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Assessing the Effectiveness of Thin-Layer Chromatography as an Indicator of Herbicidal Drift in Brassica rapa
No full textThis study investigates possibility of using Thin-Layer Chromatography as a cost-effective method for detecting the biochemical effects of herbicidal drift on non-target plants, with Brassica rapa used as the model organism. Herbicidal drift, an unintended movement of herbicides, is harmful to plants leading to the alteration of the natural balance of ecosystems. TLC was used to assess the effects of different concentrations of herbicides on the separation and mobility of plant pigments, namely secondary metabolites. Although it has been expected that exposure to herbicides would significantly change pigment profiles, statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA, p \u3e 0.05) didn\u27t show significant differences in Rf values among treatment groups. This would suggest that although TLC serves to separate compounds effectively, it may not have the sensitivity required to detect very slight biochemical changes induced by herbicide drift. Methodological limitations, such as pigment storage, could have influenced the results. This research conveys the efficiency of Thin Layer Chromatography for rapid and cost-effective analysis but also conveys the need for additional high-resolution methods to obtain a precise quantification of herbicidal effects using methods such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The results contribute to the growing body of knowledge relating to herbicidal drift and offer precious insights on how to develop sustainable and scalable methods for ecological monitoring and agricultural control. Future research in this area should thus be conducted on more rigorous analytical approaches, understanding the herbicide-induced physiological changes in plants for better detection
The effect of naphthaleneacetic acid in contrast to glyphosate on pseudomonas fluorescens.
No full textPesticides have been an important building block in the process of agriculture for hundreds of years now. However, over time the danger of certain pesticides has become clearer and clearer. These striking studies commonly revolve around the active ingredient involved in the pesticide, and the most dangerous of these active ingredients: glyphosate. Shockingly, due to its affordability, glyphosate is the most commonly seen active ingredient in pesticides, even with it\u27s danger being known. An alternative is needed. Naphthaleneacetic Acid, an auxin, has demonstrated an uncanny ability of pacificity when placed in the same enviornment with a microbiological organism. In addition to this, naphthaleneacetic Acid is efficient at reducing plant growth on a small and large scale. A model organism that can be negatively affected by glyphosate is Pseudomonas fluorescens.: a beneficial microorganism that inhabits the soil. The growth of P. fluorescens can be measured using zone of inhibition (ZOI). The testing of Glyphosate on P. fluorescens revealed an average ZOI of 5.587 cm, in comparison to the testing of naphthaleneacetic acid on P. fluorescens which revealed an average ZOI of 0.747 cm. When placed in a solution of naphthaleneacetic acid, P. fluorescens demonstrates minimal inhibition, however when placed in a solution with Glyphosate, the growth of P. fluorescens was completely halted
The Development of a Damage-tolerant Architected Structure Inspired by Protoreaster nodosus Microstructure
No full textThis study investigates the use of biomimicry in designing bio-inspired materials for engineering applications, focusing on lattice structures for lightweight, high-strength solutions in industries such as aerospace and automotive. Researchers have drawn inspiration from natural systems, including bamboo, fish dermal layers, and the Protoreaster nodosus starfish, which possesses a unique damage-tolerant micro-lattice structure. This dual-scale, single-crystalline configuration enables the starfish to absorb impacts efficiently while maintaining a lightweight design. The study explores the potential of replicating this micro-lattice structure via 3D modelling to improve strength and damage tolerance in engineered materials. Using SimSolid FEA software, the energy absorption and damage tolerance of the microlattice were evaluated through frequency analysis and squash tests. Results indicated that while the structure efficiently absorbs energy, its reliance on elastic deformation may limit its suitability for applications requiring rapid energy dissipation or high impact resistance. The findings suggest that while the bio-inspired lattice holds promise for reusable load-bearing applications, further optimization is necessary for applications that demand instantaneous energy dissipation or enhanced durability under dynamic loading conditions
Testing the Corrosion Level of Metals by Analyzing Current in Corrosion Simulation
No full textThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the corrosion-resistant properties of various metals, including niobium, copper, brass, and nickel-plated steel, in a simulated corrosive environment similar to the conditions found in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The hypothesis stated that copper would demonstrate the least amount of corrosion, resulting in the lowest current fluctuations, due to its corrosion-resistant properties. A saline solution was created to simulate the electrolyte environment in EV batteries, and a potentiostat was used to regulate the voltage and measure current fluctuations, which are indicative of the rate of corrosion. The results showed that niobium exhibited the most consistent and lowest current throughout the experiment, showing its high corrosion resistance. Copper and brass exhibited similar corrosion patterns, with a steady increase in current followed by a brief decline and then a gradual increase. Nickel-plated steel displayed the worst corrosion resistance, with a steadily increasing current throughout the experiment, indicating high corrosion rates. This study suggests that niobium is the most effective material in resisting corrosion, followed by copper and brass. Nickel-plated steel, while commonly used, demonstrated poor performance in terms of corrosion resistance. These findings show the potential for niobium and copper alloys to enhance the durability of battery components. The use of these metals in common batteries could result in a decrease in corrosion, leading to increased longevity and durability. This study looks into cost-effective solutions to battery corrosion in electric vehicles
The Effect of Various Concentrations of Chlorophyll on the Heart Rate of Tachycardia-Induced Daphnia magna
