In 2016, Hamoon Mousavi published Walnut which is a program that implements automated theorem proving of propositions about automatic sequences. The main purpose of this thesis was to show the theoretical functi- onality of Walnut on the basis of the relation between automatic sequences and Presburger (resp. B¨uchi) arithmetic that is a decidable theory. Another goal was to describe adequately how the decision procedure of Walnut really works, and finally, to show the practical use of Walnut on several particular problems. One of these particular problems that are solved in the thesis is computation of the critical exponent of the Rudin-Shapiro sequence - this exercise was presented as an open problem in a book of 2003 (however, this exercise does not belong among open problems any more since Shallit proved in 2011 that the critical exponent is computable for all automatic sequences.) The last chapter itself can be also used as a brief manual for newcomers to Walnut that want to use this program for their own applications. 1

Wastewater treatment performance of three pilot-scale packed-bed anaerobic digesters with walnut shell medium was researched for treating dairy freestall barn flushwater. Reciprocation mixing was evaluated as a means to lessen channelization in the media bed and to improve biogas production and organic matter removal at ambient temperatures. Reciprocation has been used in biological nitrogen removal systems to introduce air into the system to repeatedly oxygenate nitrifying biofilm along with mixing (Behrends et al. 2003), but the anaerobic systems benefit from mixing. Two tanks were used in each system, where one was full and one was empty at any given time. Water was repeatedly pumped from one tank to the other and back again (reciprocation). A key research objective was to determine the minimum reciprocation frequency (between 0-10 per day) while still maintaining moderate methane production and treatment performance. Broken walnut shells with a specific surface area of 360 m2/m3 were used as the packed media. Digester influent, which was pretreated to remove large solids, had the following characteristics: total solids (TS) of 5.5 g/L, volatile solids (VS) of 2.8 g/L, 5-day carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (cBOD5) of 800 mg/L, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 4340 mg/L. Average digesting liquid temperatures ranged from 14.1 to 23.6 °C. At 6-day theoretical hydraulic residence times (V/Q where V is Lliquid, which is volume of liquid occupying the digester pores, and Q is total daily influent flow) and 1 reciprocation per day, methane production was 0.060 ± 0.10 LCH4/Lliquid-day and at 10 reciprocations methane production 0.058 ± 0.14 LCH4/Lliquid-day (mean ± standard deviation of measurements over time). COD percent removals were both 51% at 6-day V/Q. Since multiple reciprocations did not appear to make a difference in methane production and treatment performance, fewer reciprocations were used in subsequent experiments. Higher flow rates were also used in subsequent experiments to accelerate sludge clogging and channelization in the walnut-shell bed and thereby allow detection of any advantage provided by reciprocation compared to an upflow reactor. At 0 and 1 reciprocations per day and 0.35 and 0.50-day V/Qs, respectively, methane production was 0.24 ± 0.08 and 0.23 ± 0.08 LCH4/Lliquid-day and COD percent removal was 17 and 22%. Over the study period of 226 days, walnut shell porosities decreased due to sludge accumulation from 0.68 and 0.64 (start-up or clean-bed) to 0.31 and 0.24 in the 1 and 0 reciprocation per day reactors. Sludge accumulation and channelization did not appear to be affected by reciprocation mixing on the scale of this study.

Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) is a valued, Mississippi tree species with very little published mensurational data. Tree profile equations are effective tree volume predictors but are typically developed from measurements on destructively sampled trees, an impractical method on valuable species. This study developed black walnut and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) profile equations from non-destructive measurements using a Barr & Stroud FP15 optical dendrometer. Accuracy of the dendrometer was validated by taking both optical dendrometer and felled, direct measurements on green ash trees. Two profile models were evaluated for measured tree data. Separate equations were created from optical dendrometer tree profile data for black walnut and green ash and felled tree profile data for green ash. The Barr & Stroud allowed tree profile equations to be developed from standing tree measurements with acceptable accuracy, thus providing useful tools towards the valuation and management of southeastern black walnut and green ash.

