Digital Commons Network^™

Benchmark Testing Of Gold Ribbon Bonds On Thin-Film Microchips With New Gold Ribbon Auto-Bonder, Austin Conrad

Master's Theses

The focus of this document is on the gold ribbon bond testing and creation of a bonding map for the new gold ribbon Auto-Bonder at Keysight Technologies in Santa Rosa, California. The new Auto-Bonder replaces a nearly 50-year-old machine that no longer had any documentation for the original process of thin-film microchip ribbon bonding. The original process was developed in the early 1970s to provide an electrical connection from the top to the bottom of the microchip. The electrical connection takes the place of what would be a via in a modern silicon microchip. Gold wire bonding is a common …

On The Mobility Of Small Aperture Telescopes For Initial Orbit Determination And Apparent Magnitude Derivation Of Low Earth Satellites, Jonathan Ian Hernandez

Master's Theses

Maintaining Space Domain Awareness (SDA) of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) requires effective methods of tracking and characterization. Optical measurements of these objects are generally sparse due to limited access intervals and high angular rates. Light pollution and geographic obstructions may also preclude consistent observations. However, a mobile small aperture telescope grants the ability to minimize such environmental effects, thereby increasing capture likelihoods for objects within this regime. By enhancing LEO satellite visibility in this way, extensive orbital and visual data are obtainable.

An 8-inch Meade LX200GPS telescope equipped with a Lumenera SKYnyx2-0M CCD camera comprises the system that …

Wi-Fi Sensing: Device-Free In-Zone Object Movement Detection, Nicholas P. Schnorr

Master's Theses

Wi-Fi Sensing is becoming a prominent field with a wide range of potential applications. Using existing hardware on a wireless network such as access points, cell phones, and smart home devices, important information can be inferred about the current physical environment. Through the analysis of Channel State Information collected in the Neighborhood Discovery Protocol process, the wireless network can detect disturbances in Wi-Fi signals when the physical environment changes. This results in a system that can sense motion within the Wi-Fi network, allowing for movement detection without any wearable devices.

The goal of this thesis is to answer whether Wi-Fi …

Characterizing Direction Specific Ganglion Cell Receptor Activation Using A Perturbation Based Decomposition Method, Camila Paola Monchini Moline

Master's Theses

Characterizing postsynaptic current signals in the retina by neuroreceptor activation frequency is important for studying the mechanism of action behind phototransduction of varied visual stimuli. A better understanding could in turn lead to the creation of methods for early detection and prevention of debilitating optical neuropathies, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and retinitis pigmentosa. More recent in-vitro and in-vivo studies have aimed to differentiate the effects of various neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, GABA, and glutamate, on receiving and processing different types of visual stimuli from the retina into the visual cortex.

The focus of this work will be to …

Assessing The Effects Of Oxaliplatin On An In Vitro Three-Dimensional Human Colorectal Cancer Model, Sabrina Nelson

Master's Theses

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States with a 5-year late-stage survival rate of only 14%. Due to the lack of translation between animal models and clinical trials as well as the inefficacy of many chemotherapeutics in initial clinical trials, researchers are turning to in vitro drug screening models in an effort to mimic the conditions in vivo. This research project aimed to validate an in vitro tumor culture model within a microfluidic device using a clinically relevant chemotherapy drug. The first experiment consisted of a cell density and drug concentration study to determine …

Indoor Positioning Using Synchronized Ultrasonic Ofdma Signals, Julian Bartolone

Master's Theses

This paper proposes a method of short-range indoor localization using differential phase measurements of synchronized two-tone ultrasonic signals in an Orthogonal Frequency Multiple Access (OFDMA) scheme. This indoor positioning system (IPS) operates at an ultrasonic frequency of approximately 40kHz and synchronizes using an infrared signal. The OFDMA scheme allows for a receiver to process the signals from multiple transmitters continuously without the signals interfering with each other. The phases of the signals are measured using Goertzel Filters, allowing for low-complexity frequency content analysis. A MATLAB simulation using the proposed localization method is performed using four transmitter nodes in the corners …

Performance Loss Rate And Temperature Modeling In Predictive Energy Yield Programs For Utility-Scale Solar Power Plants, Katelynn M. Dinius

