24 research outputs found
Comics and Graphic Novels with Dr. Jarod Roselló
No full textJennifer Slagus and Josh Palange explore the world of comics and graphic novels with author Dr. Jarod Roselló. They highlight the value of graphic novels for young readers and discuss how these works are often perceived in comparison to traditional prose books. Dr. Roselló shares his journey as an author and cartoonist working with comics, emphasizing the scarcity of graphic novel-focused creative programs at the university level and the relationship between academia and comics. He also discusses his experience collaborating with publishers on his graphic novel series Red Panda & Moon Bear, and the challenges of marketing a book from an artist\u27s perspective
Preliminary investigation of an autonomous control system for the MIT Graphite Exponential Pile
No full textThis electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Thesis: S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering, 2019Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 69-70).Commercial nuclear technology today is facing challenges due to both economic viability and concerns over safety. Next-generation reactors could potentially improve with respect to both concerns through recent advancements in computation and machine learning, through autonomous control systems which minimize human error. The MIT Graphite Exponential Pile (MGEP) has been selected as the basis of a realworld demonstration of such a system, because of its simple properties and inherent safety. This study evaluated the preliminary feasibility of an autonomous control system for the MGEP through two parallel avenues; a practical investigation of various machine learning algorithms applied to fission systems, as well as the design and fabrication of a control rod for the pile. It was found that Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) outperform Support Vector Regression (SVR) in predicting the MITR power-shape. Additionally, acceptable results were achieved when applying the CNN algorithm to the MGEP to predict the flux distribution of its fuel elements. Finally, it was verified that neutron detectors in the pile respond predictably to control rod insertions. Taken together, the groundwork for the further development of an autonomous control system has been laid, and the path forward is promising.by Jarod Wilson.S.B.S.B. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineerin
Carter G. Woodson and Thomas Jesse Jones: a comparative study in race and philanthropy, 1915-1921, 2003
No full textThis thesis examines the controversial relationship between contemporaries Carter G. Woodson, founder and director of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and Thomas Jesse Jones, chief executive of the Phelps-Stokes Fund. This comparative study considers the life and work ofboth Woodson and Jones and assesses their contributions to African-American history, philanthropy, and race relations. Their relationship is interpreted through close examination and analysis of various writings, conflicting ideologies, and public accusations against one another. The conclusions drawn suggest that white foundation officials, often under the auspices ofracial cooperation, manipulated the policies ofblack institutions and organizations. This evaluation provides a more thorough understanding ofthe historic and contentious struggle that often occurred between the giver and the recipient during the early twentieth century
Avoiding Artifacts in the Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Sorbent–Water Distribution
No full textCharacterizing sorbent affinity for a target compound
(described
by sorbent–water distribution coefficient, Ksw) is a necessary step in the sorbent selection and performance-testing
process in the process of capturing aquatic contaminants. However,
no standardized procedure exists to measure Ksw, and studies display significant variations in setup and
performance. For per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), most Ksw determinations employ batch experiments with
small-scale water–sorbent mixtures, methanol-based spike of
target compound(s), and analysis after assumed equilibrium, but methodological
details of the above procedure differ and might cause artifacts in
the determination of Ksw. We conducted
several batch experiments systematically varying a general procedure
to characterize the effects of suboptimal experimental design. Using
a selection of PFAS (6-carbon fluorinated chain length with differing
functional groups) and two sorbents, we tested variations of a solution/sorbent
ratio, methanol content, and PFAS initial concentration and compared
derived Ksw values. Each methodological
component affected log(Ksw) usually by
suppressing the value (by 0–48%) when compared with a “best
design” procedure. Thus, we suggest (1) a reference procedure
for PFAS and sorbents used here and (2) general guidelines for batch
experiment design with different compounds and sorbents. Additionally,
we report well-constrained Ksw values
for 23 PFAS and two sorbents
Characterization of the Potential Long-Term Impact from Sedimentary PFAS at a Historically Contaminated Textile Waste Site
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pervasive pollutants at historically contaminated sites throughout the United States and beyond. Two such sites in Rhode Island, USA, are textile-mill-associated waste retention ponds known to introduce PFAS contamination to the adjacent river, estuary, and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. Here, we thoroughly investigated the retention ponds as a long-term source of PFAS via water passive sampling, sediment coring, and laboratory-derived partitioning coefficients, Kd, with field sediment and water. Additional studies were performed to assess the mobility and estimate the mass fluxes of PFAS from sediment to water. Retention pond 1 was more contaminated (up to 26 ng/L PFOA in water and 74 ng/g PFTrDA in sediment). Derived log Kd values ranged from 1 to 5 for most PFAS, indicating a shift from relative mobility to high storage potential in sediment. Estimated loss fluxes from the sediment varied between 5 and 228 μg m–2 year–1, resulting in desorption times from 3 years for FPeSA to \u3e100 years for FOSA. The combined evidence suggests that this textile mill retention pond, if left untreated, constitutes a source of long-term contamination to the river.
