Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Novel Consumer-Centric Metric For Evaluating Hearing Device Audio Performance, Vinaya Manchaiah, Steve Taddei, Abram Bailey, De Wet Swanepoel, Hansapani Rodrigo

School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background and Aim: The emergence of direct-to-consumer hearing devices has introduced confusion in making appropriate choices, highlighting the need for users to be well-informed for optimal device selection. Currently, no established metric offers insights into the sound performance of these devices. This study aimed to introduce and assess a novel consumer-centric metric (i.e., SoundScore) for hearing device audio performance.

Method: The SoundScore metric was created based on five dimensions of hearing device audio performance (i.e., speech benefit in quiet and moderate, speech benefit in loud, own voice perception, feedback control, streamed music sound quality). Tests were conducted under lab conditions …

On A Generalization Of A Theorem Of Ibukiyama To Evaluate Three Imprimitive Character Sums, Brad Isaacson

Publications and Research

In a previous paper, we expressed three families of character sums by certain generalized Bernoulli functions which in turn were expressed by generalized Bernoulli numbers via a complicated and indirect process. In this paper, we generalize a theorem of Ibukiyama to directly express these generalized Bernoulli functions by generalized Bernoulli numbers. As a result, we can express the three families of character sums by generalized Bernoulli numbers in a more elegant fashion than was done before.

A Combinatorial Proof Of A Partition Perimeter Inequality, Hunter Waldron

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

The partition perimeter is a statistic defined to be one less than the sum of the number of parts and the largest part. Recently, Amdeberhan, Andrews, and Ballantine proved the following analog of Glaisher’s theorem: for all m ≥ 2 and n ≥ 1, there are at least as many partitions with perimeter n and parts repeating fewer than m times as there are partitions with perimeter n with parts not divisible by m. In this work, we provide a combinatorial proof of their theorem by relating the combinatorics of the partition perimeter to that of compositions. Using this technique, …

Composition-Theoretic Series And False Theta Functions, William Keith, Robert Schneider, Andrew V. Sills

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Many natural partition-theoretic series can be equally readily interpreted as compo-sition-theoretic series, but this viewpoint seems to have not been much employed in either theory. We consider some of the consequences of this viewpoint. As examples, we give results concerning the reciprocals of Ramanujan’s theta functions and of the false theta functions of L. J. Rogers, and raise an array of questions related to these. Part of this study may be considered a natural dual of the truncated pentagonal number theorem of Andrews and Merca.

Engaging Students In Partial Differential Equations Through Modeling Fourier's Law Of Conduction, Justin G. Trulen, Kayla Keller, John Sinclair, Lauren Meagher

CODEE Journal

In an effort to make active learning exercises in a partial differential equations course, we present a student activity modeling Fourier's law of conduction under the framework of the heat equation. An overview of the heat equation, including several avenues of study, is provided. Then we give an intuitive way of constructing the heat equation from a couple of fundamental properties of physics including Fourier's law of conduction. We outline an experiment that can be run to collect their own data to model Fourier's law of conduction as well as provide data we collected. We conclude with a student activity …

A Computational Investigation Of Wood Selection For Acoustic Guitar, Jonah Osterhus

Senior Honors Theses

The acoustic guitar is a stringed instrument, often made of wood, that transduces vibrational energy of steel strings into coupled vibrations of the wood and acoustic pressure waves in the air. Variations in wood selection and instrument geometry have been shown to affect the timbre of the acoustic guitar. Computational methods were utilized to investigate the impact of material properties on acoustic performance. Sitka spruce was deemed the most suitable wood for guitar soundboards due to its acoustic characteristics, strength, and uniform aesthetic. Mahogany was deemed to be the best wood for the back and sides of the guitar body …

Some Hypergeometric Identities And Related Leonard Pairs, Taiyo Summers Terada

Dissertations and Theses

The notion of a Leonard pair was introduced by Terwilliger in 2001 to simplify Leonard's theorem, which classifies the orthogonal polynomials in the terminating branch of the Askey-Wilson scheme. In the same year, Kresch and Tamvakis made a conjecture about a certain ₄F₃ hypergeometric series while studying the arithmetic analogues of the standard conjectures for the Grassmanian G(2,n). The ₄F₃ series appearing in their conjecture is closely related to a family of orthogonal polynomials in the Askey-Wilson scheme. Consequently, the theory of Leonard pairs provides a useful framework for understanding their conjecture.

