Proposals
Below are some proposals for talks from the past (and current). By clicking on the ID number, more details are shown. By default, these are sorted chronologically (recent first) and by then by last name. The data can be sorted by alternate means by using the links at the top right, each allowing ascending or descending orders.
Displaying 201-220 of 471 results.
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ID:
362
Year: 2013
Name: Craig Erickson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Matrix sign patterns that require eventual exponential nonnegativity
Abstract: The matrix exponential function can be used to solve systems of linear differential equations. For certain applications, it is of interest whether or not the matrix exponential function of a given matrix becomes and remains entry-wise nonnegative after some time. Such matrices are called eventually exponentially nonnegative. Often the exact numerical entries in the matrix are not known (for example due to uncertainty in experimental measurements), but the qualitative information is usually known. In this talk we discuss what structure on the signs of the entries of a matrix guarantee the matrix is eventually exponentially nonnegative.
Year: 2013
Name: Craig Erickson
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Matrix sign patterns that require eventual exponential nonnegativity
Abstract: The matrix exponential function can be used to solve systems of linear differential equations. For certain applications, it is of interest whether or not the matrix exponential function of a given matrix becomes and remains entry-wise nonnegative after some time. Such matrices are called eventually exponentially nonnegative. Often the exact numerical entries in the matrix are not known (for example due to uncertainty in experimental measurements), but the qualitative information is usually known. In this talk we discuss what structure on the signs of the entries of a matrix guarantee the matrix is eventually exponentially nonnegative.
ID:
361
Year: 2013
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s): active learning, IBL, calculus
Title of Talk: IBL, Calculus, and Pens
Abstract: After attending the IBL Workshop this summer, I got inspired to incorporate parts of an IBL atmosphere in my general education differential calculus course. Here I will convey the things that worked and some of the things that didn't work as well as they could have.
Year: 2013
Name: Amanda Matson
Institution: Clarke University
Subject area(s): active learning, IBL, calculus
Title of Talk: IBL, Calculus, and Pens
Abstract: After attending the IBL Workshop this summer, I got inspired to incorporate parts of an IBL atmosphere in my general education differential calculus course. Here I will convey the things that worked and some of the things that didn't work as well as they could have.
ID:
360
Year: 2013
Name: Irvin R. Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Calculus Bloopers I Have Made
Abstract: There are "simplifying assumptions" used in First Year Calculus which have become so ingrained in my teaching that I never give them a second thought. I examine the following statements as they are often presented in Calculus Books and show inconsistencies which are often overlooked. (1) Work = Integral F ds (2) For a force to move an object in a certain direction, there must be a component of the force in that direction. (3) Acceleration normal to the direction of motion changes the direction, but leaves the speed unchanged. (4) The Bernoulli Principle: the greater the velocity, the lower the pressure. (5) Neglecting air resistance in earth's gravity, all things fall at the same rate. (6) The Proof of Rolle's Theorem.
Year: 2013
Name: Irvin R. Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Calculus Bloopers I Have Made
Abstract: There are "simplifying assumptions" used in First Year Calculus which have become so ingrained in my teaching that I never give them a second thought. I examine the following statements as they are often presented in Calculus Books and show inconsistencies which are often overlooked. (1) Work = Integral F ds (2) For a force to move an object in a certain direction, there must be a component of the force in that direction. (3) Acceleration normal to the direction of motion changes the direction, but leaves the speed unchanged. (4) The Bernoulli Principle: the greater the velocity, the lower the pressure. (5) Neglecting air resistance in earth's gravity, all things fall at the same rate. (6) The Proof of Rolle's Theorem.
ID:
359
Year: 2013
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): undergraduate research, graph theory
Title of Talk: Critical Locations in Infrastructure
Abstract: Critical locations in infrastructure are roads that if damaged would cause a large disruption in the ability of vehicles to navigate a city. This talk will introduce a model that determines the critical locations of Indianola, Iowa. This research was completed by three undergraduate students as part of the Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. This talk will also discuss several extensions of the research that students at your institution could explore.
