Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Radon In Utah Homes, Madison Mackay

Student Research Symposium

Radon gas is a radioactive gas that is all around us. It can get trapped in homes, especially basements. It is potentially hazardous in high amounts, so it is important to know about. This project studied radon gas in several locations in Utah. The decay of radon samples was studied, and levels found were compared to expected high/low levels.

Igneous Petrology Of Rumicolca Lavas From The Peruvian Altiplano: Controls On Compositional Variability And Source Characteristics, Jacob Ladner

Student Research Symposium

Lava flow samples from the Peruvian Altiplano plateau described petrologically, mineralogically, and geochemically for investigation of of genetic relation, compositional variability, and melt source characteristics. Reflective of a metasomatically altered mantle resulting from subduction of the Nazca plate under the western margin of South America.

Electron Yield Analysis Of Highly Insulating Granular Particles, Heather Allen, Matthew Robertson, Tom Keaton, Jr Dennison

Student Research Symposium

This project investigates the charging properties and electron yields of highly insulating granular samples, and how these properties may differ from bulk surfaces of the same composition. Measurements were made on both smooth and granular surfaces of materials including aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, sodium chloride, and magnesium oxide. The dramatic effects of surface roughness on electron yield values became evident after comparing the preliminary results of rougher granular samples to those of smooth bulk crystalline surface. In every case tested, the more complex surface morphology resulted in a greatly reduced maximum yield, without substantially affecting the curve shape or energy …

High Frequency Radio Communication, Tyler Larsen

Student Research Symposium

This research focuses on high frequency radio communication and its link to space weather. It examines a signal from beacon networks across the globe and analyzes that signal as it arrives to the antennae here at USU. By linking that data to space weather data we can more accurately see how the signal is being affected.

Generating Optimal Space-Filling Designs With Particle Swarm Optimization, Rebekah Scott

Student Research Symposium

In 1935, Ronald Fisher published The Design of Experiments, establishing classical designs for various types of experiments. With the rise of computing power came optimal design, where statisticians can better customize designs according to the needs of the researchers running the experiment. This research focuses on generating optimal MaxMin space-filling designs with particle swarm optimization using various distance metrics (Manhattan, Euclidean, etc). Interestingly, changing the distance metric in the objective function had a minimal effect on the design, except for Aitchison geometry on the simplex. Space-filling designs are optimal for supporting high-order models with only a small sacrifice in prediction …

Using Particle Swarm Optimization To Generate Optimal Experimental Designs With Replication Structures, Thomsen Bolton

Student Research Symposium

The modern dominant approach to planning experiments in industrial engineering and manufacturing is optimal design. This is a popular design paradigm because it 1) requires specification of an optimality criterion which incorporates practical objectives as definition of a design with high quality and 2) yields a design via high-dimensional optimization that gives the researcher ‘the most bang for the buck’ for a fixed sample/experimental run size. We aim to adapt the state-of-the-art meta-heuristic optimization algorithm, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), to generating optimal designs with user-specified replication structure. Recently, PSO has been demonstrated to be highly effective at generating candidate …

Permittivity Of Thin Film Spacecraft Materials, Cameron Eggleston

Student Research Symposium

Permittivity is the ability of a material to store electrical potential energy under the influence of an electric field. This property is commonly used to determine the best insulating materials and to find the best materials for capacitors. Where my research, the permittivity of thin film space materials, is generally relevant is the realm of spacecraft charging and arcing. The permittivity of thin film space materials affects how charge builds up in the material. While taking permittivity measurements, we noticed that thinner samples were giving smaller values than they should, so we started to look closer. We developed an empirical …

Microclimate Variability Between Coop Weather Station And Proposed Site For Relocation, Ashley Butikofer

Student Research Symposium

The Utah Climate Center has contributed to the Cooperative Observer Program associated with the National Weather Service since 1893. This consistent 130-year climate record of precipitation and temperature is important for studying the changing climate in Logan as well as contributing to a national network of weather data used to verify weather forecasting models. The COOP station is currently located to the Northeast of the Nutrition and Food Science building on USU’s campus. In recent years, there has been concern of bias in the data due to the proximity of the station to highly impervious surfaces including campus buildings, parking …