In …

Computational Tools For Exploring Eigenvector Localization, Robyn Ashley Markee Reid

Dissertations and Theses

We develop computational tools for exploring eigenvector localization for a class of selfadjoint, elliptic eigenvalue problems regardless of the cause for localization. The user inputs a desired region R (not necessarily connected), a tolerance for the amount localization in R, and the desired energy range [a,b]. The tool outputs eigenvectors concentrated within the tolerance inside R and within [a, b]. We develop ample theory that justifies our algorithm, which involves a complex, compact perturbation of the operator L, Ls = L+isχR, for some (small) s > 0. Our central idea can be summarized as follows: if (λ,ψ) is an eigenpair of …

Differential Equations For Modeling Pathways Leading To Diabetes Onset, Viktoria Savatorova, Aleksei Talonov

CODEE Journal

This paper presents a mathematical model that explains potential pathways leading to diabetes onset. By utilizing a system of nonlinear differential equations to describe the dynamics of the glucose regulatory system, the model can serve as a pedagogical tool for teaching and learning differential equations, dynamical systems, mathematical modeling, and introduction to biomathematics. Within this framework, students can analyze equilibrium solutions, investigate stability, assess parameter sensitivity, and explore the potential for bifurcations. Theoretical analysis is complemented by illustrative numerical examples. Instructors have the flexibility to adapt and incorporate suggested activities according to their teaching preferences and objectives.

Exchangeability And A Model Of Biological Evolution, Renee Haddad

Honors Scholar Theses

A sequence of random variables (RVs) is exchangeable if its distribution is invariant under permutations. For example, every sequence of independent and identically distributed (IID) RVs is exchangeable. The main result on exchangeable sequences of random variables is de Finetti's theorem, which identifies exchangeable sequences as conditionally IID. In this thesis, we explore exchangeability, provide an elementary proof of de Finetti's theorem, and present two applications: the classical Polya's urn model and a toy model for biological evolution.

Weakly Pseudo Primary 2-Absorbing Submodules, Omar Hisham Taha, Marrwa Abdulla Salih

Al-Bahir Journal for Engineering and Pure Sciences

Let be a commutative ring with identity. In this paper, we introduce the notion of a weakly pseudo primary 2-absorbing sub-module as a generalization of a 2-absorbing sub-module and a pseudo 2-absorbing sub-module. Moreover, we give many basic properties, examples, and characterizations of these notions.

H1-Conforming Finite Elements On Nonstandard Meshes, Samuel Edward Reynolds

Dissertations and Theses

We present a finite element method for linear elliptic partial differential equations on bounded planar domains that are meshed with cells that are permitted to be curvilinear and multiply connected. We employ Poisson spaces, as used in virtual element methods, consisting of globally continuous functions that locally satisfy a Poisson problem with polynomial data. This dissertation presents four peer-reviewed articles concerning both the theory and computation of using such spaces in the context of finite elements. In the first paper, we propose a Dirichlet-to-Neumann map for harmonic functions by way of computing the trace of a harmonic conjugate by numerically …

Constructible Sandwich Cut, Philip A. Son

FIU Undergraduate Research Journal

In mathematical measure theory, the “Ham-Sandwich” theorem states that any n objects in an n-dimensional Euclidean space can be simultaneously divided in half with a single cut by an (n-1)-dimensional hyperplane. While it guarantees its existence, the theorem does not provide a way of finding this halving hyperplane, as it is only an existence result. In this paper, we look at the problem in dimension 2, more in the style of Euclid and the antique Greeks, that is from a constructible point of view, with straight edge and compass. For two arbitrary regions in the plane, there is certainly no …

On The Limitations And Restrictions Of The Hardy-Littlewood Circle Method, Daniel W. Havens

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

We discuss herein the history, layout, and philosophy of the Hardy-Littlewood Circle method, as well as the more modern renditions thereof. The limitations and scope of each method presented is discussed in detail, providing examples of cases where the failure of the circle method is of relevance. We include a summary of famous problems which have been resolved using each methodology, as well as what limitations each methodology showcases.