Master's Theses

The Gold Tree Solar Farm, designed by REC Solar, has a rated output power of 4.5 MW and began operation in 2018 to provide electricity to Cal Poly’s campus. Gold Tree Solar Farm site terrain consists of rolling hills and uneven slopes. The uneven typography results in interrow shading, requiring a modified tracking control algorithm to maximize power production. Predicting a utility solar field’s lifetime energy yield is a critical step in assessing project feasibility and calculating project revenue. The MATLAB-based predictive power model developed for this field overpredicted power in the middle of the day. The purpose of this …

Laparoscopic Assisted Robotic Radical Prostatectomy With Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection Using Viable Cryopreserved Umbilical Tissue To Improve Cavernosal Nerve Function., Joshua Volin, Brett Watson, Lior Kopel, Samantha Kraemer, Jason Hafron

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Radical prostatectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and is typically performed using a robotic approach. Surgical techniques that preserve the neurovascular bundle minimize the risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction post-operatively. Umbilical cord tissue is a relatively new technique, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote regenerative healing. In this video we show a robotic radical prostatectomy with bilateral nerve sparing technique utilizing a cryopreserved umbilical cord allograft nerve wrap.

Techniques For The Enantioselective Asymmetric Synthesis Of Benzyl Substituted Malonic Acid Esters, Madison Hansen

Honors Theses

A popular method for the enantioselective synthesis of substituted malonic half esters is hydrolysis via Pig Liver Esterase (PLE), however some substrates produce low enantiomeric excess, namely benzyl-substituted malonic esters. Presented here are alternative methods explored for this synthesis, the first being phase-transfer catalyzed hydrolysis via N-benzyl quaternary ammonium salts derived from cinchona alkaloids. The second method utilized chiral auxiliary directed benzylation with auxiliaries including menthol and oxazolidinones. Though unsuccessful, this research provided valuable groundwork in the investigation for the enantioselective asymmetric synthesis of benzyl-substituted malonic acid esters.

Keywords: Pig Liver Esterase, Enantioselectivity, Phase-Transfer Catalysis, Cinchona Alkaloids, Quaternary Ammonium …

The Volatility Implications Of The Chinese Cryptocurrency Ban, Keaton Manwaring

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

In this paper, I examine the effect of the May 18^th, 2021 Chinese ban of cryptocurrency transactions on the overall volatility of the cryptocurrency market. To do this, I analyze, in both univariate and multivariate settings, range-based volatility in various event windows surrounding the event. I find clear economic and statistical change in volatility in the five days after the ban. In the ten-day period after the ban, there is a moderate economic change in volatility. In the forty-day period after the ban, there is little economic change in volatility. I conclude that the Chinese ban had a …

An Examination Of Costume Design And Costume Shop Management; And Working In Theatre During A Pandemic, Jordan Draper

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

An examination of my work as a costume designer for two productions by the Theatre Arts Department in the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University, along with my work as the costume shop manager for the spring 2021 semester at Utah State University's theatre costume shop.

Forecasting Stock Market Prices: A Machine Learning Approach, Abraham Alhomadi

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

There has been extensive literature written about the efficiency of the stock market. Practitioners and academicians have debated whether investors can exploit publicly available information to generate excess returns. Clearly predicting the stock market’s return with high accuracy has been enormously difficult, but we are interested in contributing to the continuous exploration of the efficiency of the stock market using machine learning techniques. We also want to examine the relationship between our dataset’s macroeconomic indicators and foreign nations’ stock markets with our target feature—the S&P 500. In this paper, we will be using supervised machine learning models, like Linear Regression, …

Willingness To Pay For Fact-Checking About Immigration: The Effect Of Partisan Cues, Jennifer Morales

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

I analyze the results of an online experiment designed to elicit individuals’ willingness to pay for fact-checking of statements related to immigration. Using a control and treatment group, I test whether individuals’ willingness to pay is affected by partisan cues. First, I outline this research’s position related to existing literature. I then describe the experimental design and analyze the results. Partisan cues are shown to have no statistically significant effect on participants’ willingness to pay for fact-checking.

Becoming A Flexible Teacher Through Critical Reflective Journaling, Marianne Young

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

This thesis project is a portfolio that advises veteran teachers on the importance of journaling and self-reflection in order to stay involved and invested in the teaching community. As a practice, journaling helps teachers analyze how they teach, why they teach the way they do, and how they can improve their classroom through adaptation and change. Therefore, the pieces in this portfolio--a philosophy statement, a pedagogical essay, and a teaching tool-- demonstrate the need for reflection, allowing master teachers to become flexible within an ever-changing field.

