Mathematics Commons^™

Powers' Conjecture On The Third Largest Eigenvalue Of A Graph, Kevin Schmidt

Master's Theses

In 1989, David Powers conjectured that for any connected graph G on n vertices, the k-th largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix satisfies λk(G) ≤ ⌊n/k⌋ for every 1 ≤ k ≤ n/2. The conjecture has since been resolved case by case, in the sharper form λk(G) ≤ n/k − 1: the case k = 1 is classical, k = 2 was settled independently by Hong and by Powers in 1988, and k ≥ 4 was shown to fail by Nikiforov and Linz. This thesis surveys the resolution of the remaining case, k = 3, achieved in March 2026 by …

A Study On Some Distance Based Domination Parameters In Graphs And Their Applications, Shanmugavelan S Mr

Theses and Dissertations

Distance-based domination has emerged as a significant development in graph theory, attributed to its applications in communication systems, interconnection networks, parallel architectures, and chemical graph models. This thesis focuses on two such graph invariants: hop domination number and 2-hop domination number of graphs. The hop domination number of some generalized graph structures like generalized thorn paths, generalized theta graphs, and snake graph families is studied along with a newly introduced family, namely generalized ciliates.

Moreover, a variant of hop domination number, namely, the 2-hop domination number, is studied for some grid families like ladder, hexagonal grid, and its variants. Furthermore, …

Non-Gradient Quaternion Training Matrix Modifications For Color-Image Distillation, Tahsin Shahnewaz, Megdam Ahmed Chowdhury, Nikolay Metodiev Sirakov

Student Publications

This paper develops a new multi-stage image distillation method that combines two well known techniques. In the first stage, our method creates a matrix from all training images. In the next stage, it adapts a modified principal component analysis (M-PCA) approach to transform the training matrix. In the third stage, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) fur ther refines the training-image matrix through low-rank reconstruction and controlled row selection. In the fourth stage, rotation of small 2 ×2 matrix blocks on the entire left singular matrix is conducted. The upper m (user-selected number) rows of the reconstructed matrix are selected and transformed …

Differential Equation Modeling For Sustainable Resource Management: A Steady-State Optimal Harvesting Approach, Iordanka N. Panayotova, Aleksei Talonov

CODEE Journal

Mathematical models based on differential equations provide a powerful framework for connecting real-world data to informed decision-making. In this work, we present a student-accessible project that uses an optimal-control framework to study the sustainable management of biological resources.

Motivated by fisheries management, we examine a predator--prey system in which harvesting decisions must balance ecological and economic considerations. The model is formulated as an optimal control problem that seeks to maximize the total discounted net revenue from harvesting. Rather than solving for the complete time-dependent harvesting trajectory, we restrict the analysis to positive controlled coexistence equilibria and characterize an interior stationary …

Relationship Between Aleks Use, Implementation Models, And Grade 9 Students’ Achievement On Algebra 1 Summative Assessments, Deneen Alfordburke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study was Grade 9 students’ achievement on the Algebra 1 New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) continued to be below the proficiency level that is defined by the state, despite implementation of Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Algebra 1 software. The study was grounded in Doignon and Falmagne’s knowledge space theory (KST) which evaluates students’ current knowledge levels and guides them along individualized learning paths based on what they are ready to learn next. The purpose of this nonexperimental quantitative study was to determine whether the predictor variables Grade 9 students’ …

How Euler Could Have Done It: Euler And An Integral Of Ramanujan, Alexander Aycock

Euleriana

We present a derivation of a definite integral discovered by Ramanujan (1887–1920) in his 1915 paper "Some Definite Integrals," from formulas and ideas already developed by Euler (1707–1783). Additionally, it is argued why Euler did not discover Ramanujan's integral himself, although he had all tools required for this task at his disposal.

A Note On Euler's Definition Of The Sum Of A Divergent Series, Alexander Aycock

Euleriana

We outline Euler's theory of divergent series and present another approach he could have taken to sum his ``factorial series". Finally, we address the contradictions that arise from his concept of a sum of a divergent series.

Euler's Explorations Of Extremal Ellipses, Jonathan David Evans

Euleriana

In the 1770s, Euler wrote a series of papers (E563, E691 and E692) about finding the ellipse with minimal area or perimeter in the family of all ellipses passing through a fixed set of points. This is a translation of all three papers from the original Latin, together with a commentary which discusses Euler's results and an appendix which addresses a question from E691 which Euler left for others to consider.

Arithmetic Theorems, Demonstrated By A New Method: An English Translation Of E271, Brendon Lasell

Euleriana

After defending in general terms the value of arithmetic demonstrations, where, according to Euler, the force of genius shines more brightly than in any other kind of demonstration, he goes on to let the force of his own genius shine forth in demonstrating the fact that, for any pair of relatively prime numbers a and N, a^ϕ(N) − 1 is always divisible by N, where we anachronistically denote by ϕ(N) the number of numbers less than N that are relatively prime to it. He approaches this theorem by considering the remainders that result when the numbers in an arithmetic …

On Double Integral Formulas: An English Translation Of E391, Thomas W. Polaski

Euleriana

In this paper, Euler investigates the theory of double intergrals to uses them to find areas, volumes and surface areas. He considers transformations of variables in double integrals. After showing that simple multiplication of the transformed differentials is not appropriate, he derives the formula for a change of variables in double integrals. Euler then uses such changes of variables to investigate areas and volumes, and then turns his attention to the so-called ``Florentine problem.'' This problem requires one to remove four equal windows from a hemispherical surface so that the remaining area is equal to the area of a square. …

Eulerian Problem Solving, Christopher Goff, Erik Tou

Euleriana

An introduction to the contents in Volume 6 (Issue 2) of Euleriana.

