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2018

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Articles 5191 - 5220 of 8951

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Optimization Methods For A Reconfigurable Ota Chamber, Matthew David Arnold Apr 2018

Optimization Methods For A Reconfigurable Ota Chamber, Matthew David Arnold

Theses and Dissertations

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology has enabled increased performance of wireless communication devices. The increased complexity associated with MIMO devices requires more realistic testing environments to ensure device performance. This testing can be accomplished by either very accurate but expensive anechoic chambers, less accurate but inexpensive mode-stirred chambers, or the newly introduced reconfigurable over-the-air chamber (ROTAC) that combines the benefits of both anechoic chambers and reverberation chambers. This work focuses on efficient optimization methods to quantify the performance of the ROTAC. First, an efficient optimization technique that combines convex optimization and a simple gradient descent algorithm is developed that can be …

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Multiplexed Optofluidics For Single-Molecule Analysis, Matthew Alan Stott Apr 2018

Multiplexed Optofluidics For Single-Molecule Analysis, Matthew Alan Stott

Theses and Dissertations

The rapid development of optofluidics, the combination of microfluidics and integrated optics, since its formal conception in the early 2000's has aided in the advance of single-molecule analysis. The optofluidic platform discussed in this dissertation is called the liquid core anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguide (LC-ARROW). This platform uses ARROW waveguides to orthogonally intersect a liquid core waveguide with solid core rib waveguides for the excitation of specifically labeled molecules and collection of fluorescence signal. Since conception, the LC-ARROW platform has demonstrated its effectiveness as a lab-on-a-chip fluorescence biosensor. However, until the addition of optical multiplexing excitation waveguides, the platform lacked …

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An Analysis Of Using Error Metrics To Determine The Accuracy Of Modeled Historical Streamflow On A Global Scale, Elise Katherine Jackson Apr 2018

An Analysis Of Using Error Metrics To Determine The Accuracy Of Modeled Historical Streamflow On A Global Scale, Elise Katherine Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Streamflow data is used throughout the world in applications such as flooding, agriculture, and urban planning. Understanding daily and seasonal patterns in streamflow is important for decision makers, so that they can accurately predict and react to seasonal changes in streamflow for the region. This understanding of daily and seasonal patterns has historically been achieved through interpretation of observed historical data at stream reaches throughout the individual regions. Developing countries have limited and sporadic observed stream and rain gage data, making it difficult for stakeholders to manage their water resources to their fullest potential. In areas where observed historical data …

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Efficient Fpga Soc Processing Design For A Small Uav Radar, Luke Oliver Newmeyer Apr 2018

Efficient Fpga Soc Processing Design For A Small Uav Radar, Luke Oliver Newmeyer

Theses and Dissertations

Modern radar technology relies heavily on digital signal processing. As radar technology pushes the boundaries of miniaturization, computational systems must be developed to support the processing demand. One particular application for small radar technology is in modern drone systems. Many drone applications are currently inhibited by safety concerns of autonomous vehicles navigating shared airspace. Research in radar based Detect and Avoid (DAA) attempts to address these concerns by using radar to detect nearby aircraft and choosing an alternative flight path. Implementation of radar on small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV), however, requires a lightweight and power efficient design. Likewise, the radar …

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Analysis Of Student Understanding Of The Change Order Process, Austin C. Eberle Apr 2018

Analysis Of Student Understanding Of The Change Order Process, Austin C. Eberle

Construction Management

Effective project management comes from controlling cost, time, and quality on a project. As construction projects become more complex, changes in the original contract documents will arise due to the nature of human error. How a project manager documents and addresses change events can alter the successfulness of a project. This study attempts to look at senior level construction management major student’s understanding of the change order management process. The goal of the study is to ascertain how well the students feel the construction management curriculum prepared them to manage change events in industry. Students were asked to demonstrate their …

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California & Foothill Tunnel Feasibility Project:, Tyler J. Rohde Apr 2018

California & Foothill Tunnel Feasibility Project:, Tyler J. Rohde

Construction Management

Safety on and off campus while attending college is one of the fastest growing concerns around the country. Having a secure path to get to campus is also a large problem to a select number of students here at California Polytechnic State University. The "Rape" Tunnel at the corner of California and Foothill Boulevard is considered to many to be a danger because of its unpredictable accessibility and the stigma that surrounds it.

