Hello reader:
In September 11, I visited my former high school teacher Mr Grosinger. The purpose of the visit was to catch up in our current projects and to learn how to drive standard transmission (stick). In my visit I meet Mr. Yoav Benari, who is my teachers girlfriend's dad. He is a very interesting man. Dr. Benari received both an undergraduate and graduate degree from Princeton University. One thing we spoke about was my visit to the Math Museum. I explained about the Catalan number. In response, he talked about the mathematical constant pi, and Archimedes.
Before I go in detail about Archimedes, Mr. Benari has a blog called FinancialGauge. In this blog, he analysis the financial market as well as understanding current market development.
To continue with Archimedes. He was a Greek mathematician, physicist, inventor and astronomer. His discoveries were admirable. Some of the most admirable to me are as followed:
1. Archimedes' Principle which states " Any object, wholly or partially immersed in a fluid, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object." By dividing different shapes into small strips he determined centers of gravity and buoyancy.
2. Claw of archimedes. the claw was a weapon design to defend the city of Syracuse. The weapon consists of a crank-like arm, which lifted ships out of the water and possibly sinking it.
3. Personally the one I enjoy reading the most about was about Pi. He developed the first method for calculating the value of Pi with greater precision then those of which had already existed. The reason why I enjoyed searching for Pi was because Mr. Benari asked me an interesting rhetorical question: how can we precisely determine the value of a circles circumference or area when Pi itself is an irrational number. Hopefully, that question will motivate you to look for an answer.
As a final note, in the museum I was asked how many mathematicians did I know of. I had a very sad answer... The same answer I had when Mr. Benari asked me if I knew who Archimedes was, I just didn't know. This triggered something, my question is: Why are we only taught the very important mathematical equations that have helped the progression of not only math but science as well, yet we are not taught about the great minds who came up with them, or why?
Therefore let me ask you, how many mathematicians can you mention with their respective theory or what they are known for?
If you are lost, here are a few suggestions: Descartes, Fermat, Pascal, Newton, Leibniz, Euler, Gauss, Riemann, Euclid, Pythagoras of Samos.
Evo's Blog
The purpose of this blog is post about articles or news I find interesting.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
801 Things You Should Know: Part 4
Hello reader:
This the fourth part of 801 Things You should Know by
David Olsen.
1.Philosophy
Animism- is the belief that physical entities, such as animals, plants, and rivers, posses a spirit.
2.History
The American crisis- is a series of sixteen pamphlets written and
published by Thomas Paine during the American Revolutionary War. He
wrote about the need for revolution and human freedom.
3.Business and Economics
Amortization- is a process of decreasing a debt by making payments
over a period of time.
4.Art and Literature
Acropolis- is a settlement, such as a citadel, built in a hill for
defense purposes.
5.People and Culture
Allen, Woody- he is an American screenwriter, actor, comedian and
director. He has won multiple awards. One of his fourty films, Annie Hall, won
him 4 Oscars in 1977. Additionally, comedy central ranked him fourth of the
greatest stand-up comedian. A UK survey ranked him third.
6.Politics
Apartheid- A system of racial segregation enforced by the government
of the National Party of South Africa.
7.Science and Technology
Alpha radiation- is a type of radioactive decay. A radioactive
particle decays in to an isotope and an alpha particle. Alpha particles are
made of two neurons and two protons.
8.Social Science
Animism
Monday, September 9, 2013
Volunteering at the Museum of Mathematics
Hello Reader:
In September 4th, I volunteered at the The Museum of Mathematics. The experience was rewarding . Not only did I learn about applied mathematics but I also was able to attended a presentation by Alissa Crans. The presentations name was "A Surreptitious Sequence." She presented the Catalan numbers. The sequence starts by 1,1,2,5,14,42, ... .The main purpose of the presentation was to show in what occasions does the sequence occurs.s
For example 1:
Let say we want to triangulate a convex polygon with n+2 sides you can obtain the catalan numbers. Here is a illustration
In September 4th, I volunteered at the The Museum of Mathematics. The experience was rewarding . Not only did I learn about applied mathematics but I also was able to attended a presentation by Alissa Crans. The presentations name was "A Surreptitious Sequence." She presented the Catalan numbers. The sequence starts by 1,1,2,5,14,42, ... .The main purpose of the presentation was to show in what occasions does the sequence occurs.s
For example 1:
Let say we want to triangulate a convex polygon with n+2 sides you can obtain the catalan numbers. Here is a illustration
* I apologize for my lack of drawing skills.
Example 2
Suppose you have a set of n + 1 numbers to multiply together, meaning that there are n multiplications to perform,without changing the order of the number. Here are the possible multiplication
n=0 (a) 1 way
n=1 (a)(b) 1 way
n=2 (a*b)c , a(b*c) 2 way
n=3 ((a*b)*c)*d , (a*b)(c*d), (a*(b*c))*d) , a*((b*c))*d), a*(b*(c*d)) 5 ways
n=4 is for you to try.
If you want to continue looking for more examples just search online you will find many examples.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
801 Things You Should Know: Part 3
Hello reader:
This the third part of 801
Things You should Know by David Olsen.
