Digital Commons Network^™

Army Space Education: Closing The Gap With Operational Space , Thomas Pugsley

Small Satellite Conference

The Army has made great strides over the last decade to secure a solid foothold and reputation in the space community. Army space professionals have finally gained equity among their peers in the operational space community, and today we see a truly joint space cadre, dedicated to solving tough problems as a team. Unfortunately, the Army has done very little to try to gain equity with its peers concerning space education. This paper outlines the current state of Army Space education, attempting to identify the inequity of space education programs between the services, the impact of this iniquity, as well …

Frequency Reconfiguration Of A Small Array Enabled By Functionalized Dispersions Of Colloidal Material , Sean Goldberger, Frank Drummond, Rachel Anderson, Joel Barrera, Amy Bolon, Stephen Davis, Jamie Edelen, Justin Marshall, Cameron Peters, David Umana, Gregory Huff

Small Satellite Conference

This paper will discuss the performance and adaptability of a microfluidic reconfiguration mechanism in a small array. Discussion will also include its ability to reduce system degradation resulting from complexity and physical limitations incurred from the close spatial proximity of bias/control systems on or near the antenna. Implementation of the microfluidic mechanism can reduce or mitigate the interactions between individual mechanisms within the aperture and increase the competitiveness of microfluidics over current state-of-the-art. Research at Texas A&M University in conjunction with the Space Engineering Institute, has developed a novel frequency reconfiguration system for antennas using electromagnetically functionalized colloidal dispersions (EFCDs). …

The Iris Nanosatellite For Autonomous Multi-System Responsive Space Operations And High Spectral Resolution Earth Imaging, Erin Beck, Christopher Kitts, Jose Cruz, Alexander Fischer, Steven Li, Anothony Young

Small Satellite Conference

Santa Clara University's Robotic Systems Laboratory is developing the Intelligent Responsive Imaging Spacecraft (IRIS) for autonomous multi-system responsive operations and high spectral resolution Earth imaging. IRIS will interact with an extended system of land, sea, air, and space-based robotic and human elements to observe transient events on the ground. Specifically, IRIS will provide critical imaging and communications services to detect, monitor, and respond to harmful algal blooms in shallow water regions. Students are responsible for all aspects of development. This paper will describe the mission concept and its use of advanced small satellite technologies to perform multi-system responsive space operations.

Thin Wire Nucleate Boiling Of Water In Sustained Microgravity, Justin Koeln

Small Satellite Conference

The advancement of small satellite technology relies on the development of effective thermal management systems that can be made smaller, safer, and more robust. This paper presents the results and analysis of a nucleate boiling experiment in sustained microgravity aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor (STS-108). Bubble growth and departure were observed from a single and a braid of three 0.16 mm diameter and 80 mm long nickel-chromium resistive wires. Analysis showed that the braided wire provides a unique surface configuration to enhance the onset of boiling. The braid of wires was also observed to produce several bubble explosions; this is …

Sattherm: A Thermal Analysis And Design Tool For Small Spacecraft , Cassandra Allison, Millan Diaz-Aguado, Belgacem Jaroux

Small Satellite Conference

Small spacecraft have become an attractive alternative for a significant class of space missions. They have the potential to provide valuable science data with shorter development times and at a reduced cost over traditional multi-instrument spacecraft. However, many of the legacy tools used for spacecraft design and analysis have considerable cost and complexity that are not suited to small spacecraft and their associated short development cycles. SatTherm is an alternative thermal analysis tool specifically developed for small spacecraft as a collaborative effort between the Mission Design Center at NASA Ames and San Jose State University. It is intended to be …

Electrochromic Thermal Manager For Mini, Micro And Nano Satellites, Hulya Demiryont, Kenneth Shannon Iii, Elwood Agasid

Small Satellite Conference

The thermal environments of satellites, in general, and futuristic mini, micro, nano and pico satellites, in particular, are in a constant state of flux. Each satellite houses valuable equipment having specified temperature limits and a range of heat generation rates. In order to maintain all equipment within operational temperature in this continuously temperature changing environment, an active thermal control system is required. Weight, size and energy requirements of the thermal controller of a satellite are a major challenge especially in light of the trend toward diminishing satellite size. In this paper, we present an active thermal manager capable of controlling …

Initial Flight Results From The Pharmasat Biological Microsatellite Mission, Christopher Kitts, Karolyn Ronzano, Richard Rasay, Ignacio Mas, Jose Acain, Michael Neumann, Laura Bica, Paul Mahacek, Giovanni Minelli, Erin Beck, Steve Li, Brian Gamp, Seamus Agnew, John Shepard, John Hines, Elwood Agasid, Charlie Friedericks, Matthew Piccini, Macarena Parra, Linda Timucin, C. Beasley, Mike Henschke, Ed Luzzi, Nghia Mai, Mike Mcintyre, Robert Ricks, Antonio Ricco, David Squires, Greg Yost, Defouw, Aaron Schooley, Diana Ly, Millan Diaz-Aguado, Eric Stackpole, Orlando Diaz, Tammy Doukas

