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“Google is Free:” The Harm in Deferring to Information Technology and the Reimplementation of Interpersonal Connection as a Solution
Get PDFIn this thesis, I confront the phenomenon that is information technology and the epistemological issues that it raises. I address how we should engage with the online resources allotted to us by media conglomerates, given both the variety of epistemic perspectives that they relay back to the user, from disenfranchised affinity to fake news, and the respective biases of the user. I propose that by reintroducing an interpersonal communicative framework, we are able to create a system that allows users to work deconstruct their biases and learn new information more effectively, all while users are able to flag information as unreliable. Given the useful resources and lasting power of information technology, I implore that we must work to combat misinformation, and this must be done collectively
Infiltrated Markets: The Italian Mafia\u27s Influence on Waste Management, Retail, and Economic Integrity for Illicit Gain
Get PDFThe Italian Mafia, encompassing groups like the Cosa Nostra, Camorra, and \u27Ndrangheta, has historically exerted significant influence across Italy’s economy and governance through criminal and legitimate enterprises. This thesis investigates the Mafia’s infiltration into the waste management and retail sectors, employing a mix of economic data analysis and theoretical frameworks to uncover the mechanisms and extent of their impact. Using publicly available data from Bloomberg Terminal, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), this study examines indicators such as corruption, extortion, money laundering, environmental crimes, and drug trafficking.
Simple regression models were applied to analyze the relationship between mafia-related activities and market performance of publicly traded companies in Italy, and comparative analyses were conducted for France, Germany, and Spain. Results show that Italian waste management and retail companies exhibit statistically significant relationships with mafia activities, particularly corruption, extortion, and environmental crimes. These relationships are less pronounced or absent in other Eurozone countries, highlighting the unique pervasiveness of organized crime in Italy. The analysis further reveals that the Mafia uses waste management businesses for illegal toxic waste dumping and leverages retail operations to launder money and traffic stolen goods.
By exploring these dynamics, this thesis underscores the broader implications of organized crime on Italy’s economic sectors and contrasts these findings with those in other European markets. The findings contribute to understanding how deeply rooted mafia operations are in legitimate businesses, posing challenges for regulation, enforcement, and economic development
On the Development of Equations in Ancient China
Get PDFThis article explores the evolution of equations in ancient China, detailing the development process through the presentation of various classical mathematics problems spanning four stages. We present these problems and their solutions, both using ancient Chinese terminology and modern language. With this work, we hope to offer an insightful examination of the achievements and limitations of ancient Chinese mathematicians in their work on equations, particularly in relation to culture, practical needs, and human creativity
Geometry, Art, and Technology: Islamic Geometric Patterns in the Classroom
Get PDFIn this paper, we share our experiences developing and implementing three Desmos activities. These activities aim to introduce geometric concepts such as transformation, symmetry, and geometric construction by using examples from Islamic Geometric Patterns (IGP). Our target audience for these activities is future elementary school teachers. In addition to leveraging technology, we enrich the learning process by incorporating hands-on exploration with physical IGP examples
Evolutionary Game Dynamics in Non-Fixed Strains of Yeast
No full textGames of cooperation are commonly observed in biological systems and can be used to understand their evolution. An example of these dynamics is found in yeast cells, which exhibit cooperative behavior during their growth. Yeast population dynamics can be modeled with three types of cooperation games: the Prisoner’s Dilemma (PD), the Mutual Benefit Game (MB), and the Snowdrift Game (SD). Previous studies have primarily focused on fixed strains of yeast cells that consistently cooperate or defect. Here, we extend those methods to non-fixed strains capable of switching strategies with each iteration. Using a simple “RSTP” mathematical model based on relative payoffs, a linear model that introduces cost and efficiency parameters, and a non-linear model with the same parameters, we extrapolate the games onto a spatial structure and analyze the evolutionary dynamics. We find that the “RSTP” model mirrors the patterns observed in fixed-strain populations, with cooperators forming cross-like structures. The linear model also aligns with the findings for fixed strains, with the steady state showing the effects of a Prisoner’s Dilemma or a Mutual Benefit Game. However, while the non-linear spatial model exhibits the expected dynamics of a Snowdrift Game, it also reveals that cooperators in non-fixed strains can form robust square structures in the steady state
Investigating the Impact of Phthalate Exposures from Personal Care Products on Uterine Fibroid Incidence and Prevalence In US-Born Black Women
