Mathematics Commons^™

Discretization Of The Hellinger-Reissner Variational Form Of Linear Elasticity Equations, Kevin A. Sweet

REU Final Reports

This paper addresses the derivation of the Hellinger-Reissner Variational Form from the strong form of a system of linear elasticity equations that are used in relation to geological phenomena. The problem is discretized using finite element discretization. This allowed the creation of a program that was used to run tests on various domains. The resultant displacement vectors for tested domains are shown at the end of the paper.

Family Math Night: Increasing Engagement In University Mathematics Courses For Prospective Teachers, Eva Thanheiser

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Prospective elementary school teachers (PSTs) often do not perceive mathematics activities as fun or engaging and perceive the mathematics tasks in their university content courses as inauthentic and irrelevant. Both these points were addressed by connecting the university classroom tasks to the K–5 environment via a Family Math Night (FMN). Survey results from 23 PSTs showed that PSTs were excited about the authenticity of the tasks, learned about children’s mathematical thinking, and reconceptualized mathematics learning as potentially enjoyable. In combination, these results may lead to PSTs’ increased engagement in the mathematics content course and, thus, result in their increased mathematics …

Navigating Around Convex Sets, J. J. P. Veerman

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We review some basic results of convex analysis and geometry in Rn in the context of formulating a differential equation to track the distance between an observer flying outside a convex set K and K itself.

Necessary Conditions For Stability Of Vehicle Formations, Pablo Enrique Baldivieso Blanco

Dissertations and Theses

Necessary conditions for stability of coupled autonomous vehicles in R are established in this thesis. The focus is on linear arrays with decentralized vehicles, where each vehicle interacts with only a few of its neighbors. Decentralized means that there is no central authority governing the motion. Instead, each vehicle registers only velocity and position relative to itself and bases its acceleration only on those data. Explicit expressions are obtained for necessary conditions for asymptotic stability in the cases that a system consists of a periodic arrangement of two or three different types of vehicles, i.e. configurations as follows: ...2-1-2-1 or …

Leveraging Variation Of Historical Number Systems To Build Understanding Of The Base-Ten Place-Value System, Eva Thanheiser, Kathleen Melhuish

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Prospective elementary school teachers (PTs) come to their mathematics courses fluent in using procedures for adding and subtracting multidigit whole numbers, but many are unaware of the essential features inherent in understanding the base-ten place-value system (i.e., grouping, place value, base). Understanding these features is crucial to understanding and teaching number and place value. The research aims of this paper are (1) to present a local instructional theory (LIT), designed to familiarize PTs with these features through comparison with historical number systems and (2) to present the effects of using the LIT in the PT classroom. A theory of learning …

Predicting Time To Dementia Using A Quantitative Template Of Disease Progression, Murat Bilgel, Bruno Jedynak

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

Introduction: Characterization of longitudinal trajectories of biomarkers implicated in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) in decades prior to clinical diagnosis is important for disease prevention and monitoring.

Methods: We used a multivariate Bayesian model to temporally align 1369 AD Neuroimaging Initiative participants based on the similarity of their longitudinal biomarker measures and estimated a quantitative template of the temporal evolution cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ_1-42, p-tau_181p, and t-tau, hippocampal volume, brain glucose metabolism, and cognitive measurements. We computed biomarker trajectories as a function of time to AD dementia, and predicted AD dementia onset age in a …

Analysis Of Feast Spectral Approximations Using The Dpg Discretization, Jay Gopalakrishnan, Luka Grubišić, Jeffrey S. Ovall, Benjamin Quanah Parker

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

A filtered subspace iteration for computing a cluster of eigenvalues and its accompanying eigenspace, known as “FEAST”, has gained considerable attention in recent years. This work studies issues that arise when FEAST is applied to compute part of the spectrum of an unbounded partial differential operator. Specifically, when the resolvent of the partial differential operator is approximated by the discontinuous Petrov Galerkin (DPG) method, it is shown that there is no spectral pollution. The theory also provides bounds on the discretization errors in the spectral approximations. Numerical experiments for simple operators illustrate the theory and also indicate the value of …

Counting And Coloring Sudoku Graphs, Kyle Oddson

Mathematics and Statistics Dissertations, Theses, and Final Project Papers

A sudoku puzzle is most commonly a 9 × 9 grid of 3 × 3 boxes wherein the puzzle player writes the numbers 1 - 9 with no repetition in any row, column, or box. We generalize the notion of the n² × n² sudoku grid for all n ∈ ℤ^≥2 and codify the empty sudoku board as a graph. In the main section of this paper we prove that sudoku boards and sudoku graphs exist for all such n; we prove the equivalence of [3]'s construction using unions and products of graphs to the definition of …

