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Executive Committee - Meeting Minutes, 10/4/2016, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Weights And Balances: Integrating Models For Prevention And Response To Southern California Offshore Oil Spills, Carmen Watts Clayton, Amoret Bunn

STAR Program Research Presentations

Licensing offshore oil and gas reserves in the United States waters are overseen by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Enforcement (BSEE). The licensing application includes planning for any worst-case oil spill scenario between BSEE and the applicant based on lessons learned from historic offshore spills such as the Deepwater Horizon (2010), Exxon Valdez (1989), and the Union Oil Platform Blowout (1969). The process for planning to respond to oil spills involves coordination with multiple agencies, trustees, and stakeholders to ensure that oil spill responses consider multiple factors, including ecologically sensitive species, commercial transportation and fisheries, …

Effect Of Surface Treatment On Liquid Adhesion Inside 3-D Structures, Madani A. Khan, Jeffrey Alston, Andrew Guenthner, Jacob Zavala

STAR Program Research Presentations

This study explores the relationship between chemical surface treatments on the interior of glass tubes and their resistance to fluid flow. By treating the interior of the tubes with functional silanes we can decrease or increase the interaction of the tube walls with the fluid column, which translates to changes in fluid column height for a given pressure differential. Resistance to fluid flow is quantified by using the tubes as integral parts of a barometric pressure column and measuring the changes in column height as the fluid is pulled into the tube by a set pressure differential. The barometric pressure …

Examination On The Efficacy Of Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-Mp) As A New Land Model In Earth Systems Modeling, Nicholas Rubel, Guo-Yue Niu, Ning Ma

STAR Program Research Presentations

Along with measurements and observations, models (both physical and mathematical) are among the most important tools used by Earth scientists to make hypotheses, test hypotheses, and form predictions. These models are based upon information and theories already believed to be true. As newer and better information is discovered, the models can become more accurate and precise. Mathematical models, sometimes called numerical models, also rely on technology; as the technology used to make models becomes more advanced, more complex models can be made and used to test more variables at once. This report examines a new mathematical model called Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-MP) …

Soil Moisture On Soledad Ridge In Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park, Carrie Fong, Kathryn Mceachern, Ken Niessen

STAR Program Research Presentations

Santa Rosa Island is one of the Channel Islands off the coast of southern California. Before the island was heavily grazed, Santa Rosa Island is thought to have had large stands of island oak trees, Quercus tomentella, that provided a critical source of water for the ecosystem by creating a “cloud forest”. Wind-borne fog collects on the leaves, branches, and twigs of the island oaks and other native shrubs. Once the water condenses it drips, falls, and soaks into the soil. Introducing cattle and especially sheep to the island has damaged the ecosystem and nearly decimated Santa Rosa Island …

Characterization Of S-Swcnt/Pf-Pd Dispersions And Networks, Tamara N. El-Hayek Ms., Jeffrey Blackburn, Andrew Ferguson, Tammy Pheuphong

STAR Program Research Presentations

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) are being investigated for their use in a wide variety of renewable energy applications. Their unique physical properties contribute to desirable traits such as a high carrier mobility, strong optical absorption and tunable electronic band gap. Unfortunately, due to variability in certain parameters, SWCNTs are limited in their application. The major drawback is that SWCNTs are variable in size and type and typical synthetic methods are not selective. As a result, selective methods must be developed in order to sort these tubes and extract those which are desirable for a particular application. Though there are several …

Studying The Effects Of Serpentine Soil On Adapted And Non-Adapted Species Using Arduino Technology, Kiana Saniee, Edward Himelblau, Brian Paavo

STAR Program Research Presentations

Abstract: Serpentine soils are formed from ultramafic rocks and are represent an extreme environment for plants. Serpentine soils are unique in that they carry high concentrations of heavy metals, are nutrient deficient, particularly in calcium, and have poor water retention capabilities. Although these soils constitute harsh conditions for plant growth, there are a number of species that are adapted and even endemic to serpentine soil. Water retention by commercial potting mix was compared with serpentine soil. Also, serpentine adapted and non-adapted species were grown in both soil treatments and physiological data were collected. We used the Arduino electronic platform to …

