program of activities - maa sections | mathematical...

Program of ActivitiesFor the Spring Meeting of the

Mathematical Association of America

Ohio Section

Spring, 2016Ohio Northern University

Ada, Ohio

April 8-April 9, 2016

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics of Ohio Northern gratefully acknowledges the support of the following for this meeting:

The Dicke College of BusinessThe Raabe School of Pharmacy

The T. J. Smull College of EngineeringThe Getty College of Arts and Sciences

The Ohio Section of the Mathematical Association of America is proud to be holding this meeting jointly with the Great Lakes Region Convention of KME, the mathematics honorary, hosted by Ohio Eta Chapter of KME at Ohio Northern University.

MAA Ohio SectionSpring 2016 Program

Friday, April 8

12:00-4:00 Registration Faculty & Staff Lounge MT200, Mathile Center

12:00-1:20 Leo Schneider Student Team Competition

Activities Room, McIntosh Center

12:00-1:00 Committee Meetings:

CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE Conference Room 202, McIntosh Center

CONCUR (Curriculum) Conference Room 203, McIntosh Center

CONSACT (Section Activities) Conference Room 204, McIntosh Center

CONTEAL (Teacher Education & Licensure) Conference Room 205, McIntosh Center

1:00-4:00 Vendor & Book Exhibits MT206 A & B,Mathile Center

1:30-1:45 Welcome and Announcements HP151, Hakes Pierstorf

1:45-2:45 Retiring President’s address:Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716): an academy in himself ---Danny Otero

HP151, Hakes Pierstorf

2:45-3:00 Break MT206 A & B,Mathile Center

3:00-3:05 Centennial Minute HP151, Hakes Pierstorf

3:05-4:00 Invited Address: Problems in number theory involving age-old sequences ---Dan Baczkowski


4:15-5:50 Executive Committee Meeting MT 239 Math & Stat Conference

Room,Mathile Center

4:15-5:50 Contributed Paper Sessions 2nd floor, Mathile Center

5:50-6:30 Meeting of the Great Lakes Region of KME MT 212, Mathile Center

6:30-6:45 Social Time Ballroom, McIntosh Center

6:50-8:00 Banquet Ballroom, McIntosh Center

6:30-8:00 Student Pizza Party Activities Room, McIntosh Center

8:15-9:15 Invited After-Dinner Address: Benjamin Franklin Finkel: The Man on the Ball ---Fred Rickey

Ballroom, McIntosh Center

9:15 Business Meeting Ballroom, McIntosh Center

Saturday, April 98:00-10:00 Registration Faculty & Staff Lounge

MT200, Mathile Center

8:00-10:00 Book Vendors and Exhibits MT206 A & B,Mathile Center

8:00-9:25 Coffee and Pastries MT206 A & B,Mathile Center

8:50-9:25 Committee On Local Arrangements MT 239 Math & Stat Conference Room,

Mathile Center

9:25-9:35 Welcome and Announcements HP151, Hakes Pierstorf

9:35-10:30 Invited Address: Top Secret: Women’s Contributions to the History of Computing ---Jenna Carpenter, First Vice President of the National MAA


10:30-10:35 Announcement of the results of the Leo J. Schneider student team competition


10:35-10:50 Break MT206 A & B,Mathile Center

10:50-11:50 Contributed Paper Sessions 2nd floor, Mathile Center

12:00-1:00 Invited Address: Mentoring Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Mathematics ---Jenna Carpenter


1:00-1:10 Closing Remarks HP151, Hakes Pierstorf

Abstracts of Invited AddressesFriday

Speaker: Daniel Otero, President of the Ohio Section of the MAATitle: Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646-1716): `an academy in himself’Abstract: The name Leibniz is instantly recognized as belonging to one of the great mathematicians of history, the man who (independently with Isaac Newton) formulated the basics of the differential and integral calculus. One of several lights of the European Enlightenment, Leibniz lived in an era in which it was possible to know something about "everything" -- and he did! Some decades after his death, Frederick the Great, the philosopher king, described Leibniz as "an academy in himself". Leibniz made contributions to ethical and political philosophy, biology and medicine, history and linguistics, and many other fields. This talk, composed to mark the 300th anniversary of his death, will tell briefly of the life of Leibniz the polymath, and touch on a number of his mathematical accomplishments.

