Digital Commons Network^™

Note-Taking And Science Inquiry In An Open-Ended Learning Environment, Yang Jiang, Jody Clarke-Midura, Bryan Keller, Ryan S. Baker, Luc Paquette, Jaclyn Ocumpaugh

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Note-taking is important for academic success and has been thoroughly studied in traditional classroom contexts. Recent advancements of technology have led to more students taking notes on computers, and in different situations than are common in traditional instructional contexts. However, research on computer-based note-taking is still an emerging area, and findings from these studies are mixed. In this exploratory study, we conducted multilevel analysis to comprehensively investigate the relationship between note-taking measures and subsequent student success at science inquiry among middle school students, using two scenarios of an open-ended learning environment named Virtual Performance Assessments. Analysis revealed an advantage for …

Generalist And Specialist Mite Herbivores Induce Similar Defense Responses In Maize And Barley But Differ In Susceptibility To Benzoxazinoids, Huyen Bui, Robert Greenhalgh, Alice Ruckert, Gunbharpur S. Gill, Sarah Lee, Ricardo A. Ramirez, Richard M. Clark

Biology Faculty Publications

While substantial progress has been made in understanding defense responses of cereals to insect herbivores, comparatively little is known about responses to feeding by spider mites. Nevertheless, several spider mite species, including the generalist Tetranychus urticae and the grass specialist Oligonychus pratensis, cause damage on cereals such as maize and wheat, especially during drought stress. To understand defense responses of cereals to spider mites, we characterized the transcriptomic responses of maize and barley to herbivory by both mite species, and included a wounding control against which modulation of defenses could be tested. T. urticae and O. pratensis induced highly …

Usu Engineering Professor Elected To Agu Fellowship | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

Veteran educator, engineer and hydrologist Dr. David Tarboton has been named a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.

Setting The Standard: Recommendations On "Launch Unit" Standard Smallsat Sizes Between Cubesats And Espa-Class, Carrie O'Quinn, Barbara Braun, Allison Taylor, Danielle Piskorz, Christopher Loghry, Jeffrey Kwong

Small Satellite Conference

Over the next ten years, more than 6000 SmallSats are expected to launch worldwide, an over six-fold increase from the previous decade. As the SmallSat market grows, launch remains the primary bottleneck to timely and affordable access to space. Just as the CubeSat form factor standardized the launch interface for CubeSats and allowed an ecosystem to flourish, SmallSat standards for satellites between 12U and ESPA-class size could have the same revolutionary impact on the industry. This paper explores the benefits of defining a “Launch Unit” standard for medium-class (25-200 kilogram) SmallSats and provides options for its development. Unlike the CubeSat …

Small Launch Vehicles - A 2018 State Of The Industry Survey, Warren Frick, Carlos Niederstrasser

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Improved Model For Low Cost Sun Sensor Attitude Filtering, Nicholas Digregorio

Small Satellite Conference

A new Sun sensor measurement model is designed and implemented in the attitude estimation system of a simulated spacecraft in low-Earth orbit (LEO) subject to environmental disturbance torques. This new measurement model remains compatible with all previous iterations of coarse Sun sensor hardware, it is merely the data processing that is different. Two Unscented Kalman Filters (UKF) are run in parallel onboard the simulated satellite – one filter using a standard Sun sensor measurement model and the other using the new measurement model. All other details and inputs to the two filters are identical. The results of the two attitude …

How Mother And Father Support Affect Youths’ Interest In Computer Science, Jody Clarke-Midura, Frederick J. Poole, Katarina Pantic, Chongning Sun, Vicki Allan

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Parental support is a predictor of children’s career interest and aspirations. However, mother and father support affects youth career choices differently. To understand how perceived mothers’ and fathers’ support affect career interest in computer science (CS), we developed two path models using both mother and father support gains to predict youths’ interest in CS. We hypothesized that perceived father’s and mother’s support would relate to youths’ interest in CS via youths’ perception of CS utility value as a mediator. We found that both mother and father support leads to interest in CS. However, father support was found to affect CS …

Stream Centric Methods For Determining Groundwater Contributions In Karst Mountain Watersheds, Bethany T. Neilson, Hyrum Tennant, Trinity L. Stout, Matthew P. Miller, Rachel S. Gabor, Yusuf Jameel, Mallory Millington, Andrew Gelderloos, Gabriel J. Bowen, Paul D. Brooks

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Climate change influences on mountain hydrology are uncertain but likely to be mediated by variability in subsurface hydrologic residence times and flow paths. The heterogeneity of karst aquifers adds complexity in assessing the resiliency of these water sources to perturbation, suggesting a clear need to quantify contributions from and losses to these aquifers. Here we develop a stream centric method that combines mass and flow balances to quantify net and gross gains and losses at different spatial scales. We then extend these methods to differentiate between karst conduit and matrix contributions from the aquifer. In the Logan River watershed in …

