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Articles 1 - 30 of 42
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Defining Characteristics That Lead To Cost-Efficient Veteran Nba Free Agent Signings, David Mccain
Defining Characteristics That Lead To Cost-Efficient Veteran Nba Free Agent Signings, David Mccain
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Throughout the history of the NBA, decisions regarding the signing of free agents have been riddled with complexity. Franchises are tasked with finding out what players will serve as optimal free agent signings prior to seeing them perform within the framework of their team. This study hypothesizes that the adequacy of an NBA free agent signing can be modeled and predicted through the implementation of a machine learning model. The model will learn the necessary information using training and testing data sets that include various player biometrics, game statistics, and financial information. The application of this machine learning model will …
Electric Vehicle Uptake: What Factors Are Motivating The Shift For College-Aged And Older Groups?, Jake Cardines
Electric Vehicle Uptake: What Factors Are Motivating The Shift For College-Aged And Older Groups?, Jake Cardines
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Electric vehicles (EVs) arguably are the most quickly expanding form of transportation as the world races toward a greener future with advanced technology and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. This study analyzes various expected inputs to motivating consumers of particular age groups to purchase EVs, including examination of how the idea of EV ownership is currently perceived and testing which factors influence it positively and negatively. Data collected from 113 survey respondents serves as the basis for determining the responsiveness of potential future EV owners to variables such as vehicle brand and charging availability, electric range, costs associated with purchase …
Changing Nfl Playoff Overtime Rules To Create Equal Opportunities To Win A Game, Matthew Silvia
Changing Nfl Playoff Overtime Rules To Create Equal Opportunities To Win A Game, Matthew Silvia
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The NFL has attempted to create fair overtime rules over the course of the past decade; however, this study is interested in determining what playoff overtime rule (or rules) could the NFL implement to result in outcomes where both teams have a relatively equal chance of winning a game. This study aims to find which overtime rules work best at minimizing the differences between teams who possess the ball first versus teams that kick the ball off to start an overtime period. By collecting various NFL statistics from ESPN.com and FantasyOutsiders.com, this study hopes to run multiple simulations of different …
Match Results And The Equity Value Of Publicly Traded Soccer Teams, Ryan Bebyn
Match Results And The Equity Value Of Publicly Traded Soccer Teams, Ryan Bebyn
Honors Projects in Mathematics
This study aims to examine the relationship between the match performance of publicly traded European soccer clubs and their stock price returns. It is important for investors, owners, and fans to understand how competitive factors both on and off the field affect the equity value of European club soccer teams. Competitive factors such as basic match results (Win, Loss, or Draw), rivalry matches, and international matches will be evaluated against the daily stock prices of publicly traded soccer clubs. A sample of teams traded on public exchanges will be used to analyze the effects of their matches on the daily …
How The Perceived Value Of Education, Parental Influences, And Students' Perceived Success Affect Post-Graduate Decisions, Valerie Blanchard
How The Perceived Value Of Education, Parental Influences, And Students' Perceived Success Affect Post-Graduate Decisions, Valerie Blanchard
Honors Projects in Mathematics
While technical education has been enhanced in many ways over the past few decades, college is still the preferred post-graduate path for many students and is the societal norm. This study will analyze the value that students view in their career path that leads them to make their post-graduate decisions. The goal of this research is to better understand why students pursue college and how these decisions come to be with specific attention paid to the impact of gender, interests, and self-efficacy. This understanding can educate others about the gravity of social norms and can start conversations about how to …
The Biggest Loser: How Tanking In Professional Sports Impacts Fan Perception, Julia Ayres
The Biggest Loser: How Tanking In Professional Sports Impacts Fan Perception, Julia Ayres
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Professional sports teams are adored nationwide for their talents and the pride they bring to their city for their efforts. However, not all teams take this responsibility seriously and will lose on purpose, or tank, to gain a higher draft pick in the future. Although the long-term goals of tanking are to help the organization, many people take issue with athletes not putting in their best efforts in every game. Teams in both the NBA and NFL are guilty of tanking to gain better draft picks but not all have found success in this process. This leads to important questions …
Vampires And Other Diseases: Stochastic Infection Dynamics Of Small Populations, Marijn Jaarsma
Vampires And Other Diseases: Stochastic Infection Dynamics Of Small Populations, Marijn Jaarsma
Honors Projects in Science and Technology
