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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Org Or Inorg? Atmospheric Carbon Controls That Initiated The Late Paleozoic Ice Age 326mya, Paco Defrancis
Org Or Inorg? Atmospheric Carbon Controls That Initiated The Late Paleozoic Ice Age 326mya, Paco Defrancis
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
The Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA) was a major global icehouse that initiated in the Mississippian (326 million years ago; ma) and lasted through the Early Permian (267ma). An ice sheet nucleated in southern Gondwana near the South Pole, which either paleogeography (positioning of paleocontinents) or atmospheric concentration of the greenhouse gas CO2 controlled. In this paper I accept recent findings that prove atmospheric pCO2 and not paleogeography forced global cooling that resulted in the nucleation of Gondwanan ice sheets that defined the LPIA. There remains no broad consensus of what caused pCO2 lowering in the Mississippian. Organic carbon found …
An Exploration Into Computer Graphics: L-Systems And A Non-Photorealistic Filter, Victoria Edwards
An Exploration Into Computer Graphics: L-Systems And A Non-Photorealistic Filter, Victoria Edwards
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
This past fall I worked on developing a graphics pipeline. I implemented a handful of graphics algorithms that allowed me to render creative scenes. This semester we explored the world of computer graphics by doing an in-depth study of different areas in the field. To do this we read critical SIGGRAPH papers on the subjects. SIGGRAPH is the publication forum for computer graphics and it maps the last forty years of research in the computer graphics world. This semester I have decided to focused on the photorealistic method of creating L-Systems and a non-photo realistic image filter.
Exploring Computer Graphics: Photorealistic And Non-Photorealistic Rendering, Brittany Chin
Exploring Computer Graphics: Photorealistic And Non-Photorealistic Rendering, Brittany Chin
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Over the course of the year, the Advanced Computer Graphics course has explored a variety of image rendering techniques starting with the basic filling of polygons, and working all the way up to non-photorealistic rendering techniques. I have implemented a variety of these techniques in projects which demonstrate the growth and advancements of graphics over time. The implementations that are featured are an interactive tile game, a curve editor, a ray-tracer, and a non-photorealistic project. The capabilities of computer graphics are seemingly endless, and it is getting easier and easier to model the real world in synthetic systems. Where will …
Graphics, Beatrice Liang
Graphics, Beatrice Liang
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Here I show images generating using computer graphics methods ranging from green screen images to 3D models
Photorealistic Computer Rendering, William Kearney
Photorealistic Computer Rendering, William Kearney
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Sample portfolio demonstrating photorealistic and non-photorealistic computer graphic techniques such as ray tracing and edge detection.
3d Model Generation From Flat Images And Other Pretty Pictures, Matthew Levine
3d Model Generation From Flat Images And Other Pretty Pictures, Matthew Levine
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
We present a novel method of generating 3D models from 2D images using neural network techniques. We also show a custom implementation of a global illumination model natively integrated into Python's standard 2D image library (with a fast C backend).
Trees And Non-Photorealistic Images, Christopher Burnham
Trees And Non-Photorealistic Images, Christopher Burnham
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Showing of a graphics system with some trees and non-photorealistic images.
A Look Into Graphics Engines And Non-Photorealistic Rendering, Margaux Leblanc
A Look Into Graphics Engines And Non-Photorealistic Rendering, Margaux Leblanc
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Throughout the year I have created a graphics pipeline that can render both photorealistic and non-photorealistic images. It all starts with defining what a pixel is and building from there. For instance, an image is a collection of pixels, a color is just three numbers (red, green, and blue values), a line is coloring certain pixels with such a color based on Bresenham's line algorithm and so on. My graphics engine can draw and shade points, lines, polylines, and polygons according to different algorithms. Using these basic shapes I can create photorealistic images of L-systems and non-photorealistic images of paintbrush …
Computer Graphics Presentation, Itrat Akhter
Computer Graphics Presentation, Itrat Akhter
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
The aim of this poster presentation is to display the works that I did over two semester of computer graphics classes. As such, I will give a brief glimpse of the methods and images involving fractals, bezier curves and surfaces, hierarchical modeling, shading and lighting, particle systems and others.