A Bayesian Nonparametric Multiple Testing Procedure For Comparing Several Treatments Against A Control, Luis Gutiérrez, Andrés Barrientos, Jorge González, Daniel Taylor-Rodríguez

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We propose a Bayesian nonparametric strategy to test for differences between a control group and several treatment regimes. Most of the existing tests for this type of comparison are based on the differences between location parameters. In contrast, our approach identifies differences across the entire distribution, avoids strong modeling assumptions over the distributions for each treatment, and accounts for multiple testing through the prior distribution on the space of hypotheses. The proposal is compared to other commonly used hypothesis testing procedures under simulated scenarios. Two real applications are also analyzed with the proposed methodology.

Stability Conditions For Coupled Oscillators In Linear Arrays, Pablo Enrique Baldivieso Blanco, J.J.P. Veerman

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper, we give necessary conditions for stability of flocks in R. We focus on linear arrays with decentralized agents, where each agent interacts with only a few its neighbors. We obtain explicit expressions for necessary conditions for asymptotic stability in the case that the systems consists of a periodic arrangement of two or three different types of agents, i.e. configurations as follows: ...2-1-2-1 or ...3-2-1-3-2-1. Previous literature indicated that the (necessary) condition for stability in the case of a single agent (...1-1-1) held that the first moment of certain coefficients governing the interactions between agents has to be …

A Dc Programming Approach For Solving Multicast Network Design Problems Via The Nesterov Smoothing Technique, Wondi Geremew, Mau Nam Nguyen, A. Semenov, V. Boginski, E. Pasiliao

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper continues our effort initiated in [19] to study Multicast Communication Networks, modeled as bilevel hierarchical clustering problems, by using mathematical optimization techniques. Given a finite number of nodes, we consider two different models of multicast networks by identifying a certain number of nodes as cluster centers, and at the same time, locating a particular node that serves as a total center so as to minimize the total transportation cost through the network. The fact that the cluster centers and the total center have to be among the given nodes makes this problem a discrete optimization problem. Our approach …

Active Learning In Computer-Based College Algebra, Steven Boyce, Joyce O'Halloran

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

We describe the process of adjusting the balance between computerbased learning and peer interaction in a college algebra course. In our first experimental class, students used the adaptive-learning program ALEKS within an emporium-style format. Comparing student performance in the emporium format class with that in a traditional lecture format class, we found an improvement in procedural skills, but a weakness in the students’ conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas. Consequently, we shifted to a blended format, cutting back on the number of ALEKS (procedural) topics and integrating activities that fostered student discourse about mathematics concepts. In our third iteration using ALEKS, …

Dispersion Analysis Of Hdg Methods, Jay Gopalakrishnan, Manuel Solano, Felipe Vargas

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

This work presents a dispersion analysis of the Hybrid Discontinuous Galerkin (HDG) method. Considering the Helmholtz system, we quantify the discrepancies between the exact and discrete wavenumbers. In particular, we obtain an analytic expansion for the wavenumber error for the lowest order Single Face HDG (SFH) method. The expansion shows that the SFH method exhibits convergence rates of the wavenumber errors comparable to that of the mixed hybrid Raviart–Thomas method. In addition, we observe the same behavior for the higher order cases in numerical experiments.

Predicting Cost Of Care In Total Hip Replacement, Cecily Corrine Froemke, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Legislative reforms aimed at slowing growth of US healthcare costs are focused on achieving greater value per dollar. To increase value healthcare providers must not only provide high quality care, but deliver this care at a sustainable cost. Predicting risks that may lead to poor outcomes and higher costs enable providers to augment decision making for optimizing patient care and inform the risk stratification necessary in emerging reimbursement models. Healthcare delivery systems are looking at their high volume service lines and identifying variation in cost and outcomes in order to determine the patient factors that are driving this variation and …

The Dpg-Star Method, Leszek Demkowicz, Jay Gopalakrishnan, Brendan Keith

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

This article introduces the DPG-star (from now on, denoted DPG*) finite element method. It is a method that is in some sense dual to the discontinuous Petrov– Galerkin (DPG) method. The DPG methodology can be viewed as a means to solve an overdetermined discretization of a boundary value problem. In the same vein, the DPG* methodology is a means to solve an underdetermined discretization. These two viewpoints are developed by embedding the same operator equation into two different saddle-point problems. The analyses of the two problems have many common elements. Comparison to othermethods in the literature round out the newly …