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Modular Utility Rack And Accessory Line, Ian Philip Thomas Apr 2018

Modular Utility Rack And Accessory Line, Ian Philip Thomas

Construction Management

There is a large gap in the market for heavy duty work racks for fleet vehicles. Modular racks have recently been introduced to the industry allowing contractors the ability to customize them to their needs. However, all customizable racks are limited to lightweight applications. The high strength steel rack I have designed is both modular, and sturdy enough to handle up to an estimated one thousand pounds. On our website, contractors will be able to scroll through the available attachments for his make and model rack and view them built on to his vehicle in 3D computer generated graphics.

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Aligning Construction Management Students' Minors With The Needs Of Industry Professionals, Isaac Alexis Maximov Apr 2018

Aligning Construction Management Students' Minors With The Needs Of Industry Professionals, Isaac Alexis Maximov

Construction Management

While in college, students will have to decide if they want to pursue a minor, in addition to their bachelor’s degree. To pursue a minor one has to take additional units, and one usually does this without any free electives, meaning their graduation date is most likely delayed. A minor, in theory, should provide additional benefits such as being more hirable and earning potential; however, in the construction industry, the minors construction management students are taking do not align with the needs of construction industry professionals in. And while most students believe having a minor will increase their salary, this …

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The Skilled Framing Carpenter Shortage On The Central Coast Of California: A Focus On Residential Construction, Trevor John Nally Apr 2018

The Skilled Framing Carpenter Shortage On The Central Coast Of California: A Focus On Residential Construction, Trevor John Nally

Construction Management

The residential construction industry has many critical components. When one of these components is not operating optimally, it can be detrimental to the system as a whole. A critical component to residential construction is skilled craftspeople. Without them, there can be no significant physical work completed on any residential project. Currently the component of skilled craftspeople in residential construction is in a state of short supply. Throughout the United States, there is an inadequate amount of craftspeople to fill the demand for their skills. The Central Coast of California is experiencing this issue much like the rest of the nation …

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Acoustical Damping For Poly Canyon Village's Music Room, Jayvee Martir Apr 2018

Acoustical Damping For Poly Canyon Village's Music Room, Jayvee Martir

Construction Management

Poly Canyon Village was a project by Clark Construction and Architect Niles Bolton Associates that was completed in 2009 that provided housing for upcoming and continuing students. One of the buildings, labeled “Aliso” has constructed the music practice room for students to either play their musical instruments or have it become a convenient area to record, with one particular band “Tin Kitty” having problems with being too loud. Even so, there is potential for this music room to become much more than what it currently is. This paper is a research paper that covers the various materials and methods of …

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Skills And Traits Recruiters Value Most When Interviewing Construction Management Students For Internships And Full-Time Positions, Noel Medina Apr 2018

Skills And Traits Recruiters Value Most When Interviewing Construction Management Students For Internships And Full-Time Positions, Noel Medina

Construction Management

Interviews are a common method for companies to find whether a candidate meets all the requirements for the job at hand. Questions asked by interviewers tend to focus on hard skills, also known as technical skills, soft skills and other traits that are highly valued by the company. The objective of this project is to find which hard skills, soft skills and traits construction management professionals’ value most when interviewing students. The methods used for data gathering were in-person interviews and a survey, which was sent to construction industry contacts. The ultimate goal of this report is to relay these …

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Perceptions Of Efficiency In Construction Jobsite Safety, Jay Doyle Apr 2018

Perceptions Of Efficiency In Construction Jobsite Safety, Jay Doyle

Construction Management

This project is to examine the perception of jobsite safety practices of California contractors. Preliminary research found that jobsite safety practices are not a hinderance on a project schedule when managed well. A survey of students and industry professionals was the methodology used to gather this information. This survey consisted of various questions about the perception of safety practices on jobsites the respondent has worked on themselves, as well as their perception about safety in the construction industry as a whole. Significant findings were that half of the surveyed individuals had worked on a job site in which they lost …

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Feasibility Analysis For Reclaim Device During Shotcrete Application, Cameron Neil Berkins Apr 2018

Feasibility Analysis For Reclaim Device During Shotcrete Application, Cameron Neil Berkins

