Digital Commons Network^™

Deconstructing Medicine: The Intersections Of Racism And Health Disparities Within Pre-Medical Education, Allison F. Dormanesh

Ethnic Studies

The purpose of this project is to evaluate ways in which historical racism and lack of it in pre- medical curriculum shapes future health professionals and results in negative medical treatment of under-represented groups. Research found in the literature review reveals a strong history of racism within medical practice and medical research, as well as unconscious bias that follows knowledge taught during undergraduate education and onwards. An intersectionality approach is used to show the affect of race and class on health disparities and unethical abuse. This research includes data analyzing the pre-medical curriculums of the ten pre-medical universities that produce …

Incorporating Instruction Into The Huasna Valley 4-H Beef Group, Carly P. Chandless

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to design a manual to be used by 4-H leaders and members. The author wants to develop an interesting and intriguing manual that will demonstrate how to raise a market steer. This manual will contain step by step instructions on how fit a steer for show and how to halter break. These illustrations will help guide a 4-H member through the process of handling their steer. The Huasna Valley 4-H Steer Manual will provide beneficial information, to the leader and member, from the moment the project is purchased to sale. More importantly, the manual …

Working Bodies: A Photo Essay On Tulare County Citrus Workers, Isamar Hernandez-Ramos

Agricultural Education and Communication

Many a times, when people think about their food, they think about origins. Where did it come from? Was it hygienic? Were the animals treated humanely? They seldom include the workers in their thought process, though the workers of the Ag industry provide what is arguably a vital part of the Ag industry. They do back-breaking labor in often lethal conditions for little pay (NFWM). The families of these workers often suffer economically, physically, and emotionally. In Tulare County, one of the top Agricultural counties in the country, the agricultural worker is often below the poverty line (Taylor, 2015). They …

The Feasibility Of Establishing A Club Lamb Ewe Flock At Cal Poly, Kelsie Chandler Bowles

Agricultural Education and Communication

California is the second highest sheep producing state in the nation. Within the sheep production is the niche market of club lamb operations. Club lamb operations are typically run by families and friends, but colleges throughout the country have adopted their own club lamb operation. A study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of establishing a club lamb ewe flock at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo. Club lamb operations add value and interest in the university. Knowing first-hand how to run a sheep operation is crucial to the study’s success. The author will examine facilities, nutrition, health, herd …

Consumer Agricultural Education: Starting At The High School Level Health Class, Cecilia Teresa Acosta

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project is to analyze and understand the communication gap between the farmer and consumer in order to create a dialogue about misconceptions in the media. Often rumors in the media worry or mislead the consumer in his or her buying choices. In order for consumers to understand what they are buying, and critically analyze media information, it is necessary to teach agricultural education at the high school level health class. This project will showcase how to start this education in order to bridge the communication gap starting with five crucial and common food-packaging labels. These labels …

Influence Of Silver Nanoparticle Surface Charge On Cytotoxic Efficacy Against Cancer Cells, Elliot Christian Frey

Materials Engineering

Silver and silver-based products are known to cause cytotoxic effects to both microbes and eukaryotic cells. Because of this property, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being studied for their potential in targeted tumor treatments. Previous studies with microbes suggest that AgNPs with cationic capping agents possess enhanced cytotoxicity by virtue of Coulombic attraction between the nanoparticle and the negatively-charged cell wall. Since animal cells possess similar negatively-charged plasma membranes, this research hypothesized that human cells would be more susceptible to positively-charged AgNPs than to negatively-charged AgNPs. To investigate this theory, cancerous cervical cells (HeLa) and healthy fibroblast cells (3T3) were subjected …

Eighteenth Century Women And The Business Of Making Glass Music, Kate M. Hepworth

History

During the relatively short period from the mid-to-late eighteenth century when glass musical instruments were manufactured and gained popularity, several women made names for themselves in the realm of avant-garde musical performance. The lives of three female glass instrument players: Anne Ford, Marianne Davies, and Marianne Kirchgassner, show how these successful performer-entrepreneurs operated in an age of emerging feminine public identity. Their journeys reveal much about the gender dimensions of the age, the role of music in the modern era, the consumption of it, and their approach to business. The financial opportunities presented to women looking to challenge the limitations …

The Relationship Between Structural Parameters And Mechanical Properties Of Cactus Spines, Jorge Armando Martinez, Pamela Liz Szeto, Theresa Mae Stewart

