California State University, Monterey Bay
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Curated dataset of asphaltene structures
Asphaltenes, a distinct class of molecules found in crude oil, exhibit insolubility in nonpolar solvents like n-heptane but are soluble in aromatic solvents such as toluene and benzene. Understanding asphaltenes is crucial in the petroleum industry due to their detrimental effects on oil processing, resulting in significant economic losses and production disruptions. While no singular structure defines asphaltenes, two major molecular architectures, namely archipelago and continental models, have gained wide acceptance for their consistency with various experimental investigations and subsequent use in computational studies.
The archipelago model comprises two or more polyaromatic hydrocarbon entities interconnected via aliphatic side chains. In contrast, the island or continental model features a unified polyaromatic hydrocarbon moiety with 4 to 10 fused aromatic rings, averaging around 7 rings. To establish a comprehensive collection, we meticulously curated over 250 asphaltene structures derived from previous experimental and computational studies in this field. Our curation process involved an extensive literature survey, conversion of figures from publications into molecular structure files, careful verification of conversion accuracy, and structure editing to ensure alignment with molecular formulas. Our database provides digital structure files and optimized geometries for both predominant structural motifs. The optimization procedure commenced with the PM6 semi-empirical method, followed by further optimization utilizing density functional theory employing the B3LYP functional and the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set. Furthermore, we compiled a range of structural and electronic features for these molecules, serving as a valuable foundation for employing machine learning algorithms to investigate asphaltenes. This work provides a ready to use structural database of asphaltenes and sets the stage for future research endeavours in this domain
Prolonged vase life by salicylic acid treatment and prediction of vase life using petal color senescence of cut lisianthus
This study investigated the effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 mM), treatment timing (vegetative or reproductive period), and cultivation methods (soil or hydroponic cultivation) on the vase life of four lisianthus cultivars after flower cutting. A 0.5 mM concentration of the SA application during the reproductive period resulted in the longest average vase life of 15.3 d for the Blue Picote cultivar after flower cutting. A colorimeter and a chlorophyll meter were used to observe and quantify petal color changes after cutting, and the color changes during the senescence stages are visualized using a three-dimensional color space. The three-dimensional visualization demonstrated the color senescence for each measurement period. Based on these data, we used automated machine learning algorithms to predict the vase longevity, and the predictive model showed a good accuracy. This model is expected to be widely used in the floricultural industry
What’s the Goal: Increasing Sports Opportunities for Youth from Low Socioeconomic Communities
The focus of this Capstone Project is researching and learning about accessibility, availability, and affordability for low-income families to enroll their children in sports. This is an important issue for families and children because sports impact youth’s lives in a positive way. An argument is made that children at an early age have significant outcomes for general health and physical well-being. The primary stakeholder perspectives chosen were coaches, students, parents, and educators because they are all part of a child’s educational journey and childhood experiences. After interviewing administrators, teachers, and students three different action options were thoroughly discussed to enhance availability, accessibility, and affordability around sports. Volunteering as a coach or mentor to increase change is argued to be the most effective way to achieve the goals of children’s experiences in sports
Permanent Local Housing Allocation Grant
Pacific Grove, California is experiencing a lack of affordable housing. A Permanent Local Housing Allocation Grant was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development on behalf of the City’s Housing Division. The funds will be used to provide rental assistance to alleviate the lack of affordable housing. The contributing factors include land use restrictions also known as zoning, a high demand for affordable rentals, and the high construction costs associated with the development of affordable housing. The consequences are homelessness, financial impacts, and poor health. A survey to determine the communities housing needs and priorities determined that the grant would best be allocated toward rental assistance to support the lack of affordable housing within the City. The City was successful in meeting the expected outcomes of this project since the grant was awarded. It is recommended that the City apply for this grant again next year
The Decline in African-American Players in Major League Baseball
After Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, Major League Baseball saw an increase in African-American participation. Despite numerous Black superstars who have played the game, participation has declined over time. The decline became evident to many during the 2022 World Series; zero active African-American players were on either team\u27s roster.
This project aims to uncover the various factors contributing to the decline in African-American participation in baseball. It also serves as a way to highlight the stories of specific Black players. Statistical evidence and articles highlight the decline in participation and Black players\u27 stories. The final product was a research essay that concluded with solutions to improve African-American participation in baseball
FAMILIA ADELANTE: Hope For Youth And Families At Risk
Partners for Peace (P4P) will implement the Familia Adelante (FA) project to help at-risk Latino families. Counselors, probation officers, and parents recommend cultural change adaptation programs for Latino families. DePanfilis (2006) believes neglect damages brain development more than trauma, but self-esteem issues affect adolescent behavior more than violence. Providing evidence-based services and support can help prevent abuse and neglect. Child abuse usually leads to delinquency, antisocial behavior, and unhealthy sexual behavior in adolescents. FA projects require parents to set limits, communicate with their children, work together, love, and use discipline as a corrective tool. P4P\u27s FA project helps immigrant families and their children, even though school children face violence and bullying. Community involvement and support can improve the mental and emotional health of adults, children, and adolescents. Kids do better in school when parents are present and involved. We only suggest looking for better programs to help Monterey County families
Derailed Fortunes: California\u27s Forgotten Railroad
At a mahogany bar in Collins Saloon of San Francisco’s Montgomery Street, a successful businessman James G. Fair traced a trail of water droplets for his partner Alfred E. Davis to create the map of a visionary rail line soon to be known as the South Pacific Coast. Using historical records and photographs compiled by a selection of local authors and historians, this non-fiction retelling of Davis’ experience highlights the tribulations and triumphs of the most successful narrow gauge line in California history in order to share a largely forgotten but crucial aspect of local industrial archeology, as well as to explore the origins of the ghost lines and tunnels which lay abandoned in the Santa Cruz Mountains to this day. Davis’ experiences provide a unique opportunity to tribute and memorialize the efforts of dozens of fallen Chinese immigrants, many of whom lost their lives in building this crucial railroad
Extending a Branch to our Community; Resource Guide
The Community Action Board’s Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance for PAST DUE rent in Santa Cruz County. Individuals and families face the threat of being evicted from their homes due to disparities in housing affordability, barriers to accessing services, and the removal of COVID-19 relief. Individuals who are evicted have greater difficulty finding stable housing, mental health issues, and economic challenges. The purpose of this project was to help reduce barriers to accessing services by spreading awareness to the community and making it easier to navigate services. The proposed project was an infographic that entails program information, eligibility requirements, and contact information of various organizations. The screening questionnaire results revealed that all workshop attendees found this infographic to be a useful tool. It is recommended that CAB continues to make information accessible for residents of Santa Cruz County by creating resources like infographics to further facilitate access to services
Increasing Awareness of Parental Involvement in Latino Parents
Parents play an essential role in their children\u27s academic learning and development. For this reason, some Latino parents are unaware of the importance of parental involvement in supporting their children\u27s education experience. Due to the lack of parental involvement, children\u27s academic performance, self-motivation, and behavior may be negatively impacted. When parents are involved, children do better at school and may have higher aspirations. In order to address this issue, I have created a one-day lesson plan to address parental involvement for parents at the Alisal Family Resource Center in Salinas, California