Digital Commons Network^™

A Dynamic Wireless Channel Emulator For Realistic Cubesat Testing, David Michelson, Eisha Khan, Max Xiang, Yun Xing, Ada Li, Ryan Manak

Small Satellite Conference

Failure of the communication subsystem has been responsible for approximately 20% of small satellite mission failures over the period between 2000 and 2019. Insufficient system-level integration and testing has been cited as one reason why corrective actions weren’t taken before launch to prevent such failures. Here, we introduce a relatively inexpensive GTEM-cell-based dynamic channel emulator that will permit designers of CubeSats operating at frequencies up to 20 GHz to evaluate their spacecraft’s communications over multiple simulated passes with the spacecraft in as close to over-the-air flight condition as possible, including fully deployed antennas. Using this over-the-air channel emulator allows the …

Night Sky Brightness Caused By Orbital Reflectors, Erkin Sidick, Ben Nowack, Tristan Semmelhack

Small Satellite Conference

We are in the process of developing a system which redirects the incoming sunlight to a stationary ground target after sunset and before sunrise. One of the purposes is to extend operating hours of solar-farms to after sunset and before sunrise. Our system contributes to light pollution as a by-product. We have developed an optical model to predict the night sky glow caused by the light coming from an orbital reflector. In this paper we will review some work done by others on the night sky brightness caused by artificial city lights first, then present our results of model predictions …

Revolutionizing Space Thermal Control: The Breakthroughs And Applications Of Pulsating Heat Pipes, Matt Schultz, Jimmy Hughes, Mckenzie Sandberg

Small Satellite Conference

The development of Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHP) offers significant advancements in thermal control technologies. This poster reviews the fundamental mechanisms of PHPs, manufacturing processes, and focuses on how PHPs fit into the current thermal architecture for satellite, payload, and instrument thermal control to identify the best use cases and application of the emerging technology.

Streamlined Calibration For Small Satellite Optical Payloads, Deron Scott, Cole Miller, Eli Shay, Shane Canfield, Scott Hansen, Matt Berghout, Jan Kunzler, Duane Miles

Small Satellite Conference

Poster presented during the 2025 SmallSat Conference.

Development Of The Optical Deep-Space Instrument For Navigation (Odin), Rebecca Inman, Riana Pecourt, Ronney Lovelace, Max Marshall, Ava Thrasher, John Christian, William Driessen

Small Satellite Conference

The Optical Deep-space Instrument for Navigation (ODIN) is a customizable, multiple camera, multiple field-of view (FOV) software and hardware sensor package. The instrument and software design are intended to make optical navigation (OpNav) methods more widely available to small satellite missions.

The ODIN flight software will have autonomous functionalities such as target determination, attitude estimation, and horizon-based position estimation, while still offering the option for manual modes to ease mission operation constraints. The flight software is built in core Flight System (cFS) and is designed to be agnostic to camera selection and placement.

Currently, ODIN is in its second year …

Real-Time Space Weather Event Detection And Attribution Using Fpga-Based Machine Learning On Cubesats, Benjamin Lewis, Shawn Jones, Jonathan Phillips, Charles Swenson, Kade Howes

Small Satellite Conference

Utah State University has been developing hardware accelerators and machine learning algorithms for real-time detection and attribution of space weather events on small satellites. This research, funded under the Low-power Array for CubeSat Edge Computing Architecture, Algorithms, and Applications (LACE-C3A), is a NASA STMD-funded effort as part of the University Smallsat Technology Partnerships (USTP). In this paper, we present an FPGA implementation of an AI/ML algorithm for intelligent decision-making, enabling real-time space weather monitoring and now-casting of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs). EPBs are low-density plasma structures that form at low latitudes within the Earth’s ionosphere, rising along magnetic field lines …

A Radio Payload For In-Space Sub-Terahertz Communications, Andrew Benincasa, Sergi Aliaga, Albert Diez-Comas, Josep Miquel Jornet

Small Satellite Conference

This paper presents the first fully integrated design of a CubeSat-compatible sub-terahertz (sub-THz) radio payload for in-space communications at 225 GHz. Addressing the growing congestion in traditional RF bands and the limitations of Free Space Optical systems, the proposed system leverages recent breakthroughs in compact high-frequency front-ends, horn antenna arrays, and RFSoC-based digital processing to unlock multi-GHz bandwidths in the underutilized sub-THz spectrum. A detailed feasibility study confirms link closure from low Earth orbit using state-of-the-art components, and the payload’s architecture is engineered for real-time high-speed uplink/downlink under stringent CubeSat size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints. The proposed payload will …

