Pennsylvania State University Research Articles

Teaching in a time of pandemic: The case of the EMET Program at Pennsylvania State University - Fayette

The author shares his experiences of university teaching during the time of restrictions imposed on teaching and learning modes due to a pandemic. The relative scarcity of literature analyzing the response in the fields of science and engineering to the pandemic served as motivation. After providing general background information about the pandemic’s impact on educational systems worldwide, the article provides qualitative research with a narrative model for a case study of an engineering program at an American university. The analyzed case concerns the teaching and learning methodologies implemented in an electro-mechanical engineering technology bachelor’s degree program at Pennsylvania State University – the Fayette campus in the academic years 2020-22. Pennsylvania State University’s chosen teaching modes in the time of the pandemic to be used by instructors provide an example of adaptability of a higher education institution to the changing teaching and learning circumstances. The pedagogical approach to preparing, delivering, and assessment of learning effectiveness in engineering courses with a laboratory component is described. The article also shows how to use the learning management system, Canvas, with its analytical utility tool, to improve effectiveness and responsiveness of the teaching and learning process. The shortcomings and unexpected benefits of learning online pedagogy are shared and discussed. To assess the students’ perception and the study mode and their preferences in this regard, an anonymous, closed-ended, nominal-polytomous questionnaire was conducted, and its findings are analyzed. Further, to compare the students’ preferences as regards study modes depending on the academic discipline, engineering students were contrasted with students studying business as their major. The surveys also provide answers to trends in the longer term in students’ expectations for delivery of programs by higher education institutions.

Dark No More: The Low-luminosity Stellar Counterpart of a Dark Cloud in the Virgo Cluster* * Based on observations obtained with the Hobby–Eberly Telescope (HET), which is a joint project of the University of Texas at Austin, the Pennsylvania State University, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universitaet Muenchen, and Georg-August Universitaet Goettingen. The HET is named in honor of its principal benefactors, William P. Hobby

We have discovered the stellar counterpart to the ALFALFA Virgo 7 cloud complex, which has been thought to be optically dark and nearly star-free since its discovery in 2007. This ∼190 kpc long chain of enormous atomic gas clouds (M H i ∼ 109 M ⊙) is embedded in the hot intracluster medium of the Virgo galaxy cluster but is isolated from any galaxy. Its faint, blue stellar counterpart, BC6, was identified in a visual search of archival optical and UV imaging. Follow-up observations with the Green Bank Telescope, Hobby–Eberly Telescope, and Hubble Space Telescope demonstrate that this faint counterpart is at the same velocity as the atomic gas, actively forming stars, and metal-rich (12 + (O/H) = 8.58 ± 0.25). We estimate its stellar mass to be only log(M*/M⊙)∼4.4 , making it one of the most gas-rich stellar systems known. Aside from its extraordinary gas content, the properties of BC6 are entirely consistent with those of a recently identified class of young, low-mass, isolated, and star-forming clouds in Virgo that appear to have formed via extreme ram pressure stripping events. We expand the existing discussion of the origin of this structure and suggest NGC 4522 as a likely candidate; however, the current evidence is not fully consistent with any of our proposed progenitor galaxies. We anticipate that other “dark” gas clouds in Virgo may have similarly faint, star-forming counterparts. We aim to identify these through the help of a citizen science search of the entire cluster.

The Hobby–Eberly Telescope VIRUS Parallel Survey (HETVIPS)* *Based on observations obtained with the Hobby–Eberly Telescope (HET), which is a joint project of the University of Texas at Austin, the Pennsylvania State University, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. The HET is named in honor of its principal benefactors, William P. Hobby and Robert E. Eberly.

The Hobby–Eberly Telescope (HET) VIRUS Parallel Survey (HETVIPS) is a blind spectroscopic program that sparsely covers approximately two-thirds of the celestial sphere and consists of roughly 252 million fiber spectra. The spectra were taken in parallel mode with the Visible Integral-field Replicable Unit Spectrograph (VIRUS) instrument when the HET was observing a primary target with other HET facility instruments. VIRUS can simultaneously obtain approximately 35,000 spectra covering 3470–5540 Å at a spectral resolution of ≈800. Although the vast majority of these spectra cover blank sky, we used the Pan-STARRS1 Data Release 2 Stacked Catalog to identify objects encompassed in the HETVIPS pointings and extract their spectra. This paper presents the first HETVIPS data release, containing 493,012 flux-calibrated spectra obtained through 2023 March 31, as well as a description of the data processing technique. Each of the object spectra were classified, resulting in a catalog of 74,196 galaxies, 4,087 quasars, 259,396 stars, and 154,543 unknown sources.