Speaker: Daniel Baczkowski, University of FindlayTitle: Problems in number theory involving age-old sequencesAbstract: Number theory involves studying general properties of the integers and prime numbers. Centuries ago, mathematicians were fascinated with prime numbers, triangular numbers, pentagonal numbers, and hexagonal numbers. By the nineteenth century, a great interest and progress in the distribution of prime numbers evolved. More recently, number theory properties have applications to modern day encryptions. In 1960, Sierpiński found connections between work of Erdös and sequences of composite integers. Most recently, some work with undergraduate student collaborators resulted in finding connections between Sierpinski numbers and these age-old sequences mentioned. We will discuss some recent results and the number theoretic tools used in solving such problems.

Speaker: Fred RickeyTitle: Benjamin Franklin Finkel: The Man on the Ball

Abstract: We are gathered tonight to celebrate the centenary of the Mathematical Association of America. It was founded as a home for the American Mathematical Monthly which was founded by Finkel and started publication in 1894. We are here in Ada because Finkel earned his undergraduate degree here at Ohio Northern University. We will discuss Finkel's life, education, long involvement with the Monthly, and his impact on American Mathematics.

Saturday

Speaker: Jenna Carpenter, First Vice President of the National MAATitle: Top Secret: Women’s Contributions to the History of ComputingAbstract: Did you know that the first “computers” were humans, not machines? Did you know that these “computers” were women, not men? Did you know that these women were in their late teens and early 20’s – not PhD’s? Come learn about the central role that women and mathematics played in the early development of computing, including the significant contributions of a group of young women, called the “Top Secret Rosies”, during the transition to the computer era in World War II.

Speaker: Jenna Carpenter, First Vice President of the National MAATitle: Mentoring Women and Underrepresented Minorities in MathematicsAbstract: While mathematics fares better than some STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields in attracting women and underrepresented minorities, there are still many issues which can negatively affect their success. Research has repeatedly shown that a diverse community of learners and scholars benefits everyone. So what can the mathematical community do to improve our recruiting and retention of these students? This talk will review some of the common roadblocks, look at what research says about those roadblocks, and present some practical strategies for addressing them which will help all students be more successful in their pursuit of mathematics

Brief Biographies of Invited Speakers

Daniel Otero, President of the Ohio Section of the MAA

Daniel Baczkowski, University of Findlay

Daniel E. Otero is an Associate Professor at Xavier University in Cincinnati, and is currently chair of the Department of Mathematics. He earned his Ph.D. at Penn State University in 1987, where he trained as a number theorist and algebraist, and has spent most of his career at Xavier, where he turned his scholarship towards the history of mathematics and its use in teaching mathematics to undergraduates. In addition to serving as President of the MAA Ohio Section and as its Archivist, he is Past Chair of the History of Mathematics SIGMAA, and serves on the editorial boards of MAA’s online journal Convergence and the Spectrum book series.

His most thrilling work at the moment is his involvement in an NSF-sponsored grant project that will design, create, test, evaluate, and disseminate dozens of classroom modules for instructors to use to teach standard topics in the college mathematics curriculum by reading from primary historical sources.

Danny is an NPR news junkie, has deep eclectic tastes in music, loves playing bridge, and was a surprisingly young-looking grandfather of three until he became his department chair.

Dan Baczkowski studied at Kent State University, Miami University, and the University of South Carolina. During his time in the South, he adopted the casual friendliness ubiquitous there and now says “Hello” to everyone he passes. He has a beautiful and talented wife; an adorable son, whose first word was “Dada”; and a daughter who continuously smiles and laughs. He loves teaching and makes it a priority to improve his classroom technique at every opportunity. He is enthralled with the beauty of his subject, mathematics, and passionately shares this with his students. His research involves number theory related ideas, and his students all agree that math is their favorite subject. He enjoys being outside and has become an avid tea drinker

Fred Rickey

Khristo Boyadzhiev, Ohio Northern University2013 Carl B. Allendoerfer Award Recipient

V. Frederick Rickey, a logician turned historian, retired in July 2011 because he could not get any work done while working. Now he is so busy with historical research that he still can't get everything done. With two colleagues he is preparing a volume on the cyphering books that George Washington compiled as a teenager. They contain decimal arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry and logarithms, and lots of surveying. After copy editing the new edition of the Correspondence of Leonhard Euler with Christian Goldbach (Birkhauser 2015) he has become interested in Euler's work on Number Theory.

After earning three degrees from the University of Notre Dame (Ph.D. 1968) he went to Bowling Green State University where he rose through the professorial ranks to become a Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus (and where the students never called him "Sir"). In 1993 he received one of the first MAA Haimo Awards for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics. He "retired" in 1998 and joined the faculty at West Point (where the cadets called him "Sir" far too often).

