Applied Mathematics Commons^™

A Universal Theory Of Pseudocodewords, Nathan Axvig, Emily Price, Eric T. Psota, Deanna Turk, Lance C. Pérez, Judy L. Walker

Department of Mathematics: Faculty Publications

Three types of pseudocodewords for LDPC codes are found in the literature: graph cover pseudocodewords, linear programming pseudocodewords, and computation tree pseudocodewords. In this paper we first review these three notions and known connections between them. We then propose a new decoding rule — universal cover decoding — for LDPC codes. This new decoding rule also has a notion of pseudocodeword attached, and this fourth notion provides a framework in which we can better understand the other three.

Mathematical Analysis Of Pde Systems Which Govern °Uid Structure Interactive Phenomena, George Avalos, Roberto Triggiani

Department of Mathematics: Faculty Publications

In this paper, we review and comment upon recently derived results for time dependent partial differential equation (PDE) models, which have been used to describe the various fluid-structure interactions which occur in nature. For these fluid-structure PDEs, this survey is particularly focused on the authors' results of (i) semigroup wellposedness, (ii) stability, and (iii) backward uniqueness.

Necessary Conditions For Super Minimizers In Constrained Multiobjective Optimization, Truong Q. Bao, Boris S. Mordukhovich

Mathematics Research Reports

This paper concerns the study of the so-called super minimizers related to the concept of super efficiency in constrained problems of multiobjective optimization, where cost mappings are generally set-valued. We derive necessary conditions for super minimizers on the base of advanced tools of variational analysis and generalized differentiation that are new in both finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional settings for problems with single-valued and set-valued objectives.

The Barycenter Of The Numerical Range Of A Matrix, Sean A. Broughton, Roger G. Lautzenheiser, Thomas Werne

Mathematical Sciences Technical Reports (MSTR)

The numerical range W(A) of an nxn matrix A is the totality of the scalar products <Ax,x> as x varies over all unit vectors in Cⁿ The barycenter (center of mass) of the numerical range is defined geometrically as the center of mass of W(A) considered as a planar lamina with variable density and also as a limit of sample averages (<Ax₁,x₁>+...+<Ax_N,x_N>)/N. Under a wide range the sampling schemes it is shown that the barycenter is the average of the spectrum …

Optimization And Feedback Design Of State-Constrained Parabolic Systems, Boris S. Mordukhovich

Mathematics Research Reports

The paper is devoted to optimal control and feedback design of stateconstrained parabolic systems in uncertainty conditions. Problems of this type are among the most challenging and difficult in dynamic optimization for any kind of dynamical systems. We pay the main attention to considering linear multidimensional parabolic'systems with Dirichlet boundary controls and pointwise state constraints, while the methods developed in this study are applicable to other kinds of boundary controls and dynamical systems of the parabolic type. The feedback design problem is formulated in the minimax sense to ensure stabilization of transients within the prescribed diapason and robust stability of …

Decompositions Of Signed-Graphic Matroids, Dan Slilaty, Hongxun Qin

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications

We give a decomposition theorem for signed graphs whose frame matroids are binary and a decomposition theorem for signed graphs whose frame matroids are quaternary.

Transmission Dynamics Of Avian Influenza Among Poultry With And Without Vaccination, Qiao Liang

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

The continuing avian influenza (AI) out break that began in late 2003 and early 2004 has been disastrous for the poultry industry worldwide. It has resulted in severe socio-economic damage, and it has raised serious concerns for general public health. In this research, we use mathematics to analyze transmission dynamics of AI among poultry. We use a status-based approach to construct systems of differential equations to describe virus transmission dynamics. We develop theoretical means to eradicate the spread of the disease, and we calculate the size of healthy and infected populations during an AI outbreak, and the final population size …

As Flat As Possible, Jon T. Jacobsen

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

How does one determine a surface which is as flat as possible, such as those created by soap film surfaces? What does it mean to be as flat as possible? In this paper we address this question from two distinct points of view, one local and one global in nature. Continuing with this theme, we put a temporal twist on the question and ask how to evolve a surface so as to flatten it as efficiently as possible. This elementary discussion provides a platform to introduce a wide range of advanced topics in partial differential equations and helps students …