Reduction Of Drag Force In Liquids, Nick Hill

Student Research Symposium

The purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of different strategies of reducing the drag experienced by an object falling through liquids like water and oil. Different methods include coating the object with a hydrophobic substance or heating the object. The tests will be conducted using objects of different materials, including a steel ball, a marble, and a dimpled ball similar to a golf ball. The drag force will be measured by using a high-speed camera to track the motion of the object. These results could be useful for many applications, specifically when attempting to create an object …

Here Come The Floods: Classification Of Rain-On-Snow Induced Flooding In Nevada, Emma Watts

Student Research Symposium

Given Nevada’s history of destructive flooding resulting from rain falling on mountainous snowpack, often called rain-on-snow (ROS) events, there is a great need to incorporate these events and their residual effects in infrastructure design methods. Examining relationships between USGS streamflow measurements and climate variables (specifically precipitation, temperature, and snowpack) obtained from neighboring SNOTEL stations provides means by which to classify ROS-induced floods from ROS events. Using both temperature and snowpack-based criterion to classify ROS events, this project differentiates between non-ROS and ROS-induced floods in a subset of USGS stations across the Sierra Nevada and reveals that ROS-induced floods produce, on …

Differences In Magnetic Field Models Can Affect The Studies That Use Them, Tucker Anderson

Student Research Symposium

The International Geomagnetic Reference Field and World Magnetic Model are used by many organizations for varying purposes. Differences in these models can affect the studies that employ them. Data from these models between the years 1972 and 2022 were compared to demonstrate this.

Optimal Control Problems For Stochastic Processes With Absorbing Regime, Yaacov Kopeliovich

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

No abstract provided.

Bounds For The Augmented Zagreb Index, Ren Qingcuo, Li Wen, Suonan Renqian, Yang Chenxu

Theory & Applications of Graphs

The augmented Zagreb index (AZI for short) of a graph G, introduced by Furtula et al. in 2010, is defined as AZI(G)= Σ v_iv_j ∈ E(G)} (d(v_i)d(v_j)} {d(v_i)+d(v_j)-2)³, where E(G) is the edge set of G, and d(v_i) denotes the degree of the vertex v_i. In this paper, we give some new bounds on general connected graphs, molecular trees and triangle-free graphs.

New Diagonal Graph Ramsey Numbers Of Unicyclic Graphs, Richard M. Low, Ardak Kapbasov

Theory & Applications of Graphs

Grossman conjectured that R(G, G) = 2 ⋅ |V(G)| - 1, for all simple connected unicyclic graphs G of odd girth and |V(G)| ≥ 4. In this note, we prove his conjecture for various classes of G containing a triangle. In addition, new diagonal graph Ramsey numbers are calculated for some classes of simple connected unicyclic graphs of even girth.

Ts-Reconfiguration Of K-Path Vertex Covers In Caterpillars For K \Geq 4, Duc A. Hoang

Theory & Applications of Graphs

A k-path vertex cover (k-PVC) of a graph G is a vertex subset I such that each path on k vertices in G contains at least one member of I. Imagine that a token is placed on each vertex of a k-PVC. Given two k-PVCs I, J of a graph G, thek-Path Vertex Cover Reconfiguration (k-PVCR)} under Token Sliding (TS) problem asks if there is a sequence of k-PVCs between I and J where each intermediate member is obtained from its predecessor by sliding a token from some …

Ramsey Numbers For Connected 2-Colorings Of Complete Graphs, Mark Budden

Theory & Applications of Graphs

In 1978, David Sumner introduced a variation of Ramsey numbers by restricting to 2-colorings in which the subgraphs spanned by edges in each color are connected. This paper continues the study of connected Ramsey numbers, including the evaluation of several cases of trees versus complete graphs.