1.Philosophy
Agnosticism- Is skeptical view about
truth of certain things. For example, the existence or nonexistence of a deity.
2.History
Alien and sedition acts- a series of law signed by U.S. president John Adams to restrict activities of those who criticized his federalist ideas and support the French revolution.
3.Business and Economics
American Stock Exchange- (AMEX) is the second-largest stock exchange in the US, located in NYC.
4.Art and Literature
Achilles' Heel- was the weak point of the Trojan War hero Achilles of the Greek mythology. Now the term is used as a person’s vulnerable spot.
5.People and Culture
Ali, Muhammad- one of the greatest boxers of all time. He won three world-heavyweight championships. However, he was not only known for his ring abilities but for his thought. He created controversy of religious freedom and racial justice.
6.Politics
Ad Nauseam- something repeatedly said to the point of sickening
7.Science and Technology
Aerobic- has four definitions.
However, there only two related to science. One is organism aerobic, which are
organisms that need oxygen to live. Second is aerobic respiration. This is a
form of cellular respiration in which oxygen is used to survive.
8.Social Science
Alter ego- latin for "another
I." - is a second self usually different from its original or normal personality.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Yerba Mate Vocabulary
Hello reader:
This is the second post on Yerba Mate. As the title says, this
post consists of some words I came across while reading the articles and did
not understand.
Caffeoyl (caffeic acid) -is an organic yellow compound found in
all plants. It is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin.
Lignin- is a
chemical compound that supports the strengthening of wood (xylem cells) in trees.
Xylem cell-
is one of the two types of tissue carriers in vascular plants. Its function is to transport water
and nutrients
Chlorogenic acid- is a complex ester of polyphenolic caffeic acid
and cyclitol. Also, is another intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin.
Phenolic- is
a white crystalline which acts as a disinfectant in organic synthesis.
Ester- is a
chemical compound derived from reacting an acid and an alcohol. In nature ester
are in general, fat.
Quinic Acid- is a cyclitol. It is present in cinchona bark, coffee
beans, and the leaves of many plants. In general, it is an intermediate product
in the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds in higher plants and some micro
organisms.
Cyclitol- are cycloalkanes containing a hydroxyl group on each of
the three or more ring atoms. As well as an osmoprotectant.
Cycloalkanes-
a saturated hydrocarbon compound. Known for their constant polygonal form.
Osmoprotectant- are small molecules that act as osmolytes and help
organisms survive extreme osmotic stress.
Osmolyte- are
compounds affecting osmosis. Their role is to maintain cell volume and fluid
balance.
Osmotic shock
(osmotic stress)- is a sudden change in the solute concentration around a cell,
causing a rapid change in the movement of water across its cell membrane.
Oxidative stress- is an imbalance between the systematic
manifestations of reactive oxygen species and biological system’s ability to
readily detoxify the reactive intermediate or repair the resulting damage. In
other words, is a toxic effect through the production of peroxides and free
radicals which damage component of the cell. In addition, it disrupts cellular
signaling.
Flavonoids- are a large part of the water-soluble plant pigments
that are beneficial to human health. It has antioxidant, antiviral, and
anti-inflammatory properties.
Xanthine- is a chemical compound found in human tissue and fluids,
and other organism. They stimulate the central nervous system, stimulate
cardiac muscles and relax smooth muscles.
Saponin- are chemical compounds found in natural sources. It is
particularly abundant in plant species. In general, they are characterized by
their ability to form emulsions, and durable foam in watery solutions.
Dsylipidemic- an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood.
Lipids- are
organic compounds that are greasy to the touch and insoluble in water. However, they are
soluble in alcohol and ether.
Legumes- any plant of the leguminosae family. For example, beans,
nuts, lentils, etc
Antioxidant- a chemical compound that protects the body from
oxygen radical-induced damage.
Yerba Mate
Hello Reader:
For a week, I gathered information
about a drink ingredient used at the restaurant In which I am currently employed. The ingredient is
called Yerba Mate,
for more info just click on yerba mate. I attached a link to Wikipedia.
However, I am warning you, I do not fully trust wiki, but it will give you a
quick overview of what yerba mate is and where it is originated. Anyways, I
was reading about it and I realized yerba mate has a few interesting health
benefits. At that moment, I thought it was fascinating and then I started
gathering information.
This post consists of a quick summary
of what I found. Nevertheless, at the end of the quick summary I wrote my
resources. The only difficulty you may encounter with the
resources I used to do my research is that I searched them using my NJIT library account. Therefore,
I do not know if you will be able to read the resources completely.
Yerba Mate (Illex Paraguariensis)
Mate is green plant used as an herbal
tea. The tea is widely consumed in South America, countries such as Argentina,
Brazil and Uruguay. Some of the health benefits of the tea are: high in
antioxidant activity, weight management and obesity, and carcinogenesis.
The chemical isolation consist of
A.
Caffeoyl derivatives
a.
Chlorogenic acid
b.
Caffeic acid
c.
Dicaffeoyl quinic acid
B.
Flavonoids
a.