Comparison Of Solutions To Reduce Air Quality Impacts To Environmental Justice Neighborhoods, Rebecca Merrell

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Air quality is a complex problem with as many potential solutions. The objective of this thesis is to identify solutions that will create cleaner air for Environmental Justice Communities in Barstow, California. California is now requiring cities to create plans for air quality improvement and this thesis strives to try to evaluate the effectiveness of options cities may use. There are many solutions that claim they will improve air quality but few comparisons on the feasibility for a town to implement them.

This thesis explores the effectiveness of three types of vegetation solutions, three types of mechanical air filtering solutions, …

Project-Based Pedagogy: The Client's Perspective, Wayne Aho, Wendy Cagle, Jon Marvel, Michael Smith, Edward Wright

International Journal for Business Education

Project-based experiential business education seeks to provide students with lessons that are meaningful, practical, and enduring. While previous research has sought to understand how students and faculty members react to such educational experiences, it is also important to understand the perceptions of the business clients who engage with programs employing project-based education. The aim of this study was to better understand the experiences of business clients with whom students engaged as part of an undergraduate business capstone course. Two hundred fifty-three previous clients were surveyed with a 22.4% response rate. Responses were subjected to content analysis to cluster replies into …

Jcihe: Winter 2020: Special Issue Introduction And State Of The Field 2021

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Jcihe: Winter 2020: Special Issue Introduction Issue 5 And State Of The Field 2021

Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education

No abstract provided.

Beyond Data Ownership, Ignacio Cofone

Cardozo Law Review

Proposals for data ownership are widely misunderstood, aim at the wrong goal, and would be self-defeating if implemented. This Article, first, shows that data ownership proposals do not argue for the bundle of ownership rights that exists over property at common law. Instead, these proposals focus on transferring rights over personal information solely through consent.

Second, this Article shows the flaws of a property approach to personal information. Such an approach magnifies well-known problems of consent in privacy law: asymmetric information, asymmetric bargaining power, and leaving out inferred data. It also creates a fatal problem: moral hazard where corporations lack …

The Powerful Problem Of Prayer At Public School Board Meetings, Amanda Harmon Cooley

Cardozo Law Review

No abstract provided.

Examining The Delivery Methods Of Current Content And Curriculum For Recruit Police Officers, Daniel Barrancotta

All Theses And Dissertations

This qualitative-interpretive, phenomenological analysis study describes the lived experiences of police officers, their training programs and their educational relationships with academy instructors and field training officers. The focus was not on content material, but rather the delivery methods of the curriculum, in an attempt to provide training programs that improve transference of knowledge for increased learning and job preparedness. This research study showed that a lack of knowledge and understanding of andragogy for police academy instructors and field training officers is creating a limited learning environment for recruit police officers. Without the knowledge and ability to use better forms of …

Using Fuzzy Inference To Evaluation Suppliers In Diyala General Electric Industries Company, Safa Basim Ayed, Wakas S. Khalaf

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The research aims to evaluate the suppliers at Diyala general electric industries company conducted in an environment of uncertainty and fuzzy where there is no particular system followed by the company, and also aims to use the problem of traveling salesman problem in the process of transporting raw materials from suppliers to the company in a fuzzy environment. Therefore, a system based on mathematical methods and quantity was developed to evaluate the suppliers. Fuzzy inference system (FIS) and fuzzy set theory were used to solve this problem through (Matlab) and the problem of the traveling salesman in two stages was …

Investment Trends For Iraqi Industries In Terms Of Clean Production (Selected Model), Mohanad Ali Al-Munim, Manahel Mustafa Abdulhameed

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Industrial Investment according to Clean Productive methods is an important element in the process of rational use of Economic Resources, and the Iraqi industrial sector relied on traditional production methods; the productive activities in this sector did not take into consideration the environmental dimension, which leads to achieving the optimal use of economic resources, so it was necessary to have new investment trends heading with Clean Production. Therefore, the research is based on the hypothesis that "Clean Production contributes to improving the environment and rational use of Natural Resources." Based on the descriptive - inductive analysis methodology that study of …

Mathematical Modelling Of Gene Regulatory Networks, Ruaa Rifaat Al-Shykhly, Lamyaa Mohammed Hameed

