10181 research outputs found
Sort by
Qualitative Analysis of Surface Modification on Wiffleball Aerodynamics
Full text linkThis project investigated how surface modifications to a Wiffleball affect its aerodynamic behavior, particularly its vertical and horizontal movement when thrown. The study tested the hypothesis that altering surface texture through cutting or sanding would influence airflow and pressure differentials, thereby changing the ball\u27s movement. Six ball conditions: including unmodified, sanded, and various cut patterns were tested using a pitching machine in a controlled indoor environment. Each variation was pitched ten times, and movement was analyzed through measurements of contact points on posterboards and performing statistical testing, specifically ANOVA with Post Hoc analysis. Results indicated that surface modifications significantly increased vertical movement, with the 6x6 grid pattern side-cut ball showing the greatest drop. Horizontal movement differences were less defined, but the modifications caused many of the balls, especially the 2x2 flat cut grid pattern, to have a more consistent movement profile. These findings validate anecdotal techniques used in competitive Wiffleball and demonstrate the significant aerodynamic effects of surface alterations. This study combined science with real-world sport strategies, offering a unique perspective of fluid mechanics. Future research into the topic could allow for exploration of additional variables such as exact angle and spacing of the cuts to further optimize performance-based modifications
Analyzing Car Theft Trends in Central Texas: A Comparative Study of Waco, College Station, and Killeen
Full text linkThis study examines motor vehicle theft (MVT) trends from 2019 to 2023 in three Central Texas cities—Waco, College Station, and Killeen—using temporal analysis, geospatial hotspot mapping, and make/model data. In Killeen, thefts generally rose over the period, with notable peaks in October and on Mondays. College Station saw an overall decline in thefts but experienced a seasonal spike each March, and Waco’s thefts increased until around 2021 before beginning to fall. Local festivals—such as the Spirit of Texas in College Station and the Heart O’ Texas Fair in Waco—appear to coincide with these seasonal upticks. Hyundais and Kias were most targeted in Killeen; Fords, Chevrolets, and Hondas led thefts in College Station; and Chevrolets, Fords, and Dodges were most often stolen in Waco. A temporary drop in 2021 aligns with COVID-19 lockdowns. Applying Routine Activity and Rational Choice theories highlights how environmental conditions and vehicle security features shape offending patterns, while Social Disorganization Theory helps explain why Killeen’s rates remained higher than those in college towns. Recommended interventions include annual crime bulletins, promotion of vehicle immobilizers, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design surveys, targeted patrols, and participation in auto theft task forces, with continual data review to assess impact
An Insight into Mediation Analysis
Full text linkMediation is an ideology often present in the social sciences. A mediator is meant to serve as the middle point between one party and another, taking the communications from one party and ensuring that the other party can comprehend that of the original party. Though this is very popular in social sciences, we can apply a statistical concept to it as well. We can explain the relationship between two parties and a mediator through a series of statistical equations, known as Baron and Kenny’s Equations. With these equations, we can determine how one variable is meant to impact another variable through this mediator, and we can apply it to the social sciences. We can then expand this model to include multiple mediators, giving a general sequence in mediation and its real-world applications. The goal of this paper is to inform the reader about how mediation analysis can be applied in statistics, hoping to make a connection between the social sciences and statistics
SMART Goal-Setting on Behaviors to Enhance Intrinsic Motivation for Exercise: A Pilot Study with Orangetheory Fitness Participants
Full text linkAbstract
PURPOSE: Sustaining long-term motivation for exercise remains a challenge within health and fitness, particularly when extrinsic factors like weight loss dominate motivational strategies. This study investigates the role of behavioral SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting in fostering intrinsic motivation, a self-driven form of engagement, among participants in a structured fitness program. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a SMART goal-setting curriculum in promoting intrinsic motivation and behavior-based goals over external outcomes like losing weight. METHODS: Participants (N = 24) were recruited from a fitness challenge program and selected one behavioral SMART goal from a list of seven options (e.g., attending weekly classes, increasing protein intake, staying active outside the studio). Baseline motivation and readiness to change were measured using the Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-E). Over six weeks, participants tracked their progress using a habit tracker, viewed an instructional video on goal setting, and received weekly motivational text messages. A post-study survey evaluated changes in motivation and intervention effectiveness. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed a modest increase in intrinsic motivation (+0.92%) and a meaningful improvement in the Relative Autonomy Index (RAI) (+2.11%). Controlled regulation decreased (-5.92%), indicating a shift away from external motivators. Participants favored behavior-driven metrics over outcome-based goals, reflecting a shift from external motivators toward intrinsic drive. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the significance of SMART goal-setting, accountability, and coaching in fostering intrinsic motivation, with the brief intervention showing promising effects, suggesting that future research explore longer interventions and incorporate objective data to assess sustained behavior change
Examining college student perceptions of community police force efficacy based on experiences and social media.