He has been on leave six times, including as Visiting Mathematician at the MAA Headquarters. While there he was involved in the founding of Math Horizons, built its first gopher and web pages, and wrote a successful NSF grant for an Institute for the History of Mathematics and Its Use in Teaching (IHMT).

He has broad interests in the history of mathematics and is especially interested in the development of the calculus. He loves teaching and enjoys giving lectures to mathematicians about the history of their field (something he continues to do in retirement)

Jenna Carpenter, First Vice President of the National MAA

She also served as Vice President for Professional Interest Councils on the Board of Directors for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), as Director-at-Large for the ASEE Women in Engineering Division and as First Vice-President of the Mathematical Association of America. Dr. Carpenter currently advises on diversity and mentoring programs for a variety of NSF-funded programs and women-serving engineering and science organizations. She is an ABET Program Evaluator, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Women, Chair of the MAA Council on the Profession, and Chair of the Steering Committee for the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenge Scholars Program.

At the present time Jenna is the founding dean of Campbell University’s School of Engineering .

Dr. Jenna P. Carpenter is the Founding Dean and Professor of Engineering at Campbell University. Prior to that, she served for 26 years at Louisiana Tech University, as Associate Dean, Department Head and Director of the Office for Women in Science and Engineering. She is the 2015-2016 WEPAN Immediate Past President. Dr. Carpenter was Principal Investigator of Louisiana Tech’s National Science Foundation (NSF) ADVANCE grant, which sought to create a culture of success for women faculty in engineering and science, and previously served as co-Principal Investigator on the NSF-funded Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN) Knowledge Center Project, which created an online database/professional community focused on women in engineering and science.

Contributed Paper Sessions*denotes undergraduate student

Friday, April 84:15—4:50

Time

Session AMathile Center MT212Session Chair: Carl Mummert

Session BMathile Center MT210Session Chair: Yong Wang

Session CMathile Center MT209Session Chair: Barbara Margolius

Session DMathile Center MT247Session Chair: Malena Espanol

Session EMathile Center MT248Session Chair: Vani Cheruvu

Session FMathile Center MT311Session Chair: Clayton Brooks

4:15-4:30

An Observatory, a Railroad, and the

founding of the MAA

Abstract 1

Thomas HernBowling Green State

University - Main

AlgebraAbstract 2

Dang PhuongKent State University

- Kent

Statistical Analysis of Differential Gene

Expression in Spinal Nerve

Ligated Rats using RNA-seqAbstract 3

Dirk BullockThe University of

Akron

Visible Learning in WebAssignAbstract 4

Michael LafreniereOhio University -

Chillicothe

MyMathLabAbstract 5

Gina Mackey

Visible Learning in WebAssign

Abstract 6

Michael LafreniereOhio University -

Chillicothe

4:35–4:50

A nonquantitative grading system for upper-level classes

Abstract 7

Carl B. MummertMarshall University

Focusing on Fibonacci Through

Different EyesAbstract 8

Douglas W TitchenalOhio State University

- Columbus

The Generating Function for a k-erlang Random Walk in terms of Roots of Unity

Abstract 9

Barbara MargoliusCleveland State

University

A Number Theory Surprise?

Abstract 10

Matthew McMullenOtterbein University

Phylogenetic Tree Reconstruction with Balanced

Minimal EvolutionAbstract 11

William A. SandsUniversity of

Akron

Image Compression

Using Fourier Series

Abstract 12

Ronald A. JohnsOhio Northern

University

Contributed Paper Sessions Friday, April 8*denotes undergraduate student 4:55—5:50

Time

Session AMathile Center MT212Session Chair: Carl Mummert

Session BMathile Center MT210Session Chair: Yong Wang

Session CMathile Center MT209Session Chair: Barbara Margolius

Session DMathile Center MT247Session Chair: Malena Espanol

Session EMathile Center MT248Session Chair: Vani Cheruvu

Session FMathile Center MT311Session Chair: Clayton Brooks

4:55-5:10

A Modified Emporium

Developmental Mathematics Course -

The Good, the Bad, and Everything in

Between Abstract 13

Anna MummertMarshall University

Cover Pebbling Numbers

Abstract 14

Grace McCourt*Ashland University

Discrepancies between student perception and achievement of

learning outcomes in learner-centered

instructionAbstract 15

Jenna Van SickleCleveland State

University

On the R. Lemke Oliver - K.

