Stellar Populations in Spiral Galaxies

We report preliminary results of the characterization of bulge and inner disk stellar populations for 8 nearby spiral galaxies using Gemini/GMOS. The long-slit spectra extend out to 1-2 disk scale lengths with S/N/Ang > 50. Two different model fitting techniques, absorption-line indices and full spectral synthesis, are found to weigh age, metallicity, and abundance ratios differently, but with careful attention to the data/model matching (resolution and flux calibration), we are able constrain real signatures of age and metallicity gradients in star-forming galaxies.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures. To appear in the proceedings for IAUS 241 "Stellar Populations as Building Blocks of Galaxies", Eds. R.F. Peletier and A. Vazdeki

Boron Nitride Thin-Film Deposited by RF Magnetron Sputtering

Cubic Boron Nitride is considered a superhard material, its thermochemical stability makes it suitable for applications with corrosive environments and high temperatures. C-BN is grown by PDV on Si substrates. The plasma is energized via an RF source to sputter the target. The ion species in the plasma can be described by the classic electrodynamic expression . Plasma temperature is given by T = (6.2836*E/8*k). The sputter is given by the ratio of the heat transfer to the enthalpy of formation , of the target. The Hall Measurement is performed as recommended by NIST. The measurement was performed on a c-BN thin film deposited on a Si substrate. The deposition was done at 6mT, 600 °C, 6Ar/9N2, for 18 Hr. The voltage polarity measurement indicates that holes are the majority charge carrier and verifies the p-type conductivity of the sample, this is an important parameter in semiconductor devices

Near-IR internetwork spectro-polarimetry at different heliocentric angles

The analysis of near infrared spectropolarimetric data at the internetwork at different regions on the solar surface could offer constraints to reject current modeling of these quiet areas. We present spectro-polarimetric observations of very quiet regions for different values of the heliocentric angle for the Fe I lines at 1.56 micron, from disc centre to positions close to the limb. The spatial resolution of the data is 0.7-1". We analyze direct observable properties of the Stokes profiles as the amplitude of circular and linear polarization as well as the total degree of polarization. Also the area and amplitude asymmetries are studied. We do not find any significant variation of the properties of the polarimetric signals with the heliocentric angle. This means that the magnetism of the solar internetwork remains the same regardless of the position on the solar disc. This observational fact discards the possibility of modeling the internetwork as a Network-like scenario. The magnetic elements of internetwork areas seem to be isotropically distributed when observed at our spatial resolution.Comment: Sorry, this is the version with the correct bibliography. Some figures had to be compressed. Accepted for publication in A&

Decentralized dynamic task allocation for UAVs with limited communication range

We present the Limited-range Online Routing Problem (LORP), which involves a team of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with limited communication range that must autonomously coordinate to service task requests. We first show a general approach to cast this dynamic problem as a sequence of decentralized task allocation problems. Then we present two solutions both based on modeling the allocation task as a Markov Random Field to subsequently assess decisions by means of the decentralized Max-Sum algorithm. Our first solution assumes independence between requests, whereas our second solution also considers the UAVs' workloads. A thorough empirical evaluation shows that our workload-based solution consistently outperforms current state-of-the-art methods in a wide range of scenarios, lowering the average service time up to 16%. In the best-case scenario there is no gap between our decentralized solution and centralized techniques. In the worst-case scenario we manage to reduce by 25% the gap between current decentralized and centralized techniques. Thus, our solution becomes the method of choice for our problem

Embedded Curriculum with Industry-recognized Certifications to Improve the Marketability of Engineering Technology Graduates

Embedded Curriculum with Industry Recognized Certifications to Improve the Marketability of Engineering Technology Graduates The Fourth Industrial Revolution is challenging the industries to change the way they manage and operate the manufacturing environment. This leads to the transformation of the world through artificial intelligence, next-generation robotics, automation, big data analytics, 5G technology and Internet of Things. This idea of Industry 4.0 forces the change in the industries of today and tomorrow. In this, cyber physical systems communicate with one another using the Internet of Things. The manufacturing sector takes full advantage of these technologies to produce innovative products to enhance the human experience. Contrary to the prediction of huge job loss due to these new technologies, more jobs are being created at a rapid pace. This is evident in the number of job openings growing at double-digit rates since mid-2017. This trend created a new set of problems in finding a matching workforce that will support the growing areas of advanced manufacturing in digital talent, skilled production and operational managers. The digital talent includes programming and managing a pool of computer-enabled machines and equipment. This demands for qualified workers in key areas of technical trades. This includes technologies such as, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Computer Numerical Control, Coordinate Metrology, Industrial Robots, Mobile Autonomous Robots, Collaborative Robots and Automation. In the Recent Polls of American Distribution & Logistics Companies, 50% say that they see a critical need for these technologies to garner technology driven operational efficiencies. According to the study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, the skills needed in the above areas may leave an estimated 2.4 million positions unfilled between 2018 and 2028, with a potential economic impact of $ 2.5 trillion. Further, the study shows that the positions relating to digital talent, skilled production, and operational managers may be three times as difficult to fill in the next three years. The University of XXX has undertaken an initiative to address the growing needs of skilled human power in these critical areas that are very important for the local industries to sustain the competitive edge in the global manufacturing environment. Industries often look for graduates that are ready to be employed with minimum on the job training. The certifications offered by the professional institutions serve as the enabling tool for industries to assess the potential of newly minted graduate who have minimum field experience. This paper presents the details on the innovative development of the embedded engineering technology curriculum with industry recognized certifications in the much-needed areas of Industry 4.0. This will invariably help the industries to mitigate the difficult-to-fill workforce needs in the critical areas of advanced manufacturing. Also, discussed in detail in the paper are the pedagogical aspects of the Engineering Technology curriculum and the seamless integration of industry recognized certifications that have the potential to enhance the marketability of its graduates

Solar Energy Certificate for Engineering Technology Students

Solar Energy is the fastest-growing energy resource in the United States and the world. This industry just hit an important milestone in 2019 of completing two million solar systems installations in the country and is expected to duplicate this quantity by 2023. Organizations and home and business owners in our South Texas region are starting to recognize the benefits of this type of renewable energy. And with the drop in the cost of the components and installation of the solar system, the future for this industry seems promising. Our Program of Engineering Technology, which is part of the College of Engineering and Computer Science of the University of XXXX, is committed to providing our students with the set of skills that make them successful in their careers, but overall, professionals that can contribute to the sustainable development of our region. In this paper, the authors present the scheme for a new certificate in Solar Energy Systems as a part of the Engineering Technology curriculum. This proposal is supported by our departmental Vision of giving the students a robust technical knowledge through industry certificates along with the degree courses, so they can be industry-ready and able to deliver results as soon as they join the workforce, or as entrepreneurs. The backbone of this proposal lays not only in our existing courses in renewable energies and specifically solar energy systems, but also in the expertise of our faculty, and the relationship of the department with the local industry in this field. The solar systems installations by themselves, are endeavors that require an understanding of different fields, such a mechanical, electrical, power electronics, photovoltaics, and management. An important characteristic of the proposed certificate is the holistic approach in which we will be preparing the students not only with the technical skills and the specifics of this technology, but also with all the processes associated with this industry; such as local and federal regulations, codes, grants and tax incentives, and the requirements to connect to the grid of the utility companies. This project represents an important effort within our department, and we believe it has an important content of innovation in engineering education that we would like to share with the ASEE community