Numerical Invariants Of Cohen-Macaulay Local And Graded Rings, Richard Francis Bartels

Dissertations - ALL

We characterize different classes of Cohen-Macaulay local rings (R,m, k) with positive Krull di?mension in terms of MCM approximations of finitely-generated R-modules. Assume R has a canonical module. For each finitely-generated R-module M, Auslander’s δ?invariant δR(M) equals the rank of a maximal free direct summand of the minimal MCM approxi?mation XM of M. We have δR(R/m) = 1 if and only if R is a regular local ring. Auslander defined the index of R, denoted index(R), as the infimum of positive integers n such that δR(R/mn ) = 1. When R is Gorenstein, we have index(R) ≤ gℓℓ(R) < ∞, where gℓℓ(R) denotes the generalized Loewy length of R, the smallest positive integer n such that mn ⊆ xR for some system of parameters x for R. We call such a system of parameters a witness to the generalized Loewy length of R. In Chapter 3, we generalize a theorem of Ding, who proved that if R is Gorenstein with infinite residue field k and Cohen-Macaulay associated graded ring grm(R), then gℓℓ(R) = index(R). We prove that if R is a one-dimensional Cohen-Macaulay local ring with finite index and nonzerodivi?sor x of order t with grm(R)-regular initial form x ∗ , then gℓℓ(R) ≤ index(R) +t −1. We use this estimate to derive a formula for the generalized Loewy length of a one-dimensional hypersurface R = kJx, yK/(f). If z is a witness to gℓℓ(R) such that z ∗ is grm(R)-regular, then gℓℓ(R) = ordR(z)+e(R)−1, where e(R) denotes the Hilbert-Samuel multiplicity of R. We compute the generalized Loewy lengths of several families {Rn} ∞ n=1 of one-dimensional hypersurfaces over finite and infinite fields such that gℓℓ(Rn) = index(Rn) for all n ≥ 1 or gℓℓ(Rn) = index(Rn) + 1 for all n ≥ 1. Lastly, we study a graded version of the generalized Loewy length of a Noetherian local ring for Noetherian k-algebras (R,m, k), where k is an arbitrary field and m is the irrelevant ideal of R. This invariant is called the generalized graded length of R and denoted ggl(R). After determining bounds for ggl(R) in terms of gℓℓ(R) and the degrees of generators for R, we compute the generalized graded length of numerical semigroup rings. We also characterize witnesses to the generalized graded length of numerical semigroup rings for semigroups with two generators. In Chapter 4, we study criteria for when an MCM module over a Gorenstein complete local ring R is stably isomorphic to an MCM approximation of a finitely-generated R-module of some fixed positive codimension r. If this condition holds for an MCM R-module M, we say with Kato that M satisfies the SCr-condition. If this condition holds for every MCM R-module, we say that R satisfies the SCr-condition. Only the SC1- and SC2- conditions have been characterized for Gorenstein complete local rings R. Kato proved that R satisfies the SC1-condition if and only if R is a domain, and R satisfies the SC2-condition if and only if R is a UFD. For rings of dimension d ≥ 3 and 3 ≤ r ≤ d, we prove an inductive criterion for when an MCM R-module satisfies the SCr-condition when its first syzygy module Ω1 R (M) satisfies the SCr−1-condition. We use this criterion to prove the equivalence of the SCd- and SCd−1-conditions for Gorenstein complete local rings of dimension d ≥ 3 that remain UFDs when factoring out certain regular sequences of length d −2.