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

This research includes the use of an artificial intelligence algorithm, which is one of the algorithms of biological systems which is the algorithm of genetic regulatory networks (GRNs), which is a dynamic system for a group of variables representing space within time. To construct this biological system, we use (ODEs) and to analyze the stationarity of the model we use Euler's method. And through the factors that affect the process of gene expression in terms of inhibition and activation of the transcription process on DNA, we will use TF transcription factors. The current research aims to use the latest methods …

Comparison Of Some Non-Parametric Quality Control Methods, Hiba Mustafa Fawzi, Asmaa Ghaleeb Jaber

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

Multivariate Non-Parametric control charts were used to monitoring the data that generated by using the simulation, whether they are within control limits or not. Since that non-parametric methods do not require any assumptions about the distribution of the data. This research aims to apply the multivariate non-parametric quality control methods, which are Multivariate Wilcoxon Signed-Rank ( ) , kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) and k-nearest neighbor ( −

Comparison Between Nelson-Olson Method And Two-Stage Limited Dependent Variables (2sldv) Method For The Estimation Of A Simultaneous Equations System (Tobit Model), Fulla Makee Ahmed, Eman Mohammed Abdullah

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

This study relates to the estimation of a simultaneous equations system for the Tobit model where the dependent variables ( ) are limited, and this will affect the method to choose the good estimator. So, we will use new estimations methods different from the classical methods, which if used in such a case, will produce biased and inconsistent estimators which is (Nelson-Olson) method and Two- Stage limited dependent variables(2SLDV) method to get of estimators that hold characteristics the good estimator . That is , parameters will be estimated for the limited variables and find the variance-covariance matrix for extracted estimators …

The Role Of Liquidity Indicators To Assess Its Risks And Enhance Capital Adequacy In Banking Activity, Saadallah Abdullah Snjawi, Serwan Kareem Essa

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

This purpose of the research is to test liquidity ratios to assess bank liquidity risks represented by liquidity ratios (current assets / current liabilities, current assets / total deposits, current assets / total assets, cash credit / total deposits, liquidity coverage ratio LCR, net stable financing ratio NSFR). This research involves evaluating these risks in banks via these ratios, and reveal the most important means used to solve these risks, including the capital adequacy ratio under the Basel II decisions and for selected period (2017-2019).The research reached the most important conclusion, which is the bank sample did not fall into …

The Effect Of Using Information And Communication Technology To Improving The Quality Of Blended Learning Elements: A Survey Study At The Technical College Of Management /Baghdad, Bushra Abed Ibrahim, Baydda Flayyih Hasan

Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences

The research has been based on two main variables (information and communication technology) and the quality of blended education (physical and electronic), aiming to reveal the relationship between four dimensions (physical devices, software, databases, communication networks) and the elements of education represented by (the teacher, the student, the teaching process, curriculum). The methodology and post-analysis-based research were conducted at the Technical College of Management / Baghdad through polling the opinions of a random sample that included (80) teachers out of (86) and the number of students (276) representing a random sample from all departments of the college (for the morning …

Analytical Solutions For Advanced Functional Differential Equations With Discontinuous Forcing Terms And Studying Their Dynamical Properties, Amal Khalaf Haydar, Habeeb Kareem Abdullah, Kawther Reyadh Obead

Baghdad Science Journal

This paper aims to find new analytical closed-forms to the solutions of the nonhomogeneous functional differential equations of the nth order with finite and constants delays and various initial delay conditions in terms of elementary functions using Laplace transform method. As well as, the definition of dynamical systems for ordinary differential equations is used to introduce the definition of dynamical systems for delay differential equations which contain multiple delays with a discussion of their dynamical properties: The exponential stability and strong stability

Designing Primers With A Plant Signal Peptide To Enhance The Expression Of Gba1 In Transgenic Soybean Plants, Zainab Tuama Al-Dallee

Baghdad Science Journal

Transgenic plants offer advantages for the manufacture of recombinant proteins with terminalmannose residues on their glycan chains. So plants are chosen as source of pharmaceutical products and forthe development of alternative expression systems to produce recombinant lysosomal enzymes. In thepresent study the sequence of the natural cDNA encoding for the human lysosomal enzymeglucocerebrosidase (GCD) was modified to enhance its expression in soybean plants. The glucocerebrosidasegene signal peptide was substituted with that signal peptide for the Arabidopsis thaliana basic endochitinasegene to support the co-translational translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the storagevacuole. So, targeting signal from tobacco chitinase A, to …