2018 Projects
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Item Open Access Modeling evapotranspiration using an aerodynamic temperature and remote sensing approach(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Costa Filho, Edson, author; Chavez, Jose L., authorBetter irrigation water management requires accurate estimates of crop water use. Modeling evapotranspiration (ET) using the surface energy balance approach and remote sensing data has been showing promising results, but the complex nature of heat and momentum transfers among land, plants, and atmosphere has imposed a challenge towards obtaining more accurate crop water consumptive use results. The project aims to improve estimates of crop ET by improving the estimation of sensible heat (H), the most critical component of the surface energy balance, through a combined application of remote sensing data and an aerodynamic temperature approach.Item Open Access Design and development of haute couture using innovative silk fabrics(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Purandare, Saloni, author; Maindargi, Shagufta, author; Ramdham, Shivani, author; Gupta, Rhiddhi, author; Pital, L. G., authorThe purpose of this research which was conducted with Central Silk Board, Government of India organization is development of 6 haute couture pieces with innovative fabrics and ornamentation. Another motive was to preserve a traditional Indian silk fabric named "Ilkal" and the cultural practice of handloom. Unusual weft insertions namely Muga, Tussar, Eri, Mulberry Spun,Mulberry filature and Banana were done and fabrics were woven using pit loom. Textiles were ornamented through uniquely designed embroidery motifs. The fabrics were further tested for various aspects. Further consumer survey was conducted which yielded positive results. Garments are adorned at CSB Museum.Item Open Access Microgreen production: an evaluation of types of growing media(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Lake, Julie A., author; Davis, Jessica, advisorMicrogreens are edible vegetable, herb, and even flower plants that are harvested between 7 to 15 days after germination, when cotyledons and/or two ‘true’ leaves have emerged. Harvest parameters often vary depending on the type of plant being produced. The seedlings are harvested by cutting the hypocotyl just above the grow media, leaving the radicle behind. The hypocotyl, cotyledons, and often emerging first two 'true leaves' are the parts of the plant that are consumed. Plants in this early stage of development have a much higher nutritional content than their mature counterparts. Microgreens can be produced using a variety of growing methods, are easily grown in small or large quantities, and can be grown in almost any location. These factors make microgreens a quick growing source of nutritious food in the U.S. and globally. Researching different possible methods that can be used to grow microgreens could benefit future food supplies. Three separate, randomized replications were completed in a greenhouse setting. Each replication contained six different types of media, the grow media performance and microgreen production results were compared. Results showed the seed starter mix and the germinating media mix had the highest harvest volumes and required the least amount of water overall. Future research can include more media options, such as rockwool, vermicompost, perlite/vermiculite mix, coconut coir fibers/dust (not in a mat form), and sugarcane filter cake.Item Open Access CFD model to reduce automobile development costs related to refueling system(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Stoker, T. McKay, author; Dake, Mangesh, author; Windom, Bret, author; Henderson, Marc, authorTesting procedures for automobile refueling systems can be costly. To reduce the amount of testing during the design of refueling systems, car manufacturers desire a CFD tool predictive of system performance. The potential of such a method is demonstrated here.Item Open Access Behind the screens: the women behind Disney films(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Selinske, Kimberly, authorWomen have been part of the Disney company since its inception in 1923, and have always played integral roles in the creation and success of Disney films. This research argues that women need to be reincorporated into the larger Disney history, not simply for inclusivity, but to demonstrate the progressive hiring history of Disney and the astounding impacts women had on the success of Disney films. This research juxtaposes the women behind the screens with the women they created on the screen.Item Open Access Reworlding and making kin in Jeff VanderMeer's Annihilation(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Myers, Madison, authorJeff VanderMeer’s work of fiction and recent film, Annihilation, uniquely suggests reworlding by reimagining human interconnectedness to other species as part of multispecies communities. VanderMeer breaks down the boundaries between human and nature by problematizing the human/nature dichotomy, VanderMeer subsequently demonstrating the possibility toward humanity seeing itself as part of a larger multispecies community through relationship building