Mathematical models are powerful tools often applied in the field of epidemiology. The type and shape of the model will differ between different types of diseases. In this study, stochastic dynamical models are applied to the entertaining example of vampires, and the results of this analysis are compared to real-life diseases with small populations of infected. The data used comes from pop-culture depictions of vampires in literature, television shows, movies, and fan pages associated with these depictions. The aim of this study is to serve as an educational tool for modeling diseases with small populations to predict and control the …
Under Pressure: A Case Study Of The Effects Of External Pressure On Mlb Players Using Twitter Sentiment Analysis, Jonathan Huntley
Under Pressure: A Case Study Of The Effects Of External Pressure On Mlb Players Using Twitter Sentiment Analysis, Jonathan Huntley
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Performance under pressure and psychological momentum are well-documented topics in sports psychology, but most research focuses on “in-game” pressure. This study views pressure more broadly to examine how the external pressure of fans, quantified using the sentiment of tweets mentioning the players, can affect how MLB players perform. Although external pressure is intangible, it can impact a player’s psyche and performance. This investigation focuses on players Chris Sale and David Price. A new process was developed leveraging the Vader package in Python that can generate tweet sentiment to compare to several performance metrics from Baseball Reference. Results proved to be …
Quantifying Eco-Friendliness Of Plastic, Paper, And Reusable Bags, Leah Ryan
Quantifying Eco-Friendliness Of Plastic, Paper, And Reusable Bags, Leah Ryan
Honors Projects in Science and Technology
The plight of the consumer in regards to making eco-conscious decisions is growing as concerns regarding the environment increase. This study was conducted in an effort to give consumers a tool to combat some of this issue and compare the types of shopping bags they use in terms of eco-friendliness. Research conducted in this avenue thus far contains convoluted conclusions, all made with consideration of some variables, but not all. This purpose of this study therefore lay in trying to give consumers a standardized tool to compare bag types that considered variables across all stages of a bags’ life (pre-use, …
Millennials' Retirement Struggle: The Interaction Between Student Loans, Financial Decisions, And Financial Literacy., Rebecca Michaud
Millennials' Retirement Struggle: The Interaction Between Student Loans, Financial Decisions, And Financial Literacy., Rebecca Michaud
Honors Projects in Finance
As millennials grow older and begin their careers in the workforce, saving for retirement begins to become an important part of spending. This paper analyzes a variety of factors and challenges that impact an individual’s retirement savings. This thesis ultimately looks to determine whether the driving force for the general inadequacy of retirement savings is student loan debt, financial decision making, or both. Through both research and survey responses, this thesis will also look at whether a public policy that removes a certain percentage of student loan repayment obligations will have any impact on the amount that young workers are …
Prediction Of Individual Income: A Machine Learning Approach, Michael Matkowski
Prediction Of Individual Income: A Machine Learning Approach, Michael Matkowski
Honors Projects in Economics
The use of machine learning models to improve prediction problems and handle increasingly large datasets is a rising trend in economics. Prediction plays a particularly important role in applied economics because it provides critical insights to assess market outcomes. This study builds on previous literature to showcase the relative power of these modelling methodologies in economics through the prediction of income. This research utilizes data from the Current Population Survey from 2017 – 2020, containing 467,811 observations and 264 variables. 2017-2018 data served as training data for the models and 2019-2020 served as data for the two testing sets. The …
The Decline Of The Mid-Range Jump Shot In Basketball: A Study Of The Impact Of Data Analytics On Shooting Habits In The Nba, Shawn Kilcoyne
The Decline Of The Mid-Range Jump Shot In Basketball: A Study Of The Impact Of Data Analytics On Shooting Habits In The Nba, Shawn Kilcoyne
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The purpose of this thesis paper is to investigate the strategic shift away from the mid-range jump shot in basketball over the past decade. This paper will cover the rationale for the decline of the mid-range, as well as the general impact of data analytics on the way the game of basketball is played at the professional level. Following a review of the existing literature relating to the use of analytics in the NBA, this paper will analyze the differences in shooting habits between two seven-season periods. Data visualization tools, including boxplots, statistical trends, and distribution plots, will be used …
Communicating In Crisis Situations, Rick Gorvett, Chris Morse, Julie Volkman
Communicating In Crisis Situations, Rick Gorvett, Chris Morse, Julie Volkman
Communication Faculty Journal Articles
Communicating technical information, especially in a crisis situation and particularly when the audience does not share the technical background, is a challenge that actuaries frequently face. This essay describes the dynamics and issues involved in crisis communications and provides some recommendations for actuaries confronting such a situation.
