Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Tasks For Learning Trigonometry, Sydnee Andreasen

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Many studies have been done using task-based learning within different mathematics courses. Within the field of trigonometry, task-based learning is lacking. The following research aimed to create engaging, mathematically rich tasks that meet the standards for the current trigonometry course at Utah State University and align with the State of Utah Core Standards for 7th through 12th grades. Four lessons were selected and developed based on the alignment of standards, the relevance to the remainder of the trigonometry course, and the relevance to courses beyond trigonometry. The four lessons that were chosen and developed were related to trigonometric ratios, graphing …

Local Existence Of Solutions To A Nonlinear Autonomous Pde Model For Population Dynamics With Nonlocal Transport And Competition, Michael R. Lindstrom

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Highlights

• Partial differential equation models are ubiquitous in applied sciences.

• A partial differential equation based in ecology is studied for solution existence.

• Energy methods and convergence analysis lead to local classical solutions.

Abstract

In this paper, we prove that a particular nondegenerate, nonlinear, autonomous parabolic partial differential equation with nonlocal mass transfer admits the local existence of classical solutions. The equation was developed to qualitatively describe temporal changes in population densities over space through accounting for location desirability and fast, long-range travel. Beginning with sufficiently regular initial conditions, through smoothing the PDE and employing energy arguments, we obtain a sequence …

Mathematics Majors In Medical School Admissions: A Comparative Evaluation Of Mcat And Gpa Performance, Morgan Baker

Theses/Capstones/Creative Projects

Choosing a major as an incoming undergraduate student can be very stressful. This study investigates the differences in success that come with choice of undergraduate major, particularly focusing on the performance of mathematics majors. A large majority of medical school applicants come from a biological sciences background. Despite this preference, there is evidence that students from nontraditional majors produce higher Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores and superior grade point averages (GPAs). Utilizing data visualization and analysis through R programming, this research examines public data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to understand the benefits of pursuing a …

Ramanujan Type Congruences For Quotients Of Klein Forms, Timothy Huber, Nathaniel Mayes, Jeffery Opoku, Dongxi Ye

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work, Ramanujan type congruences modulo powers of primes p≥5 are derived for a general class of products that are modular forms of level p. These products are constructed in terms of Klein forms and subsume generating functions for t-core partitions known to satisfy Ramanujan type congruences for p=5,7,11. The vectors of exponents corresponding to products that are modular forms for Γ1(p) are subsets of bounded polytopes with explicit parameterizations. This allows for the derivation of a complete list of products that are modular forms for Γ1(p) of weights 1≤k≤5 for primes 5≤p≤19 and whose Fourier coefficients …

On The Existence Of Periodic Traveling-Wave Solutions To Certain Systems Of Nonlinear, Dispersive Wave Equations, Jacob Daniels

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

A variety of physical phenomena can be modeled by systems of nonlinear, dispersive wave equations. Such examples include the propagation of a wave through a canal, deep ocean waves with small amplitude and long wavelength, and even the propagation of long-crested waves on the surface of lakes. An important task in the study of water wave equations is to determine whether a solution exists. This thesis aims to determine whether there exists solutions that both travel at a constant speed and are periodic for several systems of water wave equations. The work done in this thesis contributes to the subfields …

Vectors And Vector Borne Disease: Models For The Spread Of Curly Top Disease And Culex Mosquito Abundance, Rachel M. (Frantz) Georges

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Mathematical models are useful tools in managing infectious disease. When designed appropriately, these models can provide insight into disease incidence patterns and transmission rates. In this work, we present several models that provide information that is useful in monitoring diseases spread by insects.