that encompasses empathy, imagination, uncertainty and mutuality. Ultimately, VanderMeer—and literature that problematizes humanity amongst non-human species—makes possible a reimagining of how making kin and kind with multispecies communities allows for transformative change toward experiencing nature and rebuilding relationships with nature.Item Open Access Analysis of the maintenance work order data in educational institutions(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Besiktepe Karaman, Deniz, author; Ozbek, Mehmet E., author; Atadero, Rebecca A., authorAs a part of facilities management (FM), building maintenance activities occupy a significant role in reaching the goal of delivering an acceptable level of performance while minimizing costs and failures. For institutional organizations, an effective FM approach is required to ensure their buildings function properly. Historical work order data may potentially include a substantial value for assessing the condition of building systems by helping to identify common maintenance activities. This study conducts a preliminary analysis of historical work order data collected from six educational institutions in the State of Colorado and Connecticut in the United States between 2008 and 2018.Item Open Access The art of love: arts engagement as a form of relational maintenance(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Griggs, Anna, authorIn previous research, pro-social relational maintenance interactions have been found to lead to more satisfying relationships (Canary & Stafford, 2004). These relational maintenance behaviors may be especially important among strained relationships, like those between a caretaker and a person receiving care, where caregiver burden can drain the relationship of its joy and satisfaction (Small, et.al, 2003). Using the lens of relational maintenance and satisfaction, this project seeks to discover how community arts engagement programming may play a role in relationship maintenance between couples where one individual has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia and the other serves as their primary care partner. This research puts relational maintenance, arts engagement, and caretaker responsibilities in conversation with one another to more fully realize the therapeutic and relationship-building potential of arts engagement. To do this, observational data was analyzed using Canary and Stafford's (2004) relational maintenance typology as the guiding theoretical framework. Data was collected through video-recorded observations at a four-week arts engagement workshop in partnership with the Museum of Art in Fort Collins. During these workshops, participants and their care partner were involved in mask-making classes designed to promote connection and cognitive stimulation. A total of 12 hours of data were examined for evidence of strategic relational maintenance behaviors used by both the participant and the care partner diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Through the thematic coding of the videos, I identified the extent that participants use strategic forms of relational maintenance behaviors (such as positivity, openness, shared tasks, assurances, and close networks) in their relationships and how the art classes influenced feelings of connection and closeness. This research serves as a small subset of a larger, university-wide grant funded project focus on healthy aging. Ultimately, I hope to discover the extent to which arts engagement can help or play a role in maintaining relationships. If a connection can be made between arts engagement and positive relational maintenance, an argument may be built that arts engagement's positive effects on both health and communication may be more expansive that currently highlighted in literature.Item Open Access Visualizations to support self-regulation of students' learning behaviors(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Moraes, Marcia, author; Pouska, Beth, author; McKenna, Kelly, author; Folkestad, James E., authorThis study used learning analytics visualizations in the form of visual graphics of students’ spaced-retrieval practice (SRP) to support students’ reflection on their learning behavior and to learn from that exposure. Students did retrieval practice activities (RPAs) and after the last RPA, they received a visualization of their RPA attempt data and then were prompted with reflection questions. Results showed that most of the students engaged in behaviors oriented toward getting the highest score; they understood the benefits of SRP but did not engage in that behavior; and they wanted to compare their work and effort with their classmates.Item Open Access Cut points matter: differences in estimates of physical activity engagement using accelerometer data(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Hulett, Nicholas, author; Li, Kaigang, author; Haynie, Denise, author; Lipsky, Leah, author; Iannotti, Ronald, author; Simons-Morton, Bruce, authorPurpose: Accelerometers are used to assess physical activity intensity levels and durations across populations. This is done by dividing the device output into categories that correspond to light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Cut