Jan 27
Recent Posts Across the Commons
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Steven Tindall wrote a new post on the site Ling 201: Introduction to Language 2 minutes ago
Blog Post #4I talked to my parents about the way that they spoke when they were growing up. My dad lived on Staten Island all his life, and my mom […]
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victoria blunnie (they/he/she) wrote a new post on the site Ling 201: Introduction to Language 31 minutes ago
BlogPost4I grew up speaking English with my family, and occasionally hearing my mom speak to her siblings on the phone in Romanian but never […]
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Odalys Cuadros (she/her) wrote a new post on the site Ling 201: Introduction to Language 1 hour, 29 minutes ago
Blog Post 4Growing up, I have always spoken two languages: English and Spanish. Because I was born to two immigrant parents with their first […]
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Delila Hansen-Martinez wrote a new post on the site Delila's Writing for Engineering Portfolio 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
Comparison of Lab Report Elements from Chapter 19 of Technical Communication by Mike Markel to the lab report Capacity Design of Traditional and Innovative Ductile Connections for Earthquake-resistant CLT StructuresLab reports are vital to scientists, engineers, a research team, and can be important to many others. They are used to spread information and what has occurred in an experiment. The process of writing a lab report helps the authors understand scientific concepts and understand how to communicate ideas. It involves critical thinking and analysis skills that develop through the more reports that one reads and analyzes. In the textbook Technical Communication by Mike Markel, chapter 19 explains how lab reports play an important role in understanding and solving a scientific problem in the real world. Lab reports are a way to communicate an experiment’s results and build on others’ work. It is important to write clearly and persuasively to engage the reader and prove the research provided is valid. There are eight elements described in this chapter that are seen through the lab report Capacity Design of Traditional and Innovative Ductile Connections for Earthquake-resistant CLT Structures. The first element of a lab report is the title. This is the first aspect a reader encounters which is why it should be interesting and informative. According to Chapter 19, the title should be informative enough for the reader to decide whether the report interests or benefits them. It also helps other scientists and engineers save time when needing to locate information in that subject area. The title of the lab report, Capacity Design of Traditional and Innovative Ductile Connections for Earthquake-resistant CLT Structures, portrays the two types of connections that will be compared and states what they will be used for. The author chose an effective title of proper length that will benefit those interested. After the title, the abstract is presented which summarizes the entire report. It gives insight into the layout of the report and briefly addresses each section. It can include the purpose of the report, any major conclusions, and key findings. It makes it easier for the readers to understand the main point. On occasion, the abstract can express what questions the authors had that motivated the study and what was discovered. This section of a report plays a critical role by expressing a summary of the overall study. In the abstract of the lab report, the authors explained their reason for constructing the report and how they were going to accomplish any results. They introduced the flaws with cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings and a way of improving them through creating a new connection built within them called innovative ductile connections. They explained how there were multiple factors that contributed to the flaws of CLT buildings such as their overestimation of strength. These buildings were designed to withstand a great amount of force however not all parts of the buildings were able to. As the demand for strength in the ductile components increased, the brittle components did as well which could not maintain stability like the stronger components. Throughout this report, the authors proposed some modifications to improve the CLT buildings reliability. This led to what will be explained in the introduction. The introduction is the section in the report where the hypothesis is described and explains why the research is significant. This serves as the foundation of a report because it prepares the reader for the detailed descriptions that follow the introduction. It establishes what is going to be examined and creates a clear view of what is going to be discussed throughout the report. The introduction provides enough detail to help the readers understand how you conducted your research and the significance of the information. According to the textbook, the introduction should include a review of previous research relevant to the study and describe how this impacts the new experiment being attempted. Background information and context helps the readers understand the concepts of the text and why it is relevant. In the lab report, the introduction gave insight into common CLT structures and how they were built. The authors explained how the connections between the buildings are created to prevent the wall panels from sliding vertical or horizontally by brackets (or known as traditional connections). A majority of these connections are made with wood embedment which creates a pinching behavior between steel and timber. This limits the amount of energy the building can withstand. The history of traditional connections and the fact that more connections have been developed were included, which show flaws within how the buildings were designed. They were originally developed for light-frame shear walls, however the energy limitation is bounded by small-diameter fasteners which can only reciprocate the energy to the panels that can withstand the equal amount of force. The introduction of this lab report explained the problem that was happening, why it occurred, previous acknowledgment of other designs that enhanced the flawed building design, and what will be shown throughout the report. The materials and methods are part of a lab report that expresses to the reader that the report is credible. This section explains in detail the type of materials used because it can affect the outcome of an experiment. If another researcher attempts this experiment, they might aim to achieve