Digital Commons Network^™

Negotiating Identities In Middle School Science: Impacts On Students’ Perceived Expertise And Small Group Participation, Taylor Dexter

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This thesis investigates how students in a linguistically diverse 7^th grade science lab group interact and position each other’s capabilities within a STEM context. These capabilities are discussed in terms of how the identities local to a particular 7^th grade science lab group of “good student” and “scientist” are assigned, challenged, and strengthened. These interactions are instances of identities and patterns (pathways) of identities being negotiated. This thesis’ analysis focuses particularly on how the identities of being Latinx and multilingual affect these negotiations in the terms of the local identities (“good student” and “scientist”). This analysis sheds light …

Applied Species Delimitation In Microbial Taxa And Plants, Austin C. Koontz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Species are a fundamental concept in biology, and many subdisciplines in biology utilize species in aspects of theory and in the communication of results. Given the centrality of species in biological science, it can seem surprising that there is no universal definition amongst biologists of what, strictly speaking, a species is. In fact, there are, by some estimates, over 20 different "species concepts", and this lack of a consensus is termed "the species problem". This problem has theoretical underpinnings, but has become more relevant as advances in sequencing technologies over the past two decades have allowed researchers to probe the …

System Level Characterization Of The Gridded Retarding Ion Drift Sensor (Grids) For The Petitsat Mission, Benjamin B. Oborn

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Weather prediction, wherever people live, serves as a beneficial part of everyday life. Weather in the upper portions of Earth’s atmosphere also impacts life on Earth but it is not able to be predicted as well as its terrestrial counterpart. PetitSat is a cube satellite (CubeSat) mission proposed to help remedy this issue. It will collect measurements of charged particles in the upper atmosphere called a plasma. The measurements taken by PetitSat will facilitate better prediction of upper-atmospheric weather. Prediction of when and where weather phenomenon will occur will allow avoidance of negative consequences that can result. Once such negative …

Fate Of Pharmaceuticals And Personal Care Products In Duckweed And Waste Activated Sludge Under Aerobic And Anaerobic Solids Stabilization Conditions, Kwame Tweneboah Duodu

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Twelve commonly used pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)(acetaminophen, β-Estradiol, caffeine, carbamazepine, DEET, estrone, gemfibrozil, triclosan, TCEP, sulfamethoxazole, progesterone, fluoxetine) were investigated to determine their fate in biosolids. These compounds were selected due to their wide usage, and varying properties, that makes them representative of many other PPCPs.

Commonly used PPCPs (caffeine commonly found in tea, coffee, chocolate and soda, the pain reliever acetaminophen, and the pesticide DEET) were detected in high amounts in the influent of the Hyrum WWTP and Wellsville sewage lagoons. Although conventional WWTPs are not designed to remove PPCPs from wastewater, some PPCPs, such as acetaminophen, …

Analytic Guidance Strategies For Passively Safe Rendezvous And Proximity Operations, Simon Shuster

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A safety ellipse is a type of relative motion trajectory that is commonly used for unmanned rendezvous and proximity operations. As the name suggests, safety ellipses are passively safe relative motion trajectories, which means that their natural motion inherently maintains a low collision risk. The focus of this dissertation is the derivation, analysis, and application of guidance strategies that reconfigure, establish, and exit a safety ellipse. The guidance strategies consist of a set of ∆v vectors and impulse times, all written in closed form. Through applications of optimal control theory and parameter optimization, it is shown that these maneuver …

The Effect Of Weather On Pedestrian Activity At Signalized Intersections In Utah, Ferdousy Runa

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The weather has a significant influence on pedestrian activity. Profound knowledge and research can identify how weather variables impact and why people change their travel patterns. This study aims to assess the relationship of weather (snowfalls, snow depth, precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature) with pedestrian activity at 49 signalized intersections in Cache County, Utah. This study uses pedestrian actuation (push-button) data as a proxy for pedestrian activity and collects weather data from the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA).

Using 15 months of daily time-series data, this study applied log-linear time series models in the analysis. To account for non-linear …

A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy In South Korea, Woolee An

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although psychologists have emphasized the importance of considering clients’ various cultural backgrounds and researching various populations, research is still overly focused on participants from English-speaking countries like the United States and Western countries. Numerous studies evaluating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have been published in South Korea. However, most of the studies are still unknown to English-speaking research communities because of language differences. In order to promote cross-cultural communication of study findings, the current study reviewed treatment research from South Korea.