Get PDFUterine fibroids are benign tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue that develop within or on the walls of the uterus. Despite being non-cancerous, they can severely affect quality of life by causing heavy bleeding, chronic pain, and reproductive complications. Fibroids are typically found in women of reproductive age, but they disproportionately affect Black women, who experience higher incidence and severity. The underlying causes of this disparity is poorly understood; however, an emerging body of research is highlighting the role of phthalates, endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in many personal care products, in exacerbating fibroid development. Through a critical analysis of the literature, this study investigates the link between phthalate exposure and uterine fibroid development, with a focus on sociocultural and environmental risk factors. Sociocultural inequities, such as discriminatory beauty norms and limited access to non-toxic personal care products, exacerbate disparities by exposing Black women to elevated phthalate concentrations. These risks intersect with chronic stressors including racism, economic disadvantage, and inadequate healthcare access, which disrupt hormonal balance and further elevate fibroid risk. These findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and comprehensive labeling in personal care products to reduce phthalate exposure. Addressing disparities in uterine fibroid incidence requires a multifaceted approach focused on reducing harmful phthalate exposure, ensuring equitable access to safer personal care products, and raising awareness about social and environmental health risks. Given that personal care products are a part of nearly everyone’s daily life, this research on their impact on hormone-dependent conditions is crucial to protect not only at-risk populations but also overall public health
Ubiquitin, Cavitand, and NMR: 15N-1H HSQC Analysis of Cavitand Binding Domains on Ubiquitin
Get PDFUbiquitin and its derivatives through side chain modification are present in many of the degradation pathways for proteins found in neurodegenerative diseases. A non-toxic method for determining the amount of these proteins could have biosensing applications, but the binding domains of such proteins are not well characterized. 15N-1H HSQC analysis of ubiquitin’s interactions with different concentrations of a small negatively charged host molecule called cavitand provides insight into the binding interactions with side chains on the protein such as lysine and arginine. This is done comparing the HSQC spectra of different concentrations of cavitand and ubiquitin to see where the cavitand binds and what conformational changes are induced. The cavitand was found to bind to positively charged Lysine residues on the ubiquitin as well as non-polar side chains. Further conformational changes suggest binding in other areas, but further research is needed to elucidate these findings. Altering the qualities and concentration of the cavitand will provide insight into how these interactions occur. Once these interactions can be characterized and optimized, cavitand has good potential to be a biosensor for post translational modifications of ubiquitin
Modeling COVID-19 spread and effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions on a college campus
Get PDFWe consider an extension to the classical SIR compartmental model from mathematical epidemiology as applied to the spread of COVID-19 on a college campus. While the classical SIR model does not allow for recovered individuals to lose immunity, we alter the equations to allow for such (due to the rise of new variants), leading to a SIRS-type model. We study the system of ODEs analytically and through numerical simulation. Finally we discuss a quantitative approach for how college administrators can decide when to implement stricter non-pharmaceutical interventions (social distancing, mask mandates, quarantine, etc.) to eradicate the infection from the campus population
Feeding the System: A Political Ecology of Stakeholders in the Soy Value Chain
No full textThis thesis presents a holistic analysis of power dynamics within the global soybean value chain, through the evaluation of the trade relationship between Brazil and the European Union. In order to identify how critical decisions regarding sustainability are concentrated among a few dominant actors. Eight core stakeholder groups are mapped: land-use conversion actors, producers, traders, agro-input providers, financial institutions, regulatory bodies, NGOs, and key consumers, including meatpacking and animal feed companies. Multinational traders, who control approximately 80% of global soy trade, act as sustainability gatekeepers through their lobbying influence and control over supply chain narratives and are disincentivized from human soy consumption. Findings reveal that the soy supply chain is optimized for industrial use rather than food, with limited attention to its potential for direct human consumption. Due to vertical integration and cross-sector profitability, dominant actors are disincentivized from promoting soy as food, instead channeling it into livestock feed. This dynamic has suppressed more sustainable market pathways. Crucially, this thesis identifies an inverse relationship between direct human consumption of soy and overall soy demand, as soy competes nutritionally with animal products. Therefore, meaningful sustainability outcomes are less dependent on modifying production practices alone and more effectively driven by reorienting soy’s function in the global diet. Shifting demand toward food-grade soy can realign value chain incentives, reduce land use pressure, and support lower-impact, higher-value systems of production
Rompiendo la cultura del machismo a través de la música: Bad Bunny y la nueva era del reggaetón
No full textThe purpose of this thesis is to investigate how Benito “Bad Bunny” Antonio Martnez Ocasio, a groundbreaking artist in the reggaetón and Latin music industry, uses his music to challenge machismo norms in Latinx culture. Historically, reggaeton has perpetuated hypermasculine ideals, emphasizing dominance, aggression, and rigid gender roles. In contrast, Bad Bunny disrupts these conventional stereotypes of machismo behavior by embracing vulnerability, advocating for gender equality, and rejecting toxic masculinity. Through his lyrics in “La Canción” y “Haciendo que me amas”, Bad Bunny normalizes emotional expression and critiques societal expectations of men. Additionally, in tracks such as “Yo Perreo Sola” y “Andrea,” Bad Bunny addresses issues of consent and female empowerment. Beyond personal and social themes, he challenges broader societal norms and takes a political stance in song “El Apagón” y “Una Velita”. By analyzing Bad Bunny’s music, this thesis illustrates how he reshapes the narrative of masculinity in Latin American culture, inspiring a new generation to question and dismantle traditional cultural norms