Soundararajan recent "prime conspiracy"

Abstract 16

Michelle Haver*Ohio Northern

University

Retaining Interests- what student interests reveal about retention

rates Abstract 17

Melody H. Sabo*Malone University

Summing Like Euler Abstract 18

Jenna L. Wise*Youngstown State

University

5:15-5:30

Mathematical Models of the Human Sleep-

Wake Cycle Abstract 19

James Delmege*Cleveland State

University

A Process Convolution Approach to

Modeling Massive Spatial Data Abstract 20

Yong WangOhio Northern

University

Curiosities of the Lorenz System

Abstract 21

Alena A Schwartsman*Cleveland State

University

A Learning Approach for Computing Regularization Parameters for

Tikhonov Regularization

Abstract 22

Malena EspanolUniversity of Akron

Updates from the Ohio Mathematics

Initiative Abstract 23

Michelle YounkerOwens Community

College &Vani Cheurvu

University of Toledo

Hawkes Learning: Revolutionizing

Math Courseware Abstract 24

Kristin MarleyHawkes Learning

5:35-5:50

Use of technology in teaching Introductory

Statistics Abstract 25

Mitra L. DevkotaShawnee State

University

Trees for Values of the Span and Icaps for L(2,1)-Colorings

Abstract 26

William HigginsWittenberg University

Credit Scoring Concepts

Abstract 27

Michael Mina*Cleveland State

University

Markov Chains Apllied to Economics

Abstract 28

Mackenzie Jones*University of Akron

Contributed Paper Sessions*denotes undergraduate student

Saturday, April 9

Time

Session AMathile Center MT212Session Chair: Adam Parker

Session BMathile Center MT210Session Chair: Mohammad Zaki

Session CMathile Center MT209Session Chair: Michael W. Schroeder

Session DMathile Center MT247Session Chair: Barbara D’Ambrosia

Session EMathile Center MT248Session Chair: Susan Thompson

Session FMathile Center MT311Session Chair: Mihai Caragiu

10:50-11:05

The Architecture of the ENIAC (Electronic

Numerical Integrator and Computer)

Abstract 29

Brian J. ShelburneWittenberg University

Who Was Joseph Ray? Abstract 30

David E. KullmanMiami University –

Oxford

Constructing a Universal Differential Equation

Based on Certain Trigonometric Relationships Abstract 31

Leah Buck*Muskingum College

Hyperoperations and Insights into Tetration

Abstract 32

Grant DersomWest Jefferson High

School

Emmy Noether's Ideal Theory in Rings

Abstract 33

Phil BlauShawnee State University

Romanian Mathematics Baccalaureate Exam

(2015) Abstract 34

Mihai CaragiuOhio Northern University

11:10-11:25

Is it Statistics? Abstract 35

Laurence D. RobinsonOhio Northern University

Decimal, Fractions, and Congruence Modulo Ten

Abstract 36

Patricia L. JohnsonOhio Northern University

Enumeration of Violations to the Costas

Property in Identity Matrices

Abstract 37

Christopher N. SwansonAshland University

Spirograph Designs Abstract 38

Barbara D’AmbrosiaJohn Carroll University

Bayesian Survival Analysis

Abstract 39

Benjamin L ElsonCleveland State

University

What are the conic sections?

Abstract 40

Irina A. BoyadzhievOhio State University-

Marion

11:30-11:45

Variations in Brain Cancer Mortality Rates

in Contract Health Service Delivery Areas

Abstract 41

Keshav Pokhrel

Arithmetical Functions in Several variables

Abstract 42

Mohammad ZakiOhio Northern University

Optimal Strategies for 4X Games

Abstract 43

Matt Greer*Universityof Findlay

Abstracts of Contributed Papers

Friday 4:15-4:30

An Observatory, a Railroad, and the founding of the MAAThomas Hern

Bowling Green State University - Main

Abstract 1: Following on my previous talk about E H Moore and a personal connection, I present two more connections: General Ormsby McKnight Mitchel and Page Hall

Algebra

Dang PhuongKent State University - Kent

Abstract 2: I will discuss Algebra.

Statistical Analysis of Differential Gene Expression in Spinal Nerve Ligated Rats using RNA-seq