Achieving Small Satellite "Smart Space", Angel Vergara, Brian Kosinski Space, Aaron Rogers

Small Satellite Conference

There is an increasing proliferation of small satellite based solutions for diverse applications. There is an expectation to deliver mission success to match the steady upward trajectory of system performance. The present challenge facing the developer community is how to provide a balanced design approach that meets both the operational needs and practical imperatives of a small satellite solution, which can scale to constellation-level numbers, within commensurate programmatic constraints. Though functionally distinct, the drivers for government programs seeking complementary solutions to more traditional exquisite system acquisitions and “New Space” players desiring rapid ways to dependably build-out their space layer, all …

Qube - A Cubesat For Quantum Key Distribution Experiments, Roland Haber, Daniel Garbe, Klaus Schilling, Wenjamin Rosenfeld

Small Satellite Conference

In a world of global satellite communication networks, it is crucial to ensure the security of these data links. QUBE is a project that will develop and launch a CubeSat for the downlink of strongly attenuated light pulses, with encoded quantum information, which can be used for the exchange of encryption keys. This 3U Pico-Satellite will be built using the UNISEC-Europe standard, which has been proven to provide a robust framework for increased reliability for CubeSat missions. In addition to advanced reaction wheels for precision pointing, the satellite will be carrying the DLR-OSIRIS optical downlink system as well as dedicated …

Usu Student Organic Farm, Usu Student Organic Farm

USU Student Organic Farm Newsletter

Six weeks until the first frost date means we are done planting. We put in some beets and radishes today just on the off chance they’re ready in time for the final week of CSA shares (38 and 40 days to maturity, respectively). Otherwise, we’ve got fall broc­coli and kohlrabi in the ground, a new asian green called Shungiku (see the recipe be­low), rutabaga, fresh kale, and lettuce starts planted and on the menu for September.

A Population-Based Model Of The Temporal Memory In The Hippocampus, Sorinel A. Oprisan, Mona Buhusi, Catalin V. Buhusi

Psychology Faculty Publications

Spatial and temporal dimensions are fundamental for orientation, adaptation, and survival of organisms. Hippocampus has been identified as the main neuroanatomical structure involved both in space and time perception and their internal representation. Dorsal hippocampus lesions showed a leftward shift (toward shorter durations) in peak-interval procedures, whereas ventral lesions shifted the peak time toward longer durations. We previously explained hippocampus lesion experimental findings by assuming a topological map model of the hippocampus with shorter durations memorized ventrally and longer durations more dorsal. Here we suggested a possible connection between the abstract topological maps model of the hippocampus that stored reinforcement …

Watching The World Go By, Alex Da Silva Curiel, Nimal Navarathinam, Rachel Bird, Andrew Cawthome, Luis Gomes, Simon Prasad, Liam Sills, Martin Sweeting

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Remove Debris Mission, From Concept To Orbit, Ben Taylor, Guglielmo Aglietti, Simon Fellowes, Sean Ainley, Thierry Salmon, Ingo Retat, Christopher Burgess, Thomas Chabot

Small Satellite Conference

The RemoveDebris mission will be the first European Active Debris Removal (ADR) missions to give an in orbit demonstration of the viability of a series of cost effective technologies that can be used to observe, capture and destroy space debris. RemoveDebris is a low cost mission performing key active debris removal (ADR) technology demonstrations including the use of a net, a harpoon, vision-based navigation (VBN) and a dragsail in a realistic space operational environment. For the purposes of the mission two CubeSats will be ejected and used as targets for experiments instead of real space debris, which is an important …

Alternative Launch Funding For Student Nanosatellite Missions, Katie Gwozdecky, Stephen Dodge

Small Satellite Conference

Amateur aerospace projects are becoming commonplace in Canada including those developing small satellites. The greatest hurdle for teams developing these is often acquiring funding to launch. Current methods include crowdfunding and high volume corporate donation. The University of Toronto Aerospace Team’s Space Systems Division succeeded with an alternative: student levy funding. UTAT-SS passed a referendum to raise over $400,000 Canadian Dollars to fund the launch of the UTAT-SS nanosatellite, HERON Mk II. These funds may kickstart a launch program at the University, the first of its kind in Canada. This levy charges students $2.77 per semester, renewable every two years. …

Orbital Factory Ii: A 3d Printer Cubesat With Self-Repairing Purposes, Michael Everett, Angel Flores-Abad, Kazi Billah, Arifur Khan, Ahsan Choudhuri

