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Wart Eliminator Project Report, Colton Story, Kyle Shipman

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The Wart Eliminator is a product based on the theory of resonant frequency and its ability to devitalize pathogens with the use of electronic pulses. Using the resonant frequency of the wart’s pathogen, the device is operated by the user with two switches for power and a probe connected by a wire to the device for applying to the affected area of the user while running three minute cycles. The product is in the beginning stages with only a prototype made. The product needed a proper ergonomic design to be easily used by the user and a cost analysis to …

Women And Their "Food Time" An Investigation Into Food Purchases, Preparation, And Consumption Atmosphere Using Smartphone Survey Technology, Garland Jaeger

Master's Theses

Women’s food purchasing and eating habits have been studied in detail, but are still not entirely understood. Prior research has sought to segment the female food shopper market, but typically use only demographic characteristics. In this study, fifty females were recruited in San Luis Obispo, CA from March 2012 to May 2012 to keep an electronic food-time diary for one week. By collecting information through surveys distributed using a smartphone application, SurveySwipe, the study investigated the amount of time expended for each meal, as well as the manner in which the meal was prepared or purchased, and the context surrounding …

Lunalight - Bringing Light To The Expanding World, Gabriela M. Igel, Daniel J. Patrick, Kimberley M. Smith

Materials Engineering

The LunaLight, a solar rechargeable light and cell phone charger, addresses the lack of access to electricity faced by 1.4 billion of the world’s population (International Finance Corporation). The LunaTech team has developed a product that is bright, simple, compact, versatile and competitive with existing products. Through a partnership with the non-profit organization One Million Lights, LunaTech has improved a previous team’s design to address user feedback, concerns of durability, and manufacturability.

The LunaLight design includes a 5 component plastic housing held together by 4 screws, a surface mounted PCB, a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery, one high-brightness LED, a solar panel, …

A Study To Determine The Agricultural Perceptions Of High School Students For The "I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul!" Organization, Mindy N. Burris

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to identify a target market of the “I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul!” (ILF) organization and establish marketing techniques for the organization. ILF is a non-profit organization committed to connecting the younger generations with information about agriculture and how food is produced.

This study thoroughly investigated the markets in three geographic areas throughout California. Surveys were administered to three high school’s English classes to gather data for analysis. The analysis identified the target market of the ILF organization and the associations between each target market and responses to questions regarding their agricultural knowledge, social …

The Fabrication & Characterization Of An Electrokinetic Microfluidic Pump From Su-8, A Negative Epoxy-Based Photoresist, Nash Anderson

Master's Theses

Microfluidics refers to manipulation, precise control, and behavior of fluids at the micro and nanoliter scales. It has entered the realm of science as a way to precisely measure or mix small amounts of fluid to perform highly controlled reactions. Glass and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are common materials used to create microfluidic devices; however, glass is difficult to process and PDMS is relatively hydrophobic. In this study, SU-8, an epoxy based (negative) photoresist was used to create various electrokinetic microfluidic chips. SU-8 is commonly used in microelectromechanical design. Spin coating of various SU-8 formulations allows for 1 μm to 100 μm …

Evaluation Of Corrosion Properties Of Proprietary Metal Alloy Stents For In-Vivo Use, Michael David Bremner

Materials Engineering

To assess corrosion rates of metal alloy bio-absorbable stents an experimental set-up was designed to mimic the coronary artery environment. The artery was modeled using 4mm diameter Tecoflex tubing and the metal alloy stents were inserted into the tubing using a catheter. As is the case in cardiac surgery, the catheter with the stent and a microballoon were maneuvered to the desired position. The microballoon was then slowly inflated to expand the stent and compress it against the tubing walls. The catheter and microballoon were then withdrawn. A circulating pump system was set up to cycle fetal bovine serum (FBS) …

Fluorescence Characterization Of Quantum Dots For Use As Biomarkers, Logan M. Grimes

Materials Engineering

Fluorescence profiles of quantum dots (QDs) were characterized to select the ideal QDs for encapsulation in phospholipids for use as biomarkers to selectively adhere to cancer cells. QDs were synthesized and extracted 0, 30, 60, and 90 seconds after precursor compounds were mixed. These extractions were isolated by extraction time. Portions from each vial were coated in a zinc sulfide shelling procedure, leaving at least half of the QD solution unshelled. These samples were characterized over four days to monitor fluctuations in fluorescence. This was done utilizing an Ocean Optics spectrometer in conjunction with Spectra Suite software. The central wavelength, …