Dirk BullockThe University of Akron

Abstract 3: The purpose of this study is to investigate differential gene expression in a model organism (the rat) subjected to a neurological intervention (spinal nerve ligation) using RNA-seq data. The data were derived from a previous study done by Hammer et. Al (2010, Genome Research) where mRNA expression was measured in Sprague-Dolly rats (Rattus norvegicus) that either received a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or did not. The RNA-seq data obtained from there were raw counts. The data were cleaned, filtered for small counts, and the library sizes were then normalized. Genes were symbolically annotated, and converted from Ensembl IDs to Entrez IDs using the Bioconductor package biomaRt. A design matrix was defined to match the experimental setup, and dispersion estimates were computed with the EdgeR package in Bioconductor. A negative binomial GLM was fitted for each of the gene tags in the data set, and a likelihood ratio test was performed to find the differentially expressed genes between the control and treatment groups. The top genes were selected based on the p-values of the likelihood ratio tests. It was found that, in the treatment group, 3573 genes were upregulated, 3692 were down regulated, and 4277 were neither. The gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways were investigated for the top genes from the likelihood ratio tests. Many of the results from gene ontology suggest that genes that play a role in neural cellular mechanisms involving neurons, synapses, and ion transmembrane transport were upregulated under SNL. On the other hand, genes that played a role in immune response and responses to stimuli were highly downregulated under SNL. From the KEGG pathway database, upregulated pathways included metabolic, Alzheimer’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Downregulated pathways included cancer, HTLV-I (Human T-lymphotropic virus) infection, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (an intracellular pathway important in regulating the cell cycle).

Friday 4:15-4:30, continued


Michael LafreniereOhio University - Chillicothe

Abstract 4: n this session we will discuss visible learning approaches that show how student mathematical thinking can be illustrated with high cognitive fidelity. We will show how WebAssign’s high-quality content helps students build critical-thinking skills. We will provide examples of adding classroom activities that engage students in video lectures and take advantage of digital pen technology. This session will culminate in how a teacher can organize such approaches to visible learning within WebAssign to easily create assignments that range from taking attendance to a high-stakes final exam.

MyMathLab

Gina Mackey

Abstract 5: I am looking to discuss/present MyMathLab and MathSpace as a Publisher.


Michael LafreniereOhio University - Chillicothe

Abstract 6: In this session we will discuss visible learning approaches that show how student mathematical thinking can be illustrated with high cognitive fidelity. We will show how WebAssign’s high-quality content helps students build critical-thinking skills. We will provide examples of adding classroom activities that engage students in video lectures and take advantage of digital pen technology. This session will culminate in how a teacher can organize such approaches to visible learning within WebAssign to easily create assignments that range from taking attendance to a high-stakes final exam.

Friday 4:35–4:50

A nonquantitative grading system for upper-level classes

Carl B. MummertMarshall University

Abstract 7: I will share my experiences with a nonquantitative (that is, entirely non-numerical) grading system I have used this year in a proof-based senior/graduate topology course. Students were graded based on a hierarchy of levels of achievement on homework and exams. This system is in between typical quantitative systems and the standards-based or mastery-based systems that have been of national interest recently.

Focusing on Fibonacci Through Different Eyes

Douglas W TitchenalOhio State University – Columbus

Abstract 8: We all know the Fibonacci sequence. We all easily recognize it when it’s written out. But is there another way to “see” it? To show it artistically? To make learning about it fun? I will share artwork I have created that shows the Fibonacci sequence from 3 through 144 using three triangular numbers in an easy-to-count “geometric nautilus” shape, and talk about some characteristics of the sequence that can be used to engage students.

The Generating Function for a k-erlang Random Walk in terms of Roots of Unity

Barbara MargoliusCleveland State University

Abstract 9: A generating function is a filing cabinet in which information pertinent to k is filed in the coefficient of z^k. For a random walk with a two-dimensional state space and constant transition rates, the generating function is a matrix exponential. We derive an explicit formula for the generating function of a random walk with non-constant transition rates when steps to the right are distributed k-erlang. The generating function can be expressed in terms of roots of unity.

Friday 4:35–4:50, continued

A Number Theory Surprise?

Matthew McMullenOtterbein University

Abstract 10: What is the effective percent change of a 20% decrease followed by a 15% decrease? By answering this simple question and posing a couple of natural generalizations, we arrive at a new (at least to me!) and surprising representation of the gcd-sum function (aka Pillai's arithmetical function). Will the wonders of numbers never cease?!

Phylogenetic Tree Reconstruction with Balanced Minimal Evolution

William A SandsUniversity of Akron

Abstract 11: Constructing accurate phylogenetic trees proves to be an expensive computational problem. Using the balanced minimal evolution (BME) method, we can find the optimal phylogenetic tree by minimizing an inner product of a dissimilarity vector over the vertices of a BME polytope. In this presentation, we classify and identify a proposed set of linear inequalities for the relaxed problem and their implementation with larger classes of integer linear programming algorithms.

Image Compression Using Fourier Series

Ronald A. JohnsOhio Northern University

Abstract 12: In this talk, a photograph is compressed using an orthonormal basis for L^2(R), where R is the rectangle containing the photograph and the photograph is considered to be an L^2 function. Computations and image display are done using MatLab. It is noted that there is a corresponding discrete approach.