Construction Management

Shotcrete application has proven advantages over cast-in-place concrete under many different situations. Ease of access, minimal formwork, and higher productivity are prime examples. Its uses have exponentially increased through technical innovations to improve the ready-mix, nozzlemen technique, application surfaces, and to ensure higher dependability of the equipment. Unfortunately, concrete waste is still one of the highest percentages of overall waste in the construction industry. Shotcrete rebound, the material that falls from the wall due to lack of cohesion during installation, has slowly been reduced due to ready-mix alterations over the years, but effective recycling processes have yet to be implemented. …

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Bank Of Italy Building's Net Zero Energy Renovation: A Case Study, Joshua Kai Balaban Apr 2018

Bank Of Italy Building's Net Zero Energy Renovation: A Case Study, Joshua Kai Balaban

Construction Management

The designation of Net-Zero Energy describes a building that meets all of its energy demand with on-site renewable energy generation. The Bank of Italy Building, in Downtown San Jose, California, is currently undergoing design-development to transform a landmark historical site into a modern, Net-Zero Energy building. This paper will analyze the project team’s design approach to minimizing energy demand and meeting this demand with on-site renewable energy. It will also evaluate the unique challenges associated with preserving the historical character of the existing structure, while converting it into a high-performing building. The research will consider similar past projects and approaches; …

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Cost Analysis Of Modern Residential Solar Installations, Alex Scott Adams Apr 2018

Cost Analysis Of Modern Residential Solar Installations, Alex Scott Adams

Construction Management

This paper is a detailed cost analysis of standard photovoltaic panels and Tesla’s solar tiles. This analysis is specifically for the San Luis Obispo area, and focuses on comparing and contrasting new and old styles of residential solar for the average single family dwelling. This is important because there will become more consumers of solar in this area as the price becomes more favorable, and as sustainable practices become the norm. This trend is set to continue because of the movement to combat climate change. Solar energy fits into this movement because it is a source of energy that is …

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Panelized Workforce Housing, Brock H. Armstrong Apr 2018

Panelized Workforce Housing, Brock H. Armstrong

Construction Management

This study analyzes the utility of a panelized exterior wall system in workforce housing. First, it introduces why the need for the project exists. Second, it touches on how Cal Poly procured the project and who the client is. Third, it lays out how the project was dealt with as far as its structure and the roles of the students taking part in the cohort. Fourth, it looks at the process of designing the panels, the various restrictions the students had to deal with in designing them, and how the panels changed over time due to new constraints being made …

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Creating An Organized/Safer Way For Contractors To Carry Oversized Spare Tires, Thomas Arismendi Apr 2018

Creating An Organized/Safer Way For Contractors To Carry Oversized Spare Tires, Thomas Arismendi

Construction Management

Construction is an industry that needs trucks/vehicles to travel across large dirt construction sites without getting stuck. This typically means upgrading to a larger wheel width/diameter to create the largest possible surface area for the tire to cover while off-road. Managing to get a flat tire whether it is rolling a bead in the dirt from being aired down or running over objects such as nails/screws, it is always important to carry a spare tire that fits the application. This causes an increased need to safely lock down an oversized spare when the time comes for one. Most of the …

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The Feasibility Of Implementing Solar Power On Construction Sites, Jordan Alves Apr 2018

The Feasibility Of Implementing Solar Power On Construction Sites, Jordan Alves

Construction Management

The purpose of the research conducted in this project is to determine the feasibility of implementing solar on a construction site as means of providing power. Power requirements as well as costs from the established sources were compared to the current costs of solar, more importantly, to the current cost of the specific solar setup needed to provide consistent power to the site. As a baseline, the project power requirements were based of the requirements of the civil site the generator data was pulled from.

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Case Study: Proven Benefits Of Insurance Backed Stretch And Flex Programs With Cdm Smith, Colin Dzubnar Apr 2018

Case Study: Proven Benefits Of Insurance Backed Stretch And Flex Programs With Cdm Smith, Colin Dzubnar

Construction Management

Safety is the most important aspect of the construction industry. Due to daily strenuous physical activities that occur on a construction jobsite, having your body warmed up, pain-free and ready to perform labor intensive tasks is critical. This case study will examine the correlation between the past and present daily stretching format at the construction jobsite with CDM Smith and Insurance Company. For continuity, it will include an interview with the same CDM Smith Region H&S Manager as well as similar surveys to find out the construction workers thoughts and reactions to stretching prior to work. Although IO to 20 …