After searching for Korean ACT studies using Korean electronic databases, 62 studies were selected, and each study’s treatment outcome …

Deep Q Learning Applied To Stock Trading, Agnibh Dasgupta

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Developing a strategy for stock trading is a vital task for investors. However, it is challenging to obtain an optimal strategy, given the complex and dynamic nature of the stock market. This thesis aims to explore the applications of Reinforcement Learning with the goal of maximizing returns from market investment, keeping in mind the human aspect of trading by utilizing stock prices represented as candlestick graphs. Furthermore, the algorithm studies public interest patterns in form of graphs extracted from Google Trends to make predictions. Deep Q learning has been used to train an agent based on fused images of stock …

A Study In Gps-Denied Navigation Using Synthetic Aperture Radar, Colton P. Lindstrom

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In modern navigation systems, GPS is vital to accurately piloting a vehicle. This is especially true in autonomous vehicles, such as UAVs, which have no pilot. Unfortunately, GPS signals can be easily jammed or spoofed. For example, canyons and urban cities create an environment where the sky is obstructed and make GPS signals unreliable. Additionally, hostile individuals can transmit personal signals intended to block or spoof GPS signals. In these situations, it is important to find a means of navigation that doesn’t rely on GPS.

Navigating without GPS means that other types of sensors or instruments must be used to …

Land-Use Attitudes And Local Election Choice: Estimating Effects Of Land-Use Attitudes On Municipal Electoral Choice, Scott R. Dresher

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Predicting voter behavior is a difficult task, however there are factors that suggest which candidates will be more successful. This study examined some factors that predict voter behavior in local elections and asks if local land-use authority can be a factor in predicting vote choice. Using survey responses collected from a sample of college students, answers suggest that some factors more strongly influence voter behavior than others. An analysis of survey results suggests that candidate party affiliation alone or candidate land-use attitudes alone are individually significant influences on voter decision making. However, combining effects of candidate party affiliation and candidate …

Self-Describing Fiducials For Gps-Denied Navigation Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Amanda J. Strate

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Accurate estimation of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s (UAV’s) location is critical for the operation of the UAV when it is controlled completely by its onboard processor. This can be particularly challenging in environments in which GPS is not available (GPS-denied). Many of the options previously explored for estimation of a UAV’s location without the use of GPS require more sophisticated processors than can feasibly be mounted on a UAV because of weight, size, and power restrictions. Many options are also aimed at indoor operation without the range capabilities to scale to outdoor operations. This research explores an alternative method of …

Leadership Styles And Barriers To Leadership For Women In Agriculture: A Mixed Methods Study, Erica Ramsey Louder

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Women are a growing demographic in agriculture, yet women holding positions in agricultural leadership is limited. This research sought to identify the ways women in agriculture lead by examining their leadership styles and the barriers they face as they strive to advance within their professions.

The results show that women are relationship-based leaders and that there are significant barriers that inhibit women’s advancement in agriculture. Many of these barriers are related to gender bias, self-perception, and life issues such as stress and workload.

Micro Grid Control Optimization With Load And Solar Prediction, Shaju Saha

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Using renewable energy can save money and keep the environment cleaner. Installing a solar PV system is a one-time cost but it can generate energy for a lifetime. Solar PV does not generate carbon emissions while producing power. This thesis evaluates the value of being able to make accurate predictions in the use of solar energy. It uses predicted solar power and load for a system and a battery to store the energy for future use and calculates the operating cost or profit in several designed conditions. Various factors like a different place, tuning the capacity of sources, changing buy/sell …

Effects Of Premortem Stress On Heat Shock Protein Abundance, Oxidation, And Color In The Longissimus Lumborum Of Holstein Steers Following Harvest, Reganne K. Briggs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Consumers consider tenderness and steak color to be two important attributes associated with meat quality. However, inconsistencies in both tenderness and steak color remain despite similar production practices of beef cattle. Stressful events before harvest may impact meat quality by initiating certain pathways such as abundance of heat shock proteins (HSP) and oxidation within the skeletal muscle. Heat shock proteins have been associated with tenderness while oxidation may affect steak color and flavor. In this study, 40 Holstein steers were administered adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) to mimic a stressful event before harvest. Animals were harvested at different times following the ACTH …

