Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

K-Theory Of Quadratic Modules: A Study Of Roy's Elementary Orthogonal Group., A. A. Ambily Dr.

Doctoral Theses

This thesis discusses the K-theory of quadratic modules by studying Roys elementary orthogonal group of the quadratic space Q1H(P) over a commutative ring A. We estab- lish a set of commutator relations among the elementary generators of Roys elementary orthogonal group and use this to prove Quillens local-global principle for this elementary group. We also obtain a result on extendability of quadratic modules. We establish nor- mality of the elementary orthogonal group under certain conditions and prove stability results for the Ki group of this orthogonal group. We also prove that Roys elementary orthogonal group and Petrovs odd hyperbolic unitary …

Bures Distance For Completely Positive Maps And Cp-H-Extendable Maps Between Hilbert C*- Modules., Sumesh K Dr.

Doctoral Theses

Completely positive (CP-) maps are special kinds of positivity preserving maps on C ∗ -algebras. W.F. Stinespring [Sti55] obtained a structure theorem for CP-maps showing that they are closely connected with ∗-homomorphisms. W. Arveson and other operator algebraists quickly realized the importance of these maps. Presently the role of the theory of CP-maps in our understanding of C ∗ -algebras and von Neumann algebras is well recognised. It has been argued by physicists that CPmaps are physically more meaningful than just positive maps due to their stability under ampliations. From quantum probabilistic point of view CP-maps are quantum analogues of …

A Quasi-Classical Logic For Classical Mathematics, Henry Nikogosyan

Honors College Theses

Classical mathematics is a form of mathematics that has a large range of application; however, its application has boundaries. In this paper, I show that Sperber and Wilson’s concept of relevance can demarcate classical mathematics’ range of applicability by demarcating classical logic’s range of applicability. Furthermore, I introduce how to systematize Sperber and Wilson’s concept of relevance into a quasi-classical logic that can explain classical logic’s and classical mathematics’ range of applicability.

A Case Study Of How Ninth Grade Mathematics Students Construct Knowledge During A Productive Failure Model, Amy F. Westbrook Dr.

Georgia Educational Research Association Conference

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explain how ninth grade mathematics students at a rural high school in Georgia constructed knowledge through student talk when problem solving using Kapur’s (2012) productive failure design. An embedded case study design was used to understand how a group of students constructed knowledge through their use of talk, persistence during the task, and use of prior knowledge while working on a productive failure modeled task. Triangulation resulted from the collected data from multiple sources, which included videotaping, interviewing, and analyzing student artifacts. Utilization of the constructivist perspectives of Vygotsky (1934/1962), Piaget (1971), …

The Cosm Newsletter

The COSM Newsletter (2008-2018)

• The College of Science and Mathematics Welcomes New Administration in the Dean’s Office
• COSM Faculty and Staff Recognized at College and University Levels
• College Awards
• University Awards
• Summer SOAR Project: Books for Back Pack Buddies
• COSM Alum Honored in Promotion Ceremony at the Pentagon
• Altrusa partners with Georgia Southern Pre-Vet Students for First Annual Dog Wash
• Two COSM Undergrads selected for Prestigious Summer Research Programs
• The Department of Biology Welcomes New Faculty
• Dr. Ed Mondor Named 2014 Outstanding Advocate for First Year Students
• Distinguished Alumnus Chosen
• Honor’s Day Ceremony Resumes
• Professor Gives Talk at 11th Congress on the Biology of …

All At One Point: The New Physics Of Italo Calvino And Jorge Luis Borges, Mark Thomas Rinaldi

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This work of comparative literary criticism focuses on the presence of mathematical and scientific concepts and imagery in the works of Italo Calvino and Jorge Luis Borges, beginning with an historical overview of scientific philosophy and an introduction to the most significant scientific concepts of the last several centuries, before shifting to deep, scientifically-driven analyses of numerous individual fictions, and finally concluding with a meditation on the unexpectedly fictive aspects of science and mathematics. The close readings of these authors' fictions are contextualized with thorough explanations of the potential literary implications of theories from physics, mathematics, neuroscience and chaos theory. …

Proximinality Properties Of Subspaces And Intersection Properties Of Balls In Banach Spaces., Jayanarayanan C. R. Dr.

