Using the data provided by the University of Twente High School Project on Astrophysics Research with Cosmics (HiSPARC), an analysis of locations for possible high-energy cosmic ray air showers was conducted. An example includes an analysis conducted of the high-energy rain shower recorded in January 2014 and the use of Stellarium™ to discern its location.
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Comparing the performance of lateral control algorithms on long rigid vehicles in urban environments
Here, seeking to better understand the control algorithms used in autonomous vehicles, the authors compared the Stanley and pure pursuit control algorithms along with a new version of each. Unexpectedly, they found that no control algorithm offered optimal performance, but rather resulted in tradeoffs between the various ideal results.
Read More...An Analysis of the Mathematical Accuracy of Perspective in Paintings
Here the authors investigate whether there are mathematical inaccuracies of perspective in artists' paintings that are undetectable with our naked eyes. Using the cross-ratio method, they find that there are three significant errors in various famous paintings which increase as the structures in the paintings recede from the viewer.
Read More...The optical possibilities of gelatin
Here the authors investigated the optical possibilities of gelatin and acrylic in regards to potential implementations at soft contact lenses. They fabricated lenses of different shapes and evaluated the refraction of laser light finding that gelatin needed to be thickened or increased in curvature to account for its lower refractive index compared to plastics, or used in a mixture to strengthen the lens.
Read More...Analysis of electrodialysis as a method of producing potable water
Here, seeking a way to convert the vast quantity of seawater to drinking water, the authors investigated the purification of seawater to drinking water through electrodialysis. Using total dissolved solids (TDS) as their measure, they found that electrodialysis was able to produce deionized water with TDS values under the acceptable range for consumable water.
Read More...Statistically Analyzing the Effect of Various Factors on the Absorbency of Paper Towels
In this study, the authors investigate just how effectively paper towels can absorb different types of liquid and whether changing the properties of the towel (such as folding it) affects absorbance. Using variables of either different liquid types or the folded state of the paper towels, they used thorough approaches to make some important and very useful conclusions about optimal ways to use paper towels. This has important implications as we as a society continue to use more and more paper towels.
Read More...Photometric analysis of Type Ia Supernova 2023jvj
Here the authors conducted a photometric analysis of Supernova (SN) 20234jvj. Through generating a light curve, they determined SN 2023jvj to be a Type Ia supernova located approximately 1.246e8 parasecs away from Earth.
Read More...Presence of Vegetation in Relation to Slope in Yosemite Valley, California
This study examined the relationship between the slope of a terrain and vegetation, measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). It was hypothesized that lower slope ranges would be more supportive of vegetation growth than higher slope ranges. Analysis showed that no slope (even as extreme as 85–90°) prohibits the growth of vegetation completely; even the steepest slopes examined contain plant life. Knowing that steep slopes can still support plant life, agriculturalists can begin to explore and start planting additional crops and plants at these extreme slopes.
Read More...Validation of impact-absorbing football helmet facemask for head injury prevention with simulation
Head injuries are common in American football and the facemasks found on football helmets receive a lot of impact during contacts. This study investigates how effective they are at reducing concussion risk.
Read More...The Effect of Sunglass Price on Ocular Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation
Wearing sunglasses may offer protection against the negative health outcomes linked to exposure to ultraviolet waves. In this study, the authors test whether more expensive sunglasses offer better UV protection.
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