10368 research outputs found
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The Impact of Musical Difficulty on Music Performance Anxiety
No full textMusic performance anxiety (MPA) is an anxiety disorder that impacts many musicians, no matter their skill level or age. This study will delve into how different levels, or difficulties, of high school-level music auditions, specifically those on the regional and state level, and the results of a questionnaire impact the heart rate variability of the performer and, as a result, MPA levels. In this study, measuring MPA began by taking a sample of musicians and having them complete a modified version of the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Scale (K-MPAI) questionnaire (Kenny, 2023) detailing their average stress levels during a performance and as a musician in general. Following the questionnaire, the participants would be categorized based on their results of the K-MPAI using a numbered system and then take part in a “mock audition” where they were tasked with playing the regional and all-state versions of the mock auditions. The study resulted in two high p-values, which is likely due to the limitations which included issues regarding the real auditions, the HRV monitor, and the familiarity with the researcher. Future researchers could alter this through a random selection of musicians and a more reliable HRV monitor, which could very likely result in lower p-values and possible significance
The Growth of Nuclear Management Systems Starting with an Micro-Reactor Emulator
No full textAs the growth of nuclear energy utilization increases in South Carolina so has the consideration of proper nuclear systems such as this Micro-Reactor Emulator Thermal Loop System. An SMR (Small Modular Reactor) is a modern method of nuclear design systems and a cautious manner of efficiently controlling the energy released during nuclear fission. During this project, we wanted to see our limitations and basis for how we would expand and best incorporate our current system. We started by making a CAD model of the SMR and thinking of ways to increase the amount of data we can collect from the system. For example, the next step in our expansion was to add pipe extensions horizontally so we can add other sensors besides the thermocouples. The extensions would allow for more space to adapt the current sensors we possess and using LabVIEW we could transfer the data to interpret it appropriately. As of now, I am working even after research to make other types of models using current and future data. In the end, our project is still continuing with the graduate student and a highschooler. As well as, I am still collecting and categorizing the data so we can see the differences between pressures and other factors that we hadn’t applied. Given the time spent at USC, this project was successful in the sense we were able to restart it up and start the digital platform for future students who would continue this project after myself
Electrodeposition-Induced Precipitation in Sea-Soaked Sediment: A Study for Mitigating Coastal Erosion on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
No full textCoastal and nearshore marine environments are dynamic natural systems that continuously change over time. Coastal change is a major concern along many segments of the world’s coastline, which are actively eroding or are vulnerable to its effects (Schwab et al., 2009). Rapid population growth over recent decades has increased the pressure on what remains of the natural environment and revealed the region’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Compounding the pressure, human activities like seawall construction have reduced the sediment supply to beaches and disrupted the natural flux of sediment along the coast, and impairs marine ecosystem function. Coastal erosion poses a great threat to South Carolina\u27s developed beaches, infrastructure, and tourism, specifically along Myrtle Beach\u27s coastline (Schwab et al., 2009). Therefore, the purpose of this research was to simulate electrodeposition at various voltages on the coasts of Myrtle Beach, SC, as a proposed method to mitigate coastal erosion. In recent years, a new technology was highlighted by Macias et al. (2024) as a potential solution to mitigate coastal erosion called electrodeposition, which is when minerals in seawater, under electrical stimulation, create natural concrete that reinforces the sediment (Carré, 2020). The proposed experiment was designed to run 1.5-6 V at a constant rate over 28 days to determine which voltage would form the most precipitate when induced under electrodeposition in sea-soaked sediment. Qualitative observations indicated the 6 V group created the most visible precipitate, followed by the 4.5 V, 1.5 V, and 3 V experimental groups. Therefore, the presented proof-of-concept design for electrodeposition on sea-soaked sediment was a viable solution to reduce coastal erosion on the coast of Myrtle Beach, SC
The Effects of Coleomagilla maculata and Lumbricus terrestris on Brassica Rapa Defense Mechanisms and Functional Traits
No full textPlants have a defense growth trade-off, which means the more energy plants dedicate to their functional traits, the less energy their defense mechanisms receive (Schwarz et al., 2023). Invasive earthworms can lead to an imbalance of resources needed for plant survival (Thouvenot et al., 2024b). The purpose of this study was to see if the addition of an invertebrate species could offset the negative effects experienced by plants in the presence of invasive earthworms, therefore allowing a plant to remain in equilibrium. It was hypothesized that in the presence of Coleomagilla maculata and Lumbricus terretris, Brassica rapa plants would yield similar results to the control measured by plant response (soil pH, leaf nitrogen concentration, soil moisture, and plant height), as if only in the presence of Lumbricus terretris. The rationale for this project comes from the fact that a minimal amount of research has offered a satisfactory explanation to combat invasive earthworms\u27 negative effects on plant species. Three units were organized by control, earthworms only, and earthworms and lady beetles, and plant response was measured daily. Results were not able to be conducted due to a procedural error, but an ANOVA test would have been run to gather inferential statistics. Experimentation concluded that Coleomagilla maculata can be beneficial to plants with invasive earthworms, but with minimal effect
Designing a Bicycle Suspension System That Self-Adjusts for Motorcycle Design