The Effect Of Different Juicing Methods On Fiber Content , Hannah Eddy, Kaylee West, Mj Wayment, Meg Chronister

Student Research Symposium

Dietary fiber is an important component in the world of nutrition. Whole fruits and vegetables are great sources that can be added to add more fiber to one's diet. Many consumers prefer to drink juice rather than add whole fruits and vegetables to their diets. However, fiber is often lost during the juicing process. The purpose of this experiment was to find the best method of juicing for a good balance of dietary fiber and flavor for each fruit or vegetable. The first independent variable was the types of fruits and vegetables being juiced: apple, pomegranate, orange, and carrot. The …

Alternatives To Yeast?: Examining Effects Of Leavening Agent On Density, Texture, And Acceptability Of French-Style Bread, Sofia Wombacher, Abby Harris, Torie Christensen

Student Research Symposium

This experiment explores potential substitutes for traditional bakers' yeast in French-style loaf bread. Might alternative leavening agents be sufficient to produce a leavened French-style bread in the standard home if yeast is unavailable? Baking powder & baking soda plus lemon juice served as variables compared to yeast. Comparison based on loaf density, texture, and sensory panel acceptability allowed a comprehensive analysis of substitutability for the leavening agents. A sensory panel of ten peer evaluators ranked the desirability, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability of examined variables. Volume and density readings of each variable helped determine the rising rate of the different …

Testing Mixing Times For Gluten Formation In Liege Waffles, Alannah Darrington, Breckelle Cooper, Jasmyn Norton

Student Research Symposium

There are many different ways to make waffles. They can be made sweet or savory and made as dough or batter. Waffles are great since they are a delicious food for any time of the day. The experiment was to test the mixing times of a Liege waffle recipe from the former Waffle Iron restaurant in Logan. The mixing times were measured to see how much gluten formed and which mixing time would create the most fluffy and delectable waffle. The mixing times are as follows: 5 minutes, 8 minutes, and 15 minutes. The control for the experiment was a …

All Purpose Flour Alternatives In Brownies, Georgia Johnson, Mckayl Black, Jouri Lacome

Student Research Symposium

Brownies are a very popular dessert. Many people are not able to tolerate the gluten in their diets, while some people may just want to add different flours. You can get other nutritional benefits from switching the flour from the all purpose flour. The alternatives in our experiment, or independent variables, were oat flour, rice flour, and banana flour. Each flour was used to bake a batch of brownies. After the brownies were finished, twelve people participated in a blind taste test. These participants subjectively tested the appearance, texture, and taste. Overall, all-purpose flour was the most desirable among participants. …

The Effect Of Whey Protein On Gluten-Free Rolls, Maeci Armstrong, Lindsay Jarman, Sara Marshall

Student Research Symposium

Growing numbers of people developing celiac disease and gluten intolerances have increased the demand for gluten-free products in the United States. 1 Many gluten-free breads are low in protein and lack the desired texture, volume, and flavor that can be found in most standard wheat bread products. Whey protein has been shown to increase the protein content in bread and mimic gluten in creating a protein network within the dough to produce the desired texture. 1 This experiment aims to determine the effect on texture, moisture, flavor, volume, cell structure, and acceptability when whey protein isolate is added in 4 …

A Taste Of Gluten-Free Italy: Substituting The Structural Agent In Fettuccine, Olivia Purles, Madison Cavender, Emeline Manser

Student Research Symposium

The structural ingredient of pasta was varied in an attempt to identify a suitable and desirable gluten-free fettuccine pasta option. The flours that were used were almond flour, Bob’s TM Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour, cricket flour, potato flour, and cornstarch, with all-purpose flour serving as the control. The objective tests that were performed were a noodle density test, and a water absorption test. Once the various noodles were made, they were presented to a consumer panel and various sensory evaluations were performed to determine the acceptability of appearance, texture, and flavor in fettuccine noodles. Bob’s …

2023 Reday Awards Recipients

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

List of award winners for 2023 REDay.

Program

Bryant REDay (Research and Engagement Day)

11th Annual Research and Engagement Day Program with descriptions and schedule of events.

