Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Alcts Crs Holdings Information Forum, 3-4 P.M. January 31, 2015, Connie Foster

Connie Foster

Cecilia Genereux (data management & access/metadata & intellectual access, University of Minnesota Libraries) introduced the session by confessing to a pun intended for her presentation: Alma: To Have and to Hold. The levity quickly shifted into some very detailed analysis of the way the Ex Libris Alma system handled specific types of serials during a migration from Aleph. The University of Minnesota started with Aleph (Ex Libris) in 2002 and moved to Alma on December 26, 2013. Frances McNamara (director, Integrated Library Systems and Administrative and Desktop Systems at University of Chicago), discussed migrating serials data from Horizon to Kulai …

Leslie Matrices For Logistic Population Modeling, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

Leslie matrices are taught as a method of modeling populations in a discrete-time fashion with more detail in the tracking of age groups within the population. Leslie matrices have limited use in the actual modeling of populations, since when the age groups are summed, it is basically equivalent to discrete-time modeling assuming exponential population growth. The logistic model of population growth is more realistic, since it takes into account a carrying capacity for the environment of the population. This talk will describe an adjustment to the Leslie matrix approach for population modeling that is both takes into account the carrying …

Peaklet Analysis: Software For Spectrum Analysis, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

This is the presentation I was invited to give at the Kentucky Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference, regarding the software that I have developed and worked at commercializing with the help of Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation.

Long-Wave Model For Strongly Anisotropic Growth Of A Crystal Step, Mikhail Khenner

Mikhail Khenner

A continuum model for the dynamics of a single step with the strongly anisotropic line energy is formulated and analyzed. The step grows by attachment of adatoms from the lower terrace, onto which atoms adsorb from a vapor phase or from a molecular beam, and the desorption is nonnegligible (the “one-sided” model). Via a multiscale expansion, we derived a long-wave, strongly nonlinear, and strongly anisotropic evolution PDE for the step profile. Written in terms of the step slope, the PDE can be represented in a form similar to a convective Cahn-Hilliard equation. We performed the linear stability analysis and computed …

Controlling Nanoparticles Formation In Molten Metallic Bilayers By Pulsed-Laser Interference Heating, Mikhail Khenner, Sagar Yadavali, Ramki Kalyanaraman

Mikhail Khenner

The impacts of the two-beam interference heating on the number of core-shell and embedded nanoparticles and on nanostructure coarsening are studied numerically based on the non-linear dynamical model for dewetting of the pulsed-laser irradiated, thin (< 20 nm) metallic bilayers. The model incorporates thermocapillary forces and disjoining pressures, and assumes dewetting from the optically transparent substrate atop of the reflective support layer, which results in the complicated dependence of light reflectivity and absorption on the thicknesses of the layers. Stabilizing thermocapillary effect is due to the local thickness-dependent, steady- state temperature profile in the liquid, which is derived based on the mean substrate temperature estimated from the elaborate thermal model of transient heating and melting/freezing. Linear stability analysis of the model equations set for Ag/Co bilayer predicts the dewetting length scales in the qualitative agreement with experiment.

Formation Of Organized Nanostructures From Unstable Bilayers Of Thin Metallic Liquids, Mikhail Khenner, Sagar Yadavali, Ramki Kalyanaraman

Mikhail Khenner

Dewetting of pulsed-laser irradiated, thin (< 20 nm), optically reflective metallic bilayers on an optically transparent substrate with a reflective support layer is studied within the lubrication equations model. A steady-state bilayer film thickness (h) dependent temperature profile is derived based on the mean substrate temperature estimated from the elaborate thermal model of transient heating and melting/freezing. Large thermocapillary forces are observed along the plane of the liquid-liquid and liquid-gas interfaces due to this h-dependent temperature, which, in turn, is strongly influenced by the h-dependent laser light reflection and absorption. Consequently the dewetting is a result of the competition between thermocapillary and intermolecular forces. A linear analysis of the dewetting length scales established that the non-isothermal calculations better predict the experimental results as compared to the isothermal case within the bounding Hamaker coefficients. Subsequently, a computational non-linear dynamics study of the dewetting pathway was performed for Ag/Co and Co/Ag bilayer systems to predict the morphology evolution. We found that the systems evolve towards formation of different morphologies, including core-shell, embedded, or stacked nanostructure morphologies.

