Folding Mathematics: A Mathematical Approach to Origami

From constructing a midpoint on a line to observing specific divisions of a plane, the art form of Origami borrows many mathematical tools in order to create complex, and often symmetrical, patterns in a paper medium known as a fold. For this project, the traditional fold known as the Origami Crane/Swan will be thoroughly examined as it contains the unique property to lie completely flat when complete. This phenomenon occurs because the vertices holding the fold together are not all considered to be flat folds. The different types of vertices interacting with each other create a natural locking mechanism within the medium and make it impossible for the medium to unravel. Using established geometrical and origami theorems, this project intends to deconstruct these locks and investigate the mathematics behind how the construction works

Phosphate Desorption Across Particle Size After Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Within a watershed, increased phosphate (PO43-) concentrations can result in accelerated eutrophication, a process through which excess amount of nutrients, such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), lead to accelerated algae growth and eventual decay, depleting dissolved oxygen. The study site, Babe and Sage Farm in Gordon, Georgia, is a small sustainable farm that follows USDA regulations for Organic production. The farmers were seeking field research to determine the efficiency and sustainability of their practices related to fertilizer (nutrient) applications. This study investigates horizontal and vertical phosphate movement though soils to assess the impacts of sustainable agriculture practices on the local watershed. We are investigating the possibility of particle-based transport and investigating phosphate desorption (release) across a range of particle sizes on the millimeter to micrometer scale, achieved through a differential centrifugation technique for size separation and the ascorbic acid method for phosphate concentration. Total phosphorus concentration within the soil will be assessed using acid digestion and/or X-ray fluorescence (XRF) methods. To assess the impacts of environmental or field-management conditions (e.g., acid rain, and/or liming) on phosphate desorption. pH was manipulated across experiments. Additional measures to understand the phosphate transport by groundwater flow throughout the soil profile were conducted, including in situ field measurements of permeability and ex situ Ksat determinations. Finally, qualitative and semi-quantitative observation of phosphate concentrations with varying particle size will be studied through Scanning Election Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) investigation. We project that our results will indicate consistent phosphate concentration throughout the testing sites, due to the compound’s stability in the soil, with phosphate concentration decreasing with depth due to phosphate’s ability to resist soil leaching. Differing particle diameter expressed though the centrifuge could illustrate whether smaller particles would transport phosphate more effectively throughout the soil profile, due to their increased mobility. Keywords: Phosphorus, Sustainability, Eutrophication, Desorption, Agriculture, SEM/ED

Effects of Irrigation on Forage Growth Rates on Rotational Grazing Dairies

The amount and timing of rainfall in Missouri can be very irregular. This causes issues for producers of agronomic products in the state who rely on forages for income. The most sensible approach to the problem is the use of irrigation. But there is little useful information to reference when implementing this management decision. By studying three different styles of irrigation (center pivot, spider, and k-line) on 4 species of forages native to Missouri (alfalfa, crabgrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue/clover), this study provides valuable insight as to the cost and benefit of irrigation. The main goal is to produce information that will allow owners to develop systems that increase their profitability as well as remain sustainable. This includes measuring forage effects from irrigation, the type of irrigation, forage species response and the associated cost with irrigation. To accomplish this, measurements were taken from paddocks scattered throughout these dairies on the forage height using an ultrasonic sensor mounted to an allterrain vehicle (atv). Calibration cuttings were assigned throughout the year to give relative pounds per acre for each crop at associated heights. The readings were then passed through the neural network which performs replications based on the original raw data to provide growth rates. Irrigation rates will be determined by farm managers on a per farm per paddock basis

Of Flyers and Free Speech: How Student Activism Defined the Contours of One University’s 21st-Century Hate and Bias Policy