Optical Observation Of Mola Cubesat In Orbit Using Ground Telescope, Jeffrey Larsen, Christine Maceo, Isabella Fernald, Matthew M. Knight, Jim Kang, Michael Sanders, Alex Savattone, Giovanni Minelli, Wenschel Lan

Small Satellite Conference

The proliferation of satellites and satellite constellations in orbit, combined with the rapid expansion of telecommunications and wireless “smart” devices on Earth, has led to congestion in the radio frequency spectrum, adversely affecting data transmission and security. Although technological advances in small satellite technology and new commercial models for rocket launches have lowered the barrier for accessing space, the licensing process to use radio frequencies for satellite communications remains an obstacle. Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) using the near-infrared and visible parts of the unlicensed optical spectrum offers higher bandwidth, faster data rates, and improved security (near-IR). In 2024, the …

Uncoupling Batteries From Eps Design — A Power System For The Modern Era, Andrew E. Kalman

Small Satellite Conference

Space electrical power system (EPS) architectures have often been strongly tied to the voltage of the batteries they employ; the battery operating voltages often dictate the solar cell string lengths and the voltage of the primary buses used for power distribution throughout the spacecraft, as well as internal particulars. This paper presents an alternative space EPS architecture that is independent of battery voltage, and instead, simply treats the connected batteries as a source of power and energy which can be drawn from as desired, and recharged as required. This EPS architecture utilizes a ring bus topology, wherein energy sources feed …

Gain Switched Optical Fiber Amplifier With Programmable Optical Noise Source Mode, Anonymous

Defensive Publications Series

An optical amplifier is provided with a gain-switchable configuration integrated with an internal broadband noise source. The amplifier includes multiple amplification stages selectively interconnected by optical switches and variable optical attenuators, enabling operation in distinct gain modes. In addition to normal amplification, the amplifier is configurable into a noise-source mode using a dedicated noise seed source, providing a spectrally flattened, high-power amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). High input isolation is maintained to prevent unintended power surges or component damage during noise-source mode. The disclosed design facilitates advanced calibration, testing, and rapid fault recovery within optical networks, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and flexibility.

Effect Of Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet On Ldl Cholesterol: A Scoping Literature Review, Joel Gregory Mueller

Nursing Capstones

Background: The whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet includes whole grains, whole plants, unrefined sugars, beans, and legumes. The diet excludes meat, dairy, and added fats. The diet has been popularized by documentaries .The diet claims to lower total and LDL cholesterol to a safe level as both a primary and secondary mode of prevention.

Purpose: Review existing studies to see whether the WFPB diet will lower LDL cholesterol in adult males over a 14 day or more duration.

Methods: A scoping literature review was completed of the University of North Dakota’s library system for keyword combinations. The returned 102 studies were …

Female Sexual Offenders: An Underrecognized, Underreported, And Underresearched Population, Chelsea H. Henry

Master of Arts in Human Services

This paper explored female sexual offenders and described how their crimes are underrecognized, underreported, and underresearched. Women commit part of all sexual crimes against children, although prevalence rates are hotly debated. Research demonstrates that female offenders are often their victims' mothers, caregivers, or other relatives. This societal role leads to difficulty in recognizing that this type of abuse exists. Media portrayals often cast female offenders in the role of victims themselves or cast the abuse in a positive light. Females are often the producers of online child sex abuse material, and more research is needed on this understudied topic as …

The Byu Advocate, J. Reuben Clark Law School

The BYU Advocate (& Annual Reports)

"BYU Law prioritizes the development of both capacity and character. As our mission statement declares, 'we seek to be and develop people of integrity who combine faith and intellect in lifelong service to God and neighbor.'"

