Digital Commons Network^™

A Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo Approach To Uncertainty Quantification, Matthew Isaac

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is a framework used frequently in engineering analyses to understand how uncertainty in system inputs lead to uncertainty in the system output. An instability is observed in a UQ method proposed by Roy and Oberkampf and a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach to UQ is offered as an alternative. The Bayesian approach allows analysts to incorporate information from various available sources including observed measurements and expert opinion and to update the analysis and results as more information becomes available. An illustrative engineering example is provided as a platform to demonstrate the Bayesian UQ approach and to …

Load Forecasting Analysis Using Contextual Data And Integration With Microgrids Used For Off Grid Ev Charging Stations, Ashit Neema

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Electricity is an essential component of the smooth working of every sector. If a successful prediction of how much electricity will be required for say the next 24 hours or 48 hours can be made, it will not only help in efficiently planning the activities and operations but also help in minimizing the cost incurred. In this thesis the same is being attempted, first, a model is created that can predict the energy consumption of households using various tools available. To achieve this, historical data of the past 5 years that has been recorded in London has been used. Secondly, …

Improving Aquatic Habitat Representation In Utah Using Large Spatial Scale Environmental Datasets, Gregory C. Goodrum

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Rivers provide habitat for aquatic species, but widespread human water development degrades aquatic habitat, fragments stream networks, and threatens native fish populations. Habitat suitability models are commonly used to identify current instream habitat conditions, but are often species-specific, data-intensive, and rarely suitable to the large spatial scales required in conservation and water resources management. Thus, there is need to develop and validate habitat suitability models that provide ecologically-meaningful estimations of aquatic habitat, but are simple enough to apply at large geographic areas and flexible to incorporate different species. I tested the accuracy of 15 habitat suitability models estimating Bonneville Cutthroat …

Developing And Validating Stealth Assessments For An Educational Game To Assess Young Dual Language Immersion Learners' Reading Comprehension, Frederick J. Poole

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this multiple-paper dissertation is to design a digital game and stealth assessments within the game to assess young second language learners' Chinese reading proficiency. In Chapter 2 (Paper 1), I describe the game designed for this dissertation and how it was implemented in a dual language immersion classroom. This study found that the digital game and in-class implementation led to significant vocabulary and reading comprehension gains. Further, seven types of support that students needed while playing the game were identified. In Chapter 3 (Paper 2), I describe how educational data mining approaches, and more specifically, how data-driven …

Machine Learning Enhanced Free-Space And Underwater Oam Optical Communications, Patrick L. Neary

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Communications, bandwidth, security, and hardware simplicity are principles of interest to society at large. Recent advances in optics and in understanding properties of light, such as orbital angular momentum (OAM), have provided new potential mediums for communication.

Machine learning has wound its way into a broad range of fascinating areas. An emerging field of research is the use of a unique property of lasers called orbital angular momentum (OAM). With the proper hardware, a laser can go from a Gaussian shaped distribution to a doughnut shaped pattern, where the radius can be changed. Multiple OAM patterns, or modes, can be …

Greening-Induced Runoff Loss In The Western United States, Xueyan Zhang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study assessed how vegetation will influence long-term runoff trends across the western United States (western US) in the future. I used a land surface model with improved dynamic vegetation root processes to better quantify regional runoff trends across five regions (Upper and Lower Colorado, Great Basin, Pacific Northwest, and California). The model was driven by statistically downscaled and bias-corrected outputs from three global climate models under the Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Vegetation greening dominated significant transpiration increases that contributed most to increasing evapotranspiration across the western US, especially during spring and summer. Consistent with these trends, …

Massive Graviton Spectra In Supergravity, Kevin Dimmitt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Development of a unified theory of physics would pave the way for new research and technology development for many years to come. Unfortunately, the two best current theories explaining nature, the Standard Model of particle physics and general relativity, do not seem to be compatible, requiring the development of more complicated models which contains both of these at their respective limits. Supergravities are one set of theories which may, at least in part, provide hints as to how it may be possible to unify physics into a single model.

