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Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda, March 4, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of 4 February 2021 Minutes

Program Proposals

• Offer a Nail Technician Certificate of Proficiency.
• Change the name of the Institute for Social Science Research on Natural Resources to Community and Natural Resources Institute.

Semester Course Approval Reviews

Other Business

Educational Policies Committee Agenda, February 4, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Subcommittee Reports

• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Other Business

• Missing course descriptions (missing descriptions/examples)
• Institutional Certificates

Faculty Senate Agenda, February 1, 2021, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• EPC Monthly Report – January 7, 2021
• PRPC Subcommittee 400 Code Rewrite
• Title IX Policy and Procedure
• Office of Research Annual Report
• School of Graduate Studies Annual Report
• 404.3.6 Code Changes Full Code/Track Changes (Second reading)
• Promotion and Tenure Survey

Fire Alters Plant Microbiome Assembly Patterns: Integrating The Plant And Soil Microbial Response To Disturbance, Nicholas C. Dove, Dawn M. Klingeman, Alyssa A. Carrell, Melissa A. Cregger, Christopher W. Schadt

Aspen Bibliography

• It is increasingly evident that the plant microbiome is a strong determinant of plant health. While the ability to manipulate the microbiome in plants and ecosystems recovering from disturbance may be useful, our understanding of the plant microbiome in regenerating plant communities is currently limited.
• Using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region amplicon sequencing, we characterized the leaf, stem, fine root, rhizome, and rhizosphere microbiome of < 1-yr-old aspen saplings and the associated bulk soil after a recent high-intensity prescribed fire across a burn severity gradient.
• Consistent with previous studies, we found that soil microbiomes are responsive to fire. We extend these findings by showing that certain plant tissue microbiomes also change in response to …

Ingredient Substitutions And Equivalents, Ann Henderson, Suzanne Jorgenson, Susan Haws

All Current Publications

This fact sheet lists substitutions for leavening agents, liquids, sugars, flour, fats, rice and pasta, spices and miscellaneous items. Also lists equivalent measurements.

Na Lidar And Mighti/Icon Investigation On Turbopause Tidal Waves, Tao Yuan, Michael H. Stevens, Christoph R. Englert, Thomas J. Immel

Browse all Datasets

Local full diurnal coverage of temperature variations across the turbopause (~ 90 km to 115 km altitude) is achieved by combining the nocturnal observations of a Sodium (Na) Doppler lidar on the Utah State University (USU) campus (41.7?N, 248.2?E) and NASA MIGHTI/ICON daytime observations made in the same vicinity. In this paper, utilizing this hybrid dataset during summer 2020 between June 12th and July 15th, we retrieve the temperature signatures of diurnal and semidiurnal tidal waves in this region. The tidal amplitudes are similar for both components: less than 5 K below ~ 98 km but increase considerably above, up …

The 2020 National Snow Load Study, Brennan L. Bean, Marc Maguire, Yan Sun, Jadon Wagstaff, Salam Al-Rubaye, Jesse Wheeler, Scout Jarman, Miranda Rogers

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

The United States has a rich history of snow load studies at the state and national level. The current ASCE 7 snow loads are based on studies performed at the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) ca. 1980 and updated ca. 1993. The map includes large regions where a site-specific case study is required to establish the load. Many state reports attempt to address the "case-study regions" designated in the current ASCE 7 design snow load requirements. The independently developed state-specific requirements vary in approach, which can lead to discrepancies in requirements at state boundaries. In addition, there has …

Ultrasound Measurements Of Subcutaneous Fat Thickness Are Robust Against Hydration Changes, Dale R. Wagner, James D. Cotter

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Ultrasound is an appealing tool to assess body composition, combining the portability of a field method with the accuracy of a laboratory method. However, unlike other body composition methods, the effect of hydration status on validity is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of acute hydration changes on ultrasound measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness and estimates of body fat percentage. In a crossover design, 11 adults (27.1 ± 10.5 years) completed dehydration and hyperhydration trials to alter body mass by approximately ±2%. Dehydration was achieved via humid heat (40 °C, 60% relative humidity) with exercise, whereas hyperhydration was via ingestion …