– David H. Moore

Variability In Long Covid Definitions And Validation Of Published Prevalence Rates, Lauren E. Wisk, Michelle L'Hommedieu, Kate Diaz Roldan, Imtiaz Ebna Mannan, Erica S. Spatz, Robert A. Weinstein, Arjun K. Venkatesh, Michael Gottlieb, Ryan Huebinger, Kristin L. Rising, Juan Carlos C. Montoy, Kari A. Stephens, Robert M. Rodriguez, Mandy J. Hill, Kelli N. O'Laughlin, Nicole L. Gentile, Ahamed H. Idris, Shu-Xia Li, Michelle Santangelo, Efrat R. Kean, Samuel A. Mcdonald, Kristyn Gatling, Joann G Elmore

Jefferson Center for Connected Care Faculty Papers

IMPORTANCE: Long COVID definitions vary widely, and no consensus exists on how to accurately measure its prevalence, complicating both clinical care and research.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long COVID prevalence using various definitions from published literature.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This prospective, multicenter cohort study used data from the longitudinal Innovative Support for Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infections Registry (INSPIRE). Participants aged 18 years or older with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 illness at the time of their index SARS-CoV-2 test enrolled at 8 sites across the US from December 11, 2020, through August 29, 2022, with follow-up surveys collected through February 28, …

Vamsidhar Vurimindi V. Erin Morgan

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Azer Scientific Llc V. Quidel Corp

2025 Decisions

USDC for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Assessment Of Faculty Perception Of Flipped Classroom Pedagogy, Jincymol Thomas

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

This DNP project assesses the faculty's perception of the flipped classroom (FC) pedagogy, which is an evidence-based teaching strategy to promote active learning and student success. The purpose of this project is to assess faculty members’ perception of implementing FC. The problem identified is the low progression and graduation rates for associate degree nursing (ADN) students at a North Central Texas Community College. This indicates that current teaching strategies need to be revised. As healthcare is constantly evolving and becoming more complex, the traditional methods of teaching nursing students are no longer sufficient. This QI project is aiming to educate …

Autism Awareness Training For Law Enforcement Officers: A Pilot Study, Kaylie Holke, Meghan Cosier, Elissa Green Kaustinen, Cathy Scherer, Andrew Wall

Education Faculty Articles and Research

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to pilot a research-based autism training session for law enforcement officers (LEOs), test the Police Self-Efficacy for Autism (PSEA) scale as a measurement tool for the session and provide a preliminary examination of brief training. Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a pre-post survey approach in which participants completed the PSEA scale pre- and post-training to measure the relationship between the training and self-efficacy scores. Findings

Results show a positive relationship between brief autism-specific training and officers’ self-efficacy scores across items and subscales. All four subscales and seven of thirteen items demonstrated statistical significance. Originality/value …

Volume Ii | Issue I | 2025

Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Economics and World Affairs

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project Implementing A Structured Communication Program For Academic Clinical Nursing Education, Ashley Daniel

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Effective communication between healthcare professionals is a critical component of safe and high-quality patient care. Structured tools like SBAR (situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) provide a framework to enhance clarity and reduce miscommunication. This quality improvement project implemented SBAR as a structured communication program in debriefing after simulation to improve communication confidence among practical nursing students. The purpose of this project was to evaluate whether the integration of SBAR into debriefing would increase students’ self-reported communication confidence. The problem addressed was the lack of confidence in clinical communication among nursing students, which can impact patient safety and team collaboration. The …

Implementing Education On Music Therapy To Healthcare Professionals In Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Units To Decrease Incidences Of Aggression Among Patients, Judy Murua

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Aggression in psychiatric inpatient units presents a significant barrier to therapeutic care and staff safety, often resulting in the overuse of pharmacological interventions or restraints. Despite strong evidence supporting music therapy as a non-pharmacological option, limited exposure and confidence among healthcare team members hinder its use in practice. This quality improvement project evaluated whether an educational intervention on music therapy could improve staff‘s confidence in utilizing this technique to manage aggression. A quasi-experimental, one-group pre- and post-test design was employed in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, involving participation from nurses and behavioral health technicians. A structured 30–45-minute educational session was …

Characterizing And Modeling The Nonlinear Behavior Of Additively Manufactured Trapped-Powder Dampers, Jonathan Knight Black

Theses and Dissertations

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) can be used to create metal parts with pockets of retained, unfused powder that serve as mechanical dampers. These trapped-powder dampers show promise for reducing the amplitude of vibrations at resonance by orders of magnitude. However, little is currently understood about the nonlinearity and repeatability of trapped-powder dampers, meaning that the design process currently consists of expensive trial-and-error prototyping and iteration. The present work contributes a corpus of experimental measurements for rectangular beams with trapped-powder dampers of various dimensions and locations. Preliminary testing revealed the presence of a memory effect which we hypothesize to be …