Friday 4:55–5:10

A Modified Emporium Developmental Mathematics Course - The Good, the Bad, and Everything in Between

Anna MummertMarshall University

Abstract 13: In Fall 2015, after more than a year of planning, Marshall University implemented a course redesign of our developmental mathematics courses. The course was changed from a traditional lecture-style course to a modified emporium method course. In this talk, I will describe the motivations for the course redesign and share our successes and failures.

Cover Pebbling Numbers

Grace McCourtAshland University

Abstract 14: In graph theory, a graph is a set of vertices connected by edges. In graph pebbling, pebbles are bought, placed on a graph, and rearranged through pebbling moves. The cover pebbling number of a graph is the minimum number of pebbles that can be bought and rearranged so that at least one pebble is on each vertex. In this presentation, I will derive the cover pebbling numbers of special graphs, including cyclic graphs and hypercubes.

Discrepancies between student perception and achievement of learning outcomes in learner-centered instruction

Jenna Van SickleCleveland State University

Abstract 15: In a college algebra course that used flipped/inverted pedagogy, students achieved learning outcomes at a significantly higher rate, as evidenced by results on the final exam. At the same time, student perception on a number of measures decreased significantly, including how interested students were in the course and whether the instructor effectively facilitated learning. This talk will draw on a wide variety of research to suggest ways to improve student perception in learner-centered instruction.

Friday 4:55–5:10, continuted

On the R. Lemke Oliver - K. Soundararajan recent "prime conspiracy"

Michelle Haver*Ohio Northern University

Abstract 16: In a recent arXiv paper, Robert J. Lemke Oliver and Kannan Soundararajan discovered an intriguing phenomenon, to the effect that, say, if a prime ends in 1, the following prime is less likely to end in 1 as compared to 3, 7 and 9. We will use a MAPLE-based Monte-Carlo type simulation in order to explore this amazing result.

Retaining Interests- what student interests reveal about retention rates

Melody H. Sabo*Malone University

Abstract 17: Potential students for Malone University fill out applications that include a section identifying future activities of interest. Students may not become involved in the activities, but do their choices reveal something about their future retention status?This study looks at interest and retention data of incoming freshman in 2009. The goal is to use graph theory (through social network analysis) to determine if there is a relationship between retention rates and the interests chosen.

Summing Like Euler

Jenna L. Wise*Youngstown State University

Abstract 18: In 1644, Pietro Mengoli posed the problem of finding the sum of the series$1 + \frac{1}{2^2} + \frac{1}{3^2} + ...$ . For nearly one hundred years, all efforts to find a closed form for the series, including those of the Bernoulli brothers, Johann and Jakob, proved fruitless. In 1735, Euler approached the problem in a novel way and discovered a formula. This talk will share his method of discovery.

Friday 5:15-5:30.

Mathematical Models of the Human Sleep-Wake Cycle

James Delmege*Cleveland State University

Abstract 19: Ever wonder why we sleep and wake up when we do? Is it all based on light cues or is there science behind it? We will study how sleep can be dictated by a circadian and temperature cycle. In order to do this we will analyze two different mathematical models and how they can be used to model the human sleep-wake cycle. Both models have advantages and disadvantages mathematically that we will explore in detail but we will also consider how the two models are similar.

A Process Convolution Approach to Modeling Massive Spatial Data

Yong WangOhio Northern University

Abstract 20: Geostatistical methods for massive spatial data have been in increasing demand in recent years due to the advance of data collection technology. One solution to this problem is to use a "low-rank" model which is built upon a subset of the massive spatial data. Some popular low-rank models will be introduced in this talk. While these models help improve the computation, their settings make it difficult to interpret the parameters of the model. We have made an attempt to create a new modeling approach which focuses on bringing a balance between computational efficiency and interpretability.

Curiosities of the Lorenz System

Alena A Schwartsman*Cleveland State University

Abstract 21: We will examine what dynamical systems are and use the Lorenz system as an example. We will discuss the historical background of the Lorenz system and some of its properties.

Friday 5:15-5:30, continued.

A Learning Approach for Computing Regularization Parameters for Tikhonov Regularization

Malena EspanolUniversity of Akron

Abstract 22: In this talk, we introduce a learning approach to compute regularization parameters for the general-form Tikhonov problem and the multi-parameter Tikhonov problem. We will show how estimates of the optimal regularization parameters can be efficiently obtained and present several numerical examples from signal and image deblurring problems to demonstrate their performance.Joint work with Julianne Chung (Virginia Tech)

Updates from the Ohio Mathematics Initiative

Michelle YounkerOwens Community College &

Vani CheurvuUniversity of Toledo

Abstract 23: The Ohio Mathematics Initiative continues to re-think post-secondary mathematics in Ohio. Come hear about the changes that have occurred since spring 2015. Changes include: development of a statewide transferable quantitative reasoning course, updates to the learning outcomes for college algebra and introductory statistics, and the recommendation of three mathematics pathways.