The Effects Of The Melting Arctic Ice Cap On Florida's Coast, Anthony Atkinson, Nicholas Joseph, Louw Scheepers
The Effects Of The Melting Arctic Ice Cap On Florida's Coast, Anthony Atkinson, Nicholas Joseph, Louw Scheepers
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
We've set out to determine the effect of arctic ice melt on the coastline of Florida, more specifically its major cities and tourist attractions. To do this, we created multiple mathematical models on different bases to ensure that our models are behaving in an appropriate manner. We constructed one statistical model based on past sea level rise data, and one theoretical model based on our interpretations of different components that add to the total sea level rise. Our data and analysis showed firm indications of extreme effects on the coastline of Florida and some of its major tourist attractions by …
Zircon: Tiny Crystals With Long History And Big Uses, Jiawen Li
Zircon: Tiny Crystals With Long History And Big Uses, Jiawen Li
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
The first known written record about zircon dates back to c.1400. Zircon forms in felsic magmas and thus is commonly found in plutonic felsic rocks. Because of its physical resistibility to weathering and metamorphism, it is also often found in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. zircon is an orthosilicate and therefore is made up of isolated silica tetrahedra with zirconium ions filling in the gaps. This common structure allows zircon to incorporate many trace elements, such as thorium and uranium. Zircons long physical and chemical durability and the trace elements give rise to its use in geochronology. Thorium in zircon retain …
Modeling The Optimization Of A Toll Booth Plaza, Liam Connell, Zachary Schutzman, Erin Hoover
Modeling The Optimization Of A Toll Booth Plaza, Liam Connell, Zachary Schutzman, Erin Hoover
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
When designing a toll plaza, many factors have to be considered, especially the number of toll booths to build. In this paper, we try to determine the optimal number of toll booths by creating a model for car movement at a toll plaza. We define optimal as the number of toll booths that minimizes the waiting time, particularly at a high congestion time (i.e. rush hour). To model the movement of cars through a toll booth plaza, we break the problem into two parts: time spent waiting in line and then time spent merging back into traffic. Because each of …
Biotransformation Of Halogenated Flame Retardants, Stefanie Lai
Biotransformation Of Halogenated Flame Retardants, Stefanie Lai
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
At the end of a computers life cycle, its final destination is often unknown to the average consumer. Consumers unwittingly contribute to electronic waste (e-waste) pollution, even if they attempt to recycle old monitors, televisions, gaming consoles etc, in an environmentally friendly way. In recent years e-waste has become an emerging global issue as electronics usage increases and questionable methods of disposal are exposed. Approximately, 70% of the worlds e-waste is shipped back to China, where it is often disposed of using hazardous methods. These include open-flame burning and acid digestion directly into the soil causing a widespread presence of …
From The Depths Of Great Pond (Maine): Anthropogenic And Natural Influences On Bottom Sediments And The Implications For Local Sustainability, Sara George, Clara Bicher
From The Depths Of Great Pond (Maine): Anthropogenic And Natural Influences On Bottom Sediments And The Implications For Local Sustainability, Sara George, Clara Bicher
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
As part of a Maine EPSCoR grant focusing on sustainability in the Belgrade Lakes watershed of central Maine, current research consists of collecting bottom sediment samples from Great Pond. Samples were analyzed to create a sediment map of the lake basin in regards to depth, grain-size distribution, organic content (%C), C:N ratios and phosphorus concentration. Results will aid in the understanding of the glacial formation of the lake, distribution of sediment within, and human impact on the lake. Additionally, knowing the distribution of phosphorus within the sediments may allow development of a strategy to avoid accelerated eutrophication. This research will …
The Limestone Neutralization Of Potential Acid Mine Drainage From Bald Mountain In Aroostook County, Maine, Brendan Cosgrove
The Limestone Neutralization Of Potential Acid Mine Drainage From Bald Mountain In Aroostook County, Maine, Brendan Cosgrove
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Due to the loosening of environmental regulations in 2012, J.D. Irving, Limited may begin mining operations on massive Cu-Zn sulfide ored at Bald Mountain in Aroostook County, Maine. The Bald Mountain Project will positively and negatively impact the local economy with job creation, higher wages and income levels, but a potential decline in the recreational industry. The likely acid mine drainage (AMD) of the Bald Mountain Project can degrade aquatic ecosystems and reduce water quality and brook trout populations by metal contamination and acid loading in the local watershed. In West Virginia, in-stream limestone sand application has successfully restored streams …
Mathematical Analysis Of A Nim-Like Matrix Game, Edward Chuang, Stephen Morse
Mathematical Analysis Of A Nim-Like Matrix Game, Edward Chuang, Stephen Morse
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
This poster presentation covers our research on a mathematical game that is somewhat similar to the popular game Nim. In this game, Players play a variation of Nim where the number of piles must be a perfect square and where the piles are actually situated within a matrix. In addition, players are only allowed to subtract one from an entry on their turn, where as in Nim there are typically more options. The game is over either when a player does not have a move to make (because all entries have been reduced to zero) or the when the game …
Stratigraphy And Mapping Of Sandy River Floodplain Terraces, Franklin And Mercer County, Maine, Hannah Dhonau, Gift Ntuli
Stratigraphy And Mapping Of Sandy River Floodplain Terraces, Franklin And Mercer County, Maine, Hannah Dhonau, Gift Ntuli
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Our project details the stratigraphy and chronology of floodplain terraces along the Sandy River in Franklin and Mercer Counties in Central Maine. Using field observations, USGS aerial photographs, and Google Earth imagery, we were able to identify three separate terraces and compare their locations to previous mapping projects in the area.