The Epoch of Giant Planet Migration Planet Search Program. II. A Young Hot Jupiter Candidate around the AB Dor Member HS Psc* *Based on observations obtained with the Hobby–Eberly Telescope (HET), which is a joint project of the University of Texas at Austin, the Pennsylvania State University, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universitaet Muenchen, and Georg-August Universitaet Goettingen. The HET is named in honor of

We report the discovery of a hot Jupiter candidate orbiting HS Psc, a K7 (≈0.7 M ⊙) member of the ≈130 Myr AB Doradus moving group. Using radial velocities over 4 yr from the Habitable-zone Planet Finder spectrograph at the Hobby–Eberly Telescope, we find a periodic signal of Pb=3.986−0.003+0.044 days. A joint Keplerian and Gaussian process stellar activity model fit to the radial velocities yields a minimum mass of mpsini=1.5−0.4+0.6 M Jup. The stellar rotation period is well constrained by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite light curve (P rot = 1.086 ± 0.003 days) and is not an integer harmonic nor alias of the orbital period, supporting the planetary nature of the observed periodicity. HS Psc b joins a small population of young, close-in giant planet candidates with robust age and mass constraints and demonstrates that giant planets can either migrate to their close-in orbital separations by 130 Myr or form in situ. Given its membership in a young moving group, HS Psc represents an excellent target for follow-up observations to characterize this young hot Jupiter further, refine its orbital properties, and search for additional planets in the system.

Prediction of Coaxial Rotor Hub Flow Using Mercury Framework

Rotor hubs are predominantly responsible for the parasitic drag encountered by high-speed rotorcraft. To gain a deeper understanding of the fluid dynamics around rotor hubs, simulations of counter-rotating coaxial rotor-hub flows were conducted, which was subsequently followed by a corroborative experiment at Pennsylvania State University. The simulation process employed a computational fluid dynamics framework termed “Mercury,” which utilizes an unstructured/Cartesian multimesh paradigm. This process incorporated Spalart???Allmaras delayed detached eddy simulation turbulence modelling for an accurate representation of the flow. The investigation into the coaxial hub flow physics was conducted at two different advance ratios: 0.25 and 0.6, constructed by building up the hub components. The interaction between the hub and fairing components led to an increase in the average hub drag and caused unsteady harmonics in the hub and fairing drags. Furthermore, it was noted that different advance ratios affected the drag and wake structures. The complete hub model was then simulated in a water tunnel with an advance ratio of 0.25. Predictions of mean and unsteady drag, as well as mean wake velocity fields, were compared with the experimental results. Overall, the mean wake velocity field from the simulation qualitatively aligned with the experimental results, especially in the near-wake region. Additionally, the buildup model analysis significantly aided in understanding the intricate wake structures surrounding the hub.

History of Science and the History of Catholicism and Colonization - Sacred Habitat: Nature and Catholicism in the Early Modern Spanish Atlantic. By Ran Segev. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2023. Pp. 213. $129.95 cloth.

History of Science and the History of Catholicism and Colonization - Sacred Habitat: Nature and Catholicism in the Early Modern Spanish Atlantic. By Ran Segev. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2023. Pp. 213. $129.95 cloth.

Development of the PSU Child Pump.

The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Child Pump, a centrifugal continuous-flow ventricular assist device (cf-VAD), is being developed as a suitable long-term implantable device for pediatric heart failure patients between 10 and 35 kg, body surface area (BSA) of 0.5-1.2 m 2 , 1-11 years of age, and requiring a mean cardiac output of 1.0-3.5 L/min. In-vitro hydraulic and hemodynamic performances were evaluated on a custom mock circulatory loop with ovine blood. Normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) was evaluated under four conditions: 1) 8,300 rpm, 3.5 L/min, Δ P = 60 mm Hg, 2) 8,150 rpm, 5.1 L/min, Δ P = 20 mm Hg, 3) 8,400 rpm, 3.2 L/min, Δ P = 70 mm Hg, and 4) 9,850 rpm, 5.0 L/min, Δ P = 80 mm Hg, resulting in normalized index of hemolysis = 0.027 ± 0.013, 0.015 ± 0.006, 0.016 ± 0.008, and 0.026 ± 0.011 mg/dl, respectively. A mock fit study was conducted using a three-dimensional printed model of a 19 kg patient's thoracic cavity to compare the size of the PSU Child Pump to the HeartMate3 and the HVAD. Results indicate the PSU Child Pump will be a safer, appropriately sized device capable of providing the given patient cohort proper support while minimizing the risks of blood trauma as they wait for a transplant.

