Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for University

African Music

Djembe

The djembe is a solid wooden drum with a goat skin stretched over the top. Played with the hands, it produces three distinct sounds. Originally, the djembe served as an effective communication device across the Malian Empire.

Calabash

The calabash is half of a hollowed pumpkin gourd played with the hands. Sometimes rings are placed around one or more fingers, or two small sticks are used.

Kora

The kora is a 21-string bridge harp attached to a calabash gourd with cowhide stretched over the front. This gives the instrument a slightly different sound than a European harp.

Bira Ceremony

The Bira ceremony involves singing, dancing, clapping, and the shaking of the hosho (rattle) made from smaller gourds. Master musicians playing the... Continue reading "World Music Exploration: Instruments and Genres" »

Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Guide

Chordophones

Chordophones are instruments that produce sound by strings vibrating when plucked, picked, bowed, or struck.

Membranophones

Membranophones are instruments that are played by striking a membrane.

Idiophones

Idiophones are instruments that self-vibrate by being moved or struck in various ways.

Electrophones

Electrophones are instruments that produce sounds from electronic recreation and modification.

The Human Voice

The human voice is an aerophone. Although we have vocal cords, we need to exhale air for our voices to produce sound. We use our voices to express ourselves using words and music together.

Another way the human voice acts as a musical instrument is through the use of vocables, which are... Continue reading "Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Guide to Chordophones, Membranophones, Idiophones, Electrophones, and the Human Voice" »

Moksha, Atman, Brahman and Samsara

Moksha

Moksha — means liberation. Path of renunciation (what people really want). Being, knowledge, joy.

Atman and Brahman

Atman (hidden self) — Brahman (creator). We must cleanse ourselves of pain, frustration, boredom to find this already divine, existing nature. We are seeking this eternal truth.

Sanatana Dharma

Sanatana Dharma — (external truth). See Sanatana Dharma. Set of duties / religious practices:

• Honesty
• Do not injure living beings
• Purity
• Goodwill
• Mercy
• Patience
• Self-restraint
• Generosity

Raja Yoga

Raja Yoga — realization of Brahman through psychophysical exercise. Takes determination and consistent practice. Use the mind to go to a higher level. A form of meditation. Buddha sat under the Bodhi tree / remained... Continue reading "Moksha, Atman, Brahman and Samsara: Hindu-Buddhist Concepts" »

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

RFID Components and Tag Types

RFID tags are attached to items intended for tracking.

• Passive Tags: Powered by incoming RF. They are smaller, cheaper, and long-life, with a typical range of 5 meters.
• Active Tags: Battery powered. Can be read up to 100 feet away.
• Semi-Active Tags: Offer a range similar to passive tags but reliability comparable to active tags.

Applications, Challenges, and Concerns

Key Applications

• EZ-Pass
• Walmart inventory management

Challenges

• Reducing tag price
• Managing necessary IT infrastructure

Security and Privacy Concerns

• Low credibility regarding data security
• Lack of informed user consent
• Vulnerability to hacking

Defining the Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of... Continue reading "Supply Chain Dynamics: RFID, IoT, and Bullwhip Effect Mitigation" »

Essential Vocabulary for Social Interaction

Understanding the nuances of relationship vocabulary is crucial for effective communication. This glossary defines key verbs and phrases used to describe feelings, connections, and conflicts between people.

Positive Relationships and Admiration

These terms describe feelings of approval, closeness, and high regard for others:

• Admire: To look at someone as an example or regard them with respect and approval.
• Adore: To love and respect someone deeply.
• Respect: Deep admiration felt for someone based on their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
• Look Up To: To admire or hold someone in high regard.
• Compliment: An expression of admiration, praise, or respect.
• Praise: To express deep approval of someone's actions

1. An example of an organic compound would be: CH4.

2. Which of the following would not be an organic molecule? WATER

3. The measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions compared to the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution is called: pH.

4. The waste products of cellular respiration include: WATER AND CARBON DIOXIDE.

5. Matter is anything that: HAS MASS AND TAKES UP SPACE.

6. When an overwhelming body of observations and measurements supports a scientific hypothesis or group of related hypotheses, it becomes a: SCIENTIFIC THEORY.

7. Which of the following statements is a correct distinction between autotrophs and heterotrophs? ONLY AUTOTROPHS CAN LIVE ON NUTRIENTS THAT ARE ENTIRELY INORGANIC.

8. What happens to all the energy you expend?... Continue reading "Understanding Organic Compounds and Cellular Processes" »

Essential Vocabulary for Early Childhood Learning

Understanding key terminology is crucial for discussing educational methods and child development.

Glossary of Educational Terms

Awareness

Knowledge that the human being has of his own existence, of his states, and of his acts.

Blank

Not knowing how to react; a state of mental emptiness.

Board

A long rectangular piece of slate or material used for drawing or explaining concepts.

Communication

Transmission of signals by means of a code common to the transmitter and the receiver.

Dice

A small object, typically cubical, used in games like Parcheesi, marked with one to six dots on each face.

Elicit

To get or draw out something that is wanted, requested, or deserved.

Fine Motor

The coordination of small muscles

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

IATA is the International Air Transport Association, a trade association for the world’s airlines. It promotes cooperation, safety, reliability, confidence, and economy in air transport, benefiting its private shareholders.

• IATA represents 290 airlines, accounting for 82% of worldwide air traffic.
• It was established in 1945 in Havana, Cuba.
• IATA seeks common solutions for industry problems that individual airlines cannot solve alone.

IATA Airport and Airline Codes

• IATA Airport Codes: These are 3-letter codes used to designate airports worldwide.
• Cities with multiple airports also have a specific code to designate the city itself (e.g., NYC for New York City).
• Airline Designators:
  • IATA codes (2 letters)