Digital Commons Network^™

Production Tax Credits Promote U.S. Wind Power Development With A Rush To Develop Before They Expire, Michelle M. Arnold, Emily Richards, Brennan Bean, Rebekah Scott, Christopher L. Lant

Environment and Society Student Research

A statistical analysis of wind power development in each U.S. state from 2000–2022 shows that the Production Tax Credit strongly promoted wind power development, especially when it was due to expire, and producers rushed to qualify. This implies that the Inflation Reduction Act should also have an important effect in promoting wind power, with an exaggerated effect when developers perceive that tax credits will be discontinued. Physical wind power potential is positively related to wind power development among states. States with high potential selectively pass Renewable Portfolio Standards, but they have no statistically significant influence on capacity developed among the …

Raw Data Files Contributing To "Changes In Apoe And Timp-1 Expression Correlate With Outer Blood-Retinal Barrier Disruption In An In Vitro Model Of Retinal Aging", Elizabeth Vargis

Browse all Datasets

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Unfortunately, the early stages of this disease are poorly understood, which has led to limited treatment options. Investigating normal changes in tissues eventually affected by AMD can further elucidate the mechanisms of disease progression and lead to novel therapeutic targets. The primary cell layer affected in AMD is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB). Beneath the RPE lies Bruch’s membrane, a proteinaceous layer that naturally thickens and stiffens with age. These changes to Bruch’s membrane are also implicated in RPE dysfunction and AMD …

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Duck Valley And Pyramid Lake Indian Reservations, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on two Native American reservations in Nevada, the Duck Valley and Pyramid Lake Indian reservations. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers regarding optimal strategies, i.e., those which would maximize profits for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse).

Biostimulant Applications In Watermelon Production, Evan A. Christensen, Milena Oliveira, Youping Sun, Grant Cardon, Dan Drost

All Current Publications

Watermelon is a water-intensive vegetable crop that is sensitive to drought and requires adequate nutrient supply for good yield and fruit quality. It is an important vegetable crop grown on 142,000 acres in the United States and 586 acres throughout Utah. Utah experienced its driest year on record in 2020 during a five-year drought (2019 to 2023). This affected local ecosystems, including the Great Salt Lake, which experienced record-low water levels. The drought also negatively affected the agricultural sector, including watermelon growers. Higher-than-average fertilizer prices in recent years have also threatened watermelon production. Growing awareness of agriculture's water use and …

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Laguna Pueblo And Zuni Pueblo Indian Reservations, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Laguna Pueblo and Zuni Pueblo reservations in New Mexico. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers regarding optimal strategies, i.e., those which would maximize profits, for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse).

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On The Uintah And Ouray Indian Reservation, Kynda R. Curtis, Tatiana Drugova, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, the largest Native American reservation in Utah. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study that evaluated the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers on optimal strategies, i.e., those that maximize profits for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept risk (risk-neutral) or avoid it (risk-averse).

Coastal Conservation And Blue Carbon: Willingness To Pay For Changes To Nearshore Management In Oregon, Arthur Caplan, Marcelo Pignatari, Sarah Klain, Kreg Lindberg

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This paper reports results from a discrete choice experiment conducted with Oregon residents regarding possible policy changes in spatial management of nearshore habitat. We evaluate public preferences across several policy scenarios, each characterized by varying levels of marine reserve size (bounded areas where extractive activities are prohibited), coastal jobs generated or lost, and carbon sequestration by seagrass beds, tidal marshes and kelp forests(blue carbon habitat expansion), with models estimated in both utility and willingness to pay (WTP) space. Each of these attributes across all models displays positive, monotonic marginal WTP. Scenario analysis reveals that an “optimistic” policy package (+50 % …

Grow Your Own Microgreens, Stephen Beck

All Current Publications

This fact sheet reviews the steps and materials needed to grow microgreens, such as radish, broccoli, sunflower, or pea shoots. Microgreens are fast and easy to grow and a healthy addition to your diet.