Dissipation Rates Of Oxygen Nanobubbles In Recirculating Systems, Noah Langenfeld, Bruce Bugbee

Techniques and Instruments

Dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is essential for the metabolism of aerobic organisms in hydroponics, aquaponics, waste water treatment, and aquaculture. DO levels at or near saturation are required to prevent the development of hypoxic conditions (Wei et al., 2019). Water with saturated amounts of DO is achieved by bubbling air through a tube or air stone via an air pump. Using pure oxygen for aeration can increase the concentration of DO from 21% to 100% compared to air. Nanobubbles have diameters on the nanometer scale (10-9 m) and have extended lifetimes in suspension compared to macrobubbles (Atkinson et al., …

Plant Functional Groups And Species Contribute To Ecological Resilience A Decade After Woodland Expansion Treatments, Stephanie Freund, Beth A. Newingham, Jeanne C. Chambers, Alexandra K. Urza, Bruce A. Roundy, J. Hall Cushman

Articles

Woody plant expansions are altering ecosystem structure and function, as well as fire regimes, around the globe. Tree-reduction treatments are widely implemented in expanding woodlands to reduce fuel loads, increase ecological resilience, and improve habitat, but few studies have measured treatment outcomes over long timescales or large geographic areas. The Sagebrush Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP) evaluated the ecological effects of prescribed fire and cut-and-leave treatments in sagebrush communities experiencing tree expansion in North American cold desert shrublands. We used 10 yr of data from the SageSTEP network to test how treatments interacted with pre-treatment tree dominance, soil climate, and time …

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda, January 19, 2021, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• EPC Monthly Report
• PRPC Subcommittee 400 Code Rewrite
• Office of Research Annual Report
• School of Graduate Studies Annual Report
• USUSA Annual Report
• 404.3.6 Code Changes (second reading)

General Education Subcommittee Minutes, January 19, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• LANG 3570 (DHA)
• SOC 4010 (DSS)
• Assessment data

The Physical And Chemical Limnology Of Yukon’S Largest Lake, Lhù’Ààn Mân’ (Kluane Lake), Prior To The 2016 ‘A’Ą̈Y Chù’ Diversion, Elloria A. Mcknight, Heidi Swanson, Janice Brahney, David S. Hik

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Despite increasing evidence that large northern lakes are rapidly changing due to climate change, descriptive baseline studies of their physicochemical properties are largely lacking, limiting our ability to detect or predict change. This study represents a comprehensive scientific assessment of the limnology of Yukon’s largest lake: Lhù’ààn Mân’ (Kluane Lake), an important waterbody for local and First Nation communities, and key habitat for trout and salmon. Water sample and instrument data generated throughout 2015 describe distinct regions within the lake and their respective seasonal variability. A deep, glacially-influenced southern basin was characterized by cold, turbid, poorly stratified, unproductive, and nutrient-poor …

Faculty Senate Agenda, January 11, 2021, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• EPC Monthly Report – December 3, 2020
• HR 385 Code Change (redline-summary-final)
• Council on Teacher Education Annual Report
• Scholarship Advisory Board Annual Report
• Ombudsperson Report
• USU Promotion and Tenure Process Survey
• USU Response to Dixie State University Resolution

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda, January 7, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of 3 December 2020 Minutes

Program Proposals

• Offer a Piano Pedagogy Minor.
• Suspending the program Theatre Education Applied Option – Bachelor of Fine Arts.
• Creating an emphasis in Leadership within the existing Master of Business Administration degree.
• Discontinuing the Geoarchaeology emphasis to the Bachelor’s degree program in Geology.