Childhood Obesity And Overweight: Causes And Implications In Preschool Children, Melissa L. Sittner

Kinesiology and Public Health

The root causes of childhood obesity and overweight are currently hot topics of research. While many causes have been discovered, researchers are still weighing them against one another while taking the lifestyles of at-risk populations into account. Some of these causes include lack of physical activity, increase in screen time, and the implications of health disparities borne of a child’s socioeconomic status. These causes and more are reviewed further and applied to the population of interest: preschool aged children in the United States, and more specifically preschool aged children of San Luis Obispo County in California. The need for multi-level …

Preparation Of A Polylactic Acid With Hydroxyapatite Reinforcement Composite, Odessa N. Quezon

Materials Engineering

Biodegradable polymers are a prime material choice for temporary biomedical devices due to its ability to degrade into non-toxic products for their use in vivo. However, polylactic acid (PLA) by itself lacks the sufficient strength and stiffness to permit their use as its properties begin to decrease as the polymer degrades. To improve the polymer’s mechanical properties, hydroxyapatite (HA) will be added to the PLA solution to act as reinforcement. The chemical property, glass transition temperature of a polymer, also plays a key role in the mechanical properties of the polymer. PLA’s glass temperature is 130⁰F. A polymer that …

Ql+ Body Temperature Regulating Vest Design Report, Ritesh Desai, Brad Gausewitz, Mira Atiya, Jaison Machanickal

Materials Engineering

Patients with spinal cord injuries are often unable to regulate their body temperature. This can be very dangerous when the body reaches temperatures above 104 degrees F. The result is damaging to the human body and can even result in death. Therefore it is necessary to implement external sources of cooling for these individuals who are incapable of reducing their body temperature through normal methods. This two year long thermal vest project is a senior project sponsored by QL+ and began in Fall 2011. QL+ is a not-for-profit organization who focuses on improving the quality of life of those injured …

Perceptions And Motivations For Travel To California's Central Coast, Lisa Baird

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration

California and its Central Coast is an extremely popular destination for international and non-Californian U.S. travelers. The purpose of this study was to determine the motivations and perceptions of international and non-Californian residents who may travel to the Central Coast of California. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. One hundred and seventeen subjects participated in this study. Non-Californian and international tourists are motivated to travel to the Central Coast to visit friends and family, and to discover and learn about an unknown destination. Perceived destination is a large reason why people choose to travel to California and the Central …

A Cost Analysis Of The Addition Of An Onion Processing Line To Taylor Farms: Salinas, California, Garett Sabaska

Agribusiness

Taylor Farms has been one of the leading foodservice companies for the past 17 years. It is looking to expand its operations to include a line that would process red and yellow onions. To determine if this expansion would prove to be profitable, a projected budget for three scenarios was created. The scenarios were formulated to account for the “normal” base period, a “worst” case scenario, and a “best” case scenario. These three scenarios would account for periods where revenues and expenses were either higher or lower than the expected averages. The initial start-up costs as well as expenses of …

Grass-Fed Dairy Steer Enterprise Analysis For Alexandre Family Ecodairy Farms, Joseph Jackson Alexandre

Agribusiness

Alexandre Family EcoDairy Farms (AFEF) is a family dairy farm, producing organic milk in northern California. In the last decade, AFEF has been expanding in value added natural food enterprises, including pastured free-range eggs, pastured pork and grass-fed beef.

This study focuses on the analysis of an organic grass-fed ground beef from dairy-beef cross steers coming from AFEF. The grass fed beef enterprise was analyzed by adopting a UC Davis cost and returns study, modifying it to AFEF production limitations and conditions. Through partial budgeting analysis, opportunity costs were discovered leading to breakeven prices for the final grass fed ground …

Writing A Garden Column - Hints For Success, Elizabeth M. Adee

Horticulture and Crop Science

In this project the author explored some ways in which one can create a piece of public writing. The author explored questions about the following: How does one write articles in general? What is necessary to include in writing about a specific topic of one's interest? How are articles published? The author researched these questions and those that were evoked in the process. Using the findings from this research, several examples of garden columns were created.