Suboptimality Conditions For Mathematical Programs With Equilibrium Constraints, Truong Q. Bao, Panjak Gupta, Boris S. Mordukhovich

Mathematics Research Reports

In this paper we study mathematical programs with equilibrium constraints (MPECs) described by generalized equations in the extended form 0 is an element of the set G(x,y) + Q(x,y), where both mappings G and Q are set-valued. Such models arise, in particular, from certain optimization-related problems governed by variational inequalities and first-order optimality conditions in nondifferentiable programming. We establish new weak and strong suboptimality conditions for the general MPEC problems under consideration in finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional spaces that do not assume the existence of optimal solutions. This issue is particularly important for infinite-dimensional optimization problems, where the existence of optimal …

Nonlinear Dynamics In Combinatorial Games: Renormalizing Chomp, Eric J. Friedman, Adam S. Landsberg

WM Keck Science Faculty Papers

We develop a new approach to combinatorial games that reveals connections between such games and some of the central ideas of nonlinear dynamics: scaling behaviors, complex dynamics and chaos, universality, and aggregation processes. We take as our model system the combinatorial game Chomp, which is one of the simplest in a class of "unsolved" combinatorial games that includes Chess, Checkers, and Go. We discover that the game possesses an underlying geometric structure that "grows" (reminiscent of crystal growth), and show how this growth can be analyzed using a renormalization procedure adapted from physics. In effect, this methodology allows one to …

Teach A Course In The Math Of Voting And Choice, Karl-Dieter Crisman

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

Many mathematics instructors at the college level are looking for a curricular option that has the potential to serve a number of different constituencies. It could be to encourage more students to take math courses, or to give worthwhile options to students who need to take math but who are not ready for calculus (or its sequence). On the other hand, one may wish to add a new course for majors outside of the typical offerings, or even to prepare students for undergraduate research. The mathematics of voting and choice is ideally suited to meet all these needs in the …

Bach (To The Calculus Of) Variations, Charles R. Hampton

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

While it is quite common for professionals (doctors, lawyers, academics, etc) to be talented in many ways, including musical talent, there is a special connection between music and mathematics. Musicians collectively are not more talented in mathematics than other professionals and other academics. This paper examines the connections between math and music, particularly calculus and the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Chaos Theory And Metaphysical (In) Determinism, Tim Rogalsky

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

This paper will begin by introducing the issues that arise from chaos theory for the Christian mathematician and scientist: What is at stake in this debate? It will then briefly review chaos theory, by means of two examples. It will then introduce the metaphysical interpretations given to chaos theory by three different scientist-theologians. The paper will conclude with a brief introduction to open theists, and analyze their use of chaos theory to supper their theological claims.

Trigonometry Without Sines And Geometry Without Angles, Phillip Lestmann

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

In his book, Divine Proportions, N. J. Wildberger advocates for a "rational" trigonometry by substituting the squares of the common trigonometric ratios for those ratios themselves. This presentation examines and critiques the claims of the book by evaluating its presented methods.

Portrayls Of Mathematics In Culture, Jeremy Case

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

This paper looks at various portrays of mathematicians in culture, and how that can influence perceptions of mathematics.

Integrating Moral And Spiritual Themes In Middle School And High School Mathematics Teaching Units, Dave Klanderman, Sean Bird

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

In 2006, the Kuyers Institute published a total of nine math lessons for the middle school and high school which incorporate a Christian perspective. This paper examines the impact of teaching all of these lessons at a the high school level as well as selected lessons at the college level with preservice elementary and secondary mathematics teachers.