Animal welfare is a major concern among livestock producers in the U.S. Heat stress, particularly, compromises animal welfare and productivity, causing >$2B annual economic loss to producers. The presence of toxic alkaloids within tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix syn Lolium arundinaceum, syn Festuca arundinacea) plants induces a complex of disorders collectively known as fescue toxicosis. Summer slump, a reduction in animal performance due to heat stress, is common and evident of the symptoms. Various techniques for assessing animal physiological and behavioral responses to heat stress were explored in this dissertation, with particular emphasis on fescue toxicosis and its mitigation strategies. In the first study, the physiological and behavioral responses of heifers was evaluated when grazing either toxic tall fescue with wildtype endophyte (WE) or tall fescue with a novel endophyte (NE). Heifers (n = 24) were assigned to either WE or NE pastures for a 56-d grazing study during the summers of 2020 and 2021. Heifer average daily gain (ADG), intravaginal temperature, and degree of hair shedding were recorded during the grazing period. Blood samples were collected through coccygeal venipuncture and hair was collected from the left rump for cortisol analysis. Ear, tail, and hoof temperatures were collected for each heifer using an infrared thermal imaging camera. In 2020, heifers that grazed NE tall fescue had greater (P = 0.0160) ADG over the season (0.22 vs. 0.12 kg day-1). Hair retention score was greater (P = 0.0029) for heifers that grazed WE tall fescue compared to heifers that grazed NE tall fescue across both years. Heifers that grazed WE tall fescue had decreased ear skin temperature (P = 0.0001), tail skin temperature (P = 0.0058), and hoof surface temperature (P = 0.0075) compared to heifers that grazed NE. Heifers that grazed WE had 0.3-0.9 ºC hotter intravaginal temperatures than heifers that grazed NE, especially during daytime. Hair cortisol levels of heifers that grazed WE tall fescue were greater (P < 0.0001) compared to hair cortisol levels of heifers that grazed NE tall fescue. From 1200h-1700h each day, heifers that grazed WE tall fescue spent 1.5 more (P = 0.0003) hours standing and 0.9 fewer (P = 0.0402) hours lying down compared to heifers that grazed NE tall fescue. These results suggest that heat stress and other physiological changes in heifers grazing WE tall fescue could be mitigated by renovating pastures with NE tall fescue that does not impose any negative effects on grazing animals. The second study explored the potential benefits of consuming condensed tannins as a means of negating the effects of toxic alkaloids in tall fescue. Twelve fall-born steers were assigned to one of the two diet supplement treatments - sericea lespedeza pellets (LES) or sericea lespedeza pellets mixed with polyethylene glycol (LES+PEG) for 12 weeks during the summers of 2020 and 2021. The LES+PEG treatment served as a positive control since polyethylene glycol binds tannins, rendering them inactive in the gastrointestinal system. Animal body weight (BW), hair retention score (HRS), rectal temperature, and thermographic images were collected every 4 weeks. Hair and blood samples were also collected for cortisol analysis. Fecal and urine samples were collected and analyzed for total ergot alkaloid (TEA) concentration. Steers on LES had greater (P = 0.0033) ADG compared to steers on LES+PEG in 2021, but not in 2020 (P = 0.8707). In 2021, HRS was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed LES+PEG compared to steers fed LES. In 2020, ear skin temperature (P < 0.0001) and hoof surface temperature (P = 0.0382) was greater in steers on LES compared to steers on LES+PEG. Rectal temperatures were lower (P = 0.02905) for steers fed LES compared to steers fed LES+PEG in 2021. Plasma cortisol levels did not differ (P ≥ 0.1566) between LES and LES+PEG treatments for both years. In 2020, hair cortisol levels did not differ (P = 0.8295) between treatments while in 2021, the hair cortisol level of steers on LES+PEG was greater (P = 0.0221) compared to hair cortisol levels of steers on LES. This study indicated some changes in animal physiology in response to dietary supplements containing condensed tannins, but results were inconsistent and further studies are needed to better understand the potential benefits of tannins in reducing the effects of toxic alkaloids consumption. In the third study, behavioral and physiological responses of ewes that grazed either mid-stage hardwood silvopastures or open pasture (OP) were compared. The study site consists of 0.27-ha of black walnut (Juglans nigra; BSP) and honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos; HSP) silvopastures and open pasture treatments, each replicated three times. During the summers of 2020 and 2021, thirty-six Katahdin ewes were assigned to one of the treatments for a 6-week summer grazing trial. Ewe weights were recorded for two consecutive days at the beginning and end of the study and intravaginal temperatures were recorded for two consecutive days at every 3-week intervals. Trail cameras captured animal behavior. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture. Hair grown during the trial was collected from the loin region. Blood and hair cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA. Ewe ADG was greater in HSP compared to OP (P = 0.0456) but did not differ with BSP (P = 0.4686) across both years. Ewes on OP had hotter (P ≤ 0.0343) intravaginal temperatures than ewes on both silvopasture treatments between 1100h-1700h. Plasma cortisol level was lower in ewes on BSP compared to ewes on OP (P = 0.0400) but did not differ with ewes on HSP (P = 0.6954) across both years. Ewes that grazed OP had greater hair cortisol levels compared to ewes on silvopasture treatments both in 2020 and 2021 (P < 0.0001). In 2020, ewes on BSP spent about 20% more time grazing than ewes on OP (P = 0.0054) while in 2021 ewes on BSP spent about 36% more time grazing than ewes on HSP (P = 0.0014). Ewes on OP spent 400% more time standing than ewes on BSP (P < 0.0001) and 750% more time standing than ewes on HSP (P < 0.0001). Ewe on OP spent 20% less time lying down compared to ewes on BSP (P < 0.0001) and 33% less time lying down compared to ewes on HSP (P < 0.0001). Hair cortisol measures and intravaginal temperature sensors can be utilized as reliable and relatively non-invasive techniques for measuring heat stress response in livestock managed in extensive grazing systems. / Doctor of Philosophy / Heat stress compromises animal welfare and productivity, causing > $2B annual economic loss to producers in the U.S. In the southeastern U.S, heat stress in livestock is largely due both to an environmental condition and to the effect of fescue toxicosis caused by toxic alkaloids. Various management strategies to mitigate the effect of heat stress in livestock due to environmental conditions or due to the effect of tall fescue toxicosis are explored in this dissertation. In the first study, behavioral and physiological responses of heifers that grazed either toxic (WE) or novel (NE) endophyte-infected tall fescue was compared. Heifers that grazed WE tall fescue had lower gains, rough hair coat, higher hair cortisol level (stress measure), cooler extremity temperature, and hotter intravaginal temperature compared to heifers that grazed NE tall fescue. These results suggest that heat stress and other physiological changes in heifers grazing WE tall fescue could be mitigated by renovating pastures with NE tall fescue, a forage cultivar that does not impose any negative physiological effects on grazing animals. In the second study, we tested the effect of condensed tannins in reducing the severity of fescue toxicosis in steers. We fed sericea lespedeza pellets to steers in a study to test this effect. All steers were fed sericea pellets, but pellets for half (6) of the steers were treated with polyethylene glycol, which inactivates the condensed tannins in the sericea lespedeza. In our study, we found that the steers fed the sericea lespedeza had higher temperatures at their extremities (ears and tail), but lower rectal temperatures than the control steers. Interestingly, the steers fed the sericea lespedeza pellets also had slicker hair coats and lower levels of hair cortisol (indicating reduced stress) in the second year compared to the control steers. This study showed some potential of condensed tannins in reducing the effects of fescue toxicosis, but needs further study to better understand the potential benefits of tannins in reducing the post-ingestive effects of fescue toxicosis. In the third study, we compared behavioral and physiological (temperature, hair, and blood cortisol) responses of ewes that grazed either mid-stage hardwood silvopastures or open pastures (OP). Ewes on OP showed signs of heat stress with higher hair cortisol levels and hotter intravaginal temperatures during the daytime compared to ewes on silvopasture treatments. Ewes on OP spent 400% more time standing compared to ewes on BSP and 750% more time standing than ewes on HSP. Ewe on OP spent 20% less time lying down compared to ewes on BSP and 33% less time lying down compared to ewes on HSP. Ewes on silvopasture treatments spent 70% less time drinking water compared to ewes on OP. Trees within the silvopasture systems can alter the micro climatic condition thus creating a suitable environment for livestock. This can ultimately reduce stress and improve overall behavioral and physiological responses of livestock in silvopastures compared to open pastures.

