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 1-20 of 471 results.
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ID:
510
Year: 2018
Name: Anna Aboud
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Implementation of Team Based Learning at Iowa State University
Abstract: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a specific form of active learning designed to collaboratively engage students in significant problem-solving tasks. By means of a flipped classroom, students are able to spend class time working in heterogeneous groups, applying fundamental concepts to a rich applied context. In recent years, the Team-Based Learning structure has been applied with much success to select Calculus sections at Iowa State University. Quantitative data has shown that the TBL students performed better on the midterm and final calculus exams, and gave higher quality explanations. A key component of the success of the TBL method is student attitudes. To this end, a qualitative study was performed in the spring of 2018, examining the mathematical mindsets which influence the experiences and attitudes of students in a TBL classroom. In this talk we will explain how the TBL structure was applied to the Calculus curriculum at Iowa State University, share samples of the rich mathematical tasks implemented, and present the results of quantitative and qualitative studies on the efficacy of this method.
Year: 2018
Name: Anna Aboud
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Title of Talk: Implementation of Team Based Learning at Iowa State University
Abstract: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a specific form of active learning designed to collaboratively engage students in significant problem-solving tasks. By means of a flipped classroom, students are able to spend class time working in heterogeneous groups, applying fundamental concepts to a rich applied context. In recent years, the Team-Based Learning structure has been applied with much success to select Calculus sections at Iowa State University. Quantitative data has shown that the TBL students performed better on the midterm and final calculus exams, and gave higher quality explanations. A key component of the success of the TBL method is student attitudes. To this end, a qualitative study was performed in the spring of 2018, examining the mathematical mindsets which influence the experiences and attitudes of students in a TBL classroom. In this talk we will explain how the TBL structure was applied to the Calculus curriculum at Iowa State University, share samples of the rich mathematical tasks implemented, and present the results of quantitative and qualitative studies on the efficacy of this method.
ID:
219
Year: 2008
Name: Haseena Ahmed
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Applied Mathematics, Numerical Analysis
Title of Talk: Alternating evolution (AE) schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws
Abstract: An alternating evolution (AE) system is proposed which is an accurate approximation to systems of hyperbolic conservation laws. We develop a class of local Alternating Evolution (AE) schemes, where we take advantage of high accuracy of the proposed AE approximation. Our approach is based on a sliding average of the AE system over an interval of [x − \Delta x, x + \Delta x]. The numerical scheme is then constructed by sampling the averaged system over alternating grids. Higher order accuracy is achieved by a combination of high-order polynomial reconstruction from the obtained averages and a stable Runge-Kutta discretization in time. The AE schemes have the advantage of easier formulation and implementation, and efficient computation of the solution. For the first and second order local AE schemes applied to scalar laws, we prove the numerical stability in the sense of satisfying the maximum principle and total variation diminishing (TVD) property. Numerical tests for both scalar conservation laws and compressible Euler equations are presented to demonstrate the high order accuracy and capacity of these AE schemes.
Year: 2008
Name: Haseena Ahmed
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Applied Mathematics, Numerical Analysis
Title of Talk: Alternating evolution (AE) schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws
Abstract: An alternating evolution (AE) system is proposed which is an accurate approximation to systems of hyperbolic conservation laws. We develop a class of local Alternating Evolution (AE) schemes, where we take advantage of high accuracy of the proposed AE approximation. Our approach is based on a sliding average of the AE system over an interval of [x − \Delta x, x + \Delta x]. The numerical scheme is then constructed by sampling the averaged system over alternating grids. Higher order accuracy is achieved by a combination of high-order polynomial reconstruction from the obtained averages and a stable Runge-Kutta discretization in time. The AE schemes have the advantage of easier formulation and implementation, and efficient computation of the solution. For the first and second order local AE schemes applied to scalar laws, we prove the numerical stability in the sense of satisfying the maximum principle and total variation diminishing (TVD) property. Numerical tests for both scalar conservation laws and compressible Euler equations are presented to demonstrate the high order accuracy and capacity of these AE schemes.
