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Showcase Abstract 2020

CropSyst regional parameterization and calibration over Columbia River Basin

CropSyst regional parameterization and calibration over Columbia River Basin

Primary author: Fabio Scarpare
Co-author(s): Claudio Stockle; Roger Nelson; Kirti Rajagopalan; Mingliang Liu; Jennifer Adam
Faculty sponsor: Jennifer Adam

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Crop water demand is key for policy and resource decision-making questions, including the processing of new irrigation water rights, examining water availability for both out-of-stream and instream uses. Conventional model calibration methods, which concentrate on a model’s performance at plot scale, cannot be used for large-scale regional simulation. Therefore, this study aims to describe a low-data approach used for developing detailed crop parameterization data required for regional level application. CropSyst was parameterized and calibrated based on its sensitivity analysis for the main agricultural irrigated lands in the Columbia River Basin; for most of Oregon, eastern Washington, southern Idaho, and western Montana States. Twenty-five crop types among cereal, forage, fruits and vegetables were selected by using the USDA Crop Data Layer 2018 in each sub-region. Thirty-six years of daily meteorological variables were used to drive the simulations. The calibration was performed by first adjusting the growing season (defined as planting to maturity). Next, the phenological development stages between planting and maturity (end of vegetative growth, flowering, beginning of yield formation, senescence and full senescence if reached) with the green canopy cover development were adjusted. Yield calibration was the last step performed, which was based on model`s sensitivity analysis. Scientific papers and irrigation field trials performed by several Research Extension Centers with less than ten years old developed in the same region were used as main sources for model evaluation. The simulation results were satisfactory and similar to those observed in the literature data, which enable its use across the Pacific Northwest.

Impact of glucose consumption on hibernation phenotype of adipose tissue in brown bears

Impact of glucose consumption on hibernation phenotype of adipose tissue in brown bears

Primary author: Michael Saxton
Faculty sponsor: Joanna Kelley

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

To survive the cold environments and winter food shortage for which they are adapted, brown bears undergo seasonal shifts from maximizing energy gain and storage in summer and fall, to conserving energy in winter hibernation. During hibernation, bears experience a mild decrease in body temperature but up to a 75% reduction in basal metabolic rate, as well as reduced heart rate, respiration rate, and insulin sensitivity. On arousal from hibernation, the bears return to active season physiology, which includes a reversal of the insulin resistance. Fluctuations in weight and high overall adiposity, like those seen in bears, are contributing factors to cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans. In this study bears were fed dextrose during hibernation to determine the effect of glucose consumption on hibernation and insulin sensitivity. We collected serum from the bears and evaluated the effect of that serum on gene transcription in bear adipose cells grown in vitro. We found a strong cell by serum interaction, with cells collected in hibernation and grown with pre-dextrose hibernation serum showing a starkly different gene expression profile than those grown with either active season or post-dextrose hibernation serum. Though cells treated with post-dextrose hibernation serum closely matched the expression profile of cells grown with active serum, proteomic analysis of serum showed that post-dextrose serum more closely matched hibernation serum. Therefore one of these limited changes in serum proteins after consumption of dextrose leads to near complete reversal of the hibernation phenotype in brown bear adipose tissue.

Expressive language of hard of hearing toddlers as influenced by siblings

Expressive language of hard of hearing toddlers as influenced by siblings

Primary author: Allison Saur
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Mark Vandam

Primary college/unit: Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Campus: Spokane

Abstract:

Linguistic complexity is an indicator of language development in young children. Complexity of a child’s linguistic productions have been shown to increase with development, but may be affected by factors such as disability or environmental variables. In particular, hearing impairment may affect language and speech development. In a previous study, we investigated the effect of a siblings’ and sex of the child on the mean length of utterance (MLU) in typically developing children. Here, we look at the MLU of children who are hard-of-hearing compared to their typically developing peers in the context of siblings. MLUs were extracted from the public HomeBank database [http://homebank.talkbank.org] of transcribed natural child speech for both the target toddler and for siblings. A difference in expressive language was found between children who are hard-of-hearing and their typically developing peers. Findings are discussed in terms of language development and sibling presence on expressive language in children with hearing loss.

Resolving the conflicting Hf and Nd isotope records of early Earth crust-mantle evolution

Resolving the conflicting Hf and Nd isotope records of early Earth crust-mantle evolution

Primary author: Ross Salerno
Faculty sponsor: Jeff Vervoort

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

The timing and nature of the formation and growth of Earth’s continents has sparked debate for decades. Fundamentally, two end-member models have been proposed. One favors rapid and early di¬fferentiation of continental crust and a complimentary depleted mantle, while the other proposes and early basaltic proto-crust with true continental crust and depleted mantle forming many hundreds of millions of years later. Radiogenic isotope systems (e.g., Nd and Hf) are crucial in this debate, as they provide constraints on the timing of the Bulk Silicate Earth differentiation. Our attention focuses on the isotopic record – particularly from the Earth’s oldest rocks – to help understand the timing of crustal growth. Two fundamentally different stories appear between the Hf and Nd records of these oldest samples. Hf isotope data, now based primarily on zircon Hf and corresponding U-Pb ages, have chondritic Hf compositions through ~ 3.8 Ga – no evidence for crust or depleted mantle. The Nd isotope data, in contrast, appears to show a characteristic depleted mantle signature for these same rocks. The Hf and Nd compositions we report from the Pilbara Craton (3.5-3.3 Ga) agree – both are chondritic. These rocks preserve no evidence of a depleted mantle or significant crustal reservoir on Earth at that time. In the examples where both systems are closed [Pilbara], the Hf and Nd isotope records agree and there is no Hf-Nd paradox.

