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MECC Wave Energy Converter
Full text linkThe Marine Energy Collegiate Competition, hosted by the US Department of Energy, challenges teams to design, build, and test products for emerging markets in the blue economy. Our team has chosen to focus on the Argo program, which uses floats to collect marine-related data. Most Argo floats are purely powered by lithium batteries and have a lifespan of about 3-5 years. We aim to increase the lifetime of these floats by developing a system that harnesses wave, pressure, or thermal energy to recharge their batteries
Analyzing Player Difficulty Perception in Platformers Through Procedural Level Generation
Full text linkGames utilizing Procedural Level Generation (PLG), such as Roguelikes, are becoming increasingly popular in today\u27s gaming sphere. In games employing PLG, levels are generated randomly or pseudo-randomly, and aim to retain player attention through variance in levels between playthroughs. However, when generating levels with variance in structure and design, player enjoyment is often a mixed bag. With low enjoyment, player retention for these games can dwindle. This study explores the efficacy of real-time difficulty adjustment in procedurally generated platformers, as a method for maintaining stable player enjoyment without causing frustration. This thesis focuses on creating a short user experience, MIMEVA, that aims to generate levels that match a player\u27s skill level as they progress. A procedural level generator and level loader, PLGen, was created to assist in effeciently generating and loading in new levels into MIMEVA. Levels were generated during each playthrough according to each player\u27s performance, with adjustments to the difficulty being calculated based on their performance in each prior level. A user study was conducted where participants were asked to play through several platformer levels generated in MIMEVA before answering questions regarding their experience. Data collected during the playtest and in the questionnaire was used in order to gauge the effectiveness of difficulty adjustments, and how they affected player enjoyment. The results of the study demonstrated accurate difficulty adjustments in players who were comfortable with platformers, but did not effectively create levels of the appropriate difficulty for players who were not as good
Bentonite Erosion and Cation Exchange Effects on Hydraulic Conductivity of Geosynthetic Clay Liners
No full textGeosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are used in municipal solid waste landfill (MSW) liner and cover systems as an alternative to thick compacted clay layers. Previous field studies have revealed potential for bentonite erosion in GCLs when subjected to wet-dry cycles that occur when GCLs are placed on slopes, covered with a geomembrane, and left exposed without additional soil cover. A laboratory test program was conducted to quantify the effects of bentonite erosion on hydraulic conductivity of sodium-bentonite geosynthetic clay liners and samples subjected to cation exchange treatment in addition to bentonite erosion. This test program determined what level of bentonite erosion in non-woven needle-punched reinforced GCL samples resulted in increased hydraulic conductivity and how erosion coupled with cation exchange changes this relationship.
Erosion levels of 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 percent of original bentonite mass lost were studied, corresponding to erosion levels observed in previous field and laboratory studies. A procedure was developed to remove bentonite from the test samples in a uniform manner. For samples subjected to cation exchange, representative low and high levels of cation exchange were reached by pre-hydrating the test samples in 0.05M and 0.2M solutions of calcium chloride, representative of ranges seen in MSW leachate and corresponding to solution strengths used in prior studies. Samples treated for cation exchange were pre-hydrated in the cation-bearing solutions after bentonite erosion was completed. After bentonite erosion and cation exchange treatment, hydraulic conductivity tests were performed on the samples using a flexible wall permeameter. Average water, a solution of deionized water, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride, was selected as the permeant fluid for testing to mimic in- situ conditions for GCLs in a MSW landfill.