No full textAlthough many studies have examined the effects of natural components on heart rate and cardiovascular diseases, few have investigated chlorophyll\u27s impact on tachycardia. The purpose of this study was to determine if various concentrations of chlorophyll could lower the increased heart rate of Daphnia magna. The findings were intended to be applied to patients with tachycardia, as both D. magna and humans have myogenic hearts, meaning their heart rates are not dependent on neural activity. It was hypothesized that higher chlorophyll concentrations would decrease the high heart rate of D. magna, bringing it closer to normal levels, due to chlorophyll’s antioxidant properties observed in previous studies. The hypothesis was tested using a control group, a negative control group, and experimental groups exposed to 15% and 30% chlorophyll concentrations. To induce tachycardia, D. magna was incubated at 30℃, and heart rates were recorded using the Tap Tool (McMenzie, 2022) app. An ANOVA test with an α-value of .05 revealed significant differences between groups (F(3, 116)= 47.56, p\u3c.0001). A \ Tukey Kramer test indicated significant variance between the control and negative control, negative control and 15%, and negative control and 30% groups. No significant differences were found between the control and 15%, control and 30%, or 15% and 30% groups. These results partially supported the hypothesis, showing that chlorophyll reduced elevated heart rates but with no significant differences between the two chlorophyll concentrations. This suggests that even low levels of chlorophyll intake may help reduce tachycardia heart rates
An Analysis of the Effectiveness of a Fartlek Interval Training Workout as a Predictor Workout Supported by Blood Lactate Concentration
No full textRunners around the globe often participate in workouts to increase their speed during races. Certain workouts can be described as predictor workouts. Predictor workouts are workouts that based on performance can hope to predict a certain race time. These types of workouts are especially beneficial in a team running environment. Fartlek workouts have not been considered to be a predictor workout, however fartlek workouts are valuable as the workout induces blood lactate. Many studies have shown that blood lactate concentration has been shown to be the most effective measurement of fitness. A lower change in blood lactate over the course of a workout shows that the runner is more physically fit. It is hypothesized that if runners complete a fartlek workout, the blood lactate results will be able to accurately predict the overall success of the runner in a 5k race. This was done by having 10 runners complete a fartlek workout and having each runner’s blood lactate be taken before and after the workout. The overall blood lactate change was recorded and a ranking was compiled. Each runner’s 5k time was recorded and ranked. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation was used to determine the overall correlation of the rankings. It was found that the hypothesis was partially supported by the data and that there was a partially strong correlation. Therefore, this study was able to partially support the hypothesis and conclude that there is a future in using fartlek workouts for predictor workouts backed by blood lactate
A Number Theory Quest For Oppenheimer and Psi Numbers
No full textThis paper solves two problems from two different journals by the MAA, Oppenheimer numbers from Math Horizons and Psi numbers from The College Mathematics Journal. Both of these problems were tackled similarly. First, we would attempt to solve the problem by hand using the rules provided to us. Then if our dataset was too small or if making the numbers was too time consuming, we would optimize the process in some way to broaden our dataset. From there we were able to notice patterns in the numbers and create rules to make numbers outside our dataset. We first started out with Oppenheimer numbers, a unique class of 2n-digit numbers meeting specific greatest common divisor and divisibility criteria. Using Python, we identified all 4-digit Oppenheimer numbers and extended our search to 6-digit and 8-digit Oppenheimer numbers, confirming the existence of many such numbers. We further proved that for every n ≥ 2, there is at least one 2n-digit Oppenheimer number. As the Oppenheimer problem proved straightforward enough after we had written the code we worked on the Psi problem next. By using mathematical induction, we proved whether it is possible for all integers n to be written as n distinct powers of ψ given ψ^a + ψ^b = 2 and ψ \u3e 0. Using various rules and patterns we were able to identify a representation of the numbers 2 to 9 in the desired form and proved that such a representation exists for all integers
Polynomial Regression Modeling of COVID-19 Cases
No full textCOVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, had a widespread outbreak at the beginning of 2020. The pandemic undeniably affected our lives for more than two years. In this research project, we want to model COVID-19 data from one chosen state in the USA using a polynomial regression model. We did not actively consider mask requirements, vaccination, or other human-controlled factors in this project, although we noticed their effects on the epidemic trend. Towards the end of the COVID period, we want to predict the number of infected and deaths in a particular state using the mathematical model
Clean Coop Solution
No full textPoultry is a very volatile product that must be handled with care to prevent any contamination of the product such as eggs or the chicken itself. The purpose of the experiment is to maintain a clean environment for the poultry by removing manure from chicken coops ensuring a clean habitat. The procedures used will be as followed: Problem, Brainstorm/Research, Select, Design, Test, Iterate, Present. The most important results that will need to be provided is the quantity of weight that was cleaned up in order to determine if the apparatus works effectively. After all is complete the results will determine any modifications or change in procedure done to the testing device
Generative AI Text Detection: Strengths and Weaknesses
No full textThe advancement of AI since 2022 has led to increased usage in all aspects of the world around us. This introduces a new era of online threats due to misinformation. Using AI, bad actors can easily generate vast amounts of believable misinformation which can be used to manipulate public opinion. In this study, we evaluate various AI text detection models, along with circumvention techniques such as DFT fooler, complex paraphrasing, and humanizers which modify AI-generated text to circumvent detectors. We found that even advanced detection models such as GPTZero and ZeroGPT used by top universities were weak when challenged by DFT Fooler or humanizer models. While current detection methods are effective against simple texts, they need much improvement to face the challenges of real-world applications