Materials Engineering

Considering an increasing interest in renewable, biodegradable resources that exhibit excellent mechanical properties, 24 species of cactus spines were investigated using three-point bend testing, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural parameters, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze fracture surfaces. Additionally, a density of about 1.3 g/cm3 was measured for each spine utilizing the displacement method, closely matching existing data from literature. The flexural modulus varied greatly between species, ranging from 1.22 GPa (Echinocactus polycephalus) to 43.58 GPa (Stenocereus thurberi). In addition, flexural strength and strain to failure was also measured for each spine. XRD analysis of …

Hanford Ffa Ornamental Horticulture Unit Master Plan, Savanah Diane Rhine, Russell Alan Zimmerman

Agricultural Education and Communication

This project is intended to develop a more functional plan for the Ornamental Horticulture (OH) Unit at the Hanford Agriculture Program. The ag program combines all three high schools in Hanford resulting in over 1,000 students; however, a majority of these students are not in the OH Career Pathway due to a lack of a constant, fully functional unit. As a comprehensive agriculture program, it is crucial that it incorporates all aspects of agriculture, not just animal science and agricultural mechanics.

This project will provide the Hanford agriculture program with a plan to be implemented so that they may have …

Selective Depolymerization Of Industrial Hemp And Its Effects On Thermal Resistivity, Tanner J. Jolly

Materials Engineering

There is a growing shift within the construction materials industry towards green and sustainable building products. Spending in this area has increased 5 fold since 2011 to a total revenue of $70 billion. An area of particular interest has been aimed at replacing fiberglass batt insulation with cellulose. Cellulose is the most abundant polymer on earth, and has potential to replace petroleum derived insulations. This project explores the potential of selectively isolating cellulose by depolymerizing the support structures found in lignocellulosic materials – specifically lignin and hemicellulose. The current focus is on isolating cellulose from Cannibas sativa, but more …

Rabbit Showmanship Guidebook, Mitchell B. Liwanag

Agricultural Education and Communication

Rabbit Showmanship Guidebook

A Senior Project

Presented to

The Faculty of the Agricultural Education and Communication Department

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science

By

© Mitchell Liwanag

June 2017

Introduction: Every year 4-H, FFA, and Independent exhibitors compete in rabbit showmanship at hundreds of county and state fairs as well as rabbit shows. It is the author’s opinion with the proper guidance, showmanship can be simple and easy to learn. However, without the help of someone knowledgeable, showmanship is complicated. By creating a showmanship guide new leaders …

Cost Of Feed Per Pound Of Gain In Cal Poly's Dairy Calves, Kayle Anna Phelan

Agricultural Education and Communication

California is ranked one of the top five states in the United States for dairy production. It produces approximately 40 billion pounds of milk per year for US production. California’s dairy industry is not only the largest milk producer in the nation, but it is also the most financially prominent in the agricultural industry. This industry lead is purely because of its careful management practices. The way calves are raised depend on the resources used, the natural environment present, and the operation of the dairy farm. Essentially, there are numerous ways to care for a cow and calf. However, the …

Visuals And Pathways In The Agricultural Industry, Stephanie Contreras, Chris Curiel

Agricultural Education and Communication

Agriculture is the largest industry in California worth nearly $37.5 billion. The agricultural industry generates $100 billion in related economy (NASDA, 2017). It is imperative all students learn the importance of agriculture in their lives. For students who have a Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at their school, the program enables students to be exposed and embrace the value agriculture. However, there is a lack of value given to agriculture by students who do not have either an FFA chapter or agriculture related courses taught at their school.

The purpose of this project is to interact with and educate …

The Recovery Of Protein From Egg Yolk Protein Extraction Granule Byproduct, Irene Jennifer Kaufman

Master's Theses

In addition to proving an excellent source of nutrients, eggs are used in the food, cosmetic, and biotechnology industries for their rheological and bioactive properties. Much of the potential for the added value is in individual components of the egg, rather than the whole egg. At low speed centrifugation, yolk separates into two distinct fractions—granules and plasma. It is becoming increasingly popular in the industry to remove the plasma fraction of the egg yolk to use for its livetins, particularly immunoglobulin Y, leaving behind a granule by-product (“yellow cake”). Previous research has shown potential added-value from the granule fraction, especially …

