Digital Commons Network^™

Rfid Microscope Lab, Patricia Carranza

Computer Engineering

The RFID Microscope Lab is a new exhibit created for the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. The goal of the project is to create a modern, interactive exhibit that will teach children about different natural specimens through the use of technology. A computer, custom software, and RFID technology, will be used to display facts, microscopic images, and short videos of ten different specimens.

A Hybrid Approach To General Information Extraction, Marie Belen Grap

Master's Theses

Information Extraction (IE) is the process of analyzing documents and identifying desired pieces of information within them. Many IE systems have been developed over the last couple of decades, but there is still room for improvement as IE remains an open problem for researchers. This work discusses the development of a hybrid IE system that attempts to combine the strengths of rule-based and statistical IE systems while avoiding their unique pitfalls in order to achieve high performance for any type of information on any type of document. Test results show that this system operates competitively in cases where target information …

An Investigation Into Partitioning Algorithms For Automatic Heterogeneous Compilers, Antonio M. Leija

Master's Theses

Automatic Heterogeneous Compilers allows blended hardware-software solutions to be explored without the cost of a full-fledged design team, but limited research exists on current partitioning algorithms responsible for separating hardware and software. The purpose of this thesis is to implement various partitioning algorithms onto the same automatic heterogeneous compiler platform to create an apples to apples comparison for AHC partitioning algorithms. Both estimated outcomes and actual outcomes for the solutions generated are studied and scored. The platform used to implement the algorithms is Cal Poly’s own Twill compiler, created by Doug Gallatin last year. Twill’s original partitioning algorithm is chosen …

Artificial Superintelligence: Extinction Or Nirvana?, Jens Pohl

Architecture

The purpose of this paper is to explore the subject of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) and identify in summary form the principal drivers and current status of Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), the impact that intelligent software in combination with the Internet serving as a Global Knowledgebase is already having on human capabilities, the likely path to ASI, the possible threats posed by ASI and proposed measures to curtail those threats, and finally the potential benefits to the human species if AGI and ASI remain under human control.

Stand-Off Molecular Composition Analysis, Gary B. Hughes, Philip Lubin, Peter Meinhold, Hugh O'Neill, Travis Brashears, Qicheng Zhang, Janelle Griswold, Jordan Riley, Caio Motta

Statistics

Composition of distant stars can be explored by observing absorption spectra. Stars produce nearly blackbody radiation that passes through the cloud of vaporized material surrounding the star. Characteristic absorption lines are discernible with a spectrometer, and atomic composition is investigated by comparing spectral observations with known material profiles. Most objects in the solar system—asteroids, comets, planets, moons—are too cold to be interrogated in this manner. Material clouds around cold objects consist primarily of volatiles, so bulk composition cannot be probed. Additionally, low volatile density does not produce discernible absorption lines in the faint signal generated by cold objects. We propose …

The Effect Of Environmental Selection Pressure On The Rate Of Recombination To An Advantageous Receptor Mutation In Bovine Coronavirus, Gavin Schroter, Sally Hall, Mona Hwang, Monica Borucki

STAR Program Research Presentations

Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) is an important analogue in understanding the effectiveness of zoonotic, single-stranded, positive sense RNA viruses. Many of the most recent viral outbreaks have been attributed to RNA viruses that have one, or more, animal reservoirs [1]. BCoV is such a great candidate for studying these types of viruses because they are from the family Coronaviridae, which also contains the viruses that cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The goal of this study was to observe changes in genetic makeup of the virus’ outer membrane Spike protein via recombination between two …

Chemical Oxygen Demand Reduction Using The Algae Dunaliella Primolecta And Chlorella Vulgaris, Angeles L. Mora, Alejandro Hernandez, Alejandro Calderón-Urrea

STAR Program Research Presentations

Farm industry wastewater is characterized by high organic materials and by high chemical oxygen demand (COD). Farms with large livestock and poultry operations can be a major source of wastewater thus a major concern for effective environmental and industrial management. Effective environmental and industrial management are high in cost therefor biofuels produced from plants have a potential of replacing a portion of fossil fuel consumption with a renewable efficient alternative. Due to California’s water crisis in the recent years, it is questioned if a biological treatment system that uses algal growth to create renewable energy in the form of biodiesel …

Assessing Functional Vasodilation In The Gracilis Collateral Arteriole, Megan T. Chu

Biomedical Engineering

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) involves arterial occlusion due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. It is suggested that intermittent claudication, the most frequent clinical presentation of PAOD, is caused by impaired vasodilation. Current treatments for PAOD are not directed at improving vascular reactivity and are often insufficient. Stimulating arteriogenesis in collateral arterioles has therapeutic potential for PAOD, but because arterioles are the primary site of blood flow resistance, it is important that these treatments do not impair collateral vasodilation. Before this can be evaluated, the effects of arteriogenesis on collateral function must be studied in untreated collaterals. There is …