ID:
72
Year: 2004
Name: Daniel Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): History of mathematics
Title of Talk: Stefan Banach During World War II
Abstract: There is virtually no mention in mathematical literature of Stefan Banach's experience during World War II. This is unfortunate because not were his experiences fairly dramatic, but they are part of a greater story of the Polish Resistance during World War II. This presentation will discuss how Banach survived the Nazi occupation despite Nazi plans to annihilate the Polish intelligentsia. It will also discuss the role of a relatively unknown "Schindleresque"factory owner, Rudolf Stefan Weigl.
Year: 2004
Name: Daniel Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): History of mathematics
Title of Talk: Stefan Banach During World War II
Abstract: There is virtually no mention in mathematical literature of Stefan Banach's experience during World War II. This is unfortunate because not were his experiences fairly dramatic, but they are part of a greater story of the Polish Resistance during World War II. This presentation will discuss how Banach survived the Nazi occupation despite Nazi plans to annihilate the Polish intelligentsia. It will also discuss the role of a relatively unknown "Schindleresque"factory owner, Rudolf Stefan Weigl.
ID:
126
Year: 2005
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): History of Mathematics
Title of Talk: The History of Complex Dynamics, Part II
Abstract: Part I was given to the Iowa section in 1994 and focused on the 1918 papers of Pierre Fatou and Gaston Julia on which the contemporary study of complex dynamics is based. In part II I will talk about both prior and subsequent developments in an attempt to put these 1918 papers in a more complete historical context. In particular, I will discuss some "new" influences on their works that I have recently been made aware of as well as discuss contemporaneous (that is, immediately following World War I) studies of complex dynamics around the world. I will also gladly review the works of Fatou and Julia for those who were not present for (or can't quite recall) Part I. This talk is based on collaborative research by Felice Iavernaro, Alessandro Rosa, and me.
Year: 2005
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s): History of Mathematics
Title of Talk: The History of Complex Dynamics, Part II
Abstract: Part I was given to the Iowa section in 1994 and focused on the 1918 papers of Pierre Fatou and Gaston Julia on which the contemporary study of complex dynamics is based. In part II I will talk about both prior and subsequent developments in an attempt to put these 1918 papers in a more complete historical context. In particular, I will discuss some "new" influences on their works that I have recently been made aware of as well as discuss contemporaneous (that is, immediately following World War I) studies of complex dynamics around the world. I will also gladly review the works of Fatou and Julia for those who were not present for (or can't quite recall) Part I. This talk is based on collaborative research by Felice Iavernaro, Alessandro Rosa, and me.
ID:
433
Year: 2015
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Innovation through Blunder (or the Unexpected Virtues of Non-Intentionality)
Abstract: "We all make mistakes." "There is no such thing as a dumb question." "You should embrace your mistakes and learn from them." These are all things that many of us tell our students. But do we believe it? More importantly, do we follow this advice in our own teaching? What I hope to do in this talk is explore the role of mistakes in teaching with the audience. In hopes of getting the conversation rolling, I will offer a few examples of mistakes, including several I have made. some of which have led to some drastic changes in my teaching.
Year: 2015
Name: Dan Alexander
Institution: Drake University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Innovation through Blunder (or the Unexpected Virtues of Non-Intentionality)
Abstract: "We all make mistakes." "There is no such thing as a dumb question." "You should embrace your mistakes and learn from them." These are all things that many of us tell our students. But do we believe it? More importantly, do we follow this advice in our own teaching? What I hope to do in this talk is explore the role of mistakes in teaching with the audience. In hopes of getting the conversation rolling, I will offer a few examples of mistakes, including several I have made. some of which have led to some drastic changes in my teaching.
ID:
120
Year: 2005
Name: Jeremy Alm
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Algebra, Logic
Title of Talk: Don't Be So Sensitive! --On the Definition(s) of a Group
Abstract: We have all seen different variations on the definition of a group, and we all know that each one admits "the same structures". There are, however, some subtle but important differences among them. The class of groups and the properties that it has are sensitive to the signature (or similarity type) in which the groups are defined. In particular, in some signatures equational definitions are possible and in others they are not.