A Survey Of Addictive Software Design, Chauncey J. Neyman

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The average smartphone owner checks their phone more than 150 times per day. As of 2015, 62% of smartphone users had used their phone to look up information about a health condition, while 57% had used their phone to do online banking. Mobile platforms have become the dominant medium of human-computer interaction. So how have these devices established themselves as our go to connection to the Internet? The answer lies in addictive design. Software designers have become well versed in creating software that captivates us at a primal level. In this article, we survey addictive software design strategies, their bases …

Remote Cable Gantry, Allen L. Bailey

Electrical Engineering

The Remote Cable Gantry is a robotic system that was initially intended to aid in the art of aerial videography. It was designed to enable novice and expert users alike to capture both video footage and audio from perspectives unachievable by current methods. This system uses a series of cables to control the position of a camera gimbal in a defined 3D space and, as a self-contained unit, is portable and easy to use. The Remote Cable Gantry offers a quiet, intuitive, and safe alternative to existing technology, which has been limiting the market and potential of aerial photography and …

Light Sensing Automated Blinds, Andrew B. Hodges, Ryan C. Flick

Electrical Engineering

This project is solving the problem of wasted energy within buildings and homes, because currently the lights turned on inside building do not utilize natural, ambient light from the sun. Rather than having unnecessary light from a light source, the automated light sensing smart blinds can sense the amount of light outside the window and in the room, and then adjust the angle of the blinds to save energy by utilizing the available outdoor light. This way, the light source will not be running at maximum power output while there is excess light coming through the window. This project aims …

Bear Minimum: Ultralight Composite Bear Canister, Rama B. Adajian, Adam C. Eisenbarth

Mechanical Engineering

The ultralight backpacking community needs a strong, easy to use, safe bear canister that is lighter than current market products for trekking in the backcountry. A full design of the lid for the bear canister is to be completed. This includes the locking mechanism to ensure it is bear proof, the interface between the lid and the canister, and the structure of the lid so it passes the strength and weight specifications. The lid, along with the already designed canister body, is to be manufactured with formal documentation. The lid will initially be tested separately and then with the canister …

Multispectral Identification Array, Zachary D. Eagan

Computer Engineering

The Multispectral Identification Array is a device for taking full image spectroscopy data via the illumination of a subject with sixty-four unique spectra. The array combines images under the illumination spectra to produce an approximate reflectance graph for every pixel in a scene. Acquisition of an entire spectrum allows the array to differentiate objects based on surface material. Spectral graphs produced are highly approximate and should not be used to determine material properties, however the output is sufficiently consistent to allow differentiation and identification of previously sampled subjects. While not sufficiently advanced for use as a replacement to spectroscopy the …

Procedurally Generating Genetic Keys, Adam A. Levasseur

Computer Engineering

This project presents a method for creating multi-part models based on input keys to generate new, variant models via genetic algorithms. By utilizing 3D models as modular parts, this method allows for the generation of a unique, compound model based on one or multiple input keys. This paper explains the process of creating and testing such generation styles using simple geometry to create more complex, compound models.

A Live Programming Environment For Python, Noah Negrey

Master's Theses

Learning how to program can be quite difficult. Beginners face two obstacles to learning to program: developing a mental model of the steps of computation and learning the syntax of a programming language. Because programmers are prone to make mistakes that introduce errors into their code, it is important that they understand what each line of code is doing in their program. I propose that a system be built in which writing code and running code happen simultaneously. This system shows the results of code to the user immediately after it is typed; this type of system is called a …

Eulerian On Lagrangian Cloth Simulation, Kyle C. Piddington

Master's Theses

This thesis introduces a novel Eulerian-on-Lagrangian (EoL) approach for simulating cloth. This approach allows for the simulation of traditionally difficult cloth scenarios, such as draping and sliding cloth over sharp features like the edge of a table. A traditional Lagrangian approach models a cloth as a series of connected nodes. These nodes are free to move in 3d space, but have difficulty with sliding over hard edges. The cloth cannot always bend smoothly around these edges, as motion can only occur at existing nodes. An EoL approach adds additional flexibility to a Lagrangian approach by constructing special Eulerian on Lagrangian …

Optimum Design Of Composite Wing Spar Subjected To Fatigue Loadings, Juan Reuben Lazarin