Year: 2013
Name: Debra Czarneski
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): undergraduate research, graph theory
Title of Talk: Critical Locations in Infrastructure
Abstract: Critical locations in infrastructure are roads that if damaged would cause a large disruption in the ability of vehicles to navigate a city. This talk will introduce a model that determines the critical locations of Indianola, Iowa. This research was completed by three undergraduate students as part of the Bryan Summer Research Program at Simpson College. This talk will also discuss several extensions of the research that students at your institution could explore.
ID:
358
Year: 2013
Name: Paul Muhly
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): pedagogy
Title of Talk: TeX in the Classroom
Abstract: In this talk I will advocate for and share my experiences when requiring students to write their homework in LaTeX. The experiences I have had when requiring students to TeX their homework have been surprisingly positive. I will explain what I have done and offer suggestions, especially suggestions about how to get students started using TeX.
Year: 2013
Name: Paul Muhly
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): pedagogy
Title of Talk: TeX in the Classroom
Abstract: In this talk I will advocate for and share my experiences when requiring students to write their homework in LaTeX. The experiences I have had when requiring students to TeX their homework have been surprisingly positive. I will explain what I have done and offer suggestions, especially suggestions about how to get students started using TeX.
ID:
357
Year: 2013
Name: Nathan Warnberg
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Graph Forcing Games
Abstract: Let G be a graph with some vertex set initially colored blue and the rest of the vertices colored white. The goal of the game is to color the entire graph blue, based on some a set of rules. Depending on which set of rules are used the minimum number of initial blue vertices needed to force the entire graph blue has implications for the minimum rank of the graph's corresponding matrix family. We will demonstrate some of these games and show the connections with the minimum rank problem.
Year: 2013
Name: Nathan Warnberg
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Combinatorial Matrix Theory
Title of Talk: Graph Forcing Games
Abstract: Let G be a graph with some vertex set initially colored blue and the rest of the vertices colored white. The goal of the game is to color the entire graph blue, based on some a set of rules. Depending on which set of rules are used the minimum number of initial blue vertices needed to force the entire graph blue has implications for the minimum rank of the graph's corresponding matrix family. We will demonstrate some of these games and show the connections with the minimum rank problem.
ID:
356
Year: 2013
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A tour of the new Iowa section web site
Abstract: I will give an overview of the content and structure of the new section web site including special emphasis on the tools portion and some of the pages related to the history of the section. I will also explain the process I took in coming to its current structure.
Year: 2013
Name: Al Hibbard
Institution: Central College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A tour of the new Iowa section web site
Abstract: I will give an overview of the content and structure of the new section web site including special emphasis on the tools portion and some of the pages related to the history of the section. I will also explain the process I took in coming to its current structure.
ID:
355
Year: 2013
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s): algorithms
Title of Talk: Beautiful Strings
Abstract: Let S and T be strings. S is more beautiful than T if (i) S is longer than T, or (ii) if S and T have the same length, then S > T lexicographically. S derives T, if T is a subsequence (not necessarily a substring) of S. T is unique if each character in T appears exactly once. The "Beautiful Strings Problem" is to find the most beautiful unique string that can be derived from a given string S. This problem appeared on the web and in at least one programming contest last year, with no correct solution known to this author. We give an efficient solution, showing the usefulness of a mathematical approach.
Year: 2013
Name: Ronald Smith
Institution: Graceland University
Subject area(s): algorithms
Title of Talk: Beautiful Strings
Abstract: Let S and T be strings. S is more beautiful than T if (i) S is longer than T, or (ii) if S and T have the same length, then S > T lexicographically. S derives T, if T is a subsequence (not necessarily a substring) of S. T is unique if each character in T appears exactly once. The "Beautiful Strings Problem" is to find the most beautiful unique string that can be derived from a given string S. This problem appeared on the web and in at least one programming contest last year, with no correct solution known to this author. We give an efficient solution, showing the usefulness of a mathematical approach.
ID:
354
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics to DIE for: The Battle Between Counting and Matching
Abstract: Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. So which is "easier" to consider mathematically? From the analysis of infinite series, we know that if a positive sum converges, then its alternating sum must also converge but the converse is not true. From linear algebra, we know that the permanent of an n x n matrix is usually hard to calculate, whereas its alternating sum, the determinant, can be computed efficiently and it has many nice theoretical properties. This talk is one part performance art and three parts combinatorics. The audience will judge a combinatorial competition between the competing techniques. Be prepared to explore a variety of positive and alternating sums involving binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other beautiful combinatorial quantities. How are the terms in each sum concretely interpreted? What is being counted? What is being matched? Do alternating sums always give simpler results? You decide.