Small Satellite Conference

A spacecraft in orbit might experience undesired events such as electron charges and debris impacts that can damage the solar cells. If this occurs, the Electric Power System of the CubeSat will fail to provide energy to the system, and as a result, the whole Satellite will be unable to keep operating. In 2016, the Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research of UTEP planned to develop a 1U small satellite (commonly termed CubeSat) that will 3D print a conductive trace to repair a damaged solar cell using additive manufacturing techniques. Such a CubeSat was proposed to the United Launch …

Tsat4: A Modular 3u Cubesat Characterizing Anabaena Cylindrica In Low Earth Orbit, Matthew Driedger, Morgan Taverner, Valorie Platero

Small Satellite Conference

TSAT4 is the fourth iteration of the University of Manitoba Space Applications and Technology Society’s 3U nanosatellite design with a decentralized modular systems architecture that supports a biological payload. The payload tests the effects of exposure to a low earth orbit (LEO) environment on the growth cycle of Anabaena cylindrica bacteria. In addition to providing a potential base tropic layer for more advanced biological experiments, Anabaena cylindrica has shown potential for use in bioreactors for spacecraft life support and food production. As such, detailed characterization of how their lifecycle is affected by the LEO environment will be an important factor …

Designing A Boosting Microthruster For Altitude Maintenance Of Picosatellites, Rishvinder Singh, Mohamed Kadir

Small Satellite Conference

More countries are relying on small satellites to conduct research in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). This has increased focus on developing microthrusters to counter atmospheric drag. This paper aims to design such a microthruster for the CubeSat to augment orbital lifetime and allow more meaningful space experimentation. This was done by first selecting an available microthruster design that met altitude boosting requirements. This design was then reconstructed with material changes, and tested for material suitability. A second design, with optimised geometry, was then conceptualised. This new microthruster will use 3,3(')-azobis(6-amino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine)-mixed N-oxides (DAATO3.5) as its solid propellant. However, due to import restrictions, …

The Active Cryocubesat Project: Testing And Preliminary Results, Lucas Anderson, Ryan Davidson, Charles Swenson, Arthur Mastropietro, Elham Maghsoudi, Simon Luong, Ian Mckinley, Stefano Cappucci

Small Satellite Conference

The Center for Space Engineering at Utah State University and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have jointly developed an active thermal control technology to better manage thermal loads and enable cryogenic instrumentation for CubeSats. The Active CryoCubeSat (ACCS) project utilizes a two-stage active thermal control architecture with the first stage consisting of a single-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop, which circulates coolant between a cold plate rejection heat exchanger and a deployed radiator. The second stage relies upon a miniature tactical cryocooler, which provides sub 110 K thermal management. This research details the experimental setup for a groundbased prototype demo which was …

Mission Quality Assurance Virtual Training And Certification Using The Nasa Academy Of Aerospace Quality, Alice Smith, Jeffrey Smith, Alejandro Teran-Somohano

Small Satellite Conference

Many educational entities are involved in developing space bound payloads. These payloads are designed, constructed and tested under diverse conditions and by largely “amateur” teams. The Academy of Aerospace Quality (AAQ) is an open-access online resource that provides quality assurance training to students and faculty involved in payload projects. AAQ’s goal is to provide assistance in assuring that payloads are “successful” from a quality standpoint. The NASA AAQ is also being used by other, non-academic entities. This paper describes the resources and functions available on the AAQ website and how they can be used by project teams to support the …

Small Satellites Contribute To The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Danielle Wood

Small Satellite Conference

The United Nations (UN) led the countries of the world to define and commit to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which identifies 17 goals toward improving life on Earth. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide the high-priority challenges for our generation in areas such as access to clean water, food security, poverty alleviation, health care, environmental sustainability and urban development. Space technology, including small satellites, can play a role in helping countries pursue the SDGs. Each goal includes a set of Targets countries are working to achieve by 2030. Each Target includes a set of indicators that define the …

Alaskan Marine Transgressions Record Out-Of-Phase Arctic Ocean Glaciation During The Last Interglacial, Louise Farquharson, Daniel Mann, Tammy M. Rittenour, Pamela Groves, Guido Grosse, Benjamin Jones

Geosciences Faculty Publications

Ongoing climate change focuses attention on the Arctic cryosphere’s responses to past and future climate states. Although it is now recognized the Arctic Ocean Basin was covered by ice sheets and their associated floating ice shelves several times during the Late Pleistocene, the timing and extent of these polar ice sheets remain uncertain. Here we relate a relict barrier-island system on the Beaufort Sea coast of northern Alaska to the isostatic effects of a previously unrecognized ice shelf grounded on the adjacent continental shelf. A new suite of optically stimulated luminescence dates show that this barrier system formed during one …

Immunogenicity And Protection After Vaccination With A Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara-Vectored Yellow Fever Vaccine In The Hamster Model, Justin G. Julander, Marco Testori, Cédric Cheminay, Ariane Volkmann