Exploring The Mandelbrot Set, James Shirley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Mandelbrot set is a mathematical mystery. Finding its home somewhere be-
tween holomorphic dynamics and complex analysis, the Mandelbrot set showcases
its usefulness in fields across the many realms of math—ranging from physics to nu-
merical methods and even biology. While typically defined in terms of its bounded
sequences, this thesis intends to illuminate the Mandelbrot set as a type of param-
eterization of connectivity itself, specifically that of complex-valued rational maps
of the form z → z² + c. This fully illustrated guide to the Mandelbrot set merges
the worlds of intuition and theory with a series of …

Robust Prediction Of Charpy Toughness Of Additively Manufactured Kovar Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks, Nathan R. Bianco

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

Understanding the reason for mechanical failures of manufactured parts in their operating environments is critical to prevention of future failures. However, in-situ post-mortem evaluation of physical properties, such as fracture toughness, is time consuming and alters the condition of the material, leading to potentially misleading findings. In this study, additively manufactured test coupons were produced over a wide range of process conditions to test the impact toughness of a material. The Charpy V-Notch toughness was measured on over 200 samples alongside corresponding optical images of both sides of the fracture surface. Convolutional neural network models were trained to correlate fracture …

A Novel Method For Multiple Phenotype Association Studies Based On Genotype And Phenotype Network, Xuewei Cao, Shuanglin Zhang, Qiuying Sha

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Joint analysis of multiple correlated phenotypes for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can identify and interpret pleiotropic loci which are essential to understand pleiotropy in diseases and complex traits. Meanwhile, constructing a network based on associations between phenotypes and genotypes provides a new insight to analyze multiple phenotypes, which can explore whether phenotypes and genotypes might be related to each other at a higher level of cellular and organismal organization. In this paper, we first develop a bipartite signed network by linking phenotypes and genotypes into a Genotype and Phenotype Network (GPN). The GPN can be constructed by a mixture of …

A Comparison Of Assessment Experiences Between Standards-Based Practices And Traditional Practices Within Secondary Mathematics Classrooms, Emily Mayes

Honors Theses

The purpose of this research was to compare assessment experiences and find ways to improve those experiences for students in two mathematics classrooms: one classroom that employs Standards-Based Grading and one classroom that uses traditional grading practices. The research examines students’ perceptions regarding their level of preparation, their anxiety levels surrounding assessment, the validity of assessments, and using assessments and grading practices to give accurate indications of student progress in their learning, given the students’ perceptions. Students in both settings voluntarily and anonymously participated in completing pre- and post-assessment free-response surveys which asked questions about students’ assessment experiences. This research …

Canonical Extensions Of Quantale Enriched Categories, Alexander Kurz

MPP Research Seminar

No abstract provided.

Boolean Group Structure In Class Groups Of Positive Definite Quadratic Forms Of Primitive Discriminant, Christopher Albert Hudert Jr.

Student Research Submissions

It is possible to completely describe the representation of any integer by binary quadratic forms of a given discriminant when the discriminant’s class group is a Boolean group (also known as an elementary abelian 2-group). For other discriminants, we can partially describe the representation using the structure of the class group. The goal of the present project is to find whether any class group with 32 elements and a primitive positive definite discriminant is a Boolean group. We find that no such class group is Boolean.

Calculations From On The Existence Of Periodic Traveling-Wave Solutions To Certain Systems Of Nonlinear, Dispersive Wave Equations, Jacob Daniels

Mathematics and Statistics Student Research and Class Projects

In the field of nonlinear waves, particular interest is given to periodic traveling-wave solutions of nonlinear, dispersive wave equations. This thesis aims to determine the existence of periodic traveling-wave solutions for several systems of water wave equations. These systems are the Schr¨odinger KdV-KdV, Schr¨odinger BBM-BBM, Schr¨odinger KdV-BBM, and Schr¨odinger BBM-KdV systems, and the abcd-system. In particular, it is shown that periodic traveling-wave solutions exist and are explicitly given in terms of cnoidal, the Jacobi elliptic function. Certain solitary-wave solutions are also established as a limiting case of the periodic traveling-wave solutions, that is, as the elliptic modulus approaches one.

An Alternate Proof For The Top-Heavy Conjecture On Partition Lattices Using Shellability, Brian Macdonald, Josh Hallam

Honors Thesis

A partially ordered set, or poset, is governed by an ordering that may or may not relate
any pair of objects in the set. Both the bonds of a graph and the partitions of a set are
partially ordered, and their poset structure can be depicted visually in a Hasse diagram. The
partitions of {1, 2, ..., n} form a particularly important poset known as the partition lattice
Πn. It is isomorphic to the bond lattice of the complete graph Kn, making it a special case
of the family of bond lattices.
Dowling and Wilson’s 1975 Top-Heavy Conjecture states that …

A Mceliece Cryptosystem, Using Permutation Error-Correcting Codes, Fiona Smith

CSB and SJU Distinguished Thesis

Using existing methods of cryptography, we can encrypt messages through the internet. However, these methods are vulnerable to attacks done by a quantum computer, which are a rising threat to security. In this thesis I discuss a possible method of encryption, secure against quantum attacks, using permutation groups and coding theory.