My Pet Mineral: Augite, Jacob Wall
My Pet Mineral: Augite, Jacob Wall
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Augite is typically known for its greenish black color, nice vitreous luster, two directions of cleavage and of course its simple chemical formula: (Ca,Na,Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+Al,Ti)2[(Si,Al)2]O6]. Augite has a hardness of 5.5, 2 planes of cleavage and massive habit. Augite is an important rock-forming silicate mineral and occurs in a wide variety of basic igneous rocks, including gabbros, dolerites and basalts. Augite also occurs in ultrabasic and intermediate rocks as well as a limited number of high-grade metamorphic rocks such as granulites and charnockites. Augites range widely in composition and show a continuoius variation in chemical composition. Iron rich augites are restricted …
The Highway Game: Optimizing The Number Of Tollbooths, Meaghan Lewia, Tara Chizinski, Megan Lasher
The Highway Game: Optimizing The Number Of Tollbooths, Meaghan Lewia, Tara Chizinski, Megan Lasher
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
One of the biggest woes of highway drivers is the amount of tolls along the road that require each vehicle to not only slow down significantly, but also pay sometimes up to -8 to the State. This inconvenience is protested on various levels, but since its clear that the government must institute some type of toll system, we have decided to find a model that will at least optimize the time for each driver while still saving the State as much money as possible. Our report constructs a model of the ideal amount of tollbooths for any number of highway …
Weighing The Cost And Benefits Of Ecotourism: A Quantitative Evaluation Of Six Preserves Around The World, Andrew Newcomb, Tianyang Zhou, Savannah Judge
Weighing The Cost And Benefits Of Ecotourism: A Quantitative Evaluation Of Six Preserves Around The World, Andrew Newcomb, Tianyang Zhou, Savannah Judge
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Ecotourism is considered an effective way to preserve biodiversity, educate ecotourists, economically benefit local communities, and foster respect for different cultures. The ecotourism industry is booming, yet this growth may result in the degradation of local ecological systems while contributing little to local communities socioeconomically. Our study aims to assess the relative impact of ecotourism by comparing negative effects of the operation on the environment and positive socioeconomic effects for local communities in three pairs of large and small parks in Canada, Chile and China. While the conservation benefits of ecotourism are important, we do not attempt to measure these …
The Conservation Implications Of Climate Change On Predatory Mammal Distributions In North America And Europe: A Three Case Study, Carla Nyquist, Elizabeth Elliott, Helaine Linden
The Conservation Implications Of Climate Change On Predatory Mammal Distributions In North America And Europe: A Three Case Study, Carla Nyquist, Elizabeth Elliott, Helaine Linden
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
As the impacts of anthropogenic-induced climate change become more pronounced around the globe, the implications on specific species and ecosystems are increasingly becoming areas of concern. Changing temperatures and vegetation patterns suggest alterations of species distribution and global biomes altogether. These predicted changes may have a negative impact on large predatory mammals, as they will most likely need to alter their ranges in order to adapt to the changing temperatures and habitats. In this study we focused on three predatory mammals: the wolf (Canis lupus spp.), the lynx (Lynx spp.), and the brown bear (Ursus arctos). We made predictions regarding …
Spatial Variation, Institutional Structures And Forest Composition In Northern Ethiopian Church Forests, Ellen Evangelides, Jacob Wall
Spatial Variation, Institutional Structures And Forest Composition In Northern Ethiopian Church Forests, Ellen Evangelides, Jacob Wall
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Studies conducted in Northern Ethiopia to date have found that a majority of Ethiopian Tewahido Orthodox Church followers believe in the importance of protecting forests. Indeed, many of the forest fragments still in existence in Ethiopia today have survived only due to conservation efforts by priests and followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has a tradition of retaining patches of native trees around churches. Access to church forests by outsiders (including scientists) has been limited in the past which in part explains how these stands of native trees have survived in spite of widespread deforestation. Today however there is …
Historical Baselines For Large Sharks In Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Usa): Putting Recent Observed Increases Into Context, Elizabeth Mccormack
Historical Baselines For Large Sharks In Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Usa): Putting Recent Observed Increases Into Context, Elizabeth Mccormack
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Over the last decade, observations of sharks in the waters around Cape Cod, Massachusetts (USA) have increased, possibly related to increases in seal populations. However, historical data are needed to put these recent increases into a long-term context. Using newspaper articles, photographs, and fishing tournament records, we compiled historical data on sharks in the waters around Cape Cod from approximately a one hundred year period, from 1830 to 1939. We compared these to trends in modern observations to establish baselines. As well, we document trends in commercial and cultural value of sharks in New England since the early 19th century. …
