University of Leicester Open Journals
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A1 2 Armageddon Outta Here!
No full textArmageddon is upon us. The brave team of oil rig workers have failed to blow up the Texas- sized asteroid, and it is hurtling straight towards us! Based on Armageddon (1998), this paper will investigate what would happen to humanity if the ‘global killer’ asteroid had actually hit the Earth, and calculates that the diameter of the crater formed, at 7346 km, would be larger than the radius of the planet. It is determined that the effects of this justifies the asteroid’s title of ’global killer’
P4 2 Atmospheric Ignition
No full textThis paper examines the theoretical risk of triggering a chain reaction in Earth’s atmosphere due to the detonation of a nuclear fission bomb, during the Trinity test from the Manhattan Project. It explores nuclear fusion processes, specifically nitrogen fusion reactions, and calculates the energy and temperature thresholds required for such a reaction to occur. The analysis shows that the bomb's core reaches an upper limit temperature of approximately 1.29 MeV, with an extremely low probability (8.542 x 10⁻⁵⁰$) of initiating a chain reaction. Leading to the conclusion that the possibility of atmospheric ignition from a nuclear bomb detonation is virtually non-existent, despite concerns raised during the development of the bomb
A2 4 Mass Confusion: Investigating Weight Classification in Mario Kart Wii
No full textIn this paper, we look to investigate if the current weight class system in Mario Kart Wii is feasible. We find that although separating characters based on mass is logical, the current iteration does not align with the physical forces experienced. Therefore, we have suggested the movement of Koopa Troopa and Waluigi to the Heavy and Medium weight classes respectively, as well as the introduction of a Super Heavy class for Dry Bowser and Bowser Jr
Investigating the transitional barriers university students face when moving from further education; what are the potential issues they may meet?
No full textThe transition students face moving from Further Education (FE) to Higher Education (HE) can be a daunting experience. This transition to HE may require a substantial adjustment to a student mindset recognising that they would be responsible for their own learning and their eventual success compared to a FE environment where student learning is more structured and primarily teacher led. This project investigated transition hurdles faced by new university students (level 4 students) in the School of Life Science, Pharmacy, and Chemistry (SoLSPC). Quantitative data was obtained using a paper-based questionnaire. The findings highlighted that most students found HE assessments to be moderately or more difficult than those in FE (53%), the HE timetables less structured (63%) than that in FE, and that students had to be very much more independent in their studies (68%) in HE compared to FE, with most students finding the transition to HE difficult (51%). The findings of these transition barriers are discussed in more detail here
I'll take a potato chip... And cause a heart attack!
No full textIn the anime and manga series Death Note, protagonist Light Yagami inflicts his version of justice on criminals. His modus operandi is a supernatural notebook, the Death Note, that allows him to kill off criminals with heart attacks. This paper, inspired by one of Light’s most memorable quotes, explores how potato chips could be used as the modus operandi instead. Due to the themes of the anime and manga series, readers should be aware of the themes relating to murder, serial killers, and nutritional information that could trigger eating disorders.
Carbonatogenesis at the Crag: Can bacteria repair rock scarring?
No full textRock scarring is the permanent damage of rock faces caused in association with climbing. Carbonatogenic bacteria could be the key to repairing this previously irreparable damage. Using methods developed for the preservation of architectural, structural, and decorative limestone, crags could be repaired. Highly specific biological mortars can be designed and applied to areas of limestone crags where scarring has occurred. Further research is required to isolate carbonatogenic bacteria from crags and tests are needed to understand if these methods are viable and structurally safe for future climbers under the environmental conditions of a crag
The Unhealthy Lockdown Habits of BBC Staged
No full textThe BBC show Staged was filmed and set during the first COVID-19 lockdown and follows David Tennant and Michael Sheen, playing fictionalised versions of themselves, attempting to adjust to the lockdown. This paper looks in to some of the unhealthy habits the background characters displayed during the first series, Adrian Lester’s coping mechanism of running excessively in an attempt to avoid thinking about his problems and Lucy Eaton’s evenings of comfort eating, and investigates the physical ramifications of their coping mechanisms
Dissecting one of Rick’s ingenious inventions
No full text"Amortycan Grickfitti," an episode from Rick and Morty, introduces the Aversion Converting Inversion Reverter (ACIR), a device altering pleasure and pain perception by reversing neural signals [1]. This device is used by Rick to save himself, Beth (his daughter) and Jerry (Beth’s husband) from the demons in hell [2]. These demons enjoy pain so shooting them or fighting them to escape, is therefore, not an option. This paper delves into the ACIR's scientific basis and its impact on hellish creatures. The device manipulates neurotransmitter activity and synaptic connections, challenging assumptions about consciousness. Its interdimensional reach into hell prompts reflection on suffering and perception
How many bath bombs would it take to turn Lake Windermere pink?
No full textThis paper explores the hypothetical scenario of using bath bombs to turn Lake Windermere pink and calculates the number of bath bombs required. The environmental impacts of this hypothetical scenario are also discussed by focusing on the effects of some of the ingredients of Lush’s ‘Think Pink’ bath bomb
Old Wounds and New Science: Indigeneity, Art, and Anthropology
No full textReview essay on four books about Indigeneity that relate to museums that were published in 2023:
Janet Catherine Berlo, Not Native American Art: Fakes, Replicas, and Invented Traditions.
Jeffrey Gibson, ed, An Indigenous Present.
Cressida Fforde, Hilary Howes, Gareth Knapman, and Lyndon Ormond-Parker, eds, Repatriation, Science, and Identity.
Emma Kowal, Haunting Biology: Science and Indigeneity in Australia