Spatial Factor Models For High-Dimensional And Large Spatial Data: An Application In Forest Variable Mapping, Daniel Taylor-Rodríguez, Andrew O. Finley, Abhirup Datta, Chad Babcock, Hans-Erik Andersen, Bruce D. Cook, Douglas C. Morton, Sudipto Banerjee

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Gathering information about forest variables is an expensive and arduous activity. As such, directly collecting the data required to produce high-resolution maps over large spatial domains is infeasible. Next generation collection initiatives of remotely sensed Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data are specifically aimed at producing complete-coverage maps over large spatial domains. Given that LiDAR data and forest characteristics are often strongly correlated, it is possible to make use of the former to model, predict, and map forest variables over regions of interest. This entails dealing with the high-dimensional (∼10² ) spatially dependent LiDAR outcomes over a large number …

Keyword-Based Patent Citation Prediction Via Information Theory, Farshad Madani, Martin Zwick, Tugrul U. Daim

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Patent citation shows how a technology impacts other inventions, so the number of patent citations (backward citations) is used in many technology prediction studies. Current prediction methods use patent citations, but since it may take a long time till a patent is cited by other inventors, identifying impactful patents based on their citations is not an effective way. The prediction method offered in this article predicts patent citations based on the content of patents. In this research, Reconstructability Analysis (RA), which is based on information theory and graph theory, is applied to predict patent citations based on keywords extracted from …

A Spacetime Dpg Method For The Wave Equation In Multiple Dimensions, Jay Gopalakrishnan, Paulina Sepulveda

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

A spacetime discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin (DPG) method for the linear wave equation is presented. This method is based on a weak formulation that uses a broken graph space. The wellposedness of this formulation is established using a previously presented abstract framework. One of the main tasks in the verification of the conditions of this framework is proving a density result. This is done in detail for a simple domain in arbitrary dimensions. The DPG method based on the weak formulation is then studied theoretically and numerically. Error estimates and numerical results are presented for triangular, rectangular, tetrahedral, and hexahedral meshes of …

Ideals, Big Varieties, And Dynamic Networks, Ian H. Dinwoodie

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The advantage of using algebraic geometry over enumeration for describing sets related to attractors in large dynamic networks from biology is advocated. Examples illustrate the gains.

Connection And Curvature In Crystals With Non-Constant Dislocation Density, Marek Z. Elźanowski, Gareth P. Parry

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

Given a smooth defective solid crystalline structure defined by linearly independent ‘lattice’ vector fields, the Burgers vector construction characterizes some aspect of the ‘defectiveness’ of the crystal by virtue of its interpretation in terms of the closure failure of appropriately defined paths in the material and this construction partly determines the distribution of dislocations in the crystal. In the case that the topology of the body manifold M is trivial (e.g., a smooth crystal defined on an open set in R2), it would seem at first glance that there is no corresponding construction that leads to the notion of a …

Reconstructability And Dynamics Of Elementary Cellular Automata, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Reconstructability analysis (RA) is a method to determine whether a multivariate relation, defined set- or information-theoretically, is decomposable with or without loss into lower ordinality relations. Set-theoretic RA (SRA) is used to characterize the mappings of elementary cellular automata. The decomposition possible for each mapping w/o loss is a better predictor than the λ parameter (Walker & Ashby, Langton) of chaos, & non-decomposable mappings tend to produce chaos. SRA yields not only the simplest lossless structure but also a vector of losses for all structures, indexed by parameter τ. These losses are analogous to transmissions in information-theoretic RA (IRA). IRA …

Introduction To Reconstructability Analysis, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

This talk will introduce Reconstructability Analysis (RA), a data modeling methodology deriving from the 1960s work of Ross Ashby and developed in the systems community in the 1980s and afterwards. RA, based on information theory and graph theory, is a member of the family of methods known as ‘graphical models,’ which also include Bayesian networks and log-linear techniques. It is designed for exploratory modeling, although it can also be used for confirmatory hypothesis testing. RA can discover high ordinality and nonlinear interactions that are not hypothesized in advance. Its conceptual framework illuminates the relationships between wholes and parts, a subject …

Preliminary Results Of Bayesian Networks And Reconstructability Analysis Applied To The Electric Grid, Marcus Harris, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Reconstructability Analysis (RA) is an analytical approach developed in the systems community that combines graph theory and information theory. Graph theory provides the structure of relations (model of the data) between variables and information theory characterizes the strength and the nature of the relations. RA has three primary approaches to model data: variable based (VB) models without loops (acyclic graphs), VB models with loops (cyclic graphs) and state-based models (nearly always cyclic, individual states specifying model constraints). These models can either be directed or neutral. Directed models focus on a single response variable whereas neutral models focus on all relations …