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A Novel Deep Junction Edge Termination For Superjunction Mosfets, Chia Hui Cheng, Chih Fang Huang, Kung Yen Lee, Feng Zhao Apr 2018

A Novel Deep Junction Edge Termination For Superjunction Mosfets, Chia Hui Cheng, Chih Fang Huang, Kung Yen Lee, Feng Zhao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this letter, a novel edge termination named deep junction termination for silicon super junction (SJ) MOSFETs is proposed, simulated, and experimentally demonstrated for the first time. By utilizing a typical implantation-and-epitaxy process to form P- and N-pillars for SJ, it is possible to form deep junctions as the device termination with a large radius of curvature and lateral and vertical doping gradation. The 2-D simulation shows that more than 700-V blocking voltage (BV) can be achieved by a 57-drift layer with this novel termination, and experimentally BV as high as 660 V is demonstrated by the fabricated device.

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Understanding How Engineering Identity And Belongingness Predict Grit For First-Generation College Students, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin, Adam Kirn, Lisa Benson, Geoff Potvin Apr 2018

Understanding How Engineering Identity And Belongingness Predict Grit For First-Generation College Students, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin, Adam Kirn, Lisa Benson, Geoff Potvin

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

Increasing the participation of underrepresented students, including first-generation college students, in engineering plays a central role in sustaining the U.S. research and innovation capacity. Diversity continues to be recognized as an asset in engineering. However, we also know that the culture of engineering has an implicit assumption about who can be and who is recognized as an engineer. There is also a complex relationship between participation in a community of practice and identity. Diverse students must not only author an identity as an engineer but also must grapple with how that identity, historically constructed as white and masculine, becomes a …

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First-Generation College Students Identifying As Future Engineers, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin Apr 2018

First-Generation College Students Identifying As Future Engineers, Dina Verdín, Allison Godwin

School of Engineering Education Graduate Student Series

This paper seeks to understand factors that influence how first-generation college students identify as engineers now and in the future. Data used in this study came from four U.S. institutions obtaining a total first-generation college student sample of 596 participants. We used future possible selves as a lens to understand how first-generation college students’ current views of themselves as engineers shape their future identities as engineers. Two separate analyses were conducted. First, a multiple regression analysis was used to determine which career future satisfaction variables predicted first-generation college students current and future identification as engineers. Second, a hierarchical regression analysis …

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Materials Design With Polylactic Acid-Polyethylene Glycol Blends Using 3d Printing And For Medical Applications., Jeremiah R. Bauer Apr 2018

Materials Design With Polylactic Acid-Polyethylene Glycol Blends Using 3d Printing And For Medical Applications., Jeremiah R. Bauer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an examination of two material systems derived from polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). PLA is a polymer commonly sourced from renewable sources such as starches and sugars. It is a relatively strong, biodegradable polymer, making it ideal for use in the body. Even though it has a relative high strength, PLA is also brittle leading to the use of plasticizers to increase flexibility. One such plasticizer is PEG, which is a material that can exist at room temperature as either a thin liquid, or a hard waxy solid depending on the molecular weight. The first …

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Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Of Simulated Protein Secondary Structures., Andrew J. Adams Apr 2018

Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy Of Simulated Protein Secondary Structures., Andrew J. Adams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy is an experimental technique for differentiating between various conformations and orientations of interfacial proteins. Combining a theoretical framework for SFG with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provides a powerful tool for studying systems containing interfacial proteins with applications in cell transport, biofilms, and fermentation processes. Roeters’ method was used to calculate theoretical SFG responses for a variety of individual α-helix and β-sheet peptide secondary structures simulated using MD. Results show how the shape and locations of SFG amide I responses change with differences in hydrogen bonding patterns, peptide orientations, and SFG polarization combinations. The data presented …

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Design And Development Of A Multifunctional Surgical Device For Ground And Space-Based Surgical Applications., Brooke Elaine Barrow Apr 2018

Design And Development Of A Multifunctional Surgical Device For Ground And Space-Based Surgical Applications., Brooke Elaine Barrow

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the possibility of longer ventures into space, NASA will face many new medical challenges. The ability to surgically treat trauma and other disorders in reduced gravity requires reliable wound access, containment, and visualization. In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Louisville is currently developing the AISS (Aqueous Immersion Surgical System) to increase efficiency and control of the operative field in space-based surgeries. Reliable wound access and containment is achieved by placing a transparent wound-isolation dome securely over the wound-site and pressurizing it with a saline solution. Leak-free trocars provide access ports for various surgical instruments. This system …