Small Satellite Conference

The mission of the PharmaSat biological microsatellite is to investigate the efficacy of anti-fungal agents in the spaceflight environment. The satellite uses autonomous, in situ bio-analytical and sample management technologies in order to culture and characterize the growth of multiple samples of yeast, which are exposed to differing levels of an anti-fungal agent during their growth cycle. The satellite uses a 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm Cubesat-class structure with body-mounted solar panels, an ISM-band transceiver, and a simple PIC-class microcontroller for the main flight computer. PharmaSat was launched on May 19 , 2009 from Wallops Flight Facility …

Stein (Suprathermal Electrons, Ions And Neutrals), A New Particle Detection Instrument For Space Weather Research With Cubesats, D.L. Glaser, J.S. Halekas, P. Turin, D.W. Curtis, D.E. Larson, S.E. Mcbride, R.P. Lin

Small Satellite Conference

The Space Sciences Laboratory at UC Berkeley is proposing a 3U CubeSat mission, the CubeSat for Ions, Neutrals, Electrons, and MAgnetic fields (CINEMA), to be funded by the NSF Space Weather CubeSat program and Kyung Hee University, S. Korea. CINEMA will have a particle detector called STEIN (SupraThermal Electrons, Ions, and Neutrals), part of a new breed of highly capable, low mass, and low power consumption silicon semiconductor detectors (SSDs). STEIN will measure particles in the ~2-100 keV range and distinguish between electrons, ions and neutrals up to ~20 keV. It will perform fundamental research on magnetic storms and the …

Incorporating A Test Flight Into The Standard Development Cycle , Steve Wichman, Mike Pratt, Spencer Winters

Small Satellite Conference

What could be called a Catch-22, or at least a thorny obstacle, exists in the standard development cycle. A component does not get into space until it’s proven, and it’s not proven until it gets into space. Of course, this is not absolute, but a gray area nevertheless exists in this aspect of the development cycle. This paper proposes the insertion of a test flight into the standard development cycle and, in the process, will detail the logistics, options, and costs associated with such a proposal. Finally, it will outline the ways in which customers—those purchasing new technologies—can use the …

Educational Policies Committee Program Proposal, College Of Natural Resources, July 16, 2009, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

No abstract provided.

Selective Herbivory By The Desert Woodrat (Neotoma Lepida) On Joshua Trees (Yucca Brevifolia), Monte P. Sanford, Nancy Huntly

Biology Faculty Publications

We studied herbivory by the desert woodrat (Neotoma lepida) on Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) in the Mojave Desert to determine whether N. lepida fed selectively based on leaf nitrogen content. We measured leaf nitrogen content and the location and amount of herbivory by woodrats on Y. brevifolia trees in southwestern Utah, USA. Neotoma lepida removed the outer tips of leaves (1/3 to 2/3 of total leaf length) but left leaf bases, which had lower nitrogen content, uneaten. Herbivory by N. lepida also was concentrated on rosettes that were oriented south, and these had significantly higher nitrogen …

Small Acreage Irrigation System Selection, James V. Barnhill, Robert W. Hill, Ronald Patterson

All Current Publications

Irrigation has been an essential part of Utah’s agricultural production since pioneer days. Utah’s 1.3 million irrigated acres are primarily watered with surface irrigation methods.

Effects Of Creep Supplementation While Grazing Improved Irrigated Pastures, A. F. Summers

All Current Publications

This publication describes results of a study of creep supplementation versus grazing among calves.

What Drives Decomposition Rates Of Coarse Woody Debris (Cwd)?, Steffen Herrmann, Jurgen Bauhus

North American Forest Ecology Workshop

Currently increasing efforts are made to manage CWD as a habitat component and a carbon store in forest ecosystems. For this a basic understanding of patterns and rates of dead wood decomposition in different forests is crucial. The decomposition rate of CWD is mainly dependent on climatic (wood temperature, wood moisture) and substrate specific (tree species, decay stage, diameter) variables. Here, we analysed the influence of these factors using a combined approach. 1) We assessed the decay rate of Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in three diameter classes (10-20 cm, 20-40 cm, >40 cm) along a climatic/altitudinal gradient …

Potential Effects Of Climate Change On Mixed Severity Fire Regimes, Jessica Halofsky, Dave L. Peterson

North American Forest Ecology Workshop

The frequency, severity, and extent of wildfire are strongly related to climate, and increasing temperatures with climate change will likely lead to changes in fire regimes in many types of ecosystems. Increased spring and summer temperatures with climate change will result in relatively early snowmelt, lower summer soil and fuel moisture, and longer fire seasons in the West. These conditions will lead to increased fire frequency and extent. Higher temperatures may also interact with vegetation and fuel characteristics to increase fire intensity and severity. Mixed severity fire regimes may be uniquely influenced by these climate-induced changes in the frequency, extent, …