This research project follows from a line of investigation which the …

Soil Health Assessment On Arid Rangeland Soils Impacted By Oil And Gas Exploration, Development, And Extraction, Justin Allred

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Oil and gas well pad reclamation in arid environments such as in the Uinta Basin of Utah, presents unique challenges, including remote locations, limited water, and elevated soil salinity and sodicity. Successfully reclaimed Plugged and Abandoned (P&A) well pads should resemble the surrounding rangeland once fully reclaimed. Revegetation of native species is the primary indicator of successful reclamation, but the lack of water makes it challenging to re-seed native plants, while trying to prevent the encroachment of invasive plant species such as Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), Salsola tragus (Russian thistle), and Halogeton glomeratus (halogeton). Could successful reclamation be reflective of good …

Electron Emission And Transport Properties Database For Spacecraft Charging Models, Phil Lundgreen

Theses and Dissertations

Modeling the rate and likelihood of spacecraft charging during spacecraft mission is critical to determine mission length, proposed spacec­raft attitude, and spacecraft design. The focus of this work is the creation and utilization of a database of secondary electron yield (SEY) measurements for a host of materials to increase accuracy in spacecraft modeling. Traditional methods of SEY data selection for input into spacecraft charging codes typically include the use of compiled materials databases incorporated in charging codes or selecting values from a specific scientific study. The SEY database allows users to select data inputs based upon the details associated with …

Hodographic Analysis Of Na Lidar Data To Measure Atmospheric Gravity Wave Parameters, Jeffrey Ormsby

Physics Capstone Projects

The Utah State University Sodium lidar observatory, hosted in Science and Engineering Research building at Logan campus, measures the winds and temperature near the boundary of eddy diffusion dominated upper atmosphere between 80 and 110-km, where various atmospheric internal waves, especially atmospheric gravity waves (buoyancy waves), play important roles in the dynamics and chemistry. In this study, using a hodographic algorithm, the lidar data were analyzed to extract critical parameters of these gravity waves detected in this region, such as horizontal propagating phase velocity and wavelength. Results were compared with the independent Advanced Atmospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM) observations, co-located at …

Transient Thermal Modeling Of Bioprocessing Equipment, Cody M. Cummings

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Bioprocessing is leveraging cells to produce high value, lifesaving products. Precise environmental control is needed to maintain integrity of the bioprocessing production process. Temperature control requires both appropriate equipment choice and correct control parameter selection. To aid in the equipment selection process, enable better understanding of equipment capacity, and enable optimization of control parameters, a transient thermal model of both heat transfer characteristics and control systems was created in silico.

Teaching Students To Communicate With The Precise Language Of Mathematics: A Focus On The Concept Of Function In Calculus Courses, Derrick S. Harkness

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The use of precise language is one of the defining characteristics of mathematics that is often missing in mathematics classrooms. This lack of precision results in poorly constructed concepts that limit comprehension of essential mathematical definitions and notation. One important concept that frequently lacks the precision required by mathematics is the concept of function. Functions are foundational in the study undergraduate mathematics and are essential to other areas of modern mathematics. Because of its pivotal role, the concept of function is given particular attention in the three articles that comprise this study.

A unit on functions that focuses on using …

Minimum Induced Drag For Tapered Wings Including Structural Constraints, Jeffrey D. Taylor, Douglas F. Hunsaker

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

LIFTING-LINE theory [1,2] is the foundation for much of our understanding of finite-wing aerodynamics. Solutions based on lifting-line theory are widely accepted and have been shown to be in good agreement with CFD [3-10]. From Prandtl’s analytic solution to the classical lifting-line equation [1,2], the wing section-lift distribution can be expressed as a Fourier series of the form [11]

bL^~ (θ)/L = (4/π)[sin(θ) + Σ^∞_n-2 B_nsin(nθ)]; θ = cos^-1(-2z/b) (1)

where b is the wingspan, L^~ is the local wing section lift, L is the total wing lift, z is the spanwise …

Storm-Time Equatorial Thermospheric Dynamics And Electrodynamics, Luis A. Navarro Dominguez

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

We present the first complete study of the dynamics of the equatorial upper atmosphere (180-350 km) during periods of strong magnetic activity driven by the Sun, which are generally referred as geomagnetic storms. These storms have the potential to considerably affect satellite-based communications and navigation systems among other severe technological challenges. We used large databases of two of the most important parameters at these altitudes, which are the velocities of the neutral and ionized gas (plasma) referred to as neutral winds and plasma drifts. These measurements were acquired in the Peruvian equatorial region by the Jicamarca radar and by a …

General Catalog 2020-2021, Utah State University

University Catalogs

This catalog contains information on the Academic Departments and Programs as well as Course Descriptions for the above school year at Utah State University. To avoid large file downloads, the Academic Departments and Programs information is located in this file. The Course Description information is located in the secondary file.

