Professional Practice for Constructors

This project based senior project focuses on the creation of a fully online topics course called CM 463: Professional Practice for Constructors. The course itself will be based on the project management body of knowledge and will cover several the chapters either in depth or briefly. A few of the topics introduced throughout the course will be: Project Scope, Project Time, and Project Cost. Although most students may have already touched basis on the subjects throughout the current curriculum, the management perspective of these project essentials are overlooked. While each chapter will be introduced throughout the course, a project lasting the length of the class was created to focus on specific topics. After collecting data from a survey taken by the Construction Management student body here at Cal Poly, four deliverables were created not only placing an emphasis on student interests, but key material that will be important when starting a career as well; the four being: Project Risk (Contract Risk, Jobsite Hazards, & Construction Hazards), Scope & Cost, Schedule & Logistics, and the General Conditions of the project. This class will be available in the Spring of 2018 for the upper division students as an opportunity to gain a career advantage above their peers in the industry

Linear and nonlinear rheology of wormlike micelles

Several surfactant molecules self-assemble in solution to form long, cylindrical, flexible wormlike micelles. These micelles can be entangled with each other leading to viscoelastic phases. The rheological properties of such phases are very interesting and have been the subject of a large number of experimental and theoretical studies in recent years. We shall report on our recent work on the macrorheology, microrheology and nonlinear flow behaviour of dilute aqueous solutions of a surfactant CTAT (Cetyltrimethylammonium Tosilate). This system forms elongated micelles and exhibits strong viscoelasticity at low concentrations ($\sim$ 0.9 wt%) without the addition of electrolytes. Microrheology measurements of $G(\omega)$ have been done using diffusing wave spectroscopy which will be compared with the conventional frequency sweep measurements done using a cone and plate rheometer. The second part of the paper deals with the nonlinear rheology where the measured shear stress $\sigma$ is a nonmonotonic function of the shear rate $\dot{\gamma}$. In stress-controlled experiments, the shear stress shows a plateau for $\dot{\gamma}$ larger than some critical strain rate, similar to the earlier reports on CPyCl/NaSal system. Cates et al have proposed that the plateau is a signature of mechanical instability in the form of shear bands. We have carried out extensive experiments under controlled strain rate conditions, to study the time-dependence of shear stress. The measured time series of shear stress has been analysed in terms of correlation integrals and Lyapunov exponents to show unambiguously that the behaviour is typical of low dimensional dynamical systems.Comment: 15 pages, 10 eps figure

Discriminating noise from chaos in heart rate variability : application to prognosis in heart failure

Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2007.Includes bibliographical references (p. 103-109).This thesis examines two challenging problems in chaos analysis: distinguishing deterministic chaos and stochastic (noise-induced) chaos, and applying chaotic heart rate variability (HRV) analysis to the prognosis of mortality in congestive heart failure (CHF). Distinguishing noise from chaos poses a major challenge in nonlinear dynamics theory since the addition of dynamic noise can make a non-chaotic nonlinear system exhibit stochastic chaos, a concept which is not well-defined and is the center of heated debate in chaos theory. A novel method for detecting dynamic noise in chaotic series is proposed in Part I of this thesis. In Part II, we show that linear and nonlinear analyses of HRV yield independent predictors of mortality. Specifically, sudden death is best predicted by frequency analysis whereas nonlinear and chaos indices are more selective for progressive pump failure death. These findings suggest a novel noninvasive probe for the clinical management of CHF patients.by Natalia M. Arzeno.M.Eng

Biology and ecology of the non-indigenous goby Acentrogobius pflaumii (Bleeker 1853) in the Swan-Canning Estuary

Non-indigenous species can have significant deleterious impacts on the ecosystems in which they become established. Following the recent establishment of the Striped Sandgoby Acentrogobius pflaumii in the Swan-Canning Estuary, south-western Australia, a study was initiated to determine its spatial and temporal distribution and biological characteristics. Although A. pflaumii was not recorded in the coarse sandy sediment present in the nearshore, shallow waters of the estuary, substantial numbers were recorded on soft muddy sediments in the deeper waters, where it comprised 55% of the total number of gobies. While A. pflaumii dominated the gobiid fauna in Lower Melville Water (~98%), its contributions declined progressively upstream, indicating a preference for waters with a salinity close to that of full strength sea water. Size and age compositions determined that the oldest individual was 3.9 years old and 89 mm in total length, but that the population is dominanted by 1+ individuals. Population mortality and turn-over rates are therefore likely to be very high. Both males and females attained > 87% of their asymptotic lengths (L∞) of 74.9 and 69.3 mm, respectively, during the first year of life, which is characteristic of smaller, shorter-lived species of fish. The results from gonadosomatic indices and the histological examination of gonads suggest that A. pflaumii is able to spawn throughout most of the year, with a peak from November to February. The presence of mature, spawning and depleted gonads in A. pflaumii suggests that this species spawns within the Swan-Canning Estuary. Acentrogobius pflaumii can be thus considered an estuarine & marine species like Favonigobius lateralis. As A. pflaumii attains high densities over a relatively large part of the estuary and can breed within the system, it is likely to be a permanent resident and further work is needed to determine its impact on the native gobiid fauna