points provide where these dividing lines should be. However, there is not a consistent set of cut points for any given population. This makes inter-study comparison difficult and it is unknown how using different cut point sets affects outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine agreement between four different commonly used cut points. Procedure/Description: The NEXT Generation Health Study is longitudinal study funded by the NIH Intramural Research programs. NEXT Plus is a subset of the larger sample that wore accelerometers for one week intervals (n=150). The physical activity monitors used in this trial were the GT3X by ActiGraph. Data files were first converted to .agd files with a 10 second epoch using ActiLife software. Next, each cut point definition was used to give time spent in each intensity. The cut points used to evaluate the data were by Freedson, Romanzini (which has two sets), and Santos-Lozano. Physical activity guidelines from the CDC were applied to each cut point definition output. An agreement analysis was then calculated for each output. Statistical analyses were performed in SAS software version 9.4. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results/Outcomes: There were significant differences in time spent in light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate and vigorous combined between each pair of cut point definitions (p<0.0001). Also, there was significant disagreement between each cut point definition regarding if individuals met the CDC guidelines (p<0.0001). Implications/Future Direction: Cut point definition selection has a noteworthy effect on determining the duration of time spent in each intensity of physical activity. As this measure is often used as a main outcome of interest, past studies’ conclusions may be based on inaccurate data. These findings further complicate inter-study comparison when different cut point definitions are used. Future studies should determine if common cut point definitions used in other populations provide similar outcomes and perhaps rethink monolithic cut point definitions to express greater variability seen within groups.Item Open Access Bimanual control differs between force increment and force decrement(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Alam, Tasnuva, author; Patel, Prakruti, author; Lodha, Neha, authorBackground: Everyday bimanual activities require increasing and decreasing forces to manipulate objects, for example, buttoning a shirt or tying a shoelace. Optimal coordination of increasing and decreasing bimanual forces is quintessential to achieve the overall goal of the bimanual task. However, little is known about differences in force control in bimanual force increment and decrement. Purpose: The purpose of our study was to 1) investigate whether bimanual task performance and force coordination differ in force increment versus force decrement and 2) identify the contribution of force coordination in bimanual task performance while increasing and decreasing forces. Methods: Seventeen right-handed young adults (24.10±3.09 years) performed following tasks involving isometric index finger flexion: 1) maximum voluntary contractions and 2) visually guided force tracking involving gradual force increment and force decrement. Each task was performed in unimanual with the right hand only i.e., control condition and bimanual with both hands together i.e., experimental condition. The force tracking task involved controlled force increment and decrement while tracking a trapezoid trajectory as accurately as possible. We quantified task performance with accuracy and variability of the total force in increment and decrement phases. We measured force coordination of the two forces by computing the time-series cross-correlation coefficient and amplitude of coherence in 0-1Hz. Results: We found reduced accuracy and increased the variability of the total force in force decrement compared with force increment. Further, the peak correlation and coherence amplitude was greater during force decrement than force increment. Finally, the peak correlation coefficient and coherence in 0.5-1Hz predicted total force accuracy and variability across the two phases. Conclusions: We provide evidence that performance (force accuracy and steadiness) in bimanual force decrement is reduced compared with force increment, highlighting that force release is more challenging than force generation in bimanual tasks. Overall, improved bimanual task performance is contributed by reduced coordination of two forces indicating that reduced constraint between the hands facilitates error compensation. However, the implicit strategy is to produce highly coordinated forces while executing controlled force release, impacting the task performance. Clinical implications: Considering the significance of increasing and decreasing forces to manipulate objects, our study provides insight into the fundamental differences in bimanual task performance and force coordination during dynamic force manipulation requiring increasing and decreasing forces. These findings can form the basis to understand how aging and neurological conditions impact bimanual function. Future endeavors should be targeted to evaluate more deep