Rutin
b.
Quercetin
c.
Kaempferol
C.
Xanthines
a.
Teophylline
b.
Theobromine
c.
Caffeine
D.
Saponins
a.
Triterpenoid
E.
Minerals
a.
Aluminum
b.
Chromium
c.
Copper
d.
Iron
e.
Manganese
Resources- Here is the list of the
4 articles I summarized about Yerba Mate. However, I encourage you to continue
searching because there is a lot of information about yerba mate. I did not include
everything I found but among it you can find mate can be used to prevent epileptic seizure
and mate extracts can be used for organic pharmaceutical medicine or can be added to processed food to increase its nutritional quality .
“Applied Nutritional investigation:
Association of Mate Tea intake and dietary intervention and effects on
oxidative stress biomarkers of dyslipidemic subjects”
In
summary, its a 90 day test of yerba mate tea on 74 dsylipidemic volunteers. The
subjects were divided into 3 groups: Mate Tea (MT), Dietary Intervention (DI),
and Mate Tea with dietary intervention (MD). MT and MD consumed one liter per
day of mate tea. MD and DI were instructed a healthy diet, which consist of increasing
their intake of fruit, legumes, and vegetables and decrease cholesterol,
saturated and unsaturated fat. They were assessed at the beginning of the study
and after in the 20th, 40th, 60th and 90th day. The results showed an increase
in serum antioxidant and a decrease in cholesterol. First, regardless or
independently of the dietary intervention, the subjects increased their blood antioxidant,
which lowered oxidative stress. In the other hand, with dietary intervention,
they increased the antioxidant capacity and decreased the consumption of total
and saturated fats. In a like manner, these results were consistent with result
from other studies and similar beverage rich in antioxidant, such as green tea.
In the same study, they also found a low GHS peroxidase concentration, which is
considered a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Additionally, a slightly increase in serum paraoxonase 1 (PON1) was shown.
PON1 acts as a protection against CVD. At last, they suggest a more strict dietary
approach is needed to observe a greater increase in PON1.
“Antioxidant activity of Illex Paraguariensis and
related species”
In
summary, they examine antioxidant activity of yerba mate and related species.
The related species are the following:
·
I Theezans C. Martis ex Reisseck
·
I Dumosa Keisseck Var Dumosa
·
I Argentina Lillo
·
I Brevicuspis Reiseeck
·
I Pseudobuxux Reisseck
Additionally, they examine caffeoyl-derivatives. The
results showed I Paraguariensis has the highest antioxidant activity. Also,
antioxidant properties remain after the tea is prepared. At last, they
speculate it can contribute to human antioxidant defense.
“Rearching on new species of ‘Mate’, (Illex
Brevicuspis)”
The
study was taken to isolate, identify and quantify polyphenolic compounds in the
plant. The chemical isolation they found was shown above. Nevertheless, they stated that the tea has high antioxidant activity, intestinal propulsion activity and showed
no sign of toxicity.
“Yerba
Mate Tea: A comprehensive Review on Chemistry, health implications, and
technological considerations” This is my favorite article. The article is very complete in the sense that it has a complete list
of all the chemical compounds in mate. In addition, it has a lot of charts with
information and comparison with other teas.
The
article is a review that presents the usage, chemistry, biological activities,
health effects, and some technological consideration for processing yerba
mate. The final consideration of the
article is mate diverse concentration of biological compounds, such as
xanthenes, theobromine and theophylline are attributed to its health benefits.
On top of that, its active compounds make it ideal for compound extraction and
use it in foods and supplements. In conclusion, cancer development from mate
can be a result of contaminants involve in the process procedures. As an alternative,
a more optimized process and good quality control is needed to eliminate contaminants.
Monday, August 26, 2013
801 Things You Should Know: Part 2
Hello reader:
This the second part of 801
Things You should Know by David Olsen.
- Philosophy
- Age of Reason- a movement between the 17th
-18th century started in Europe. The purpose was to reform
society into a more intellectual society.
- History
- Alexander the Great- A king of Macedon. He is known as
one of the best conqueror. His empire spread from
Greece (and parts of modern-day Bulgaria) to India (modern-day Pakistan)
and included Asia Minor (Turkey), Syria, Palestine (Israel), Egypt, Mesopotamia
(Iraq), Persia (Iran), Bactria and Afghanistan and parts of Uzbekistan,
and India (Pakistan).
- Business and Economics
- Agribusiness- is the business involve in agricultural
production.
- Art and Literature
- Abstract Art- is a type of art which involves form of
object, colors and textures to express ideas.
- People and Culture
- Addams, Jane- one of the first social worker in the
United States. She was concern with women’s right, mother issues, public
health and world peace. In 1931, she was awarded the Noble Peace Prize.
- Politics
- Ad hominem- is a type of argument based on a person’s
character or intelligence rather than his idea or argument. Ad hominem
can be positive or negative and is consider a logical fallacies.
- Science and Technology
- Adaption- is the state or act to adapt to an environment
to improved survival and multiply. Adaption is a key element in natural
selection.
- Social
Science-
- Alienation- the act of being an outsider.
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