Digital Commons Network^™

A Case Study Examining The Structure Of The Event Process At California Polytechnic State University, Ryan R. Baker

Master's Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine the structure of the event process on Cal Poly’s campus. An intrinsic case study method was used, and data were collected and analyzed using triangulation from three sources of information: documents, interviews, and participation research. Overall, the structure of the event management process on campus was found to be stable, but could use improvement. Cal Poly should consider establishing a specific, designated organization that would help centralize the event management process at Cal Poly. This organization could be in charge of training and updating event managers, approving events, monitoring volume of events …

The Effects Of Weld Thermal Cycles On Additively Manufactured 316l Stainless Steel, Hajime Yamanaka

Master's Theses

To address the size limitation of the powder bed fusion system in additive manufacturing, the welding properties of 316L stainless steel manufactured by SLM 125HL are investigated by conducting hot ductility test and nil strength temperature (NST) test with a physical thermal mechanical simulator, Gleeble. In this study, the print orientations (Zdirection and XY-direction) and the laser patterns (stripe and checker board) are studied. In NST test, the orientation showed a statistical significance in NST: Z-direction was 1384°C and XY-direction was 1400°C. In hot ductility test, all of ductility curves show similar behaviors: hardening region, recrystallization region, and liquation region. …

A Cubesat Orbital Test Platform For An Electrothermal Plasma Micro-Thruster, Sean L. Crowley

Master's Theses

As the viability and capability of CubeSats increases, a demand for propulsion systems is becoming apparent. The limitations put forth in the ``CubeSat Design Specifications" and the additional difficulties of low available Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) for propulsion systems aboard CubeSats have left a technological gap that many are trying to fill. One class of propulsion, micro-propulsion systems, fills this gap nicely as they generally have low size and weight with a reasonable amount of power draw. Many can function for reasonable lifetime scales utilizing pressure vessels under one atmosphere and less then 100 watt-hours of stored chemical energy …

Analysis Of The Effects Of Adaptive Ramp Metering On Measures Of Efficiency With A Proposed Framework For Safety Evaluation, Jacky Loh

Master's Theses

Adaptive ramp metering (ARM) is a widely popular intelligent transportation system (ITS) tool that boasts the ability to reduce congestion and streamline traffic flow during peak hour periods while maintaining a lower implementation cost than traditional methods such as freeway widening. This thesis explores the effectiveness of ARM implementation on an 18 mile segment of the Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor in the Bay Area residing in northern California. Smaller segments of this particular segment were analyzed to determine the effective length of ARM on efficiency at various lengths originating from a known bottleneck location. Efficiency values were also compared against …

Carbonate Chemistry Characterization In A Low-Inflow Estuary With Recent Seagrass Loss, Jolie Higgins

Master's Theses

Estuaries are dynamic environments that are strongly affected by natural variability, as well as direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts. A better understanding of the drivers of carbon fluxes and biogeochemical variability in estuarine systems is needed, particularly with the increasing threat of ocean acidification. Morro Bay in Central California is a small nationally protected estuary, with seasonally low freshwater inputs. Since 2007, the bay has experienced a significant loss of native seagrass, Zostera marina, which is an important component of the marine ecosystem. Because seagrass photosynthesis decreases carbon dioxide and increases oxygen in the water column, the loss of seagrass …

A Predictive Modeling Approach For Assessing Seismic Soil Liquefaction Potential Using Cpt Data, Jonathan Paul Schmidt

Master's Theses

Soil liquefaction, or loss of strength due to excess pore water pressures generated during dynamic loading, is a main cause of damage during earthquakes. When a soil liquefies (referred to as triggering), it may lose its ability to support overlying structures, deform vertically or laterally, or cause buoyant uplift of buried utilities. Empirical liquefaction models, used to predict liquefaction potential based upon in-situ soil index property measurements and anticipated level of seismic loading, are the standard of practice for assessing liquefaction triggering. However, many current models do not incorporate predictor variable uncertainty or do so in a limited fashion. Additionally, …

A Homegrown Dsmc-Pic Model For Electric Propulsion, Dominic Charles Lunde

Master's Theses

Powering spacecraft with electric propulsion is becoming more common, especially in CubeSat-class satellites. On account of the risk of spacecraft interactions, it is important to have robust analysis and modeling tools of electric propulsion engines, particularly of the plasma plume. The Navier-Stokes equations used in classic continuum computational fluid dynamics do not apply to the rarefied plasma, and therefore another method must be used to model the flow. A good solution is to use the DSMC method, which uses a combination of particle modeling and statistical methods for modeling the simulated molecules. A DSMC simulation known as SINATRA has been …