understanding of upper limb motor control and invent protocols for the rehabilitation.Item Open Access Different anisotropic biomechanical behavior of left and right ventricles in adult sheep(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Nguyen-Truong, Michael, author; Liu, Wenqiang, author; Labus, Kevin, author; Gray, Elisabeth, author; McGilvray, Kirk, author; Puttlitz, Christian M., author; Wang, Zhijie, authorVentricular dysfunction contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity in modern society and is the most common cause of heart failure. In the present study, we compared the fundamental biaxial mechanical behavior of the left and right ventricles (LV, RV) in adult sheep using experimental and computational approaches. The LVs were found to have more equibiaxial strength, whereas the RVs were more anisotropic with a higher circumferential elastic modulus (compared to longitudinal elastic modulus). The modified Ogden model provided a good fit and correlation to the experimental data. This characterization and comparison of biaxial mechanical properties of LV and RV in a large animal model can assist with the understanding of pathological mechanisms in ventricular dysfunction.Item Open Access Quantitative assessment of floodplain functionality using an index of integrity(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Karpack, Marissa N., author; Morrison, Ryan R., authorFloodplain integrity can be defined as the ability of a floodplain to support essential functions that maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services. This ongoing research involves developing a novel framework to quantitatively assess floodplain integrity based on changes to hydrologic and landscape attributes that impact critical floodplain functions. For each floodplain function, measurable stressors that inhibit the floodplain function are identified. Each stressor variable is quantified relative to its theoretical maximum value using datasets available for large spatial scales. The floodplain integrity index for the given floodplain is assessed as the product of the indices of integrity for all floodplain functions.Item Open Access Engineering brightness: hundrED top 100 global educational innovations 2018(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Howe, John, author; Winey, Tracey, author; Birmingham, Daniel, advisorEngineering Brightness: Building A Global Network of Social Entrepreneurs builds on a successful local initiative that has the dual foci of designing, building and distributing personal lights for those without and impacting light poverty. Students in K12 have been collaborating to design and build and solar charged lanterns which have been distributed to several countries. Engineering Brightness now has relationships with schools in Guatemala. The hoped-for outcome is an active network which will become a learning laboratory, facilitating collaboration and replication. UNESCO estimates that 1.3 billion people live without safe, reliable light after dark. (International Day of Light, 2018).Item Open Access Carbon nanotube reinforced batteries: towards larger capacities and longer lifetimes(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Schulze, Maxwell C., author; Prieto, Amy L., authorNext generation rechargeable battery materials will need to exhibit improved energy storage capacities and cycle lifetimes to enable the electrification of transportation and the use of renewable power sources. While many materials exhibit larger energy storage capacities than commercialized Li-ion batteries, they still suffer from short lifetimes due to material instabilities. Here we demonstrate a strategy to improve the cycle lifetimes of Sb alloy anodes in Li-ion and Na-ion batteries by electrodepositing the anodes as Sb/carbon-nanotube composite films.Item Open Access Effect of topical diclofenac 0.1% ophthalmic solution on tear production in normal research beagles when administered SID, BID, TID & QID for 5 days(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Colussi, J. A., author; Henriksen, Md. L, author; Martabano, B. B., author; Sharp, J. L., author; Wang, Zeke, author; Lappin, M. R., authorPurpose. Topical Diclofenac is commonly used for ocular inflammatory diseases in veterinary ophthalmology but no studies have examined the effect of this drug on tear production in dogs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of topical Diclofenac on tear production in normal dogs when administered SID, BID, TID, and QID for a 5 day period. Methods. A prospective study with eight normal research beagles. The study consisted of 4x5-day studies where dogs received one drop of topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX) to OD-test and one drop of eye wash to OS-control using SID, BID, TID, and QID frequencies with a 16-day washout period between each study. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed including Schirmer’s tear test-I (STT-I) and fluorescein stain the day before each study started (Day-0) and on the last day of each study (Day-5). A linear mixed-effects-model was used to compare tear production (STT-I) between OD-test and OS-control and the four different frequencies. P<0.05 was deemed significant. Results. All dogs in all four studies had a normal ophthalmic examination with no fluorescein stain uptake on Day-0 and Day-5. STT-I mean ± SD values for all four studies: OD-test Day-5 21 ± 3.3mm/min, OS-control Day-5 20 ± 2.2mm/min. There were no significant differences between STT-I OD-test versus OS-control and treatment frequencies (p=0.927). Conclusion. Topical Diclofenac does not appear to have an effect on tear production or cause corneal ulcerations when administered up to four times a day in normal dogs. Funded in part by the Center for Companion Animal Studies Young Investigator Grant program. None.Item Open Access Practical application of business education through administrative fellowship(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Schwartzkopf, Joel W., authorThe CSU Health Network Administrative Fellowship seeks to mirror the model of the approximately 75+ other such programs in the United States. Administrative fellowships are found in many health systems and hospitals, including locally at UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado, and at institutions as well known as Duke, the Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins. Traditionally, an administrative fellowship is completed immediately after the awarding of an MBA or MHA (Master of Healthcare Administration). At CSUHN, we specifically sought to provide a similar experience for a practicing mid-career clinician (physician, PA, or NP) who also held or was near completion of an MBA or MHA. For the inaugural year of the CSUHN fellowship, the incumbent was a senior MBA student at CSU and a full-time PA in the medical clinic. The curriculum of the CSUHN fellowship placed the fellow as a de facto member of the organization’s leadership team for one year, allowing access to the highest levels of decision making and strategic planning. The fellow attended the weekly leadership team meetings and had weekly one-on-one sessions with the Director of Medical Services, who served as the mentor for the fellowship. This high-level exposure gave the fellow the opportunity to become involved in the operations of every part of this large and diverse clinic, applying the knowledge, skills, and abilities learned in the MBA program. The “primary benefit the fellow receives is exposure to senior management— something that cannot be duplicated any other way, both in the depth of senior management and breadth of the organization.”(1)Item Open Access Hell in the Promised Land: environment and the Mountain Meadow Massacre(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Maxwell, Dillon, authorIn Mid-September 1857, a wagon train of 120 men, women, and children headed to California were killed by Mormon Militiamen in southwestern Utah. The Militiamen spared none except several small children. The discussion on Mountain Meadows has been focused on cultural and social causes, while the environment sits as a backdrop. Amidst these social tensions, drought and erratic weather helped push the violence at Mountain Meadows in motion. For this I used an interdisciplinary methodology which included secondary historic literature, desert ecological studies, rangeland studies, and PDSI index maps.Item Open Access Access Solar: venture proposal(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Arnold, Addison, author; Figliolo, Luciana, author; Redburn, Melody, author; Sepp-Peterson, Aurora, authorCommunity solar expands solar energy access by providing homeowners, renters, and businesses equal access to the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy. However, within the industry customer acquisition is a financial and operational challenge for project developers. Access Solar’s services address this by providing a turnkey solution to customer acquisition for developers. Our company streamlines the acquisition process and reaches customers through property management groups, community organizations, and electronic media marking. The market is expected to expand, with capacity experiencing a 44-fold increase from current levels by 2030. Access Solar projects sustained growth, profitability, and positive cash flow.Item Open Access Fracture characterization via computed tomography in Thoroughbred racehorses(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Posukonis, Megan, author; Daglish, Jodie, author; Kawack, Christopher, authorFractures of the third metacarpal/tarsal bone remain the most common injuries of the Thoroughbred racehorse. There are currently no data exploring the trabecular bone mineral density relative to the propagating fracture line as a correlate to clinical outcome. This study aims to use computed tomography to map fracture lines and relative bone mineral density through de novo image analysis software that could be employed at the hospital level. We have identified significant differences in the sclerotic region density between spiral and unicortical fracture types, suggesting that computer-assisted measurement of this parameter could be used as a diagnostic tool in assessing fracture risk and outcome as standing CT screening tools increase in prevalence and accessibility for equine athletes. In the future we hope to further explore the utility of this modeling paradigm via 3-dimensional analysis.