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The highly efficacious live-attenuated 17D yellow fever (YF) vaccine is occasionally associated with rare life-threatening adverse events. Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), a non-replicating poxvirus, has been used as a vaccine platform to safely deliver various antigens. A MVA-based YF vaccine (MVA-BN-YF) was tested with and without a non-mineral oil adjuvant in a hamster model of lethal YF disease and protective efficacy of this vaccine was compared with the 17D vaccine. The vaccine candidate MVA-BN-YF generated a protective response in hamsters infected with YFV that was comparable to protection by the live 17D vaccine. Similar levels of neutralizing antibody were …

A Non-Recoverable Hybridoma Limits The Production Of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Bovine Trophoblast Non-Classical Nc3*00101 Protein, Parveen Parasar, Amanda Wilhelm, William C. Davis, Kenneth L. White, Christopher J. Davies

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The non-classical MHC class I (MHC-Ib) proteins are important modulators of immune system during pregnancy favoring survival of the fetus. Contrary to ubiquitously expressed classical MHC-I proteins, MHC-Ib proteins are oligomorphic, and expressed in specific cell/tissue types thus minimizing maternal immune-mediated rejection of fetal-allograft and a successful pregnancy. A unique characteristic of MHC-Ib glycoproteins is expression of surface and soluble isoforms due to alternative splicing phenomenon. Bovine fetal trophoblast cells, during the third trimester of pregnancy, express non-classical bovine leukocyte antigen class Ib (BoLA-Ib) antigens. BoLA-NC3*00101, is a non-classical class I allele from cattle AH11 …

2018 Utah State University Student Orientation Guide, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

A special supplemental magazine provided by The Utah Statesman to take a closer look at some of the services and departments available at Utah State University.

What Resources Do School Librarians Use When Developing New Programming: A Qualitative Inquiry, Jennifer Hansen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

For this qualitative analysis, I analyzed observational and interview data from two middle school librarians setting up new active learning programs. I focused my research by analyzing the preliminary data gathered in field notes from observations at the different library sites to determine what programming resources the librarians were using. A secondary consideration was drawn from preliminary evidence, which indicated the librarians turned to many on and offline information resources, including the social curating site Pinterest. After gathering initial data from observations, I gathered additional data from two interviews: the first interview focused on where the librarians find information and …

An Experimental Comparison Of Student Motivation Between Two Computational Thinking-Based Stem Activities: Vex-Based Automation And Robotics And A Quadcopter Activity, Cory J. Ortiz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare student motivation between two junior high level computational thinking based STEM curricular activities. These two activities were a newly developed quadcopter based curriculum and a VEX based curricular activity developed for Project Lead the Way’s Gateway to Technology – Automation and Robotics course. Student motivation was assessed using an assessment called My Class Activities which broke motivation into four constructs: interest, challenge, choice, and enjoyment.

This study assessed students in three schools in a northern Utah school district. Students were assessed after receiving each curriculum. Assessment responses were then coded and analyzed. …

The Effects Of Cultural Diplomacy On Public Perception In Asia, Joseph R. Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Many states use their cultures to promote a positive image of themselves abroad. Some scholars argue that this can provide states with international benefits. However, other scholars point to cases where a foreign state’s cultural influence has led to nationalist backlashes and negative public reactions. In this paper, I examine how two common types of cultural diplomacy programs can influence how states are perceived abroad.

I first look at the promotion of pop culture products, such as books, movies, and music. Using survey data from 12 Asian countries, I find that an increase in cultural product imports from Japan, South …

A Modern Plague: U.S. Racial And Ethnic Vaccination Disparities During The 2009 H1n1 Influenza Pandemic, Andrew E. Burger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization announced that a novel strain of H1N1 influenza was being classified a Phase 6 pandemic, the highest level of alarm indicating that the disease was present worldwide and its spread was inevitable. While seasonal influenza epidemics occur annually, the 2009 H1N1 strain was the first novel pandemic influenza since the 1968 Hong Kong flu. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic provides a case study of how the U.S. population responded to an emergent and potentially lethal infectious disease. The richness and variety of public health data presents an opportunity to examine predictors of vaccination …

Homeless Social Service Workers As Street-Level Bureaucrats, Curtis Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Social service outreach workers serving homeless populations exemplify what Michael Lipsky calls street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) who exercise discretionary power in the performance of their professional roles. This dissertation draws on over 200 hours of ethnographic fieldwork in an urban center in the Mountain West to examine the challenges faced by homeless outreach workers and case managers in serving the needs of homeless clients and the practices they use to manage those challenges. Using a grounded theory analysis of participant observation and interview data, this dissertation focuses on what is termed “aggressive advocacy” in which social service SLBs creatively and actively …