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Education Policy Committee Minutes November 07, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes
• Subcommittee Reports
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00

The Utah Statesman, November 4, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Imitasd: Imitation Assessment Model For Children With Autism Based On Human Pose Estimation, Hany Said, Khaled Mahar, Shaymaa E. Sorour, Ahmed Elsheshai, Ramy Shaaban, Mohamed Hesham, Mustafa Khadr, Youssef A. Mehanna, Ammar Basha, Fahima A. Maghraby

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Autism is a challenging brain disorder affecting children at global and national scales. Applied behavior analysis is commonly conducted as an efficient medical therapy for children. This paper focused on one paradigm of applied behavior analysis, imitation, where children mimic certain lessons to enhance children’s social behavior and play skills. This paper introduces IMITASD, a practical monitoring assessment model designed to evaluate autistic children’s behaviors efficiently. The proposed model provides an efficient solution for clinics and homes equipped with mid-specification computers attached to webcams. IMITASD automates the scoring of autistic children’s videos while they imitate a series of lessons. The …

Prediction Of Turfgrass Quality Using Multispectral Uav Imagery And Ordinal Forests: Validation Using A Fuzzy Approach, Alexander Hernandez, Shaun Bushman, Paul Johnson, Matthew D. Robbins, Kaden Patten

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Protocols to evaluate turfgrass quality rely on visual ratings that, depending on the rater’s expertise, can be subjective and susceptible to positive and negative drifts. We developed seasonal (spring, summer and fall) as well as inter-seasonal machine learning predictive models of turfgrass quality using multispectral and thermal imagery collected using unmanned aerial vehicles for two years as a proof-of-concept. We chose ordinal regression to develop the models instead of conventional classification to account for the ranked nature of the turfgrass quality assessments. We implemented a fuzzy correction of the resulting confusion matrices to ameliorate the probable drift of the field-based …

Tremblings November 2024, Western Aspen Alliance

Tremblings

Aspen Stewardship With PBR

Paul C. Rogers, Director, Western Aspen Alliance, Adjunct Professor (Environment & Society), Associate (Ecology Center), Utah State University

How do we effectively piece together aspen science for better management? This question has been the nexus of the Western Aspen Alliance's (WAA) mission since our 2008 inception. If you participated in one of more than 40 WAA field-based workshops you can attest that evolving research findings from numerous interlacing disciplines makes for a challenging science-management landscape. However, this clear departure from historical and linear 'command and control' approaches, though demanding, incorporates vital multi-dimensionality (e.g., social, cultural, institutional …

When Connecting With Lgbtq+ Communities Helps And Why It Does: A Meta-Analysis Of The Relationship Between Connectedness And Health-Related Outcomes, G. Tyler Lefevor, Sydney A. Sorrell, Samuel J. Skidmore, Kiet D. Huynh, Rachel M, Golightly, Elanor Standifird, Kyrstin Searle, Madelyn Call

Psychology Faculty Publications

We conducted a multilevel meta-analysis of 390 effect sizes from 167 studies with 157,923 participants examining the relationship between connectedness with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) communities and health-related outcomes, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We conducted our initial search in January 2023 in APA PsycInfo, ERIC, Medline, and Open Dissertations, selecting studies that (a) measured LGBTQ+ community connectedness, (b) measured health, and (c) provided an estimate of the relationship between LGBTQ+ community connectedness and health. We found that connectedness with LGBTQ+ communities promotes mental health (r = .11), well-being (r …

Bells Of Ireland Cut Flower Production In Utah, Ali Harrison, Melanie Stock, Lorin Harrison, Amanda Pratt, Claudia Nischwitz, Nick Volesky

All Current Publications

Bells of Ireland, also known as shellflower, is an annual cut flower often used as greenery or as a filler. Its characteristic apple-green, bell-shaped blooms lend themselves well to both classic and modern floral designs. Considered a staple in a cut flower garden, fast-growing bells of Ireland are popular and profitable. This cut flower is also an excellent crop for early high tunnel production. Harvest can be staggered by pairing high tunnels with an unprotected summer field crop.

