Other Mathematics Commons^™

Analyzing Suicidal Text Using Natural Language Processing, Cassandra Barton

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Using Natural Language Processing (NLP), we are able to analyze text from suicidal individuals. This can be done using a variety of methods. I analyzed a dataset of a girl named Victoria that died by suicide. I used a machine learning method to train a different dataset and tested it on her diary entries to classify her text into two categories: suicidal vs non-suicidal. I used topic modeling to find out unique topics in each subset. I also found a pattern in her diary entries. NLP allows us to help individuals that are suicidal and their family members and close …

Quadratic Neural Network Architecture As Evaluated Relative To Conventional Neural Network Architecture, Reid Taylor

Senior Theses

Current work in the field of deep learning and neural networks revolves around several variations of the same mathematical model for associative learning. These variations, while significant and exceptionally applicable in the real world, fail to push the limits of modern computational prowess. This research does just that: by leveraging high order tensors in place of 2nd order tensors, quadratic neural networks can be developed and can allow for substantially more complex machine learning models which allow for self-interactions of collected and analyzed data. This research shows the theorization and development of mathematical model necessary for such an idea to …

Prime Factors: America’S Prioritization Of Literacy Over Numeracy And Its Relationship To Systemic Inequity, Troy Smith

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

For much of American history, literacy has been prioritized in K-12 education and society, at large, at the expense of numeracy. This lack of numerical emphasis has established innumeracy as an American cultural norm that has resulted in America not producing a sufficient number of numerate citizens, and ranking poorly on mathematical performance in international comparisons. This paper investigates the decisions and circumstances that led to this under prioritization, along with the public and cultural impact of said actions. Toward this end, literature regarding contemporary and historical influences on American mathematics education (e.g., civic, policy, and parental) was reviewed. The …

An Exploration Of Voting With Partial Orders, Mason Acevedo

HMC Senior Theses

In this thesis, we discuss existing ideas and voting systems in social choice theory. Specifically, we focus on the Kemeny rule and the Borda count. Then, we begin trying to understand generalizations of these voting systems in a setting where voters can submit partial rankings on their ballot, instead of complete rankings.

Role Of Inhibition And Spiking Variability In Ortho- And Retronasal Olfactory Processing, Michelle F. Craft

Theses and Dissertations

Odor perception is the impetus for important animal behaviors, most pertinently for feeding, but also for mating and communication. There are two predominate modes of odor processing: odors pass through the front of nose (ortho) while inhaling and sniffing, or through the rear (retro) during exhalation and while eating and drinking. Despite the importance of olfaction for an animal’s well-being and specifically that ortho and retro naturally occur, it is unknown whether the modality (ortho versus retro) is transmitted to cortical brain regions, which could significantly instruct how odors are processed. Prior imaging studies show different …

Stroke Clustering And Fitting In Vector Art, Khandokar Shakib

Senior Independent Study Theses

Vectorization of art involves turning free-hand drawings into vector graphics that can be further scaled and manipulated. In this paper, we explore the concept of vectorization of line drawings and study multiple approaches that attempt to achieve this in the most accurate way possible. We utilize a software called StrokeStrip to discuss the different mathematics behind the parameterization and fitting involved in the drawings.

Decoding Cyclic Codes Via Gröbner Bases, Eduardo Sosa

Honors Theses

In this paper, we analyze the decoding of cyclic codes. First, we introduce linear and cyclic codes, standard decoding processes, and some standard theorems in coding theory. Then, we will introduce Gr¨obner Bases, and describe their connection to the decoding of cyclic codes. Finally, we go in-depth into how we decode cyclic codes using the key equation, and how a breakthrough by A. Brinton Cooper on decoding BCH codes using Gr¨obner Bases gave rise to the search for a polynomial-time algorithm that could someday decode any cyclic code. We discuss the different approaches taken toward developing such an algorithm and …

Analyzing Marriage Statistics As Recorded In The Journal Of The American Statistical Association From 1889 To 2012, Annalee Soohoo

CMC Senior Theses

The United States has been tracking American marriage statistics since its founding. According to the United States Census Bureau, “marital status and marital history data help federal agencies understand marriage trends, forecast future needs of programs that have spousal benefits, and measure the effects of policies and programs that focus on the well-being of families, including tax policies and financial assistance programs.”[1] With such a wide scope of applications, it is understandable why marriage statistics are so highly studied and well-documented.

This thesis will analyze American marriage patterns over the past 100 years as documented in the Journal of …

Reinforcement Learning: Low Discrepancy Action Selection For Continuous States And Actions, Jedidiah Lindborg

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In reinforcement learning the process of selecting an action during the exploration or exploitation stage is difficult to optimize. The purpose of this thesis is to create an action selection process for an agent by employing a low discrepancy action selection (LDAS) method. This should allow the agent to quickly determine the utility of its actions by prioritizing actions that are dissimilar to ones that it has already picked. In this way the learning process should be faster for the agent and result in more optimal policies.