In the first part of this dissertation, we present two models that predict disease incidence patterns for Curly Top disease (CT) in tomato crops. CT affects a wide variety of plants and is spread through the bite of the Beet Leafhopper. This disease is particularly devastating to tomato crops. When infected, tomato plants present with stunted growth …

A Comprehensive Uncertainty Quantification Methodology For Metrology Calibration And Method Comparison Problems Via Numeric Solutions To Maximum Likelihood Estimation And Parametric Bootstrapping, Aloka B. S. N. Dayarathne

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In metrology, the science of measurements, straight line calibration models are frequently employed. These models help understand the instrumental response to an analyte, whose chemical constituents are unknown, and predict the analyte’s concentration in a sample. Techniques such as ordinary least squares and generalized least squares are commonly used to fit these calibration curves. However, these methods may yield biased estimates of slope and intercept when the calibrant, substance used to calibrate an analytical procedure with known chemical constituents (x-values), carries uncertainty. To address this, Ripley and Thompson (1987) proposed functional relationship estimation by maximum likelihood (FREML), which considers uncertainties …

Art And Math Via Cubic Polynomials, Polynomiography And Modulus Visualization, Bahman Kalantari

LASER Journal

Throughout history, both quadratic and cubic polynomials have been rich sources for the discovery and development of deep mathematical properties, concepts, and algorithms. In this article, we explore both classical and modern findings concerning three key attributes of polynomials: roots, fixed points, and modulus. Not only do these concepts lead to fertile ground for exploring sophisticated mathematics and engaging educational tools, but they also serve as artistic activities. By utilizing innovative practices like polynomiography—visualizations associated with polynomial root finding methods—as well as visualizations based on polynomial modulus properties, we argue that individuals can unlock their creative potential. From crafting captivating …

Classification Of Topological Defects In Cosmological Models, Abigail Swanson

Student Research Submissions

In nature, symmetries play an extremely significant role. Understanding the symmetries of a system can tell us important information and help us make predictions. However, these symmetries can break and form a new type of symmetry in the system. Most notably, this occurs when the system goes through a phase transition. Sometimes, a symmetry can break and produce a tear, known as a topological defect, in the system. These defects cannot be removed through a continuous transformation and can have major consequences on the system as a whole. It is helpful to know what type of defect is produced when …

Representation Theory And Burnside's Theorem, Nathan Fronk

Senior Seminars and Capstones

In this paper we give a brief introduction to the representation theory of finite groups, and by extension character theory. These tools are extensions of group theory into linear algebra, that can then be applied back to group theory to prove propositions that are based entirely in group theory. We discuss the importance of simple groups and the Jordan-Hölder theorem in order to prepare for the statement of Burnside’s pq theorem. Lastly, we provide a proof of Burnside’s theorem that utilizes the character theory we covered earlier in the paper.

Euler Archive Spotlight: Multiple Search Options, Christopher Goff

Euleriana

The Euler Archive houses PDF versions of almost all of Euler's original publications. While most visitors search the archive via a work's Eneström number, the Archive can be searched via source publication name, date written, or decade of publication. The Archive also provides context for Euler's publications through short pieces of historical information.

Euler And A Proof Of The Functional Equation For The Riemann Zeta-Function He Could Have Given, Alexander Aycock

Euleriana

We explain how Euler could have proved a functional equation, which is equivalent to the one for the Riemann zeta-function, that he conjectured in his paper {\it ``Remarques sur un beau rapport entre les series des puissances tant directes que reciproques"} \cite{E352} (E352: ``Remarks on the beautiful relation between the series of the direct and reciprocal powers").

Euler And The Gaussian Summation Formula For The Hypergeometric Series, Alexander Aycock

Euleriana

We show that in his paper {\it ``Plenior expositio serierum illarum memorabilium, quae ex unciis potestatum binomii formantur"} \cite{E663} (E663: ``A more thorough exposition of those memorable series that are formed from the binomial coefficients") Euler could have found the Gaussian summation formula for the hypergeometric series from his own formulas in that same paper, if he actually set the task for himself.