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Mathematics to DIE for: The Battle Between Counting and Matching
Abstract: Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. So which is "easier" to consider mathematically? From the analysis of infinite series, we know that if a positive sum converges, then its alternating sum must also converge but the converse is not true. From linear algebra, we know that the permanent of an n x n matrix is usually hard to calculate, whereas its alternating sum, the determinant, can be computed efficiently and it has many nice theoretical properties. This talk is one part performance art and three parts combinatorics. The audience will judge a combinatorial competition between the competing techniques. Be prepared to explore a variety of positive and alternating sums involving binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other beautiful combinatorial quantities. How are the terms in each sum concretely interpreted? What is being counted? What is being matched? Do alternating sums always give simpler results? You decide.
ID:
353
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Fibonacci's Flower Garden
Abstract: It has often been said that the Fibonacci numbers frequently occur in art, architecture, music, magic, and nature. This interactive investigation looks for evidence of this claim in the spiral patterns of plants. Is it synchronicity or divine intervention? Fate or dumb luck? We will explore a simple model to explain the occurrences and wonder whether other number sequences are equally likely to occur. This talk is designed to be appreciated by mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike. So join us in a mathematical adventure through Fibonacci's garden.
Year: 2013
Name: Jennifer Quinn
Institution: Mathematical Association of America
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Fibonacci's Flower Garden
Abstract: It has often been said that the Fibonacci numbers frequently occur in art, architecture, music, magic, and nature. This interactive investigation looks for evidence of this claim in the spiral patterns of plants. Is it synchronicity or divine intervention? Fate or dumb luck? We will explore a simple model to explain the occurrences and wonder whether other number sequences are equally likely to occur. This talk is designed to be appreciated by mathematicians and nonmathematicians alike. So join us in a mathematical adventure through Fibonacci's garden.
ID:
351
Year: 2012
Name: Joseph Moen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Mathematical Immunology
Title of Talk: Development of Molecular Profiles to Predict Treatment Outcomes in Lymphoma Patients
Abstract: Lymphoma, a cancer which affects the immune system, is the fifth most common cancer in North America. Rituximab-based chemotherapy (R-CHOP) has become the standard recommended cancer-management course for this disease. Using previously collected data from a 2008 study conducted by Lenz G. Wright and publicly available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, we used statistical methods to identify genetic characteristics associated with survival in R-CHOP treated patients. Univariate screening reduced the 54,000 recorded genes per patient into a manageable group which displayed strong possible correlation with overall survival. The resulting gene collection was partitioned into clusters of related genes and then scored using principal components. Then, a multivariate Cox-Regression model of these principal components was developed to best predict survival in Lymphoma patients. The resulting model can be used to help identify genetic characteristics of patients who are less likely to respond to current therapy and are potential targets for new drug development.
Year: 2012
Name: Joseph Moen
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s): Mathematical Immunology
Title of Talk: Development of Molecular Profiles to Predict Treatment Outcomes in Lymphoma Patients
Abstract: Lymphoma, a cancer which affects the immune system, is the fifth most common cancer in North America. Rituximab-based chemotherapy (R-CHOP) has become the standard recommended cancer-management course for this disease. Using previously collected data from a 2008 study conducted by Lenz G. Wright and publicly available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, we used statistical methods to identify genetic characteristics associated with survival in R-CHOP treated patients. Univariate screening reduced the 54,000 recorded genes per patient into a manageable group which displayed strong possible correlation with overall survival. The resulting gene collection was partitioned into clusters of related genes and then scored using principal components. Then, a multivariate Cox-Regression model of these principal components was developed to best predict survival in Lymphoma patients. The resulting model can be used to help identify genetic characteristics of patients who are less likely to respond to current therapy and are potential targets for new drug development.
ID:
350
Year: 2012
Name: Heidi Berger
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Research
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Research During the Academic Year
Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss my experience with the Center for Undergraduate Research, both as a participant and as a co-director. I will discuss the work conducted by Simpson students in the academic year and summer setting and discuss resources to support undergraduate research during the academic year.