Hugh Liebert. Gibbon's Christianity: Religion, Reason, and the Fall of Rome University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2022. Pp. 196. $104.95 (cloth).

Hugh Liebert. Gibbon's Christianity: Religion, Reason, and the Fall of Rome University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2022. Pp. 196. $104.95 (cloth).

Court rules against former head coach

Case name: Thompson v. The Pennsylvania State University, No. 1460 MDA 2022 (Pa. Super. Ct. 11/28/23).

Court rules against former head coach

Case name: Thompson v. The Pennsylvania State University, No. 1460 MDA 2022 (Pa. Super. Ct. 11/28/23).

Study Outlines Challenges of Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Applications

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215751, “Challenges for Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Applications,” by Livio Santos, SPE, and Arash Dahi Taleghani, SPE, The Pennsylvania State University. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ This work provides insights into the technical and economic viability of repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy production for direct heating. The potential benefits—especially for areas that are highly dependent on fossil fuels for heating—and challenges of this approach are assessed, while technical, market, and policy barriers for future development are identified. Repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves expertise in geology, engineering, and regulatory affairs. Introduction Repurposing abandoned wells for power generation in geothermal energy projects can present challenges because of the low temperatures associated with these wells. The low temperature gradients and thermal energy available in such wells have been found to limit overall power-generation potential. The same low-temperature geothermal resources can still be used effectively, however, for community heating applications. Community heating systems have lower temperature requirements compared with those necessary for power generation and are compatible with available heat from low-temperature geothermal sources. In particular, closed-loop geothermal systems, specifically designed for community heating, offer several advantageous features. The closed-loop design ensures that the fluid remains contained within the system. These systems are environmentally compatible because they do not extract or discharge water from natural sources. Additionally, with better control over the working fluid and heat-exchange process, closed-loop systems deliver optimized system performance, energy efficiency, and cost savings. They also require less maintenance and feature lower operational risks because of the closed circuit. Closed-loop systems offer fluid-selection flexibility and streamlined regulatory compliance. Not all abandoned wells are suitable for repurposing, however. Thorough feasibility assessments and well-integrity evaluations are necessary to ensure that the abandoned well is structurally sound, has the appropriate depth and geological characteristics, and can extract geothermal heat effectively. The condition of the well casing, cementing, and any potential wellbore damage also must be evaluated. An economic analysis is performed to assess the financial viability and cost-effectiveness of the geothermal community heating system. Finally, an environmental impact assessment evaluates the environmental consequences of the geothermal community heating system.

The Bible in Early Transatlantic Pietism and Evangelicalism. By Ryan P. Hoselton, Jan Stievermann, Douglas A. Sweeney, and Michael A. G. Haykin. Pietist, Moravian, and Anabaptist Studies. University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2022. 206 pp. $109.95 hardcover.

The Bible in Early Transatlantic Pietism and Evangelicalism. By Ryan P. Hoselton, Jan Stievermann, Douglas A. Sweeney, and Michael A. G. Haykin. Pietist, Moravian, and Anabaptist Studies. University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2022. 206 pp. $109.95 hardcover.

Design and construction of an in-air sonar for signal processing education

Sonar is an acoustic sensing method commonly used in underwater imaging and navigation. Students are often introduced to sonar theory, but few gain hands-on experience due to the cost and logistical difficulties associated with in-water experimentation. Alternatively, a sonar system can be designed for in-air use to mitigate some of the practical and operational challenges of acquiring sonar field data. Inspired by previous in-air sonar projects, the Pennsylvania State University student chapter of the Acoustical Society of America acquired $5,000 to construct an in-air sonar for exploring signal processing and mechanical design concepts. For a cost-effective solution, consumer audio equipment and additive manufacturing were leveraged. This presentation will walk through the sonar design and build process, discuss the project's current status, and present initial results. Plans for project development and potential inclusion into the curriculum will be discussed. Advice will be offered to those who may want to pursue similar projects.

Molecule Maker Lab Institute: Accelerating, advancing, and democratizing molecular innovation

AbstractMany of the greatest challenges facing society today likely have molecular solutions that await discovery. However, the process of identifying and manufacturing such molecules has remained slow and highly specialist dependent. Interfacing the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic organic chemistry has the potential to powerfully address both limitations. The Molecule Maker Lab Institute (MMLI) brings together a team of chemists, engineers, and AI‐experts from the University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign (UIUC), Pennsylvania State University, and the Rochester Institute of Technology, with the goal of accelerating the discovery, synthesis and manufacture of complex organic molecules. Advanced AI and machine learning (ML) methods are deployed in four key thrusts: (1) AI‐enabled synthesis planning, (2) AI‐enabled catalyst development, (3) AI‐enabled molecule manufacturing, and (4) AI‐enabled molecule discovery. The MMLI's new AI‐enabled synthesis platform integrates chemical and enzymatic catalysis with literature mining and ML to predict the best way to make new molecules with desirable biological and material properties. The MMLI is transforming chemical synthesis and generating use‐inspired AI advances. Simultaneously, the MMLI is also acting as a training ground for the next generation of scientists with combined expertise in chemistry and AI. Outreach efforts aimed toward high school students and the public are being used to show how AI‐enabled tools can help to make chemical synthesis accessible to nonexperts.