New England Slave Trader: The Case Of Charles Tyng, Paul J. Michaels

Master's Theses

Charles Tyng has been heralded as an American hero after the posthumous publication of his memoir, Before the Wind: The Memoir of an American Sea Captain, 1808-1833, in 1999. Recent research involving British Treasury report books from the nineteenth century suggest otherwise – that Tyng actively promoted and was engaged in the illicit trade of African captives. A Boston Brahmin, Tyng applied the lessons of his time at sea with Perkins & Company, the opium trading firm, to his occupation as an agent of notorious slave trading firms in Havana. This paper uses as evidence records of the captures …

Dynamic Response Validation Of Cubesats Through Testing And Finite Element Analysis, Peter Rivera

Master's Theses

During a rocket launch, satellites withstand large dynamic forces due to vibrations that are transmitted from the launch vehicle. As such, they must undergo testing to ensure that their function is not impaired by such forces. CubeSats are cost-effective nanosatellites, and like their larger counterparts, undergo dynamic testing for launch qualification. While dynamic analysis can done on a CubeSat alone, other assembly constituents also affect the response, and including them in the analysis can provide insight on the true dynamic behavior of CubeSats. To show this, the work presented here recreates a vibration test setup using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) …

Compact Rake Boundary Layer Data System Module, Nathan Jeffry Hoyt

Master's Theses

This Thesis describes the design, assembly, programming, and evaluation of the BLDS-M-RAKE, the newest addition to the family of devices called the Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS). The BLDS-M-RAKE is a continuation of the BLDS-M series of devices, a modular approach with updated electronics for boundary layer measurements. The BLDS-M-RAKE records data from a number of sensors, intended to be routed to an array of probes, or rake. Through preliminary testing, a new flexible manifold design from molded silicone and the hardware used on the RFduino development boards from the BLDS-M proof-of-concept modules were validated for use in the final …

Development Of A Model And Imbalance Detection System For The Cal Poly Wind Turbine, Ryan Miki Takatsuka

Master's Theses

This thesis develops a model of the Cal Poly Wind Turbine that is used to determine if there is an imbalance in the turbine rotor. A theoretical model is derived to estimate the expected vibrations when there is an imbalance in the rotor. Vibration and acceleration data are collected from the turbine tower during operation to confirm the model is useful and accurate for determining imbalances in the turbine.

Digital signal processing techniques for analyzing the vibration data are explored and tested with simulation data. This includes frequency shifts, lock-in amplifiers, phase-locked loops, discrete Fourier transforms, and decimation filters. The …

Dna And Protein Sequence Analysis Of Neuronal Markers Neuronal Nuclei (Neun) And Doublecortin (Dcx) In The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus Oreganus) And Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus Occidentalis)., Brett M. Vassar

Master's Theses

Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN) and Doublecortin (DCX) are neuron specific proteins that are used in histological studies of brain structure in a variety of vertebrate taxa.Antibodies against NeuN (anti-NeuN) bind to the Fox-3 protein, an RNA binding protein common in mature neurons. Anti-DCX labels a microtubule-associated protein expressed in actively dividing neural progenitor cells and migrating neurons. The DCX gene encodes a protein that is well conserved across mammalian, avian, and a few reptilian species, therefore anti-DCX staining has been used successfully across a range of vertebrate taxa. Successful neuronal staining using anti-NeuN has been demonstrated in mammals, birds, and the …

Snoring: A Noise Defect Prediction Datasets, Aalok Ahluwalia

Master's Theses

Defect prediction aims at identifying software artifacts that are likely to exhibit a defect. The main purpose of defect prediction is to reduce the cost of testing and code review, by letting developers focus on specific artifacts. Several researchers have worked on improving the accuracy of defect estimation models using techniques such as tuning, re-balancing, or feature selection. Ultimately, the reliability of a prediction model depends on the quality of the dataset. Therefore effort has been spent in identifying sources of noise in the datasets, and how to deal with them, including defect misclassification and defect origin. A key component …

The Proteomic Response Of Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga Angustirostris) Pups To Physiological Stress During Development, Melissa P. Voisinet

Master's Theses

Background: Northern elephant seals transition from terrestrial nursing pups to pelagic foraging juveniles in a short period of just 8-12 weeks. During the post-weaning period, pups rely solely on the energy reserves gained during nursing for their caloric demands and water supply. The prolonged absence of food after weaning is the first of many fasts for which the seals have evolved adaptations such as decreased urine production and increased blubber reserves. The stressors experienced from learning to dive for the first time are also stressors that they will experience frequently as an adult and for which they have evolved adaptations. …

In-Plane Cyclic Behavior Of A Steel Mesh Reinforced Cob Wall, Julia Fremuth Sargent

Master's Theses

This thesis presents the results from in-plane cyclic testing of a reinforced cob wall. Cob is an earthen building material composed of sand, clay, straw and water. Cob is typically constructed with no steel reinforcement; however, the California Building Code requires reinforcement in all buildings for resisting seismic forces. The purpose of this thesis is to provide additional technical data to integrate cob into the building code.