Operation Comics: Making Math Fun, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

This talk gives a background on the Operation Comics series, which integrates mathematics into a comic book storyline, as an example of how creativity is not exclusive to the traditional arts, like music and dance, but is a vital part of math, science, and engineering.

Operation Comics: The Story Continues, Bruce Kessler, Tressa Tullis

Bruce Kessler

This talk was given, with Tressa Tullis as the main presenter and Bruce Kessler as a minor co-presenter, at the 2011 Bridges Conference in Coimbre, Portugal, on the current developments on our Operation Comics project with Cumberland Trace Elementary.

“Drawing” Upon Your Students’ Creativity: Teaching (Your Subject Here) With Comic Books, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

During Spring 2009, Dr. Kessler created and published a comic book series that embedded math content into the story for 4th-6th grade students. The comics were well received in the classrooms at Cumberland Trace Elementary. Dr. Kessler contends that this approach to teaching and learning can be used in any content area, and is useful for engaging students who might not be as interested otherwise. This session will explore ways of utilizing the skills of your students to construct learning comics in your classes, regardless of the funds, technology, and artistic experience at your disposal. The session will include a …

Wavelet-Based Analysis Of Neutron-Induced Photon Spectral Data, Bruce Kessler, Alexander Barzilov, Phillip Womble

Bruce Kessler

Neutron-based methods of non-destructive inter- rogation of objects for the purpose of their characterization are well-established techniques, employed in the field of bulk material analysis, contraband detection, unexploded ordnance, etc. The characteristic gamma rays produced in nuclear reactions initiated by neutrons in the volume of the irradiated object (inelastic neutron scattering, thermal neutron capture, and activation) are used for the elemental identification. In many real-world applications, an automated spectral analysis is needed, and many algorithms are used for that purpose. The Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University has recently started to employ a mathematical spectrum analysis technique based on …

A “Peak” At The Algorithm Behind “Peaklet Analysis” Software, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

In response to a problem posed by faculty at the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University, the speaker has developed an algorithm for providing an automated analysis of spectrum data for the purpose of determining the elemental composition of the item generating the data. A full, non-provisional patent application has been filed on the idea, and a full marketing campaign has started to license software implementing the algorithm. This presentation will give a brief explanation of the mathematics in use in the algorithm, and will give some examples of the software in action.

A Primer On Chaos And Fractals, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

This is a prelude to a performance of the play "Arcadia" exclusively for the science and math majors of Lipscomb University. One of the main characters of the story is a mathematical genius, and has realized the power and limitations of iterations in generating mathematical models and structures, although she is living in the early 1800's. This talk gives an introduction to the ideas of chaos theory, fractals, and randomness.

Operation Comics: The Story Continues, Bruce Kessler, Janet Tassell, Tressa Tullis

Bruce Kessler

During the 2008-2009 academic year, the author K. wrote three issues of Operation Comics, a comic book with embedded mathematics content appropriate for 4th through 6th grade students. Several printed comics were placed in Cumberland Trace Elementary in the Warren County School System in Bowling Green, Kentucky, US. The author Ta. was enlisted to measure the impact of the comics on the attitudes and motivation of the students using the comics. A preliminary report was given by K. at the 2009 Bridges Banff Conference, and the written report appeared in the proceedings. Since then, data has been collected on the …

Stability Of A Strongly Anisotropic Thin Epitaxial Film In A Wetting Interaction With Elastic Substrate, Mikhail Khenner, Wondimu T. Tekalign, Margo S. Levine

Mikhail Khenner

The linear dispersion relation for longwave surface perturbations, as derived by Levine et al. Phys. Rev. B 75, 205312 (2007) is extended to include a smooth surface energy anisotropy function with a variable anisotropy strength (from weak to strong, such that sharp corners and slightly curved facets occur on the corresponding Wulff shape). Through detailed parametric studies it is shown that a combination of a wetting interaction and strong anisotropy, and even a wetting interaction alone results in complicated linear stability characteristics of strained and unstrained films.