different results and one way of doing so is to use a different type of material. Additionally, this is the section where the procedures taken are explained and any obstacles encountered are expressed. All of the relevant details are added and the reasoning behind any decisions the authors made during the experiment is explained. In the lab report, Capacity Design of Traditional and Innovative Ductile Connections for Earthquake-resistant CLT Structures, there was not a specified materials and methods section, like the introduction, however, the procedures, observations, and data collected were shown. Part of their experiment involved a conceptual model that visually expressed what their ideas were. They also used multiple equations to find the over-strength factor and show how the factor of the materials used plays a part in the results. These were two main parts of their experiment where the procedures were explained, but there was no materials section. The authors chose to present the information this way because the majority of the lab report is their ideas being calculated based on research from other buildings. They did have to compare a steel bracket that had already been developed, however in this report they had more data, formulas, and research that led them to their results. The results are the section of a lab report where evidence that supports the claims are presented. The data is summarized and any extra information that was found can be explained. Everything found whether it supported the hypothesis or not, should be included. It is considered unethical if it is not included because science is based on proven information. False information is misleading and defeats the purpose of an experiment. Additionally according to the textbook, the data is presented after a statement if it includes graphs or formulas. In the lab report, a test results section is presented and explained. They expressed how the results are shown through the graphs and what the graphs represent. They explained how some of the large displacements on the graphs are where failure occurred because the building structure was too unbalanced. They also explained how the small displacements in the graph represent full cycles where there is the most balance implying that this is when the building structure is strongest. Unlike the textbook, the graphs were presented in a different section yet they were interpreted in the results. It is a different format which the authors most likely intended to do because it was more organized for the work they had to have presented. After the results are shown, a discussion section is presented which is where the results are interpreted and analyzed. This section provides an opportunity to compare the results with previous studies or new information that was found during the experiment. The hypothesis is evaluated and the author expresses whether the results supported their claim or not. According to the textbook, the important findings are explained first, followed by major trends, magnitudes or values, associations, patterns of statistical significance, and exceptions. Problematic and failed data are also explained because it can help other researchers create new knowledge or inspire them to find another way to solve the question being asked. This is the section where if the results did not support the hypothesis, suggestions or explanations are made to encourage other researchers. In the lab report, the results were discussed and explained. They stated how the formulas were able to show the behavior of the steel they used and how it created a better balance in comparison to traditional connections. They explained the range differences between the variables they studied which were : the elastic range, the working range, and the high ductility range. These ranges were based on the force the building connections withstood and dealt with. All of these had a different displacement which had an effect on how stable the connections were. As for the conclusion, all main points are restated in a paragraph or two and the hypothesis is reviewed. No new information is introduced.The most important findings are emphasized and this is the last opportunity to express the significance of the report to the reader. Additionally, the conclusion can offer recommendations for future research and how others could build on the already known findings of a topic. They can address unanswered questions and explore new concepts involving the same question. In the lab report, they did restate their reasoning for conducting the experiment and explained why their modifications to the CLT buildings are important. They learned how structural steel makes a more reliable connection than traditional connections. The authors also included the pros of having an innovative connection such as : higher ductility and low scattered results of failure. Their work mainly summarized the overstrength factors that should be considered when designing CLT structures. The common format of a lab report is a guide which ensures all aspects of the research are communicated clearly and effectively. There are many different ways to pass on necessary information and although the lab report, Capacity Design of Traditional and Innovative Ductile Connections for Earthquake-resistant CLT Structures, did not follow textbook format, it still had all the essential elements of a standard report. They presented the information in a manner that was most organized for their research which portrays a good communication aspect that is needed when writing lab reports. Citations Markel, Michael H., and Stuart A. Selber. Technical Communication. 13th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2021. Trutalli, D. T., Marchi, L […] “Comparison of Lab Report Elements from Chapter 19 of Technical Communication by Mike Markel to the lab report Capacity Design of Traditional and Innovative Ductile Connections for Earthquake-resistant CLT Structures”
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Daniel Steininger (he/him) wrote a new post on the site Spring 2024 project 2 hours, 19 minutes ago
PSA-Food Waste Reduction Alliance
