An extension in the Adams spectral sequence in dimension 54

We establish a hidden extension in the Adams spectral sequence converging to the stable homotopy groups of spheres at the prime 2 in the 54-stem. This extension is exceptional in that the only proof we know proceeds via Pstragowski's category of synthetic spectra. This was the final unresolved hidden 2-extension in the Adams spectral sequence through dimension 80. We hope this provides a concise demonstration of the computational leverage provided by $\mathbb{F}_2$-synthetic spectra.Comment: 3 pages. Comments welcome

Syncing Up On Satisfaction: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Synchronous Online Classroom Learning Satisfaction in the Corporate Training Environment

Online learning classrooms continue to grow as a popular addition and/or alternative to the traditional face-to-face classroom. Along with tremendous growth, online classrooms have also experienced rapid evolution and innovation to the point where the term “online learning” is no longer a universal term. There is a need to expand the existing research base to include subsets of online classrooms and include more diverse populations of learners. The purpose of this convergent mixed-methods study was to better understand subsets of online learning by exploring learning satisfaction in synchronous online classrooms at a Fortune 125 financial institution. The overarching question for this researcher was, “how does learning satisfaction in the synchronous online classroom compare with similar experiences facilitated in a face-to-face classroom in the corporate training environment.” With synchronous online classroom adoption expanding, there is a need to better understand learner perspectives to shape recommendations for improving synchronous online teaching practices. Additionally, using a corporate population provides an opportunity to further expand generalizability of previous online learning satisfaction studies to a new population. A casual-comparative approach was used to analyze four years of historical learning satisfaction survey data from the company’s learning management system (LMS) and contextualize it with focus group data collected from employees. The final results provided a deeper exploration of synchronous online satisfaction, how it compares to traditional face-to-face learning satisfaction for adult learners, and recommendations for improving the synchronous online learning experience

Synching up on a Satisfaction: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Synchronous Online Classroom Learning Satisfaction in the Corporate Training Environment

Despite rapid evolution and innovation, “online learning” is no longer a universal term. There is a need to expand the existing research base to include subsets of online classrooms and include more diverse populations of learners. The overarching question for this study focused on synchronous online classroom satisfaction in a corporate setting. The researcher analyzed four years of historical learner-satisfaction data from post-class Level-1 satisfaction surveys from a Fortune 100 company. In total, 15,577 learner responses were collected, analyzed, and converged with data collected from employee focus groups related to synchronous online classroom satisfaction. The statistical analysis of learning satisfaction survey data yielded a significant difference in the scores reported by learners, with in-person classes receiving a higher overall score than synchronous online classes. The focus group results yielded a similar discovery, with participants indicating a preference for in-person classroom experiences and providing recommendations for improvement in the synchronous online classroom. Although there was a preference by a majority of the participants to attend trainings in-person, the majority also noted that they tended to feel a similar level of satisfaction for both modalities

Sailbot 2017-2018

The goal of this MQP was to build and program a robot capable of competing in the 2018 International Robotic Sailing Competition (IRSC), also known as Sailbot. This project utilized existing research on control and design of autonomous sailboats, and built on lessons learned from the last two years of WPIs Sailbot entries. The final product of this MQP was a more reliable, easier to control, and more innovative design than last years event-winning boat

Arizona Space Grant Consortium Participation and Contribution during the 2017 Solar Eclipse

Students from the Arizona Space Grant Consortium attended the Montana State University (MSU) Solar Eclipse Workshop in July 2016, where the MSU-designed ground station and payloads were assembled. The team returned with the systems, making modifications and conducting tests leading up to the eclipse in the following areas: ground station tracking, payload improvements, and expanded video capability. With the initial aid of Louisiana State University, the team upgraded the tracking system to use both Automated Packet Reporting System (APRS) beacons and MSU’s Iridium tracking system. This update improved the accuracy of determining the location of the balloon and payloads. The hardware improvements for the ground station included the addition of mobile HughesNet satellite internet service. Payload improvements included using medium-gain antennas, next generation Ubiquiti modems, and Raspberry Pi 3 computers. In addition, a 360 degree video camera payload was developed. The systems were tested over six balloon flights. During the solar eclipse, the team was in Glendo, WY, and flew the following payloads: Digital Video Payload (DVP), Digital Image Payload (DIP), 360 Video Payload, ASU Scientific Payload, flight termination payloads, and tracking payloads. Each of these payloads operated correctly with the exception of DVP, which malfunctioned during an impact at launch. The team was unable to live stream video, but instead streamed a slideshow of downlinked images. However, videos from both the DVP and 360 Video Payload were recovered after the flight and later processed. Overall the mission was successful, and high quality video, images, and data were collected

“Corpses in the Grass”: strategic culture and combat effectiveness in the Pacific War; a case study of the U.S. Seventh Infantry Division

Rather than accepting the premise that American industrial capacity and the sheer quantitative advantage that it produced were the only reasons that the U.S. was able to prevail over its qualitatively superior foes during the Second World War, I will demonstrate through the four different Pacific theater campaigns of the 7th Infantry Division the decisive importance of willpower and the less explored influence of strategic culture on the outcome of the war. I will challenge the theory of the supposedly inexorable triumph of American military mass as opposed to its superior combat effectiveness through a case study exploring the performance of the 7th U.S. Infantry Division in the Pacific. This case study contains two principal elements: the first is an analysis of the battles of Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte, and Okinawa and the second is a comparison of the strategic/tactical cultures of Japan and the United States and how they contributed to and influenced the relative combat effectiveness of the opposing forces. My hypothesis is that the 7th Division was comparatively more combat-efficient than its Japanese opponents because of an American “tactical culture” characterized by superior leadership that embodied adaptability and flexibility, informed by continuous learning that resulted in realistic training and highly effective tactical performance. The inspiration for this thesis began with the author’s Master of Arts dissertation, “Hell in the Mist: The Seventh Infantry Division and the Battle of Attu” completed for Southern New Hampshire University in 2015. Significant portions of this thesis borrow from and incorporate elements of that study. By extending the combat effectiveness debate from the European theater to the Pacific theater, I challenge the deterministic assumptions made by other historians about American industrial superiority over Japan by taking a cultural approach to provide new possible explanations of historical events. In this way, the competing hypotheses of how and why one force was more combat effective can be further explored. I will contrast and compare the American and Japanese strategic, operational, tactical, and human dimensions of the Pacific War

A Microfluidic Platform for Precision Small-volume Sample Processing and Its Use to Size Separate Biological Particles with an Acoustic Microdevice.

A major advantage of microfluidic devices is the ability to manipulate small sample volumes, thus reducing reagent waste and preserving precious sample. However, to achieve robust sample manipulation it is necessary to address device integration with the macroscale environment. To realize repeatable, sensitive particle separation with microfluidic devices, this protocol presents a complete automated and integrated microfluidic platform that enables precise processing of 0.15-1.5 ml samples using microfluidic devices. Important aspects of this system include modular device layout and robust fixtures resulting in reliable and flexible world to chip connections, and fully-automated fluid handling which accomplishes closed-loop sample collection, system cleaning and priming steps to ensure repeatable operation. Different microfluidic devices can be used interchangeably with this architecture. Here we incorporate an acoustofluidic device, detail its characterization, performance optimization, and demonstrate its use for size-separation of biological samples. By using real-time feedback during separation experiments, sample collection is optimized to conserve and concentrate sample. Although requiring the integration of multiple pieces of equipment, advantages of this architecture include the ability to process unknown samples with no additional system optimization, ease of device replacement, and precise, robust sample processing