Thermal Straps: Aluminum 1235 Foil Qualification Summary, Holly Mortensen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) first developed thermal strap technology in 1994 when we designed, built, and tested the SABER instrument, which is still on orbit and has performed flawlessly since 2001. Since then, we have continued to pioneer solderless flexible thermal straps and supporting technologies.

SDL’s heritage thermal straps used aluminum 1145 foil, an extremely pure alloy that contains 99.45% aluminum content. Unfortunately, it is no longer readily procurable in the market. Aluminum 1235 is a very similar alloy with similar chemical composition and physical attributes, but more readily available than 1145.

This report documents the process and results in …

Socio-Demographic Disparities In Diet Quality Among Utah Residents, Palak Gupta, Lendel K. Narine

Transforming Communities

Diet quality significantly influences health outcomes, with socio-demographic factors playing a crucial role in shaping dietary behaviors. This study aims to investigate the dietary behaviors and socio-demographic characteristics of Utah residents, highlighting disparities in diet quality and the underlying factors contributing to these differences. Using a sample of 1,522 adults, data on socio-demographic characteristics, diet quality, and food expenditure were collected via an online survey in April and May 2023. The modified Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Shortened Version (REAP-S) was used to assess diet quality. Results indicate that respondents spent about 30% of their monthly income on food, reflecting a …

Educational Policies Committee Agenda November 7, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - October 3, 2024
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Program Proposals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda November 7, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - October 3, 2024
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews: https://usu.curriculog.com/
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

General Education Subcommittee Agenda November 7, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - September 5, 2024
• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• New Business
• Additional Items
• Adjourn: 9:30 am

Development And Testing Of A Fast-Acting, 8-Bit, Digital Throttle For Hybrid Rocket Motors, Stephen A. Whitmore

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The potential for throttle control of hybrid rocket systems has long been known as a potential advantage for a variety of applications. Because only a single flow path is controlled, theoretically, hybrids should be significantly easier to throttle than bipropellant systems. Unfortunately, the slow response times and nonlinearity of traditional position-control valves have limited practical applications of hybrid throttling. This paper presents an alternative throttling system where the oxidizer flow path is broken into multiple streams, with each flow path controlled by a solenoid-operated on/off valve. The parallel paths allow significantly faster and more precise control than can be achieved …

Zoographics In The Journal Of The Experimental Analysis Of Behavior: Increasing Inclusion Of Female Animals, Amy L. Odum, Kiernan T. Callister, Mariah E. Willis-Moore, Daniel S. Da Silva, David N. Legaspi, Lucy N. Scribner, Josephine N. Hannah

Psychology Faculty Publications

We examined the zoographics, or the characteristics of nonhuman animal subjects, reported for the entirety of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) through the most recent complete year (1958–2023). Animal sex in particular was evaluated to determine whether the lack of inclusion of female subjects in other disciplines extends to JEAB. Through systematic coding of all nonhuman empirical articles, we found consistent underreporting of most zoographics and a disproportionate use of male subjects relative to female subjects. Additionally, animal sex was commonly unreported and the inclusion of both male and female subjects was sparse. …

Cannabinoid-Inspired Inhibitors Of The Sars-Cov-2 Coronavirus 2′ -O-Methyltransferase (2′ -O-Mtase) Non-Structural Protein (Nsp10–16), Menny M. Benjamin, George S. Hanna, Cody F. Dickinson, Yeun-Mun Choo, Xiaojuan Wang, Jessica A. Downs-Bowen, Ramyani De, Tamara R. Mcbrayer, Raymond F. Schinazi, Sarah E. Nielson, Joan M. Hevel, Pankaj Pandey, Robert J. Doerksen, Danyelle M. Townsend, Jie Zhang, Zhiwei Ye, Scott Wyer, Lucas Bialousow, Mark T. Hamann

Chemistry and Biochemistry Student Research

The design and synthesis of antiviral compounds were guided by computationally predicted data against highly conserved non-structural proteins (Nsps) of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Chromenephenylmethanone-1 (CPM-1), a novel biphenylpyran (BPP), was selected from a unique natural product library based on in silico docking scores to coronavirus Nsps with high specificity to the methyltransferase protein (2′ -O-MTase, Nsp10–16), which is responsible for viral mRNA maturation and host innate immune response evasion. To target the 2′ -O-MTase, CPM-1, along with intermediate BPP regioisomers, tetrahydrophenylmethanones (TPMs), were synthesized and structurally validated via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and DP4+ structure …

Academic Standards Subcommittee Minutes October 28, 2024, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• COMMITTEE BUSINESS
• ACTION ITEMS

The Utah Statesman, October 28, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.