Optimizing The Telescope Assembly Alignment Simulator For Sofia, Zoe E. Sharp, Alex Quyenvo, Jennifer Briggs, Brian Eney

STAR Program Research Presentations

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) conducts research on a modified Boeing 747sp aircraft. By using a variety of infrared science instruments mounted on a 2.7 meter telescope, researchers can make discoveries about the galactic center, star formation, and various topics associated with a deeper understanding of our universe. To efficiently collect data through the SOFIA instruments, the instruments must be tested and prepared prior to being placed on the aircraft. Therefore, with the use of the Telescope Assembly Alignment Simulator (TAAS), researchers can design and construct improvements needed for these instruments to efficiently perform while in flight. The …

Measurement And Modeling Of Cosmic Ray Exposure For Supercdms Dark Matter Detectors., Kameron Mccall, John Orrell, Jared Yamaoka

STAR Program Research Presentations

Dark matter is an unknown type of matter that composes roughly 27% of the observable universe and, as cosmological structure models suggest, the earth should be passing through a “dark halo” of this unknown matter present in the Milky Way galaxy. As we pass through this halo, the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS) experiment aims to directly detect dark -matter particles. Though many dark matter particle candidates exist, SuperCDMS focuses on the detection of particles called WIMPS (weakly interacting massive particles) as predicted by super-symmetric theories beyond the standard model. Due to the high-sensitivity of the germanium detectors employed, …

Exploring Mathematical Strategies For Finding Hidden Features In Multi-Dimensional Big Datasets, Tri Duong, Fang Ren, Apurva Mehta

STAR Program Research Presentations

With advances in technology in brighter sources and larger and faster detectors, the amount of data generated at national user facilities such as SLAC is increasing exponentially. Humans have a superb ability to recognize patterns in complex and noisy data and therefore, data is still curated and analyzed by humans. However, a human brain is unable to keep up with the accelerated pace of data generation, and as a consequence, the rate of new discoveries hasn't kept pace with the rate of data creation. Therefore, new procedures to quickly assess and analyze the data are needed. Machine learning approaches are …

To Fish Or Not To Fish? What Effect Do California’S Marine Protected Areas Have On Up-And-Coming Kellet’S Whelk Fishery?, Jennifer Greene

STAR Program Research Presentations

Kellet’s whelk, Kelletia kelletii, were observed at sample sites throughout their range from Baja California, Mexico, to Monterey, CA to determine patterns of population density. Sample sites in each region were either located within California marine protected areas where take of the Kellet’s whelk in prohibited, or in non-protected areas where the whelks can be fished both commercially and recreationally. Kellet’s whelk population density was compared between all MPA and non-MPA sample sites. These mean densities were also found for sites in Santa Barbara and San Diego near active fishing ports and compared to data from the same sites collected …

Testing Predictions Used To Build An Agrivoltaics Installation On A Small-Scale Educational Model, Katie Kinney, Rebecca Minor, Greg Barron-Gafford

STAR Program Research Presentations

Models are valuable tools for explaining and testing systems. Small-scale models can be especially useful for educational purposes. For models to be useful, they have to accurately depict the larger system that they are describing. A novel man-made system, known as an agrivoltaic structure, is being constructed at Biosphere 2 near Oracle, Arizona. The word agrivoltaic is a combination of agriculture and photovoltaics, or solar farming. My research involved creating a small-scale version of this system for educational purposes. The model of this system tested two predictions: that plants will grow better in the shade of a panel and that …

Examination On The Efficacy Of Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-Mp) As A New Land Model In Earth Systems Modeling, Nicholas Rubel, Guo-Yue Niu, Ning Ma

STAR Program Research Presentations

Along with measurements and observations, models (both physical and mathematical) are among the most important tools used by Earth scientists to make hypotheses, test hypotheses, and form predictions. These models are based upon information and theories already believed to be true. As newer and better information is discovered, the models can become more accurate and precise. Mathematical models, sometimes called numerical models, also rely on technology; as the technology used to make models becomes more advanced, more complex models can be made and used to test more variables at once. This report examines a new mathematical model called Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-MP) …

Urban Design Proposal For Nispero Parkway, City Of San Miguel Allende, Study Abroad Fall 2016, Tommy K. Chong

Other CRP Student Work

No abstract provided.

