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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.

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 Next Urban Giants: Building Resilience and Equity into Growing Megapolitan Regions by Greening the Urban Human-Natural System

The Next Urban Giants: Building Resilience and Equity into Growing Megapolitan Regions by Greening the Urban Human-Natural System

Primary author: Julie Padowski
Co-author(s): Patricia Townsend; Brad Gaolach; Anand Jayakaran; Martha Aitken; Maggie Anderson Fasy; Kevan Moffett; Kim Zentz

Primary college/unit: Center for Environmental Research, Education & Outreach
Campus: Pullman

Abstract:
Urbanization has played a profound role in shaping human society over the past century leading now to the rise of Megapolitan regions (defined as having >10 million people by 2040). Understanding the economic, social, and environmental challenges associated with megapolitan development would benefit from robust and coordinated urban sustainability initiatives and will be critical for helping to shape a sustainable future.

In July of 2019, the WSU Metropolitan Center hosted a workshop funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Sustainable Urban Systems Conference and Workshop Awards. The workshop brought together a select and diverse group of 40 experts responsible for implementing sustainability initiatives across academia, industry, local governments and non-profits to: 1) identify the key challenges megapolitan regions and their adjacent communities and natural spaces face as urbanization continues, 2) explore the myriad approaches used in megapolitan regions to address these challenges, and 3) synthesize this information to identify priority research areas that a research network could promote for improving urban systems sustainability.

Group perspective, knowledge, experience, connections, and collaborative and big-thinking mindset were the greatest asset for thinking about those most critical megapolitan challenges and opportunities. The workshop produced three products that were shared across participants’ networks a (1) white paper to NSF, (2) “Green Print” for work managers and practitioners to help them transition material from the conference into their daily work, and (3) scope of work for informing future education and outreach products. A peer-reviewed synthesis journal article is currently in progress.

Using eDNA to assess the effects of Sierra Nevada meadow restoration on invasive species and sensitive amphibians

Using eDNA to assess the effects of Sierra Nevada meadow restoration on invasive species and sensitive amphibians

Primary author: Nicolette Nelson
Faculty sponsor: Jonah Piovia-Scott

Primary college/unit: Arts and Sciences
Campus: Vancouver

Abstract:

Managers in the Sierra Nevada are increasingly restoring degraded wet meadows in order to recover essential ecosystem services (e.g. water storage and filtration) and to benefit native wildlife. These projects may increase available habitat for federally-listed amphibians, but some projects have unintentionally prompted the spread of invasive species that negatively impact native amphibians through predation, competition, and disease. In order to assess the effects of meadow restoration on invasive species and sensitive amphibians, we used a backpack sampler to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples at 23 restored and 23 paired unrestored Sierra Nevada meadows during the summers of 2018 and 2019. Quantitative PCR was used to detect the presence of American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), Amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd), and Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs (Rana sierrae). R. sierrae were detected at only one site, which may be explained by the relatively low elevation of study sites and the degraded condition of unrestored meadows. Preliminary analysis suggested that L. catesbeianus were associated with pond-and-plug restoration sites, which result in the creation of novel permanent ponds, and Bd was slightly associated with bullfrogs. Our results indicate that wet meadow restoration in the Sierra Nevada may not be directly benefiting sensitive amphibians. Additionally, pond-and-plug restoration may facilitate the spread of some invasive species more than other restoration methods such as beaver dam analogues that aim to mimic natural meadow formation processes.

Defining Microbial Soil Health in the Inland Pacific Northwest

Defining Microbial Soil Health in the Inland Pacific Northwest

Primary author: Katherine Naasko
Co-author(s): Haiying Tao
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Haiying Tao

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

Abstract:

Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarker identification is commonly included in microbial soil health assessments. PLFAs comprise the bilayer cellular membranes of macro and microorganisms that live within soil. Previous literature has shown that PLFA biomarkers and beta-glucosidase enzyme activity are strongly correlated to SOM stocks and associated biochemical nutrient cycling, focused primarily on the surface 20 cm of soil. Many researchers have reported a significant decrease in PLFAs with increasing soil depth, correlated with less SOM to house microbial activity. In dryland cropping systems of the Palouse, winter wheat (WW) roots grow several feet deep, along with microbial communities naturally drawn to the root also, to take advantage of water and nutrients. The objectives of this study include (i) assess how winter wheat-associated microbial communities identified through PLFA and b-glucosidase activity correlate with soil organic matter stocks to 1 meter deep; and (ii) examine relationships across different dynamic soil factors (i.e. tillage intensity) and inherent properties (i.e., precipitation and temperature) of Palouse silt loam. Agricultural sites had lower PLFA biomass compared to the grass site, however the relationships between carbon stocks and enzyme activities are not as straightforward. All sites had lower indicators deeper in the soil, which positively correlates to relative availability of carbon sources for food and energy. When comparing soils from ag sites along the precipitation and temperature gradient, significant linear correlations were found.

This is supported in part through the ARCS Fellowship and the PNNL-WSU Distinguished Graduate Researcher Program.