Energy and Comfort Perceptions in University Housing

Energy and Comfort Perceptions in University Housing

Primary author: Shelby Ruiz
Co-author(s): Julia Day

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

For many universities with quickly aging residential facilities and unpredictable building occupants, making wise infrastructure upgrades can become challenging, and operational costs can increase. Building operations, such as lighting, cooling, and heating, use nearly three quarters of its consumed energy to operate and maintain an indoor environment. The College Board estimates that approximately 40% of full-time public-college students live on campus during their time at university, making residential building occupants a significant variable in this overall energy consumption. If strategic energy-efficiency plans are implemented for these universities, energy cost savings of up to 30% are possible.
This project implemented a mixed methods study to investigate adaptive comfort opportunities in university-owned and managed residential buildings to better understand the human-building interface, resulting energy use implications in buildings, and potential areas for interface and design improvements. An online survey and interviews were implemented to understand occupants’ perceptions of thermal and visual comfort, as well as respective adaptive opportunities and corresponding behaviors (e.g. opening/closing windows). The survey integrates a novel photovoice approach to visually catalog and understand the different types of interfaces available to occupants; this qualitative method is commonly used in community-based participatory research to document the reality of the participants. In addition, individual building utility metrics were analyzed to determine which residences are the most energy consuming and costly to operate; this data may help inform priorities for capital upgrades Next steps of this research include the development of a proposal of an energy-saving campaign for university facilities.

Moving Towards a Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) Change Framework for Extension Professionals

Moving Towards a Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) Change Framework for Extension Professionals

Primary author: Clea Rome
Co-author(s): Laura Ryser; Carrie Backman; Debra Hansen

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Clallam County

Abstract:

The Policy, Systems and Environmental (PSE) change framework has emerged in the last decade as new way of approaching difficult and layered public health problems, including obesity, diabetes and cancer. Rather than focusing solely on individual choices, the PSE approach acknowledges the “interrelated, dynamic, and adaptive factors” (Lyn 2013) that influence an individual’s health. Public health practitioners are increasingly addressing not only an individual’s choices, but the broader landscape that influences personal behavior, including the policies, systems, and environments (PSE) that shape those behaviors (Leeman et al. 2015).

Beyond the public health sector, the PSE approach is a useful framework to guide the work of Extension leaders in many program areas to create long-term change. For example, the complex issues that Extension community development professionals work on require a framework that utilizes the University’s strength to conduct applied research for data-driven solutions at the local level. The authors have found that applying a PSE framework to community development work through Extension provides leverage points that create population-level benefits across many sectors. Extension faculty and staff have played a critical role in facilitating the process for desirable PSE change outcomes for community development through six key activities: (a) assessing the social and political environment; (b) engaging, educating, and collaborating with key stakeholders; (c) identifying and framing the problem; (d) utilizing available evidence; (e) conducting research to identify needed data; (f) identifying PSE solutions; and (g) building support and political will (Lyn et al. 2013).

Peering into Potato-Virus Interactions in the Era of Omics

Peering into Potato-Virus Interactions in the Era of Omics

Primary author: Manasseh Richard
Co-author(s): Madhu Kappagantu; Lindani Moyo; Hanu R. Pappu
Faculty sponsor: Prof. Hanu R. Pappu

Primary college/unit: Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Potato is an important staple food crop worldwide. The tuber is especially prized for its high nutritional value, while also offering vital economic benefits. In the U.S., the Pacific Northwest produces nearly 60% of the nation’s potato annually, and potato industry in WA state alone is worth several billions of dollars. However, potato production is curtailed by several viruses, with the most devastating being Potato virus Y (PVY). At least nine biological variants of PVY are known to attack potato. These include relatively newer recombinant types named PVYNTN and PVYNWilga, which induce tuber necrosis in susceptible cultivars. So far, the underlying host-virus interactions have been studied by analysis of gene expression, while the metabolic level, which often correlates poorly with gene expression but directly mediates these phenotypic outcomes, is poorly studied. To assess how PVYNTN and PVYNWilga infections affect potato metabolism, we used GC-MS to obtain comprehensive metabolic profiles of two cultivars inoculated with these recombinants of PVY. A total of 447 peaks were detected, 115 of which were known metabolites that categorized into amino acids, sugars and sugar derivatives, esters and lactones, organic acids, alcohols, ketones and phenols, and sulfur-nitrogen compounds. Using a mix of univariate and multivariate methods, we showed that PVYNTN and PVYNWilga elicit significantly different metabolic alterations in potato. Multivariate receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves predicted Dioctyl phthalate, Sedoheptulose, Glycine, 1-Monopalmitin, Ribulose-5-phosphate, Trehalose, Glycerol 3-phosphate, Alpha-Tocopherol, 5-Methoxytryptamine, Sorbitol, Glucose-6-phosphate, Galactinol, L-Malic acid, and Threonic acid as potential metabolite biomarkers of PVYNTN and PVYNWilga infection in potato.