I have never done a public service announcement before. I found the assignment to be quite interesting since we were allowed to choose a topic that we wanted to do. This did include working with group members to design a slide show that conveyed an important message. I did find it a bit difficult in the sense that you had to really simplify a lot of text while still getting the main point across. This also included making the message visually appealing as there are many factors to take into account when designing a PSA. One of the big issues was the fact that the announcement would be shown to many different people. This emphasized the importance of having any text be very visible as certain colors can be an issue for those who can’t see a specific color. In our case we kept a white color with a darker background while other text was in black with a brighter background. We also made use of imagery to convey a message. In our case we used simple images that were visually appealing and gave direct information for what we wanted to say without the need of text. This type of project does relate to stuff I have worked on previously such as posters. In a class I’m currently taking we have to keep text very concise as well as make use of images to convey things like data or components in our project. The text also needs to be simplified as complex text may make the reader confused. This is an important skill to have as I will be using it a lot more in my upcoming classes. I found that this assignment makes use of these few learning objectives: Acknowledging others range of linguistic differences Develop and engage in collaborative and social aspects of writing processes Engage in genre analysis for e […] “PSA-Food Waste Reduction Alliance”
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Daniel Steininger (he/him) wrote a new post on the site Spring 2024 project 2 hours, 21 minutes ago
Technical Description-French PressTechnical-description-1Download I’ve never had this kind of assignment before, but I did not find it challenging to complete. This assignment focused heavily on the ability to conduct research as well as having a good understanding of the information presented, which I have done quite a bit before since I’m currently a junior going into my senior year next semester. As we approach the end of the semester and finish off with this final project, there were a few things that I did get more practice on while working on the assignment. This includes incorporating material from sources while citing them in what’s written. Certain sources can contain complex information that you may not understand what it is trying to say. In my case I try to break apart the material being shown by looking up the definitions of words or even watching videos on processes. This has helped me a lot when it comes to much more complicated material in my major. This upcoming summer I will be working with a phd student with her research in metamaterials. I have seen her work and she does use a lot of references and incorporates the information into her papers. By practicing this skill it will definitely help me be able to perform a higher level of work. This assignment also helped in improving my ability to pick from proper sources that have credibility. A lot of information can be found by a simple google search, but being able to recognize when that information has no credibility is an important skill to have. These skills will help me in my upcoming research as well as anything I may pursue in the future. The course learning objectives that were most utilized in this assignment include: Practice using various library resources Strengthen source use practices Enhance strategies for reading, drafting, revising, editing and sel […] “Technical Description-French Press”
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melanie gomez (she/her) wrote a new post on the site Ling 201: Introduction to Language 2 hours, 26 minutes ago
Blog Post #4For this assignment I chose to speak with my mom about the different ways we use language together. She had told me that growing up she […]
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Delila Hansen-Martinez wrote a new post on the site Delila's Writing for Engineering Portfolio 2 hours, 29 minutes ago
Technical Description: Xbox Series X Remote Controller
What is the Xbox Series X Controller? The Xbox Series X is a very popular game console that was created in November 2020 by Microsoft. It is a part of the fourth generation of Xbox consoles which were intended to create significant performance, faster load times, and better frame rates for gamers. The Xbox Series X was created with a stronger chipmaker AMD, immersing experiences people have never seen before (Will Tuttle, 2020). Along with the console, an Xbox controller was designed as a primary input device to interact with the video games provided by the Xbox. There are multiple functions the controller serves which is why it is a significant part associated with the Xbox. It allows users to interact with the gaming console through inputs and it is designed to comfortably fit a wide range of users. Some have features like wireless connectivity and customizable options for buttons and triggers to enhance the user’s experience. Mainboard The innermost part of the remote consists of two boards. The first is the mainboard which contains four vibration motors, two analogs, and a wireless and control chip (Figure 1). The four vibration motors are behind each trigger which adds haptic feedback to the fingertips. The two analogs are created for movement control and navigation. They provide a way to scroll and make selections. The wireless and control chip is predominantly for wireless communication and processing. This chip allows the remote to connect to the Xbox without a physical wire. It also allows input data from the controller’s buttons and sends them to the console as commands to be executed. (Figure 1) The Second Board The second board consists of silicone pads for controlling buttons and batteries (Figure 2). It connects to the boards and the outermost parts of the remote which holds the buttons in place. It has elements that make contact with the circuit boards when a button is pressed. It sends signals to the controllers’ processor which registers the press for the button. It also helps create soft feedback towards the gamer which ultimately ensures a more comfortable gaming experience. It is responsible for wireless connectivity and using radio frequency to maintain a stable connection. Between the two boards, there is something called a mini-jack connector (Figure 3). This allows players to connect a headset to the controller and hear game sounds and music directly through the headset. This helps the audio output and allows effective communication which overall enhances the gaming experience. (Figure 2) (Figure 3) Buttons This Xbox Series X controller has multiple buttons that are held together by the boards. It has four letter buttons labeled A, B, X, and Y. These buttons are placed on the right side of the controller in the formation of a diamond. The Y is in the top position, with the B button on the right, the X button on the left, and the A button on the bottom. They are the standard buttons used