Euler And Homogeneous Difference Equations With Linear Coefficients, Alexander Aycock

Euleriana

We present a method outlined by Euler in his paper{\it ``De fractionibus continuis observationes"} \cite{E123} (E123: ``Observations on continued fractions") that can be used to solve homogeneous difference equations with linear coefficients. We will illustrate his ideas by applying it to two familiar examples and explain how it can be understood from a more modern point of view.

On The Cases In Which The Formula X^4+Kxxyy+Y^4 Can Be Reduced To A Square, Georg Ehlers

Euleriana

Euler’s key idea for equating the Quartic in the title to a square is to set k=P+surd(Q). From this he derives P=f·x^2 and Q=4f·y^2+4 and solves the Pell equation for y. He then discusses various extensions to rational numbers that leave k an integer. Euler provides incomplete tables for integers k with |k|square.

Research On Arithmetic, Erik R. Tou

Euleriana

In this English translation, some of Joseph-Louis Lagrange's early number theory is presented. Here, he laid out a theory of binary quadratic forms with special attention to the representation problem: determining those integers which may be represented by a given form, and cataloguing the possible forms of their divisors.

Number Theory And More, Christopher Goff, Erik Tou

Euleriana

An introduction to the contents in Issue 1, Volume 4 of Euleriana.

Caterpillar, Lobster, X Graphs, Gerald Melin, Landon Seward, Will Mahowald, Xavier Jones

Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)

We studied a combinatorial game played between two players ("Alpha", who goes first, and "Beta", who goes second). The idea is that there are a lot of lightbulbs in a large warehouse, and they take turns turning a light bulb on. When a light bulb is turned on, it illuminates the area directly by it as well as the areas immediately surrounding it. The player who is the one to make all of the warehouse illuminated is the winner. This can be modeled on a graph. The two players take turns (1) selecting a vertex that has not yet been …

The Mathematical And Historical Significance Of The Four-Color Theorem, Brock Bivens

Scholars Day Conference

Computers becoming more readily used in mathematics.

Blueberry Drone Ai: Estimating Crop Yield Using Deep Learning & Smart Drones, Luke Tonon, Brandon Mchenry, Anthony Thompson, Harper Zappone, Jacob Green, Hieu Nguyen, Thanh Nguyen

STEM Student Research Symposium Posters

This project seeks to assist blueberry growers in New Jersey estimate crop yield by developing software that allows autonomous drones to capture aerial images of blueberry bushes in the field, perform berry count, and identify blueberry conditions using deep learning models & computer vision.

Blueberry Drone Ai: Smart Farming Of Blueberries Using Artificial Intelligence And Autonomous Drones, Robert Czarnota, Anthony Segrest, Anthony Thompson, Harper Zappone, Hieu Nguyen, Nguyen Thanh, Ik Jae Lee, Lori Green, Tuan Le

STEM Student Research Symposium Posters

This project seeks to assist blueberry growers in New Jersey with preventing blueberry scorch disease. Plants can’t be cured of scorch, so they have to be removed to prevent the disease from spreading to other bushes. This project aims to use object detection and classifier machine learning models in order to detect scorch disease with photos from intelligent drones. Images are first tiled, then processed through and convolutional neural network that detects scorch symptoms. Lastly, a fully connected neural network is implemented to make a final prediction.

Mathematical Modeling For Dental Decay Prevention In Children And Adolescents, Mahdiyeh Soltaninejad

Dissertations

The high prevalence of dental caries among children and adolescents, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, is a significant nationwide health concern. Early prevention, such as dental sealants and fluoride varnish (FV), is essential, but access to this care remains limited and disparate. In this research, a national dataset is utilized to assess sealants' reach and effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, particularly focusing on 2nd molars that emerge during early adolescence, a current gap in the knowledge base. FV is recommended to be delivered during medical well-child visits to children who are not seeing a dentist. Challenges and facilitators in …

Geometries Gon Wild, Naat Ambrosino

Undergraduate Theses

A circle is mathematically defined as the collection of points a given distance away from a set point. Thus, the appearance of a circle varies dramatically across different metrics—for example, the taxicab metric (as popularized by Krause and Reynolds) has a circle that is a Euclidean square. As such, metrics can be partially defined by the appearance of their unit circles. This paper focuses on creating and analyzing an infinite set of metrics defined by their circles being regular polygons. Additionally, it provides a method of exactly generating a regular n-gon given a center, included point, and specified orientation.