A Clustering-based Microgrid Planning for Resilient Restoration in Power Distribution System

A Clustering-based Microgrid Planning for Resilient Restoration in Power Distribution System

Primary author: Hongda Ren
Co-author(s): Noel Schulz
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Noel Schulz

Primary college/unit: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Principal topic
With frequent natural disasters, like hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes, it is critical to improve the power distribution systems’ resiliency to deal with them. One potential solution is the utilization of to increase the probability of critical loads restoration. Critical loads restoration refers to swiftly restore electricity supply to important loads, like hospitals, emergency lights services, central control room, and communication network, after the electric power outage from the local utility.
Method
A weighted load-impedance density-based clustering method utilizes network topology and DERs to form multiple microgrids to restore critical loads based on load density and priority. The method has two objectives 1) to find restoration network and maximize its availability by DER location selection; 2) to identify areas with high load density with low impedance distance connections, to ensure high priority loads to recover.
Results
The proposed method is tested in IEEE 37-node feeder with three DERs to restore eight critical loads. The results show:
1.the proposed method effectively identifies the optimal restoration paths to form microgrids.
2.Multiple solutions are provided when parameter adjustment while other methods only offer one solution. Compared to apply fewer large size DERs, using more small sizes DERs to form more microgrids have better performance in critical loads restoration and power loss reduction.
3.Compared with the result of benchmark optimization, the result of proposed method is close to the optimal solution in term of power loss. The power loss of the method is only 10% of the original case.

The Sea as a Source of Novel Antiparasitic Compounds

The Sea as a Source of Novel Antiparasitic Compounds

Primary author: Rachel Relat
Faculty sponsor: Roberta O’Connor

Primary college/unit: College of Veterinary Medicine
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

Cryptosporidium, an intracellular parasite that causes severe diarrhea, is now recognized as a leading cause of waterborne disease worldwide, infecting both humans and valuable livestock. Cryptosporidium infection is particularly devastating in children as it causes life-threatening diarrhea, along with developmental delays including growth stunting and cognitive impairment. Cryptosporidium is an especially important disease of immunocompromised individuals of all ages, leading to chronic, potentially fatal diarrhea. No effective treatment exists for many human or veterinary patients diagnosed with Cryptosporidium.

To address this medical imperative, we designed a high throughput screen to test thousands of unique compounds, with the goal of discovering new, potent, anti-Cryptosporidium drugs and drug scaffolds. Our collaborators at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) have amassed a library of over 125 natural compounds, and 6500 highly enriched fractions from extracts of marine organisms. We began screening this library as it contains compounds and fractions produced by sessile oceanic animals which frequently use chemical defenses. Additionally, numerous sessile oceanic organisms are known to have endosymbionts that are likely to produce additional bioactive metabolites.

We screened greater than 3,600 partially purified extracts from the HBOI library and identified 10 extracts that effectively inhibit Cryptosporidium growth without damaging the host cells in which these parasites live. Ongoing studies indicate that some of the identified fractions may also inhibit the growth of Toxoplasma gondii, a closely related parasite. This work will significantly contribute to the goal of discovering effective treatments against Cryptosporidium specifically, and further the search for novel antiparasitic drugs.

Board Demographics, Governance, Independence or Embeddedness: What is more important for reducing Top Management Team’s gender based pay gap in organizations?

Board Demographics, Governance, Independence or Embeddedness: What is more important for reducing Top Management Team’s gender based pay gap in organizations?

Primary author: Gurdeep Singh Raina
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Arvin Sahaym

Primary college/unit: Carson College of Business
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:

This study advances the research on the relationship between Upper Echelon demographics and the gender based pay gap in the TMT. Specifically, I investigated the relationships between Board demographics, Top Management Team (TMT) demographics and the gender diversity in the Compensation Committees, and gender based pay gap in the TMT. I also assessed the influence of gender diversity in the TMT on these relationships. I used Agency, Social Identity theory, and Demographic similarity to conceptually establish the main relationships as well as the moderated relationships. The study indicated that there seems to be a significant relationship between Board Size, Board Independence, and Independent Director Tenure on the focal board, with all the three variables negatively impacting the gender based pay gap in the TMT at various levels of significance. It also concluded that the gender diversity in the TMT significantly moderates the main relationships. Additionally, the results show that gender and national diversity in the focal board, TMT size, and gender diversity in the Compensation Committee do not impact the gender based TMT pay gap significantly. The moderation is also non-significant in these cases.