Modeling Diverse Physics Of Nanoparticle Self-Assembly In Pulsed Laser-Irradiated Metallic Films, Mikhail Khenner

Mikhail Khenner

Presents physics behind dewetting of thin liquid films and mathematical/computational modeling tools (Educational/Research presentation for senior physics majors).

A Comparative Study Of Threshold-Based Feature Selection Techniques, Huanjing Wang, Taghi M. Khoshgoftaar, Jason Van Hulse

Dr. Huanjing Wang

Abstract Given high-dimensional software measurement data, researchers and practitioners often use feature (metric) selection techniques to improve the performance of software quality classification models. This paper presents our newly proposed threshold-based feature selection techniques, comparing the performance of these techniques by building classification models using five commonly used classifiers. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of different feature selection techniques, the models are evaluated using eight different performance metrics separately since a given performance metric usually captures only one aspect of the classification performance. All experiments are conducted on three Eclipse data sets with different levels of class imbalance. The …

A Comparative Study Of Filter-Based Feature Ranking Techniques, Huanjing Wang, Taghi M. Khoshgoftaar, Kehan Gao

Dr. Huanjing Wang

One factor that affects the success of machine learning is the presence of irrelevant or redundant information in the training data set. Filter-based feature ranking techniques (rankers) rank the features according to their relevance to the target attribute and we choose the most relevant features to build classification models subsequently. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of different feature ranking techniques, a commonly used method is to assess the classification performance of models built with the respective selected feature subsets in terms of a given performance metric (e.g., classification accuracy or misclassification rate). Since a given performance metric usually can …

Morphological Evolution Of Single-Crystal Ultrathin Solid Films, Mikhail Khenner

Mikhail Khenner

An introduction to mathematical modeling of ultrathin solid films and the role of such modeling in nanotechnologies: Educational/Research presentation for senior physics majors

An Algorithm For Wavelet–Based Elemental Spectrum Analysis, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

At the previous Approximation Theory XII meeting, I discussed some preliminary work with the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University in using multiwavelets to provide an objective analysis of gamma-ray spectrum generated from fast neutron bombardment of objects, for the purpose of identifying the elemental composition of the object. The method discussed at the time worked moderately well with the limited amount of data provided, but subsequent use with data sets of different compounds and with different detectors brought to light serious flaws with its implementation.

This talk will illustrate those issues and will address how they have been …

Improved Automated Monitoring And New Analysis Algorithm For Circadean Phototaxis Rhythms In Chlamydomonas, Christa Gaskill, Jennifer Forbes-Stovall, Bruce Kessler, Mike Young, Claire A. Rinehart, Sigrid Jacobshagen

Bruce Kessler

Automated monitoring of circadian rhythms is an efficient way of gaining insight into oscillation parameters like period and phase for the underlying pacemaker of the circadian clock. Measurement of the circadian rhythm of phototaxis (swimming towards light) exhibited by the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been automated by directing a narrow and dim light beam through a culture at regular intervals and determining the decrease in light transmittance due to the accumulation of cells in the beam. In this study, the monitoring process was optimized by constructing a new computercontrolled measuring machine that limits the test beam to wavelengths reported …

Oscillatory And Monotonic Modes Of Long-Wave Marangoni Convection In A Thin Film, Sergey Shklyaev, Mikhail Khenner, Alexei Alabuzhev

Mikhail Khenner

We study long-wave Marangoni convection in a layer heated from below. Using the scaling k=OBi, where k is the wave number and Bi is the Biot number, we derive a set of amplitude equations. Analysis of this set shows presence of monotonic and oscillatory modes of instability. Oscillatory mode has not been previously found for such direction of heating. Studies of weakly nonlinear dynamics demonstrate that stable steady and oscillatory patterns can be found near the stability threshold.