Under The Influence, Leonardo Cavicchio
Under The Influence, Leonardo Cavicchio
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The purpose of this Honors Capstone entitled Under the Influence is to assess the validity of claims concerning the possible influence of roommates on one another, concerning alcohol on college campuses. This will be done by examining data collected in a prior study conducted over a two-year period. This analysis will focus on how alcohol consumption changes in correlation with the personality factors of roommates over an extended period of time. This secondary analysis of de-identified data will focus on primary and secondary subquestions. The primary question that will be addressed with the data set collected from the University of …
The Value Of A Win: Analysis Of Playoff Structures, Matthew Orsi
The Value Of A Win: Analysis Of Playoff Structures, Matthew Orsi
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The purpose of this Senior Capstone project is to analyze the distinctions between existing playoff systems. In particular, we are looking to analyze the differences between the standard single-elimination tournament (which the NCAA has used since the inception of the tournament) and other potential options: double-elimination and multiple game series. Popular sports such as Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association all use multiple game series for their playoffs. This project will use probability theory and simulation to determine the likelihood of different seeds winning a championship as well as the expected number of victories by seed in each …
Daily Fantasy Sports: Chance Or Skill?, Danielle Bergner
Daily Fantasy Sports: Chance Or Skill?, Danielle Bergner
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Online daily fantasy sports is a billion dollar industry that has caused controversy for the last few years with states debating its legal status. As of today, under the current United States federal laws and regulations, betting money on daily fantasy sports online is considered legal. However, several states have decided to ban these games within their borders believing they are based on chance and should be considered gambling which they have ruled to be illegal online. Each state has the right to make their own rules of what they consider gambling even if the federal government has allowed it. …
Size Variables In Audit Fee Models: An Examination Of The Effects Of Alternative Mathematical Transformations, Charles Cullinan, Hui Du, Xiaochuan Zheng
Size Variables In Audit Fee Models: An Examination Of The Effects Of Alternative Mathematical Transformations, Charles Cullinan, Hui Du, Xiaochuan Zheng
Accounting Department Faculty Journal Articles
We consider the mathematical transformations used for assets of different valuation complexity in audit fee models. These mathematical transformations (such as logs and square roots) relate to the non-linear relationship between client size and audit fees. We use closed-end mutual fund audits to examine this question because virtually all fund assets are reported at fair value. We find that more complexly valued assets are less likely to follow the traditional log transformation because the presence of these assets has a stronger relationship with audit fees that is not fully captured by the coefficient on the logged variable alone. The significance …
What Is The True Cost To Stay In The Hospital?, Samantha Alicandro
What Is The True Cost To Stay In The Hospital?, Samantha Alicandro
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Currently, the unfortunate reality that receiving diverse health procedures can be extremely expensive is widely acknowledged and woefully accepted. However, have you inquired or been curious about the specific factors that influence the cost per day expensed by a hospital? Through examination, investigation, and evaluation operating SAS Enterprise Guide, SAS Enterprise Miner and Tableau I have attempted to arrive at a conclusion for this very question. Utilizing a 1.5 million row data set provided by Rhode Island, for the years 2003-2013, I analyzed the assorted elements conceivably bearing impact on the cost per day at a hospital. Regressions, decision trees, …
Does Academic Performance Predict Workplace Productivity?, Jodie-Gaye Hunter
Does Academic Performance Predict Workplace Productivity?, Jodie-Gaye Hunter
Honors Projects in Economics
This research examines if college GPA affects productivity and compensation in the workplace. It uses data collected from a survey of approximately 23,000 Bryant University graduates in different stages of their career. About 10 percent of the alumni surveyed completed the survey. The econometric model used in this study allows estimating the effect of GPA on income after controlling for various demographic and socioeconomic variables, including education, major, occupation, gender, among others. The empirical work provides evidence that GPA has a positive and statistically significant impact on workplace productivity for females, but GPA seems to be a weaker predictor of …
