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Twitch Trivia Battle Royale: Interactive Entertainment Engineering Game
Get PDFAs the world of digital media evolves, so too does the way producers and consumers of entertainment content interact with each other. Live streaming is one such evolution. In this format, one person broadcasts their camera and/or their computer screen to a large audience of viewers in real time. People tuning in can communicate with other viewers and the streamer using the chat feature built-in to the streaming platform.
A new type of entertainment has recently entered the marketplace: interactive entertainment. Concerts are being held virtually in games like Fortnite (Epic Games 2021). TV Shows on Netflix are beginning to experiment with choice-based narrative options akin to a “Choose Your Own Adventure” game. Live streaming has also embraced this new direction of engaging content. In the past decade, the chat feature has been utilized as more than just a communication tool. In 2014, a programmer utilized the Twitch API to convert chat messages into game commands, starting the first iteration of “Twitch Plays Pokemon” (Helixpedia 2022).
The goal for my project was to create a trivia game targeted specifically for Twitch streamers to play with their viewers. Rather than have viewers collectively control one character, each viewer has an individual entity they are in charge of, using basic chat commands to move in the game. While the core gameplay is simple, moving one’s character to the correct location corresponding to the answer of a trivia question, the competitive element of this game distinguishes it from other Twitch chat controlled experiences
Introduction to Special Issue: Reproductive Politics in the Classroom: Feminist Approaches to Teaching about Abortion and Reproductive Justice
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PSF Sampling in Fluorescence Image Deconvolution
Get PDFAll microscope imaging is largely affected by inherent resolution limitations because of out-of-focus light and diffraction effects. The traditional approach to restoring the image resolution is to use a deconvolution algorithm to “invert” the effect of convolving the volume with the point spread function. However, these algorithms fall short in several areas such as noise amplification and stopping criterion. In this paper, we try to reconstruct an explicit volumetric representation of the fluorescence density in the sample and fit a neural network to the target z-stack to properly minimize a reconstruction cost function for an optimal result. Additionally, we do a weighted sampling of the point spread function to avoid unnecessary computations and prioritize non-zero signals. In a baseline comparison against the Richardson-Lucy method, our algorithm outperforms RL for images affected with high levels of noise
Hypoxic Incubator Control System
Get PDFThis paper describes the functionality of the current Hypoxic Incubator, a project started by BMED graduate students Simone Helfrich and Makenzie Jones, with the objective being to redesign the device to address potential areas of improvement. The hypoxic incubator has been designed to allow for the control of the O2, CO2, and N2 levels such that researchers can grow and study cell culture in hypoxic conditions; however, its efficacy and efficiency are limited by the fact that it often overshoots the desired setpoints for O2 and CO2 in addition to being difficult to use due to requiring the operator to understand the basics of coding. These limitations directly translate into the governing customer requirements for our project. Firstly, to address these limitations, a conceptual model was developed to help pinpoint the root cause of overshoot which was determined to be the inability to control the excessive flowrate. Different design concepts were generated to mitigate this issue and were drafted utilizing a morphological analysis. A concept evaluation revealed that the different aspects of our individual design concepts excelled in separate functional categories. As a result, the final design was a Hypoxic Incubator equipped with a new pressure regulator and touchscreen which combined the best aspects of each individual design concept. Detailed test plans were outlined which allowed for validation and verification of our design against customer requirements and engineering specifications. While there were some complications during the test procedure, trends in the test data show that the control system is effective at maintaining the desired gas setpoints necessary to cultivate cells in a hypoxic environment. Specifically, the issue of overshoot that was prevalent in the previous design iteration is now mitigated as CO2 and O2 are kept within their acceptable ranges of +/- 0.5% and +/- 0.1% from the setpoint, respectively. The percentage of time spent outside the acceptable range per one-hour incubation time was less than 1.0% in some tests. Additionally, the newly added touchscreen received a usability score of 4.4 out of 5, indicating that it was easy to use with little to no confusion. While the most pertinent issues are addressed, this paper also highlights some future improvements for the incubation chamber such as the implementation of a PID controller to effectively reduce excess gas usage
Project Pair - Creating a Successful Company Match
Get PDFIn today’s post-pandemic business climate, companies have shifted towards hybrid work as a viable alternative to both the fully remote work option (no longer a requirement of covid, many limitations in collaborative work, stifles creativity and potential opportunities) and fully in person work (limits employee autonomy, in many cases inefficient). Research points to the fact that, by and large, companies have ranked hybrid work as the best model, as it encourages in person collaboration, promotes employee freedom, and generates the highest level of productivity. Though it does come with many perks, the hybrid work model has one major flaw, which is that it results in empty offices. The realities of hybrid work is both a waste in company resources, primarily in paid office spaces. Moreover, companies who have implemented the hybrid work model spend large sums of money on offices that are ultimately left empty during multiple days of the week and month (Fernandes, 2022)
Timber Box Header Using BamCore Side Panels: A Senior Project Study
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to begin development of a composite box header that was able to span long openings with minimal deflection. The headers in study were comprised of BamCore side panels, nailed top and bottom each face to a 2x6 top plate, and a header of multiple specified sizes. The 2x6 top plate and headers ranging from a 6x6 to a 6x12 were made up of Douglas Fir-Larch, No.1. Analysis was performed assuming 10d common nailing at top and bottom of the BamCore side panels. Initial analysis of a composite box header was performed and analyzed as a transformed section. Testing ensued after findings from the initial analysis. Testing was performed by fabricating two (2) designed box headers at half scale. The headers that were tested were both analyzed as a 16” deep header with a 6x6 “bottom flange” and 2x6 top plate. At half scale, these headers were 8” deep, with headers and top plates ripped to half scale. The only difference between the two headers tested was that one header had a stiffener placed within the box at midspan—to mimic the splice of the BamCore Panels—and one header did not. The results from testing were compared to the initial analysis to find discrepancies and similarities between analysis and empirical results. This report contains findings from analysis and testing of these materials and sections in order to further develop long-span headers that are used in BamCore panel construction as a use of stronger and sustainable materials