Test results are reported for a 7’ x 8’ x 14” wall with two layers of welded wire steel reinforcement constructed on a reinforced concrete foundation. In-plane cyclic loading was performed on the …

A Paper-Based Elisa Device For The Rapid Detection Of Ischemic Stroke, Andrea Elisabeth Larsen

Master's Theses

Diagnosing an ischemic stroke quickly and accurately is essential for appropriate treatment and results in more effective management of the stroke, leading to better patient outcomes. Specifically, the determination of ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke leads to critically different treatment paths, which would be potentially fatal if administered incorrectly. Currently, ischemic strokes are diagnosed through a series of tests, including a physical examination, CT scans, and a panel of blood tests to exclude hemorrhagic stroke or other similarly presenting conditions, in order to administer tPA (the main treatment) within the three hour window.

The discovery of biomarkers, molecules which are upregulated …

Competition And Cooperation In Polygynous & Monogamous Households: Experimental Evidence From Sierra Leone, Bethany Gerdemann

Master's Theses

Competition and cooperation in polygynous households have both been widely documented across various disciplines. There is contradictory evidence as to whether these interpersonal dynamics produce better or worse outcomes for the household. This study uses a competitiveness game and a series of dictator games to measure competition and cooperation within households and between marriage types. Results show that there are key differences between monogamy and polygyny. Monogamous women compete less with their husbands than stranger and less in comparison to polygynous women. Monogamous spouses are more likely to forgo economic opportunities than polygynous spouses and have a greater preference for …

Development Of A Prototype System For Distributed Spectrum Sensing Via Wireless Sensor Networks, Christopher R. Barber

Master's Theses

This thesis describes the research and development results of designing a system that can detect an unknown transmitter that is operating within a wideband spectrum covering 240-960MHz. The system design, development, and integration of a Prototype Spectrum Sensing Platform for the MEMSIC IRIS wireless sensor network platform [1] can be used for detection, monitoring, and localization of emitters in diverse RF propagation environments. Decoupling the dependency of the Received Signal Strength (RSS) measurements from the primary transceiver by the addition of a secondary receiver provides for continuous real-time analysis of the RF environment signal levels. The goal is to provide …

Seizure Detection Using Teager-Kaiser Energy And A Channel Signal Quality Assessment Algorithm, Samuel Clary

Master's Theses

This study investigated the possibility of reducing the time required for accurate epileptic seizure detection through a retroactive analysis. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting over 50 million individuals globally and is defined as a disorder which results in two seizures unprovoked by fever or medication. Diagnosis of epilepsy typically involves a monitored stay at an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). The monitoring and diagnosis process ranges on average from $35,000 to $40,000 for a single stay, and the patient results from EMU are not instantly available to the patient. The collected electroencephalogram (EEG) must be analyzed by a trained EMU …

Physical Layer Security For Mimo Wireless Systems, Joseph R. Childress

Master's Theses

A steadily growing portion of modern communication systems in use today is based on wireless technologies that make use of smaller and more portable electronic devices. As a result, the need to provide a light-weight security strategy for these systems is becoming a more important problem. This thesis focuses on two techniques that belong to an active research area known as Physical Layer Security (PLS). While the underlying techniques of PLS have been known for some time, the potential secrecy benefits of them need further investigation. These potential benefits have generated a rising interest with the development of Multiple Input …

The Real-Time Application Of Control Theory To Pharmacokinetics, George W. Carpenter Iii

Master's Theses

An optically-based injection control system has been developed as a proof-of- concept that such is of use for an intravenous drug delivery application. Current clinical drug delivery for oncology typically provides for intravenous administration without providing awareness of achieved plasma concentration, yet interpatient variability produces consequences ranging from toxicity to ineffectual treatments. We report a closed loop injection system integrating a pulse-photoplethysmograph to measure the concentration of indocyanine green (ICG) in the circulating blood of a one-compartment murine model. A proportional-derivative (PD) controller manages the injection rate in real-time. The target function for the controller is the population estimate of …

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of Colorectal Cancer Screening Strategies Using Active Learning And Montecarlo Simulation, Amirhosein Fouladi

Master's Theses

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the deadliest types of cancer in the US due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Detection of CRC in the early stages through available screening tests increases the patient's survival chances. In this study, we investigate the cost-effectiveness of a wide variety of multi-modal CRC screening policies. More specifically, we develop a Monte Carlo simulation framework to model the CRC natural history and preventive interventions. Age-specific and size-specific progression rates of adenomatous polyps are estimated using an innovative active learning method. Specifically, we develop a decision tree model to estimate size-specific and age-specific …