The Effect Of Tommy John (Ucl) Reconstructive Surgery On A Pitcher’S Arm And Career Progression, Jack Grant
The Effect Of Tommy John (Ucl) Reconstructive Surgery On A Pitcher’S Arm And Career Progression, Jack Grant
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Injuries have plagued professional athletes since their sports have been in existence. The examination of how teams can diminish the side effects of the injuries en route to a speedy recovery remains an evolving process and a topic of concern for all. Injury preventative tactics have been implemented by coaching staffs and various training personnel. Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers are noticing an increase in the number of surgeries performed each year. The tearing of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow has become a predominant injury among pitchers in the MLB. Reconstructive surgery, also known as Tommy John …
Predictions Of Success In The Actuarial Major, Jessica Soojian
Predictions Of Success In The Actuarial Major, Jessica Soojian
Honors Projects in Mathematics
This study finds predictive factors that have a significant effect on the ending Mathematics/Actuarial GPA of Actuarial majors at Bryant University. This was done to add clarity to incoming students for what it takes to do well in the actuarial major. There were 266 subjects consisting of Bryant students that graduated between the years 2009 and 2015. The data was received in the form of final transcripts upon graduation for these students. Through manipulation of these transcripts, GPAs were calculated for Mathematics/Actuarial, English/Literary Cultural Studies, History/Politics, Economics, Science, Social Sciences, Computer Information Systems, Finance, Accounting, Management, and Marketing. These GPAs …
Catching Card Counters, Sarah French
Catching Card Counters, Sarah French
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The casino industry has been researched through a variety of disciplines including psychological gambling habits, technological advances, business strategies, and mathematical simulations. In the vast number of studies that have been conducted, there are few scholarly articles that focus on the specific aspect of card counting. The majority of games in the casino are designed to favor the “house”. This study focuses on the game of blackjack, in which players using a card counting strategy can tip the odds in their favor. A computer simulation was used to model the betting strategy of a card counter who would bet methodically. …
The Evaluation Of Rhode Island Public High School Teachers: The Impact On Students, Stephen Lamontagne
The Evaluation Of Rhode Island Public High School Teachers: The Impact On Students, Stephen Lamontagne
Honors Projects in Mathematics
In 2012, the state of Rhode Island began the full implementation of a high-stakes teacher evaluation system. Its purpose is to increase teacher accountability and to improve student performance. However, a significant amount of literature casts doubt about the effectiveness and validity of teacher evaluation. This paper utilizes statistical methods including regression and decision trees in order to determine whether or not there is a relationship between teacher evaluation in Rhode Island and student performance, using RI Department of Education Data for each school from 2008-2015. Furthermore, this presentation investigates other factors that affect schools, to see if changes in …
The Implications Of Self-Driving Cars On Insurance, Amanda Lobello
The Implications Of Self-Driving Cars On Insurance, Amanda Lobello
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are being researched and tested by automakers, technology industry leaders, and other institutions. Lawmakers and politicians are discussing the legislation that will affect the fate of such technology. Primary benefits include safety, mobility, free time, less traffic, and green effects. However, there are also obstacles to the implementation of self-driving vehicles including consumer acceptance, legal liability, and cost. With the potential shift in responsibility from driver to automaker, rating factors for insurance may change, weighing more heavily on the model of the car as a factor. The fate of auto insurance is in …
Possible Bias In Asset Valuations: An Application Of The Fraud Risk Triangle To Divorce Cases, Jennifer Tomasetti
Possible Bias In Asset Valuations: An Application Of The Fraud Risk Triangle To Divorce Cases, Jennifer Tomasetti
Honors Projects in Accounting
No abstract provided.