Hawkes Learning: Revolutionizing Math Courseware

Kristin MarleyHawkes Learning

Abstract 24: Hawkes Learning has enhanced its courseware, building new functionality for customization with the feedback of instructors from across the country! Exciting innovations are now available with our tablet-friendly learning platform. Check out the new customization tools to individualize your curriculum and tailor the student experience in the learning path, including single sign-on from Blackboard, Canvas, and D2L. Even learn about our brand-new courses available for review.

Friday 5:35-5:50

Use of technology in teaching Introductory Statistics

Mitra L. DevkotaShawnee State University

Abstract 25: In this talk, I will discuss the use of technology in teaching IntroductoryStatistics course. In particular, I will emphasize the use of an opensource (freely available) statistical programming language, R. I willshare with you my experience of using this software in teaching lowerlevel undergraduate statistics course.

Trees for Values of the Span and Icaps for L(2,1)-Colorings

William HigginsWittenberg University

Abstract 26: An L(2,1)-coloring of a graph is a labeling of the vertices using non-negative integers such that labels of adjacent vertices differ by at least 2 and distance two vertices differ in label. We define the invariants Span (related to the highest color used) and Icaps (related to the number of colors used) for L(2,1) colorings. We determine if there exist trees for each pair of possible values of Span and Icaps.

Credit Scoring Concepts

Michael Mina*Cleveland State University

Abstract 27: The availability of credit plays an important part in the life of people in many societies. However, few people know the mathematics of such an integral topic. This presentation examines decision theory and its univariate normal case, both of which are used to determine if credit should be given to a new applicant (credit scoring). Also, FICO Score, the most commonly used scorecard for lenders to assess risk, will be touched on.

Friday 5:35-5:50, continued

Markov Chains Apllied to Economics

Mackenzie Jones*University of Akron

Abstract 28: In this talk, we will discuss what Markov Chains are and how to solve the steady state problem. We will also discuss how they are used with unemployment statistics and the difficulty with using real world data.

Saturday 10:50-11:05

The Architecture of the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

Brian J. ShelburneWittenberg University

Abstract 29: Architecture: The functional behavior of a computer as viewed by the programmer

Seventy years ago in February 1946 the first electronic computer was announced to the world. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was a war time project designed to compute ballistic and firing tables. Its architecture was very different from today’s modern stored program computers. How different will be shown in a short presentation on the architecture of the ENIAC in which we’ll demonstrate a simple ENIAC program to compute and print the squares and cubes of the integers from 1 to n.

Who Was Joseph Ray?

David E. KullmanMiami University -- Oxford

Abstract 30: Several of the textbooks used at Ohio Northern University at the time Benjamin F. Finkel was a student here were written by Joseph Ray. Who was this prolific author of elementary mathematics textbooks, and why were they so popular?

Constructing a Universal Differential Equation Based on Certain Trigonometric Relationships

Leah Buck*Muskingum College

Abstract 31: A differential equation for which there exists a solution that will approximate any given continuous function on the entire real line to an arbitrary degree of precision is constructed using methods from calculus and introductory analysis. The methods used to construct the differential equation adapt and modify the earlier work of Rubel by utilizing trigonometric relationships.

Saturday 10:50-11:05, continued

Constructing a Universal Differential Equation Based on Certain Trigonometric Relationships

Grant DersomWest Jefferson High School

Abstract 32: Mathematical operations exist in a continuing pattern: x+x (addition) = 2*x (multiplication); x*x (multiplication) = x^2 (powering or exponentiation). If we extend the pattern above powering, we arrive at x^x (powering) = x^^2 (tetration). Tetration is a hyperoperation, an operation which exists beyond our fundamental addition, multiplication, and powering. This presentation examines graphing methods of tetration to various powers, and introduces other interesting observations about tetration and the hyperoperations as a whole. This work is sponsored by Dr. Jon Stadler of Capital University.

Emmy Noether's Ideal Theory in Rings

Phil BlauShawnee State University

Abstract 33: In 1921 Noether published her monumental "Idealtheorie in Ringbereichen," a monumental paper demonstrating the power of an axiomatic and structural approach that has been a hallmark of mathematics ever since. This talk will give a brief overview of that paper and the life of its author.

