17504 research outputs found
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A Link Between Mathematics and Music: The Tonnetz
No full textThe Tonnetz is one link among many that exists between mathematics and music theory. This study aims to understand the historical contexts in which the Tonnetz was developed, describe note- and chord-based graphs, explain the mathematical implications of how the note-based Tonnetz graph is constructed in two dimensions, and briefly mention how the Tonnetz was generalized by Dmitri Tymoczko and Konstanze Rietsch to n-dimensional space. We also include introductions to relevant music theoretical and mathematical concepts necessary to understand the discussion within this thesis some of which include: set and group theory, vector spaces, introductory Euclidean geometry, and topology
Becoming Iconic: What it Takes to Create a Game That Transcends Generations
No full textIn this paper, we research four major aspects of game development, namely the core elements of game design, narrative game design, game user interface customization, and briefly touch on indie game development. To demonstrate these four important aspects of game development, we create a demo visual novel game in the game engine Ren\u27Py. Our goal is to apply these principles in creating an iconic game for players who play visual novel games for entertainment. We focus on creating a game that is not only enjoyable, but marketable. The complete game, Double the Deception, incorporates stunning graphics and storytelling to captivate players with a game that is truly iconic
Multi-Agent Coordination in Autonomous Vehicle Routing: A Simulation Based Study
No full textThis study explores how multi-agent interaction enhances autonomous vehicle (AV) decision-making in dynamic traffic environments. While traditional AV models focus on individual autonomy, real-world traffic scenarios often require collective behavior through inter-agent communication and coordination. To investigate this, we developed a graph-based simulation environment that enables vehicle agents to exchange information and reroute in real time in response to road obstacles. Our findings demonstrate that communication and adaptive rerouting significantly reduce average wait times and improve travel efficiency. Furthermore, we introduce a lightweight memory mechanism—Object Memory Management (OMM)—which allows agents to retain knowledge of previously encountered obstacles. This feature proved critical in avoiding routing loops and redundant decisions. Together, these results highlight the potential of communication- and memory-enhanced agents in creating resilient, cooperative AV systems capable of navigating complex and unpredictable traffic networks
Analyzing Fan Engagement Strategies on Instagram: A Seasonal Comparison of @Reds and @Rojos Social Media Content
No full textThis study is a deep-dive exploration into the social media engagement strategies executed by the Cincinnati Reds’ social media team, with a focus on comparing their primary Instagram page with their Rojos page that primarily targets a Hispanic audience. Through a detailed sentiment analysis of scraped comments across all four seasons of the year and an interview with the Reds’ senior manager of social media, this study aims to identify key themes and disparities in fan engagement. The findings reveal a consistent challenge in bridging the engagement gap between the Reds’ diverse fanbase, with the type of content, as well as the frequency of content, as a significant variable influencing interactions levels. Recommendations for utilizing optimized posting schedules, localizing content, and integrating interactive campaigns are given as potential strategies to enhance connection with audiences across cultural and demographic borders. This research contributes a unique perspective on how sports organizations can develop more inclusive and impactful social media strategies to enhance their presence and fan engagement with a more diverse audienc
Understanding the Role of AI-Based Object Detection Models in Autonomous Vehicles
No full textAutonomous navigation is a critical component of autonomous vehicles. This requires precise object detection and real-time decisions. This project explores four state-of-the art object detection algorithms: Faster-RCNN, YOLO, RetinaNet, and SSD. Models were trained on their respective datasets. Implemented using TensorFlow, PyTorch, and OpenCV, assessing their mean average precision score. The results offer insights into optimizing object detection by applying structural changes and data augmentation techniques. This study contributes to the development of efficient AI-driven perception systems for self driving applications
Economic Analysis of How State Level Income Tax Rates Affect Inter-State Migration
No full textWe are in the midst of a migration bubble within our country, with several states losing population at rapid rates, and other states that are gaining citizens at an equally blazing speed. There are several potential reasons for someone to decide to move. Whether it be job opportunities, better public amenities, or a warmer climate to name a few. However, one of the most influential factors that drive decision making is a consumer’s pocketbook, and income tax rates have a significant impact on how much money, and therefore utility, that individuals can actualize. For my independent study, I will be using state level characteristics and income tax rates of five mid-Atlantic states, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia, to analyze which factors affect the migration rates of these states and therefore drawing conclusions about what influences the consumers’ decision to move.
