Step into a world frozen in time at the Whiteside Museum of Natural History (WMNH), a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Seymour, Texas. Established in 2013 through the unwavering dedication of Judge Clyde E. Whiteside, this 501(c)3 non-profit corporation stands as a testament to his philanthropic vision and commitment to preserving the paleontological treasures of Seymour and Baylor County.

Judge Whiteside’s lifelong dream of creating a natural history museum has resulted in a haven for both curious minds and avid explorers. With a remarkable tally of around 44,000 visitors to date, including an astounding 11,000 school children on free educational trips, WMNH has undoubtedly become a beacon of knowledge for the community and beyond.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ancient life that once inhabited North Texas as you wander through the museum’s interactive exhibits. Be captivated by the stories of creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago, brought to life by intricate displays and engaging narratives. A highlight among the museum’s treasures is Bonnie, the awe-inspiring complete skeleton of the legendary finback reptile, Dimetrodon. Discovered by the WMNH Paleontology team in 2017, this 287 million-year-old fossil stands as a testament to the area’s rich paleontological heritage and now enchants all visitors.

And that’s not all – step outside and be greeted by a colossal 15-foot-long metal sculpture of a Dimetrodon, an iconic symbol of Seymour’s natural history. This outdoor exhibit, unveiled in 2018, serves as a reminder of the profound connection between the town and its prehistoric past.

WMNH isn’t just a museum; it’s a thriving community of volunteers who are just as passionate about preserving history as Judge Whiteside was. With around 30 active members, the volunteer program is a testament to the museum’s commitment to community involvement. What’s more, this program provides valuable opportunities for senior citizens to engage in healthy and active community service, transforming them into expert tour guides and proficient paleontology preparation technicians.

So, whether you’re an aspiring paleontologist, a history buff, or a curious soul seeking knowledge, the Whiteside Museum of Natural History invites you to embark on a journey through time. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Judge Clyde E. Whiteside and explore the wonders that Seymour’s ancient past holds.

In recent years, the swimsuit industry has experienced a remarkable surge, not only in revenue but also in innovative designs and sustainable practices. This boom can be attributed to several economic factors that have contributed to the growing demand for swimsuits worldwide.

1. Changing Fashion Trends: Swimsuits have evolved from mere beachwear to fashion statements, reflecting changing societal norms and body-positive movements. Consumers today seek swimsuits that not only fit well but also align with their personal style and values. As a result, swimwear manufacturers and designers have diversified their offerings to cater to a broader range of tastes, body shapes, and preferences.

2. Rising Beach Tourism: The steady increase in global beach tourism has fueled the demand for swimsuits. Popular beach destinations, such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, have witnessed a steady influx of tourists seeking sun, sand, and sea, leading to a higher demand for stylish and functional swimwear.

3. Growth of Online Retail: The rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized the retail landscape, making swimsuits more accessible to consumers worldwide. Online shopping offers convenience and a vast array of choices, allowing consumers to explore a wide range of swimsuit brands and designs from the comfort of their homes.

4. Sustainable Swimwear: With environmental consciousness on the rise, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable and eco-friendly products, and the swimsuit industry is no exception. Brands are now incorporating recycled materials, reducing water waste in production, and adopting ethical labor practices, which resonate well with environmentally conscious consumers.

5. Celebrity Endorsements and Influencer Culture: Celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing have played a pivotal role in boosting swimsuit sales. Influencers sharing photos of themselves in trendy swimwear on social media platforms can create an instant buzz and drive followers to purchase the showcased products.

6. Seasonal Market Strategy: Swimsuit manufacturers have adopted smart seasonal market strategies to entice consumers. By launching limited edition collections and exclusive designs, they create a sense of urgency and desirability among buyers, resulting in increased sales during specific periods.

7. Beach Fitness Culture: The growing emphasis on fitness and wellness has contributed to the popularity of swimsuits designed for various water sports and activities. Swimmers, surfers, and beach volleyball players look for specialized swimwear that offers both performance and style.

Despite the flourishing market, the swimsuit industry also faces challenges. Fluctuating raw material costs, labor-intensive production processes, and the need to keep up with rapidly changing fashion trends all put pressure on profit margins.

As the swimsuit industry continues to adapt to economic and societal shifts, consumers can expect an even broader selection of swimwear options, from chic and sustainable designs to high-performance athletic gear. With a blend of innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility, the swimsuit industry seems poised to make waves for years to come.

Nearly all consumer electronics found in homes and offices — from computers to smartphones — include some type of open-source software (OSS), a fundamental part of a computer program that anyone has access to modify it. OSS has gained in popularity in recent years because of the cost-savings it provides companies across the tech industry, said Sean Goggins, professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Missouri (MU).

“Tech companies would rather collaborate on core infrastructure needs through OSS so everyone shares in the cost and contributes to its development,” Goggins said. “This allows the cost of operating a technology company to become substantially diminished because thousands of companies are sharing the cost of developing the core infrastructure that everyone needs. Our world runs on a substantial software ecosystem, and the cost of maintaining that ecosystem is significantly lower because OSS exists.”

Goggins and a team of researchers from MU and University of Nebraska-Omaha recently received a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to make the tools and metrics they’ve already developed for OSS — through their work on a Linux Foundation project called CHAOSS — more accessible and understandable to a wider range of people and tech companies. The grant will help them develop better tools, software and methods to measure the long-term viability of OSS and help developers and tech companies alike identify what OSS projects are good to invest in for commercialization.

“OSS communities play a vital role in the technology industry by creating and maintaining software that powers everything from mobile devices to data centers,” said Goggins, a co-principal investigator on the project. “The failure of critical OSS communities can result in the implementation of crisis management mechanisms for organizations, including sudden, increased investment of organizational time, or abandonment of OSS communities in crisis. Given these risks, organizations are interested in proactively committing resources to support critical communities, ensuring critical open-source software stability.”

The researchers are thankful for the grant and their ongoing partnership with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, which is now in its seventh consecutive year of funding.

“This grant is a testament to the importance of open-source software and the need to support its development and sustainability,” Goggins said. “It shows MU is committed to continuing its work in this area, and we look forward to the continued engagement with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and other generous organizations that have supported this work.”

Matt Germonprez at the University of Nebraska-Omaha is a co-principal investigator on the project.