Climate Change And The Logan River: Past, Present, And Future, Mercy Smith, Kendall Becker, Scott Hotaling

All Current Publications

The Logan River runs through Idaho and northern Utah, beginning in the Bear River Mountains and flowing through Logan Canyon to Cutler Reservoir. The river is socially and ecologically significant to the Cache Valley community. Throughout its history, the Logan River’s water and energy have sustained life within the valley. However, climate change is threatening the Logan River’s support of both human and animal communities. Rising water temperatures and reduced flow caused by declining snowpack may impair the river’s ability to maintain healthy ecosystems.

The Primacy Of Density-Mediated Indirect Effects In A Community Of Wolves, Elk, And Aspen, Elaine M. Brice, Eric J. Larsen, Daniel R. Stahler, Daniel R. Macnulty

Aspen Bibliography

The removal or addition of a predator in an ecosystem can trigger a trophic cascade, whereby the predator indirectly influences plants and/or abiotic processes via direct effects on its herbivore prey. A trophic cascade can operate through a density-mediated indirect effect (DMIE), where the predator reduces herbivore density via predation, and/or through a trait-mediated indirect effect (TMIE), where the predator induces an herbivore trait response that modifies the herbivore's effect on plants. Manipulative experiments suggest that TMIEs are an equivalent or more important driver of trophic cascades than are DMIEs. Whether this applies generally in nature is uncertain because few …

Designing A Human-Centred Learning Analytics Dashboard In-Use, Riordan Alfredo, Vanessa Echeverria, Linxuan Zhao, Luettamae Lawrence, Jie Xiang Fan, Lixiang Yan, Xinyu Li, Zachari Swiecki, Dragan Gašević, Roberto Martinez-Maldonado

Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences Faculty Publications

Despite growing interest in applying human-centred design methods to create learning analytics (LA) systems, most efforts have concentrated on initial design phases, with limited exploration of how LA tools and practices can coevolve during the actual learning and teaching activities. This paper examines how a human-centred LA dashboard can be further refined and adapted by teachers while actively using it in a real-world scenario (i.e., design-in-use), beyond its intended design (i.e., design-for-use). We use instrumental genesis as a theoretical lens to analyze the temporary and permanent instrumentalization of design features and individual and collective instrumentation of the LA …

Differential Hepatic Expression Of Mirna In Response To Aflatoxin B1 Challenge In Domestic And Wild Turkeys, Kade Jorud, Kristelle M. Mendoza, Thomas Kono, Roger A. Coulombe, Kent M. Reed

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁) is a major foodborne mycotoxin that poses a significant economic risk to poultry due to a greater degree of susceptibility compared to other agricultural species. Domesticated turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are especially sensitive to AFB₁; however, wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris) are more resistant. A lack of functional isoforms of hepatic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), an enzyme that plays a role in the detoxification of aflatoxin, is suspected as the reason for the increased sensitivity. Previous studies comparing the gene expression of domesticated and wild turkeys exposed to AFB₁ identified …

Sunrise Propulsion Subsystem Leak Rate Measurement Methodology, Alex Kirkman, Brittany Woytko, Holly Walen, Bret Maughan

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

As part of the integration and testing for Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE), it was necessary to characterize the propellent leak rate of the fully assembled propulsion subsystem for each satellite to ensure compliance with performance requirements. SunRISE utilized a cold gas system for its propulsion subsystem, using R-236fa propellant inside a tank made from a monolithic 3D printed SLA material. It was not possible to accurately characterize the propellent leak rate via weight by measuring the mass loss from the tank. This is due to the SLA material having both a high absorbance rate of water in normal …