Semester Course Approval Reviews

Other Business

Educational Policies Committee Agenda, January 7, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Subcommittee Reports

• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Other Business

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes, January 7, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of 3 December 2020 Minutes

Program Proposals

• Offer a Piano Pedagogy Minor.
• Suspending the program Theatre Education Applied Option – Bachelor of Fine Arts.
• Creating an emphasis in Leadership within the existing Master of Business Administration degree.
• Discontinuing the Geoarchaeology emphasis to the Bachelor’s degree program in Geology.

Semester Course Approval Reviews

Other Business

• Course Descriptions
• Institutional Certificates
• Acronyms in Proposals

Educational Policies Committee Minutes, January 7, 2021, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Subcommittee Reports

• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Other Business

• Institutional Certificates of Proficiency (ICP)

Perceptions Of Women Elected Officials In Utah: Challenges, Benefits, And Lessons Learned, Candice B. Pierucci, April Townsend, Susan R. Madsen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

For many years, Utah has been at the bottom of the rankings for women running for and serving in elected office. Although significant strides have been made in increasing the number of women serving in these roles in recent years, there is still work to be done. For example, Utah is currently ranked 32nd in the country for female representation in state and federal office, Utah has never elected a female governor or a US Senator, and only two women have served in statewide executive offices. In addition, research in recent years has documented lower percentages of women in county …

Practical Implementation Of A General Numerical Lifting-Line Method, Cory D. Goates, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

A general numerical lifting-line method provides corrections to overcome the singularities inherent in the lifting-line downwash integrals in certain cases. These singularities have previously limited the scope of lifting-line theory to straight wings not in sideslip; in all other cases, more traditional numerical approaches to solving Prandtl's hypothesis fail to grid converge. However, this general numerical lifting-line method grid converges even for swept wings and wings in sideslip. In the current work, we apply the general numerical lifting-line method to any number of wings with arbitrary geometry. We also provide a dimensional derivation of the basic general numerical lifting-line equations …

3d-Printed Wings With Morphing Trailing-Edge Technology, Benjamin C. Moulton, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

In recent years, various groups have attempted to improve aircraft efficiency using wings with morphing trailing-edge technology. Most of these solutions are difficult to manufacture or have limited morphing capability. The present paper outlines a research effort to develop an easy to manufacture, fully 3D-printed morphing wing. This approach is advantageous due to the low cost, minimal man-hours required for manufacturing, and speed at which design iterations can be explored. Several prototypes were designed and tested and lessons learned from these iterations have been documented. Additionally, printer settings have been tested and catalogued to assist others attempting to reproduce these …

Sensitivity And Estimation Of Flying-Wing Aerodynamic, Propulsion, And Inertial Parameters Using Simulation, Jaden Thurgood, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

This paper explores the difficulties of aircraft system identification, specifically parameter estimation, for a rudderless aircraft. A white box method is used in conjunction with a nonlinear six degree-of-freedom aerodynamic model for the equations of motion in order to estimate 33 parameters that govern the aerodynamic, inertial, and propulsion forces within the mathematical model. The analysis is conducted in the time-domain of system identification. Additionally, all the parameters are estimated using a single flight rather than a series of shorter flights dedicated to estimating specific sets of parameters as is typically done. A final flight plan is developed with a …

Investigating Financial Biases That Can Increase Impact On Paying Bills And Saving, Lucy M. Delgadillo

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

This article explores financial biases and their relation to financial management behaviors. Using cognitive, evolutionary psychology, and behavioral finance theories, this study suggests that biases can be intentionally used to our benefit. The study shows statistically significant associations between some biases and financial management practices such as paying bills on time and saving regularly in the surveyed sample. The study provides insights into intentionally using financial biases to increase impact and success by helping individuals commit to the best course of action or choose the least costly financial alternative.

