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In this thesis report, I aim to explain the realities of humanitarian efforts to implement solar panel systems in rural communities, the challenges they face, and why they fail. I will also compare case studies of both unsuccessful and successful projects, which will lead to a proposed solar panel system design for a single home completed in collaboration with Arizona State University's Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Program for the Shonto Solar project.
The purpose of this study was to find an appropriate solution in reducing inflammation around the ankle joint for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients, so they are able to increase their endurance and improve their overall quality of life. RA patients have to deal with a significant amount of complications that include chronic inflammation, continuous pain in their joints, and overwhelming stress. In addition, it is very common for RA patients to develop severe mental issues that only makes matters worse. As a result, it is imperative that treatments are provided to RA patients to improve their current situation. Three devices from the current market, made for reducing inflammation of the ankle, were chosen for evaluating the effectiveness of each device. It was determined that with 95% confidence that the Gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve was the most effective in reducing inflammation. A prototype was developed based on the feedback of the participants. Further improvements, the prototype will be compared against the Gonicc Professional Foot Sleeve to determine which is the best solution to improve millions of RA patients' lives.
This thesis aims to analyze the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) through the lens of Bolman and Deal's Four Frames. As a rapidly growing organization, a core component of ISKCONs rise has been due to their persistent support from the youth audience (under 30). However, recent statistics indicate that there has been a significant drop in youth attendance at the local ISKCON Arizona Chandler, with nearly 50% of young members leaving the organization. The focus of this paper will be on understanding the organizational theory behind the challenges faced by ISKCON Chandler in engaging its young members and attracting new ones. The paper will introduce ISKCON, its history, mission, and structure, highlighting the human resource, structural, political, and symbolic aspects of the organization. Then through the multi-frame approach and industry analysis, the paper will offer insights into the shortcomings (like the lack of proper structure, online presence, platform for youth representation, or presence in nearby youth communities) of ISKCON Chandler, which are causing the limited engagement of younger generations. Subsequently, the paper will propose solutions including creating a youth council board, creating collegiate club chapter connections, developing a more robust social media and online presence, and providing internship opportunities. By analyzing these shortcomings and providing solutions, this thesis aims to provide insights that can help the local ISKCON address its problems, engage its young members, and attract new ones, while remaining true to its core values and mission.
3D printing prosthetics for amputees is an innovative opportunity to provide a lower cost and customized alternative to current technologies. Companies, such as E-NABLE and YouBionic are developing myoelectric prosthetics, electrically powered terminal devices activated by electromyography (EMG), for transradial amputees. Prosthetics that are 3D printed are less expensive for juvenile use, more sustainable, and more accessible for those without insurance. Although they are typically not outfitted with the same complex grip patterns or durability of a traditional myoelectric prosthetic, they offer a sufficient durability (withstanding up to 150 N on average) and allow for new opportunities in prosthetic development. Devils Prosthetics, a student research and development group associated with Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), has investigated the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) for 3D printing prosthetics as well as combining a MyoWare EMG sensor with machine learning for optimal control of the prosthetic.
Lab-grown food products of animal cell origin, now becoming popularly coined as, ‘Cellular Agriculture’ is a revolutionary breakthrough technology that has the potential to penetrate the lives of every American or citizen of the world. It is important to recognize that the impetus for developing this technology is fueled by environmental concerns with climate change, rising geopolitical instability, and population growth projections, where farm-grown food has now become a growing national security issue. Notwithstanding its potential, in addition to the necessary technological innovation and economic scalability, the market success of cellular agriculture will depend greatly on regulatory oversight by multiple government agencies without which it can cause undue harm to individuals, populations, and the environment. Thus, it is critical for those appropriate United States governing bodies to ensure that the technology being developed is both safe and of an acceptable quality for human consumption and has no adverse environmental impact. As such, animal foods, derived from farms, previously regulated almost exclusively by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are now being regulated under a joint formal agreement between the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and the USDA if derived from the lab, i.e., lab-grown animal foods. The main reason for joint oversight between the FDA and the USDA is that the FDA has developed the in-house expertise to oversee primary cell harvesting and cell storage, as well as, cell growth and differentiation for the development of 3D-engineered tissues intended for tissue and organ replacement for the emerging field of regenerative medicine. As such, the FDA has been given the authority to oversee the ‘front end’ of lab-grown food processes which relies on the very same processes utilized in engineered human tissues to produce food-grade engineered tissues. Oversight then transitions to the USDA-FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) during the harvesting stage of the cell culture process. The USDA-FSIS then oversees the further production and labeling of these products. Included in the agreement is the understanding that both bodies are responsible for communicating necessary information to each other and collaboratively developing new regulatory actions as needed. However, there currently lacks clarity on some topics regarding certain legal, ethical, and scientific issues. Lab-grown meat products require more extensive regulation than farm-grown animal food products to ensure that they are safe and nutritious for consumption. To do this, CFSAN can create new classes of lab-grown foods, such as ‘lab-grown USDA foods,’ ‘lab-grown non-USDA foods,’ ‘lab-grown extinct foods,’ ‘lab-grown human food tissues,’ and ‘medically activated lab-grown foods.’
Cancer perception is different across each region of the world, which can lead to late diagnosis and death, especially in cancers associated with greater stigma. These perceptions are largely affected by sociocultural, economic, and healthcare infrastructure of the region. It is crucial that effective methods are implemented, so that patients do not avoid getting diagnosed and treated
3D printing prosthetics for amputees is an innovative opportunity to provide a lower cost and customized alternative to current technologies. Companies, such as E-NABLE and YouBionic are developing myoelectric prosthetics, electrically powered terminal devices activated by electromyography (EMG), for transradial amputees. Prosthetics that are 3D printed are less expensive for juvenile use, more sustainable, and more accessible for those without insurance. Although they are typically not outfitted with the same complex grip patterns or durability of a traditional myoelectric prosthetic, they offer a sufficient durability (withstanding up to 150 N on average) and allow for new opportunities in prosthetic development. Devils Prosthetics, a student research and development group associated with Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS), has investigated the benefits and pitfalls of utilizing polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) for 3D printing prosthetics as well as combining a MyoWare EMG sensor with machine learning for optimal control of the prosthetic.
The following paper builds upon version one of The Women’s Power and Influence Index (WPI). The WPI Index is a product created by The Difference Engine, a center at ASU, to address gender inequality in the workplace. The WPI Index ranks Fortune 500 companies on various criteria and releases the information to the public in an easy-to-understand manner. Following the first release in 2021, we aim to help the WPI Index continue to grow by researching social movements that can inspire the Index, suggesting additional criteria for version 1.5, and raising awareness through events and social media. Part I of the paper details how social movements have utilized social pressure and social media to create broad change, setting the stage for the WPI Index’s public rankings to incentivize change. Part II provides research on new criteria we propose to be added to the Index for the next release. Lastly, part III covers how we used Tik Tok, events, and partnerships to help the Index gain notoriety. Altogether the paper suggests new directions and provides scientific research to further the goals of the WPI Index.