_{Eclectics I (Open to the Public)}  

Measured Response: Managing Conflict in the Social Environment

January 12

Speaker: Gary Pollitt, Lecturer, CSUF

In the talk, Mr. Pollitt will discuss insights gained from his work on his soon-to-be-completed book, “Measured Response: Managing Conflict in the Social Environment.” Conflict can be stressful and potentially perilous for anyone held to standards within a hierarchy. Drawing from recent findings in the fields of neuroscience and psychology, and informed by an understanding of classical rhetoric, Mr. Pollitt will discuss a simple system for dealing with conflict by increasing situational awareness and grooving neural pathways of viable responses to aggression and combativeness. The talk would be of interest to anyone who wants to deal with conflict more efficiently and effectively.

The Challenges (and Opportunities) in Computer Hardware     

January 26

Speaker: Rakesh Mahto, Program Coordinator, Professor, B.S.-M.S. Advisor, Computer Engineering Program

The semiconductor industry has seen tremendous growth over the past couple of decades, which immensely increased the computing power of portable electronic devices. However, this growth brought forward many new challenges. This presentation will highlight the phenomenal growth in semiconductor devices and the newfound challenges the industry is facing. The presentation concludes by discussing the research work done by CSUF students in advancing the current knowledge in computer hardware.

Art Theft, Looting and Repatriation

February 9

Speaker: David Plouffem Lecturer, Department of Visual Arts, CSUF

Dave Plouffe will discuss what happens to artworks during times of war. He will take a look at why these works were taken, recovery efforts and highlight some infamous art thieves.

Mobile Device Biometrics—Past, Present and Future

February 23

Speakers: Sinjini Mitra, Associate Professor, ISDS Department (CBE) and Mikhail Gofman, Associate Professor, Computer Science Department (ECS)

In this talk, we discuss the current state of mobile device biometrics and our research on this topic over the past few years. We developed a first-of-a-kind prototype of a multimodal biometrics-based authentication system for the mobile platform based on face and voice biometrics, and then improved it over the years with advanced machine learning algorithms. We then discuss our current work on a new multimodal system using face and ear biometrics and plans for extending it to 3D face and 3D ear images. Moreover, we point out some advantages and disadvantages of biometrics as an authentication method on a mobile device compared to more commonly used methods based on passcodes and passwords, along with examples and applications. Finally, we conclude with the current challenges posed to mobile biometrics by the COVID-19 pandemic and thoughts and potential research into modifications/adjustments required to address them and make mobile biometrics more viable in the COVID and post-COVID eras.

Repatriation, Restoration and Resurrection: The Return of African Cultural Heritage

March 9

Speaker: Heather Denyer, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance

The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris houses about 90,000 African objects. French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to return them. But there are arguments over whether the objects should be returned permanently or not, and to whom they belong. Yet, these objects were not created to be art objects. Many of them were imbued with spiritual qualities, as they played a part in ritual ceremonies and performances. Using puppetry theories and the perspective of African puppetry artists, this presentation considers what has happened to that spirit since the objects were removed from the African cultures, and what will happen when they are returned home.

Emerging Non-Destructive Testing and Eco-Friendly Materials—Durable Solution for Nation’s Infrastructure           

March 23

Speaker: Pratanu Ghosh, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering

High performance concrete (HPC), which combines Portland cement and other natural and artificial pozzolans, mainly aims to extend the service life of concrete structures in harsh environments. Recently, volcanic pumice pozzolan (VPP) has been effectively used to enhance the performance of HPC. VPP is a natural environment-friendly material of volcanic origin, and it is found abundantly in western parts of the USA. The strength and corrosion propensity of HPC mixtures can be assessed with a relatively simple, efficient and effective approach of non-destructive testing. Overall, this emerging experimental investigation can provide promising options for applicability of non-destructive testing techniques, namely surface resistivity, bulk resistivity and maturity meter as a potential structural health monitoring tool for future HPC bridge decks construction in terms of strength and durability.