Since 1999, The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) operated under a Student Policy on Race Relations when handling hate and bias incidents. In February 2017, an anti-Muslim flyer was posted near campus, prompting UT administration to hold a town hall for UT student activ-ists to vocalize their concerns. Through Kezar’s (2010) description of modern student protests and Barnhardt’s (2014) framework for modern student protests, this study analyzes the marginal-ized UT Austin student voices of that town hall meeting, demonstrating how modern student activism influenced presidential rhetoric and a new Hate and Bias Incidents Policy, the first in nearly two decades at UT Austin.Educatio

Strategic latency and world order

The article of record as published may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.orbis.2010.10.006This article examines "strategic latency", a condition in which technologies that could provide military (or economic) advantage remain untapped. As difficult as it is to explain why certain ideas and technologies flourish and find rapid acceptance, it is equally hard to understand why some good ideas languish, only to be rediscovered and exploited under other circumstances. Why is latent capacity so often dormant? What are the indicators that latent capacity is on the verge of being weaponized

Community Car Care Workshop

This project aims to fill a notable deficiency in fundamental automobile maintenance knowledge within the local community, a deficiency that has resulted in increased repair expenses and potential hazards to safety. The proposed approach entails the creation and execution of an interactive workshop that specifically targets fundamental car maintenance activities such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. This workshop utilizes a service-learning approach, actively involving the community and partnering with local auto repair shops and other relevant parties. The program seeks to equip community members with essential skills in basic car maintenance through interactive learning and practical demonstrations. This initiative intends to foster safer driving habits and enable individuals to make financial savings. The workshop\u27s efficacy will be assessed by a comprehensive methodology, encompassing pre- and post-workshop assessments, comments from attendees, and indicators measuring community involvement

The Need for a New, Clear Option: An In-Depth Analysis of Nuclear Energy

The goal of the research presented here will be to provide a comprehensive view of the nuclear industry today. Upon analyzing data from the last 40 years, a pattern of irresponsible, financially untenable policymaking begins to emerge, highlighting the growing disconnect between the general populace, which is most vulnerable to the benefits and pitfalls of the nuclear industry, and the elected officials who make the final decision in many countries regarding nuclear adoption. The primary context of this article will be concerned with analyzing opposing views of how nuclear power normally stands to benefit mankind versus the impacts of a worst case nuclear disaster, as occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. The author provides a brief, general overview of the theory behind nuclear power and its impacts before moving on to the benefits and drawbacks faced by adoptive communities. Next, an analysis of the financial viability of the nuclear industry will be offered, as well as a brief introduction of several means of generating electricity, and their general benefits and drawbacks. The author then offers an opinion on which of these options would offer the best alternative to nuclear power in both the short and long term. Finally, government patterns of dealing with nuclear power will be examined; it very quickly becomes evident that even in the most transparent societies, nuclear adoption encourages dishonesty from policy makers. In closing, the author will leave the reader with a troubling question: “Do we really have a say in our own future?

Essays on University Competition

The dissertation is comprised of two independent chapters on competition between universities and how government policy changes the nature of the competition. The first chapter looks at how in-state tuition effects competition between public and private four year universities. The second chapter looks at how federal aid effects the behavior of individual for-profit universities, and estimates the effect of a rule change on the amount of federal aid revenue collected by for-profit universities

Embracing The Path: A Story Of Leadership, Transformation, And Adventure

This capstone retells a journey of transformation through self-realization and personal development, made possible through the collective learning experiences and inspirations provided during my course of study in the Organizational Dynamics program at the University of Pennsylvania. The concepts are purposefully woven together in a story format to reinforce the importance of balance across multiple versions of self, highlighting personal development experiences, adventures, and the resultant growth as a person and leader. The paper focuses on topics of work-life balance and self-awareness in exploration of their usefulness in leader development, orchestrating change management initiatives, and improving overall effectiveness in organizations. This paper intentionally unfolds as an introspective narrative sharing reflections and applications of leadership techniques as a tool to foster a deeper connection between organizations and the people that thrive within them. This paper also seeks to serve as inspiration for others contemplating a journey of personal transformation