Hydraulic conductivity of the GCL samples not subjected to cation exchange was within the same order of magnitude as the non-eroded GCL samples up to the 40 percent erosion level. Between erosion levels of 0 and 40 percent, samples subjected to cation exchange had hydraulic conductivities between 2x10-6 and 2x10-5 cm/s, compared to a range of 3x10-9 to 7x10-9 cm/s for samples that were not treated for cation exchange. A bentonite erosion level of 60 percent and higher in the erosion-only samples resulted in a hydraulic conductivity approximately four orders of magnitude higher than the untreated GCL. At bentonite erosion levels of 60 percent and above, samples subjected to cation exchange had hydraulic conductivities within the same order of magnitude as the samples subjected only to bentonite erosion. The results of this study indicate that GCLs subjected to bentonite erosion lose effectiveness as landfill liners at an erosion level between 40 and 60 percent and that, at lower bentonite erosion levels, cation exchange impacts the effectiveness of the GCL more than bentonite erosion. The results of this study can be used as a baseline to inform future research to refine the relationship between bentonite erosion, cation exchange, and hydraulic conductivity
Adaptive Volatility Forecasting Models
Full text linkIn finance, risk is often quantified by volatility, and computing accurate volatility forecasts — while vital to financial decision making — remains one of the most challenging tasks in financial modeling. This thesis, motivated in part by the Black-Scholes-Merton Model and its limitations, adopts a statistical approach to volatility forecasting. The two main models of interest are the Exponential Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) model and the GARCH(1,1) model. Specifically, this work expands upon a potential adaptive lambda algorithm for EWMA models first proposed by Bernard Bollen (2014), and this work also utilizes the Momentum of Predictability (MoP) to generate adaptive model choice strategies. Models were trained and simulated over daily historical data for eight different companies, and their out-of-sample forecasts were analyzed using the two most robust loss functions MSE and QLIKE (Patton 2011). After forecasting losses were calculated, the MCS Test proposed by Hansen et al. in 2011 was used to identify which models significantly out performed their peers. Results show that adaptive parameter choice and model choice strategies did not work well with the EWMA model, but were unanimously effective when applied to the GARCH(1,1) model
The Effects of Sirulina and Nannochloropsis Supplementation on Broiler Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Gut Microbiology
Full text linkThe poultry industry is constantly searching for new nutritional strategies and better feed conversion ratio to enhance broiler growth and productivity. Microalgae have been shown to improve broiler performance and health depending on species and supplementation levels. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Spirulina supplementation (Experiment I) and Nannochloropsis supplementation (Experiment II) on broiler production performance, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiology. In Experiment I, a total of 270 broiler chicks (one-day-old Ross 708) were obtained from a local hatchery after vaccinating against Newcastle, Marek’s disease, and Infectious Bronchitis. They were weighed and sorted into 18 floor pens (4’x4’ each, 15 birds/pen). The birds were then fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic corn-soybean meal-based diets containing graded levels of Spirulina (0%, 2.5%, and 5%). Birds were fed ad libitum for 6 weeks with a three-phase feeding program consisting of starter (0-2 weeks), grower (2-4 weeks), and finisher (4-6 weeks) diets. Initial body weights were measured, and subsequent body weights and the amounts of feed intake were measured weekly. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were then calculated. On day 45, 18 birds were randomly selected and were conventionally processed. Gut samples were taken to test intestinal morphology and gut microbiology. In Experiment II, a total of 270 broiler chicks (one-day-old Ross 708) were obtained and managed as in Experiment I, expect their diets containing graded levels of Nannochloropsis (0%, 2.5%, and 5%)
Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Results showed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and body weight between the control and algae birds regardless of algae type and supplementation level (P \u3e 0.05). No significant difference was observed for villi height (V), crypts depth (C), and the V/C ratio regardless of algae treatment and supplementation level (P \u3e 0.05). However, the birds with Spirulina and Nannochloropsis promoted a beneficial gut microbiome composition, favoring fiber-fermenting and probiotic-associated bacteria while maintaining microbial population balance. Having no significant beneficial effects on broiler performance, the supplementations of Spirulina and Nannochloropsis at 2.5 to 5% levels appear to be not ideal especially when the price of both microalgae (e.g., Spirulina) is relatively more expensive than traditional corns and soybeans
Robert E. Kennedy Library Strategic Plan (2025-2030)