Academic Standards Subcommittee Agenda January 15, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of December 18, 2025 minutes
• Discussion Topics:
• Continued discussion on the proposal to add Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) academic degree requirements
• Preliminary discussion of potential policy adjustments
• Incomplete grade policy
• Pass (P), D+, D, F Option policy
• Next Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Academic Standards Subcommittee Minutes January 15, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of December 18, 2025 minutes
• Topic 1
• Continued discussion on the proposal to add Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) academic degree requirements
• Topic 2
• Preliminary discussion of potential policy adjustments:
• Pass (P), D+, D, F Option policy
• Incomplete grade policy
• Next Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Academic Standards Subcommittee Agenda January 15, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Welcome and approval of December 18, 2025 minutes
• Discussion Topics:
• Next Meeting: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Nitrogen Dynamics And Use Efficiency In Pasture-Based Grazing Systems: A Synthesis Of Ecological And Ruminant Nutrition Perspectives, Bashiri Iddy Muzzo

Wildland Resources Student Research

Pasture-based ruminant systems link nitrogen (N) nutrition with ecosystem N cycling. Grazing ruminants convert fibrous forages into milk and meat but excrete 65 to 80% of ingested N, creating excreta hotspots that drive ammonia volatilization, nitrate leaching, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. This review synthesizes ecological and ruminant nutrition evidence on N flows, emphasizing microbial processes, biological N₂ fixation, plant diversity, and urine patch biogeochemistry, and evaluates strategies to improve N use efficiency (NUE). We examine rumen N metabolism in relation to microbial protein synthesis, urea recycling, and dietary factors including crude protein concentration, energy supply, forage …

Simulation Study On Nh3 Combustion And NoX Emissions Under Gas Turbine-Relevant Conditions, Kumeesha Arumawadu, Braxton Wiggins, Ziyu Wang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Ammonia (NH₃) is a zero-carbon fuel and an attractive hydrogen (H₂) carrier for gas turbine power generation due to its high energy density, ease of storage, and transportation. This study numerically investigates NH₃/air combustion using a hybrid Well-Stirred Reactor (WSR) and Plug Flow Reactor (PFR) model in Cantera at pressures of 1–20 atm, temperatures of 1850–2150 K, and equivalence ratios (ϕ) of 0.7–1.2. The effects of pressure, equivalence ratio, and temperature on NH₃ conversion and NO formation are examined. Results show that NH₃ exhibits a non-monotonic conversion curve with pressure after the …

Exploring Runtime Sparsification Of Yolo Model Weights During Inference, Tanzeel-Ur-Rehman Khan, Sanghamitra Roy, Koushik Chakraborty

Electrical and Computer Engineering Student Research

In the pursuit of real-time object detection with constrained computational resources, the optimization of neural network architectures is paramount. We introduce novel sparsity induction methods within the YOLOv4-Tiny framework to significantly improve computational efficiency while maintaining high accuracy in pedestrian detection. We present three sparsification approaches: Homogeneous, Progressive, and Layer-Adaptive, each methodically reducing the model’s complexity without compromising its detection capability. Additionally, we refine the model’s output with a memory-efficient sliding window approach and a Bounding Box Sorting Algorithm, ensuring precise Intersection over Union (IoU) calculations. Our results demonstrate a substantial reduction in computational load by zeroing out over 50% …

Civic Center Curriculum Committee Agenda January 13, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• New Business
• Coursedog Submission Deadlines
• Developing Guiding Principles
• Course Titles and Descriptions
• Adjourn: 10:00 am

Can I Freeze-Dry That? A Practical Guide To Safe And Effective Freeze-Drying, Victoria Carlile, Morgan Wayment, Jose Brandao

All Current Publications

Freeze-drying can preserve most everyday foods, but not all foods work well. Whether you are preparing for a long trip or are interested in long-term storage, it is important to know which food can be freeze-dried safely and which ones should not be attempted. This knowledge helps ensure food safety, quality, and success. This fact sheet provides information on how freeze-drying works, the risks involved, and which foods can be more challenging to freeze-dry.

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Misconceptions About Bees, Kaitlin U. Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

All Current Publications

Bees are fascinating creatures that play a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem health. However, misconceptions about bees are widespread. Understanding the facts about bees helps us appreciate their significance and take appropriate action to protect them. This fact sheet dispels common myths about bees and explains the facts behind the misconceptions.

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study evaluating the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers on optimal strategies, i.e., those that maximize profits, for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept (risk-neutral) or avoid risk (risk-averse).

