. The soil-structure interaction (SSI) between the pile group and soil is idealized as linear springs in two perpendicular horizontal directions. At the expansion joints and abutments, steel shear walls are provided to improve the performance and concrete shear keys are utilized to restrain the lateral movement of the girders and deck during seismic events. A seismic retrofit scheme using Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB) is implemented at the abutments to prevent pounding damage.   It is observed that the soft soil surrounding the piles has a significant effect on the dynamic response of the bridge; in addition, the bearing displacements are underestimated if SSI is ignored. Damage to the abutments and the deck due to pounding can be prevented by using a combination of BRBs. Similarly, pounding between steel girders at the expansion joints can be prevented by using BRBs instead of seismic restrainer rods. BRBs are idealized using bilinear plastic link elements with a backbone curve adopted from actual experiments. A sensitivity analysis is carried out for modeling the BRBs using two different software packages.
Crosstalk and coupling in reflectometry testing of electrical wire faults
Creators: name: Thomson, Lucas R.
Publisher: name: University of Utah
Year: 2016
Subjects: Crosstalk
Inductive coupling
Multiconductor
Noncontact
Spread spectrum time domain Reflectometry
Wire fault

description: The focus of this thesis is the impact and use of crosstalk and coupling when testing for electrical wiring faults using reflectometry.  This thesis describes a method for detecting and locating faults on cable shields using an adapted reflectometry system.  A signal transmitted on the inner conductor is coupled to the outside through the fault, a small aperture in the cable shielding. This very small signal is then detected and correlated with the original signal transmitted on the inner conductor. The signals that leak out of the aperture, the damaged shield, and propagate down the outside of the cable are quantified as a function of the aperture size and frequency. A ferrite loaded toroidal sensor design is also proposed for receiving this external signal in order to both detect and localize the shield damage. Both simulations and measurements validate the effectiveness of this method. Unshielded discrete wires are another common type of transmission line. While unshielded wires are primarily used for DC power, they are still subject to degradation over time and require maintenance. Unlike shielded cables, there is a significant amount of coupling that occurs between adjacent wires during a reflectometry test. This coupling is quantified and evaluated for two applications.  The first is simultaneous testing of multiple adjacent wires in a bundle.  In this case, minimizing the coupling is desirable in order to reduce noise in the reflectometry signature.  The second is the exploration of the potential for a single reflectometry test to locate faults on adjacent wires without directly testing them.  When a single test is performed in a multiwire bundle, the reflectometry signature will be a superposition of reflections from all nearby conductors. This thesis addresses the testing of a multiconductor wiring structure with a common signal reference as well as a similar structure with an isolated signal reference. In order to accurately detect faults on multiconductor wiring structures, both testing methods must be considered. A fault between a conductor and its reference conductor is easily detectable. A cross fault between two nonreference conductors is not. For cross fault consideration, the only method for detection is using a common signal reference and analyzing the data on adjacent lines.
Enhancing the Production and Sustainability of Pasture-Fed Beef Using Non-Traditional Legume Forages
Creators: name: Bolletta, Andrea I.
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 2020

description: Despite the increasing worldwide demand for beef as a protein source, consumers are concerned about the sustainability of ruminant production systems. Their main concerns are animal welfare for feedlot-fed animals, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, global warming and worker safety. Traditional feedlot-based beef production systems have been associated with locally greater levels of soil, water and air contamination, as well as the overuse of antibiotics and growth hormones. The use of legume pastures such as cicer milkvetch (CMV) and birdsfoot trefoil (BFT), which fix their own nitrogen (N) and often contain beneficial secondary compounds such as tannins and provide for rapid gain and improved meat quality, holds promise as an alternative strategy to feedlots for beef finishing. These legumes can mitigate GHG emissions without reducing beef productivity and improve enterprise profitability when sold locally as natural or organic pasture-finished meat. Tannins can be beneficial to ruminants or some types, especially in high concentrations, can have anti-herbivore properties. The condensed tannins synthesized by BFT are known to prevent bloat and to enhance the production of ruminants. More generally, tannins are beneficial not only to the plants that accumulate them, but can also slow soil mineralization of organic matter, better matching N release to plant uptake. Ruminants can convert fibrous feedstuffs not suitable for human consumption, such as corn stalks, into sources of high-quality protein for human consumption, and thrive without grain on pastures and hay produced on marginal land that is not suitable for cultivation. Legumes pay a key role in the mitigation of environmental impacts of beef production, because their elevated forage quality increases digestion rate, intake and animal gain, their tannins improve the efficiency of rumen N utilization, and their quality and tannin concentrations both tend to reduce enteric CH4 emissions and N losses. Likewise, plant litter and manure from tannin-containing species would help to sequester N and carbon in the production system, helping to achieve sustainable beef production. Evaluation of the sustainability of ruminant production systems should be based on their environmental impact, the nutritive value of the food produced, the appropriate use of agricultural land, and the economic sustainability of producers and their rural communities.