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Tumor-Targeted Double Emulsions For Ultrasound-Triggered Delivery Of Molecular Therapeutics., Connor S Centner Apr 2018

Tumor-Targeted Double Emulsions For Ultrasound-Triggered Delivery Of Molecular Therapeutics., Connor S Centner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, with 1.74 million new cancer cases diagnosed and 610,000 cancer deaths expected in 2018 alone. Current treatments often result in negative systemic effects and ineffective treatment of the tumor. Drug delivery vehicles have been developed for more effective local delivery methods, but many drug delivery vehicles lack spatial and temporal control. Targeted double emulsions are a new class of drug delivery vehicles which present a promising option for a high payload and controlled delivery. The purpose of our project was to develop and characterize an aptamer-chelated double emulsion …

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Swelling As A Stabilizing Mechanism During Ion Bombardment Of Thin Films: An Analytical And Numerical Study, Jennifer M. Swenson Apr 2018

Swelling As A Stabilizing Mechanism During Ion Bombardment Of Thin Films: An Analytical And Numerical Study, Jennifer M. Swenson

Mathematics Theses and Dissertations

Irradiation of semiconductor surfaces often leads to the spontaneous formation of rippled structures at certain irradiation angles. However, at high enough energies, these structures are observed to vanish for all angles, despite the absence of any identified, universally-stabilizing physical mechanisms in operation. Here, we examine the effect on pattern formation of radiation-induced swelling, which has been excluded from prior treatments of stress in irradiated films. After developing a suitable continuum model, we perform a linear stability analysis to determine its effect on stability. Under appropriate simplifying assumptions, we find swelling indeed to be stabilizing at wavenumbers typical of experimental observations. …

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Unsupervised Parkinson’S Disease Assessment, Alexander S. Adranly, Senbao Lu, Yousef Zoumot Apr 2018

Unsupervised Parkinson’S Disease Assessment, Alexander S. Adranly, Senbao Lu, Yousef Zoumot

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disease that affects 6.2 million people worldwide. The most popular clinical method to measure PD tremor severity is a standardized test called the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), which is performed subjectively by a medical professional. Due to infrequent checkups and human error introduced into the process, treatment is not optimally adjusted for PD patients. According to a recent review there are two devices recommended to objectively quantify PD symptom severity. Both devices record a patient’s tremors using inertial measurement units (IMUs). One is not currently available for over the counter purchases, …

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Airline Customer Satisfaction 2015-2017 Results, Michelle M. Bennett, Brent D. Bowen, Erin E. Bowen, Z. Bowen, Dean Headley, Timothy B. Holt, Jacqueline R. Luedtke Apr 2018

Airline Customer Satisfaction 2015-2017 Results, Michelle M. Bennett, Brent D. Bowen, Erin E. Bowen, Z. Bowen, Dean Headley, Timothy B. Holt, Jacqueline R. Luedtke

Publications

Previous research on perceptions, satisfaction, and attitudes regarding the major commercial air carriers in the United States has provided little more than an interesting descriptive representation of the average air traveler. This study moves beyond basic descriptive information of air travelers to identify attitudinal patterns and relationships in the way consumers at varying levels of travel frequency view the commercial air industry. The Airline Passenger Survey (APS) elements developed via the utilization of rigorous scientific methodology, with the intention of capturing the most important data from passengers while reducing confusion or variability in comprehension of questions. APS items are a …

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Non-Newtonian Fabric-Fluid Composites: Fabrication, Characterization And Testing For Anti-Ballistics Applications, Hayley M. Weir Apr 2018

Non-Newtonian Fabric-Fluid Composites: Fabrication, Characterization And Testing For Anti-Ballistics Applications, Hayley M. Weir

All Theses

This thesis aims to characterize non-Newtonian suspensions for anti-ballistics applications. This involves characterizing the rheological behavior of each suspension. It also includes characterizing the interactions of the suspensions with several types of fabrics with known antiballistics properties. The study also tests the armor composites under ballistics stresses by firing on them with standardized military weaponry. This data is then compiled to determine which, if any, of the fabrics and suspensions are ultimately suitable for anti-ballistics uses.

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