Resource Scarcity Drives Lethal Aggression Among Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherers In Central California, Mark W. Allen, Robert Lawrence Bettinger, Brian F. Codding, Terry L. Jones, Al W. Schwitalla

Social Sciences

The origin of human violence and warfare is controversial, and some scholars contend that intergroup conflict was rare until the emergence of sedentary foraging and complex sociopolitical organization, whereas others assert that violence was common and of considerable antiquity among small-scale societies. Here we consider two alternative explanations for the evolution of human violence: (i) individuals resort to violence when benefits outweigh potential costs, which is likely in resource poor environments, or (ii) participation in violence increases when there is coercion from leaders in complex societies leading to group level benefits. To test these hypotheses, we …

Design And Analysis Of The Impact Diffusion Helmet Through A Finite Element Analysis Approach, Steven Paul Warnert

Master's Theses

By applying the finite element approach to the design and analysis of the impact diffusion helmet, many helmet configurations were able to be analyzed. Initially it was important to determine what design variables had an influence on the impact reducing abilities of the helmet design. The helmet was run through a series of Abaqus simulations that determined that a design with two oval shaped channels running along the length of the helmet was best. Next, these options were optimized to generate the helmet that produced the greatest impact reduction. The optimization simulations determined that a helmet that pushed the channels …

Laff-O-Tron: Laugh Prediction In Ted Talks, Andrew D. Acosta

Master's Theses

Did you hear where the thesis found its ancestors? They were in the "parent-thesis"! This joke, whether you laughed at it or not, contains a fascinating and mysterious quality: humor. Humor is something so incredibly human that if you squint, the two words can even look the same. As such, humor is not often considered something that computers can understand. But, that doesn't mean we won't try to teach it to them.

In this thesis, we propose the system Laff-O-Tron to attempt to predict when the audience of a public speech would laugh by looking only at the text of …

An Analysis Of The Microseismic Peak At Ligo Hanford Observatory, Nathan Sweem

STAR Program Research Presentations

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) consists of two facilities, LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO) and LIGO Livingston Observatory (LLO). Gravitational-wave astronomy began when LIGO observed gravitational-waves for the first time in 2015 during the inaugural observation run (01) of the advanced detector era. Isolation of LIGO detectors from seismic noise is necessary to achieve a desired level of performance. Analysis of seismic noise is essential to make improvements in seismic isolation, and to validate gravitational-wave candidates with a high degree of certainty. Hourly trends of seismic noise in the 0.1 – 0.3 Hz frequency band from Guralp CMG-40T three-axis seismometers …

Crisis Communications And Media Coverage Before, During, And After A Natural Disaster, Juliet Saunders

Journalism

This study is aimed to further define the connection between crisis communications and the media. This is a single-site case study that was one of the most reported on natural disasters in the United States, Hurricane Katrina. The study will focus on determining the meaning of crisis communications, crisis communications plans and the medias’ roles in natural disasters. Three experts in the field of Public Relations and Media were interviewed to gain insight into the working relationships between the media and crisis communicators. Before the study is able to determine the best practices for crisis communications, it must first look …

Community Outreach With Play-Doh® Electronics, Thomas J. Bensky, William Bensky

Physics

It never fails: you’re in your office and the phone rings. Your department head says, “Hi! Fifty kids are coming to campus in 30 minutes. Can you meet with them and give them a one-hour hands-on activity that will make them excited about physics?” Likely you’ll run to your demonstration room and grab anything that’ll generate a bright light or cause something to explode or levitate, right? In recent years, we’ve taken a more systematic approach to hosting visitors by developing a ready-to-go hands-on activity that provides opportunities for learning about DC electric circuits.

