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Localization and Navigation in Mobile Robots
No full textWith robotics only becoming more prominent it is important to know how these systems orient themselves in space and move around. Navigation and localization were explored and implemented initially by using an Arduino Mobile Rover. Using MATLAB and Simulink to control the rover, algorithms were used to calculate waypoints within an arena and allow the robot to move toward a target. The robot adjusts to find these markers and inches toward its goal. To learn more about how computer vision allows robots to know what environment they are in, maps were created using a LiDAR sensor. Using laser pulsing, LiDAR can create a variety of maps. Just a few examples of its mapping capabilities are 3D models, terrain maps, elevation maps, canopy height maps, and more. For this project, the basic mapping function of LiDAR was used to find the perimeter of the surrounding area. Objects were placed in the environment to further demonstrate how the sensor works. Ultimately, robots require data from not just one, but multiple sensors so that they can move correctly within space and fulfill their purpose. LiDAR helps fulfill this greater goal
The Durability of Different Brands of Volleyball Knee Pads When Placed Under Game-Like Pressure and Circumstances
No full textDespite volleyball being one of the most popular sports in the world, little is known about their most used equipment. Volleyball knee pads are used by players to provide support and protect the knee but are also used to allow players to continue playing by diving for the ball on the court. Since all players use knee pads, finding the most durable brand is essential so that knee pads are not replaced as often. The purpose of this study was to find the more durable brand of volleyball knee pad that would be the hardest for the players to rip. It was hypothesized that the Under Armour knee pads would rip more since they only consist of polyester, and do not have any spandex material in them. Eight different knee pads were put on a belt sander and sanded away in five-second intervals for thirty trials. The mass after each trial was recorded and this process was repeated for each of the eight knee pads. The Adidas knee pads were the most durable with the least amount of mass lost between trials and the least physical damage to the knee pad. The results of the one-way ANOVA test with an alpha value of 0.05 showed that the data was statistically significant
Unraveling the Feeding Ecology of Meiofaunal Flatworms: Discovery and Dietary Analysis of a Novel Species
No full textThe high-energy collection beaches of North Carolina have been found to harbor a rich diversity of Kalyptorhynch tubellarians, many of which remain undocumented in existing databases. This study presents a detailed description of Lehardiya spiralis, a newly discovered Kalyptorynch tubellarian species belonging to the Karkinorhynchidae family. The specimens were collected from two high-energy beach sites in North Carolina, and rigorous protocols were followed to capture confocal microscopy images, perform measurements, and provide a comprehensive morphological characterization. The discovery of Lehardiya spiralis adds to the growing knowledge of Kalyptorynch tubellarians within the marine interstitial environment of North Carolina, increasing the reported number of species to six. By utilizing confocal microscopy, we were able to visualize intricate anatomical features and gain valuable insights into the species\u27 morphology. Building upon this taxonomic description, our research project expands beyond taxonomy to investigate the feeding ecology of meiofaunal flatworms. Through an integrated approach involving field surveys, laboratory experiments, and molecular techniques, we aim to elucidate these organisms\u27 dietary preferences and trophic interactions. The feeding habits of several flatworm samples and their roles within the meiofaunal community were carefully examined through prey-specific primers, providing a deeper understanding of the ecological functions and contributions of Kalyptorhynch tubellarians in North Carolina\u27s high-energy beach ecosystems
RoboSteam Team
No full textThe project design consists of a semi-autonomous robot that has the ability to steam clean and vacuum surfaced particles from carpets. Carpets accumulate a large amount of dirt, bacteria, and grime that can negatively affect a person or pet\u27s health. Not only does it affect health but it can also cause nasal irritation due to the collection of allergens. According to the National Institute of Health, One hundred million Americans are immunologically sensitized to allergens. Currently, carpet steam cleaners do exist, but they are not readily accessible, and they require a large amount of human work to function properly. This large amount of human work means that people would be less likely to steam clean carpets, even if carpet steamers were readily available. Although there are over 150 million homes in America, not including apartments, all of which likely have some form of carpeting, there is no easy way of combatting these problems. The steaming device kills the bacteria and ruffles dirt, and the suction piece then sucks up the ruffled particles, effectively sterilizing the carpet. Since it is fully autonomous, the task of cleaning the carpets does not require human input, making the use of the robot more frequent. Due to its design and ease of use, coupled with its incorporation of a device that has a proven record of effectively cleaning carpets, this device has solved a worldwide problem
Halogen Bonding in Nitrogen and Iodine Compounds to Form Novel Cocrystals
No full textHalogen Bonding (XB) is a noncovalent interaction with net attractive interaction between the electrophilic region, an area with the tendency to attract electrons, and the nucleophilic region, an area with the tendency to donate electrons. Cocrystals are formed when XB acceptors and donors come together; these can then be analyzed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This research focused on using nitrogen and iodine compounds due to their uneven distribution of electrons, which allows for halogen bonds to form. Iodine is especially good for XB as its large electron cloud distorts its electrons to create a partially positive region or sigma-hole. Each compound combination should produce cocrystals with different properties and uses. Our research aimed to explore these different outcomes through X-ray diffraction and temperature analysis. The results of these experiments can benefit various scientific fields, such as crystal engineering, solid-state synthesis, and pharmaceuticals, as they rely on these intermolecular interactions and structures
VOC-Based ML Cancer Diagnosis Machine
No full textThis project aims to develop a portable and cost-effective solution for volatile organic compound (VOC) detection, focusing on the detection of 2-butanone, a potential biomarker for certain medical conditions. Leveraging the Raspberry Pi Zero W platform and VOC sensors the system integrates signal processing techniques and machine learning algorithms for accurate and real-time analysis of VOC concentrations. The implementation includes the utilization of an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) to interface sensors with the Raspberry Pi for analog signal acquisition. The collected sensor data undergoes preprocessing to extract relevant features, followed by the application of a Random Forest machine learning model, trained on existing datasets sourced from the internet. The system employs Python for scripting and data analysis, enabling seamless integration with the Raspberry Pi environment. Through the utilization of portable hardware and robust software methodologies, this project seeks to provide a versatile solution for VOC detection, with potential applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and indoor air quality assessment. The scalability and adaptability of the proposed system offer opportunities for customization and further development, catering to diverse use cases and addressing emerging challenges in VOC detection and analysis. Overall, this project contributes to advancing the field of VOC sensing technology, offering a promising avenue for enhanced healthcare and environmental monitoring solutions
Bee Club Cultivates a Growing Buzz on Campus
Get PDFThe club is growing and has plans to market Furman honey
Now: Reflection on Furman as it is now
Get PDFWhen I came to Furman as a first-year student, I was undecided about my major and career