Romanian Mathematics Baccalaureate Exam (2015)

Mihai CaragiuOhio Northern University

Abstract 34: I will present an overview of the problems assigned in the Mathematics component of the 2015 Romanian Baccalaureate exam, profile Mathematics and Physics.


Is it Statistics?

Laurence D. RobinsonOhio Northern University

Abstract 35: Recently I, a professor of Statistics, informed a colleague of mine, also a professor of Statistics, that I would be giving a poster presentation at the 2016 Joint Statistical Meetings in Chicago during the summer. When I informed him what the topic would be ("The Lights of Mathile 212"), his response was "But that's not Statistics!" Well, I think it is, and I want to know your opinion.

Decimal, Fractions, and Congruence Modulo Ten

Patricia L. JohnsonOhio Northern University

Abstract 36: This presentation examines the decimal representations of rational numbers, particularly those that have nonzero repetends. Using theorems of Fermat and Euler, it will show how to use modular arithmetic to predict the periods of these decimal representations and more.

Enumeration of Violations to the Costas Property in Identity Matrices

Christopher N. SwansonAshland University

Abstract 37: In 1965, John P. Costas introduced a special class of permutation matrices (now called Costas arrays) with applications to improving the target detection performance of radar and sonar systems. A Costas array is a permutation matrix such that all vectors between pairs of ones are distinct. I will derive a formula for the number of violations to this condition for the identity matrix of order n.

Saturday 11:10-11:25, continued

Spirograph Designs

Barbara D’AmbrosiaJohn Carroll University

Abstract 38: Spirograph is a popular toy that uses geared rings and wheels to draw interesting designs. There are also a variety of virtual simulations of Spirograph, both online and as mobile apps. In this talk, we discuss how different parameters affect the look of the finished design. There are no mathematical prerequisites for this talk.

Bayesian Survival Analysis Abstract 41

Benjamin L ElsonCleveland State University

Abstract 39: This presentation will cover a brief introduction to both Bayesian statistics and survival analysis. Survival analysis topics include survival functions, Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard models. A visual, intuitive and interactive representation of Bayesian concepts such as prior, posterior and likelihood distributions will then be presented. Survival topics will then be elaborated on mathematically using Bayesian analysis.

What are the conic sections? Abstract 42

Irina A. BoyadzhievOhio State University-Marion

Abstract 40: The conics are usually introduced by their geometric definitions and illustrated as sections of a cone. This presentation will address a missing link – how do we know that the curves produced by the intersections of a cone and a plane satisfy the geometric definitions?We will show some 3D GeoGebra applets about the conic sections and Dandelin spheres, providing a proof that the sections of the cone satisfy the geometric definitions of the conics.

GeoGebra is a free multi-platform software for learning and teaching mathematics. It is available for desktops, and mobile devices. The participants will be able to work with the applets on their own electronic devices during the presentation.


Variations in Brain Cancer Mortality Rates in Contract Health Service Delivery Areas

Keshav Pokhrel

Abstract 41: An increasing incidence of brain cancer has been reported for the last three decades. In this study of brain cancer incidence, mortality and patient survival in the US, we attempt to explore the information on rate function in longitudinal studies by examining data provided by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Population-based data from the SEER Program are used to calculate the incidence, mortality and survival rates for people with brain cancer. We use annual unadjusted brain cancer mortality rates from 1969 to 2010 in 5-year age groups (0-04, 5-09, 10-14,15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84) for Contract Health Service Delivery Areas (CHSDA) and compare the epidemiological effect with respect to the respective demographics. Age-specific mortality curves were obtained using nonparametric smoothing methods. We apply functional time series models on age-specific brain cancer mortality rates for each group of patients, and forecast their mortality curves using exponential smoothing state-space models.

Arithmetical Functions in Several variables

Mohammad ZakiOhio Northern University

Abstract 42: We will discuss a class of absolute values on the ring of arithmetical functions in several variables and a metric structure of the ring.

Optimal Strategies for 4X Games

Matt Greer*Universityof Findlay

Abstract 43: 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) games have been very popular for decades. In this research, mathematical modeling and simulations are used to determine the optimal strategies for games like Civilization V..

Save these Dates!

MathFestColumbus, OhioAugust 3-6, 2016

2016 Fall Ohio Section MAA Meeting101st Annual Meeting

College of WoosterOctober 28-29, 2016

AMS-MAA Joint Mathematics MeetingsAtlanta, Georgia

January 4-9, 2017

program of activities - maa sections | mathematical...

Documents