Reclamation of surface mined lands is required under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Reforestation of mined lands is challenging due to harsh conditions such as soil compaction, herbaceous competition, and animal browse. We investigated the field performance of black walnut (<i>Juglans nigra</i>), northern red oak (<i>Quercus rubra</i>), and swamp white oak (<i>Quercus bicolor</i>) planted on two mine reclamation sites and evaluated the interactions of nursery stocktypes (container and bareroot), herbicide application, and tree shelters. Survival averaged 80% across all species and stocktypes after two years. Container stocktype had greater relative height and diameter growth, whereas bareroot had greater total height and diameter growth likely due to initial stocktype differences. Shelter use increased height growth and reduced diameter growth across both stocktypes. Swamp white oak (<i>Q. rubra</i>) had high survival and field performance regardless of silvicultural treatment, whereas the two other species showed strong early regeneration responses to silvicultural treatments. Container seedlings showed promise as an alternative to bareroot seedlings to promote survival and early growth on mine reclamation sites. Future research should be on continued development of container stocktypes to provide an economically feasible mine reclamation option for land managers.

Tyrimo tikslas - pagaminti vandenines ir etanolines ištraukas iš Junglans nigra L. lapų ir įvertinti bendrą fenolinių junginių, bendrą flavonoidų, juglono kiekį bei nustatyti antioksidacinį aktyvumą. Metodika: 1. Tyrimo objektai: 70% etanolinė juodojo riešutmedžio tinktūra, vandeninė juodojo riešutmedžio lapų ištrauka bei gamyklinis “Black Walnut” 1:1 ekstraktas (gamintojas „Nature's Answer”, JAV). 2. Ištraukų iš J. nigra lapų gamyba. 1) Etanolinės tinktūros gamyba. Pritaikius perkoliacijos metodą iš juodojo riešutmedžio lapų žaliavos, naudojant 70% etanolį, buvo pagaminta tinktūra (santykis 1:10). 2) Vandeninė ištrauka. 10 g smulkintos lapų žaliavos buvo užpilta 120 ml verdančio vandens ir kaitinta 1 val. Ištrauka nufiltruota pro 4 nr. Vatmano filtrą. 3. Kokybinės flavonoidų įvertinimo reakcijos. 4. Bendras fenolinių junginių nustatymas naudojant Folin – Ciocalteu metodą (standartas – galo r.) 5. Bendras flavonoidų kiekio nustatymas spektrofotometriniu būdu, naudojant AlCl3 tirpalą (standartas - rutinas). 6. Juglono kiekio nustatymas spektrofotometriniu būdu. 7. Antioksidacinio aktyvumo įvertinimas fluorimetriniu būdu, naudojant 10-acetil-3,7-dihidroksifenoksazinas (AMR) ir krienų peroksidazę (HPR). Rezultatai. Bendram fenolinių junginių, bendram flavonoidų bei juglono išekstrahuoto kiekio palyginimui buvo pagamintos J. nigra lapų etanolinė ir vandeninė ištraukos. Tiriamų objektų biologiškai aktyvių komponentų kiekiai buvo palyginti su gamykliniu „Black Walnut“ ekstraktu... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Aim of the work - produce aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Junglans nigra leaves, evaluate the total phenolic and total flavonoids content, juglone concentration and identify antioxidant activity. Methods: 1. Objects of study: ethanolic tincture and aqueous extract of black walnut leaves, “Black Walnut” extract, 1:1 („Nature's Answer”, USA). 2. Liquid preparations of J. nigra leaves production: 1) Ethanolic tincture production. Tincture was produced of black walnut leaves applying the method of percolation. The 70% ethanol was used. Tincture ratio is 1:10. 2) Aqueous exract production. 10 g shredded leaves of black walnut were extracted with 120 ml of boiling wather for 1 hours. After boiling extract was filtered throught the Whatman paper no. 4. 3. Qualitative evaluation of flavonoids. 4. Total phenolic content was determined by spectrophotometric (Folin - Ciocalteau) method. 5. Total flavonoids content was measured with an aluminum chloride colorimetric assay using spectrophotometer. 6. Juglone determination by spectrophotometric method. 7. Fluorimetric antioxidant activity assay by using N-Acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine (Amplex Red) and horseradish peroxidase (HPR). Results. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of J. nigra leaves were made to compare total phenolic, total flavonoids content, juglone concentration. Biologically active components study results of ethanolic and aqueous extracts were compared with “Black Walnut” extract. The highest total phenolic and total... [to full text]