Full text linkThis study aims to examine the relations between university undergraduate students and the police force and whether social media content affects the relationship. It will use a qualitative method to gather its results through surveys and one-on-one interviews. The desired sample size we want to collect a small sample of 5-10 undergraduate students for this study. Due to recent discord and accusations of police brutality, it is essential to look at the relations for further reference. Many different factors influence the attitudes of other communities toward the police force, and social media influences many people
KB Bioenergy Mobile Dewatering System Research
Full text linkThis report outlines the design and development of a mobile skid-mounted dewatering system intended for high-solids sludge processing at wastewater treatment facilities. The goal was to create a self-contained, transportable unit capable of reliably separating water from sludge using a screw press, while integrating upstream processes such as polymer conditioning, sludge maceration, and pumping. The final design prioritizes serviceability, structural integrity, and operational simplicity, featuring a consolidated equipment layout, engineered piping diagrams, and vendor-specified components.
Throughout the project, multiple design alternatives were evaluated using a weighted decision matrix, leading to the selection of a skid platform over a trailer configuration and a screw press over more complex technologies like centrifuges. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to verify the structural platform, while pump and piping selection followed practical sizing methods with safety factors. Cost analysis revealed that the final design reduced projected expenses by nearly $50,000 compared to the original estimate.
Although the system was not constructed, all major deliverables—including a comprehensive set of AutoCAD drawings—support future fabrication and deployment. This project represents a scalable first step toward enhancing sludge management at KB Bioenergy and advancing environmentally responsible wastewater treatment solutions
Zippymania: A Multimedia Record of the 2024-25 Akron Zips Men\u27s Basketball Team
Full text linkThis project will involve the production, promotion, and distribution of a weekly 30-minute live radio show focusing on the Akron Zips men\u27s basketball team. After the airing of each show, the recorded episode will be published as a podcast. Additionally, a weekly column or sports blog (written by myself) will be published and serve as a companion work or supplement to the radio program
Are A.I. Lawyers a Legal Product or Legal Service?: Why Current UPL Laws are not up to the Task of Regulating Autonomous A.I. Actors
Full text linkThe rise of automation, particularly with the advent of large language models, presents a significant potential for the legal profession. While automation has traditionally focused on manual and repetitive tasks, A.I.\u27s evolution now allows machines to handle complex, thought-intensive work involving decision-making. This shift underscores a pressing issue: the American legal system lacks a clear definition of the practice of law. This becomes especially critical as A.l, an autonomous actor, begins to take on roles that were previously exclusive to human practitioners. One company that exemplifies the advanced capabilities of modern A.I.-powered technology is Pactum Al Pactum\u27s autonomous negotiation software is already in use by major corporations like Walmart and Maersk to automate their contract negotiation processes, from vendor selection to making offers and counter-offers. The capabilities of Pactum Al demonstrate the potential for A.I. to handle complex legal tasks traditionally performed by humans. However, they also underscore the regulatory challenges posed by these technologies. The current UPL laws, designed with human actors in mind, are ill-equipped to address the nuances of autonomous legal tools. This Article puts forward three key recommendations for the effective regulation of A.I.-powered tools in the legal space. First, it suggests that regulators should facilitate collaboration between attorneys and A.I. developers, ensuring that the former can work with A.I without risking UPL violations. Second, it stresses the importance of establishing a clear boundary between legal and non-legal work for autonomous systems. Finally, it proposes that regulations should strike a balance between consumer protection and the promotion of innovation in the legal tech industry. By addressing these areas, the legal profession can help A.I. technologies successfully and safely integrate into society while upholding the integrity and effectiveness of legal practice
Unveiling Legacies: Exploring and Analyzing Cultural Artifacts in the Higbee Collection
Full text linkAnthropology and the Cummings Center to find ways to properly analyze an archaeological collection\u27s artifacts to understand the overall significance of everything better. Before starting my research, I came up with the following questions: Can any artifacts be considered culturally affiliated? Is everything in the collection authentic? What is the overall background of the collection? Does this collection have any connection to Ohio history? Can anything in the collection be dated? Throughout the research, I will create an Excel inventory list to include qualitative and quantitative data from the artifacts to give insight into what is included in the Higbee collection. When including this information in an inventory list, the goal is to help the Cummings Center better understand what is all in the Higbee collection for future reference. My other goal is to allow students easy access to this entire collection to conduct future research. Then, the steps that will be taken is:
1.reviewing and analyzing artifacts in the allotted boxes
2.catalog all the information and input it all in the inventory list
3.combine artifacts in the same morphological class and photograph them al
Artificial Intelligence’s Role and Impact on the Engineering Discipline
Full text linkThe purpose of this Honors Research project was to explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Engineering Discipline as a whole. Specifically, civil engineering’s discipline of transportation was used to display the effectiveness of AI in engineering. This discipline was used due to its wide use in engineering and overall designs that can be created within this discipline. These designs include maintenance of traffic plans, engineering plan sets, horizontal and vertical curve design, intersection design, traffic signaling, highway material design, and phasing of intersections and traffic accounting for pedestrians. Through similar prompts that were given to a publicly available AI program, the efficiency of AI in assisting in the creation and design of engineering plans has been determined. Engineering professional societies such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and independent engineers have done similar studies to determine the appropriate the use of AI in engineering and how the tool can be both helpful and harmful to the engineering discipline. Over the course of the study, these research documents were referenced in order to gather initial ideas as well as provide a comparison for the findings over the course of this paper’s research. This paper’s research concludes with final thoughts regarding AI in both its benefits and drawbacks to the engineering discipline as a whole. The research aims to shed light on exactly what engineers or engineering students can come to expect of artificial intelligence as a tool to the discipline and provide examples for the conclusions that are drawn