Challenges Graduates Face When Trying To Get Their First Job In Television Broadcasting, Randie Hill

Journalism

ABSTRACT

This study demonstrates the importance and best practices associated with the challenges graduates face when trying to find their first job in television broadcasting. It analyzes what the literature states on this subject and takes a closer look at what hiring experts in two designated market areas say on the matter. This study will provide insight for graduates as they transition from the classroom to the newsroom. Graduates of journalism programs are facing a unique set of challenges because of the transition taking place in newsrooms across the country from a traditional style of news reporting to a multimedia …

Social Responsibility And Public Radio: Using Community Reporters To Make News More Responsible, Spencer Marley

Journalism

Public radio has experienced a surge in listenership. With the rapid decline in newspaper readership, radio has become one of the only methods that news can be disseminated to people across a wide socio-economic stratum. The cost of a radio is cheap and most people are spending more and more time listening in their automobiles. Recent studies show 92% of Americans age 12 or older listen to the radio weekly if not more.

With the introduction of cheap digital audio recorders and broadcast quality microphones on most smartphones, it has never been easier for the general public to produce their …

A Lego® Brewster Angle Microscope For Quantitative Monolayer Film Analysis, Nicholas Benz

Physics

In order to study single-molecule thick films and their phase behavior we built a Brewster Angle Microscope (BAM). BAM’s are inherently expensive due to their accuracy and precision. We built a fully functional BAM using Lego® Mindstorm® kits for the fraction of the price of a commercial BAM. And by utilizing the 10µm patented Lego® tolerance, comparable accuracy was attained. The BAM was mounted to a Langmuir-trough and will be used for laboratory experiments for optics and physical chemistry along with research on lung surfactant and on liquid crystals.

Measuring Blood Flow In The Skeletal Muscle Microcirculation Using Laser Speckle Flowmetry, Kenneth Howard Gouin Iii

Biomedical Engineering

The presence of a native collateral circulation, which serves as a natural bypass for blood flow around an occlusion, improves prognosis for patients with ischemic diseases, such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). However, not all patients have a native collateral circulation, and animal models suggest a genetic basis for this variability. In mice, such as the BALB/c, that lack native arteriolar collaterals, neocollateral formation from capillaries that connect two arterial trees can occur after arterial occlusion, resulting in reperfusion of the ischemic watershed. Immature arterialized collateral capillaries (ACCs) at 7 days post arterial occlusion do not vasodilate in response …

Academic Senate - Agenda, 6/2/2015, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Determining Colonization Efficacy Of Commercial Mycorrhizae Products And Fragaria X Anannassa ‘Albion’., Tommy Jue, Alexandra Wollenman

Horticulture and Crop Science

No abstract provided.

Driscoll's: The Global Brandje, Jesus Morales, Edgar Lopez, Noah Lilien, Jack Stradley

Case Studies in Agribusiness

With a mission “to continually delight berry consumers”, Driscoll’s is the arguably the world’s largest berry company. They started as strawberry breeders, expanded in raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, and have been leaders in packaging and marketing of berries. They do not grow berries for market, but develop the nursery stock, which they provide to their growers, and market the output. They also provide theirs growers with advice and guidance on issues ranging from sustainable growing practices to labor management.

House Of Bread Case Study, Audrey Butler, Danica Cramer Danica Cramer, Mackenzie Thesman, Alicia Warren

Case Studies in Agribusiness

Sheila McCann became bored with her public defender job and decided to open her own business. She made a list what she wanted from a business and came to open House of Bread. She uses high quality ingredients and stresses the craft nature of her small batch baking. With her San Luis Obispo store running well, she looked for where else she would like to live and settled on Truckee, CA, known for its outdoor activities. With this new store she is exploring franchising.

Shanley Farms: Premium Produce That People Care About, Maggie Andrada, Bryce D’ Arelli, Melissa Gurvis

Case Studies in Agribusiness

When Jim Shanley retired from an executive position with a large commodity and feed company, he bought avocado farms in Morro Bay and Visalia. He soon expanded into Finger Limes and innovative marketing of his avocados.

Driscoll's: The Global Brand, Jesus Morales, Edgar Lopez, Noah Lilien, Jack Stradley

Case Studies in Agribusiness

How Driscoll's grew to become the world's largest berry marketer is presented.

Agricultural Communication Transfer Student Guide, Carly Victoria Boudreau

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to create a brochure students will use as an informational tool that would in turn make them successful in the agricultural communication major.

The final product was a brochure designed to provide information that will guide students from when they are accepted into Cal Poly agriculture communication major until they graduate. Areas of focus include advising, involvement, opportunities, internship, and graduation requirements.