Doctoral Theses

In this chapter, we explain the background and the main theme of this thesis and provide a chapter-wise summary of its principal results. We introduce some notations and preliminaries that will be used in the subsequent chapters.Study of proximinality related properties and ball intersection related properties of Banach spaces have been an active area of research in the field of geometry of Banach spaces. In this thesis, we mainly study these two classes of Banach space theoretic properties.We consider only Banach spaces over the real field R and all subspaces we consider are assumed to be closed.1.1 PreliminariesFor a Banach …

Mathematical Modeling Of Tick-Borne Encephalitis In Humans, Amanda Kriesel, Michael Meyer, Geoffrey Peterson

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a virus that affects ones nervous system and is transmitted from tick to human through tick bite. In recent years, the number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis in Europe has been increasing. This mathematical biological model of Tick-Borne Encephalitis was created in order to further our understanding of such phenomenon, as well as study the relationship between vectors and their hosts. Specifically, we will investigate the population model of ticks in certain regions and its correlation to tick-borne encephalitis infections in the region.

Choosing Between Parametric And Non-Parametric Tests, Russ Johnson

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

A common question in comparing two sets of measurements is whether to use a parametric testing procedure or a non-parametric procedure. The question is even more important in dealing with smaller samples. Here, using simulation, several parametric and nonparametric tests, such as, t-test, Normal test, Wilcoxon Rank Sum test, van-der Waerden Score test, and Exponential Score test are compared.

On Sign-Solvable Linear Systems And Their Applications In Economics, Eric Hanson

Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato

Sign-solvable linear systems are part of a branch of mathematics called qualitative matrix theory. Qualitative matrix theory is a development of matrix theory based on the sign (¡; 0; +) of the entries of a matrix. Sign-solvable linear systems are useful in analyzing situations in which quantitative data is unknown or had to measure, but qualitative information is known. These situations arise frequently in a variety of disciplines outside of mathematics, including economics and biology. The applications of sign-solvable linear systems in economics are documented and the development of new examples is formalized mathematically. Additionally, recent mathematical developments about sign-solvable …

On The Group Of Transvections Of Ade-Diagrams, Marvin Jones

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis we examine symplectic spaces with forms generated by the ADEdiagrams. Specifically, we determine the generators of the group of transvections for each space under the standard basis, S, of Kⁿ (where K is a field with characteristic 0) and the hyperbolic basis, H, we get from the classification theorem of symplectic spaces. Further, we examine how the generators of these groups are related via g : G_f,S ! SL(Z)_n where g(X) = P⁻¹XP where P is the change of basis matrix for S to H.

Structure Of Lipid Bilayers, John Nagle, Stephanie Tristram-Nagle

Prof. Stephanie Tristram-Nagle Ph.D.

The quantitative experimental uncertainty in the structure of fully hydrated, biologically relevant, fluid (L(alpha)) phase lipid bilayers has been too large to provide a firm base for applications or for comparison with simulations. Many structural methods are reviewed including modern liquid crystallography of lipid bilayers that deals with the fully developed undulation fluctuations that occur in the L(alpha) phase. These fluctuations degrade the higher order diffraction data in a way that, if unrecognized, leads to erroneous conclusions regarding bilayer structure. Diffraction measurements at high instrumental resolution provide a measure of these fluctuations. In addition to providing better structural determination, this …

Student Application Of The Fundamental Theorem Of Calculus With Graphical Representations In Mathematics And Physics, Rabindra R. Bajracharya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One mathematical concept frequently applied in physics is the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC). Mathematics education research on student understanding of the FTC indicates student difficulties with the FTC. Similarly, a few studies in physics education have implicitly indicated student difficulties with various facets of the FTC, such as with the definite integral and the area under the curve representation, in physics contexts. There has been no research on how students apply the FTC in graphically-based physics questions.