Small RNA-mediated gene regulation on both sides of the wheat stripe rust interaction

Small RNA-mediated gene regulation on both sides of the wheat stripe rust interaction

Primary author: Nicholas Mueth

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

Abstract:

Wheat stripe rust is a global disease that burdens farmers with yield loss and increased fungicide expenses. The causative agent, the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, develops infection structures inside living plant cells, suppressing the defense response in order to steal nutrients for further growth and reproduction. While many fungal virulence-promoting factors are proteins, it was recently discovered that small RNA molecules also function in this manner by silencing complementary host genes. Meanwhile, wheat-derived small RNAs are induced or repressed during infection, yet their targets are mostly unknown. In this work, small RNA, degraded RNA, and gene expression data were combined to investigate post-transcriptional gene regulation on both sides of the host-parasite interaction. Our goal was to identify target transcripts by the observation of high transcript slicing frequency at the precise position of small RNA binding sites. Targets among fungal transcripts indicated native regulation of fungal development; wheat target transcripts indicated cross-kingdom gene silencing. Some wheat targets, but not all, showed reduced expression during infection with stripe rust, suggesting a complex pattern of gene induction and repression. Analysis of wheat microRNA loci revealed novel candidate genes in each of the three wheat subgenomes. Resistant and susceptible wheat varieties showed differential expression of microRNAs involved in the regulation of disease resistance and phosphate uptake. This work highlights the small RNA repertoire of an important plant pathogen, as well as the responses of its host. The newly-identified target genes will provide prospects for the development of pathogen control biotechnology.

Genomic Prediction of Quantitative Adult Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in a Winter Wheat Breeding Program

Genomic Prediction of Quantitative Adult Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in a Winter Wheat Breeding Program

Primary author: Lance Merrick
Co-author(s): Arron Carter; Xianming Chen; Brian Ward
Faculty sponsor: Arron Carter

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

Abstract:

Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is one of the most damaging diseases of wheat and has resulted in massive reduction in yield and economic losses globally. Quantitative adult plant resistance (APR) is detected in mature plants, associated with non-specific resistance, and considered to be a durable form of resistance. Quantitative APR is controlled by varying numbers of additive resistance alleles and thus is a good candidate for genomic prediction. The goal of this research was to create a genomic prediction model of quantitative stripe rust resistance for advancing early-generation lines to advanced yield trials in a winter wheat breeding program. We created prediction models using breeding lines from four years (2016-2019) and two breeding populations consisting of doubled-haploid and F5 derived lines. The prediction models used genotype-by-sequencing single-nucleotide polymorphism markers for random effects and KASP markers for known resistance genes for fixed effect covariates. Prediction models used were optimized for training population size, marker density, and statistical model to find the most efficient and accurate method to integrate genomic prediction into a breeding program. Genomic prediction will aid the breeding program for the evaluation and selection of stripe rust resistance in years and environments with limited disease incidence and reduce the need for replicated phenotyping. In doing this, genomic prediction will increase the genetic gain for quantitative stripe rust resistance within wheat breeding populations.

Risk Communication in Nunavik: The Case of Mercury, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Risk Communication in Nunavik: The Case of Mercury, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Primary author: Alyssa Mayeda
Co-author(s): Amanda Boyd

Primary college/unit: IREACH
Campus: Seattle

Abstract:

Contaminants in the Arctic are a risk to Inuit health. Most Arctic populations continue to be exposed to higher levels of environmental contaminants compared to many other global populations. Much of this exposure is due to consuming country foods with higher levels of contaminants, such as mercury or polychlorinated biphenyls. Consequently, it is important to understand how to effectively communicate the benefits of consuming country foods including marine mammals and fish that contain high levels of healthy elements such as omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to providing information about the risks associated with contaminant exposure. This case study evaluates the effectiveness of the messages created from the Nunavik Child Development Study (NCDS). The NCDS was initiated in 1996 to examine the negative effects of prenatal exposure to contaminants and the benefits of consuming country foods on infant and child development. Results from the NCDS were presented in 2011 to residents of Nunavik, Canada. In this study, we examine if any behavioral changes were made by community members as a result of the advisories. Interviews, using both qualitative and quantitative questions, were held with 112 Inuit residents in Nunavik. Results demonstrate that while some people were aware of the NCDS health messages, there were still many who were not aware of the advisories, and even more who reported they would not change their food consumption behaviors. We discuss the challenges associated with communication about environmental contaminants and the need for future research on health risk communication in the Arctic.

Dissecting the genetic architecture of Aphanomyces root rot resistance in lentil by QTL mapping and genome-wide association study

Dissecting the genetic architecture of Aphanomyces root rot resistance in lentil by QTL mapping and genome-wide association study

Primary author: Yu Ma
Co-author(s): Afef Marzougui; Clarice Coyne; Sindhuja Sankaran; Dorrie Main; Lyndon Porter; Deus Mugabe; Jamin Smitchger
Faculty sponsor: Dorrie Main

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

Abstract:

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) is an important source of protein for people in developing countries. Aphanomyces root rot (ARR) has emerged as one of most devastating diseases affecting lentil production. In this study, we applied two complementary QTL analysis approaches to unravel the genetic architecture underlying this complex trait. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and an association mapping population were genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to discover novel SNPs. QTL mapping identified 19 QTL associated with ARR resistance, while association mapping detected 38 QTL and highlighted accumulation of favorable haplotypes in most of the resistant accessions. Seven QTL clusters were discovered on six chromosomes and five putative genes involved in plant disease response were detected. Expression analysis revealed four of them, encoding an ABC transporter A family protein, a cytochrome P450 family 71 protein, a chalcone-flavanone isomerase family protein, and pectin esterase, were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible accessions. This indicates genes involved in secondary metabolism and cell wall modification are potentially associated with ARR. Our findings provide valuable insight into the genetic control of ARR and genetic and genomic resources developed here can be used to accelerate development of lentil cultivars with high levels of partial resistance to ARR.