No full textThe Kennedy Library Strategic Plan (2025-2030) outlines a transformative vision for the library’s role in supporting Cal Poly’s academic and research missions. The plan is guided by a commitment to accessibility, experiential learning, community engagement, and sustainability. It focuses on five strategic priorities: enhancing communication and collaboration to empower users; cultivating student success through experiential learning and embedded information and AI literacy; creating a sense of belonging, community, and stewardship within the library; elevating the user experience through assessment and seamless access to resources; and advancing research impact through openness, equity, and sustainability. By fostering an environment of curiosity, inclusivity, and innovation, the plan positions Kennedy Library as a dynamic center of learning and a critical partner in the academic success and scholarly pursuits of the Cal Poly community
Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Dual-Rate Spring System for Mountain Bike Frames
Full text linkThe design of full-suspension mountain bikes is a careful balance of suspension kinematics, structural dynamics, and manufacturing optimization for the expected use case. A bike designed to excel in one area will likely exhibit reduced performance in others. This optimization problem is addressed by designing, integrating, and testing a dual-rate spring system within a fully custom frame. The dual-rate spring is fully decoupled from the rest of the suspension kinematics, providing designers with an additional parameter to achieve ideal suspension behavior. This is accomplished by placing a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bushing in series with the rear shock. The influence of this bushing is limited to the first 30% of suspension travel by use of bump stops. The design and manufacturing of the test platform are covered. The viscoelastic behavior of the TPU bushing is analyzed and its effects on the vibratory response of the theoretical system is studied. Testing methodology is covered, and frequency analysis is used to determine the efficacy of the design
YMCA Building
Full text linkThis project consists of the prescriptive and performance-based analysis of the fire protection and life safety features of the YMCA building in the city of Grants Pass, OR. The building was opened to the public in 1983 and was expanded in 2003. The initial construction is classified as Type IV and is not protected by a sprinkler system. The expanded section has a construction classification of Type II-B and is fully sprinklered. The main occupancies found in the building are Groups A and B. The building includes daycare room classified as Group E. The four core areas of prescriptive analysis were: structural fire protection, egress system, water-based fire suppression and control system and fire alarm and notification systems. The performance-based analysis focused on two fire scenarios: a workstation fire in the front desk and a fire in the daycare. The analysis of structural fire protection elements showed compliance with code requirements in all parameters evaluated. The areas classified as Group B require 1-hour fire separation from adjacent occupancies. That requirement was met with 1-hour walls separating Groups B and E and a 2-hour wall separating Groups B and A. The proximity with other constructions required 1-hour walls. The wall that’s adjacent to other small constructions in the vicinity of the YMCA building is rated for 2-hour fire resistance. Other parameters evaluated were building height, number of stories and building area. The egress analysis investigated the location and configuration of exit doors, exit access corridors and stairways, as well as the occupancy load for each area, floor and building total. The calculated egress capacity exceeded the requirements by a large margin, even with estimated occupancy loads much larger than the ones expected during normal operation of the building. The number of exits also met prescriptive requirements, as well as the separation of exits. Other requirements evaluated were dead- end corridors, common paths of travel, exit signs and handrails. The building was originally constructed without a sprinkler system. The expansion constructed in 2003, however, is protected by a wet-pipe system that extends to exit corridors and to other egress elements located on the original section of the building. The hydraulic calculations indicated a demand of 57.2 psi at a flow of 216.8 gpm at the BOR and 59.6 psi with a flow of 316.8 gpm at the POC. The supply at the POC was calculated to be 67.6 psi under the same flow (316.8 gpm), based on the measured static and residual pressures. Considering a 10% safety margin added to the city supply, the pressure at the POC was calculated to be 60.8 psi, still above the system demand but by a small difference. The prescriptive analysis of the fire alarm system evaluated the location, placement and coverage of initiating devices and notification appliances. The types of initiating devices found in the building were manual pull stations, smoke detectors, flow detector and heat detectors (sprinklers). Notification appliances were strobe lights, sounder/strobe and sprinkler alarm bell. Two areas were selected to assess light intensity compliance with NFPA 72, the gymnasium and the aerobics room. Both areas are protected by 110 cd strobe lights in the following configurations: 4 lights in the gymnasium and 1 light in the aerobics room. While the aerobics room met code standards, the lights in the gymnasium were found to be slightly underdimensioned and the use of 135 cd lights would satisfy light intensity requirements. Other characteristics investigated were wiring, power supply and ITM results and requirements. The performance-based analysis investigated the outcomes of two different fire scenarios. The first scenario was a large workstation fire near the main entrance of the building, with a peak HRR of nearly 7 MW. The second scenario was