[Abstract includes a figure and can be viewed in the PDF.
Avoiding Artifacts in the Determination of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Sorbent-Water Distribution
No full textCharacterizing sorbent affinity for a target compound (described by sorbent-water distribution coefficient, Ksw) is a necessary step in the sorbent selection and performance-testing process in the process of capturing aquatic contaminants. However, no standardized procedure exists to measure Ksw, and studies display significant variations in setup and performance. For per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), most Ksw determinations employ batch experiments with small-scale water-sorbent mixtures, methanol-based spike of target compound(s), and analysis after assumed equilibrium, but methodological details of the above procedure differ and might cause artifacts in the determination of Ksw. We conducted several batch experiments systematically varying a general procedure to characterize the effects of suboptimal experimental design. Using a selection of PFAS (6-carbon fluorinated chain length with differing functional groups) and two sorbents, we tested variations of a solution/sorbent ratio, methanol content, and PFAS initial concentration and compared derived Ksw values. Each methodological component affected log(Ksw) usually by suppressing the value (by 0-48%) when compared with a “best design” procedure. Thus, we suggest (1) a reference procedure for PFAS and sorbents used here and (2) general guidelines for batch experiment design with different compounds and sorbents. Additionally, we report well-constrained Ksw values for 23 PFAS and two sorbents
Measuring the Effects of "Adults Only" Age Restrictions on Condominium Prices
No full textCurrent U.S. housing policy prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing or in the provision of brokerage services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. Since 1988, an exception to this policy has permitted owners and operators of buildings and facilities that were intended to be operated as housing for older persons to discriminate against younger residents, including families with children and pregnant women, without violating the nation's fair housing laws. This exception was clarified by the Housing for older persons. The purpose of this study is to consider whether such restrictions have a measurable effect on housing prices. Based on data from condominium transactions in southeast Florida, the results presented here suggest that age restrictions have a positive price effect, holding other determinants of condominium prices constant.
Furthering the Capabilities of Diffusive-Gradient Passive Samplers for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
No full textPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemical pollutants of growing concern for many stakeholders. Due to their ubiquity, persistence in the environment, and potential for toxicity at low environmental concentrations, it is necessary to have convenient and reliable methods to measure PFAS in natural waters. Passive sampling methods (in situ preconcentration of PFAS) may be suitable for monitoring situations. One passive sampling design successfully employed for other, well studied contaminants (e.g., methylmercury) is the diffusive gradient in thin film sampler (DGT). However, the application of DGT for PFAS requires development and validation. Here, we iterate on previous PFAS-DGT studies by introducing a redesigned diffusive gradient sampler for PFAS in water and show that it reliably measures 25 PFAS in water, consistent with diffusion theory. Diffusion and whole-sampler uptake rates consistently agreed with model predictions within ±50% relative difference, including when tested at cold temperature (5 °C). In field and laboratory deployments, DGT samplers measured PFAS concentrations within ±23% of grab sample results on average in each case─better performance than codeployed microporous polyethylene tube passive samplers. Based on the evidence in this study, the DGT passive sampler is a promising tool for consistently and accurately passively sampling PFAS in natural waters
A Tale of Two Waivers: Waiver of the Jury Waiver Defense Under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
No full textThis article discusses contractual jury waivers, demanding a jury trial and striking a jury demand under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and waiver of the jury waiver defense under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The author contends that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure require an early pleading of the jury waiver defense in the pretrial stage of litigation; failing to plead the defense risks waiver
Justice or Vengeance: How Young Is Too Young for a Child to Be Tried and Punished as an Adult
No full textThe article explores the complexities of determining the appropriate age for transferring juveniles to adult criminal courts under Texas law. It examines the balance between protecting society from violent juvenile offenders and recognizing the developmental differences between children and adults. The author discusses the legal framework governing juvenile transfers, including the discretionary factors courts consider, such as maturity, sophistication, and the nature of the offense. The article also highlights the constitutional protections afforded to juveniles and the potential long-term consequences of treating them as adults in the criminal justice system. Ultimately, it questions whether the current legal standards adequately address the unique circumstances of young offenders while ensuring justice and public safety