Year: 2005
Name: Jeremy Alm
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): Algebra, Logic
Title of Talk: Don't Be So Sensitive! --On the Definition(s) of a Group
Abstract: We have all seen different variations on the definition of a group, and we all know that each one admits "the same structures". There are, however, some subtle but important differences among them. The class of groups and the properties that it has are sensitive to the signature (or similarity type) in which the groups are defined. In particular, in some signatures equational definitions are possible and in others they are not.
ID:
146
Year: 2006
Name: Jeremy Alm
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): mathematical logic, pedagogy
Title of Talk: Godel Disrobes: a naked approach to incompleteness
Abstract: I propose an alternate approach to the incompleteness theorems via the conceptually simpler \emph{abstract provability systems}, due to Raymond Smullyan. These systems have incompleteness theorems that are easy to prove, and whose hypotheses point to the important features of formal arithmetic.
Year: 2006
Name: Jeremy Alm
Institution: Iowa State University
Subject area(s): mathematical logic, pedagogy
Title of Talk: Godel Disrobes: a naked approach to incompleteness
Abstract: I propose an alternate approach to the incompleteness theorems via the conceptually simpler \emph{abstract provability systems}, due to Raymond Smullyan. These systems have incompleteness theorems that are easy to prove, and whose hypotheses point to the important features of formal arithmetic.
ID:
115
Year: 2005
Name: Mahmoud Almanassra
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: On the Negative Mass Assigned By the Univariate Zao-Tsiatis and Wang Estimators
Abstract: The Zhao-Tsiatis estimator, for the restricted quality adjusted lifetime (RQAL), is not a monotonic estimator and hence it is not a proper survival function. The Wang estimator, which is a modified version of the ZT-estimator, is also not a monotonic estimator. Both the ZT-estimator and the W-estimator are consistent and reasonably efficient estimators. The simple weighted estimator is monotonic and consistent, but it is less efficient than the other two estimators mentioned above. I will identify the jump points of the simple weighted estimator, the ZT-estimator and the W-estimator. I will also identify which of these points are assigned a negative mass by the estimator. Moreover, I will propose two new consistent estimators for the survival functions of the RQAL.
Year: 2005
Name: Mahmoud Almanassra
Institution: Wartburg College
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: On the Negative Mass Assigned By the Univariate Zao-Tsiatis and Wang Estimators
Abstract: The Zhao-Tsiatis estimator, for the restricted quality adjusted lifetime (RQAL), is not a monotonic estimator and hence it is not a proper survival function. The Wang estimator, which is a modified version of the ZT-estimator, is also not a monotonic estimator. Both the ZT-estimator and the W-estimator are consistent and reasonably efficient estimators. The simple weighted estimator is monotonic and consistent, but it is less efficient than the other two estimators mentioned above. I will identify the jump points of the simple weighted estimator, the ZT-estimator and the W-estimator. I will also identify which of these points are assigned a negative mass by the estimator. Moreover, I will propose two new consistent estimators for the survival functions of the RQAL.
ID:
46
Year: 2004
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Mt. Mercy College
Subject area(s): Number theory
Title of Talk: Not All Numbers Are Beautiful
Abstract: In his forthcoming book,
Year: 2004
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Mt. Mercy College
Subject area(s): Number theory
Title of Talk: Not All Numbers Are Beautiful
Abstract: In his forthcoming book,
ID:
109
Year: 2005
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution:
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Searching For Images Embedded in Mathematics
Abstract: In the science fiction book
Year: 2005
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution:
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Searching For Images Embedded in Mathematics
Abstract: In the science fiction book
ID:
153
Year: 2006
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Mt. Mercy College
Subject area(s): Number theory
Title of Talk: Some Properties of the Smarandache Fitorial and Supplementary Fitorial Functions
Abstract: The Smarandache Fitorial function FI(N) is defined as the product of all the positive integers less than N that are relatively prime to N and the Smarandache Supplementary Fitorial function SFI(N) as the product of all the positive integers less than or equal to N that are not relatively prime to N. It is clear that FI(N) * SFI(N) = N!. These functions are defined in the book
Year: 2006
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Mt. Mercy College
Subject area(s): Number theory
Title of Talk: Some Properties of the Smarandache Fitorial and Supplementary Fitorial Functions
Abstract: The Smarandache Fitorial function FI(N) is defined as the product of all the positive integers less than N that are relatively prime to N and the Smarandache Supplementary Fitorial function SFI(N) as the product of all the positive integers less than or equal to N that are not relatively prime to N. It is clear that FI(N) * SFI(N) = N!. These functions are defined in the book
ID:
181
Year: 2007
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Computer Explorations of Prime Conjectures Made by Marnell
Abstract: In 1742, Goldbach made a conjecture that every even integer greater than 2 is expressible as the sum of two primes. While extensive computer searches have failed to find a counterexample, the general conjecture remains open, although nearly everyone believes that it is true. In a recent submission to Journal of Recreational Mathematics, Geoffrey Marnell made ten additional conjectures regarding what can be expressed using prime numbers. This paper gives the results of computer explorations carried out to test the conjectures.