Beyond Spatial Autocorrelation: A Novel Approach Using Reconstructability Analysis, David Percy, Martin Zwick

Complex Systems Faculty Publications and Presentations

Raster data are digital representations of spatial phenomena that are organized into rows and columns that typically have the same dimensions in each direction. They are used to represent image data at any scale. Common raster data are medical images, satellite data, and photos generated by modern smartphones.
Satellites capture reflectance data in specific bands of wavelength that correspond to red, green, blue, and often some infrared and thermal bands. These composite vectors can then be classified into actual land use categories such as forest or water using automated techniques. These classifications are verified on the ground using hand-held sensors. …

Space-Time Discretizations Using Constrained First-Order System Least Squares (Cfosls), Kirill Voronin, Chak Shing Lee, Martin Neumüller, Paulina Sepulveda, Panayot S. Vassilevski

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

This paper studies finite element discretizations for three types of time-dependent PDEs, namely heat equation, scalar conservation law and wave equation, which we reformulate as first order systems in a least-squares setting subject to a space-time conservation constraint (coming from the original PDE). Available piece- wise polynomial finite element spaces in (n + 1)-dimensions for functional spaces from the (n + 1)-dimensional de Rham sequence for n = 3, 4 are used for the implementation of the method. Computational results illustrating the error behavior, iteration counts and performance of block-diagonal and monolithic geometric multi- grid preconditioners are …

Gaussian Processes With Context-Supported Priors For Active Object Localization, Bruno Jedynak

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

We devise an algorithm using a Bayesian optimization framework in conjunction with contextual visual data for the efficient localization of objects in still images. Recent research has demonstrated substantial progress in object localization and related tasks for computer vision. However, many current state-of-the-art object localization procedures still suffer from inaccuracy and inefficiency, in addition to failing to provide a principled and interpretable system amenable to high-level vision tasks. We address these issues with the current research.

Our method encompasses an active search procedure that uses contextual data to generate initial bounding-box proposals for a target object. We train a convolutional …

Cox Processes For Counting By Detection, Purnima Rajan, Yongming Ma, Bruno Jedynak

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

In this work, doubly stochastic Poisson (Cox) processes and convolutional neural net (CNN) classifiers are used to estimate the number of instances of an object in an image. Poisson processes are well suited to model events that occur randomly in space, such as the location of objects in an image or the enumeration of objects in a scene. The proposed algorithm selects a subset of bounding boxes in the image domain, then queries them for the presence of the object of interest by running a pre-trained CNN classifier. The resulting observations are then aggregated, and a posterior distribution over the …

A New Finite Difference Time Domain Method To Solve Maxwell's Equations, Timothy P. Meagher

Dissertations and Theses

We have constructed a new finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method in this project. Our new algorithm focuses on the most important and more challenging transverse electric (TE) case. In this case, the electric field is discontinuous across the interface between different dielectric media. We use an electric permittivity that stays as a constant in each medium, and magnetic permittivity that is constant in the whole domain. To handle the interface between different media, we introduce new effective permittivities that incorporates electromagnetic fields boundary conditions. That is, across the interface between two different media, the tangential component, E_r(x,y), …

The Auxiliary Space Preconditioner For The De Rham Complex, Jay Gopalakrishnan, Martin Neumüller, Panayot S. Vassilevski

Portland Institute for Computational Science Publications

We generalize the construction and analysis of auxiliary space preconditioners to the n-dimensional finite element subcomplex of the de Rham complex. These preconditioners are based on a generalization of a decomposition of Sobolev space functions into a regular part and a potential. A discrete version is easily established using the tools of finite element exterior calculus. We then discuss the four-dimensional de Rham complex in detail. By identifying forms in four dimensions (4D) with simple proxies, form operations are written out in terms of familiar algebraic operations on matrices, vectors, and scalars. This provides the basis for our implementation of …

A New Method For Multi-Bit And Qudit Transfer Based On Commensurate Waveguide Arrays, Jovan Petrovic, J. J. P. Veerman

Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The faithful state transfer is an important requirement in the construction of classical and quantum computers. While the high-speed transfer is realized by optical-fibre interconnects, its implementation in integrated optical circuits is affected by cross-talk. The cross-talk between densely packed optical waveguides limits the transfer fidelity and distorts the signal in each channel, thus severely impeding the parallel transfer of states such as classical registers, multiple qubits and qudits. Here, we leverage on the suitably engineered cross-talk between waveguides to achieve the parallel transfer on optical chip. Waveguide coupling coefficients are designed to yield commensurate eigenvalues of the array and …