Integrating Globally Dispersed Calibration In Small Satellites Mission Value, Afreen Siddiqi, Sheila Baber, Olivier L. De Weck, Chris Durell, Brandon Russell, Jeff Holt

Small Satellite Conference

The availability of earth observation (EO) data has rapidly increased from small satellite missions, however, there are often important deficiencies in its accuracy due to lack of calibration. If calibration is rigorously used with emerging sensors, there can be important improvements in reducing uncertainty with profound implications in use of remote sensing data for climate modeling, disaster recovery, and other applications. Here, a novel methodology for modeling the value of multi-spacecraft earth observation missions with globally dispersed calibration systems for frequent radiometric calibration of earth imaging sensors is presented. The mission value is quantified with a proxy metric, Effective Data …

Anti-Windup Compensator Approach To Nanosatellite Fault Tolerant Architecture, Ikechukwu Ofodile, Gholamreza Anbarjafari, Andris Slavinskis

Small Satellite Conference

Anti-windup (AW) compensator in this study is designed to work with control systems experiencing actuator saturation. While working with an existing controller, the AW compensator prevents degradation in performance during saturation and enhances the system to perform optimally after saturation. In addition, the fault tolerant capability of a proposed integrated fault tolerant architecture is studied with the AW compensator.

Exploring The Impact Of Musical Mnemonic Strategies On Student Achievement And Engagement In Inclusive Science Classes, Zinna Eaton

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

Students with disabilities often struggle with comprehending material and performing at grade level, and teachers often find new ways to help their students comprehend the curriculum. A common challenge for special education teachers is incorporating different learning styles and various instructional strategies to better assist their students. One teaching strategy and resource that many teachers incorporate is the use of music in their instruction. This research project examines how incorporating music teaching strategies into daily instruction impacts the level of engagement and the academic achievement level of sixth-grade students with and without mild/moderate disabilities within inclusive science classrooms. The study …

Visualizing Effects Of Changing Base Level On Tributary Resources In Lake Powell Reservoir, Madeline Friend

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

Lake Powell reservoir is the second-largest reservoir in the United States. As climate change reduces watershed runoff in the Colorado River Basin, questions arise about the management and even existence of Lake Powell. If lake levels continue to drop, what will the emerging canyon look like and what value will we assign it? Lake Powell traps all incoming fine sediment from the Colorado River, the San Juan River, and many smaller tributaries. What is the fate of this sediment under falling reservoir levels and how will it influence other resources? To support a robust public discourse, we provide an immersive …

Boron In The Pariette Wetlands, Uinta Basin, Ut, Palak Vasudeva

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Boron is a naturally occurring mineral in shale and coal beds formed in marine environments, as found in the Uinta Basin. Mining activity and the application of excess irrigation water on agricultural lands in the Pariette watershed lead to mobilization of B via surface run off. Water quality monitoring records from 2006- 2009 reported violations of Utah B standard for irrigation water 43-100% of the time, for water flowing through the Pariette Wetlands. This study aims to determine B distribution in abiotic (water, sediments) and biotic samples (macroinvertebrates, aquatic vegetation, fish, bird eggs), and to establish correlations between B concentrations …

Effect Of Plant Derived Tannins On Nitrogen And Carbon Cycling In Pasture Soils, Kathryn A. Slebodnik

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Pasture-finished beef has become increasingly popular, but nitrogen losses from these pastures are of concern. Legumes containing condensed tannins such as birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) may serve as environmentally and economically viable alternative forages in pasture finishing systems while reducing soil nitrogen loss. The goal of this project was to understand how tannin type and concentration affects soil nitrogen cycling both in the lab and the field. This thesis: 1) compared the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil samples obtained from grazed grass and tannin and non-tannin containing legume pastures, 2) …

Optimization Of Aileron Spanwise Size And Shape To Minimize Induced Drag In Roll With Correlating Adverse Yaw, Joshua R. Brincklow

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Most modern aircraft make use of modifying the main wing in flight to begin a roll. In many cases, this is done with a discrete control surface known as an aileron. The lift, drag, and moments for the wing are affected in part by the location and size of the ailerons along the length of the wing. The lift, drag, and moments can be found using a lifting-line theory that considers the circulation in airflow from many small sections of the wing. To minimize the drag due to lift on the wing, the ailerons must be optimized for the best …

Ecology And Economic Impact Of The Invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae; Halyomorpha Halys) In The Utah Agricultural Landscape, Zachary R. Schumm