Surface Engineering Solutions For Immersion Phase Change Cooling Of Electronics, Brendon M. Doran

Master's Theses

Micro- and nano-scale surface modifications have been a subject of great interest for enhancing the pool boiling heat transfer performance of immersion cooling systems due to their ability to augment surface area, improve wickability, and increase nucleation site density. However, many of the surface modification technologies that have been previously demonstrated show a lack of evidence concerning scalability for use at an industrial level. In this work, the pool boiling heat transfer performance of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films, copper oxide (CuO) nanostructure coatings, and 1D roll-molded microfin arrays has been studied. Each of these technologies possess scalability in …

Establishing The Validity Of The Polar V800tm Heart Rate Monitor Among Adults With Hypertension, Burak Talip Cilhoroz

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Mapping Relict Charcoal Hearths In The Northeast Us Using Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Networks And Lidar Data, Eli Anderson

Master's Theses

Advanced machine learning combined with widespread, publicly available, airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data has great potential to automate the extraction and classification of landforms and 17^th-early 20^th century land use features preserved under forest canopy throughout the northeast US landscape. Previous studies have shown that stone walls, house foundations and relict charcoal hearths (RCHs) stand out clearly in derivative LiDAR digital elevation model (DEM) products such as slope and hillshade maps, but to date, mapping has been mainly carried out by on screen digitization. In this study, a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm …

The Impact Of Cleft Lip/Palate And Clp Surgical Intervention On The Social Integration Of Adolescents In India, Mustafa Zahid

Master's Theses

Cleft Lip/Palate, a congenital orofacial anomaly, carries an incidence rate of approximately 1 in every 1000 births. In addition to the stigma associated with the condition, the varying levels of cleft severity might result in lower life outcomes which could include lower cognitive ability, physical and psychological well-being, social and behavioral outcomes of adolescents. This paper focuses on the social integration element of life outcomes, which is composed of the social inclusion and prosocial behavior of the adolescent. Despite the affordability of restorative surgeries, patients in rural areas of Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) such as India face accessibility and …

The Long-Run Effects Of Tropical Cyclones On Infant Mortality, Isabel Miranda

Master's Theses

In the United States alone, each tropical cyclone causes an average of $14.6 billion worth of damages. In addition to the destruction of physical infrastructure, natural disasters also negatively impact human capital formation. These losses are often more difficult to observe, and therefore, are over looked when quantifying the true costs of natural disasters. One particular effect is an increase in infant mortality rates, an important indicator of a country’s general socioeconomic level. This paper utilizes a model created by Anttila-Hughes and Hsiang, that takes advantage of annual variation in tropical cyclones using annual spatial average maximum wind speeds and …

Captive Nations: Measuring Economic Growth On Native American Reservations In California, Mahsa Ashabi

Master's Theses

A history of institutional oppression and genocide has shaped Native American communities across the United States today, reflected in large disparities of socioeconomic outcomes and infrastructure. Due to a lack of comprehensive data and macroeconomic research, alternative forms of spatial data and theories regarding human settlement are needed to develop an understanding ofthis stagnation. In our efforts to better understand growth on Native American reservations, we utilize nighttime lights data to proxy for economic output in these geographic areas, measuring the settlement characteristics ofreservations themselves and against surrounding U.S. regions. Through a series of log-log regressions that focus on Zipf’s …

The Behavioral Determinants Of Well-Being In Sierra Leone, Madison Levine

Master's Theses

Ensuring the needs of individuals are met leads to a more prosperous economy. Healthy economic activity is dependent on a supported community of people. These people express different levels of happiness depending on where they come from and make behavioral choices every day influenced by their association with their community. Currently most subjective data have come from western educated industrialized rich and democratic (WEIRD) areas. These results are placed as generalizations across all other countries and are not giving an adequate representation of well-being for the population in non-WEIRD areas. Our study outlines an in-depth survey covering subjective well-being measurements …

Survival Migration & The Need For Just Policies And Front-Line Leadership In Climate Change And Migration, Nik Evasco

Master's Theses

Abstract:

This paper explores the growing phenomenon of migration due to climate change through an analysis of human rights and a review of international conventions. It argues that current migration, refugee and asylum regimes at the regional and international policy levels are inadequate to serve the needs of individuals, families and communities that are preemptively relocating or are forced to migrate due to climate change and its subsequent effects. This paper shows that environmentally-displaced migrants who are either forcibly displaced or preemptively migrating do not have sufficient recognition or legal or political protections compared to ‘traditional’ refugees or migrants. The …