Year: 2012
Name: Heidi Berger
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Research
Title of Talk: Undergraduate Research During the Academic Year
Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss my experience with the Center for Undergraduate Research, both as a participant and as a co-director. I will discuss the work conducted by Simpson students in the academic year and summer setting and discuss resources to support undergraduate research during the academic year.
ID:
349
Year: 2012
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Applications of Projective Tiling
Abstract: We give a low level approach to the theorem that in a photograph, all parallel lines meet at a point. We prove this theorem using analytic geometry. We point out some mathematical properties of projections that are not displayed in photographs. And we show how to estimate areas and distances in photographs without doing numerical calculations. This material would be appropriate for a Math Club presentation or a special topic to show an application of math to forensic investigations.
Year: 2012
Name: Irvin Hentzel
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Geometry
Title of Talk: Applications of Projective Tiling
Abstract: We give a low level approach to the theorem that in a photograph, all parallel lines meet at a point. We prove this theorem using analytic geometry. We point out some mathematical properties of projections that are not displayed in photographs. And we show how to estimate areas and distances in photographs without doing numerical calculations. This material would be appropriate for a Math Club presentation or a special topic to show an application of math to forensic investigations.
ID:
346
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Counting
Title of Talk: Pancake Sorting, Prefix Reversals, and DNA Rearrangements
Abstract: The seemingly simple problem of sorting a stack of differently sized pancakes has become a staple of theoretical computer science and led to insights into the evolution of species. First proposed in The American Mathematical Monthly, the problem attracted the attention of noted mathematicians and computer scientists. It now plays an important role in the realm of molecular biology for making sense of DNA rearrangements.
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Counting
Title of Talk: Pancake Sorting, Prefix Reversals, and DNA Rearrangements
Abstract: The seemingly simple problem of sorting a stack of differently sized pancakes has become a staple of theoretical computer science and led to insights into the evolution of species. First proposed in The American Mathematical Monthly, the problem attracted the attention of noted mathematicians and computer scientists. It now plays an important role in the realm of molecular biology for making sense of DNA rearrangements.
ID:
345
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Art & Geometry
Title of Talk: Geometreks
Abstract: Few people expect to encounter mathematics on a visit to an art gallery or even a walk down a city street (or across campus). When we explore the world around us with mathematics in mind, however, we see the many ways in which mathematics can manifest itself, in streetscapes, sculptures, paintings, architectural structures, and more. This illustrated presentation offers illuminating glimpses of mathematics, from Euclidean geometry and normal distributions to Riemann sums and M_bius strips, as seen in a variety of structures and artworks in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New Orleans, and many other locales.
Year: 2012
Name: Ivars Peterson
Institution: MAA
Subject area(s): Mathematical Art & Geometry
Title of Talk: Geometreks
Abstract: Few people expect to encounter mathematics on a visit to an art gallery or even a walk down a city street (or across campus). When we explore the world around us with mathematics in mind, however, we see the many ways in which mathematics can manifest itself, in streetscapes, sculptures, paintings, architectural structures, and more. This illustrated presentation offers illuminating glimpses of mathematics, from Euclidean geometry and normal distributions to Riemann sums and M_bius strips, as seen in a variety of structures and artworks in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, New Orleans, and many other locales.
ID:
344
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies
Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
Year: 2012
Name: Courtney Sherwood
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: A Model of Invertebrate Richness on Restored Prairies
Abstract: We will present a differential equations model of prairie restoration. Here, species richness is considered as an indicator of prairie restoration, with the variables for the equation being invertebrate and plant species richness and time. We will incorporate field work from a prairie in Nebraska as an example of our model. Our main goal is determining if planting fewer seeds will yield similar invertebrate richness as planting more seeds, that is, a more cost effective approach.