Thermocapillary Effects In Driven Dewetting And Self-Assembly Of Pulsed Laser-Irradiated Metallic Films, Mikhail Khenner

Mikhail Khenner

A mathematical model for the evolution of pulsed laser-irradiated, molten metallic films has been developed using the lubrication theory. The heat transfer problem that incorporates the absorbed heat from a single laser beam or the interfering laser beams is solved analytically. Using this temperature field, we derive the 3D long-wave evolution PDE for the film height. To get insights into dynamics of dewetting, we study the 2D version of the evolution equation by means of a linear stability analysis and by numerical simulations. The stabilizing and destabilizing effects of various system parameters, such as the reflectivity, the peak laser beam …

Mining Data From Multiple Software Development Projects, Huanjing Wang, Taghi M. Khoshgoftaar, Kehan Gao, Naeem Seliya

Dr. Huanjing Wang

A large system often goes through multiple software project development cycles, in part due to changes in operation and development environments. For example, rapid turnover of the development team between releases can influence software quality, making it important to mine software project data over multiple system releases when building defect predictors. Data collection of software attributes are often conducted independent of the quality improvement goals, leading to the availability of a large number of attributes for analysis. Given the problems associated with variations in development process, data collection, and quality goals from one release to another emphasizes the importance of …

High-Dimensional Software Engineering Data And Feature Selection, Huanjing Wang, Taghi M. Khoshgoftaar, Kehan Gao

Dr. Huanjing Wang

Software metrics collected during project development play a critical role in software quality assurance. A software practitioner is very keen on learning which software metrics to focus on for software quality prediction. While a concise set of software metrics is often desired, a typical project collects a very large number of metrics. Minimal attention has been devoted to finding the minimum set of software metrics that have the same predictive capability as a larger set of metrics – we strive to answer that question in this paper. We present a comprehensive comparison between seven commonly-used filter-based feature ranking techniques (FRT) …

An Empirical Investigation Of Filter Attribute Selection Techniques For Software Quality Classification, Kehan Gao, Taghi M. Khoshgoftaar, Huanjing Wang

Dr. Huanjing Wang

Attribute selection is an important activity in data preprocessing for software quality modeling and other data mining problems. The software quality models have been used to improve the fault detection process. Finding faulty components in a software system during early stages of software development process can lead to a more reliable final product and can reduce development and maintenance costs. It has been shown in some studies that prediction accuracy of the models improves when irrelevant and redundant features are removed from the original data set. In this study, we investigated four filter attribute selection techniques, Automatic Hybrid Search (AHS), …

Comic Books That Teach Mathematics, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

During the 2008--2009 academic year, the author embarked on an extremely non-standard curriculum path: developing comic books with embedded mathematics appropriate for 3rd through 6th grade students. With the help of an education professor to measure impact, an elementary-school principal, and talented undergraduate illustrators, this project came to fruition and the comics were implemented in elementary classrooms at Cumberland Trace Elementary in the Warren County School System in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This talk gives the motivation for the idea, introduces the characters, and how the comics integrated the math content into the stories.

Comic Books That Teach Mathematics, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

During the 2008--2009 academic year, the author embarked on an extremely non-standard curriculum path: developing comic books with embedded mathematics appropriate for 3rd through 6th grade students. With the help of an education professor to measure impact, an elementary-school principal, and talented undergraduate illustrators, this project came to fruition and the comics were implemented in elementary classrooms at Cumberland Trace Elementary in the Warren County School System in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This manuscript gives the history of this idea, the difficulties of developing the content of the comics and getting them illustrated, and the implementation plan in the school.

A …

Using Works Of Visual Art To Teach Matrix Transformations, James Luke Akridge, Rachel Bowman, Peter Hamburger, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

The authors present a modern technique for teaching matrix transformations on $\R^2$ that incorporates works of visual art and computer programming. Two of the authors were undergraduate students in Dr. Hamburger's linear algebra class, where this technique was implemented as a special project for the students. The two students generated the images seen in this paper, and the movies that can be found on the accompanying webpage www.wku.edu/\~bruce.kessler/.

Elementary-Level Mathematics Content In Comic Book Format, Bruce Kessler, Janet Tassell, Mary Evans, Cathy Willoughby, Melissa Zimmer

Bruce Kessler

No abstract provided.

Multiwavelets For Quantitative Pattern Matching, Bruce Kessler

Bruce Kessler

This was my presentation in Hawaii that accompanied my paper on pattern matching, published in the conference proceedings.