a smaller fire in the daycare (peak HRR 0.6 MW, approximately) that blocked the access to the exterior of the building, forcing occupants to use the exit access corridors in the interior of the building. Three tenability parameters were selected for this analysis: temperature, visibility and toxicity. The limits of tenability were defined as: temperature of 80 °C at a height of 1.8 m, visibility levels below 13 m and 4 meters, depending on the level of familiarity of occupants with the building and the fractional effective that would cause incapacitation in 50% of the population. The time to untenable conditions was evaluated by FDS models, which were also used to determine smoke detection time and sprinkler activation time. For both scenarios, untenable conditions first occurred due to limited visibility. In the workstation fire scenario, tenability limits were reached at 80 seconds for occupants considered to be unfamiliar with the building and 110 seconds for occupants considered to be familiar. On the daycare, the tenable limit was reached at 220 seconds when the door to the main exit corridor in the building was kept open and 171 seconds when the door was closed. The RSET was defined as the sum of detection time, alarm time, pre-movement time and movement time. Detection time and alarm time were estimated based on FDS results and code requirements. Pre-movement times were based on previous studies compiled in Tables 64.5, 64.9 and 64.11 of the SFPE Handbook. The determination of movement time was carried out by egress model simulations, created specifically for each scenario. The RSET for the first scenario was calculated to be 76 seconds and 85 seconds for occupants unfamiliar and familiar with the building, respectively. On the daycare, RSET was calculated to be 145 seconds. Time to untenable conditions and RSET were also estimated for egress elements in other parts of the building that were affected by the fires designed for both scenarios. The ASET was estimated to be 190 seconds on the exit walkway on the second floor and 220 seconds on the exit access corridor on the first floor. The RSET for these egress components was calculated to be 173 seconds for occupants evacuating through the walkway and 180 seconds for occupants evacuating though the exit corridors. In general, the investigation of the fire protection features of the YMCA building showed a high level of compliance with prescriptive requirements and this was reflected in the results of the performance-based analysis. ASET was found to be greater than RSET for all scenarios and locations in the building, with varying safety margins
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez: Breaking Barriers in Tejano Music and Shaping Mexican-American Identity
No full textThis project will focus on how Selena Quintanilla-Perez broke barriers in Tejano music for women and became a cultural icon representing the aspirations of the American Dream for the Mexican American community. The paper begins with a summary of Selena’s life and accomplishments, followed by an examination of the history of Tejano music, the role of women within the genre, Selena’s unique relationship with it, and how she embodies the pursuit of the American Dream while representing the Mexican-American identity within the community. Through this analysis, the project highlights how Selena’s success challenged traditional gender roles and bridged bicultural identities, ultimately making her a symbol of pride and identity for many Mexican Americans. This analysis will be carried out in the form of a research paper.
My project reflects my experience as a WLC student because as a Spanish major, I have had the opportunity to study multiple topics that all piqued my interest. Still, my favorite topic was Chicano culture in the United States, more so on the music aspect and how it has evolved throughout the years. I have also had the opportunity to learn about the theme of belonging between the borderlands in Chicanx culture. I was fascinated with the concept and enjoyed analyzing works with this theme, such as Gloria Anzaldúa’s book Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza. Therefore, keeping the music and Chicanx themes in mind, I want to connect them with Selena and analyze the obstacles she had to go through to become a successful singer and a symbol for Mexican-Americans that reflects the hopes of the American Dream
Nonlinear Integral Control Schemes for a Cadence-Heartrate Process: A MATLAB Exploration
No full textKeeping one’s heart-rate within a specific range during a cardiovascular workout can be difficult due to many factors including variations in the exercise environment and changes in energy level. One’s heart-rate can be controlled by tuning the intensity level of the activity over time. This study focuses on the relationship between a runner’s cadence and their heart-rate and explores ways to control the heart-rate by adjusting the cadence. Previous work in this area modeled the cadence-heartrate plant as a first-order linear system, but this has been shown to be insufficient. This work improves upon previous research in this area by incorporating a nonlinear cadence-heartrate plant model and investigating multiple nonlinear control schemes. A log-domain integral control scheme and the insertion of a matching filter in the cadence feedback path are among the approaches described. A combination of these two approaches yields an agile control system that does not require much knowledge of the specific plant under control. We provide guidelines for improving the control system as one obtains more information about the plant and we suggest areas for future development