This study investigated student understanding of the FTC and its application to graphically-based problems. Our interest spans several aspects of the FTC: …

Transposing Noninvertible Polynomials, Nathan Cordner

Library Research Grants

In the class of invertible polynomials, the notion of dual polynomials W and W^T, as well as dual groups G and G^T is well-understood. In this paper we investigate finding dual pairs W and W^T for noninvertible polynomials. We find that in many instances, our intuition that stems from invertible polynomials does not extend to the noninvertible case.

Fields In Math And Farming, Susan D'Agostino

Journal of Humanistic Mathematics

A young woman’s search for a a contemplative, insightful experience leads her from farming to mathematics.

Thin Sequences And The Gram Matrix, Pamela Gorkin, John E. Mccarthy, Sandra Pott, Brett D. Wick

Mathematics Faculty Publications

We provide a new proof of Volberg’s Theorem characterizing thin interpolating sequences as those for which the Gram matrix associated to the normalized reproducing kernels is a compact perturbation of the identity. In the same paper, Volberg characterized sequences for which the Gram matrix is a compact perturbation of a unitary as well as those for which the Gram matrix is a Schatten-2 class perturbation of a unitary operator. We extend this characterization from 2 to p, where 2 p ≤∞.

Review Of The Joy Of X: A Guided Tour Of Math, From One To Infinity By Steven Strogatz, Michael T. Catalano

Numeracy

Strogatz, Steven. The Joy of x: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity, (New York, NY, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012). 316 pp. ISBN 978-0-547-51765-0

The Joy of x: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity, by Steven Strogatz, is an engaging and example-filled argument for mathematics as a valuable and enjoyable activity. The thirty chapters are divided into six parts, entitled Numbers, Relationships, Shapes, Change, Data, and Frontiers. The discussion ranges from intuitive explanations of basic concepts such as place value, the four arithmetic operations, percentage increase and decrease, and solving equations, to “higher” levels …

Cal Poly Women’S Basketball 2013-2014 Shot Selection Analysis, Noah Alexander Zwarg Mr.

Statistics

The initial goal of my senior project was to find some way to help the Cal Poly women’s basketball team score more efficiently. The first idea that came to my mind on how I could accomplish this goal was to look at the most important thing when it comes to scoring more points, the shot itself. I went with my initial idea and recorded each shot that a player took during the 2013-2014 season and categorized each shot by the distance it was taken (close, medium, long, or three), and whether the shot was open or guarded for a total …

Σary, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Mathematics Department

Math Department Newsletters

No abstract provided.

La Vie De Blaise Pascal Et Son Heritage Mathématique Et Philosophique, Katherine Weeks

Honors Theses

This paper will discuss the life of Blaise Pascal, his philosophy and mathematics. We will first study the life of Pascal, by looking at his family, the success of his family, and how he was educated. We will then move onto study the history of the arithmetic triangle, which eventually becomes known as Pascal’s Triangle. Finally we will look at Pascal’s Pensées. Finally we will conclude that Pascal is not only known for Pascal’s Triangle but also his legacy in the Philosophic world. It becomes clear that Pascal would not have been the mathematician he was without the philosophy, and …

On The Evolution Of Virulence, Thi Nguyen

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The goal of this thesis is to study the dynamics behind the evolution of virulence. We examine first the underlying mechanics of linear systems of ordinary differential equations by investigating the classification of fixed points in these systems, then applying these techniques to nonlinear systems. We then seek to establish the validity of a system that models the population dynamics of uninfected and infected hosts---first with one parasite strain, then n strains. We define the basic reproductive ratio of a parasite, and study its relationship to the evolution of virulence. Lastly, we investigate the mathematics behind superinfection.