Bioresource & Agricultural Engineering Department Magazine: Development And Design Of The Annual Magazine Following Cal Poly Standards, Alyssa Moore

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of the annual BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) magazine is to provide the BioResource & Agricultural Engineering Department with a magazine that reflects the department and relays information to alumni, students, industry partners, and the general public. Future student assistants for the BRAE Department will have a template and strategy behind what they will need to accomplish each year by looking and reading this senior project. This magazine includes; Department Head Message, Club Features, Alumni Highlights, Successful Students, Highlight on Past Department Head, Industry Sponsors, Class Feature, BRAE Banquet, Irrigation Training and Research Center, and New Staff Features. …

Orchard Management Practices And Handbook, Brian A. Snyder, Kellie M. Mancino

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to develop an SAE start-up handbook for the Hollister FFA program's orchard. The orchard was being underutilized by the chapter and the hopes are that the chapter will supply students with this handbook allowing for a more diverse group of SAE projects within the chapter. Implementing the steps outlined in this handbook would also create a more competitive chapter in the areas of proficiencies and degrees.

An Advertising Plan For Clarityadm, Chelsey Porter

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project is to develop an advertising plan for a small business based on the central coast. In this project you will find information pertaining to the aquarium keeping hobby as well as creating business website and business cards. This was designed to create a website and business cards in order to broaden the customer base for the business and increase profits.

Mda User Guide: Creating Multi-Dimensional Audio Assets, Emily O'Hanlon

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

No abstract provided.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Agriculture Ambassador Program Of Work, Jacob Odello

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project is to help the Cal Poly Ag Ambassador Program bridge the continuity gap from year to year by providing a comprehensive roadmap of the responsibilities Ag Ambassadors take on year to year. The program of work for Ag Ambassadors that was developed through this project will help the future generations of ambassadors continue the long standing traditions and legacies of the Ag Ambassadors, which has been a premier program at Cal Poly since 1989. The program of work has been designed to mold and change as the program grows, or changes are made to university …

Promotional Video: "Cattlemen's Livestock Market", Jenna Forster

Agricultural Education and Communication

The following is a promotional video for Cattlemen's Livestock Market. The video promotes Cattlemen's Livestock Market as a whole, including their new video sales system.

Proposal For Extracting A Drip Irrigation System And Implementing A Micro-Sprinkler Irrigation System On A 30-Acre Almond Orchard, Nicolette Schiber

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to develop a plan to remove a drip-irrigation system and implement a micro-sprinkler irrigation system into a 30-acre almond orchard located in Livingston, California. The reason for removing the drip-irrigation system and inserting a micro-irrigation system was due to the farm wanting to perform less labor when it comes to harvesting time but still conserve water. Through careful research certain choices were made in order to choose what equipment would be used in the new irrigation system. The data and research provided is based on the specific type of orchard and scale of the …

#Twittercritic: Sentiment Analysis Of Tweets To Predict Tv Ratings, Isabel Litton

Statistics

Twitter has rapidly become one of the most popular sites of the Internet. It functions not just as a microblogging service, but as a crowdsourcing tool for listening, promotion, insight and much more. From the perspective of TV networks, tweets capture the real time reactions of viewers, making them an ideal indicator of a show’s ratings. This paper predicts Internet Movie Database (IMDB) television ratings by text mining Twitter data.

Tweets for five television shows were downloaded over a period of several months utilizing a SAS macro. Television show data, such as rating, show title, episode title, and more were …

Analysis Of 3d Printer Schedule, Colin B. Mclane

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

With recent innovations in technology, 3D printing has become a rapidly expanding manufacturing method that is being used for a wide range of applications. Their ability to build parts layer by layer instead of cutting away initial material allows this method to have almost no wasted material, creating the potential for a much more efficient, cost effective process. In order to continue the growth of this manufacturing strategy, the performance of 3D printers need to be enhanced to ensure equal or higher quality of produced parts in comparison to other manufacturing methods that are more commonly used. One important part …

Cost Effective Analysis Of Big Data, Steven J. Litzsinger, Nehad Dababo

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Executive Summary

Big data is everywhere and businesses that can access and analyze it have a huge advantage over those who can’t. One option for leveraging big data to make more informed decisions is to hire a big data consulting company to take over the entire project. This method requires the least effort, but is also the least cost effective. The problem is that the know-how for starting a big data project is not commonly known and the consulting alternative is not very cost effective. This creates the need for a cost effective approach that businesses can use to start …

Economic Analysis And Justification For Automated Welding Systems, Roxanne Raye

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This report looks at designing a new welding process for a company in the Oil & Gas industry, ensuring method consistency and performance quality of their steel drill bit while increasing overall production. The current product is welded manually with a flux core wire, resulting in high cycle times and numerous cases of required rework.

The use of automation systems will be analyzed for their increased consistency, quality, safety, and production estimates. Specifically robotic cell design will be considered, since it can work on more parts with fewer operators, adding efficiency and flexibility to the production floor. Other areas of …