Taut And Dupin Submanifolds (Updated Version), Thomas E. Cecil

Mathematics and Computer Science Department Faculty Scholarship

This is an updated version of the paper [29] by the author which originally appeared in 1997. The original paper was a survey of the closely related fields of taut and Dupin submanifolds of Euclidean space, and this updated version includes many results in the field that have appeared since the publication of the original version. The emphasis is on stating results in their proper context and noting areas for future research, and relatively few proofs are given. The important class of isoparametric hypersurfaces is surveyed in detail, as is the relationship between the two concepts of taut and Dupin. …

Fast Computation And Model Order Reduction Of The Friction Stir Welding Process With Pod-Deim, Joshua Kay, Zilong Song

Mathematics and Statistics Student Research and Class Projects

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state manufacturing process widely used in joining aluminum and other metal workpieces. The FSW process can be modeled by a coupled system of non-Newtonian Navier–Stokes and heat-transfer equations. However, solving this non-linear system with high accuracy requires significant computational power. This work refines the system by introducing corrected coefficients and new treatments for boundary conditions near the tool. Then, model order reduction, including the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (DEIM), is applied to efficiently solve the FSW system in a low-dimensional space. To enhance accuracy and effectiveness, two novel treatments …

On The Existence, Uniqueness And Stability Of Solutions Of Sdes With State-Dependent Variable Exponent, Mustafa Avci

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

We study a time-inhomogeneous nonlinear SDE with drift and diffusion governed by state-dependent variable exponents. This framework generalizes models like the geometric Brownian motion (GBM) and the constant elasticity of variance (CEV), offering flexibility to capture complex dynamics while posing analytical challenges. Using a fixed-point approach, we prove existence and uniqueness, analyze higher-order moments, derive asymptotic estimates, and assess stability. Finally, we illustrate an application where Poisson’s equation admits a probabilistic representation via a timehomogeneous nonlinear SDE with state-dependent variable exponents.

Companion Matrices Associated To Stochastic Matrices, Andreas Boukas, Philip Feinsilver

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

Starting with a stochastic matrix, we study the behavior of powers of an associated companion matrix, which has the same characteristic polynomial as the original matrix. In general the companion matrix will have negative entries while maintaining rowsums equal to 1. We will find the growth rate even if the Ces`aro limit of the sums of the companion matrix diverge. Surprisingly, in the irreducible aperiodic case the powers of the companion matrix will converge even though the norm of the matrix exceeds 1 and it has possibly negative entries.

Z+-Valued Additive Processes In Law With Nonnegative Increments, Nadjib Bouzar

Journal of Stochastic Analysis

The goal of this article is to study in depth the subclass of Z+- valued additive processes in law with nonnegative increments. We establish key distributional properties of these processes and obtain some existence results under a variety of conditions. We show that they form a subclass of the family of inhomogeneous Markov chains with spatial homogeneity. We extend the notion of factoring introduced by Sato (2004, [9]) for Rd-valued additive processes in law to their Z+-valued counterparts with nonnegative increments. We give a sufficient condition for the existence of a factoring for these processes. Lastly, we obtain their representation …

Motivating Second-Order Differential Equation Models Beyond The Spring–Mass System, Katherine E. Rutherford, John C. Borger

CODEE Journal

Students in introductory differential equations courses often learn to associate specific equation types with familiar physical systems. While this approach supports procedural fluency, it can inhibit transfer learning: students recognize familiar forms rather than construct models from first principles. This paper presents a modeling-first instructional approach designed to help students recognize the shared structure of second-order differential equations across diverse contexts. Students derive governing equations from fundamental physical laws for multiple systems, including an Inductor, Resistor, and Capacitor (LRC) electrical circuit, a simple pendulum, and viscous pipe flow. Through guided comparison, students identify common components such as inertia, damping, restoring …

Generalized Spectral Bound For Quasi-Twisted Codes, Buket Özkaya

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

Minimum distance bounds play a central role in the analysis of algebraic codes. For cyclic and constacyclic codes, several bounds based on their zero set have been developed. However, analogous results for quasi-twisted (QT) codes are comparatively limited. In this paper, we further investigate the spectral theory of QT codes and derive a general spectral bound on their minimum distance. Our bound unifies and generalizes previously known spectral bounds for quasi-cyclic (QC) and QT codes, and contains them as special cases. We present a new proof technique and show that the bound can be formulated with respect to an arbitrary …

A Novel Iterative Algorithm For Approximating Common Fixed Points Of Generalized Α-Nonexpansive Multivalued Mappings In Kohlenbach Hyperbolic Spaces, Makbule Kaplan Özekes

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we propose a new iterative scheme involving three multivalued mappings in Kohlenbach hyperbolic spaces. Strong and ∆-convergence theorems are established for approximating common fixed points of nonexpansive multivalued mappings under suitable conditions. A numerical example is also presented to illustrate the efficiency and faster convergence of the proposed method. The results obtained extend and unify several related contributions in the existing literature.

On Families Of Finsler Metrics, İsmai̇l Sağlam, Ken'ichi Ohshika, Athanase Papadopoulos

Turkish Journal of Mathematics

In this paper, we answer some natural questions concerning symmetrisation and more general combinations of Finsler metrics, with a view to applications to Funk and Hilbert geometries and metrics on Teichmüller spaces. The metrics on Teichmüller space that we consider are the Thurston metric and the earthquake metric, both introduced by Thurston. The first metric has been thoroughly studied over the last couple of decades, and the second over the last few years. The Funk metric and its symmetrisation, the Hilbert metric, are classical metrics that have been investigated in the contexts of hyperbolic geometry and geometric function theory and, …