A Post-Fire Index For Describing Mixed Severity Outcomes After Wildfire, Theresa Jain, Russel T. Graham, David S. Pilliod, Leigh Lentile

North American Forest Ecology Workshop

Kimmins (1997) argues that “words” and their correct usage are important and that the “careless use of language often causes confusion and misunderstanding and is a factor in many conflicts.” The public often lacks the technical knowledge to understand and interpret the use of inconsistent terminology and each discipline within resource science and management has developed their own definitions and application of specific terms. The fire community is no different. The only consistent component in the fire literature is the interchangeable use of the terms fire intensity, fire severity, and burn severity. Moreover, within each of these definitions, the terms …

Comparison Of Ambient Ammonia Measurement Techniques From Dairy Area Sources, Emyrei Reese, Randal S. Martin, Cassi Going, Eve Fowels, Ron Sheffield, Mario De Haro Marti

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Previous studies of ag-related NH3 concentrations and/or emissions have used a variety of techniques, with very few studies offering adequate instrumental comparisons. In the fall of 2007, NH3 concentrations/emissions were monitored for a one week period at a waste treatment lagoon on a 6000-cow dairy in Idaho using five separate methodologies. Up to twenty-five Ogawa passive samplers were dispersed around the perimeter of the lagoon, with a concentrated bank of samplers arrayed along the predicted downwind side of the facility. A URG acid/base gas denuder system, assembles with three series denuders configured for NH3 collection, was collocated at a single …

Stand Density In South Florida Tropical Forests: Implications For The Function And Management Of Everglades Tree Islands, M. Ross, P. L. Ruiz, J. P. Sah, L. Lopez, N. Colbert

North American Forest Ecology Workshop

Within the continental US, the broadleaved forests of south Florida are exceptional in the abundance and diversity of tree species of tropical origin. Dry tropical forests are regionally most extensive in the upper Florida Keys, but are also represented on the mainland as fragments on limestone rocklands, and as “tree islands” embedded in the Everglades marsh. The exposed Everglades tree islands have a history of human use reaching back thousands of years, and are subject to frequent disturbance from tropical storms and hurricanes. They are sensitive to the hydrology of the surrounding marsh, which can lead to gradual changes in …

Aspen Ecology In The United States: Recent Advances And Future Needs, Paul C. Rogers

North American Forest Ecology Workshop

This presentation (along with a similar Canadian perspective) will offer a context for subsequent papers in the Advances in North American Aspen Ecology session. Collectively, we hope to outline major areas of research in North America, especially as they relate to perceived management needs. There is a long and rich history of ecological research in aspen systems of the United States. Probably the most striking long-term change, from a managerial perspective, has been a shift toward biological benefits of aspen as opposed to past avoidance, or even active denudation, of these systems in favor of more commercial species. This talk …

Year Five Annual Report: Activities, Findings And Evaluators' Reports, Ncete Faculty

Reports to NSF

The National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) received funding from the National Science Foundation on September 15, 2004. Originally NCETE proposed the following goals for the Center: • To build capacity in graduate education and develop a new cadre of leaders who are engaged in research, teacher preparation, and professional development with the knowledge and skill to integrate engineering into technology education • To conduct research in how students learn engineering and technological concepts; how students learn design and problem solving, assessment and evaluation strategies; and how best to prepare technology teachers • To refocus technology teacher education …

Concentrations Of Selenium And Mercury In Eared Grebes (Podiceps Nigricollis) From Utah’S Great Salt Lake, Usa, Michael R. Conover, Josh L. Vest

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

We examined selenium and mercury concentrations in eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) that spent the fall of 2006 on the Great Salt Lake (UT, USA), where their diet consisted mainly of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana). Selenium concentrations in livers varied based on when the grebes were collected (lower in September [mean ± standard error, 9.4 ± 0.7 μg/g dry wt] than in November [14.5 ± 1.4 μg/g]), on where the birds were collected on the Great Salt Lake (Antelope Island, 8.6 ± 0.5 μg/g; Stansbury Island, 15.2 ± 1.4 μg/g), and on the grebe's age (juveniles, 8.5 ± 1.5 μg/g; adults, …

Utah’S Adaptive Resources Management Greater Sage-Grouse Local Working Groups Accomplishment Report 2008, Utah State University

All Current Publications

No abstract provided.