An Augustinian Perspective On The Philosophy Of Mathematics, James Bradley

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

Enlightenment thinkers saw the universe as mechanistic and mathematics as the language in which the universe is written. They viewed mathematics as eternal, as transcending human minds, and as comprehensible by human beings. Thus mathematics, from their perspective, is our best tool for understanding the secrets of nature. This outlook was nicely summarized by Morris Kline: (Kline, 1953) In brief the whole world is the totality of mathematically expressible motions of objects in space and time, and the entire universe is a great, harmonious, and mathematically designed machine. From a Christian perspective, however, the Enlightenment outlook is flawed. It privileges …

Rules And Insights: Connecting The Mathematical And Linguistic Abilities Of C.S. Lewis, Kim Jongerius

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

While most biographical works on C.S. Lewis give passing reference to Lewis' problems with elementary mathematics, few have made an attempt at diagnosing the difficulty or exploring its impact on his writing. A careful study of family correspondence, however, makes it clear that his learning difficulties were not with mathematics alone and suggests connections between attitudes toward and abilities in both mathematics and language. This paper will make these connections clear and will illustrate their ties to Lewis' effective mathematical references.

Counting Tulips: Three Combinatorial Proofs, Eric Gossett

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

A gardener has r ≥ 1 red tulips and b ≥ 1 blue tulips, each in its own pot. She plans to plant them in a line along the edge of her driveway. In how many visually distinguishable ways can she arrange them?

Tanzania, Mathematics, And Me: Reflections From My Work With Tanzanian Teachers, Mandi Maxwell

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

In June 2006 I had the privilege of participating in a four-day teacher training workshop in Mumba, Tanzania. In this paper I will discuss the challenges and triumphs of working with Tanzanian Secondary Mathematics teachers. We will discuss the educational environment, teaching strategies, and curricular issues that affect mathematics teachers in rural areas of Tanzania and contrast that with the American educational experience. We will also discuss some of the goals of the Teacher Training workshop that my colleagues and I led and look at some of the specific mathematical ideas and applications that I shared with the Mathematics teachers …

Mathematical Knowledge And Leibniz' Epstemology, Jonathan Zderad

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

No abstract provided.

Integrating Ethics Into The Database Course With A Focus On Data Modeling And Normalization, James F. Glasgow, Ph.D

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

No abstract provided.

Optimize Your Matth Services Through Networking, Patrice Conrath

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

No abstract provided.

Modeling Growth In Christian Evangelism, Marvin Bittinger

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

No abstract provided.

Breathing Life Into The Liberal Arts Math Course: Ten Teaching Tips, Mark Colgan

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

Teaching the liberal arts math course for general education students presents unique challenges, but the course also offers exciting life applications and opportunities for integrating faith with a variety of creative topics. I try to make the course interesting by actively involving students and relating mathematical topics to their lives. In this paper I will discuss some things I have tried in the liberal arts math course I teach at Taylor University: using students' names, use of undergraduate teaching assistants (T As), group guessing games, handout booklets, hangman, group projects, memory verses, reflection papers, and life lessons.

Six Ways, Yea Seven, That Scripture Is Integral To Our Science And Math Classes, Sean Bird

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

This paper looks at the ways the Bible informs mathematics and its role in guiding our stewardship of God’s creation.

Voltaire: A Study In Finding A Needle In A Haystack, Andrew Simoson

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

In Euler’s popular notes to a German Princess of 1837, he describes Voltaire as laughing about the idea of a hole going to Earth’s center. Did Voltaire actually write about this idea? Herein we describe the answers to be found upon searching through the huge opus of Voltaire’s written work. The result has links to Newton’s 1687 Principia discoveries and the French Academy’s early eighteenth century international scientific expeditions to Lapland and Peru establishing the veracity of those discoveries.

The Beautiful And Sublime In Mathematics, Paul Zwier

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

A précis of Paul Zwier's talk presented at the meetings of the ACMS Conference at Messiah College on June 1, 2007.

Connection-Oriented Computer Science Education, Kim Kihlstrom

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

Computers play an important role in every area of our society and are integral in every academic discipline. Today's computer science students need a background that will prepare them for the expanding range of computing opportunities. The opportunities for computer professionals are varied and increasing in diversity. However, undergraduate computer science programs tend to be narrowly focused on programming and related technical skills. Female students in particular tend to be highly interested in exploring connections between computer science and other fields.

How can we leverage these observations at a liberal arts college, where interdisciplinary connections are highly desirable, and where …

Exploring Loci In Geometry, Owen Byer, Deirdre Smeltzer

ACMS Conference Proceedings 2007

No abstract provided.