Songs from Stories: Liner Notes
No full textKamilee Costa explores the mixture of musical elements of bossa nova jazz, pop, electronic instrumentation, and acoustic instrumentation in her EP “Songs from Stories.” Each song is placed in a different space and told through the eyes of a different character. The songs allow the audience to experience the moments of joy and struggle that the characters experienced. The best way to enjoy these pieces is to close your eyes and allow your mind to become enveloped in the scene that is presented; to get lost in the stories through the songs
“I can’t learn when I’m hungry”: Responding to U.S. college student basic needs insecurity in pedagogy and praxis
Get PDFFood insecurity and other basic needs insecurities were pressing concerns for U.S. college students prior to the COVID-19 crisis and are even more so now. These issues disproportionately impact minoritized students, making addressing basic needs an issue of educational equity. As feminist teacher-scholars, we reflect in this essay on what it means to teach in the context of student basic needs insecurities, drawing on our experiences from launching an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to combatting food insecurity on our campus. In doing so, we seek to catalyze changes within and beyond the classroom to better support students
Wideband Dielectric Resonator Antenna with Perforation
No full textThe need for higher data rates has necessitated the need for antennas with larger bandwidth. Dielectric resonator antennas like typical antenna can achieve this higher data rate, in addition they offer the advantages of small size and flexibility in design. Dielectric resonator antennas with perforation in the resonator have the ability to tailor their relative permittivity. In our design we will systematically increase the size of these perforations to gradually match the intrinsic impedance of the material with air, thus obtaining a wideband response with small reflection coefficient. Unlike using multiple materials to gradually match the impedance of air, this technique will be more cost effective
A Resource Guide for Historic Sundown Town Resolutions, Zoning Code Updates, and General Plan Policies
Get PDFJames W. Loewen’s book Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism, released in 2005, calls out cities across the United States for their historically discriminatory practices of excluding Black and other non-white individuals from living within city borders, either through formal exclusionary policies or informal methods. Cities often enforced this exclusionary practice through violence and intimidation, leading to “all-white” communities throughout the United States. The belief was that these communities should be “sundown” or “sunset” towns, where people of color were not allowed after dark. Loewen’s book and the following movement awakened individuals, companies, and entire cities to take action to acknowledge history and rewrite the future.
Sundown Towns have a long and painful history in the United States, dating back to the late 19th century and persisting well into the 20th century. Cities used these practices to enforce racial segregation and maintain white supremacy. Many cities and communities are actively working to confront and address their pasts and promote racial equity in their present and future. Today, the term Sundown Town describes any community with a history of racial exclusion and discrimination of minority groups especially after sunset. Loewen defined Sundown Towns as an organized jurisdiction that intentionally became “all white” by keeping African Americans or other groups from living there for decades (Loewen, 2018, p. 4).
Sundown Towns in California, like in other states, have a long and painful history of racial exclusion and discrimination. California has a diverse population but a history of discriminatory practices against certain groups, including African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latino Americans. In addition, many towns and cities in California had discriminatory practices that kept non-white individuals from living within their borders, either through formal exclusionary policies or informal rules enforced by local police power.
During the late 19th century and early 20th century, many towns in California had discriminatory housing covenants that restricted who could own or rent property within their borders. Additionally, many towns had discriminatory zoning laws that restricted the building of homes for non-white individuals.
There are 111 confirmed Sundown Towns in California and at least 10,000 across the United States. Many community organizations across the United States have been working hard at removing racist policies within their cities. However, redlining, racial covenants, and exclusionary zoning are discussed daily in the planning world. City officials often unwritten Sundown Town policies, but the history and trauma people experienced are real.
Cities are places people call home, where people should feel safe and where people can thrive. Unfortunately, the racially exclusionary past of many cities hurts people and hinders their ability to truly call cities home, thrive, and feel safe in their cities. Taking the “acknowledge, amend, and atone approach,” cities can rewrite a better future for their city by admitting the wrongs done in their city and apologizing for what happened. However, impending policies and programs ensure that history never rewrites itself.
Out of the 111 Sundown Towns identified in California, only three have worked to confront and address their pasts and promote racial equity in their present and future. Communities can acknowledge Sundown Towns by adopting Sundown Town resolutions, including diverse perspectives in the city planning and development process, and investing in programs and initiatives that promote equity and inclusion. Zero Californian cities have updated their zoning code, and zero have added policies in their general plan regarding Sundown Towns.
There is more work to be done. When developing resolutions, zoning code updates, and general plan policies, planners must research standards and understand what other jurisdictions are doing. The purpose of a resource guide is to provide planners with this information all in one place.
This resource guide will accomplish six main goals:
1 - Provide historical research on Sundown Towns
2 - Provide a standard procedure for confirming Sundown Towns
3 - Provide jurisdictional comparisons on resolutions, zoning code updates, and general plan updates surrounding Sundown Towns
4- Provide draft resolution “Whereas” clauses with standard language to be used in Sundown Town resolutions across the United States
5 - Discuss typical zoning code updates that need to be made to aid in amending historically racist policies
6 - Provide sample General Plan policies that can be adapted to atone Sundown Towns further
This resource guide will allow cities to acknowledge themselves as Sundown Town through the development of a resolution, amend exclusionary policies through zoning code updates, and atone for their past by updating their general plan goals and programs