Variability In Soil Climate And Respiration On Managed Timber Stands: A Case Study In Southwest Oregon, Scott Pensky, Adrian Gallo

Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences

Thinning of forested lands and timber stands in the Pacific Northwest have taken place for centuries with a limited understanding of how the alterations may affect ecosystem functions. The goal of this study was to examine the soil climate and microbial activity on a seasonal timescale of thinning practices examined at different stages of succession. Two timber stands in Southwestern Oregon within the Grayback Creek Watershed were chosen because of identical forest management techniques separated by a 10-year treatment interval (40% variable density thinning). Field methods and equipment measured canopy coverage, soil moisture and temperature at 3 depths (5, 15, …

Application Of Systems Engineering And Project Management For Algae Photo Bioreactors, Andrew S. Balberchak

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Today there is much talk about different sources for biofuel to replace the decreasing supply of fossil fuels. Algae seem very promising with its abundance across the globe and relatively simple growing conditions. Lipids can be extracted from this organism which is then converted to biofuel. Although biofuel production from algae is not economically viable at this stage, researchers are suggesting using the by-products of algae for supplemental and healthcare use. If true, this could justify the economics of obtaining fuel from algae by creating more markets from various algae products.

Cal Poly State University’s Food Science and …

Convertible High Heel Design, Mathew Caspari, Tyler Shelton

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Many women feel pain and discomfort when wearing high heels to certain events. This is a problem because it can lead to a variety of health issues. It would be beneficial and convenient if a woman could remove the heelpiece from her shoe while still wearing the same product. However, there is currently no popular high heels that can convert to a flat shoe on the market today. Our goal was to perform an in depth human factors analysis with regards to high heel use and formulate a solution to these problems. After reviewing literature, conducting a survey, and analyzing …

Reason-To-Reuse: A Sustainable To-Go Food Storage Container System For Restaurants, Ryan Christopher Labuda

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

A food storage container (FSC), also known as a to-go box, is a very popular way for Americans to pick up food when in a rush and take it with them or store leftovers after dining. Some of the more popular materials that make up FSCs include Styrofoam, paper and plastic. These FSCs are meant for one time use and subsequently the majority end up as waste in their local regions. Reason-To-Reuse is a sustainable business that provides an alternative to the current model of disposable FSCs at restaurants by cutting down on waste. The objective of the Reason-To-Reuse project …

Reducing Customer Wait Time And Improving Processes At Abc’S Atv Rentals, Thomas Allen Merrill Jr.

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This project serves to explore the system bottlenecks of a small, family owned ATV rental company. The main objective is to reduce the average time a customer spends in the system, focusing on customer wait time as well as other areas that can be improved. This was done by collecting time studies and inputting the values into simulation software, which was run to represent the current system as well as various other possible scenarios encountered by rental companies. While creating the simulation, adaptive techniques were incorporated into the simulation. These techniques aim to increase the durability and reusability of the …

Evaluation And Redesign Of Potting Shed For The Non-Profit Organization, Growing Grounds Farms, Adya Sinha, Julianna Levy

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Growing Grounds, a local nonprofit organization, operates as a fully functioning nursery in San Luis Obispo. Their planting facility is outdated and the process is inefficient. They have new funding available and need to determine if they should automate certain processes or improve existing methods. This report details the current process and presents two possible ergonomic solutions and the accompanying layouts and improvements. An analysis is conducted to determine which new layout is recommended for Growing Grounds based on their current production and revenue, and future recommendations are given.

Enhanced Campus Life Executive Summary, Enhanced Campus Life Working Group

Publications and Administrative Reports

The Enhanced Campus Life Working Group was formed by President Armstrong who identified an opportunity to create a culture for 24/7 campus life that meets the academic and social needs of the students, whether living on or off campus. Emerging as the largest residential program in the California State University System, Cal Poly is poised to create a dynamic and innovative educational platform that serves the university community on a 24/7 basis.

Gaman: How Japanese Americans Persevered In The Face Of Racial Injustice 1941-1988, Derek James Koehler

History

A look at the racial injustice of Japanese Americans during WWII including the internment camps and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Fire And Life Safety Evaluation Of The Providence Pavilion, Oscar J. Zuniga

Fire Protection Engineering: Culminating Experience Project Reports

The fire and life safety systems of the Providence Pavilion, a four-story addition to the Providence Medford Medical Center in Medford, Oregon, are examined for compliance with applicable design and construction codes and standards and are found to comply with codes and conform to standards. The prescriptive requirements for occupancy classification, construction type, structural fire protection, egress systems, fire alarms, and fire protection are reviewed. Three different fire scenarios are developed and are then employed to study the fire and life safety systems’ performance using fire and egress modeling tools and simulations. Using this performance-based approach, the fire and life …

The Effects Of Heat Treatment On The Grain Growth, Phase Evolution, And Hardness Of Newly Developed Steel-Based Hardfacing Alloys For Industrial Applications, Renee Kuzniar