Increased Healthspan From Exercise, Nicholas Boros

Scholar Week 2016 - present

In this talk we discuss important factors for increased healthspan. Much of the discussion will focus on strength training and cardiovascular training. In particular we outline optimal ways to increase strength and VO₂ max, which are the largest contributors to increased healthspan. We will also explain what makes a strength training program “optimal” mathematically.

Using Data Visualizations To Analyze Employee Performance At Xcel Energy, Abby Venz

Research & Creative Achievement Day

Companies often are curious about their employee performance. But how, exactly, do they analyze this? As a Data Analytics Intern for Xcel Energy, I was in charge of doing just this. This poster will walk you through the methods used to analyze and model employee performance, as well as the results found and the different ways managers at Xcel Energy used them

Data Analytics Internship At Fastenal, Jacob J. Haines

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The poster will present the results from an analysis of Fastenal's customer base to find characteristics among them that serve as useful predictors of their spending habits. This will allow Fastenal to create more accurate control groups when assessing the effectiveness of various marketing initiatives. This poster acts as the communication of capstone experience outcomes which is required for Data Science majors in addition to the capstone experience.

My Experience As An It Data Intern, Annajo V. Vonseth

Research & Creative Achievement Day

This poster presentation is focused on my internship as an IT Data Intern with B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO). I was able to use the skills already learned through courses here at WSU to help project and produce high-end reports. Additionally, I was in-charge of the creation of the survey all the way to creating the PowerPoint presentation with the results. I will also discuss how Microsoft Suites played a huge role in my day-to-day work, from large, complex data sets to cleaning and refining old data, I will be discussing the skills I learned during my time as an …

The Lowest Discriminant Ideal Of Cayley-Hamilton Hopf Algebras, Zhongkai Mi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Discriminant ideals are defined for an algebra R with central subalgebra C and trace tr : R → C. They are indexed by positive integers and more general than discriminants. Usually R is required to be a finite module over C. Unlike the abundace of work on discriminants, there is hardly any literature on discriminant ideals. The levels of discriminant ideals relate to the sums of squares of dimensions of irreducible modules over maximal ideals of C containing these discriminant ideals. We study the lowest level when R is a Cayley-Hamilton Hopf algebra, i.e. C is also a Hopf subalgebra, …

Statistics For Iwasawa Invariants Of Elliptic Curves, Ii, Debanjana Kundu, Anwesh Ray

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

We study the average behavior of the Iwasawa invariants for Selmer groups of elliptic curves. These results lie at the intersection of arithmetic statistics and Iwasawa theory. We obtain lower bounds for the density of rational elliptic curves with prescribed Iwasawa invariants.

“Don’T Call On Me!”: Mediating Preservice Elementary Teachers’ Mathematics Anxiety In A Problem-Based Classroom, Christina Koehne, Wenyen Huang, Nataly Chesky

Excelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning

This study aims to understand the ways in which problem-based teaching in a mathematics content course can alleviate pre-service elementary school teachers' mathematics anxiety. The significance of this work is to help increase the content and pedagogical knowledge of mathematics education, as outlined in STEM policies. Using a mixed method approach, the teachers-researchers explore what methods, procedures, and other perhaps unknown variables, helped pre-service elementary teachers decrease their mathematics anxiety during two mathematics content courses. The findings illuminate five major themes the authors discuss, which are illustrated by rich descriptions of students’ narratives and interviews. Given the importance of mathematics …