Suplementación dietética con aguas residuales de una fábrica productora de caramelo y su efecto sobre el crecimiento de cerdos destetados y componentes del eje de factores de crecimiento semejantes a insulina

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs -II and -III) in response to a 10% inclusion of caramel plant wastewater (CPWW) in weaning pig diets; the objective was to assess associations between those growthrelated proteins to feed intake (Fl) and body weight gain (BWG). Sixteen purebred Landrace piglets were randomly distributed among eight pens (a gilt and boar per pen) and assigned to one of two treatments: 0% (control) and 10% inclusion of CPWW. During four consecutive weeks, live weight and Fl were recorded. Blood samples were drawn by jugular venipuncture during the first, second, and third weeks of the experiment and serum levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-II and IGFBP-III were determined. Feed intake, BWG and feed efficiency (FE) were not affected (P > 0.05) by the addition of 10% CPWW tothe diet, nor was animal health status visibly affected. Serum IGF-I levels were higher in control animals (P < 0.05) and increased from d 14 to d 28 of the experimental period (P < 0.05). Weekly increases were observed for IGFBP- III (P < 0.05) whereas IGFBP-II circulating levels decreased from d 14 to d 28 of the post-weaning test period. Simple correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive association between circulating levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-III (r = 0.88; P < 0.0001). However, the opposite was observed between these two and IGFBP-II (r = -0.84, P < 0.0001; r = -0.67, P < 0.0025, respectively). The changes observed in circulating levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-III and IGFBP-II were associated with weekly increases in Fl and BWG that occurred during the entire experimental period (P < 0.05). Se realizó un experimento para determinar si la inclusión de un 10% de aguas residuales de una fábrica de caramelo (CPWW, por sus siglas en inglés) en la dieta de cerdos post-destete resulta en cambios en los niveles del factor de crecimiento semejante a insulina-l (IGF-I, por sus siglas en inglés) y proteínas fijadoras de IGF (IGFBPs-ll y -III, por sus siglas en inglés) en la sangre, y si éstos se asocian a diferencias en consumo de alimento (CA), ganancia en peso (GP), y eficiencia de conversión (EC). Dieciséis cerdos de raza Landrace se distribuyeron al azar entre ocho jaulas (una cerda y un cerdo por jaula) y se asignaron a uno de dos tratamientos: 0% (control) y 10% de inclusión de CPWW. Durante cuatro semanas consecutivas se registró el peso vivo y el consumo de alimento de los animales. Se recolectaron muestras de sangre a través de sangrado yugular durante la primera, segunda y tercera semana del experimento y se determinaron los niveles de IGF-I, IGFBP-II y IGFBP-III en el suero. No hubo efecto significativo de la adición de 10% CPWW en la dieta sobre CA, GP y EC (P > 0.05). Mediante apreciación visual se determinó que la inclusión de CPWW no tuvo efectos adversos en la salud de los animales. Los niveles de IGF-I fueron más altos para los animales control (P < 0.05) y aumentaron del día 14 al día 28 del periodo post-destete (P < 0.05). Se observó un aumento semanal en los niveles de IGFBP-III (P < 0.05), mientras que los niveles de IGFBP-II disminuyeron a partir del día 14 al día 28 (P < 0.05). El análisis de correlación simple reveló que existe una asociación positiva entre los niveles de IGF-I y IGFBP-III circulando en la sangre (r = 0.88; P < 0.0001). Sin embargo, se observó un efecto opuesto entre éstos y IGFBP-II (r = -0.84, P < 0.0001; r = -0.67, P < 0.0025, respectivamente). Los cambios observados en los niveles sanguíneos de IGF-I, IGFBP-III y IGFBP-II se asociaron a aumentos semanales en CA y GP que ocurrieron durante todo el periodo experimental (P < 0.05)

Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate physical activity public health programs in México

Background: Physical activity (PA) public health programming has been widely used in Mexico; however, few studies have documented individual and organizational factors that might be used to evaluate their public health impact. The RE-AIM framework is an evaluation tool that examines individual and organizational factors of public health programs. The purpose of this study was to use the RE-AIM framework to determine the degree to which PA programs in Mexico reported individual and organizational factors and to investigate whether reporting differed by the program's funding source. Methods: Public health programs promoting PA were systematically identified during 2008-2013 and had to have an active program website. Initial searches produced 23 possible programs with 12 meeting inclusion criteria. A coding sheet was developed to capture behavioral, outcome and RE-AIM indicators from program websites. Results: In addition to targeting PA, five (42%) programs also targeted dietary habits and the most commonly reported outcome was change in body composition (58%). Programs reported an average of 11.1 (±3.9) RE-AIM indicator items (out of 27 total). On average, 45% reported reach indicators, 34% reported efficacy/effectiveness indicators, 60% reported adoption indicators, 40% reported implementation indicators, and 35% reported maintenance indicators. The proportion of RE-AIM indicators reported did not differ significantly for programs that were government supported (M∈=∈10, SD∈=∈3.1) and programs that were partially or wholly privately or corporately supported (M∈=∈12.0, SD∈=∈4.4). Conclusion: While reach and adoption of these programs were most commonly reported, there is a need for stronger evaluation of behavioral and health outcomes before the public health impact of these programs can be established. © 2015 Jauregui et al.; licensee BioMed Central