No full textMotorcycles are one of the most popular types of transportation, particularly in areas such as Southeast Asia (Arunachalam et al., 2021). Riders of different sizes have variations in posture and ergonomics. Therefore, it is important that manufacturers consider ergonomics into the design of their motorcycles. One of the current issues with motorcycle design is that individuals who are shorter tend to have issues riding such vehicles, mainly in their ability to plant their feet on the ground. This is needed for stopping and hill starts. Research has focused a lot on the characteristics of people while riding, mainly their physical characteristics such as posture and joint angles. The issue is that there is a lack of exploration into potential solutions to the issue that shorter riders have. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design a suspension system that can adjust based on speed to assist riders of short stature. Such a concept was explored by Bissoondial (2024), who designed a custom bicycle frame for a child with achondroplasia. A mountain bicycle was used for the design. An air suspension system featuring a shock pump and an Arduino Uno microcontroller were added onto the bicycle, and was programmed to lower at a speed under 10 miles per hour and lower 6 centimeters. The prototype was tested on smooth roads with hard braking. Results did not satisfy the requirement, but the proof of concept displayed itself as being a potentially viable design for improving ergonomics
Horsepower and Fuel Economy Over Time
No full textThis research examines to what extent horsepower predicts fuel economy after controlling for curb weight and engine displacement, and how this relationship has evolved over time. Although higher horsepower generally implies lower fuel economy, the relationship may not be strictly linear. This topic is significant because fuel efficiency affects consumer fuel costs and pollution, while vehicles have become larger and more powerful due to changing consumer preferences and technological developments. Understanding whether technological progress has changed the traditional performance efficiency trade-off is especially relevant in the context of tightening fuel economy standards. Using EPA certification data and manufacturer specifications for gasoline-powered stock vehicles, I will run multiple regression analyses with fuel economy as the dependent variable and horsepower as the key independent variable, controlling for curb weight, engine displacement, cylinder count, model year, and fuel type. I expect to find that the horsepower penalty on fuel economy has diminished over time
The Effect of Animal- Versus Plant-Based Protein Powders on Reproduction in Caenorhabditis elegans
No full textAlthough protein is widely known for its benefits in human health, there is not that much known about how different protein sources affect reproduction in other organisms. Understanding these effects is essential, as protein quality and composition can influence fertility. The purpose of this study was to determine whether animal-based protein (ABP) or plant-based protein (PBP) alters reproductive responsiveness in Caenorhabditis elegans. It was hypothesized that if C. elegans were exposed to ABP, then their reproductive responsiveness would decrease compared to worms exposed to PBP or a control diet due to the differing nutritional profiles of the protein types. To test this, agar plates were prepared with ABP, PBP, or no added protein (control), each combined with E. coli OP50 as the food source. A chunking method was performed to transfer worms onto each plate, and responsiveness to light, which indicates if the worms have survived and reproduced, was recorded daily for five days. Mean responsiveness scores were calculated, and a chi-squared test for independence was used to determine whether responsiveness differed among the types of protein given. As seen in the chi-square test, the frequencies across the differences in responsiveness to light of the ABP, PBP, and control groups, χ²(12, N = 690) = 8.968, p = 0.706. Thus, it was concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest that there is a difference between ABP and PBP on reproduction on Caenorhabditis elegans and those not exposed to a protein supplement
Underwraps: How Material Barriers Affect Bone Decay
No full textThis study examines how plastic, cotton, and burlap affect bone decomposition and the surrounding soil. Usin
Novel Design of a Piezoelectric WInd Energy Harvesting Device
No full textIn the field of piezoelectric energy harvesting there are several different means of generating electricity, such as through the vibration of roads and bridges, the movement of water and wave patterns, and notably through wind. Piezoelectric wind energy harvesting (PWEH) is the study of using the force of the wind to create a design that is able to deform piezoelectric transducers in a way that generates electricity. This method of energy harvesting has shown increased efficacy in recent years due to an influx of studies that have designs that are capable of generating a notable amount of electricity. This paper is an analysis of a novel design for one such PWEH that uses the rotation of a windmill to rotate an offset shaft that would result in the deformation of a transducer, resulting in a generation of electricity. Creation of this design has potential to further the field of study by helping to expand the possible ways to create electricity effectively. Unfortunately, this design was not successful as it was unable to function when put under simulated conditions
The Effectiveness of the Combination of Chamomile Extract and Manuka Honey on Inhibition of Micrococcus luteus
No full textContemporary bacterial treatments are constantly being discovered due to recent medicinal findings. The best treatment possible is consistently desired to keep up with new infections. Chronic wounds and bacterial infections have become an increasingly prevalent issue for individuals throughout the world. As this increase occurs, bacterial resistance has risen in many traditionally used medications like methicillin and penicillin, leading to the need for new antibacterial treatments. Micrococcus luteus, an opportunistic pathogen can lead to repercussions like septic arthritis, prosthetic valve endocarditis, or recurrent bacteremia. This experiment aimed to test the synergistic properties of Manuka Honey and Chamomile extract in inhibiting M. luteus. It was hypothesized that the combination of Manuka honey and chamomile oil would have the greatest inhibition due to its high methylglyoxal and apigenin concentration. This was tested using the streak plate method to apply the bacteria to agar plates, and then infusing sterile discs with the solutions and placing them on the agar to test the zone of inhibition after 48 hours. A one-way ANOVA revealed significant treatment effectiveness, F(3,124) = 22.84, p \u3c 0.001 which suggested strong antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and the combination of materials, despite the lack of supportive chamomile data. Manuka honey offered stronger antibacterial effects than the combination and the chamomile extract had no inhibition. With future research, there is potential for the use of Manuka honey with other antibacterial solutions, due to its effectiveness. However a Manuka honey and chamomile extract combination will not be ultimately effective