Rewriting The Unwritten: Decorum As A Tool For Social Justice In Technical Communication, Jennifer L. Scucchi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

With the recent turn to social justice in Technical and Professional Communication (TPC), it is important to develop a variety of theories and methods that can address issues of power and oppression within TPC. Additionally, some of these theories and methods should work to engage resistant audiences and persuade them to not only be aware, but to also take meaningful action for change. Social justice efforts should also consider the intersectionality that occurs when multiple marginalizing factors intersect, compounding the experiences of oppression for those who fall into each unique category. In this dissertation, I present a theory and method …

Survival Analysis: An Exact Method For Rare Events, Kristina Reutzel

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Conventional asymptotic methods for survival analysis work well when sample sizes are at least moderately sufficient. When dealing with small sample sizes or rare events, the results from these methods have the potential to be inaccurate or misleading. To handle such data, an exact method is proposed and compared against two other methods: 1) the Cox proportional hazards model and 2) stratified logistic regression for discrete survival analysis data.

Authentic Language Use In The L2 Classroom: Building Learners' Motivation And Confidence, Emma Duncan

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is a compilation of work completed by the author while in the Master of Second Language Teaching program at Utah State University. The portfolio contains samples of the author’s writings on various aspects of language learning and perspectives that the author developed through study of language acquisition topics and classroom teaching experience.

Included in the portfolio is a statement of the author’s desired professional environment, her teaching philosophy, and a description of her experiences observing teachers of various languages. Also included is an annotated bibliography and two research papers which detail some of the author’s specific interests within …

Broadening Perspectives: Using Multiple Teaching Approaches To Meet The Needs Of Language Students, Kalen Taylor

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This portfolio is comprised of research, opinions, and ideas that the author has learned during the Master of Second Language Teaching (MSLT) program at Utah State University (USU). It is a representation of experiences gained through teaching lower division Spanish courses at USU. In addition to experiences, it is also comprised of research perspectives which were furthered by coursework in the MSLT program.

Contained within the pages is a road map of the author’s journey of learning and research. The portfolio begins with the author’s perspectives on teaching including his philosophy on teaching and how he has developed by observing …

Designing Water Conservation Landscapes Using Local Water Audit Data, Logan Oates

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In 2016, Eagle Mountain City (EMC) entered into a collaborative agreement with Utah State University Extension to complete several water conservation projects. These projects include Water Checks, landscape water conservation publications, educational programs, and a water-wise landscape design for Eagle Mountain City Hall and a nearby roundabout.

The Water Check program is sponsored by Utah State University’s (USU) Center for Water Efficient Landscaping (CWEL) and offers residential water efficiency checks to EMC residents. Data collected from the Water Check program includes lot size, square feet (sf) of turfgrass, sprinkler types, sprinkler efficiency, and existing watering schedules.

This thesis examines the …

Faculty Senate Agenda, November 30, 2020, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• EPC Monthly Report – November 5, 2020
• Spring Calendar Update
• Course Fee Policy
• Dixie State Faculty Senate resolution to change university name
• Faculty Senate Meeting dates for Spring 2021
• Center for Student Analytics Student Insights Report
• Library Advisory Council Annual Report
• Faculty Forum Task Force
• Term Appointment Faculty Task Force

Faculty Senate Minutes, November 30, 2020, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• EPC Monthly Report – November 5, 2020
• Spring Calendar Update
• Course Fee Policy
• Dixie State Faculty Senate resolution to change university name
• Faculty Senate Meeting dates for Spring 2021
• Center for Student Analytics Student Insights Report
• Library Advisory Council Annual Report
• Faculty Forum Task Force
• Term Appointment Faculty Task Force

Stream Dissolved Organic Matter In Permafrost Regions Shows Surprising Compositional Similarities But Negative Priming And Nutrient Effects, Ethan Wologo, Sarah Shakil, Scott Zolkos, Sadie Textor, Stephanie Ewing, Jane Klassen, Robert G. M. Spencer, David C. Podgorski, Suzanne E. Tank, Michelle A. Baker, Jonathan A. O'Donnell, Kimberly P. Wickland, Sydney S. W. Foks, Jay P. Zarnetske, Joseph Lee-Cullin, Futing Liu, Yuanhe Yang, Pirkko Kortelainen, Jaana Kolehmainen, Joshua F. Dean, Jorien E. Vonk, Robert M. Holmes, Gilles Pinay, Michaela M. Powell, Jansen Howe, Rebecca J. Frei, Samuel P. Bratsman, Benjamin W. Abbott