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a major insect pest that causes economic loss to a diversity of U.S. fruit and vegetable crops, and invades homes and human structures, causing nuisance issues for homeowners. This destructive insect causes millions of dollars of crop damage annually, and is difficult to manage due to its resistance to some common insecticides. BMSB is a relatively new pest to Utah, and its biology and ecology is not well known in the high elevation, arid Intermountain West region. In Chapter II, I explored the potential impact of BMSB to tart cherry, an unstudied crop …

Facial Expression Recognition In The Wild Using Convolutional Neural Networks, Amir Hossein Farzaneh

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Facial Expression Recognition (FER) is the task of predicting a specific facial expression given a facial image. FER has demonstrated remarkable progress due to the advancement of deep learning. Generally, a FER system as a prediction model is built using two sub-modules: 1. Facial image representation model that learns a mapping from the input 2D facial image to a compact feature representation in the embedding space, and 2. A classifier module that maps the learned features to the label space comprising seven labels of neutral, happy, sad, surprise, anger, fear, or disgust. Ultimately, …

Automating And Analyzing Whole-Farm Carbon Models, Aditi Maheshwari

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The goal of this research is to learn about whole farm carbon models. A whole farm carbon model estimates the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) based on information for a farm. We analyzed two models, HOLOS whole-farm and COMET-Farm, by running the models on random inputs and building classifiers from the runs. HOLOS estimates GHG emissions for a particular year based on crop and animal agriculture input, while COMET-farm adds past and future farm management practices. Users of the models must manually enter farm data through a graphical user interface (GUI), which is a good method for a single farm, …

A Stratospheric Approach To Diagnose The North American Winter Dipole, Henrik Panosyan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It has been well established in the literature that the stratosphere is dynamically coupled with the troposphere during boreal winter. The North American Winter Dipole is comprised of an upper-tropospheric contrast between a ridge over western North America, and a trough over eastern North America. The variance of this circulation regime has increased in recent years, with its amplified states being associated with extremes ranging from drought and floods, to extreme cold air outbreaks. This study explores the stratospheric link to this extreme weather regime, in the hopes of ultimately improving the predictability of this regime on intraseasonal-to-seasonal timescales. We …

Social Justice Mathematical Modeling For Teacher Preparation, Patrick L. Seegmiller

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Today's math teachers face significant social and political challenges for which they receive little preparation. Mathematics content courses can potentially provide additional preparation in this regard by providing future teachers with experiences to mathematically explore social justice issues. This provides them with opportunities to increase their awareness and sensitivity to social justice issues, develop greater empathy for their future students, and serve as examples for high quality instruction that they can emulate in their future careers. This dissertation recounts the development and revision of three social justice mathematical modeling projects, and shares evidence from student work samples of the ways …

Evaluation Of Best Practices For Urban Water Conservation And Water-Smart Growth Implementation In Utah, J. Ivy Harvey Thomson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Policies and programs have been utilized throughout the United States (U.S.) to reduce water use as a strategy to ensure sufficient water supplies for future demand. As governmental leaders and policy makers face increasing freshwater scarcity and supply unpredictability, along with rising costs and decreased federal funding, Best Practices (BPs) in water conservation are increasingly important to facilitate decision-making in choosing which strategies to employ. This project uses policy analysis to review and summarize various BPs, referencing both academic and professional literature. National fixture efficiency standards enacted in 1992 are credited as among the leading factors reducing indoor water use …

Teaching The Engineering Design Process To High School Students By Implementing A Non-Traditional Engineering Capstone Course, Joseph Woodard

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

This plan B project is to showcase the implementation of an engineering design capstone course at a remote, rural public high school, in a non-traditional (after-school) format with a small group of students. The project documents successful strategies along with challenges that were learned from such an implementation of this course. Three high school students were supported in learning to solve an extended design challenge, in this case creating an augmented reality (AR) sandbox. The project shows how a capstone course can be utilized in teaching students to solve complex, ill-structured problems.

In this project, a manuscript was prepared for …

A Working Ideology For Graphic Design, Jeremy Nixon

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

This exhibition represents an experimental body of work completed for the Caine College of the Arts. It explores the interplay of explicit and implicit functions within semiotics, while simultaneously communicating the college’s messages and honestly representing my own aesthetic ideals. Through the treatment of these explorations I hope to create an aesthetic experience for the viewer. That stems from my own ideology – which consists of a myriad of conscious and subconscious beliefs – that make up who I am as a designer.

My conception of form arises from an essentialist approach to space and shape. This conception developed out …