for different functions and game navigation (Figure 4). The exact roles can vary but they were designed to be easy to remember. An Xbox remote also has buttons known as the right stick button (RSB), left stick button (LSB), right bumper (RB), right trigger (RT), left bumper (LB), and left trigger (LT). These buttons are mainly used to interact with games and the console itself. They make it easier to search for any interests. The LB and RB are on the top part of the remote. It can be concluded its placement is there to be easily used by the pointer finger for comfort. Underneath each of those buttons, lays the triggers LT and RT. These help in-game movement and primary game actions (Figure 5). (Figure 4) (Figure 5) On the bottom left of the remote, lies what is known as the d-pad. This is a plus-shaped button that adds to the ability to navigate through the console. It leaves more options if a user wants to create a customized setting and can help improve game mechanics. Above and to the left of the d-pad is the LSB. To the right of the d-pad is the RSB (Figure 6). The LSB and RSB are inputs added to the controller that also help improve gaming performance. They hold various functions and are created to make it easier for the user to perform actions without having to move fingers to a different part of the remote. All of these buttons work together to produce a smoother gaming experience. (Figure 6) (Figure 7) In the top center of the remote lies the Xbox Button and three buttons directly underneath: the share button, menu button, and view button (Figure 7). The Xbox button is used to turn the console on and off, access the guide menu, and view notifications. The share button is used to quickly capture screenshots and record clips. This is mainly used during a game and saves significant moments. This is the first time an Xbox controller has a dedicated button for sharing and saving content. The menu button, also known as the “start” button, is the primary button to access options such as saving or quitting to return to the main menu. The view button, which was previously the “back” button on earlier Xbox controllers, allows the player to change settings and access another menu. It also can change the camera angle or switch to different viewing perspectives. These buttons help with organization and selecting the right applications. They are additional features created to make navigation quicker making the gaming experience more efficient. Front and Back Panels The front and the back panel are the parts that keep the whole remote together (Figure 8). The front panel, also known as the face of the controller, is where you can visually see all of the buttons and hold them in place presentably. It is designed to be for the user which means the layout, functionality, comfort, and control were all factors that were considered. The back panel also serves multiple key purposes. It holds the power source of the controller and is designed to be easily accessible for battery replacement or recharging. It also plays a big part in the structure of the controller by protecting the internal components. This part helped provide comfort, customizable options, and easy access to functions which make it a critical part of the controller’s design (Figure 8) Overall, Microsoft’s creation of the Xbox series along with the controller reflects the development of modern gaming. The very first Xbox was created in 2001 which was a huge stepping stone for Microsoft. Since then, they have created many upgraded consoles which led to the Xbox Series X. This console was created to emphasize high performance, fast loading times, and a new experience for users. Along with its controller, this creation continues nearly 20 years of development. The Xbox brand has become very popular in the gaming industry and continues to do so. It has become the most powerful console on the market. Citations Will Tuttle (He/Him), X. W. E. in C. (2021, February 24). Xbox series X: A closer look at the technology powering the next generation. Xbox Wire. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-tech/ YouTube. (2021, December 8). How to completely disassemble an Xbox series X or series S controller. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3w2RFooS9c 262588213843476. (n.d.). Xbox Controller Button names and layout. Gist. https://gist.gith […] “Technical Description: Xbox Series X Remote Controller” -
Daniel Steininger (he/him) wrote a new post on the site Spring 2024 project 2 hours, 29 minutes ago
Ai Bias in Image GeneratorsAI-Bias-2Download AI_Project-2Download This assignment is also something I haven’t done before. I found this assignment to be more difficult than the previous especially since we are also grouped up. I have not used an AI image generator before so it was interesting to see what the technology can do. Since this was a group project we each had to generate 100 images which seemed simple at first, but the generator would sometimes give us bad images that altered the data. We also had to conduct research on the bias being present in AI. This is an important skill to have as we need to get the information from proper sources. We also had to display proper citation use as well as give a shortened version of what a paragraph may be saying. Another difficulty was writing the report itself since there were three of us and we had to make it appear as if it was only one person writing the paper. This took a bit of coordination as we don’t share the same mind and may view information differently than each other. We also had to coordinate when it came to presenting the slide show so we decided to simplify it by having each take turns while talking. These are important skills to have as everyone needs to be on the same page to make sure things go smoothly. This assignment also emphasized the need to proofread a paper. There were some grammatical errors that needed to be fixed as well as check for any spelling mistakes. The course objectives this assignment focused on the most include: Enhance strategies for reading, drafting revising, editing and self assessment Develop and engage in the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes Formulate and articulate a stance through writing Practice use of library resources and online databases Strengthen source use pra […] “Ai Bias in Image Generators”
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Kaleb Thomas wrote a new post on the site Ling 201: Introduction to Language 2 hours, 38 minutes ago
Blog Post #4When talking with family from older generations, it’s pretty clear that language has shifted over time. Back in their day, accents were […]
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