Year: 2007
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Computer Explorations of Prime Conjectures Made by Marnell
Abstract: In 1742, Goldbach made a conjecture that every even integer greater than 2 is expressible as the sum of two primes. While extensive computer searches have failed to find a counterexample, the general conjecture remains open, although nearly everyone believes that it is true. In a recent submission to Journal of Recreational Mathematics, Geoffrey Marnell made ten additional conjectures regarding what can be expressed using prime numbers. This paper gives the results of computer explorations carried out to test the conjectures.
ID:
223
Year: 2008
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Computer Investigations of Problems in Pickover
Abstract: Clifford Pickover, who has been described as the
Year: 2008
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Computer Investigations of Problems in Pickover
Abstract: Clifford Pickover, who has been described as the
ID:
290
Year: 2010
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Retrolife Generation of the Twelve Pentominoes
Abstract: The "Game of Life" invented by J. H. Conway has fascinated people for decades and was the impetus for the field of artificial life. Retrolife is determining if a specific pattern can be created from another with one iteration of the rules of life. This presentation will answer the question whether each of the twelve pentominoes can be generated via an iteration of the rules and poses new questions.
Year: 2010
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: Retrolife Generation of the Twelve Pentominoes
Abstract: The "Game of Life" invented by J. H. Conway has fascinated people for decades and was the impetus for the field of artificial life. Retrolife is determining if a specific pattern can be created from another with one iteration of the rules of life. This presentation will answer the question whether each of the twelve pentominoes can be generated via an iteration of the rules and poses new questions.
ID:
308
Year: 2011
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: A Simple Puzzle in Arithmetic Logic For Mathematical Exercise
Abstract: The KenKen is a simple math puzzle that was created by Tetsuya Miyamoto and is based on the operations of simple arithmetic on an n x n grid. The question of note is, how many puzzles are there up through the 9 x 9 grid?
Year: 2011
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: A Simple Puzzle in Arithmetic Logic For Mathematical Exercise
Abstract: The KenKen is a simple math puzzle that was created by Tetsuya Miyamoto and is based on the operations of simple arithmetic on an n x n grid. The question of note is, how many puzzles are there up through the 9 x 9 grid?
ID:
332
Year: 2012
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Teaching of statistics
Title of Talk: Bayes' Theorem in the Modern World
Abstract: Despite having been repeatedly debunked, the idea of testing all members of a population for a characteristic a small percentage has continues to appear in our political world. The foolishness of this is easily demonstrated by applying Bayes
Year: 2012
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: #none
Subject area(s): Teaching of statistics
Title of Talk: Bayes' Theorem in the Modern World
Abstract: Despite having been repeatedly debunked, the idea of testing all members of a population for a characteristic a small percentage has continues to appear in our political world. The foolishness of this is easily demonstrated by applying Bayes
ID:
364
Year: 2013
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Independent
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Are Drug Tests As a Precondition for Welfare Receipt Cost-Effective?
Abstract: Recently some states have implemented a program where an applicant for welfare must take and pass a drug test in order to receive benefits. Using the current law regarding how testing can be performed and some fact-based assumptions, a model for how cost-effective this program is can be developed. This model has been used as an exercise in a management science class as it can be applied to both public and corporate policies.
Year: 2013
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Independent
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Are Drug Tests As a Precondition for Welfare Receipt Cost-Effective?
