Digital Commons Network^™

Interpolating The Riemann Zeta Function In The P-Adics, Rebecca Mamlet

Scripps Senior Theses

In this thesis, we develop the Kubota-Leopoldt Riemann zeta function in the p-adic integers. We follow Neil Koblitz's interpolation of Riemann zeta, using Bernoulli measures and p-adic integrals. The underlying goal is to better understand p-adic expansions and computations. We finish by connecting the Riemann zeta function to L-functions and their p-adic interpolations.

Algebraic Invariants Of Knot Diagrams On Surfaces, Ryan Martinez

HMC Senior Theses

In this thesis we first give an introduction to knots, knot diagrams, and algebraic structures defined on them accessible to anyone with knowledge of very basic abstract algebra and topology. Of particular interest in this thesis is the quandle which "colors" knot diagrams. Usually, quandles are only used to color knot diagrams in the plane or on a sphere, so this thesis extends quandles to knot diagrams on any surface and begins to classify the fundamental quandles of knot diagrams on the torus.

This thesis also breifly looks into Niebrzydowski Tribrackets which are a different algebraic structure which, in future …

Results On The Generalized Covering Radius Of Error Correcting Codes, Benjamin Langton

HMC Senior Theses

The recently proposed generalized covering radius is a fundamental property of error correcting codes. This quantity characterizes the trade off between time and space complexity of certain algorithms when a code is used in them. However, for the most part very little is known about the generalized covering radius. My thesis seeks to expand on this field in several ways. First, a new upper bound on this quantity is established and compared to previous bounds. Second, this bound is used to derive a new algorithm for finding codewords within the generalized covering radius of a given vector, and also to …

On Multiplication Groups Of Quasigroups, Ahmed Al Fares

CGU Theses & Dissertations

Quasigroups are algebraic structures in which divisibility is always defined. In this thesis we investigate quasigroups using a group-theoretic approach. We first construct a family of quasigroups which behave in a group-like fashion. We then focus on the multiplication groups of quasigroups, which have first appeared in the work of A. A. Albert. These permutation groups allow us to study quasigroups using group theory. We also explore how certain natural operations on quasigroups affect the associated multiplication groups. Along the way we take the time and special care to pose specific questions that may lead to further work in the …

On The Polytopal Generalization Of Sperner’S Lemma, Amit Harlev

HMC Senior Theses

We introduce and prove Sperner’s lemma, the well known combinatorial analogue of the Brouwer fixed point theorem, and then attempt to gain a better understanding of the polytopal generalization of Sperner’s lemma conjectured in Atanassov (1996) and proven in De Loera et al. (2002). After explaining the polytopal generalization and providing examples, we present a new, simpler proof of a slightly weaker result that helps us better understand the result and why it is correct. Some ideas for how to generalize this proof to the complete result are discussed. In the last two chapters we provide a brief introduction to …

Games For One, Games For Two: Computationally Complex Fun For Polynomial-Hierarchical Families, Kye Shi

HMC Senior Theses

In the first half of this thesis, we explore the polynomial-time hierarchy, emphasizing an intuitive perspective that associates decision problems in the polynomial hierarchy to combinatorial games with fixed numbers of turns. Specifically, problems in 𝐏 are thought of as 0-turn games, 𝐍𝐏 as 1-turn “puzzle” games, and in general 𝚺ₖ𝐏 as 𝑘-turn games, in which decision problems answer the binary question, “can the starting player guarantee a win?” We introduce the formalisms of the polynomial hierarchy through this perspective, alongside definitions of 𝑘-turn CIRCUIT SATISFIABILITY games, whose 𝚺ₖ𝐏-completeness is assumed from prior work (we briefly justify this assumption …

An Exploration Of Voting With Partial Orders, Mason Acevedo

HMC Senior Theses

In this thesis, we discuss existing ideas and voting systems in social choice theory. Specifically, we focus on the Kemeny rule and the Borda count. Then, we begin trying to understand generalizations of these voting systems in a setting where voters can submit partial rankings on their ballot, instead of complete rankings.

An Exponential Formula For Random Variables Generated By Multiple Brownian Motions, Maximilian Lawrence Baroi

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The frozen operator has been used to develop Dyson-series like representations for random variables generated by classical Brownian motion, Lévy processes and fractional Brownian with Hurst index greater than 1/2.The relationship between the conditional expectation of a random variable (or fractional conditional expectation in the case of fractional Brownian motion)and that variable's Dyson-series like representation is the exponential formula. These results had not yet been extended to either fractional Brownian motion with Hurst index less than 1/2, or d-dimensional Brownian motion. The former is still out of reach, but we hope our review of stochastic integration for fractional Brownian motion …

On Coherence And The Geometry Of Certain Families Of Lattices, David Booth Kogan

CGU Theses & Dissertations

The coherence of a lattice is, roughly speaking, a measure of non-orthogonality of its minimal vectors. It was introduced to lattices (by analogy with frame theory) by L. Fukshansky and others as a possible route to gaining insight into packing density, a central problem in lattice theory. In this work, we introduce the related measure of average coherence, explore connections between packing density and coherence, and prove several properties of certain families of lattices, most notably nearly orthogonal lattices, cyclotomic lattices, and cyclic lattices.

Analyzing Marriage Statistics As Recorded In The Journal Of The American Statistical Association From 1889 To 2012, Annalee Soohoo

CMC Senior Theses

The United States has been tracking American marriage statistics since its founding. According to the United States Census Bureau, “marital status and marital history data help federal agencies understand marriage trends, forecast future needs of programs that have spousal benefits, and measure the effects of policies and programs that focus on the well-being of families, including tax policies and financial assistance programs.”[1] With such a wide scope of applications, it is understandable why marriage statistics are so highly studied and well-documented.

This thesis will analyze American marriage patterns over the past 100 years as documented in the Journal of …

Energy As A Limiting Factor In Neuronal Seizure Control: A Mathematical Model, Sophia E. Epstein

CMC Senior Theses

The majority of seizures are self-limiting. Within a few minutes, the observed neuronal synchrony and deviant dynamics of a tonic-clonic or generalized seizure often terminate. However, a small epilesia partialis continua can occur for years. The mechanisms that regulate subcortical activity of neuronal firing and seizure control are poorly understood. Published studies, however, through PET scans, ketogenic treatments, and in vivo mouse experiments, observe hypermetabolism followed by metabolic suppression. These observations indicate that energy can play a key role in mediating seizure dynamics. In this research, I seek to explore this hypothesis and propose a mathematical framework to model how …

Mary Eleanor Spear's Importance To The History Of Statistical Visualization, Melanie Williams

CMC Senior Theses

This paper will demonstrate why Mary Eleanor Spear (1897-1986) is an important figure in the history of statistical visualization. She lead an impressive career working in the federal government as a data analyst before "data analyst" became a thing. She wrote and illustrated two comprehensive textbooks which furthered the art of statistical visualization. Her textbooks cover extensive graphing knowledge still valuable to statisticians and viewers today. Most notable of her works is her development of the box plot. In addition to Spear's career and contributions, this paper will also address the lack of female representation in science, technology, engineering, and …