General Education Subcommittee Agenda, January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• New Business
• Depth Courses and Engineering Discussion
• Additional Items
• Adjourn: 9:30 am

Curriculum Subcommittee Minutes January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Review
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

Educational Policies Committee Agenda January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 4:00 pm

General Education Subcommittee Minutes January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• Course Approvals/Removals/Syllabi Approvals
• New Business
• Adjourn: 9:30 am

Educational Policies Committee Minutes January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• Subcommittee Reports
• Curriculum Subcommittee
• Program Proposals
• Academic Standards Subcommittee
• General Education Subcommittee
• Center for Civic Excellence
• Other Business
• Adjourn: 3:25 pm

Curriculum Subcommittee Agenda January 8, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Approval of Minutes - December 4, 2025
• R401 - Program Proposals
• Semester Course Approval Reviews
• Other Business
• UCC and EPC Handbook updates
• Adjourn: 3:00 pm

A Suite Of Thermal Switches For Surviving Extreme Thermal Environments In Space, Matthew I. Ralphs, Matt Jensen, Alexis Eames, Matt Sinfield

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Thermal switches are a key enabling technology for spacecraft operating in extreme thermal environments. Whether surviving the lunar night, managing intermittent high-power loads from deep space communication systems, or dealing with other extreme thermal environments, high-performance thermal switches allow critical missions to operate beyond conventional thermal design limits. This paper presents the development, testing, and performance of a suite of passive thermal switches designed for both spacecraft- and subsystem-level thermal control. The suite includes: (1) traditional in-line switch placed between sensitive components and radiators; (2) compact designs suitable for integration into standard bolted joint interfaces to modulate the conductance between …

An Investigation Of A Mach 15 Flow Over A Blunt Wedge Using First-Principles Potential Energy Surfaces: Influence Of Wall Temperature, Paolo Valentini, Zach Davis, Maninder S. Grover, Nicholas J. Bisek

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The simulation of a Mach 15 air flow over a blunt wedge is conducted using the direct molecular simulation (DMS) method. Due to partial dissociation of the air mixture at the imposed free stream conditions, the shock layer contains N₂, O₂, NO, N, and O. All potential energy surfaces (PESs) used to model the various molecular interactions only describe electronic ground states energetics. Thus, no electronic excitation is modeled. An isothermal wall boundary condition is imposed, with full momentum and energy accommodation. Two wall temperatures are considered in this work, namely 1,000 K and 2,000 K. …

Hypersonic Non-Equilibrium Cfd And Dsmc Model Comparisons With The Varda Reentry Capsule, Jack D. Crespo, Paolo Valentini, Ashwin P. Rao, Zach S. Davis

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Nonequilibrium aerothermodynamic modeling of the Varda hypersonic testbed capsule is conducted with direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers. Flowfield properties at the 78 km reentry trajectory point are extracted to compute line of sight spectral radiance using two radiative emission codes, namely HARA and NEQAIR. Computed spectra are compared to spectral radiance measured by an in situ optical emission spectroscopy payload flown on Varda’s W-2 capsule in 2025. Model comparisons to the experimental data reveal discrepancies between the HARA and NEQAIR radiative emission predictions in both overall magnitude and qualitative behavior. NEQAIR was found to …

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Thermal Control System: Review Of On-Orbit Performance, Matthew I. Ralphs, Mike Holt

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

This paper reviews the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) detector thermal control system’s (TCS) performance for over two years of operation on the Internation Space Station (ISS). The TCS employs active thermal control for the InGaAs detectors with thermoelectric coolers (TEC). Each of the four detectors are controlled by a dedicated TEC at a nominal setpoint of -30°C, with heat transported away via low-mass, high-conductance pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS) thermal straps into a nickel-plated copper conductor bar. A bi-directional radiator with Silver Teflon ensures an unobstructed view that can radiate the heat away to space. Titanium isolators decouple the detectors from …

Women In The Workplace In 2025: Utahns' Awareness, Understanding, And Attitudes, Susan R. Madsen, April Townsend

Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications

During the fall of 2023, Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) researchers conducted a statewide study to establish a baseline for public perceptions related to the awareness, understanding, and attitudes about challenges that Utah women and girls face. In early 2024, we published 20 short research summaries¹ that shared the results of this comprehensive study (see Nos. 9–28). Next, in the fall of 2024, we administered this survey, with slight changes, around the state of Utah for the second time. Six comprehensive research white papers were then published on the results (see Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and …

Civc Curriculum Committee Minutes January 7, 2026, Utah State University

Educational Policies Committee

• Call to Order
• New Business 
• Adjourn: 10:02 am