Feminism, Globalism, And Leadership: How Women Make A "Worldly" World, Scott C. Hammond, Susan R. Madsen, Jory Jensen

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

The influx of women into leadership, management, and idea leader roles is clearly one of the significant aspects of globalization over the last 50 years. While women are still underrepresented in global business and politics, their influence on reconceptualizing leadership models is undeniable. While it would be difficult to precisely determine a “feminist” perspective on leadership, idea leaders such as Follett, Kanter, and Wheatley have influenced the concept and practice of leadership beyond any gender construct. The unique themes within their work are present in the global dialogue that is reframing how we think about leadership. This paper will discuss …

A Paul Trap Mass Analyzer Consisting Of Two Microfabricated Electrode Plates, Brett J. Hansen, Zhiping Zhang, Ying Peng, Ivan W. Miller, Miao Wang, Milton L. Lee, Aaron R. Hawkins, Daniel E. Austin

Utah Space Grant Consortium

We report the design and performance of a novel radiofrequency (RF) ion trap mass analyzer, the planar Paul trap, in which a quadrupolar potential distribution is made between two electrode plates. Each plate consists of a series of concentric, lithographically deposited 100-micrometer-wide metal rings, overlaid with a thin resistive layer. To each ring is applied a different RF amplitude, such that the trapping field produced is similar to that of the conventional Paul trap. The accuracy and shape of the electric fields in this trap are not limited by electrode geometry nor machining precision, as is the case in traps …

Histogram Classification Of Acoustic Breath Sounds, Bryce E. Hill, Douglas Christensen

Utah Space Grant Consortium

A novel approach to classifying sounds recorded at the trachea is introduced. The sounds in question are normal breath sounds and snore sounds. The sounds are classified by a the combination of a histogram classifier and a repeated pulse counting classifier. Individually the classifiers performed poorly, but when used together they performed quite well. This is an ongoing study into developing an acoustic respiratory monitor.

What Is The Latest On Endangered Species Changes?, Bryan Arroyo-Vazquez

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

I address whether the new Administration will impact the Endangered Species Act. In general, the regulations under the Act have not changed and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will continue operating under the same statutory and regulatory framework as in the past. We focus on making the act work better and are working on a strategic plan to 1) focus species recovery actions strategically and 2) to avoid the need to list species by conserving them. Also addressed in this paper is climate change and its impacts on wildlife and its habitats.

A Field-Test Of Rhodamine B As A Biomarker In Raccoons, Tricia L. Fry, Tara E. Baranowski, Brandi D. Hughey, Mike R. Dunbar

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Rhodamine B is a dye that when ingested results in fluorescent bands in growing hair and whiskers of many mammals. Previous research at Wildlife Services’ (WS) National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) found that rhodamine B is a successful biomarker in raccoon whiskers and that raccoons do not have a taste aversion to the dye when it comprises ≤ 3% of a bait. Our study assessed the ease of bait distribution, whisker collection, and evaluation of the biomarker for potential use in the Oral Rabies Vaccination (ORV) program administered by the WS National Rabies Management Program (NRMP). In collaboration with WS …

Genetic Analysis Of Population Dynamics Of The Southeastern Coyote (Canis Latrans), D. Dennis, J. Armstrong, W. Arjo, K. Brock, A. Piaggio

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been extremely successful in dispersing and expanding their range that now includes all fifty states of the United States in addition to Canada and parts of Central America. These animals have generally been considered a pest species due to their adaptive ability, high reproductivity, and impact as a top predator on commercial agricultural business. Population dynamics of coyotes is still poorly understood, yet such knowledge would be beneficial to management of coyotes in all areas. The goal of this study is to determine population structure in Alabama by using microsatellite DNA markers. In addition …

Managing Meadow Vole Damage On A Natural Area Restoration Site, R. Collins, L. Humberg, G. Witmer, H. Forgione, J. Mclaughlin

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) can cause extensive damage to nursery and orchard plantings when food is scarce. Historically, significant research has been devoted to managing vole populations in agricultural or horticultural settings. Restoration of a former New York City municipal landfill to a native ecosystem has been hampered due to expanding vole populations. Due to location and sensitivity of the site, traditional methods of managing vole populations were restricted. In the fall of 2008 zinc phosphide-treated oats were applied to the site using PVC bait stations. Snap-trapping efforts indicate that the use of bait stations and zinc phosphide …

Viral Disease Surveillance In Select Wildlife Populations In Mississippi, Amanda R. Deese, Richard B. Minnis

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Raccoons and opossums are quickly becoming a common sight in urban areas, providing a higher risk of human exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Feral swine are also becoming more common and problematic for many. We conducted serological surveys for avian influenza (AI), West Nile virus (WNV), rabies virus (RV), and canine distemper virus (CDV) in raccoons (n=119), opossums (n=126), and feral swine (n=105) in two regions of Mississippi. Raccoons had antibodies to all four viruses, while feral swine had antibody responses to WNV and opossums exhibited responses to WNV and RV. Active wildlife disease surveillance is a vital aspect of wildlife …