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Other Applied Mathematics Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Other Applied Mathematics

From Branches To Fibers - Investigating F-Actin Networks With Biochemistry And Mathematical Modeling, Melissa A. Riddle May 2020

From Branches To Fibers - Investigating F-Actin Networks With Biochemistry And Mathematical Modeling, Melissa A. Riddle

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

F-actin networks have different structures throughout the cell depending on their location or mechanical role. For example, at the leading edge of a migrating cell, F-actin is organized in a region called the lamellipodia as a branched network responsible for pushing the membrane outwards. Behind the lamellipodia is a lamellar actin network where focal adhesions and stress fibers originate, and then within the cell cortex, actin is arranged in a gel-like network. Stress fibers are an important organization of F-actin and how they arise from either the branched lamellipodia network or the gel-like cortex network is poorly understood. Our approach …


Tropical Algebra, Graph Theory, & Foreign Exchange Arbitrage, Bradley A. Mason May 2017

Tropical Algebra, Graph Theory, & Foreign Exchange Arbitrage, Bradley A. Mason

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

We answer the question, given n currencies and k trades, how can a maximal arbitrage opportunity be found and what is its value? To answer this question, we use techniques from graph theory and employ a max-plus algebra (commonly known as tropical algebra). Further, we show how the tropical eigenvalue of a foreign exchange rate matrix relates to arbitrage among the currencies and can be found algorithmically. We finish by employing time series techniques to study the stability of maximal, high-currency arbitrage opportunities.


A Computational Investigation Of Large Gaps In Contingency Tables, Noah J. Watson May 2016

A Computational Investigation Of Large Gaps In Contingency Tables, Noah J. Watson

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Integer programming can be used to find upper and lower bounds on the cells of a multi-dimensional contingency table using the information from the released margins. The linear relaxation of these programs also provides bounds and the discrepancy between these bounds, the integer programming gap, can be large. While the more notable examples of large gaps have been shown to be rare, here we provide some results on the rarity of large gaps on small tables.


Population Projection And Habitat Preference Modeling Of The Endangered James Spinymussel (Pleurobema Collina), Marisa Draper May 2016

Population Projection And Habitat Preference Modeling Of The Endangered James Spinymussel (Pleurobema Collina), Marisa Draper

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The James Spinymussel (Pleurobema collina) is an endangered mussel species at the top of Virginia’s conservation list. The James Spinymussel plays a critical role in the environment by filtering and cleaning stream water while providing shelter and food for macroinvertebrates; however, conservation efforts are complicated by the mussels’ burrowing behavior, camouflage, and complex life cycle. The goals of the research conducted were to estimate detection probabilities that could be used to predict species presence and facilitate field work, and to track individually marked mussels to test for habitat preferences. Using existing literature and mark-recapture field data, these goals were accomplished …


A Periodic Matrix Population Model For Monarch Butterflies, Emily Hunt Dec 2014

A Periodic Matrix Population Model For Monarch Butterflies, Emily Hunt

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

The migration pattern of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) consists of a sequence of generations of butterflies that originate in Michoacan, Mexico each spring, travel as far north as Southern Canada, and ultimately return to the original location in Mexico the following fall. We use periodic population matrices to model the life cycle of the eastern monarch butterfly and find that, under this model, this migration is not currently at risk. We extend the model to address the three primary obstacles for the long-term survival of this migratory pattern: deforestation in Mexico, increased extreme weather patterns, and milkweed degradation.