Materials Engineering

Steel-based hardfacing alloys are welded onto the outside diameter of tool joints in three beads with a slight overlap between welds for underground drilling to prolong the tool joints’ life. Current hardfacing alloys have a shortened life due to cracks occurring in neighboring weld beads. To decrease cracking, the effects of composition and heat treatment on the microstructure was investigated on five alloys. Five small arc-melt circular ingots roughly 1.4 x 0.3 inches were produced. Each sample had varying amounts of C, B, Cr, Mn, Mo, Nb, Si, Ti, V, and W. The carbon levels in the alloys were .91wt%, …

Development Of A Production Line Appropriate Test For Teflon Adhesion On 304 Stainless Steel 0.01-0.03" Diameter Coronary Guide Wires, Danielle Dunham

Materials Engineering

A test was developed to determine relative adhesion of Teflon-coated 304 stainless steel guide wires. Two sets of wires were provided by Abbott Vascular for testing: one set was known to have poor Teflon adhesion, the other had acceptable adhesion. A prototype device was designed and manufactured that produced a shear force on the coating by dragging the wire under a ½ inch-diameter 440C hardened stainless steel cylinder. Testing consisted of increasing the force on the wire during each consecutive pass with the cylinder until the Teflon coating failed. The force on the wire during the failure producing pass was …

Evaluation Of High Phosphorus Electroless Nickel Platings To Protect Carbon Steel Heat Exchangers In Seawater Service, Nathan Brink

Materials Engineering

The purpose of this project was to determine the suitability of using a high phosphorus electroless nickel (HPEN) coating to prevent corrosion in carbon steel heat exchangers in seawater service. 1 in. x 4 in. samples were cut from ¼ in. SA-516-70 pressure vessel plate, pickled to remove mill scale, dressed with 300 grit sand paper and sent out for plating with 2 mils of HPEN. Due to a clerical error during plating, samples were plated to a significantly lesser extent than requested. Samples were plated with approximately 0.6 mils of HPEN versus the 2 mils requested, however this was …

Development Of A High Precision Quantum Dot Synthysis Method Utilizing A Microfluidic Reactor And In-Line Fluorescence Cell, Harry Lafferty, Jonny Hoadley

Materials Engineering

Quantum dots show great potential for use as spectral converters in solar cells, lighting applications and biological imaging. These applications require precise control of quantum dot size to maximize performance. The fluorescence profile of quantum dots in solution correlates directly with particle size. An alternative, high precision process was developed for the synthesis of cadmium-selenide quantum dots using a microfluidic reactor and fluorescence flow through cell. The process required creating separate cadmium and selenium precursors that were then mixed in a nitrogen environment at 17± 1°C. Using an NE-300^® syringe pump, the solution was pumped through a microfluidic reactor …

Comparison Of Polyurethane And Polysiloxane Coating Systems In Marine Environments, Jake Jarman, Jessica Salvatin

Materials Engineering

This project investigates the performance benefits of polysiloxane and polyurethane coating systems for corrosion protection in marine environments. PPG Industries Amercoat 450H and International Paint Interthane 990HS were the polyurethane topcoats tested. PPG Industries Ameron PSX 700 (New Blend) and International Paint Interfine 878 were the polysiloxane topcoats tested. Each coating was sprayed onto carbon steel panels that were prepared through hand blasting with glass beads. Scribed and unscribed panels were tested in a salt fog chamber for 1,200 hours according to ASTM Standard B0117-11 and in a UV/Humidifier for 1,650 hours according to ASTM Standard D4587-11. Panels were tested …

The Optimization And Packaging Of Materials Safari Science Educational Tool For K-4 Grade Levels, Elizabeth Chandy

Materials Engineering

An interactive materials-based learning kit for K-4 grade levels was refined to effectively be used in outreach and after-school programs. Different safari animals made of different materials are packaged in the kit, along with different activities to explore physical properties. An optimized number and variety of animals and materials were determined. The volume and weight of the Materials Safari learning kit was optimized to meet the user’s needs. One way the product was optimized was reducing the number of animal pieces in the product. Also, two of the testing stations were reduced in size by about fifty percent to fit …

Graduate Internship Report For Pacheco High School And Ffa, Caitlin Lawrence

Agricultural Education: Graduate Internship Reports

The Graduate Internship Project was designed to have the candidate examine and investigate the program in which they teach. The validation documents and other supporting materials address the many facets to the program in agricultural education at Pacheco High School in Los Banos, California. Of major importance are the FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE). The documents verify that the program is attempting to meet all of the quality criteria in agricultural education.