The Mathematics Of The Card Game Set, Paola Y. Reyes

Honors Projects

SET is a card game of visual perception. The goal is to be the first to see a SET from the 12 cards laid face up on the table. Each card has four attributes, which can vary as follows: 1. Shape: oval, squiggle, or diamond 2. Color: red, green, or blue 3. Number: the number of copies of each symbol can be 1, 2, or 3 4. Filling: solid, unfilled, stripped Each card has a unique combination, for a total of 34 = 81 different cards in a deck. A SET consist of three cards for which each of the …

A Three-Part Study In The Connections Between Music And Mathematics, Molly Elizabeth Anderson

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

The idea for this thesis originated from my fascination with the studies of both music and mathematics throughout my entire life. As a triple major in Middle/Secondary Math Education, Mathematics, and Music, I have learned more than I thought possible of music and math. In proposing this thesis, I desired to use my knowledge of arithmetic and aesthetics to research how music and mathematics are intertwined. I am confident that the following three chapters have allowed me to develop as an academic in both music and mathematics. This thesis serves as a presentation of the connections of music and math …

Teachers' Beliefs And Practices Regarding Homework: An Examination Of The Cognitive Domain Embedded In Third Grade Mathematics Homework, Pandora Dell Bedford

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a better understanding of third grade math teachers''beliefs and practices regarding homework, to explain how teachers''beliefs and practices regarding homework aligned to the framework of the Revised Bloom's'Taxonomy Cognitive Domain, and to determine the administrative influences on homework practices. The data were collected during October and November 2013. Six third grade math teachers (primary unit of analysis) and four principals (secondary unit of analysis) were interviewed from Dell School District. Each participant (teacher and principal) was interviewed for approximately one hour. A second meeting was set at a later time with …

Convexity Properties Of The Diestel-Leader Group Γ_3(2), Peter J. Davids

Honors Projects

The Diestel-Leader groups are a family of groups first introduced in 2001 by Diestel and Leader in [7]. In this paper, we demonstrate that the Diestel-Leader group Γ₃(2) is not almost convex with respect to a particular generating set S. Almost convexity is a geometric property that has been shown by Cannon [3] to guarantee a solvable word problem (that is, in any almost convex group there is a finite-step algorithm to determine if two strings of generators, or “words”, represent the same group element). Our proof relies on the word length formula given by Stein and Taback …

Calculator Usage In Secondary Level Classrooms: The Ongoing Debate, Nicole Plummer

Honors College Theses

With technology becoming more prevalent every day, it is imperative that students gain enough experience with different technological tools in order to be successful in the “real-world”. This thesis will discuss the debate and overall support for an increased usage of calculators as tools in the secondary level classroom. When the idea of calculators in the classroom first came to life, many educators were very apprehensive and quite hesitant of this change. Unfortunately, more than 40 years later, there is still hesitation for their usage; and rightfully so. While there are plenty of advantages of calculator use in the classroom, …

Green's Functions Of Discrete Fractional Calculus Boundary Value Problems And An Application Of Discrete Fractional Calculus To A Pharmacokinetic Model, Sutthirut Charoenphon

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Fractional calculus has been used as a research tool in the fields of pharmacology, biology, chemistry, and other areas [3]. The main purpose of this thesis is to calculate Green's functions of fractional difference equations, and to model problems in pharmacokinetics. We claim that the discrete fractional calculus yields the best prediction performance compared to the continuous fractional calculus in the application of a one-compartmental model of drug concentration. In Chapter 1, the Gamma function and its properties are discussed to establish a theoretical basis. Additionally, the basics of discrete fractional calculus are discussed using particular examples for further calculations. …

2014 Sonia Kovalevsky Math For Girls Day Program, Association For Women In Mathematics, Lincoln University Of Missouri, Kjlu Radio Station, Ameren Ue Callaway Plant Win- Women In Nuclear

Math for Girls Day Documents

9th Annual Lincoln University Sonia Kovalevsky Math for Girls Day program on April 25, 2014.

2014 Sonia Kovalevsky Math For Girls Day Registration Form, Association For Women In Mathematics, Lincoln University Of Missouri, Donna L. Stallings

Math for Girls Day Documents

Registration form for 9th Annual Lincoln University Sonia Kovalevsky Math for Girls Day on April 25, 2014.

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 …