Executive Committee - Meeting Minutes, 9/27/2016, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Executive Committee - Agenda 9/27/2016, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Traversing Swanton Road, 23rd Ed., James A. West

Academic, Government & Associated Organizational Research Resources

Situated at the northwest end of Santa Cruz County and occupying circa 30 square miles of sharply contrasted terrain, the Scott Creek Watershed concentrates within its geomorphological boundaries, at least 10-12% of California's flora, both native and introduced. Incorporated within this botanical overview but technically not part of the watershed sensustrictu, are the adjacent environs, ranging from the coastal strand up through the Western Terrace to the ocean draining ridge tops..... with the Arroyo de las Trancas/Last Chance Ridge defining the western/northwestern boundary and the Molino Creek divide, the southern demarcation. Paradoxically, the use/abuse that the watershed has sustained over …

Nonparametric Liquefaction Triggering And Postliquefaction Deformations, J. S. Yazdi, Robb Moss

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This study evaluates granular liquefaction triggering case-history data using a nonparametric approach. This approach assumes no functional form in the relationship between liquefied and nonliquefied cases as measured using cone penetration test (CPT) data. From a statistical perspective, this allows for an estimate of the threshold of liquefaction triggering unbiased by prior functional forms, and also provides a platform for testing existing published methods for accuracy and precision. The resulting threshold exhibits some unique trends, which are then interpreted based on postliquefaction deformation behavior. The range of postliquefaction deformations are differentiated into three zones: (1) large deformations associated with metastable …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Non-Alcoholic Single-Serve Polyethylene Terephthalate Beverage Bottles In The State Of California, Dongho Kang, Rafael Auras, Jay Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental burden of non-alcoholic single serving size polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottle systems in the state of California through a life cycle assessment model. A mass flow of polyethylene terephthalate beverage bottle in the U.S., and the state of California is drawn as a Sankey diagram. The life cycle assessment model is designed with five main sections; material production, polyethylene terephthalate bottle production, waste management, environmental benefit, and transportation. The scope is cradle-to-grave with a representative functional unit as the amount of polyethylene terephthalate necessary to deliver 1000 L of beverage, specifically …

Academic Senate - Meeting Minutes, 9/16/2016, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Academic Senate - Agenda, 9/16/2016, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Radiation Exposure: An In Vivo Vs In Vitro Biomarker Study Analysis, Angeles L. Mora

STAR Program Research Presentations

Cells contain many genes that encode proteins which dictate the cell function. The thousands of genes expressed in a particular cell determine what the cell can do. When a cell is damaged, there are powerful mechanisms to repair damaged genes. Here, we investigated different cell lines that have been exposed to ionizing radiation (IR). To understand the effect of genes to different doses of IR and their correlations to up-regulated and down-regulated genes, a biomarker study has been performed on the following different cell types: In vivo lymphocytes from Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) isotopic radiation treated neuroblastoma patients and in vitro lymphoblastoid …

Gc Verification Of The Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor, Jessica S. Castro, Richard D. Kidd, Jeffrey D. Hein

STAR Program Research Presentations

International Space Station crew members face the unique challenge of maintaining air quality due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have the potential to accumulate at unsafe levels. The Spacecraft Atmosphere Monitor (SAM) is a miniature gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GCMS) designed to measure major constituents (such as N₂, O₂ and CO₂) and trace VOCs within the cabin of the spacecraft. The gas chromatograph is responsible for separating the sample into its components in order to be characterized. The oven of the gas chromatograph must reach a temperature of 150°C in order to heat constituents …

Identification Of Microorganisms Isolated From Mars-Bound Spacecraft Using Maldi-Tof, Melanie K. Phillips

STAR Program Research Presentations

The primary goal of the Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group (BPPG) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is to prevent microbial contamination between Earth and other planetary bodies. This helps preserve the ability to study other worlds as they exist in their natural states and protects our biosphere from extraterrestrial life. The process for identifying microbes located on space-bound hardware in JPL can be more efficient and precise by using the technique called matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF). Once this identification technique is fully implemented, the process time will be reduced from two weeks to one …