Investigating Radiation Induced Rowhammer And Retention Failures In Dram, Tyler Ricks

Theses and Dissertations

It is desirable for DRAM devices to be used in harsh radiation environments. Exposure to radiation causes DRAM cells to lose their retention time as their ability to store charge effectively declines. Exposure also worsens the effect of disturbance that causes neighboring cells to flip when a row is opened multiple times: an effect known as the Row Hammer Effect. This thesis evaluates the impact of radiation-induced memory cell degradation by comparing memory cell's retention time and their resilience to the row hammer vulnerability. Three generations of DRAM were placed under a neutron radiation beam. Sections of the irradiated devices …

Inflation Targeting And Inertial Rules, Araha Uday

Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Economics and World Affairs

No abstract provided.

Restrictions On Veto Power: Holding The Permanent Five Accountable In The Face Of Intervention And Peacekeeping Operations, Theo Aldrighi

Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Economics and World Affairs

ABSTRACT: This article examines the structural constraints of the United Nations Security Council, with a focus on the veto power of its permanent members and its implications for intervention and peacekeeping. Through a realist lens and grounded in structural analysis, it contends that the recurrent paralysis of the Council in the face of mass atrocities stems from entrenched power asymmetries. The paper advances a bifold proposal: the adoption of the French-Mexican initiative to suspend veto use in cases of mass atrocities, and the entrenchment of the Council’s authority to authorize the use of force under defined conditions. Drawing on case …

Judicial Lustration In Backsliding Democracies: Causes And Solutions For Publication, Collin Mcdonnell

Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Economics and World Affairs

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Pandemic School Closures On Standardized Testing Outcomes: Evidence From Connecticut, Michael Manieri

Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Politics, Economics and World Affairs

During the Covid-19 pandemic, schools around the nation closed to prevent the virus’s spread. Following these closures, students’ performance on standardized exams worsened. Using a two-way fixed effect model with district and year fixed effects, I examine if the use of non-traditional schooling modes (i.e. hybrid and virtual) during the pandemic is associated with lower ELA and Math proficiency rates in Connecticut public schools. I find that Connecticut public school districts’ Math and ELA pass rates on the annual Smarter Balanced exam significantly decreased as they used higher levels of virtual and hybrid education. The magnitude of this decrease was …

Understanding And Evaluating Genomic Language Models, Aadit Kapoor

Master's Theses

Large Language Models (LLMs) have shown remarkable capabilities in interpreting complex patterns across various domains, yet their application to genomic data remains limited. We see great potential in leveraging LLMs for vital biological tasks, such as predicting transcription factor binding sites and identifying antibiotic-resistant genes. This emergent behavior positions LLMs as powerful tools for enhancing our understanding of intricate biological language. LLMs trained specifically on genomic data, such as DNA sequences, operate distinctly compared to those trained on natural language. This difference is evident not only in the architectural landscape of the models but also in the methodologies employed by …

Quality Improvement Project Implementing Test Anxiety-Reducing Methods In Senior-Level Nursing Students, Ashley Brooke Gray

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Test anxiety is a common occurrence among university students, particularly nursing students. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) quality improvement project was to address the problem of test anxiety among senior-level nursing students and the lack of faculty intervention in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This DNP project aimed to increase awareness of test anxiety among nursing students and provide faculty development training on identifying symptoms, utilizing the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS), and implementing test anxiety-reducing measures in the classroom. The DNP student provided training to senior-level nursing faculty in integrating relaxation methods, …

Controlled-Airflow Sensor Enclosure (Case) Design Document, Catryn N. Cattoor

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study

The purpose of this document is to organize the theory, industry practices, and research related to designing a device that pulls air through a pipe, containing an environmental sensor, at a rate controlled by a computer fan. Using such a device to regulate the airflow over a sensor can improve the accuracy of field readings, as sensors are often unintentionally sensitive to multiple external conditions. Changes in wind direction and speed or heating due to solar radiation, for example, can cause errors in gas concentration and temperature readings, warranting the need to correct for these factors without decoupling these sensors …