Does Being Bilingual Make You Better At Math?, Enxhi Elezi
Does Being Bilingual Make You Better At Math?, Enxhi Elezi
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The purpose of this study is to examine if there is any relationship between being bilingual, defined as speaking your native language at home and another language in school, and your mathematical ability. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health was used to compare the math grades of students who were not born in the US and speak English, Spanish, or Other at home. Also, data from the Bryant University first year students was used to test if students who speak a different language at home have a higher mathematical average than their monolingual peers. Results show that …
Bootstrapping Vs. Asymptotic Theory In Property And Casualty Loss Reserving, Andrew J. Difronzo Jr.
Bootstrapping Vs. Asymptotic Theory In Property And Casualty Loss Reserving, Andrew J. Difronzo Jr.
Honors Projects in Mathematics
One of the key functions of a property and casualty (P&C) insurance company is loss reserving, which calculates how much money the company should retain in order to pay out future claims. Most P&C insurance companies use non-stochastic (non-random) methods to estimate these future liabilities. However, future loss data can also be projected using generalized linear models (GLMs) and stochastic simulation. Two simulation methods that will be the focus of this project are: bootstrapping methodology, which resamples the original loss data (creating pseudo-data in the process) and fits the GLM parameters based on the new data to estimate the sampling …
Standardized Testing: What Is It Good For? A Case Study In Connecticut, Megan Mapp
Standardized Testing: What Is It Good For? A Case Study In Connecticut, Megan Mapp
Honors Projects in Mathematics
The case study was developed in an attempt to shed more light on the debate of standardized testing. The goal of the study was to find evidence to support whether or not standardized testing is worth doing in public secondary schools. To investigate this question, the state standardized math test scores of three Connecticut public high schools were analyzed. The average math scores over thirteen years were observed and statistical analysis was performed to see if any significant differences existed between the three schools. Tests were performed before and after the change in standardized test. The graduation rates of the …
Mathematical Modeling Of Trending Topics On Twitter, Jonathan S. Skaza
Mathematical Modeling Of Trending Topics On Twitter, Jonathan S. Skaza
Honors Projects in Mathematics
Created in 2006, Twitter is an online social networking service in which users share and read 140-character messages called Tweets. The site has approximately 288 million monthly active users who produce about 500 million Tweets per day. This study applies dynamical and statistical modeling strategies to quantify the spread of information on Twitter. Parameter estimates for the rates of infection and recovery are obtained using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The methodological strategy employed is an extension of techniques traditionally used in an epidemiological and biomedical context (particularly in the spread of infectious disease). This study, which addresses …
Relationship Between Classroom Climate, Student Self-Efficacy, And Achievement In The High School Math Classroom, Delaney Carr
Relationship Between Classroom Climate, Student Self-Efficacy, And Achievement In The High School Math Classroom, Delaney Carr
Honors Projects in Mathematics
There is a variety of past research regarding the relationship between the mathematics classroom climate and student learning. More specifically, many studies look at how the classroom climate may influence student self-efficacy in math. Furthermore, another quantity of research supports that there is a link between student math self-efficacy and the student’s achievement in the particular subject. The goal of this study is to see if students’ perceptions of their math classroom climate are related to their self-efficacies towards the subject, which therefore affects their achievement in math. It is hypothesized that there is a relationship between the classroom environment …