Juris G. Draguns (1932-2023).

Memorializes Juris G. Draguns (1932-2023), a noted cross-cultural researcher and author. in 1967, joined Pennsylvania State University, where he remained until his retirement in 1997 as professor emeritus. His presence at Penn State, along with George Guthrie, Muzafer Sherif, and Carolyn Sherif, made its program one of the outstanding early centers for cross-cultural psychology. He remained active after his university retirement, maintaining a part-time clinical practice and pursuing new research interests. During his career, he published more than 130 articles on such topics as microgenesis, cognitive style, models of psychopathology, and culture and psychology, as well as several books. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Painting the inhabited landscape: Fitz H. Lane and the global reach of Antebellum America By Margaretta MarkleLovell, The Pennsylvania State University Press. 2023

Painting the inhabited landscape: Fitz H. Lane and the global reach of Antebellum America By Margaretta MarkleLovell, The Pennsylvania State University Press. 2023

A Programmatic Approach to Journal Use and Citation Analysis

abstract: The study explores journal citations from 104 doctoral dissertations in sociology from 2010 to 2021 at the Pennsylvania State University. A citation analysis of 10,395 journal citations explores journal use from three graduate degree programs in sociology. Journal use is based on the top 32 journals for concentration of citations (CitRank), number of dissertations citing the journal (DissRank), and the average (CDRank). Forty journals are identified from 38 dissertations (degree in sociology), 40 journals from 57 dissertations (dual degree for sociology and demography), 34 journals from nine dissertations (dual degree for sociology and criminology), and 41 journals from 104 dissertations. An analysis of variance and correlation is conducted to determine the strength of the relationship of the three measures of use. The study identifies 71 unique journal titles from all degree programs and a core of 13 journals.

Brilliant Bodies: Fashioning Courtly Men in Early Renaissance Italy. Timothy McCall. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2022. xiv + 222 pp. 50 b/w + 36 col. pls. $109.95.

Brilliant Bodies: Fashioning Courtly Men in Early Renaissance Italy. Timothy McCall. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2022. xiv + 222 pp. 50 b/w + 36 col. pls. $109.95.

Judge rules against instructor

Case name: Binney v. The Pennsylvania State University, No. 4:21‐CV‐01297 (M.D. Pa. 06/09/23).

Romanian Version of the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS): A Preliminary Validation on a Non-clinical Sample

Low frustration tolerance is one of the key concepts in rational emotional behavior therapy (REBT). The purpose of this study is to explore the factorial structure, reliability, and validity of the Romanian version of the Frustration Discomfort Scale (FDS), developed by Harrington (Clin Psychol Psychother 12(5):374–387, 2005b. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.465), within a non-clinical sample (N = 308) of Romanian teachers. For validation purposes, participants also completed several measures such as the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ) (Chamberlain and Haaga in J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther 19(3):163–176, 2001. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1011189416600), Attitudes and Belief Scale 2 (ABS2) (DiGiuseppe et al. J Ration Emot Cogn Behav Ther 36(1):47–79, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10942-017-0273-3), Teacher Irrational Belief Scale (TIBS) (Bernard Teacher irrationality and teacher stress, 24th international congress of psychology, Sydney, Australia, 1988), and Pupil Control Ideology Scale (PCI) (Willower et al. The school and pupil control, The Pennsylvania State University, 1967). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggests that the initial four-factor solution from the scale development study received similar support to the one-factor solution found in some previous studies. Patterns of correlations linking the FDS total sum score versus the FDS 4-factor scale scores with other variables provide some support for the one-factor solution, mainly because it is a more parsimonious solution. Differentiating between several subcomponents of FDS does not bring discriminant validity in our non-clinical sample. Based on current preliminary validation, the FDS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing frustration discomfort in a Romanian-speaking population as a single-factor construct. Our results do not exclude the possibility that future discriminant validity endeavors could support the utility of treating low frustration tolerance as a multidimensional construct since using a non-clinical sample is likely to impact the factorial structure of the FDS.