Contemporary economic theory suggests that consumers are sensitive to changes in tax rates and will therefore flee to areas with lower tax if their state of residence raises its income tax rate. However, through the review of relevant literature it suggests that while this theory has value, several other factors such as weather and quality of public goods also impact an individual’s derived utility from a state of residence. To test this relationship, I have constructed a panel data set containing several variables, including the main independent variable is the dollar weighted average marginal tax rate for residents in each state, along with my dependent variable which is net migration inflow/outflow along with variables controlling quality of education, states average temperature, median income, and unemployment rate. The results of this analysis are inconclusive, which points to the endogenous relationship between tax collection and quality of life within a state
The Relationships Between Coaching Styles, Team Communication, and Sport Motivation as They Pertain to Athletic Success
No full textThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between coaching styles, team communication, and sport motivation as they relate to the success of athletes and their teams. By delving into the ways coaches communicate their strategies, provide feedback, and motivate athletes, this research aims to uncover relationships between leadership approaches and team dynamics. The study also delves into intra-team communication, examining its role in fostering collaboration and morale while highlighting its impact on motivation and performance. To gather data, an electronic survey was sent out to student-athletes at The College of Wooster. Findings indicate there was no difference in motivation between male and female athletes, nor between athletes who had played their sport for a long period of time compared to those who had not. It was also found that most athletes prefer a more open coaching style rather than a dictatorial style.One major implication of this study is that student-athletes have responsibilities outside of their sports, so they thrive in environments with social support and positive communications
A Data-Driven Approach to Evaluating Hybrid Solar-Wind Systems in the U.S.
No full textThis study explores the potential of hybrid solar and wind renewable energy systems in the United States, focusing on two specific locations in the Southwestern region of the country: Vaughn, New Mexico and Fort Stockton, Texas. Using historical wind speed and solar irradiance (GHI) data spanning 2018-2020, I used Python to apply machine learning models and estimate energy output at each site. After testing multiple methods, Random Forest regression emerged as the most reliable approach for capturing and handling the complex seasonal patterns of weather data such as this. The results indicate that both locations demonstrate strong potential for hybrid renewable energy, but Vaughn specifically displays complementary seasonal performance between solar and wind energy output. This research highlights the value of data-driven site evaluation and supports the notion that integrating predictive models can inform more efficient renewable energy investment decisions
Rat Races: A Pilot Study Investigating the Effects of Ethinyl Estradiol and Levonorgestrel on Aerobic Endurance in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats
No full textAccording to the CDC, in 2018, approximately 22% of women between the ages of 15-49 use hormonal birth control (Daniels, 2018). Many women use hormonal birth controls, but the effects of birth control on certain aspects of life, like exercise and endurance, are understudied and require more research. This study investigates how ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, both synthetic steroids found in hormonal birth control, affects aerobic endurance in female rats. Three experimental groups and one control were assigned: ethinyl estradiol (n=9), levonorgestrel (n=9), ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel (n=10), and control (vehicle only) (n=9). The rats were trained on a treadmill, performed a treadmill endurance test at the beginning for twelve days and then once again after 27 days of endurance training. Then a weight-loaded forced swim test was performed at the at the end of the study. The rats were also weighed weekly for 5 weeks. The group that was administered only levonorgestrel had significantly higher weights than the other groups following treatment. There were no significant differences time spent swimming between the groups during the forced weighted swim test. There was not enough data to analyze the treadmill endurance tests. I concluded that ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may have no effect on endurance. However, there are limitations to this pilot study. Using information from this pilot study, a new experiment can be designed to produce meaningful results. I describe factors that should be considered for such a study in the discussion