Two studies were carried out in the Morgan Arboretum of McGill University to explore the agroforestry potential of some native tree species of Southern Quebec. In the first study, soil chemical characteristics under basswood (Tilia americana L.), white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) and bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis Wang. K. Koch) in relation to sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) were assessed in natural stands. Soil pH was highest under white ash and was lowest under bitternut hickory. Soil NO$ sb3 sp-$ was low under basswood compared to white ash. Soil pH and exchangeable soil Ca$ sp{2+}$ and Mn$ sp{2+}$ decreased with an increase in basal area and exchangeable soil K$ sp+$ decreased (p = 0.07) with an increase in the proportion of sugar maple relative to total basal area. / In the second study, the effects of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) on growth and nutrient content of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), kale (Brussica oleracea L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) in an alley cropping system were determined. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with repeated measures. All vegetables survived in the black walnut plantation and in the open field. The order of sensitivity to growth under black walnut was Swiss chard $>$ kale $>$ lettuce $>$ parsley. Low light intensity in the plantation likely decreased plant dry weights and nutrient content. Generally plant N, P and K concentrations were higher in the plantation while Ca, Mg and Mn concentrations were higher in the open field, possibly due to an antagonistic effect of high soil K$ sp+$ content in the plantation and to inhibitory effects of black walnut.

Master of Science / Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design / Sherry J. Haar / This study compared the colorfastness of potassium aluminum sulfate (PAS) mordanted and nonmordanted 30/2 wool yarn, dyed with black walnut (Juglans Nigra), Osage orange (Maclura pomifera), and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) sawdust. Information from this study is intended to inform natural dye artisans and to increase the profitability of sawdust for farmers, ranchers, and mill owners who would otherwise find little use for this byproduct of timber manufacturing. Pre-testing ensured dyeings of visually comparable color depth and dye concentrations were pre-tested to find a standard depth of shade between the same dye on PAS mordanted and nonmordanted wool yarns. Tests for colorfastness to light, laundering and staining were performed in accordance to AATCC test methods. Resulting colors for exposed and unexposed specimens were rated using CIE L* a* b* values and AATCC gray scale for color change. GLM Anovas and two-sample t-tests were used to statistically analyze CIE L* a* b* values. As expected, findings indicated that dye absorption was improved with the use of a PAS mordant, especially for black walnut and eastern redcedar. For yarns premordanted with PAS the dyewoods became yellower. A PAS mordant slightly improved colorfastness to light for black walnut and eastern redcedar, but did not influence Osage orange which had an unexpected color change from bright yellow to warm brown after exposure to light. Colorfastness to laundering was slightly improved with PAS for Osage orange, while black walnut and eastern red cedar had slightly less color change without the mordant. This research was supported by the Agricultural Research Experiment Station and Kansas State University.

<div>Native and invasive bark and ambrosia beetles threaten the health and productivity of natural and planted forests worldwide. Management of these pests relies on semiochemical-based tactics, but these are often ineffective at monitoring for incipient populations or decreasing pest populations. The role of fungal and non-host volatiles in colonization behavior remains unknown for many important bark and ambrosia beetle species, thereby hindering their control. In this dissertation, I tested the hypothesis that fungal and tree-associated volatiles influence the host colonization behavior of bark and ambrosia beetles that affect hardwood trees. This work describes the identification of novel fungal and host-associated semiochemicals that may aid in future management of these important pests.</div><div><br></div><div>In Chapter 1, I review the current literature describing the volatile chemical ecology of bark and ambrosia beetles that inhabit hardwood trees. A review of groups with numerous identified semiochemicals, as well as considerations for future research is included.</div><div><br></div><div>In Chapter 2, I test the hypothesis that host colonization by the peach bark beetle (Phloeotribus liminaris) is chemically mediated by compounds associated with infested hosts. I found that benzaldehyde mediates colonization by the peach bark beetle, and that that benzaldehyde lures are effective attractants in field-trapping studies.</div><div><br></div><div>In Chapter 3, I test the hypothesis that ambrosia beetle attraction to host stress compounds can be modified by symbiotic fungal volatiles. I found that for three species of invasive ambrosia beetles individual fungal volatiles act as repellents, with species-specific differences in response to different compounds.</div><div><br></div><div>In Chapter 4, I test the hypothesis that attraction of the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) to its pheromone lure can be enhanced by symbiotic fungal volatiles. I found that symbiotic fungal volatiles consistently enhance attraction of the beetles to their fungus, while one symbiotic fungal volatile of ambrosia beetle species repelled the walnut twig beetle.</div><div><br></div><div>In Chapter 5, I summarize results from each of the chapters and discuss patterns observed in the response to fungal and host-associated volatiles among the focal bark and ambrosia beetle species. I also discuss future research needs and directions to continue development of the knowledge surrounding scolytine chemical ecology and management of these pest beetle species.</div>

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