Origami And Kirigami-Inspired Sandwich Panels For Uam Primary Structural Applications, Kalyan Raj Kota, Juhyeong Lee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Foldcore sandwich panels (FSPs) provide highly tailorable structural and multifunctional performance over legacy sandwich panels made with honeycomb or foam cores. In FSP manufacturing, skins and foldcore are made from any flat sheets of unitary or hybrid materials, folded into a desired pattern. Two common folding mechanisms include origami and kirigami: origami core is involved with folding only, while kirigami core is associated with a strategic combination of folding and cutting. Material and core geometry can be determined to satisfy the applications’ performance requirements. Overall, origami- or kirigami-inspired FSPs have the potential to revolutionize the ways to design and …

Wing-Shaped Leading-Edge Stealth Composites Using An Over-Expanded Honeycomb Core And A Periodic Pattern Etched On Ni-Coated Glass Fabric For Lightning Strike Protection, Seonghaeng Heo, Hannah Jang, Shanigaram Mallesh, Dongjun Hong, Byeongsu Kwak, Juhyeong Lee, Youngwoo Nam

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper proposes an RF-stealth sandwich composite, designed in a leading-edge shape, using Ni-coated glass fabric and an over-expanded honeycomb core, which incorporates a highly conductive nickel-coated glass fabric for lightning strike protection. The presented structure was designed and fabricated using nickel-coated glass fiber, which effectively absorbs electromagnetic (EM) waves, and an SWCNT-coated over-expanded honeycomb core, which improves sheet resistance properties. The designed RAS was subjected to an artificial lightning strike with the waveform of component A. Pristine and damaged RAS specimens from the artificial lightning strikes were measured using a free-space measurement system. The fabricated RAS specimens demonstrated satisfactory …

Multiscale Analysis Of Thermal Barrier Coated Cfrp Composites Under Thermal Loading, Devin Nielsen, Trenton M. Ricks, Juhyeong Lee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are commonly used in high performance applications. Although offering several advantages (i.e., superior specific properties and improved structural rigidity), traditional CFRP composites often exhibit poor thermal stability due to a low matrix thermal decomposition temperature. The effective operating temperature of the CFRP composites can be raised by applying an outermost, protective thermal barrier coating (TBC) layer. Prefabricated high void content ceramic TBCs are ideal for composite applications due to their high thermal stability and relatively low thermal conductivity. In this paper, the thermo-mechanical response of the TBCCFRP composite laminate subjected to 500°C are assessed through …

A Home Dyer's Garden, Part Ii: Extracting Pigment From Japanese Indigo, Wesley Crump, Toree Park, Elizabeth Cohen

All Current Publications

Several indigo dyeing methods use powdered pigment. This fact sheet outlines a simple, inexpensive method of extracting the pigment from plants. For information on growing Japanese indigo or dyeing with plant and pigment, see the other fact sheets in the Utah State University (USU) Extension series A Home Dyer’s Garden, including Part I: Growing Japanese Indigo and Part III: Dyeing With Japanese Indigo.

A Home Dyer's Garden, Part Iii: Dyeing With Japanese Indigo, Wesley Crump, Toree Park, Elizabeth Cohen

All Current Publications

Dyeing with Japanese indigo grown in the home garden can be an exciting and satisfying way to incorporate gardening into more aspects of your life and create unique products for yourself and others. This resource provides information to those who would like to experience the process from growing the plant until the final dyed project and those who would like to purchase the pigment and use it for dyeing. After preparing the fabric, there are many ways to dye with indigo. Two well-established methods, accessible and achievable for the beginning dyer, are included.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Minutes October 21, 2024, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes
• University Business
• Faculty Senate Business
• Information
• EPC Report
• Report
• Academic Freedom and Tenure Annual Report
• Athletic Council Annual Report
• Library Advisory Council Annual Report
• Old Business
• New Business
• Adjourn: 3:28pm

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda October 21, 2024, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

• 3:00 Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes
• 3:05 University Business
• 3:20 Faculty Senate Business
• 3:35 Information
• EPC Report
• 3:55 Report
• Academic Freedom and Tenure Annual Report
• Athletic Council Annual Report
• Library Advisory Council Annual Report
• 4:05 Old Business
• 4:10 New Business
• Adjourn: 4:30 pm

The Utah Statesman, October 21, 2024, Utah State University

The Utah Statesman

Weekly student newspaper of Utah State University in Logan.