Integración ACV+C2C para el diseño y desarrollo de productos sostenibles

El diseño de productos sostenibles es una realidad. Las empresas orientan sus estrategias de producción teniendo en cuenta el cuidado de la sociedad y el medioambiente. Para conseguirlo, en la fase de diseño se emplean metodologías específicas para el control de impactos en el ciclo de vida del producto. Uno de los inconvenientes principales de algunas técnicas empleadas es su carácter cualitativo asociado a un proceso de toma de decisiones en ocasiones arbitrario o con datos no verificables; lo que hace que actualmente sea necesaria la utilización de varias herramientas complementarias para alcanzar los resultados esperados. Entre las más empleadas se encuentran Análisis de Ciclo de Vida y las técnicas Cradle to Cradle; con orientaciones y procedimientos diferentes, los resultados obtenidos deben ser posteriormente integrados para alcanzar soluciones de diseño viables técnica y económicamente. La unificación en un único procedimiento permitirá reducir la complejidad del proceso de diseño. En este contexto, esta investigación desarrolla un marco de trabajo para el diseño sostenible de productos industriales que integra ACV (en su aplicación ambiental, económica y social) y las técnicas C2C; permite simplificar las fases de diseño, facilita la interpretación de los resultados y aporta un carácter cuantitativo al marco C2C.The design of sustainable products is a reality. Companies guide their production strategies considering the care of society and the environment. To achieve this, in the design phase, specific methodologies are used to control impacts in the product life cycle. One of the main drawbacks of some techniques used is their qualitative nature associated with a decision-making process; this is sometimes arbitrary or with unverifiable data. For this, it is necessary to use several complementary tools to achieve the expected results. Among the most used are Life Cycle Analysis and Cradle to Cradle techniques; with different orientations and procedures, the results obtained must be subsequently integrated to achieve technically and economically viable design solutions. The unification in a single procedure will reduce the complexity of the design process. This research develops a framework for the sustainable design of industrial products that integrates LCA (in its environmental, economic and social application) and C2C techniques; It simplifies the design phases, facilitates the interpretation of the results and adds a quantitative character to the C2C framework

Identifying emerging trends of protein hydrogels for biological scaffolding

The strategies of bottom-up design of inorganic structures from biological templates enable cheap, ecofriendly and efficient fabrication of nano-structured materials. Here, template assembly of silica nanostructures were achieved using different protein hydrogels. Ovalbumin and fibrinogen gels were prepared by heat treatment at different pHs and protein concentrations. These hydrogels have been morphologically (SEM) and mechanically (rheology) well characterized. Next, a silica precursor is added, the condensation reaction is initiated and finally the protein hydrogel template is removed by calcination. A variety of 3D nanostructures ranging from highly porosity structures to spherical particles have been identified and characterized. Furthermore, it was observed that the fractal dimension of silica structures follow the same pattern than their corresponding templates. Consequently, the bio-scaffolding method proposed here helps the bottom-up assembly of silica precursors in nanostructures with defined three dimensional dimensions and provides a versatile route for the design of new architectures under green conditions.Fil: Messina, Paula Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Bahía Blanca. Instituto de Química del Sur; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur; ArgentinaFil: Hassan, Natalia. Universite Pierre Et Marie Curie; Francia. Universidad de Chile. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmaceuticas. Laboratorio de Nanobiotecnología; ChileFil: Soltero, Armando. Universidad de Guadalajara; MéxicoFil: Ruso, Juan M.. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; Españ

Towards eco-efficient lean production systems

Lean Production has proved itself a worthwhile production strategy in many distinct industries across all regions of the planet by achieving higher levels of production efficiency. Several authors identified that Lean inadvertently has had significant environmental gains. Such achievements are considered of special relevance in a global and highly competitive economy which is progressively both tied-up and driven by an environmental agenda. The main goal of the present study is to enlighten the contribution of Lean for achieving a better environmental performance of production systems and identify this as an emergent business model for supporting eco-efficiency

Effect of Cold Work on the Tensile Properties of 6061, 2024, and 7075 Al Alloys

Aluminum alloys 6061, 2024, and 7075 were heat treated to various tempers and then subjected to a range of plastic strain (stretching) in order to determine their strain limits. Tensile properties, conductivity, hardness, and grain size measurements were evaluated. The effects of the plastic strain on these properties are discussed and strain limits are suggested