Representations Of Gender In Math-Related Films, Jacob Gathje

CSB and SJU Distinguished Thesis

This project analyzes how four popular math-related films - Hidden Figures, Mean Girls, Good Will Hunting, and A Beautiful Mind - either follow, resist, or reconfigure gender stereotypes in mathematics. It includes close readings of specific scenes in each of the films, along with broader analysis of the effects of how women and men are represented differently. It concludes forward-looking focus, providing suggestions for how future math-related movies can depict a more realistic and inclusive version of the field of mathematics. Ideally, this will help improve one part of the larger issue of gender disparities in math.

Local Converse Theorem For 2-Dimensional Representations Of Weil Groups, William Lp Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A local converse theorem is a theorem which states that if two representations \chi_1, \chi_2 have equal \gamma-factors for all twists by representations \sigma coming from a certain class, then \chi_1 and \chi_2 are equivalent in some way. We provide a direct proof of a local converse theorem in two distinct settings. Previous proofs published in the literature for these settings were indirect proofs making use of various correspondences between representations of other groups. We first prove a Gauss sum local converse theorem for representations of (F_{p^2})^{\times} twisted by representations of F_p^{\times}. We then apply this theorem to tamely ramified …

Approval Gap Of Weighted K-Majority Tournaments, Jeremy Coste, Breeann Flesch, Joshua D. Laison, Erin Mcnicholas, Dane Miyata

Theory and Applications of Graphs

A $k$-majority tournament $T$ on a finite set of vertices $V$ is defined by a set of $2k-1$ linear orders on $V$, with an edge $u \to v$ in $T$ if $u>v$ in a majority of the linear orders. We think of the linear orders as voter preferences and the vertices of $T$ as candidates, with an edge $u \to v$ in $T$ if a majority of voters prefer candidate $u$ to candidate $v$. In this paper we introduce weighted $k$-majority tournaments, with each edge $u \to v$ weighted by the number of voters preferring $u$.

We define the …

On Distortion Of Surface Groups In Right-Angled Artin Groups, Lucas Bridges

Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

Surfaces have long been a topic of interest for scholars inside and outside of mathe- matics. In a topological sense, surfaces are spaces which appear flat on a local scale. Surfaces in this sense have a restricted set of properties, including the behavior of loops around a surface, codified in the fundamental group.

All but 3 surface groups have been shown to embed into a class of groups called right-angled Artin groups. The method through which these embeddings are created places large restrictions on all homomorphisms from surface groups to right-angled Artin groups.

One such restriction on these homomorphisms is …

Applications Of Conic Programming Reformulations, Sarah Kelly

All Dissertations

In general, convex programs have nicer properties than nonconvex programs. Notably, in a convex program, every locally optimal solution is also globally optimal. For this reason, there is interest in finding convex reformulations of nonconvex programs. These reformulation often come in the form of a conic program. For example, nonconvex quadratically-constrained quadratic programs (QCQPs) are often relaxed to semidefinite programs (SDPs) and then tightened with valid inequalities. This dissertation gives a few different problems of interest and shows how conic reformulations can be usefully applied.

In one chapter, we consider two variants of the trust-region subproblem. For each of these …

On Cheeger Constants Of Knots, Robert Lattimer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

In this thesis, we will look at finding bounds for the Cheeger constant of links. We will do this by analyzing an infinite family of links call two-bridge fully augmented links. In order to find a bound on the Cheeger constant, we will look for the Cheeger constant of the link’s crushtacean. We will use that Cheeger constant to give us insight on a good cut for the link itself, and use that cut to obtain a bound. This method gives us a constructive way to find an upper bound on the Cheeger constant of a two-bridge fully augmented link. …