Building Engagement In Facebook: A Case Study With Utah State University Extension Sustainability, Kenna R. Kesler, Kelsey Hall, Debra Spielmaker, Roslynn G. H. Brain Mccann

Applied Sciences, Technology and Education Faculty Publications

In order to stay relevant in an online world, Extension must properly use social networking platforms to effectively reach diverse audiences regarding agricultural and natural resource issues. However, few studies have focused on how Extension uses Facebook to effectively accomplish its goal. This study's purpose was to explore how Utah State University Extension Sustainability uses Facebook to engage followers. The researchers conducted a quantitative content analysis of 504 messages posted to the USU Extension Sustainability Facebook page. Graphics and links were the most common post characteristics used by the organization. Text-only posts and posts containing videos were utilized the least. …

History Of Speech Communication And Communication Studies At Utah State University 1890-2000, Harold J. Kinzer

Faculty

This history of the Communications Department at USU, written by Emeritus Professor Harold J. Kinzer, covers early speech instruction at the University, the involvement of women in speech instructions, and the development of the Communications Department throughout University history. Biographies of select faculty are also included.

Utah State Magazine, Winter 2021, Utah State University

Utah State Magazine

The quarterly magazine for friends and alumni of Utah State University.

Mental Health Awareness And Advocacy Assessment Tool (Mhaa-At), Ty B. Aller, Elizabeth B. Fauth, Joshua R. Novak, Sarah Schwartz

Human Development and Family Studies Faculty Publications

The Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy Assessment Tool l (MHAA-AT) consists of three types of items: 1) declarative knowledge items (30 items); 2) self-efficacy items (20 items); and 3) behavior items (15 items). These items are then divided into the three micro-processes that define mental health literacy: a) identifying mental health issues; b) locating evidence-based resources; and c) responding to mental health issues (see Figure 1 below).

Spatial Modeling Of Common Raven Density And Occurrence Helps Guide Landscape Management Within Great Basin Sagebrush Ecosystems, Sarah C. Webster, Shawn T. O'Neil, Brianne E. Brussee, Peter S. Coates, Pat J. Jackson, John C. Tull, David J. Delehanty

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Common ravens (Corvus corax; ravens) are a behaviorally flexible nest predator of several avian species, including species of conservation concern. Movement patterns based on life history phases, particularly territoriality of breeding birds and transiency of nonbreeding birds, are thought to influence the frequency and efficacy of nest predation. As such, predicting where on the landscape territorial resident and non-territorial transient birds may be found in relation to the distribution of sensitive prey is of increasing importance to managers and conservationists. From 2007 to 2019, we conducted raven point count surveys between mid-March and mid-September across 43 different field …

Influence Of Anthropogenic Subsidies On Movements Of Common Ravens, Adam E. Duerr, Peter H. Bloom, Kerry Ross, Tricia A. Miller, Melissa A. Braham, Amy L. Fesnock, Todd E. Katzner

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Anthropogenic subsidies can benefit populations of generalist predators such as common ravens (ravens; Corvus corax), which in turn may depress populations of many types of species at lower-trophic levels, including desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) or greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Management of subsidized ravens often has targeted local breeding populations that are presumed to affect species of concern and ignored “urban” populations of ravens. However, little is known about how ravens move, especially in response to the presence of anthropogenic subsidies. Therefore, subsidized ravens from distant populations that are not managed may influence local prey. To …

Evaluating Common Raven Take For Greater Sage-Grouse In Oregon’S Baker County Priority Conservation Area And Great Basin Region, Frank F. Rivera-Milán, Peter S. Coates, Jacqueline B. Cupples, Michael Green, Patrick K. Devers

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The common raven (Corvus corax; raven) is a nest predator of species of conservation concern, such as the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Reducing raven abundance by take requires authorization under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. To support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s take decisions (e.g., those that authorize killing a specified proportion or number of individuals annually in a defined area), including the most recent one for Oregon’s Baker County Priority Area for Conservation (PAC), we modeled raven population dynamics under hypothetical scenarios with take rates ranging from below to above the maximum sustained yield (MSY; …