Towards A Global Sustainable Development Agenda Built On Social–Ecological Resilience, Murray W. Scown, Robin K. Craig, Craig R. Allen, Lance Gunderson, David G. Angeler, Jorge H. Garcia, Ahjond Garmestani

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Non-technical summary. The United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) articulate societal aspirations for people and our planet. Many scientists have criticised the SDGs and some have suggested that a better understanding of the complex interactions between society and the environment should underpin the next global development agenda. We further this discussion through the theory of social–ecological resilience, which emphasises the ability of systems to absorb, adapt, and transform in the face of change. We determine the strengths of the current SDGs, which should form a basis for the next agenda, and identify key gaps that should be filled.

Technical …

The Spin Polarization Of Palladium On Magneto-Electric Cr2O3, Takashi Komesu, Will Echtenkamp,, Christian H. Binek, Peter A. Dowben

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

While induced spin polarization of a palladium (Pd) overlayer on antiferromagnetic and magneto-electric Cr₂O₃(0001) is possible because of the boundary polarization at the Cr₂O₃(0001), in the single domain state, the Pd thin film appears to be ferromagnetic on its own, likely as a result of strain. In the conduction band, we find the experimental evidence of ferromagnetic spin polarized in Pd thin films on a Cr₂O₃(0001) single crystal, especially in the thin limit, Pd thickness of around 1–4 nm. Indeed there is significant spin polarization in 10 Å …

Research On Modeling And Scheduling Of Virtual Power Plant With Dual Demand Response, Qiang Chen, Yi Wang, Kangshun Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Virtual power plant technology provides an effective means to aggregate distributed power and user side resources to participate in power scheduling. Most of the existing research focus on the scheduling optimization of distributed energy instead of the demand response of user side. The user side resources are divided into contracted reliable response load and non-contracted random response load, and the load response is regulated through price adjustment mechanism to adapt to the change of distributed. A virtual power plant optimal scheduling model with dual demands response is constructed, in which the maximizing overall profit of the power grid is …

Voltage And Reactive Power Combinational Evaluation Of Regional Power Grid Based On Ewm-Ahp-Bp Neural Network, Yuqi Ji, Huan Xie, Shaoyu Shi, Ping He, Nan Jin, Huili Wang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In order to quantitatively evaluate the influence of renewable energy access on voltage and reactive power operation, a combinational evaluation method of voltage and reactive power based on EWM-AHP-BP neural network is proposed to carry out the multi-objective evaluation weight calculation. Considering voltage qualified rate, voltage fluctuation, power factor qualified rate and reactive power reserve, the comprehensive evaluation model is established. The operation data of renewable energy and power load are clustered to divide the typical scenarios and the evaluation model under multiple scenarios is scored by the combination method of entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process. The …

Research On Modeling And Solution Method Of Operational Tasks Assignment, Yue Ma, Lin Wu, Shengming Guo

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Aiming at the prewar operational tasks assignment in operation task planning, a multi constraint model of operational tasks assignment is constructed to describe the dynamic mapping relationship between operational tasks and operational units. The solution strategy of decision space pruning and constraint condition judgment is proposed, and the methods of decision variable coding, assignment scheme decoding and phased fitness calculation are described. Differential evolution algorithm is used to work out the solution. The experimental results show that the multi constraint assignment model and solution algorithm can effectively reduce the scale of decision space, and can improve the rationality …

Cyber Security In Cyber Space, James D. Lee Jr.

Cybersecurity Undergraduate Research Showcase

For almost twenty years, the Internet has been a driving force in global communication and an integral part of people's everyday lives. As a result of technical developments and declining prices, over 3 billion people worldwide now utilize the Internet. The Internet has created a global infrastructure, and it is worth billions of dollars annually to the global economy (Judge et al.). Today's economic, commercial, cultural, social, and governmental activities and exchanges occur in Cyberspace, involving individuals, enterprises, non-profit organizations, and government and governmental agencies (Aghajani and Ghadimi 220). Cyberspace is the birthplace of much of the world's most essential …