The Effects Of Climate Change On Food Borne Diseases And Nutrition, Erin Griffin, Hannah Twombly
The Effects Of Climate Change On Food Borne Diseases And Nutrition, Erin Griffin, Hannah Twombly
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Despite the need for more research in order to assess fully the effects of climate change on human health, there is significant evidence to suggest the implications of climate change on food- and waterborne diseases and nutrition are significant. This study assesses the extent to which increasing temperatures and extreme weather events are increasing the incidence of foodborne disease and malnutrition in humans. Our study will focus on current research illustrating the connection between the incidence of these diseases with periods of high temperatures and rare weather patterns. We will also assess current policy in place governing climate change and …
The Effects Of Anthropogenic Nitrogen On Public Health, Grace Fowler, John Sears
The Effects Of Anthropogenic Nitrogen On Public Health, Grace Fowler, John Sears
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Human activities that add nitrogen to the environment are dramatically affecting the nitrogen cycle. Advancements in the production of reactive nitrogen in the 1950s rapidly increased the production of nitrogen fertilizers used in agricultural food production, a significant source of nitrogen in the cycle. Increased crop yields have been tied to the rapidly ascending human population and associated environmental impacts, and the alteration of the nitrogen cycle itself is associated with documented environmental detriment. A review of the history of ascending anthropogenic nitrogen production in agricultural and industrial processes also reveals its role in negatively altering greenhouse gas levels, spreading …
Maine's Eelgrass Habitat Loss Between 1997 And 2010, Mary Parks
Maine's Eelgrass Habitat Loss Between 1997 And 2010, Mary Parks
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Maines eelgrass meadows serve as an important habitat for many marine organisms. The sea grass, Zostera marina grows in beds anchored to the marine floor and reaches lengths of up to five feet. The unique structure of the beds provides protection to a large span of marine invertebrates and juvenile fish, prevents erosion by stabilizing sediment layers, and improves water quality by filtering nutrients and sediments. It is also consumed by various marine invertebrate species as a primary food source. However, eelgrass meadows have been subject to significant environmental degradation over the past century due to boat traffic, mooring, docking, …
Synthesis And Characterization Of A Copper(I)-Phenyl Complex, Max Cushner, Thabiso Kunene
Synthesis And Characterization Of A Copper(I)-Phenyl Complex, Max Cushner, Thabiso Kunene
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Compounds or complexes combining an organic species and a copper ion are amongst the most widely used organometallic reagents in synthetic organic chemistry. However, the chemistry for such organocopper compounds is underdeveloped including that for copper(I)-arene complexes, which are quite rare. Nonetheless, once the chemical properties of such copper-arene complexes are better understood, it will be easier to find uses for them, for instance as catalysts. Previous work on this project has produced evidence that copper(I)-arene complexes bearing phenyl and naphthyl groups behave differently from one another in arene replacement reactions. Thus, the phenyl does not seem to bind as …
People, Plants, And Places: A Spatial Study Of The Relationship Between Vegetation And Demography, Mackenzie Nichols
People, Plants, And Places: A Spatial Study Of The Relationship Between Vegetation And Demography, Mackenzie Nichols
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
This study examines the relationship between demographic factors and vegetation abundance and change in the SNNP and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. Regressions were run using the 2007 Ethiopian Census and satellite imagery in order to identify potential relationships between a variety of demographic factors and the change in NDVI (normalized differential vegetation index) in various weredas (municipalities) in Amhara and SNNP.
Critical Reef Fish Habitats, Fishing Regulations, And Active Drilling Lease Sites In The Gulf Of Mexico, Tierney Dodge
Critical Reef Fish Habitats, Fishing Regulations, And Active Drilling Lease Sites In The Gulf Of Mexico, Tierney Dodge
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
Human activities have been increasingly impacting the Gulf of Mexico negatively. The Gulf of Mexico is a biological rich ecosystem, with coral reefs providing a unique habitat for a diverse array of fish and other marine wildlife, including turtles. However, the increasing use of nutrient rich fertilizers in the Mississippi River Valley have created a growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico: a large area where there is no available oxygen due to extreme eutrophication. Overfishing has also depleted the stocks of many fish in the Gulf, further depleting the ecological health of the area. However, The National Oceanic …
An Analysis Of The Proximity Between Organic Farms And Schools In Maine, Olivia Avidan
An Analysis Of The Proximity Between Organic Farms And Schools In Maine, Olivia Avidan
CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium
This analysis will focus on determining the number of organic farms within a 10 mile driving radius of schools in Maine. Both public and private schools are included in the study, but all higher education institutions are omitted. The farms are certified organic by MOFGA. All data will be analyzed using ArcGIS software, specifically the Network Analyst tool.