Master's Theses

Composites are now being incorporated into aircraft designs because of their high strength to weight ratio compared to traditional metal materials. Due to the complexity of the material, composite parts are presently being over designed to satisfy static and fatigue requirements. A greater understanding of composite fatigue behavior will allow for even greater weight savings leading to increased fuel economy. A critical part of an aircraft that is subjected to fatigue bending loads are its wings. The forces acting on the wings include its lift distribution, powerplant, and fuel which can be carried in the wing body. When in flight …

Hybrid Water Pump, Dylan W. Grant, Wei Chen Yeh

Electrical Engineering

This project seeks to use multiple sources to power a water pump. We will design a system which will combine inputs from solar and wind energy production to ensure the pump will have enough power to run. This will create a system powered by clean energy and will be self-sustained once completed. This will theoretically create a more sustainable source of power for the pump than only one of the sources. Because the power sources don’t require outside inputs (aside from sun and wind), the pump can be placed in a remote area. This could be very helpful in developing …

Isolation And Culture Of Myofiber-Derived Cells From The Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle, Ethan M. Tietze

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) involves distal artery occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques, which restricts blood flow and leads to ischemia in downstream tissues. Increased blood flow through preexisting collateral vessels leads to increased shear stress that triggers an outward remodeling of the vessel called arteriogenesis. In some cases this natural compensatory mechanism is able to sufficiently restore blood flow following arterial occlusion. However, for many individuals this process is insufficient to relieve peripheral ischemia, and patients experience intermittent claudication, or limb pain with locomotion or exercise. Without treatment, reduced blood flow can lead to tissue necrosis and potentially amputation. The …

Unreal Engine 4 Rpg, Jacob W. Russ, Jeffrey J. Nunez

Computer Engineering

Classic RPG videogames have become few and far between in the Western market over the years as modern RPG systems have gained popularity. The purpose of this project is to present a vertical slice of a hybrid RPG game that takes the gameplay mechanics and styles of classic RPG videogames and infuses them with a modern presentation. Through the use of the powerful Unreal Engine 4 graphics engine, this project is able to combine impressive graphical fidelity with modernized systems to fuel a videogame that is undeniably a classic RPG at heart. This is not a full game, but a …

Deer-Vehicle Collision Avoidance, Randy S. Fung, Connie P. Ho

Computer Engineering

The targeted outcome for this project is to create and build a system that shall be placed alongside the roads where deer are often spotted in the area. The system shall detect an incoming car through a vibration sensor that is firmly mounted against the pavement or dirt road. Once movement is detected, the system will emit an ultrasonic frequency to alert the deer of potential harm. Deer shall either turn around and stop where they are at until the cars have passed. This system will interface with a vibration sensor Fung, Ho 5 that will detect a moving car …

Student Experimental Farm Smart Pathway Lighting System, Emily A. Whitaker, Vineal S. Singh, Edith Rodriguez

Electrical Engineering

This project works together with the Student Experimental Farm (SEF) and the DC House in order to install a smart lighting pathway system. This system will run off of DC power supplied by the solar panels connected to the DC House. This project tested and explored the group’s abilities to design and implement a full system run off of 48V DC. By installing this system it will greatly improve the ease for students to work at the SEF beyond daylight hours. The system will allow continuous dull lighting and will switch to full brightness once a person is detected. This …

Game Implementation In Real-Time Using The Project Tango, Samantha R. Bhuiyan

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The goal of this senior project is to spread awareness of augmented reality, which Google defines as “a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.” It’s a topic that is rarely known to those outside of a technology related field or one that has vested interest in technology. Games can be ideal tools to help educate the public on any subject matter. The task is to create an augmented reality game using a “learn by doing” method. The game will introduce players to augmented reality, and thus demonstrate …

Marine Biomass Analyzer, Kai Jay Staal, Brian Paris, Tyler Cottle

Mechanical Engineering

This report documents the design, fabrication, and testing for a marine biomass analyzer. The goal of the project and constructed system was to determine the validity and efficacy of a process that could flatten benthic macrofauna to a consistent thickness such that a biomass for the collected sample could be accurately determined. The system that was built and tested consists of a drive train that turns a mill subassembly where the organisms are flattened, supply and collection spools that hold the white fabric and clear film used to capture the organisms, a collection zone where the sample is injected, and …