ID:
343
Year: 2012
Name: Mary Therese Padberg
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology
Title of Talk: The Twisted Tale of Protein-bound DNA
Abstract: DNA is important for our cells to function and grow, but it cannot accomplish this alone. DNA is just the blueprint and its information must be read and expressed by proteins. Understanding the shape of DNA when protein has bound to it (protein-bound DNA) is important for biological and medical research. Laboratory techniques exist which allow scientists to find the geometric structure for some protein-bound DNA complexes. When these techniques fail, we can often experimentally determine a topology for the complex, but topology alone is not enough. In order to understand the structure of protein-bound DNA at a scientifically useful level we need to know the geometry of the structure. In this talk we will create a mathematical model based on the DNA topology from laboratory experiments to describe the geometry of the DNA. We will discuss the flexibility of this model to accept user modifications in order to model the protein-bound DNA sample under variable conditions. Thus, by combining geometric and topological solutions we will be able to more accurately describe the shape of large protein-bound DNA complexes.
Year: 2012
Name: Mary Therese Padberg
Institution: University of Iowa
Subject area(s): Mathematical Biology
Title of Talk: The Twisted Tale of Protein-bound DNA
Abstract: DNA is important for our cells to function and grow, but it cannot accomplish this alone. DNA is just the blueprint and its information must be read and expressed by proteins. Understanding the shape of DNA when protein has bound to it (protein-bound DNA) is important for biological and medical research. Laboratory techniques exist which allow scientists to find the geometric structure for some protein-bound DNA complexes. When these techniques fail, we can often experimentally determine a topology for the complex, but topology alone is not enough. In order to understand the structure of protein-bound DNA at a scientifically useful level we need to know the geometry of the structure. In this talk we will create a mathematical model based on the DNA topology from laboratory experiments to describe the geometry of the DNA. We will discuss the flexibility of this model to accept user modifications in order to model the protein-bound DNA sample under variable conditions. Thus, by combining geometric and topological solutions we will be able to more accurately describe the shape of large protein-bound DNA complexes.
ID:
342
Year: 2012
Name: Bill Schellhorn
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): math modeling, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: The Feasibility of Electric Vehicles: Driving Interest in Mathematical Modeling
Abstract: The study of electric vehicles can be used to promote interest in mathematical modeling in a variety of courses and student projects. In this presentation, I will discuss how the feasibility of electric vehicles can be investigated using fundamental topics in algebra, calculus, and statistics. I will also give examples of how technology can be incorporated into the investigation.
Year: 2012
Name: Bill Schellhorn
Institution: Simpson College
Subject area(s): math modeling, undergraduate research
Title of Talk: The Feasibility of Electric Vehicles: Driving Interest in Mathematical Modeling
Abstract: The study of electric vehicles can be used to promote interest in mathematical modeling in a variety of courses and student projects. In this presentation, I will discuss how the feasibility of electric vehicles can be investigated using fundamental topics in algebra, calculus, and statistics. I will also give examples of how technology can be incorporated into the investigation.
ID:
341
Year: 2012
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Algebra (Commutative Algebra)
Title of Talk: Cores of Monomial Ideals
Abstract: Blow-up algebras associated to an ideal I are at the center of the interplay between commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. One can study these algebras through minimal reductions of I, or simpler ideals inside of I which retain much of I
Year: 2012
Name: Angela Kohlhaas
Institution: Loras College
Subject area(s): Algebra (Commutative Algebra)
Title of Talk: Cores of Monomial Ideals
Abstract: Blow-up algebras associated to an ideal I are at the center of the interplay between commutative algebra and algebraic geometry. One can study these algebras through minimal reductions of I, or simpler ideals inside of I which retain much of I
ID:
340
Year: 2012
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Teaching Mathematics
Title of Talk: Math Culture Points at Coe
Abstract: Coe has been using a "Math Culture Points" system for several years now to encourage and reward students for relevant activities outside of class, inspired by the article "Culture Points: Engaging Students outside the Classroom" by Fraboni and Hartshorn in PRIMUS v17. We have had excellent results, particularly including enthusiastic student participation in activities. We will discuss our implementations of the system, which differ from Fraboni and Hartshorn
Year: 2012
Name: Jonathan White
Institution: Coe College
Subject area(s): Teaching Mathematics
Title of Talk: Math Culture Points at Coe
Abstract: Coe has been using a "Math Culture Points" system for several years now to encourage and reward students for relevant activities outside of class, inspired by the article "Culture Points: Engaging Students outside the Classroom" by Fraboni and Hartshorn in PRIMUS v17. We have had excellent results, particularly including enthusiastic student participation in activities. We will discuss our implementations of the system, which differ from Fraboni and Hartshorn