Abstract: Recently some states have implemented a program where an applicant for welfare must take and pass a drug test in order to receive benefits. Using the current law regarding how testing can be performed and some fact-based assumptions, a model for how cost-effective this program is can be developed. This model has been used as an exercise in a management science class as it can be applied to both public and corporate policies.
ID:
397
Year: 2014
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Upper Iowa University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Teaching Managers to Think Of All Factors When Making Decisions
Abstract: Abstract: Major management decisions are often made without the proper analysis of all the details and consequences of the actions. The current wave known as 'reshoring' is where companies that transferred production facilities to other countries are now returning that production to the United States. This is a consequence of rising costs of labor and materials in other countries coupled with additional factors such as lax IP laws. Proper training of managers includes cost projections that incorporate all factors and two major projects in a management science class at Upper Iowa University where these aspects are included will be presented.
Year: 2014
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Upper Iowa University
Subject area(s):
Title of Talk: Teaching Managers to Think Of All Factors When Making Decisions
Abstract: Abstract: Major management decisions are often made without the proper analysis of all the details and consequences of the actions. The current wave known as 'reshoring' is where companies that transferred production facilities to other countries are now returning that production to the United States. This is a consequence of rising costs of labor and materials in other countries coupled with additional factors such as lax IP laws. Proper training of managers includes cost projections that incorporate all factors and two major projects in a management science class at Upper Iowa University where these aspects are included will be presented.
ID:
436
Year: 2016
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Charles Ashbacher Technologies
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics, number theory
Title of Talk: Why Are the Morphic Numbers Similar in the End?
Abstract: Charles W. Trigg was the most prolific contributor to "Journal of Recreational Mathematics" during the 38 volumes of publication. One series of his papers deals with the “…morphic” numbers. These are figurate numbers that terminate with their index. For example, trimorphic numbers are triangular numbers that terminate with their index. Some examples are T(25) = 325 and T(625) = 195625 and T(9376) = 43959376. When searching for more of the morphic numbers, it was discovered that there is a curious similarity to the terminal ends. The purpose of this paper is to state that similarity and offer it as a research project.
Year: 2016
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Charles Ashbacher Technologies
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics, number theory
Title of Talk: Why Are the Morphic Numbers Similar in the End?
Abstract: Charles W. Trigg was the most prolific contributor to "Journal of Recreational Mathematics" during the 38 volumes of publication. One series of his papers deals with the “…morphic” numbers. These are figurate numbers that terminate with their index. For example, trimorphic numbers are triangular numbers that terminate with their index. Some examples are T(25) = 325 and T(625) = 195625 and T(9376) = 43959376. When searching for more of the morphic numbers, it was discovered that there is a curious similarity to the terminal ends. The purpose of this paper is to state that similarity and offer it as a research project.
ID:
465
Year: 2017
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Charles Ashbacher Technologies
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: "Honest" Numbers in the Languages of the Native Americans of North America
Abstract: Like so many ideas in recreational mathematics, the concept of an “honest” number was created by Martin Gardner. A number is considered “honest” if the number of letters in the name is the value of the number. For example, “four” is the only “honest” number in English. In a later paper titled “The Lucky Languages,” Sidney Kravitz examined 17 other western languages, looking for more “honest” numbers. In this paper, the languages of Native Americans of North America are examined in a search for additional “honest” numbers. Some of those languages are extinct, others are endangered and for many, there is a concerted effort to preserve them.
Year: 2017
Name: Charles Ashbacher
Institution: Charles Ashbacher Technologies
Subject area(s): Recreational mathematics
Title of Talk: "Honest" Numbers in the Languages of the Native Americans of North America
Abstract: Like so many ideas in recreational mathematics, the concept of an “honest” number was created by Martin Gardner. A number is considered “honest” if the number of letters in the name is the value of the number. For example, “four” is the only “honest” number in English. In a later paper titled “The Lucky Languages,” Sidney Kravitz examined 17 other western languages, looking for more “honest” numbers. In this paper, the languages of Native Americans of North America are examined in a search for additional “honest” numbers. Some of those languages are extinct, others are endangered and for many, there is a concerted effort to preserve them.