Biology Faculty Publications

Permafrost degradation is delivering bioavailable dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients to surface water networks. While these permafrost subsidies represent a small portion of total fluvial DOM and nutrient fluxes, they could influence food webs and net ecosystem carbon balance via priming or nutrient effects that destabilize background DOM. We investigated how addition of biolabile carbon (acetate) and inorganic nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) affected DOM decomposition with 28-day incubations. We incubated late-summer stream water from 23 locations nested in seven northern or high-altitude regions in Asia, Europe, and North America. DOM loss ranged from 3% to 52%, showing a …

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda, November 16, 2020, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• EPC Monthly Report
• Spring Calendar Update
• Course Fee Policy
• Dixie State Faculty Senate resolution to change university name
• Faculty Senate Meeting dates for Spring 2021
• Center for Student Analytics Student Insights Report
• USUSA Annual Report
• Faculty Forum Task Force
• Term Appointment Faculty Task Force
• Code 404.3.6 Changes/Final (first reading)

Beginning And Small Acreage Farms: Nonmotorized Tool Selection, Sheriden M. Hansen, Melanie Stock, Dan Drost, Katherine Wagner

All Current Publications

Farming on 2 acres or less can be challenging, especially when considering equipment selection. It is important to carefully consider the equipment options available. Tools should be cost-effective, task and operation appropriate, of high quality and durability, and provide labor savings. Appropriate equipment contributes to farm viability by enhancing labor efficiency and crop quality. This fact sheet briefly describes equipment beginning farmers commonly need or use on small farms.

Research And Publishing During Covid-19, Avery C. Edenfield, Annie Isabel Fukushima, Becky L. Thoms, Elizabeth Vargis, Christy M. Glass

Intersections on Inclusion: Critical Conversations about the Academy

This discussion will explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on scholarly research and publishing. Travel restrictions, retracted funding, delayed or halted projects, and an increase in caretaker and other personal responsibilities at home compound to create unprecedented challenges for producing and publishing research. Early indicators show women, those with significant unpaid care responsibilities, and members of minoritized groups have been disproportionately impacted. For graduate students and early career faculty who depend on research and publication for promotion and tenure, the stakes are especially high. Join our panelists for a conversation about the how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the …

The Utah Statesman, November 9, 2020, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan

Educational Policies Committee Minutes, November 5, 2020, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Subcommittee Reports

• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Other Business

• Calendar Committee – Spring 2021 Calendar
• Revised EPC/Curriculum Handbook
• Course Objectives
• Curriculog Justification Language
• Graduate School Updated
• IDEA Evaluations for 7-Week Courses

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda, November 5, 2020, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of 1 October 2020 Minutes

Program Proposals

• Correct the acronym from Police Officers Standards and Training to Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Offer an Associate of Arts in Art at the USU Eastern campus.
• Create a new Consulting Minor.
• Change the name of the Center for Persons with Disabilities to the Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice.
• Create a certificate of proficiency in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
• Discontinue the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Biology Ecology/Biodiversity as well as the Biology: Environmental Bachelor of Arts and Science emphasis.
• Discontinue the Biology: Environmental program.
• Change …

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes, November 5, 2020, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Approval of 1 October 2020 Minutes

Program Proposals

• Correct the acronym from Police Officers Standards and Training to Peace Officer Standards and Training.
• Offer an Associate of Arts in Art at the USU Eastern campus.
• Create a new Consulting Minor.
• Change the name of the Center for Persons with Disabilities to the Institute for Disability Research, Policy and Practice.
• Create a certificate of proficiency in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
• Discontinue the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Biology Ecology/Biodiversity as well as the Biology: Environmental Bachelor of Arts and Science emphasis.
• Discontinue the Biology: Environmental program.
• Change …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda, November 5, 2020, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

Subcommittee Reports

• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee

Other Business

• Revised EPC/Curriculum Handbook
• Course Objectives
• Curriculog Justification Language
• Graduate School Updated
• IDEA Evaluations for 7-Week Courses